3 comments/ 25740 views/ 26 favorites A Line of Work Ch. 01 By: TheTask Note: I hope someone can enjoy this story. I've written one other that's posted on another site, I'll get around to putting it here. I also confess that I'm too lazy to proofread this more than once. Hopefully I'll tickle someone's fancy. Also, I will never use any weird fetishes, nothing of the sort. "Mother... I'm sorry. This open world is large, and I've only seen our family grounds. I may have been brought back each time I left, but I have now come of age. You cannot legally stop me, and should you, I will resist." That was what Lilenae's daughter said to her exactly a week ago. Her daughter turned eighteen only a month ago. Her daughter had only known life among the family estate, she was never allowed out of the estate's grounds. Thus of course she would attain some sort of curiosity about the world. She only knew about the world from her studies, books, and rumors from passing travelers and merchants. Occasionally, an envoy from some high class family would arrive, in order to negotiate terms for whatever they were interested in. Yet Lilenae would never allow her daughter to leave the estate, not since her father died. Lilenae begged and pleaded with her daughter to stay with her, sheltered and safe from the many dangers of the world. She knew she was being slightly selfish, but she only ever had her one daughter and they were both quite attached. The world is a dangerous place, even in certain areas of the estate. Bandits, robbers, rapists, slavers, saboteurs, and many other people of all races with malicious intent populated the areas between cities.In fact, just last month, there was a small group of outlaws inhabiting a building in the corner of the estate, they were well entrenched before the estate's guards drove them off. Lilenae just didn't want her daughter to fall prey to the world, all she wanted was for her to have a decent, safe life. Find a husband, have kids, and take control of the estate. Was that too much to ask of her daughter? It seemed to be the case, despite her feelings and wishes. If her daughter had to leave and travel, she would at least make sure she was safe. The Tessiol family was quite rich, Lilenae married into the Tessiol family with the original intent to take advantage of the assets. She didn't believe she would come to love her husband, and yet she did. So when her husband died, she was forced to take control of the Tessiol family interests, despite relatives attempting to strong arm Lilenae into giving them the money and estate. Nothing would stop her from protecting her daughter, the money was necessary and she would not let it go lightly. "Miss Tessiol, I present to you... Arvad Eversoul." Tessiol's personal maid entered the mansion's parlor and introduced the man named Arvad. "Ah, thank you Marribel. I am pleased to meet you, Sir Eversoul. As you already know, my name is Lilenae Tessiol. Just call me Lilenae for convenience." Lilenae investigated the man the entered the room. He was slightly taller than average, for a human. A youthful, handsome face, a strong and flexible body, and a potent charisma, all important for a wandering warrior like him. The rumored mercenary looked like what they say about him, but what about the rest of the rumors? "They say much about you, can you tell me how much of it is true?" "Ha ha... Just call me Arvad as well. I've yet to be knighted by anyone personally. As for what they say about me, I hope it is nothing pleasant. A man of my profession can't have nice things said about him, or one would be called soft." Like his face, Arvad's voice proved equally attractive, entrancing and serene. "I can fight well enough, do you wish a demonstration?" "What kind of demonstration? I do want to know how well you can fight, of course, this task is of the utmost importance for me. I shan't have anyone fail." "Don't worry, Madam Lilenae, whatever the rumors say, I can assure you they do not meet even a fourth of my actual talents. My weapons were taken from your guards when I arrived, but I can still demonstrate." Arvad smiled and look around the room, surveying everything in sight. "Ah look over there, you see those chimes?" He pointed towards a set of wind chimes situated behind an elaborate window on the other side of the room. "Of course, I had those delivered from some Elven craftsmen, I appreciate their designs immensely." Lilenae didn't see where Arvad was getting at. The wind chimes, as she said, were from Elven craftsmen, it is rare to acquire such meticulous craftsmanship from the far off Elven lands. "I will sever the resonator from the rest of the chimes. I won't even make the rods joggle a little bit." Joggle? Didn't he mean jiggle? Lilenae could sense only confidence from Arvad as she considered the impossibility of the task Arvad set before himself. "But... That's not something a normal being can do." Lilenae said with slight amusement, if Arvad could truly accomplish this challenge, there was no doubt to his original boasts that the rumors didn't even compare to the actual him. Arvad pulled off several buttons from his garments. He wore cloth clothing generally suited to the common folk of the cities. Due to the paranoia to the of Lilenae and her guards, any armed individual seeking an audience has to strip themselves of their weapons and armor and put on clothing provided by Tessiol servants. His shirt parted, showing off the muscles around his chest, despite being a man of travel, he was clean and shaven, quite unexpected to Lilenae's thoughts. Lilenae averted her eyes in slight embarrassment in seeing Arvad expose himself. She watched as Arvad put each of the buttons between his fingers. He drew his arm back, and took aim at the chimes. Lilenae could barely see what happened next. Arvad tossed his arm forward while flicking his hand towards the chimes for extra velocity. The buttons pierced the glass, leaving clean circles in the window. The buttons passed between the rods, severing the fiber that connected the resonator to the rest of the chimes cleanly. Each of the resonators fell down to the ground. Lilenae widened her eyes in surprise, she had viewed the prowess of many mercenaries and magicians, but none amazed her more than now. Even though what Arvad did would generally be construed as a parlor trick, Lilenae saw the skill in Arvad. "And the rods didn't even joggle!" Arvad comedically bowed and smiled as if he performed in front of an audience. "I-I think you mean jiggle..." Lilenae could only make a joke at first. "I'm impressed... Honestly. Is it safe to assume that this is not only what you can do?" "Of course. I am knowledgeable about many things. Weapons, tactics, tracking, a little bit of magic, etcetera and etcetera." Arvad was quite beguiling, Lilenae could admit that. He was certainly charming, and it was clear his words always had the color of silver and the taste of honey. "You certainly are skilled enough for the job I have for you. My daughter, Raisel, has left the home. I can only blame the intoxicating feeling of wanderlust that possessed her. She has recently come of age, and I cannot keep her at home anymore, I desperately want to keep her safe. Thus, I want you to protect her, for as long as possible. If you feel you cannot accept, I wi-!" Lilenae was cut off. Arvad interrupted Lilenae with a considerate voice, "I see. Your only daughter has left to pursue her dream to explore the unknown. You only wish to protect her, I can sympathize with that. I very much wish to accept, but I will not should you do not agree to compensate me accordingly." Arvad ended his words with greed. Of course a mercenary won't help assist with a woman's sob story without compensation. "I am willing to pay by any means necessary. Be it gold and gemstones, land, or even runes... I am ready to pay." Lilenae was willing to shed even half her Tessiol fortune in order to protect her daughter. "Well, I've heard tell that the Tessiol family is in possession of the Eyes of Derhal..." Arvad mischievously hinted at his price. Lilenae grimaced at his price. The Eyes of Derhal were a part of a set jewels. A famous jeweler made pairs of jewels in the likeness of eyes. He modeled each of the jewel pairs after the eyes of people who commissioned him, kings, nobles, and even an Arch-Mage. Each pair of jewels were quite valuable and rare. The jewels in question, were sculpted in the likeness of the most famous of the leaders of the Merchant's Association, Derhal Johfero. Lilenae was reluctant to part with such a valuable piece, but she already decided ahead of time to pay any price for her daughter's safety. "Marribel!" Lilenae clapped her hands, beckoning for Marribel the maid. "Yes, milady?" Marribel appeared out of the open doorway to the parlor. "Arrange for Arvad here to acquire the Eyes of Derhal before he leaves." Ordered Lilenae. Marribel showed some slight surprise, she didn't think that the mistress would give up such a valuable piece. Even so, the Tessiol family held two sets of Eyes. Not just the Eyes of Derhal, but also the Eyes of Norg (a 'civilized' Orcish chieftain). Arvad Eversoul didn't need to know that, however. "Yes, milady, I will have them at the entrance to the mansion where Master Eversoul can pick them up." Marribel curtsied before leaving. "Now that that is taken care of, take this picture of my daughter, Raisel." Lilenae picked up a framed picture, took it out and handed it to Arvad. "Eh? She's an Elf? Are you not her mother?" Arvad asked inquisitively. The girl in the picture was an exact replication of Raisel at the age of seventeen. She had the elongated ears most Elves had, an exquisite face and features, as well as lithe and well proportioned body for her size. "Generally the children take after their mother... Shouldn't she have human qualities?" "Well, as you may have guessed, her father was an Elf, a High Elf. For some strange reason, when Raisel was born, she had the traits of her father instead of me. It was an oddity, but it did not matter. She is still a daughter of the Tessiol family." "Mmmm, I'm more impressed that you caught the eye of a High Elf noble. You are quite the beauty if I may so myself." Complimented Arvad, he wasn't embarrassed in the slightest at paying nonchalant compliments. Lilenae blushed, she smiled at the flattery of Arvad. Lilenae was no wallflower, she had no end of suitors after her husband's death twelve years ago. Suitors for both her and her daughter appeared, but she could find no one that truly appreciated her, and not her looks and money. It was the same case for her daughter, Raisel had many suitors and Lilenae encouraged her to see some of them in hopes of finding a good husband. Raisel spurned all of them, she always was a stubborn girl, especially for an Elf. "Ah, thank you. It is hard to look decent at this age." Lilenae shook her head and got back to business, "Raisel most likely will not appreciate my effort to keep her safe. She will probably try to avoid you. Though she is cunning and charismatic, she is quite naive when it comes to the world. She doesn't fully realize the danger out there. In the past, she ran away from home many times to always be brought back by the estate's guards. She even seduce her way out a couple times." "Ha ha! Naive and seductive at the same time, you don't get that too often. Don't worry, I'll either protect her with her consent or without." "She will probably even try to seduce you in order to escape you, or take advantage of you." Lilenae imagined a scene where Arvad was getting seduced by her daughter, though she was quickly replaced by a younger version of Lilenae herself. After getting carried away, she started to feel hot and blood rushed to her head. Arvad was attractive, even by human standards. It had been a year since she last had sex, she was not the type to give up on love and be a widow for the rest of her life, so Lilenae looked for someone that she could love. Of course she could never come to Love Arvad, but that didn't mean she couldn't admire the handsome specimen in front of her. "Eh... I admit I do have a weak spot." Arvad then suddenly looked apologetic for some strange reason that Lilenae couldn't imagine. "What do you mean?" "Well, it is embarassing, but I do have a weakness to beautiful women. You and your daughter are no exception." Though Arvad said he was embarrassed, he stood tall and proud as ever. Lilenae became flustered at Arvad's repeated flattery. She thought he was joking at first, but Arvad's proud face also held a serious streak in it. Was he truly weak against women? "Though don't think I won't be able to protect your daughter from dangerous women. I can do that. If I couldn't, I'd be dead a long time ago! Ha ha! Still, I don't suppose you can give me any insurance against your daughter?" Lilenae was confused, why would Arvad need something like that? "What do you mean? Something to stop my daughter from seducing you?" "Mmm, yes. Trade one seduction for another, as I always say (well, only once). There are not many women like you out there, actually, I'd say you are quite unique in your looks. You don't flaunt it like most noble women." Said Arvad innocently, it took awhile for Lilenae to see where he was getting at. "Ah, well, I am not shameless like most noble women. After all, the mistress of the Tessiol family must keep a perfect image that is free of taint and hubris. I am not the only one here who should be receiving such flattery. You yourself are better looking than the rumors say." Lilenae wasn't the best at engaging with parties of the opposite gender, she would admit that. At times like this, she merely followed instinct and chose the most reasonable response to the situation. Lilenae felt shy under Arvad's prying eyes, like all men, they observed and judged your looks, Lilenae didn't mind this time, however. She was too modest to admit it, but Lilenae was far more beautiful that most human women of her age, and even those below her age as well. She had a distinct mature air around her that attracted many. She was well endowed with large breasts which fit in a triple D cup, she had well rounded curves thank to morning exercises, long auburn hair, and a plump butt which many men would like to grope and squeeze should they get the chance. Arvad saw all of these about her, though he especially liked the fact that Lilenae was extremely modest and didn't seem to want to emphasize her beauty too greatly. He was sure that if she put on expensive makeups, she would turn out to be even more sexy and sultry. As if he didn't want to hold a bad image in her mind, Arvad ceased his intent admiring of Lilenae's body, though she pouted as if she liked the attention. "I'm surprised that you aren't seeing anyone as of now, Madam Lilenae. A women of your immense stature and looks..." "Who says I am not seeing anyone now? I have had many suitors over the years, though most proved to be less than desirable. In fact, there is one man that I have met recently that has proved to be more than desirable, though the age difference is less than preferable." Arvad, despite his experienced demeanor, was in fact, twenty years of age, the rumors said he was young, so Lilenae assumed they were truthful with that part. Arvad simply smiled and said, "Well that man has been hired to protect a beautiful woman's daughter, so I doubt he can stay for an extended duration. Though I bet he wouldn't mind seeing your elegance in a closer setting." Lilenae saw the corniness in their dialogue, but she found it entertaining and arousing, so she let it continue. "Well my servants and guards will not interrupt unless I should call for them personally. Maybe I should wait for this man in my room? Like you say, it's elegance is fit for two, and the bed is large enough for two." Arvad would mark the fourth man she had slept with since her husband died, she remained a faithful widow for six years before admitting it was time to move on. "I'll be ready for him in about twenty... No, thirty minutes. I shan't look boring for such an intimate atmosphere and act." Lilenae would never engage in such shameless acts normally, at most she would be courting a man for a month or two before allowing them to sleep with her. However, something about Arvad awoke her adventurous side. Lilenae made her way to her bedroom. Like the rest of the mansion, it was filled with expensive pieces of furniture and decorations. Regal curtains covered the windows, where just outside more wind chimes slept in the windless air. A king-sized canopy bed with silk sheets was set in the middle of the back wall. Two nightstands stood on both sides of the bed holding candle sticks with fragrant candles already burning. She informed another maid, Sasha to bring Arvad in thirty minutes. Sasha was surprised, as her mistress normally never was so friendly with man. The maid at first thought foul mind controlling magic was involved, but she remembered that the mansion was covered by a high level anti-magic barrier. She decided to confirm with the resident Tessiol family personal conjurist just in case, her search only confirmed that magic was not involved and it was Mistress Tessiol true desires. Lilenae was certainly feeling weird, that much she could confirm to herself. She knew it was not due to what she ate or any other outside influences except that of a man. What was it about Arvad that intrigued her? An impossible question to answer in a day. Lilenae always took longer than most to satisfy when it came to sex. Only her husband so far had been able to bring Lilenar to climax, and she felt that Arvad would be the second. After all, a man with such inspiring rumors has to know his way around a women, or at least that was what Lilenae's logic told her. Lilenae spent the thirty minutes prepping herself for Arvad, she had a variety of cosmetics from different areas of the world. Her husband once bought her many different High Elven cosmetics, and Lilenae had come to prefer those over the rest. She found it gave her a pure beauty as compared to the make up of the other species, even more so than cosmetics of the other Elven groups. Lilenae looked over her wardrobe, she found that she lacked a variety of sexy clothes. She preferred modest beauty over seductive beauty, but she resigned to herself to buy some of the latter someday. She did however own a set of matching lingerie made of fine fabrics also of High Elven make. She slipped it on herself for once, normally asking Marribel to help her. The lingerie was black, contrasting against her normally pink skin. The bra pushed her breasts up, making them appear larger than they already are. The black thong was sure to attract any man no matter what race or persuasion. She admired herself in the mirror, it was rare that she wore this for any occasion. Once Lilenae was satisfied with herself, she left her large wardrobe and made her way towards the bed. She splayed her self in a vulnerable position on her bed. Lust is a frightening thing, she thought to herself, it is better to not give in to it often. If she hadn't submitted herself to be willing to have sex with Arvad, she was willing to give herself up for her daughter should that be the handsome mercenary's price. Thankfully, she was doing this willingly, and Lilenae was determined to enjoy it. "May I come in?" The voice of a man rung out from behind the bedroom's door. Lilenae confirmed that this attractive, serene voice belonged only to Arvad. "Of course, Sir Eversoul." The door opened up, revealing Arvad Eversoul. He still wore the commoner's clothing supplied to him, though bereft of buttons, revealing his muscled chest, which was bare of any hair, Lilenae would have mistaken Arvad for an Elf was it not the fact he had human features like rounded ears and a rugged build. It was more like he had the best of both worlds of the human and Elven races. Lilenae watched as Arvad strode over to her with an enthusiastic bounce in his step. A Line of Work Ch. 01 "I've said this quite a few times already, but you look beautiful... Though now you just look undeniably ravishing." Arvad's vocabulary surprised Lilenae, it was fact that he was well educated. "I'm not one to be crude, normally... But you have such beautiful breasts." Lilenae was surprised by Arvad's forwardness. She smiled nervously, "Ah, well... Go ahead and have a more personal look." She couldn't help but blush cutely towards Arvad as he went for some physical contact. Pulling them out of the bra, Arvad groped the orbs of flesh softly and, kneading them like dough. He felt himself growing more and more aroused as blood rushed to his shaft, hardening it. He continued his assault on Lilenae's mature breasts. Despite her age, they barely showed any signs of sagging, they still held some of their attractive perkiness. It was as if there was a tug of war going on between the old and the young sides of her. Arvad moved his head towards Lilenae's red lips, covering them with his in a kiss. He firmly pinched the woman's nipples, but not hard enough to elicit cries of pain but cries of pleasure which were muffled by his lips. Lilenae surrendered herself to the younger man, she became absorbed with the kiss between them, she licked his lips, coating them with saliva while he did the same to her. Both party's tongues invaded each other's mouth. Due to her inexperience, Lilenae lost the miniature war between their tongues and retreated back to her own mouth, bringing Arvad's saliva with her. Saliva soon flung out from their mouths and got on Lilenae's bust, making the skin glimmer in what little light the candles provided. Lilenae noticed that Arvad was becoming more and more frenzied, as he began squeezing, groping, and pinching her nipples and breasts harder and rougher. While it was uncomfortable at first, due to the slight pain, she found herself enjoying it. While she preferred gentleness she found, she still quite enjoyed Arvad's roughness. As if he forgot himself, Arvad let up his relentless assault on Lilenae's mouth and breasts. Lilenae mewled cutely as the attention disappeared. Lilenae's mature face had an odd cuteness which would have made any man blush just now. She bit her lower lip and moved one of her hands to her nether region. While Arvad began to suck on one of Lilenae's nipples, she slipped her hand into her panties, rubbing her pussy gently. Lilenae watched as her hard nipples received attention from Arvad's mouth. While still sucking on them, Arvad removed his shirt, tossing it off to the side of the bed. She felt her nipple being nibbled on lightly, a tongue licking around the areola. She gasped from the waves of pleasure that reverberated to her mind from her nipples and pussy. Arvad took one of his hands and groped under the soft breast. Lilenae penetrated her nether lips with one of her fingers, she withdrew it to find it was slick with juices. She brought her finger to her mouth and placed it inside her lips. Arvad watched as Lilenae seductively pulled out the finger wet with her own essence slowly. He chuckled and softly grabbed her hand. Lilenae let her hand be brought wherever, she turned an even brighter shade of red as he placed it on his own member through his pants. There was a visible tent in his pants, which Lilenae marveled at. Arvad let Lilenae choose where to go next with her hand and he resumed the buffet on the woman's soft, large breasts. Along with the visible tent, Lilenae could see a stain of precum on Arvad's pants. She wrested her hand inside his pants, searching for his dick. She happened upon the balls first, fondling and groping them just like Arvad was doing to her breasts. Lilenae helped Arvad out of his pants, and then after removed herself of her lingerie, peeling it off her skin. Taking the lead, Lilenae aggressively pushed Arvad down onto the bed, his erect shaft upright in the air. Lilenae crawled towards Arvad's member with her butt in the air, she pounced the cock and began to lick the length, paying special attention to the head. It had been quite awhile since she had given head, but she at least remembered what to do. She planted kisses while dragging the tongue down to the balls, which she began sucking on. Lilenae held the shaft back as she sucked and licked each sphere in turn. "Madam Lilenae, you certainly know what you're doing, I honestly expected otherwise." Said Arvad nonchalantly. Just as Lilenae had her lips over the head, she licked it around several times before replying, "I guess this is one of those skills that just doesn't go away with time." She placed her red lips on the head and applied suction, tickling the tip with the tongue. She went deeper with each bob, bringing her lips further and further down Arvad's shaft until she couldn't go down anymore. "I see you're right, fuck... Your lips feel great down there." Lilenae didn't allow him to say anymore as she immediately went down on Arvad's shaft, coating it with her saliva and poking the pleasure points with her tongue. Several minutes passed as Lilenae sucked Arvad's cock with great enthusiasm, eventually Lilenae decided to go all the way. Taking one more deep breath, she went down on his shaft to the base. She could feel his head hitting the back of her throat, she gagged, almost choking on his dick deep in her mouth. Arvad groaned and said, "Can't take much more of that, I'm about to blow my seed in your mouth." After hearing the vulgar language, Lilenae grew wetter in her snatch, rubbing her moist folds with her fingers. She sucked harder on the warm shaft, looking at Arvad's face straight with her eyes. Each time she hit his base, she licked around with her tongue before going back up. It was when Lilenae was licking on the underside of the head, that he climaxed in her mouth. Ropes of sticky, white semen sprayed in her mouth. She tasted the saltiness and sweetness at the same time. When Arvad finished his orgasm, Lilenae withdrew her mouth and swallowed the spunk inside her mouth. His shaft was still amazingly hard, it had quite the endurance. "Now on to the main course?" Lilenae said huskily. "Hey! Now you're getting it..." Arvad smiled. He lifted up Lilenae with his strength up onto his lap. He situated her pussy above his shaft. Lilenae shivered in anticipation, her large breasts bounced enticingly when she was picked up. She placed her hands on Arvad's chest, and her knees by both sides of his crotch for stability. One, two, three, Lilenae counted the seconds until Arvad's penetrated her slick depths. A gasp escaped her lips as she felt herself being filled. Her walls tightened around the intruder, squeezing it as it made its way deeper into Lilenae's pussy. Both Lilenae and Arvad moaned in turn as the shaft hilted itself in the slick vagina. Several moments passed as Lilenae got used to Arvad's intrusion, despite her age, she was still quite sensitive. She nodded her head to Arvad so he could begin. Slowly, Arvad began thrusting his shaft up and down into Lilenae's nether lips. Lilenae moaned at the sudden stimulation in her nerves, she instinctively clamped down on Arvad's shaft, milking it for all it's worth. She somehow held herself steady as Arvad bounced into her wet snatch, though her arms almost buckled from the pleasure. Lilenae's breasts jiggled around, Arvad caught one of them with his lips and began sucking them as if going for the milk. Lilenae began to feel the dual stimulation instantaneously. A sudden, smashing orgasm hit her without warning. Lilenae cried out from the shocking orgasm. She continued her enthusiastic and vigorous bouncing on Arvad's cock, all while orgasming on the big shaft. Lilenae was pushed off of Arvad onto the bed, he twisted her body around so that she was in classic doggystyle position. Lilenae had never been in very many unique positions, but she at least knew what she was in now, and she quite enjoyed it. Lilenae positioned herself to give Arvad as much authority as possible. Her head down into a pillow, her breasts mashed into the silken sheets, and her ass raised up in the air, wiggling enticingly. Arvad couldn't help himself, he slapped a hand down on Lilenae's ass, eliciting a moan mixed with pleasure and pain. He thrusted repeatedly into the mature woman's wet pussy. He kneaded the firm flesh, occasionally spanking it with his hands. Lilenae enjoyed the attention Arvad gave to her butt. She brought her hands to her nipples, pinching and pulling them playfully. She brought one of her hands to the clitoris of her pussy. She rubbed it gently, stimulating it against the fast pounding Arvad gave her slick folds. "Ahhahn! I-I'm gonna cum again soooonnn..." Warned Lilenae, Arvad grunted in response. Lilenae could feel his shaft pulsing, almost ready for another climax. They were both going to climax at the same time or close together. She fondled the balls of Arvad's dick with her hand, groping them softly as to not cause any discomfort. She