"Hmph." Aryn didn't even answer the dwarf's concern for her. After all, what were a few beastmen to a goddess... even though she was weakened greatly, if one were to compare her to these mortals. She would easily be considered the best... until her curse overtakes her reasoning. Which she planned to prevent from hindering her! For now, Aryn heads for the location she was given. Not even bothering to look at her choices of companions, as they'd simply hinder her. Clutching her robe, to prevent her lewd "armor" and perverted body from being seen by anyone. The goddess of war bolted out of the pub, as she intended to dispose of those scouts as quickly as she could. After all, it's been a few centuries since she last felt the thrill of ending another's life.
@Jizzrar She looked up for a minute hearing the comment, but didn’t correct them. Whatever they thought, she still had a service to perform. Beckoning over one of the sisters, she made a gesture to the lighter wounds still remaining. “He’ll live, but clean those up and treat them.” Since her own experience with proper medical care would be “Just heal”, the manual first aid was actually better left to mortal, and she moved to the others to cure the major wounds. Without knowing how much power she could afford to expend at once, it was better to heal as many as she could and ensure they’d all survive, albeit with a few scrapes and bruises.
Within the Saetra Confederacy, slavery had long since become an anathema. While it was true the pirate kings of old would take slaves as part of their plunder, as the Saetra Island Chain moved away from piracy, and towards civilization the practice had slowly fallen away. Some captains still transported slaves as it was still accepted in most of the empire, but Saetrans had long since turned away from it. Jane understood and accepted it as a part of prison punishment, she could even accept non-human slaves in an attempt to civilize the heathens. But sitting at the table, eating with her host and Sir Ailen, Jane's eyes were often drawn to the slave girl standing away from them. Sir Ailen couldn't well hide his disgust, and Jane half wondered if he even tried. It spoke to the quality of his character, and the young priestess snuck him an appreciative smile at an opportune time when their host wouldn't notice. But when Jane cast her quick glances at the girl, she found she imagined herself in the iron collar instead; and the emotions it stirred were... unsettling. She pictured herself as the maid was, forced to serve her master's guests, and her pulse quickened. Jane imagined herself congratulated and praised by hard slaps on her round ass, and her knees trembled. She thought of herself naked for her master's private parties, exposed for his guests' lecherous gazes, and grew wet. She fantasized herself on all fours being fucked from behind by a powerful, dominant man, and her hand formed a fist. She visualized a chain attached to her collar and the man yanked on it, pulling her head up and devouring her lips with his, their eyes would meet, and then Sir Ailen would shove her back down and pound into her faster, and Jane almost came. It took every ounce of strength that she had, but Jane never let her near overwhelming lust show to either of her dinner companions. Instead, the young woman swallowed hard and focused on the delicious meal, a little taste of home was welcome being so far away from it. Jane also made sure to remain respectful, polite, and charming throughout. While in Saetra slavery was reviled, she was not in Saetra. "Why that's terrible news, I had no idea!" Jane exclaimed sympathetically upon hearing about the accident. "We simply must assist at once! Lord Xanthon if you'll grant our leave?"
Klein took a moment to look in the direction of the mining house complex as he mulled the offer over. Thievery was sometimes necessary in his life, and if he understood the implications of the merchant right, he was not being asked to do something he was unfamiliar with. So long as doing so did not violate the commands his Goddess had given, he did not have any moral quibbles. Plus, he was curious to see more of the town and how they handled mining work seemingly without slavery. Honestly, how did someone do that kind of work WILLINGLY? He carefully extended his own hand, his grip light so that his claws were not noticeable as he shook the merchant's hand. "I shall see what I can do, sir," he finally said.
