Last Horizon: Live

by Daniel Schinhofen

  Alvira's smile broadened as she slid over to Kittish, “Mind if I scrub your back, then?”

  Amythyst looked at the two elves and shook her head, turning to Phobee, “We won't bite Phobee, and the water is nice.”

  Phobee nodded and joined the rest of the group as the maid began to lay out various soaps and oils next to the tub. As Amythyst looked them over Phobee spoke up and started to describe each of them in turn.

  The next ten minutes the women all used the various soaps and oils to freshen up. As Amythyst and Kittish were about done they noticed a two hour buff.

  Presentable; for the next two hours you gain a small bonus to interactions with NPCs.

  “Oh, so bathing gives a bonus as well,” Kittish said with a smile.

  Alvira ran her hand over Kittish's flank and spoke in a whisper, “More than one at times.”

  Kittish grinned and winked at Alvira before turning to Tabitha and asking a question, “How long until the feast is ready?”

  Tabitha was finishing rinsing her hair, “Oh at least a double handful of minutes.”

  Theresa leaned back and lounged in the water, “Thank both of you again for getting that package from Smee.”

  “It was our pleasure, Theresa,” Amythyst responded and lay back in the water.

  “Was the journey difficult?” Phobee asked eyes a little wide.

  “Not with the two men they have with them I would guess,” Camelia chuckled. “I would have seen about the tall one if he wasn't already taken.” Camelia winked at Amythyst, “You lucky woman, I bet he rides like a stallion.”

  Amythyst blushed slightly but grinned, “A stallion falters long before he does.”

  Camelia and Alvira broke out into deep laughs causing Amythyst to blush a little more. “I would prefer the thick one myself,” Alvira commented after the laughter died down. “Say what you want about dwarves in other respects. When it comes to the bedroom they have the stamina to go all night.”

  Kittish grinned, “Oh that he does. What do you say, Tabitha?”

  Tabitha was a little red as she replied, “My Bjorn is the perfect match for me.”

  Theresa cut in, “Ah but a tailor knows how to use his hands the best.”

  The banter died out after a bit and the women started to get out and dry off. Kittish was about to follow when Amythyst touched her arm and shook her head. Kittish went back to lounging and smiled as she watched Alvira dry off.

  “Staying a bit longer?” Tabitha asked.

  Amythyst nodded, “Another minute or two. We won't be long.” The others got dressed and left with Alvira tossing Kittish a wink as she went out the door.

  Amythyst turned to Kittish as the others left, “I’ve been meaning to ask you something. How is he doing?”

  Kittish frowned before sighing, “The pain is getting worse. The dull ache he’s been dealing with is becoming more pronounced. He’s not sleeping as well as he was. He thinks he bruised his ribs yesterday as well.”

  Amythyst looked puzzled and Kittish explained, “He always used to thump his chest when he felt a burp coming on. He did that yesterday and winced and made a comment about not doing that again. When I pressed him he explained the spot was tender but not painful like a break would be.”

  Amythyst hugged Kittish, who was holding back tears, “Is there anything we can do to help?”

  Kittish shook her head, “No. He wants to be here as much as he can. He doesn't feel the pain when he’s here. At the moment nothing major has happened so I’m trying to do what I can to make things easier for him.”

  Amythyst let her friend go and got out to dry off, “If there is anything, please tell us. The reason we haven't left to see my sister already is that Will wants to be here when David goes. He was afraid if he left he wouldn't be here. So we won't be going for a while yet.”

  Kittish nodded, “That is kind, but you don't have to.”

  “It is what he wants and I will not begrudge him this wish. Frankly, I want to be here to help you when the time comes as well.”

  Kittish smiled sadly and got out to dry off, “Thank you.”

  A few minutes later the door opened and Alvira came back in holding a pair of boots in her hand. “Kittish, I have your boots.” She walked over and sat down next to Kittish before handing them over.

  Kittish grinned and began to put them on as Amythyst shook her head and went out the door, “I’ll see you downstairs.”

  Kittish didn't reply as she got the boots on and stood up. The heels of the boots gave her another three inches of height. “I think he will be sad. His face won't be in my tits with these on.”

  Alvira giggled, “But if I stand up we are matched in height.” She followed words to actions and met Kittish's eyes with smoldering eyes. “About the little bit of play in the tub and the insinuations.”

  Kittish let a smile flow across her face before leaning in and exchanging a kiss with Alvira, “I think we can come to some kind of agreement. If we stay in here too long though, everyone will come looking for us.” Taking Alvira's hand she led the other elf out the door, her hips swaying and feeling the eyes on her. “Oh yes, I am sure he will be most agreeable.”

  Feast and Revelry

  Terets and Dumadin made it down to the main room to find it filling quickly. A big table had been brought in and sitting at it were Karst, Thund, Ivan, Dunstun and Weskit. The duo were waved over by the group who greeted them with thanks and handshakes. Bjorn brought over four pitchers of different drinks followed by a maid with a tray full of mugs.

