User blog:Mauller/Absolution 020

Absolution, Chapter:020


The delicate silver gauntlet of the angel back handed me across the cheek. ‘Get it together! You are under a charm! Snap out of it human!’ The thin metal and filigree gave it a fragile appearance, but it was like being hit with a block of iron. An obvious masterpiece in metallurgy and craftsmanship.

Why am I considering the construction of this woman’s armour in the middle of battle? Also, she hit me! so why would I care? She is rather beautiful though, that face, those pouty lips. And ice blue eyes full of intellect that peer into the depths of your soul.

She hit me again. And as though a cloth had been dropped from my vision the world came into focus. The sounds of the battle returned and the pull I felt towards this woman dissipated. I was glad that she saved me, till she back handed me a third time.

‘Ah! Stupid human! We don’t have time for this!’ The moment her hand raised I went to block the oncoming blow.

‘Wait! I’m okay now!’

‘Good, now get back in rank. And let me do my job!’ The moment she released me, she ran towards the oncoming horde while raising her sword. ‘For the lord mother! Bring divine judgment upon all those who seek to corrupt and destroy this world!’

A war cry went out across the battlefield. The soldiers I had broken away from were rallying after her and began heading towards me. With that, I picked up my sword and returned to the front of the formation. And found myself Shouting as we raced behind the shining, winged woman.

Like a saviour from above, she had become a beacon of hope to the disorganised men. Those who had broken rank formed up alongside my own wedge.

The enemy line was closing fast. When the Angel sent three orcs flying, we knew we stood a chance. And like a precision instrument, she cut through the oncoming forces. Forcing them back when the human forces clashed with the enemy line.

Time blurred during the thick of battle. I did not know whether it had been a few minutes or hours that had passed. But our victory was assured when the enemy retreated. Various bodies, human and monster, laid spread on the battlefield. Yet from a quick visual inspection, our remaining numbers and the bodies did not add up.

‘Well, they must have taken prisoners…’ I looked around, Merse was walking towards me. It was amusing as a flag bearer followed along with a group of retainers. She always came across as a bad mouthed soldier, I never thought she had the privileges of a lady. Although seeing the serpent banner helped others find her.

‘What is that thoughtful look for? Not the look I was expecting from someone who had seen their first battle.’ Merse stopped by the rock I was sat on and looked over the landscape. ‘We almost lost two hundred, maybe more once the final count comes in.’

‘It doesn’t make sense… they seemed the stronger force, even once that squadron of angels appeared. Yet they kept a quarter of their number in reserve.’ My forehead hurt, I looked up at Merse and she was staring at me with an amused smile.

‘Well look who is the tactician, they always do that when testing our forces. Push with their grunts and hold a rear line of specials.’ She shook her head then looked more glum when turning to face what remained of the battle. ‘These attacks have been escalating in frequency and size, this was the largest so far. We have never needed to mobilise two of the barracks till now. I just hope we don’t see them again for a while.’

Something was floating on the periphery of my memory. But the headache grew worse whenever I tried to catch it. ‘Maybe they plan to attack the city?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Then let whatever demonic god they worship help them try. Protecting the outer villages and towns is one thing, the city is another.’ Merse winked then started to leave, her entourage following. ‘The cities barrier is more than a match for a siege. I would love to see them try to contend with it. Oh, I expect to see you in my office first thing in the morning Martin. Don’t be late!’

<p class="MsoNormal">I watched the boisterous, white haired woman disappear into the distance. But my work was not yet done, I still had to help clean up the mess.

<p style="text-align: center;"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">I dared not touch anything in case I broke it. De’s room was filled with fine ornaments and lace. Lots of lace. ‘why all of the pink?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘well, why not? Maybe it’s a favourite of mine. Now come and help me get out of this.’ De stood at the end of her bed with her back turned to me. ‘Come on before someone starts getting nosey and finds us.’

