Escaping The Empire - The Nonhuman Chronicles

Wilhelmina grunts at the indignity, but nods. "Lead the way."

 

@Tjf @Daylan @moonblack @Omega98

Your group milled about until nightfall when Thialin finally gave you a signal to follow him. The trip to Lady Hanna's mansion was rather uneventful and it would seem as if most people either believed that Axel is some kind of minotaur manservant, or was too uncomfortable with the idea of approaching to ask. As you approached, you got to see that the mansion was actually quite extravagant. The entire mansion complex was walled in and consisted of a few buildings that were fairly well spaced. Although you could only really see the tops of such buildings outside of the primary residential building due to the wall. Per her instruction, Thialin led you away from the entrance and around the side of the wall where you got to take a good look at the architecture. It appeared to be quite foreign to anything else in the city.

Spoiler

Behind the structure, there was a park with a wide walkway leading to what looked to be a rather decrepit well. There was even a sign on it that says that it had run dry. Thialin pulled the boards off to reveal a ladder downward. It was a bit tight for Axel and Thalia had to climb off of his shoulders in order to get down herself, but you all make it down to the bottom. Below was a dirt tunnel that was only dimly lit by the occasional torch along the wall. The tunnels continued on in several directions and the path that Thialin took was back toward Lady Hanna's estate.

Thialin led the way and a short distance passed before you see a rather plain looking wooden door. At the same time, a shadowy figure stumbled forward into the light.

Spoiler

"I-I-I-Intruder!" the ratman shouted in a skittering voice. He wore mismatched armour and had a rusty glaive in his grip and a panicked look in his eyes.

Thialin sighed and in a frustrated voice replied, "Damnit Neek. We're not intruders. It's me. Thialin"

He stepped forward into the light, but Neek seemd to not really care. In fact, he said so himself, "N-Ne-Neek does not care! Neek was not told of anyone to be s-sk-sk-sk-skittering through here tonight."

Your elf guide took a few more step towards the distraught Ratman and continued speaking in his frustrated tone. "Do you really think someone would have told you? Lady Hanna barely remembers that you exist half the time."

His statement seemed to disarm the ratman who lowered his guard. "N-Ne-Neek does not understand."

Within striking distance, Thialin clapped Neek on the shoulder with a hand. "You smell like shit and nobody likes you." This statement caused the agitated ratman to release a glutteral growl of irritation before Thialin continued. "Also only agents of Lady Hanna know of this entrance into her estate and there's no way that I would be showing this mismatched group the way in unless they were expected."

Neek didn't stop his angry snarls, but his eyes passed over the rest of the group before jumping back. "Fine! Go!"

"Thank you" Thialin smiled at the ratman and continued on to the door. The rest of you pass as Neek silently watched...although for the ladies out there, you can pretty easily sense barely constrained lust in his glances at each of you. It's the kind of look that almost makes you want to go jump in the nearest body of water to clean yourself off.

Finally you arrive in the mansion proper. It's late, but even though it was late you get the feeling as if it isn't heavily occupied. The halls were immaculate and outside of the occasional human or human-looking guard you don't see anyone else. The floors were made of stone and clicked with each step. Especially with Thalia's footsteps. The walls were an ornate wood and were a mix of a foreign architecture and more contemporary ones. Some of the doors had sliding panels on them, but most of them were normal doors that all of you were used to using.

After you had climbed two flights of steps, Thialin reached a door that appeared more important than the others. It was an ornate paneled door that slide open smoothly. Inside appeared to be a study mixed with a sort of trophy room. To the left, were several rows of bookcases that were filled to the brim with books. To the right, there was what appeared to be trophies lining the wall. Most of them were pretty mundane, but one in particular stood out. It was obviously the centerpiece as all of the other trophies were a noticible distance away from it. At first, it appeared as if it was a large white wolf, but a closer look would make it out to actually be that of a truly massive fox. The fur was short and it had black lines around its eyes and also had red fur patterened in lines around its face. For the magically inclined, Ariel and Wilhelmina It had a sort of mystical draw to it which suggested an unusually large concentration of magical energy. For everyone, it almost felt as if it was watching you as you walked towards the oaken desk.

Flanking the center path, there were several pedestals containing various artifacts and a few other valuables. Many of which one would expect to be in some sort of trophy collection. The oddest of the set was a doll which was set on its own pedestal. This one also seemed to have a mystical draw that attracted the eyes of the magically sensitive.

