by Eden Redd
Wynter gazed at them with adoring eyes.
“She said she’s staying with the guild,” Nikki chimed with all smiles.
Daven grinned while Kai nodded with a smirk.
“I have to pick up a few things before we go,” Wynter said, eager to move on from the tower she shared with Leopold.
“We will wait here until you’re done,” Kai said warmly.
The necromancer ran her hand along the troll’s strong jaw. With a wink, she turned away and walked to the entrance of her tower. Stepping in, she called up a 2D inventory screen. With a number of taps, she placed furniture, items, chests and paintings in limbo. The effort was minimal but happy to get it done instead of buying all new things. When the tower was nearly empty, nagging memories crawled into her mind. Images played out of her and Leopold talking and loving one another, but the hollow feeling of those now tainted moments cemented that her past life had ended and a better one was beginning. The player took comfort in that, and the images of her time with Leopold quickly circled the drain into nothingness. With the tower now empty, Wynter stepped toward the front door.
Take care of my eyes, little one.
Wynter stopped right before the door, “I still don’t understand why you helped me?”
The voice in her head chuckled.
Little one, your beauty has taken root in my long dead heart. Do you remember the shadow in the ruins, before you entered the dungeon?
Wynter nodded.
My spirit has haunted these ruins for a long time. I have seen many adventurers attempt to plunder my prison but none have quickened my desires like you have. I look forward to the night when we can see one another in the flesh. Even now, they work to unearth my final tomb. When the time is right, I will call on you to return my eyes. For now, keep them safe.
“And if I don’t return them?” Wynter said with a sharp brow.
Let us not dwell on such trivial possibilities. Be safe with your guild and your friends. Until we meet again, farewell, dear Laura.
Wynter’s eyes widened as the voice spoke her real name. Something touched the back of her hand. The player pulled back only to feel what seemed like lips against her skin. The feeling of dread floated away as the player figured it must have been a glitch in the game. Taking hold of the door handle, she pulled the heavy door open.
The necromancer’s friends turned to her, smiles on their lips. Wynter pushed everything away as she stepped to them. Kissing each one on the lips, she let her fingers linger against their necks. Kai took out a guild stone with new designs on it. The four friends touched the stone.
Wynter looked back at her now dark tower. With a new path stretching out before her, she mentally said goodbye to her digital home. Kai activated the stone. It hummed to life. Wynter turned to her friends, heart welling up in her chest. With the last shreds of regret for her past falling away, the four guild mates flashed away as the stars shined their comforting light down on the world with wondrous serenity.
~Fin~
Lewd Rogue: Golden Desires
One
The hum of the car died and Adam sat silently, staring at a tiny pirate flag on his dashboard. Hands still on the wheel, he let his mind drift while his heart beat with renewed excitement. A small smile crept into his cheeks as his eyes drank in the entrance to his job. Fishing for memories, he couldn’t get a single bite on the last time he took a vacation. It had to be close to two years, he thought. Even then, he couldn’t remember what he actually did on his last vacation. Muddled thoughts sloughed through the canals of his memories. Before him stood the nursing home where he worked, a place where he spent most of his time and energy, a place where the sensual touch of death haunted its halls.
“You’re just going on a much-needed vacation. They’ll be fine without you for a few weeks. Stop beating yourself up,” Adam whispered to himself.
The images changed with the current. Faces of the residents flowed like a calm stream on a summer day. The job was tough but he did enjoy spending time with them. Their experiences, funny stories and mostly warm smiles chased away the eerie reminder of death. Adam loved how they requested him personally for anything, from walking with them in the garden to listening to the stories they’d tell a thousand times. It was one of the main reasons he never took a vacation, he didn’t want to leave and come back to one of them having passed.
Adam placed his hand on the door handle and hesitated. A touch of sadness caressed his strong brow. His life was in service to others and it did take its toll. Social life was practically non-existent and family barely saw him except during the holidays. It clashed with his job but it wasn’t a bad thing. The nurse knew he was doing great work, being there for those at the end of their long lives. It brought a sense of comfort to know that when he reached the end of his life someone like him might be there so he could leave this world with a bright smile.
