Sexlivion

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 4 Part 1

2011-10-03T01:35:00.000-07:00

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 4 Part 1

I was exhausted when we got back to my estate and merchant house headquarters in Thyatis. My major domo was quickly summonned, and as soon as I saw her I gave her such a big and warm and sincere hug. I was never so relieved to have someone I truly trusted to handle my affairs while I was away. And Kristy too.

The two of them looked at each other with some alarm, perhaps not sure I was really me.

"Have I ever told you how grateful I am to you?" I asked them.

They were stunned. I gave each of them a kiss on the cheek.

"These are my guests. We'll figure things out later. For now, please find them some rooms. I'm going to sleep."

I shambled off toward my room, flumped onto the bed, and fell dead asleep. The next time I woke up (only because I had to take a pee) it was night. On my way back from the bathroom, I heard the door to my bedroom creak open. I was alarmed and for a second froze in surprise. In poked someone very short and from her silhouette I thought at first it was Shady, except she was remarkably... well-endowed.

"Oops! Sorry!" she gasped.

It was Shady! But I really didn't remember her having the hin equivalent of D-cups.

Then I realized I was stark naked. Well, that part didn't bother me so much as the fact that her shapely figure was giving me an erection again.

She quickly turned around and excused herself, squeaking, "I was looking for the bathroom."

"Here, why don't you use the master bathroom?" I offered.

"Uh... okay..."

She awkwardly averted her eyes from looking down as he followed me, and was very relieved when I put on a bathrobe.

"I'll just be a minute," she whispered.

While she did her thing, I mused as to whether she might not be Kana shape-shifted, but I don't think Kana would bother being mousy when it came to sexuality. Shady's breasts still intrigued me, though.

When she came out, she was more conscious of me staring at her chest and moved to cover herself somewhat.

"Um... Sorry for staring, but you really are the most gorgeous hin woman I've ever met... But I suppose you get that a lot."

She sheepishly nodded.

"And, uh," I pointed to her chest, "I really don't remember you... like that."

"Oh, I bound them with a cloth to flatten them. Adam didn't like all the attention I was getting because of them. He was jealous that way."

He was also clearly a tit man.

"So, uh... You having trouble sleeping too?" she asked to change the subject.

"Not really. I didn't realize how exhausted I was. Just got up to use the bathroom. How about you?"

"... Yes, actually..."

She had a hesitant look, probably unsure how much to unburden her soul to someone who really was still a stranger to her.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"Well... I've been thinking how... How I've really... I mean... I lost everything. I don't know what to do anymore. And I guess I never really had anything. I've known for a long time that I was basically a kept woman, but it just never really came up. Now he's just given me away. And I don't have a thing to my name except the clothes on my back.

Her lips trembled and she started to cry.

"... I don't know what to do!" she continued. "I don't know anyone. I don't have any money. I don't even know what I could do as a job -- I've never had one. And I don't even know how I'm ever going to repay you. Except in the obvious ways."

With that last realization, her eyes wandered down to see my erection under my bathrobe.

"Sorry... Look, you really are a very beautiful and desirable woman. But your body is yours and I'm not going to ask you to have sex with me because you're feeling obligated."

She didn't look convinced. Even I wasn't convinced. But I forcibly applied logic to myself: If I wanted to lose myself in large, soft, breasts and a firm bubble ass, I knew a half dozen playful escorts in Thyatis who would be a lot more fun in bed than a reluctant hin. Though there was something sexually stirring in having power over someone else...

"Shady, we'll figure something out, okay? This is a merchant house. We've got all kinds of positions, including entry level ones. I'll speak with my chief of staff. We'll find out what you're good at and I'm sure we can put it to good use. What did you do for Garius? You were his secretary, weren't you?"

She shook her head. "Not really. In public I was his arm candy to make people jealous. He said I was only good for that and... and..."

She couldn't finish her sentence and instead burst out crying again.

"I don't know why I stayed with him. He was so bad to me. The only thing he didn't do was pass me around like he did some of the other girls he would bring back. I think he was too jealous to see someone else touch me. I wanted to leave so many times but I was afraid of what he would do. And I saw the way his men all looked at me and I heard the things they said behind Adam's back -- I was afraid of what would happen to me without his protection. I had nowhere to go. I had nothing... I was nothing. Then he just... gave me up. I don't know what happened. I was shocked. Angry. Scared. I don't know... And now that I'm free of him, I should be happy, but I'm just scared. I even thought of going back to find him. Beg him on my hands and knees to take me back. Isn't that stupid?"

"Shh... It's okay, you're safe now," I hushed, and held her tight while she cried. "Things will be better now that you're with me. I promise."

I erection wilted now that the wheels of my mind were turning... Maybe dealing with devils gave me an instinctively suspicious and proactive mind, but something she had said... About how Garius had been so jealous of someone else touching her. Even of people looking at her proud breasts. When he'd lost, he'd walked away from the gambling table without a word or a look back. That didn't add up. Unless maybe he was tired of her. Maybe he'd had his sights on replacing her with Ursa? I of all people understood the boredom that could come with the same sex partner after too long, no matter how beautiful they were or how wonderful they were in bed. What is commonplace to us we start to take for granted.

Anyway, now wasn't the time to broach the subject.

When she'd calmed down a bit, I walked Shady back to her room and tucked her in. When I got up to leave, she grabbed my hand to stall me.

"What do you want from me?"

"What?"

"What do you want? For... for everything. For being nice to me. For putting me up. I don't have any money. I don't have anything to give you. Unless... unless you want my body."

"Shady, let's talk about it in the morning. But I promise I'm won't be like Garius. I'm not going to treat you like he did and I won't abandon you or give you away like he did. And I won't make you beg."

Her eyes were fearful and disbelieving.

"Shady, promise me we'll have a good talk about it, alright? And until then... don't do anything rash, okay?"

In a blink, her eyes widened in surprise.

"You sounded so frightened and hopeless," I explained, "... I was afraid you might have been thinking of committing suicide. ... Were you?"

She had a slightly guilty look and that was all the answer I needed.

"Promise me you won't do anything to try to kill yourself or hurt yourself. And you won't go back to Garius. Promise?"

"I promise."

I bent over to give her an affectionate kiss on the forehead.

"I'm glad Garius no longer has any power over you. I'm glad to have you here."

*

When I got back to bed, Kana was lounging on it in her lazy yet devastatingly sexy way. I swear she radiates some sort of psychic love wave.

"Miss me much?" she pouted.

"Of course."

Kana put on a childishly happy smile. She pulled me roughly into bed and rode us both to climax.

*

Kana lay quietly on my chest after our exertions. When we'd both rested, she sat up to face me.

"Let me back in your head? Please? You know it's so much more convenient."

Sex had probably been a bribe to let her use telepathy again. I didn't really have the energy to spar with her over it. And besides, it really hadn't been so bad. And it was convenient. I looked into her bright, wet eyes and relented with a nod.

She happily kissed me on the lips and lay back down on my chest. Her mind touched mine with telepathy.

:Tell me about your trip.:

I took a deep breath and replayed the events in my head for her. Sort of like daydreaming, except I tried to remember things as they actually happened.

Just as her mind was linked to mine, my mind was linked to hers as well, though not as skillfully. I could sense moments of surprise or disappointment, especially all those times I didn't indulge my lusts when I could have. She was especially surprised at the part where I stopped the illithids from psychically implanting commands in Shady.

:I just don't understand you,: she sighed.

I concurred with a hum. I wasn't in the mood to be introspective. I just wanted to go back to sleep. Who knows how many hours were left and tomorrow I'd have to get the girls set up, catch up on the status of the company, then figure out scrying for my mentor.

:I could help you find him,: Kana offered.

:How much is this going to cost me?:

:Nothing! I need to keep tabs on him anyway since his soul belongs to me.:

:Aren't you suspicious!: Kana laughed. :Oh, alright. Suppose maybe I want something.:

:Ah ha...:

:Your doppelganger. Let me play with her for a bit. She could be so much fun! And think of all the things I could teach her!:

:NO! She's been traumatized too much already. I'm not turning her over to you.:

:Aww... Has it really been so traumatizing to be with me?: Kana cooed.

:No. But I won't stop you if you can seduce her all on your own. No fair using powers. And definitely NO RAPE.:

:You take the excitement out of everything.: Kana sighed.

Then we were quiet and drifted off to sleep.

Vids are BACK! And Sexlivion Links

2011-09-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

YouTube banned the cheeky Sexlivion vids, but it turns out that on Dailymotion, you can share private vids. They can't be found by searching Dailymotion, but you can still embed them and share them "privately".

Please do not report the vids so everyone who agrees to Blogger's age check for adult material can enjoy the funny / sexy vids.

If you want to download the videos, you can use these links:

Arielle Jurard, Mages Guild Undercover Agent
blooper reel - Maeva the Buxom orgasms into the ground
Carahill, Head of the Anvil Mages Guild
Dairihill, Steward of Castle Anvil
Signy Home-Wrecker in the Gweden Brothel basement

Oblivion mods and links of use to you, especially if you want to fool around with your own sexy vids, are here:

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Tiber Septim Brothel
Gweden Brothel
Sensual Walks for Female NPCs
SexDarkness (Sexlivion + xDarkness Lovers)
Pictures of Tamriel and Oblivion

Thank you for your cooperation -- and enjoy!

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 3 Part 5

2011-09-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

edited September 28th to change Shady into a halfling

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 3 Part 5

Back at the special auctions, the two dragons were gone now, and replaced by two formidable pit fighters. Well out of my price range, of course. The doppelganger, Anastrianna, sat quietly on her auction block. She was in her grey, featureless doppelganger form, and looking confused and distracted.

I had been briefed on the result of the psychic surgery: She was, as best as they could manage, de-traumatized. As her faculties and shapeshifting ability hadn't been damaged, they were holding me to our agreement to purchase her at the (steep) reserve price. I handed over the coin in a pouch. The illithid slaver didn't even bother to count -- he just briefly scanned my mind for deceit.

:I'm sure you will enjoy your purchase: he communicated to me telepathically with a wiggle of his tentacles. :The usual loyalty locks are in place. She will do whatever you desire.:

"Thank you."

Anastrianna looked at me warily when I sat next to her.

"So you own me now..." she almost whispered. "I don't-- that is, please don't make me do the tail thing on myself. Please?"

"Alright," I agreed. "But you know, I met this tiefling who was really into it when I handled her tail."

Her eyes widened in alarm.

"Okay, okay! No tail thing!"

"... Thank you. So what do you want me to look like?"

"Um... Nothing specific right now. How about an Eladrin? Your name is Anastrianna, isn't it? An Eladrin name?"

The recognition stunned her. "...How did you--?"

"I asked the illithid to find out. He said your name was buried. But it was still there. It's an Eladrin name, isn't it? Is that who raised you?"

She nodded. "Anastrianna... It's been so long. It doesn't feel like my name."

"Do you want a different name?"

"No! No... I think I remember my parents a bit. They were very nice to me." Whatever faint memory had been triggered by her name made her smile wistfully.

"So how do you feel? After they, um..."

For lack of any better way of explaining it, I wiggled my fingers -- like how the illithid like to wiggle their tentacles when telepathically speaking or using their formidable psychic powers.

"I feel strange actually. I know something happened to me in the past. And I'm pretty sure it was very bad. But I just can't remember. When I try, I remember something else entirely. Something about clowns... and flowers... well, it's a ridiculous image. I feel... I don't know what I feel. Like I'm forgetting something horrible but at the same time I want to know the truth of it, even if it would be painful to know. Isn't that silly?"

"Maybe. But you're not alone, I'm sure. The truth often hurts."

We sat quietly for a while. Then she touched me on my hand gently. "Thank you. For making me forget."

I patted her hand. "Don't worry about it."

"So what do you want to do first? You know... What kind of woman do you fancy?"

My penis stirred at the possibilities. But I had to focus. I stood up -- that is, I stood up off the auction block.

"We'll talk about that later. For now, could you maybe change into an Eladrin, or whatever else is comfortable for you? I'd rather not everyone know there's a shapeshifter working for me."

She easily shifted into a beautiful Eladrin woman as she got up. Her boobs were a bit on the flat side, though, which was fair considering that anything much larger would have outlined her nipples through the small tunic she had been provided with. Her butt was also nice, but subdued in size, to fit the rather small loincloth.

"How's this?"

"You look gorgeous."

She smiled shyly.

"First, let's get you some proper clothes. Then, I have an assignment for you."

*

Breileina hadn't gotten any leads on my mentor. I decided to drop it for now and call it a lost cause. I'll have to try to scry for him -- but that's later, when I got back to his estate.

Anastrianna came back to the inn with a small wardrobe of two outfits plus a third which she wore instead of the rags she started with today. She was in dressy casual wear, there was a tantalizing gown for evening wear, and a practical travelling outfit. I had her change into her evening wear. Ursa was with us, and similarly dressed. I briefed them all on what I knew about Adam Garius so far.

"You want to do business with him?" Breileina frowned.

She had expressed her displeasure before, and Ursa was on her side this time.

I sighed.

"Alright, honestly, yes, I would do business with him. But not just anything. I'm sure he has legitimate connections. And with the kind of money he's said to have, I'm sure that's a lot of connections. For right now, I'm after something else -- but I don't want to make him my enemy in the process."

"What are you after?" asked Ursa.

"Well... I was thinking of those elf girls. And what's in store for them."

"You're going to buy them off him?" asked Ursa.

"I might be able to buy two, but he'll hold on to the priestess unless he has no choice but to give her up. If I can win at the gambling tables and force him to ante her too, then I've got a chance of winning her. But not if he gets supernatural help to win at dice. Look, it's all a long shot and I'm not going to lose my pants over this one. I'd also not like to make him my enemy if I can..."

"How are you going to do that? Won't he be upset?"

"Yes, but he can't hold it against me if he wanted to gamble with me in the first place. And I have an idea to come up aces -- Listen closely..."

*

We made our way to the casino. The Alphaks cult big shots were all the buzz there: They hadn't bid successfully against Adam Garius, so they had a lot money and were having a great time, enjoying the celebrity if not a lot of winnings.

The Alphaks cult had lent me some serious money to play my gamble. I offered them business connections and assurances of future profits in trade as collateral, but really they were curious for the chance at some payback against the uppity Adam Garius. It'd be my first time meeting with Garius, so despite my plan, I was still going to play it by ear -- on the off chance he turned out to be a nice guy to do business with. Breileina and Anastrianna had drifted in at different times in different guises and were mostly fending off rich old farts wanting to buy them drinks and going for cheap feels. Ursa was with me. She was too conspicuous and had been seen with me too much to bother disguising that we knew each other. Besides, if things turned really sour, I wanted her muscle right next to me.

I went up to Garius and slipped one of his bodyguards my card and let them know the reason I wanted an introduction. Garius sized me up and then nodded to his secretary, a stunning hot young thing with gorgeous raven black tresses that I couldn't help but start mentally undressing right away. She had the intriguing and sultry name of "Shady", and was quite demurely dressed except for the long slit up one thigh in her tight Ochalean dress of red silk with gold trim. She came over, gently took my hand and escorted me over.

I've always had confused feeling for hin, or halflings as they are often called. They are basically half-sized humans. Like a person miniaturized into half height. I've slept with only one in my time, and it was an awkward affair because it felt like I was having sex with a schoolgirl. And on top of that, it was a really tight fit. She had been positive about it at the start; and she did her bravest, gritting her teeth and gripping the sheets so hard she shredded them, but halfway through she just couldn't take it anymore and wriggled off my penis. She was sore for a couple of days after that.

Anyway, none of that had anything to do with my ability to appreciate a gorgeous woman, hin or otherwise. And Shady was gorgeous, even if her makeup and hair hadn't been as impeccable as it was.

Garius and I talked about connections in Thyatis, and the possibility of doing business. He put on an air of being singularly unimpressed and condescending only to give me a name to look up, and to mention him for "special consideration". I thanked him, invited him to look me up in Thyatis, and got up to leave. As I expected, he asked me to join him for a few hands.

While his secretary and Ursa looked the odd couple sitting side-by-side and chatted amiably, we played a few rounds with steadily higher stakes. Garius wasn't a particularly good player to this point but I couldn't be sure whether he was bluffing or just not very good. He did cast a quick glance to one of his underlings, a chubby fellow who wasn't as big as the rest of his bouncer detail (all burly 7-footers). That fellow slipped out as quietly as he could. Breileina and Anastrianna went in pursuit as surreptitiously as they could.

The stakes went up. Garius lost more than he won. I think he got impatient. He was probably waiting for his luck to turn, which would have signified that Asmodeus was favouring him after his crony spilled some hapless slave's blood. I could see his eyes scanning the entrances. His man wasn't back yet. I was a bit worried myself, but my Plan A didn't really need them to do anything. They were just insurance -- i.e., Plan B.

I let him win a few and our piles of gold were now more even.

"Now that we're warmed up... How about we play at my league?" he asked.

He put down a trade bar and motioned the dealer to change his stack of gold into trade bars, indicating that his minimum bids weren't going to be less than 100 gold a pop. We were in the big leagues now, all right. One hundred gold was maybe a small house in the suburbs.

There are coins and there are trade bars which are really more tokens of value than actual value in precious metal. Traders use them for big transactions. For really big transactions -- shiploads of cargo, for example -- you could either use a handful of trade bars or certified letters of credit (clocs) where you could pen in whatever amount you needed.

I motioned the dealer to do the same for me. Hopefully unbeknownst to Garius was the few extra bars I had in my jacket -- a secret stash I had from the Alphaks cult, who had now drifted over to express "idle interest".

"Excellent," Garius smiled when the dealer slid my converted pile to me. "Not everyone can play at this level," he said, and gave the Alphaks cultists just a hint of a sneer.

They didn't say anything but continued to watch.

His man wasn't back yet -- I could see him scanning the crowd now and again. I stopped letting him win and we played normally. He really wasn't that good -- probably too much of relying on his handicap and playing large bets. Still, he didn't sweat.

His man still wasn't bet and time was going by. I got a promising hand. Time to play my game. I really didn't want his man to have finished doing what they normally do to win: I didn't like my odds if the Hells were dealing his cards.

"I hear you have a reputation around here. High roller -- and big winner," I let slip. "Do you always win?"

"Always," Garius smiled. His bravado was back now that he was recollecting past victories.

"Well, you can't beat the rules, though," I said, and deliberately anted more than his pile. Boorish of course, but I was just making a point, right?

The Alphaks cultists snickered. Garius frowned.

I moved to pull back my trade bars, then made a show of thinking of something else... "Unless you want to throw something else in the pot? You know, I'm still curious about that trio of elves you outbid me earlier today. You bid seven bars for them, if I remember correctly."
I threw that much in the pot.

"Go on, Mr. High Roller Big Winner," taunted the woman in the duo that led the Alphaks cultists.

A crowd was gathering, and their murmurs amongst themselves was drawing even more of a crowd. The dealer looked inquiringly at Adam Garius.

Garius nodded. The dealer gave him a piece of paper, Garius wrote down an I.O.U., and put it in the pot.

The dealer dealt more cards. My hand hadn't improved, but I wasn't counting on my hand to win. Garius was easy to read: With a glance he motioned one of his bodyguards. The fellow drifted off, presumably to find Garius's tardy cohort. Of course, that didn't necessarily mean he had a lousy hand, but he didn't pay much attention to it either, which suggested that it probably wasn't anything to write home about.

I had to act faster now. I had to close this game before Garius's man came back and they drew more cards.

"Sorry, old chap, but I think my hand isn't as strong as it could be for this pot. I threw in a couple of trade bars. He couldn't ante up, so he'd have to fold. "Look, I know it's poor form, so tell you what, I take the girls, you keep seven bars. And we play another hand."

And that was my plan: To trick him into bidding the girls then forcing him to fold. Offer him a fair trade so neither of us loses too much face, but hold onto the girls. Plus, he walks away with what he paid for them in the first place.

Garius's eyes lit up all of a sudden. Shit. His man was back.

"No, 'old chap'," he smirked. "Let's keep going."

"Um... Sorry to ask, but how, exactly?"

"Maybe he'd like to wager his other acquisition," said the male lead of the Alphaks cult.

What an idiot. Maybe he didn't notice that Garius's man was back, which meant his sacrifice to almighty Asmodeus was complete and luck was in the cards from now on. My only chance had been to win with the rules that said if you can't match the ante you fold. The way Garius was talking, he was obviously up to something.

"Humph. That'd be too rich for even you, as I recall," was Garius's comeback. "No... I'll throw in my lovely Shady. She's worth at least two trade bars more than your Goliath escort."

"WHAT?!" both women exclaimed in unison.

"Ursa's no slave! I can't bid her!" I exclaimed.

"Then you'll have to fold, won't you?" Garius snickered.

"Adam! You can't be serious!" shrieked Shady. "I'm not slave either!"

"But you'll do as you're told!" he snapped.

"You worm! I can't believe that you-- that you think of me as chattel!"

She stalked off, but a sharp gesture from Adam and one of his bodyguards grabbed her by one arm. She whipped around with trained form and back-kicked the man in the stomach. Combined with a twisting motion from her hips, her blow landed with good force and almost doubled him over. But he kept his grip and with easy strength he threw her down, and kept her on her knees by twisting her arm behind her.

"We'll have a private chat about your insubordination later tonight, my dear," said Garius.

"Not if you lose, you idiot!"

Garius sighed. "Surely you've been with me long enough to know that I never lose. Not in the end."

I shot the dealer a look. He threw up his hands in innocence even as a couple of illithid came over. I could sense them probing minds.

"That's a rather suspicious statement, Mr. Garius. It sounds too certain to be luck," I said.

"Oh but it is. Of a sort. Of course, if you won't wager your lovely companion, we won't have to test it, will we? 'Can't beat the rules', as you say." He had an intensely irritating, smugly triumphant, smile -- the sort that's guaranteed to make anyone see red.

I couldn't bid Ursa. However good the cards looked, I wouldn't have risked her. Right now, all I stood to lose was gold and be in some debt to the Alphaks cultists. They knew that was a possible outcome and (probably) wouldn't do anything nefarious to me. I pulled out a couple of trade bars from my pocket and threw them in.

"That should cover it," I told him, and motioned the dealer to deal. But Garius stopped him.

"Are you serious? I assure you she's multi-talented. And in the obvious ways," said Garius.

He rather crudely flipped over her skirt where it was slit down her delicious thigh. It revealed a silken thong and such firm and delicious thighs that my manhood jumped to attention immediately. Shady struggled but the bodyguard pressed down painfully, making sure she was immobilized unless she wanted her arm ripped out of elbow and shoulder.

"You like that sort of thing, don't you? I think she's worth at least another trade bar. You must have another one in your jacket, I'm sure."

Oh, shit. He had me figured out. He knew my vice. And he knew I had a secret stash, which meant he knew I was in cahoots with the Alphaks gang. Did he know about Breileina and Anastrianna too? I didn't see either of them. Oh, gods.

Well, at least I didn't bet Ursa. I pulled out the remaining two trade bars. I'd have to beg Ursa to lend me money to pay the teleporter fee. This was going to wipe me out.

Ursa had a resigned look on her face. I slowly put the trade bars in the pot. Garius motioned the dealer to deal.

My luck with the cards still hadn't improved. I couldn't imagine what Asmodeus would give his favoured. That Garius raised one brow in surprise was a good sign.

Time to show our hands. We both had only one pair each.

He had nines.

I had queens.

"Impossible!" Garius blurted.

Honestly, I was thinking the same thing.

The crowd murmured, probably thinking Garius had somehow arranged to cheat. I could instantly feel the illithids probing quite deeply into our minds. Garius growled and shook his head to shake off their influence, but they made no motion to eat his brain or summon their guards, so they must have been satisfied that he hadn't been cheating. Not in the usual way, anyway. Still, they discussed something among themselves, but left in the end.

Garius was red-faced and flabbergasted all at once. His bodyguards looked to each other uncertainly. Garius looked around and furrowed his brow. I looked around to see what he was looking for. Only the absence of his chubby cohort came to mind immediately. That neither Breileina nor Anastrianna were there was sadly reinforced.

"Well... I guess it's all mine, then," I cautiously said and slowly collected the winnings. I slid Garius a few bars -- more than enough for him to pay his teleportation fee. "A token of goodwill. I hope we can do business again sometime."

Garius's eyes seethed.

"Regular business. In Thyatis, I mean."

Then he realized I was letting him at least save face outside the casino and he took the bars.

Shady shook herself free. Her eyes shot daggers at Garius. She smoothed out her skirt and turned to walk away, but the casino guards converged on her, backed up by an illithid.

"You can't be serious," she gasped. "I wasn't his to-- Agh! No-- NO!"

She collapsed clutching her head. No doubt the illithid wriggling his mouth tentacles was doing their psychic surgery on her.

"No! Stop!" I intercepted.

:Hmm?: the illithid questioned me with telepathy.

"Leave her alone. It's alright. We'll... negotiate something. You didn't--?"

:Not yet. But I will not do this for free later.:

"I understand."

Ursa and I helped Shady to her feet. Garius and his party had already left. The casino staff dispersed the crowd.

"Thank you," said Shady.

"Did they hurt you?"

"Gods, I feel slimy. In my head. That's the best I can describe it... I think I'll be fine, though. I think you stopped them just in time."

"Look, you're not my slave," I told her. "But you don't exactly have anywhere to go. Come with us."

She looked at me, right in the eyes. Then nodded. "I don't know if you're any better than Garius, but at least you had the decency to stand up for your friend."

"Yeah. Thank you for that," Ursa smiled at me.

Anastrianna came up from behind, scaring the life out of me. I was never so glad to see her.

"What happened? I was so worried!"

"I didn't know how long it would take chubby to, you know, perform a sacrifice," Anastrianna explained. "So I waited until I was sure he was thinking his guy was late or something. Then I wouldn't reappear too early."

"Smart girl!" I beamed. "But what happened to Breileina?"

"She had to play decoy for me to get the drop on chubby and knock him out. She got him to turn around by asking him a question. After that, she made herself scarce so she wouldn't be linked to any of this. She's waiting back at the inn and lying low."

I pulled her tight and gave her an exuberent kiss. "You're brilliant!"

*

Later that day when we had dispersed to pack and get ready to leave, Ursa came to catch me alone for a bit.

"You could have just as easily let the illithids do their mind thing on Shady," Ursa said to me. "Then she'd have to obey you, like any other slave. Even in bed. Why didn't you? You do like 'that sort of thing', don't you? And I know you were mentally undressing her the moment you saw her."

I looked at Ursa sadly, and she was rather taken aback. "Is that all you think I'm about?"

"So far... I guess. Well, no. You did save the elf girls from a gruesome fate... You know, nevermind I asked. I'm sorry. I just-- I can't figure you out."

I thought about what she said for a while before replying. "Don't worry about it. I don't think I've got myself figured out either. The gods know I've done worse. A lot worse."

Ursa looked at me strangely, and not without a hint of wariness -- was it outright fear? -- in her eyes. But let it go for now.

*

I sent Breileina and Anastrianna ahead to Shraek by teleporter, and Ursa and I followed after we collected the bewildered but relieved elf girls. From thence, we went to Thyatis.

The Alphaks cult would follow up with me another time to collect their loan and a share of the profit. When, I wasn't sure, but eventually -- That I was certain of. Meanwhile, I had some work to do with smoothing things over with Garius without him being wise to how we sabotaged his usual ploy to get luck at cards. And I had to get Ursa set up. I figured I'd kill two birds with one stone by letting Ursa and my major domo figure it out -- tapping the contact Garius gave me and making enough profits for everyone that Garius might be inclined to convince himself that it really was fluke that I won. It would also give Ursa a chance to play trader at higher stakes than she'd had before -- which was what she wanted.

There was still no word about my mentor but I still had no leads. Scrying in Thyatis turned up nothing, which was doubly worrisome.

(to be continued)

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 3 Part 4

2011-09-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 3 Part 4

Ursa and I considered a few other slaves before settling on a trio of elven spellcasters, all very young sisters (and young even by Elven standards, though just over their teens in human years). Spellcasters were normally tricky to have as slaves in Alphatia where the enslavement of spellcasters was illegal, but the slaver said the powerful geas on them would keep me out of trouble and it also kept them from trying to escape. In any case, I was ultimately headed back to Thyatis first, and the law was somewhat more lax over there.

I was, however, outbid by the same Asmodeus worshipper who I learned had also deep enough pockets to buy the holy warrior, thus outbidding the followers of Alphaks. He was particularly interested in one of the girls -- so much so that he was willing to buy all three of them, who were being sold together as a fighting team for the arena. Evidently everyone knew something I didn't because the girls had to be dragged kicking and screaming away. In the end, the slaver had to put them under with some sort of drug to make them manageable. When all the commotion died down, and the cultist and his entourage had left, Ursa and I asked the slaver what was going on.

"Ah, that's Adam Garius. He's a cultist of Asmodeus. Represents a really big cell -- or so I'm guessing -- because he's got really deep pockets. He's a big roller and comes down frequently looking for priests and other holier-than-thous who end up on the slave market. Buys 'em all up for sacrifices. When there aren't any, he makes do with the cheap ones in the meat markets."

"He buys religious types, 'eh? Let me guess -- for sacrifices?" I guessed.

"Yup. That holy warrior he bought is in big trouble. He'd be in the same soup if those Alphaks cultists had got 'em, though. I tell you, those guys were plenty peeved, especially when Garius rubbed it in at the end. I feel sorry for those girls. They're barely out of diapers, those three."

"What will happen to them?" asked Ursa.

"The usual: Torture, mutilation, humiliation. And for sure they'll conjure a demon to fuck 'em up the ass -- and every other hole too. They're virgins, so he won't touch 'em himself. There's something those perverts like about seeing virgin cherries popped by monsters from the Hells."

Ursa looked like she was going to be sick.

"What else do you know about Adam Garius?"

"Aren't you a curious one," the slaver looked at me askance.

"I like to know who the movers and shakers are. And the high rollers."

"I might know a thing or two..."

I greased his palm.

"They say Asmodeus gives his devout a nudge when it comes to money matters and Garius like to test that by gambling."

"Does he always win?"

"Yup. They say if he's losing, he'll duck back to his suite to cut open a cheap slave as a sacrifice. When he comes back down, he always wins it all back, and then some."

"'Always'?"

"Always. And I'm pretty sure between buying that holy warrior and outbidding you for the elf girls, he's gotta be low on cash. He'll hit the gambling den sooner or later, looking for easy marks who don't know his secret."

"Is he a good gambler?"

"Heh... Does it matter?"

*

I gave Breileina a generous amount of gold to get lodgings and gear for herself, to snoop around about Adam Garius, and to find that Alphaks cult if possible. As she had sworn loyalty to me (and there was a geas on her), I was confident in giving her free rein. Besides, if the geas were unreliable, it was better to find out now at a small cost in gold than at a more critical juncture later.

When I checked back at the inn there was still no word from my mentor. The innkeeper said he hadn't seen him at all since we first left for the special slave auctions. I was getting worried now. For the moment I didn't have any leads on him so I secured his things in my room and turned my attention to Ursa. I wanted to show her my appreciation of her assistance with choosing and haggling for slaves today... and with any luck, my appreciation of her incredible physique. I'd never seduced anyone who could easily snap me like a twig, but as she had considerably warmed to me, I think I had a chance. As I have mentioned elsewhere, my vice was Lust and I wasn't above using my diabolically acquired charm and wealth to get my way.

And truthfully, having been around her all day, it was her or more tail thing with the tiefling. I was horny.

Ursa suggested we go to the Arena for the more exciting evening bouts, normally reserved for high-rollers (and a stiff entrance fee kept everyone else out).

A different demographic came to this part of the black market, some of them avoiding the black market in entirety. Mostly too-rich thrillseekers slumming, I thought, from the look of them. Adam Garius's name came up, of course, but I didn't want to spend too much time pumping the bookies for information. It would have been interesting to schmooze about and see who I could network with, but tonight I was with Ursa and Lust was overtaking my priorities.

Normally she'd just bet on the Goliath warriors and wait for the outcome later -- rarely could she spend the coin to watch these elite matches. As I had offered to treat her to "anything", she jumped at the chance after probing in a roundabout way as to whether it would be an excessive expense for me.

She had changed to something more elegant and somewhere managed to redo her hair from a simple ponytail to keep it out of the way into a loose cascade, its volume held down with simple pieces of elegant jewelry. At close to eight feet tall (including her high-heeled boots), she literally stood out and turned a lot of heads. Her long black dress with a slit down one side showed her tanned complexion and toned, corded muscles to advantage -- which, I had to admit, wasn't particularly attractive. But that's just my preference. For me, excessively muscular women clashed with too-feminine fashions.