<p class="MsoNormal">My feet were moving on their own along with my hands. ‘Are you sure you are okay with this?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Of course I am, now stop yapping and help me get undressed.’ She kept fumbling her hands on the back of her dress while talking. A bow seemed to keep it tied together in the centre of her back. The fabric leaving her upper back exposed.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I, well…’ I could feel my face warming from the sudden close proximity.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I would not have asked you to come here if I did not trust you. All of those snobby lord-lings and merchant puffballs make me sick.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘But we only just-‘

<p class="MsoNormal">De sighed and her shoulders relaxed. ‘I don’t have any real friends… see, look how pathetic I sound. All of these people here for my birthday yet I am the one running around like a headless chicken. Trying to please people that see nothing of me but my family name.’ She breathed in deep then exhaled, I was unsure of what to do. But she chuckled after a moment and straightened again. ‘But anyway, I just need this little favour, okay?’

<p class="MsoNormal">I smiled and put a hand on her shoulder, giving it a friendly squeeze. ‘Sure, now let’s get you out of this dress.’ Halfway through untying the lace on the back of her dress, I realised what I said. And how it could have been taken in the wrong way. But De seemed happy and oblivious as she hummed to herself.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Having fun back there?’

<p class="MsoNormal">I jumped just as I finished untying the last loop. ‘Oh erm, no. Why do you ask?’

<p class="MsoNormal">My mischievous target chuckled and lifted a length of leather into the air. ‘Oh, since I got this without you noticing.’ With a wiggle her dress fell to the floor, leaving her standing in a low backed shawl.

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked down to notice that my own clothing had slid halfway down my legs. ‘Hey! Give that back!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Make me!’ De started laughing and holding the belt in front of herself. Leaving me grabbing around her sides to get it. It was awkward to catch since she kept sticking her bottom out and wiggling it in a defiant gesture. ‘Hah! Afraid of my cute little butt?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I am not afraid of your cute little butt! Why did I just say that?!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Hah! You just called it cute!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘That’s it! Give me back my belt and get dressed!’ I reached for the belt, but the step I took was made awkward by my trousers. The matter that they were around my knees was embarrassing enough. But the moment my shoe stood on the silk of De’s dress, it slipped. And as with any awkward situation I fell forwards.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What are you doing! Get off me!’ De wiggled around under me. ‘Quick before someone finds us!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I was telling you to hurry from the start!’ I tried getting up but my foot gave way again, leaving my crotch pinned against De’s rear.

<p class="MsoNormal">De let out a high pitched squeak ‘…! What are you doing back there!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Trying to get off! I mean trying to get you off! Trying to get up! You know what I mean!’

<p class="MsoNormal">We both went quiet when we heard a click. De looked back at me, my crotch still in the worst of places. The door to the room opened a crack and we could hear a man’s voice.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh… this is bad….’ De went stiff under me and looked terrified. Part of the man’s body entered the room, but his head remained outside. From the look of his clothing it was obvious he was high born and wealthy.

<p class="MsoNormal">I went to speak but De covered my mouth with a hand. ‘It’s daddy, just slowly back up.’ I tried doing what she said, but my foot gave way again. The sudden creak of a bed spring made us both panic and freeze.

<p class="MsoNormal">The man in the doorway started laughing when another male voice approached the door. We both remained still, not moving a muscle. De’s hand still over my mouth as I kept her pinned to the bed. But luck was on our side, De’s father left the room and closed the door behind himself.

<p class="MsoNormal">Once the coast seemed clear we both relaxed. ‘Well that was, wah!’ With a quick kick, De pushed me aside and onto the bed. She rolled over and laid next to me, clear embarrassment on her face.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Don’t talk about this to anyone… And your thing was against my bum!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What?! I couldn’t help it!’