“They have a temp. Finish training him and they’ll be in good hands,” Adam whispered as he unlocked the car door, swung it open and stepped out.
The sun shined bright and the air was crisp. Blue sky stretched out from horizon to horizon without a single white cloud to obscure its azure beauty. The nurse took a pleasant inhale before closing the door and walking to the front entrance of Bright Skies Nursing Home.
The main door swung open and the nurse walked in with a glowing demeanor. Kathy at the front desk looked up and smiled. Adam crossed the welcoming lobby to the counter, leaned against it and smirked. Kathy kept her grin as she drank in Adam’s large, muscled shoulders and boyish smile.
“They’re already asking when you’ll be back.” Kathy said with half closed eyes and a sultry touch to her voice.
“I figured they would. I’ve never taken two and a half weeks off before,” Adam smiled.
Kathy sat back, making sure her large breasts strained against the uniform, “Susan has been under orders to make sure we all take our time off. She doesn’t want the turn-over like we used to have.”
Adam tried to keep his eyes on Kathy’s gaze but the gravity of her chest took hold, causing them to dip for barely a second. The nurse noticed and gave a wicked grin before shifting in her seat, breasts bouncing slightly to her movements.
“Yea, I had to talk her down to two and a half weeks. I didn’t realize I had seventeen weeks saved,” Adam continued to smile.
Kathy nodded, “So, you haven’t told anyone what you’re going to do with all that time. Going any place special?”
“I think I’m just going to loaf around at home. Honestly, it’s more comfortable that way. Going somewhere is work and I’d rather be lazy, eat pizza and maybe stream a few series I’ve been wanting to see.” Adam left out his plans to play Lewd Saga.
Kathy eyed the male nurse with a playful smirk. Taking a piece of paper, she wrote down a phone number and slid it over the counter to Adam. The nurse looked down and raised a questioning eyebrow.
“If you ever get bored, I can come over, eat pizza and watch some shows with you,” Kathy winked.
Adam smiled, “Maybe I’ll take you up on that.”
The nurse picked up the piece of paper, folded it and put it in his back pocket.
“How’s Randy doing?” Adam asked as he glanced down a hallway.
Kathy let out a deep exhale, “He’s a good guy but I think he’s a little skittish with the residents who have major medical issues. I don’t think you have anything to worry about when it comes to him taking your job.”
Adam let out a chuckle, “I was never worried. He just seems a little lazy. I’m sure you’ll crack the whip on him when he needs it.”
Kathy leaned forward, exposing a small line of cleavage, “Whip you say.”
Adam eyed the nurse before closing his eyes and smiling, “Kathy, you’re a bad girl.”
“I like to think I’m fun,” the nurse licked her lips before sitting back in her chair. “You better get to Randy before he tries to find a place to hide again.”
Adam nodded befor
e turning and making his way down the main hallway. A small heat flowed up his neck as images of Kathy’s advances played on. She tried every chance she could to go out with him but the hectic schedule and crazy hours seemed to always throw a wrench in the works. Adam was concerned about office romances as he watched how they never seem to work out. It also didn’t help that he put his work first and everything else second. The nurse couldn’t escape the possibility that he would simply drive her nuts if he didn’t give her enough attention. Gloomy possibilities weighed heavy and Adam gently pushed them away. Duties crawled into his mind as he readied himself for the day ahead.
Stepping along, Beth moved along in her walker. When she saw him, her dour face curled into a loving smile. Adam walked up to her, took a hand and kissed the back of it. The older woman let out a small naughty giggle as he placed her hand back on the walker and gestured to help her to breakfast in the dining hall.
“No, thank you. I know you have a lot to do and I won’t keep you. Be sure to say goodbye before you leave for the day,” Beth said with bright eyes.
“You know I will,” Adam smiled.
