The power of two frustrated women truly is something.
We made quick work of the Gnolls, it wasn't too difficult considering what we had fought earlier. The problem is these repeated encounters will continue to drain our resources. Even with that short rest we had, we still need a full night's rest before we're back up and running at 100%.
After disabling the Gnoll force, we decided it was time to pack up and leave. I grabbed two of the captive women and slung them over my shoulders. They may be naked, but I need to get past that in order to save them.
But still...
Best not to think about it. That being said, Agnes is shooting me a dirty look right now... back to business!
Agnes picked up the other woman, and finally, we decided to leave the village. However, the Gnoll problem still needs to be taken care of. Like Akil said, if left alone, these Gnolls will probably bring ruin to the kingdom...
But I mean, after that encounter with Ezekiel, I can't really muster up the desire to kill them...
But knocking them out by draining their mana isn't a permanent solution either.
So... how do we solve this problem? I doubt the Gnolls are gonna want to sit down and discuss diplomacy, so what should we do?
Of course, we could always leave it up to other adventurers, too...
Damn it. It's times like these where I wish things were more black-and-white!
Let the Gnolls go, and doom the kingdom. Kill them, and I'd probably have to kill all the guardsmen here too, not to mention the fact I'd be killing people who have no intent on directly harming a human being...
I ruminated over this as we left the building. The noises of the constant intercourse happening in the rooms we passed was making everyone a little awkward.
Akil was guiding a traumatized Layla down the pathway, covering her ears as they walked. Doubtlessly every woman we saved will have a severe case of PTSD. I imagine being raped by a group of savage hyena women would have such an effect on the psyche.
Needless to say, I think the decision to be made here, as a normal Paladin, would be obvious.
Killing the Gnolls makes the most sense. If they remain here, they would continue their raids, considering that not only does their leader not have a mate, but a large portion of the rest of the group doesn't either. Not to mention any children spawned by the Gnolls with mates will probably need one as well... so even if we managed to contain the Demon Realm, and who's to say that another one won't begin forming here in the near future now that this one was thwarted, the Gnolls still pose a huge threat to the kingdom.
Killing them is the only choice a typical Paladin could make, but now that I know their intent isn't to kill, I find myself hesitating. Not to say what they're doing isn't deplorable, however. What they did to these guardsmen and women is horrific, and they clearly intend to do more. But still, does it warrant their death?
There are more reasons to kill them than not, honestly, but from what I've seen in the village, and what I've learned from Felandria... I'm hesitant.
Akil walked up beside me. "Look, I think I know what you're thinking..."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I mean, two hot women fighting over you can't be that much fun, I'd imagine..." he winked.
"Sh-shut up!"
"I'm kidding." His expression hardened a little, "it was your choice to spare them. Of course, you could always go back and finish the job. I would, in your situation. However, I don't think you're truly capable of thinking like me, like a Rogue. Stick to your word, Paladin. If this becomes a bigger mess, you'll clean it up." He patted my back, "that being said, we've still got treasure to find! Let's leave this dreary place behind us, and set off!"
"We'll need to find a settlement to drop these women off at..." I told him.
"But of course. That first. Besides, I'm in need of a proper bath. That water spell doesn't really cut it for me, you know." He leaned forward, "and hey, since we're out in the boonies... how about we visit one of those co-ed bathhouses, hm?"
"No way. Last time was bad enough."
"'Last time?'" His shit-eating grin was back.
"Well..."
"Cmon, you can't just say that and not tell me more!" He whispered.
At this point, Agnes matched stride with us. "What are you guys talking about?"
"Nothing!" Akil said, his hands snapping up in the air like a criminal caught red-handed.
She squinted at us, but didn't say anything.
Layla hung at the far back of the group, keeping a wary eye on Felandria, who was flying overhead. She kept glancing down at us, her expression hard to read from up there, especially since her bangs covered her eyes.
We managed to escape the village without getting spotted, and soon we were back on the road.
"How far until we reach a town?" I asked Akil.
"Hmm..." he thought for a moment. "A few days, a few hours, who knows?"
That's not very helpful.
Fortunately, the actual time was a little more on the shorter side, and we managed to make it to some kind of civilization around nightfall.
