by Eden Redd
Revar smiled, “Good to know. The dungeon may repopulate so we will have to come back another time. Where’re you three headed next?”
Jayson tried a disarming smile, “The middle kingdoms before exploring the west.”
Revar stepped closer, shoulders relaxed, “Staying on one of the main quest lines, so are we. We could travel together for a while, safety in numbers. The monsters seem to be getting bigger the farther we travel.”
“Besides, you should be rewarded for jumping in to help us,” Feverdream winked at the knight.
“I….uh…” Jayson started.
“Travelling together should be fine,” Lance finished.
Jayson nodded. “Yea, if we all agree,” The knight turned to Sonja.
The blue knight in the short skirt smiled, “I don’t have a problem with it,” Sonja said as she eyed Feverdream a hint too long.
Revar gave a mighty laugh before clasping a hand on Jayson’s shoulder, “Then let’s be off!”
***
Shadows grew longer as five knights and a concubine walked along the cobblestone road. The sun was sinking lower in the sky and faint howls could be heard in the distance. They sounded weak but became stronger the lower the sun dipped. When it touched the horizon, blue skies turned a reddish orange and a star or three shined through the warm hues.
Jayson walked with his head bowed, eyes on the road and lost to inner thoughts. Sonja walked alongside while Lance walked near Revar and Feverdream. Jayson tried to pull himself back to the game but he kept going over everything Rujin said. The knight wanted nothing more than to tell his fellow knights but the presence of travelling companions kept him silent. It was true; the game was becoming more dangerous the further west they walked. If the battle with the hydra was any indication, things were about to get a whole lot tougher.
The sun dipped lower in the sky and the road took on inky black lines. In the distance stood a small building with a hanging sign in front, torches and lanterns lit up the building like a beacon.
“I think that’s an inn,” Sonja said as she pointed down the road.
Jayson looked up from his thoughts, “I’m up for a nap. I didn’t realize how tired I was.”
The player felt a little weary with each step. Dozing a bit in the game would be enough to recharge his batteries and get his head back into it.
Sonja gave him a loving gaze, “Too tired for anything else?”
Jayson grinned, “I’m never too tired for that.”
Lance and Revar let out a laugh as they continued their conversation. Feverdream walked along, eyes on the woods near the road. Crickets began their nightly song with the sun more than halfway past the horizon. The group reached the small wooden building. A sign hung from two chains. It read “Viga’s Trading Post”.
“Not an inn but we could get some supplies,” Sonja said.
“Let’s check it out,” Jayson said and walked toward the door.
“This isn’t an inn,” Lance said as he looked at the sign and turned to see Jayson and Sonja step in, not realizing they already said that.
Inside, the main room was filled with shelves of potions, books and jewelry. A counter stood off to the right while weapons and armor hung from walls and racks. From the back, a woman in a white dress stepped out. It took a moment before Jayson noticed the cat ears and furry forearms. The kitra walked to the counter and eyed her new patrons.
“Welcome to my trading post. My name is Viga, how can I help you this evening?”
2D screens appeared before the knights with a listing of items in the store. Lance, Revar and Feverdream stepped inside to see Jayson and Sonja going over the inventory. The white knight followed as did their fellow companions.
Jayson walked as the 2D inventory screen followed him along. He picked up the usual, healing potions and raw materials to maintain his weapons and armor. As he looked around and scrolled through the list, he came across a shelf filled with presents. Each box held a ribbon and they came in a variety of colors, but were all about the same size.
The kitra walked over with a smile, “These are gifts for your concubines. You can choose what the gift is or let it randomly choose for you depending on the concubine. A present will improve your love and lust rating with each one. It is the perfect gift to keep your harem happy.”
Jayson remembered how Gorganna acted in the dungeon. He certainly didn’t want to risk any further similar behavior. Tapping at the screen, he checked the prices and chose some of them accordingly.
“I’ll take seven,” The knight smiled as he tapped away.
The kitra bowed and walked off. Seven gifts appeared in the knight’s inventory. Sonja walked closer and did the same. Lance made his way to the shelf with the presents and tapped away at his 2D screen. Revar and Feverdream stood by the counter, waiting for the owner to walk back.
“Is there an inn or such close by?” Revar asked the shop keeper.
Viga shook her head, “There was an inn not far from here but it was burned down during a recent troll attack. You could walk a little farther west and come across a path leading north. I believe there is an abandoned home not far from the main road.”
“Have there been many troll attacks recently?” Revar asked while Feverdream broke away and walked among the shelves.
The kitra nodded, “The attacks are getting worse. I fear I may have to move to the kingdoms if this continues. The gold here is good but not good enough to die over it.”
Lance stood next to Jayson but kept his eyes on Revar and Viga, “I wonder if she is going to say she has wares for sale?” The knight smiled.
Jayson grinned but kept his eyes on the inventory screen, “You and our new friends have been talking for a while, anything interesting?”
“Just that they’re swingers and asked me questions about our relationship. They seem like nice players but haven’t said anything about their background or even what quests they’re on. I think they want to share in our quality time.”
Jayson eyed the white knight. “Do we…..?”
