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 Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2011 9:42 pm
As Valeria prepared for the upcoming mission, her soldiers were readying outside. It was a fairly small detachment she was assigned today, and a bunch of rag-tags to boot. Some of them still green even, but it was her first chance at a general's position and her shot at being classified as one of the Royal Guard. Something of a double promotion, but it was not motivated by an increase in pay, for Valeria, it was the honor of serving her Queen, Ismaire and the royal family that drove her. Their queen was a kind and benevolent one, though she possessed a great weakness for fine gems and jewels. Not that she blamed her queen, Valeria herself bore a necklace made of linked white-golden plates, bigger in front and tying up at the back, a large sapphire in the shape of a diamond on the largest plate in the front middle. She clasped it in place around her neck, admiring herself in a mirror, quite enjoying it with a broad smile before putting on her chestpiece. She needed to go and address the troops. Get things ready to go. She grabbed her plate helm, placing it atop her head as she made for the door out of her chamber in the castle. As she reached the door, she grabbed her shield and longsword, strapping the blade to her back and attaching the shield to it as well. Once fully geared, she left her room, slithering out to the courtyard where everyone was preparing.
As she made her way to the main platform that had been prepared for her in the open space in the middle of the castle grounds, she looked out amongst the mass that had been gathered. A few of them bore armor, but not near enough, only a handful of actual knights and soldiers. She shook her head at this, but fortunately it was only to go and collect a magical charm for her queen. Certainly this would not prove to be that challenging an expedition. Yes, they would be treking to the former den of the once great Medusa, but it had not been touched in nearly a century. Nobody even knew of their growing operation. Well, except the townsfolk. Even so, why send a detachment of 50 for one item in a den no longer occupied? There had to be a reason, yet she did not question her liege's order, and this would see she was a recognized member of the court. It was worth it, no matter the reason.
She reached the stand they had prepared her and stood at it, looking out at them all, speaking loud enough that they might hear her. "Attention! I request your attention, please!" She commanded the mass in a rather authoritative tone, watching them hush and look to her, though they did not file as they should. She rolled her eyes and rubbed her temple at this, already feeling like she was a bit of a let-down, to herself if nobody else. She recollected herself and proceeded, "Alright! We have been ordered by the magnificent queen Ismaire to go and collect a particular artifact. We are going to the den of the late, powerful, Medusa! I don't know what challenge lies ahead, but the queen deems it necessary to bring this detachment. You are all proving yourselves today! Proving your loyalty to the throne... perhaps proving yourselves to be warriors of merit, knights truly. You all have something to gain from this expedition... as do I. So let us work cooperatively in this to serve our highness. I wish all of you safety in this... that we might all return in one piece to friends and family. Now then... take your time to gather what you yet need and gather at the front gate. We leave immediately." She paused a short bit before laying a warning upon them, "And be prompt. Those who try to desert or take to long will be punished in their own ways." At this, a couple large male Naga slithered forward, each clad heavily in armor and carrying large, decorative spears, a harsh gaze on each, both imposing and full of muscles. One of them spoke to the crowd in a deep, gruff tone, "You have 10 minutes to finish your business and make for the front gate. Any that take longer shall be brought in to speak with her majesty the queen."
As the Naga spoke, Valeria made her way from the stand out of the courtyard and toward the main gate, now in silence, mentally preparing herself for the trip ahead. Might there be combat? She had seen some, nothing challenging though, simple mindless monsters. She wondered privately what it might be like to fight other beings of intelligence. That was a challenge she had not yet been presented with. By the time her train of thought on all of this had ended, she was leaned against the entrance of the castle, looking out at the fields beyond, sighing softly to herself, her white tail flicking from side to side absent-mindedly as she awaited her recruits.
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Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2011 11:35 pm
"Hmm hmm, hmm hmm hmm..."