  “Mead, ale, wine and the last being whiskey. Take it easy with the last one, my cousin brewed it and he always makes it strong.” Bjorn said with a chuckle while setting the pitchers down.

  “Now we wait for the women folk,” Karst chuckled. “I always wonder why it takes them so long.”

  Dunstun cleared his throat, getting the others attention, “I think from hints Theresa has dropped it is because they are scrubbing with soap. I am just saying it might be something for you to consider, Weskit.”

  Thund's laughter boomed out, stopping all other conversations for a moment. “Oh he got you good there, Weskit,” Thund said as he grabbed the pitcher of whiskey and poured himself a full mug of it.

  Dumadin blinked watching the boisterous fellow fill his mug and glanced at Karst who gave a small shake of his head. Following Karst's lead he grabbed the pitcher of mead and poured a cup for himself and Terets. “How has business been for you all?”

  Ivan frowned and snorted, “I've taken the brunt of the thefts. So many small and simple goods have vanished from my shelves. If not for your group’s earlier purchases I might have had to contemplate closing up shop.”

  “Ivan has indeed taken the brunt of it. I also have had some items walk out with adventurers. While my items cost a bit more than his it is easy to see someone grab a shirt and walk out.” Dunstun said taking a sip of his ale.

  Karst shook his head, “That is why my wares are a bit more secured by keeping them all behind the counter.”

  Weskit shrugged, “I lost all of two leather caps with the steel ribbing on them. Annoying, but hardly breaking, more so with the purchases you all made earlier.”

  Bjorn patted Ivan on the shoulder, “Soon that will all be behind you Ivan. They have given us enough to fund four guards for the year. Which is why we are holding this feast. Dado promised to have himself and his brothers here inside of five days.”

  Dumadin smiled at the name of Dado, “I think I have heard of this guard Dado before. A dwarf of bearing and used to the work is he not?”

  Bjorn chuckled, “Aye. He worked here for a few months before we couldn't pay him anymore. We will be glad to have him back indeed. We offered him the spot of sergeant as well.”

  Terets took a sip of his mead, “That’s good then. I heard good things about the dwarf and his dedication to duty.”

  Thund hiccupped and looked up blearily, “What was in my mug?”

  Bjorn picked up the empty cup and
sniffed before laughing, “You idiot, that was whiskey.”

  “Oh goodness, I don't feel well.” Thund mumbled before face planting on the table.

  Bjorn sighed and motioned to Weskit and Karst, “Take him home, please. We will hold off on the food until you get back.”

  Karst chuckled, “He never pays attention when people warn him.”

  The two crafters got Thund's snoring form up between them and half carried and half dragged him out the door. A few of the other players wandered over to ask what was going on. Bjorn held up a hand and whistled loudly to get everyone's attention.

  “Adventurers, we will be having a feast here in about half a glass. Food will be provided and on the side boards free of charge. Drinks will be half their normal price during the feast.” Bjorn had to pause at the cheer, “This is due to the fact the town will be having guards here in the next few days. Champions of Stoutbank have helped fund the guards to help protect this town.”

  A bigger cheer went up from the players in the inn when Bjorn stopped talking. A few moments later Bjorn was busy behind the bar filling drink orders. Dunstun chuckled and sipped his drink, “I do so hope they don't take too long in the bath, I am feeling a mite hungry.”

  No sooner where the words out of his mouth then the women started to come downstairs. Alvira gave a perfunctory nod to the guys as she hurried out the door. Dumadin watched her go and sighed, sad that he wasn't going to be able to talk with her.

  The women joined the table and poured themselves drinks as Weskit and Karst came back in the door. The chat picked up amongst the NPCs and Dumadin marveled at how well the interaction played out between them. Terets nudged him when Alvira came back in and hurried up the stairs without stopping.

  Dumadin chuckled, “She had the boots Kittish ordered. Oh wait, that means Kittish will be even taller.”

  Terets laughed and nudged his friend, “No boob sandwich for you.”

  Dumadin laughed and turned to Camelia, who asked after Stoutlegs, “He is good Camelia, thank you for asking. All of our mounts are doing very well indeed, we get them a little exercise every day.”

  Terets stood up and pulled a chair out as Amythyst came down the stairs and smiled at him. “Your seat, my lady,” he murmured as he sat her and reclaimed his seat next to her.

  “Why thank you, kind sir,” she gave him a kiss on the cheek and turned to Dumadin. “Kittish will be down in a moment, Alvira was delivering some boots.”

  Dumadin smiled broadly and popped to his feet when Kittish and Alvira came down the stairs hand in hand. His mouth went dry and his heart rate sped up while his smile grew broad. Kittish caught his eyes and her sparkling eyes were full of laughter as she winked at him. His eyes shifted to Alvira who met his eyes with a smoldering heat in hers. He stepped back and pulled chairs to either side of his out for them.

  “Thank you lover,” Kittish said with a smoky voice as he seated her.

