Chapter 2: The Journey Begins
A/N:Hope you all are enjoying the story, the setting might become more apparent to some of you out there. While LOTR is close this chapter is a giveaway if you know it.
Sweeping across the landscape of rolling hills and greening grass as spring gave way to summer, the roads barred from their mud and impassible nature. A traveling Caravan bumped and jostled down the road of several wagons, a convoy of non-humans and humans alike heading from the small border towns to the main village of Tebber nearly a hundred souls all together. Being the northern realms it was populated by a fair number of dwarves and humans co-existing together, the bitter racisim not evident as dwarfs and their natural profession skills of blacksmithing and woodcutting were necessary labor force that the local townsmen needed. The dwarfs in turn needed the local hunting and merchants that traveled to and from, this being the largest of the settlements that one rider had seen in a long time.
This rider the rumored Ox Queen who rode in the saddle with another trotting alongside the wagons on a most impressive horse. A light golden skin tone with white hair protruding from its hooves and mane gave it a brilliant appearance, the horse of its very eccentric Owner, Goku. The horse named in a non-surprising fashion as Nimbus or golden cloud as Chi-Chi could agree this horse moved swiftly but could have ridden in a full gallop across egg shells and not break one. Such a sleek and beautiful creature Chi-Chi could not deny, there she rode with her robbed cloaked companion but letting his head and wildly spiky hair free as Chi-Chi dressed in her ornate Blue and white dress that made her look like nobility with Goku drew many a glances and many interesting questions as they had traveled for several days with this group as they had met on the road and had joined them.
Goku the ever pleasant man that he was took little time in convincing the caravan of them joining and Chi-Chi's just batting of her eye lashes had caused the aging coach driver to blush and give in. Of course it was not liked by all, many of those traveling with the caravan were refugee's escaping the prejudices of the empire to the south, their minds jumping at the notion two strangers who looked like nobles appearing from nowhere was an alarm for them but of course they were not the ones in charge but they spat their curses and dislike for humans.
Although Chi-Chi learned much more about her new traveling partner Goku as they sat around a campfire and he regaled them all with stories from the lands he had traveled and all the unusual things he had seen mindlessly traveling all around the world that he had seen. Having seen all sorts of beasts, from griffons, paulthox, werewolves, draco lizards, forktails, and his most impressive sight was the mythical Golden Dragon. A beast of such beauty that he could not wish harm upon it at all, for such a beast he had seen only once upon landing in the empire. It had circled overhead before heading to an open clearing,
"Many of you would call me crazy, but I was so excited I could not control myself. To see a dragon and more or less one of the mythical golden color. I was compelled by a force greater than this world to view it in all its beauty." Goku said almost as if he were speaking in blissful memories.
"Chasing a bloody dragon? Perhaps you are a few lumps short in the head boy. A dragon is just a monster and needed to be wiped out." A dwarf sat atop a barrel a bit of barely in his teeth as he sat cross armed listening to Goku prattle on about a dragon. "I haven't seen a dragon or heard of any dragons in decades, you were probably imaging or just makin this all up for your female friend?" He said eyeing Chi-Chi with contempt who merely shook her head at him in distaste.
"Believe what you will my good dwarf and to the rest of you, but a dragon is a race much like us all. They are all but vanished from-"
"For a damn good reason! They are just monsters, sooner they would gobble you up? How are you not dead son doing something so foolish" A guard spoke, one of the local militia under the duke who had two of his men who carried his colors escort the caravan. Resting against the wagon obviously on a similar mindset to the dwarf who applauded his jumping into the conversation.
"Someone else who isn't stupid."
"Please, let me finish before you all pass your judgements. While of course some dragons are beasts." Goku paused taking a moment to gather his thoughts but looked to Chi-Chi who smiled at him and he returned it. "There are five types of dragons, the normal green dragons that are really gray in color. The more renowned red dragons which are more like a mortar color, the largest and most destructive of dragons are black but are really brown and of course the rare white dragon that only lives in the mountains of the northern realms its pigmentation lost from generations in the snow. Of course it leaves only the most mythical of all dragons which until the day I saw it was a myth to me but a creature of yellow scales that shimmered in the light of the sun." His eyes dropping to the fire as he watched it burn a smile on his lips. "I saw a golden dragon and there it sat in a field almost lazily upon a rock basking like a simple reptile not a care on its mind." Goku chuckled as he nodded his head. "Yes for a dragon is no mindless beast as I looked at it and it looked at me and gave no further credence to what I was doing, but let me sit atop my horse and merely gaze upon it until a short time later it took to the sky and flew away." His head dropped back looking up at the moonlit sky, the stars dancing across the black canvass above. "It was such a glorious sight, I do hope to see another one when I continue my travels but of course even I know that will probably never happen, provided people like yourselves view dragons as nothing more than animals and do not respect them." His eyes looking towards the dwarf and guard.
