Let's Dance with Rogues - 47 - Divided We Stand (Finished)

[RK47]

I'll update tomorrow, come on...I did 3 updates in 3 days. What more you want? Weekend's over in Asia, you know!

 

[Erebus]

Read the sex scenes, there's no way in hell the author was a woman.

I remember hearing somewhere that most of John Norman's readers were women.

 

[Lesifoere]

I'm not reading this in details, but if you think about it for a moment, because nobody seems to want to, it kind of makes sense for a woman to be raped at every corner in a proper medieval setting, if she doesn't stay in the kitchen... so to speak. I'm not saying I particularly enjoy that kind of realism, but I'm surprised there weren't any comments that didn't point this out yet, so here I am spreading the good word. Maybe all this sexual fetishism can make sense if you look at it this way, altho I doubt realism was really the motivation of course

It's not realism, it's something you'd expect to see in Monty Python. This entire module is getting closer to being a rape equivalent to the "it's just a flesh wound" scene from the Holy Grail.

That and crying "but it's realistic" reveals that you consider A Song of Ice and Fire and the like to be solid historical textbooks. Very gullible.

 

[Gragt]

In that module, rape really is the only answer.

 

[Drakron]

I'm not reading this in details, but if you think about it for a moment, because nobody seems to want to, it kind of makes sense for a woman to be raped at every corner in a proper medieval setting, if she doesn't stay in the kitchen... so to speak.

No.

Lets start with the fact we had women that hold considerable power, in fact the French rule that women could not inherit the Throne was made in order to remove English claims to the French Throne and not because of some type of misogamy.

Women were not raped because they did not "stay in the kitchen" because they had to "get out of the kitchen", women were also farmers but access to certain types of professions was restricted since they needed to be taken as a apprentice, social ostracism is a remarkable effective tool.

But yet you have had female storekeepers and bakers, also its questionable their roles on workshops were the reason of having a male in charge was quite simple, family name were a male hair would mean the family tradition would continue under the family name as with a women the name would be lost as she would marry and so adapt another family name and thus ending the family name tradition.

Not to mention rape was a crime, in fact one of the two crimes criminal appeals that could be brought up by women, that fact alone is telling.

I'm not saying I particularly enjoy that kind of realism, but I'm surprised there weren't any comments that didn't point this out yet, so here I am spreading the good word. Maybe all this sexual fetishism can make sense if you look at it this way, altho I doubt realism was really the motivation of course

Except its not realistic ... being raped by a victorious army soldiery would be realistic, being raped after being abducted as sold as a slave would be realistic ... bullshit like Jus Primae Noctis is just myth.

Also realism would mean one terrible awful thing that is gender discrimination, funny about that.

 

[anus_pounder]

I'll update tomorrow, come on...I did 3 updates in 3 days. What more you want? Weekend's over in Asia, you know!

So whats wrong with updating on Weekdays ? You claim to have a life beyond the codex ?


Nah. Just fucking with you. Take your time.

 

[RK47]

Chapter 09: Lesson Four

I left the old wharf feeling slightly vindicated. I did not betray my friends out of selfish needs, besides, there's so much left to do in this city. I took out my notes and recall that Master Nathan recommended I meet someone here for the fourth lesson, in the harbor district, at 17 Riverroad, second floor.

I knocked on the wrong apartment doors a few times, but finally I got it right.

And who do we have here, sneaking into my apartment?

Master Nathan sends me. I'm here for lesson four. Are you Mistress Joanna?

Lesson four? *She laughs.* Somehow I'd have wagered that I'd be lesson six. But yes, I am Joanna. Come in, please.

Thank you.

Let's have a glass of wine. Come.

She pours a glass of wine for me and one for herself.

Thank you, Mistress Joanna.

Just call me Joanna, please. And what's your name?

Tina.

That's a pretty name. Don't worry, I won't question you any further. *She smiles and sips her wine.* So go ahead. Ask me whatever is on your mind.

Tell me about Master Nathan.

Nathan...*She takes another sip, then smiles again warmly.* Nathan appears to be tough, but he's a decent man. One of the most honorable I've met in fact. Mind you, coming from me, honorable probably doesn't mean a lot. *She chuckles.* Master Nathan protects me from harm. From time to time, he sends young ones like you to learn from me. And once in a while he and I enjoy some time together, if you know what I mean. *She winks.*

I think I know what you're trying to say.

She giggles.

Please tell me more about yourself.

About me? Well I won't bore you with the details of my youth. When I was of about your age, I decided life was boring and ran away from home. I was young and silly and wanted to see the big wide world. Well I ended up in a place called "The Velvet Dancer". That sounds a lot more than it was. In reality, it was just a cheap brothel.

Oh...

Whatever you do, don't ever think you can earn your living easily by offering yourself to the sailors. In the brothels they tell girls like you how easy everything is and that they care for you. That you can choose your customers and stuff like that. Don't believe it. They invest money when they take you in, and they want it back tenfold. So it's more like you have to fight over the customers with the other girls, hoping to bring in enough money so they're content with you. And if you don't, or if you're getting older, they cut your throat and throw you out.

I would never do something like that!

Good. Anyway...Once I found out how things worked, I decided to leave the Velvet Dancer. Leaving alive isn't as easy as it sounds, but I managed to hide on a ship. In a wooden crate below deck.

And then?

It was one of the ships Master Nathan used to bring certain goods into Betancuria. He was there himself when they opened my crate and I popped out.

So he's a smuggler of sorts?

