Natsuki trekked over the muddy road. Her travelling cloak's hood was up preventing the rain from soaking her. But the constant rain over the past few days had made her permanently chilled. Her feet continued to splash for a few more minutes before she saw the lights of the city up ahead. It had been quite a long time since she'd been to Hathor, but this was not a pleasant return. An old friend of hers had just passed and she'd received a letter informing her of the service. She'd been in the east helping with the outbreak when she'd received the letter. When she'd first opened it she'd thought it was a simple letter from an old friend, but the first few lines made her heart drop. Samuel had died. The ever adventures forever young human had died. She was shocked; he had always seemed so full of life. But, after his last quest, he'd come back changed. She'd only met with him once afterwards, to help heal his wounds. Close to death, he'd been carried into town by a forester who'd discovered him in the forest half mad. When she'd reached Hathor he'd been ranting and raving about a necromancer who'd taken away his partner Yukariko. But, she hadn't thought much of it. There hadn't been necromancers in hundreds of years. Everyone assumed Klara had passed away. Most people were surprised that Samuel had even made it back. Natsuki hadn't fully believed his tale. She'd healed him and felt his unstable mind and couldn't beyond a shadow of a doubt know if what he was saying was true. But a niggling part of her worried that if he was true, then a necromancer was in the nation of Windbloom and that would bring darkness to all the inhabitants if left unchecked.
Natsuki was brought out of her musings when she heard the loud sounds of a tavern. She glanced up and saw lights streaming out of a nearby building. Music was playing and she could hear loud voices coming from inside. She reached up and held her hood back to see the name. 'The Penny Farthing' splayed in gold across a worn wooden sign. She moved toward it stepping up onto the porch and under the roof. Natsuki opened the door and stepped in. Her muddy boots leaving large prints behind her. She removed her hood as the heat from inside hither and let out a sigh of relief. The west wasn't necessarily a cold region, but the constant rain and wind could bring about the chills as fast as a snow.
After letting her body soak in the much-needed warmth she moved toward the bar. Her eyes focused on a Dwarven man and woman rushing around behind the bar. Tankards of ale being poured and handed out. Food was being rushed from the back kitchen by a human woman. Natsuki sat on a stool at the bar and waited until one of the barkeeps had a moment.
While she waited her eyes scanned the room, taking in the rowdy patrons and the live band playing. The lute player was a Halfling who was dancing around the stage singing an upbeat song, while the flute player, also a Halfing, tapped his foot quickly to the beat. She felt a small smile grace her lips watching their enthusiastic performance. The loud patrons, on the other hand, were more of a nuisance. She was not used to loud environments with rowdy people. If she could she would stay in a temple of Hime, but the city of Hathor did not have one. She felt her smile drop as a man began yelling at a fellow patron, both growing increasingly agitated. The one man swung, but missed and ended up landing on the floor. Everyone watching let out huge laughs and they all went back to their revelry. She turned back to the bar and gave a start when the male Dwarf was standing right in front of her.
"What can I getcha?" He asked a large smile plastered on his face. Dark brown eyes looked at her from under bushy black brows. She felt herself relax slightly. His eyes crinkled with laugh lines and his eyes held comforting warmth to them.
Natsuki smiled slightly back. "I was hoping for a room for a few nights and dinner? Possibly a bath if you have one?"
"We do indeed have those entire things dearie! But, might I ask what a cleric is doing way out here?"
Natsuki looked confused for a moment and looked down at herself, realising that her cloak wasn't covering her priestly robes beneath. "Personal business," she said.
The barkeep nodded, seeming to understand her reluctance to share. "Welp, I'll grab ya a key to your room and we can have a tub and hot water brought up to ya and we'll bring ya some dinner as well," he said. Bustling about with quick efficiency, opening a cupboard below the bar he drew out a key with a piece of leather attached. The number 11 burned onto it. Natsuki accepted. "Your room is up the stairs and to the left. We'll bring your food up right away." He waited until Natsuki nodded before moving off to the next patron. His smile still as large and friendly as it was to her.
