Ralph lands a short distance away from the city gates, not wanting to alarm the guards. Beleaguered by the weight of the two girls after slipping off the ring, he immediately regrets his tact as he begins trudging along the path.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2RMFlUtka
"We're heavy, aren't we...?" asks Hostia, noticing Ralph's strain. "I can try walking again, if you'd like."
"No need," he claims, resisting the urge to accept her offer, exhausted and wounded as he is. "It won't be long now anyhow."
After another 10 minutes, the gates finally come into view. As Ralph approaches, a few guards hail him, trotting over when they notice him carrying two injured people.
"Great Scott! What happened, man?!" asks one.
"These girls are badly injured, please take them to be treated. I'm an adventurer with the guild," Ralph explains, tilting his head toward his green medallion. "I found them in a goblin nest."
"O-of course! Thank you, young man," the guard says, taking Tuar from Ralph's arms. Another quickly follows suit and extracts Hostia from Ralph's back.
"Just a moment, please... could I speak with him for a moment?" asks Hostia.
"Oh, of course," the new guard responds as he and Ralph hold her up to her feet.
"Ralph, when you get the chance... our family lives at 57 Tsughut Street, in the residential district. Please, stop by sometime soon so we can properly thank you. It would mean the world..." she says, planting a tender kiss on his cheek. "Thank you... so much..." she says, beginning to cry.
"Of course. I'll come visit sometime soon," he says, smiling, placing his hand on her head. "Please, get well."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKYgpwPhwP
With that, the guard takes Hostia into the guard tower, and Ralph talks to the guards to answer some follow-up questions. Additionally, he informs them that Nyx will arrive shortly with the two bodies that were also found in the cave. Once their suspicions are assuaged, Ralph enters the city and immediately heads to the guild hall, staggering.
A warm breeze – warmer than one would expect even for summer – has begun to blow through the city, causing Ralph to sweat profusely, the salt from the droplets stinging him as they flow into his wounds. He's visibly shaken, wincing and limping from pain and fatigue, his skin a pasty white. The spectacle attracts glances and gossip, and several passersby inquire about his health, but he mostly ignores them, politely nodding to assure that he is fine. With great effort, he eventually manages to drag himself to the hall.
Upon entering, he goes straight to the latrines, where he pukes for several minutes, still revolted by his mission, the sights and smells still fresh in his mind.
Gods... I've never seen anything so vile, even in the troop, he thinks.
Though the Golden Goblin Gang was certainly guilty of countless murders and assaults, Ralph had never seen such gruesome torture, such terrible disrespect for life, save for last night's dream. Upon being reminded by the nightmare, he retches again, frightened and anxious that his dreams will be haunted further after what he's seen today. Stomach emptied, he goes to the cafeteria to wait for his master, though he's certainly not hungry in the slightest. After sitting for a few minutes, thinking about what has transpired, he hears a familiar voice.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMck9E7U9b
"O-oh! R-Ralph, are you al-alright?!" it asks. Turning to look, Ralph finds Winona, now bespectacled, visibly distraught at the sight of him.
"Ah... it's a long story," he sighs.
"P-please, let me treat you im-immediately," she begs, beginning to cast a spell, a soft radiance collecting around her as she whispers a prayer to her god. Quickly, she sits across from him, places down the books she was carrying and holds one of his hands in her own.
"I-it will take a few minutes, b-b-but I promise you'll feel b-better," she assures, her face turning red.
Ah... I'm touching his skin this time... she thinks, trying to focus on her prayer.
"R-right, thank you, Miss Winona," he responds, the radiance around her slowly spreading to him, alleviating him of his pain and giving him a comfortable feeling of warmth. "So warm..." he thinks, his mind relaxing, the vivid images of the tortured girls and mangled corpses in the cave becoming obfuscated. He peers at the half-elf, her normally nervous and aloof teal eyes filled with determination and compassion, and grins, extremely grateful for her concern and company. Absentmindedly, he doesn't break his gaze, though Winona is none the wiser, fully focused on both her prayer and his health. After about ten minutes, she lets go of his hand, reluctantly.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qWTrxMeV9
"H-how do you feel? Better, I hope," Winona says, almost catching Ralph staring.
"M-much better! Thank you, Winona! Is there anything I can do to repay you?" Ralph asks, wanting to return the favor somehow.
"Th-there's really no need... though I w-would like to hear about w-why you were so be... beat up," she says, visibly worried about him, a mild hint of anger filling her voice. Ralph, who is both excited about and disgusted by his first proper mission, relates the events to the cleric, spurring mixed reactions of worry, disbelief, anger, joy, and sorrow from her.