"It's just a fucking lizard, why would anyone respect it? Should we starh respecting our cows and goats all damn same. You fuckin human's put too much meaning into meaningless shite." The dwarfs slew of curses made Goku's fist tighten but only that was the reaction he got.
"All the same boy, you don't go off following dragons the same as you don't go chasing half the other things you seem to have said. The other giant lizards and werewolves, the fuck are you thinking boy? You think one of those damn beasts isn't going to rip your head off just because you respect it?" He spat on the ground disgusted by Goku's reverence with a dragon. "I hope the eternal fire can shed let to your misbegotten soul before you find your body in the belly of one of those such praiseworthy beasts.
"I will not attempt to persuade you otherwise but when you consider that dragons live far longer than you dwarf and elves and have been a part of this world well before the arrival of humans. If dragons did not have plundered treasures in their nests and the power of their blood and skin they would be of no great concern to anyone but when you have your armies set forth to pillage a single dragon's horde for just simple treasures and slay it where it lives for other purpose but to collect its riches who is the true monster? Is it the creature who ventures forth every few weeks to snatch a meal or is the droves of men who blindly die in a lair for mere coin? I find the latter far more barbaric than any dragon, and dragons have never provoked a war like the other races they are merely just spectators watching us slaughter each-"
"Enough!" Shouted the old guard. "I will not be preached to by some young fool, keep whatever pathetic shit thoughts to yourself or I'll kick you from this caravan's protection."
Goku sighed shaking his head looking to Chi-Chi who gave him only a sad smile but nodded. Chi-Chi patted his hand and leaned into his ear, "You won't change them please just let it go." Her words made him grow agitated and shook his head, he didn't want to hear the truth from her.
"It only angers me a bit though I know you might not believe me." Goku said his tone clearly frustrated but laid down not interested in provoking another verbal spar. Chi-Chi's expression softened as she nodded laying down next to Goku. While normally one look upon an unmarried pair laying together as blasphemous out in the cooling night air it was just a way of life. Many who did not partake in blankets and animal furs were left to their own devices and Chi-Chi rested against Goku's chest her head just under his as her arms wrapped around his back letting his body which felt like a furnace at night kept her more than warm and comfortable.
Chi-Chi even now letting her mind come back to the present could still that furnace of heat behind her. A marvel by many standards as Goku's chest was like a forge at all times of the day. Having initially refused the first night as Goku had bedded down and asked her join him under the stars she said she wouldn't be bedding down with him at all. Of course it had taken maybe two hours and she changed her mind shivering next to Goku who only smiled and embraced her. Of course that was about as close as they were together, despite many glances and words with those they were traveling with. Her traveling companion was proclaimed and adulterer and she nothing more than a common whore of course her companion took insults to her honor far more than his own.
As her eccentric rider had told her very simply. "If I am too travel with company I would not like your presence to be seen as anything less than a friendly companion. To have future insults brought about would lead to only more problems, of course one of those problems already rectified by Goku was incredibly simple her own protection. In traveling with him she would more than likely be branded something and locals and their superstition and own stupidity would of course lead to violence and while he hated it he could not be everywhere and ready to save Chi-Chi. So a simply solution was to arm her, two daggers were wound in her white belt that gently rested against her stomach the top hilts just briefly exposed but her main weapon a gift again from the strange land of Zerrikania was a large curved sword attached to a long pole which he called a glaive-guisame or just glaive for short. It was placed on the side of Nimbus for now but with just a short four-foot pole and eighteen-inch curved blade it was a deadly weapon.
Goku having giving her some instruction she found it easy to wield. Much like her broom when she beat her patrons senseless she took to it quite well and felt better about herself but still she felt reserved about it all.
"Lost again in thought? You hardly even ask me any more questions am I bore already?" Goku joked his good natured laugh made her smile and she sighed leaned back into him a bit trying to ignore the building bruises she had between her thighs. Even for a grand horse Nimbus still caused the usual wear and tear on a human being though Goku seemed barely phased at all.
"No I do not, Goku you are still the most…" She thought of the word that would best describe him. "Different person I have ever met and you still tell me that you're not a mutant?" To which Goku snorted offended.
"I would never call myself different, and for the twentieth time yes Chi." His pet name for her which she didn't mind. "I was born regular and had nothing altered about myself I promise you. Though I never knew my father my mother was the greatest mother anyone could have ever had."