Still, I was very pleased to be with her and appreciated the effort she put into what was turning out to be a date. I would never have suspected her of owning such a sensual evening gown. I had already planned on a private box for the evening, and I was now especially glad I did as it gave her some respite from the many eyes on her, ranging from appreciative to envious to lacivious.

While we dined on a variety of "interesting" dishes she ordered to educate my palate to Underdark cuisine, she probed me about my past, present, and future. Of course I didn't tell her anything about Kana, so how I got jump-started from a peasant nobody to influential trader overnight had a hole in the story.

"There's more to it," she frowned. "You're hiding something."

"Doesn't everyone? Yes, I am hiding something. There's a reason why he's trusted me with so much, but that's... private. And complicated. But let me ask you something first: Why are you so interested all of a sudden?"

"...To be honest, I am jealous of you. You had nothing and now you have what many would consider unimaginable wealth. In one day you have casually spent more than I will ever see in a year or more. You are generous with your wealth even to your slaves -- this I have great respect for. But on the other hand you sleep with whores and flirt with them with practiced ease. The woman in me is disgusted by that. I am conflicted about my feelings for--I mean, 'about'--you... But something I am not confused about is that I want to have the wealth and influence you have. I don't know what I can offer you, but I want to be your partner. I'll do anything you want."

She said "anything". There were so many possibilities to "anything". But sad to say, the first ones that sprang to mind involved her naked and sweating in bed and me penetrating her from behind. The second was selling her soul. Clearly, I was evil through and through.

"'Anything', Ursa? Are you sure?"

Now the darker possibilities were playing out in her mind too.

Once I had put aside the delicious image of her climaxing under me, I tried to think more seriously. Obviously she was a slaver and whatever her motivation, she couldn't be counted on to be of the most principled and virtuous mindset. Just how villainously selfish she could be was of some importance. In any case, I needed her to be really clear on what she was ready to do or not do. I could use her in profitable ways and see us both come out ahead, but ensuring her loyalty was another thing -- I remembered how Jude had fallen so utterly into such sudden and surprising treachery once Kana had piqued his greed. Besides, as she was over a foot taller and a probably had more muscle in just her shoulders than I had in my entire body, I really didn't want anything unpredictable, especially in physical and violent ways.

A great roar of excitement came from the arena stands as the gladiators for the first bout of the evening were led in. The noise drowned out any intelligible conversation, so I had to lean close to her ear. I put one reassuring hand on hers.

"We'll talk more. I promise."

She nodded with some relief in her eyes, as if grateful for the reprieve from speaking her thoughts now. We both turned our attention to the arena.

*

The first bout was just an appetizer before the main battle, to let latecomers filter in while keeping the rest entertained. A half dozen gladiators were released into the sandy ring sunk into the ground that served as an arena, and simultaneously from other gates spaced about the ring there raced out several slavering hyenas.

[note to self - write about arena fights?]

*

After the bouts, Ursa and I went to collect our winnings. We had won some, lost some, but came ahead somewhat after having bet heavily on the two Goliath fighters that Ursa recommended. Her face was beaming and she jingled her pouch happily.

"We. Kick. Ass." she smiled.

They were still pit slaves, but highly ranked winners had the good life and Ursa's conscience wasn't so bothered by making money off them.

"I'd love to see what else you do," I smiled at her slyly.

She was stumped for a comeback and I grinned. She looked down at my pants and frowned.

"Is that all you ever think about?"

"I don't think I've been quite so excited by anyone."

"I bet you tell that to all the girls."

"Only when I mean it."

"Pig."

"You haven't seen the half of it."

I took a chance and slid my arm around her waist. Then lower. We were in public so I hoped she wouldn't slug me. Besides, if she did, it could be fatal.

Fortunately, she just gasped and her jaw dropped. She stared at me in disbelief. Then her eyes sparkled with mischief.

"I don't have a tail, like whatshername," she said. "And I wouldn't do the tail thing even if I did have one."

I put my hands up in mock surrender.

"Besides... I don't think you'd survive a night with me." It was her turn to smile slyly.

"I'd die happy, I'm sure."

*

We got back to the inn, and Breileina was waiting for us. She'd located where the Alphaks cult was staying. Nothing new about Adam Garius, except where he was staying too. That was apparently very easy to discover because he'd conjured a demon to guard the holy warrior he bought, even though the fellow was still mind-numbed by some sort of magical circlet. The final bid on him was staggering.

"You did well. Thank you," I told her.

"Was there a point to all that? Are you planning something?" asked Breileina.

"I don't know yet. I suppose that means 'yes'. I just don't know if it'll come together."

"What are you thinking of?" asked Ursa.

"I like to know about people who might be important, and to make connections."

Breileina's lips pursed tight with disapproval and she crossed her arms. Obviously, cordial connections with evil cults didn't score well with her.

"'Keep your friends close and your enemies closer'," I reminded her of the old saying.

She frowned, maybe not quite believing me. But she uncrossed her arms at least.

"I need to sleep on it. Get some rest. I'll come find you later," I told Breileina. Then I turned to Ursa. "And I did promise you I'd talk more about your business proposal."

I bought a bottle of wine and we took it upstairs with us.

"Now before we start... I must say you're driving me to distraction," I admitted to her.

I handed her a glass of wine, and then traced my finger lazily down her thigh that was bared by the slit in her dress. Her muscles were toned, firm, beautiful.

"Do you really find me attractive, or do you just need to screw anything that moves?"

"I've never been with anyone so... delicious."

I couldn't help it. I caressed that gorgeous, tanned, thigh. Even explored a bit under her skirt. She put one hand firmly on mine to stop it.

"What about that tiefling whore?"

"It was the tail. I just had to know about it."

She harrumphed.

"Look, I won't lie to you that I've slept with more women than you would guess. And I'm not the marrying kind. I'm just..."

"Horny?"

"You could say that."

She looked me dead in the eyes. "... Is this what it would take to do business with you?"

I blinked at the unexpected change in topic. I shook my head.

"Business is business. I can work with just about anyone. Look, everyone has their uses and can help you make money. Which means you can help them make money too. It's just a matter of how much and how quickly. And what they're willing to do."

"Like I said, I'm willing to do anything.... Even... sleep with you."

"You wouldn't otherwise?"

I must've looked crestfallen. I really was, too.

"Well, no... I didn't mean it like that..."

"So I have a chance?" I grinned.

She rolled her eyes and sighed. Then looked into my eyes with... amusement? Compassion? Curiosity? I wasn't sure, but it was friendly and a bit inviting.

"I like to be on top. No one ever wants to let me be on top."

"Your people?"

"Everyone. You're not the first short person to have an interest in me. And honestly, I think it's a bit creepy. Is this a giantess fetish or something? I met this dwarf once..."

"It hasn't come up before," I told her truthfully. "... And you can be on top, if you feel safer."

"'Safer'? It's not about that. It's about-- Well..."

"Is this a fetish or something? Being on top?"

She laughed and slapped me playfully on the arm before pouring herself another drink. The glass seemed so small in her huge hand.

"... So... I get to be on top?" she looked at me over her glass.

She'd finished her drink, so I gently took the glass from her, then led her to the bed. I sat down first, pulled myself closer to the centre, then pulled her over to straddle me. My hands hiked her her skirt as they slid about her hard thighs and hips. I lustily felt her hard curves. I played my finger at the crack of her ass.

Ursa pulled off her dress. My hands slowly slid up her hips, up her flat, hard, stomach, and to her smallish breasts. She grabbed me by the hair and with a moan of need mashed me into her breasts, pressing my lips over one nipple.

*

Often I think it was a gross oversight on my part to not have stipulated in my contract with the Hells that I would also be hung like a horse.

The Goliath race, of which Ursa was a gorgeous specimen, is very tall as a rule, often two feet higher than mere humans. By her standards, I was very short, uh, "down there". She liked it cowboy style but whenever I slipped out accidentally, she'd end up mashing me quite painfully. In the end, she settled for grinding, which worked out better overall since I could then get one hand down there and she could push her clitoris against my knuckles. But before we had found that out, I was already really quite in pain.

When she was finally sated and rolled off, she found the bed a bit too narrow for her size and promptly flopped off the bed. We both couldn't help but laugh. She crawled back on and looked at my penis with a mixture of amusement and pity. She prodded it gently with one finger.

"Are you going to be able to get that up again?"

"I'm not sure. Not any time soon, though."

"A happiness for women everywhere," she said. "That should keep you out of trouble for a while."

"Maybe for the protection of women everywhere, you should do more of this sort of 'keeping me out of trouble'."

"Ha! You wish!"

I put one hand on hers and gave her a loving squeeze.

"Thank you. That was... fantastic."

"Liar! I've just about killed your... uh... you know what."

"No, really," I insisted sincerely. "Just being with you... Felt wonderful."

She looked at me with sad eyes and was quiet a long time.

"I want to believe that. I really do. But I can't."

I sat myself up (with a groan -- I really was quite sore between my knees and my waist), leaned against her, and gave her a long, loving kiss on the cheek. I held her in a tight embrace until she relaxed into me. We lay back down and napped happily together.

*

"Come back with me to Thyatis," I invited Ursa.

We had bathed and were pulling our clothes back on.

"I might have to leave the Thyatis operation for a while. I'm sure my major domo could use a hand. We're also thinking of expanding into Norwold. No one's really set up there yet -- trading isn't exactly a respected occupation in those parts."

"Norwold? Where's that? What are they like?"

"Western border of Thyatis. It's forested and cold. The people are warriors and look down on anything that isn't about fighting. I'm thinking someone like you could command more respect."

"Hmm..." Ursa wasn't exactly convinced. "Not really what I had in mind."

"Give me some time. That's just off the top of my head. When we get back to Thyatis, we'll sit down with my major domo."

"Are you doing this because I slept with you?"

"No! I think you're trustworthy. I'm willing to take a chance on you. And you have a very different take on trade and set of contacts from your experiences. I like adding skills and contacts to my organization. We'll see how it works out."

"That's a start, I guess."

"We're only just branching out from Alphatia to Thyatis. Competition is fierce in Thyatis, but no so much on the mainland. I want to have a strong presence before I make contact with Darokin far to the west, and the Minrothad Guilds. I'll need people I can trust. If I can trust you, I'll make sure you make a lot of money."

"So when do we go?"

"Let me see if I can make some interesting contacts here first. And I still have to find my mentor."

"Your mentor?"

"Yeah. He basically owns the company I work for. Mostly a silent partner now, enjoying a retirement. But he's gone missing."

"This isn't a good place to go missing."

"I know."

(to be continued)

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 3 Part 3

2011-09-10T00:30:00.000-07:00

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 3 Part 3

There was a short, slender human woman in a tight suit of light chain mail. She wasn't armed for bear like the other fighters on sale, which was a bit odd and probably meant to pique the interest of buyers. She had a pretty oval face and narrow chin. Her very black hair was cut extra-short and groomed simply, with a part over her right eye. Her back was very straight though she sat with legs crossed and hands over her knee in a classically demure yet feminine pose. The slaver noticed my interest in her and came over.

"This one's a good trainer for your pit fighters. And pretty enough for your bed, 'eh?"

"I'll die in the pits first before I share anyone's bed!" she spat.

The auctioneer cuffed her. "No backtalk, slave!"

She stiffened and clenched her fists tightly. Her eyes closed briefly as she got her temper under control and when she straightened, her posture was dignified and her chin high.

Ursa stood back with arms crossed and an appraising look. I think she was impressed.

"What's your name?" I asked her, and extended my arm in friendship.

"I am Breileina," she replied, and uncertainly at first clasped my arm, then with assertive and respectful firmness.

"What makes him say you would be a good trainer, Breileina?"

"I am-- was... a patrol captain. We were betrayed. My squad and I were captured. They're gone now... Lost in the fighting pits."

"Been here long?"

"Not at all. But our early wins led them to put us up against veterans we had no chance against. They were good men and women and I was proud to serve with them."

"You didn't fight in the pits with them?"

"I wanted to, but they kept me out of it. They kept me as a trainer for their stable."

"And you're no longer with them now because...?"

"Because we lost. And they blamed me. They wanted to sell me off as a-- well... you can guess."

"Hmm... you never fought?"

"Look at 'er scrawny figure," the auctioneer laughed. "You think she'd last more than a few seconds in the pits?"

"Why don't you give me a sword and we'll see how long I last gutting you?" she taunted.

"You keep running that mouth of yours and I'll give you my sword, all right." The auctioneer lewdly patted his crotch.

She whipped around, her face an ugly scowl. "Touch me and I'll--"

The slaver was in her face in an instant. He had her by her neck and lifted her just enough that she had to be on tiptoes. "And you'll what?"

Her lips trembled as she seethed.

"That's right. You'll do nothing," he sneered.

"There's a geas[1] on all of 'em that protects the owner", he explained. "So she can't raise a finger against me. She doesn't have to obey everything I say, but I love to take the whip to her type. Ha ha ha!"
[1] (A spell or curse put upon someone to make sure they fulfill their task and don't betray their master. For instance a Geas could be put upon a servant to make sure that they stay loyal, or upon a mercenary to make sure they don't double cross their employee. Failure to do so will result in the victim being killed in one way or another by the Geas. Used a lot by Celtic Shamans and Norse Guayla (witch doctors). Not used offensively as any magic user able to preform a Geas can easily destroy enemies in a multitude of other ways.)

He slapped her lightly across the face back and forth and laughed.

"Gotta yank her chain now and then. Keeps her fire stoked," the auctioneer grinned at me.

He threw her at my feet.

"You said 'patrol captain'... You're just a soldier, then?" I asked when she'd picked herself off the ground.

"'Just' a soldier'? I suppose you could say that," she frowned, and dusted herself off.

"Can you take a small team on a covert mission?"

"I can do raids if we have the drop on them. But if you mean infiltration, I'm no scout. I relied on them to get my team into position."

"Hmm..."

"You're not here for the fighting pits, are you?"

"No."

"Then what are you looking for?"

I looked her right in the eye. In many ways she was like my Kristy. Maybe a bit too forthright at times but essentially a good-hearted person. She cared about her men, had good discipline, was proud of what she did. She was a leader. She'd make a great captain.

"I'm looking for a leader -- and loyalty."

"The squid-heads can do their psychic thing to ensure loyalty, if that's what you need. Won't make her less of a trainer," said the slaver.

"So why haven't you done that?"

"The extra expense. These fighters are all destined for the pit one way or another. No way out of there anyway. If you're going to bed her though, I'd highly recommend it. Otherwise the first thing she'll do is bite your dick off when you shove it in her smart mouth."

"You're disgusting," said Breileina.

"You're in my wet dreams every night, sweetheart! And your scowling mouth is where you take me first and last. Ha ha ha!"

"Please get me out of here," she whispered. "I'll do anything you want."

"Except share my bed, apparently."

She rolled her eyes. "Men. You're all the same."

She turned to go but I grabbed her.

"Wait."

She stopped and looked meaningfully at my hand around her upper arm. I relaxed it into a gentler tug but didn't let go.

"Would you swear your loyalty to me?"

I could see she was conflicted. She probably just wanted out and was considering what kind of deal she'd be making with me. And just what 'loyalty' would require her to do. Under different circumstances, I think she would be the type to be true to her word if she pledged her loyalty. Whether slavery had made lies and betrayal acceptable to her, I didn't know.

"... No."

I let her go. She went and sat back down in her chair, crossed her legs, rested her chin in one hand, and tried not to look at anything except a very interesting pebble on the ground. When I turned to go, she looked up at me, maybe with regret.

I let her think about her position for a few seconds.

"How much for her?" I asked the auctioneer.

"Five hundred."

"Pfft," Ursa scoffed. "I'm wondering why she's still hot property if they'd let her go as a trainer. Maybe she's not as good as you say."

I was secretly glad Ursa started the bargaining. It wouldn't have strengthened her opinion of me if I had tried to get her on the cheap. Slave or not, it was still undignified, and that was something her rigid back had shown me she still held on to.

"She's good enough for him, in more ways than one." The slaver crossed his arms and dug in.

"Yeah? You know that first hand?" Ursa asked, disgust in her mien.

"I haven't touched her... Yet."

Breileina looked at me with pleading eyes -- the closest thing to begging for one of her proud and still unbroken spirit.

"Four fifty. Or I let her loose on you after I buy her."

"Bwahaha! Alright, four fifty, and only because I pity you. She's stubborner than a mule but that's your problem now."

I completed the transaction with one of his assistants.

"Take everything off, slave. Your new master can get you clothes... if he wants."

"You filthy pig!" Breileina seethed between clenched teeth.

But she obeyed, and slowly started stripping down by loosening the belt around her waist.

I pressed some coin into the slaver's hand. "She looks good in that."

He stared at the coin, weighing if it were worth giving up the pleasure of one final humiliation. In the end he closed his palm, sealing the deal.

"Bah! I've seen sweeter flesh in the meat market," he sneered at her, then left to tend to other customers.

Breileina took a deep breath and let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you."

"Well?" I asked meaningfully.

Her cornered, uncertain eyes looked up into mine and after a space of silence, she nodded. "My life is yours."

"Welcome to the team." I smiled and held out my hand.

She took it in a firm clasp, straightened her back, raised her chin proudly. "Yes sir."

(to be continued)

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 3 Part 2

2011-09-08T00:30:00.000-07:00

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 3 Part 2

My mentor had meanwhile picked out a few prospects. I immediately dismissed all the male choices.

"Do think higher up than between your thighs," he groaned.

That my weakness was lust was no secret.

"I did. Kana's wiles will eat them for breakfast. She keeps me busy enough trying to figure out what she's up to. I don't need to second guess half my team."

"Hmm, you may be right."

"What do you make of the doppelganger?"

"Oh, wasn't a succubus then? Why? What's wrong with her?"

"They won't tell me. Anyone you can ask?"

"Let me work on that. There's someone I've been meaning to look up anyway."

"They're desperate to get rid of her. We can bargain them down, but I want to know what I'm getting into first."

"Yes, good to know."

He drifted toward the special auctions and I looked over the remaining choices. It didn't take long before I was feeling overwhelmed and confused by how to evaluate the slaves and which ones to buy. I had of course ruled out anything that would attract undue attention, like orcs, ogres, any strange beasts, and magical monsters like the pair of harpies, muzzled and looking miserable.

I drifted out to the common market to take a mental break and also check out the local wildlife. My mentor had already arranged a room and I knew how to get to it to rendezvous later. For now, I thought some schmoozing might do me good and a change of pace. A food stand offering some mystery meat and strange drinks seemed like a good place to start.

A battle-scarred goliath woman well over a foot and a half taller than myself was there. She grinned when she saw my brow furrow at the choices then turned her attention to a fat drumstick of... something... that she bought and hungrily tore into it.

"Is that any good?" I asked, pulling her eyes away from idly scanning the market.

"It's cheap and filling. First time here?" she smirked.

"That obvious, huh? I'm Simon."

I held out my hand in friendship. We clasped forearms -- hers as thick as my shoulders.

"Ursa," she introduced herself. "I've only been here a few times myself."

"What brings you here?"

"Slaves. Hobgoblins raid us, we raid them back. Found out they had sold some of our people here, so why not do it back to them?"

"You ever run into them here? Raiders, I mean."

"Yeah. Not often, but it's always ironic when it happens. We usually end up settling things outside later on. And permanently. What about you? What are you here for?"

"Slaves, actually."

"Oh? For what?"

"It's complicated. Let's just say I need to put together a fighting team. Um, look, could you, er, recommend something here to eat?"

"Ha ha! Alright... let's see... The mushrooms are pretty tame. They taste like mushrooms, just with slightly different flavour. If you want meat, you either have to be careful or you have to not care. They don't waste much down here and you could be eating anything."

"What do you have there?"

"Probably someone's leg, I'm sure. But I need meat to stay strong. I'm not going to just have vegetables."

"'Someone's leg'?"

"Yeah. Some of this comes from the mind flayers. They eat the brains of intelligent humanoids. The rest of the body they don't care for. Some of it ends up in a meatshop because not everyone down here has qualms about eating certain things. Some even look for it. And once it's all chopped up, sometimes it's hard to tell what it really is. This may very well be the roasted leg of some human. Might be elf. I'm not sure. Like I said, it's cheap and filling. Try some?"

I was pretty sure that at some level she was sizing up my manhood, whether I was going to be bold or not. If I wanted to impress her type, I'd need to be bold. If I became curious about bedding her, it'd help if I impressed her. So I pinched off a good chunk. It came free easily. I showed her no hesitation and popped it into my mouth. The meat was red in that semi-rare kind of way, very juicy, and a bit gamey. Very well roasted and not overdone.

"What do you think it tastes like?" asked Ursa.

"Not chicken. Honestly, I don't know. Defintely never had elf before."

She laughed and bit into her roasted leg.

"Buy you a drink?"

"Why not?"

"Know a good place?"

"You bet."

On the way, I saw what looked like a falafel stand. After some tricky communications as neither I nor the vendor spoke any languages in common, I think I got one with some kind of marinated cow meat that tasted like mushroom.

"Probably rothe. A type of Underdark ox."

"Hmm..."

Tasty enough. We got to a brewery and she pointed out various beers. I got a glass and ordered her a full pitcher.

After that, we wandered the market a bit and she showed me the chain of hobgoblin slaves she and her tribe-mates had sold to a dealer on this trip.

She agreed to give me her opinion on the auction slaves and we were heading over to that cave when a tiefling streetwalker caught my eye. She saw she had my lingering attention and sauntered over.

My lusty nature had seen me bed just about every type of woman I found attractive, and yes, half-infernal tieflings were not exotic to me. What had had me mesmerized were the clash of her very revealing outfit with her dauntingly impressive muscles.

"Looking for company, surfacer?" she beckoned.

"Not on the wrestling mat, no."

Ursa, who had been a bit annoyed by my roving eye, burst out laughing.

The tiefling was just a bit shorter than myself, but stocky for her muscles, yet still feminine in the way that excessively muscled women have trouble maintaining.

"Are you sure about that?" asked the tiefling. "Wouldn't you like to know how it feels to be crushed beneath these? That's exactly what my clients like."

She flexed her muscles, and gave Ursa a glance as well. "Your friend there is big, but she lacks... definition."

Ursa harrumphed and tried to look bored, but I think she was impressed as well. In any case, I gave the tiefling an appreciative look over.

"What else do your clients like?"

"They're mostly drow, scholars, and merchants. Almost never warriors. They just want to know what a strong woman feels like. Either on the bottom or on the top. Usually from behind, either way." wink.

"Maybe. Do you do the 'tail thing'?"

Her eyes widened and her maw dropped. She looked to my new companion who was similarly surprised. They burst out laughing.

"Woo! Kinky! That'll cost you extra, honey!" she laughed.

She brought her prehensile tail up to stroke my behind brazenly. I caressed and lightly massaged it.

Tieflings were a very varied bunch, with different styles of horns and tails. Hers was snaky, and smooth of any scales. Very likely she was of only weak tiefling blood. Normally their tales are not prehensile, so she was showing remarkable control and skill.

"Ooh... Keep that up and I might just give you a discount," she sighed.

"To be honest, I don't even know what the 'tail thing' is," I confessed.

"Oh! Well, where'd you hear about it?"

"From someone who said she wasn't very good in bed and didn't do it."

"I see..." She wriggled her tail over to Ursa and boldly rubbed it just under her breasts, inching up slowly to the marvelous cleavage between the firm mounds pressed together by her patchwork armor of stiff hides. "Are you into the tail thing?"

"Oh, gods, no. And if anyone tried it on me, I'd tear their tail off."

The tail flicked away immediately.

"Look, can one of you please tell me what this 'tail thing' is?"

"I'd prefer to show you, darling," she cooed. "But it might take a while to show you all the possibilities..."

"And how long is 'a while'?"

"A couple of hours at least. Normally 20 gold, but 18 just for you. Only ten extra if she wants to join us."

"What's your name, beautiful?"

"My name is anything you need it to be. But you can call me Ornella for now."

"She's your type?" asked Ursa with one brow raised.

"What do you mean? Her sexy tail or her hard body?"

I ran my eyes up and down Ursa appreciatively and gave her a sly smile.

She didn't punch me in the face. This was good. She cracked just a tiny smile. That was even better.

"Thirty seems a bit steep if I could get three slaves in the market for the same price," I pointed out.

Ornella stiffened. "How dare you compare me to-- to-- meat!"

"'Meat'? Look, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to offend you. This is my first time here."

Ornella looked at me askance, but softened her angry eyes.

"Actually Ursa, that was something I had wanted to ask you," I said. "How does a person end up her in the common market, instead of the slave auction or the special market?"

"The slave auction's mostly pit fighters or someone with a special skill, like magic. The common market... they're commoners. Or they're broken. Defeated. Their wills are gone. Even if they were warriors before, they'd never make it in the arena now. Look at them -- They're like sheep. There's no more fight in them. They're just good for cheap labour. Pit fighters are in demand because they can make you money in the arena, if you run a stable of fighters."

Ornella nodded. "Darling, if you bought one of them to share your bed, she'd have no more imagination than the basic in-and-out. With me, you get a special experience. The royal treatment -- I guarantee."

I looked over to the nearest slave dealer and scanned the faces and eyes of the slaves there. They were right. These were broken men and women waiting for death.

"I've seen that look before," Ornella sidled up behind me. "Don't think about them. You can't save them all."

I looked over at Ursa. She had a pensive, almost pained look. "Whenever we come, my tribe-mates and I buy every one of our people who has been taken slave. Only the gladiators beyond our ability to buy, but at least they have the glory of battle. And we bet on them to honor that. The slaves we sell buys the freedom of our people. In that I make my peace with what I do."

"And what of you?" asked Ornella softly.

"He's not slaver," Ursa reminded.

"Oh, right."

But how wrong they were.

The flirtatious mood had been most definitely ruined and the three of us parted ways for now. Ursa remembered an appointment at the arena, and we agreed to meet up again "tomorrow" at the slave auctions. In exchange for a dinner date, I got Ornella to finally brief me on the 'tail thing'.

In the caves, there was no day or night to mark today or tomorrow, but time and whether it was sunup or sundown in the surface world was kept for various purposes. For example, many of the Underdark denizens were not light-adapted so those who had business on the surface had some interest in whether it would be blinding day or comfortable night. For myself, the excitement of being in a new and wondrous and alien place kept fatigue away and I would have lost all sense of time and pressed on seeing more wonders and exploring the market if not for the clocks.

My next stop was back to the special auctions and the doppelganger's cage. She was napping again. While I waited for the auctioneer to finish speaking with another customer, I strode up to the Blue dragon.

"Guess what? I found out what the 'tail thing' is all about."

"Well?"

"Curious, are you?"

"Mildly..."

"I had to buy dinner for someone to find out. What are you offering?"

"You dare bargain with me?!" Blue rumbled.

The entire cave turned to see what the commotion was about.

"Maybe not..."

"That's much better."

I looked to my left then my right, then motioned him closer with my finger conspiratorially.

He leaned forward and I whispered it into his ear.

"Gods, that's disgusting! You humans..."

"Actually, a tiefling told it to me."

"Shameless strumpet! Well, of course it'd be a tiefling who'd be into it."

"Hey, don't knock it till you've tried it. At least that's what she said."

"Humph. If anyone did try it, I'd bite their tail off first."

"Funny, that's more or less what Ursa said..."

:Ah, you have returned,: the illithid auctioneer greeted.

:She's used goods. And broken. You can't possibly ask the reserve price.: I told him bluntly and crossed off my bid. :In fact, I'd be willing to bet that this... Bargle fellow who's put down the highest bid might not be too pleased to find out what I know.:

The illithid waved his tentacles furiously in obvious displeasure.

:But I will give you the reserve price IF...:

:If?:

:That mental thing you did to find out her name... What else can you do?:

:Many things. Speak plainly and I can offer you a more useful answer.:

:Can you heal her mind?:

The illithid seemed to be taken aback by such an odd notion.

:I have never considered that. Her mind is not damaged per se. It is her thoughts. What she dwells on, and allows to paralyze her. Your kind frequently lack even the simplest discipline to ignore what is of no use. I think what you are asking is whether she can be made to stop feeling the pain of past traumas. Maybe even have them erased. That is not our specialty, but let me make an inquiry.:

He must have flashed some sort of question to his fellows because they all briefly paused, perhaps to consider his question. Maybe every illithid in the market heard it. Maybe every illithid everywhere, even. I was still absorbing the implications of such a network of swift and accurate mental communication, networking, and knowledge-sharing when he came back with the answer.

:I can arrange some psychic surgery. But as there is risk to the merchandise, I must ask for payment for her up front. At the reserve price. And no refunds. If she is damaged by the procedure, it is your loss.:

:And I pay nothing for this 'surgery' if it won't make her any better?:

:Agreed.:

:Done. What's the reserve price, then? And how much for the psychic surgery?:

*

It was now early evening. I swung by to invite Ornella to the inn where my mentor had arranged separate rooms for us. We had a delightful dinner where she ordered and gave me a proper introduction to the various foods of the Underdark. Then it was time to go upstairs and fool around with the tail thing. But more than that, I hoped.

"Thank you for dinner, love," Ornella hugged me warmly from behind. "Now can we play?"

"You bet."

Her eyes tinkled and she led me to sit beside her on the bed. She held my hands and her tail embraced me around the waist. She had a bouncy, girlish manner about her just now which was entirely unlike her wrestler's build.

"I'm so excited!" she gushed. "You're very different from my usual clientele. You've bought sex before, I can tell, but you're nice and charming. And that's a welcome change. Mostly I see timid guys with a fetish. Or drow males making up for an inferiority complex with drow women."

"Well, I'm excited to be with you too. And I must say your dexterity with your tail is impressive."

"Thank you, baby!"

She kissed me appreciatively on the cheek.

"I love being with someone enthusiastic. I hope we'll have a mutually satisfying time...?"

"Of course we will! But first things first. Let's get the business bit out of the way. Ten for an unhurried hour, eight for the 'extra'." She wiggled her eyebrows meaningfully and tickled me with the tip of her tail. "I'm also available for a dusk till dawn of bliss for a hundred. But that's only for connoisseurs, you know."

I brought a cold platinum bar to her cleavage and gently tucked it in.

"Oh my. You're making me fall in love with you," she smiled.

"I bet you say that to everyone."

"Not true! On my honour! You're not all business and I love that in a client. There are just far too few of you. I'm going to take such wonderful care of you."

I don't imagine that many of you will have been with, shall we say, "companions" before so allow me to point out a few things.

Firstly, laying with any companion comes with a certain amount of risk. She could have a murderous partner and is simply lowering the guard of her mark, for example. For that reason I commonly do not buy street-walkers but go through madams and establishments. The higher up in class and quality you go, the less risk there is of this, simply because those well-to-do courtesans have chosen their profession and most really have no more need of the money. Some other reason drives them. For instance, I've met those who do it for the thrill of being with movers and shakers, to have influence with them and, of course, to tap that influence once they've gotten such persons wrapped around their little finger.

I'm only 5'10". I'm more poet than scholar, and only of average build. She was shorter than me by a couple of inches, which made her quite tall by tiefling standards, but her build was impressive as I've mentioned, and quite possibly she was heavier than me. In any case, if she wanted to squash me like a bug, she could do it easily. And sad to say, for all her pleasant charm, she's merely a street-walker. This was uncommon risk for me, and I was relying on my judge of character.

"You seem to have dropped something... down there... Why don't you be a darling and take it out for me, hmm?" she grinned.

I slowly slid one hand between her warm, firm, cleavage, and probed unhurriedly for the cool bar of platinum. She purred and writhed as I explored here and there, and paused when I found one nipple to tease it.

Tieflings for the most part have large horns that made them look like gazelles or rams. And fat, scaly tails that were lizardlike. Ornella had a smooth, slendar tail and quite small horns, and from a distance might have passed for a human. If I recollection of tiefling lore was correct, this implied that her family tree had frequently intermingled with those untainted by fiendish blood. The more dilute the fiendish element, the kinder the features.

Finally I teased the platinum bar out. She took it from me and kissed me firmly on the lips in the same motion. After tucking it in her purse, she undressed slowly and pushed me onto my back to do the same. While she slowly relieved me of my clothes, I felt her firm curves and caressed her arms, her hips, and her back. The roughness of which took me aback.

"Hmm?" she prompted, sensing something had changed.

"Your back."

"My scars? Do you want to see?"

"Yes. I will anyway before our time together is over."

She grinned and turned around. I sat up to inspect them more closely, to run my fingers down them here and there with teasing touches or firmer massages.