“I don’t know. I know I talked before about not wanting to share but they did help us in battle.” Lance let a smirk slip. “Doesn’t honor demand it?”
Sonja strolled over and pretended to look at a shelf filled with daggers, “What are you guys talking about?”
“Lance thinks our new friends want to party with us,” Jayson whispered.
The blue knight barely nodded, “Yea, that seems obvious. What do we want to do?”
“I’m not sure,” Jayson said quietly.
“Neither am I,” Lance whispered.
Sonja looked to her two men, her own eyes turning downward, “I don’t know either. All I know is, I miss you both and I’d rather focus on us. We all helped each other but I’m not sure that means we have to be with them.”
From around a corner, Feverdream sauntered over to the three knights together. Cloak open down the middle and showing ample cleavage, she stepped over to the three knights as Revar continued to talk with the kitra behind the counter.
“I wanted to talk to the three of you,” Feverdream said in an understanding tone. She no longer carried herself in a sultry way but appeared serious and relaxed.
The three knights kept their eyes on the cloaked knight, faces blank.
Feverdream continued, “I know we haven’t known each other long. I overheard some of your conversation and my husband and I are not trying to invade your relationship. We have come across players who don’t indulge with others and we certainly don’t want to disrupt anything. The three of you are very sexy but we understand if we are simply just travelling together.”
Jayson smiled, “Thank you for your honesty.” The knight looked to his friends before continuing. “We’re not sure what we want to do. I think we will be fine travelling together but not much beyond that.”
Feverdream smiled and bowed her head, “I know my husband will be fine with that as will I.”
The cloaked knight turned and
moved along to the shelves to her husband’s side.
“Now I feel bad,” Sonja whispered.
Jayson looked to the blue haired knight, “Me too.”
“Me three,” Lance finished.
The three players were quiet a moment before they started to laugh to themselves. Revar and Feverdream stepped over with smiles and the three knights quickly stopped.
“We have all of our supplies. Should we go looking for that abandoned house together?”
Jayson smiled at the cloaked knight, “Safety in numbers.”
***
The sun had set behind the horizon and night wrapped her dark arms across the sky. Two moons glowed high in the night canvas, casting a comforting light along the worn, small path. The group of knights had diverged from Journey Road once they found the path. Trees rustled in the small breeze. There was no chill in the air that the players could feel but Jayson felt a shiver run up his spine. Either it was the perceived cold or the game is trying to simulate the environment in a realistic matter. Either way, it caused the player to enjoy the experience on another, more interesting level.
“I see it,” Sonja said and pointed.
The group of knights looked down the road to a one level home, barely visible through the trees. Picking up the pace, all five knights made their way through the dark path until they stood before the large, almost cottage looking home. The roof was thatched and the walls were made of stone connecting together like a puzzle. A garden sat in front but the plants seemed to have grown wild. The windows were dark with curtains drawn.
Jayson drew his fire sword and bent his knees. Stepping forward, the other knights took in their surroundings and spread out. Jayson took hold of the door handle and pulled. The wooden door creaked as it opened fully. Heart beating, he stepped inside. The sound of a sword drawing came from behind. Jayson glanced back to see Lance with his rapier out.
Jayson turned his attention back inside the house. Faint moonlight glowed against the drawn curtains. White shafts touched furniture. Lance moved in and off to the left and saw a lantern hanging on a wall. The white knight tapped it with his finger and the lantern burned to life. Soft light filled the main room as the lantern grew brighter and brighter.
The two knights moved in further but stopped short when they saw a heavy wooden table. On it was a folded note. Jayson reached down, picked it up and opened it.
Jayson read the note out loud. “Trolls have become bolder with their attacks. I have moved my family to the kingdoms. To whoever is reading this, please use our home as your sanctuary. We only ask you leave it the way you found it so others may use it as their sanctuary.”
Lance nodded, “I’ve heard of empty homes like this all over Lukken, an easy way for players to find a place to hook up.”
Jayson smiled, “I guess we’re here tonight and hooking up.”
Lance smiled for a moment before it melted away. Jayson could see something painful crawl into his eyes in the lantern light. The knight could still see the internal struggle of the white knight’s feelings. A memory stabbed into the player’s mind as he thought back to saving Sonja instead of Lance.
Jayson’s feet shifted, “Before the others come in, back in the dungeon, I’m sorry I didn’t….I mean….that I saved Sonja before….”
Lance put a hand up, “Stop. I know it was a split decision. If I had to make that decision, I probably would have saved Sonja too.”
The player could see his friend’s true feelings moving under the surface. They all had fought and slept together for months. Despite the feelings the three of them felt for each other, the player knew that Lance had deeper feelings for his brother in arms. Their time together showed how eager he was to make love to him and be loved by him. The more Jayson thought about it, the more confused he became. Thoughts of Sonja spilled in and the knight once again pushed away the uncertain feelings.
Lance continued, “Sonja loves you and you love her. I think you two should explore your feelings.”
Jayson eyed the white knight, “We love you too,” He said simply.