A lone stagecoach rolled down the cobbled road. Many would quickly notice that the vehicle lacked a horse, the subdued rumble of a steam-powered engine pushed the coach along the lonely road. In the driver's seat sat what many would confuse to be a demon, and they wouldn't be far off. Gargoyle like, with a beak and batlike wings and deep red eyes, incubuses are things of terror, with the deadly power to seduce whoever they like, all wild exaggeration, of course. But this one looked different. His skin was edged with whiteness while his forked tail snaked around a large, glowing gold ring tied to his belt. A halo.
He hummed merrily as his coach entered town, drawing glances from the local merchants. They knew they couldn't compete with that ascended. A once dark mind washed in the light of purity had bestowed upon the demon the gift of ingenuity, making him one of the most premier inventors of the land. Anybody who needed proof could look at the occasional band of brigands looking to rob him on the roads. Most end up dead, with one left alive to spread the word. He wasn't a creature of violence, anymore, but that dark side was still there, pacified by the light but still easily weaponized. But he didn't need his powers to kill. Never has, in fact. He was ascended not long after his creation.
He stopped in the middle of the plaza and pulled a lever next to him, causing the coach's side doors to slide open, revealing his many peculiar wares. He hopped down, his tail slithered off the halo as he unbuckled it and stuck it in the air above his ivory horns. It bobbed in place as he let go, suspending itself by an unknown force.
"Come one, come all! Weapons, armor, trinkets and more!" He hawked as a crowd begun to build outside his coach. Most were regulars, knowing full well that they couldn't afford his wares. Still, they enjoyed his presentations. Mostly the young men and women were up front of varying races, most curious to see an actual incubus while others enjoyed being flirted with. Which he usually did. After all, he was still an amorous creature at heart. Not an average flirtation, many explained an encounter with him as a sort of engulfing aura that he seems to be able to turn on and off at will. As he passed a lanky dragon adorned in rich colors, the noble swooned almost off his feet as the ascended lingered a hungry gaze on him. To the angelic demon, it seemed harmless as long as he just looked and not touch. Of course, that only happens most of the time. Seductive charms don't work well on an enraged man chasing you with a rusty broadsword for sleeping with his wife. The demon had his fair share of towns he can't go back to after succumbing to personal temptation and deflowered the wrong person.
"You, sir! You look like a man who needs better sources of illumination than boring ol' fire!"
"I need other things from you." The noble murmured.
"... Like this?" The demon rapidly shifted his own attention to a lantern. Inside the glass case was a perfectly rounded orb containing a neon blue fluid. He flicked a switch on the side, and the fluid flared into a ball of white, illuminating the faces of a stunned crowd. The noble's face almost contorted, his mind taken off more inappropriate thoughts and fixating on the lantern.
"Wow! How much?" The noble cried out.
"I got five of these, ready for immediate use! Only ten sovereigns apiece!"
The crowd mumbled at the price. Still, it's to be expected for such quality.
"I'll take all five!" The charmed noble proclaimed. The demon winked at him as the noble deposited five gold coins in his hand. He didn't know dragons could blush, but the noble certainly did as his scaled hands seemed to caress the demon's fingers, the man's eyes undressing the demon.
Time to dial it back a notch before he gets into trouble again. The dragon blinked a couple times as his passion sudden vanished, the demon freeing his own hand and pushing a crate full of lanterns into his arms.
"Enjoy, hot stuff!" The demon said cheerily.
"Uhhh... Thanks?" The dragon replied, confused as he begun to wander away. Incapable of facial expressions, the demon's eyes smiled for him. Charming people always made them more willing to spend money. A dangerous tactic as it's easy to overdo it, like one time when a human woman he was trying to sell to got overwhelmed by his aura and latched herself to him. That was awkward to explain to the woman's nearby father.
As he demonstrated a pneumatic crossbow to a wowed audience, two Lamias snaked up to the demonstration.
"Is that him?" One asked the other.
"Of course it's him. How many demons you know that aren't slavering killing machines?" The other replied sarcastically.