"Ah... y-you seriously c-could have died. You really sh-should have died, doing something c-crazy like that," she critiques, causing Ralph to look down in submission. "But... it sounds like you d-did a really good thing t-today," she adds, smiling warmly. "Have you re-reported the quest's completion to the f-front desk yet? They'll ask in with the g-guard to confirm, and y-you'll be able to c-collect the reward."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBqqMilhfd
"Oh, no, I haven't. I was waiting here for Master Nyx, but I guess that's something I can do in the meantime. Thank you for reminding me!" he exclaims.
"N-no problem," she replies, standing up and picking up her books. "B-but, if you'll ex... excuse me, I have to attend a m-meeting with the b-branch head. I-I'll be late if I tarry much l-longer."
"Oh, please don't let me keep you, miss Winona," he says, his expression slightly darkening, having been enjoying her company. Seeing this, Winona's heart aches, and, in a tremendous moment of courage for her, she rounds to his side of the table, leans down, and hugs him, her face turning crimson.
"Y-you certainly weren't k-k-keeping me," she begins. "And d-don't let the mission g-get to you too much. I-it's refreshing to see someone like you, with such innocent f-fervor... I'd r-really hate to see you l-lose that..."
"Ah... th-thank you," Ralph stutters, her sweetness, his memory of her stunning form in the forge, and the mounds now gently pressing against him all compounding to nearly leave him speechless, his face gaining a red hue.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSTnDEcCnl
Disengaging and quickly bowing her head, she scampers away, embarrassed.
Why did you do that? Why did you do that? she repeats in her head.
After taking a few minutes to recover, Ralph heads over to the reception to confirm his quest completion. After checking in with the town guard, the receptionist gives him an interesting piece of information.
"Well, Mister Ralph, it turns out that those girls you found were some of the reported missing people, and the... bodies that Miss Nyx apparently just brought in were as well. And finding and saving those girls, especially since they're from an influential family, has increased your payout from 40 gold to 240 gold, as per the bounty the state placed on their live retrieval, 100 gold per living person. Congratulations, and good work, Mister Ralph!" she exclaims, handing him two large satchels filled with coins.
Speechless, he gingerly accepts his reward, basking in the fact that he just honestly earned a large fraction of what he had stolen as a bandit in one fell swoop.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5fWLoKNxL
"Oh, by the way... one of the girls, Hostia, keeps insisting that you come visit and told the officer to remind you of her address: 57 Tsughut Street, a large red brick house in the residential district. Apparently, she and her family want to meet and properly thank you."
"Don't worry, I didn't forget!" he responds, a glint in his eyes from earning so much money. "Thank you, miss!" he shouts, turning and walking back to the cafeteria, performing a heel clap as he goes.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jlrssKw9G
"Well, if it isn't Mr. Moneybags himself," a voice jeers directly behind Ralph, who is admiring his "fortune". Surprised, Ralph jumps in his seat, swiveling his head to find Nyx.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNZCa4OnoN
"Oh, master! You're finally here!" he shouts, happy to see her and proud of his achievement. "It turns out that those girls were some of the missing persons, so my reward was way more than I expected. Haha!"
"Yes, yes, very nice..." she mumbles, analyzing the bags. "How much is that exactly?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS6mdDS1tV
"240 gold pieces!" he responds, beaming. His smile is flipped into a frown immediately, though, as Nyx nonchalantly snags the satchels after being informed of the amount of gold they hold. "W-wait, master, why are you taking them?!"
"That's about as much as you owe me between the armor and the potions. How fortuitous!" she answers, causing Ralph to drop his head onto the table, depressed. "Oh, don't despair, Ralphy. You'll be receiving a far more valuable reward from me, personally, tonight."
"Master, do you speak in innuendo intentionally?" he asks, lazily raising his head to look at her, lewd images entering his mind.
"I think it's that your mind is just constantly in the gutter," she counters, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Tonight, I will impart upon you more of my power, as you've impressed me by living through that encounter of yours. I don't think you realize how deadly that should have been for one such as you, with barely any proper training, physical or magical."
"I really didn't expect that many goblins! The scouts never reported more than three at a time and never a hob. They mostly just attacked weak-looking merchants or travelers with few or no bodyguards," he defends. "As for how I survived... I think it was partly, ironically enough, due to my time as a bandit. I got very familiar with traps, even if most of them were pretty stupid or basic. Besides that, though... I think that watching you fight Sylva and fighting and training with you, even if it was just once, helped more than it should have. When I saw their thrusts, I couldn't help but think how sloppy and inefficient they were, especially compared to yours and Sylva's strikes, so I was able to dodge and parry them. I think if there were more archers, or if that one archer had gotten up a bit sooner, I would be dead now, though. Haha..."