He was, back then. And I think he liked what he saw. Well, he took me under his protection. Ever since, I work for him. It's a good life and I am happy. I have four children myself. They work for the family. Master Nathan does care, you shall see.

Ummm, please tell me more about my lesson, Joanna.

Alright. What I want to teach you is how to make the best use of your pretty looks.

What do you mean by that?

Other people may tell you that only the strong get what they want, or that you can sneak your way around. That's silly! You'll always find somebody who's tougher than you. And if you're sneaking, all it takes is one dry branch to step on and you're screwed. But if you use your charms to your advantage, you'll find that you'll reach your goals most easily and without the need for shedding blood.

LP Comment: Rat diplomacy?

You are really pretty child. *She studies me briefly and glances at my chest.* And you've got lovely breasts. I doubt you will have difficulties making people do what you want if you're just smart enough. A cute smile in the right direction, a sway of your pretty hips at the right time, and the men will just melt away.

I see.

Do you have any sexual experience?

...Ugh. Vico?

I've been raped....by a member of your gang!

She looks abashed.

I'm deeply sorry that this happened to you. It is a shame, really. *She softly presses my hand.* Back where I come from, men who did this to women got both their hands and feet hacked off, and also their precious little dong.

LP Comment: ................. Yes. That's the entire line typed for posterity.

I just hope I'll never see that man again.

Alive, that is.

You haven't gotten with child though, have you? *She glances at my belly.

I'm not sure...

What? Me, pregnant? It's been months!

Sanah, a healer who's got a shop in northern Betancuria, sells a special herbal contraception tea. If you drink a cup of it each day for a week after you've lain with a man, you won't get with child.

I see.

Maybe I should acquire some of this tea....It's been a few days since those bastards gang raped me in the alley...but it's better to be safe than sorry.

LP Comment: Really? Pregnancy? What? Don't they have Detect Pregnancy spells?

Now back to your lesson. As I said, you need to learn how to use your charms. So I want you to help a son of mine who's on a rather difficult mission. He needs to pickpocket something from somebody here in the city. From a bard, to be exact. Her name is Pia. she's currently lodging at the Lion's Head Inn in North Betancuria. It is extremely important that he acquires this thing from Pia.

And how am I to help with that?

Pia's very much afraid of being robbed. That's why she has hired a bodyguard. Quite the brute. We don't know where she keeps that ting my son has to obtain. But we guess she carries it with her, usually.

Sounds like a difficult task indeed.

Yes, and that's where you come in. Pia is known to have a favor for pretty girls. She might be blown away by you if you do it right.

You want me to flirt with a woman?!

LP Comment: Oh, good. Yuri incoming.

*She chuckles.* You don't have to fall in love with her. I want you to approach her, maybe have a few glasses of wine together. Talk tio her, pretend that you've taken by her charms, be a real sweetie. Eventually, she'll ask you to go upstairs with her, to her room. It's unlikely that she'll ask her bodyguard to come along for this. So you two will go up alone, then my son will knock her unconscious. Don't worry, she'll survive. Just hard enough so he can snatch that thing from her. Once that's done, hit the road, and everyone's happy. And I'll tell Nathan what a sweet charmer you've been.

Oh...just that?

One more thing though. You should get yourself a sexy outfit for the occasion. Pia can be a little difficult when approached in the wrong mood. Or she might suspect something. But if you give her something to goggle, she'll hopefully abandon all caution.

Okay...

Go to Talana's Store in North Betancuria. Here's some gold. Choose something sexy. Pia's usually in the common room in the evenings. Meet my son outside the Lion Head Inn first, to discuss any last changes of tactics. He's easy to spot. He has bright red hair, just like me.

She hands me a pouch of gold. I opened it and counted 120 coins inside. That's a lot of money.

Got it all? Good luck then, my sweet!

Looks like I have to do some shopping...

LP Comment: Off to work Incoming Yuri, are you sexcited?

 

[Santander02]

Aisha's about to get more than that.

Wait, wait, don't tell me, I think I can guess... her rape has made her pregnant and the game is going to make you decide whether she bears the child of her rapist or has a back-alley abortion !

We got a winner!

 

[RK47]

After delving through this game a bit more, I discovered that there's literally a lot of magical items for sale in this game. But not enough gold to buy'em all.

So I kept tabs of what items to stock up and upgrade, while managing the Princess' meager gold purse. It's a very well-done balance, this resource management is pretty top notch compared to most modern RPGs I've played.

Let's re-educate myself on Rogues AC - Your feedback will insure less chance of me quitting out of rage. (Or Rape.) Because if you don't want to be raped, you need to be crazy strong, and Aisha is just a 10 STR 14 DEX Rogue.

In a hindsight, I regretted picking Cleric as my first choice. It's not a total loss, since I got myself a nice heavy and medium armor feat, a domain power to improve lock picking skills, and some decent self support spells coupled with instant-heal-spell-swap. However...IMO, a druid is MUCH better.

Think about it, as a rogue, sneak attacks is your only chance of doing something special. One on one fights are not rogue's forte. With the Druid animal companion, plus another from Summon Creature I, the whole fight can be turned around easily with reasonable flanking and 3 to 1 odds when facing single opponents.

But let's work with what we have: Cleric / Rogue.
What gear should I shoot for first?

 

[Ulminati]

In b4 aisha gets raped and robbed for walking in the middle of the market in broad daylight.

Also, you really ought've taken your first level as rogue at level 1 instead. Since skill points are quadrupled at lv1 it makes the most of the 8 skill points/lvl rogues get.