"You're so harsh, Carl."
"Quit whinin' like a newborn babe and seize him. The queen's looking for valuable assets for the campaign."
They slithered through the crowd as the demon showed off a music box to an entranced woman, her rabbit ears twitching and her tail wagging.
"M'lady? This piece reflects so well of your beauty, you know that? The jade matches your eyes. Yours for five sovereigns."
"Hmmm- WHA!" The entranced woman was shoved aside by the Lamia guards.
"Whoa! Gentlemen! Whoever told you I deflowered whoever is a complete fabrication, I assure you!" The demon stuttered in a mild panic.
"What? No, that's not why we're here! Zeren, right?" Carl said.
"Whew. Close one. Alright, yessir! That's indeed my name. What you fine gents need? Perhaps a device that, gets this, toasts your bread-"
"By order of Queen Ismaire, I hereby order to place you under conscription. Pack up you wagon and come with us."
"What? I'm no soldier! I just make crossbows and toasters!" The demon sputtered out, his beak clacking. Some people in the crowd queried each other about what a toaster was.
"Are you resisting, Zeren?" The other said. For a moment, he considered trying to seduce his way out. But the two men before him were far too muscular for his tastes. No. He'll have to wiggle his way out of dying for a queen's silly quest some other way.
"... No, good sirs. Lead the way." He said with a barely contained tone of defeat. He clambered back up on the coach's driver seat and pushed a lever forward, the doors sliding shut on the coach.
Great. Onward to an early demise. Fantastic.
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Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2011 5:08 pm
Valeria had waited long enough. She looked out at the assembled group, it being quite clear to her that not everybody from the courtyard, now fifteen minutes ago, had arrived. It having already been 5 minutes past the appointed deadline, she decided, with a heavy sigh, that it was time to go. She shoved off the gateway she'd been leaning on and rubbed her now somewhat sore shoulder, looking out at the ragged bunch and laughed quietly to herself before muttering lower than anybody could hear, "Quite the assembly... hardly fitting for a general, but then, this is my first assignment." She let out another soft sigh and had begun moving to address the group before she heard a male's voice calling out to her. She turned to see two male Lamia approaching with a strange-looking foreigner and... a cart!?
She rubbed her temple in minor frustration as they were calling for her attention, knowing this would be nothing but a pain. No doubt this was some merchant meant to come along and keep safe their treasure once it had been acquired from Medusa's Lair. She wriggled toward the two, arms crossed beneath her breastplate as she gave them a stern look, calling out before even confirming their purpose. "Look! We don't need that. It's bulky and obvious. If we're trying to be even the least bit subtle here, that thing's going to give away our every move. Not to mention I can store our target just as well as the next person, and certainly better than that thing." She said a bit aggressively, ready to be on her way already. "We have enough of a ragtag bunch without adding this person and cart to the mix." She glanced up to him with one eye, which was partially masked by her decorative helmet. "I mean no offense, of course, it's just... this is already proving a more challenging task than I had imagined and we've not even left the palace grounds!" She said to the incubus, her irritation evident in her tone before her gaze returned to the two large Lamia guards, both of whom bigger, better built, and certainly more armed and armored, than she.
In spite of their size and intimidation, however, they didn't have the track record Valeria did. They knew of her, knew this was going to be her Exhibition of Proving. It was always different from General to General, and the queen had deemed this a worthy trial, so they respected it. Neither of them had the rank that Valeria did, so the responses were timid ones. "I am... sorry, Miss Rubenholt. This was mandated. Our hands are tied in this matter." The first said quite humbly, even keeping his gaze low as if addressing nobility.
"Mandated?" She asked curiously, eyeing the incubus again for a moment before looking back to the others, "What, as in the queen herself ordered this?" She asked, in disbelief.