@Tjf and @Omega98 The Regent Lord noticed the paladin’s expression and narrowed his eyes with a raised brow. Obviously, this would be something of great concern, considering Ailen’s vows and the laws of the pantheon. Choosing to not make any comment, Xanthon instead kept his focus on his prized and main guest. Giving her a thorough reading, he seemed to have something about her that he liked. But, he let out a sigh at her words, “While I would suggest for to not bother and rest instead, I do know your type. If you insist, Blessed One.” He motioned to the slave girl, “Delilah, dear... Go tell Miss Agatha that the meal will have to wait till later. And then go fetch Illinara and Dunorae to come and escort our guests to the worship pavilion. Once you have done so, return to Master Ingaraus to continue your tutoring.” The girl nodded and went to go do her new set of tasks. Xanthon then turned back to his guests, “Continue to enjoy your drinks while you are. Your escorts will be here momentarily. She may be little, but that girl is very diligent for her age.” He chuckled under his breath, “She’ll make a fine lady, yet.” @asddas193 Following the directions given to her, Aryn would find herself quite the bit of trek away from the town. So much so, that her weakened body was actually starting I get a bit labored. But, it did pay off. She had found what she was looking for. The skeletal remains of a makeshift camp. Claw prints littered about, indentions of meal on shafts and other objects in the ground, a fire pit, crossed grass indicating resting spots. And upon closer inspection, she would see the claw prints heading off into another direction. They didn’t lead away or towards the town, but merely to another position within the vicinity of the town. It seemed this was a scouting party. And from her knowledge and experience, not a large one. @Auraicide Absolutely mystified at the display of this “holy magic” the crowd of clergy watched as The Lady did what she could to tackle the most critical and life threatening injuries, leaving minor wounds for the none magic using mortals to worry about on their own time. Those that weren’t tending to wounded or fetching supplies dropped to their knees and began to pray. They thanked The Lady and the gods, offering prayers as if their faith would somehow add to The Lady’s energy stores and help her heal. Damnable fools didn’t even know, and probably couldn’t handle what the truth actually was. The Lady wasn’t able to get to everybody before she started to run dry on energy to spare. But she did manage to get the majority back into something close to working order. Meanwhile the entire room was basically in a state of stoic and devoted worship at the feet of The Lady. The people here have been through hard times in this harsh lands, and miracles were a rarity. And at the moment, The Lady was a true miracle granted by the gods. @Daylan The merchant grinned as they shook hands and chuckles, “Good, good! I knew I liked you when I first spotted you!” The merchant let go of the hand, not thinking too much of the feeling of it. He leaned in closer to Klein and started to whisper. “Now...they keep the raw ore in the big ol’ warehouse on the west side of the mining complex. Shouldn’t be too hard to get into. The buildings are old, probably some holes you could get into. Ventilations and Windows are shite, you can probably slip into them too.” The merchant looked around for a bit and then held out a scroll to Klein, “Get as much as you can carry. Continue westward and you’ll find a trail leading to a depression. There’s a tunnel there a colleague of mine is using for smuggling. Give him the gold and this scroll. They’ll give you proof of the job...come back here and I will reward you.”
@Jizzrar Did I just start a cult? Questioning the misplaced worship in her head, it wad complicated. As far as she saw it, they were right to admit they owed their lives to her intervention Everything has a price and she would be right to make demands from the people she saved...but, they acknowledged her and gave her the proper respect for saving their lives..for that, she wouldn’t ask for more than what’s necessary. While proud of her current accomplishments, she noted that while she certainly still had some impressive power at her disposal in the eyes of these mortals, she knew that in actuality, she was weak as a kitten, by the fae lord standards. She had to stop from healing at this point, now drained from what she could manage for the time being and approached the elderly woman again. “I provided what I can offer, but my abilities aren’t limitless, much to my disappointment. Without a proper shrine in place, I cannot access the energy I could. I’m uncertain of what gods you will choose..but to give a small summary, my own power stems from a connection to the land itself. At the risk of asking too much, I’ll have to make the suggestion in order to use my powers, most effectively. Establishing a proper garden and some fresh spring water could go a long way to allowing me to recharge power more efficiently. For the time being, I don’t believe there’s much more I can do. It has been a long day of travel here as well, perhaps you can show me where I can rest?”
Jane bowed her head politely, "Thank you for understanding my lord, and for the escort; your generosity is greatly appreciated. I look forward to our next engagement, whenever that may be." The priestess cast a glance towards her companion and noted that he'd been deathly silent throughout the meeting. She'd have to ask Ailen about it when they had a moment.
Klein took the scroll and covertly hit it inside of his robes, giving the merchant a small nod. "Thank you for the opportunity and the information, sir," he said, "I shall be on my way then." With that, he turned and began walking towards the mining facility. This... "negotiating" was an interesting tactic and one he would need to study more to see how he could teach it to his own kind. However, that was something he would need to do later, as he had a job for now. He hoped that job would be as simple as it sounded and would not lead to too much chaos. He was quite certain his Goddess would be very angered if that happened, and it was said that even the God who bred her still showed an overabundance of caution when something raised The Great Bear Mother's ire. In the face of that kind of fury, what chance would a simple mortal soul like his have?