<p class="MsoNormal">De looked amused and poked me in the nose. ‘Pervert, say you like my bum then try taking it for yourself. In my own bedroom!’ She started laughing before punching me in the shoulder. ‘Well, let’s finish what we started.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You mean the thing with my crotch and your bum?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yes… I mean no!’ She went bright red before she began insulting and hitting me. But I could not help laughing at the ridiculous situation. We both settled down after a few moments and just laid next to each other. Staring up at the night time scene that was painted on her bedroom ceiling.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Do you like stars?’ De held her hands in the air towards the scene. ‘I love stars, there is a special place I like to go. Would you… like to join me one evening?’

<p class="MsoNormal">I smiled at her. It was all I could do while holding back the sudden boundless energy I felt. ‘Sure, now let’s get you dressed.’ It did not take long. And before I knew it, I was standing with De among nobles, talking about trade and politics. Her arm looped though mine.

<p class="MsoNormal">The evening was long and she left my company a few times to talk with others. An unease filled me each time and I found myself tracing the outline of my dagger. But as often as she left I found myself surrounded by other girls of my own age. Some dragging me off to dance with them. But it often ended up with me dancing with a pouty De halfway through. The young lord-lings did not seem to like how she gravitated back to me.

<p class="MsoNormal">After a few goodbyes, I promised to meet with De again on the following Wednesday. I rushed back to my stash, stowed the Merchants son’s disguise. Then snuck past the guards on the inner city wall and returned to my home in the slums.

<p class="MsoNormal">I laid in bed, looking at the cracks in the ceiling. All I could think about was the time spent with De and the conversations we had.

<p class="MsoNormal">But something niggled me. I was supposed to have killed her, many chances came and went. Yet getting close to her could be a means to an end. I will have to keep the promise I made and meet her again. Other jobs could see me by in the meantime, this big payoff could wait.

<p class="MsoNormal">It was a party after all, I would have been caught if I acted.

<p style="text-align: center;"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">Two days passed since the battle, Four since my arrival. Yet Malachi and his marauders, along with the girls, had not arrived. I stood looking out of the window in Merse’s office. It overlooking a garden, a surprising feature inside the barracks walls. But I guessed the Nobles who worked here and even the soldiers needed a place to relax.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Something on your mind?’ The rustling of papers continued from behind, the privileged soldier was going over lists of new recruits. ‘Maybe you should go out for a walk? I don’t have much for you to do this morning and my sweet tooth is itching.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I turned and looked at her, she was reading something that obscured her face. But I could tell that she was grinning. ‘So is this an excuse for me to get you one of those pastries you like?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Like water to a horse.’ Her toes started wiggling as she wrote on the page.

<p class="MsoNormal">I sighed, it was amusing but her continued bastardising of sayings was annoying at times. Considering how moody she gets when you correct her. And my shoulder was already sore enough from yesterday’s training.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Fine, fine. I will buy a whole baker’s dozen if it would please her majesty.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Merse’s feet were the most expressive part of her at times. She would often remove her boots and rest her feet on her desk. And I could see the thought of a dozen treats was to her liking when her toes curled. Her face was a different story. The stony look she was giving me would send anyone else running. Or rather, those who had not picked up on her body language.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Hmm? Are you trying to bribe me? Since you know that won’t work. So, chop chop! Go and take a walk to clear you head, that is an order! And if you happen to walk past a Patisserie along the way then I would not begrudge if you entered.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Very well Miss Dascaros. if it is an order, then I suppose it would not be bad if a dozen or two pastries fell into my pocket.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Her eyebrow raised while I walked to the door. Yet her feet gave the game away as her toes kneaded the air like a cat on a blanket.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Make it three!’ I heard Merse shout just as the door closed behind me. I shook my head and carried on walking, the barracks was quiet today. Most of the noise came from the forges and tannery. A few of the girls that worked there waved as I passed. And Helga, the Smith, nodded while continuing to hammer a sheet of armour. I had already promised to bring them a few treats after they helped fit me with leathers.