"Hm, a strange thought because I am the exact opposite. I never knew my mother but had the greatest father in the world." How she remembered her dear dad and all the joy he had brought up raising her, all of it was a great time until she turned thirteen and… and then-
"Oi! Tebber just over the rise lads!" cried the dwarf Urgin, the wagons picking up a slightly faster pace as their rider's eager to be off their carts and in town pushed the beasts just a bit further. The broad expanse of the forest giving way to a clearing that ran alongside a bustling river. Dozens of homes littered the landscape, from the basic farms with their workhands harvesting crops. The dull lowing of herds of cattle and baying of sheep and goats came closer as a herd sat just at the outer gates of the town. A small palisade of stone and timber wrapped around the inner cloister of homes, the obvious house of a noble jutted high nearly three stories tall but just in site was a coaching house, a far larger inn nearly eight times the size of the one Chi-Chi ran just days ago. All of it evident as they made their way down the hilly mountain side following the winding trail into the main square before the gates and palisade.
"Wow I've never seen such a sight before." Chi-Chi exclaimed holding a hand to her mouth seeing so many people and so many buildings it was amazing. However, her rider laughed, "what is so funny?"
"You have never been to the town of Oxenfurt, Novigrad or across the seas to the capital of Zerrikania I'm sure this little hovel will barely be a fraction of the grandeur that you will see there." Goku said losing the reins as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Please do not think I mock you. I am aware-"
"yes that I'm just a poor inn-keeper that barely left her home." Her bitter words and frown made Goku embrace her tighter.
"I was going to say so young and beautiful that you hadn't the opportunity to view the world."
"Goku…"
"Hm?" Goku said quizzically smiling.
"You're forgiven."
"Indeed I am, for-"
"don't push it…" To which Goku pulled back from her smiling broadly, he took the reins of nimbus again as they rounded the towns square arriving at the scene which had been a plague upon the northern realms for the last hundred years. A scaffolding had been erected with already riled up crowd. The town's constable a fat human with mild boils across his face, his armor or what he could wear barely clung to his limbs, the extended straps of his armor clung like one does to a horse when at a full gallop. His large frame might have beguiled some strength but his balding and numerous chins shattered any such illusions.
Three non-humans, a dwarf and two elves stood atop the scaffolding their necks already bound with rope around it and their hands securely fastened behind their backs. One elf a pale but fairly scarred one, although from one's view the scars he now had were very fresh. Perhaps for his time in the local prison were their reason, but one couldn't be sure. The second elf a female, a slim woman but with a dark yellow hair, her brown eyes begged for sympathy but in this crowd which was filled for the humans who wanted to see the blood of non-human's flow. Unfortunately, her bloated lips which had obviously been beaten were a tragic site the red and blue swollen lumps were a cruel sight.
The last a dwarf a fairly stocky fellow that had singes and burns all around his face and torso, not from torture but from his work in a smithy where ashes and flames were always present he looked down at the entire crowd in a fury but said little. Perhaps he knew his fate was already a sealed exchange, a tragic but not uncommon mindset for one who lived alongside racists and prejudicial humans.
Even Goku and Chi-Chi's unusual appearances atop a golden mare did not even capture the attention of those around them. A man wearing bright orange with a blue and white dressed woman who was not for lacking in looks in any other town would have garnered more than a few glances and hushed whispers but this crowd was awaiting a show of death and their fat bastard of a constable was more than ready to give them what he wanted. Several guards dressed in their stripped uniforms with white and red doublets and the few layers of plate covering their limbs and short swords that dangled at their sides were just there for show as the headsmen wearing his black veil stood awaiting the orders to release the block and send each one of the convicted to their deaths.
"Good folks! Ladies and those few non-humans that still follow the truth path of the eternal fire! Hold your voices for I am ready to pass judgement upon these brash freaks who dare spit upon our laws and way of life! I will tell you of their crimes and here I will ask you to give them your judgement! As I say let the masses call upon their fates and here you will tell me if they deserve death!" His hand wiping a bit of drooling foam from his mouth as he looked upon the crowd who already were yelling to have them hanged he merely needed to provide the proper guidance and they would all call for death. Men, Women, and even children all howled in fervor crying out for blood, such was the way of things of the realms.
"Wait here, and do me one small favor Chi-Chi" Goku whispered moving to dismount his horse.
"What are you doing-?" Chi-Chi snapped at him in a hushed voice.
"Nothing that anyone wouldn't want for them. So please just preen yourself a bit more and give one hell of a snobbish look for me like you do when I act self-righteous." Goku said dropping to the side into the dirt road.
