by Eden Redd
Lance, Sonja and Juna looked to the older assassin with wide eyes.
“It hasn’t been decided yet, but there have been rumors of shutting down Lewd Saga so they can wipe the AI programs. Some feel that if they shut it down and reboot, the awakened AI’s will cease to exist. It would be starting with a clean slate; one where they can control Lukken’s growth and prevent any AI from waking up again.”
Jinn looked to Juna, “I won’t let them take you away again.”
“We…we have to stop it,” Sonja said as heat flared up her neck.
Jinn nodded. “We will, sort of. The first thing we need to do is save Oksuna. Once we have her, we can start herding the awakened to a phantom server, a place just like Lukken but under our control.”
Jinn looked to Sonja and Lance, confidence filling his brow. “There is a secret group working on the inside of Eden Corp. They want to save the awakened as well. They are waiting for my word before they start gathering the awakened and moving them to the phantom server. It can’t happen at once, or others in the company will see what is happening. The process will be slow but we have to work within the game rules.”
Lance smiled, “You had me at ‘save Oksuna’.”
“The dread lords know their time is limited. I have a feeling they are going to try and beat the system somehow. I have been watching their movements and they are working on something big.”
Sonja stepped closer, placing a hand over Jinn’s heart, “You can tell us all about it in the morning. I speak for Lance and me when I say, we missed you.”
“I missed you both, more than I can ever say,” Jinn smiled.
Juna stood up from the couch, stretching her arms. “I’ll take my leave. My bed is calling.”
The three looked to the half-troll, an uncomfortable silence filling the room.
Juna smiled as she moved to the door and turned her head. “Father, I have many of your memories, even the intimate ones. Take care of each other and we can plan on how to get mom back. Goodnight.”
The half-troll opened the door, stepped out and closed it behind her. The three players looked to each other, warmth filling the room. No words were spoken as bodies shed clothes. Touching each other felt like returning home and when bodies joined, hearts sang to a private symphony of love.
***
Rayna’s chest arched upwards as pleasure washed over sleepy senses. The bard could not contain a throaty moan as a figure moved under furs covering her body. Heat rising and eyes widening, Rayna tried to control the rising lust. It burned at her soul, wanting to unleash storms of bliss. Fighting for every ounce of control, she only managed a whisper when the fever grew too hot.
“Please…stop…” the bard managed as her vision clouded.
The fur blanket slipped away as Claudia pushed up on all fours, her mouth, cheeks and chin glistening in the morning light. The lancer licked her lips as she crawled over the bard and nestled next to her, eyes filled with humorous energy.
“I…created…a….monster,” Rayna whispered as she slid her thighs against each other.
“She was always there,” the lancer said, running her hand over Rayna’s small curves.
The bard shifted her attention and body, facing the nude lancer and a hand running down her smooth stomach. Fingers touched the lancer’s valley and caressed her raised nub. Wetness flowed as Claudia’s hips moved to the rhythmic touch of her friend.
“When there’s time, I’ll have to teach you as well,” Rayna said in a low tone, eyes on the lancer as she enjoyed the intimate touch.
Claudia said nothing, her breath sultry. Eyes closed as she grabbed Rayna’s wrist, keeping her hand still as her hips moved against wet fingers. Rayna watched; her own fire growing as the once shy lancer was hungry for more. Claudia’s mouth made a perfect O and a moment later, her body shuddered from internal explosions. Biting her lip, she rode the wave, letting it wash over every frayed nerve, her hips not slowing down.
Claudia eyes opened; some semblance of control returning. “Is Edric okay?”
Rayna eyed the lancer.
Claudia’s eyes closed and continued, “I saw him first before coming here. He seemed to not be home. He ordered me to do things but after a few orgasms, he passed out.”
Rayna’s eyes took on a sad edge, “I think Elora’s death affected him.”
Claudia’s hips stopped moving as she opened her eyes again. “He was in love,” the lancer said sadly.