rubbed the thrusting shaft through her skin, she could feel it moving back and forth through her slick walls. Arvad then informed Lilenae, "You mind if I fill your womb up? Or should I-" He was cut off by Lilenae's flailing hands, squirming from pleasure. "No-no, don't... Just cum in me, sooo much better..." Lilenae couldn't say anything more, the rough pounding from Arvad caused her to squeal in delight into a pillow. Arvad was the first to climax, like he warned, Lilenae could feel warm seed gushing into her depths; into her womb. She moaned from the feeling of being filled even more by Arvad's warmth, the pleasure from which caused her to orgasm. Lilenae's juices intermixed with Arvad's seed. Thankfully and conveniently, she could no longer conceive children, but she could still feel great pleasure from sex. Lilenae continued to rub her clitoris, though forcing herself to stop in order to relish the afterglow. She soon passed out onto the bed, sleeping peacefully due to the loss of energy and pleasure from sex. Morning came, and Lilenae opened her eyes. She recalled the events of last night... Visiting Arvad and informing him of her job for the mercenary. Getting seduced by his personality and looks, she eventually had sex with the young man, despite normally being extremely cautious about engaging in such activities. In any case, she greatly enjoyed the last night, and would not mind doing it again with the mercenary. She found herself tucked in bed, under silk sheets, a head on the fluffy pillow, and her body lazily enjoying a comfortable position. She glanced around her bedroom for Arvad, whom was no where in sight. She found breakfast on a tray on the nightstand closer to her, there was also a note next to the tray. She sat herself up and picked up the note. The note said: Madam Lilenae Tessiol - Sorry to leave so suddenly, but I thought it be best to find your daughter immediately. I have taken my payment, the Eyes of Derhal and will find her soon. I have my own means to find people, so do not worry about that. I must say, your employees are quite friendly, they all seemed... Happy about my visit. I wonder why? They prepared quite a delicious breakfast if I do say so myself. Should you ever need to contact me, follow the spell below and use the required ingredients for the ritual. It will summon one of my pets. You can give it a message you wish to deliver to or your daughter and my pet will most assuredly deliver it. His name is... Well, you can name him whatever. - Arvad Eversoul Lilenae smiled, she felt infinitely better that her duaghter was in safer hands. She also felt quite confident that Arvad would resist her seductive capabilities. She looked at the 'ingredients' Arvad mentioned in the note, it contained a summoning circle interlaced with strange characters and markings, red pine neeedles, a strange tooth, and several other odd objects. She didn't question what they were, though she put them aside so she could keep them in a convenient spot in case a problem arose. Lilenae then began to wonder where her daughter was at the moment. "Hawh? You lookin' for some room an board? Then where's thet money thet normal peoples use in dis world?" A man with a crude voice said this to a teenage girl. The man was burly and wasn't great to look at. His only redeeming feature was his body, which worked a hard days work every day. He wore grubby, cheap clothes common for the lower class of the world. A man loyal only to his job and what little family he had left, money was important to such a man. "... I have little left, would you not allow a single room for a single night for me? I will not make much fuss nor any noise." This eloquent, cute voice originated from the teenage girl. She was a Half-Elf, to the human race, and a Half-Human to her High Elf kin. She wore fanciful clothing, though torn and dirtied from travel. The Half-Elf had the look of being used to things handed to her, which was the case a week ago before she left home, a woman loyal only to her desires and heart's whim. Money was not important to the girl all her life, except now. The man looked the girl over, she was very cute. Though she was young, and part Elf at that, her proportions were quite reasonable for her age and size. Her breasts had to at least reach C cup, there was no visible fat anywhere on her body, her waist was slim, and her butt had a cute perkiness. Heh, he could think of some way for the pretty little Elf to pay him. "I can't let ye stay for free, hehe..." The man blurted out a feeble laugh before continuing, "A pretty little thing like ye, bet ye pay sum other way." The man's crude language turned off the teenage girl, she knew there were people who spoke like this in the large world, she felt it part of the adventure of exploration. Meeting new people, it didn't matter if they were exciting and thrilling, or if they were drab and normal, it was fun to meet people other than the same group back at her family estate. However, it wasn't like her to be taken advantage of like this. She wouldn't have minded putting out for some of the grander favors, she did once or twice in order to escape the estate. She actually quite liked sex, but of course she wasn't one to slut around for trivial things. She needed a bed for the night, it was cold out and she didn't relish the thought of freezing. Maybe just this once... "Oh? Whatever do you mean? I really am quite desperate for a place to sleep in, after all." She decided to play the innocent card. This is just too easy... "Ey! Randal! Take over fer a sec!" The man called to a fellow worker of the inn. The one named Randal spoke to the man, the girl found out the man's name from the conversation, which was Hegard. Hegard then walked towards the girl and gestured upstairs. The girl followed him to a room, which seemed more well furnished than the other inn's rooms. "Now, if ye want tuh stay for the night, I'm shur ye know what tuh do." Hegard seemed slightly inebriated, though the girl wasn't entirely sure. She couldn't smell any distinct smell of alcohol, though it didn't really matter at the moment. Sweet and innocent was generally the best way to deal with men like these. She watched as Hegard fished out his cock from his pants. It wasn't terribly long, measuring at least six to seven inches, though it was at least two inches thick. The girl shuffled towards the open shaft. Hegard leaned back and watched as the girl began to caress his dick with her dainty, Elvish hands. Hegard had never had the pleasure of enjoying an Elf before. He was going to enjoy what he had in store for her, and it wasn't in the girl's favor. He was, after all, involved with a rather successful group of slavers. Whenever there was a girl on her lonesome, he enjoyed her first and sold them, or if she was a virgin, he sold her for even more. Though he could tell from her attitude, that this slutty Half-Elf girl was no virgin. "Yep, a little Elf whore like ye should be down on 'er knees more." He got off on the fact that such pristine and noble beings like the Elves, except for the Drow, would be degenerated to this. The girl wrapped her hands around the shaft, her fingers looked like twigs compared to Hegard's thickness. She wet her hands with her saliva, also spitting on the shaft for good measure. She stroked it with vigor, attempting to please Hegard so that she might have a good night's sleep. She stroked the dick with both hands, firmly applying the pleasurable friction. Soon, she brought a hand down to Hegard's balls, caressing them and poking the pleasure points. She brought her supple lips down to the balls as well. She licked the sack around, ignoring the hair. She sucked on the balls, looking up with her practically glowing eyes at Hegard. Hegard almost blew his load right there, but he held it in. The Half-Elf girl's soft lips worked wonders, he thought, she'll fetch a good price. He reached down with one of his burly hands to her breasts. The girl let out a fake giggle, which Hegard didn't realize, she pretended to be the innocent slut for just this once and never again. Hegard tweaked her nipples through her fabrics, he enjoyed playing with the pliable, practically silken flesh, and found it quite gratifying. "C'mon enough of tuh teasin'. Why don the little Elf whore suck my cock?" Of course I never expected nice language, he could at least learn to talk decently, the girl thought. Though it was only a fleeting wish. Heeding the man's wish, the girl moved her lips up to the top of the cock head. She kissed the tip teasingly, leaving a drop of saliva behind. She kissed the air towards Hegard, and puckered her lips. She took a deep breath, "Here I go!" Said the girl, innocently. She opened wide and wrapped her lips around the head, sucking on the head of the cock and licking around the head with her pointed tongue. She tried going down softly, getting used to the thick length in her mouth. She didn't like the taste of Hegard's dick. It wasn't particularly pleasant, but it at least wasn't rancid or revolting. No use crying over spilt milk, she thought, I'll at least get him off quickly so I don't have to taste it anymore. The Half-Elf girl went deeper and deeper down on the shaft, its thickness prevented her from going all the way, at least on the girl's terms. Hegard placed a hand on the Half-Elf girl's head, interlacing his fingers with her velvet, auburn hair. While it seemed his hand was only performing a harmless action at first, he then tightened his grip and shoved her head and lips to the base of his shaft. He felt an immeasurable amount pleasure from this, he had done it with several human women before, but never an Elf or Half-Elf. He just had to enjoy the girl a little more before he sold her off. The girl, on the other hand, was not enjoying the rough treatment. If her mouth was not occupied at the moment, she would have dropped her innocent persona. She flailed around a little bit before getting used to the rough behavior of Hegard. She shot a venomous glare downwards, the girl didn't want to lose face in front of her only opportunity out of the cold night. Whatever, let's get this over with... The girl thought. Once her mouth could accommodate the thick shaft in her mouth, she began to suck it, though more reluctantly now. Hegard loosened his grip in the girl's hair once he saw her to agree with his actions. He watched in pleasure as the Half-Elf girl slowly, but with firm lips went up and down on his shaft. He felt her tongue lick under the head and along the length. Audible sounds of slurping and sucking could be heard throughout the room. While the girl sucked on the head and length more thoroughly, she brought a hand to the man's balls, gently caressing the pleasure points. A Line of Work Ch. 01 After several minutes of the Half-Elf girl sucking on Hegard's thick member, he could feel himself about to blow, "'Bout to cum, ye little girl. Jes keep doin' what yer doin' an' I'll cum in yer mouth." The girl didn't like the sound of that, the man's balls were larger than a normal humans, who knows how much semen he had in them. Whatever, after this much, I'm out of here and I'll get to this warm room this guy promised me. Me, a daughter of the Tessiol family, reduced to this. I shouldn't have agreed to it in the first place... The girl thought, perturbed. She could feel his cock pulsing, the head twitching in her mouth. In an effort to get him to climax quickly, the girl sucked with vigor, licking the head and sucking down to the base as much as possible. The stimulation proved too much to Hegard, he grunted and released his orgasm in the girl's mouth. The girl at first was surprised, she didn't plan on having him cum in her mouth. Sticky, white seed plastered the insides of her mouth and throat, it wasn't a pleasant taste. It had a msusky aroma and thick taste, the girl would have spit it out, but Hegard kept her mouth down on his cock, saying, "Now now... Jes swallow what's there. A High-Elf whore like ye should jes swallow evry man's seed when she sucks 'em." The girl would have shot another venomous glare towards the man, but just decided to get it over with. She swallowed the sticky ropes of cum, getting rid of what was in her mouth. When Hegard saw that she swallowed, he released her and allowed the girl to get off of his still hard cock. The Half-Elf girl looked like a delicious whore, she would fetch a nice price. "Now good sir, may I have a warm room for tonight?" The girl asked naively, she trusted people to fall to her whims, seductions, and demands too much. "Now why would I do such a thing like that? A cute little girl like ye would fetch a nice price with tuh right peoples. An Elf slut like ye would do jes fine whoring herself fer them." Hegard then laughed in the girl's furious face, she honestly expected him to let such good cock sucking whore like her go? The girl put on an angry look, "A human like you is trash before my family, how dare you take advantage of me." "Oh? Ye part of one of them noble families? Maybe my friend's kin ransom ye out?" The man then put on his pants, he turned to the doorway and yelled, "Ey! Randal! Get 'em over here, I got a nice one dis time!" It seemed that this entire inn was a trap devised by a slaving group of some sort to capture lone women, or men, and sell them in the markets. The girl did not expect something like this ever, she knew there were slave markets and slavers out there, but her naivety made her believe that an important person like herself would be safe. Even going by that logic, the girl realized that she had yet to make her identity known. After several seconds, three men entered the room, they must have been the slavers. Each was wearing some sort of armor, two leather and one mail. They each had weapons as well. What seemed to be the leader stepped forward and said, "An Elf! We rarely get people like these in these parts. And a pretty one like you will sell quite nicely! The only Elves I know of that live around here are a part of that noble Tessiol family. Hmmm, those clothes look expensive... They wouldn't happen to belong to a young, missing daughter of that family, would you?" Hegard had a look that said, 'I knew it!'. The girl on the other hand, knew there was no point in keeping her identity secret. Perhaps she would be kept safe if they knew she was apart of the important Tessiol family? Alas, naivety galore. "Fine then, if you promise to not treat me like a slave... I am Raisel Kaidas Tessiol." With regal grace, Raisel made herself known. "Ohoh! A full three name introduction, you truly are a part of them Tessiols... Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but we'll sell you as 'The Tessiol Elf Whore, Raisel Tessiol'! We'll get at least around several million meros... Maybe more? The four bound Raisel and brought her out of the inn where a several horses dragging a cage were at. In the cage, there were two more women, both human, one with large breasts and a dancer's body, the other tall, slim, and pretty. Raisel resisted as much as possible, but the leader of the slavers only laughed and let the Half-Elf tire herself out. She did, she was quite drained from the blowjob she gave earlier. To think she trusted a grubby human like that... Never again, she decided never to trust humans like that again, maybe not a human ever... The two human girls in the cage looked at Raisel feebly, they were in the same boat as her. "Hey hey! Don't worry, we got a nice pleasant home for ya'll to sleep in! Though I doubt it'll be a comfortable sleep... If you even get any sleep. Well, that all depends on what your new owners'll want when they buy you." The leader was in quite a good mood, he hadn't caught an Elf, or Half-Elf in this case, in two years. It was like when the farmers had the perfect amount of rain and sun pouring down. Raisel was forced in the cage, her binds were attached to the bars of the cage. It was when the man closed the cage, that hope struck. The slaver closing the cage was clad in leather pieces, he had a rough sword belted to his waist. Yet that armor meant nothing when an icicle pierced his neck, instantly killing him. More like a spear tip, the icicle was stained red with blood. Cold ice? It was a cold night, but it wasn't cold enough to warrant frozen water. The two slavers and Hegard looked over in surprise. Any confidence they were feeling before was now immediately stifled. The dead slaver fell over onto his back, the icicle pushed out, revealing the deadly wound. More blood gushed out. The two women next to Raisel screamed, even though their jailers were being destroyed. Raisel, on the other hand, felt the adrenaline rush of excitement. She couldn't do anything at the moment, she could only watch as a man stepped out from behind a tree twenty somewhat meters from the carriage. The man was clad in moulded leather armor, it seemed like a custom made set. His armor covered every part of his body except for his joints, head, and neck. It seemed to provide a decent amount of protection most leathers didn't offer, while also allowing the supreme agility leather armor had over other sets. In his hands, was a rifle, and not the crude kinds she saw occasionally in the hands of the estate guards of her family estate. She didn't know anything about the man, but she placed all her hopes of escaping the slavers on him. Even if he was a human, she would thank him dearly if he saved her... If. The leader of the slavers took cover behind a barrel, Hegard dashed inside the inn, scared, and the final slaver positioned himself in an ambush in case the attacker came near. The leader then called out, "Who the hell are you?! What give you the right to kill my friend?" The attacker didn't say anything but ready his rifle towards the barrel. Raisel was about to call out to the attacker, as he neared the ambushing slaver. It didn't really matter to the attacker. The slaver raised his axe in both hands and was ready to chop it down on whomever entered his sight. Once the intruding man entered the slaver's sight, the ambusher tightened his grip on his axe and chopped it down. It was a rudimentary ambush, one that didn't fool the man with the rifle. In a bizarre move that Raisel couldn't even see with her Elf eyes, the attacker cooly dodged backwards and pulled a knife from his belt and stabbed it into the slaver's gut. In quick movement, the attacker finished off the slaver with the knife, ending the slaver's life. "Eh... I reserve the right to end anyones life whom threatens a certain someone. What gives you the right to take control of people's lives?" The attacker shot back a philosophical retort. Who was this person the man said he was going to protect? Raisel could only speculate, but she had a sinking feeling in her mind. "Hey! Fuck you! You just killed two of friends now! This is honest business here! Doesn't mean you can honestly kill my comrades..." The slaver's commander then peered over the barrel, with his sword at the ready. He was no amateur when it came to swordplay, but he had no ranged weapons to combat the attacker's rifle. "Yes well, I can kill you if I want. You threatened my client's daughter. I'm afraid I can't let you live." "Client's daughter? That Tessiol bitch? As fucking if I'm to let that money go, Elf slaves are worth a kings ransom!" "Eh, what kind of bullshit is that? You can't sell her if I kill you... Can you?" The slaver turned his head around slowly, a pistol was positioned point blank at his temple. "Fuck y-" The slaver was cut off as his head was destroyed. There was no bullet that killed the slaver, at least none that Raisel saw. Instead, a gust of wind erupted from the epicenter of the gun, blowing leaves and dust into the air. A magic gun, perhaps? What was that supposed rescuer doing? She heard the part where the attacker was apparently sent here by her family... Did mother send him to bring her back? "Hey! Get me out of here! The key should be on him somewhere." Raisel ordered. The attacker holstered his weapons. Raisel could see a rifle fastened to his back, a pistol by his waist, several different knives on his belt, and an odd sword in a scabbard on the other side of his waist. "I assume you are Raisel Tessiol? Your mother sends her regards." The man walked over to the cage and unlocked it, after which, he unlocked the chains of each of the women. The two human women thanked him after looking him over and found a comfortable place to sit. "Yes I am. If mother sent you here to bring me back to the estate, I am going to refuse. I'm finally of age and I should be allowed to follow my wishes and feelings." The answer of a dreamer. The man unlocked Raisel's chain and helped her out of the cage. She took a defiant pose, refusing to give any leeway towards the human. "Eh, not this time. Your mother hired me for a different purpose. By the way, the name is Arvad... Arvad Eversoul." Raisel stared quizzically, "What do you mean? My mother has only ever desired to keep me home. I'm was as much caged their as I was a few moments ago." "Well, she... Very reluctantly is allowing you to follow your own path. She called it the intoxication of wanderlust. Though she hired me for the sole purpose of protecting your life. In easy to understand terms, I'm your bodyguard." The man named Arvad said it like it was the simplest thing in the world. Bodyguard? Mother wishes to keep tabs on me... Though I admit, it is far more dangerous than I originally perceived the world out of the estate, Raisel thought. "And what does being my bodyguard require of you? You are actually going to protect me constantly?" That's not a bad idea actually. Raisel contemplated that various pros and cons about having a bodyguard. For one, she wouldn't have to worry about slavers, as his skills seemed more than competent. Though she didn't relish the fact that her mother was still forcing herself into her life. As if he could read her mind, Arvad spoke, "Well, I don't know how generic my advice is here... You say you want your mother to understand your feelings, which she should. Well, what about your mother's feelings?" There was no questioning it. If she wanted to travel and explore the vast world, she would undoubtedly run into trouble sooner or later. It would be better to have someone competent to protect her, and besides, Arvad wasn't half bad to look at. "How long are you supposed to be my bodyguard?" "Considering how well your mother paid me, probably until she no longer requires my service." Arvad then smiled as he held up two jewels, they were the Eyes of Derhal the Tessiol family had acquired awhile back. Mother would have never parted with such valuable items, they were worth far too much. The Tessiol family even had two sets of Eyes. No matter, she would acquiesce with her mother's wish. "Let us get started then." "Eh? You already have an idea of where you want to go?" "I want to visit my father's kinsmen, the High Elves." "Really? I've been there before, you know, their mountains are quite snowy this time of year. I wouldn't recommend it if you don't like the cold." "I'm fine with that, besides, those Eyes will get us more than enough money to travel there and back many times. Can we go now? I'm sick with this place?" "After I finish destroying it. I don't like slavers after all." A Line of Work Ch. 02 Note: While I borrow certain elements from other worlds (DnD, WoW, Elder Scrolls, and others), I generally create everything else from scratch, as I'm quite imaginative. I'll start going into more than just humans now, we're quite boring when it comes to fantasy stuff, aren't we? We're always the 'all around' and 'jack of all trades' type. In any case, hope ya'll like this shit. Chapter 2 - Being Damned Sounds Fun "You know, I never got your names. Mine's Arvad Eversoul, in case you haven't heard of me." A proud voice rung out, though it didn't travel beyond the room the man was staying at. Due to a muffle spell, the room was sound proof in case prying ears were around, though Arvad doubted anyone would want to listen in on his current conversation, lest they were perverts. "I'm Deliah, milord." "And I'm Niela." Two feminine voices were added to the mix, both belonging to two women currently mouthing over a certain phallic object belonging to Arvad's body. Both were captured by slavers the other day, they had lost all hope of ever having a sense of freedom. Yet their prayers were answered in the form of a handsome man that rescued them and a another girl whom he said he was the bodyguard of. The man had slain all three slavers and burnt down their hideout in vengeance of attempting to enslave another girl named Raisel. Though that wasn't important at the moment. What was important was that both girls properly showed their gratitude to their benefactor. Deliah had the body of a dancer, voluptuous breasts and curves, she was undoubtedly eye candy to any healthy man she passed. She had originally passed by the slaver's inn in hopes for a safe night's sleep. As she had no money that night, she offered to perform in the inn, garnering many whoops and hollers as she seductively shook her hips and squeezed her bust during the dance. In the end, she was offered a room for the night, but she was abducted shortly after and placed in the cage where another human girl, Niela lain, sobbing. Niela was slender, while she did not have the seductive body Deliah owned, she did have the transcendent beauty of a fairy. Complete with moist eyes, silver hair, and pale skin. She was selected out of several women spending the night at the slaver's inn for being the most beautiful and highest quality. The captain of the slaver's figured she would garner a decent price. Being the first of the slaver's haul this time, she did not feel honored in the slightest, fighting as much as possible in every chance she could get. She was not one to give up even the slightest chance of escape, nor was she one to forget a debt when Arvad freed her. Arvad was surprised when both the girls showed up in his room that night. He promised to escort them safely to the capital city or anywhere in between, yet he did not expect them to offer their bodies for the night, not that he argued of course. Raisel was sleeping in another room, most likely unaware of Arvad's current joyous situation. Thanks to the muffle spell, she most likely would never know in any case. Both Deliah and Niela double teamed Arvad's hard prick, licking around the shaft, head and balls. Niela used her tongue to stimulate the sensitive nerves around the head of the dick, licking around the slit and under the head. Deliah licked the length of the shaft down to the balls, sucking on the left one delicately while looking up at Arvad with her blue eyes. Niela, once noticing Deliah sucking on one of the balls, kissed down repeatedly until she kissed the right ball, then sucking it while also looking up at Arvad with her brown eyes. Both Deliah and Niela saw that Arvad was about to burst, though he strained himself to calm down. Even though both girls assumed correctly that he could go on more than once, probably even twice or thrice, they wanted to save his seed for a more powerful orgasm. "Niela, let me use these." Deliah said as she lifted up her large breasts, they were much larger than the average human, even bigger than the average of many of the other races. Niela, as Deliah held of her breasts, groped and squeezed them gently, tweaking and rolling the nipples around. Niela, sadly, did not have much of a bust, she never even bothered to measure it, though she loved playing with the large tits of other women when she had the chance. Deliah let out a slight moan as Niela squeezed the nipples, while also rubbing the voluptuous women's pussy, paying special attention to the clitoris. The hot lesbian action didn't last too long, as Niela let go and moved over to Arvad's head. Deliah rolled her large breasts around a little more, enticing Arvad greatly. Before long, Deliah stroked Arvad's hard shaft before wrapping her large breasts around the member. Deliah listened as Arvad groaned, though it got muffled by Niela's lips going in for a kiss. Niela covered Arvad's lips with her own, forcing any noises to go through her mouth. She entangled her tongue with his, as both sides exchanged saliva. Their lips began getting slippery and wet as their kiss became slightly animalistic. Arvad sucked on Niela's lips while his tongue was still inside her mouth. Niela, in turn, sucked on Arvad's tongue and lips, savoring the taste of his mouth. It was as if his mouth never had a dirty day in its life, always clean and well kept, practically unnatural for a human male. Ignoring the matter, Arvad brought one of his hands to the back of Niela's head, forcing her lips more on him. He place his other hand on the slender women's chest, though the bust was small, she still had prominent nipples which needed tending too. Niela moaned as Arvad squeezed her