<p class="MsoNormal">So today was as good as any to explore some more of the city before returning.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lescatie is huge. Containing four barracks, each the size of a small castle town. And yet all four fit within the outer ring of the city. I had only explored a small section of the city so far around the south barracks. And Antonio’s was only a short distance away down one of the main boulevards that ringed the city.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I can’t believe so many people live here.’

<p class="MsoNormal">A phenomenal achievement of human ingenuity. I had heard from various people that the city was designed after Heaven itself. And that various depictions had been painted by artists in the churches and the cathedral. Showing a central building that towered over all. Some said that the tower was so large that Lescatie could fit inside it with room to spare. Others fobbed it of as old wives’ tales.

<p class="MsoNormal">It confused me as to why so little information existed about the world of the angels and gods. Considering how often you could see angels walking the streets. And whenever I asked one of the Valkyries in the barrack, she would tell me the same story. That Heaven was what you made it and that the lord mother would watch over us.

<p class="MsoNormal">Pushing for any further information often ended up with them growing irritated.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘It feels as though they are hiding something… Even Edda seems coy whenever I ask her a question.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The Tan and green eyed angel was often in the barracks training the other Valkyries. It was nice to see her when she was being serious. And the others appeared to respect her with how unladylike she could be. But even so, she would not divulge anything more than the others.

<p class="MsoNormal">My train of thought continued as I walked down the boulevard that lead to the inner city. I had not explored this road. Leading to the inner south gate, one of the four entrances to the richer part of the city.

<p class="MsoNormal">The boulevard contained a central reservation similar to the one that passed outside Antonio’s. Covered in trees and benches, interspersed with the occasional statue or fountain. The roads themselves were lined with shops and the occasional group of market stalls. And both sides were busy with people.

<p class="MsoNormal">My mind raced with various plans and ideas. Many revolving around where to look for information and what to do with the girls when they arrive. They were monsters after all, except for Kim, I feared what would happen to the other two. Compared to the outer villages and towns, I had not seen a single monster in the city.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘oof, watch where you are going human.’ A stern female voice and arm bump brought my attention to the road again.

<p class="MsoNormal">When I looked up and to the side, the Red haired angel from the battlefield was passing. Her ice blue eyes glared at me before she returned to looking forwards. Three other angels were with her, none paying me any mind as they passed.

<p class="MsoNormal">I stopped and turned to face her. ‘Hey! Thank you for the other day!’ My words seemed to fall on death ears as she continued walking. Till she looked over her shoulder and stopped. Her eyes locked onto mine as she turned.

<p class="MsoNormal">The pace and posture of her approach was far from pleased.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I… Thank you?’

<p class="MsoNormal">The red haired angel grabbed me by the collar and pulled my face close to hers. I could feel the hatred she was emanating as it burned into me. ‘Thank you? Is that all you have to say? I risk my life because some stupid human thinks he can play hero. And all you can do is thank me? Are you joking or just ignorant?!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Please… don’t take your anger out on this human.’ One of the other armoured angels approached and put a hand on my shoulder. ‘I am sorry sir; she doesn’t mean to…’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Of course I mean to! This! This stupid human got me suspended!’

<p class="MsoNormal">Another one of the Valkyries approached and folded her arms. Her dark skin making a striking contrast against her silver plate mail. ‘You are the one that got yourself suspended. Yes, you saved him, but you also charged head on into the enemy line when you were told to wait for reinforcements. Resulting in the enemy forces charging our own. And it was already your last warning!’

<p class="MsoNormal">My assailant continued to hold my collar, her fist shaking as she looked to the other two.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What is going on?’ the third angel inquired as she approached.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Fine! I save this stupid human along with the others and this is what I get.’ Her cold eyes glared at me once more before she let go. ‘Don’t think I forgive you, Stupid human.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The first pair that arrived smiled while the third looked confused.