Natsuki stood walking toward the stairs. Her cloak and pack were leaving water droplets in her wake along with the muddy footprints. She felt a small twinge of guilt, but there wasn't anything to be done about the water or mud. They must be used to it at this point she thought. The near constant rain in the western province kept the landscape green and fresh. They had an abundance of fishing in the lakes, rivers and oceans as well as a lot of wood exports. It was a natural resource-rich region. And she could appreciate the soaring mountains, dark waters and greenery, but the rain and clouds were trying. She reached the door with the number 11 printed on it with white paint. Inserting her key she turned it and stepped inside. The room wasn't very large but had a window on the far wall and a small bed pushed up against the left wall. A dresser was pushed in the corner of the back and left wall. She stepped inside and shut and locked the door.
Natsuki took her pack off and placed it beside the head of the bed. The treated leather having kept out most of the water, but as she opened it she saw that her bedroll was slightly damp. She pulled it out in frustration and hung it off the hook on the back of the door in hopes that it'd dry before she had to leave. She took her cloak off and hung it on the back of the wooden chair that sat next to the window, the water already pooling on the floor. She next took her mace off her belt. The heavy weapon clunked on the ground next to her bed. She glanced at it; the weapon was dinged and dented in numerous places. The wooden handle being nicked in more than a few spots. She'd need to replace it soon or have it looked at by a blacksmith. It was a necessity for travelling alone. Bandits and monsters roamed the woods and she'd travelled alone often enough to know that you never wanted to be caught without protection.
She remained standing, not wanting to dirty the bed and her drying cloak already occupied the chair. She didn't wait long till there was a knock on the door. The female human from the bar was standing on the other side holding a bowl of stew with a piece of bread, behind her was two men carrying a large brass tub. She moved to the side as they brought it in.
She ate her stew standing and by the time she was finished the water had been filled and was ready for her bath. She placed the bowl right outside her room before closing and locking the door. She undressed and stepped into the warm liquid, a contented sigh escaping her lips as she sunk below.
The church of Pelor was not much. There were just one room and a tall steeple. There were quite a few people in the pews as they listened to the priest speak. Samuels's body was in the casket at the front. Most sat sombre silence, a few were crying softly. Natsuki looked around, but no one caught her attention. She shifted back to the front when she heard the priest call for the last prayer for Samuel and she focused in on the words. After the service, they moved outside into the rain once again. Following the casket as it was carried to the freshly dug grave. Natsuki suddenly felt a shiver run up her spine, but not from the cold. She glanced around feeling unnerved. But, she wasn't able to make out anything unusual. She turned back, but the feeling did not go away.
Natsuki turned to leave after the casket was lowered, but a hand on her shoulder stopped her. "You must be Natsuki." The dark haired woman turned around quickly, hand reaching for her mace instinctively. But, she relaxed slightly when she saw the priest of Pelor standing behind her.
"How do you know who I am?" She questioned.
The priest looked down sheepishly. "Sorry for startling you. I guessed you were Natsuki, because you are the only cleric of Hime here. The blue Hime cleric robes are hard to miss." He chuckled slightly, but stopped when the dark haired woman did not respond. He coughed slightly "right, sorry. I'm supposed to give a letter. But, I need you to come back inside. There is someone else who also is required to see it."
Natsuki felt her brow furrow in confusion. She nodded mutely and followed him inside. She was tense with apprehension. Why did she need to see this letter? They stepped back inside, after her eyes adjusted to the dimmer light she saw someone standing near the alter at the front of the church. Natsuki noticed horns rising from her hair, curving back over her head before rising back upwards again. A long Naginata was strapped across her back. Natsuki was so focused on the person that she stumbled against the edge of a pew, letting out a grunt of pain. When she glanced back up the person had turned around. And Natsuki was met with a pair of vibrant red eyes staring back at her. Natsuki felt her breath catch in her throat, her body tensing with nervousness.
They drew closer to the other woman the priest smiled at her. "Ah, Shizuru you made it. I'm so glad. Please meet Natsuki, the Cleric of Hime."
Shizuru turned her attention back toward Natsuki. The woman's eyes trailing up and down before settling on the dark haired woman's green orbs. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Nat-su-ki" The way she said her name caused a shiver to run up Natsuki's spine. Her voice was soft and melodious and felt like she was being drawn in.
Natsuki couldn't hold the woman's gaze for long. Her eyes wandering over her body, taking note of the light pink skin. She saw a tail whip from behind the woman slightly. A Tiefling, Natsuki thought. She felt herself become wary. She'd heard many stories about Tiefling's charming people and then leaving them penniless or dead. And that coupled with their supposed demonic origins made her uneasy.