"Do they turn you off?" she asked.

"No."

"... Do they turn you on?"

I didn't really want to answer that.

"Where did you get them? Were you a slave?" I asked.

"Once. A long time ago. But I escaped. I had nothing except myself, and that's how I got into this line of work."

"Some of these are newer."

"Yes... As I mentioned before, I usually have only special clients. The drow, in particular like me. The men imagine me to be one of their powerful matrons. The women are turned on by power and domination, but there's little excitement for them to use the males of their kind that way. You may know that their society despises men and keeps them weak and unworthy of respect. So women are more exciting sexual conquests."

"And the scars?"

"Pain turns them on. Both the men and the women. ...Does it turn you on?"

When I didn't immediately answer, she turned around to look at me with amusement. "You can tell me. I'm here to please you in any way. And I can handle anything you want."

I raked my fingers down her back, though not so hard to be too painful. "I like some play to go with it."

We kissed. And kissed and kissed. Meanwhile, her practiced hands swiftly undressed me while mine explored every firm, exciting, part of her. Her athletic body and the lines and curves that came with well-defined muscles was rare and beautiful.

She took me all the way inside her hot mouth with its playful tongue, but only just long enough for me to be hard and ready for her. It was as if she couldn't wait for me to be inside her. Ornella got on all four and wiggled her ass and tail seductively. I obliged and teased her by very slowly entering her. The fit was heavenly in its heat and tightness and slippery wetness. She met my thrusts by ramming herself backward, as if wanting me ever deeper.

"Do it! Hurt me! Burn me with your hot seed!"

*

We lay quietly together a while, her head affectionately on my chest, and recovered our strength after that rigourous start to take the edge off our lusts.

"Are you ready for the 'tail thing'?" She grinned.

I kissed her, and nodded.

"Where do you like it?"

"Anywhere you want, honey," she winked.

I slid out from under her, and positioned her face down. I rummaged around for our belts, and stretched her arms out to a bedpost.

"Do you trust me?" I asked her.

She tensed but didn't panic yet.

"Once I start, I don't want to stop," I explained. "Does that frighten you?"

She looked me in the eyes for a long time, then shook her head.

"Does it excite you?"

"... A little. But only because it's you."

"I bet you say that to everyone."

"No, I don't. I don't let anyone tie me up."

I kissed her tenderly on the lips. "I'll have to make this extra-special then."

Using the belts I bound her wrists very securely to the bedposts. Then I kissed her again, and kissed my way slowly down that deliciously tanned and firm body to her hips. I propped two pillows under her, then teased her anus.

"Oh!" she started and twisted to look back.

I rubbed some lubricant on my fingers. She smacked her lips and closed her eyes to enjoy the ride.

(to be continued...)

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 3 Part 1

2011-09-06T00:30:00.000-07:00

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 3 Part 1

Edited September 5th, 2011 to relocate action to pre-Millennium Mystara.

Over the next couple of weeks I began to hand off operations to my trusted major domo. One of the major hitches to be resolved was our teleporter. For the moment it was powered by my eldritch fire but once I was gone, we'd be at a severe disadvantage. I dropped a pile of cash and gave orders to get it working somehow, but while teleportation platforms weren't a new technology, they were a pricey one and could take a long time to set up to be self-powering. Meanwhile, I powered it up and teleported back to Sundsvall to consult my mentor.

I had given Kana's offer to be a bailiff some thought, and decided it was at least worth a try. There was no point second-guessing so much that I ended up paralyzed with indecision. First-hand experience would tell me if it were a mistake or not. In between missions I guessed that I would be able to tend to company business or stay on the move and open offices in the west.

There was the problem of who to have with me -- I sure as Hell wasn't going alone! -- and how much they should know. I would have dearly loved to be able to rely on ever-trusty Kristy, but I just couldn't drag her into this mess. Naturally, she had sensed my move and made inquiries, but I put my foot down and instead made her promise to keep things in order here so that I might have a home to come back to one of these days. Here was some dire trouble, and I needed to know home was safe. She was swayed, I was relieved, and I dearly hoped that was that.

It was he who put a name to my thoughts.

"You'll want a few slaves then. And competent ones."

"And where am I going to find something like that?"

"I've got a contact. We'll need more coin. And I'd better come with you on this one."

*

Still reading dear reader? I suppose it's hard to sink lower than selling hapless souls to Hell and by this time not even slavery will make you bat an eye. So I shan't dwell on the institution of it, nor justify too much why my conscience sat just fine with slavery. But if you will indulge me briefly on the why...

Consider that I was already by all accounts a through and through villain. No matter how respectable I might conduct myself in public, the mere fact that I traded in souls would make anyone at least just a bit ansy. So I really couldn't consort with just anyone. And for the dangerous and soulless work of collecting Hell's debts, I needed unswerving loyalty, no questions asked. No crises of conscience at the last moment to ruin everything. Evidently, I had enough of that to just about ruin myself.

My mentor informed me that we would be going to one of a very few Underdark Black Markets that he knew of. There was one in sinister Shraek, where even the laws of Alphatia could not reach. There was an unspoken understanding that this territory of reclusive mages would govern themselves, and be free to do what they liked, so long as their loyalties were essentially still with the Empire. What went on in Shraek? Anything -- and no one asked about it. From the strange and grotesque monsters rumored to prowl the region's forests, one guessed that atrociously unethical and horrifying experiments in the name of research went on. So the fact that they had a portal to an Underdark Black Market and dealings with some dangerous and evil factions with unique skills was tame in comparison. Factions like the illithids.

Yes, the dreaded "mind flayers", who were known far and wide for their infamous and disgusting dietary habit of tearing chunks of brain out through your nose with their tentacles. Imagine if you will, sticking a finger up your nose to get at a goober. Now imagine if you shoved that finger up so deep you went under your skull. Finally, imagine a fat, slimy, squid tentacle doing the same, but with a small hook on its pad, and shoved all the way up your brain (once it gets there there's no additional pain, believe it or not, since your brain hasn't the proper type of nerves to feel pain) and then raked back down with a piece of white matter on the hook. Multiply that by about four tentacles ripping your nose open and possibly cracking your skull apart.

On top of that, they had psychic powers to reduce your psyche to jelly and make you that much more willing to get your brain eaten. When there was more time, stories told of feasts where the still-living meal was secured with their faculties intact, a very sturdy gag, and their heads protruding from the centre of a small table. During the meal they would be scalped, their skulls carefully sawed open, and the throbbing, juicy, brain patiently scooped out.

"There are no rules there, really, except no stealing and no bothering other customers," my mentor said. "You take your brawls outside or the illithids make you take it outside. If neither party are paying customers, the illithids might decide you're all more easily dealt with by mind-blasting you into vegetables and eating your brains."

"Furthermore," he continued, "watch for every dirty trick in the book at the market. Illusions and sleight of hand are all fair game since there isn't really any regulation at a black market. It's cutthroat buyer-beware. I still get snookered every time I go. Don't waste your credit notes on trinkets, especially if you might get something comparable legitimately. We'll need them for quality slaves."

"Tell me about these private auctions."

"The best and the brightest slave stock. Mostly really good fighters or vicious monsters. Buyers typically recover their costs with winnings in the arena -- if their slave survives. Other than that, you get unusual and exotic stuff. Sometimes trophies, sometimes sacrifices, could be anyone or anything. It's no holds barred down there. Probably no one of note since those are less trouble if ransomed. Oh, and before I forget: Don't pity them. First, that just drives up the price because you can bet those illithids will be reading your mind whether you know it or not. Second, you can't save everyone. You probably can't even sneak one slave out of there without them getting wise to it, and once they do, they can alert everyone in a hurry telepathically with exactly where you are, what you look like, and what your next three steps are going to be. Try not to think about it: Even thinking of it will immediately put you under suspicion and surveillance."

"Oh boy."

"But if you need a pliant sacrifice to Hell, no questions asked, this is the place. We could probably get a few to sign their souls away."

"And you haven't because?"

"Because they're slaves. They've already got nothing to lose. It's hard to back someone into a corner when they've got nothing left to lose."

*

There were other black markets without such exotic entrances as teleportation platforms, but we had the coin so we paid for the convenience. In fact, this market had a regular entrances elsewhere, though they wound their way through confusing passages before reaching the surface. It was one of the larger markets and the wizards in Shraek had decided on the convenience of a permanent portal to such a handy location.

After paying the entrance fee, we were teleported away. We stepped off into a receiving chamber, walked through a hall with a lot of advertising, then out onto the landing of a long staircase cut into the wall of an immense cave. A ways below was the market. And what a sight it was. My mentor patiently waited while my senses adjusted to the sensory overload.

"Alright... Let's go. Don't buy anything yet. Shop around. Watch how things work here. We'll find a place to stay the night and arrange a couple of seats at the slave auction."

Everywhere I turned, something tempted me to drop coin. A trinket here, a useful gadget there... There was a convenience, as well as a curse, to too much money. Fortunately, lust was my main vice so my purse was still full, less a few coins for meals. I did check out the many prostitutes of course. A bit too exotic for me at the moment, but I made a mental note to give dragonborns a try some time. No self-respecting surface-dwelling dragonborn would whore herself -- as a race they were rather anal about honor, and not losing any. Down here... things were evidently much more open-minded.

I also made a mental note to pick up a charged elemental containment unit for our company teleportation platform in Thyatis -- if I were lucky to come across something as specialized as that.

The common slave market had a wide selection of slaves (and beasts) of all types imaginable. Most were probably prisoners of war or spoils of war, perhaps from raids on small settlements or rival tribes, and had changed hands till they ended up here. A fair number of them were crippled, frail, and old -- their only release would probably be death. They were all naked and lined up in neat rows to be more easily pointed to by prospective buyers. When someone was interested, they'd point to the slave. The slave would then obediently stand up for inspection.

What commanded a higher price among them was strength, health, and education -- promising labourers or possessed of a useful skill. Beauty was dime a dozen if you looked hard enough and bothered to give them a proper bath and proper clothes. Youth was bothersome as the slaver could pick up the cost of feeding them until they were stronger and educated and useful enough to command a good price.

It was a ruthless meat market dictated by the bottom line.

"Nothing for us here, I think," my mentor said, and motioned me to follow him.

We followed another guide to another series of caverns. Here was the slave auction. The lower end ones were healthy specimens, quite possibly hapless adventurers. The higher end ones were gladiators blooded in arenas and commanding more coin than even I had. And from running a merchant house, I had quite deep pockets to begin with.

Out of curiosity, we had a look at the special auction: The most exotic and more or less once-in-a-lifetime finds.

One was supposed to be a holy warrior. A proud human male left fully armed and armored for show, and sporting the holy symbol of Halav on his plate armor. A glowing circlet on his head dulled his faculties and two illithids were nearby to make sure he did not wake from his reverie. Two factions were tied in the bidding, which had met the reserve price -- Alphaks and Asmodeus. They were conferring with their cohorts, and several illithids and their deep dwarf guards were gathered, to make sure things remained civil.

There were also two dragons, chatting amiably. One was a stony earthquake dragon. Very young, and seeming very pleased by the latest bid. No doubt its peculiar earth-related powers were being appropriately bid on. The other was a blue, and very much larger.

"They're not slaves of course," my mentor whispered. "Auctioning their services."

I nodded. I'd never spoken with a dragon before, and thought I'd give it a go while my mentor inspected the other slaves. Besides, I wanted to see if they knew much about the final item on special auction -- a napping succubus. But surely, it couldn't be.

Careful to be respectful to the point of reverent, I quickly gained a rapport with the dragons and sought their opinion on the other slaves. Initially they insisted that they hadn't paid too much attention to the rest of the auction, but ended up offering many valuable tips.

The succubus was actually a doppelganger, forced to take that form for the moment, to elicit more bids. Having failed to raise a good price as an assassin, her owners were switching tactics to sell her off as a courtesan.

"It'll never work," said the Blue. "She's just too surly. And they won't beat her because that would damage the merchandise, and she knows it. So she's spent most of her time napping."

"They can't do anything else to coerce her cooperation?"

"They could, but they've gone. She was the last slave on sale," explained the stony earthquake dragon. "They couldn't be bothered to stay behind until she sold, and the auctioneers offered to take it over, but they aren't really obliged to get a particularly good price. She's taking up food and space and they want her gone."

"Her reserve price may be set a bit high, though," the Blue chimed in. "I overheard that none of the bids have yet to exceed the reserve price. She's pricey. Hard to say why if she's so lazy."

I glanced over to see what the bids were. I could outbid, but I had no idea what the reserve were. And "surly" and "lazy" weren't exactly traits worth recommending.

"Hello there," I called to the doppelganger. "Hello?"

"Hmm?" she roused sleepily and rubbed her eyes. She glanced down at the bids so far and frowned.

"What is your name?" I asked.

"Does it matter? I'm just going to be your sex toy, aren't I? You're probably going to call me something sexual and rude anyway."

"I might call you 'baby' in the throes of passion, I suppose. But that's hardly presentable in public."

"I don't remember my name. I've been so many people and have had to answer to so many names. I'm lucky to remember I'm female. Look, are you going to make a bid? I can be your dream girl if you show me a picture of her."

"I don't know... The dragons say you're surly and lazy. And I'm sure they've got us lowly humans figured out."

"Well, can you blame me? I'm a slave. That's not very motivational, is it? And you're buying me so you can stick stiff parts of you into wet parts of me. I'm not exactly looking forward to that."

"Well, forget it then. I have to second-guess backstabbers all day. I really don't want to have to do that with my slaves. Good bye."

"Hey wait! Tsk. And you! Thanks for nothing!" she snapped at Blue.

The dragon laughed and nudged his friend, Earthquake.

"Let us make it up to you with some advice for getting good bids," said Blue.

"Yes! I have watched what makes these humanoid men interested in females, and I must say that if you were more buxom, that would up your price as a whore."

She glared at him.

"Oh yes. Bigger... um... what did that man call them? Melons?" Blue concurred.

Her eyes shot daggers.

"And your ass could be... well... I hate to say it..." Blue snickered.

"No, no. Please. Go ahead," urged the doppelganger dripping sarcasm.

"Could be rounder. More peach-like. And firmer," explained Earthquake. He then made a show of looking behind her to check her out. "Right now it looks more... oh, how would you describe it?"

"Flat? Flabby? Sagging?" suggested Blue.

"Argh! Sagging?!" she screamed. "Oh, go to Hell! Both of you!" Then she turned to me. "And what are you smiling at?!"

"Hard to imagine they tried to sell you as an assassin," I said.

"I'm handy with a knife," she said defensively.

"But are you trained?"

"Not trained that way, no. Look, if you're just going to rattle my cage, go away. I'm sick of it. If you're going to make a bid, you should know I'm lousy in bed and I don't do the tail thing."

"The 'tail thing'?"

"Yes, what is this 'tail thing'?" Blue inquired with genuine curiosity.

"Well I'm not going to demonstrate! Gods, you're both disgusting."

"You see? She'll never sell." Blue quipped.

"Just shut up, alright?" she retorted. But her eyes had lost their fire. She drew her succubus wings about her like a comforting blanket.

I wondered how common it was to come across doppelgangers. Surely her innate power would be exceedingly useful. She had sass and attitude, though. I didn't need her to be good in bed, but I did need her to be reliable.

:Are your curious about this one?: An illithid auctioneer slid up to me and touched my mind with his cold telepathy. :Reliability can be assured.:

"Assured how?"

:Observe.: The illithid turned to her.

"No! Don't--" she started to protest, but it was too late.

I could see her fighting hard but her will was brushed aside. Presumably the illithid gave her mental commands because she shed her succubus form and her body expanded and took on scales. She presently looked like a fierce blue dragonborn, dropped to all fours, wagged her tail, and mewed.

:You see? Anything you desire. This... mental domination is temporary, but for a small fee and maybe a bit of surgery, it could be made permanent without much scarring--which of course her kind could hide with her shapeshifting in any case.:

There was no point trying to bluff my way to a lower price. The illithid had me figured out and was probably probing my mind in ways I didn't know how. I had to logic him into lowering the price.

His eyes widened. Oops, he'd "heard" that too.

:Look, I hear her reserve price is too high.: I thought to the auctioneer.

:I will offer you the mental conditioning at a discount. Indeed, it will be my pleasure to personally mold her mind.:

:Clearly you want her gone.:

:I do admit... she's taking up space.:

:Doppelgangers are so common that she's not getting attention from bidders?:

:Of course not. She is a prize worthy of special auction -- and a high reserve price. That is why she is placed next to the dragons.:

:What's wrong with her, then?:

His tentacles wilted in what probably passed for a sigh.

:You cannot possibly expect me to give up such information. This sale is by proxy and I would be remiss in not getting my client the best possible price. As you have already deduced so much, however... Yes. There is "something wrong". But I promise you it is nothing of consequence for what her miserable slavery will be about.:

:Okay, fine. Another question: She said she doesn't remember her name. True?:

The illithid glanced over. His brow furrowed and his tentacles waved a bit.

:Hmm... Yes. Interesting.:

:Can you find out her name, even if she doesn't know it herself?:

:Such things are often merely buried. And her feeble mind can be cracked open easily.:

:Well, don't if--:

:Oh, please. I would never damage merchandise, especially that of a client who has entrusted it to me. Ah... here it is. "Anastrianna".:

:Huh... Eladrin name.:

:Any other questions?:

:How low would you go for her?:

:Do not insult me.:

:Look, I didn't plan on picking her up, but if I have coin leftover after my other purcahses... maybe.:

:Other purchases?:

:I was hoping to put together a team.:

:Fighting team?:

:Something like that.:

:Ah... A strike force.:

:Stop reading my mind, will you?:

:Please. I could have deduced that as a tadpole.:

:Oh.:

I felt a sense of amusement.

:Well, my brainpower isn't as formidable as that of your species, I'm afraid.:

:Of course. Ah, no disrespect, honored customer, but... facts are facts.:

:Of course. Look, I need to browse the other slaves. I'll be back. Could you release her mind for now?:

:Oh, yes.:

Anastrianna immediately shifted out and curled into a weeping mess. She was grey and eerily featureless -- I supposed the natural androgynous-looking clay of her doppelganger heritage. I couldn't be sure if she were really a she, except that perhaps she had been brought up that way.

I put down a bid to tie with the highest bid.

Blue raised an eyebrow. "Throwing money away."

Out the corner of my eye I could see she had at least one eye on our conversation.

"I think she's worth it," I said, loud enough that she must have heard me clearly.

(to be continued...)

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 2 Part 3

2011-09-04T00:30:00.000-07:00

(last episode on Hell's Bailiff...)

Edited September 5th, 2011 to relocate action to pre-Millennium Mystara.

"Help! Help! He's trying to kill me!"

Thank the gods (sheesh, that's ironic, isn't it?) Kristy was there. She didn't ask any questions and opened the gate to the estate to let me out. I threw her hammer to her and she deftly caught it and brought it up in defense.

"Vanya smite thee!" cried Jude. He smote down on her with divine force, forcing her back.

With a gesture, I caused blue eldritch fire to rise from the ground, invade his very body, and burn up through his every orifice - the fiercest spell I had so far mastered. He was staggered, but somehow still standing, and ran around Kristy.

I backed off and pulled shut the gate. He cursed and yanked it open. Kristy was behind him now and came in with a low swing behind a knee to take him down. I closed quickly and pressed my flaming palm over his chest before letting loose with a full surge of fire once, twice, then it was over before Kristy could brain him.

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 2 Part 3

Thankfully I washed away the summoning circle and got Bella out of the embarrassing stocks (and her leggings pulled up) before the city guard came to investigate. That, and I convinced her to let me do all the talking, corroborating my story only when she had to. In truth, she was still in shock and numb about everything and things went more or less smoothly.

And my story? Essentially Jude's sinister plan: That is, he had come under the false pretenses of an investigation to ruin my reputation, and on top of that frame me for murder -- all hoping for a promotion, to curry favour with my enemies, and seize my assets. Certainly there were enough witnesses to Jude trying to run me through.

For the moment they bought the story and left me, and Bella, alone.

Kana was nowhere to be found, and we didn't mention her at all.

*

Bella accepted a hot shower, but had no appetite and went straight to bed. The few times she woke from nightmares, she found herself safely cradled in my arms, and drifted back to sleep.

She was very subdued on the morning, not ready to talk about anything, though there were bouts of crying. She had some tea, but did not eat. Mostly she sat on the balcony and stared out at the city, maybe to the distant temple to Vanya. Some of the clergy came to see her, and they found some seclusion in the garden for most of the afternoon. We slept together again. This time she slept peacefully, woke while it was still dark, and prayed until dawn.

The morning saw her seeming stronger, though still weighed down with a profound sadness. She was at least eating, though not much. We retired to the balcony, and I sat quietly, waiting for her to speak. All morning she kept catching my eye, then shying away, still not ready. But now...

"Simon... Thank you for saving me." Her eyes looked ready to cry, but she forced a little smile. "I have a confession to make. When Jude and I... When we came her yesterday... We wanted to... It was extortion. We didn't want money -- our families have enough wealth that we were comfortable. But connections. You could do so much for us. A recommendation to the right persons. So much is about who you know, and you know so many people, even within our church. But I never suspected Jude could... What Jude did to me... It'll always be with me. But I'm glad it wasn't you. I'm glad you didn't do what they wanted. Can you... forgive me?"

I held her hands in mine.

"Bella, I'm so sorry for everything that's happened. And for the way I treated you before. Oh, Bella, I should be the one asking you for forgiveness. I can still--"

"No. No, Simon. It's too late now. What happened was... a scandal. There's more than you know. There were bribes to get the warrant. Other people involved. Now everyone's going to ground. My career with the clergy is finished. Even my family doesn't want anything to do with me until this blows over. Or maybe never. All I have left now is my faith. The surety that Vanya is watching, that he had compassion for me even when I fell to temptation. Who knows what might have happened if that devil had seduced me instead of Jude. I wish I could say that at least, in the end, I did the right thing. But I don't even have that. I couldn't do anything at all. Simon, please forgive me. I need your forgiveness."

I pulled her into a warm embrace and she cried over my shoulder for a long time.

In the late morning, priests of Vanya came to take her back to the church. Was she now broken? And yet, I think her faith had been strengthened by the ordeal.

I was ashamed at how I had used her. Even that, she had forgiven me.

Her parting words were, "I will pray for your soul."

*

I went back to my study where I'd been driving myself mad trying to guess just how much of a hand Kana had in everything. She'd offered to make me her bailiff, which would have meant a lot of incognito travel. A huge scandal here would have forced me to take to the road incognito. A scandal like two priests of Vanya murdered while investigating my estate.

Hindsight has that deceptive should-have-seen-it-coming quality and I had made a habit of not looking back. Often, it was simply pointless. What's done is done, and the past can't be changed. But with Kana... I was conscious of being manipulated farther in advance than I could even think of calculating.

A part of me needed answers. Another part of me had already given that up for futile. How could I possibly trust her to tell me any truths. And just what was the truth, anyway? Which pertinent facts made a truth complete? How many omissions made it a half-truth tantamount to a lie?

The other thing that really bothered me was just how she had turned Jude into the power-mad monster he became. To be willing to use extortion was one thing. To so willingly descend to the evil of defiling a person's body, mind, and soul for personal gain... Did she have such a sway over men? Or was there such a seed of evil within him to begin with?

Now that my thoughts weren't predominantly on Bella, I lay fitfully awake in bed that night, my mind still a tempest of what-ifs.

Kana finally showed herself again. I didn't know she'd let herself into my bedroom until she was crawling seductively to my side. She was dressed in a simple white night robe of exquisite silk that had a tendency to cling to her curves. She gave a soft sigh and lay her head on my naked chest.

"We need to talk," she said with a pout. One finger traced lazily on the back of my hand, slightly ticklish and somewhat seductive. "Won't you let me in? It'd be so much easier."

She allowed me silence, then kissed he lightly on the lips. "Please?"

I stared deep into her eyes and tried to fathom the creature I was dealing with.

To say devils were heartless, callous, destructive, evil -- I wasn't sure anymore if that was accurate. It would be like saying the same of cutting some flowers and putting them in a vase. Did the flowers suffer? Are they dying a slow and painful death in the vase, the water just a tease to prolong suffering and being eaten alive by the mold and rot that develops? None of these thoughts even cross our mind. Someone wanted the flowers, or we wanted them for someone. So snip snip. The end.

"What are you thinking of?" she asked.

"I'm thinking of you."

She almost smiled. But looked pensive again and stared back at me.

"What are you thinking of?" I asked in turn.

"I'm thinking of you. And how I really don't understand you."

"In some ways you know me better than myself. In other ways, you don't understand me at all."

"What is it that you want? Power? Wealth? Sex?"

"I don't know anymore."

"You have them all. Don't you want it?"

"Not so much."

"Should I take it all away?" she laughed.

"No."

"So...?"

"... They're not as important as I thought."

"Or maybe you're bored with what you have. Take it further. To your imagination and beyond."

"Beyond?"

"There's always more to see. You only have to dare. This world of yours... You have a bit of magic and you are awed. There's nothing you can't buy and you think you are rich. Your imaginations are so small it's cute and pitiful. Above all, you let artificial notions of morality and emotions hold you back. I can offer so much more, if only you were unafraid to seize it."

"Like Bella."

"Yes, your dear Bella. You could have indulged. Tried anything you wanted with her. Anything any of the whores you've had would never allow you to do to them. And then escaped blameless."

Her eyes narrowed. Reading me.

"And once your eyes were opened to be possibilities, maybe asked for more," she continued. "A beautiful creature you could ravish with whatever kindness or cruelty your imagination can conceive, and then she'd beg you to do it again. Intrigued?"

Lust was my weakness and she was playing that card.

"Shall I give you a taste? Share a memory of what exists. Of what could be yours? Let me in. Just for one fleeting memory. And even then we would still be glimpsing but a tip of the possibilities."

"... Alright."

Her eyes lit with pleasure like an enthusiastic and excited lover. She kissed me hard on the lips and pressed her delicious body against mine. Her mind touched mine, and a vision played out an indescribable hour passed in a second.

Kana reached behind her to stroke my erection. She smacked her lips and positioned that sweet swell of her hips over me.

"Let's see how much you remember."

*

Our bodies were hot and wet with perspiration. I drew the sheets over us before the cool night wind chilled us. Kana purred contentedly above me.

"How's that for an apology?" she grinned.

"An apology for what?"

"For Bella. I misunderstood you. Insulted you. I'm sorry. I want to have a good working relationship with you."

"You do?"

"Of course!"

"You don't have to. It's not in the contract."

"No. But lots of things aren't in the contract. We could make mini-contracts, you and I... Oh, don't be so suspicious all the time. It's tiresome."

She huffed and slid off me.

"I'll trade you a favour for a truth," she offered.

"What kind of favour?"

"The naughty kind you're so good at." She winked. "From time to time I have to deal with women, and they do seem to be quite bitchy with me sometimes. I might need you to seduce one for me. Maybe even sleep with her. I can't guarantee she'd be a looker, though."

"And what kind of truth?"

"The whole truth. What else?"

I was trying to read her. I was sure she'd already thought she had me figured out. That meant I couldn't ask what was burning in my mind: Whether she had directly or indirectly instigated the whole investigation, or how Jude had been so thoroughly turned. Useless truths in exchange for an open-ended favour.

"Deal."

She pounced on me, eager to tell me what I wanted to know -- that is, what she thought I would ask. Her raven black hair and loose white nightgown billowing in the cool wind, her red red strawberry lips -- she was truly an angelic beauty. Just now, childishly excited and full of innocence.

"About the investigation..."

"Yes?" She leaned closer in happy anticipation.

"... I really don't want to know anything. Sorry."

"What?!"

"I'll let you know what I want to ask later."

"Humph! Then you'll get your truth when I get my favour."

She grabbed a pillow and smacked me with it. When I removed it from my face, she was gone from the room, as swiftly and silently as the wind.

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 2 Part 2

2011-09-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

(last episode on Hell's Bailiff...)

Kana winked at me. I glared at her.

:My dearest Simon..." she said telepathically, :I am a wicked devil, don't you know? It's my job to collect souls, and here was one, ripe for the plucking. Oh, and as I did all the work on this one, I'm sure you'll agree their souls are mine and won't count toward your debt.:

My stomach felt funny in that "growing sense of panic" sort of way.

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 2 Part 2

:Answer me: What did you offer him?:

She just smiled.

I ran downstairs. When I neared my secret office where I called on Kana's underlings to handle various pacts when she wasn't around, I could hear Bella crying out. But they weren't in my office. They were in my 'dungeon'. That is, that naughty playspace for the kinky.

Oh, dear reader, don't be judgmental. Every large estate has one of these squirreled away somewhere, or at least a pair of handcuffs tucked under the mattress when someone wants to play nuns and bandits or what have you. It's good fun, even if everyone has to keep a lid on it in public. I've got a nice wardrobe of neat costumes in that room...

Bella was being dragged to the stocks at one side of the room. She'd been struck on the head, bleeding a little, and definitely too dazed to resist being locked in.

"Good, you're here," said Jude.

There was that spine-tingling "evil gleam" in his eye that I had seen quite a few times in my thus far ignoble career. He was a desperate and dangerous madman. Somehow, Kana had turned him to the dark side, and utterly so.

Bella struggled futilely.

"Simon! Help! Let me go! Oh, gods, please help! He's mad!"

"You! Listen to me!" Jude pointed his sword at me. "You listen. You're going to help me, or I'll ruin you, I swear! One word from me and the temple guard will be all over this place. They'll confiscate your assets and burn you for devilry -- and for murdering Bella. And all sorts of other atrocities committed on her."

"What?!" both Bella and I exclaimed.

"--Unless you do as I say," Jude continued. "And you WILL do as I say."

:Play along, dear,: Kana whispered in my mind. :Trust me.:

"Oh, I know what your 'Kana' is--What she really is," Jude continued. "And she has promised me much. I just need to give her some payment up front."

"What kind of 'payment'?" I asked.

Kana snuck up behind me and before I could act, she had me in a secure arm lock.

"Why, all you have to do is make Bella agree to sell her soul. You'll have to, ah, 'persuade' her of course," Kana cooed, and nipped my earlobe between her strawberry lips.

"What are you talking about?"

"Torture her! Make her beg to do anything for release. She'll sign anything put in front of her. Once she signs her soul away, my contract will be fulfilled. And then finally I'll have--"

"Tsk tsk. Jude, darling, let's not spoil the surprise, hmm?" Kana interrupted.

"You'll have what?" I demanded.

"Everything," smiled Jude. "You'll see."

From the way he was grinning at me... Kana had offered him everything I had -- I just knew it. Which would void her contract with me, so somehow Jude wasn't getting out of this one with his soul, and definitely not getting what he wanted. With things so wildly out of control, I wasn't going to get out of this one unscathed either.

"Go on. I recommend you rape her. That should take the fight out of her. If that actually doesn't work, we'll have to actually torture her. Branding, maybe."

Bella was so shocked and scared she had nothing to say. She even stopped struggling futilely in the stocks. She twisted around to look at Jude, and saw only madness. Even I was shocked into silence.

Then Bella exploded into tears. "Simon, please, don't! Help me! He's mad! Help me!"

"Forget it Jude! You can do you own dirty work!"

:What?!: Kana just about yelled at me.

Jude smashed me a terrific right cross, sword in hand. I almost passed out, which meant I couldn't avail myself of the fact that the blow had yanked me out of Kana's grasp.

"Well don't kill him! He can't do it if you kill him," said Kana. "Good thin you didn't knee him in the you-know-where. Look, I'll tie him up upstairs and see if I can't do a bit of convincing. You might have to 'persuade' her yourself, though."

"NO! Don't leave me! Nooo!" begged Bella.

But Kana had dragged me out and Jude had shut and locked the door. I faintly heard Bella grovelling. Then wailing.

I was quite recovered when we were on the main floor and I shook myself free of Kana.

"What are you doing?!" I screamed.

:I was doing you a favour. There she was, helpless and delicious. You could have had her any way you wanted. I know you like it rough. Just imagine what it would be like--With no one to stop you.:

I just stared at her.

Damn, but if she weren't right.

I fully confess that despite what I had said to Bella, I did look at our relationship as mostly sexual. Not entirely, though, since there was always a chance that her influence, minor as it was, with the church might come in handy one day (never discount the usefulness of the little guys -- or the damage they could do). And yes, I admit that I was turned on by the rush that came with having sexual power over a woman. I chose the escorts I bought and bedded precisely for that (and, of course, it cost me extra). Even had Bella that way a couple of times.