"Haa. Haaa. What the?" Aryn panted after running for so long. Exhaustion was new to her, as she was always able to fight war after war. Killing insects indiscriminately for as long as they were in her battlefield. The goddess of war found herself slowing down, but fortunately she managed to arrive at her prey's former camp. "Haa. Damn it, they're not here. But, looks like i'm right on their trail." She growled at herself, before following the trail to the scouting party's next camp. Though she was exhausted, Aryn was still confident that her remaining divine power would still allow her to massacre the beastmen. With that thought in mind, she begins to walk in a brisk pace both to regain some of her stamina, and to catch up to the fools.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Lord." Ailen nods respectfully to the host, before smiling at the slave. "And thank you, miss Delilah." Inside, he feels a torrent of emotion, recoiling at the idea that his own faith could permit something so morally repugnant as slavery. He can't help but wonder why it's permissible to own another sentient, and do with them whatever they will, when the lustful fantasies he suppresses all involve someone giving their enthusiastic consent. However, having been trained to be restrained and in charge of his emotions, he stays calm. The Paladin looks over at Jane, feeling for the first time not lust or embarrassment, but envy at the easy going way she seems to live, indulging in pleasures without worry for her soul. Ailen feels the first seeds of doubt towards the teachings of chastity his adoptive parents had drilled into him since birth. Perhaps Jaris doesn't require me to be chaste? After all, he's god of justice. What's unjust about two people enjoying each other's company? Still, what if I'm wrong? Realising he's staring at Jane, Ailen looks back to the Regent. "Are there any safety issues I should be aware of at our destination, lord?"
@Auraicide The elderly woman looked confusedly at The Lady for a moment. For one of the supposed Blessed Ones that these people believed she was, it was a very odd request. And the thing about her taking power from the land itself, that isn’t how the powers of the Gods worked... A dawn of realization came over the woman. But before she could speak, another of the faith came up to them with a curious look on his face. “What was that about a spring?” The woman looked to the man and back to The Lady before saying, “We we’re discussing ways to repay the Blessed One’s kindness, and she only asked for recommendations of what to add to the temple. And I agree, a spring would be lovely, and a complicated task as that to these dried lands would show our dedication in changing these lands for the glory of the Empire. And a garden would be of great help to the community.” The man raised a brow, looking as if he thought he heard something different. But he eventually shrugged it off before bowing to The Lady and going off to join the others. The woman, looking relieved, looked to The Lady, “My Lady, if you wish to discuss these matters more, it would be best to do so somewhere else. Perhaps my lodgings at the inn besides the pub? They have free rooms for members of the faith until the temple is constructed.” @Omega98 and @Tjf The Regent Lord continued to enjoy his drink when Ailen spoke up. He raised a brow before shrugging. “None that I would assume to be of great concern. Many of the criminals are injured and shouldn’t be a problem.” He looked to be in deep thought before he states, “Though, I do believe there are representatives of the Dwarven faiths present. And you know how prideful and stubborn a normal Dwarf is, now imagine one with religious fervor. So I would watch my tongue down there, least you find yourself on the wrong end of a grudge.” When he ha Saadi that, two figures walked into the room. One was familiar, as it was the Daeva that welcomed them at their arrival. The other was another Daeva that looked incredibly similar, though seemed to have a crown of those crystal horns and had shorter hair. Xanthon nodded, “Here are your escorts. Do have fun with those poor wretches. Maybe with a goddess’s touch through her Blessed One, that temple can finally be finished and the clergy here can get off my back about taking workers out of the mines.” It seemed Jane and Ailen we’re allowed to go to the pavilion that worked as a makeshift temple. @Daylan It didn’t take long for the Beastman’s greater endurance and speed to get him to the mining operations pointed out to him by his new partner in crime. And from the looks of things, it was a very successful and busy operation. Then again, Klein probably didn’t have any context to make that sort of judgement. But he saw many people bustling here and there. Some with equipment or carts, others just walking about with what appeared to be instruments that had moveable beads on them. There were also areas along trails of metal with large metal baskets filled with gold. It appears these areas were measuring the amount of gold collected before going to other buildings. There wasn’t many guards around from what Klein could see, and he could see the building it seemed most of the raw gold ore was going to. It was a large multistory building. He might be able to get in through one of the windows on the higher floors. @asddas193 It took quite a bit more time and possibly some moments of burning legs and sore feet. But eventually Aryn managed to get to her prey of choice. Right over a small pile of stones at the base of a hill, she could see them. Just a couple dozen of feet away and around the bend, they were there putting out another fire. A group of five Beastmen, all from the wolf line. From the looks of it, four of them were Sharpclaws while the last two were Scumlings. Those two were probably the scouts while the others played bodyguard. Luckily for Aryn she was downwind if them, otherwise they would have gotten her scent. And she caught them while they were preparing to move out again. How did she plan on taking these vicious, strong, masculi-...pathetic savages by the horns, and hopefully not literally?