"Oh no. You are not going to get involved-!"
"Yes just like that, keep that look perfect!" Goku said with a smile and started his walk through the crowd to the scaffolding leaving Chi-Chi there fuming at him.
"First we have the brave brother of a squirrel who gave shelter and hospitality to numerous elves who he knew colluded with our enemies. Yes, here and now I point to you all, the bastard non-human who told them of our patrols and nightly raiding parties that cost us four our fine lads!" He raised his voice as he shook his fist into the air. "So I ask you all! What do you say to this non-human whoreson!"
Cries came in fervor to see him die, some subtle most pronounced as they cried out for blood. With that simple aspect enough the constable raised his hand to the headsman.
"Please! I didn't know who they were, I merely thought them travelers. I sweat it please!" The elf begged but he received no mercy as the hand of the constable dropped.
The floor dropped out and with only a single snap and jerk of the body his neck severed the elf hanged by his neck dead. "The only good squirrel is a dead one I say!" The constable adjusted his girth of a waist as he walked alongside the elf grinning lecherously at the poor woman. "Now the next one is a she-devil whore! She has seduced many of the guard in the night and by the next morning their bodies are poisoned and sickly!" He lifted up her hair as he walked behind her laughing. "Don't be deceived by such a face, she has poisoned many a fine lad. I look to you women do you want your men stricken by ills and aimless by this elven bitch! So I ask you what do we-!"
"I find your words a very affront to the order of things! Especially in the presence of those my lady of the land you dare force upon such sights before her now!" Came a bellowing yell breaking through the roars of the crowd which brought about a quieter tone as Goku reached the scaffolding with his arms crossed and his face serious. "For what purpose do you kill non-humans here and now and not out in the woods where they belong! Do you not have any proper respect for the health of your people?" Goku shouted earning a scowl from the constable.
"Who the fuck are you? I don't recall asking for some spiky haired fuck to interrupt me!" The constable spat his hand resting on the pommel of his blade. Two of the guards approached Goku but did not raise their weapons merely curious themselves.
"First I am not of your concern, second continue to use that tongue around my lady of the land and I will rip if from your mouth!" Goku shouted flaring his cloak backwards in a great show of arrogance, one that a noble might display.
"The hell is this nut goin on abo-! Oh plough me!" One guard said before his eyes fell upon the woman in the saddle, her eyes looking down upon him as her nose turned upwards. Even more so was there was a glow surrounding her like a radiance to her that made the guards almost trepid. "The fuck is she?" One said looking to his comrade who scratched his head. Were they to know that Goku had casted a simple spell upon Chi-Chi too only amply her effect upon those who looked at her, it was a simple but effective tool as anyone who looked at Chi-Chi would feel a pressure in their minds to avert away from her.
"That… which should you say that word again which I assure you will your last is the lady of the land. Now-"His attention moving to the constable. "Back to you and your little puppet show." Goku said in one full movement jumped atop the scaffolding. "You give cries to poison and ailment, if I am to have heard you right you told them all this frail looking elf brought ailments upon your men?" He moved past the angered man to look at her face which her eyes were filling with tears as they begged for help as he then looked back to the constable. "Please enlighten me how she did so? I wish to know so that if there are other elven women out there that the men here might not fall privy to their whiles."
The constable coughed his hand moving to his mouth as he cleared his throat. "It's not hard she poisoned them, with elven magic and berries that all squirrels use its not hard to see why the men she's slept with fell ill after a night with her."
"Interesting…" Goku chuckled, "were these men on duty then?"
"Never! My lads are as fine as they come! They would never-"
"So they were off duty getting drunk at the local whore house and fell ill thanks to her correct?" Goku turned from him to the crowd. "So then what next! Shall we shut down the whore house as well, so that men cannot have a stout drink and a good time then good constable? Should a man wake with a pounding head are we to then begin blaming the innkeepers and their beer?" He shifted back to the fat constable.
"Those whores knew this went around I'll be taking a look and what shite they have been up to!"
"Hey don't you be saying nothing about Miss Lana's establishment she's a fine lady and never once has she ever let one of us lads fall ill there before!" A man from the crowd yelled out drawing the attention of a fuller woman who carried herself proudly with bright yellow blonde hair and makeup from head to toe to make herself all the prettier but albeit like her profession demanded, a whore.
"Thank you Daniel's and I here will not stand for any of the town guard shaming my name and my girls who have always done right by all of yah!" She yelled to which many of the men, those married included nodded their heads.
"Lana you old sow don't you be starting in with me!"
"Or what?" Lana said her red lipstick covered lips sharpened into a sneer. "You won't ever have my girls to welcome you since you can never leave a proper tip!"