nipples between two of his fingers, they were already hard from the beginning, so it was not too much trouble to solicit a reaction out of her. He licked the insides of her lips as he firmly pulled on the nipple, causing her to whimper. It was Arvad's turn to moan as Deliah pushed down on her breasts, the soft flesh enveloping his hard shaft. She smirked as she noticed a glimpse of ecstasy on Arvad's face, even though it was currently occupied by Niela. Deliah could feel the throbbing cock in between her tits if she pressed hard enough. It wouldn't be long until he couldn't resist his climax. She enjoyed the feeling of the warm shaft between her breasts, she enjoyed even more the fact she was giving great pleasure to Arvad. The busty woman couldn't resist slipping a hand down between her thighs as she rubbed around her wet folds. Deliah rubbed and squeezed her breasts up and down the shaft, they were big enough to completely envelop the hard cock if she extended the range of her flesh enough. Occasionally, the head and part of the shaft popped out from between the warm tit flesh. Deliah licked her lips at the sight of the head of Arvad's prick, going down for a taste. She swiped her tongue at the precum, savoring the taste of Arvad's semen. Whenever the head popped out from between her cleavage, Deliah licked the head, stimulating the pleasure points. When more than just the head appeared, Deliah couldn't resist wrapping her lips around the shaft and suck on it while she also fucked the stick with her breasts. Deliah brought a hand down to the member's balls, fondling and tickling them gently. Arvad found the pleasure too great, his mind overloaded with lust as he came to climax. Between Deliah's breasts, Deliah could feel the warm shaft pulsating and twitching, she looked down at the head only to receive a face full of Arvad's sticky seed. She didn't mind, but she recoiled and the rest of the white ropes of cum splattered around her large, soft breasts. Deliah licked around her lips, catching any of Arvad's seed and consuming it, what she couldn't reach with her tongue she collected with her fingers. Niela's lips left Arvad's mouth as turned around towards Deliah. She climbed over the man's face and positioned herself so that her dripping pussy was directly over Arvad's mouth. From what she could gather over their prolonged kiss, Arvad's tongue was quite skilled, she figured that Arvad was no amateur when it came to oral as well. Niela, when she felt she was comfortable, placed her knees on both sides of Arvad's body with her ass hovering over his face, and Niela's own face hovering near the cum-splattered tits. Deliah continued to pleasure Arvad's shaft until it got completely hard again, she watched as Niela then licked her large breasts. Niela collected every drop of seed on and between Deliah's bust, licking around the head of the shaft for any excess semen. Deliah moaned as she felt Niela's warm tongue lick all around her bust, into her cleavage, and on the nipples. She sucked both of the hard pods firmly, pulling them out of her mouth with a pop as she switched in between. Niela went down on Arvad's shaft, bending over and swallowing as much of the hard dick as possible. Due to her position, Niela couldn't bring the cock deep enough into her mouth. Despite that, Arvad moaned over Niela's pussy, it felt incredibly good to have his cock in Niela's mouth and between her pink lips. When Niela felt that Arvad's dick was hard enough, she reluctantly relieved her mouth of the intruder. She wrapped her hand around the base of the shaft, holding it upright for Deliah. Deliah focused her eyes on the hard again member, biting her lower lip as Niela wiggled it enticingly. The busty dancer was trembling as she imagined Arvad's hard shaft pumping in and out of her slick pussy. She climbed over Arvad's waist, aiming her dripping nether lips for the head of Arvad's dick. Niela held the quivering cock still as it slowly penetrated Deliah's folds. Bolts of ecstasy entered Deliah's mind, she didn't expect something as simple as Arvad's cock entering her would feel so good. In any case, Deliah instantly came on Arvad's cock. Her orgasm was slowly building up since the beginning, so it finally arrived with a resounding crescendo. Deliah enthusiastically began bouncing herself on Arvad's shaft, savoring the feeling of it rubbing against her squeezing walls. She hilted herself on Arvad's waist, she placed both of her hands on Niela's shoulders for stability. She could feel the head entering her womb and prodding the back of her pussy. Soon, Deliah panted heavily, though not out of loss of energy, but out of intense desire. Niela held up Deliah as best as she could, as she herself was in the throes of an amazing orgasm brought on by Arvad's nimble tongue work on her slick folds. Arvad skillfully utilized his tongue to lick and prod against all of Niela's pleasure points on the outside of her pussy. He penetrated the slick lips, savoring Niela's juices intensely. He teased Niela's clitoris, licking the sensitive points carefully, enough to drive Niela slightly crazy with pleasure. Out of pure lustful instinct, Niela held up Deliah's breasts, pinching the nipples and squeezing the soft flesh together. In a sex-driven frenzy, Niela nibbled and suckled on Deliah's large breasts, leaving faint bite marks in the softness. Deliah moaned rather loudly as she received a hard thrust from Arvad's hips which forced Niela to firmly bite down on her nipples. That particular moan would have been heard from outside the room if not for Arvad's convenient muffle spell. While Deliah rocked her hips back and forth, bouncing her luscious ass up and down on his shaft, Arvad welcomed her wetness down on his cock. Deliah could feel the head enter her womb and prod the back of her walls with each enthusiastic thrust. Soon, she felt practically double the pleasure once Arvad moved into action. Both Niela and Deliah could feel Arvad's renewed vigor, he thrusted his fingers inside Niela's pussy while also licking around the slick folds, Deliah held on tightly as to not buckle from the pleasure as Arvad combined her rampant bouncing with his own pelvic thrusting. He had sat still before, though he decided to expend his energy on pumping his shaft in and out of Deliah's nether lips. Minutes of their wild threesome passed until more orgasms arrived. Deliah was closing her eyes shut tightly as Niela nibbled and licked her nipples and areolas. She also trembled from the wild pounding she received from Arvad, who showed no signs of slowing down. It wasn't long until Deliah's second climax entered the scene. Being the first to climax twice in the triage, Deliah wrapped her lips around Niela's perky nipples. Her screams were muffled by her sucking on Niela's small but pert breasts. Niela, who had not normally had her nipples receive this much attention, also came on Arvad's face. Her juices overflowed as Arvad lapped it down. Niela lifted Deliah's moaning, listless face off of her breasts and latched her pink lips on Deliah's luscious ones. Both girls moaned into each other's mouths as they licked around lustfully. They exchanged saliva as their orgasm subsided slowly. A grunt came out from Arvad as he signaled his own impending orgasm. Both girls had prepared themselves before entering Arvad's room, making sure no pregnancy was possible. Deliah nodded towards Arvad's eyes as she silently said that it was okay for him to pump her womb full of his seed. She made it verbal incase Arvad didn't understand, "J-just fucking cum deep in me... I want it bad" Deliah sluggishly drew out her words. Arvad grasped Deliah's hips as he violently thrust his cock deep into the dancer's pussy, the head entering hitting the back of the womb. Ropes of sticky, white semen entered Deliah's womb, painting her insides white. Deliah groaned as if beset by a lethargic disease. She savored the feeling of Arvad's warm seed living in her insides. She tightly pinched her nipples with her fingers in order to prolong the pleasurable feeling. Arvad lifted Deliah off his shaft, the busty dancer moaned once again as she felt Arvad's member leave her pussy. He pushed Niela off to the side, placing her on her side. Arvad moved behind Niela, spooning her butt. To both girl's surprise, Arvad was still quite hard, even though it wasn't like that after his first orgasm. The man teased Niela's pussy by sliding and prodding it with the head of his shaft. Niela then moaned out, "Ahnnn! Ah, n-no not there... My pussy's so tender and sensitive." Arvad simply replied, as if he wasn't affected by the wild copulation from before, "Well, I've yet to fuck one of your holes yet... If I can't do your pussy, I've got either your mouth or ass." Niela didn't think that she would be having anal sex this night when she entered Arvad's room, though she definitely didn't mind it. Niela delved into both genders when having sex, though preferring women over men. And along the ways, she found out she quite liked having a thick shaft or toy in her tight butt. Mulling it over didn't take too long, "Your nice, big, dick up my ass would be great. Ahn!" A squeal escape Niela's mouth as Arvad prodded Niela's puckered hole with the thick head of his member. Despite already being lubricated from Deliah's juices, Deliah herself wrapped her lips around Arvad's cock and sucked it a couple times, coating it with her saliva. She tasted her own juices mixed with Arvad's semen on the thick shaft. Once Deliah was satisfied, she removed her mouth from the cock and nodded towards Arvad. Arvad spat on Niela's crack, the saliva seeping down, lubricating her puckered ring. He rubbed his shaft around her butt before placing the head at the tight entrance. Once Arvad couldn't resist any more of his own teasing, he prodded the entrance with the head of his member, slowly pushing it inside. Niela arched her back, gasping with her tongue out. She balled her fists and toes while enjoying the weird feeling of the handsome man's cock slowly filling her up in her ass. Arvad lifted Niela's leg in the air, as to allow easier access for him to thrust inside Niela's asshole. Niela felt her walls slowly give away to the thick intruder, though still squeezing him for every bit of seed left in it. Niela clenched her teeth tightly as she felt Arvad hilting himself in her. She breathed slowly as the tight walls of her ass finally gave Arvad's shaft the appropriate room to maneuver. Niela rolled her eyes back as Arvad pulled out, only to shove his dick back in when the head was the only thing left in the tight hole. Arvad fit a paced tempo, not going too fast as to cause discomfort, but not too slow as to make the experience even slightly boring. He reached his arm over Niela's side for her prominent nipples, pinching and squeezing them. He could feel his cock being milked for all its worth as he impaled Niela's tight butt with his slick member. Niela screamed the loudest she had this encounter when Arvad pulled out all the way and stabbed forward, hilting himself in one swift movement. From that point, he did the same thing irregularly, causing Niela to spasm from the pleasure. The feeling of having her tightness be stretched out many times over almost made Niela pass out from the combination of pleasure and slight pain. In any case, she was clearly enjoying the anal treatment from Arvad. As Arvad thrusted his his shaft in deeply, he pulled firmly at at Niela's nipples, he also kissed and sucked on the lobe of her ear. It was the combined sensations that Arvad was giving her that caused Niela to orgasm again. It was like a sudden tsunami (slight hyperbole, I hate squirting), Niela didn't expect her to climax so suddenly, she moaned loudly into Deliah's breasts. Along the way of the fierce pounding she received from Arvad, Niela also began suckling on Deliah's nipples, nibbling them playfully. In any case, Niela widened and closed her eyes as waves of pleasurable sensations rippled throughout her body, originating from both of her main holes and traveling to her brain. Arvad himself noticed his impending orgasm, but he slowed down as to prolong the experience just a little bit longer. He moved his hand up to Niela's mouth, who then wrapped her lips and sucked on Arvad's fingers lustfully. Man eligible thoughts passed through Arvad and Niela's head, but pushed out by thoughts of pure lust. Arvad continued to pump his shaft into the slender girl's body. Despite her overall size, Niela was quite sturdy, and though she definitely didn't put out like a working girl, she could easily accommodate Arvad's size at the moment. Niela wasn't sure how much longer she could last, she wasn't exaggerating to herself when she felt that she was about to pass out from pleasure. The only way to endure this experience, she had to force Arvad to cum lest she would go unconscious, not that she minded passing out from pleasure. She forced the her muscles to contract and clutch down on Arvad's shaft as hard as possible. Arvad chuckled at Niela's obvious effort, he figured he would play nice for once and go along with the flow. He continued to thrust hard into Niela's stretched asshole, continuing to savor the intense sensation of her walls constricting down on his shaft. Niela felt the shaft, which was wildly thrusting into her ass, beginning to pulse as his semen rushed to his shaft. Tens of seconds passed as Arvad fell into a lustful frenzy, pounding away at Niela's butt for all its worth. Soon, Arvad hilted himself in Niela's asshole, he felt his seed began to gush into her rectum. Niela was delighted at the feeling of Arvad's sticky, warm seed filling her insides. Once Arvad's semen stopped coming out, plastering Niela's tight, warm walls, Arvad removed his shaft from Niela's ass. Both Arvad and Niela panted heavily, relishing the afterglow of the sex they both took part in just now. Without so much of a word to each other, only sly looks with unintentional smirks, all three of the people present found a position comfortable and soon fell asleep. A Line of Work Ch. 02 Outside of the room, Raisel listened in on the activities. While she didn't notice the muffle spell Arvad had placed on the room, despite sensing latent magics, apparently she could still listen in through a wall in a certain spot. If she placed her ear on the wall, which she did by accident, she could hear what was going on in Arvad's room. She was tempted to interrupt the copulation, but decided against it many times over. Just what the hell was that man doing? Sex obviously, but why? Sure he saved the lives of them and I, but that doesn't mean they should be willingly thanking him with sex... And why not me? Sure he is quite handsome, and I admitted out loud that he isn't bad to look at... First thing when we reach Alduin, we're dropping those girls. Several other thoughts swam around Raisel's head among the ones just now. She also wondered if such encounters like Arvad's encounter with the two ex-slave girls were common in the world. She wondered when such an encounter would happen to her. On a side note, Raisel completely blocked out the blowjob the other day from her mind, it did not count in the slightest. The capital city of Alduin, center of the Human land of Dasinex. This was their next destination. - Forwarding through the days of travel, Arvad and Raisel's party arrived at Alduin. Arvad dropped off Niela and Deliah at an Inn situated just outside of the walls, it was meant for passing travelers who didn't want to be searched by the city guard. Neither of them had suitable references that would get them into the city quickly and easily. You either had to be a citizen of the country, an important individual like a noble or ambassador, you could bribe the guards, or you could enter the city without qualifying for any of the previous mentioned ways by enduring a tedious process of questions and searches given by the guards. In any case, both girls were safe, they could scream should any trouble arise. And besides, it wasn't like Arvad was obliged to do any more for them. He made this quite clear to Raisel as they neared the guard post at the gates. "You do realize that I'm a mercenary. I can spell that out for you if you don't know what it means." "I do know you annoying man. That still doesn't tell me a decent reason why we left them there with no help. Raisel walked side by side with Arvad, though she tried to walk slightly ahead. Arvad's large stride forced Raisel to quicken her steps. "When women are rescued, people should escort them to a safe place, give them food, shelter, and money is possible. Why do you not do the same?" "Ah, well, you mistake me for someone who does the work of a hero, a savior. I can play being those, but I am most assuredly not one." Arvad smiled and shook his head, "You can see that I escorted them, though probably not enough as you wished. Perhaps to a convent inside the city? Alduin is not so accepting as to left every man inside with three pretty women in tow. I can do well enough with just the one, but not three. And besides, I'm a tad lazy." "How...Despicable." "Ahaha! You got that much right. I'm not trying to brag, but there a couple rumors circulating around me. Some people like me, and more than some hate and despise me for what I am, a despicable person." Arvad threw his arms out in a grandeur movement. "Should those two women add to the rumors about me, as being friends or lovers or anything related... Well, they're in possible danger. Tis better not to risk it." Raisel wasn't entirely convinced. "You could still give them some money, they must have lost everything when they were captured by the slavers. You have the Eyes of Derhal after all. They are worth far more than any set of jewels. Can you not give them even a portion of that amount?" "Well, you forget that these Eyes are still the Eyes of Derhal. I have yet to turn them into meros. So I can't give them anything at all. I only have like... Around... two-hundred something meros." Raisel never had to carry around money before. And 200 meros would be pocket change to her, less than pocket change actually when she was still at the Tessiol estate. However, now that she was on her own, with Arvad, she had to understand the importance of even a single mero. "Can you not give them some of that? Surely you can part with some of that 200." She only received a frivolous answer. "Eh, I don't want to." Arvad widened his smile, clearly enjoying the conflict. Raisel was fed up with Arvad. She told herself that she should never have accepted his proposal to protect her. She should have fought him, all the way. Mother had no right. She figured that it would be best to gather information on his abilities, should she choose to flee him after or during their stay in Alduin. Perhaps she could 'acquire' some of the money Arvad got from the Eyes of Derhal and hired her own group of bodyguards? "'Old up there. Show me the proper papers and you'll be let in." A simple request was heard from one of the city guard stationed at the gates. He wore a plain suit of mail armor, a cap helmet, and a simple sword and shield. Just one of the many guards of the city. Raisel was surprised by Arvad's diligence, as he pulled out two sets of papers, which must have been for him and Raisel herself. Did he get them from mother? Whatever, don't question an easy ticket into the city. "Right, here is mine and hers. Everything's in order, isn't it?" The guard widened his eyes, he performed a triple take on Arvad and Raisel. Both of them were somewhat famous, the beautiful daughter of the Tessiol family, Raisel Tessiol, and the mercenary of rumors, Arvad Eversoul. The guard only stuttered something to his fellow guardsmen, all of which were equally surprised, if not more. The pairing was quite odd as well, their speculations as to what led to the pairing could brought up strange circumstances, though one bet that Arvad was posing as a bodyguard, which was correct. The guards didn't question the papers, though generally that was their prerogative, as any such papers may be forged. Arvad and Raisel passed through the guards and entered the city which was full of interesting sights. Dasinex was considered the center of the world (at least to them), and a good amount of people from all sorts of races congregated in Alduin and other major cities. Of course humans outnumbered all those races by four to one, but it was still the place of the largest amalgamation of all races in the world. Humans were quite open, at least compared to the other races. Though it varied among the different human nations. The Dominion of Sol, a theocracy, were quite unwilling to welcome anyone, even humans, though they would as long as if they were a fervent member of their church and religion. In any case, Raisel admired the sights. Buildings of all shapes and sizes, some even with a completely different type cultural influence in their architecture. They passed a market stall which supposedly sold glorious Dwarven weaponry. Raisel saw several humans browsing the stall, each surveying a unique variation of swords, axes, and maces. There was even a strange weapon which was a sharpened chakram fixed on a hilt. It wasn't long until Raisel saw some of the non-human races. She saw a group of Orcs, tall, strong, and stereotypically green. They each wore set of leather straps which practically didn't cover anything but their lower body, each also held on to a large two handed weapon. Perhaps they a part of a special group? Raisel also saw a rather unique group which garnered the gazes of quite a few people in the crowds walking along the streets. It was one that even caused Arvad to turn his gaze. A group of five Elves, the first was a Drow, a Dark Elf and from the Elves of the Underground, he had dark blue skin which originated from their race living mainly underground with the Dwarves. The second was a tanned Elf with a contrasting set of white hair, he was a a Sand Elf, a part of the Elves of the Desert. The third was a female with pale skin and hair of sunlight, she was undoubtedly a High Elf, the Elves of the Mountains, also one of Raisel's kin. The fourth had light blue skin and blue pale hair, this male Elf was from the Sea Elves, the Elves of the Islands. And finally, the fifth Elf was a female with yellow-brown skin and stark brown hair, this female belonged to the iconic Wood Elves, the Elves of the Forests. This group was quite unique, it was considered never possible for the five Elven nations to cooperate or even flick a smile to each other. Some of the five nations may be allied to one another, but they would never cooperate with the other four, not even the other three. Whatever circumstances brought these five Elves of different backgrounds together, could not be fathomed by anyone not involved. Raisel continued to sight see, she admired a cathedral, a military barracks, a magitorium, and a beautiful arboretum filled with plants not from around Dasinex. Eventually, she turned towards Arvad, as she was quite curious to her destination, "Mister Eversoul, where in gods name are we going? Not that I mind, but we have been walking for quite awhile. Are you not going to sell the Eyes somewhere?" "Eh, well... I don't plan on selling them." Raisel tilted her head quizzically, "Then what's the point of you having the Eyes? The Eyes themselves are quite useless to those who can't flaunt its status. Unless you sell it, you won't get any profit out of it." "Now that's where you're wrong. I Don't plan to sell the Eyes nor use it for its status, I plan to trade it." Raisel tilted her head even more this time. Trade it? Trade it for what? "Barter?" "Yea, there's an auction type place that specializes in bartering. I want to go there to trade the Eyes for something. They Eyes, as we all know, are the most valuable jewels in the world. There is no way I can't get what I want unless no one has it." "And what do you want? What would an odd mercenary like you need?" "Hey hey! If you say it like that, I'm just a purveyor of strange trinkets with no use. No, I want a new sword." Arvad pulled his sword out of his scabbard. It was a different design than most, a silver pommel and guard along with a double tempered edge. "This guy here is a silver sword. It's not very useful for prolonged or excessive conflicts, which I seem to get into quite often." "Silver swords... What is so special about those?" "They are quite strong against certain beings. They burn and devastate the bodies of were-animals, apparitions, and the undead. They are not suited for clashes against anything but those, the sword will dent and dull when used against other weapons or armor." "I see, and what kind of sword do you need? Surely the Eyes are far worth more than any sword you will find at a bartering auction." "Maybe so, but I'm willing to trade them for a sword of the highest caliber. Not just any magic or crafted weapon, I'm only willing to settle for a holy sword... Perhaps even a demonic one? I don't really care which duality my sword will be from, as long as if it will serve its purpose." Arvad let out another one of his trademark smiles of frivolity while saying this. He honestly didn't care if he acquired a sword of the damned or exonerated. He was only loyal to the path that allowed him to continue an interesting existence. This man certainly didn't compare to the characters of the books she read. "I-I see... Though what if you don't find such a sword in this suction house?" "Then we will continue on to the mountains of the High Elves. If I cannot find a powerful sword here, there is no possible way I cannot find a quality weapon there. The High Elves are known for not having a monetary system, only a bartering system. And people as ancient and powerful as the High Elves will surely have such a sword that I desire." "And what if they do not wish to part with one? The Eyes of Derhal may not interest them." "Ha! Even if that's the case, which it won't, then their sword will sit in the cobwebs forever, collecting layer after layer of dust... How dull." Arvad let out a mock sadness. "Don't worry, I can assure you that a trade will be possible. The two walked a distance longer, until they reached a building holding a silk seamstress. "But first! You need some new clothes. We can't have the daughter of the Tessiol family walk into such an extravagant auction house without a decent set of attire. Don't worry, your mother won't mind if you your family's account." As Raisel entered the store, she was presented with extravagant, elegant dresses of all sizes. Raisel, upon finding a set of silks she rather liked, contemplated the idea of running away from Arvad through the back of the store. However, it was only a fleeting thought which she tossed out of her mind after happening upon an outfit she liked. It was a blouse that allowed her to move comfortable around the city and be the center of attention at a party. After deciding upon a small selection of outfits, for travel and showrooms, Raisel payed for them using a mark of her family. The Tessiol family was quite famous after all, these marks were used for large scale payments as carrying around sacks of meros were not convenient. Raisel used one such mark for convenience. She didn't tell Arvad that she had the marks, but she bet on the fact that he knew about them anyway. The clothes were folded and placed in bag which was then carried out to Arvad. "Eh? You want me to carry your belongings? AHAHAHAHA! Thas a good one." "You cannot seriously expect me, the daughter of the Tessiol family as you say, to carry around sacks of clothing." "Actually, no I don't. You're too damn lazy and up there to one with your adventurous spirit. Listen lass, if you want to be traveling to different places, without the amenities of your rich family, you've got to settle in on the lifestyle of wanderer. If you don't want to carry your stuff around, that's what packhorses are for. Those and slaves, but I'm not a fan of slavery as you already know." Raisel remembered the horses she, Arvad, and the freed girls came to Alduin on. two of them were taken from the slavers and used for convenience, and the other two belonged Arvad, one for riding and the other for carrying his belongings. Arvad continued, "I'm going to get keep one of those horses we borrowed from the slavers, which you can ride on. My packhorse is quite sturdy and will be able to carry your clothing along with my belongings." Another hour passed as Arvad and Raisel found a suitable place to store their belongings and stay the night in the city. Both people changed into clothing suited for a fancy auction house. Arvad stored his silver sword and rifle in the lodge, keeping his pistol and knives. Raisel had the question about the sword answered, but what about the guns? She asked this as they walked to the auction, "I am curious about your guns. The Tessiol guards only have the rudimentary