  “So charming and handsome, my thanks kind sir,” Alvira murmured with a husky voice as she eyed him over her shoulder.

  Taking his seat between them he was grinning like a fool when he heard Terets, “Oh gods, they’re at it again.”

  Laughing Dumadin turned his eyes over to his friend, “Hush you, happiness is what you make of it.”

  Terets just shook his head while holding Amythyst's hand on the table, “Nothing I say will change the tide of the ocean. Besides, I would never tell you to not pursue what happiness you can find.”

  A moment later Bjorn and Tabitha started to bring out platter after platter of food and set it along the sideboards. “Food for the feast. Three cheers for the Champions of Stoutbank and their generosity.”

  The players and NPCs gave three loud huzzahs for the group, who were all smiles. On the third huzzah Bjorn stood back and let the players at the food. A moment later the large table had a platter put onto it for the NPCs and the group of friends.

  “Tonight you can stay here in our best rooms. Our thanks once again, Champions.” Bjorn said before he hurried off to get more drinks.

  As the feast went on a few tables were removed to make way for a dance floor. Weskit produced a flute, Karst brought forth a hand drum and lastly Phobee brought out a lyre. The trio of NPCs began to play a lively tune which prompted Dunstun and Theresa to get up and start dancing.

  The next two hours saw many NPCs and players dancing together. Kittish nudged Amythyst and pointed to Camelia doing a slow dance with one of the people they’d met during beta, Kristof Runeblade.

  “Maybe he can swing her sights away from unattainable,” Kittish said in a soft tone so the guys wouldn’t over hear.

  Amythyst nodded before pulling Terets off to the dance floor for a dance. Kittish followed suit, leading Dumadin onto the floor. As the song ended Alvira cut in to dance with Kittish, causing Dumadin to grin and chuckle before stepping back.

  Dumadin didn’t waste much time and claimed a dance with Amythyst, making Terets shake his head.

  “Mind your manners with the lady,” Terets told him as he handed Amythyst over to the dwarf.

  Dumadin smirked and presented his arms in a classic waltz positioning. “Lady Amythyst, care to see how a real gentleman dances?”

  Amythyst laughed and looked at Terets, “Sure, but first I will dance with you.”

  Dumadin laughed and began to pace off the steps with, her twirling her around the floor in time to the music. As the song ended he dipped her and kissed her cheek. He stood her back up and handed her off to Terets. “Let’s see you top that?”

  Terets raised a brow and then dipped Amythyst for a passionate kiss. The crowd looked on and began to cheer. A minute later he stood her back up and smiled to the cheering crowd. “I say I win.”

  Amythyst was red but smiling, “That was a better dip, that’s for sure.”

  Laughing, Dumadin went to exit the dance floor but was caught by Alvira. “Care to dance?” she asked, and not waiting for an answer pulled him into a tight embrace and began to slow dance him around the floor to the laughter of others.

  When the dance ended Dumadin was released, red of face and gasping. “Best dance I’ve had all night,” was all he got out after finally been released from her busty chest.

  “Oh, I think we can do better,” Kittish purred in his ear.

  Dumadin began to turn towards her but was suddenly pinned between Kittish and Alvira, who smothered him and began to dance. Those who were watching broke out into mad laughter.

  When the song ended Dumadin fell to one knee gasping. “I have think that was the best dance tonight,” he said, still catching his breath.

  Shortly afterwards the group watched Kristof leave with Camelia and chuckled. A moment later Alvira whispered to Kittish, who nodded eagerly. The two women stood up quickly and grabbed Dumadin, towing him out of the inn.

  “If you don’t see me in three days, do NOT send a rescue team as I will have died happy.” He said as he went out the door with the women, causing those who heard to laugh.

  Terets watched his friends go and shook his head with a smile. “I don’t know how they do it. Years together and even bringing others into their relationship and never a major fight.”

  Amythyst smiled at her lover and leaned her head on his arm, “I hope we can be like them then.”

  Terets kissed her before replying, “Me too, but without the extra people.” He stood up and took her arm leading her towards the stairs. “Let’s retire for the night, we can get the bonus xp by logging out in a room.”

  Amythyst went with him but with a puzzled expression, “Isn’t every man’s fantasy to have two women at once?”

  Terets shook his head, “Not mine, and besides I don’t want to share you with anyone. I’m just greedy that way.” He pulled her into the room with a smile and kissed her as the door shut.

  Day Off

  Will grumbled and picked up his phone, shaking off sleep as he did, “What?”

  “Will, it's Miriam. We won't be on tomorrow. There has been
a slight issue and I wanted to let you know.”

  “What happened?” His voice went serious as he considered the worst implications of the late night call.

  “Nothing tragic, thank the light,” Miriam whispered. “We’re at the hospital currently and there’s no reason for you to rush down here. David had a bit of an accident when we logged out the game.”

  Lavender sat up in bed, woken by Will tensing up next to her, “What's wrong, love?”

  Will patted her hand before turning back to the call, “What happened?”