"Bah a pox upon you, fine let the elf bitch go then!" The constable growled as the headsman carrying a knife cut her bindings and before a person could shout edgewise bolted from the scene. Leaving Goku with a smile on his face as he watched her run off before turning back to the constable the smile had vanished completely. "Now that you are seeing proper reason, you can explain to me why this dwarf is here."
"I merely did a job for some elves to make swords and arrows, how was I bloody supposed to know that they were the dam one's with the Scoiatel bastards?" The Dwarf grumbled as he looked at Goku who gave him an understanding nod but the constable cracked his fingers as he looked at Goku.
"You heard his confession, he made weapons for our enemies and because of it he will hang. There isn't anything two faced about it?" He adjusted his belt around his waist again looking to the headsman who reached for the lever but Goku's hand raised up.
"So a man who makes weapons for a living is to be punished for what he does?" Shaking his head Goku walked around the constable. "Tell me how often do you provide this blacksmith I assume with work?"
"What difference does that make? Start makin some sense."
"I mean if you tell me that he only does work for non-humans then I could see your point but if he doesn't than why haven't the elves killed him then? Would be awfully convenient for them if he stopped making arms for you and your men?" Goku drew his arms behind his back as he slowly walked around the scaffolding shifting his gaze from one person to another. "Of course he's never done bad work before. I'm sure the people here would be crying out if he had correct?"
Those in the crowd looked to each and mumbled their opinions to each other. Some looking to others but most shrugged others merely looked back indifferently.
"I suppose that answers that." Goku spoke as he walked towards the edge and dropped down to the ground ushering a soft birdlike whistle to which Nimbus snorted and trotted forward with Chi-Chi in tow who slightly yelped as the horse jerked to life after being so calm waiting patiently for an answer. The horse passing through the people as Goku let Nimbus who stopped just at his side, "Now if you would please." Goku said turning his head to the constable. "Apologize to my lady for your grievous display and make sure not to repeat it so long as we're here." Goku said gesturing to Chi-Chi who recovered herself and gave the man a narrowed look.
The man bowed before her, grumbling. "Twas a mistake I shall not be repeating. Forgive me noble lady." He waved off his hand to the headsman who went about freeing a none too happy dwarf who gave him a few choice words as his bindings were finally off and in a small huff jumped down and walked away without so much as looking back at Goku.
"Good enough." Chi-Chi said casting her glance to Goku her brow twitching slightly as she motioned to him to climb back up.
Goku grinning pleased with himself hoped aboard but felt the woman from earlier, the madam of the brothel approach them.
"Please sir and lady might I have a word?" Lana said reaching up to gently touch Nimbus the admiration in her eyes as she looked over the flawless horse.
"Of course, but not here." Goku said cheerfully as Lana nodded.
"Please come by the white lily, just up the road I wish to talk more with you." She said with a smile as she patted the horse. "My he is lovely…"
"Yes he is none finer!" Goku stated proudly as he gave a nudge to the horse which trotted away.
Rounding a small corner Chi-Chi let out a breath. "Must you jump headlong into everything? What drove you to do that?" She snapped at him as Goku pulled back stopping Nimbus giving her a frown.
"I see all life equal I can-"
"You risk your life for other people who don't even thank you!" She spat at him, "What if that idiot didn't buy your little charade and just have you added to the gallows. What good would that do you?"
"It's not proper to kill one another, and you saw how easy it was to prove their faults and make them see the truth. If I don't try and do something about it, the result will only be worse. People are locked into one mindset they merely need a good push and soon they will be set off in the right direction." Goku took Chi-Chi's hand in his cradling it. "I do what I can for everyone." He smiled making Chi-Chi look away.
"Even so, you think that this will stop everything? The squirrel's will keep killing any humans they see and only dredge up their prejudices. If not them, it will be others and you won't be here to protect them."
Goku closed his eyes nodding his head. "I understand that but I will not sit idle, I know hundreds die where I could be but I find it a goal to reach out where I can. Besides no good deed goes unrewarded."
Chi-Chi sighed shaking her head as she looked back to the road. "You mean unpunished… Your good deed destroyed my home remember?"
Goku bit his bottom lip and looked skyward. "Well, there is that. However, you wouldn't get to enjoy my fine company and the adventure ahead of you now would you?"
"And the calf sores, your snoring, and the calls of me being whore while riding with you." Chi-Chi growled as Goku shook his head.
"You'll see, now just relax." He said his arms winding around her stomach and pulled her close. "You won't regret your choice to come with me. I promise."