firearms devised by the dwarves. Yet, yours are different... Are they magic guns? I've heard about those." "Ah, I was waiting for you to ask that. Been keeping my explanation in for too long. Well, to begin... Magic guns are used to bring out the magic power of those who have even the littlest amount of. Men and women who have latent magical power, but not enough to use larger spells, can use magic guns to utilize their magic power. Magic guns can be used to fire any kind of bolt, though once you use a fresh gun to fire... Let's say a bolt of ice, then that gun is locked to an affinity of ice. My two guns are different." Arvad took a deep breath, and continued on with his explanation which Raisel was quite interested in. "A certain very powerful Archmage created a set of magic guns that wasn't locked to one affinity. They were called the elemental guns. Provided you knew how to use magic of each part of the elements, you could fire the guns using every elemental affinity, from lightning to wind, from fire to ice. As you guessed, those guns are quite rare, and expensive. I've only been able to get my hands on two. And besides, magic guns are looked down upon my many magicians of all types. Mages who use magic guns are considered weak and witless. This Archmage didn't believe in that philosophy and created the elemental guns to prove that magic guns are useful tools to mages. In the end, he only created about a little more than a hundred and fifty of these guns. I'm lucky to even have two." "Then the bolt of ice and that massive air pressure I saw the other day when you rescued me, was a result of the guns?" "You catch on quickly. Yup yup. I am obviously strong and skilled." If Arvad was an embodiment of sin, then it would certainly be pride. "And I want to use weapons that can increase my potential ability. Hence the elemental guns and the holy or demonic sword I want. Also, these knives I own aren't any normal knives, but I'll leave that to another day. Ahah! We're here." Raisel looked forward, and past the crowds she could see an grandiose and lavish building obviously meant for the rich. A place where they could exchange valuable artifacts of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. They entered the building to find many different people, mostly humans, but some of the other races as well. There was a group of dwarves perusing a several sets of armor. An Orc polishing a jeweled warhammer, a Wood Elf admiring a set of delicately carved chimes, and many more. However, none of these items compared to the Eyes of Derhal in Arvad's possession. The pair walked to a man shouting to several employees, he must be one of the heads managing this auction place. "Ah, excuse me, my good man. Where am I to be to sign up my object of interest." "HEY, those plates go over there for... Sakes. I'm terribly sorry Sir and Madam. You can sign up over there with that fellow holding the board. Tonight is quite busy, we have a special item today and its causing quite an uproar." "Ohoh? What might that special item be?" The manager was quite flustered, it was indeed a busy night. "Well, a man from the Merchant's Association brought in one of the fabled Eyes, the Eyes of Garrow." Arvad planted his palm in his face, "You have got to be kidding me." "Why is that? Having the eyes on sale or for barter is a momentous occasion!" "Well, I just happen to also be bringing in one of the Eyes, the Eyes of Derhal." The manager staggered back, Arvad then went on, "But if there is going to be the Eyes of Garrow, then I see no point in putting up my pair of Eyes for barter. Hrmm... I don't suppose there are any unique swords for barter, is there?" "Ah... Ah, let me check. If what you say is true, then our auction house will make more money than ever!" "Eh, that's if I decide to auction the Eyes of Derhal. I want a sword, and not just any sword, a legendary sword." "Let me check really quickly! Stay where you are, p-please!" The man rushed off somewhere to presumably check on the items listed for the barter tonight. "This is definitely interesting. To think there will be two sets of Eyes possibly up for barter in the same auction house." "What will you do? It is not like the man or woman behind the Eyes of Garrow will be bartering them for the same thing you want." "No, that's not the case, though what you say is more likely to be true. Anyone who does not wish to keep the Eyes in their possession and wishes to sell them would generally do just that, sell for a large quantity of meros. You would only ever barter the Eyes off should there be another item close to the Eyes worth that the seller wants. There is without a doubt that something extremely valuable, other than the Eyes, is up for barter tonight. Whether it is a sword that I want, or something completely different, we will find out soon enough." Arvad nonchalantly stood around, as if he had nothing to hide. He was quite skilled at not standing out when he wanted. He even managed to smuggle in his weapons, which was no mean feat, he even refused to tell Raisel how he did it. A Line of Work Ch. 02 Raisel's elongated ears twitched, she could hear the manager from before returning. "I want to look around, there are certainly some interesting things here." "Hey, find out what the guy bartering the Eyes of Garrow wants for the Eyes for me. And we will both meet up around here in exactly thirty minutes before the auction starts in case we find nothing we want from this auction. I don't feel like sitting around for nothing through this auction." Raisel nodded quietly and walked off. She walked around, investigating to the various exhibits and objects up for trade. She watched as many people inspected each object, examining its worth and looking for imperfections. As this auction was unique in the fact that it dealt in only bartering, she wondered how the process would go, and how this place even made any money? She remembered once, when she was at the young age of five, she accompanied her parents to a normal auction. While Raisel didn't remember much from that memory, she did remember that it was hectic and loud. Eventually the girl made her way to a unique attraction, a cage holding an odd animal she had never seen before. Raisel made sure to peruse the many books that showed pictures of animals and described each one when she was at home. She liked learning about the various types of fauna in the world. She searched her memory as to what kind of animal this one was, until it was answered for her. "It's a Halyon. They're known for knocking down an entire tree and feasting on it until there is nothing left." Raisel turned around in order to see who the voice belonged to. It originated from a human boy who could not be older than fourteen. He wore a regal suit, which stood out more than the clothes of anyone else his age. A young, docile face, the boy must belong to a noble family of some sorts. "The were almost hunted to extinction by the Elves of the Forests. They're a good source of food, though the Wood Elves didn't hunt them just for that. This one was found by my family a ways out from the forests of the Wood Elves, wounded by an arrow. My family saved it and nursed it to health. We have no use for a Halyon in any case, and thus my family put it up for barter for something else." Raisel found herself intrigued, "What would anyone want in exchange for this? I can only imagine one would trade one animal for another." "Yea, you're right. My family wants a certain species of a horse, they wish to breed that species with another in order to form a perfect breed of horse. Should my family prove successful, they will surely become worth far more than we are now. My name is Nolan, Nolan Hamaul. May I know yours?" While the boy named Nolan was at least four years younger than Raisel, he was quite courteous and polite. "My name is Raisel Kaidas Tessiol. Though I am not here with my family nor am I here on family business." Raisel curtsied while Nolan politely nodded his head. He didn't seem surprised that the daughter of the esteemed Tessiol family was in his presence. Though that was only what was shown on the outside. In actuality, Nolan was very much surprised at the fact that one of the famous Tessiol's was here. The esteemed family of Elves which lived apart from the High Elves and a part of the human land of Dasinex. Only in the recent decades did humans enter the family, it was quite the piece of gossip with the woman named Lilenae married into the Tessiol family. It would be for the best if Nolan make his first meeting with Raisel a good one. First impressions are always important, even if one was only sixteen years old. Despite his youthful face, Nolan was frequently mistaken to be younger than he actually was, almost being mistaken for a preteen on several occasions, much to his annoyance. Sadly, Nolan's conversation with Raisel was not fated to last much longer. In fact, it was fated to take a deadly turn. Two men grabbed both Raisel and Nolan and pulled them off to an undisclosed area, safe from viewing eyes. Their mouths were immediately covered, preventing any loud screaming. "You scream, you die. You resist, you die. You do anything other than cooperating with us, you die. Got that?" A gruff voice spoke behind Raisel's head. Nolan immediately nodded his head in agreement, not wanting to risk death. Raisel glowered her eyes, she shot a menacing glare towards the man, however, she still nodded in agreement. There was no way that she could escape the situation. She could call out for Arvad and he would surely come to save her, but there was no doubt that the man would make good on his threat. "I didn't want to take both of you, though I guess having two important hostages will do fine. To think that the daughter of the Tessiols would be here today. Thanks to you, I changed my plans, fitting you in the mix. You should feel honored." Raisel gathered saliva in her mouth, and spat it at the man. The human received the glob on his face dead on, he wiped it off and chuckled, then he gave Raisel the back of his hand. Raisel felt the pain of the blow immediately, her cheek started getting redder than usual. She raised her hand to comfort her cheek. "You do not honestly expect that you will be allowed to live after taking me hostage." "Uh, Raisel, it's probably better to... Not make them angry?" "Heh, don't worry. Her bark is worse than her bite, and I only get angry at biting. Now both of you will be my hostages, along with the other ones we've collected." "What would scum like you even need with a hostage?" Raisel wanted to know any extra information just in case. "Why should I tell the hostages my plan? Really, though I wouldn't mind divulging any extra information if a certain Tessiol Elf 'convinced' me for the information." He leered towards Raisel. Raisel scoffed and tilted back, avoiding the man. The man was human, obviously, he wore fancy clothes like all who entered the auction house that night, as did the rest of his group. Though it wasn't only humans. There was the Orc that Raisel had spotted earlier, with the same warhammer on his shoulder. The Orc was the only one without some sort of suit on. He wore a strange leather vestment, though Raisel could only assume his clothes were considered fancy among the Orcish tribes. "Hmmm, the rest of my chaps should be finished." The man stroked his chin, though it failed to make him look at all thoughtful. "Right then, let's get started here men." Arvad is not going to be happy, considering the way he eliminated the slavers from before with no remorse, these men will be no different should Arvad find a way to stop them from killing the hostages. Raisel and Nolan were led off towards the auction house. Audible screams could be heard as armed men flooded the area. It seemed that the terrorists had occupied the main chambers of the auction and sealed them off. Forcing what people were in there in a trap. Whomever was outside of the sealed chamber immediately fled the scene screaming their heads off. Where was Arvad? The man was apparently the leader of the group, as he led his posse onto the main stage in order to address his captive audience. "'Ello my good citizens of Alduin and those who aren't, my name is Alons. As you can obviously see, I am now taking control of this auction. Really, I only want one... No two things, but I won't mind taking the rest of the goods here." Alons then snapped his fingers towards two humans holding a man between their arms. "Now this man here holds the objects of my interest. And I'm sure you can guess what those are, the Eyes of Garrow. BUT! To think that something else of interest caught my ears. I never thought that there would be the Eyes of Derhal here as well! Two sets of Eyes! Can you believe it? NOW... I duly expect those eyes here and now. I have already taken the Eyes of Garrow from my good man here and I wish to know who owns the Eyes of Derhal. If they do not show themselves, I will kill these two right here, the Son of Hamaul and the Daughter of Tessiol. If that doesn't matter to you, I will continue to kill some of the audience." Alons juggled the magnificent Eyes of Garrow in his hand before handing them off to a man with a ornamental sack. Another human pulled out a curved dagger and held it to Nolan's throat. Just where was Arvad? Could he even do something against such a large force? On the stage, Raisel counted at least six, five humans and the orc. Among the audience, there was several men armed, which Raisel assumed to be apart of this terrorist group, however, could there be some of the enemy hidden among the audience. Surely not even Arvad, no matter how skilled he was, could take care of this? There has to be limits to any man's strength. Yet this was the reason why Arvad continually sought out powerful weapons in order influence his skills. He collected strong weapons that could be used in a multitude situations. And thankfully, with a little bit of magic, his knives and pistol would do a dandy job. "No takers? Well, then I'll have to end little Nolan's life. Shame that I've got to kill such a young boy." "There's no need for that, I have the Eyes of Derhal." Yes! There he is. Raisel was overjoyed that Arvad didn't decide to forsake Nolan. "Then hand them over, slowly." Alons gestured for the orc to take the Eyes of Derhal from Arvad. Arvad held out a sack back pulled it back, saying, "Eh, I don't want to give you the Eyes. I don't feel like it." "You've got no choice here, damn it! Give me the Eyes, or poor Nolan here will croak." "Oh, go ahead then." "Huh?" What the hell is Arvad saying? Wondered Raisel, you're going to let Nolan die?" "Did I hear correctly, you don't mind if Nolan here dies?" "Yea, I honestly could care less if you kill Nolan, and everyone else in here except for me and one other. After all, I'm not paid to protect everyone but a certain someone." Damn mercenaries... "... Then would you mind telling me who is this person you're supposed to be guarding? So I can kill him or her?" Alons seethed through clenched teeth. Like Arvad would tell you, Raisel thought. "You know what? I don't even need to do that, we can just take the Eyes from you. Rozag!" The orc reached forward for the sack in Arvad's arms. "Here you go." Wait what? Make up your damn mind if your going to give him the Eyes! Was Arvad giving up that easily? Once the orc named Rozag took the bag, Arvad tooko a large step back and flicked his fingers. "Did I say the Eyes of Derhal were in that bag? Boom!" Arvad's onomatopoeia triggered some sort of internal explosion in the bag he handed off. The bag exploded in the orc's arms, brutally demolishing them. The explosion was loud enough to resonate throughout the room and cause the hostages to cringe and cry out in terror. No one was hurt, except for the orc. Rozag was instantly pushed back, violently, by the shockwave. The force from the wave, and the injuries the orc received from the shrapnel, ended Rozag's life without remorse. Arvad was not one to hesitate to kill. By the time the confusion ffrom the explosion had cleared up, every single member of the terrorists in the audience slumped down as if the their candle of life was simply snuffed out. Raisel took a closer look at the dead bodies and saw each of their throats slit. Were there allies among the wrangled captives? No... On an even closer look, Raisel strained her Elven eyes to find out the cause of their deaths. Among each of the seven terrorists throats, was one of Arvad's strange knives. Did he somehow manipulate the knives to kill? Alons and his the rest of the four remaining humans looked around, in an attempt to find the perpetrator that killed their friends among the crowd. "Hell... Kill the boy! I'll teach them not to mess with us. Kill ALL OF THEM!" Alons was noticeably pissed. Another human approached Raisel, brandishing a Kampilan long sword. Before he could even attempt to end Raisel's life, Arvad pointed his pistol at the enemies head and shot him at point black range. The man was slain by a perfectly polished, sharpened pebble. It punctured the man's helmet cleanly and passing through the skull. Arvad then whipped the pistol towards the human holding Nolan at knifepoint, and killed him with a bolt of ice. Only three humans left, including Alons. Arvad picked up the Kampilan and narrowly deflected a thrown francisca axe. The one who threw the axe then chopped down with another francisca, Arvad parried the blow with the sword by the axe's haft. Then with an eighth knife he he still had by his belt, Arvad grabbed the knife with his free hand and stabbed it up through the man's jaw. In a fit of rage, Alons and the last terrorist attacked Arvad together. Neither of the two final terrorists were thinking straight, their plot to steal both pairs of Eyes in the auction barter house had completely failed because they underestimated Arvad. They didn't even set up a back up plan, it was as if they thought up an amateurish plan to get rich quick. Were they even real criminals? Raisel almost lost all respect she had for professional criminals if this was the best there was. Arvad parried both blows from Alons and his compatriot with the Kampilan and his knife. Arvad riposted and thrust his Kampilan into the terrorist A's heart, twisting it at the end for maximum damage. Only Alons was left. "Now, you realized I won't let you live. Not after you threatened my ward, Raisel. Once I'm paid for a job, I see it through, and I don't take chances." Arvad's ruthless words seemed to horrify some of the audience. You would think that those who lived in such a diversified city would be used to violence of any kind, yet such uncaring words devoid of any remorse still disturbed them. Arvad's proud, frivolous, and generally offbeat nature seemed to hold a dash malice. Yet he was truthful to his words, he was Raisel's bodyguard to the end. Alons seemed to hold some measure of skill, as his duel with Arvad lasted longer than the grunts. Though in the end, a petty criminal like Alons was no match for Arvad Eversoul. Alons slashed low, however, in an amazing acrobatic feat, Arvad jumped up and drop kicked Alons. Once Alons was to the ground, Arvad strode over and stabbed the Kampilan into Alons' chest twice. "Oh, Raisel, by the way, it's a shame, but there's no sword I like here. I guess I'll be finding one at the High Elves' mountains." - Note: Tell me if anyone wants anything explained, I'll talk about it in the next chapter. A Line of Work Ch. 03 Note: I adapted the poem from a 1706 play called "The Recruiting Officer". By George Farquhar. Though it is originally from that play, many of you may recognize it from a popular movie series that I also quite like. Raisel will be getting some next chapter, promise. * "One last time before you leave the city? Our women are beautiful and varied for all your tastes!" Encouraged a sensual voice that a certain young man could hear out of the corner of his ear. That same man perked his ears at the words and cocked his head towards the voice. The woman who said this was a beautiful and curvy raven-haired human lass. "Hmmm, why not? I'll be leaving for the High Mountains soon enough. And I doubt there'll be as many women as pretty as you out there, I'm Arvad." Said smooth voice that didn't waver in the slightest during his flirtatious comments. He was fully aware that he was flirting with a prostitute, and an attractive one at that, and did not seem to mind paying for one. He had money to spare, and there was no point in keeping it between trips, at least that was Arvad's policy. "Splendid, please follow me sir." The raven-haired beauty led Arvad into a nearby brothel, which had prostitutes and clients loitering around alike. This particular brothel was a popular one, as it was known to have many beautiful women and none of them were all that expensive. In the capital city of Alduin, like most human cities, there were many brothels of all types. Some establishments served the normal sexual encounters, and others catering to the more unique experiences of all types of fetishes and more. Arvad surveyed the establishment, it seemed normal in a sense, as far as normal could be placed to brothels. Lush awnings covered the open sides of the building, each had morning glory draped over the side giving a gardenesque appeal. Audible sounds of ecstatic moans could be heard from the insides. The raven-haired beauty took Arvad by the hand and pulled him in while also eyeing him seductively. Arvad was one of those people who always fell for this ploy. As long as if he had the money, and if the courtesans made an effort, Arvad would be seduced into paying for one of them, well, one of the pretty ones. "See any of our fine ladies that strikes your fancy? Sir Knight?" She made a gesture that swept across the entirety of the inside of the building like it was a panorama. "Ah, I'm not a knight, just Arvad Eversoul." Arvad worked his eyes quite a bit, ogling all of the working women in the establishment that were flirting, deceiving, and toying with the other patrons. He also took a good look at the woman who led him into this building in the first place: Along with her beautiful, silky raven hair, she had a lithe body that practically begged for sex. She was round in all the right places, but not terribly large, but that also accentuated her slender beauty. Radiant light green eyes rested in her sockets, staring straight back at Arvad. She faked a blush and giggled at Arvad's attention towards her. Arvad raised an eyebrow as if he was performing a complex signal, which the courtesan seemed to understand. "I'm quite honored Sir Arvad, I'm Kala. And you don't need to be a knight to be called 'sir', don't you?" Then she glanced upwards inquisitively, as if she remembered something. Arvad Eversoul? Just where did she hear that name before? He couldn't be THAT Arvad Eversoul, that strange mercenary of rumors. It was said that he single handedly wiped out a notorious group of terrorists at the barter's auction several days ago, with a variety of strange weapons. Kala then took her turn, surveying the handsome, armed man before her. He wore light leather padding, armor only meant for fast speed and lessening the damage when hit, not actual protection. The only weapons she saw on him, was a set of knives along his belt, each with a strange design that she had never seen before on any type of knife. Kala wasn't afraid of Arvad, actually, she was quite awed, in a sense. If this man was the Arvad Eversoul of the rumors... Well, she could brag about this to her friends. In any case, it was time for work... Putting on her best seduction face and demeanor, Kala said, "I would be honored to please you to the best of my abilities. May I ask what kind of service you wish?" "Well, I'm kind of in a hurry, but I've got time. Something quick? I need to get to my charge so I can protect her to the High Mountains." Said Arvad indifferently, though with a slight grin coming out of the side of his mouth. Whoever this lady was, she was quite lucky, thought Kala. "Well, if I may be bold, I am quite confident of my mouth. This'll be fifty-five meros." Arvad handed Kala the money as they walked behind a lavish, pink curtain, which Kala closed once both persons were situated inside the cozy alcove. Kala pushed Arvad onto a cushioned bench, one that was meant for this sort of activity. Kala straddled Arvad, dry humping his groin with her round hips. While on his body, Kala teasingly groped her own breasts which were bound in two straps in a cross formation, leaving her much of her upper body open for prying eyes. Kala saw a smirking face on Arvad, as he relaxed his arms behind his head in place of a pillow. She could feel Arvad's member stiffening behind the leather under her butt. In a seductive display, Kala lifted her legs off of Arvad, bringing them across his face, revealing her panties underneath as she moved herself down on the same level as his crotch. Pink was Kala's favorite color when it came to her lavish courtesan clothing, her dress was pink, her jewelry generally had a pink stone in them, and her underwear was a darker shade of pink which kept her pussy in a constant state of arousal as it teased her labia. Daintily, Kala brought her hands over Arvad's covered crotch, teasing the dick through the leather. She bit her lower lip while also giving a dark, yet seductive glare up at Arvad. Her makeup gave a strange, sultry allure that seemed off on Kala, though it still aroused the shaft of the mercenary. Kala, with help from Arvad, unbuckled the leather around Arvad's groin, leaving his shaft open for anyone to play with. Once free, the dick bounced out, hard from the teasing, and smacked Kala straight on the lips and nose. While she was surprised, Kala improvised and left a delicate kiss on the skin of the member. The kiss left behind a faint dark red mark on the dick. Kala teased the skin around the shaft with her soft, thin fingers, tracing concentric circles with skill around the balls and shaft. Whenever one of her fingers came into contact with the base of the shaft, it twitched in surprise as if the cock had a mind of its own. Kala brought one hand down to the balls and tickled the sack underneath. After her fingers were getting tired with the circles, she wrapped that hand around the base, slowly. Every action Kala made was as if time had slowed down, which she did when teasing was maximum priority. She wanted to pleasure Arvad to the best of her abilities, mainly out of a strange reverence for the famous mercenary. She spat in her hands, slickening her palm and fingers in contact with the shaft. Kala let out a cute smile and licked the head of the shaft with the tip of her tongue, sending a jolt of sensation up to Arvad's tensed brain. Then, after waiting a few moments, Kala finally took action with her hands. With firm and prompt movements, Kala stroked Arvad's cock with pure intent on giving maximum pleasure. Kala watched Arvad's expression as it turned from a smile into a grimace of pleasurable sensations. She fondled the balls, caressing them in a gentle massage as she continued to stroke the shaft's length. Whenever her hand reached the head, she tweaked it with her thumb, grazing the sensitive points. Kala continued the forceful strokes with her hand, which was gaining in speed every couple seconds, though eventually, she decided that that was not enough. Bringing her head down, she stuck out her tongue, licking her teeth in a sultry gesture. She swiped her tongue across the head, licking around the sensitive flesh, paying attention to the pleasure points. She curled her tongue, enveloping and wrapping it around the head as continued her stroking with her hand. Then suddenly, without warning, Kala released her hands, breathed in, joggled her saliva around, puckered her lips, and went down on Arvad's cock. Her luscious, red lips wrapped around Arvad's shaft lewdly, leaving dark red lipstick residue on his shaft each time she went back up. She removed her ample breasts out of the straps binding them, leaving them to bare to the air. She squeezed them together, having the hard nipples rub together. She teased the balls with the nipples, poking them for added stimulation, rolling the balls around her erect nipples. Closing her eyes, Kala sucked on Arvad's dick with speed, licking the length of the shaft with her tongue. Abandoning her usual finesse, Kala drew herself into the slutty movements of the more generic whores of the poorer brothels. While it may not be the most attractive way to bring a man to orgasm, it was the quickest way. Kala's logic figured that since Arvad had a limited time, if she made him climax once, and quickly at that, then he would have enough time for more than a blowjob. Audible sounds of grunts could be heard from Arvad as Kala continued the lustful display. She could feel his shaft pulsing in her mouth, getting slightly bigger as