Just from those few times... he was able to survive an encounter that should've killed him three times over, just from watching and basic instruction? I was skeptical before, but this guy might actually be a prodigy, Nyx thinks, a smirk appearing on her face.
"Ha! The god of luck has certainly rolled well for you this day, Ralphmeister, but don't downplay your success. A win is a win, no matter how sloppy. And, as such, you will be duly rewarded. I hear that those girls and their family want to thank you properly as well. Zero to hero, just like that, eh? Hahaha!"
"Speaking of them... what will be done with the bodies? Did they say when you... delivered them?" he asks, his speech becoming more somber.
"They told me that the family would retrieve them and arrange for a funeral, then gave me 50 gold for my trouble, which I will give to you, unless you prefer me to keep it as credit towards your next loan."
"Ah... that might be the wiser thing to do," he decides. "But it's sad, you know? Apparently, they were engaged... the one girl, Hostia, the one with... a working eye... was in denial for a while after waking up, and she even... invited me to their wedding," he explains, solemnly.
"These things happen, Ralphy, more often than you realize. No matter how diligent we are or how powerful we become, evil and darkness will always manifest themselves in the world, ripping and tearing at anything good they can grasp, so don't fall into despair," she begins. "It's impossible to save everyone. Many have tried, and none have even come close to succeeding, exhausting or corrupting themselves in their pursuit for ultimate good. Light and dark, good and evil are two sides of the same coin, with one unable to exist without the other. As such, they derive their power from the same sources, weakness, fear, and inhibition.
People gain power because they are weak, because they are insecure with their status quo, because they're afraid of loss, and most, good or evil, lose themselves in that pursuit and forget why they started in the first place. I'm certainly guilty of that as well. You, though, Ralphy, are still yourself and still have your reason. Knowing you're weak, trembling with fright, terribly insecure, you fight because you want to afford others the luxury of feeling those things, too, and that empathy for your fellow man, your experience with the allure of both good and evil, make you shine far brighter than even the gems on your blade, your luster expunging both the light and darkness around you. Please, don't forget that."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7kzlCcRt0
"Master... I won't deny that most of that went over my head, but as for that last part, I know a compliment when I hear one, so thank you. I won't forget," he assures.
"Why do I even bother..." she sighs, leaning back and tilting her head up to look at the ceiling. "While I'm here, I'm going to inquire about my humiliation with Lucas, then I'll be retiring back to Sylva's for the day, but you are under no such compulsion if you have more to do."
"Um... no, I think I'll return with you. I'll wait here," Ralph responds.
"Very well," Nyx says, rising and walking toward the main staircase.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6aZs3uYOd
Nyx ascends the staircase, regretting that she didn't get something to drink to remove the taste of vomit from her mouth while she was in the cafeteria. Once on the second floor, she zips down the hallway, wanting to finish her errand quickly and without interruption. As she passes by the geriatric wizard's office, however, she's met with an unwanted greeting.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJKBWWX7G9
"Nyx, dearie, is that you that I spy?!" Ashley asks from the clean side of her office, sitting at her desk. Nyx can feel hints of genuine happiness in her soul, so not wanting to crush them, she stops her progress to answer.
"Indeed, Madam Ashley. It's a pleasure to see you again," she responds, annoyed at the unexpected encounter but not unhappy to see the wizard.
"Hoho, no need for such formality on my account. Were you heading to Lucas' office by any chance?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXIKZF8VYo
"Yes. I'd like to... clarify something with him," she says, resisting the urge to grimace.
"I believe he's in an important meeting, at current, though I doubt it shall continue for much longer. I'd be happy to chat with you to pass the time, if you'd like, dearie," Ashley offers. Not believing she's lying and feeling two presences other than Lucas in his office, one unknown and one likely Winona, she acquiesces.
"Alright," she says, entering the wizard's office. "Is there anything in particular you'd like to discuss with me?"
"Hoho! Well, I did hear about a spritely young woman causing an uproar at the mage's guild. That wouldn't happen to have been you, would it, dearie?"
"Calling it an uproar is a bit hyperbolic," Nyx defends, unapologetically.
"I knew it! I simply find it quite humorous, dearie. Anything that frazzles that old fuddy-duddy Ozen is welcome in my cataracted eyes."
"You have history with him?"