The pair enjoyed themselves as neither brought up the topic again, Chi-Chi enjoying herself as she sat atop Nimbus. Goku's expansive knowledge as they made many heads turn all around. However, the shift from Goku went to Chi-Chi as his spell had quite the effect, many people becoming awestruck at the sight of her. Many local merchants and peddlers offered samples and their finest cuts and pieces as they passed nearby drawing them over.
They showered Chi-Chi with praises of her beauty making the poor girl who was used to the normal compliments blush. Goku merely sat back atop Nimbus as Chi-Chi got to herself a fine comb for hair and oils for her skin in addition to many small tasty bites and morsels which she had enjoyed. Having never tasted baked sugar goods or seen so many kinds of pies made the girl almost angry that she had never thought to do half of them in her own kitchen where she worked. The idea of how many coins she could have made as a baker would have been more than welcome.
While Chi-Chi found herself presented with several tomes by one vendor telling her of the fantastic novels and ballads within them, a figure approached from behind to which Goku felt and he cast his eyes to the individual. A brown robe covered them from head to toe but walked quietly on soft feet, their focus not upon Chi-Chi but the rider in the saddle.
"So a sorcerer appears here in this quiet little hovel. To what do we owe the honor." The voice laughed softly as the feminine figure now apparent showed as she drew back her robe shaking free her hair of orange and eyes of jade that clearly fixed upon Goku who glowered down at her. "Oh my have I upset you?" Her grin belied her concern. Her bright orange hair hung around her shoulders as her appearance was a well-crafted, a common trait of any witch who was a female sorceress who practiced their arts in the out in the countryside. Their skills often not up to par of their seniors in the city or perhaps they wished to be away from more prying eyes allowing them to do whatever their craft suited them. It was hard to tell which but with Goku's own personal experience it was often the later, they desired the ability to perform crude magics without fearing any reprisal for whatever the action maybe.
Goku looked back to Chi-Chi who was still engaged in conversation and dropped from the saddle to his new arrival. "Surprising, I didn't feel your presence when I entered. You have only come here recently perhaps after my little show?" Goku said his eyes now narrowed upon this woman who in a few short words already understood who and want she was as well.
"My such hostility. Please forgive a simple witch, great mage." She said her tone filled sarcasm as she drew up her hand she looked at it to Goku, "Why are you here?"
"I could ask you the same question."
"I live here and since you did not ask a second question you will now answer mine." She said smirking as Goku bit back a shallow scowl.
"I am merely passing through, a few days' rest then I am heading out." Goku crossed his arms, his black eyes flickering just a bit as he looked at this woman. Such was the arrogance of those who wielded magic, their general appearance and actions were more than irritating by comparison to him who gave back with his powers far more than his own personal gain.
"Now now. None of that please." The witch said waving off his spell, "I came in person to ask you a simple question and got my answer."
"If it were that simple." Goku said his eyes now fixed upon her, the woman's mild surprise washed over her face instantly. "I already probed your thoughts before you approached, you thought because I was not fixated upon you I would not delve into your thoughts. Unfortunately, I am far your superior and you would threaten me with violence fearing me for some reason. You were drawn by my first endearment magic upon my traveling companion and now you are here to see how much of a threat I now pose to the stability of everything because I wield magic far openly." Goku turned his back on her, "You fear reprisal because you act in the shadows as to what you are." Snorting Goku climbed back atop Nimbus. "Don't worry about yourself this spell will be the only one I need to cast here, now leave me in peace." His face snapped at her as he had already taken her thoughts before she had even realized it.
He could see the anger and venom in her eyes as she looked upon him with utter disgust. She had come expecting an interesting conversation with a peer but found herself outwitted and verbally slapped by another of her craft. "Even as a mage you're still a man, and think only like one. Fine, but see to it that you do not cause any trouble or else both of us will pay for it." She hissed hiding her face in her robe and walked away, the soft calculation of her footsteps gone, she walked heavily with anger in her steps.
"Ah Goku mind helping me back up?" Chi-Chi asked as she noticed Goku's head turned away, his smiling face looking back to her.
"But of course," Goku said reaching down and pulled her up atop Nimbus a new addition to her collection now given as she held a small tome of ballads by the great Bard Dandelion and his songs and lyrics of the great white wolf of Rivia. "I see, a sample from the great master Dandelion. How very interesting, I can only say I've had the fortune of hearing his works once. Quite a collection though a bit too romantic at times." Goku said thinking back on how he had been at the gathering festival in the southern borders some time back where the great performer had appeared and danced and wooed the crowd away. Despite his utter desire to flirt with every living thing with a skirt Goku found the bard enjoyable, though he had hoped to spy the white wolf he unfortunately could not ever spot the famed witcher. Ah but perhaps he could-!