Lance nodded again, “I know but I can’t ignore what is happening anymore. You still have a harem of females and Sonja has a harem of males. I thought with some time you would see about taking on a male concubine. It would show that you really are bi-sexual but all I see is that you like women.”
Jayson crossed his arms but kept his face blank, “You can’t believe that. Concubines are based on kinks. I figured I haven’t come across a male concubine to have in my harem yet. With time….”
Lance turned away, “This is a game. Here you can have anything you want and all I see is my friends wanting each other. Don’t get me wrong, our time has been great but maybe we should….” The white knight stopped as three figures stepped in through the front door.
“Is it safe?” Sonja asked with concerned eyes.
The white knight turned from the group and walked down a small hallway containing a few doors. “There are a few rooms over here that haven’t been searched, how about you guys check it out while I scout out the area.”
“Lance, you don’t have to….” Jayson was cut off.
“We can never be too careful. I’ll check out the area and you guys get comfortable. Don’t wait for me if you feel like spending time together,” Lance said and made his way to the front door.
Sonja said nothing as the white knight walked past her with a kind smile. Stepping through the door, he turned his head from side to side before walking into the forest surrounding the small home, moonlight illuminating his way.
Eight
“I call this room!” Revar shouted from the doorway.
Jayson smiled at the large knight. Feverdream walked over and pressed her body to her husband, a smile on her lips. The knight could see past them at the large bed. Jayson opened one door as Sonja opened another. Looking in, Jayson could see the room he was in looked almost exactly like the one Revar claimed.
“I think they are all the same size,” Sonja said out loud from the third bedroom.
Jayson turned his head to see Sonja lighting the lantern in the third room. The small home took on a comforting warmth. Feverdream looked up at her husband and pressed her lips to his. The mood was growing but Jayson thought of Lance patrolling outside.
Sonja stepped out of the room she was in and walked into the one Jayson stood in. A hand reached up and took hold of his.
“What happened?” Sonja asked with concern.
“I think Lance is going to break up with us,” Jayson huffed.
Sonja’s face tilted forward, shadows covering her eyes, “It’s really bothering him isn’t it.”
“Yea, I think it is.” Jayson was silent for a second. “We should show him he is important to us.”
Sonja pulled the knight close, arms around his waist, “Is that what you want?”
Jayson looked down into Sonja’s sad eyes, “You don’t feel the same?”
Sonja bit her lip before she began speaking. “He’s been so moody and serious lately. I thought this was meant to be fun. If I wanted drama in a relationship, I would be dating in the real world.”
Jayson remained silent.
“I love you both but I thought we were having fun. You’re having fun and so am I but Lance is acting like this is real. Maybe he does need a break.”
“Is that what you want?” Jayson said in a low voice.
Sonja stayed close, her arms around him holding the knight tightly. “I have never felt so free in my life. Here, I can be the real me. People have been telling me how a woman should be, how I should be. You and Lance have shown me that I don’t have to bottle up my feelings. I can have as many lovers as I want and not feel guilty. This is a dream and I don’t want to spend it trying to soothe his feelings. I want to spend it having fun with my lovers.”
Jayson held the blue knight close. A strange echo vibrated through the player as he tried to sort his own feelings. The things Sonja said had a degree of truth but a naggi
ng doubt lay deep within. Jayson remembered when he chose his kinks, how he wanted to explore everything. Now he wondered if he may have made a mistake. How could players get together and not expect feelings to get hurt or change. Was he keeping it too light? Was he not confronting his own hang ups with relationships?
“I’m going to get the fireplace lit,” Feverdream said as she walked by the open door, not looking in.
Sonja looked up, “Should we join them?”
Jayson stroked her hair, “For a little bit, don’t want to be rude.”
***
The forest spread out before the lone player. Lance felt his mind drift as he walked through the shafts of moonlight. An ethereal vibration filled the area as he marveled at the beauty of the forest around him. The chirp of crickets played on as the white knight moved slowly through the forest, heart aching.
A cloud of gloom washed over the player. Try as he might, he couldn’t push it away, even with so much beauty around him. Thoughts swirled on of his friends loving each other and he feeling like a third wheel. He couldn’t deny it any longer. Sonja would stare at Jayson as he slept. Lance remembered as he stared at her with almost closed eyes. Faint whispers as she ran her hand over Jayson’s naked body. The blue knight would do the same with him, but only as an afterthought, something to make sure all parties were happy. Jayson was no different. He came loudest when he was between Sonja’s thighs, except for those brief moments when he was with his troll concubine.
Lance could not deny the transformation. Jayson seemed to become more and more like a normal person, happy with the three of them and high adventure. His nervous mannerisms seemed to fade into the background. The white knight hardly noticed them anymore. His confidence grew but in that growth, Lance’s own confidence began to slide away. At first it was just a game and he could come and fuck as much as he wanted but as they travelled the need for simply fucking dwindled. Memories of his real life spilled in, so many sexual encounters with friends and strangers. It was a party and he was one of the willing prizes. The player now thought that maybe the party was ending and distant urges welled up, wanting to be part of something special, not wanting to be in the party but finding a smaller, more intimate gathering.