 

[Brother None]

This remains enjoyable, even if you have to use

a lot

I don't know. He looked just like every man looks.

As in, he was busy raping a woman when he gave you this note?

I'm not reading this in details, but if you think about it for a moment, because nobody seems to want to, it kind of makes sense for a woman to be raped at every corner in a proper medieval setting, if she doesn't stay in the kitchen... so to speak.

Yeah, no. Women could in fact walk around in medieval times without getting raped. I won't speak for muslim cities but I doubt they were quite this bad.

But realism isn't really the point. By heaping on this much abuse the creator turns the attention away from anything good about the mod, including the rest of the story, because it keeps distracting you with ridiculously huge amounts of focus on abuse. In the industry, we'd call that an exploitation piece.

If that's the intent, ok, but it just seems silly, in a mod that otherwise appears to have a lot of quality.

 

[RK47]

In b4 aisha gets raped and robbed for walking in the middle of the market in broad daylight.

Also, you really ought've taken your first level as rogue at level 1 instead. Since skill points are quadrupled at lv1 it makes the most of the 8 skill points/lvl rogues get.

Damn, I didn't know that. Oh well, LARP perspective...I guess Aisha is a religious princess of sorts.

 

[Drakron]

This remains enjoyable, even if you have to use

a lot.

What is wrong with Biri Biri?

That reminds me ...

But Kamijou was not really listening to what she was saying.

He ripped open the plastic wrapping around the sandwich.

“But as a cyborg, you can have gills like a fish added on and live underwater, right? Not just swim, but live there. There would literally be a wider world you could live in.”

“…The issues of your cell’s osmotic pressure and a lot of other minute things would have to be dealt with, so you’d probably have to thoroughly change your body for that.”

“Or you could put cat ears on your head to gather auditory information from a wider range.”

When she heard that, Kuroyoru’s movements froze.

Immediately afterwards, she quickly backed up from him while still restrained.

“S-stop! What the hell are you imagining!?”

“?”

“I’m from the darkness!! I’m one of the Freshmen who have begun to hunt down the Graduates!! Don’t be stupid! That isn’t foreshadowing!! There isn’t going to be some strange development where it turns out that I always wear my hood in order to hide cat ears!!”

...

“What the hell are those damn brats doin' here…?” Accelerator muttered in annoyance as Misaka WORST approached him with a small brand-name paper bag hanging down from her left hand which was not in a cast.

“Heeeyyyy!! Misaka attacked a few Freshmen strongholds and found some fun optional parts! Let’s have some fun remodeling that cool narcissistic girl with these cat ears and cat paw gloves!!”

“Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!?”

Misaka WORST looked pleased at hearing a scream coming from the unit bathroom, but then she saw the room’s owner, Kamijou Touma. With a puzzled look on her face, she hid behind Accelerator’s back.

 

[Zomg]

Bad narrative there, really. Hope it lightens up on it a bit, it's distracting.

I'm not reading this in details, but if you think about it for a moment, because nobody seems to want to, it kind of makes sense for a woman to be raped at every corner in a proper medieval setting, if she doesn't stay in the kitchen... so to speak. I'm not saying I particularly enjoy that kind of realism, but I'm surprised there weren't any comments that didn't point this out yet, so here I am spreading the good word. Maybe all this sexual fetishism can make sense if you look at it this way, altho I doubt realism was really the motivation of course

Seems like every interaction in the game with a man of general fucking age (say 15-50) is in the context of his sexual awareness of the PC, if not his outright beasty lust (and every woman of fucking age considers the PC a love/sex rival). The rape might just be a titillating extension of that fantasy of being a powerful and unresistable person in sexual attraction and love, instead of being a dumpy pornographic fanfiction consumer; the way a normal nerd patriarchy RPG is basically a sanitized version of being a powerful and violent criminal instead of a person that thinks hard about optimizing builds

 

[RK47]

Not to worry guys. I'm minimizing the rape content whenever possible. Yes, there are too many instances of rape situations our heroine can get into, but like I said, I expect some of the options to avoid it. In some situations where it isn't given, I kinda hate it, but what can you do? But this module's content is far, far away from a farcical rape-fest likeLightning Warrior Raidy is.

This whole 'threat of rape' DOES however, work as a strong motivator to get better gears and weapons. I do notice that in most situations, rape CAN be averted with combat. However, surviving can prove to be difficult.

I stress it once again, I have no desire to see Aisha raped. Trust me when I say, if Aisha gets raped, I've exhausted all possible options to avert that particular outcome.

Final statement: This isn't a Japanese hentai where the heroine is forced to take it and all dialog choices boil down to taking it from the head, pussy or ass. The protagonist can fight back and spill some blood in the process.

 

[DarthBehemoth]

I stress it once again, I have no desire to see Aisha raped. Trust me when I say, if Aisha gets raped, I've exhausted all possible options to avert that particular outcome.

Your like her angel watching over her

But seriously, carry on, can't get enough of this (derpy) module!

 

[DwarvenFood]

Hmm yes, most interesting. Any idea how far we are located from our sacked castle ? I wonder as to what the main story will be. I like the pace. As to gear, maybe some good quality, sturdy leather for thieving and a good chainmail for combat. Maybe a poison dagger or something of the sorts, to do some backstab.

 

[RK47]

Hmm yes, most interesting. Any idea how far we are located from our sacked castle ? I wonder as to what the main story will be. I like the pace. As to gear, maybe some good quality, sturdy leather for thieving and a good chainmail for combat. Maybe a poison dagger or something of the sorts, to do some backstab.