"You heard him perform!?" Chi-Chi gawked as she looked at Goku even more stunned, just what luck did this man have?
Goku grinned slightly, "Indeed, he travels all around these days from celebration to celebration. Rumored to be in company of the white wolf as well more recently, though I did not see him." Goku said as Chi-Chi was screaming jealousy at him in her eyes. "What is it?" He could not help but chuckle at her reaction.
"Well two things… one you met the bard and had him perform and now you claim that the famed witcher was in his company? I swear Goku if you are lying to me I will make you pay for trying to tease me." Chi-Chi said giving him a hard look and he bowed his head.
"I would not dream of it and besides if our journey is uneventful and on track we might have a chance to see him perform." Goku said as Chi-Chi's jaw dropped. "Master Dandelion travels from the great celebrations all around and I have planned that we visit one of these great celebrations in several months. If fate is on our side, we might be able to see him." It was no big surprise to those of common knowledge that the troubadours work was one around where party and feasts were aplenty. The desire for music and the works of those of the arts college of Oxenfurt.
Traveling back around the town Goku explained how he knew where they could hope to meet the famous bard and how he had briefly talked to him although he did warn Chi-Chi of Dandelion's incredible womanizing nature and that should they meet the bard that she not be lured in by him. Of course Chi-Chi chided that her companion might be fearful of Dandelion being more impressive than he to which Goku only laughed and smiled at her. Assuring the former innkeeper that he was not but he found it in his best interest to let her know the truth because she was far too beautiful to be swooned by a mere bard. Of course Chi-Chi blushed and smiled, thanking her personal sorcerer kindly for his compliment as they made their way around town and headed towards the coaching house.
The pair dismounted Chi-Chi leaving her things attached to Nimbus as Goku told her not to worry that his prized horse would never allow anyone he did not know to touch her. Of course Chi-Chi was the first of the exceptions to this privilege as she was the only one besides her current owner who had ever ridden atop her.
Chi-Chi linked her arm with Goku as they walked inside the coaching house. The sight one Goku expected but one his friend was not.
Inside the house was a den of sin, but one that was a necessity as every civilized society required. The taste of flesh was one hard not be allured by as many men, married and not found comfort in the arms of other women. A bit of coin for an hour of pleasure was a small price to pay as scantily clad women walked all around. From Human, half elf, and elf alike they all worked their clients with a professional attitude, their tight leathers and nearly bare tops far more drastic than any display Chi-Chi had ever tried working in her Inn. A crowd of men all talking to women, their faces painted to enhance their beauty and the most important of ingredients to any den of delights was alcohol which was flowing freely as a woman worked the counter while the other working girls were all around, one girl doing a rather lewd dance atop a platform in the center of the hall.
It was a bit much for Chi-Chi who grew flustered and looked away from the sight as Goku chuckled patting her hand with his free arm.
"Ah, so there you are! A fine sight the two of you are." Came a voice of the madam Lana, her attire befitting her position as she wore a duller white but more covered, however her age and seniority made her body fuller not that any of her patrons seemed to mind. Her makeup from her lips to blush, and highlights of her eyes still very evident. The woman smiling as she ushered them towards her, a small personal fan in her hands as she waved it over herself.
"An invitation given is not proper to refuse." Goku said as they approached, the woman offering her hand to which Goku laid a kiss upon gently. A proper greeting for her as the woman laughed happily blushing.
"Oh indeed! Indeed! You are quite the gentleman! Now please come with me, I must talk with you and your…" She trailed off looking to Goku for a proper introduction.
"Ah yes, my slightly distressed lady is my charge. You may call her by Chi-Chi for the sake of her name if that is okay?" Goku said to which Chi-Chi still flustered by the atmosphere nodded and bowed her head.
"It is… interesting to meet you." She said looking around still not comfortable with her surroundings, finding herself more noticeably clinging tighter to Goku's arm.
"Interesting, tis a strange way of making acquaintance but I have heard far worse. Now please I must thank you and follow me if you would." The madam waving them to follow her as they passed by a small bar into a room where tables sat for the pleasures of food. Taking a seat Lana offered them their own seat at a small rounded table, freshly prepared with food and wine. An appetizer out of curtsey it would appear as Goku and Chi-Chi sat down. "Wonderful, please eat it is on me for the evening dears. You've done me a great service and of course you don't even know it." She said smiling broadly.
"Oh? Pray tell what is that?" Goku asked pulling up some smoked Cod and eating it as Chi-Chi took a sip of wine. Having not quite the feeling for food but some liquor in her system might calm her nerves.