Finally, you get a good view of the Lady of the House, Lady Hanna.

Spoiler

Almost immediately, the architecture of the building starts to make sense. Lady Hanna is obviously of Eastern Descent with deep brown hair pulled into a bun and a rather extravagant eastern-style dress with just a hint of a decent sized bosom above the cuves of it. The East used to be its own independant realms of Kingdoms, but they were among the first be subjugated by The Empire. Their Kings and Queens still exist, but swear fealty to the Human Emperor. In her hands was a cup of tea that she was drinking while she waited for her guests.

While she was the dominant force in the room by far, she wasn't the only one. Her two maids were also in the room. One stood becide her with a platter held against her as she waited for her mistress's cup. The other was dusting an old relic nearby. They were both catgirls and appeared to be nearly identical. The only difference between them was their eye colors and collar around their neck. One, the blue eyed one had the word "Kat" on her collar and the other with the green eyes had the word "Kit" on her collar.

Spoiler

"Well then, it would appear as if my guests have finally arrived. It's a bit late, but I won't hold it against you. If there's anything else you wish to speak about or ask of me. Feel free to do so." Lady Hanna examined your group and spent a moment looking at each and every one of you. Her glances spend the most time on Axel and Wilhelmina though.

 

Curtsying, Wilhelmina looks back at Wilhelmina. "Good day, madame. We come to ask for your aid in escaping from the Empire's borders."

 

Gerid snorted under his breath. A jumpy, obviously incompetent ratman for a guard? And one his own fellows obviously did not respect? That was a recipe for disaster. Still, what did he expect from some obviously rag-tag organization? As he passes by Neek, he notices the looks he is giving the women in his group and, in return, he gives the rodent a very harsh glare before moving on.

NOW things made a bit more sense, Gerid realizes as he got a good look at Lady Hanna. Those of the East talked about Honor and Pride but were not above trickery and using other races to advance themselves by any means necessary. They could be trusted to a point... but somehow he got the feeling this one would be willing to go past that point if he ever dropped his guard.

He nods to the two maids politely, cat girls having always been a popular choice for humans that desired non-human housekeepers. He was not unfamiliar with the sight when he had visited the homes of other lords, since his own family preferred elves for those kinds duties... and obviously other uses.

 

Ariel pretended not to notice the rat's gaze – after all, it would simply not do to kill one of their hostess' guards, even if he did not seem very popular.

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Hanna.“ The angel gave a polite bow to the woman, but let Wilhelmina do the talking for now. She used the chance to take a proper look around the room and the various items in it, some of them clearly magical in nature, then focused on the conversation.

 

Axel let out a huff and shrugged his sore shoulder. He wasn't about to ask anything of this human woman. Indeed his instincts told him to rush her and fuck the living daylights out of her. He had to admit she was quite striking, and he fought his rising cock with limited success. But who knew what might happen if he tried it. And if she could help him he could swallow his desires for now. Instead he gave the cat girls a slow blink and nodded his head towards Lady Hanna.

"Me Axel." He introduced himself pointing a thick digit towards himself.

"Nice meet you." He added swallowing his pride.

 

"Ah..I'm Talia." The faun gasped after Axel's introduction. She wasn't sure if she should or not considering the woman in front of them didn't ask, but seeing all of her companions do so made her feel like she had to.


Lady Hanna acknowledged all of you with a glance as you introduce each other one after another. Then she turned her gaze back to Wilhelmina, "Of course. That seems to be what most non-humans and dissenters want these days. there aren't many places one could safely walk to."

The woman stood and turned to look out the window behind her. Her arms crossed in thought for a moment. Then she turned back to face you all "Perhaps it may be within my power, yes. However, it isn't going to be easy. It certainly is not going to be cheap and no offence to any of you, but there does not seem to be much in the way of wealth among any of you. I may be willing to help, but you would have to help me out by working for me."

 

Most of the trinkets and artifacts to seem to give off a bit of a magical signal. Although both the doll and Fox head both give off much more powerful signals. The trinkets range from gems to rings and even a couple of antique weapons. Some of them look to be still functional and useful, but others appear to be in a state of disrepair. Disrepair, but well taken care of.