semen filled his shaft. Then in one fell swoop, with a trained mouth; Kala forced her lips all the way down on the thick cock in her mouth. Kala felt a hand grab the back of her head, pushing her head down on Arvad's member. She gagged slightly, but persevered as she forced the dick hit the back of her throat. With her only warning a groan from Arvad, Kala felt the cock burst in her mouth, climaxing down her throat. She felt his warm seed fill her throat and enter her stomach, warming her from within. Withdrawing the shaft from her mouth, Kala kept the suction until the very end, cleaning Arvad's member of any semen seeping from the tip. "Shall we continue, Sir?" "Eh, I really should get going... But then again, I do like where I'm at right now. Yup! Time for more!" Arvad quipped back. - "I must say... While it is quite the beautiful scenery, it's rather boring to trod along, kilometer after kilometer until he reach the mountains." Complained a young girl who had the visage and demeanor of a lady forcing herself to change from a lavish lifestyle to the tough life of a road traveler. "Well, milady Raisel. There is plenty to do! You could read a book, we could play a game, maybe even practice some birdcalls? Here, let me show you something, two things actually." Said a hardened mercenary, a mercenary named Arvad Eversoul. "You've piqued my interest, what might these things be?" Wondered Raisel. She turned her head towards Arvad, whom was leading the pack of three horses. Two horses carried himself and Raisel Tessiol, while the third strongly carried their belongings and necessities. Arvad pulled out a slender tube, with an odd shape to one of the ends. Raisel looked it over to find that it was a whistle of some sorts. She listened as Arvad played two notes, each for at least four seconds. Raisel stared for awhile longer before opening her mouth, "That's not very interesting..." "Ah, just wait. It takes a small while, at least thirty something seconds, sometimes less, sometimes more..." Arvad hummed a happy tune as Raisel waited his thirty seconds. Lo and behold, something did appear around Arvad. Two winged bird like creatures appeared near him, flapping to his shoulders, each perching on a separate shoulder. "Here, let me introduce you to my pets, though I prefer to call them friends." Arvad gesticulated towards the creature on the right. "This is Horo, he is a member of the Nightshade Owl species. While he is generally an exclusive night creature, he comes out in the day every now and then for food." Like he said, Horo resembled an owl, an owl with feathers as black as night, though with a purple tint. Its beak was sharper and longer than most owls. And its claws were wickedly sharp. Arvad than positioned his hands toward the other creature, "And this is Ouro, he is a part of the Morningflower Bat species. He is generally a day animal, preferring to eat his fill before the night and sleeping until morning." Unlike most bats, this particular bat had albino fur. Its membranous wings extended outwards in a large arc. Its claws seemed even sharper than Horo. It had a dual set of deadly fangs that resembled rose thorns. Both creatures were deadly animals. "I like to use them every now and then for gathering information, scouting, hunting, messages, and many more. Hell, I've even had them kill a couple people. C'mon Horo; Ouro, say hello to Raisel Tessiol. Protect her from now on along with me." Arvad raised his arm and pointed it towards Raisel. Both Horo and Ouro flapped towards Raisel and hovered around her head. Raisel was initially surprised and scared, but soon began to giggle under the creature's affectionate attention. Horo rubbed his feathery head against Raisel's cheek, tickling her elongated ear (she's a half-elf for those who didn't know). Ouro butted his head against Raisel's face, even licking her nose playfully. "They're- They are very affectionate creatures!" Raisel said through her giggles and laughter. She couldn't help but laugh under the attention Horo and Ouro was giving her. Eventually, the animals left Raisel's side, Horo flew off, most likely after some sleep. Ouro perched itself on the head of the packhorse, grooming its fur. "Now that I've introduced you to probably my closest friends in this immense world, how about a song?" Said Arvad without a care in his mind. "I like to sing this every now and then while I travel." Raisel simply nodded her head. She was quite enjoying herself, the time passed for more quickly than it did while she lazed about on the horse. "Over the Hills and o'er the plains, Through mountains, forests, and through the rains, The Aether commands and we'll obey Over the Hills and far away. We all shall lead blissful lives By getting rid of husbands and wives, That scold and brawl both night and day Over the Hills and far away. Over the Hills and o'er the plains, Through mountains, forests, and through the rains, The Aether commands and we'll obey Over the Hills and far away. Courage lads and lasses, 'tis one to ten, But we return to be ladies and gentlemen All gentlemen as well as they, Over the hills and far away. Over the Hills and o'er the plains, Through mountains, forests, and through the rains, The Aether commands and we'll obey Over the Hills and far away..." - "Hrm, probably about time to look for a decent place for the night, eh? What's that? Ouro, go check it out." Said Arvad as he squinted at a flickering group of lights off in the distance. Ouro the Morningflower Bat fluffed and stretched his wings before setting off, silently gliding through the air towards the lights. The lights themselves were undercover of a shaded part of the forest the duo was now traveling in. This particular forest was known as the Heretic's Forest. Named after a group of outlaws fleeing the forces of the Dominion of Sol, they made their stand in this forest and fought back. The rebels numbered only in the two hundreds, yet they still fought against the Dominion of Sol's force of five thousand. While they still lost, the group managed to eliminate more than three-fourths of the army with an array of traps, strategic spells, and setting loose dangerous animals on the army. The forest borders the Dominion of Sol and the land of Dasinex, thus this is an area of many border clashes. What remained of the army was eliminated by a Dasinex cavalry patrol. It was a quite the embarrassment for the Dominion, and they never spoke of it again. However, in Dasinex, this forest is widely known for their defeat, and in remembrance of those rebels, it was named the Heretic's Forest. Raisel Tessiol had a decent grasp of geography, and the history behind many landmarks, though she didn't know any of the local rumors about such places and thus she was painfully ignorant of any dangers lurking in this forest. Thankfully Arvad was nearby and he would most undoubtedly protect her. "Do you know what those lights may be?" "I have a sneaking suspicion. Two of them to be frank. And my hunches won't be confirmed without Ouro's scouting. Here, follow me carefully and quietly. If I am correct, we may be in possible danger, or even the complete opposite of that." Arvad being worried was quite the sight to Raisel. She reluctantly followed his advice and ceased any noises. Eventually, Ouro returned and perched itself on Arvad's arm, making some sort of noise into his ear. Somehow, Arvad could understand the Morningflower Bat. "Ah, really, Ouro? That's interesting... Ohoh! No shit? Right then, go get something to eat, night will arrive relatively soon." "You can speak bat?" Deadpanned Raisel. "Kind of, I can also speak a little owl for when Horo is concerned. In any case, I don't believe we are in danger. At least we won't be if we play our cards correctly." The two continued towards the lights, which were getting brighter and larger with each step. Audible sounds of grunts and words rung out to Raisel's Elven ears. The words being spoken were wrapped in a deep accent, it sounded gruff and quick. "May I ask you all to come out from hiding?" Asked Arvad to no one in particular. Though he was in fact speaking to someone as three men and one woman appeared in front of them, jumping from tree branches and moving from behind bushes. The men and woman wore commoner's clothing, though one of the men wore a suit of mailed armor. None of them had any weapons on their beings, but they each had savage air about them, as if they could rip out throats and hearts with just their fingers. Their skin was slightly pale, their hair darkened as if charred by fire, and they each had a strong body that suited their height and gender. Raisel could tell this, while they looked like humans, they were not humans in reality. "You could sense our presence... That is quite impressive. Who are you and your friend?" Said the woman towards Arvad; she kept a serious demeanor, ready for battle. Arvad looked like he was pondering the situation, deciding what course of action was best. It was no doubt that he was devising a method to deal with the situation peacefully, but it was also the case that he was devising a plan should violence erupt. "I am Arvad Eversoul, and this is my charge, Raisel Tessiol. I humbly request that we will be allowed to pass through peacefully. I have no wish to disturb your tribe." "A bodyguard eh? And if I remember correctly, you are the Demon's Gun and Blade? How do we know you weren't hired to kill us or find our location?" "As I said, this is my charge, Raisel. The only job I have taken for now is to protect this lass. Why would I be hired to kill you?" Asked Arvad, prodding for information. The woman deliberated with her comrades, speaking too low for even Raisel's ears to pick up. Eventually, after the mailed male nodded his head several times, the woman returned her gaze to Arvad. "If you are not here to slay us, then I see no reason not to tell you. I assume you know the nature of our people?" "I've visited two other tribes before, so yes." "Then I will make a request for you, mercenary of the rumors. Will you take a job for us?" "Depends." "Follow me into the camp. Our tribe is only making a temporary stop until we move on. This request for you directly affects our ability to move on. I will tell you about it as we move." A Line of Work Ch. 03 The woman and men took the reins of the three horses and led them into a reasonably sized encampment that must have contained at least 150 people. The only light came from campfires and candles. A small group of kids were playing tag around the area. The adults each performed a task of sorts for their own personal interest or to help the camp. A few diverted their attention to Arvad and Raisel, but returned to their task as if they already knew the duo was coming. "We are the Valukar Tribe of vampires. We were headed towards a haven for our kind, which we travel to every year. Yet we have a problem with one of our kind. A vampire by the name of Vulg has gone wild, turning into a rabid beast unbefitting of our kind. He performed a taboo act, which was feeding on the blood of the forbidden. When a vampire feeds on the forbidden, he undergoes a savage transformation, losing all vestments of his former life. He basically turns into a wild, feral animal. The forbidden's blood tastes delicious, and once a vampire tastes it, they cannot help but feed and feed until the transformation takes part. My request for you, Arvad Eversoul, is to kill Vulg. Don't worry, we will pay you appropriately." Arvad placed his hands on his sides as he dismounted from the horse, "Well, as long as if you pay me, I don't mind. Should I do this, will you assure me you can keep my charge safe until I return? If not..." "Should you manage to succeed, keeping your charge safe will hardly be enough to pay you. So of course." "Wait a second, you're going to leave me here?" Asked Raisel. She was worried, as she had not known that these people were vampires until they revealed themselves in conversation. Raisel wasn't sure if she was supposed to be scared or calm. However, it would be a lie if she said that she wasn't interested in the vampire tribes. From what she read in books, there was very little information on them. Only that each tribe held a small amount of members, and each fought for their own. Though one of the larger tribes was recognized and allied to the Elves of the Forests for an unknown reason. All other tribes, and vampires in general, were despised by most races and hunted. That didn't mean that some vampires couldn't be kind, or that some members of the other races couldn't be amiable and friendly towards vampires. Raisel wanted to be one of those people. "Oh you'll be fine, I'm sure you'll have fun here while I'm risking my life. I'll most likely be hunted for once, instead of hunting. I'm looking forward to this..." Arvad let out a grim smile. "I will accompany you to act as a guide. As I have yet to make your acquaintance, call me Veria." The vampiric woman named Veria formed a toothy smile, revealing deadly, grim fangs. - "So how does your people survive? I mean, practically every race is hostile towards your kind." Raisel asked with the sole purpose of learning about the mysterious vampires, the Valukar tribe in particular. The group of vampires who had brought Arvad and herself into the camp began showing her around. They knew that Raisel meant no harm, nor did she have any malicious intent. In fact, Raisel's friendly and angelic demeanor, it melted the vampire's frigidness and soon they began speaking in a normal conversation. "Nots as if every single being dislikes us. There're some we're in contact with fer trade and other services. We eat animals, drinkin' their blood. Whenever we're attacked by bandits or whatnot, we'll drinks their blood too." Raisel wasn't surprised by the man's words. She knew vampires had such morbid tastes. It seemed that despite being a form of undead, they still ate animal flesh. It was also apparent to her that they ate plants, though for taste only. She learned that plants didn't give them a 'full' feeling, and thus only ate sparingly of the most delicious of plants, like berries. Meat was abundant, however. Currently, venison was being roasted over a spit on a nearby campfire. The Valukar's definitely didn't have the fanciest arrangement for anything, especially not for cooking. While their appliances were makeshift, they somehow managed to perfect their cooking ability with such handicaps. Tenderly cooked meat wafted by her nose, with a multitude of spices used to accentuate the flavor. They used a special type of wood whose smoke also added to the flavor. She continued to speak to the male vampire, which she learned his name to be Votl, as they sat down to partake of the dinner being served. Votl seemed equally interested in Raisel, especially in the fact that she was an Elf. Raisel explained that she was not a full Elf, but a Half-Elf. "My mother is human, and my father was an Elf. Half-breed species are not especially well loved in the human lands, I've learned that much. So thanks to my looks, I generally keep the facade that I am a full Elf." Raisel bit down on the venison, she found the taste to be quite palatable and delectable. After swallowing, she immediately took another, quick bite before talking again. "So in a way, I'm like you. Though to a much lesser degree, as you have to face danger in every day in order to survive. I am very much impressed." Votl nodded his head as continued his meal. "Ah, my I ask another question? What are these forbidden ones? And why is it forbidden to partake of their blood for vampires?" Raisel wanted to know this, as she was very much clueless to the situation Arvad was in. Votl tilted his head, pondering his thoughts before replying, "While we do not know why th' blood of the forbidden is poisonous t'us, we know that is has a sweet taste and smells like flowers, it is... Addicting. The forbidden ones that we despise are like wild animals, and some are. Were-humans and changelings that change into animal form unwillingly are these forbidden ones. Not to be mistaken for magical shape shifting, changelings're despicable creatures who've lost all sanity and turned into beasts." "Vulg was a dear friend of mine." Another male vampire then spoke, Raisel noticed that this vampire was not human, but an Elf. He seemed to have charcoal grey skin, Raisel had to guess that this elf was a Drow at some point. "I do not know when he first fed on the forbidden, nor have I remembered our tribe coming into contact with a forbidden at all. Whenever he fell down to a feral level, he was keeping this addiction a secret. Once a vampire feeds on the forbidden, its sanity decreases to such an extent that any feelings forged for one another, is erased... And that is only on the first feed. I will kill each and every changeling I come across, they are nothing but a blight in this world." The Drow vampire rambled off, cursing the forbidden changelings several times until he fell into a grumpy stupor. Another vampire joined in, this time an elderly human male. "The feral vampires, once they undergo the full transformation, do not only receive insanity, they also undergo a slight physical metamorphosis. Their nails grow into keen claws and talons. Their fangs are noticeably longer and sharper. It receives no weakness when it goes out into the sun, though it still prefers the dark. Their movements are more animalistic, as they abandon their bipedal gait in favor of walking on all fours. Depending on how much forbidden blood it has fed one, its strength and speed will increase exponentially. Even then, a feral vampire is not stupid, it is only insane, it is quite smart in actuality. It needs to be smart in order to stalk its prey. For your sake girl, you had better hope that man is skilled himself. Or he will die without even noticing its presence." Just what are you going up against, Arvad? Is this foe even in your dimension? - I could just kill the damn thing so damn easily, if I can bloody find it. That phrase just raced through Arvad Eversoul's head as he and Veria stealthily combed the woods for the elusive and dangerous feral vampire. Due to her animalistic, vampire instincts, Veria easily tread lightly across the ground as if walking through a field of glass. Arvad, thanks to his extensive experience in covert jobs from his mercenary work, also gained a decent knowledge on how to moved at any pace quietly and quickly. They did this, as it was entirely possibly that the feral vampire, Vulg, could be watching them from anywhere. It was his territory now, his playing field. It is true that Veria and her tribe, the Valukars, has been living in this forest for quite sometime, they had yet to go this far out. Nor did they want to due the threat of the feral vampire that had been turned feral only a month ago. Normally a tribe of vampires would only stay in one place for two or three weeks, at the most, yet the Valukar had been living in the Heretic's Forest for approximately two months now. They would have left long ago, but Vulg had turned feral, and it was the duty of a vampire tribe to put down any feral vampires that originated from them. Several sorties into this section of the woods had resulted in the deaths of two of their comrades. Before Arvad had arrived, they deliberated over the plan of seeking help from a professional. The problem is that who would want to help the despised vampire tribes? Even if they found a man, of any race, that was amiable towards them, it was highly unlikely they would be skilled enough to kill such a powerful feral vampire. Yet that was when Arvad arrived, a mercenary of many rumors, and while he didn't resemble any of them, they knew at once it was him and he would help. The two remained quite, not talking even once since they had set out an hour ago. As they trekked through the woods, Arvad raised his arm, and an owl perched on it. Veria looked at the display curiously, wondering what the mercenary was saying as he whispered words into the Owl's ear. Soon, he stretched out his arm, and the owl, quiet as a shadow, took off. Veria gesticulated to Arvad to meet congregate at a thick tree nearby. At this time, darkness completely enveloped the forest and the area around it. It was now the best setting possible for a vampire to fight in. The two met up and began to speak in hushed voices. "And you're sure he is around here? Man, he definitely does not want to show himself." Said Arvad in a calm voice. Veria, while keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings, said, "Very, this is where our comrade, Vehr died not too long ago. Also, there have been reports outside of this forest of humans dying in here." "Tell me more about this Vulg. How much of the forbidden blood has he drank? This directly correlates to his strength and abilities as a feral vampire." It seemed Arvad wanted to know every bit of his opponent's abilities, so as to be prepared as possible. Veria compiled some information within her brain before answering, "I do not know when he first drank of the forbidden blood, but I know it has been some time. Signs of his addiction appeared two months before he turned, it seems he has staved off the transformation far longer than any vampire before. Also, he was the patriarch of our tribe." "...That's news to me. I wish you had told me this before." The patriarch of a vampire tribe was undoubtedly the strongest vampire in each tribe, it could be a patriarch or a matriarch, all it needed was a strong mind, dedicated to the tribe's values, and generally unparalleled strength compared to the other vampires of the tribe. Veria saw a funereal face on Arvad. "I apologize... We were worried that if you knew the strength of the vampire who had turned feral, you would not accept. I beg that you do not give up now." Said Veria honestly. "Oh don't worry, I don't take jobs half-assed. Once I take one, I see it all the way through, provided the payment is sincere and idoneous." Arvad changed from his grim look, to a more upbeat and excited look. "However, it would be best to save this job for tomorrow. As it is night, and it is the best possible situation for the feral vampire to eliminate the both of us. Daytime would obviously impair his abilities." "Ah, no... We can't do that." Said Veria, frantically. Arvad tilted his head, "Why not? My logic is sound. Horo, my Nightshade Owl from before, informed me that there is the definite presence of a feral vampire around here. So he will still be around tomorrow morn. Would it not be best to head back now and eliminate the threat tomorrow?" He was clearly baffled, though he while he looked confused, he was apparently interested in what Veria had to say, unbeknownst to her. Veria hesitated at first, "...I... Want to save him from his condition. The patriarch... No, Vulg, I want him cured. And the only way to do that is to kill him. The sooner we do that, the better. Can I not convince you to continue on and defeat him, tonight? It is said that a feral vampire's spirit will only be free if he is slain under the moon's shroud. I will do... Anything." She ended note with a partial smile, a smile meant to induce unethical thoughts in a male, or sometimes a female. Arvad Eversoul, being a man of the ladies, usually willingly, had no resistance against her smile. He let out a 'why not' expression. It had been a week since that tryst with the courtesan in Alduin, why not with a vivacious vampire vixen? He could cross that off his bucket list, under the 'To do, literally' section. Whispering a muffle spell, which covered a small area around the tree they were next to, Arvad relaxed himself next to the tree. Veria moaned as Arvad, right off the bat, fondled her ample bust. In this darkness, he couldn't see what size they were, but they felt reasonably large enough to barely fit his hands, with enough flesh squishing out from between his fingers. "I sorry, but I'm a bit vocal. Even your muffle spell wouldn't handle it. So I'll promise to do my best with what I've got." Apologized Veria as she pulled out her breasts from his clothing. She let out a siren's laugh as Arvad simply shrugged and removed enough of his clothing for his erect member to appear. Veria smirked as she teased the head of his cock with the tips of her nipples. She squeezed them together for visual stimulation as she stared straight into Arvad's eyes. Veria wrapped her lips around his shaft and gave it several deep and wet bobs, lubricating the member. Upon seeing it wet with Veria's saliva, Arvad took control of his shaft at the base, playfully smacking against Veria's cheeks. She took it in lustful stride. As Arvad was too busy to notice, Veria reluctantly began to please Arvad. She did not want to do this; she figured that he was the type of guy to only respond to this sort of stimulation. She was desperate for Arvad to continue on that night in search of Vulg. In any case, she put on a licentious facade in order to please Arvad. It was not that she hated sex or sexual acts in general, quite the opposite in fact, she did not like doing this in order to gain her desires. It made her feel like the whores of brothels, in their case, money; in Veria's case, Arvad Everoul's cooperation. She smiled as she teased Arvad skillfully, touching every pleasure point around his cock and balls, though not long enough in order to bring the mercenary any closer to orgasm. Removing Arvad's hand, Veria swiped her tongue across the head, licking around the sensitive flesh she proceeded to finally take definite action. Determined she had teased him enough, Veria figured that the plan now was to get him off as quickly as possible. Due to her saliva's lubrication, Veria was able to wrap her breasts around Arvad's thick shaft. She heard the mercenary moan in pleasure, pleased with her actions. She shook each of her breasts in opposite directions, providing Arvad with two senses of stimulation. She squeezed her breasts down on the quivering shaft tightly, and as she did this, Arvad pulled on the nipples, firmly. Unintentionally, Veria let out a dampened moan, one reserved for those who actually enjoyed the sex with the partner they were engaging in. Veria lifted her breasts upward, sliding along the shaft's length, giving off the pleasurable friction directly to Arvad's mind. Arvad's cock-head pushed out from the top of Veria's breasts every so often. Noticing that would be a good place to increase the pleasure Arvad was currently receiving, Veria licked the head each time it appeared, sometimes sucking on the head as well. Arvad himself was greatly enjoying the attention, he hadn't expected such an opportunity to relieve himself of this tension would come so soon, and especially to such a pretty woman, and a vampire at that. He had dealings with vampires before, though rarely, and because of that rarity, he had never had the pleasure of engaging in a sexual act with one before. He noticed that the fangs that were generally present in vampires seemed to extend, like a cat's claws. He shouldn't last that much longer, believed Veria as she continued to please Arvad. She could feel that he was on the brink of orgasm, though it seemed as if he needed one final push. Removing her breasts, Veria stroked the shaft several times before replacing the hand with her mouth. In one swift movement, Veria practically swallowed the cock, as she could feel the head hit the back of her throat. She managed to suppress her gag reflex as she continued to pleasure Arvad in this position with her lips, throat, and tongue. Licking the length of the shaft, that her tongue could reach, Veria touched every centimeter possible. She hummed softly, giving off weird vibrations that rippled almost rippled through Arvad's very essence. And soon, thanks to all this stimulation, Arvad could not resist his climax. Determined not to swallow his seed, Veria removed her mouth immediately once she felt he semen rushing to the tip of his head. Once free of the sultry mouth, Arvad's cock unleashed its seed onto Veria's breasts, coating the infinitely soft flesh and nipples. Thanks to his not partaking of orgasms for longer than usual, Arvad let out more of his seed than usual, far more than he had with the arousing Kala. He stared down at the sight of his seed dripping off her savory nipples. A little bit of the sticky, white seed pooled in the vampire's busty cleavage, eventually seeping down. "Now then, let's continue our search." Arvad said with closed eyes and open smile." - "What kind of Elf are you? Other than my kin, I have roughly no knowledge about the other Elven races." Asked the Drow, Dark Elf, vampire to Raisel. She had learned his name to be Vounei. Seeing no need to keep this information hidden, Raisel answered, "My father was a High Elf, and so I am half High Elf myself. In fact, I am traveling to the High Mountains myself, along with Arvad, in order to find out about my father's