The large nurse continued his stride. Passing one of the lounges, he waved to the residents. Shaky hands rose up to wave back. Some smiled while others let out a small cheer.
“You better come back or we’re coming to your house and dragging you back,” One of the residents shouted back with his fellows nodding in agreement.
Adam stopped and looked to the group of older men. “You know I totally believe you’ll do it, Saul. Just don’t break my kneecaps; they’re the only pair I’ve got.”
The residents let out chuckles and small gasps of laughter. Adam waved them off and continued on down the hall. Sunlight poured from several windows and the nurse started to feel like the day was going to be a good one. Turning a corner, he continued walking until he reached an open door. Inside, a resident was sitting on the edge of his bed, holding onto his cane but not standing up.
Adam stepped into the doorway with a comforting smile, “Jacob, everything okay?”
The older man looked up to Adam’s kind face and gave a faint smile, “Yea. These damn legs don’t work like they used to.”
“I can get a wheelchair and roll you around today? It will give me an excuse to listen to more of your war stories.”
Jacob’s eyes glowed with warmth, “Adam, you’re too good for this place. Thanks, but I’ll manage. We still on for chess after lunch?”
“It’s already penciled in. Maybe you’ll let me win a match before I go on vacation?”
“Not a chance,” Jacob huffed.
Adam grinned, “Press the button if you need me. Don’t go over exerting yourself now. I’ll check on you later.”
“You better! That Randy guy isn’t man enough to fill one of your shoes. It’s going to be Hell without you here.”
“Randy seems like a good guy. Give him a chance.”
Jacob shook his head, “No.”
Adam stifled the chuckle begging to be released, “I’ll see you in a bit.”
The nurse gave a quick nod and moved on. After another turn, one of the main nurse stations loomed into view. A thin guy leaned against the desk area, eyes locked on his cell phone. The man didn’t even notice Adam as he walked right up and stood by him. The nurse gazed down to see an anime playing on the phone screen, barely clothed monsters girls all over a human man.
“Is it a good show?” Adam asked in a deep, threatening tone.
Randy turned his wide eyes to the stern-faced nurse, “Sorry! I had a quick break and….”
Adam’s stern look melted away, “Relax. I would suggest you don’t do that out in the open. If Susan caught you, she would write you up on the spot.”
Randy shifted on his feet as he put his cell phone in his pocket, “Sorry. I just needed a breather. It feels like everyone hates me here.”
Adam kept his eyes neutral, “They hate anybody who is new. Give them time and they will grow to love you.”
“I didn’t think it would be this hard. Now that you’re going on vacation, it’s going to be even harder,” Randy kept talking, hands moving as nervous energy writhed under his skin.
“Randy, take it easy. You have my number if you have any questions and the other nurses will help you out.”
The thin, young nurse let out a long exhale, shoulders sinking, “You’re right. I just want to make sure I do a good job.”
Adam nodded, “Don’t let the pressure get to you. Treat everyone like a person and attend to their needs, and you should be fine.”
Randy looked up into Adam’s kind eyes, “Thanks.”
Adam grinned, “Don’t mention it. Now let’s get to the duties list. I still have a few things to show you so bring something to jot down notes.”
Adam put an arm around the younger nurse’s shoulder as they walk down a brightly lit hallway.
***
The day spun on. Adam was having a good time as residents called on him constantly, only to talk and hand out presents. The nurse ate it up. He received cookies, gift cards and even two envelopes with cash. Try as he might to not accept the gifts, the residents threatened to riot if he didn’t take them. Adam graciously took the gifts, promising to spend any money on things for the residents to make their stay as fun as possible. A touch of sadness wormed up from the depths of his heart. He was going to miss many of them over the next few weeks. Vacations were meant to relax and recuperate but Adam felt like he was leaving his family. All day he made endless promises to return or face their wrath.