The second Lamia nodded and spoke up now, extending some paperwork with the official royal seal, "Something special about this one, Ma'am... apparently he has skills of note. Word of his approach caught the ear of the queen and she immediately sent out the guard to seize him into conscription for this assignment."
She looked over the papers somewhat hurriedly, a bit impatient to get this mission underway. She had not even examined all the papers, just enough to get name, age, race... the basics, before stowing the document in a pouch she bore, wrapped securely around her waist. "Fine! The queen okays it... whatever." She said, still a bit agitated, dismissing them with one hand, the two males all too eager to get out of her hair and back to their leisurely town watch.
As if anything worthwhile ever happened here in town. That's why Valeria had taken the risks in her career, often volunteering to be as close to the front lines as possible, and always seeing some level of combat. Mostly in city defense, but it was still active work. The bigger their city grew, and the more precious artifacts their queen obtained, the more aggressive the surrounding species became. Their senses driven mad and aggressive with all of the fresh meat and the power radiating from the city's great artifacts. Not that Valeria minded, combat was in her blood, though she far from looked it. Monster Slaying an art form for her which she had perfected throughout her late teens and early adult life, culminating to this, to this day.
Valeria sighed as the two disappeared from view and her cold eye shot back up to the man, not giving enough concern for him to avert her full attention, "Well then... I suppose you're coming with me. And, from the looks, that bulky contraption beneath you will be coming along as well. Much as it pains me to okay it." She rubbed her temple again in mild frustration, trying to simply shake it and leave it be. "Well then... Zeren, was it? We move out." She said simply, turning and leading ahead of him. "If you have any questions or concerns" She called back to him over her shoulder, head still pointed straight, "Then address them now. I won't need you pestering me once we're on the road." Most of her frustration was simply because of how difficult the day was proving. She was not usually so rigid. So stern. This would, no doubt, fade as the day wore on. And it would be a long one. A full day to Medusa's Den, a night of rest, and a march back taking another whole day... if they were lucky. If things went smoothly. Which was something Valeria only hoped for. Knowing this was a foolish wish, but she hoped, nonetheless.
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Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2011 6:32 pm
Zeren raised an eyebrow, thinly veiling his bemusement. Quite the ice queen and a rare 10 on the attractiveness scale. This could quite possibly be a fun little serpent to woo. But while the two brutish guards could possibly be charmed in theory, most naga are immune to what he calls "the whammy".
"Yeah. It's Zeren. And I would love, love to know what exactly I'm about to go die for. No doubt a trinket for royalty?" He said, deadpan. The lack of facial expressions and an unusual way of sounding quite serious often conceals his sarcasm. "And of course..." He stopped himself when he saw the mass of troops before them, the ranks filled with nubile males and females alike. Not to mention a veritable cornucopia of races. He felt that pang of familiar hunger, a hunger he knew quite well that was getting sated tonight if all goes well. Granted, all probably focused on the task at hand, but being part of an army was stressful business. Stress he didn't quite mind alleviating...
Oh, yummy.
"... Never mind, m'lady. Perhaps I should go find my place? Also, didn't quite catch your name." He finally said.
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Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2011 7:01 pm
She continued back toward the main gate, passing through it as she replied to him, "Queen Ismaire desires more than just some random trinket." She said dutifully, "What we seek is an enchanted neckplate. It's a treasure of the late and powerful Medusa." She turned and eyed him suspiciously. "I assume then, that you weren't at the gathering in the courtyard?" She sighed heavily at his lack of awareness. Those that were being brought in were supposed to have at least some basic knowledge as to what this was all about. As the man, who seemed to be more intelligent than he appeared, had said, they all needed to know what it was they might wind up dying for.
"The queen wants us to acquire the neckplate to increase her glory and power." She shrugged, shaking her head, "It's not so uncommon for the royalty to wish to further their status and leadership in such a way." She didn't always support the actions of her queen, but she respected her deeply. And, in spite of this apparent greed, her queen was still a benevolent leader. Though, she wondered if this stranger would know that. It sounded from the report that he had not been here long, if even a day. She sighed softly once more, "Though honestly, it's not a cause that matters to you I'm sure. After this mission, you're free to go on your way, conscripted or not. I'll see to it personally you're left alone. Well... as alone as you care to be at least."