kinsmen." "How... Admirable, especially from such a pretty young thing like you." Vounei complimented Raisel with a weak smile. The two had continued their conversation since dinner, each asking questions about one another: some, like Vounei's previous question, about each other in particular; and others about each person's race in general. Eventually, Raisel was unwittingly led into an undisclosed area, where conflict soon rose. "Hmm, we're alone here. Now, how about you let me taste your blood?" Asked Vounei directly to Raisel. She hesitated at his question, as if pondering his sanity. Vounei then got more hostile, "I'm not asking nicely... You will let me drink some, or if needed, all of your blood. I have always wanted to taste High Elven blood... My people's blood is disgusting, it tastes like liquefied marrow. Forest Elf blood tastes so... So wild! So out there! Desert Elf blood, tastes... A bit salty and dry." Vounei became increasingly unstable as he described the taste and texture of the Elven blood he had tasted before, Raisel was right to question his sanity. "The blood of those Sea Elves, I... Should have some more of that, it felt so good on my skin... And what does High Elven blood taste like? Smell like? Feel like? Is it sweet? Sour? Perhaps I should bottle some to take with. Give me your blood! Let... Me... Bleed... You..." A Line of Work Ch. 03 Vounei had turned from a completely amiable and friendly fellow, into a bloodthirsty and frenzied maniacal husk of his former self. He grabbed Raisel's shoulders forcefully and pushed her against the side of a tree trunk. Dazed, Raisel wasn't sure what to do. If Arvad was here, he would most likely have ended Vounei's life without remorse the second he showed hostility. Fumbling her hand around the bottom of her bodice, Raisel reached around for something, something Arvad had given her. She saw fangs extracting themselves from the depths of Vounei's gums, bleeding as the sharp teeth pierced the flesh in his mouth. If those made their way to Raisel's neck, or any part of her body, her previously unblemished skin would be permanently marred. Yet just a flesh wound would most likely not be all that the voracious vampire villain would leave behind. If no one interfered, herself or anyone else, Raisel would no longer have a candle burning in her soul. Vounei's strength had Raisel completely pinned, except for her arms and hands. Raisel's left hand flailed around, trying to push off the predator. Raisel's right hand managed to find the object Arvad gave her. Pulling it out of a concealed holster, Raisel weakly pointed Arvad's supposed elemental pistol at the back of Vounei's body. The vampire didn't even notice, as he was too busy sniffing Raisel's body, licking the area where he was about to bite down on. When Arvad had first given Raisel the pistol in order to protect herself, he gave a brief explanation on the object in question. He said that the pistol could be used by anyone who had even a modicum of magical power within his or her body. Even if that person only had enough to conjure up the weakest of spells, and provided that a person could even cast a spell, then they could fire the gun. Magic guns, especially the normal ones, were designed to absorb only small amounts of magical power. Arvad had said that he did sense latent magical power in Raisel, and because of that, she could surely fire the pistol. He offered to teach her how to use it, but Raisel declined saying that she wished to get to the High Mountains as soon as possible. Hearing that, Arvad then said that all Raisel had to do, was imagine the element she wished to use. If she couldn't, then the gun would shoot the element most affected by her emotions. What Raisel was now currently feeling, was distress and fear. She couldn't form a rational thought in her mind's current state. All she wanted to do was fire the gun in her hand in order to save herself. And thus she did, the magic pistol's trigger was retracted and the gun fired. Vounei let out an anguished scream as he recoiled backwards, backing up blindly. He reached for his back, wildly flailing his arms in an attempt to pull out the object that penetrated his skin. "Hey! Youse safe?" Votl came running up with several others. "I saw what happened... I cans't believes what Vounei was doing. It's a rule amongst our tribe, we dons't feeds on the ones friendly towards us, only our enemies. How... Did youse kill him?" Raisel only panted, reeling from the short but terrifying ordeal that she had just escaped from. "Looked as ifs he was slains by pure light, our natural enemy. We can handles sunlight, but nots pure light. Hey, push him overs, let's see 'is wound on 'is back to sees what happened." A male vampire pushed Vounei onto his back, revealing a ghastly and disturbing wound. The skin around the entry was bubbling, as if it was a pool of molten steel. Black blood bled from the wound, which any of which dissolved if it came into contact with the object in the wound. And the penetrating object in question... Was quite strange. It glowed brightly, but not bright enough to cause discomfort to the vampires around Raisel. In fact, it seemed as if it only glowed in the fleshy area it came in contact with. The object was light, pure light, but in a strange crystalized form. This was not what Raisel expected to come out of the pistol. Pure light, and its counterpart of darkness, were both not members of the natural elements; yet a crystalis of light is what came out of the pistol. Did Arvad know this could happen? Wondered Raisel. - "You say he's nearby, Horo?" Arvad whispered this into Horo's ears. The two, due to their long friendship together, could completely understand each other despite the obvious species barrier between them. "Okay then, make yourself scarce. You'll be in the way if he attacks so suddenly." Veria couldn't hear what Arvad was saying to the strange Owl. She watched as it flapped away again, this time, not to come again for the rest of the dank night. She and Arvad had now been searching for the feral vampire, Vulg, for more than three hours now. She was fine, quite energized actually, but she wasn't sure of how Arvad handled the night. Did he get sleep deprived easily? Could he see very well in the dark? How would he even fight if he couldn't? No matter what Veria wondered, she understood this, he was no amateur. As expected of the mercenary of rumors, the demon of the gun and blade, the Devil's Apprentice... And to those who have had contact with the gods themselves, Sol's Prodigy (or the prodigy of whatever god a person worships). These were all titles given to the mysterious man that Veria knew, excluding the last one, yet even he shouldn't be able to fight back against this... "Let's keep going, I think I saw something over there." Veria informed Arvad quietly. Arvad simply nodded his head and turned his gaze towards the direction Veria pointed in. Good, he's heading over there... My best chance is most likely right now. Pondering the situation, Veria began to stalk quietly after Arvad. She pretended to follow Arvad, and readied herself for conflict. Once she was satisfied that Arvad had his undivided attention on the forest in front of him, Veria raised her hands, sharpened nails outward. In speed that rivaled birds of prey, Veria lashed her claws into the back of Arvad's neck, sinking deeply into the flesh. Blood instantly spurted from the wound, splashing against her face. Once Veria confirmed Arvad's death, as his limbs twitched around before hanging lifelessly, she removed her hand and claws, allowing the body to slump onto the ground. Veria stared at the body of the man she had just slain, "You certainly don't fit the rumors, Arvad Eversoul... All talk? At least Vulg will have a decent meal for once." She was about to turn around and head back to the camp, in order to pretend that Vulg had slain Arvad and barely let her live, until something weird happened. The corpse shimmered, forming clear ripples in the body. Soon, the corpse disappeared and turned into a strange ornate knife. The knife was formed into the likeness of a basic humanoid body, with a head, arms, and legs. The blood also disappeared from Veria's face. However, the knife didn't matter, what did matter was the location of Arvad. Her question was answered, "I thought you seemed somewhat erratic. And my hunch was right. Now tell me, why do you wish to kill me?" Arvad had abandoned his usual confident and cocky demeanor; turning it into a solemn, grim expression. "I-I don't need to tell you this. I need you to die." Despite being short, Veria spoke with a troubled voice. "Why, I wonder, why would a vampire want to kill me? I can't really think of a reason. You mentioned Vulg, so that at least wasn't a lie. Don't you want me to kill him? Save him from the curse of being a feral monstrosity?" "I don't want him dead! If his body still lives, then surely his soul can be saved and cured!" Several tears formed in Veria's eyes. "Hrm, I think I get it now. You leave him alive, so that one day you will find a cure for his affliction. And you led me here so that he will get a decent body to munch on. Heh, I guess you figured out something about me you shouldn't have." Arvad, will maintaining his somber face, stifled out a chuckle. "...Yes, due to myself having the most powerful sense of smell in the tribe, I can smell your blood, what kind it is. Vulg, h-he can only feed on the flesh and blood of a changeling! I need to kill you, so he won't starve!" Veria slumped down into a crouch, hand covering her eyes. "I'm impressed that you can even smell that much. Yes, I have changeling blood, but I'm only part changeling, a fourth to be exact." Revealed Arvad. "A-a fourth? That's impossible." "Yes, I am an impossible existence. In any case, I have no desire to end my life here. I'm afraid I will have to have Vulg starve. All the easier for me to kill him" Arvad started to develop a malicious smile. "No you won't. I will die before he does!" Veria stood up straight, balling her fists. "Ah, you love him. Well, that should be obvious. You even seduced me in order to feed your lost love. That is admirable, in a way. I will have to disappoint you." Arvad pulled out a knife from his belt, another of the strange nine ornate knives. Attacking before Arvad could do anything serious, Veria slashed forward in an animalistic fervor. With simple and fluid backstopping, Arvad held the knife aloft. "Shine." The knife glowed and swelled up with pure energy, bursting out with the pure light of the sun. It was the solar knife, and along with the doppelganger knife, they made up with seven other knives to form the Reaper's Knives. They once belonged, and was crafted by, a famous and prolific serial killer that spanned several nations. No one knew what happened to him when he disappeared without a trace four decades ago, but somehow, his knives made their way into Arvad Eversoul's possession, and not for the better. The solar knife glowed with light, blinding Veria to an extreme extent. Thanks to a person's eyes being more sensitive to stimulation than other body parts, Veria's eyes burned painfully. The rest of her body was safe, but it could still feel the heat from the pure light erupting from Arvad's knife. Arvad returned the knife to his belt, also picking up the doppelganger knife and returning that as well. In one fell motion, Arvad chopped at the back of Veria's neck, knocking her unconscious. "Now that has been dealt with... I can sense your presence, feral beast. Why don't you come out for a little fun?" Called out Arvad to nowhere in particular to the vast forest. One, two, three minutes passed until a savage creature, with a human body, climbed down a tree on all fours, face first. Despite being savage and feral, feral vampires were not dumb. They were actually quite intelligent, though in their own way. It snarled at Arvad menacingly as it scoped out its prey, assessing its capabilities. Both individuals gave off this exchange of stares and intimidation. Arvad slowly reached up to his sword's hilt on his back, grabbing for his silver sword. Among the creatures weak to silver weapons, and silver in general, vampires were among them. Arvad wasn't certain, but it was said that feral vampires are especially weak to silver, as they now have the forbidden changeling blood coursing through them. Arvad himself didn't really feel all that easy near silver, due to his heritage. However, because his changeling heritage was only a fourth of his being, the effect silver had on him was many times weaker compared to the effect of silver against its natural enemies. Before Arvad could fully extract his silver sword, the feral vampire, Vulg, pounced on Arvad. It haunched back on its hind legs and pushed forwards, launching itself at high speed through the air towards Arvad. "You're fast!" Arvad said to his practically mute opponent, and he wasn't lying. Arvad had fought against few opponents with this level of speed. As Vulg at one point was the patriarch of a vampire tribe, he was undoubtedly strong. And for the amount of time that Vulg had been feeding off forbidden blood, its power increased by quite a bit. Whether the feral vampire was an opponent above, below, or at Arvad's level would be tough to tell. In any case, this battle would accumulate a multitude of what ifs. Arvad was pushed back by the vampire onto his back. Lifting his legs up and pushing his arms forward, Arvad vaulted the feral vampire over his body and behind his head. Arvad jumped back onto his feet and faced his opponent. He pulled out his silver sword and readied himself into a position fit for fighting wild beasts. All normal fencing and swordplay stances would be useless against this kind of opponent. Fighting a feral vampire was like fighting an enemy with the strength of an orc placed into the body of a light and nimble elf. And it would be even faster or stronger if the feral vampire were an orc or elf. The feral vampire lashed out wildly in a flurry of random blows with its claws. Its attacks had no patterns or flow to them; it was as if it rolled a dice in its mind in order to decide where its hands went. The feral vampire instinctively knew about the dangerous material Arvad's sword was made of, and it made sure that only the claws touched the blade. The dead skin that made up its claws didn't burn upon the silver and the feral vampire was safe. Arvad, while parrying and counterattacking an attack, considered several trump cards he could utilize to defeat the feral menace. The Solar Knife was useless, feral vampires, while slightly weakened in its presence, were immune to the effect pure light had on normal vampires. He could use some of the other knives, but each would have been inconvenient to use against his opponent. If he had his pistol, which he leant to Raisel, he could have shot the feral vampire. Wait a second... With a plan in mind, Arvad slashed in a forward arc, which was meant to gain him a couple seconds. The feral vampire anticipated this and ducked downwards and crawled forward scratching at Arvad's knees. The mercenary jumped backwards, while stabbing at his enemy. The creature swiped the sword aside with its claws and lunged forward with its mouth open, baring its deadly fangs. *Thok* Arvad smashed his weapon straight into the feral vampire's face, breaking several of its teeth. Arvad had abandoned his sword in favor of his rifle. Along with the elemental pistol, Arvad also owned an elemental magic rifle. Both guns belonged to the exceptionally rare elemental series of guns. *Thwak* Arvad swiped the butt of the rifle across the creature's face a second time, forcing it recoil from pain. He then flipped the rifle around in his arms and took aim at the creature's head in lightning speed. And speed wasn't the only thing that was lightning just now. With the loudest noise Arvad had made that entire month, Arvad shot forth a bolt of lightning from his rifle. The mercenary normally didn't have his guns fire lightning, as it was an exceptionally unpredictable elemental force. Yet it was without a doubt the most catastrophic and damaging of the elemental forces, at least in instantaneous moments. Due to the bolt's destructive power, the lightning ripped a lethal hole in the feral vampire's body. Arvad fired once more in order to confirm the creature's death, forcing another wide hole to appear in its body. The first hole penetrated the creature's left shoulder, destroying the flesh and organs there; there was no longer a beating heart in that body. The second hole appeared dead center into its gut, destroying the bones and organs there as well. Large amounts of blood and giblets splattered that flora nearby. It was a sight not for the faint of heart, and thankfully, Arvad's heart was hardly faint in the slightest. "Well, I've got two bodies here... One live and one dead. How the heck am I going to bring them back in one trip? (I hate taking more than one, it's not manly!)" Said Arvad Eversoul as he scratched his head with a cold look on his face. It was cold, yet it held a hint of joy from the exciting battle he had partook in. "Man, I better get a decent payment out of this... So troublesome!" - "You say she led you out there to feed Vulg? I cannot believe this." An elderly male vampire, whose name was Volte, said this while planting his palm into his face. "If what you say is true, and I can tell it is, then we will punish Veria severely. However, I think your blinding of her is decent punishment enough. We cannot and will not accept one of our own assisting a vampire who has fell so low as to feed on the forbidden." Arvad shrugged, "I don't really mind that all that much. As long as if you have a decent payment, I'll be fine. Also, I should be glad that Raisel is safe from... This." He said as he gestured towards the restrained Vounei who lashed out violently against his bindings. "I apologize once again for your troubles to you and Miss Raisel. We make it a point to never harm guests, only our enemies. And as for payment, Vhrou! Fetch the reward for Sir Eversoul, please." Volte commanded the vampire, Vhrou, who nodded and headed for one of the vampire's tents. "Arvad, is there always danger like this around you?" Asked Raisel Tessiol. "Oh yes! In fact, it was like this since I was a wee lad. As a baby, some generic bandits once kidnapped me. And while you may think, 'why that must have been terrifying, if not traumatizing!' You're quite right, it was terrifying and traumatizing... For the bandits. I killed my first human that day, as a baby." The mercenary said this with a dramatic voice, completely devoid of seriousness. "You... Must think you're quite hilarious, don't you?" "Yea, I do. Want to hear another 'true' story of mine? How about the time I helped an old lady across the street, only to find that it was a deadly assassin sent to eliminate the monarch of Caotico! It was quite the development, mind you." Arvad closed his eyes and let off a jovial grin. Raisel rolled her eyes and ignored the deadly mercenary who had the strangest sense of humor that was only fit for those who shared the same attitude as him. They conversed a small while longer about random topics Raisel was interested in, until Vhrou returned with a chest with a strange tessellated design. He placed the chest in front of Arvad's shoes and walked back behind Volte. Arvad knelt down and slowly opened the chest. He took one look inside, smiled, and closed the chest. He picked it up and cradled it in his arms like a mother would with a newborn child. "Oh boy, I do appreciate this! Yes, it'll do nicely as payment." Arvad, after walking back to his and Raisel's horses, fastened the chest to the side of their packhorse. "Arvad, what is in that chest? I'm awfully curious as to what has made you so happy. And please don't joke around this time, it's rather annoying." Inquired Raisel. Arvad looked upwards at the setting moon before replying, "You want to know what's inside? If I had to be serious about this answer... I would say that inside this chest, is the moon. Or at least a symbolic representation of the moon. In any case, it is quite valuable." After purposefully giving a vague answer, Arvad mounted himself on the horse, ready to get going. "Now then! Let's go meet some damn High Elves!" Why did mother hire this man, of all people? Raisel would not have her answer anytime soon, unfortunately. A Line of Work Ch. 04 Note: Well, it's been a good long time since I updated this story. For those reading, I recommend reading the previous three chapters if you're interested in the story and stuff, sex is in page 3. Even so, I'm not going to make this story heavy on the plot, it's purely for shits and gigs. Also, you may find an error or two out there because I still can't find a decent editor. A Line of Work Ch. 4 - Illeria "You're fine with me keeping it?" "Oh sure, we'll probably be traveling together for who knows how long. Might as well have some sort of protection. I'm not going to let my charge have any harm done to her or else I'd lose my income! Hahaha!" Arvad laughed heartily while Raisel stared with deadened eyes. Despite having Elven senses, she could never tell when the young mercenary was being sarcastic or not. It was almost as if decades of experience were jam-packed in the man's eyes and movements. Both his skills and words showed his years, yet not his body. Unless he was an Elf himself, Raisel could not believe such a young human could be so... For lack of a better word, amazing. The object they were talking about was a magic gun he owned, an elemental pistol. Magic guns were actually more common than one would think; elemental guns were not. Magic guns could only fire a single type of attack, like lightning, stone, or fire. Elemental guns could fire multiple types of natural forces. "You... Have an annoying sense of humor." Raisel deadpanned as she continued riding forth on her black mare. She intentionally sped up her horse so she could gain that little victory of being ahead of Arvad. Arvad widened his eyes, though not out of surprise, and blinked several times in succession. He reached down in a small pouch kept at arm's reach on his horse, and pulled out a small piece of dried fruit. He didn't eat it himself. Instead, he whistled and waited until his pet Morningflower Bat, Ouro, to perch on his shoulder. Arvad then aimed the piece of fruit at Raisel and tossed it quietly. The fruit stealthily landed in a crease among Raisel's cloths, without her knowledge. Arvad snickered inaudibly as Ouro homed in on the fruit and attacked it with surgical precision. The mercenary couldn't contain his jovial sounds as he burst out laughing when Ouro attached himself to Raisel's right shoulder and gnashed at the fruit. Raisel did not expect the incoming bat and shrieked out surprise. She flailed her arms around, trying to swat at the attacker. With her reaction, you would think she was being attacked by a horde of baby wyverns. Ouro, through much difficulty, finally acquired the prize and flew back to Arvad. The bat calmly perched itself on Arvad's shoulders, eating the fruit with vigor. The mercenary smoothed down Ouro's fur with two fingers. When he looked back up to the trail, he found himself staring down the barrel of a magic gun, his elemental pistol. "Ah... Raisel?" "..." Raisel's eyes twitched, clearly angry from the prank. Her fingered closed down on the trigger, ready to crunch down at any time. "Ah, there's no need for viole-WHOA!" Raisel fired the pistol, sending a bolt of piercing water from the barrel. Arvad, although initially shocked, simply titled his head to the side, allowing the water to pass by his neck and grave the minuscule hairs. "H-Hey, can't you take a joke? Ouro really likes you, all he did was get some fruit he saw dangling in your clothes." Bang! Raisel fired again, this time sending a bolt of crystalized fire at Arvad. Again, the mercenary only survived by moving his head. He could read when and where the elemental gun would fire by noticing the subtle movements in Raisel's fingers and hand. A simple matter, really, for the trained. However, Arvad noticed something peculiar- the crystalized fire. Otherwise known as frozen fire, crystalized fire had the same properties as crystal and fire itself. It burned hotter and fiercer in a frozen state more so than any bonfire you would see in a camp. He noted this because not once in his history among magic guns had he seen something firing crystalized elements. There were mages who did specialize in spells involving crystals, but they were extremely rare, even among the magically gifted Desert Elves. It wasn't that he hadn't heard of magic guns firing crystals, there were a couple rumors here and there. It was the fact that Raisel found it so simple to do so. He had heard how Raisel fired a bolt of crystalized light at a vampire who tried to attack her back in the vampire tribe. There was more than one objective Arvad had when the two came to the High Elf mountains: Discern Raisel's magical abilities, find a holy sword, satiate Raisel's curiosity about her people, and avoid a certain girl and her father... With the final being the most imperative. "Face punishment." "Ease up there, geez. It's not going to be long until we can see the High Mountains." Arvad strained his eyesight, which rivaled a hawk, at a frothy blur in the horizon. The mercenary tightly closed his eyes and looked again, clearing the impurities that clouded his vision. He continued to stare at the blur while placating the furious Raisel. Soon, an obstacle, whether hostile or not, was apparent in the form of a group of men. "Raisel." All this time, Raisel was making her qualms about Arvad known by form of a whiny teenage girl. "-An immature, arrogant, and a most certainly a-" "Raisel..." "-Mother just had to choose you of all people-" "Raisel... I'm being serious now." Raisel sighed and lowered down the pistol she was shaking around violently. "Yesssssss?" She did not sound too happy to Arvad. "It seems we have company. You should probably put on your hood, they might be slave traders looking for some easy elven prey." Arvad did indeed sound serious in a rare moment. Raisel turned her head around in order to see what Arvad was talking about. Thanks to her Elven eyesight, she could see a group of horsemen riding towards them. Judging by their pace and outline, they were no normal horsemen. The horses' feet around the group briskly kicked up a cloud of dust. "If they are looking for elves, then I doubt they will be deterred by my hood. My cute face and sexy features will surely entice any man!" Raisel proudly clamped both her hands down on her hips and thrust her chest outwards. Whether that was the case or not, Arvad was given "extra" payment to not be seduced by Raisel's charms. "Well aren't we the confident model Elf. Very well then, if they are slave traders or anything else hostile... All we have to do is take care of them! I helped you with your aim, so use the pistol well and try not to shoot me." "Maybe I should just shoot you anyways..." Raisel muttered under her breath as she moved her hand down to hide the elemental pistol. While the Half-Elf watched the incoming riders, she turned her gaze over to Arvad for only a second to see something peculiar. As of now, Arvad made the funniest face Raisel had ever seen. It was a cross between a husband who had been caught cheating by his wife and a clergyman cringing at one of his homophobic nightmares. As to why he was making that sight, she asked why. "Uh... That's on a need to know basis. YOU DON'T KNOW WHO ARVAD EVERSOUL IS! I'm just your bodyguard protecting you as you travel, my name's Jyro!" Sporadic yelling and hushed up whispers were sent towards Raisel. Immediately after his outburst, Arvad pulled his hood up and dipped his head. If Arvad spoke to anyone with that visage, they would most likely think of a mysterious and deadly murderer or assassin. All Raisel saw was a strange eccentric who sometimes had his heroic moments interwoven through his excessive sarcasm, immaturity, and occasionally susceptible behavior. "Just what is your problem Ar-" "SHHHH! It's Jyro, jeez. Just don't let those guys know I'm me... I recognize them and, well, just don't." Raisel experienced a rare pleading moment from the supposed mercenary of rumors. Just who are these riders that made him so afraid? Raisel found herself pleasantly surprised. Several more minutes elapsed once the two groups encountered each other. While Raisel and Arvad were heading towards the mountains, this group seemed to be coming in from the plains off to the side. (Perhaps they are going in the same direction as us? Maybe I can finally pay him back...) Raisel soon found herself face to face with a group of regal looking Elves, High Elves judging by their skin and hair color. There were four of them. Two were a male and female respectively, were dressed