<p class="MsoNormal">I thought I was okay till my assailant poked me in the chest. ‘Look you, don’t think you are off the hook. If I had not swooped in when I did, then you would have kissed your butt goodbye. And you three!’ The red haired angel pointed at the other three. All of them raised an eyebrow while folding their arms.

<p class="MsoNormal">The irate Valkyrie appeared to lose steam when she sighed. ‘Fine, Let’s go. I don’t want to get into worse trouble than I am.’ She turned and started to walk away, but not before hitting me in the head with one of her wings.

<p class="MsoNormal">The tan Valkyrie and late comer followed in a hurry, the first turned and smiled at me.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Sorry about her, she is… a complicated angel, with a… history so to speak. And don’t worry about her outburst, more happened than she said. She is a good girl, a bright spark and very dedicated.’ The angel chuckled. ‘Although she does seem to blame you for the scratch on her nose. She is proud, to a dangerous degree at times. But many of her peers look up to her. Sorry again sir and thank you for being patient.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The Valkyrie gave a small bow before hurrying after the others. I felt dumbfounded for a moment, yet things started to click together. The people around us gave a wide birth and seemed to be oblivious to what was going on. That or they chose to ignore it for various reasons.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘With Edda’s behaviour along with this, they are far from the perfect beings the church makes them out to be.’

<p class="MsoNormal">My musings did not last, a sudden clearing in the crowd revealed a familiar sight in the distance. A colourful caravan, complete with a variety of stalls, was parked near a market square.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I would know that sight anywhere, It’s kim!’ I hurried along the street, it was a busy day and a fair distance still. Once I approached I noticed a familiar bob of hair racing amongst the throng. The smile on her face revealed her excitement as she tended the stalls.

<p class="MsoNormal">A large number of people were inspecting Kimiko’s wares, many of them wearing fine clothing. ‘Nobles? No, merchants perhaps? Or just wealthy citizens? Well we are close the inner city.’ The walls loomed in the near distance, an easy walk from this particular market square.

<p class="MsoNormal">When I was within a stone’s throw, I started to blend in with the crowd. I wanted to surprise my companion before she noticed me. A glance at the caravan revealed two familiar characters. Goldie and her little friend were sat and eating lunch. The hired guards hood was still raised, although I knew she was ready to strike at any moment. Her posture was relaxed, I guessed being this far into a city meant she had less to worry about.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I wonder where those two went? They must have met up with the others on the way here.’ As I continued to muse about their journey, I grew closer to my unsuspecting target. Although the sudden chill I felt alerted me to Goldie’s prying eye. A quick glance confirmed that she was looking towards me. So I nodded to her and she did so in kind.

<p class="MsoNormal">Is she going to give the game away? The answer appeared to be no, her small friend started pestering her which drew her attention. Leaving Kimiko unaware of her impending doom.

<p class="MsoNormal">Why would I think doom? I was only going to hug her; why do I feel embarrassed about that?

<p class="MsoNormal">I shook my head then started looking at the stalls, trying to blend in with the crowd. A few items were on display that I had not seen before, she must have picked them up along the way. I looked to the side and thought my game was over when I saw Kim arranging some items on the table next to me.

<p class="MsoNormal">Why does she look so sad? She seemed so happy while rushing around the stalls. Her downcast expression made my chest hurt. I went to reach for her hand till a change in the crowd drew my attention.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Make way! Makes way!’ A soldier was calling out in the distance, forcing people to part for a procession. Numerous soldiers were coming down the road that bordered Kimiko’s stalls. They would pass in front of it when they neared. I did not think much of it, soldiers often patrolled the city.

<p class="MsoNormal">It was when I noticed the mage at the centre of the group, then I started to panic. Knowing that Kimiko was not normal set an alarm off in my head. I had heard that people had been taken off the streets and Quarantined for being “Tainted” as they say. And remembering the night where Kimiko had fluffy ears and a tail sent me into a panic.

<p class="MsoNormal">How could I have been so stupid for not realising that Kim is like the farm girls? A monster as they call them. But the time I had spent with the girls had showed they were far from monstrous in nature.