"Now then, since you have that there" She waved in reference to his coach, "You might just as well take a place somewhere in the middle ranks. Per our instructions, you'll be the one transporting the artifact once we have it, which is fine by me I suppose, albeit a tad flashy and unnecessary. Besides, I don't see your cart being of much use to us in a battle situation... assuming we get ambushed or anything. From the middle, you'll have soldiers all around you as escort. Not to mention you can handle being our eyes from your risen perch. That all sound good with you? Any other inquiries perhaps?" She asked, arms crossed again, looking at him, trying her best at this station, and hoping she came across no less skilled than she was.
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Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2011 7:37 pm
"No, I wasn't, m'lady. I was minding my own business on the other side of town." He said with a shrug. "Conscripting a non-citizen without fear of foreign reprisal, though? Granted, I'm bound to no ruler, but such an action like that? Dangerously inconsiderate to other fiefdoms... Your queen Ismaire must really want this neckplate. Medusa's, you say? Interesting." The idea of having access to so many people who're bound to be looking for a good roll in the hay seemed slightly less appealing now. After all, even though he's a being of lust, he's also an educated man. Relic hunting always had an appeal to him. Especially when it came to chasing what he thought was legends. Nevertheless, he now had several reasons to willingly participate in their journey. At least he won't be bored.
"Very well, m'lady. I'll serve my role to the best of my ability. Now, if you excuse me, I feel I should go get... Settled in." He chuckled. He had no further questions as he piloted his coach away from the lamia and towards the middle ranks. What more he needed to know, he could pick up along the way.
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Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 4:22 pm
As he mentioned the repercussions from other countries, she tensed a little. Though eased again when he said he belonged to no country, inner relief washing over her. However, in thinking about it, it was hardly her concern. Yes, it would involve her queendom and her queen, but, if ever they crossed a line, whatever would happen, would happen and they would handle it then. She imagined her queen had a plan for if anything were to go awry with other countries. She shook her head, already having dwelt on this thought chain longer than she needed, making her way to the front of the ranks.
She turned to face everybody, having already addressed them with the speech in the courtyard, even if this individual had not been in on it, and perhaps others as well. "Alright then... we move!" She ordered the group, turning forward once more and making her way down the road. On foot wasn't the most convenient. Though, for her and a few others like her, wriggling was the case. However, it was the only option present to them. Well... save their new member at least. Certainly he would get some jealous members trying to climb on or ask for rides, but that was hardly her concern also. Rather, she chuckled softly to herself at the thought before leading onward.
~~~~~~~~~~
4 Hours Later
~~~~~~~~~~
The group had stopped for a break. Time for food, drink, and a bit of relaxation near the wood nearby, a lake a short distance away. It would be no longer than an hour off their feet before they would all need to be on their way again. Valeria had a schedule and wished to keep to it. She had remained silent for these past four hours, merely leading the way through twists, turns, terrain, and the like on their approach to Medusa's Den. The others, however, had been holding conversations most of the trip, discussing just about anything and everything, Valeria working to tune out some of the more vulgar conversations.
Having surveyed the group and seeing things appeared under control for now, a couple guards form the city in her troupe, she left them to handle things and keep order, though the crew was far from a rowdy bunch, so she imagined it would not be much of an issue. A couple others had made for the lake to get a drink, and likely for a couple to take a dip. As she arrived at the lake, she saw this and smiled, shaking her head, glad they were enjoying themselves, quite relaxed. However, she did not wish to mingle with these people, and certainly not to be in such close proximity with the bathing members, planning on getting in her own cleaning. Instead, she decided to climb the slope nearby where a stream had been emptying into the lake to keep it fresh, following it further along, getting well away from the others, both noise and sight removed entirely.