"Well my charming dashing man at arms, you saved one of my girls today. A sweet thing Lily, poor girl has been sick the past few weeks and it came back to bite her when those pig headed snobs came around. I told the girl not to do it but of course coin is coin." The madam giving a slight pout as she shook her head. "Lily's been around here for years, practically a daughter to me though she hasn't come back today she will eventually, my girls always do." Sighing Lana leaned back grabbing a small goblet of whine and taking a drink smiling as she enjoyed herself.
"Secondly you not only saved poor Durrum who has been a good client to me you also completely embarrassed that halfcocked arse Abet. The bastard I have been wishing to teach a lesson but of course being the primly prick of a constable makes that a harder job than I like." A giggle escaped as she drank more, Chi-Chi herself drinking more not quite paying attention as Goku listened with interest but still ate. "Making him look like a little shite child up there was fantastic, and ontop of all of that you made him apologize to your lady. My I couldn't have wanted a finer day today and I got one." She laughed as she swirled around her wine looking at the pair left a smile on her lips.
"I appreciate your hospitality Lana but I merely do what is right in my eyes. I would not let some foolish prejudices waste two lives. It is simply not in my nature to do so."
"A gentleman and a saint, my my!" The madam exclaimed waving her fan in front of her face almost leering at Goku but shifted to Chi-Chi who poured herself some more wine. "What of your lady? She is not the most sociable of sorts is she?" A playful tone as Chi-Chi looked back at her.
"I'm… just not… used to all of this? Forgive me for being rude." She said looking back to her wine and drank more as the madam smiled more.
"Such a child, pray tell you are not some knight errant protecting her innocence are you?" Her eyes shifting back to Goku who laughed shaking his head but yelped as Chi-Chi stomped his foot. "Oh my! There is spirit in there, sorry dear I had to ask."
"It's alright…" She said taking another long drink. "I've just been well… a lot of things really." She leaned into Goku her hands wrapping around his left arm, her friend giving her a look of surprise but did nothing except pull her closer to him.
"No need to go further. You two are welcome to stay the night as my guests, I've a small private room for the two of you to share if you two don't mind for the evening. This food and small hospitality is my small gift to you and perhaps we can talk again more in the morning." Lana said standing up dipping down a bit as she still smiled. "I have many patrons to make sure are entertained for the evening so I shall excuse myself but of course one of my girls shall show you to your place." Clapping her hands twice a trimmer girl appeared, he hair a dark black covering half her face hiding a deep brown eyes as she wore black knee high shoes and matching skirt as well as top that covered just the barest of her womanly assets. "Be a dear for me, and show them to the couples square. I have a few things to attend too." Lana said patting the girl on the shoulder who gave her a grin nodding.
"Come with me handsome, and bring your pretty little thing too." Her voice a tease as she motioned with her finger, her body a strut as Goku helped Chi-Chi stand up her hands tightly gripping Goku's arm for support.
"Goku… I think I drank too much." Chi-Chi sighed as her face was a deep red. And she found it difficult to keep her footing looking to him expecting a little joke he did nothing but smile.
"Never fear, your knight errant is here." His tone making Chi-Chi giggle and ooh as Goku in a fluid motion picked her up in his arms like a bride and walked with her in tow. Chi-Chi gaining a fit of laughter as she noticed all the staring at them leaving Goku to wonder just how much the girl had consumed but enjoyed her laughter as he followed behind the working girl who reached a stairwell turning back to them.
"Oh? You're not a subtle bunch are you." She grinned devilishly licking her lips. "I like that type of guy."
"Back!" Chi-Chi caught her breath glaring at the girl. "He's mine!" Her gaze could not be the straightest or most determined as she threw her head back giggling.
"I like her too." The girl said smiling still and wound her way up the stairs as Goku took everything in stride barely flushing a bit but gave Chi-Chi a glance as she leaned back up and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her head falling on his shoulder as their hostess opened a small door with a single bed. The fixtures minimal but it was a cozy little loft by Goku's standards, far more than the cold ground. "The madam will be busy but please if you have a few coins to order anything else feel free to ask me honey." She said as Goku nodded albeit as Chi-Chi shifted in his arms trying her best to get more comfortable.
"If I need I shall miss?"
"They call me Lynx sweety, and for a one like you twenty an hour." Her eyes looking him over and then to Chi-Chi. "With her too, make it fifteen. I love beautiful company." She said twirling her hair in her hand as she smiled in the doorway before waving and closing it behind them.
"Goku…"
"Yes?"
"Don't think about it."
R&R MB