"Oh, yes, we were once – and still are, I suppose – rivals, on account of our being students of rival masters, who hold bitter hatred for each other. He was a student of the archmagus Pruino "of Portents", and I was a student of the archmagus Focula "the Phoenix". The story goes that one grievously wronged the other in a most horrendous fashion long ago, but both insist that they were the one who was aggrieved. My master always left it at that, so I don't know the details to have a real opinion on the matter, hoho!"
"Curious. It so happens that Ozen referred me to Pruino for advice on a matter of magic. Would you say that Focula is better equipped for such a thing?"
"Referred you to Pruino? It must be quite a nebulous problem, then, for Ozen to pass on the matter to his master so easily. As much as I hate to admit it, Ozen is no slouch when it comes to magical knowledge, though I think I might just beat him out," she says, winking. "If the problem is a matter of pure scholarship, Pruino would be preferable to my old master, for she specializes in magic of war, evocation and abjuration, specifically. Pruino's strength lies in his genius powers of divination and knowledge seeking. Hoho! It's ironic, for Ozen and I specialize in the other's master's specialty."
Pruino it is, then... Nyx thinks, not believing a war mage to have the knowledge she seeks. "I'm curious... why would one interested in divination seek instruction from an evocation wizard and vice versa?"
"Well, you see..." Ashley pauses. "Our masters, in their desire to prove their supremacy over the other, decided upon a contest. Whoever could teach a pupil the opposing school of magic better than the other would have to admit their fault in the unknown matter from long ago. Because Ozen and I, before we left our teachers, were essentially even in our skills after two decades, the time allotted... a winner could not be decided, so it was declared a no contest."
"How childish..." Nyx sighs, as she hears Lucas's door clicking open and the sound of footsteps in the hallway. After a few seconds, a large, well-dressed man passes by the doorway. He's around as tall as Nyx's male form, 6'2", and probably in his mid-fifties. His dark brown hair has a handsome touch of gray, and his passing glance into the office reveals dark brown eyes. Nyx senses that he's a tough and charismatic individual. Though he could probably hold his own in a scrap, he doesn't seem to be a particularly powerful individual, like many of the guild's officers are. Following closely behind is Winona, who doesn't notice Nyx, seemingly lost in thought.
"Oh, it would seem the meeting's adjourned. Go ahead, dearie, but feel free to drop by my office anytime," Ashley says, waving her hands toward the door.
"Thank you for helping me pass the time, Ashley. Perhaps I'll see you sometime soon," Nyx says, slightly bowing, before exiting the office. Turning left, she's soon outside Lucas' office. Peeking in, she finds the paladin hunched over at his desk, eyes closed, one arm on the table rubbing his forehead. His soul is radiating worry and frustration.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyMh7kE8tM
"Have I caught you at a bad time?" Nyx asks, causing Lucas to open his eyes and straighten up in his chair.
"Nyx! What a pleasant surprise! Come in! And close the door behind you, please..." he responds once her identity registers in his mind. After fulfilling his request, she hesitantly shifts closer to the desk, not liking the incredibly sudden feeling of relief exploding within him. "What can I do for you?"
"While I was here, I simply wanted to confirm the... specifics, such as timing, of our future engagement, as you were rather vague and have yet to send me a message," she coolly explains.
"Ah... I'm afraid I've simply had far more pressing matters to take care of today, unfortunately. I have yet to arrange a time to take off to settle our apparel problem, but as for timing, the ball will be held two weeks and three days from today. Are you more or less available at any time, for scheduling purposes for me to take off for clothes shopping?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdNXMiPa1g
"Yes, as long as you inform me of a time with at least one day's notice."
"Fantastic. I'll let you know within three or four days. But... while you're here, I believe the time to call upon your services as an adventurer has arrived far sooner than I had anticipated, as Vaxi's mayor, Frons, has just informed me of a grave issue. A red dragon, which has lain dormant for more than a century, has recently been sighted in the northeastern reaches of the kingdom, near the town of Dracomon. It had taken residence in the mountains separating us from the kingdom of Isen around 105 years ago, but after it had accumulated an enormous amount of wealth from raiding both us and Isen over a span of five years, it resigned itself to its lair. But now... we're worried that it will begin attacking the countryside in search of items to add to its horde, or, worse, simply cause wanton destruction. It has yet to do anything particularly damaging – that we know of, anyway – but we can't just ignore it like we did a century ago."
"Why was it simply ignored, by two kingdoms no less?"