Once alone, she removed her helmet, setting it on a rock near a deeper stretch of the stream, leaning her blade and shield against the rock as well. She sighed softly at the lifted weight, feeling lighter and more comfortable. She then moved along the stream's edge, turning her hips and easing her tail down into the cool water, letting it flow with the slow current in the water. She leaned back on her hands and looked up through the treeline to the sky above, feeling more at peace and letting her tension roll away. It was nice... relaxing like this. She slowly lay back on the stream's shore, closing her eyes, arms under her head, basking in a few rays of sunlight that cut through the treeline and feeling a gentle breeze caress her curvaceous form, blissful for now, happy for the break.
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Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 7:11 pm
Zeren finished buckling his pants. Few things felt as good as getting that itch scratched... Especially when there's two fingers instead of one do the scratching. A female rabbit snuggled against a male human in the demon's compact bed, both asleep. Two willing participants in the demon's game of lust. Of course, they had a thing for each other, they just didn't want to admit it. It wouldn't be the first time he played matchmaker after a threesome. Maybe it's the good side of him, a part of him that enjoyed seeing the purer side of his nature. Love's the tree from which lust's seed can grow into, after all.
The aura of passion gone, he poked the human in his forehead. His eyes fluttered open, looking slightly confused.
"Got yourself a good girl there. Show yourselves out, and don't touch anything. You will die. Literally. Most of this stuff is dangerous." Zeren said, the man's eyes widening. The demon then turned and slipped out of the coach. Zeren didn't bother putting on a shirt, he needed to bathe. After exiting his wagon, he saw that the lake was heavily occupied. And he wasn't in much of a mood of having folks staring at him. So he trekked upstream, looking for a quiet spot of water to clean himself in. Of course, he soon found himself standing near a yet-to-be aware Valeria, who was lounging on the stream's shore. His eyes twinkled with amusement. He then broke the silence.
"I trust the water's fine, m'lady."
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Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 7:48 pm
Valeria had been near to dozing off there by the shore when suddenly she heard a voice. She hadn't caught what was said however, due to her drowsy, inattentive state. Her eyes shot open and she sat upright quickly, turning to see the origin of the noise. Fortunately she had not been bathing as she had planned, finding comfort just letting the greater length of her tail soak. Still clad in her armor chestpiece and belt/skirt. "What!?" She asked, more in surprise than frustration. As her gaze focused on the approaching white figure, she identified the incubus she had met prior to setting out. "Wait... Zeren?" She asked, more surprised now than anything, tail still floating in the water.
She took the chance to glance her blade, hoping he hadn't come as some sort of ambush or an assassination attempt. After all, nobody had been informed of where she was going, or even that she had left the main stop. She then eyed him again, scooting a little up the stream, closer to the rock with her supplies. "So... what, uhh... what brings you by?" She asked him curiously, trying to be subtle about her movements, her tail moving in such a way to help her slide more smoothly across the ground to reduce the obviousness. It didn't cross her mind that he might have come for the seclusion or perhaps for a bath also.
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Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 7:59 pm
"The lake's quite busy. I was looking for a more secluded area. But it seems like I'm not the only one who thought of that." He said with a raised eyebrow. She seemed nervous. Of course she was, he had a tendency to make certain people uncomfortable. Mostly Gods-fearing people, the religious types. And prudes.
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Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 8:09 pm
She eased up a bit at this prospect. That maybe they had this in common. She relaxed again and let out a sigh. "Well, if it's a secluded area you seek, this is as good a place as any I suppose... though, I was expecting some privacy for a bit of a bath." She laughed softly, "For once I'm glad exhaustion caught me before hygiene." How awkward it would have been, him walking in on her in the lake. she actually flushed a little at this thought, but was far enough away he would, hopefully not notice. On her light cream complexion though, that was not likely to be the case. Merely, she turned to look back at the water again. "So then... you mentioned the lake. Is it safe to assume that you too wish to bathe here?" She asked, curiously. "You can if you like... the waters are not mine to claim." She said, running her fingers through the clear, flowing stream. She offered this to him though, not suspecting he would strip to do so. Rather, she assumed he would simply bathe in his present outfit, what with her company now and all.