Felandria was quick to land on the ground, putting her Hat of Disguise on, and Layla was told not to mention the Werebat's presence at all. She was simply a human girl traveling with us.
It took a bit of persuading, but luckily it all worked out for us.
We approached the gates of town, and the guards immediately lowered their spears towards us.
"Halt! State your business and reason for your..." he trailed off, noticing the naked women.
"We're carrying refugees from an attack." Akil said, "and we would like for a place to stay." He reached into his shirt and pulled out a golden medallion. "Official business."
The guards' eyes widened, "R-right this way, sir!"
The gates opened. Wow, easier than I expected.
"Helps to have connections, my friend." Akil murmured, "so... shall we?"
We managed to check into an inn. We managed to get four rooms, two for the refugees, one for me and Akil, and another for Agnes and Felandria.
"Now," Akil stretched, "let's see about that bath. I do hope they're still open."
Layla took the refugees into their rooms, and we headed off to the bathhouse.
"So, what do we do with the refugees now?" I asked Akil on our way.
"Hm. I suppose tomorrow we could always look for other refugees. I'm sure others from their town made it here..." he looked at me, "but that's later. Now, I just want to relax for a bit."
I sighed, I suppose a break would be nice. We have been on the move for a while.
We managed to find a small bathhouse that hadn't yet closed, luckily. That being said, it wasn't too busy this late, so I had high hopes for a relaxing dip in the bath...
Co-Ed. Shit.
"Hey, is it possible for us to request a uh... private bath?" Akil asked, leaning on the counter.
The receptionist looked at our group and blushed. "L-look, we can't allow that kind of conduct in-"
Akil opened his jacket and flashed the medallion.
The receptionist's eyes widened. "O-oh! Well, of course we could make an exception..."
We managed to get ourselves a private bath. Unfortunately, we couldn't separate genders.
But it seemed that was only a problem for two of us, specifically me and Agnes.
Akil was giving me that stupid smirk and Felandria had the biggest smile I've ever seen on her face.
"Maybe we take turns?" I asked, turning to the group, "Akil and I, then Agnes and Fela-"
"No! I'm going with you." Felandria wrapped her arms around mine.
"Then I need to go too! Just to make sure she doesn't try anything." Agnes said quickly.
Akil still had that smirk on. "Well, I suppose that resolves that."
Agnes had the two of us turn our backs to her and Felandria, despite Felandria's complaints.
The good thing about ordering a private bath is that Felandria doesn't have to keep that hat on the whole time. I'm honestly relieved to have someone like Akil on our team. Had it just been the three of us, we probably would've forgotten about that little detail.
Akil approached me, both of our backs turned away from the center of the pool. "Hey, got a minute?"
"This couldn't wait until after the bath?"
"I just wanted to tell you a few things."
I turned to him, taking extra care to avoid looking in the girls' direction.
"What is it?"
"Well, firstly, something didn't sit right with me back in town."
"What do you mean?" I raised an eyebrow.
"I doubt you noticed it, given your lack of perception skills-"
"Hey!"
"-but I saw a trail of footprints when we left the town with the refugees. Child footprints."
"So?"
"I don't know, perhaps I'm overthinking it, but the trail only went INTO the town, there was no trail leading out."
"Maybe they took another exit?"
"That's the thing. There wasn't any other footprints that matched them when we went in."
"Did they sneak out?"
"Perhaps. But I feel like something else is going on here." He shook his head, "sorry, this is supposed to be a break from all that adventure, huh?" He stretched.
"It's fine, but I-"
Water splashed into my face as Felandria jumped out in front of me.
"Got you!" She said.
Akil slinked away from us, leaving me at the mercy of this Werebat.
I opened my eyes, and as soon as I did, she opened her towel.
"Got you again!" She cheered.
Seeing her chest is one thing. Seeing everything else is another.
I quickly covered my eyes, trying not to see any more of it.
Unfortunately my embarrassment only egged her on, especially considering the reaction she was getting from down under.
I hate to say it, but her gaining confidence in the light might be a bad thing. For my purity, at least.
While my vision was obscured, I felt her grab my towel and yank it off.
"Ah ha! Look who's here to join the fun!" She bent downwards, "hi there! Why don't we-"
A loud bang resounded from in between us, and we were sent flying backwards, away from each other.