Rayna moved her hand, touching Claudia’s waist. “I think he’s working out his grief. I caught him sneaking off and spending time with Leeta. She seemed eager to please but he looked like he just wanted to feel better.”
Claudia snuggled closer, her own eyes growing distant.
Rayna continued, “I had a friend once who went through the same thing. He came to me upset and I thought I could help him feel better. At first, it was great, and then it became something else. His depression turned to anger and he took it out on me.”
Claudia looked into Rayna’s dark purple eyes, concern filling her brow.
“Our friendship turned into something hard and cruel, he…choked me sometimes to the point of passing out. I remember the orgasms were the best I ever had but the marks on my neck turned from badges of honor to something wrong. I didn’t know at the time he was training me to like them and then love them. I was young and innocent. It pushed my body in ways I never imagined but now, I can’t control myself when I get to worked up. I need the pain to help control it.”
“Is that what you and Edric were doing before Faye and I came to you the other night? Were you training him?”
Rayna gave a small smirk before letting it fade. “I was. He was very good, attentive and careful. I know he can be a lover I can trust. But now, I can’t be with him, not in this state. He needs to work out his grief until he is himself again.”
“What happened to your friend?”
Rayna looked away, “One night, he nearly killed me. I woke up in the hospital. When I returned home, he left me a note, unable to forgive himself. He disappeared and I haven’t seen him since.”
The bard turned her gaze to the lancer, “We have to be there for him. I don’t believe he would ever overstep a rule or boundary but he is grieving. I think he will be fine, when the light returns to his eyes.”
Claudia gave a slight nod.
Rayna’s wicked smirk returned as she stared at the lancer, “I like the new you.”
The lancer grinned, “Me too. I feel like a weight lifted from my spirit. I have all of you to thank. Faye gave me comfort, you helped shed my shell and Edric, he opened my heart again.”
The bard nodded. “Just be careful with Edric. He may say or do things he hasn’t done before. It won’t be the real him.”
Claudia smiled. “I know.”
The bard sat up and stretched her arms. “We should get up. The wyverns should be fully grown today and we need to learn how to ride them.”
Claudia reached up and grabbed the bard by the arm. With a gentle tug, she pulled her back down.
“Okay but I need one more before we go.”
“Slut,” Rayna smiled before her fingers worked the lancer like a musical instrument.
***
A large group gathered before a wyvern tower. At the top, wyverns looked down with serpent eyes and wings flexing. Ralis stood before the tower, facing the group with an instructor’s attitude. Edric, Faye, Claudia and Rayna stood while many more peered from behind them. Sunlight bathed the area in brilliant light as Ralis took another step forward and addressed the class.
“Wyverns can be loyal and fierce companions as long as you treat them with respect and love. They want to serve but you must be open and willing to invite them into your heart. Edric, please step forward.”
Edric glanced up at the scaled beasts and took a step forward. A wyvern’s scales rattled along its long neck before it launched, wings spreading out. It glided to the ground before the summoner, a low hiss filling the space
between them. Edric gave a small smile before taking a step closer and lifting his hand. The wyvern stalked closer, almond shaped nostrils flaring before it sniffed at his raised hand. Faye, Claudia and Rayna watched with a concerned edge, unsure what was going to happen next.
The wyvern took another few steps closer, its head and neck coiling around the summoner. Edric lifted his hand, touching its neck and giving it a slight pat. The wyvern opened its maw, a long-pointed tongue snaking out and licking the summoner’s face. Relief flowed through the group as the wyvern made small loving growls, pressing its body to the side of Edric and wings trying to cover him.
“Hi beautiful,” Edric said to the wyvern like they’d known each other their entire lives.
Ralis gave an approving nod before he turned his eyes to the crowd, “Rayna.”