I'll do the shopping update tonight..there's pretty much all +3 merchandise sold in store.
I was thinking not to buy those + something armor pieces because I rather leave those on rings or gauntlet slots. Thoughts?

We won't be sieging the castle for a long, long time I think. And it made sense in the story. You're just a thief in training, no way you wield enough influence to become the champion of Iraq in just four hour sessions.

 

[spekkio]

LP Comment: Oh, good. Yuri incoming.

About damn time!

 

[anus_pounder]

If its not loli yuri, I'm not interested. Keep up the good work, RK47.

 

[felicity]

I'm not reading this in details, but if you think about it for a moment, because nobody seems to want to, it kind of makes sense for a woman to be raped at every corner in a proper medieval setting, if she doesn't stay in the kitchen... so to speak. I'm not saying I particularly enjoy that kind of realism, but I'm surprised there weren't any comments that didn't point this out yet, so here I am spreading the good word. Maybe all this sexual fetishism can make sense if you look at it this way, altho I doubt realism was really the motivation of course.

No Bretannia is not a direct copy of medieval. The Dhorns is. It's kinda a antithesis thing. Bretannia has a very sexually open society, while the Dhorns are prudish and sexually oppressed. Somewhere in the game even hints that the royal family often engages in orgy sex party. "Kingdom of whores" as the Dhorns call it.

But let's work with what we have: Cleric / Rogue.
What gear should I shoot for first?

Invis pots, cat's grace pots, haste pots, darkfire scrolls(you may want to get it through cleric spellbook though if you don't mind gimping your rogue skills), flame blade scrolls(If you have enough ranks in UMD) barkskin pots(if you don't have +AC amulet), thieves tools, stoneskin scrolls(requires UMD). Basically haste + double weapon buff and you are set. You could buy a ring that gives you 20/+5 damage reduction but I don't recommend it. It's way too expensive.

You have access to invis spell through Trickery domain right? If not you may want to invest heavily in stealth because more than once you will be forced to sneak around naked.

 

[Breaking Axe]

Hmm yes, most interesting. Any idea how far we are located from our sacked castle ? I wonder as to what the main story will be. I like the pace. As to gear, maybe some good quality, sturdy leather for thieving and a good chainmail for combat. Maybe a poison dagger or something of the sorts, to do some backstab.

I'll do the shopping update tonight..there's pretty much all +3 merchandise sold in store.
I was thinking not to buy those + something armor pieces because I rather leave those on rings or gauntlet slots. Thoughts?

The thing to remember with armour is that there are various types, and only dodge stacks with itself. Rings and cloaks give deflection, boots give dodge, amulets give natural armour, bracers and suits of armour give an armour bonus (I'm not 100% if bracers stack with the armour bonus on regular armour). You can have a +1 ring and +1 bracer and the two would stack, but two +1 rings wouldn't.

 

[Fafnir]

If its not loli yuri, I'm not interested. Keep up the good work, RK47.

 

[RK47]

Chapter 10: Decepticons

I return to the North Betancuria and head straight to the Lion's Head Inn. There, I spotted Pia's son, Lenton standing outside.

LP Comment: Yeah, I can totally see the red hair on the model, but the portrait? Ha!

Yes, I know what I'm supposed to do.

Cool, you've brought some sexy clothes?

Err...I'm going to put them on later, let me go shopping first.

Alright. You get started with that. I'm going to hide now. Check out the location first if you want, then hit on Pia. Good luck!

I nodded and weighted my coin purse. It's time to go shopping!

First stop, Talana's lingerie store. I don't really have any favorite in mind, and despite their small sizes, they're very expensive! The cheapest one comes at 97 gold pieces! How ridiculous!

In the end, I settled for a black matching panties and bra. The bottoms are slightly transparent, the shopkeeper insists it's a 'special feature'. I put my clothes back on and folded my purchase carefully into my pack. My purse grew lighter.

LP Note: There's actually no need to purchase one here. Any one of those sexy clothes we stole from administration building will do just mine. Once again, I'm just LARPing. Disclaimer: IRL, I wouldn't even spend $20 on a meal, unless if it's a buffet, and it's almost a year since I bought new clothes.

My next stop is the jeweler, hoping to find one on the cheap.

Unfortunately, cheap jewelry is a myth, no matter how much of a 'good deal' the storekeeper insisted, I couldn't afford any with my 395 coins. Aside from meaningless baubles, the shopkeeper do sell some protective charms that he swore has magical properties. I take a closer look and could sense it as well. Perhaps one day, I'll be able to purchase one. I thanked the storekeeper for his time and excused myself.

The next stop is Gloili's Exquisite Wares. I think the owner is a dwarf. It's my first time seeing a dwarf in the flesh.

Greetings, young lady. Please feel free to have a look around as you please.

Are you a dwarf?

Ha! And you're a smart one, aren't you?

I have never seen a dwarf before...

I look at him curiously, noting his short, muscular build. There's something quite dignified about his beard. It's almost as if a dwarf wouldn't be the same without one. He smiles at the attention.

Well, and now that you've seen one, are you disappointed?

No, of course not.

He grins.

You're funny. Kind of remind me of a woman I used to travel with, long ago. When I was younger.

It's his turn to study me.

You also sort of look like her. What's your name, girl?

Tina.

Tina...that's a strange name for a delicate person like you. Well, guess we cannot choose our names by ourselves, eh? How come I've never seen you around before?

(Bluff) I've been to your shop before, you probably just don't remember me.

Yes, well. I'm getting old..

He studies my face again. I concluded that my bluff succeeded.