Thankfully something soft cushioned my fall.
Two nice- wait a minute.
I quickly jumped off of the blushing Cleric, still not looking at her. "Sorry! I-"
She was still clutching her holy symbol from that last Thunderwave. I know because she shot me with a bolt of energy, knocking me down into the water.
Ouch... I stood up, still keeping my back to her. I don't know how many spells I could get hit by, so I'm not gonna push it.
Felandria wasn't as lucky as I was. She got no cushy landing, and collided with the pool wall.
She slowly brought herself back to her feet, and glared at Agnes.
"Quit ruining everyone else's fun!" She pouted, crossing her wings across her chest.
Agnes gave a little "hmph!" and, presumably, crossed her arms as well.
Akil, who was unfortunate enough to have been close enough to get caught in the blast, was lying unconscious at the edge of the pool. I suppose they don't call them "squishy" for nothing.
But still, I thought about what he said to me. Could we have missed some captives? We couldn't have, right?
I don't know, but whatever the case, I hope those kids are okay.
She groggily opened her eyes. A pounding headache, what a pain. She yawned, and tried to stretch, but...
These bindings...
She snarled, struggling against the rope, her tail thrashing into the ground.
Several snaps later, and her bindings were gone.
She rubbed her wrist, a low growl resonating in the back of her throat.
What happened? Oh.
Her tail began slowly lashing back and forth, excitement brimming inside of her. The stinger pulsed with venom from anticipation.
She looked around, her clan mates were slowly coming to as well. Hmph.
That man... was strong. Her gut burned with a deep, primal desire, one she knew all too well. Her ascension had only strengthened that desire. She put a hand to her stomach, felt it calling for the man's seed.
Her lips curled into a sneer as her snarl rumbled louder. She lost this fight. She will not lose again.
"Hey!"
A loud, high, annoying voice called out to her. She whipped her head around, her growl becoming more threatening.
How fitting. An annoying voice for an equally annoying little brat. She snarled at the half-pint. She has no time for children.
A larger child approached from behind, clutching a ridiculously large club in her hand.
"I'm talking to you! Use your words, it's only polite." The child said again.
She bared her teeth and growled, sending the message that the runt can take her polite manners and shove them up her ass. Words need to be earned.
"Hmph. Fine, be that way." The runt said, leaning backwards.
Getting a better look at the half-pint, she doesn't smell like a child.
"If your going to be rude, then I suppose I'll just have to take my proposition elsewhere?"
Propo-
She snarled, letting the runt know to keep it to two syllables or less.
"My deal." The small monster smiled, "I'm in need of a gang, and you all just got your butts kicked. So, let's team up!"
She tilted her head, her ears twitching in surprise, before a hysterical laugh bursted from her lips.
The runt just stood there, glaring at her as she rolled on the ground, her tail thumping against the sand as tears rolled down her eyes.
Her kin also began laughing, their maniacal laughter making the bigger one visibly nervous, as she tightened her grip on her club.
The midget sat there until they were done laughing, before producing a plain brown bag.
"You lost to them. In this bag, I have the key to your victory."
She opened the bag, and dumped swords, armor, boots, shield, and all sorts of other shining trinkets that couldn't feasibly fit in that bag onto the ground.
All the laughing stopped as they surrounded the tiny one.
"Magic items a new friend of mine gave me." The small one said, "with these, we'll be able to attack them head-on, and win. Surely our foes can't withstand everything in here all at once."
The leader growled at the childlike one, stepping closer to her. The half-point only made it to her bellybutton, but that didn't seem to intimidate her in the slightest.
She let out a sharp bark, which roughly asked what the little one wanted in return.
"First dibs." The small one smiled.
The leader let out a growl, baring her teeth. A no so obvious you didn't even have to be a monster to understand it.
"Fine. We both split first dibs 34/33/33." The small one said, "you, me, and Big Sis. I will be 34."
Unacceptable.
"Alright, you can be 34. But! I get an extra long period with him, alone."
5 extra minutes, is what the leader's growl said.
"Five extra minutes." The small one held her hand out.
The leader tilted her head, before reaching out and grabbing her arm.
"It's a deal, then!" The small one smiled.
The leader growled her agreement. She'll work with this tiny girl, for now. So long as she proves useful, of course...