"At the time, Munditor was at war with its neighbor to the southeast, Uruvie, and Isen was at war with its northern neighbor, the dwarven kingdom of Robere. Neither of us wanting to devote precious resources to quell the threat of a dragon, we... sacrificed our mountain hinterlands and holds to its fire."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXB3I6Irsn
"And now you'd like me to take care of it? Do your countries have no qualified warriors, or do you have a convenient excuse like you did a century ago?"
"I... certainly don't expect you to slay a dragon by yourself, but our kingdom itself only has one other Lich class member, who is, unfortunately, essentially confined to our capital, Iubar. Additionally, none of our four other Demon class members are readily available, most of them already on important missions. Isen has only one Lich class member, but he has been missing for quite some time, presumed to be either dead or not wanting to be found. Their three Demon class adventurers are already at their side of the mountain. Both countries' guilds have requested international support through the United Guilds of Ea Association, but we've yet to receive feedback. If all else fails, I will be suiting up to aid you."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46qdYzQz1M
"Bureaucracy at its finest..." Nyx sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose, visibly irate. "Don't bother, Lucas, and tell the pencil pushers from that association to get bent. I'll take care of it myself, first thing tomorrow morning."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4lRV9tkQT
"Yourself? Nyx, I understand you're powerful, but this is a grown red dragon. Do you truly expect me to sit idly by and do nothing while you-," Lucas pauses, feeling that horrid wave of dread and pure malice he had felt from her the day before emanate from her once more, this time even stronger.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHWLmqVNZb
"Lucas Strahlend... I have had quite the miserable day today, and because of that, I desire to keep useless conversation to a bare minimum. Tomorrow morning, at the strike of six, I will depart for the town in question, inquire about the whereabouts of the wyrm, confront it, and, if it proves as unamiable as I expect it will, slay it with extreme prejudice. If thou take exception to that, thou art free to attempt to hinder me, but know only what folly that wouldst be, paladin," Nyx monologues, bloodlust oozing from her, causing a chill to run down Lucas' spine. Refusing to yield to such provocation, however, the proud branch head rises from his seat and responds.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OG2g5417l
"I will not hinder you... but I will not allow you to go alone, either. As master of this guild, I will depart with you tomorrow morning at six, Nyx Interitus. You will obey this order!" he demands, glaring at her. Feeling the aura of despair's intensity increase, he wonders if his gambit has backfired before feeling it instantly evaporate after a few seconds have passed.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboET2jIUIw
"I simply don't have the energy to argue..." she admits, rubbing her temples. "Fine... I will meet you here at the guild, six o'clock sharp. Until then, obstinate one," she dictates, quickly twisting around, opening the door, and leaving the room in one fluid motion, the door slamming shut behind her. Flabbergasted, Lucas's knees buckle after the door closes, and he falls back into his chair, his body lying on it limply. 197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMBR09xCAG
"Lumen, help me... What a woman I've entangled myself with..." he sighs, drained. 197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QbKG1RGpJ
Angered and weary, Nyx shoots down the hall and descends the stairs, heading back into the mess hall. Reaching Ralph, she grabs him by the back of his collar, lifts him from his seat, twists him around, and places him down on the floor with unnatural strength and dexterity.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOVRW8dyEp
"Good, you're ready. We're leaving. Now," she commands, steam practically coming out of her head. Baffled at what has just happened to him, all he can say in response is "Why? Why did you do that?", only to find that she's halfway across the room by the time he completes his sentence. Scrambling to ensure he has everything, he takes chase, catching up to her in a few moments.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxnGsgYQ64
"What happened, Master? Did something happen?" he asks.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZT54pVMvZ
"I'm simply displeased at the abundance of administrative hurdles I've run into as of late," she responds, gruffly. "I wish to end this day for myself as soon as possible."
After a brisk walk in the golden shadow of the evening sun, the unnaturally warm breeze adding to the day's transgressions against Nyx, they arrive back at Sylva's shop, finding her in the process of closing for the day. Hearing footsteps approach her store, she turns to find the pair fast approaching.
"Oh! Welcome back, you two! How'd everything fare for you both today?" she asks, noticing that Ralph is beat-up and that Nyx is incensed upon further inspection.
"Stupendously," Nyx responds, sarcastically.
"Ignoring almost dying a few times... honestly pretty well!" Ralph adds, a tired smile gracing his face.
"I see..." Sylva says, awkwardly. "Why don't you two head upstairs, then? I'll be up to fix ourselves dinner in a few minutes."
"Gladly," Nyx retorts, opening the door.
"Thank you, Miss Sylva," Ralph says, apologetically, following his teacher.