You really look a lot like her.

Like who?

He's so...persistent. I wonder...

A young human woman I used to travel with...Before I came to the city, I used to be an adventurer. I could tell you a story or two!

He snickers. I listened attentively as he strokes his beard.

Well, it was up in the Silver Mountains where I met my companions. There was talk of a golden dragon egg the size of a wagon that was hidden in a cave deep below! Imagine, the size of a wagon! You could probably buy half of the city for that much gold!

I don't really get how this leads to that person, but I remained patient and let him continue.

Well, I met her and her companions in a cavern under the mountains. They had lost their way, their last torch had burnt down, and they couldn't find their way out. They stumbled over me as I was making camp. Humans...In any case, I led them to safety. Good thing I did. They were a decent bunch of folks. We came to talk, and it turned out they were also trying to find the golden egg. So we joined forces.

Oh..an adventurer.

Of course, we never found the egg. But we stayed together for many years to come. Fought many a battle side by side. She was a cleric. She must have healed me a million times.

Hmm. A cleric, huh? Just like me. My parents always encouraged me to devote myself to God.

Well, time's a lot harder on your race than mine. Eventually, she felt the urge to settle down. She was still a real beauty back then, though she had seen over thirty summers and winters. A nobleman married her, and they had many children. I visited her from time to time, talked about the old times. I still felt young back then and continued with my adventuring ways!

When was the last time you saw her?

The last time I saw her, she was well over seventy years old, but still a beauty! As were her children and grand children. One of her youngest had been married to Prince Hussein, who would become King Hussein later on. A tragedy...

Oh..my. Is he talking about grandmother? What a coincidence!

LP Comment: Hey girl, I raided Everquest with you grandma.

Did you know King Hussein?

Not really. He was king already when I decided to settle down and opened my shop here in the city. I never cared much for politics. Though I do know that the city was better off with him than it is now. But I'm talking too much. Forgive an old dwarf, young lady. Did you want to have a look at my wares?

Yes, please.

Oh my, there's just so many things in here that I could use...these armors are magical! There's also magical robes for wizards! Unfortunately I could not afford any. I thanked the dwarf for his time and moved on. My next stop is the fortune teller Joana told me about.

Greetings, child. What can I do for you?

I'd like to buy some herbal contraception tea...

I blushed. No way I want to bear Vico's or those rapists child! Better be safe than sorry.

Well, certainly. That'll be 35 gold coins for seven flasks. It's necessary that you drink one flask each day, and that you do that on seven consecutive days starting the day you've had intercourse.

Very well. Here's the gold.

LP Comment: I don't know if they're making shit up, but I don't want her to be pregnant. Take no fucking chances, bros! We don't need a royal bastard or pregnancy getting in the way of our revenge!

I hand her the gold, and she slowly brewed seven small flasks of tea for me. Satisfied with the result, she ties them together with a string. She paused before finishing.

Would you like to have one now?

Oh, yes.

She unbound one and hand it over to me. I drank it down, it tastes sweet to the tongue yet it leaves a bitter after taste. She nodded and gave me the other six flasks.

LP Comment: I'm LARPing a medieval woman taking her morning after pill. Awesome. The truth is, these are really, really cheap Minor Heal potions. 4 HP a piece. 35 gold for 7 is a bargain when you're in the wild and unable to find a place to rest. Definitely carry a stack, just in case.

I saw the sign outside, can you tell me my fortune?

Of course, that will be 10 gold.

Here you are.

She takes my hand and places it on the crystal ball on the table. At first I only feel the cold stone, but then it begins to tickle, a dim light shining inside its depths. She makes me withdraw my hand, then studies the crystal ball.

Your path is twisted, child. Your future is not clear. There are many possibilities yet. I see a dark path. It's a foreign land you walk in, knowing no happiness, just sorrow and fear...and blood. I see your hands, your arms, your face, stained with the blood of your enemies. Side by side you walk with the dark one. You lead him, but he holds the chain around your neck...

Who is the dark one...I wanted to ask, but her gaze stopped me from asking. She appears to be in a state of great concentration.

There is more. I see icy cold, stars shining from a moonlit sky. Mists of air gathering around you as you stumble through the snow trying to reach the one who's just like you, yet so different...

Snow? I'll be leaving this city soon? It's raining daily in here, I've never experienced snow before.

LP Comment: A Skyrim LP?

You killed the king! But you need him to return home...Together you stand on the island, but there's only death around you...You walk the land of the dead, not knowing whether you are a part of it yet... I see a temple. It's evil. It draws you near. It swallows you...There's blood on your hands. You've killed your comrades so you may live!

I...I don't feel like hearing to her ramblings anymore. It's so uncomfortable.

You lie with the black knight. He makes you scream out in ecstasy! Your bodies are entangled, your skin is covered with sweat. In the end, you are betrayed.

Wait, what? Who's the black knight? Vico? The lights fade away. She takes a deep breath and looks at for a long time. I do not know whether I see wonder in her eyes or pity...Finally, she motions for the girl by her side to fetch her a small potion.

I will forget what I have seen or told you once I've drunk this. Neither will I be able to see your future again. Remember what I told you. But know this. Nothing's set in stone. You may always change your fate. You do not have to follow the dark paths I have seen...I pray that you do not.

With those words, she empties the flask in one gulp. I bowed and rose from my seat. It's time to leave, I try very hard not to think too much about her words. I stopped at the clothes shop and decided to purchase something to set my mind at ease.