 

Wilhelmina nods. "I suspected nothing less. I have great power, and few scruples, traits I suspect could be of value to you. Name your price."

 

Lady Hanna's face seemed surprisingly difficult to read even for those who had experience doing so. "The short answer is that you shall work for me to forward my business interests and in exchange you will receive a nominal wage. Nominal because much of your hypoethical earnings will be tallied and when I deem that you've done enough work for me. We can discuss what comes next. "

After a moment of contemplation, she suddenly released a bit of a yawn which seemed to have come out of nowhere. "For now. It is quite late. Guest rooms are in the guest hall along with a mens and womens bath. There's plenty of beds, so you can each have your own." She gave a knowing glance toward Thialin "Or double up if you prefer."

 

Wilhelmina nods. "Indeed it is. I thank you for the hospitality."

 

“Thank you for the hospitality.” Ariel gave a polite bow to the lady. It was late and she felt tired, so she was looking forward to sleeping in an actual bed – it had been a long time since she last did so, for obvious reasons.

 

Gerid had no intention of working for this woman, since he was only making sure these people made it safely out of his commander's potential range. Or so he told himself.

If she demanded something from him still, well, father HAD been willing to pay small fees for letting a prisoner or two escape before... and was not afraid of lashing out more forcefully should he feel someone was tying to threaten or coerce him.

Still, he said nothing to Lady Hana, his attention on the two servants once more as he pondered how she could talk as if she was helping non-humans yet, given they had collars, she was not above enslaving some herself. It was a curious paradox, more befitting the hypocrisy of an Elf than a Man in his opinion. Of course, as none of this is spoken aloud, he probably looks like he is staring at the two of them quite intently with an unreadable expression.

 

Axel didn't trust humans, and he never would. Her offer of rest was one he'd never accept at face value even if it was truly genuine. But considering the severe sleep deprivation he was suffering from this offer seemed too good to pass up. He nodded and huffed towards Lady Hanna and set out to find a room suitable for his bulk.

 

Lady Hanna gave you directions to your rooms. The guest hall is on the Second floor(Her study is on the third). Each room had a double bed with soft linen fabric and a vanity dresser with a mirror. At the end of the hall were the stairs down to the private wash areas that she referred to. Each room appeared to be constructed with rather thick walls to protect the privacy of its occupants. Of course, there was room for each of you, but the option to share one also existed for those who wished.

 

Gerid remains standing in the hall for a little while, his cat nap having been enough to let him remain active until everyone else has taken a room. Only once he is certain he knows where everyone will be for the night does he take a room for his own.

 

As the minotaur finally finds a bed big enough for his immense frame to walk on, he hears the door open and close behind him. Wilhelmina enters the room, smiling seductively at him. "Axel, darling. Apologies for the interruption, but I didn't get a chance to eat earlier, and I'm feeling rather ravenous. I couldn't help but remember how delicious you were the other day... Of course, I'd be willing to pay for my meal." She leans forward, and he sees her impressive cleavage, while her tight dress highlights her curves. "What do you say, darling?"

 

Ariel quickly chose a room for herself, then looked at the faun. “Well, time for a well-deserved rest. Good night, Talia. Enjoy having a room and a real bed all to yourself.” She gave the faun a reassuring smile. “I wish you pleasant dreams. Sleep well.”

 

"Oh ah...yeah." Talia seemed distracted and uncomfortable with being alone in a room. "H-Hey. do you mind if I maybe spend the night with you? Not for anything like...weird, but its a new place and I don't want someone to kidnap me in my sleep or something."

The faun shuffled awkwardly and turned a faint pink color in the cheeks.

Things just started to calm down and you were about to get ready for bed when you hear a light rapping on your door and a female voice that's a bit higher pitched than Lady Hanna's calls from the other side "Room Service!"

 

Axel paused to ponder her request for a moment. He remembered how her bite before had made him feel at the time and his cock, already roused by the emotions stirred by Lady Hanna, began straining even more. And his eyes that traveled down the vampire's cleavage only made that worse. She looked human, if more pale, and that alone caused his blood to pump faster. He quickly found himself becoming more alert and his sleep addled mind raged against that. Then the memory of how her 'feeding' had left him drained made him think that at least he'd get a good night's sleep out of the deal.

And although she smelled... wrong to his nose, he held out his wrist anyway.

He snorted once and said, "Drink."