Why did I invite them into my house? she thinks, continuing her chore. 197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOn8PydKiyY
In the loft above, Nyx quickly removes her cloak, boots, bag and sword before unashamedly collapsing onto the couch, headfirst.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldibhD1yoR
Fuck! I was so angry that I forgot my mouth still tastes like vomit! she thinks, now far too comfortable and stubborn to entertain getting up from the couch. She thinks of harassing Ralph, who is doffing his equipment by the chair, to bring her a drink, but in a moment of compassion, knowing how hard his own day was, she decides against it. Suffering through the rancid taste in her gullet, she quietly steams into the end pillow. It's not long – perhaps only ten minutes – until Sylva enters the flat, still haggard from the exhaustion her resurrection has brought her.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecRLdYlE2G
"Sylva~, could you please bring me some water, while you're up?" Nyx asks, sickeningly sweetly, seeing an opportunity.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXI5tjsfCF
"Sure..." the elf accedes, reiterating her previous question to herself.
"Oh, Sylva, don't trouble yourself. I'll get it. I was just about to get some water myself," Ralph intercedes.
"How considerate of you, Ralph," Sylva says. "Thank you. Now I can get started on dinner immediately."
Believing that to be a stab at her, Nyx pouts into the pillow, waiting for Ralph to bring the water.
"Here you are, master," Ralph says, returning from his errand.
"Thank you, Ralph," Nyx responds, taking the cup from his hands, not-so-subtly directing her speech at Sylva. "You know, Ralph, I was going to tell that Sylva girl about the meeting with the merchant's guild head I scheduled for her, but I think she's too preoccupied with being a cheeky little cunt," she provokes, quickly drinking the water afterward.
Please don't drag me into this... Ralph thinks.
"A meeting with the guild?!" Sylva asks, dropping the utensils she was holding.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VDkAwTvTA
"Hm? Did you hear something, Ralph?" Nyx says, causing Sylva to beg her to answer the question.
"M-master..." Ralph stutters, respectfully disapproving of the game she's playing.
"Oh, fine," she acknowledges. "When we went to the guild this morning, under the guise of foreign elven potion sellers, of all things, I managed to get the head interested enough to offer to meet to discuss finer details of membership and shop location. I'm going to use it as a way for you to improve your station. It will be held in three days' time, so I suggest you prepare."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKChYx1wfd6
"He... barely even spoke with me... even when disguised as a human woman," Sylva laments.
"Yes, he seems to be quite the unscrupulous sort. I look forward to taking him down a few pegs during the meeting," she reveals, smiling devilishly.
"I certainly won't squander such an opportunity," Sylva assures, picking up what she had dropped and continuing her labor. "To digress, why is it that you both look so haggard? Did the goblin quest not go as planned?"
"I... almost got myself killed," Ralph admits, as he begins to relate the story.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQId6tKJai
"How are you still alive?" Sylva asks, befuddled. "Fors must have fancied you today."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznI0bsEpIy
"Faust, you mean?" asks Nyx, momentarily puzzled as to who Fors is before remembering her otherworldly predicament.
"Faust?" Sylva asks, as confused as Nyx had been.
"Oh, yeah, master. Sylva doesn't know about your... problem, does she?" asks Ralph, realizing Sylva's current lack of information.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFtM8nJ5Iq
"Why am I being kept so blatantly out of the loop?" Sylva sadly questions.
"Ugh... Sylva, my treasury's current item of interest, I am not from here, as you already know. What you don't know is just how alien I am. I have been summoned here from another world entirely, outside of your cosmology, by the effect of a spell that's origins remain obfuscated to me. Faust is the god of luck of the pantheon to which I am accustomed, which is why I was momentarily confused at the mention of your god, Fors, when contextually I expected you to say the former."
"Another world? Outside of our cosmology?" Sylva asks, remembering the conversation she had with the Arlene in her dream after the duel with Nyx, which emulated a real conversation that had taken place some 13 years prior. "That's... not possible."
"A few days ago, I would have agreed with you... yet here I sit before you," Nyx relates. "As a practitioner of magic, you likely feel the strangeness of the magic I wield. Otherwise, I can only offer the peculiarity of my sudden arrival, a mage of immense, unignorable power suddenly appearing from nothing, as proof."
"I suppose..." Sylva struggles to accept. "Is that part of the reason you seem so angry and exhausted right now?"
"Well... that's mostly due to my having to go slay a dragon while carrying around dead weight tomorrow morning," Nyx sidesteps, not wanting to divulge the true source of her anger, of the taste of vomit in her mouth.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcTvdXZjm8
"Slay a dragon?!" shout Ralph and Sylva in unison.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs75KD4GYZk
"Yes," Nyx replies plainly.