Gaston's merchandise is a variety of both common and elegant clothes. They're mostly for looks and offer very little protection. None of them are magical in nature. I sighed and picked a plain cloak and handed five gold pieces to the shopkeeper.

It'll do for now. I stepped out of the store and went to the northern parts of the district. A sign caught my interest.

A bath house. It's been a while. I stepped inside and handed two gold coins to the clerk.

The guard directs me to the left door.

Hmm, a storage locker for clothes, eh? I tried my luck and was disappointed to learn the lock is beyond my means at the moment. I need more training or some lockpicks. The female guard instructed me to undress before entering the bath itself.

I do as she asked.

I spent some time in the nice large bath. Its water has a fragrant aroma and very warm to the touch. I dipped inside and relaxed for a few moments.

LP Comment: It regenerates health too. Theoretically, I can stand in the water and enter combat mode to have in-combat regeneration. How very next-gen.

Satisfied, I rose from the bath and dried myself up with the free towels provided before getting dressed. Upon stepping outside, I noticed the building next door is Carla's Beauty Shop.

Well..I deserve a make over! I entered the store and the friendly owner greeted me.

Greetings, girl. What can I do for you?

What is this place?

Why, this is the Palace of Beauty! We'll make your pretty face even more beautiful! Your sweetheart won't be able to take his eyes off you and fall on his knees pledging you his eternal love!

Sounds like what I need in this mission.

I'd like a treatment, please.

That'll be 25 gold please.

Here you are.

*Turns at her employee.* Lyonesse! Please take care of this nice young lady!

Greetings, girl! What can we do for you?

I'd like a treatment please. Make-up and hair.

She begins washing my hair, then applies various oils and other things. It takes a good while, and I must sit still so I don't ruin her magic. Finally, she seems to be done.

Here we go! You look very beautiful!

I look at the mirror and nodded.

Looks like my preparations are complete. I head towards the Lion's Head Inn and asked the innkeeper for Pia's room.

I'm looking for Pia, the bard. I was told she's staying at this inn. Could you tell me where I could find her?

Pia's upstairs, in her room. She's not to be disturbed. But try in evening, she might be performing a private show on that rented room over there.

He points to the empty room behind me.

Guess, I'll come back later.

Having a few hours to burn, I decided to practice a little pickpocketing at the marketplace.

I only aim for nobles.

Yay! These should fetch a fine price!

Hmm. What's this? A sealed building. I decide to investigate.

Upon entering the building, the sight of four bodies greeted me. Oh dear. They look like thieves! I recall the town crier saying something about the Dhorn successful raid on a thieves' den. This must be it.

Undeterred, I picked at the dropped weapons and scavenged what I could. I also noticed that the Dhorn missed a hidden trapdoor near the wall. I picked the lock and descended down the ladder.

Mmm. What's this? I jimmied the lock, eager to see its contents, but I discovered my skills were insufficient to pick it. Darn! Well, I wasted enough time. It's time to meet this Pia...I return to the Lion's Head Inn and heard a pleasant voice of a female singer on the first floor.

Time to start the show, I took off my regular clothes and revealed the lingerie underneath. Nervously, I knocked on the door. A voice replied from behind the door, 'This room's been rented by the famous Pia tonight. Go away please.'

I'd like to meet Pia please.

I had a feeling I was being studied closely. Finally, the door opened.

Pia, the famous bard, is a pretty woman in her late twenties. She has straw blond hair, happy blue eyes and a firm bosom. Her clothes are bright red colorful, like most bards prefer.

Now look who's here...

Pia regards me from head to toe. I offer her my most winning smile. Pia's eyes rest on me for quite some time, admiring my shape.

LP Comment: *Heavy breathing.*

Tell me, what can I do for you, lovely? And why are you clad in your nighty?

Oh..time to think up of a good story.

I was already asleep in my room upstairs, but then I heard you singing.

Well, and now that you see me, do I live up to your expectations?

She grins again and rests one hand on her hip.

I...I haven't seen your perform yet.

Oh! So perhaps we should change that! Grab a drink pretty girl, and let me sing a song just for you!

She gives me a glass of dark red wine, then she takes her mandolin and begins to sing as I sip the wine.

From childhood's hour I have not been
As others were; I have not seen
As others saw; I could not bring
My passions from a common spring.

From the same source I have not taken
My sorrow; I could not awaken
My heart to joy at the same tone;
And all I loved, I loved alone.

Then - in my childhood, in the dawn
Of a most stormy life - was drawn
From every depth of good and ill
The mystery which binds me still:

From the torrent, or the fountain,
From the red cliff of the mountain,
From the sun that round me rolled
In its autumn tint of gold.

From the ligtning in the sky
As it passed me flying by,
From the thunder and the storm
And the cloud that took the form
When the rest of the Heaven was blue
Of a demon in my view

LP Comment: *Sigh.* Maybe I should record myself singing Skyscraper.

That's a very sad song...

Yes it is. I always found that jolly songs are good for a laugh. But it's the sad songs that truly touch your inner heart...

Did you write this song?

Why, no. A colleague of mine did...*She studies me again, then looks deeply into my eyes.*

I used my charisma by seductively sipping on my drink.

LP: I suppose I should elaborate it by sipping noises and rolling tongues, but we have a notepad and imaginations for that. Slurp slurp.

Pia's eyes follow my every move. She clears her throat, then lowers her eyes.

What's your name?

I am Tina.

It doesn't fit you very well, sweetie pie. Maybe you should choose a new name. How about ...Aisha?

That caught me off guard. I tried to discipline myself, suppress the shock, but failed miserably. Does she know? I winced and spill some wine on my clothes.