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Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 8:29 pm
"Pretty much, m'lady." He said with a playful sigh. He saw that oh-so-familiar blush the fairer sex seems to sport around him. He walked down a little ways from her and slipped into the coolness of the stream, the water rolling off his feathers. While submerged, he slid off his pants and threw them on the bank, the water protecting his modesty.
"Oooh. Lovely temperature. Don't you agree, Valeria?" He took this time to shift shape a little, he peered over his shoulder as he watched his spaded tail turn into a fan of tail feather. Feeling more complete now he has a tail to match the wings, he resumed absently washing, unaware that he may've committed a faux pa around the lamia.
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Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 8:45 pm
She was not as cold and harsh during this encounter with him, back to her norm, watching him only til he made his way to the water, partially to be sure that was his intent, and partially because she wanted to make sure he didn't haul off stripping, planning to avert her gaze if it came to that and likely feeling quite awkward in that circumstance. She was a general-to-be. She didn't need to share her space here, her privacy, but she simply didn't care and was far too nice to turn him away. Besides, he had been brought here against his will for the most part. She felt as though she owed him a bit.
She lay back on the ground once more, letting him do as he pleased, "It is... it's a great day to go for a swim. A great day for this mission in general." She admitted to him, eyes closing again as she rested her head on crossed arms once more. He had been rather formal with her, but she had given him her name, so he was welcome to use it as he saw fit. At least until she got her station as general. That was likely to change things. As she thought on that, she sighed softly. However, moments later she heard a noise, opening an eye to see his pants on the ground a few feet away. She flushed in surprise as she tensed, but tried to play it off as though nothing had happened. Instead, closing her eyes once more and laying back. "Enjoying it out there are you?" She asked, trying to make casual conversation, and still trying to play it off as though she had not seen what she just had, playing with the water a little herself as she curled her tail against the current a bit and then released to let it flow along again, repeating this simple action as something of a stress or tension reliever.
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Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 8:56 pm
"Oh, of course!" He replied simply. "... So, tell me, Valeria. Why all this need for manpower? Is this Medusa's lair that dangerous? Unless... You're expecting monsters along the way." He allowed himself to slide deeper into the water and up to his neck, the coolness felt practically effervescent on his body as his feathery wings acted like ballasts, keeping him afloat.
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Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 9:31 pm
She was relaxing more and more, progressively forgetting about the fact he was mostly bare beneath the surface of the water now, eyes on a cloud passing overhead as she heard his question, responding without changing position, "Hmmm... a fine question really. Should be a simple grab and go honestly. Medusa's Den's been empty for more than a hundred years now. Doesn't make a lot of sense... but the queen's never been wrong in her judgments. It's that foresight that has won her so much respect from her people, myself included. That having been said, I really only minimally question the whole detachment thing." She paused a bit, thinking to herself before continuing. "This is something of a trial for me, actually. I'm supposed to be trying to prove myself capable of leading a unit, that I might be promoted to General upon my successful return." This prospect brought an un-seeable smile to her face as she flicked her tail tip beneath the surface of the water.
She thought a bit more before continuing further, "I mean... I guess it could wind up dangerous. The Wilds are like that anymore... monsters rampant outside the walls of a city. Though I suppose, for someone such as yourself, that coach of yours provides decent cover... among other things... am I right?" She chuckled, teasing him a bit. She had seen him take that couple into his coach, and even one other, from what she could tell, earlier in their trip. It aggravated her that he was treating this so cavalierly, but as long as he proved useful if she needed him, that was what was important.
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