"I hate how you can say that so casually..." Sylva bemoans.
"W-what do you mean by dead weight?" Ralph asks, believing that to refer to him.
"That perverted paladin, Lucas... When I asked him about our... agreement, he informed me that a fully-grown red dragon is poised to wreak havoc in the countryside of this country and its western neighbor, and he asked that I be part of the task force to remedy the situation. He told me that the international guild is dragging its feet on procuring enough qualified manpower, so, angered by that, I told him that I'd just take care of it myself, but he demanded that I allow at least him to accompany me. Without the energy to refuse, I granted his request."
"Oh, I see," Ralph says, relieved.
"To take on a dragon alone... do you truly have such confidence in your abilities?" asks Sylva.
"More than confidence, my possession. Experience. I've slain more than a few dragons in my long life. And, if it's not at least an ancient specimen, it won't even be interesting," she boasts, not an ounce of worry appearing on her face.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBR4StHfpI
"Madness..." the she-elf sighs, hollowing bell peppers as meat sizzles over the open-flame stovetop.
"Can I join you guys, master? Seeing a dragon, up close and personal, would be really cool..." Ralph bashfully observes, wonderstruck at the idea.
"No, Sir Ralph, I'm afraid even I would be unable to protect you, with certainty, from a rampaging red dragon. But, while I'm gone, I expect you to practice your skills, including the ones I will bestow upon you tonight."
"With pleasure," he resolves, disappointed at not being able to accompany her but excited about the new boons he's to receive.
"I'll ask that you at least wait until after dinner to gift him your strange, sinister magic," Sylva asks, seasoning the meat that is inevitably bound to be stuffed into the peppers.
"You didn't even have to ask..." Nyx responds, eager for the relief the meal will give to her palette. 197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmxXdavvoV
Ralph stares at a lengthy, hand-written document that his teacher had prepared for him after dinner. It details the terms of what's termed as a "promotion" as well as the possible elective "benefits" that come with it. He's to receive an additional use of a spell per short bout of resting, an additional spell to know and two "invocations". He chooses his additional spell to be one he saw in the duel between Nyx and Sylva, the armor of ice that accosted the she-elf when she made her initial strike, much to her chagrin and Nyx's amusement. For invocations, he chooses one that boosts the damage of his bolts of force and one that boosts his health, making him harder to kill.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcen79SMyMv
"In my opinion, you made good choices, protégé. Now... shake my hand once more," Nyx commands. "Receive my power, which I grant to you both because you have proved capable and so that you will become more capable."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCgNTivM0E
Acquiescing, he shakes her hand, causing a palpable purple aura to surround him, overloading him with magic power. Soon, it retreats back into Nyx's body, and Ralph, drained from the overwhelming experience, backpedals into the living room chair. Amused at the sight of her exhausted pupil, she chuckles, retreating to the couch, where Sylva now sits. Not to be deprived of her comfort, Nyx lies down, laying her head on the elf's lap, sighing contentedly. "So plush..."
"I'll... accept that as a compliment," Sylva says, slightly annoyed at being used as a fixture. She's surprised at how soft and frail the woman who defeated her feels. Additionally, a strange, dull warmth seems to emanate from her petite body, which lulls Sylva into a sense of security, as if nothing could harm her in this moment. Her mind emptying in comfort, she begins to relax, failing to resist the urge to pat her owner's head, the silky texture of the warlock's hair exquisite to the touch.
When the elf soldier begins patting her head, Nyx's mind immediately flashes back to nights spent with Eowyn, her now departed wife. Eowyn, as to comfort Nox's tortured mind, would often pat and massage his head while it laid on her lap or chest. Although it was a simple gesture, it soothed him in ways that both magic and medicine had continually failed to do. Nox, even now, intensely yearns for the strong yet graceful fingers that once glided across his scalp, luring him into peaceful slumber. He aches for the comforting heat of his lover, how it made him feel so safe and secure, even as the shadows of his past threatened to consume him. When Sylva inadvertently hits a sweet spot, Nox is jolted from his memories and recoils at her touch, springing up from her lap to sit up straight on the couch. Only Eowyn has permission to pacify him in such a way.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSPVXW7GHb
"P-please, don't do that!" Nyx shouts, sheepishly, eliciting surprised reactions and expressions from her new housemates.
"I-I'm sorry. Did I overstep?" asks Sylva, worried that her impulse offended her benefactor.