Natsuki cleared her throat. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Shizuru"
Shizuru's mouth split into a smile, small fangs could be seen. She looked over Natsuki once more before turning back to the priest. "So Tristian, there was a letter you said?"
Natsuki realized she'd never asked for the priest's name. She felt her face flush slightly, before turning to face him fully, waiting for the letter.
He pulled out a small envelope and handed it to Shizuru. "I'll leave you both to it. If you have any questions I'll be in the study over there." He pointed to a small door leading off of the main room.
Shizuru nodded. "Thank you Tristan"
Natsuki remained silent, but nodded in his direction. She moved closer to the Tiefling, hoping to catch a glimpse of what it said. But, her apprehension kept her from moving in too close. "What does it say?" She asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"Ara ara, aren't you an impatient one." Shizuru teased, a small smirk forming.
Natsuki looked at her annoyed, but didn't comment.
Shizuru opened it and began to read.
Dear Shizuru and Natsuki,
If you're reading this, than I have passed on to the next life. I will forever be grateful for meeting you both and having the privilege of spending time with both of you. Unfortunately, I have something to ask, my last request. As you both know my last quest was unsuccessful Yukariko and I ventured southwest to a small city nestled in the mountains. We had both heard of large ruins in the coastal mountains. Great castles surrounded by a large city nestled into a valley. A treasure so vast that 100s of people would be able to live off of it for their whole lives and never need to work again. We were tempted by the gold and prestige of finding ruins that hadn't been heard of for 100s of years. Our mistake was falling for something that was too good to be true. Darkness lives there, something that sucks the life out of the very forests surrounding it. There we met the Necromancer. I caught a glimpse of her and managed to escape, but Yukariko was captured. I tried to go back, but was blocked by undead creatures. I barely made it back alive. And now I'm writing this asking both of you to save her for me. I will pay you handsomely, all my years of adventuring I've accumulated quite a bit of wealth and now that I'm dying I've realised that the money was not worth losing my love. She was everything to me and I was sucked into the darkness of greed. I beg you to please save her. If you choose to accept, which I'm praying for you to do, there is a woman living in Kalgram her name is Midori. She will know where the lost city is. I can't remember exactly how we found it, but we spoke to her before heading south. My lawyer Gregorian will give you gold and supplies for your journey and has a contract for you to sign. My only warning if you choose to accept is to be wary of temptations, many times it is a wolf in sheep's clothing, waiting for you to fall.
Sincerely,
Samuel Dender
Natsuki had moved closer as Shizuru read, till she was hovering beside the other woman's arm. Her eyes following as she listened to Shizuru's melodic voice. Natsuki continued to stare at the letter even after Shizuru had finished reading, her mind working overtime with this new information. "He sounds so lucid in the letter" she spoke softly. "He didn't have many lucid moments after his last quest, but this…it's very clear."
Natsuki realised how close she was standing when Shizuru hummed in agreement. Natsuki looked up from the letter and turned to the woman next to her. Shizuru was looking down at her with a raised eyebrow. The cleric jumped away quickly. "Sorry! I got distracted; I didn't mean to invade your space." She felt her face heat up when the other woman laughed softly.
"Natsuki is welcome to invade my personal space any time she'd like."
Natsuki glared at her. Her mouth opening and closing, not a single word passing her lips. She instead chose to turn and leave the church. They needed to meet with Gregorian as soon as possible. Her steps were heavy as she clomped out.
"Wait, Natsuki!" Shizuru called. Natsuki's steps slowed slightly, allowing the other woman to catch up. She didn't look over at Shizuru, her eyes fixed straight ahead.
Natsuki rolled over uncomfortably. The ground was hard and she was cold. It had stopped raining and she and Shizuru had set up camp under a large tree on a raised portion of ground in hopes to avoid any puddles. Natsuki grumbled and turned over again this time closer to the fire. She glanced up and saw Shizuru sitting on the other side of the flames. Her face was turned up toward the sky. Natsuki sat up.