<p class="MsoNormal">Yet I had clear memories of the human looking creatures that attacked and how violent they had been. My heart and head felt conflicted. So without hesitating I grabbed Kimiko from behind then hurried through the crowd. She struggled and murmured while my hand covered her mouth. I only stopped once I made it to an alley behind the caravan. Making sure to hide us behind a convenient pile of barrels.

<p class="MsoNormal">Kimiko continued to struggle while I held her out of sight. A few market stalls and the caravan blocked my view of the street. I tensed up when I saw the first soldier appear, he seemed to be looking around for something. Kimiko grew tense and went silent as well. I froze when he looked and pointed in my direction.

<p class="MsoNormal">Damn, they noticed us!

<p class="MsoNormal">My fears subsided when a pair of soldiers grabbed a man who was playing a betting game on a market stall. The Mage with them walked over to the shady character and pulled some cards out of his sleeves. The procession then dragged him away with them.

<p class="MsoNormal">I relaxed and lowered my hand from Kim’s mouth. Which was a bad idea since she took the opportunity to bite me.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Let go of me! Goldie! Where are you?! Goldie!!’ The feisty girl started struggling.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Kim! Just calm down, it’s me.’

<p class="MsoNormal">My friend froze then looked back. Her eyes inspected my face a few times before they began to water. ‘Martin?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yes kim?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Martin? …Martin? Martin!’ She started sobbing and buried her face into my chest. ‘I though we lost you…’ I hugged her and per her head, letting her rest against me till she calmed.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What do you mean lose me? I am tougher than that, running me over couldn’t kill me.’ I grinned at her and she pouted. ‘I’m sorry Kim, it is nice to see you again.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Kim continued looking mopey, till she grabbed my nose and chuckled. ‘I didn’t lose faith you know? I knew deep down that you would make it here.’ She stood and pulled me up with her. ‘Anyway, now that you are here… I… wanted to…’ She started pulling me closer to her face. The flush on her cheeks brought the image of her fluffy ears wiggling to mind.

<p class="MsoNormal">Our faces drew closer and I could feel my face warm. And just before our noses touched the sound of a woman clearing her throat brought our attention.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Kim? We leave you for a few moments and find you… doing… this?’ The voice sounded familiar.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Who’s that boyo there kim? Already found yourself a new fella?’ Another familiar but deeper voice came from the alley behind me.

<p class="MsoNormal">Kim had turned bright red; she was staring wide eyed past me at the newcomers. I turned to look towards the source of the familiar voices, feeling confused with what i saw.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Amanda? Lin? Is that you?’ The duo looked familiar yet were missing some obvious features. The woman that appeared to be Amanda was missing her wool and horns. Although her hair hung in fluffy golden ringlets. While the tan, giant of a woman that resembled Lin had the same strong looking frame. But was missing her obvious horns, tail and her legs appeared slender inside her bib overalls.

<p class="MsoNormal">The women glanced at each other before looking back at me. ‘Martin!’ they shouted while running forwards. I fell when they barged into me and ended up under them.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Boyo! I thought you had bit it!’ Lin chuckled while near crushing me in a hug.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Martin! I am so happy to see you!’ Amanda started sniffling and laughing while rubbing her cheek against mine.

<p class="MsoNormal">I felt flabbergasted, I knew it was them but they were human. Well that is a new word, but now is not the time to be self-reflecting.

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked towards the mischievous trader and raised an eyebrow. She smiled and tapped her fingers together. ‘kim?’ She rolled her eyes and whistled before turning and walking back towards the market.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I will tell you later! But you all better get your butts off the floor if you want to eat!’