The bard gave the troll a nervous glance before taking a few steps forward. A wyvern gnashed its pointed teeth before gliding down and landing before the bard. Rayna lifted a hand, imitating what Edric had done, her fingers giving off a small tremble. The wyvern blew out a strong exhale before its entire body shot forward. Rayna’s eyes went wide as the bulk of the creature rammed into her chest and sent her flying to the ground. The bard’s wrists nearly twisted to the sides, ready to produce her wands as the wyvern glared down.
“Hey now,” Edric said in a low tone.
The wyvern turned its head to the summoner before looking down at the bard again.
Ralis crossed his arms, “If you’re nervous, the wyvern is nervous.”
“I’m used to fighting monsters, not riding them,” Rayna shot back.
The troll smirked. “It seems today is a day of firsts.”
The wyvern stalked closer, lowering its snout to the bard’s hand but not touching it. Rayna was hesitant for a moment before her hand reached out and touched the scaly snout. The uneasiness between them dimmed and soon the wyvern let out a small, almost cat-like purr.
“Better,” Ralis smiled.
Claudia looked up at the wyverns gathered on their roosts. The lancer pointed at one, bent her legs and jumped into the air. A wyvern roared as it jumped from its perch and glided under the lancer. Claudia turned in the air and fell, landing on the wyvern’s back, the two of them shouting and roaring.
“This is amazing,” the lancer shouted as the wyvern dipped and flew higher into the air.
All eyes turned to the lancer and wyvern as they soared high above Elora, flipping, turning and roaring into the morning sky.
Ralis turned his gaze back to the group, “And then you have those who are just naturals. Faye, you’re next.”
***
The council chamber filled with bodies. Servants brought extra chairs but the table wasn’t big enough. Two rings of seats lined the council table as Leeta, Dumadin, Thalia, Lunatina and Ralis stood against one wall. The rulers of Elora took their places at each of the four main seats, Jinn, Juna, Lance and Sonja filling the spots between the rulers. The outside ring held Renner, Vass, Thorrin, Venner, Lydia, Sekka, Skalor and Vanya.
Edric leaned forward, his demeanor relaxed but his eyes holding a subdued intensity. “I’m glad we can all meet. I’m sure we all want to bring a plan together now that the portal gate is almost complete.”
“Aye my lord,” Dumadin chimed in. “The dark elves have been working around the clock to bring it to completion and it should be ready by tomorrow.”
Edric nodded, “I think it’s safe to assume we need to come up with a plan once we arrive on the Cursed Coast. What should we expect once we arrive and how do we want to handle it?”
Jinn nodded. “The forests hold large monsters and blood drinking trees, just to name a few of the things we may have to deal with. There is a small town called Dark Hearth. The townsfolk do not like outsiders much but they are friendly enough. Just beyond the town and forests, Drakkus Thorne is the ruling lord of the lands and protects the locals. He will give us shelter if we have to stay the night.”
“Can he be trusted,” Claudia asked.
Sonja nodded before she spoke, “He was a gentleman and gave us a few nights to recoup from the journey. I’m sure if we show up; he will open his doors to us.”
“He may give us shelter but that’s right before the hard part,” Lance added. “There is an undead city called Nekross. It’s filled to the brim with undead of all kinds. A dread lord resides there, Riktess Grim.”
“He favors the bow and the dude looks like a lady,” Renner laughed.
Vass punched the rogue on the shoulder. Venner and Lydia rolled their eyes.
Thorrin smiled before it faded and he spoke up, “The city will have an army of ghosts. Even if we are flying over, we may have a battle on our hands. There are several paladins and clerics that have volunteered to join us. Our combined power might be able to keep them at bay until we reach the mountain pass.”
“The mountain pass’ guardians and wall were destroyed during our last encounter there,” said Lance. “We should have a clear path to the Serpent Throne once we get past Nekross.”
Edric nodded, “Then we have to decide who exactly is going on this raid quest?”