"You know, you're not going to see much if you're looking up and not around,"Natsuki spoke, her voice a bit scratchy from lack of use. Shizuru had opted to take the first half of the watch. But, Natsuki couldn't sleep. They'd been heading to Kalgram for 3 days now and so far nothing had happened. Natsuki hadn't spoken much to Shizuru, but the other woman seemed intent on trying to start up conversations. Guilt had begun to eat away at her. She couldn't ignore the other woman forever and she shouldn't base her opinions on stories about other Tieflings. Just because a few people had, had a bad encounter with them didn't mean they were all bad. She scrunched up her face. If people went off of what some humans did then no one would ever speak to her.
Natsuki saw Shizuru's head snap down in her direction. She seemed startled. "I thought you were asleep." She spoke softly. Her eyes looking almost black in the darkness, even with the crackling fire Natsuki had a hard time making out colours.
Natsuki sat up and moved closer to the fire. She crossed her legs and moved her hands closer to the flames. "I can't sleep."
Natsuki thought she saw a flash of concern on the other woman's face before it disappeared. They just watched each other over the flames before Natsuki spoke again. "I don't mind taking this watch. It's pointless for us both to be up." Natsuki watched as the other woman nodded and moved off the log she'd been sitting on and lay in her bedroll.
"Thank you, Natsuki. Wake me up when you're tired." She said before rolling over facing the fire.
They had reached Kalgram and the rain had started up again. Natsuki covered her head with her hood and Shizuru doing the same. Dark clouds were being blown in from across the water. Kalgram was further west than Hathor and the weather was wilder. The town itself was a small sea town. The smell of fish and the shouting of dockworkers permeated every inch. Natsuki wrinkled her nose. "You'd think the wind would drive the fish smell away."
Shizuru laughed softly. "Wishful thinking. The smell seems to have sunk into the very earth."
Natsuki couldn't help but smile at that. She hadn't heard Shizuru complain about anything this whole trip. Whereas Natsuki herself and made comments about the mud, rain, clouds, cold and any other inconvenience. Shizuru seemed more relatable at that moment.
"Do Teifeilings have a better sense of smell like Tabaxi or are you similar to Humans?"
Shizuru seemed startled by this and looked over. She dodged around a cart before moving next to Natsuki again. "We have very similar senses to Humans. I believe one of the few differences being our dark vision" Natsuki saw Shizuru looking at her with interest.
The cleric shifted under the scrutiny. Natsuki had wanted to ask if they were really descended from demons or if that was a myth. The blood red eyes looking at her unnerved her and she felt herself blush. She cleared her throat and looked away. "Oh, I thought maybe it smelled worse to you." She picked up her pace and walked a little faster. She was so focused on pretending to not be embarrassed that she didn't hear the slight laugh from behind her.
Natsuki glanced up, the sun was setting and the clouds had rolled back in. She turned back to Shizuru. "We should probably stay at a tavern and continue in the morning." Shizuru was walking a bit less gracefully. Her eyes kept turning toward the docks. Natsuki frowned and followed her eyes but didn't see anything unusual. Just dock workers and some sailors. She waited for the other woman to catch up. "What's wrong?" She questioned.
Shizuru looked back at Natsuki and for the first time, Natsuki saw her frown. The Tiefling always had a slight smile or smirk on her face and Natsuki had assumed this woman didn't know how to frown. But, now seeing her light eyebrows furrow and blood red eyes narrow Natsuki felt that this woman was a lot more deadly than she first appeared. What would have caused Samuel to ask her to join me on this quest? What powers does she have? Natsuki eyed her slowly; the woman was quite tall, Natsuki only coming up to about her nose. Long Tawny hair fell past her shoulders in waves. Her horns were a dark colour almost black and her light pink skin was quite fair for most Tiefilings. When she'd first met her she hadn't come across as dangerous per se. But, looking at her now, Natsuki began to wonder what power was hidden behind her smiles and soft voice.
Those eyes suddenly turned back toward the cleric. But, upon seeing Natsuki's look of concentration they widened and the dark-haired Cleric watched as a smile spread across the woman's face. "Is Natsuki checking me out?" She let out a gasp placing her hand over her chest dramatically. "I'm flattered."
Natsuki felt her face heat up and mouth falls open. "I-I was not! I was just, you know I wasn't - I wasn't checking you out," She said frantically.