But this was different. Bella was in real trouble here. Unless I did something, she wasn't going to make it out alive. And once she signed her soul over, Jude would finish her off, if only to silence her.

At some level, this will sound incredibly hypocritical considering all the souls I'd sent to Hell selling them trivial pacts, but just then I cared about Bella. I didn't want her to go this way. To be defiled this way. I hoped she would hold on long enough for me to save her.

But how the hell was I going to get out of this one. It would be Jude's word against mine. Even if they caught him red-handed, events were too suspicious for the church not to investigate. I needed an out.

Kana could see my mind racing.

:I know what you're thinking. I just don't understand why you're thinking that. I've thought this through. You'll come out just fine, with as much fun with Bella as you like, and I'll have my two souls.:

I think at that moment, for the first time I truly realized the fundamental difference between Kana and I. I couldn't really claim any moral high ground for all the things I've willingly done to this point, but she had this utter inability to empathize with some of the most fundamental elements of basic decency and humanity. I don't think Kana was trying to make me choose evil. I think for her the whole good/evil judgment simply didn't apply to whether I should rape Bella for pleasure just as it didn't apply to whether you should have salad for an appetizer.

:Get out of my head.:

She rolled her eyes up in exasperation. But she had to obey--It was in the contract. Her brow was furrowed in genuine puzzlement.

"I didn't have to arrange any freebies for you, you know," she huffed.

My turn to roll my eyes. Then I went to find a weapon. Kristy's room was the most obvious place, and I chose the closest shiny hammer from her collection. If I got so much as a scratch on it she'd probably kick me in the balls, but I'll deal with that when the time comes.

Kana followed at a respectful difference, trying to figure out what I was going to do. Not what I was going to do immediately, which was pretty obvious, but a few steps beyond that, and how she could still come out Aces. That's how she -- how her kind -- think. And she was practiced enough at this chess that it always worried me when she was putting thought into things.

I'm no warrior. The pact gave me some power of a different kind that could generally pass for combat wizardry, but if couldn't put Jude away with a sneaky attack and he got close, I'd have to hope I could fend him off worth a damn. I'm sure he was handy with his sword.

What I wasn't sure of was whether Kana would help, but I was certain she wouldn't see me killed either. I was worth something to her, in that cold devil's soul calculus.

I wish Kristy were here. But then again, I wanted to keep her innocent.

Oh, why the hell was my conscience coming out now?

When I'd gone back downstairs, I didn't hear any more from Bella. I hoped she hadn't been broken so quickly. I did my best to be sneaky and approached the door a quietly as possble.

Kana was a ways behind, walking nonchalantly yet making no sound. Her arms were crossed and her mien annoyed. I was wondering if if she'd figured things out or not -- maybe even guessed what would happen even before they played out -- and then I thought I really had to stop trying to outguess her and focus on the horrible mess I was in.

I inserted the key quietly and turned it. Under the circumstances, the click sounded like an explosion.

"Shit," I mumbled, then flung myself to the side.

The door was yanked open suddenly and a sword stabbed out, thankfully into thin air.

I whipped into the doorway, shoulder-rushing Jude back. Blue fire burned in the palm of my left hand and I unleashed it forth in a beam to wash over Jude. Fortunately this eldritch fire doesn't actually set things on fire, else I might have really made a mess of things, burnt down the estate, and fried us all.

He yelled and rolled away, unfortunately in the direction of Bella, still helpless in the stocks, but now with her pale behind fully exposed and wet between her thighs. With wild eyes she watched us duel.

I hesitated to release a second beam for fear of hitting Bella, and Jude seized his chance. "Vanya smite thee, wizard!" he cried out boldly, and imperiously pointed his blade at me.

Time seemed to freeze. I think he was as surprised as I was when nothing happened.

"Vanya has abandoned you, you bastard!" Bella spat at Jude from behind tearful eyes.

Jude looked wildly at her as that realization sank into all of us.

I could have tried to fight this one out, but honestly, at such close quarters, and with Jude practically armored for war, the odds weren't in my favour, eldritch fire or not.

"Nowhere to run, Jude," I taunted, but still threatened fire in my left hand.

"I just have to kill both of you and--"

"And seize my assets?"

He smiled smugly. Yes, I'd guessed it. I'm sure it looked pretty tidy from his end.

"Right after you explain how you alienated your god after this investigation?"

Jude's smile faded.

"Simon! Thank Vanya you're here. Please save me!"

"Shut up! Shut up!" Jude roared at her, but she would not be daunted.

"I hope you go to Hell and burn!" she retorted, rather boldly considering she was helpless to stop him from murdering her. "Simon, I forgive you for everything! Just save me, for Vanya's sake."

"Jude, put down the sword before you get yourself in any deeper," I tried to persuade, even as I moved slowly to get a better shooting angle.

"You! You've ruined everything! If only you'd just done what I told you to!"

"I think your god abandoned you as soon as you entered into a pact with Kana, Jude. Don't blame me for it."

He just seethed.

"Let me guess..." I took a chance and relaxed, hoping he was now in a more contemplative state of mind. "You made a good impression on Kana and negotiated yourself a sweet deal. You get me to force Bella to sign her soul away, thereby damning myself. Then you'd have to kill me too. With no witnesses, but a summoning circle in the other room to incriminate me, you could tell any story you like. Like maybe how I got the drop on you and murdered Bella. But you luckily escaped your bonds and killed me in, what, rage? Self-defence? Kana arranges a few things behind the scenes to make sure you get a very nice promotion out of this, and you get a chunk of my estate seized by the church as spoils. Close enough?"

"You forgot the part where he gets your personal charisma and social status, plus a night of incredible sex with me," said Kana.

She had appeared at the doorway, leaning in a relaxed yet sultry way. I don't know how she managed to slip into something more demure and carefully stylish so quickly. In any case, I was certain she'd already figured out how to profit from my current predicament and still get Jude's soul. Bella's, I wasn't so certain but I was damned if I were going to let Kana have her.

"Would you like to renegotiate our terms Jude?" she offered, and leaned casually against the door frame.

Jude gave her a murderous look. Then looked at me, and back to her.

"Get me out of this."

"Tsk tsk... I do so hate to take advantage, so allow me to let you retract that vaguely worded request. Now think more carefully about what you'd like. In exchange for your soul, of course. Your reputation? Or are you still looking for wealth and social status? I can arrange anything. Somehow. You'll have to trust me on that last part, I admit."

"Even if you kill Bella and I, how will you explain any of this, Jude?"

Jude clenched his teeth.

"I've been here before, Jude. I know what it felt like. How it felt to be tempted. By her."

A little bit of empathy goes a long way. Helpful when lying. I just hoped Kana would play along. She could spill the truth at any time and make things infinitely worse, and certainly she owed me no favours for ruining Plan A.

"I'm luckier than most, I admit: I have a wealthy business partner who set met up nicely. The rest -- the trades, the status, the connections -- was up to me. The money he fronted helped, of course. Money always helps. But that's me. And no devilry."

"So how do you explain her?" Jude demanded.

"As I said... dabbling in wizardry. She got loose, and now I can't get rid of her. You don't know half the trouble she's caused."

"Darling, how hurtful!" Kana put on a pained expression. "And after all those wet dreams I sent you. For free, too."

"Now we just have to figure you how to get you out of this, Jude."

"You want to help me?" Jude snorted. But his eyes were hopeful. Or maybe desperate.

"He can't help you now, Jude. He's messed it up," said Kana. "It would have worked, this plan of yours. If you kill him -- kill them both -- well, we all know history is written by the victors."

I wasn't sure where Kana was going with all that. Maybe she had a plan. Maybe she wanted to see me suffer. Maybe she wanted to back me into a corner and have me renegotiate my contract. Oh, bloody hell.

"What can you do?" Jude asked of her.

"Hmm... Let's see... Well, for starters, things would be a lot easier if there were less witnesses. But save Bella for later. She's harmless right now, and--"

"Bitch!" screamed Bella.

"Uh, yes, oh helpless one. Now do shut up," Kana laughed.

Bella cast her eyes up in prayer. "Vanya, I know I have had wicked thoughts and done wrong. But please shine forth your divine presence and sear this evil whore from this world!"

"Oh, pour on the melodrama--" Kana began to scoff, but was cut off mid-way when a beacon of light shone squarely on her from above. Before she could curse, it expanded into a blinding radiance. "OW! Dammit! Jude, shut her up!"

Jude whipped around and backhanded Bella. She was out like a candle.

"What are we going to do?" Jude demanded of Kana.

"Yes, well, as I was saying before that little witch interrupted me... you'll need to get rid of the witnesses. Dear Simon included -- sorry, love."

I scowled at her. In hindsight, I realized that I had told her to get out of my head, so she couldn't communicate her plans to me. For her to slip me hints telepathically, I'd have to first verbally tell her she could get in my head again, and, well, just right now that would be a tad too suspicious.

"However, he's no wizard's apprentice you know. I don't know if you'll make it through or not."

"Then help me!"

"That's sort of against the rules, I'm afraid," Kana vaguely dismissed.

"Fine. Then give me the power to kill him! No, wait... Give me powers that are the same as the powers Vanya used to grant me. That way, I can fool those idiots at the church too."

"Oh how clever!" Kana beamed at him. "And, oh, let's throw in a long and healthy life for you, plus you'll do me a favour and let me watch you rip your dear Bella's ass open with your manly staff later while I watch? Do say yes. I absolutely must see her suffer for what she did to me."

"Fine, whatever," he agreed. Then turned to me. "Now, you die."

"So it's your soul now, for power now. And if you get him out of the way, I get you his wealth and status, plus long life, and you also give me a front row seat when you defile Bella. Do we have a deal, darling? You'll have to say it since we're forgoing the contract signing bit."

If. Kana had said "if". That thought flashed across my mind, then the fear of death dominated everything.

"Yes, yes! We have a deal, dammit. Just do it!" Jude hastily agreed.

"And it is done."

"Damn you Kana!" I cried, then turned my attention on Jude.

"Have fun, boys," laughed Kana as she slipped away.

Willing my power against Jude, I brought pain to his eyes and mind and ran out the door while he clutched at his face and staggered toward a corner, instinctively trying to guard his flanks.

"Vanya! Heal me!" he cried.

I saw a bright beacon of light expand before him. I don't know what it did for him, but he sounded not the least fatigued stomping after me as I made for the stairs. Well, it wouldn't have been Vanya healing him now, but that was neither here nor there. The fact was, it probably worked.

I had a good head start and I knew where the front door was. Out I sprinted.

"Help! Help! He's trying to kill me!"

Thank the gods (sheesh, that's ironic, isn't it?) Kristy was there. She didn't ask any questions and opened the gate to the estate to let me out. I threw her hammer to her and she deftly caught it and brought it up to parry.

"Vanya smite thee!" cried Jude. He smote down on her with supernatural force, forcing her back.

With a gesture, I caused blue eldritch fire to rise from the ground, invade his very body, and burn up through his every orifice - the fiercest spell I had so far mastered. He was staggered, but somehow still standing, and ran around Kristy.

I backed off and pulled shut the gate. He stabbed through it and missed, cursed me, and yanked it open. That precious delay was enough for Kristy to recover. She rushed Jude from behind and came in with a low swing behind one knee to take him down. I closed quickly and pressed my flaming palm over his chest before letting loose with a full surge of fire once, twice, then it was over before Kristy could brain him.

(to be continued...)

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 2 Part 1

2011-08-31T00:30:00.000-07:00

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 2 Part 1

Edited September 5th, 2011 to relocate action to pre-Millennium Mystara.

Not a week after Kana's offer, trouble came to my front door.

My butler informed me of callers who refused to not be seen immediately, and really, had enough clout to barge their way in anyway.

Kana touched my mind.
:Priests of that bothersome Vanya, honey. I guess they're on to you. I wanted to warn you they were coming but I was a bit busy. Sorry.:

She had the most delightful tinkling laugh, I had to admit. Anyway, she caught my mental "harrumph". I had enough political connections who were "on to me" already but who had continued to shield me because of what I could schmooze for them.

:Oh, please. You wound me with your suspicions!: Kana whimpered.

It is a generally futile exercise trying to sift fact from fiction when it came to devils, but the mortal mind has a habit of turning endlessly over things of entirely no use. Had she arranged this event? What could she get out of someone ruining me? Putting me on the run? Why?

My callers had forced their way into the lobby of my mansion. There was a small retinue of guards, and positioning against my own security staff already discretely moving into place. Thank god for good (if pricey) hired help.

They were both low-ranking clerics in the church of Vanya. I'd seen them both now and again, always volunteering to assist with society events where anyone who was anyone would be seen. A cut above the usual bootlicking toadies. Probably giving barely more than lip service to their god, but it's hard to say. Even scarecrows throwing around the powers of their faith have their uses.

The guy was Jude. I knew little about him except he and Bella were partners in a way, at least when it came to climbing the political ladder. Whether they were sleeping together or not had never been of interest to me. The woman was Bella. Above average in looks and struggling like all women to keep her figure in check. Not above using her body for advantage in the cutthroat circles she was born into, but so far not particularly successful.

Bella immediately reined in her familiarity with me and put on an all-business mien. And indeed she was very familiar with me. I'd shared her bed on several occasions, even had a couple of trysts on temple grounds (afterhours on the kitchen table, for example). It had been a thrill for her to be bedded by someone of such social standing as myself, and she had been willing to be... "adventurous". But even she had limits. There were rumours of her being a slut -- evidence of her being too desperate to trade her way up socially -- and as I wasn't committing to raising her fortunes, she had eventually admitted I was a lost cause and no longer worth the delights of her body. In truth, compared to who I could sleep with, she was only somewhat above average in looks and passable as carnal experiences go. That she was willing and free were probably the only reasons it went on as long as it did.

Did I use her? Yes. Sorry, but I do have vices. But surely, dear reader, you must see that they pale in comparison to sending souls to Hell.

Anyway, now wasn't the time to bring it up, although I had to expect that the power of her official capacity right now no doubt gratified her.

They had papers of course. Official papers permitting them to basically ransack my estate to root out evil. Never mind that probably a quarter of the nobles in the city secretly worshipped nasty gods to get ahead while the rest were just plain unscrupulous and ruthless even without one of the "bad gods" to inspire them. I made a mental note of who authorized this farce. I'd have to tackle that problem later.

"Mi'lord Simon, I regret to inform you that we are here on official business. We are here to look for signs of devil-worship," Bella said boldly.

"Nonsense of course," Jude added quickly. "But to silence all unfounded accusations once and for all... Well, you understand."

"We shall be efficient and brief to clear up what is probably a misunderstanding, if you and your staff will be cooperative," said Bella.

"Bella! Lovely to see you," I beamed and gave her a warm embrace and a slightly lingering kiss on her cheek.

"Simon! Uh, I mean, mi'lord -- Ahem! This is... business."

"Oh, yes, of course. I'm just so happy to see you. After so long... But yes, to the matter at hand..."

What a mess. They couldn't be allowed to see too much. But how? I needed to thin the witnesses down to more manageable numbers. Less brainpower meant less convincing lies to fabricate.

:You need to find out who else knows.: Kana whispered in my mind. :And make sure no one else will know anything.:

It's distracting, the way all this telepathy happens. Especially when she was telling me what I already knew.

"Bella... and, um, Jude isn't it? I think we've met a few times."

We shook hands cordially.

"Mi'lord is kind to remember me."

"Of course I do. You distinguish yourself in my mind with your diligence to your god. I see you helping at just about every important function for the church of Vanya."

"Mi'lord... So kind to notice."

They were both armed and armored, obviously expecting a fight -- or ready to make an excuse for one. How good they were I didn't know, but I didn't want to attract attention with a fight and the necessary clean-up after. Besides, fighting is such chancy business. Plus, they had a squad of ten guards inside and more milling outside, obviously anticipating my own security staff. My estate had, of course, been on several occasions opened for invitation-only functions and celebrations, so my staff was no big secret.

"Look, we're all friends here. There's no need for guards boorishly tearing my home apart. And as you know, I am a businessman. I have considerable contacts and sensitive contracts in negotiation. I simply cannot risk the interests of my investors to any possible leak of sensitive communications... Can't we come to some sort of agreement? You can of course have a thorough search, but... not with the guards."

Jude and Bella looked to each other. They were clearly going to refuse.

"Of course, I will also send my staff away. It'll just be you two and myself," I offered, "Until you have concluded your investigation to your satisfaction."

:Stick around, Kana.:

:Of course. I already know where you're going with this. You're so clever I could kiss you!:

I couldn't really trust that, but at the same time, I didn't think she'd risk the validity of the contract by putting me in a situation where two priests of Vanya would kill me. Weak of faith or not, I couldn't be sure good ol' Vanya didn't favour them with divine bad-guy-smiting power on general principle to spread light and goodness than to really reward anyone for their piety. And I qualified as a baddie, didn't I?

"Bella... Please," I pleaded, and grasped her hand gently. "And look, I hate to throw it in, but your uncle Thomas is one of my investors. A very prominent one too. And your aunt--"

"Yes, I, oh, I hadn't thought of that." Bella fretted, now that she remembered that small detail.

"You will have my complete cooperation, I promise," I assured Jude. "Can't we come to some sort of agreement?"

I haven't slept with him of course -- sorry, not my type -- but he agreed to the "some kind of agreement" part, so I might be able to get rid of him with a bribe for now and something more permanent later.

They sent the guards away, and I emptied my estate of staff. My dear captain of the guard would not budge, and not because of her attachment to her collection of ornate warhammers, either. This was very irritating until I saw the genuine devotion in her eyes -- Which, shameful to say, I really hadn't noticed before. Generally, my eyes wandered a bit further down, down beneath her cute pink nose and narrow chin.

Dear reader, you may think me by now a relentlessly duplicitious and manipulative creature of soulless wickedness, but really, in day-to-day dealings I am not so bad. I pay my staff well and treat them with respect. Goodwill goes farther than coin in ensuring loyalty, but more coin can only help, if only to protect against being outbid. And for most living one payday at a time, coin trumps loyalty.

My head of security I had lavished even more favour on, and thinking back now, maybe it was the one or two times I had been generous with money and time off when her father had taken ill.

Her name was Kristryd (more often "Kristy" when we were in private) and she was a stern-faced beauty with a touch of cuteness, even if she were my vey competent head of security, and corded with muscle. (Have I seen her naked? Yup.) Somehow, she always managed to show just enough of her succulent cleavage which I must say, of just about any race, dwarven women are most kindly blessed. She was looking for a lifemate but she had standards and living in a predominently human city didn't make finding a suitable dwarf all that easy.

Of course I'd tried to seduce her. But after she soundly reminded me that a professional distance was necessary for her to do her job properly, I backed off. Drat.

Anyway, right now she sensed trouble and she could be very stubborn, in a protective sort of way. With misgivings, she left. To make sure, I watched her go, and waved her on whenever she looked back.

"Now, this thing about diabolism... I think I know what you're talking about. Just some naughty things I have downstairs, precisely because they'd give the wrong impression. It's all just amateurish dabbing in wizardry, I assure you. You'll, um, be discreet about any special shipments for confidential clients that you may see along the way? Omit them from your report... I hope?"

"We'll see... That is, duty first, no matter our friendship," Jude replied. "I'm sure we can come to an arrangement."

I had distracted him with the nonsense about requiring his trust. Piquing his greed made me more comfortable, now that I felt there was a chance that some sort of substantial bribe might clear all this up.

"And of course, you're still free to look through the entire estate at your leisure."

I led them down to the extensive sublevel, down to the storage rooms, and the one section I always kept locked and that was off-limits to everyone I didn't want in on the terrible evil I do. Which is to say, it was off-limits to everyone, even dear Kristy, who more than once probed me with both concern and suspicion.

I opened the door. And, voila! No, gentle reader, there was no bloody dissection table, no summoning circle drawn in blood, nothing that screamed gory and vilest murder. There was an office and indeed a summoning circle. Anyone with enough knowledge of the arcane could figure out it was to contain devils.

Careless? Yes. But really, do you have any idea how long it takes to draw one of those damned things, and triple-check it?

The rest was just an office, a filing cabinet, some stationery supplies, and a wine rack. Wine helped to calm the nerves of those who signed pacts. I never partook of it myself -- a bad experience when I was very young (more later, if I remember) -- but it helped so incredibly much socially to have people tipsy or outright intoxicated that I made sure to be well-stocked at all times.

"A summoning circle. And wards against the infernal," Jude pointed out immediately. "Mi'lord, I'd say you have a lot of explaining to do."

:Any time now, Kana."

And what an entrance she made. She was barely dressed in carelessly spilling nightrobes and just her firm, taut body underneath. Oh, yes, I'd had her too, when she was a bit drunk one time. Or maybe she was only pretending to be drunk because the liked the way I ever after pined for another breathtaking night with her. More puppeteering by the cunning devil who'd probably had to slut her way through much worse on the way up hell's social ladder. Sometimes I shuddered to think of who or what else had been inside her, in the very same cleft of ecstasy as I had been.

But back to the present...

Jude jumped to attention in more than one way. Even Bella was silenced.

"What's the commotion? I'll have you know that I had a late night and... oh... just the worst hangover..."

She had such a way of inspiring ulterior-motive motivated concern in men. Jude fell hook, line, and sinker of course, and was immediately at her side to unnecessarily comfort her.

"Here, let me walk you back upstairs," I offered.

Naturally, Jude interceded. It was almost comical how men fell all over themselves for her. Yes, I did too the first time I met her. Only once that was out of the way and I was jaded did my mentor let any negotiations begin.

"Allow me, dear lady," offered Jude. "You are clearly co-conspirators and should not be allowed to... uh, conspire further. She needs to be interrogated about this room and what her guilt is."

"Interrogated?" Kana gasped, and immediately clasped her hands protectively to her generous bosoms in that innocent way that made hot-blooded men want to both protect her and ravish her.

"I will--" Bella wanted to interject but Jude was already advancing on her, and she helpfully backing out in the proper direction out the door.

"Simon!" Kana pleaded.

"It's an official investigation. I'm sorry," I surrendered.

"Jude!" Bella snapped.

"Bella, I can explain this silly circle business--" I delayed her long enough for Kana and Jude to be away. And now that they were separated...

:I won't be long.: Kana whispered in my mind.

I didn't doubt it. I almost felt sorry for Jude. With his guard down like that, either Kana would seduce him to her side or rip his family jewels off and watch him die slowly.

I suddenly embraced Bella and whispered urgently, "I missed you." I kissed her full on the lips.

"Liar!" she pushed away.

"Alright. Maybe I didn't. But I still think fondly of you. And not only in 'that way'."

I think she was about to call me a liar a second time, but faltered. And stopped trying to wriggle out of my arms around her slender waist.

"You were the one who cut things off," I continued. "Wouldn't respond to my letters... And now this."

"I-- It's not like that. You never had any intention--"

"Of marriage? Of course not. But of friendship? I was hurt that you cut me off so abruptly. It wasn't the sex--"

"No of course not. When you could have any woman you wanted--"

"I missed you."

She tried to rally. "You-- You're just trying to get out of this investigation."

"I just want the opportunity to have the talk we should have had. The talk you owed me. For all our time together. Bella... Please. Please don't be upset with me. We can still be friends. Without the sex."

"This investigation--"

"Jude and my associate will hash it all out. You'll see. Just studies into the arcane, playing at wizardry. A harmless past time half the nobles in this city do. But you can see how someone could get the wrong idea. Bella, how could you possibly think I'm in league with devils? You know me! Consorting with devils? They'd eat me alive!"

"Simon, people are talking... About how you suddenly appeared. And where you got your fortune... And your silent partner who helped you set up a branch of his operations here in this city... They have suspicions about him too."

"Who's 'they'? Jealous rival merchant houses? Political enemies? Who would possibly want to slander me?"

She said something but just then Kana distracted me. Another danger of having someone in your mind. But right now I was in a pickle and I gave her free rein.

:He's told me everything, the weak-willed fool. But you'll need to help him out a bit.:

The way she said "help him out a bit" didn't imply a fat purse of coin.

:What do you mean?:

"Simon?" Bella drew me back to the present. I had been too distracted. Damn.

"I'm sorry Bella. I was just worried there-- About what Jude said."

"What about what Jude said?"

"He said he was going to interrogate her -- um, my associate. Look, I don't know anything about him, really, other than seeing him around at functions. He's not going to... be... 'rough' with her?"

"NO! Uh, well, no... Of course not. I don't think."

"I'm just going to check."

Bella followed closely. "Who is she, anyway?"

"Oh, that's Kana. One of our wholesale agents. She's very good. I suppose you can guess part of the reason."

Bella snorted.

"I let her use the house whenever she's in town, which isn't very often and as she keeps late hours, I don't always know when she comes in."

"As if you don't keep late hours either," Bella jabbed.

"You're right. We've both been there," I replied and gave her a sly grin.

It's not quite the same feeling up someone past chainmail leggings, but it was the gesture that counted and her petulant and not angry slap to my hand was all the answer I needed.

Some women really do look cute when they're mad.

I leaned in for a peck on the cheek but she pulled away.

Drat. Okay, so we couldn't just pick up where we left off.

We made it upstairs without further dallying and found the "interrogation" over. No wanton nakedness and fooling around, which I half expected. Kana was sitting on her bed, leaning sultrily on one arm while her other hand held a goblet of wine. Her long, smooth, legs where crossed, her nightrobe nonchalantly spilling to either side, with her apparently quite unaware.

"Bella, about that circle we saw..." Jude addressed Bella. "Let's compare notes. In private."

:Kana?: I snapped.

She didn't answer. Not good. She just had this triumphant smile on her face, and snuck in a quick wink before languidly sipping her wine.

"Um... sure..." said Bella, and she allowed herself to be led away downstairs.

I heard Jude say something about having a closer look at the pacts and Kana having given him the key to the room.

"Kana?"

We were alone, so she could have spoken aloud, or whispered if she had wanted to be more cautiously discreet, but she was maybe instinctively so cautious as to use telepathy.

:It's easy to be weak of faith when there's so little to show for it.:

:What did you offer him?:

:Relax... Things will take care of themselves from here on. Plus there's a bit of fun for you too.:

She winked at me. I glared at her.

:My dearest Simon... I am a wicked devil, don't you know? It's my job to collect souls, and here was one, ripe for the plucking. Oh, and as I did all the work on this one, I'm sure you'll agree their souls are mine and won't count toward your debt.:

My stomach felt funny in that "growing sense of panic" sort of way.

(to be continued...)

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 1

2011-08-30T01:54:00.000-07:00

Hell's Bailiff - Chapter 1

Edited September 5th, 2011 to relocate action to pre-Millennium Mystara.

Deals with devils. The devils always come out ahead in the end.

I guess I knew there would be Hell to pay at the end, but life is short -- so have dessert! And honestly, look at the advantages: You get to short-cut the drudgery of schooling, finding a job, scraping together money, trying to marry up. Even the priests who worship the gods better their situations through the politics of church and state than from any favour of their patrons dropping bags of money over their heads.

What I wanted was a quick solution. I wanted it now, and there was a way to get it, so why not?
Power, money, and sex. That's what I wanted.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. My name is Simon. I live in Sundsvall, the capital of the glorious Empire of Alphatia. We are a generally godless people who worship knowledge and magic more than the gods. Had I been born elsewhere, who could say how I would have turned out?

I was born into a very mediocre family. A father who was an accountant who was very good at counting the money of a trading house, yet couldn't make any of his own for all his investments. A mother who never went anywhere, never did anything, except keep house. Still, that she was my mother and cared for me -- for that I will always love her, no matter how infuriatingly pessimistic she was. The ability to weave magic is all-important in Alphatia, and they had some small ability, but I had not the patience for years of study to pull off a few magic tricks. I wanted a head start on it, as well as the good life.

I apprenticed early with a mage of ill-repute. I was the younger child, and there's a certain tendency to be babied because of this. They could deny me nothing, so they supported me while I was in his employ. We did shady things now and again, things that made my conscience give up on me a long time ago -- but thankfully, nothing that reached my parents. They'd freak.

The mentor I had chosen (whom I shall not name, to protect the guilty) was rumoured to bargain with dark powers, and quite early on I made it plain to him that the quick and easy road to power was what I wanted. Almost immediately he tried to use me as a disposable bargaining chip, a soul he could sell for his own gain, but my cleverness and (at the time) my desperate bravado thwarted him and from then he actually accorded me a measure of respect. He taught me well, even sent money back to my parents -- all with the understanding that when the time came, my bargain with the Hells would benefit him as well.

He made it clear that the Hells always come out ahead, and that I was willing to accept this... Perhaps in my ambition he saw something of his younger self. Who can say? What mattered was that he became my ally instead of trying to use me. As he offered me more, I repaid him with more loyalty.

Then the day came when we were both satisfied with the type of bargain I would offer. A much better one than he made. One that, in hindsight, he wished he had made. That, too, was perhaps yet another facet to our relationship -- through me, he saw a way to unburden himself of some of his weightiest regrets.

First, he wanted his soul back. Just one soul. Time -- age -- was not on his side, so he offered nine in exchange, through whatever means would corrupt another into a bargain with the Hells.
For myself, the usual: Power, money, and sex. Since money and sex could come from power, we settled on just that. First, the basic pacts to give me arcane power, just like what my mentor wielded. Then (and especially as, to put it mildly, no ladykiller) to get the rest that came with luxurious living, I asked for what we tried our best to describe as charisma: Personal magnetism. Plain old likeability. This, my mentor and I, had finally settled on instead of itemizing the good life, because where charm and diplomacy failed, power would back me up. With being able to move in the highest social circles came power all of its own, and money and everything else I wanted.
Then, the kicker: He wanted this soul back, up front, straight and simple, with no loss of whatever benefits he had already been given. That meant I would have to find souls in exchange for him. In exchange, he had paid me with his lore and would set me up with whatever gold I wanted. In the twilight of his life, with his soul in the balance, none of it was of much consequence. He had lived. Now he wanted to die in peace.

We hammered out the rest of the details, then called her forth. A succubus. The name she gave was "Kana" (just a convenient alias, I'm sure). Her chosen form ravishing to the point of dangerous distraction. We kept each other in check -- something my mentor hadn't done when he forged his own bargain so many decades ago -- and we fought her with words till even she lost her patience. Or made it appear so -- you could never really know.

Anyway, my mentor got what he wanted -- Free to enjoy his life, clear of all obligations. But with the option to aid me in whatever way and lighten my own contractual obligations, if he so wished.
I, however, had to find enough souls to be worth our own. She was in the habit of collecting souls and not giving away anything without surety. An open-ended bargain that to the layman may seem subjective and wholly open to interpretation, but the Hells have a way of measuring the worth of souls, and among devils it was a well-established metric.
We conferred on this -- a risky move, for it gave her time to regroup and strategize as well. She wanted it simply: That my own soul was forfeit if I could not find enough souls to balance our pact. And my mentor's as well, if I could not find enough souls to at least free im of his bond.
The value of our souls, then, and how quickly our debts could be discharged, was the key.

Dear reader, by this time would will also have realized that the corruption of others and the deliverance of their souls to the cruel mercies of the Hells was of no consequence to us, and in truth, at the time, we cared not. Judge me how you will. I could think of many unworthy souls that deserved any measure of torments in the Hells, but was under no illusion that my morals would take a back seat if I got desperate.

Finally, we were ready for the second round of negotiations. As the value of the souls we would give her could not be predicted, we mutually agreed to use the accepted devil's metric -- something she could not twist, for the scales are the same for all devils everywhere. Then -- and here is what we thought our crowning achievement -- we stipulated that our souls would be forfeit only at such time as I chose to cancel the bargain -- to forever stop looking for souls. And if I were coerced or if I were to fail through no fault of my own, the contract would be void and both souls would be free.

It were standard enough to say that coercion generally nullified contracts. What we managed to slip past her -- or thought we did -- was a clear exit strategy rather than a contingency that would see our souls forfeit. If I were to be run over by a horse and buggy by accident, for example, we'd both be free.
Amazingly, she agreed. Of course, not without demands of her own.

In exchange for this concession, she demanded I be willing to be bound to her -- so that she could more freely cross the dimensional divide from the Hells. She naturally expected that we would demand that any interference that might cause me to fail at the agreement or lose a soul that would otherwise be delivered to her, would void the bargain.

Being her portal to this world was not without severe risk -- not the least being that bigoted anti-devilry fanatics would want my head on a pike. From her perspective, that was a risk too, as it would safely void the contract for me. But having a mortal conduit out of the uncomfortable Hells was a great boon to her, and when my mentor carefully stipulated that at no time should she possess me or intrude on my thoughts if I did not wish it, she gave only token objections.