“That would be helpful.” She didn’t really understand why humans would complain about where the source of magic comes from. They eyed her comments as odd, which made her think that she’d need to hold off on asking too much, but from her own perspective, she had performed a service and should rightfully be compensated for it. It would be a long time before any major demands could be made, but being able to strengthen her mostly severed connection to the earth would go a long way. Without much more that could be done here, she followed along with the elder to her current place of residence. As they walked, The Lady felt the need to make some proper conversation with the woman, though there was a good amount of silence as they walked before she determined what to say to make proper introductions. “I don’t think that you’ve given me a name to call you. I’ve been called Lexia before.”
Aryn began panting even more as she powered through her burning legs, and sore feet. Though it didn't help that her boots had heels on them, their quality was unlike any other as they were still part of her divine armor... which she seriously needed to enchant with a rejuvinating effect, even a weak one. But, that will have to wait, since she couldn't go around blessing everything in her current state. When she finally caught up to those pathetic beings, it was unfortunate, but that was then her stocking-clad legs gave in. "Khh. Damn it all." She hissed at herself, while thinking of ways to deal with them. I just need one scout to report back to their master, with enough luck, a small blessing from me might be enough for him to kill his party. Aryn thought to herself as she begins to channel her divine power. Her target was the stronger looking scout. "Hear my order, and obey, mortal. For I am the goddess of war! Kill them! Let their deaths strengthen you!" She shouted directly into that scouts mind, while pumping him full of whatever divine energy she could spare. Before Aryn could give any further commands, the mark on her lower abdomen began to shine. Turning her usual red iris pink, as her body's heat began to skyrocket. "Haaa. Haaa. No, no, not now! Nggghh... D-damn it, damn it all!" The goddess of war growled, the curse forcing her into a highly aroused state. Causing her nipples to poke through her lacy blue bra, while her pussy juice had already began leaking through her tiny blue thong. Aryn collapsed on the ground, shutting her slick thighs together, just to prevent her hands from reaching her sex. "Fight it! I... don't need it, I... don't... need... cocks!" She continued resisting, though despite it, her reasoning was slowly fading. She could only hope the scout had killed his group, before she lost herself.
Klein paused for a minute or two to watch the flow of business. Both to look for a chance to make a move towards the proper building and to take in the bustling, yet orderly, activities around him. The riches they had uncovered with all these machines and innovations! He had seen more precious gold in the last few minutes than he had in his entire life before now! No wonder the Great Bear Mother's invisible hand had guided him here. He needed to see just how far behind his people had fallen to really understand the importance of his mission. He shook his head, realizing those were thoughts for later. Right now, he had a job to do. When he saw a chance to make a move for the building he did so, keeping an eye out for the guards as he looked for the best place to climb up towards one of those open windows.
@Omega98 Ailen stands, nodding respectfully to the Daeva. He looks to the lord of the town, saying "All faiths deserve respect. I have no intention of causing these dwarf gentlemen any offense." He holds out a hand to Jane. "Shall we, priestess?"
Jane beamed at her companion as she took his offered hand and rose from her seat. "Of course Sir Ailen." She then turned to their host and curtsied, "I thank you once again for your hospitality my Lord Xanthon. If there's anything I can do to repay your kindness please do not hesitate to ask." With the last said, she moved with Ailen to leave.