"Is everything alright, master?" wonders Ralph, perturbed at the cuteness of the response.
"Think nothing of it. You merely surprised me is all," Nyx deflects, attempting to save face by returning to her previous position on Sylva's lap, unhappy at her own knee-jerk reaction. Looking at each other, Ralph and Sylva, seemingly telepathically, decide to leave it be, not wanting to rekindle Nyx's wrath by pressing her, as she seems to have calmed down after dinner.
The trio speak for a while, with Sylva relating how reopening the shop went, Ralph telling Sylva about his invitation to be thanked by a noble family, and Nyx interjecting from time to time. After a few hours, the two younger members of the trio find themselves dozing, and, unable to stave off their exhaustion, they succumb to sleep. Nyx, certain of their slumber, gingerly brings her hand to her head and gently massages it, a defeated expression and red hue appearing on her face.
Eowyn... I miss you so much, she thinks before stopping and allowing herself to slowly drift on Sylva's lap, the threat of the dragon overshadowed by the absence of her wife.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUcAHABr9L
Ralph rides on a large, dragon-like beast, incredibly high in the sky. He wants to scream when he notices his altitude, but he finds himself unable to, his body unresponsive to his reactions. Looking down – an action he immediately regrets – he notices a vast army, the front of which his mount circles. He knows that he is the commander of the army, but it's inconceivable to him, as he was just in Sylva's apartment. From afar, he spies several fortresses, obviously built strategically around a vast plain, mountains overlooking it. He's well aware that he's here to raze them to the ground and kill all their occupants.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9BAmW4D2K
"My lord!" a familiar voice shouts in his mind. "We're nearing their battlements, and our scouts have indicated that they seem unprepared for an assault of this scale. What are your orders?"
"Is it not obvious, Pigug? Burn. Maim. Kill them all." Ralph coldly responds.
"Hehehehe... with pleasure, my lord," the orc captain assures.
Over the course of several hours, Ralph watches, in horror, as the force he commands rips through the surprised enemy camps. Against his will, his body eventually orders his mount to fly down to get a closer look at the spectacle once the battle appears to have been won. Once only a hundred or so feet from the ground, Ralph can smell the rancid odors of blood and burning flesh, scents with which he is unfortunately already familiar. He continues to slowly descend, soon landing before a platoon of well-equipped orcish soldiers, which bows before him. Only one remains standing, who Ralph recognizes as Pigug, though even he shows reverence by bowing.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYDSwX369G
"Are you pleased with our efforts, my lord?" he starts. "All their supporting fortresses have been taken, and their supply chains are broken. Only the main Enno fortress proper remains."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GnbG98tW5
"Well done," Ralph rasps, climbing off the fell beast. "Surround it. Let nothing escape. I will demand parley with the fort commander."
"As you command..." the orc replies.
Ralph slowly makes his way toward the gates of the fortress, observing the carnage that currently surrounds him. There are terrifying monstrosities everywhere he looks, slaughtering men, elves, dwarves, halflings, etc. He's repulsed by the sense of pride he feels permeating through his being. As he nears the gates, a stray, desperate soldier, screaming, sprints towards him, attempting to cut him down. When the blade strikes Ralph's armor, the sword immediately shatters, and the soldier falls to the ground, wailing in pain, his arm burning from some type of poison or acid.
Fool... he thinks, giving the man little heed as he continues.
Finally reaching the gates, he bellows a haunting command:
"Open the gates and surrender, worms! If you do so and prostrate yourselves before me, as befits those of your stature, I will consider sparing you all! If you do not comply, however, I promise that you all will meet a most grisly end!"
When the gates do not begin to open after a minute or so, Ralph feels his body start to grow and change, a terrible roar rumbling from his throat. He grows until he can see over the gates and all the soldiers, who are now cowering, within the walls. He sees and feels a mountain of flames erupt from his mouth, but the next thing he knows, he's in the courtyard within the fortress walls, normally sized. Absolutely everything is on fire, including the dozens of soldiers now being crucified, their pained wails a concerto of death fit for a demon. At his feet and beneath his boot is a well-equipped man, who grovels for mercy.
"Please! Mercy! I'll do anything, tell you anything! I'm sure I can be of use to you somehow!" he screams, sobbing, before Ralph crushes his head underfoot.
"Pathetic..." hisses Ralph, who captures the man's soul in a small cage before it departs for the afterlife. "You'll be far more useful in here than you ever could've been otherwise, especially alive to annoy me with your drivel." Ralph can feel the soul's agony as he begins to root through it for information.
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