Then the moment came to sign. For perhaps the first time since his fall from human morality, my mentor looked upon me with genuine fatherly love and pledged to help me as much as he could.
I was under no illusion that he might just skip town.

He signed the pact.
The succubus signed the pact.
With lingering doubts... I signed the pact.

The succubus sighed with almost orgasmic relief.
"Old man," she addressed my mentor, "do you have any idea how much your soul is worth?"

The ground beneath the summoning circled cracked open and she let herself drop into that fiery portal into the Hells, to register her prize.

I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, to try to calm myself. "What have I done?"

My mentor held me firmly by my upper arms, as if to help me pull myself together. "You have done what is now done. There's no point looking back."

*

I left the city the very next day. My mentor had intended to extend his merchant business as far as Thyatis and then beyond to the West and away from the sometimes irritating politics between the rival Empires of Alphatia and Thyatis. Sure, it was work to a certain extent, but mostly schmoozing to gain connections and to get a foot in the door. Then the actual staff would do the actual work. Combined with my new diabolically-enhanced charisma, it was easy to do.

My mentor was settled into a comfortable semi-retirement in Alphatia and had no wish to go traipsing about the world anymore, so I would be his lieutenant. Now that the well-being of his very soul was in my care, he was happy to share his considerable assets. My parents were set up into a comfortable though not luxurious existence and he promised to keep an eye on them now and again, lest someone strike at me through them.
I was given gold and references and I set off to begin establishing myself politically and financially, though connections and trade, thereby increasing both our fortunes.

Thyatis City seemed like a great place to start. Everyone had a greedy streak a mile wide, which made things treacherous at times, but for the most part, money talks and in short order I was moving in the right social circles.

The succubus was too excited not to immediately advantage herself of me as her conduit, and once she had registered the contract in whatever vaults of Dis such contracts were archived, she immediately came into our world and basically disappeared on whatever business interested her. I did not hear from her for many months and would otherwise have forgotten all about it, were it not for the matter of souls.

With the wealth freely given to me, I indulged myself to excess. I was free with gifts to buy my way into places to be seen and to chat with persons of influence. From there, my infernally bestowed charm and looks sailed me the rest of the way. My nights were sensual indulgences of lust, ranging from dalliances with delicious debutantes to orgies with the classier courtesans.
I deliberately distanced myself from real relationships and made no attempt to disguise that: To love -- to truly love -- is a dangerous thing when one could be desperate to save one's own soul. And, if I were true to myself, I knew that it I would choose my soul over any one else's if it came down to that.
Dear reader, by now you should be thoroughly convinced that I am no saint, or even possessed of average standards of humanity, to be willing to send souls to Hell.

The bottom feeders in Thyatis, eager to get ahead, were fairly easy pickings for contracts with Hell and I delivered a few souls to Hell every week, usually in exchange for a mere pittance -- money for brief indulgences, health for a longer life, or revenge against someone who was otherwise untouchable by their low status. I justified it with the knowledge that their brief and unwise lives were made slightly longer and more enjoyable at least, before whatever servitude awaited them. Souls of minor consequence as theirs were frequently used as a type of "spare change" among devils, so they were probably in limbo more than anything -- sealed in a soul container and passed around now and again. Or they might be reincarnated as some lowly devil grunt. In any case, I tried not to think too much about it.
A month later, my dear succubus patron came calling to give me a much overdue report. All those souls sent had amounted to... just a pittance.
I was shocked.
Well, not really. I suppose my mortal perception had placed a higher value on something like a soul, but by the scales of Hell, their meaningless lives meant meaningless souls as well. My mentor, who had accomplished much and owed much of his power to Hell, was a shining prize.
In short, I had a long way to go.
She made me an offer to speed up the process.

Ah hah. Finally, here it was. The real reason she had agreed to our apparently clever and superior terms.

For as long as there were contracts with the Hells, there were those who would try to find a way out. Weren't my mentor and I just two such?

Instead of renegotiating contracts, some chose a more brute force approach, which invariably meant wards, living on holy ground, maybe even undeath, but in general a lot of penance to those very gods they spurned in the hope of some intercession after death. Mostly that latter was futile, unless they were of epic consequence, but the former generally meant a lot of trouble for devils wanting to collect their due.

Enter the Bailiffs.

Hell's Bailiffs are basically skip tracers, sent to collect debts. That is, souls owed to Hell. Not being devils or any kind of true infernal being themselves, they could freely pass wards or step onto holy ground to deliver a killing blow, thus putting the soul on the highway to Hell. There frequently isn't much of a hurry to claim a soul, but even Devils have debts to others. Debts that are paid in the currency of souls.

It's soulless work. However justified the bargain, however much genuine good it did, the pact is binding and the soul is owed. Plus, there is often the matter of making an example of the victim, lest too many others try the same. Bailiffs weren't judges. They just do as they are told and they can't modify or void contracts. And if some might be worried about crises of conscience, well, you have to remember that in my case, I was already damning souls on a weekly basis. Besides, there were always other bailiffs that could be sent, so if not one, then another would be along shortly.

It's also dangerous work. To be able to defy Hell's regular bill collectors is no small feat to arrange. However they have done it, there's bound to be a catch somewhere to make getting around it tricky.

That she offered it meant this was clearly going to be to her extreme advantage in more ways that she already openly stated: She would be paid a commission for my efforts which she would wholly attribute toward settling my account. And these souls she would direct me to... Even a fraction of their worth was more than a score of the unimaginative gutter-trash I was sending to damnation.

It wouldn't be such a tempting offer if I weren't so deep in debt. She had, I was under no delusion, planned this from the start, from the very time we had offered to balance our account with souls. She freely added that she'd get her payment plus priceless influence with her peers and superiors, and my free services -- all of which would be exceedingly gratifying to her, so much so that she even offered to at any time give me useful advice on the current mark.

Useful advice for getting out of whatever jam she would get me into.

I wanted to think about it.

What's ahead for this blog.

2011-08-30T01:39:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

So, er... It looked like YouTube didn't like me posting the vids of CG sex online. I should have marked them private vids that weren't searchable, but that would still probably have caused trouble anyway.

In any case, I finished playing Oblivion a long time ago. The Sexlivion mod was cute, but ultimately the story in that mod was blah.

You've probably noticed that I've given up on writing more sexy Oblivion stories. I guess the inspiration petered out there, but I hope everyone still enjoyed the stories posted so far.

Going forward, instead of starting a new blog for my writing experiments, I shall just use this blog for more (semi-)erotic fantasy stories. No real schedule here as I have projects on the go, so you can expect only posts when I have time to write and when inspiration strikes.

For the moment, I'm poking around with Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition and Dungeons and Dragons source material in a very loose way -- not as strictly correct as the R.A. Salvatore books (for example) in terms of what is where and who can do what and all that. In fact, deliberately vague so that if Dungeons and Dragons players felt inspired, they could lift the story and translate it into a role-playing adventure.

Anyway, without further ado... the latest installments will be in the next few posts.

Enjoy!

Simplicia the Slow part 2

2010-10-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

The Garden of Dareloth was a small garden in the Waterfront District. No one really knew why it was called the Garden of Dareloth or why it was there at all. There wasn't even anyone known as Dareloth, and it didn't really belong to any of the shacks. It was, however, a nice place for the locals and some of them took turns keeping the grass trimmed, and the place somewhat tended.
The community spirit in even slummy areas can often be surprising to the people on the outside.

A shady Redguard hung around there that night, with an argonian. As I approached, a rather cute pink-eyed wood elf also headed for the clearing. She sized me up, frowned, but then put on an aloof and confident look.

"It's unusual to have three applicants... So instead of the usual test of skill and trustworthiness, I'm making this a contest."

"That's not fair!" the argonian exclaimed.

The redguard ignored him. "Whoever brings me the diary of Amantius Allectus -- without killing him -- will be admitted into the Guild..."

He turned to me with a meaningful look and added, "...and our contacts."

I noticed he was so far careful not to mention the Thieves Guild or the nature of his contacts -- probably fences. Possibly more.

"Hah! I'll have it before sunrise!" the bosmer exclaimed triumphantly, and with a big smile on her face dashed off purposefully.

"Hmm... Maybe he lives in the Elven Gardens..." the argonian mused.

I tried to follow the bosmer, but she was light and nimble as their kind typically are, and steadily extended her lead. She was clearly headed out of the Waterfront District and toward the gates into the city proper and the Temple District. She was one helluva sprinter.

I breathlessly followed her through the gates, but once past, couldn't see her anymore.

"Which way did she go?" I asked one of the bewildered nightwatch, who quickly became suspicious.

"Why? Is something the matter, citizen?"

"Uh... No! No..."

He gave me a piercing look and I slinked away, walking as casually as I could, and generally aimlessly.

Someone fell in beside me and I turned to see Simplicia. I hadn't initially recognized her in the dim lights of the city torches, especially as her gait had changed. Clearly the curatives I had given her were working.

"What did Armand want this time? He always has some silly mission or other for new Guild members. Gets them to do easy commissions."

"Armand Allectus. I'm supposed to get his diary."

"Oh, well he lives just over there," Simplicia pointed. "But Methredhel's a fast one, aye? And a sneaky one, too. She'll have beaten you to it... But I have an idea."

She took me by the hand and led me to a nice residence where I was very surprised to see her produce a key.

She winked at me. "Don't worry, luv, there'll be no trouble."

"Armand's busy tonight. He won't be back in the Garden till tomorrow night, which means Methredhel won't be able to turn in the book till then -- Armand never talks business during the day. Too hot to handle goods then."

"So...?"

"So, if you know where Methredhel lives, you could poke around her place and pick up the book."

"So where does Methredhel live?"

Simplicia closed the door and locked it behind us, then led me to the door leading into the basement.

"Here?" I asked.
I only just noticed that she'd cleaned up a lot. She had simple clothes, but freshly washed, and she, too, had bathed and washed her hair. I didn't imagine she did that often. Now that she wasn't bowed and wincing from helljoint, she stood up straight and the pain in her face was replaced by a not unhandsome woman.

"No. This is Dynari's place. She keeps late hours anyway, and she's letting me use it tonight... for something special."

"Like what?" I hesitated.

Simplicia gave me a disarming smile.

"Like expressing my gratitude to a kind sir who's cured my wretched disease. Never in a million years could I have bought a potion such as the one you gave me. And you gave me four! Oh, I still have them... well, most of them. I gave Dynari one for this favour, and these clean clothes she's given me, and the lovely bath I had today -- just for you."

"For me?"

She smiled tenderly and led me into the basement, where she'd already set up lanterns to give a cozy candlelight feel.

"It's been ever so long since I could move so freely -- free of the pain in my joints. And I owe it all to you. I don't have any money, of course, and you don't look like you'd need it anyway. But I do have information on Methredhel -- and I promise to give that to you, just as soon as I give you one other thing."

"What's that?"

Simplicia stepped out of her shoes, and she tugged the knots on the front of her blouse and at the waist of her skirt. Then, in one smooth, practiced move shimmied out of them, revealing a somewhat bony frame with surprisingly proud apple breasts.

"My body."

My throat went dry. I typically made it a policy not to sleep with street whores of dubious reputation, as there might be nasty and embarrassing consequences which even a good curative can take time to fix.

She smiled at my surprise and stepped closer, cupped my face in her hands, and gave me a loving kiss.
"I haven't done this in years. But I wasn't always known a Simplicia, you know."

With surprising confidence and skill she kissed me again, and rubbed her hands over me, roaming my back, then undressing me assertively, apparently not willing to take "no" for an answer.

In truth I was half terrified of getting something (though not having done it in years, she'd have definitely shown other signs by now if she did have a venereal disease), and half afraid of insulting her. Though she was just a lowly beggar, she had so far proved to be resourceful and influential, and I had no doubt that she could make trouble for me if she really wanted to.

But something about her warm manner quickly made me forget all that, and I was surprised to find her very skilled in many ways of lovemaking. Very pleasantly surprised.

*

Simplicia teased me for over a very pleasurable hour until finally she pulled me into her. By then a few fierce thrusts were all that was needed for me to violently climax into her. If she had learned how to fake an orgasm during her earlier life as an escort, she certainly deserved an award for the most genuine-looking look of gratification on her face.

We lay together in tender embrace for a long while.

"Dynari will be home soon," she said. "We'd best get a move on. Besides, you'll need to case Methredhel's shack at the Waterfront."

As we got dressed, she filled me in on the rest of the details: "She lives with Adanrel and Carwen. Except Adanrel, they keep late hours. Your best bet is to sneak in through a window after she leaves for work. The other two will probably still be sound asleep."

*

Sneaking about was certainly not second nature to me, but some potions of invisibility more than made up for it. I was literally hidden in plain sight when Methredhel abruptly got up in the late morning to go to the ladies' room, just when I had entered the building that way (via the window left ajar). That was a hairy moment when I had to hold my breath in case she could hear me breathing. I think Methredhel did sense something was amiss, but just at that moment she really needed to go, and in the interval I rifled under her pillow to grab the book and a bit clumsily exited the shack. By the time she had pulled up her pants and hurried out, I was long gone.

Armand congratulated me when I brought him the diary at midnight. The argonian, Amusei, had landed in jail after getting caught trying to break into a house in the Elven Gardens. Methredhel was one step behind with a big scowl on her face and murder in her eyes. She stormed off with fists clenched tight.

"Simplicia tells me you're looking for contacts," Armand said to me, "but I need to trust you first. Go see Ongar in Bruma. He's a... 'merchant'. When you've done enough business with him, we'll talk again."

So he wants me to get so deep in crime that I'd have to depend on the Thieves Guild to keep the authorities off my back, I guessed.

Well, I was headed in that direction anyway.

Simplicia the Slow Part 1

2010-10-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

Claudette arranged a very nice cot in her apartment upstairs to hide and also guard the Amulet of Kings. Though I could see Augusta had misgivings about me there, she said nothing. She did, however, give me the occasional "I'm watching you!" look whenever she dropped by, which was often, on the pretense of bringing some food from the Tiber Septim.

Two days passed, and still Vinicia was no closer to discreetly contacting anyone in the Emperor's Secret Service. She just wasn't any good at this subterfuge stuff, and generally too nervous about it all. Besides, security was tightened in the wake of the Emperor's murder, and there was almost a paranoia around anything to do with the Blades or the Emperor. We were pretty sure that any mention of the Amulet of Kings would get us all arrested and interrogated. Besides, we didn't have any plausible story for how we found the Amulet.

I had to do something on my own. Vinicia arranged for clothes with which I could dress down, and I headed out cautiously into the streets to try a different avenue -- the Thieves Guild.

Rumours had it that if the Guild did exist, the beggars were said to be their eyes and ears. The handy part of this was that beggars approach you, and you don't have to come up with any pretext to chat them up.
Simplicia the Slow was a well-known beggar in the Imperial City Market District, and though I was dressed very differently than before and practically no one recognized me, she had a knowing look when she did look up and look me in the eye.
It was the usual line -- her starving children.

The thing about beggars is that they always sound genuine but the fake lines ruin it for everyone. Simplicia slept in one of the small gardens in the Market District, and if anyone had ever seen her starving children, they weren't telling.
Her hard life had withered whatever plain beauty she had and she was definitely not as old as she looked. Now that I had reason to talk to her and paid more attention, I noticed she had very reddish joints.

Her trembling hand was supplicated forward palm up for a coin. I held her hand gently, turned it over, and rubbled her knuckle gently.

Simplicia pulled back immediately with a gasp. She cradled her hand against her but took care not to touch her knuckles, or any part of it.

"You have helljoint," I diagnosed.

It was a painful disease, and I wasn't entirely surprised that she hadn't had it cured. A cure was beyond her means, and her life in squalor could infect her again.

"Aye," she admitted. "That's why I'm called the Slow, doncha know. But don't worry, it's not contagious. I don't think..."

"I can give you something for it, but it looks quite advanced."

"Can ye?"

"Find me tonight," I told her.

She had a hopeful look and gave me a smile.

Now this could go two ways. Either she'd be discreet with her gratitude and help me now and again, or she'd blab it all around and suddenly I'll be swarmed with beggars. I'd have to ask her to keep it quiet.

*

Back at Claudette's (through the back entrance, of course), I got busy with my alchemy set. By evening I had a batch, and put it together with some bread and cheese as a care package for Simplicia.
She found me far too quickly -- she was waiting in the alley, struggling with an orange. Her advanced helljoint meant even using her fingers would be painful, and it was a very sorry sight to see her biting the skin off the orange.
I took it from her and with a small eating knife quickly peeled it and gave her the juicy wedges. She rewarded me with the most genuine teary-eyed smile.

"You followed me?"

She shook her head. "I ask around."

"Can you ask around for me?"

"About what, luv?"

"Well... I need help with getting rid of something... sensitive."

"Uh huh..."

"I need someone well-connected."

"A buyer?"

"Not exactly. In government -- but through the back door."

"Hmm... You'll need the Grey Fox. He's very well connected."

"Not here -- Let's go back to your place."

Simplicia led me by back routes to the corner of the garden where she bedded every night, behind some bushes. We passed the disapproving eyes of a few Imperial Guardsmen, who grunted their disapproval of my charity -- which typically just encourages beggars to be more forward. But they took little notice -- and maybe that was why Simplicia, asking the right people, could find out I was living at Claudette's.

I took out the curatives I'd prepared with Mandrake Root and Elf Cup Cap and explained the prescription to her. One vial she could drink right now. It was strong stuff, but she bravely downed it, and I gave her some juice to help with the aftertaste.

"You should feel some relief by tomorrow," I assured her.

"What sort of 'something' did you need help with?"

"It's complicated -- I need to give it back. Anonymously."

"Well, you won't get far without tellin' what it is, but I can point you in the right direction: Garden of Dareloth. Midnight."

The Amulet of Kings part 1

2010-08-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

To distance myself from sweet Augusta for a while, I decided to go about the farmlands and coasts outside the Imperial City walls to see what alchemical plants I could harvest.

I had brewed up a few useful potions for the Imperial City's premier potions store, The Gilded Carafe ("I have everything for the budding alchemist under one roof" was the proprietress's motto), and was low on ingredients. The Main Ingredient in the Market District offered ingredients, but the prices were daunting and in any case I thought I might be able to do without their pricier exotic ones.

The proprietress, a lovely Breton red-head named Claudette Perrick, suggested we make the final negotiations for price and future orders in the early morning. She was looking for a particular plant for a special customer in Skingrad, and could use the help. In exchange, she promised to take me to some of the better spots for harvesting around the Imperial Isle (knowing fully I was the itinerant sort and probably wouldn't hang around to compete with her).

I readily agreed as the thought of spending more time getting to know this pleasant and intelligent woman, very skilled in alchemy (fast becoming my favourite subject), was extremely appealing. I hadn't paid much attention when she mentioned a friend would come along. I honestly thought it was for her own peace of mind, seeing as I was a relative unknown, although we had had a wonderful introduction in her store and settled into easy, familiar conversation as if we'd known each other forever. I expected a big brother or friend from the Imperial Legion. Instead...

"Augusta?" I gasped.

Her jaw dropped.

"Do you know each other...?" asked Claudette.

Then it dawned on her.

"Augusta, this isn't..."

Augusta froze, but recovered quickly. "No."

"Oh, thank the Nine Divines! So how do you know each other?"

"I'm staying at the Tiber Septim," I explained.

"I see! Well then, you may have seen my dear, sweet Augusta horribly abused by some CAD staying there too. He seduced her, then broke her heart by seeing someone else. He even had the nerve to bring the other woman -- some old hag, apparently -- to the Tiber Septim! Imagine that!
"Anyway, I thought it'd do her some good to get out, get some fresh air, and... maybe meet someone nice?"

She had a mischevious smile and gave Augusta a big wink.

*

Somehow we got past that awkwardness and on to herb hunting. Claudette was looking for the elusive Nirnroot, which was a pleasant looking plant that had the peculiar quality of making a soft chiming noise. Her mystery client in Skingrad (she refused to say who, but except it wasn't the Mages Guild, nor Sigrid's distracted alchemist friend Falanu, who ran the store All Things Alchemical in Skingrad) wanted as many as he could get his hands on, and they were dreadfully rare to begin with.

After Claudette gave us both a careful description of the plant (as the chiming sound was often too soft to clearly hear), we split up but stayed in sight of each other while we combed the shoreline. Augusta nonchalantly inched closer to me.

"Augusta, I--" I wanted to apologize again, but she cut me off.

"You touch one hair on her, and I'll 'nirn' your 'root'!"
She brandished the small silver knife she was using to cut plant leaves and stems. The low swishing motion was more than explanation enough.

She had left that threat hanging in the air no more than a second when we heard a horrified squeal from Claudette. We both raced to where she stood by the shore.

I was hoping it wouldn't be anything more than maybe a belligerant mudcrab (which can get rather large) or a really big sewer rat, but I noticed that Claudette wasn't running away. Instead she had her hands cupped over her mouth and she looked like she'd seen a ghost.

Augusta was a half step behind me, and when she saw it, she gasped and turned about immediately. She clutched to me and buried her face in my chest, thereby averting her eyes and steadying herself.

It was a body. Normally it might have floated to the surface of the waters of the surrounding Lake Rumare, but it was weighed down by armor. The same armour that protected most of her body from mudcrabs and slaughterfish, both very common and the latter quite vicious when blood or any thrashing that might be an animal was in the water.

When we'd all collected ourselves enough to take a clearer look, I waded in and dragged the body out. On closer examination, we realized with trepidation that we'd come across the body of one of the Emperor's Blades -- his personal bodyguard and a sort of secret service that answered only to him.

With the Emperor and his sons assasinated, they were without a liege until a new Emperor could be crowned. In the meantime, the Elder Council led by High Chancellor Ocato was running the show amid the Oblivion crisis of gates to Mehrunes Dagon's hellworld popping up all over the place.

For the moment, the Imperial City was safe, but who knew when a gate might decide to open up here?

"There's something in her hand," Augusta timidly pointed out, and looked at me meaningfully.

It took some prying, but I managed to release what was a boorishly large amulet of a single red stone cut into a large diamond shape about half the size of my fist, and held in a gold clasp studded with eight jewels of various colours.

"Isn't that--" Claudette's eyes widened.

She was interrupted by a shadow falling over us. We looked up to see a man and a woman, both with black maces of red-flecked metal, and clad in red robes. Their faces were hard to make out in the dim of the hoods and with the sun behind them.

"We'll take that," said the woman.

The man grabbed Augusta and tried to pull her into an arm lock. Fortunately she reacted quickly, screaming and flailing. He was thrown off balance by her sudden violent thrashing, and Claudette and I leapt into action.

I punched the woman in the face. She staggered back and weakly began to cast a spell. The man, too, cast the same spell. It was some sort of conjuration, and in just a few seconds, they were clad head to toe in a silver-black metal armor.

Claudette completed her own spell and a Timber Wolf coalesced from thin air and a cloud of sparkling yellow light.

For my part, I drew my short sword and thrust at the man. It poked him behind the thigh and wasn't a serious wound, but the poison was deadly serious and he collapsed shortly after. His conjured armour faded away, leaving him once more in red robes.

Claudette's wolf got whacked in the head and collapsed to the ground for the moment dazed. Meanwhile, Claudette and I both had the same idea to cast lightning spells at the woman, counting on all that metal she now wore to conduct the electricity well. We hadn't thought to try to capture her for interrogation by the Imperial Legion, and it was too late. Our two spells combined killed her instantly.

We picked up our things and quickly hurried away, I with the red amulet in hand.

When we got back to Claudette's store and hustled upstairs and locked ourselves in safely, she and Augusta turned to me.

I brought out the amulet from where I had meanwhile hid it in the inside pocket of my vest.

"Do you know what that is?" asked Augusta.

I shook my head.

"That belonged to the Emperor. That's the Amulet of Kings."

Augusta Calidia Part 2

2010-08-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

Vinicia and I had a late breakfast at the Merchant's Inn before we parted ways, her to the Office to catch up on paperwork, probably piled to monstrous proportions. And me back to the Tiber Septim Hotel.

One of the first things I noticed when I stepped into the lobby was that the bouquet I had bought for Augusta had mysteriously vanished. They were certainly fresh enough for a few days at least.

Augusta was very professional when she showed me to my room--Which wasn't necessary at all as I certainly knew the way by now. When we arrived, she quickly looked down both sides of the corridor and, seeing no one, turned back to me.

Her face darkened and she gave me the most terrific slap.

"You make me so jealous!" she cried.

She grabbed me and kissed me desperately.

*

In the privacy of my room, we sat close, side by side on the king-sized bed (or "emperor-sized" as the hotel brochure had it). Augusta was of course still cross with me, but there was a sort of hopefulness that softened it. A naive wishfulness that it had all been some misunderstanding, that things weren't all they seemed.

It was awfully tempting to make up some story that made nasty Vinicia the villain and me still true to my love for Augusta.
I did love Augusta, in a way. I suppose that was my problem, really -- I loved everyone. Every woman I had ever slept with, I loved. Young or old, there was something in them which made them attractive, and happily, I had always been proved right. Hadn't Vinicia turned out not to be the cold slaughterfish everyone encounters in the Office of Imperial Commerce, but an intelligent and witty conversationalist and an excellent dining companion?

I told Augusta the truth. Well, sort of. I played down my lust and just said Vinicia and I had accidentally put ourselves in a provocative situation. Augusta was of course skeptical about that. I did not, however, disguise the fact that I did succumb to baser animal desires and shagged Vinicia to within an inch of her life.

Augusta was very quiet then, and I knew she'd been hurt like this before. Well, maybe not exactly like this -- probably her other lovers were the type to check out of the hotel while she wasn't looking and never be heard from again.

She asked me if I had many lovers. If I had had sex with many women.

I admitted it to her.

I kept my mouth shut while she fought back tears and tried to recover her composure and dignity. It surprised me that she let me hold her hands tenderly and reassuringly.

"You're the one my mother warned me about," she laughed ruefully.

"You deserve better," I said. "We shouldn't have-- I mean, *I* shouldn't have--"

"No... It's not all your fault. I think I knew all along. Someone so... charismatic... It was too good to be true that someone like you would fall for someone like me."

"You mean I'm a cad."

"Yes," she laughed. "I can sure pick them, can't I? I ought to kick you out of this hotel and tell Ms. Melissaeia. Then you'd really be in a pickle."

I agreed with my contrite silence.

"I hate you," Augusta pronounced, even as she wistfully squeezed my hands.

I squeezed her soft hands back, and held them up to kiss her long, graceful fingers.

"I love you," I whispered. I pulled her close and kissed her.

"I know," she said sadly. "I wish you'd stop. And leave me alone."

She pulled away and fled the room.

*

I walked about in a daze all day, feeling low. I was supposed to shop for alchemical ingredients and supplies, which normally energized me with the interest and excitement of discovering new reagents and recipes, but today, I just couldn't see life as anything other than gray and pointless. I bought Augusta another bouquet of flowers and arranged for it to be delivered.

Vinicia Melissaeia

2010-08-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

It seemed my fortunes were finally looking up. All thoughts of my hectic days past had vanished, melting away every time I saw Augusta smile.

She was busy in the hotel, of course, which was probably a handy thing because it nudged me out of procrastination. First thing in the morning, I splurged for an enormous bouquet of flowers for my dear lovely Augusta, guaranteed to pleasantly embarrass her whenever anyone asked about it, then went about my day.

I dropped by the Office of Imperial Commerce to deliver the Anvil Well Crystals and received a second assignment to sort out the water wells in Cheydinhal, which water had for some reason become foul-tasting. There was a Mages Guildhall in Cheydinhal as well, and if I ever wanted to access the Arcane University in full I'd have to go there for a recommendation, so I agreed. Hopefully there wouldn't be any more crazy, murderous, Argonians.

Some inquiries into local businesses and opportunities brought up the topic of real estate, and I was interested to learn from the rather stern official, Vinicia Melissaeia that a small home was for sale at the measly price of 3000 gold -- a foreclosure. But, she assured me, it could be rented out for a continuous income. Was there a catch?

Of course there was. She was trying to get rid of it too quickly and sight-unseen.
I couldn't play the flirt card with her -- She just wasn't the type. She was more of the stick-in-the-mud tight-assed type, actually. After catching her in a few discrepancies, a truer picture emerged: It wasn't a house at all, but a shack. There weren't any shacks in the Imperial City proper, of course. It had to be at the Waterfront. A place known to be crawling with beggars, smugglers, and thieves.
How the Office of Imperial Commerce got stuck with this real estate was a mystery to me, and they were certainly trying to get rid of it quickly and cheaply.

There had to be more to this story and I wanted to see it, but she wouldn't part with the key -- probably afraid I'd run off with it. At the same time, she wouldn't come with me to show me the property. Finally I was prepared to walk and she relented. At first she tried to get one of her underlings to do it, but they balked and had some sort of excuse or other, mostly related to work. The tried to get one of the Imperial City Guards to come along with us, but evidently she hadn't endeared herself to them and they brushed off her request as frivolous.
Finally, she took a fine dagger from a drawer in the counter and tucked it into the cloth belt of her dress.

"No telling what sort of riff-raff might accost us," she explained.

We passed through the Imperial City's centre, Green Emperor Way, then the Temple District, and finally left the city proper to the Waterfront District.

She instantly tensed and quickened her pace. It didn't take long for me to realize what had made her suddenly nervous, and why she'd been so reluctant to come here in the first place -- Her fine clothes and affluent appearance made her an instant magnet for beggars and other even less savory attention. There was little doubt she'd come here before, probably to show other potential buyers the property. There were lewd catcalls and rude propositions.

She clung to my arm and pressed close to me. For my part, I squeezed her hand reassuringly and we made it to the shack in short order.
To find it thoroughly ransacked and devoid of any furnishings.

Vinicia had a conflicted look on her face, in between outrage and despair. There wasn't much point using the key now. We even had to chase a squatter out, although he'd probably be back as soon as we left.

"I wish the damned City Guard would do their jobs just once," she cursed.

"Well, there you have it. A grand shack for sale. Three thousand gold," she said ruefully.

"Uh... I'll think about it," I said.

Vinicia sighed. "I suppose I can't blame you. It's hardly a good neighbourhood, unless you're thick with the thieves."

"And how does one do that?"

"Do what? Become a thief? I suppose you could try joining up with the Thieves Guild."

"That what?"

Vinicia picked up a ragged poster off the ground. I had seen a few around town, but hadn't paid very close attention. "They say this 'Grey Fox' controls all the thieves in the Imperial City, and they've got a Guild of their own. Some say the beggars spy for him. Others say it's all rubbish."

Vinicia hastily pointed out the main features of the shack, then we readied to leave -- Only to find the exits blocked by three rather disreputable looking thugs.

"Well lookie here... The prissy little bitch is back."

"You!" Vinicia spat. "I'm warning you! You'd best clear off before I have you arrested again."

"I don't see the Watch with you this time. Just your skinny boyfriend. No... it's my turn. I'm going to beat the crap out of him, then make him watch as I make you my bitch."

Vinicia went ghostly pale and pressed closer to me.

The three of them advanced with clubs and long knives.

"Stay close," I whispered to her, and pulled her beside me.

We had our backs to the fireplace. I raised one fist to cast a spell conjuring a Scamp out of thin air.

"A bloody mage!" one of the thugs cursed.

They rushed me, but my spell was already cast and the scamp materialized in seconds. I took a staggering blow from a club to my left shoulder. Vinicia screamed and quailed beside me. The scamp had oriented itself and loosed a sphere of fire, burning one thug badly. The third had fled.

I drew my short sword and settled into a defensive posture to protect Vinicia. The scamp leap into one thug, smashing him into the wall. A vicious claw rake disembowelled him. At this, the last thug finally turned to flee but the Scamp released another fireball which caught him in the back of the head. His hair and clothes caught fire and he didn't make it very far before he fell writhing on the ground, all ablaze. Gleefully, my conjured Scamp fell on the dying man and finished him off.

I grabbed Vinicia and we ran from the Waterfront. The Scamp followed us quite closely a few steps behind until the spell expired and it was banished back to whatever Oblivion it had been called from.

*

Once she'd calmed down a bit, Vinicia's natural indignation arose in her and she alternated between exclaiming her disgust for the Waterfront and swearing she would file a complaint against the City Guard for allowing vile rapists to roam freely. We didn't return to the Office of Imperial Commerce, but instead to her small apartment in the Market District, where, very business-like, she stripped me of my shirt and checked my wounds -- in particular where the club had smashed my shoulder.

"I'm alright," I assured her.

"I just want to make sure," she explained.

Then it seemed she suddenly realized what she was doing, roaming her hands all over my shoulder and chest and back, and a hot blush crept into her cheeks.