in slim armor with gold and white hues and carrying weapons of their choice, a curved saber and a heroic looking lance. The other two, and older male and a very young looking female, seemed to be some sort of nobles. The male Elf wore fine leathers while the female wore a curve-fitting blue dress. If Raisel looked closely, the younger female Elf seemed close to her age, though it was impossible to tell with the long-lived Elven race. The procession went with the noble Elves in front and the guards in back. The older male Elf spoke first, "Hello, Miss, my name is Nesterius Goldenpine and this is my daughter, Reimiel Goldenpine. These are our two guards, Malavorn and Faehri. How are the roads treating you and your companion?" An expected mature and courteous resounded through Raisel's ears. It was only right that Raisel return the polite introduction with one of her own. Language lessons as a daughter of the Tessiol family showed their power here, "I am pleased to meet the four of you, please call me Raisel Tessiol. And this is my bodyguard... Um, Jyro." Nesterius' eyes narrowed. "A Tessiol? I've heard of them. Are they not influential nobles in Dasinex? I seem to remember that the head of the family is a High Elf like I. I presume you are his daughter?" "You presume correctly on all three accounts. Although my father is long dead." Nesterius immediately took an apologetic tone, "I apologize. I do not have a large amount of knowledge of anything outside of our mountains. May I ask where you are headed, Miss Tessiol?" "Well, I am heading towards your mountains. As I am the daughter of a High Elf father and a human mother, I am only a Half Elf, but I wish to know about the half of my kin I do not know much about." Raisel saw no need to lie to the Elven group before her and Arvad. They were clearly not bandits or slavers. "Then we are headed in the same direction. I and my daughter are coming back from visiting friends in the Wood Elves' forests." Raisel formed a curious and devious smile. "If you do not mind, shall we travel together? I would very much like to hear about High Elves and their culture. I only learned what I could from books and the occasional traveler to the Tessiol estates." Behind her, "Jyro" shifted uncomfortably and mouthed a silent groan of despair. Reimiel whispered something in her father's ear, who nodded in agreement. "It seems that my daughter, who is somewhat shy I might add- Ow!" Reimiel punched her father in the shoulder rather bluntly before the man continued, "Well, it seems that she does not mind and would like to talk to you." At the prospect of encountering a new friend who was also a member of her father's ancestry, Raisel found herself delighted. Her only conversational partner left much to be desired for. The two groups merged and set off in a brisk trot towards the mountains. - A ways into the trip found the ground several kilometers away from the base of the mountain. The procession went as follows: Nesterius in the front, Arvad AKA Jyro close behind who had long since broke into a cold sweat, Raisel and Reimiel behind him, and the two guards in the very back keeping their eyes peeled. Nesterius, the whole time, had kept a close eye on the so called Jyro. While he did realize the importance of privacy and there were many mercenaries who did not like their identities known, there was something about him that struck a familiar chord. The High Elf decided to investigate for himself. The groupings were fairly wide apart, so the distance between Nesterius and Jyro to Raisel and Reimiel was wide enough so the conversation was kept out of earshot. "It seems you are the bodyguard of Miss Tessiol, Jyro. How did you come by such a lucrative job? As far as I know, the Tessiol's are a highly influential and wealthy family." Nesterius put on a friendly tone in order to hide his suspicion. "Grmm..." Arvad grumbled, but he soon realized it would be stupid to play the silent card more than anything. Altering his voice a little bit, Arvad spoke again, "I've worked for the Tessiols before. Miss Lilenae trusted me with this job enough thanks to my record." Nesterius stroked his chin as he rode side by side with Arvad. "It had been a long time, but I once spoke with the late head of the Tessiol family myself. Yes, he was a good man from what I remember. He loved his wife and deeply cared for his daughter over there. It is a shame he didn't get to see her grow up." Arvad simply nodded in solemn agreement. Any father that couldn't live to see his daughter grow up died a tragic death. Perhaps the main reason why Raisel wanted to visit the High Mountains partially out some sort of remembrance for her father. "Well, there's no need for depressing topics today. How long have you worked for the Tessiols, ah, Jyro?" Arvad hesitated as he thought of an answer. "...Not long, around a couple months now. This might be my last job for them, whether I live through it or not." "Hm, I see. I understand that most wish to keep themselves anonymous... But I find it quite odd that you continue to hide your face in front of one of your employers and I, who are not hostile." "Grmm..." (He's right.) "It's not pleasant, but I cover myself because of nasty scar I received." Arvad was normally good at lying, but High Elves are known for easily deciphering facial expressions. Nesterius smiled knowingly, "Don't bother. I was already suspicious because the name Jyro rung a particular chord in my memory... Arvad." The High Elf's eyes narrowed and his voice took on a cocky tone. "Aw shit." - During their conversation, Raisel and Reimiel shared their own set of words. One was a Half Elf born from a union of a High Elf male and a Human female, the other was a full blood High Elf with Elven parents. Raisel, through exchanging casual talk with Reimiel, learned several things about her temporary companion: Reimiel was twenty years of age (still extremely young for a High Elf, like a young teen), she was skilled in ranged weaponry and small arms (more so the former), she had an exotic pet that wasn't common to High Elves or their mountains, and etcetera. Obviously, they were both young girls with common ancestry, there was no doubt they would have similar interests. Raisel even learned that Reimiel had a romantic interest, though it had been a good two years since she last saw him. "What about you? Do you have anyone in mind?" "Hum..." Raisel's thoughts immediately turned to a certain mercenary in her employ. Her eyes slanted and her lips pursed at the mere thought of such an insufferable person. (Why him, of all people, has to enter my mind? Well, it's not like I know anyone else. That one Hamaul guy, no, too young.) "No one yet. Although because of my position as a daughter of the Tessiol family, I have been approached by many suitors." "I see. Though I can assume none of them are up to your standards? I'm surprised you're given the option of choosing your husband." Reimiel seen genuinely surprised. "My family are not barbarians. Apparently dad didn't believe in forcing a life on children who knew nothing about the world. Praise whatever deities are out there." Raisel then tilted her head in curiosity, "Do the High Elves believe in any deities?" "We're allowed free reign in our beliefs. But the majority of our people believe in the mountain's spirit. No one in the world, supposedly not even dragons, has been able to reach the top of our highest peak except for one existence. The divine mountain spirit, Altain, is apparently the only being that resides at its very peak and wields a large amount of power." Reimiel focused her head on the distant peaks, its highest one was covered by a large swathe of clouds. "That one right there, that's not even the tenth highest peak. I personally see no need to worship it if the being doesn't even do anything from it's home." "I agree. There are far too many religions out there, each promising that their own deity or deities are superior and all powerful." "Well, I wouldn't mind a fertility or romance goddess right about now." "Is this guy really that great?" "Well, he's amazing..." Reimiel began to gush over about this person she began to describe. "He's handsome, even for a human. He's a powerful warrior, probably just as skilled as our more powerful weapon masters, maybe even my father. He refuses to adhere to my people's seriousness and can always know what to say to make me laugh. And, well, it's a little embarrassing to say, but he knows his way down there." The pretty Elven girl blushed all around her cheeks and face, overpowering her makeup even. Raisel tossed her head back in laughter. "I'm not terribly experienced with guys, nor am I a stranger or courtesan when it comes to those activities. But if the guy you're describing has all those good attributes AND knows his way around in a bed, well, you'd better find him before he's snatched up!" Raisel then added, "What is his name anyway?" "His name? Well, not only is he a great fighter, but he even has a title that accompanies his skills." "Like what, has to be an interesting one." "He has a few, actually: the Demon of the Gun and Blade, Sol's Prodigy, and even the Devil's Apprentice!" (Why, there must be another person who has those titles, she surely can't be referring to him.) As Raisel attempted to escape reality, she culminated a grand fear in that moment. A fear that she never wanted realized yet she knew it was going to happen. The fear of a person Reimiel described as immaculate, with Raisel enthusiastically agreeing, turning out to be the man known as Arvad Eversoul. "His name is Arv-" "NOOO!" A loud shriek pierced the scene, instantly startling Reimiel as well as the four people in front and back of them. "Miss!" Arvad, AKA Jyro, AKA the amazing man Reimiel just described, moved his horse to his charge's position. While he was a frivolous man at best, he somehow pulled through at times. He saved her from being sold to slavery, he saved her from being a hostage in an auction house, and now he was bringing her to her father's homeland. He even came immediately to her unneeded aid when she shrieked out in terror at, ironically enough, Arvad himself. Grasping his shoulder for support, Raisel practically hyperventilated as she tried to speak. "YOU! You... Have to be everywhere?" Speaking softly enough for only Raisel to hear, despite the acute senses of the surrounding Elves, Arvad scrunched his face in confusion. "What're you on about?" Nesterius trotted up on his own horse with an oddly devious smile. "What a sumptuous situation, it appears that I happen to know my good friend here on a personal basis. Please! Accompany us and be my guests at our personal residence within Illeria." Arvad scowled under his breath as Raisel instantly replied, "Are you sure? I'm not against accepting your gracious offer, but..." "No, please come. I have not been able to chat with many people close to my age in the Human lands." Reimiel seemed equally amiable, though unaware of her father's intentions. The two guards, Malavorn and Faehri, closed their eyes and formed a solemn expression each. Whether they knew the identity of Raisel's bodyguard or if they knew Nesterius' intentions, their blank faces did not reveal any information. They only kept a vigilant watch on their surroundings. A Line of Work Ch. 04 - "It's so beautiful..." "Well, if you're amazed this far, then you haven't seen anything yet. I may have to say that a couple more times." Raisel took her first few steps inside Illeria, the High Elven capital city. While Arvad had been here before on account of work, it was still clearly an amazing sight of pure incandescent beauty. Raisel's single adjective did the city no justice. Raisel nodded gleefully. "This is exactly what I left my estate for. I don't care how dangerous the path forward is, this is just amazing." Arvad smiled and nodded through the cover of his hood. "While I may be protecting you along the way, we're going to have to get you used to protecting yourself when I can't or have been overpowered." "You, overpowered? Not that I relish complimenting your skills in battle, but I fail to see you ever losing." "It's happened before." Nesterius walked up to Arvad. The entire grouped have relieved themselves of their steeds as the uneven and urban environment of Illeria did not allow mounts. Large stables at each of the city entrances kept horses secure and cared for. "Other than sightseeing, what have brought the two of you to Illeria? I assume you have some sort of motive, it is you, after all." "Yes, my charge simply wants to learn about her heritage as a High Elf and visit the various sights. I myself have come for an item I believe you own." "Oh? Ah, Reimiel, would you please accompany our guest here for a tour of the city? When you return, I will have something to show you." The second sentence, only Reimiel could hear. "Of course father." Raisel walked off and followed Reimiel who was already showing off her hometown to her new friend. Faehri followed close behind. "Now, Arvad... I will put aside my meager contempt aside for once and ask what do you want? Knowing you, you most likely wish for some sort of valuable item or weapon. I assume the latter." Nesterius had quite a history with the man before him, and not for the better. Malavorn paid close attention to the conversation that followed. It wasn't often that he learned about the history of the master of the Goldenpine family. "Spot on, you're as astute as always. I'd call you 'Old friend', but we would both probably die from the world ending." Arvad replied as sarcastically as always. Nesterius frowned as he led both Arvad and Malavorn back to his home. He never really considered himself friendly towards Arvad... Especially after THAT incident. A hooked smile on the edge of his lips escaped the vigilance of his nemesis' sights. ... "What kind of sword are you looking for? I may have an interesting collection, but it is quite varied after all." Curiosity overtook Nesterius' words. "I'll be honest. Please give me either a holy or demonic sword. And knowing the nature of the High Elves, I seriously doubt you own any demonic swords." "Ah, I see. You are correct, I do not have any demonic swords. Such filth is unsuited for the pristine snows of this mountain." Nesterius was unusually hostile. Three of the five Elven races were generally distrustful towards anything related to demons and demonology, necromancy, and other damned practices. These races included the High Elves, the Wood Elves, and the Sea Elves. The other two races, the Dark Elves and the Desert Elves were more receptive towards such practices. While it wasn't integral to their culture like a religion, many practitioners of unholy magic or damned cult or god followers found a safe haven within their lands. "Ohoh! May I take that as confirmation you do have a holy sword for sale?" Arvad smiled widely and clicked his heels together in mock joy. "For sale, aren't you forward... What makes you think I am willing to part with such a valuable sword?" "For these, the Eyes of Derhal." Arvad pulled out a pair of radiant jewels. Of all the sets of jewels in the world, none were considered as beautiful or expensive as any set of Eyes. There were the Eyes of Gallian, the Eyes of Calixter, the Eyes of Norg, and even the Eyes of Raguel, all were pristine and elegant. There was an estimate of around fifty sets of Eyes, no one knew how many that famous jeweler made, and some sets were lost to the lands. An instant amount of prestige was given to any person who managed to acquire even a single set. A single eye wouldn't do and without its twin, the price dropped to a minuscule fraction of what the set of Eyes could be together. High Elves, while they loved their collections, were quite resistant to bribery. However, even the promise of a set of Eyes would sway the most stalwart of High Elves. Nesterius Goldenpine was no different. "Yes, I do have a holy sword with me. Its name is Caliburn as a matter of fact." "Great! Now I'll just give you the Eyes of Derhal and you can give me the sword and we'll all be happy!" Arvad was feeling far too confident, Nesterius didn't like that. "No, we will not all be happy. You cannot honestly expect your 'Old friend' here to forget what you did last time you were here?" "Can't a man dream of sunshine, roses, and forgetful friends?" "No. My daughter, ever since you involved yourself with her, has had a certain infatuation with you." Nesterius stared at a simple painting on the wall of a green grove hiding a family of small cuddly animals, his daughter painted that with impeccable skill. "Ha ha... This is exactly what I was trying to avoid when coming here." "I'll give you the sword on one condition." "I just LOVE negotiations!" "Please duel me." "Eh?" "If you win, I'll give you the sword and I will happily accept the Eyes of Derhal as payment." "Wow, so what happens if I lose?" "Please marry my daughter and take responsibility for what you did to her." "Goodness gracious! So either way you win." "Do not even think about putting it like that. I will make sure you take responsibility for doing such acts to my daughter." "Seriously! All I did was screw her! She just happened to be a virgin at the time. It's your fault for fathering such a vivacious girl!" Arvad flung his arms in the air as he yelled. "Fine, I'll fight you. We might as well settle who's better in the art of the sword, eh? The Demon of the Blade versus the Angel of the Blade, this ought to be great fun!" - "I know he said I haven't seen anything yet... But this is ridiculous." Raisel viewed the sight in wonderment. Nothing she had seen in her life compared to this city's beauty. The High Elf capital rested on the side of their land's tallest mountain named after the divine spirit who supposedly resided at the mountaintop, Altain. Illeria itself was a city of simple proportions compared to the height of the mountain, with exceptional architecture to boot. Numerous bridges connected the portions of the city together with meticulously cut limestone formed into arches. Those bridges connected the city's quadrants together with a fifth portion of the city residing in the center. Quadrants diagonal to one another had bridges going around the center portion of the city and going under the bridges of the other two quadrants that connected them to the center. In all, there were twelve bridges in total, eight connecting the quadrants to each portion of the city physically next to one another and four connecting diagonal quadrants to each other with two bridges each. Yet such an intricate systems of roads and bridges was not all. Elves in general were known for beauty in terms of nature and architecture, the race that lived in the mountains were prominent members of the Elves in general, they would never dream of letting down the expectations of visitors. Bountiful waterfalls pouring from the side of the massive mountain thanks to the runoff roared through the sides of the city. The rivers coursed through the city in small canals that went over and under the roads and homes. In fact, a few strands of the diverted river even entered people's homes for a water display inside their abode. Numerous plants of all shapes, colors, and sizes dotted the city. Animals from the herbivorous to the omnivorous feasted on the plants and smaller insects enabling a stable ecosystem of its very own to thrive within Illeria. The buildings themselves had curved rooftops that allowed the ones who dwelled inside to climb on top and survey the stars any night they wished. Stained windows of any shape rested on the walls. Instead of obstructive doors, there were empty entranceways. Only a city with citizens that were truly at peace with one another could claim this harmony. And if any dared to perform a crime, the regal guards that patrolled the city would swoop down and calmly enact the justice dictated by their laws. It was an impressive piece of engineering. And above it all, Raisel rested her gaze on one sight in particular: The Arcane Spire. Common knowledge to the races in the world, the High Elves was the race among all others that contained the highest ratio of magic wielders to non-magicians. At the heart of their nation (which they loathed to call it such), was the Arcane Spire. The Arcane Spire, as the name alluded to, was a home to mages and their ilk. It had a vast store of knowledge located within the millions of texts of all sizes located within. It originally began as a simple library, evolving into a haven for magicians of any type except the unholy practitioners. A simple circular base that towered into the sky eventually forming an impressive and regal spire that ended in an odd weathervane. Countless stained windows all depicting various spells in numerous schools of magic dotted the tower. The Arcane Spire could easily stand within the top five tallest structures made sentient races, Raisel learned that when studying at her home. While taking in the grand view, Raisel recalled something Arvad had said while disguised. "Go in and ask for them to perform a magical analysis on yourself. Mana, the essence of magic, always takes on the form of the natural phenomena of the world: fire, water, light, metal, flesh, and many more. It can take on the form of objects the eye can see or the invisible forces that perpetuate the world. A magical analysis can easily identify what form mana takes in a common object, spell, or even a body like yours." At the time, Arvad had a serious face, completely unlike his normal sarcastic expressions. "I, hmm, I suspect you have an latent magical ability. Well, despite my skills, I'm not trained in magical analysis, so I may be wrong. Go in and see, trust me on this one." "REIMIEL!" An abrupt voice pierced the area. "Hm? Ah, Lyei!" Reimiel called back to the shrill voice. Lyei was another High Elf who served the Goldenpine family as Reimiel's nurse and maidservant (though they both loathe to call it that). She had recently aged forty-three years and still owned a youthful face thanks to the High Elves' long lives. "You won't believe it! It's amazing!" "Ah, calm down, Lyei. It is hard to not believe anything nowadays." "Your father is going to fight in a duel against HIM! Against that man!" A faint premonition came to Raisel, whether it was good or bad, she was unable to tell. Reimiel stared at Lyei with curious eyes. "I'm afraid you will need to be more specific. True, father rarely ever lifts his hand and takes up his sword in a duel, but it is not that it hasn't happened ever." "He is going to duel Arvad! Arvad Eversoul!" "Eh?" With a single grunt, Reimiel stood motionless and silent for a long time. Nearly a full minute passed until she recovered. "Take me over there, quickly! Raisel, I'm sorry, but this is something I truly need to see with my own eyes. Faehri, please accompany Raisel wherever she wishes." Faehri smiled gently and nodded in acknowledgement. "Wait, Arvad?" Raisel could only just stand there, dumbstruck. Apparently that man's shoddy disguise had been seen through. Raisel reached out with her hand, but Reimiel and Lyei had already swiftly fled the scene towards the Goldenpine residence. The two literally dashed through the sparse crowds of people and vaulted over walls and hedges. "Is that allowed?" Raisel asked as she watched the two pretty Elven girls race in a seemingly random pattern. "More often than not, you find the residents of our fair town precocious in their traveling to different parts of the city. After all, why take the long road around when you can shave minutes off your time by traveling like a crow." Faehri spoke for the first time to Raisel. Undaunted by the sudden flood of words, Raisel laughed. "That's not a very Elfish answer. I expected your people to relish longer walks." "Please do not say 'your', it is 'our', our people. While you may consider yourself a Half Elf, anyone who contains the blood of a High Elf is a member of our race." Faehri's voice oozed empathy. While oozed was a slightly uncouth way to describe it, Raisel clearly saw nothing but kindness from the female guard. "Ah... Thank you." - "There are so many books, how is there enough room to fit them all? It seems larger on the inside than the outside..." "That is because it is. A powerful enchantment has been interwoven throughout the entire spire, called Void Storage. Void Storage affects the physical space of an object, basically, you can make spaces seem larger or smaller." Raisel found herself speaking to a rather handsome High Elf named Antion who had offered to administer the magical analysis when inquired about the procedure. In fact, Raisel found him handsome enough for her to persuade Faehri to leave her alone for a while until she returned despite Reimiel's order. Who knew how old the mature Antion actually was, that didn't stop Raisel from admiring the male representative of her fairer heritage. "Magic certainly has a grand versatility. Is their any limitations to it?" Raisel's vague question, which she thought would require a lengthy debate attached to it, was given a relatively simple answer. "Not yet." "Oh." "Magic has defied many natural laws when it was discovered a long time ago. Forgive me for my pride, but the High Elves and the Desert Elves have both made incredible advances revolving around the arcane mystery. Gravity, momentum, chemical reactions, light, heat, time, space, and life are all bent at a competent magician's fingertips." Antion gave a short dignified explanation that expanded on his short answer. "My guardian tells me that mana comes in different forms, even for living beings. How does that work?" "I'll make this short, as we are now in the analysis room." Antion took a deep breath and continued. "Mana can burn like fire. It can swirl like water. It can flow like air. It can stagnate like the dark. It, more literally than you think, takes on the form of the natural substances in this world inside a person's body. And while we are not restricted to using magic in the form mana takes in our bodies, we have a much easier time casting magic according to our individual forms. Some mana forms are more rare than others and some are quite common. I myself have a mana flow that burns and cools like the natural temperature." Antion walked up to a wooden door with a complicated design of interwoven vines. "We're here. Magical analysis can be done with magic itself, but we have simple equipment that speeds up the process." Raisel walked through the door as Antion politely held it open for her. Like he said, there was equipment with faint traces of magic lingering around it. Another High Elf was standing in the room with a book in hand, devouring its text. Actually, the one inside the room very closely resembled Antion with an equally handsome face and body. "Allow me to introduce my twin brother, Antien. And Antien, this is Raisel, a magical analysis for her, please." Raisel curtly dipped her head at Antien. Not only was the High Elf Antion attractive, but he also had a twin brother with equally handsome looks. Even half of one of the brothers was far better than Arvad, that's what Raisel thought. "Well, introductions aside, let's waste no time in getting started. Please lie down here." Antien spoke with a similar voice to his brother as he pat his hand on a stool with several glowing crystals attached in the rungs and head of the stool. Antien held several flexible metallic wires each with a dozen smaller tendrils that wiggled around as if they had a mind of its own. Raisel did just that and stayed motionless. She felt disconcerted at the ominous array of wires as Antien attached each one to a different part of her body. "Don't worry. Each of the tendrils latch on to the individual mana channels on the outside of your skin. Normally, magical analysis takes hours. With this piece of technology mixed with mundane and arcane arts, that time is reduced to a fraction of the normal time." Raisel simply waited and pondered the situation. Obviously, if either of the two High Elves wished to take advantage of her or harm her, they could with ease. Arvad was somewhere away doing what god only knows. Though that obviously wouldn't happen. High Elves have been known to be one of the most amiable races in the world, and would only become violent when seriously agitated. Yet Raisel, after seeing the near impeccable looks of the fair race, almost wanted to be taken advantage of by the two handsome twins. It certainly wasn't something a noble daughter like her should think. (Well... I am far from home. And it's not like I'm seeing anyone or engaged.) Whether they could see Raisel's eyes boring into them, hear her thoughts, or not any of those, it seemed that the both Antion and Antien also liked what they saw. Clearly the two were polite enough to not pierce Raisel's clothes with their eyes, yet they could not hide that faint sense of attraction everyone had. After