Her eyes narrowed when Shizuru placed a hand over her mouth and laughed. "Natsuki is much too cute when she's flustered. And that pretty pink blush is adorable." Natsuki clenched her jaw and glared. Her glare was known in her home temple and her nickname was the 'Ice Queen' but apparently it didn't work on the other woman. Instead, she smiled wider, her fangs coming into clear view. The dark haired woman grumbled and turned away. Walking to the tavern that was at further in town.
Both women stepped into the tavern, aptly named, the 'Bent Mast'. Apparently, everything in this town was ocean themed somehow. Natsuki had never been to Kalgram or this far west before. She'd never even seen the western ocean before. But, this town was built further up a channel and not directly on the open ocean. The storms were too great for a town to survive unprotected by the mountains and forests. But, she still went down to a small beach and put her hand in the water. She'd smiled; she'd now touched both the eastern and western oceans. She was brought back from her thoughts when the loud loud and rowdy tavern reached her ears. She trailed behind Shizuru as she made her way up to the bar. Natsuki was paying more attention to those surrounding them than what Shizuru was saying to the barkeep. The dark-haired woman felt uneasy, her eyes quickly scanning the room and its occupants. As she was looking her eyes landing on a small table in the far back, where the people weren't talking loudly or singing along with the song. In fact, they were staring right at Shizuru. Natsuki was too far away to make much out, but their presence felt predatory. Feeling herself grow protective she glared in their direction. Her green eyes narrowed in anger. When the table's occupants noticed her stare they shifted and turned back to their plates in front of them. Only one person held her look. From here he looked to be a human male in his 40s, but Natsuki couldn't be sure. As she continued to glare a slimy smile spread across his face before he turned to one of his companions and dropped her stare. She glanced around the room again and realised Shizuru was the only Tiefling in the whole building. In fact, she hadn't seen one in Hathor either. It must be hard being the only Tiefling around Natsuki mused. Still keeping her eye on the far table.
Pressure on Natsuki's arm brought her back from her intense glare and turning saw Shizuru giving her a curious look. "What has got Natsuki so focused? Hopefully, someone else hasn't stolen her attention away from me so quickly." Natsuki's glare came back, but this time directed toward the smiling Tiefling.
"No! That's not it. Did you get rooms or no?" She said harshly. There was no force behind her words, and the bright blush suggested she was more embarrassed than anything.
"I did get a room, dear Natsuki. I also ordered us some dinner. Come, follow me"
Natsuki trailed behind as Shizuru moved toward the stairs. "Wait, what do you mean a room?" She asked just as Shizuru unlocked a single door.
Natsuki looked inside and saw one bed pushed in the corner. A small window was on the far wall and a single chair. "Ara, Natsuki wasn't listening when I was speaking to the barkeep?" Natsuki shook her head no. "Well, it seems that a large ship has come in and the sailors wanted to take up lodging in the tavern rather than remaining on the ship. This is the only room left."
Natsuki looked at her. Face slack. She was used to sharing her courters when she was in the temple with other clerics, but Shizuru made her nervous. Whenever she saw her smile or her red eyes directed at her, she feels her stomach flip. It was not pleasant; she felt like a bumbling idiot whenever she spoke to the other woman. And the fact that Shizuru was so well spoken and charming intimidated her. Natsuki may be a well-known cleric with strong healing magic, but Shizuru turned her into a bumbling blushing fool.
"Does Natsuki not feel comfortable sharing a room with me?" Shizuru asked. Natsuki glanced up at her and noticed that her eyes showed worry, but her smile was as present as ever.
Natsuki realised Shizuru was faking her smiles. They were a façade to help relax people. But, her eyes told her true feelings. Even the unfamiliar eyes could not stop Natsuki from seeing her true emotions. Shizuru was worried about whether she was comfortable around her or not. Natsuki looked back and realised she hadn't helped with that. Whenever the other woman got close Natsuki would stiffen and distance herself. Her usual gruff demeanour was strong whenever Shizuru tried to start a conversation. The cleric had basically been broadcasting discomfort this whole trip. Natsuki felt shameful. She knew that it was not right and she shouldn't have been treating her travelling companion like that.
She met those deep red eyes. "No, I'm not uncomfortable. Thank you for finding us a room" She smiled and at that she saw the worry from Shizuru's eyes disappear and Natsuki witnessed one of the brightest most real smiles she'd ever seen. And she couldn't help but smile bigger at the other woman. Something happened in Natsuki at seeing this. She realised she wanted to see it more often. She wanted to make Shizuru happy.