"I... I suppose you do look alright," she stammered.

I held her hands where she'd last left them on my chest, resisting her efforts to pull away.

"I do appreciate your care ... and attention."

"Well... you rescued me. Who knows what might have happened." She shuddered at the memory.

"Oh, I know exactly what would have happened," I whispered, and held her by her wrists.

I could feel her pulse quicken, her breath coming in short, frightened gasps. Her cheeks were redder than ever.

I undid the bun in her hair and shook it out, then leaned over her, pressing her down on her bed. She put her hands on my chest, and looked anguished, torn between pushing me away and running her hands all over me.

I leaned down to kiss her tenderly. When she roamed her hands from my chest to my back and pulled me closer, I kissed her again, more fiercely and passionately. She moaned beneath me.
After many long, hard, kisses; some with my tongue duelling hers, we came up for air. I suddenly pulled her arms off me and pinned her down by her wrists. I kissed her on her nape; gently bit her, pressing my canines against her vulnerable neck.

I whispered in her ear, "I'm going to make you my bitch."

*

Needless to say, she didn't go back to the Office that day. We dallied in bed for a long time, not getting up until the evening to draw a hot bath and wash the day's exertions away. Then, refreshed and she in an elegant gown for the evening, we took a pleasant walk through Green Emperor Way and into the Talos Plaza where we had a delightful candlelit dinner at, of all places, the Tiber Septim Hotel.
I could feel Augusta's eyes boring into the back of my head, but I couldn't refuse Vinicia's advances. Certainly not after the wild animal sex we had.
It must have looked scandalous, a woman of her more advanced years flirting with me, but she was relaxed in my company and a very different and altogether more pleasant person than the stern woman who must have become hardened in her position in the Office of Imperial Commerce, where day in and day out she had to hear the most inane and petty complaints from citizens and businesspeople alike. I rather found her intelligent company, very knowledgeable, and cautiously witty.

When we thanked our host late that night, Augusta betrayed no sign of emotion other than professional pleasantness, and I was really quite worried what tomorrow (or later tonight) would bring. But for the moment, all my attention was on Vinicia, and we took a circuitous route back to her home, crossing through Green Emperor Way to the Arboretum, a very beautifully kept public park with statues of the nine divines and an enormous fountain in the middle; then to the Arena, quiet at this late hour now that the final bloody matches of the day had been fought and the stadium closed for the night; and finally back to her apartment.

She asked me up for a night cap.

How could I refuse?

Augusta Calidia and the Tiber Septim Hotel

2010-08-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

Out of Skingrad I headed east to the Imperial City. The capital city of the Empire is very different from every other city in that the huge marble slabs are Ayleid. Overall, the architecture is of that ancient elven race, but repurposed into contemporary living spaces. It is situated on the drably named "City Isle" in the vast Lake Rumare.
On the eastern and side the Isle is close enough to the mainland to not inconveniently swim, but the only way to and from the mainland that doesn't require getting wet is from the west, past the village of Weye and into the affluent Talos Plaza.

Even from far away I could see the tall, narrow White Tower of the Imperial Palace. By night, the lights from the tower gave the capital city a beacon, like some sort of lighthouse of civilization.

The roads around the lake shore were well patrolled, and for the first time since setting foot on Tamriel did I feel safe, and, though cautiously a first, let my guard down.
It was a profoundly relaxing experience.

It'd heard the Tiber Septim Hotel, easily the priciest rooms in all of Tamriel, had briefly become a classy brothel, but the operation had been bought out by offshore investors and it had reverted to a hotel. Sadly, it was all true, and there was nary an escort to be found. A rather exclusive men's club had opened up in the Market District, but the staff didn't do outcalls.

I was tired and looking forward to a relaxing and pampered night, so I checked in late in the evening and promptly flopped into bed dead asleep. Only to wake again in a few hours, ravenously hungry.

The lovely clerk Augusta Calidia, was all too happy to take a break from the mind-numbing night accounting to show me to the dining area and arrange for wine and some pastries. Infinitely preferring her cultured company over dining alone, I filled my plate and followed her back to the lobby. It was very quiet in the very exclusive Tiber Septim, and Augusta assured me it would be so for hours on end, which was why she had the opportunity to read so many books.

Quite "accidentally" she held up her latest book -- the very naughty play, The Lusty Argonian Maid. She couldn't blush on command, however, but I still played along and as innocently as I could, asked to see it.

I'd of course read it, and even watched three different stagings of it, so it was easy to pick out a good passage. We read it together, edging closer to each other all the while until she was pressed against me and my hands roamed her tendernesses.

Lifts-Her-Tail: Certainly not, kind sir! I am here but to clean your chambers.

Crantius Colto: Is that all you have come here for, little one? My chambers?

Lifts-Her-Tail: I have no idea what it is you imply, master. I am but a poor Argonian maid.

Crantius Colto: So you are, my dumpling. And a good one at that. Such strong legs and shapely tail.

Lifts-Her-Tail: You embarrass me, sir!

Crantius Colto: Fear not. You are safe here with me.

At this point Augusta motioned me to pause, and she led me to her small, private quarters in the sub-level. Although merely staff quarters, it was furnished very cozily. The bed, in particular, was all sensual luxury of velvet and satin.

Lifts-Her-Tail: I must finish my cleaning, sir. The mistress will have my head if I do not!

Crantius Colto: Cleaning, eh? I have something for you. Here, polish my spear.

Lifts-Her-Tail: But it is huge! It could take me all night!

Crantius Colto: Plenty of time, my sweet. Plenty of time.

Augusta did indeed polish my "spear", and very skillfully so, leaving it wet and slick. She was hot and bothered by then, and I had no trouble thrusting it swiftly and deeply into her "scabbard" until she begged me to stop.
Our enthusiasm had left her inner thighs bruised. She was limp, breathing raggedly, had a silly happy smile on her face. Which turned to surprise and fear when she realized I wasn't sated.
I pulled open her thighs and toyed with her tender nib with my mercilessly dextrous tongue, forcing upon her more screaming pleasure.

*

I woke up very late and feeling so much more relaxed than I'd been in so many days I'd lost count. For a change, the last two days had been completely devoid of having to kill anyone or anything. This was how civilized life was meant to be!

With the help and unspoken cooperation of Augusta's coworkers, I managed to steal her away for brunch, and we even had a bit of time to wander the gardens around the Imperial Palace and some of the Market District in order to procure freshly baked dinner rolls and assorted savories for tonight's dinners at the Tiber Septim.
I really ought to have handed over the Anvil Well Crystals and dwemer thingamabobs required to repair the Imperial Orrery, but I was having such a wonderful time with Augusta, and enjoying the change of pace that I just didn't care.

Adrienne Berene part 2

2010-07-31T21:00:00.000-07:00

"What took you so long?" Adrienne scowled.

The sun had already set by the time I had bathed, put on clean clothes (I really just threw on a standard-issue Mages Guild robe for convenience, and was going commando underneath -- not that I thought anyone would know), and grabbed a quick bite from Skingrad's most famous bakery, Salmo's Sweetrolls.

When she answered the door to her private quarters, she had changed into something much more relaxed and comfortable, a satiny bedrobe of sensual red trimmed with black.

"As you might have guessed, this... uh... meeting will be about your recommendation letter," she explained.

She maneouvered behind me to shut the door firmly, then traced the outline of the lock with one finger. There was a flare of bright green and I heard the click of the lock. Magically locked. Hmm...

"I don't like interruptions," she explained, then walked to a luxurious armchair where she sat and crossed her legs with all the elegance she could manage. Soft white skin peeked out from behind the fold of her robe, and she nudged her knee so that her robe fell away, revealing the full smooth extent of her beautiful thigh.

I was starting to get an ominous feeling, which was only reinforced when she looked at me with a trying-too-hard come-hither seductive manner.

I played along, and she broke into a small pleased smile.

"I must say I was very disappointed when you initially refused my assignment for the Arcane University's Orrery," she said, turning serious again. "Hardly the sort of thing one would expect from the Hero of Kvatch."

"How did you--?"

"Oh, please. I have my sources, of course, and really, it won't be much of a secret for very long. Word is already spreading like wildfire thanks to the Black Horse Courier. All of Tamriel is frightened by the Oblivion Gates to Mehrunes Dagon's realm, but when you closed the one at Kvatch, that gave the people hope that this demonic invasion can be beat.

"But that's not important right now. Right now, you have to get on my good side after profoundly disappointing me today. Otherwise you won't get your precious recommendation."

"And how do I...?" I trailed off, although I was pretty sure where this was all going.

Now, Adrienne Berene wasn't an unattractive woman, you understand. On the contrary, her pig-tails had grown on me. It was as if she were clinging to her playful, youthful side and someone like that could be a lot of fun in and out of bed. Except I think she may have had some disappointments in the past when it came to relationships. Possibly because she came across as aloof to the point of being rude, and being rather geeky, deep in her books all the time.
I was sure that deep inside she'd enjoy wonderful, passionate, sex with the right person, like any other woman. But especially right now, I had the awful feeling that she had built up some sort of fantasy around her sexual extortion tonight, and if I couldn't guess right and play along properly, she'd be upset. Very upset.
Which made her volatile. She being an experienced mage--head of the Skingrad Mages Guild, no less--and this guild having as its specialty Destruction Magic, it's not shy of the truth to say that the word "volatile" could be taken literally.

"'How', you ask? Oh, come now. I'm sure you can guess. Here we are. All alone. Just the two of us. My sources say you're a... virile man. And here I am,..." (she clenched her fists nervously just right now), "attractive and willing. I shan't have to spell it out for you, will I?"

At this point I had to say I was eternally grateful for all those times I had to smoothly and glibly lie about a woman being not too fat, not too thin, and not horribly dressed in such and such an outfit. I was pretty sure my face betrayed no uncertainty when I walked up to her and held her hand affectionately.

"No, of course not," I said, and pressed my lips against hers.

Her enthusiasm still caught me off guard when she mashed back and clamped her arms around me so desperately you might have thought this was the first kiss she'd ever had after years of longing.
Had she never, ever, been kissed?
My heart softened for this vulnerable woman.

I wasn't sure exactly how to proceed at this point. Could she actually be a virgin? Was she looking for a straight missionary position vanilla tryst? Would she freak out if, for example, I tickled her anus?

When she finally released my mouth so she could get some air, I gently restrained her hands and tried to relax her for a gentler, more sensuous kiss; and fortunately found her willing to let me take the lead. When I was sure she wouldn't put me in a death grip, I cupped one breast through her soft robe and with my thumb rubbed an already firmly erect nipple.

She was aroused far too quickly, which made me suspect her fantasy was taking over again. She splayed her legs very wide, revealing no lacy underthings underneath her robe. Her hair there was wheat-blonde like her pig-tails and she'd let it grow wild. She grabbed me by the head and pushed me between her legs.

"Don't you tell anyone about this!" she warned.

Then I had her moaning.

*

When finally she had had enough (possibly because her clitoris was probably either sore or numb from my tongue), she let go of my head. She had since slumped into her chair, at first writhing in pleasure but now just happily exhausted.

Was this it? Oral sex for the boss in exchange for a recommendation letter?

As if she had read my mind, she gave me a cunning look. Any nervousness she had had earlier was gone. "I hope you don't have plans for tonight. Your... performance was ... very pleasing. But it won't get you more than the most basic recommendation. If you want something actually useful, you'll have to show me your, ah, other skills."

She staggered out of the chair and went to her desk, where she unlocked a drawer to take out a rack of small vials. She took one and quaffed it, then gave one to me. I popped the cork and using my hand, wafted the strong fumes to my nose. There was the unmistakable smell of boar blood. So it seemed she knew about "special" potions of respite as well. Boar blood wasn't nearly as potent as boar penis for this sort of thing, but probably less tell-tale for someone who needed to prepare it on the sly.

There were, in total, a dozen vials.

It was going to be a long night.

I drank the mixture and immediately felt my exhausting dissipating... and my you-know-what coming to almost painful attention.
While I was going down on Adrienne she had pulled her robe open to rub her nipples and now brazenly padded about robe wide open, her creamy white skin and smooth curves for me to see.

She grabbed the empty vial from me impatiently and threw it to parts unknown. She had that scary long-deprived lust in her eyes when she grabbed me and mashed my face into her soft bosoms, and then dragged us both down to the floor.

*

I was a bit worried how my recommendation letter would read after I sort of "took over" her fantasy following missionary position sex. There was desperate passionate kissing in between and then she found herself on her hands and knees. She was a bit shocked but it was too late to do anything about it because I was then inside her. I twisted one arm behind her and grabbed her pig-tails to pull her against me, and myself deeper into her.

I ravished her like that for an extraordinarily long time, aided by three bottles of her potions of respite. The potions gave endurance, but did nothing for the chafing, and in the end I was probably more sore than she was. She didn't sit quite so comfortably in the morning when we finally awoke very late.
She said nothing at all about what we shared last night. Instead, when she came out of her office perfectly groomed and all proper again, she simply handed me the sealed letter.

She did, however, whisper to me as she walked by, "Come back soon."

Adrienne Berene part 1

2010-07-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

Finding Erthor for the Skingrad Mages Guild was a thankfully uncomplicated affair and I returned in short order. He'd been deep in Bleak Flats Cave and blissfully unaware that Mehrunes Dagon had opened gateways to hell all over Tamriel. I wondered if we'd really done him a favour calling him back to Skingrad.

Adrienne's second task was straightforward as well, but a bit daunting: The recover of some dwemer artifacts.
The Arcane University had lost a shipment of dwemer mechanical parts required for overdue repairs to the Orrery (and honestly, I had to look up on the sly what an orrery was). By "lost", Adrienne explained that they were not merely misplaced but stolen. A ransom letter had been delivered and I was to recover the items. The University refused to pay up, and normally the Imperial Legion or their Battlemage division (having connections with the Mages Guild and all) would help. Except with the Oblivion crisis, there was now also a manpower crisis apparently.

"Don't worry, we've scouted the camp: There are only a couple of them. Handle the ruffians whatever way you can--just recover those parts! Especially now with daedra all over the place, these thieves might just get themselves killed, and then who knows where the shipment will be?"

Great -- more killing. I just knew this enterprise would end in deadly violence.

"I'm due back at the Imperial City to deliver some water crystals from the Anvil well and--"

"And that's perfect! While you're there, you can drop off the dwemer artifacts to Bothiel at the Arcane University. Do this for me-- er, I mean, for the Guild of course -- and you'd also be dropping off a letter of recommendation from me."

"But I thought getting Erthor back would get me the recommendation!"

"Well, it turned out he wasn't in any danger, was he? Hardly anything worth a recommendation."

"A recommendation won't do me any good if I get killed," I muttered.

Adrienne frowned and her brow darkened. I figured she'd be disappointed, and maybe upset, but not outright nasty.

"I must say I'm profoundly disappointed. You can be assured there'll be absolutely no recommendation letter from me. You haven't done anything noteworthy and obviously have no intention of doing so. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm busy. Very busy. Kvatch is in ruins and all the outstanding tasks from the Kvatch Mages Guild have fallen to me.

"I don't know why all of it had to come here. Couldn't they have given Anvil some too?

"And another thing -- with so much to do for our Guild, I'm afraid we simply can't afford to give out any more of our supplies. Certainly not to vagrant Guild members who aren't going to stick around and help out. You can return everything on your way out!"

"Look, it's not that I don't want to help, it's just that I've done enough killing in the last few days. I never saw this much action when I was in the Legion!"

"The Legion? Is that supposed to impress me? Take a look around -- All the Imperial Legion and the City Guard do is stand around and chatter all day. It's the Guilds that do all the real work.

"But no matter. You don't have to volunteer to help. My report will just clearly state your position on the mattter."

"Wha-- What?"

"My weekly report of course. If you don't want to have a starring role in it, you'd better start thinking about ways to contribute to this Guild."

She pointedly slapped the dossier about the stolen dwemer parts on the table between us, then stormed off, her ponytails bouncing gaily.

*

I admit I did look rather a bit armored for a Mages Guild member, much less someone delivering ransom money, but I wasn't taking any chances. The theives weren't in any mood to negotiate and promptly drew their weapons. There was a skirmish then I looked through their camp for the dwemer part. It was locked in a chest (of course) and easy to recognize. There was also a handy map roughly locating their other encampments -- they'd split up the shipment so they wouldn't lose it all at once in case someone came looking for it.
Someone like me, I guess.

I really had to get out of Tamriel. This place was just too full of crazy murder and mayhem.

Orrery parts, well water crystals, then I'm backtracking to Anvil and hopping on the first ship out. Surely that spooky Namira-worshipping woman wouldn't bother following me off the damned continent.

*

It sounds really blase to say, but I had to survive (by killing) about ten bandits and thieves that day. Fortunately, they'd all split up into small camps of just two people per dwemer artifact, and travelling alone, I evidently didn't look like a squad of Imperial Legionnaires. The land in the region north and northwest of Kvatch was largely flat, so we could both see each other a mile away. A Mages Guild team or Legion squad would have been spotted and they could scram with the artifact -- then raise their ransom cost, no doubt.

Clearly Adrienne had given this some thought when she sent me alone. I don't know why she was so confident I'd be able to handle myself, though. Had word about me being the "Hero of Kvatch" leaked?

In any case, the sun was just dipping below the horizon when I shambled into the Skingrad Mages Guild, blood-spattered and tired and hauling a large sack with the artifacts, mostly gears but also an interesting dwemer coherer. It looked like alchemical apparatus but I wasn't sure what it was good for.

Adrienne heard about me coming back and with every artifact. She told me to clean up and go straight to her room to debrief. I hoped it wouldn't be another assignment.

Sigrid and Agnete

2010-07-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

There's something about short pigtails on a middle-aged woman that makes me shudder. Well honestly, Adrienne Berene, the head of the Skingrad Mages Guild, wasn't bad looking, and there was something cute about pigtails, but it just didn't quite fit her. Her hair was pulled back in a really severe schoolteacher sort of way, which rather fitted her personality. Adreinne was blunt and no-nonsense, and generally didn't have a lot of time for anyone.

Even before the Oblivion crisis she was this way, but with Kvatch reduced to an ashen heap, she was busier than ever. I think she had dreaded me to be a new Mages Guild wannabe, but I had Carahil's recommendation behind me and her whole outlook brightened.

After Kvatch and closing the Oblivion gate, I had determined I wouldn't play hero anymore, but Adrienne bluntly told me she needed something done, and as she'd run out of staff to do it, she was sending me -- That is, if I wanted any sort of recommendation from her. And a recommendation was required for promotion and proper access to the Arcane University in the Imperial City.

She wasn't the type to be sweet-talked (and besides, schmoozing Carahil in Anvil had landed me a dangerous assignment) so I agreed.

"It's about Erthor. He's one of our guild members. I wouldn't have sent him away to conduct his experiments elsewhere if he weren't so careless with summoning Scamps. Anyway, with these Oblivion Gates popping up all over the place, it would really be much safer if he were back here--And besides, I could put him to good use.

"I sent him to Bleak Flats Cave, not far from here. To the north. And with daedra crawling everywhere, you'd better be prepared. Do you know any good combat spells? No? Here, try this simple fireball. Not very powerful, but easy to cast. Destruction spells are this Guild's specialty, you know, and this weak fireball is actually optimized to be highlyl magicka efficient -- Good for someone with your, um, condition."

I'd of course explained to her my "condition", which is an inability to quickly recover my innate reserves of magic that every mage hones to give them a deep well from which to draw and cast either powerful spells, or many spells over a long period of time -- say, when fighting off hellish hordes trying to eat you alive.

"And once you've retrieved Erthor, come back immediately. I've another assignment for you, since you're headed east to the Imperial City anyway. No, it won't be necessary for my recommendation letter, but you'll be in the University's good graces, I assure you. Now run along."

I picked up a few supplies from the Guild on my way out, mostly alchemical, and met up with Sigrid in the lobby. She was just about ready to go as well. She'd been a member of the Kvatch Mages Guild, and was probably the very last one, so there was quite a bit of paperwork for her, probably equal parts report writing and administrivia.
From the Guild she raided their supply cabinets and closets for some serviceable clothes, food, and assorted supplies -- Guild membership certainly had privileges! (And dangerous assignments, unfortunately).

I had begged her not to mention to anyone anything about my having closed the Kvatch Oblivion Gate, lest it got me labelled a "hero" and given life-threatening hero assignments. As it was, looking for this Erthor fellow, though it sounded like just a stroll into the north country, might do me in.

"Let's drop by my sister's first," she said.

She'd agreed to introduce me to the Skingrad alchemist Falanu, who hailed from far-off Morrowind and who had a well-stocked store here in Skingrad. I didn't know Sigrid had a sister.

"Agnete," replied Sigrid. "She's an armorer. I was the black sheep of the family, going into alchemy."

The smithy was called Hammer and Tongs, and was a clean and well-kept establishment. The morning sun flooded in through east-facing tall windows behind the counter, forcing me to shield my eyes.

A tinkling brass bell attached to the top of the store's front door had announced our presence but no one came to greet us.

"Sis?" Sigrid called.

"Not so loud, please. What a headache I've got..." came a moan from a side door.

A tired-looking Nord woman of impressive build staggered into the room, her eyes squinting at the sun. There was alcohol on her breath and she was clearly hung over, but still managed to give us that same friendly, cute, smile that Sigrid had. She came over to Sigrid immediately and gave her sister a desperate hug.

"I was so worried," she confessed, and they both cried, Sigrid for her loss and Agnete over the joy that her sister had survived the Kvatch disaster.

"Look who I've brought -- The Hero of Kvatch!" Sigrid proudly introduced me.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," I said.

"You saved my baby sister. What would you like? Can I repair your armor for you? Would you like one of my fine maces?"

She gestured around her store at her wares. There were only a couple of swords, all Legion standard issue. Apparently her specialty was blunts.

"Oh, his mace is just fine," Sigrid smirked. She grabbed my ass.

Agnete raised a brow. "Really? I'm interested in all kinds of weapons. You'll have to show me some time."

She came over and pressed herself against me, so that between the two tall Nord sisters I was in a divine sandwich.
Agnete placed one strong, rough, blacksmith's hand down there and sized me up.

"How about right now?" I whispered, and leaned in to kiss her.

Agnete took my hand and led me upstairs. I heard the jingle of the store's front door bell and Sigrid latching it shut. Then she rushed to join us.

Kvatch part 3

2010-07-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

I quickly scavenged whatever looked useful from the dead and scrambled to find somewhere to hide and think things through.

At least the Oblivion Gate that had brought me here was still behind me. The sheer stupidity of what I had done was only now just sinking in with greater clarity. I really had no guarantee that the gate would still be there or accessible when I stepped through. This place could have been swarming with daedra ready to tear me limb from limb or torture me. I could be lost forever in Oblivion. I might still not make it out alive.

Honestly, I really wanted to turn back. This was work for heroes, not mere mortals like myself. I had come to Tamriel for a new beginning. To see sights, make new friends, form new relationships, and have mind-blowing sex with hot women. So far I'd done all of these, but impressive and intriguing though the sights of Oblivion were, I really could have done without.

But I was here now, and people were counting on me.

And fortunately, it actually wasn't crawling with daedra hordes. Maybe the invasion force had done their work and this gate was left open for whatever reason to keep the connection between Oblivion and Tamriel. From the looks of it, and the type of daedra I'd encounted so far, I would guess this world to be in the realm of Mehrunes Dagon. His title is commonly Prince of Destruction, but he is known for more than that and some admirable traits as well: Change, Revolution, Energy, and Ambition. Probably the reason that so much was burnt, shattered, and in ruins had to do with the nature of Dagon himself. Else, I coudln't fathom why so much would be in disrepair, especially as a staging area for an invasion force.

For the moment, all was quiet. No monsters except one or two in the very far distance. I scrambled up some rocks to get a better view of the blasted world. It was probably just a very large island as it appeared to be surrounded by glowing orange lava as far as the eye could see. A massive gate was before me, and farther ahead were three interconnected towers. If there were any answers to be gotten, it would be there. I cautiously peeked between the gates and found Savlian's task force behind, riddled with the barbed arrows of the dremora.

Clearly the straightforward approach would be detected and countered with an organized response. A smaller force -- say, one person, like myself -- might stand a chance reaching the tower without the same troubles. I had a small supply of ground-up Tinder Polypore Caps and Wormwood Leaves, which were essential ingredients in making a useful dust that gave the incredible power of invisibility. It, and my modest skill in Illusion magic, would have to see me to the tower. I promised myself that if no solution immediately presented itself as to how to close the gate, I'd turn around and hand the problem back to Savlian.

*

I made it to the tower. I saw lots of monsters. There are no babes in Oblivion.

I mean, honestly: The Dremora are clearly human-like, so shouldn't there be women? How do they make little dremora?

Anyway, inside, there was a massive pillar of fire shooting up to the roof. Some sort of magic well, maybe. I got all the way up to the top and sitting atop the pillar of flame was some sort of black orb. Whatever it was, it looked valuable. I didn't think it's disappearance would go unnoticed so I sniped the Dremora guards with poisoned arrows. Double-checked my supply of invisibility potions (which I had been using very sparingly, relying on terrain and distance to keep me undetected whenever possible), then grabbed the orb.

Oops.

Kvatch part 2

2010-07-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderfully relaxing night with Sigrid. The poor dear was still tired after her desperate flight from doomed Kvatch, and from her wild "rides" last night. She had invited me to ride her, then we turned over for her to play cowboy. Finally exhausted, she had fallen into a contented, purring sleep on my chest, and so the night passed.

By dawn's dim light, surely everyone had guessed at what had gone on between us, and a handsome orc woman (though admittedly I do have a very hard time with finding long flat noses and boar fangs jutting from their lower jaws to be attractive on any woman) came by to delicately wake us. It was time to get moving.

Still no reinforcements from Anvil or Skingrad, and Savlian surmised that they had their own troubles. I escorted them to the nearby GottShaw Inn where an injured Legion Soldier assigned to road patrol offered to take them the rest of the way to Anvil. He'd had to rest the night after being waylaid by camps when he paused to investigate one of the smaller Oblivion gates that were apparently popping up everywhere.
He lent me his horse and I returned to Kvatch to see how Savlian and his men were doing.

He was down to two men to hold the barricade, and they were all hurt and tired. Dead scamps, daedra seducers, and the odd heavily armored dremora were scattered about. There were enough bodies to reinforce the barricade of roughly sharpened logs lashed together.

Savlian briefed me: "We need to get inside and get the last of the survivors. I had a few soldiers holding the Chapel, which still had four walls and sturdy doors. They can't hold out forever and I won't abandon them. But first we need to close this gate so we don't get trapped inside. If we can, maybe we can retake Kvatch and the castle for supplies.

"I've already sent good men and women in there and no one's come back. We're barely holding this barricade as it is."

It was up to me then. That was what he was getting at. He wanted me to jump through a portal to hell and somehow close it, without really having any clue what to do. I can't believe his men actually went along with that stupid plan. I mean, it could be crawling with daedra over there!

Although clearly they hadn't been swarming out. Maybe whatever general was masterminding the invasion had pulled back their troops to mass for another big push against another city, and this was just kept open as a distraction, for a few raiders to keep Tamriel's defenders occupied.

As I considered how to give him a firm "NO" and explain that I was really no hero, a dremora mage and a couple of scamps stepped out of the gate and we quickly cut them down with arrows, though not before he let loose two bolts of lightning that put down another of Savlian's men. He wasn't quite dead yet, but too hurt to be of any good for a long while.

Savlian and his men were in awe at my magical bow, and I could see hope returning.

One man with a magic bow. Yay. They were probably delirious from exhaustion.

I probably was too, because without a word I checked my gear, especially my stock of healing potions on my belt, and walked to the gate.

It looked pretty big from afar, but up close... It was enormous. I shuddered to think of what monster or siege engine needed such a huge portal.

I could see the gates of Kvatch beyond, through the waves of heat and flames that licked all around the ring of stone. I leapt in.

Honestly, this hero nonsense -- and the inordinate amount of killing in just a few days in Tamriel -- really had to stop. Maybe I should see what sort of ship I could take out of Tamriel. To Morrowind, maybe. Or Elsweyr, even though I'd be surrounded by funny-talking furries.

When my eyes adjusted to the harsh reddish-orange light of this world, the first thing they were drawn to was a Kvatch soldier getting his head bitten off by a giant crocodile that ran about on its hind legs. Then that monster turned to me and charged. There were a couple of scamps, including a fairly large one with horns, but I didn't really pay much attention at the time.

I had time for one poisoned and magically charged arrow, and to quickly drink a potion I drew from my utility belt, then it was time for my sword.

Kvatch part 1

2010-07-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

I honestly thought to find some large fire somewhere... but the entire city of Kvatch -- the entire mountaintop -- was a smoking ruin! There was not grass or leaf left among the ashes, and what trees were left had been practically reduced to charcoal. Some enormous magic or unimaginable might had shattered the city walls and broken the buildings within.

I dismounted and sent my skittish horse back down before she bolted or threw me. She'd probably find her way back to Anvil. From the city gates, a motley crew of city guards were hustling a handful of survivors ahead while they desperately tried to hold off monsters harrying them from behind.
This was some kind of hellish daedric invasion! Right in front of the city gate was a grand, flaming gateway. An oval of obsidian framed that looked like it had sprung out from the very earth.

Fortunately for me, the invasion was over and the main forces, having razed the city, had pulled back for now. There was nothing here for them, or anyone. Only a few had been left behind, or wanted to stay behind, to clamber over the ruins and kill the last few citizens of Kvatch trying to escape.
Some Dremora were goading Scamps onward to delay the guards and survivors while they, weighed down in their heavy, spiky war-armor raced to join the melee.

I notched my redwood warbow which had served me so well in Fort Strand recently and cast a spell to attune it to me, forming a magical conduit to lace every poison-tipped arrow with electricity.
As you know, I was born with a stunted ability with magic, and have to make it up with potions (which presented logistical issues, of course) but there were times when you just had to burn through your reserves and drink potions like water.
The warbow had a very heavy draw weight, and was slow to fire. But when you only need one shot...

TWANG! The first shot was loosed and it punched right through the Oblivion-iron helmet of a dremora soldier. The magical "lightning strike" seared him inside his metal shell and if that hadn't killed him outright, the poison finished him off.

In the rush of melee, no one noticed yet or could do anything about it. A second arrow felled another, and the guards rallied. The survivors never looked back even when all the guards had stopped and turned. I tried to ignore them and maintain my focus while they swirled around me, heading down the mountain. The melee of guards, dremora, and scamps made shooting tricky business but I managed two more shots at those still closing in before I set aside my bow in favour of sword and shield, and ran in to help.

The commander of the ragtag band was a war-weary man with a wrinkled care-worn face. The fighting was over for now, but there was no time to rest. He directed two of his men to start building whatever barricade they could to help make their position defensible.

They looked at him as if he were mad.

"We have to hold the road. Keep the daedra contained until reinforcements can come."

He'd no sooner said that when a couple of Scamps wandered out of the flaming gate. We all jumped into action and after a short and brutal bout, cut them down.

"How can I help?" I volunteered.

He looked surprised and relieved at the same time. "Follow the survivors. Make sure they get down safely. They're too tired to go far but there's a clearing not far down. Help them make camp there for the night. I'm sure reinforcements will arrive from Anvil or Skingrad soon, and they can be escorted to Anvil tomorrow."

"We didn't hear anything in Anvil," I informed him.

"No? Damn... Then... Then we're the only ones left. I sent riders to Anvil and Skingrad, and a force into that accursed gate to see if they could close it. No one's come back."

"Is there no one else?

"We were cut off from the Chapel of Akatosh and had to fight free out of the city. The rest of the survivors and any soldiers left are in there. Only the Divines know how they're holding out, or if they've been overrun."

"I'll get the survivors set up and get back here as soon as I can."

"We'll be here holding the road. And-- My name is Savlian. Savlian Matius. You have my thanks, civilian."

*

A priest was already organizing the survivors into building fires and foraging for food, but they were largely a lost lot, unused to roughing it. Some of their number were too hurt or exhausted to carry on, and the group was resigned to waiting here. Thankfully my horse hadn't wandered far, and I took out my alchemy gear and supplies to mix up some healing potions and poultices. A beautiful golden-haired Nord quickly came over to offer her help.
Her name was Sigrid, and she was an alchemist.

"You picked a bad time to visit Kvatch," she weakly joked.

"What happened here?"

"The Daedra came out of the gate in the middle of the night. People who fought, died. People who ran... they at least had a chance."