<p class="MsoNormal">Lin and Amanda froze then hurried to get up. They helped me off my feet and pushed me along after Kim. ‘girls?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Long story!’ Amanda looked panicked as she pushed lin.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘No time boyo! Work to do!’ Lin pushed me along with ease, not needing any help from the boisterous girl behind her. ‘have ta work’

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked at the traders back and could imagine the smug smile on her face. She looked back and raised an eyebrow before disappearing into the stalls.

<p class="MsoNormal">What did she do to them?

<p style="text-align: center;"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">The afternoon drew on and the market continued. Goldie and her friend decided to sit on the caravan for the rest of the day while Lin moved produce about. Amanda seemed popular with the young men as they crowded her whenever she appeared. And Kim had her sales pitch ready whenever someone seemed interested in an item. It was like an instinct for her to find the right words that helped her make a sale.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lin sighed while leaning against the back door of the caravan. ‘That damn girl got us running ragged. If I wanted to work this hard I would of stayed home.’ I could imagine her ears and tail drooping. ‘And mah feet hurt… it is a funny feeling you know? since… well ya know?’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I know what you mean.’ I smiled then gave her a friendly fist bump on the shoulder. ‘But you are tough, I know that for a fact.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The tall girl looked away. ‘Yeah, although this adventuring malarkey isn’t as fun as I thought. Just feels like a lot of work to me.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Hang in there Lin, I get a feeling that we will not be here for too long.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I know… just like I said about ma sisters and that. Would prefer being out bashing heads than doing… well this. But like Kim says, even adventuring a big group like us need supplies.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I gave the girl one last pat before wandering towards the side entrance of the caravan. Lin returned to resupplying the tables and helping sell what she could. People seemed a little intimated by her, but I could not blame them as she stood more than a head over most men. And the definition of her muscles put the average soldiers to shame. Yet she seemed popular with women and appeared to have a good eye for fashion. Which was surprising.

<p class="MsoNormal">Amanda was tending the stalls between talking to the boys that approached her. A few had tried getting friendly but she soon sent them packing. It was amusing since most of them looked angry at the prospect of rejection. But whenever one tried getting rough, Amanda strong armed them and Lin stepped in to help her. A guard would then come over and pull the young man away.

<p class="MsoNormal">Amanda stuck out her chest in a proud gesture and kicked a foot on the ground whenever it happened. It was funny to see if you knew what she was. I could imagine her running at someone and head barging them away.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lin in kind would hammer a fist into her sternum in a show of defiance to ward people away. I felt that it was something her people did, yet it made her chest shake. I knew how embarrassed she was about her size, but her gesture just drew more attention, for various bouncing, swaying and jiggling reasons.

<p class="MsoNormal">Putting my musings aside, they are both nice at heart and I could see how close their friendship was. Amanda would likewise step in and help Lin whenever she was struggling. Most of the time when the large girl was trying to sell something.

<p class="MsoNormal">Talking of companions, I still needed to speak with Kimiko. She had disappeared to collect some change from the caravan and had not returned.

<p class="MsoNormal">So I waved to Amanda when I passed and she smiled back. The sight of the girls working did not prepare me for the ridiculous state I found Kimiko in. The moment I entered the sleeping area of the caravan I could hear her chuckling to herself. I soon found her lying on the bottom bunk with bags of money around her. She looked as though she was trying to swim in the bags of coins.

<p class="MsoNormal">The happy yet perverse look on her face told me how she felt about today’s trade so far.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So kim?’ The girl jolted and sat up straight, she looked at me and her face went bright red. ‘I guess we have a lot of catching up to do.’ I smiled then sat on the end of the bed.

<p class="MsoNormal">The petite girl inspected my face and held her arms around herself. Her kimono was loose, leaving a shoulder and leg exposed. She looked to the side and rolled down the other shoulder of her kimono.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well, if you really want to.’ She leant forwards with her eyes closed and pushed out her lips.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Kim… I didn’t mean that kind of catching up… but if you want a kiss.’ I leant forwards and kissed the girl on the forehead.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Kim… why do you look so annoyed? Kim? Kim!’

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