I'm sorry, my sweet. I didn't mean to frighten you. Aisha was the name of King Hussein's daughter. And you sure are as beautiful as a princess.

She smiles at me.

Oh...I see.

Aww, you stained your pretty clothes with wine. Hold on...

She gets out a tissue and begins to rub the stain away.

LP Comment: A tissue? Maybe just a handkerchief will do fine...

There, almost gone.

As if by accident, her fingers brush over my nipple before she withdraws her hand.

LP Comment: *Heavy breathing.*

Oh...

She smiles innocently.

Tell me, what is it you do for a living?

I'm a kitchen girl at the Bear Pit restaurant.

You are? Then why were you staying at this inn?

I wasn't, really...I heard you had chosen this inn for lodging.

She giggles.

That's cute...

She takes my hand and caresses my fingers. I take another sip from my wine and deeply look into her eyes. She takes another sip, too.

Well, I was thinking, maybe you'd like to see my room? They have very nice rooms here, clean and wet...er I mean, warm.

She giggles. Maybe it's the wine taking effect. Looks like I got this.

Sorry about that. You must think I'm pretty silly. But I have a lovely big bear skin, it's really impressive.

I'd very much like to see that, Pia.

I smiled and take another sip. Got her. Pia puts down her wine and rose as she took my hand.

Then let's go, my sweet.

I follow her lead.

Oh looks like the first floor..Lenton should be close by...except he did nothing. Pia led me past the first floor without him making a single appearance. Uh oh.

Damn you Lenton, where are you? We've reached Pia's room and there's still no sign of him.

Well, come in, my sweet.

I swallowed hard and did as she say. I can't back out now.

And just like that, the door lock clicked into place. Trapping me inside with Pia. Stupid Lenton!

Well, here we are. I quite like the rooms in this inn, though I wish I had a bath of my own.

I look around, it's really a very nice suite. But no sign of Lenton. Where might he be? This really isn't good at all. Something bad must have happened to him. Which means that we probably cannot perform our task. And that I might not pass this lesson.

Is everything okay?

Huh? Yes...and you're right, having your own bath tub is very nice.

*She smiles.* So how about we have another glass of wine, my pretty?

Hm. She looks a little tipsy. Perhaps I could get her drunk and then, once she's passed out, find the thing Lenton and I are supposed to acquire on my own. I smiled at her and nod. We both sit down at the table, and Pia produces two glasses and fills them carefully, handing one over to me.

To us, my sweet. *She smiles brightly.*

I pretend to drink the wine by just smelling it. Pia takes a long drink, savoring the taste. Then giggles. Yes, I think she's quite giggly now.

That's some really nice wine they have here in this cities..er, city. Just one city. *She nods.*

To the city, then!

I raised my glass.

To the city!

Pia giggles again and takes another long sip. I did not follow suit.

You know, I wonder why I've never noticed you before.

Pia puts her glass back on the table, then glances at me fondly.

You are really, really, beautiful.

She leans forward and gently brushes back a strand of my hair, smiling.

You're very pretty too, Pia.

You surely have a betrothed? *She winks.*

I shake my head.

Aww, really?

I nod in affirmation. It's best to minimize what I say.

But surely you've let a man kiss you before? I've noticed how they all were looking at you downstairs, in the common room.

She winks again and takes another sip of wine, then refills our glasses.

I have, on the cheek, but not on the lips and such.

Hm. Close your eyes for a moment.

I do so, but kept a small slit open, just enough to see what she's doing. She leans towards me and slowly touches her lips to mine. At first her mouth is closed, but after a moment I feel her part her lips, kissing me gently.

Oh..

She pauses for a moment, studies me, smiling. Then she lifts her hand, cupping my cheek as she brushes her lips against mine again, gently probing her with her tongue. I sat still, unsure what to do.

LP Comment: Is this...uh..rape or..something else?

Moving her face slightly, she strokes my tongue with hers, deepening her kiss, I take in her scent, her taste. Roses, and cinnamon.

Mmm, that was nice. *She leans back, beaming at me.* Did you like it, too?

I lower my eyes and nod.

Your lips are wonderful to kiss...I think sharing a kiss with you is the most beautiful thing I've done in a long, long while.

I smiled back at her. I really don't know what to say. I've got to keep up this act, but unsure if I can keep her at bay. Oh please let the wine knock her out soon!

You know..*She takes a sip of wine.* I've found that many men do not enjoy kissing as much. A lot I've met seemed to be only interested in getting their dicks into me as quickly as possible.

Oh yes.

I'd say half of the guys who come to hear me sing are paying more attention to my boobs than my voice. *She sighs and takes another sip.* I sometime wish I had smaller titties...But then I'd probably starve. Or I'd have to do some real work. *She grins.*

LP Comment: Because 75% of the population are

I know what you mean.

She studies me again, smiling.

Well, if I was a guy, I'd probably think that you look pretty hot, too. *She winks.*

Why, thank you.

You probably get a lot of comments about your boobs as well, don't you?

She glances at my breasts.

Yes. *Sigh.*

Hm.

She put down her glass and fits one hand around her left breast, then keeping the shape with her fingers, reaches out for me.

I kept still. She smirks and carefully places her fingers around my right breast.

About the same. Seems like you qualify for a bardess. *Keeping her hand on my breast, she winks.*

Uh, that's good to know!