@Auraicide The kindly old lady of the cloth continued to smile as she led the way. Her head nodded as she responded, “I am Claudia, deary. A humble servant to the gods, though it has been quite some time since I have last seen a miracle like what you had done. I am sure the temple will appreciate your efforts and pay back in kind.” It took a bit more time, but they would eventually arrive at an inn. After a few brief words with the innkeeper, it was only a short moment before they were in a rather well furnished room. The old lady gestures to a chair for the Lady. “Please, have a seat. I will fix us some tea. After all, it is not everyday a servant of the wilds make themselves known to us civilized folk. Especially one that decides they would help us, rather than just observe.” @asddas193 The scout seemingly stopped in his tracks, the scrawny wolf creature confused and even looked scared for a moment. But he then doubled over himself as his body began to convulse and contort for some reason. This got the attention of the others who came over to investigate. But as one of the warriors got close, the scout reared his head up and let out a bloodcurdling, thunderous roar that was juiced up by divine inspiration. It wouldn’t be a surprise if creatures from miles away were able to hear of this monstrous sound. As it roared and howled, the body of the scout grew. The horns on the wolfman grew and became sharper, his muscles larger. Aryn could feel her trickles becoming floods at the sight of her blessings augmenting this weak mortal creature into a champion. Confused and terrified, the others could not react in time as their former comrade started to rip into him with his divine strength. As the new champion began slaughtering his “friends”, he would rant and rave about how he was chosen by the gods, and how he would sacrifice them all to become the strongest. The result of this was nothing more than just a slaughter. @Daylan For the most part he was left unopposed on his journey. Klein could see that the complacency of these guards were great. After all, why worry about thieves or attacks when nothing has ever been stolen or attacked. Plus, the gold mine was super productive, a few chunks of rock probably wouldn’t be missed. But would this be a concept the Beastman would understand? A complacent predator growing fat off of too many successful hunts. However, there was a bit of a snag with this operation. The addition of what appeared to be hounds. From Klein’s experience with his beast oak brethren of other animals, their sense of smell would be great. Luckily, his scent was near indistinguishable from a beast of the land. So the hounds, while curious about his scent, didn’t do anything I regards to him. So long as he stayed out of sight and didn’t make noise, it seemed Klein was free to roam. @Tjf and @Omega98 Through the journey, the Daeva escorts didn’t not talk a whole lot, focusing more on their duty. But this allowed the two visitors to look around and see the town for themselves as they walked through. Might as well use the opportunity to get somewhat familiar with the locations. The longest part of the trip was getting back to the town proper from the manor. When they were back at town, it was just a few blocks before they passed by the incomplete temple and headed to the pavilion used for worship. However, instead of finding a somber scene of over worked and tired clergy members and agonized workers... They were greeted with celebrations. Many of the clergies were in their versions of prayers, alcohol and food was being passed around, and what appeared to be the workers were up and about, dancing and rejoicing. The workers that still appeared to be injured were only covered in minor injuries of cuts and cramps, very few had anything to indicated injuries that limit their activities. All the while there were chants about how they were blessed by the gods and that all shall praise “The Blessed Lady”.
Sadly, the other god's curse on her was far too powerful. Causing Aryn writhe on the ground, as her body suffers from extreme arousal. It was unfortunate that she couldn't watch her champion rip his companion apart, but it was also good news to learn. That despite her weakened state, her blessings were still potent enough to strengthen someone to that extent. But, feeling the wetness between her legs. Aryn's resistance was wavering, her hands rubbing against her drenched slit through her tiny thong. "Ahh. Damn it, damn iiiitttt!" She hissed as she began to succumb to her curse. Causing the fearsome goddes to masturbate underneath her cloak. "Haaa... haaaa.... cocks... need... nnnh!" She moaned, while her gloves hand gropes her large breast, while her other hand rubs her drenched crotch. Aryn's red eyes were now glowing pink, a sign, which meant the goddess of war has lost her reason. Turning into a one of the biggest slut in the country. Before her reason was lost however, Aryn only hoped she was down wind from her new champion. Lest he catch a whiff of her godlike nectar...
"Lexia" was fine with taking a seat and listening to the "older' woman speak. She probably showed off too much magic to downplay the implication, but it didn't seem like much to worry about and "Lexia" calmly took a sip of her tea, then took a quick glance to see if the door behind them was closed and kept her voice down, but still looking like she was just performing casual conversation. "It's easy to assume that much of what my brothers and sisters do is out of maliciousness...some are less noble than others, but many see the simple act of not making things worse for humans as a sign of respect. By the mere refusal to prey on humans, it's an indication that they don't place them so low on the food chain. Many see it as gift onto itself that if mortal life can go undisturbed or not cursed despite their tendency to throw hospitably back in their faces, then we have already shown immeasurable patience with the "civilized" folk." She put a special emphasis on the word to make it clear she wasn't impressed by the notion, but since she just continued to drink her tea it wasn't obvious if she was going to do anything about it. At least for now. "Of course, some just really like causing carnage and there's no reasoning with them. You wouldn't even necessarily known which is which until it happens. Even the nicer ones can be a bit tricky to deal with from your perspective...they will grant you favors, but once you acknowledge you received help, they except payment. And that can be anything from asking for a jar of honey to one of your arms just to see if you truly value and respect their help...my future input would be if you can't be sure you can trust their help, simply refusing may be the better option..and there's no guarantee they won't take offense to that either...."Fickle as hell", is the term I believe." She just gave something of a casual shrug, then taking a look to the woman again. "As for myself, I see no reason not to make myself useful as long as I have the means and I'm not given a reason to hold a grudge. Of course, I still must ask for something, but the good news is that I'm here in the first place for a simple reason. I just want what was taken from me returned. My child has been lost. Bring them back home."