She was wearing quite an expensive looking dress of fine blue velvet, and from the confident and casual way she measured ingredients I could tell she was a very experienced alchemist. Probably did well for herself in a big city like Kvatch. She gently took me under her wing and gave me some valuable pointers.
The skirt portion of her dress she had cut off to make a small blanket for a baby of one of the other survivors, leaving a daringly short miniskirt. My eyes were constantly distracted to gaze at her beautiful white skin, firm thighs, and shapely calves. If she noticed she said nothing. Thankfully, a distraction came along.

Ilav Dralgoner, the priest, came over to thank me for my help and humbly ask if I had any food or water to share. I turned over what I had and took up my bow to see if I could do some hunting, though it was unlikely any animals would have lingered so close to this disaster of otherworldly origins.
Sigrid promised not to run off with my alchemy kit and to watch my horse. I was therefore very disappointed to find her beside herself at having lost my mount when I returned lugging a boar.

"Hirtel took it. He was hysterical. He grabbed your horse and I couldn't stop him. I'm sorry."

She seemed genuinely contrite and really, I couldn't blame her for not trying to wrestle down a desperation-maddened man.

It was evening now, and it'd been a long day. Still no sign of reinforcements. Not even a road patrol. We were all really worried now. When night had fallen, someone pointed to strange flickering fire-like lights here and there in the distance from our halfway-up-the-mountain vantage.
They were too big to be mere campfires, and I had a sinking feeling that they were in fact Oblivion gates.

Hell was invading Tamriel.

Swell.

*

I had initially planned to stay up all night to watch over the survivors, and it looked like Sigrid, possibly feeling guilty at losing my horse, would keep me company. But a few hours in, a few of them came to relieve us and insist we get some sleep.

I let Sigrid lead the way, and was curious when she pulled us discreetly out of the light of the campfires.
"Thank you for saving us," she said. "We wouldn't have all made it out if you hadn't shown up."

I wanted to protest that I hadn't done it single-handedly but she put a finger to my lips.

She pressed her lips to mine and held me for a long while, her kiss first soft, but becoming firm and aroused when she found me receptive.

"I'm sorry I lost your horse. But you can ride me instead."

Sigrid roamed her hands from my back to my shirt and pants to remove them. My hands explored her up and down, finally focussing on her firm ass and lifting her thigh to caress her hips and delicious swell of calf.

We sank to the ground and she pulled me over her into the classic missionary position. I was of course hard with anticipation (and had been for most of my time with her) but I had no idea how hot and wet she already was. In one smooth and sure stroke she pulled me deep inside her with a happy gasp.

Leaving Anvil

2010-07-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

Interesting days were ahead!

Gweden Cathouse was up and running, though for the moment, with very limited staff (it was just Tsarrina, and Maeva the Buxom was intrigued enough to try it part-time) she ran it more as a small inn for the moment.

Mirabelle had the idea to stock some of my "get it up" potions, as she called them, at the Cathouse and promised to forward my share of sales to the Mages Guild in my absence.

Tsarrina begged me to keep an ear peeled for anyone who might be interested in being an escort. She'd heard that the Tiber Septim Brothel had recently been sold to foreign investors and reverted into merely an upper class hotel, so there might be several freelancing prospects in the Imperial City.

I'd be going in that direction on my way to Bruma anyway, so I agreed. Research had yielded that the Shrine of Namira was just to the east of Bruma, out in the wilderness and frequented by a few anti-social worshippers. I was sure that the spooky phantom lady had to be dealt with at some point or other, so I might as well go--Before she came looking for me.

After going AWOL from the Mages Guild for a couple of days, what with the Gweden Sirens and helping Maeve recover her family heirloom, I found that Dairihill (castle steward to the Countess of Anvil) had left a message for me with the Mages Guild. Apparently it was in the budget again to deal with the provincial wells, and someone needed to swim around in the Anvil wells to recover the enchanted crystals that kept the water pure. She didn't explicitly mention that we'd had a wonderful date swimming around some off-coast wrecks, but I suppose my Water Breathing potions must have made her think of me for the job.

I had hoped to promote Carahil or least her Anvil chapter of the Mages Guild to the Countess, and this was as good a chance as any. I quickly brewed up a batch and completed the task without delay. There was the matter of some slaughterfish in the Anvil Castle courtyard well, and a crazy Argonian living in another of the city's four wells who tried to kill me (honestly, Tamriel really is a hazardous place!) but the magic crystals were all retrieved and the next step was for me to deliver them to the central waterworks authority in the Imperial City.

I spent my last day in Anvil catching up with dear, sweet Carahil. Our torrid affair of a few days ago had quickly faded from local gossip -- Out of sight, out of mind, apparently. We had a quiet dinner, slow lovemaking (no wild animal sex this time, but a lingering, romantic, playful tryst) and a warm embrace goodbye early in the morning.

I hoped to be back in Anvil soon, though with various assignments now and that impending business in Bruma, I wasn't sure when that would be, if ever.

As I rode up the Gold Road, I spied billowing black smoke rising from the mountain top city of Kvatch. For just a moment I thought I'd really had enough playing hero and having people try to kill me. I just wanted to keep my head down and keep going east, through Skingrad and onward to the Imperial City. But in the end turned my horse to take the switchbacks up the mountain.

Mirabelle Monet part 2

2010-07-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

Maeva had passed out, her body slick and hot from perspiration. I lay weakly atop her, still deep inside her hot, juicy sex.

After a moment, Mirabelle lay down beside me and gave me a playful kiss. I'd forgotten all about her!

"I was sure she was going to outlast you," Mirabelle grinned mischievously.

I kissed her back. "Never."

She looked sadly at how tired I was, and fondled my hand. "Can you at least cuddle with me a while?"

"I can do better than that," I winked.

She raised an eyebrow, but waited patiently. I slowly pulled out of Maeva, and gently carried her to the rug by the fireplace and tucked her in for the night. Then I went to my gear to get a potion that quickly restored stamina.

One of the most basic potions alchemists are taught to make are potions that restored stamina. Not only are ingredients commonplace and plentiful but the applications were very wide. Soldiers could march further. Watchmen could be more alert. Horses could run faster longer.
What every alchemist and potion-buyer knows, but is sort of a naughty secret, is that such potions also help "get it up". An advanced variant using the penis of a boar (I'm not making this up!) works not only as a powerful aphrodisiac but compulsive users swear they have seen a permanent increase in the size of their erections.

I didn't have the boar meat brew with me at the moment, but I did have my favourite mixture using Monkshood Root Pulp, Blackberry, and Apple. It helped with exhaustion, energized the body with an adrenaline-like stimulus, and had a yummy fruity taste as well. If I had known making passionate love to Maeva was going to be an exhausting marathon, I would have quaffed it from the start.

But now, I would use it for dear Mirabelle's benefit.
Had she manipulated me into risking my life to help Maeva recover a family heirloom? Perhaps. But clearly she was not ungrateful.
Whether we would continue to have genuine friendship and affection between us after tonight remained to be seen.
For now, however, all I could think of was pleasing her, and all I looked forward to was her loving embrace.

"Oh my." She looked admiringly at the effects of the potion. "You'll have to tell me what's in that."

Maeva the Buxom part 2

2010-07-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

"Thank you for recovering RockShatter!" cried Maeva. She cradled the weapon fondly and gave a happy, relieved, sigh. "Mirabelle and I talked today. We were hoping you could possibly do me another favour."

"Oh?"

"Yes... I..." she cast a mischievous look at Mirabelle, who grinned and drew the latch on the door before moving close to gently embrace me from behind. She affectionately lay her head on my back.

I tensed. For just a moment I thought she was running her own version of the Gweden Sirens and I was in desperate trouble. Maeva was, like most Nords, tall and sturdily built. She's run the farm on her own for a long time, and an impressive build, however feminine she might carry herself--I was sure she could daze a horse with a solid right hook from her well-muscled arms.

Maeva leaned close to breathe in my ear, "I want to know what a hero feels like."

And just to make sure there was no mistaking her intentions, she rubbed one strong hand against my crotch. Her other hand started to tug at the laces on her dress.

Mirabelle reached around from behind me and undressed me, pants first. She playfully kissed me on the nape.

Maeva dropped to one knee. By now she had loosed her top and freed her straining bosoms. Beneath her clothes her skin was soft, smooth, and white. By the dancing light of the fireplace she glowed like an angel and had me mesmerized.

Maeva cupped her breasts and slid my rigid manhood between them. She squeezed her breasts together and massaged me in their warm, smooth, downy softness. Mirabelle held me from behind, keeping me from tipping over and kissing me tenderly again and again.

"I never did this for my husband," Maeva confessed.

Was it a lie? I didn't know, but it was sinful and exciting all the same.

She leaned down to take me in her mouth. Her soft lips, wet mouth, hot tongue... My knees went weak and I was glad for Mirabelle holding me up.

"My hero," Mirabelle whispered in my ear, and then she kissed me hard and urgently.

Even as Maeva continued to give me wonderful, magical sensations.

Sexlivion Bug - Maeva the Buxom Orgasms into the... by Fantasy_Art

Maeva the Buxom was an athletic Nord woman. Nord are generally already rather big and built (even their women) but she'd had a hard farmer's life and had the strength and stamina of a draft horse. We had fierce, desperate, almost violent sex that exhausted me more than any woman ever had.

But finally, I had her worn down and when she was too weak to thrust back, I mercilessly sent her into whimpering climax again, and finally allowed myself to come inside her.

Maeva the Buxom part 1

2010-07-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

Mirabelle continued to be attentive and affectionate (though definitely not in a clingy girly way!) all through the next morning when we took an inventory of what Tsarrina needed to fix up Gweden Cathouse and replace various items, such as the bloodstained carpet. On our way back to Anvil for the necessary shopping, we dropped by Whitmond Farm, a small place growing corn and potatoes just outside Anvil's northern gate. There, the lone caretaker, Maeva, kindly loaned us her small cart driven by a weary mule.

Maeva was a lovely, friendly Nord woman with probably the biggest breasts this side of Cyrodiil. Doubtless the reason that she was known affectionately as Maeva the Buxom. She was clearly once a beauty with creamy white skin and excellent complexion, but long hours under the sun and a hard farmer's life had roughened her hands and given her a bit of a tan, though Nords generally didn't tan well.

I was concerned that she'd be leaving the farm untended to come with us, but she dismissed my concerns.
"There's nothing to take," she explained. "After my husband Bjalfi the Contemptible took off with the only valuables we had to make his fortune, there's nothing to steal until harvest time, really."

"You've not heard from him, then?" Mirabelle asked gently.

"He's never coming back," Maeva spat. "Worst part is, he's taken RockShatter. If my father ever found out..."

Seeing my puzzled look, the ladies explained that Bjalfi and Maeva had initially settled in Anvil to be farmers as their parents were, but the promise of quick money made Bjalfi pawn off most of their goods for heavy armor. He also took the heirloom mace, Rockshatter, that had been in Maeva's family for generations. Her father had given it to her as a wedding gift.

"Initially he wanted to join the Fighter's Guild -- you know their motto, 'fight and get paid for it'." But there was even quicker money the Nord way."

"Raiding," I guessed.

"I told him we weren't in Skyrim, but he didn't listen. Joined up with some gang holed up in the ruins of an abandoned fort nearby -- Fort Strand. If they've been up to no good here, the Imperial Road Watch haven't caught them. He's going to wind up dead or having to leave Anvil. I just know it. Either way, he's not coming back."

I found that a bit hard to believe, as Maeva the Buxom was really a fine catch. Not only was she attractive (and admittedly very well-endowed), athletic but a hard worker, responsible, and low-maintenance for a woman. But greed can do funny things to people. Maybe Bjalfi wanted to impress her with money.

"My father said I was a fool to marry him, but I didn't listen..."

"What made you marry him?" I asked.

Maeva let out a long sigh.

Mirabelle patted my hand. "It's a woman thing. Sometimes, we're attracted to men who are bad for us."

"If you see my good-for-nothing husband, tell him I want back what he stole from me!"

She strode ahead in a huff. Mirabelle continued to walk by my side, and she gave my hand a little squeeze. When I turned to her, she had a meaningful look on her face.

In the back of my mind I was pretty sure none of this was a coincidence -- Mirabelle must have known it would come up, and then expect me to do something. I wondered if sex last night had been a bribe to make me feel obliged right now.

I wasn't sure whether to feel offended or hurt.

*

Tamriel being the deadly place it was, and people surprisingly prone to lethal force as I had experienced in my first days here, I wasn't at all surprised that Bjalfi's band immediately tried to kill me. Fortunately they were spread out in the extensive ruins of Fort Strand, and a combination of stealth, magic, and Legion training let me get the drop on most of them. It was pretty low of me to use my alchemy on them and poison my arrows, but they were many, I was just one, and I really didn't care to be rat food in some dusty ruin.

I never did get a chance to talk to Bjalfi. It was only when the dust settled that I realized I'd killed him. The mace of Dwemer make was of a dull gold metal, surprisingly heavy, and enchanted to give a nasty electric sting. How it was particularly good at shattering rocks I could only guess.

I reported the incident to the Anvil City Watch, and arranged for the local armoury and general store, Morvayn's Peacemakers and Lelles' Quality Merchandise, to haul out what was salvageable for consignment.

Whether Maeva or Mirabelle knew how violently things would play out, I didn't know, although it would have been fair to guess. Was I their patsy? Did they genuinely need this favour? I suppose I'd find out when I returned the mace.

Mirabelle Monet, Proprietess of the Fo'c's'le

2010-07-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

It was all over except for the cleanup. The khajiit Tsarrina was very cooperative with the Anvil City Watch, and back in Anvil, Gogen's testimony combined with her own statements cleared her: Faustina and Signy had forced her into their blackmail scheme, making her their unwilling accomplice. That she had immediately surrendered counted in her favor, and the Watch Captain decided to let her go with a fine and keep her under light surveillance.

The Chapel of Dibella gave Faustina and Signy their final rites, and I paid for a burial at sea. Overall this seemed the best way, as no one wanted graves defiled in retribution. The modest reward offered by the City Watch went straight toward funeral expenses, and I made up the shortfall myself. I'd have to spend a day or two gathering herbs and brewing potions for the Mages Guild to build up my funds again, but that seemed far away right now.

Something didn't add up for me about Gogen's story, and I approached him about it: "If you were undercover all this time, and you let yourself be taken in by Faustina's scheme... why didn't the City Watch arrest the two of them right after?"

"No one was hurt or killed yet, and the Captain wanted to find out who was helping them by fencing the extorted goods. I picked the short straw, so I had to get naked and humiliated to plant the ring with them. We hoped it would turn up in a store somewhere."

"But the ring was too cheap and no one would take it," I concluded, remembering what Faustina had said.

"Well, we didn't think of that, actually. Yes, it was a cheap ring: We were worried we'd actually lose a real ring and couldn't recover it, so we got a disposable one. When the ring didn't turn up locally, we thought they might have some outside help. A travelling merchant, maybe. We'd given up that angle."

"Then we're back to my original question: Why didn't you arrest them? And why'd you let me go up alone?"

"We were keeping them under observation because we didn't know where the khajiit was. Because everyone thought I'd been suckered, it was easier for me to question previous victims. Some saw her, some didn't. We wanted to grab all three at the same time. I spelled out their game to you, but you still wanted to go, so we had to move.
"Luckily, when Faustina couldn't find Signy in town, she went to get Tsarrina before heading to Gweden. I think she was worried something was up and wanted backup, even if Tsarrina wasn't entirely willing.
"All three were going to be at the farm, so I rounded up some of the Watch and we went up too."

"And if Faustina hadn't gotten Tsarrina?"

"Well, like I said, we wanted to grab all three. And you're a stranger, so you could always leave town."

"Uh huh."

"Hey, it's not so bad. Look at me: I'm still undercover, so I can't tell the real story. No one in town will let me live it down, and my partner Maelona gets to use this embarrassing episode against me from now on. At least you got to play hero.
"Now here's a question for you: Why did YOU go up there? You didn't have to. You just like playing hero a lot, like at Brina Cross?"

"You heard of that?"

"Of course."

"Well, now that you've brought it up... Yes, I thought I might break up the gang and call it another good deed by the Mages Guild. Hoped it wouldn't end up this way, though. I thought I might get Signy to defect--I'd heard she might not have been the ruthless brigand type.
"Could you do me a favour? In the Captain's report, could you nudge him to mention this as being a joint operation with mild assistance from the Mages Guild or something like that?"

"I think I can do that. You did help us out by dispelling Faustina's invisibility spell. I must say she caught me by surprise with that."

*

The paperwork was complete and I finally stepped out of the City Watch offices. It was halfway to dawn now, and it had been really long day.

Tsarrina and Mirabelle, who had come to attend the funeral, were together. Mirabelle had one arm over the khajiit in consolation and support. It had been several stressful months for the blackmailed khajiit and finally she could go home. But her house was a place of death, yet she didn't have anywhere else to go.

"Please, brave hero, will you escort this one home?" she asked. "It is late, and the roads are dark. This one would like nothing else to happen tonight. You would be welcome to stay the night at Gweden farm."

"Certainly," I said, and grasped her hand/paw firmly. "It'll all over now. We'll have you home safely soon."

I gave her a long, warm embrace.

"I'll come with her," Mirabelle offered. "Help her tidy up over the next couple of days until she can get things in order again."
She'd asked the proprietor brothers of The Flowing Bowl to keep an eye on her place, and was free to be away a few days.

We walked to Gweden Farm in silence. Tsarrina averted her eyes from the blood in the living room and quietly excused herself to retreat into the basement instead of sleeping on the luxurious bed on the main floor. Mirabelle and I cleaned up the bloodstains from the hardwood floor. The stained carpet we rolled up and put outside.

"You could use a bath," she grinned.

Without waiting for an answer, she took my hand and led me out the door. We walked quietly, very close to each other, holding hands. At the river, she patiently undressed me. If she saw I was excited by her company, she show any reaction.

When she had me naked and in the water, she undid her own dress. I watched, mesmerized, as she revealed her perfect body slowly, one piece of clothing at a time. Her pale skin and curvy figure glowed in the moonlight like some enchanted nymph or shining goddess. When she joined me in the water and slid into an intimate embrace, her body was soft and firm in all the right places. She pressed hard against me and kissed me deeply and over and over again and we ran our hands slowly over each other's body.

When we had bathed we came out of the water we wrap ourselves in towels and sat awhile in each other's arms, happy and refreshed.

"I heard how sweet you were to Signy. And it was very kind of you to pay for the funeral," said Mirabelle.

She put one finger on my lips to hush me. She moved between my legs and slid me into her mouth with practiced, agonizing slowness and a skillfully perfect blend of tightness, tongue, and teeth.

The pleasure was excruciating.

The Sirens' Deception part 4

2010-07-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

Signy snuggled in my arms with a dreamy-happy look on her face. She was so adorable like that I couldn't help but kiss her on the forehead.

"I love you," she said.

"I love you too," I sort-of lied.

I really didn't know her well enough to be in love with her. And her criminal activities were another turn off, of course. But in general, I'm really quite weak when it comes to women showing me attention. I've always thought that if they came on to me on their own initiative that it was definitely more promising that we'd stay together once married. But often women who want to spend time with me really just want to be friends, and it all turns out profoundly disappointing when they tell me I'm not their type or they're already seeing someone.

Not Signy. She was definitely not seeing anyone else. And we'd made hot passionate love when that was clearly not what she and Faustina did with the men they lured up to Gweden Farm.

Where was all this going to go? How could I shield Signy from the consequences of her involvement? Or have I all along been taken in by some really good acting from Signy?
There wasn't any more time to ponder such weighty matters because from above came a rather panicked cry: "Signy? Signy are you here?"

Signy shot straight up out of bed, her eyes wide with horror and she as ashen like someone who'd seen a ghost. "Faustina!" she gasped.

"STAY HERE!" Signy commanded and threw on her dress, minus her undergarments, which would have taken too long but without which anyone would know she was naked underneath. She also forgot her shoes in her haste to dash up the basement stairs.

I quickly put on my clothes as well and looked about for the short sword I had brought with me (in anticipation of having to defend myself from wolves and other dangerous wildlife on our walk over here) and meanwhile tried to overhear what was going on upstairs:

"Signy, what's going on?" asked Faustina. "Why are you here so early? And what happened to your clothes? Are you alright?"

"Um... We got here early."

"'We'? Who's 'we'? You didn't... Tell me you didn't bring him here alone."

"Well... We sort of ran into each other. And he didn't know the way because he's new in town."

"Signy, did he touch you? Did you let him touch you?"

"Faustina, I..."

"Sweet Dibella! You didn't! Tell me you didn't!"

"Faustina... He loves me. And I love--"

"Stupid! You stupid, stupid girl! Of course he does! He'll say anything to have his way with you."

"No! It wasn't like that!"

"Signy, we've done this a hundred times -- Lured men to this farmhouse. Just think of all those men. Don't you know by now that all men are pigs? They'll say anything to get you naked and get what's between your legs. What did he do? Buy you flowers?"

"Yes--"

"What did he say? He's only got eyes for you?"

"Yes..."

"You're the only one for him?"

"... yes..." whimpered poor Signy, who was sobbing now.

"Signy... Oh, Signy..." Faustina's voice became sympathetic and comforting. "It'll be alright... Everything will be all right. Did he ... you know... come inside you?"

"Y-Yes... Does that make me pregnant?"

"We'll get Tsarrina to mix us up one of her potions tomorrow. It'll make sure you aren't pregnant."

"Okay..."

"Where is he now?"

"Downstairs."

"Alright. Tsarrina and I will take care of him. You go into town and lay low. In the Chapel. We'll come and get you later."

"Are you going to kill him?"

"I should, after what he's done to you."

"Faustina, no..."

"Sigh... All right, we'll just do our usual thing. Just stay away from him from now on."

I'd gotten hastily changed by now, and from their little stash of trophies in the basement, including various men's shirts and jewels, I found the ring Gogen described to me and pocketed it. I drew my sword and waited for Faustina to come down. She mentioned Tsarrina too. I wondered whether they were handy with a sword or if they typically counted on their men being exposed and their blades long enough to threaten the man's nuts.

"Are you sure you can handle him?"

"Of course. Threaten to cut their nuts off and they'll do anything you want.
"All right, you! Come on out! We know you're in the basement."

I hoped Gogen really was with the Anvil City Watch. I might prevail with the combat training given me by the Legion and some magic on the side, but I don't know if I could also subdue Signy. She sounded like she'd been swayed by Faustina, and I couldn't count on her staying out of the fight despite our lovely date today.
I bunched up a blanket I found to make a net/shield and went upstairs.

There was a khajiit upstairs with Faustina, so I guessed that to be Tsarinna. She was armed with a long steel sword and her weapon's superior reach made her the most dangerous one. Faustina was looking deadly serious and mighty pissed off. Her curved dagger was an expensive looking one of genuine elven make, sharp enough to cut through cheap salami with one swish. Signy looked conflicted, and handn't drawn her blade.

"Take off your clothes!" Faustina ordered. "You've had your fun you pig. Now it's time to pay up.
"Go on Signy. We can take it from here."

Signy hesitantly went to the front door, and with a final look back at me, opened it to leave.

"ANVIL CITY WATCH! Throw down your weapons!"

Gogen! He obviously got the drop on Signy and shoved her back to crash into a side table. His standard issue silvered long sword was drawn and aimed to keep her at bay.

"Run!" cried Faustina.

Tsarinna dropped her sword. "This one yields! Don't hurt me!" She pushed past me and into the basement, from which there was no way out.

Faustina made a dash for the rear and found a female guardsman had it covered, her long sword aimed at Faustina, warding her back into the room.

"You! You were working for them all along!" she waved her blade accusingly at Gogen. "I knew something was up when the pawnbrokers wouldn't take your wedding ring. Said it was worthless. With a fake stone. Well, you'll never take me. I'll never go to jail again! NEVER!"

There was a shower of green light about her and she faded into invisibility. As soon as as saw it I cast my own spell to counter, and she cursed as she faded back into view. Cornered now, and with more guardsmen pouring in, she threw herself at Gogen who deftly and easily blocked her blade with a flick of his own much longer weapon. A guardsman came from behind her and grabbed her but with furious strength she twisted free. In the confusion, she spun into Gogen's sword, which thrust deep into her belly.

A painful way to go.

There was rueful triumph in her mien that they hadn't taken her alive.

I looked back at Signy and to my horror found that she had stabbed herself in the heart.
"NO! Signy! ... Why?!"

I held her close and cast a healing spell immediately, but she was still cold and growing colder. She was too far gone.

"Didn't ... didn't want to go to jail. Faustina told me... Horrible things... Raped by inmates. And guards. No way out."

"It didn't have to be like that."

"I was scared... Did you... did you really love me?"

"Yes," I told her without hesistation. "Yes I did. And I loved our time together today, walking by the water, sharing some candy, fighting the wolves... everything."

"And being with me?"

"You are the most beautiful and wonderful lover I could hope for."

She smiled weakly. "That's a lie. Men are pigs."

"You're very beautiful, Signy. That's not a lie. And when we lay together, you were wonderful. That's not a lie."

"Hold me."

I held her close and whispered, "I love you, Signy."

We closed our eyes and lay quietly. She was peaceful, I think. But I had hot tears streaming down my eyes.
I held her for a long time, long after her life had departed.

The Siren's Deception part 3

2010-07-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

I'd patiently spent over two hours with Mirabelle and by the time I left, the sun had already set. I was getting tired after a very full day, and wanted to skip Gweden Farm entirely. Something was obviously up with Signy and Faustina, and since the Anvil City Watch was involved, it was probably illegal if not outright deadly, and it was best if I gave them a wide berth.

Gogan was intercepted me almost as soon as I stepped out of Mirabelle's boarding house for sailors, The Fo'c's'le.

"Friend, you're new in town, aren't you?"

"Yes. Um... Do I know you?"

"Gogan's the name. Look... I saw two girls come up to you earlier today. Signy and Faustina, right?"

"Yes..."

"You're new so you might not know this, but they're trouble."

I took a quick look around to see if we were being noticed, then motioned him inside The Fo'c's'le.

"Let's cut to the chase: You're working with the Anvil City Watch and they need a patsy to catch these girls."

"What? I don't know what you're talking about. Yeah, they're extortionists. You sound like you've figured out their game already -- Lure them in with sex, rob them when they're there. Yeah, I got taken in. I begged them not to take my wedding ring, but they didn't care. My wife's furious. She'll probably divorce me, but not before she gets the ring back. I NEED it back if I'm to have any chance of salvaging my marriage. If you're going to play hero and go see those two, can you get it back for me?"

"And you haven't reported this to the Watch because...?"

"Half of Anvil probably knows but I don't need the rest to know. Besides, they might bolt, and I'll lose the ring for good. You're new in town and not staying, right? If these girls utterly humiliate you, you can just skip town--These girls are hustlers but they're not murderers. Just don't take any more cash with you than you need to buy the ring back. They haven't pawned it -- I've checked the local shops."

His story was leaned on the implausible side. I was pretty sure he was actually a City Watchman undercover, but he wasn't admitting it and I might as well play along. I suppose if I busted up this gang, I could name-drop the Mages Guild somehow.
Maybe it was all that Legion indoctrination, but in the end I decided to be the patsy for the Anvil City Watch.

"And you'll give me the money to get your ring back?"

"When I see the ring -- Like I said, you could just skip town. Sorry, friend. Once bitten, twice shy. But you can hold on to the ring until I pay you for your expenses and a hazard bonus. Fair?"

"Alright. This had better be worth it. Now, have you seen Signy around?"

*

Of course he'd seen Signy around. He, or his partners, was keeping an eye on their prime suspects. I bought some flowers and candy, and went to find her as well ahead of our 11 o'clock rendezvous as I could. Fortunately, she wasn't with Faustina. They probably split up to look less conspiratorial heading up to Gweden Farm. Thanks to Gogan, I now knew where it was, and what a scenic route would be. I had a plan.

I pretended to be surprised to run into Signy, and as hoped, she was a bit flustered. After some coaxing and presenting her with the flowers, I managed to get her to walk with me to Gweden Farm, taking the scenic route. I lamely explained that I was new and didn't know the area well, and wanted especially to avoid the wolves.
That led to me sharing my experiences on Carahil's assignment, and then I swung the conversation to her and charmed her into telling me all about her.

She was from Bruma, but had no more ties there and left for warmer climes. She was terribly evasive about just what had happened in Bruma, and I didn't press her too hard at this early stage in our friendship. She otherwise took so well to being romanced, with bashful blushing and embarrassed, awkward thanks to genuine compliments that I was certain her villainous vocation had deprived her of opportunities to meet men interested in more than her delectable-looking body.

As hoped, we reached Gweden Farm very early, and that despite having to fend off a wolf attack together. It continues to astound me how dangerous Tamriel can be, when taking a romantic walk can cost you a body part.
The farmhouse looked deserted.

"I guess we're too early," she said, at a loss for what to do next.

"Can we go inside?"

"Well. We should wait for Faustina," she said, then tried to do her seductress thing. "Don't you want to play with both of us at the same time?"

I pretended not to notice how she'd gone all sultry and slutty and instead hend her hands warmly in mine.

"No," I replied.

"No?"

"Signy, I really enjoyed our walk here and talking to you. I just want to spend more time with you while it's just the two of us."

"But-- Faustina won't be long."

"You're here now. And you're all that matters to me."

"I... I am?"

"I only have eyes for you. Only you."

I drew her close. I kissed her deeply and found her willing. My hands roamed her body, making her moan. When my thumbs found her nipples, they were hard and erect.

"It's chilly," she stammered in explanation.

"We should go inside. And light a fire."

If only to escape embarrassment at my discover of her arousal, she quickly agreed. After some fumbling with the key we were in. I busied myself with the fireplace while she lit some candles.

Gweden Farm really was, as Mirabelle has said, a cathouse. It was a small place, and around us on the ground floor was a luxuriously appointed red velvet themed bedroom. There was no upper floor, but a basement.

"What's down there?"

"Oh, just the basement. Some beds, the larder. Nothing special."

I opened the door and went down.

"Wait!" she cried and had no choice but to follow me down.

I had a candle with me and proceeded to light the various candleholders. There was a little storage room, left ajar, with various articles of men's clothing and some curios. Including a ring that was very much like what Gogan described.

"What's this?"

"Oh... Um..."

"Trophies?"

"Well..."

"Signy, what's going on? I thought I knew you... All those things you told me on our walk..."

"They're true--"

"Then what's this?"

"I-- I can explain."

"How many men have you seduced?"

"No! I've never slept with any of those men."

"Signy, I was falling in love with you."

"Me too! I mean, I--"

She looked genuinely anguished and bit her lip. Her eyes darted about, not sure how to reconcile things. The pain in her eyes told me she wasn't a hardened criminal, and maybe it was extraordinarily cruel to lead her on the way I had. There wasn't time for an exit strategy, either. If we both survived Faustina, I might have to marry her.
Although if she really were the sweet girl Mirabelle thought her to be, I don't think she'd be a bad catch.

"You were?" I tried to look both surprised and gratified.

I grabbed her and kissed her passionately, my hands chastely at her waist and on her back. When many long moments passed and we finally came up for air, she immediately kissed me back. Then we fell to the ground and after some horribly awkward fumbling on her part to take off her dress (clearly she wasn't a prostitute, and whatever scheme she had with Faustina didn't involve getting naked), we gave in to our passion.

Signy Home-Wrecker by Fantasy_Art

The Siren's Deception part 2

2010-07-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

The sailors bunked at the The Fo'c's'le were mostly out till late, so it was easy to catch Mirabelle Monet for a private chat.

No rooms available, unfortunately, and she repeated her mantra to me about sailors only. That was all right with me as I was really there for information about Signy, Faustina, and Gweden Farm, and asking about a room was just an ice-breaker.

She had a funny look on her face when I asked, and halfway through telling me about how Gweden Farm used to be Gweden Cathouse. There was an agreement with the owner, Tsarrina, Mirabelle didn't cater to locals. Which suited her fine because she had enough clients and she didn't want trouble from wives anyway. Sailors were typically either unmarried or had plausible deniability of any wives back at their home parts.

"Are you sure I'm not boring you?" she asked again.

"What makes you ask?"

Mirabelle narrowed her eyes and had a sly smile. "You weren't sent by Maelona, or Gogan?"

"Who? No, I'm new in town," I replied honestly.

After a while sizing me up, she finally said, "So you are. I'd look them up, if I were you. The Anvil Watch can direct you, if that tells you something."

"Humph. The Watch needs a patsy."