The small murmur filled the chamber. Faye looked around, watching as Vanya and Skalor spoke in hushed tones. Jinn, Lance and Sonja shot each other a glance, small smiles appearing. Juna nodded, keeping her eyes on Edric.
Renner looked down. Vass touched his shoulder, her eyes containing a hint of sadness. Edric watched as emotions played out across the room. It was clear some wished to make the journey but it wasn’t unanimous. Doubt reared up like a venomous snake but it was Vanya and Skalor who stood up.
“We can never thank you enough for providing shelter for our children but I fear we cannot join you on this quest,” Skalor stated. “Despite our victory, my people must continue to gather our strength to retake the northern kingdoms. With heartfelt regret, we must decline.”
The four rulers looked to the dragon in nalik form.
“We understand,” Faye said simply.
“We wish you the best on your journey,” Vanya said with a bow.
The two nalik’s turned and left the council chamber, closing the heavy door behind them.
Renner gritted his teeth before he looked up to Jinn, “We can’t go with you.”
The room looked to the rogues and their children. Venner and Lydia’s eyes widened as they sat straighter in their seats.
“We…,” Renner began before he grew quiet.
Vass kept her hand on his shoulder, sorrow touching her eyes. “We talked about it. The quest might be a simple one but we decided we can’t take that chance, not with our children.”
“Father, we can fight,” Venner said with conviction.
“Mother, we have to help,” Lydia followed up.
“No,” Renner said with a voice like a hammer. “You both may be strong,” the rogue looked to Jinn and Juna before his eyes lowered, “We can’t let you risk your lives. We saw the consequences and…”
Jinn looked across the table, his gruff features sliding to understanding kindness. “Renner, Vass, I’m sure we can manage. If I was in your place, I believe I would do the same.”
Jinn turned his gaze to Juna, his heart warming. “Juna, I would ask you to stay but I know you won’t listen…nor could I deny you seeing your mother again.”
Juna’s eyes glistened as she gave her father an approving nod.
Renner stood up, Vass at his side. “I’m sorry everyone. We will stay and help defend Elora but we cannot come with you.”
The room was quiet as the two rogues made their way to the chamber door. Venner and Lydia looked to each other, clearly wanting to say more but knowing it wouldn’t change their parent’s minds. Reluctantly, they followed behind. At the door, they looked back as if to apologize with their eyes before following their parents and closing the door behind them.
A somber mood washed over the room. Edric eyed everyone, seeing no one else showing any signs of leaving. The silent mood remained but
clear determination shined from everyone present.
Sekka smiled a devilish grin, “My mistress has directed me to assist any way I can. It would be prudent for me to join you on this quest to lend aid. We are after all, allies.”
Edric smiled, “It looks like we have our raid group.”
Faye looked to the courtesans, “You three will stay behind to ensure the kingdom is well taken care of.”
Thalia and Lunatina bowed. Dumadin hesitated, his eyes on the wood elf.
“I can be of…” the dwarf began.
“Thank you Dumadin,” Faye cut him off. “The kingdom needs strength and you must prepare a warm welcome for our return,” the wood elf finished with a warm smile.
Dumadin’s cheeks turned pink above his thick beard before he bowed, “As you will, my lady.”
“Let’s talk strategies and supplies,” Edric started as the group focused on the tasks before them, a sense of purpose connecting all of them together as one.
***
Edric’s heartbeat a little faster with every step, fellow rulers and allies following from behind. The summoner took in the sight before him and a nervous tendril arced up his spine. A large gray dome stood past the wyvern towers. Thick metal doors stood open, an arcane light shining from inside the large dome.
The group made their way to the entrance, stepping in and taking in the details. A large portal stood on a stone base. Dark elves moved about, ensuring it was in working order. To the sides, wyverns waited. The beasts turned their dragon-like heads to the group and called out to their riders. The air inside was cool as the sun shined outside. It was early morning but the evening coolness stayed in the thick stone dome.
Edric called up his stats and moved them to the corner of his vision.