After they'd eaten Natsuki moved toward her pack and began to pull off her cleric robes. The dark blue robe that she wore over her vestments was edged with runic symbols. They would flair to life with a white energy when she used a powerful spell. But, usually, they remained a simple white against the dark of the cloth. After she removed her necklace, the interwoven design sliding out from under her clothes. She undid her belt and slid her light blue dress up and over her head, leaving her in a pair of light brown pants and a chainmail shirt over a white undershirt. She laid out the dress on the chair; the dress was edged in black trim. Next came her chainmail shirt, it was heavy, but was necessary when traveling. The chain clinked against itself as she removed it, feeling almost weightless without the cumbersome armour on She sat on the chair and began removing her dark brown boots. Her feet slid out and she took a breath. They'd been on their feet for 3 days and she was exhausted and excited to lie in a real bed, even if it meant she had to share with her companion. Natsuki moved toward the washbasin and quickly washed and rinsed her face. She undid her braid and let her hair fall loose. Natsuki always found having her hair braded while traveling was much easier than leaving it loose, although preferred the latter. She glanced over toward the bed and saw Shizuru watching her. Natsuki couldn't tell what she was thinking, the dim light from the candle was making it hard for her to discern her features, but Natsuki didn't feel uncomfortable, instead, she felt a bit nervous. Why would I feel nervous? I've changed in front of many of my colleagues. In fact, Mai and I shared a room for years and I never once felt nervous around her. Natsuki thought, pondering her own feelings.
She watched as Shizuru stood and began unclasping her traveling cloak. Natsuki hadn't actually seen Shizuru without it. And was curious as to what the woman looked like underneath. Natsuki felt her face flush at that thought and quickly moved toward the bed and lay down. She laid facing in toward the room, eyes narrowed so that she could secretly watch the other woman. Natsuki felt embarrassed by her actions but couldn't help herself.
Shizuru removed her heavy dark brown travelling cloak. Underneath she had a shorter deep purple cape that reached the back of her legs. A dark red shirt that had black trim at the edges was tucked into a long black skirt. Natsuki saw her light pink tale move behind her. She rarely saw it when she had on her traveling cloak. But now she could see it swishing around. Natsuki continued to scrutinize the other woman. She watched as Shizuru removed the cloak, showing off her form. Natsuki felt her eyes widen slightly and her breath catch. Her chest was larger than Natsuki's own and was clearly shown under her form-fitting shirt. Her waist was slim and the flair of her hips could be seen under the long flowy skirt. I wonder what she looks like without clothes on. Natsuki thought. Her eyes scanning up and down, watching the slow methodical movements of the Tiefling. She began unbutton her shirt and sliding it out from under her skirt. Her back was turned to Natsuki and the dark haired woman watched as she slid it off her shoulders. Her undershirt was a short sleeved and she saw her strong arms, the muscle clearly defined. She's much stronger than she first appears, Natsuki mused. It must be from the years of using a Naginata. Her eyes drawn down as her perfectly sculpted arms began undoing her belt and sliding her skirt down her legs. Natsuki watched entranced. Her undershirt covered her butt but her legs were covered in a pair of light pants. Shizuru slipped her boots off and then began to slide her pants down her legs. Natsuki noted she seemed to be moving quite a bit slower than before, but she didn't pay it too much mind. She watched as beautifully muscled legs stepped out of the pants. She didn't realize Shizuru had turned back around till she heard the woman clear her throat.
Natsuki's eyes snapped up to the other woman's. She saw the smirk form and a perfectly sculpted eyebrow lifted in question. Natsuki felt her face burn. She almost felt light headed from the blood rushing to her face; she thanked Hime she was laying down. Natsuki didn't know what to say, and she waited for the tease she knew was coming. Shizuru just continued to smile, her fangs now appearing in what Natsuki realised was a genuine smile. Natsuki's face still burned and she couldn't take it anymore. She quickly rolled over and pulled the covers up to her head. Best to ignore it, she thought. Maybe Shizuru didn't notice…Natsuki knew that was not the case, but she hoped beyond hope that Shizuru didn't know she'd been watching the whole time.