Adam was walking down the hall, remembering he had to see Jacob for their chess game. The old man was a tough chess player, relentless in his strategy. Adam never held back when he played, yet every time Jacob would out maneuver his pieces to victory. It was a daily battle but what Adam really loved about it were the war stories Jacob would tell while kicking his ass. Adam remembered in the beginning how Jacob would sit, sour and alone most of the time. It took Adam a few weeks to warm up to him. After that, the respect between them seemed to pull back the sour façade to reveal a kind man who’d had a hard life. Adam continued to play a game almost every day with him, and Jacob seemed to come to finally accept his life.
Adam smirked as he turned a corner, trying to hold back the tide of regret for being in a good mood. He had just a few hours left, and he would be back in his car heading home. If he thought too long about it, he was going to march into Susan’s office and cancel the whole thing. She would never accept it but it was a comforting thought.
The nurse raised his gaze. Down the hall, Randy stood in front of a doorway, his eyes the size of saucers. A hint of confusion wrinkled Adam’s brow before a tidal wave of knowing crashed into him. The large nurse broke into a run, charging toward a frozen Randy. Heart pounding in his chest, Adam nearly crashed into the thin nurse and turned to peer into the room.
Jacob lay face down on the rug, body convulsing. Limbs trembled while white foam dripped from the sides of his mouth. Jacob’s cane lay a foot away as the old man made strange grunts. Adam charged into the room to a cabinet shelf. Nearly ripping the door off, he looked in to see an empty container amid some medical supplies.
“Where’s his medication!” Adam growled.
“I….I…was on my way to fill it….” Randy stuttered as he was rooted to the spot.
Adam’s training kicked in, reining in powerful impulses to smack the stunned nurse back in to reality. The nurse fell to his knees next to Jacob’s body as it trembled uncontrollably.
“Go to station 4, second shelf. His back up is there,” Adam ordered.
Randy didn’t move.
“Randy!” Adam shouted.
The nurse looked to Adam with wide, unblinking eyes.
“Station 4, second shelf,” Adam said firmly.
The nurse nodded quickly before turning and darting down the hall.
Adam turned his head and reached down with meaty arms. He gently took hold of Jacob as his body shook
. The nurse turned him on his side knowing he had to make sure his breathing was clear. He kept calm eyes on the resident. The older man’s expression was filled with stunned fear as he had no control over his body. He bucked and shook while he tried to speak. All that came out were stunted yelps and gurgles.
“Jacob, it’s alright, I’m here. This will pass. We have to see it to the end. I’m not going to leave your side,” Adam said with a firm and reassuring tone.
A burst of frothing foam hit the rug. Adam didn’t even notice as he kept his eyes on Jacob’s. The nurse kept his grip firm and held Jacob on his side as the convulsions continued.
“Take deep breaths. Breathe in and let it out. Breathe in and let it out. Do it with me,” Adam said as he inhaled and then exhaled.
Something sparked in Jacob’s eyes. The old man took a shaky inhale and a trembling exhale. The convulsions began to lessen as a fire bloomed in his heart, imitating the nurse as he breathed in and out.
“Keep doing that. Breathe in and breathe out. I hope you didn’t go through all this trouble to get out of me kicking your ass in chess.”
Jacob’s mouth barely turned into a smirk as he breathed in and out in a steady rhythm. The convulsions began to ebb as both men continued to match their breathing. Randy appeared at the doorway with an auto-injector pen.
Adam held out a hand while never taking his eyes away from Jacob. Randy stepped in and placed the injector in Adam’s open hand. Fingers curled around it as the nurse brought his hand down. The injector hit Jacob’s thigh and medication entered his body. The convulsions lessened in moments. Nurses gathered at the doorway as Adam continued to breathe with the fallen man. Jacob’s breathing grew calmer.
Adam tightened his grip on Jacob’s arm, “I’m here for you, man. Don’t give up. You’re doing great.”
Jacob managed a small nod. It was enough for Adam to return it with a smile.
***
Adam walked along-side the paramedics. Jacob was on a stretcher, a breathing mask over his nose and mouth. The ambulance back doors were open. The paramedics reached the back and prepared to collapse the stretcher. Adam looked down, eyes sunken in but trying to remain upbeat.