"You're a bright one. You'll figure it out. Or you can ask around. It's common knowledge, really. Why come all the way here to ask me? I'm a whore and I'd know about other whores?"

"I--"

"My dear, I'm a whore. I admit it. I had the looks for it, and I'm not picky, so it was easy money. My looks are gone but I'm easy, so it's still easy money," she laughed.

"I don't know..." I said, and gently caressed her cheek. "I think you're a fine vintage and can only get better."

"Aren't you sweet. But don't try to manipulate me," she grinned.

"I'm being sincere," I insisted. I took her hand and kissed the back of it.
And honestly, I was being sincere. Mirabelle was past middle age (how do I always find the cougars?) but still handsome and had pride in her appearance. Ten years ago, she would have been drop-dead gorgeous no matter what her station in life.

It was a little sad to see how this boarding house was all she had. I do think she willingly chose this career, very possibly for the reason she said -- it was easy. I also imagine she'd had some regrets. And maybe some misfortunes along the way if this career hadn't been kinder to her financially. Nevertheless, she held her head high, and had a confidence and noble dignity about her.

"I don't know what's happened to Tsarrina to make her send her girls out like this. Signy's really a sweetheart, but girls like her have had heartache in her past. Faustina's very bitter. She's lost, that one. Be careful -- she's got nothing left to lose. ... There, I've probably said too much. Remember -- I never told you any of this."

Mirabelle got up to leave, having given me the scoop on the girls, which I was certain I wouldn't have gotten anywhere else. But I wasn't going to let her off so easily.
"What about you?" I asked, and placed my hand over hers.

"Me?"

"Where are you from? Who are you now? Where are you going?"

I held her housework-worn hand in mine, held her eyes with my own, and settled in patiently to hear her story. I had to resist the urge to gently caress her hand -- now wasn't the time to flirt with her, and she would have seen through it anyway. No, Mirabelle Monet had the soul of a lady, and deserved to be treated as one.

The Sirens' Deception part 1

2010-07-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

The day was winding down, and I decided to poke around the harbour, which was the seedier side of Anvil. Not to say I liked slumming, but I did like to know the goings-on and latest gossip, and, of course, making new friends and connections. You never know who you might meet.

Something that got my attention immediately was the boarding house for sailors, The Fo'c's'le (sailor's shorthand for forecastle). It was run by a Breton woman with a rather widely known and vulgar reputation: "Mirabelle Monet runs quite a boarding house. I understand all of the sailors leave very satisfied."
It was only for sailors, apparently, so the only rooms for landlubbers was at The Count's Arms, which, unfortunately, was presently full. I had wanted to lay low from the Mages Guild to give Carahil some distance from me and quietly restore her reputation, so with some daylight left, I went over to Ms. Monet's.

In truth, I was a bit hesitant. Perhaps she was easy, but the big question was "why"? Was she some aging madam who couldn't get any clients other than desperate sailors? (read: Was she an ugly hag?) Or was something else going on? From what I could find out at harbour watering hole, The Flowing Bowl, Ms. Monet had so far firmly turned away non-sailors, although being a busy port, she would have had clients enough.

I hadn't gotten far from the Flowing Bowl when I was approached by two lovely women with the most unashamedly sensual walk you can imagine. They weren't showing enough skin to be street walkers, but had practiced bedroom eyes.
One of them hung back to watch with an amused smile while the other, a buxom Nord came my way and boldly put her hand on my behind.

"Hi there, big boy," she cooed. "New in town?"

I was of course immediately on my guard -- As surreptitiously as I could I checked to make sure my coinpurse was still there.
Clearly they were up to something, and I don't think it was a threesome. Still, having a ravishing Nord close enough to smell her freshly washed golden-auburn hair and her proud bosoms rubbing my chest was enough to make me stand at attention -- every part of me, if you get my meaning. She might have been wearing a push-up bra and I wouldn't have cared.
Her eyes darted downward and she she snickered.

She had the initiative and I had to regroup.

"Yes I am," I replied, and boldly pulled her toward me with both hands, first on her waist, but once I had her pressed to me, I wandered them down to cup her ass.
They were round, firm, and felt oh so heavenly. I didn't care that my hardon was probably pushing uncomfortably against her now.
"What's your name?" I asked.

I had her now. She lost all composure and gave a panicked-deer look over my shoulder to her friend, a short Imperial woman with flawless white skin, jet black hair, and jaded eyes.

"Um... Sig-- Signy," she stammered.

I sensed her partner coming up behind me.

"And this is Faustina," she added.

Signy wriggled in my embrace and I let her free, but kept one arm around her waist.
When Faustina came closer, I took a chance and slid my free arm around her waist and pulled her close before she could take the lead. "I had no idea Anvil was such a friendly place."

She wasn't fazed for more than a second, which concerned me -- she was clearly experienced and had done this many times to have "seen it all".

She slid close in front of me, and in that way gently squeezed Signy free. The relieved Nord retreated a few steps away to catch her breath. Meanwhile, Faustina lay one hand on my chest and slid her other hand between us, hidden from public view.

"My my my... Aren't YOU happy to see us," she winked, and stroked me through the fabric of my pants.

If I dallied with Dairihill so long this morning, I might have spurted right then and there. As it was, my thinking was fogging and I had to concentrate on not going weak-kneed.

"I'd like to see more of you. Well, more of Signy." I started to pull away. Faustina was dangerous. Signy might ultimately be harmless, and I was pretty sure I could seduce some information from her.

"You can see more of US tonight. Every part of us," Faustina winked. "Isn't that right, Signy?"

Signy was having trouble getting back in character and just dumbly nodded.

"Gweden Farm. Eleven o'clock. See you there," said Faustina. She licked her lips and sauntered off. "Come on, Signy."

I watched them go. Then realized I had no idea where Gweden Farm was.

Dairihill part 4

2010-07-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

After our exertions, skinny dipping in the Abecean Sea was the perfect way to end our date. Dunbarrow Cove opened out seaward on the south side, and the large rock formations shielded the entrance from the castle. With surprising confidence, Dairihill explained that we could strip down while safely hidden from even the guardsmen on the tallest castle towers.
Clearly she'd done this before. I would never have imagined what a wild thing she was at heart!

I had heard of some interesting shipwrecks off coast not far from Anvil and had some Potions of Water Breathing brewed for in anticipation, and now shared them with my surprisingly playful companion.

It seemed our recent intimacy had loosed her up considerably with me, and her fun, girly side emerged. We slinked in and out of the wrecks playing hide-and-seek, and turned over sunken barrels and chests looking for loot. All we emerged with were some young mudcrabs, which might seem rather boring, but they do have tasty meat. And besides, one's dining companion often makes all the difference -- Suppose, for example, your companion happened to be an intelligent, chatty, and stark naked buxom wood elf warming herself by the campfire.

To be fair to her, I was naked too. But whereas she could attribute her erect nipples to the occasional cool breeze, I was at a loss to explain why my manhood stood rigidly at attention, and had to endure endless ribbing from her. It was all in good fun, and honestly she was quite witty about it.

When at last she got dressed to return to Castle Anvil (already very tardy from our sidetrips and alas definitely unable to accept a dinner by the harbour watching the sunset), I found myself praying to the Nine Divines that she could remain just as she was with me now, her playful delightful self. And not have to revert to a cool professional demeanour, as Carahil had done.

And Arielle too.

Sigh.

*

We parted ways at the harbour. I dropped by a florist's to arrange for flowers to be delivered. Two bouquets: One for Dairihill, of course; and a sizable one for Beatrice Gene, who got stuck with Dairihill's duties while we had our little getaway.

I was feeling very contented and basking in the happy afterglow of a wonderful date when I suddenly realized I hadn't managed that recommendation of Carahil to the Countess at all.

Dairihill part 3

2010-07-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

Dairihill and I left the Countess's bedchamber and she swiftly led me down the route we hadn't taken earlier. It wound downward, deep into the rock on which the Castle stood, surely, and finally ended in a sturdy door. From her keychain she singled out a non-descript key and unlocked the door. The bolt clunked heavily and the door creaked open.

A short, rough-hewn passage rounded a corner to reveal a vast cavern. And a ship!

"Dunbarrow Cove!" I realized. The fabled site of a sea battle that culminated in a ship being buried under rock. It is a somewhat far-fetched story (1 2 3 4) when one hears of it, but it is nevertheless true. I was surprised that the ship was so well preserved. Some crystals giving off enchanted light were placed at strategic locations, lighting junctions on various paths.

"Yes. When the Count hadn't yet disappeared, he made sure this cave was properly cleared of vermin and the ship refurbished into living quarters as a kind of secret private retreat," Dairihill explained. "Only I and the Count and Countess's bodyguards know of this secret location. As I am entrusted to dust it now and again and check for water damage, I am one of the few to have a key. The Countess never comes here now that the Count has gone missing."

We walked once around the tidied-up wreck and then off a platform and onto the deck.

"How do you know I'm not a pirate? A dangerous rogue. And you, all alone with me."

"But... but you're not. Carahil wouldn't have written that..."

Her words trailed off when she saw my predatory smirk.

"You said yourself that this is a secret place. No one knows where we are. Do they?"

"...no... They don't."

I smiled and took her hand, leading her up the deck toward the black flag.

"Imagine... lusty pirates used to command this ship. Pirates that pillaged. And raped."

Darihill nodded slowly. She stared at the flag, afraid to look at me.

"...Ruthless men," I whispered into her pointy elven ear. "Ravishing delicious women. Just like you."

I gave her a playful nip on her earlobe with my lips.

Darihill bit her lower lip and let out a little whimper. Her breathing came in quick gasps, heaving her breasts to strain tantalizingly at the green fabric.

I suddenly grabbed her by her wrists, making her start. She reflexively pulled away, but stopped, and locked her wet black eyes with mine. They trembled with fear and anticipation.

I kissed her hard on the lips and she pressed back. I bit her lustily on her neck, and she moaned. I twisted one of her arms behind her back and forced her to her knees. She cried out, but did not struggle. I grabbed a fistful of her soft hair and pressed her head against the cold, damp, planks. My other hand worked her bothersome green skirt and grappled with her underthings to get them out of the way.

Beneath the skull and crossbones, I plundered her body for pleasure.

Dairihill, Steward of Castle Anvil by Fantasy_Art

Dairihill part 2

2010-07-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

Dairihill led me deep into the storage rooms, careful not to be too conspicuous about it. Finally we darted into a room, she quietly shut the door behind us with practiced ease, and came to a particular alcove.

"I make sure every storeroom is cleaned and dusted at least weekly, so we won't have rats or other vermin," Dairihill whispered. "It also means I won't leave any prints in accumulated dust whenever I come here."

She paused to listen, to make sure no one was close by outside, then pulled hard at a carved pillar, revealing it to be in fact a cleverly disguised mechanism that caused a section of wall to swing open to a man-made passage beyond.

"I keep this corridor clean myself," she explained. "In case the Countess ever needs it. It's an old secret escape route. But I come here for a different reason."

She slipped in, and motioned me to follow. On the other side was a lever which swung the door shut. We were in pitch darkness. I felt her hand firmly on my ass.

"Stay close," she said.

I thought she was just locating me in the dark before we proceeded stealthily, but just then she cast a light spell. So what was the hand on my behind all about? I made no mention of it and neither did she. If she knew she had grabbed me there, she didn't let on.

Ahead, the passage split, one way leading up, one way leading down. We went up.

"Where does that go?" I asked about the other route.

"Later," she promised.

The up passage ended in another secret door. She listened intently for a moment, then opened it. With triumphant satisfaction Darihill noted how awed I was when the wall swung open into the Countess's very bedchamber.

It was gorgeous. The bed was particularly luxurious, and Darihill meandered over, looking at it wistfully. She ran her hand over the satin sheets gently, careful not to leave even a telltale crease.

Since she'd grabbed my ass, I felt emboldened to try something similar. I moved very close to her and put my hand on the small of her back, slid it across to her waist, and slowly but firmly pulled her close to me. She didn't pull away.

"How does it feel?" I asked.

Dairihill sighed and closed her eyes.

"What it must be like to be the Countess. To sleep in a bed like this."

Dairihill nodded.

"... To feel these sheets against your bare skin," I continued. "... To make love in this bed."

Dairihill froze at the image in her mind.

"Do you think the Countess sleeps in the nude?"

She gasped and looked at me in horror. I could only imagine the images that raced through her mind. Were there conflicting emotions? The Countess was rumoured to be a very handsome woman.

"Have you tried the bed?"

"NO!" Dairihill gasped, appalled.

I nudged her toward it.

"NO!" she pleaded, but it was too late. She lost her balance and fell seated on it. She fairly leapt right out and into me. She clung firmly to me lest she fall back again.

Her arms around me, her firm bosom pressed against me... She felt heavenly.

"Please don't!" she whispered urgently and pushed me back, to give herself some standing room. Quickly she smoothed out the bed and gave it a once-over to make sure it looked as tidy and perfectly made as it had been when we first entered the room. "I need some air."

I followed her out onto a terrace with a fabulous unobstructed view of the mountains and the Abecean Sea. For a moment I was worried we might be spotted by castle guards, but I quickly discerned that the layout of the castle ensured privacy. As long as we didn't make too much noise, we were probably not going to be discovered.

Dairihill was breathing hard, one hand on her pounding heart.

"Too much excitement for you?" I teased.

"This isn't why I come here," she said, starting to compose herself now. "I come to get away for a while during the day when I'm sure the Countess won't retire to her chambers. Isn't the view marvelous?"

When she turned back to me, she saw that I hadn't looked away from her face -- no, not even at her breasts.

"Yes, it is."

I saw a little blush creeping in and thrust my advantage deeply.

"Now you have a different memory of this place. Of how some wicked rogue almost forced himself on you. In the Countess's very own bed."

I wouldn't let her fully savour her amusement and instead pressed my body lustily against her, pinning her against the railing. We were here secretly -- illegally, almost -- and I was counting on her not to scream.

"Does that thought excite you?" I asked.

Her eyes were wide and trembling. Her breasts pressed against me again and again with each panting breath. Finally she whispered, "I can't... not here."

Which I took to be a conditional "yes". It also implied she had a deep respect for her employer, and that the Countess Umbranox must be indeed an extraordinary woman. Or at least an extraordinary woman to work for.

Dairihill wriggled to get free and I released her.

"Come with me," she said.

Dairihill, Steward of Castle Anvil

2010-07-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

As it turned out, Dairihill was no old fuddy duddy court functionary, but a surprisingly young wood elf to be put in charge of the day-to-day of Castle Anvil. As was typical of her kind, she had a very square chin, but the long autumn-leaf brown hair that framed her face muted it somewhat, and combined with her good height, from a distance she might have been mistaken for an altmer. Her most striking feature was her exotic eyes -- whereas typically the iris and sclera have a highly contrasted colour, hers were dark brown and black, respectively, and I like to fondly think of her as having "midnight eyes". If she weren't so ready with her smile, she could have come off rather sinister.

Dairihill evidently held Carahil in high regard because although she was quick to say there were no openings at the castle at this time, she was also slightly embarrassed. Perhaps she had felt put on at short notice to find something for me as a favour to her friend. I quickly put her at ease and insinuated my own agenda: No, I wasn't looking for a job, I explained. Carahil just wanted me to meet you. I was at the moment not specifically assigned any duties at the Mages Guild and she thought I might be of service to Anvil. And had word reached her about Carahil arranging for the Gold Road murderer to be finally apprehended? No? Well!

With Carahil as a mutual friend and topic of conversation, we settled into easy conversation, which I soon nudged toward asking about her own duties. There was much to admire in the way she kept things orderly and on a tight budget, and I didn't have to work hard at all to slip her genuine compliments. In many ways her hand on the tiller was much like Carahil's management of the Mage's Guild -- orderly and efficient -- though slightly more challenging. My tour of the Castle showed it to be in good repair, but not as lavish or luxurious as those in other capitals. For example, the servant's quarters were more or less just a step up from hovels, thanks to proper beds. Dairihill had made sure that the public and entertaining areas were well appointed and on-par with the Countess's peers.

It was nearly lunchtime, and I still hadn't quite gotten to where I wanted to be with her (no, not a bed -- an opening for me to slide a firm and sure recommendation for Carahil and the Mages Guild) so I did my best to extend our meeting to lunch. Happily, I had buttered her up enough and she though she had to delegate a bit, foisting off a daunting list on the nearest servant, a hapless maid by the name of Beatrice, she was free to go.

Conversation turned to my exploits and with some initial apprehension I noted that although I exaggerated none of it, she lapped up every word with that sort of wistful longing for excitement one wouldn't oneself dare. I pursued this curiousity and instead gently nudged her for exciting moments in her Stewardship of Castle Anvil. She stammered, embarrassed at first, then anxious to please me with some juicy tidbit.

Now I was at a crossroads, or at least my conscience was. Here was a sweet, innocent girl who was about to say something she shouldn't. Surely there are all manner of confidential things about the Castle or the government of Anvil. If only to present herself and not-a-total-loser with no excitement in her life, Dairihill was, I felt certain, about to reveal some compromising secret that could get her fired. Or worse.

In short, blackmail material.

Should I let her continue? Will she regret it? And how would she handle that regret -- or handle ensuring my silence?
Things could get dicey.
I hesistated, and then it was too late.

"Well, there IS something... Not even the Countess knows this..." Dairihill confided. Her dark eyes widened with excitement and nervousness and that barely restrained joy that comes from finally being able to voice a secret. "Actually, let me show you."

Recommendations

2010-07-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

After becoming the "hero of the Gold Road", I was pooped and done for the day, really. Though it was bound to generate gossip, at Carahil's gentle insistence I dallied with her till morning. I fully admit that I was fond of her and our delightful conversations and I really needed no nudging on her part, though in the back of my mind I knew it was a mistake. We woke late and had a lovely private brunch upstairs, leaving the Mages Guild to putter along without Carahil's oversight for a few more hours.

As the head of the Anvil Mages Guild, Carahil had a reputation for "running a clean hall" -- everything aboveboard and a bit strict -- so it nagged at me that I might be a corrupting influence. I think there was a similar feeling in her, and somehow we came, not awkwardly (thankfully) to an agreement that our relationship (at least in its current form) had to come to an end. The public manner in which it had unfolded so far, and her being quite a bit older than I -- these things wouldn't be overlooked by the rest of Anvil much longer. Ultimately it would make things difficult for Carahil, and politics could get nasty. As I well know.

No one else in the Guild made any mention or treated us any differently than before, so I was quite certain that out of respect for Carahil, they were still on our side and willing to overlook her one day out of character. Still, I needed to do something more, and things came together when Carahil stamped with her seal my recommendation for the Arcane University.

It would go out in the next post, she said, but I'd need more than just her word. Carahil advised I make more connections and advance in standing with the Mages Guild as a whole by seeking out the other chapters and seeing what else was to be done. She added with all the bitterness of a painful disappointment in the past that in the end it would do me no good: "Though I must say, I doubt it will do you much good in the end. You'd be surprised how easily they forget about the little people."

I wasn't sure where that came from, and just as quickly as it had come, she caught herself, and her eyes told me not to ask.

Then Carahil slipped me a letter. She said it was another recommendation, which should get me the attention of the Steward of Castle Anvil, Dairihill, with whom she was acquainted personally. Then she excused herself to catch up with her assorted administrative duties.

By all this I didn't know if she hoped I would leave Anvil soon and out of her life, or if she were merely retreating into a professional distance. She was very confused that morning -- I think something about penning the recommendation had opened an old wound. And combined with our indiscretions, things had turned out much more complicated for her.

I wasn't ready to move on yet, however. I felt I owed her something. And I needed to do some actual Mages Guild grunt work to smooth things over with the others even if they weren't complaining about favourtism (even if I was the "hero of the Gold Road" for the week). And then there was Dairihill. I was resolved to promote the Mages Guild -- specifically, the head of the Mages Guild -- with her. And through her, the Countess of Anvil.
I was really so fond of Carahil that if I had to let some ugly hag of a steward have her way with my body that my dear lover might get ahead, I was willing to make that sacrifice.

Arielle Jurard, undercover Imperial Battlemage

2010-07-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

A sidetrip to a nearby wayshrine to Mara nearly cost me my life the second time in the same day!--A khajiit highwayman accosted me. Funnily enough, while he was trying to cleave my head in two after I told him I didn't have a hundred gold on me, a timber wolf dashes up and tries to bite his pecker off. Honestly! Tamriel is such a deadly place! I dispatch him, then the wolf, and limped the rest of the way to Brina Cross.

There, I met my contact, Arielle Jurard. A rather pretty woman, maybe a bit worn from being in the battlemage division of the Imperial Legion, but still loyal to the empire and taking her job very seriously. And a rather lousy actress, I'm afraid. After quickly whispering some basic instructions to be vocal about being a merchant and to take a room for a more private briefing, she fairly yelled out in an overdone-ham-acting sort of way, "No, friend. I'm afraid I don't know the way to Cheydinhal, but good luck in your travels. Please excuse me." I just about cringed.
And it of course drew attention right away, as an altmer merchant at the inn, by name of Caminalda, came over after I got myself a room to express her concern about murders of merchants on the Gold Road. I told her I wasn't surprised, having been cut up by a madman, chopped up by a highwayman, and chewed up by a wolf all in the same day! She asked about what goods I had for trade, armoured as I was and not at all looking like a merchant. I explained that I was in the magical goods business and that I had just unloaded most of my stock at the Anvil Mage's Guild, and had just a few scrolls with me.

I did in fact have some enchanted scrolls to help in the casting of spells that gave protection from cold-magics. The evidence so far had pointed to the use of such magic, although Carahil warned me when she gave me the scrolls that the mage likely was more than just a one-trick pony.

Arielle came by my room soon enough--a bit too soon, I thought--but she had a better cover story this time. My wounds gave her the opportunity to be a concerned citizen and she offered to play nurse (use her magic to heal me, I mean -- there wasn't time to properly "play nurse", if you get my meaning). She asked why I hadn't used healing magic on myself sooner, being a Mages Guild member and all, and surely knowing how to use at least a simple healing spell. I explained that being born under a certain alignment of stars had unfortunately stunted my magical potential.

She asked about my wounds, and I told her about my wild introduction to Tamriel, which she listened with astonishment. When she was at length done (after innumerable delays while I told my story, I asked about her own time in the Legion, and offered her the protective scrolls that Carahil gave me), I thanked her with a kiss.

In the heartbeat while she was surprised by it, I took a chance and kissed her again, lingering this time and tenderly. My arms wrapped around her, and she did not resist. Then we were two Legionnaires snatching a secret moment of passion before imminent danger when we might never see each other again. I had her naked and panting in short order, then curled snugly in my arms.

Arielle Jurard, Mages Guild Undercover Agent by Fantasy_Art

Barely an hour was past and Arielle was up before I was, and giving me an urgent shake to get up and get dressed -- The suspect was on the move. Possibly to prepare her ambush.

The mission played out as we thought it would -- I was the bait. The overly curious Caminalda, also the chief suspect, turned out to be the murderess. She did her frost-magic M.O. and made a grab for my throat with her hand glowing blue-white and so cold it misted the air. She had gotten the drop on me, darting out from behind a boulder along the road, but the same strange heritage that stunted my magic also protected me soundly as it quite often did, by absorbing it and rendering it harmless. She tried fire next. At such close quarters I couldn't dodge the small spurt of flame, but fortunately the magic was absorbed again. Frustrated -- and unwilling to let me escape as I now knew her secret -- she backed away and conjured an animated skeleton (Why are undead so popular conjuration subjects? Why not wolves or irritated goats?).
By now, Arielle had caught up, with her battlemage partner Roliand. The two of them made short work of the skeleton with fire and steel, then the three of us had Caminalda cornered.

The penalty for so many murders was death, and Caminalda most certainly knew that. With nothing to lose, she didn't surrender, and fought to the bitter end though Arielle called for her to yield. The final blow, I think, was mine, although in the confusion of melee it's hard to tell.

Roliand hung around for the clean up and inevitable paperwork, but Arielle turned and left, without a word to me or a glance back. I caught up with her, thinking she had put some distance from Roliand so we could have a more private chat -- So you can imagine I was profoundly hurt when she wouldn't look me in the eye but stared past, over my shoulder. There was nothing of the tenderness we shared, or even of her kind concern she had shown me when I arrived at the Brina Cross Inn with injuries. She thanked me professionally, and advised I report to Carahil immediately. Then she turned and left.

I sensed there was regret on her part and genuinely wishing it had never happened. My heart sank with the knowing feeling that I'd probably never see her again. She was a kind and good person who genuinely believed in the good she was doing by being in the Legion, though it could be dangerous stuff more often than not.

*

Carahil was elated the whole sordid business was taken care off so quickly that she immediately offered to write me a glowing recommendation for the Arcane University. My mind was on a more tangible reward, however. I seized her in my arms, kissed her lustily and at length, and soon found her more than willing to be conquered by the conquering hero. She later confessed she had never been so aroused when I threw her onto her bed, pinned her face-down with a firm grip on a fistful of her silky hair, and pounded her mercilessly from behind into mewling submission.

I swear, inside every stuffy high elf is a wild khajiit in heat.

An Unexpected Apparition

2010-06-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

On my way out of Anvil -- and I swear this is true -- some frantic-looking man armed like a mercenary rushed up and asked if I were a strong hero or something, and wanting help with some bandits. Honestly, he was a lunatic.
I tried to give him the brush-off but he became annoyed and kept insulting me, calling me a mudcrab. I had enough and, with every intention of turning his sorry case over to the nearest city watchman, I told him what he wanted to hear -- that yes, I was strong hero, so lets go. Then he draws his two handed sword and takes a swing at me. I cry bloody murder of course, but by the time the watch had rushed over, I had managed to -- narrowly -- dispatch him.
After that -- and I'm not even sure this really happened -- an apparition of a green-eyed woman in a black hooded outfit spoke to me. Mumbled some psychotic garbage about how she enjoyed seeing me kill this person and gave me some veiled threat about joining her in something or other, "or else". I didn't know whether it was lingering sea sickness, too much sun, or maybe aged-too-long Bruma Skyrim Cheese I had in the Mages Guild--I said yes, and she instructed me to meet her at the Shrine of Namira. Definitely not to get it on (and psychotic chicks are creepy anyway -- trust me).

Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, the Shrine of Namira. Wherever that was. And isn't Namira one of the nastier Daedric goddesses? I'll have to look that up.

Bless Lexie's sweet heart she managed to at least let me keep my Legion armour after. I otherwise stepped off the ship this afternoon with only a serviceable sword and bow. Whatever I might say about the Legion, at least they gave out real armour (instead of the cardboard thin rubbish you get in some of the smaller provinces that won't protect you adequately from a sewer rat). The city guard asked about it, and I gave them some story about being on leave. I think they wanted to poo-poo me for wearing armour while not on duty, but since it did save me from being minced up by a maniac, they bit their tongues.

Some basic inquiries with the local inn revealed the dead guy to be Da'Cryon Mesho. (An odd name, no?) Not sure where he was from or where he was bound or who his next of kin were. The guards fobbed off his junk belongings on me as the "spoils of war" -- more like not wanting to figure out his next of kin. In any case, I bartered some away for a sturdy huntsman's leathers from the local armoury and set off for Brina Cross Inn. Less heavily armoured but lighter on my feet.

Carahil of the Anvil Mages Guild

2010-06-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

My first move in Anvil was to -- you guessed it -- make friends and connections. I joined the local Mages Guild. (I didn't want anything to do with the local Legion, of course.)

The head of the guild was a rather somber-looking Altmer of past middle age, by the name of Carahil. I had intended to be just playfully flirty given our age difference, but I think she was rather too flattered and I had inadvertently stroked her inner cougar because we ended up finalizing my membership in the Mages Guild in her private quarters, and then in her bed.

I assure you it's not like I had intended on seducing her quite so far on our very first meeting (and sleeping with the boss is a delicate matter, as you can imagine) but one didn't turn down such opportunities, especially when she really was an intelligent companion, delightful to chat with... and wonderfully willing in bed...

Carahil, Head of the Anvil Mages Guild by Fantasy_Art

Much later, after we were well rested, I gently broached the topic of proper advancement opportunities and unfortunately she about-faced from a contented, purring kitten into a rather ambitious and all-business mien. Evidently she took her position very seriously and could flick some internal switch to separate work from play.

Or maybe I had let on a bit too much about my Legion past because there were some murders of merchants along the Gold Road and she had a strong lead on a possible rogue mage operating out of the nearby Brina Cross Inn. In any case, she mistook me for some sort of hero and dispatched me to help agents already in place watching the suspect.

I really couldn't disappoint her after she had practically melted in my arms during our honeyed dalliance, and so had to agree without hesitation.

Prologue and Arrival in Anvil

2010-06-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

It's not even evening and I've killed three people already!
I'm sorry, but I needed to get that off my chest. Finally I'm able to write again! I'm lying low in Tamriel after the scandal at the Legion HQ and have only this afternoon arrived by ship on the mainland, in the south-western port city of Anvil. I thought I might as well look for my half-sister Estelle as something to do while in exile.

Yes, I'm exiled, more or less. To protect Lexie's station at the Legion, I asked her to dishonourably discharge me. That way, Lexie (actually, "Captain Lex"; although her soldiers often referred to her fondly as "Sexy Lexie") could politically distance herself from me and whatever our liaisons had ultimately caused. Making friends and deepening meaningful relationships (with or without rolling around in bed, mind you) has always served me well, and at the Imperial Legion, Captain Lex was not only a lovely friend with benefits but one with some clout and connection. I never shirked my Legion duties, of course, but Lexie managed to get me more frequently on schmoozing assignments like escorting bigwigs--which my friendly and social nature predisposed me anyway. Only rubbish politics from jealous parties ruined it all for everyone. Now the VIPs are stuck with socially awkward backwater hicks as their guard details.

So I must admit that making the "right friends" isn't foolproof, but I remain stubbornly convinced it's a more pleasant way through life -- There's always a warm smile and a warm bed in every city and port.

Still, I had to leave everything behind and hopped on the first ship to a promising destination. Well, my mother, who's a bit getting on in years, will have good use of my things and my modest city apartment. I lucked out running into a wonderful painter at the docks by the name of Astia Inventius, and arranged for a few portraits to accompany my letter home to dear mum. She never was the type to want to travel, and now in her declining years, it was even less likely she would take it up. It cost quite a bit of my dwindling coin (even after she generously offered a "friends and family discount" following a wonderful get-to-know-you chat 'n chew at a harbour cafe -- and no, I did NOT bed the married woman, her complaints about her hides-from-housework husband notwithstanding) but those paintings of Anvil would, I'm sure, be a delightful treat for her.

Anvil is a remarkably spacious city for a busy port and one of the Empire's larger cities. The people seem happy here, and I'm glad to have landed here first. By day's end I was still of that opinion, though I'd had to kill three people before I could take in a late lunch -- that's more action than I ever saw in the Legion in a busy month! But I'm getting ahead of myself.

As my previous set of memoirs were left behind, I ought to set down a few facts about myself in case -- as is my wistful hope -- these personal scribblings one way become published into into a best-selling series of novels. (Well, one CAN dream, can one not?)
So, my dear reader, my time in the Legion I've already mentioned. It lasted only a couple of years, I'm afraid. We did some good defending the loyal citizens of the Empire, and I learned a thing or two about swinging a sword and shooting a bow. Even had a brief stint roughing it with the Imperial Rangers raiding bandit hideouts.

Something else you ought to know is a peculiar condition of mine -- commonly termed stunted magic (gods, I hate that word -- "stunted"). In ways still not entirely clear to me though it was explained several times by expert astrologers, a certain alignment of stars at the time I was born makes magic difficult for me. Not to grasp, but to actually cast. So I'm well out of practice, you can imagine, despite the many perilous times on Legion duty when it would have come very much in handy. Quaffing certain potions to reinvigorate myself was a recommended fix and early on I toyed with the idea of alchemy, but the promise of travel and adventure sidetracked me into the Imperial Legion. Even with Lexie on my side, proper opportunities to practice were few -- and when those appeared, I admit I was always more keen on being with Lexie (No, not just sleeping with her -- I hope you haven't gotten the idea that I just want to boink every warm-blooded woman I meet. Which I do. But, well, it's not the be all and end all, you understand).

Along with the peculiar deficiency was also an interesting condition where, on occasion, I would absorb an enchantment cast on me. It was quite random, but when it happens, it can be both handy and spectacular. Even the most awesome spell that could blow all the meat off a minotaur in a single blast can be rendered as harmless as funny sparkling light. In all seriousness I tell you it's saved my life a few times while I was out with the Rangers. One of the reasons I applied for a transfer well before my first stint with them was up.