all, Raisel was clearly beautiful, even for being half Human and High Elf. Those years of being pampered as a daughter of a rich family paid off with a sublime allure to her face and body. ... "All, done." Antien, who was waiting patiently, finally had the results of the analysis. "Yes... And the results are quite interesting too." Antion added with a curious tone. "How so?" While she wasn't too worried, Raisel wanted to know just what was so interesting. Arvad had also mentioned the interesting magic potency of her body. "Well, you obviously know there is a large variety of magic and mana forms. And that some is more rare than others. Also, not everyone has a magical flow in their body, and the majority that do have a minor flow." Antien spoke plainly. "Yes." "Well, your guardian, however skilled he his, must have noticed the rare flow coursing through your body. Those who can sense a person's magical flows are extremely rare." While she didn't care for Arvad in general, Raisel could not deny his skills. "To get to the point, you have a crystalline magic flow. The mana in your body flows like one solid crystal, separating and joining at will. It's beyond rare." "Awesome..." Raisel breathed softly. "As expected from a beautiful lady like yourself." "Agreed." Both Antion and Antien spoke consecutively, nodding without care for their words. Raisel unveiled a cute blush at the praise from the handsome Elves. "What brings you to Illeria in the first place? I'm curious." "Well, other than learning about the Elven half of my heritage. I'm more interested now in you two handsome men." Raisel flashed a mischievous smile "Oh-" "My." The handsome Elves glanced at each other, apparently surprised at the reciprocated compliment. And why wouldn't they? They were not nearly as arrogant to believe that they had looks impressive enough to attract such beauty. "Well, I don't plan on staying in this marvelous capital for very long, so I would at least like to get to know you two much more." Raisel added a flirtatious undertone to her voice near the end of her sentence. It had been a good while since she last indulged in an act that did not befit a daughter of the Tessiol family. And it wasn't like she had time to herself with her bodyguard around her all the time... This was the perfect chance and she was not going to let it go. A Line of Work Ch. 04 At least she didn't find the need to be any further aggressive... "It would be a shame to not show you our special hospitality." "Well, that's far too refined a way to describe it, Antion." The two handsome Elves nodded in unison at Raisel's flirtatious expression. At this point, words were useless, all any of the trio wanted to do was fuck the opposite party, though both sides would never be as vulgar to use that term for such a licentious act. Actually, they would probably do even that at this point, elegance be damned. Antion and Antien strode over to the current object of their desire and her features: almost translucent golden hair, a set of perky tits that could just about reached C cup, rounded butt perfect for groping, curved body molded by travel and beauty training, and lastly a pretty face that would deter anyone who didn't live up to her standards. Raisel raised her arms and placed them on the chests of both men, caressing their torsos. Despite being Elves who lived and worked in the Arcane Spire, they were surprisingly well toned. Thin clothing betrayed the two Elves, as Raisel could easily see both of them sporting full erections aroused by the concept of her naked body. (Better not let down their expectations!) She thought cheerfully. The young Half Elf girl draped her hands down their bodies and moved them across their bulges, making both Elf tingle with her touch. The cloths worn by travel and time left her body, revealing her sensual chest and waist. Her breasts hugged her chest and brazenly gazed at both men as if her nipples were eyes. "Now let me see yours. You cannot honestly expect me to be the only person naked in here?" Raisel asked sweetly with pouting lips. The two Elves stripped themselves of their garments and smiled as Raisel gazed lustfully at their members. Elves weren't known for having the largest penises, but size also didn't matter if they knew how to use it what they owned. Raisel knelt down and licked her lips. She sniffed the aroma that wafted passed her nose, relishing the interesting, but not disgusting, smell. She brushed golden hair out of her eyes and eyed the throbbing shafts. She lifted her dainty fingers and wrapped it around Antien's cock first while licking the tip of the other one. Around a minute passed of oral and hand stimulation until Antion groaned in masculine delight. "I must say... You've only just begun, but I already feel like bursting." Raisel smiled around her tongue as she expertly worked it around Antion's cock. She teased the head, slathering saliva around the sensitive nerves. While she did that, Raisel spat in her hand and continued stroking Antien's prick. Warmth enveloped her mouth and hand as she stroked and licked with a loving expression resting on her face. The fact that a cultured lady of a prominent noble family was even doing this was an even bigger turn on for the two men. "Swiiitch!" A cute cry and Raisel moved her hand to Antion's shaft and mouth to Antien's own. She instantly began giving Antion a handjob. She stroked from the base of his shaft to the head where she rubbed the soft side of the cockhead with her thumb, shocking Antion with pleasure each time. Raisel squealed in surprise when Antien became a little aggressive and grabbed his cock with his fingers. Stroking it on his own, the Elf rubbed the head of his dick along the outline of Raisel's lips, smearing what faint red lipstick was there around her mouth. Though Raisel instantly gave the go ahead with her eyes, Antien took his time and teased his partner's lips, much to Raisel's distress. "Don't make me beg..." Whimpered Raisel as she looked mournfully up at Antien while still stroking his brother's cock with spread fingers. The cute eyes coupled with Raisel's sensual face proved far too much for Antien to resist and he thrust his cock into Raisel's mouth. The twin Elves watched as Raisel pleasured the both of them with fantastic maneuvers. Her pure skin seemed to contrast against their pulsing cocks. Raisel was furiously rubbing her clit as she continued to bring both Elves to climax for the first time. Her lips told her, as the moved back and forth along the length of Antien's dick, that a ferocious orgasm was nigh inside her mouth. Actually, it turned out that Antion was the first to release himself. As Raisel continued to squeeze and poke at every single pleasure point along the musky cock, the slit at its end peered apart and violently shot out several ropes of the Elf's sticky essence. It splattered over Raisel's chest and coated the tips of her hard nipples. Immediately after, that exquisite member that occupied Raisel's mouth also came. In a fit of lust, Antien held onto the girl's head and forced her to take all of his spunk down her throat, not that she minded. Raisel swallowed every drop, savoring the salty taste of the white seed that draped her tongue. Motion didn't stop as Antien laid down on the ground with his cock still impressively hard and aimed towards the sky. Raisel went with the flow by removing her undergarments and climbing on top of the Antien, positioning her drenched pussy directly above the quivering head of the specimen under her. She licked her fingers, gathering saliva and small globules of cum between them and probed her back entry. While not a skill most noble women like herself would be proud of, Raisel found herself exceptionally adaptable to all situations sexual. That talent, again, not one to be terribly proud of, she found useful when attempting to escape the Tessiol Estate on her various whims. Raisel lubed up her anal entrance so that Antion would have a much easier entering her back hole. Antion knelt behind Raisel and took her place in lubing up her ass. He spread the slippery liquids around with the head of his shaft, probing her depths and slowly penetrating her tight backdoor. Antien followed suit and swiftly thrust inside and past her soft nether lips. Raisel clasped one palm on Antien's chest and hooked the other around Antion's neck. She kissed the Elf behind her who just happened to have his lips nearby, both tossing their salacious tongues all over the place. The wanton display of lust filled the room with the familiar smell of sex. Right now, Raisel found herself enjoying the merciless pounding both of her holes were receiving. Almost as if the reason was solely because both Antion and Antien were twins, she felt them thrusting in unison deep inside. While she may have had the pleasure of having a thick cock stuffed in both of her holes individually in the past, both at once was a completely new experience. It felt like her entire mind was being overloaded with pleasure and driving out all thoughts unrelated to sex. Raisel felt her pussy being filled over and over again, each time rubbing against her back walls. She felt slim hands grope and squeeze her tender behind as the Elf behind her plowed her insides raw. Raisel had lost track of how many times she came. The first one happened shortly after the double pounding began, and it all went tragic (in a good way) there. Nearly every sixth thrust from both Elves caused Raisel to moan in orgiastic glee as she experienced another mini-orgasm erupting from the core of her erogenous zones. She lost count very quickly on how many times she came in that exchange. For all she knew, she may have came ten times, maybe she came a hundred times, it didn't matter to Raisel. All that did matter was focusing on the rough pounding her current partners were give her reddened pussy and ass. Without warning, she felt her snatch overloaded with a flood of semen. Antien continued, though more slowly than before. He continued to push his shaft in and out of Raisel's pussy, allowing her insatiable snatch to relish the warm feelings. Soon after, Antion exploded himself deep inside Raisel's ass. He clamped down on her pliable butt and held his throbbing cock all the way inside to the base of his crotch. He groaned softly along with Raisel as he deposited his thick seed inside her bowels. Eventually, both Elves relinquished their positions and laid back, smiling and breathing heavily. Raisel did the same with her arms draped over a soft chair. With a relaxed tone, Raisel said, "I'll be sure to look you both up if I'm ever here again..." Antion and Antien nodded while staring at the beautiful young Half Elf girl. They would surely do everything they could to see her again if the opportunity. ... An hour later, after Raisel had left the Arcane Spire with Faehri, Antion and Antien were having a serious conversation. "You may have told her that it was a rare form of mana flow... But you failed to mention what makes it so and why is it so useful." Wondered Antion out loud to his brother. "Well, it is painfully obvious that severe wanderlust has overtaken her, telling her things like this which would delay her would be just plain annoying for Raisel. I'm more curious in the person that could feel the flow within her." Antien replied remorsefully. "I agree. If we had told her about the nature of crystal mana, she may wish to stay here. And while I would not mind, especially considering how elegant she is, even for the High Elves, she has her own journey to progress through. As for that strange person... Well, let us not brood over it, we have work to do." "I just hope that the weight of such a rare nature will not be detrimental to her life." - "So what are the rules?" Asked Arvad Eversoul. "Nothing complicated, melee weapons only and no magic in any form. If you wish to use a magic weapon for its design rather than its enchantment, go ahead. Best of three and the first to draw blood wins the match." Nesterius unsheathed his weapon of choice as he spoke: A long sword with a curved tip. Arvad calmly contemplated what weapons he should use. Currently, the only melee weapons he owned were his silver sword and collection of enchanted knives. While the silver sword wasn't adept for prolong conflicts, it would serve well in a single duel. Arvad also decided if he should wield one of his specially designed knives. Each one of the nine special knives had a special ability and shape, apparently they were the creation of a serial killer long ago. (Perhaps the suspension knife? Its shape would be best in this situation.) Arvad placed all of his extra weight, weapon and clothes included, on a servant's arms. He noted that the servant wasn't actually serving as a job but more so out of a desire to spend his life assisting the Goldenpine family. He kept his silver sword in his right hand and his knife in the left. The style of swordplay he developed and learned from generally required him to have a dagger like weapon on the side in order to hook and deviate the paths of incoming weapons. Though Arvad suspected that such a style wouldn't be too useful against the head of the Goldenpine family who had developed his swordplay for decades longer than he had. Skill-wise, the two were fairly similar, which is quite a feat considering the age difference before Arvad and Nesterius tilted in the Elf's favor. As far as physical abilities went, Nesterius was obviously more agile and fast while Arvad was stronger and tougher, though that was generally the case for Humans and High Elves. In a courtyard of the Goldenpine mansion, Nesterius and Arvad squared off. Around them was a stone surface hewn from the ground with mounds of soil all around containing seedlings and grown plants. On the far side of the courtyard was a smooth marble ledge that overlooked the crafting square filled with stores and artisans of all sorts of flavors. On the other side of the courtyard was the Goldenpine home with an odd style of architecture different from any of the other Elven homes in Illeria. Arvad wasn't certain of the details, but apparently their home was created back in the old days when the High Elves and Desert Elves were one race and not two. The majority of the home was situated under a large hollow grotto where it looked like a large portion of the mountain was swept away by the hand of god. A waterfall flowed from the far left side of the mountain, leaving a fine mist seeping into the courtyard and moistening Arvad's skin. Several Elves watched the scene with either great interest or worry: Malavorn, Nesterius' wife Ashiren, several more guards and servants, and even the Goldenpine's personal cook watched the scene as they were all judges. "Let's not waste any more time then... BEGIN!" With a gallant cry, Nesterius ran towards Arvad with a bounce in his step. Arvad took a giant step and pulled himself forward while ducking a swipe from Nesterius' sword. He slid easily across the stone surface slippery from the mist. Arvad pulled his arm around and slashed up with his silver sword. Nesterius stepped to the side with his arm back and stabbing at Arvad's stomach only to find it swept off course by Arvad's knife. With the fast beginning, everyone spectating stood on the tips of their toes and their heads leaning back. Only Ashiren kept still while watching with a blank expression on her face. She, just as much as her husband, wanted Arvad to take responsibility for his licentious actions from when he last visited and marry their daughter. Ever since he left, Reimiel had consistently trained herself and studied in order to hone her skills so that she could stand at Arvad's side. Reimiel looked for any updates on that man's accomplishments and had been disheartened when he went silent recently, until a certain hostage situation in Dasinex was resolved by his skills. Reimiel had pleaded with her father to go and find him. Ashiren was amazed that her daughter didn't hate Arvad for what he did and immediately leaving him after. Whether it was love or not, Ashiren found her daughter more confusing than ever, despite having an aged High Elves' wisdom. Nesterius, being the doting father he is, promised to do what he could, with this duel being the result. "Mother... That is him, isn't it?" Reimiel appeared beside Ashiren with Lyei right behind. "Of course, there is your Arvad Eversoul. He is an annoy-" Ashiren found herself cut off. "He's amazing! He is actually holding off father so easily! He's just so... Awesome." Reimiel stared breathless at the man she idolized and found herself deeply attracted to. Neither of the two participants paid attention to the onlookers, they simply continued to fight. Arvad exchanged numerous blows with Nesterius, nimbly taking on his opponent's superior speed with a dual weapon arrangement. At one point, the two found themselves clashing blades next to the sheer ledge. Arvad sent an unorthodox kick at Nesterius who barely managed to dodge thanks to the ledge. Taking advantage of his opponent's dazed status, Arvad knocked aside the curved sword with his knife, pinning it to the marble ledge. Nesterius struck Arvad across the chin, though not hard enough to cause his opponent to falter. The mercenary head butted the Elf and landed a shallow cut on his side. "Round one goes to me!" Polite clapping could be heard from the majority of the audience. However, Arvad just happened to see a star struck young lady named Reimiel frantically clapping and cheering him on. (Crap... I had hoped to avoid her of all people. Well, life is not without hardship and I'm pretty darn sure I have used up my good luck for about a decade. Jyro was a pretty shitty alias anyways.) "Evidently so. Is marrying Reimiel that bad? She is a beautiful girl for her age, even for a High Elf. Or is it that you're interested in that girl you are protecting, Miss Tessiol?" Nesterius raised an eyebrow as he mentioned that last bit. "Nope. I 'accepted' extra payment to not be interested in Raisel. And I'm simply just too young to get married yet! I'm not long lived like you High Elves. I'm not nearly as old as you think I am for Sol's sake!" "Really?" Nesterius seemed genuinely surprised. "Ye-!" Arvad almost spoke again but he silenced himself and rolled his eyes in derision. "No matter, let us continue." Nesterius attacked with his sword, swinging in seemingly multiple directions. Arvad faced the attack head on, but with some difficulty. It wasn't a matter of Nesterius being faster or more skilled, but he seemed gain a sort of momentum, even after losing the first round. (The fervent fatherly love is a powerful thing), Arvad declared silently. The duel continued for only thirty seconds until something disrupted the mood, or more specifically, Arvad's mood. "TO YOUR LEFT!" Out of instinct, Arvad brought his sword and knife to block his left. Nesterius attacked Arvad's right, landing a small incision on the Human's arm. Arvad swung around with a faux expression of happiness. "Raisel... What a pleasant surprise!" (That was obviously intended for me to lose, and I fell for such a simple trick.) Raisel stood next to Reimiel, smiling deviously. She didn't know why the two men were fighting, but she would have loved to see Arvad taken down his pedestal. "While underhanded, it seems that the second round is mine. Let us continue." Nesterius said calmly while staring directly into Arvad's eyes. The two continued to fight. ... "Raisel! So your hidden bodyguard was Arvad Eversoul?" Reimiel spun around and placed both hands on the Half Elf's shoulders. "I'm truly sorry... He didn't want me to reveal his identity to your group when we happened by you on that road. Though I wanted to see exactly why he did just that, so here we are and his identity is revealed. Do you know him?" Raisel solemnly answered the question. "You know that man I was talking about..." Raisel had a pleading expression on her face. "Please no, don't tell me Arvad is him?" "Why wouldn't he be? He's so amazing! I've never seen a Human with as much skill and talent as he. Even among any of the Elven races, people like him are extremely rare. And not only that, he's soooo handsome and charming!" As Reimiel gushed over Arvad, Raisel convulsed and looked at her friend as if she was insane. She calmed down and asked Reimiel, "In any case, why is Arvad and your father fighting?" A sultry woman next to Reimiel answered, "The two have made a bet over their little boys fight. If Arvad wins, he will be allowed to purchase a sword from my husband's personal collection of sword with the Eyes of Derhal. If Nesterius wins, Arvad will have to marry you, Reimiel. A very one sided bet in our favor, but Nesterius will do everything his skill will allow to win. Ah, Raisel, please call me Ashiren, I'm Nesterius' wife and Reimiel's mother." "Pleased to meet you." Reimiel dipped her head in greeting to the regal woman who exemplified sex appeal. "I get to marry him!" Reimiel was unlike anything during their original conversation. "So if Arvad wins, we will be leaving with a shiny sword in his possession? I really don't see the favor in that for you." "But father will definitely win! I believe in him! Even if Arvad's skills are famous, so are my father's sword skills. To be honest... I don't know who I want more to win." "How about option number three..." Raisel brought her friend into a huddle and discussed her plan. ... Arvad stabbed forward with his knife only to find thin air. Nesterius chopped upward from feet to head only to find thin air as well. The two were in an effective stalemate. Arvad fought for his life as a free bachelor and Nesterius fought for his daughter's happiness. Again, the fight took them to the marble ledge. Arvad was slowly being pushed back by Nesterius' crafty footwork. The Human defended ferociously. Arvad hooked the sword with his knife and pulled it close. In this position, Nesterius didn't have enough room to maneuver or stab, his predicament soon found a silver sword heading for his neck. A Line of Work Ch. 04 "Hah!" With a cry, Nesterius dropped his sword and struck Arvad on his ribcage with two quick jabs with his knuckles extended. Arvad received the impact and was pushed against the ledge. With a loud clatter, his silver sword fell onto the stone floor. Arvad tripped and was pushed over the ledge. He just barely managed to grab the marble edge and keep himself from falling off the sheer cliff. Nesterius rushed over to the ledge, he thought Arvad actually fell. As he placed one hand on the marble ledge to peer over out of worry, a knife appeared before him and left a cut on his hand. Pulling himself over the ledge, Arvad said, " I guess I win the duel!" "And to think I even thought about worrying. Reimiel would have been gravely sad if you died." "Your daughter is a good girl, and it's not like I dislike her... But I just don't feel like getting married and being tied down." "How generic of a response. Malavorn, please fetch Caliburn. And Arvad, may I please have the Eyes of Derhal?" Nesterius said loudly to the Elven guard. Arvad then muttered to himself, "I hate the mountains..." - "So this is the sword you were looking for, Caliburn?" Raisel asked her companion. "Well, not this one specifically, though this is a magnificent sword anyways. All holy and demonic swords are relic from an obscure war that none of the current races living in this world took part in, not even the Elves or Dragons. What little we know about the swords are their names and that they all drew blood many times." Arvad explained only a small fraction of the history behind the sword and its comrades. "Is there anything special about them?" "Each sword, either holy or demonic, was forged with a special magic lost to the current age. Each sword can literally take on the qualities of natural forces like water or fire, it literally becomes water or fire. As for Caliburn, I'll just have to find out what force it was designed after." "I know so much about this world and yet I know so little." Lamented Raisel. "How about you, how did the magical analysis go?" Raisel reddened as she remembered what happened back then. In half a second, she cleared up her foggy mind and responded, "Apparently my mana flow is crystalline." Arvad widened his eyes. While he suspected that was the case, hearing it was another matter. "I see, well that makes learning magic all the more easier for you." "How so?" "Mana, in its original form, is a crystal. The Dwarves mine it frequently and craft objects with it in order to make up for their inadequacy of not being able to cast magic as easily as other races. In the beginning of our young races, Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Orcs, and more, mana flows were all crystalline and evolved into other natural forces. Thus crystal flows are now rarer than a Dwarf agreeing with an Elf." "I see, that IS rare. I've seen a few Elves and Dwarves talk to each other in certain parties and occasions and it generally doesn't end well." "Well, Dark Elves excluded, all other Elven races don't work too well with Dwarves. Alright, shall we get going to our next destination?" Raisel had given it a lot of thought. "Since we talked about the Dwarves, I want to go see one of their cities." Arvad lit up, "I quite like the Dwarven cities... Alrighty then, I'll take you to my favorite one!" With it being dawn, Horo the Nightshade Owl was the one currently perched on his shoulder. Though it yawned sleepily as morning was soon coming. The two companions sat on their brand new steeds gifted to them by the Goldenpines. They were regal creatures that could survive hardy conditions and travel long distances while even carrying heavy loads meant for a packhorse. Before they had mounted the steeds, Antion and Antien had come to say goodbye to Raisel, giving her an armlet enchanted with a directional spell that allows her to always know the correct direction to whatever destination she had previously been to. Kissing them both on the cheek as a goodbye, Raisel bid her farewells to the two. Arvad had raised an eyebrow at that exchanged, but he didn't joke about it like Raisel had thought. Arvad on the other hand didn't have anyone to say goodbye to. Not that he cared much considering he was just recently trying to escape marriage. "Don't you want to say goodbye to Reimiel? You two were clearly getting along with each other before and during our stay." Arvad asked wistfully. "You don't need to worry about that, I already spoke with her before I said my goodbyes to Nesterius, Ashiren, and Faehri." "About what?" Arvad felt slightly worried about the design of her sentence. "About this!" "Arrrrvad!" A familiar singsong voice pierced the scene: It was Reimiel sitting upon a steed with frost white hair. Next to the horse was a cat-like creature, though obviously bigger. According to Raisel's knowledge from her studies, the creature was a White Lion, native to the Desert Elves' lands. Raisel wasn't kidding when she said she had an exotic pet. Reimiel also wore warm clothing well suited for travel. Raisel also noticed that she had a crossbow fastened to the side of her horse and three rods with one owning a spear tip. "Ah... You spoke with Reimiel and convinced her father to allow her to travel with us out of a desire to fulfill not only your friend's wishes and the desire to annoy me to even greater heights? Clever, I'll give you that." Raisel was slightly ticked off by his condescending tone, but she could finally see that she won one over the bodyguard. "You're quite correct. I still can't understand why you dislike her." "Like I told Nesterius, I do not dislike her at all, far from it. I do like her quite a lot. It's just that... She's too clingy!" "I have to be in order to keep you loyal to me!" Reimiel trotted up beside the two. "Thank you so much for convincing father for allowing me to accompany you, Raisel. Seeing as Arvad is your bodyguard, I was jealous at first, but you obviously have no intention of stealing him away from me. Arvad, I promise to prove myself to you... So please give me a chance." Reimiel said passionately. She held a hand up to her chest and over her heart while gazing into Arvad's eyes. Arvad tried to avert them, but it seemed like he was being sucked into Reimiel's pace. It took all of his willpower to try to deny her, but he failed in the end. "Oh fine. I'm serving the Tessiol family for this job, so I cannot deny Raisel the company of her friend." He sighed and turned his horse around to face the path. "It seems that our next destination of our world tour is a Dwarven city, I believe Halrun will be a suitable choice." "Wherever you two go, I'm going as well! Wait, isn't Halrun..." "Yup, that's why I believe it will be an interesting trip for our noble girl here." "Your words are ominous like usual. Let us go then." Raisel and Reimiel both took deep breaths as they followed Arvad towards their next destination.