For a couple of moments she just looks at me, smiling, her eyes shining, her fingers slowly moving over the fabric of my clothes. Then she leans forward again, touching my lips with hers once more. I remained still. She seeks my tongue with hers again as my lips parted. Her fingers slowly slide under my clothes, caress the underside of my right breast, then cup it as a whole, caressing, stroking, exploring.

LP Comment: Hnnnnghhhh.

Her thumb finds my nipple, rubs over my sensitive flesh. She gently bites my lip, kisses my eyelids, nuzzles my neck. I hear her heavy breathing as her lips touch my ear, softly blowing into it, then nibbling my earlobe, toying with it. I turned crimson red.

LP Comment: 1. Blush. 2. Sigh. 3. Mmm yes, that's nice. 4. Shiver. 5. Caress her, too.

Her fingers keep tracing over and around my nipple, making it swell. I sigh softly, my own breathing as heavy as hers. When she pulls away, her face is flushed, her eyes soft. She smiles at me brightly, then slowly stands up, places her hand on my shoulder and run her fingers over my skin.

Come...

She gently reaches out for my hand, I followed her.

The door to her bedroom beckons. I stopped momentarily to consider my options, perhaps I can make a quick ransack and getaway? No...it'll be too suspicious. I don't want to ruin my only chance.

You're truly beautiful.

She studies my shape, barely veiled by my lingerie, and lifts her left hand to my waist, slowly runs her fingers over my bare skin. Then she bends forward to kiss me again. I study the room carefully while she kisses me. A cabinet lies along the other wall, and there's the bed...where,...we'll...uh...spend the night.

I feel her tongue darting between my lips, pushing against mine, chasing mine, licking the edge of it, toying with the contact before returning to my lips. She closes the small gap between our mouths again, and we move our lips against each other's. For a few minutes we kiss, our lips meshing and parting with gentle sucking sound.

LP Comment: *Sucks on lollipop.* What?

She lets me go for the moment and steps back. Never taking her eyes off me, she begins to unfasten the buttons of her top, letting it slide off her skin and down to the ground. Her breasts are round and full, her nipples firm and erect. She beams a fond smile at me as deftly kicks off her shoes, then pulls down her pants, dropping them on the floor as well.

She's not wearing anything underneath. I stood there...unsure how to react.

She beams another smile at me, and embraces me again, our lips locked in another deep kiss. Her fingers trace over my waist, caress my flesh, explore my hips, then move further up, slowly sliding around my breasts. I remained perfectly still.

Her fingers slowly slide under my clothes, stroking the firm flesh at the edge of my breasts while we kiss. Her thumbs glide around my nipples, caress them before she peels my clothes away, baring my breasts, cupping them with her palms.

Her kisses travel down my neck. She nuzzles my throat while her hands caress my chest. Then she lowers her face to my rosy buds. I await her touch...

Her lips brush slightly over my skin, teasing me. She smiles up at me, then begins to gently kiss and suck on my left nipple. Her fingers cup my right breast, giving it a gentle squeeze and kneading. A statue of me stood before her, accepting all her touches.

Her lips find their way to my right breast. She presses her mouth more firmly to my tender skin, nibbling and sucking again. Her fingers release my breasts, trail down my belly. She hooks her fingers under my clothes, slowly working them off.

All naked now, I feel her slit damp against my skin. She slides her hands up my arms, takes my face between her palms, holding my eyes with her for a moment before she fastens her lips to mine again. I let her kiss me.

I feel her tongue questing between my lips again. Her nipples are erect and firm, pressing against mine. She groans quietly, then draws her face higher, kissing the bridge of my nose and my eyelids. I gasped as her fingers reach out for my hands, gently squeezing them.

Come...

She steps back, caressing my fingers with hers She leads me to her bed, pulls me down onto the sheets with her. Rolling me onto my back, she lies down on top of me, embracing me again, gripping my waist as she edges closer, fixing her mouth on mine as I lie perfectly still.

She presses her face to mine, squeezing my waist as her hands roam over my body, caressing me with firm pressure. Sliding her hands higher, she squeezes and kneads my soft flesh. I studied the ceiling.

LP Comment: Are you running out of erotic verbs already?

It's a wooden ceiling, I spot a small, black spider, quickly disappearing in a hole above me. Snuggling closer, Pia kisses my neck and earlobe, gently nibbling on it. Then she lowers her lips to my breasts, gently sucking my nipples. She takes them further into her mouth, rubbing the tender skin with her tongue. I sighed and ponder how long this is going to take.

LP Comment: *Slurps his hot cup noodles.* Yeah, me too, Aisha. My head is starting to hurt.

Her kisses trail down my body, to my navel, exploring me with her tongue. She moves her lips down my stomach, until her chin brushes over my slit. I feel her warm breath on my sex as she lowers my head further, now resting between my thighs. I lie completely still, unsure of what will happen next.

Her kisses circle around my mound, but spare my most private place...Instead, she works her way down my inner thigh, ever so slowly, until she reaches my knee..Then up again, her lips brushing quickly over my clit, and down the other thigh. I await the inevitable.

Her lips brush ever so softly over my most intimate spot. She finds that little nub between my pubic lips, touches it with the tip of her tongue. I bit into the pillow to hide my gasps.

I moan loudly and faked the orgasm. She hugs me tightly as I spread my legs and gasp, shudder and groan.

LP Comment: So it's true. Women can do two err...three things at once!

Once I seem to be done, she leans over me, wrapping her arms around me, her breasts gently pressing against mine. She kisses me on my lips. I taste myself on her tongue. With that, she finally fell asleep.

LP Comment: Thank god it's over.

 

[DarthBehemoth]

All I can say is