Banished Pt. 04

"Earlier I asked about settling closer to Palancar. Couldn't we trade with the nearby towns from the edge of the forest while evading the otherworlders?"

"It would be extremely risky," Casey answered. "There's something like fifty otherworlders in this region. Evading them is difficult, and the towns are also unlikely to establish a relationship with anyone that comes out of the forest."

"It's also much easier for us to deal with the kind of threats that exist within the forest, than to deal with threats like Raul," I said, and Nolan nodded, as he had seen first-hand what Raul was capable of.

"So, crossing the forest then..." he said. "I guess I'm starting to see the wisdom."

"As most of you have probably heard, we're considering a long trek across this forest in search of a suitable location to settle down. Now, thanks to our princess, we have a seed which is capable of growing trees like this one."

"Wait, with rooms, and everything?"

"Yes," I answered, and a few faces lit up at the prospect. "The method used for doing this is unknown to us, but as long as we keep the Kobalt with us, this technology, as well as many other things that we will need to survive, will be made accessible to us."

"What do they want in return?" someone asked, and I gulped.

"Him," Cameron said, and someone gasped, as she winked at me, while gesturing in my direction.

Jeannie shot me a questioning look.

"What?" she asked, and I sighed.

"What Cameron means is, we made a deal with the princess to provide her with a mate, in exchange for their allegiance."

"And that mate, is you?"

I nodded.

"So, you're basically their king? Is that why they were bowing to you earlier?"

"Apart from my connection to the princess, you'll find that the Kobalt will treat all of us with a special kind of reverence; which, might I add, I hope we're kind enough to not abuse," I said.

"Now I know this is a lot to take in, and since we're going to be here for a few days, I think it's best if everyone takes some time, weighing the options, before making a decision about whether or not you want to join us going forward."

As I finished speaking, however, Jeannie shot a quick look across to her girls, nodding.

"Even if you don't want us to give an immediate answer, I think most of us are already set on joining your group," Jeannie answered, and as the girls gave their own individual votes of affirmation, I nodded, though I did note that apart from Candice, and Vanessa's other loyal friend, there was at least one other girl who seemed reluctant despite doing so.

"Well then, I guess an official welcome is in order. We'll probably have more meetings if there are any major decisions to be made, but in the meantime, everyone can feel free to explore the general surroundings, and make use of the baths outside of the grove."

As the meeting came to an end, I signaled to Gisela, who was waiting just outside in the main hall with a host of Kobalt girls, ready and waiting to show all of the guests to their own rooms.

As everyone headed off with their various guides, however, Gisela gestured to me.

"Herr Auslander. The princess wishes a word," she said, and I nodded, following as she led me through the tree, down a corridor to a room on the ground level, and as we entered the room, I found a sulky princess waiting on me.

She spoke to Gisela, and as the girl replied in their language, she turned to me, a look of surprise on her face, but the look turned to one of conviction, and as she spoke again, and Gisela this time closed the door behind her.

"Herr Auslander. There are listeners in this land whose understanding is unsurpassed. The princess wishes a favor, but it must be spoken in here," Gisela said, pointing to my head, "and your reply must not come from the tongue."

I nodded, and as I did, the princess smiled.

Mater has called for a new princess to be raised from the seed, she began, and I nodded, recalling the process of selecting a princess, as Gisela had explained. The one who bore me is amongst them, ripe again, with life-seed. If my knowing of Mater is as well as I expect; she will choose this child if it is a future bearer of seedlings as well.

Now that's interesting.

If she knew how the next princess could be selected, then she could potentially affect the outcome, couldn't she?

I listened well, interested in seeing where the princess was heading with her request.

Any children birthed within this window can potentially become lifelong companion-servants to the new princess. We could plant a vine within the rhizomes of Palancar's grove, my sweet; with your seed.

I smiled, as I processed her intention.

Playing politics was not really my intention; nor was meddling in the affairs of her people... but if my princess desired it, and it cost me little to nothing. Then what was the harm, really?

"Who are my targets?" I whispered, and Gisela gulped, as she relayed my question to the princess.

Any amongst those who sprung forth from the bearer of my seed, she said.

I nodded, though my mind immediately went to that woman.

Eradne, was it?

I resolved to find out what I could.

"It will be done," I said, but as Gisela moved to speak, the princess raised a finger, to silence her.

She said something to Gisela in their tongue, and Gisela bowed, before quickly leaving the room.

The princess stood up, and walked towards me, her gait playful, and a seductive look on her face.

She took my hand and led me to her chair, and as I took a seat, she kneeled between my legs, looking up at me, smiling.

There is a scent upon you my sweet. The stench of another, she said, and I gulped, suddenly realizing that the source of my translation was now gone.

Her hands went for the clasp of my belt, and as she undid the protective piece, she wasted no time in fishing out my organ from within my pants.

This scent is not Cameron's, she said, her tone teasing, but I did not sense another with child. Is this Goddess in your favor?

I shook my head, trying to figure out how I could explain this situation without Gisela; but my inability to communicate didn't seem to concern the princess in the least.

Good. Then I will cleanse you of this filth myself.

I tilted my head in confusion, as I looked around for some device with which she might wash me; but as she leaned in, pausing to let me feel her warm breath blow over my exposed part, I gulped, as I understood the meaning.

Your lips should not be used for such purposes, I thought, as I placed a finger to her lips, trying to convey my feelings, but she shook the gesture away.

No impurity exists that I would not wade through to cleanse you, my love, she said, and I stared with a morbid kind of fascination as her lips parted, and the mushroom head of my cock slipped past her lips.

Her tongue flicked out against the head, lashing it several times, as she moved her head back and forth, cleansing and sucking me as she did.

She let me slip from her mouth, only to turn her head sideways, and she let the length of my shaft, from tip to root, slide deliciously between her lips.

She stimulated me like the for a bit, before taking my cock into her hands, and licking, with serious determination, all along my length, until it was shiny, and well-polished with a healthy sheen of spit.

Her gaze remained locked onto mine the entire time, and she held that look as she stood up, and climbed onto me, straddling me with her legs on either side of my thighs.

Now, you may bathe in the spring. Have you chosen who will tend to you, my sweet?

I nodded, but her teasing smile said that she wasn't particularly convinced.

My gaze will remain upon you. Show me something worthy of the excitement of your love, she said, and as I nodded, she climbed off of me, and as she called out, and a nervous looking Gisela entered the room.

"This way," the girl said, and I nodded, following her.

"The goddesses are gathered before the main hall, in preparation for the baths. I lead you to them now. Choose well, Herr Auslander. The princess anticipates your preference with interest."

As I got the main hall, I scanned the crowd, but I sighed as I immediately noted that neither Cameron nor Francesca was amongst them.

"Where's Casey? Uh, the goddess with black hair, a ponytail, and bangs?"

Gisela shot me a blank, confused look, and I sighed.

"Uh, my advisor?" I asked, and she nodded, finally understanding.

She led me a short way to a room, and as I got near, I suddenly heard her voice.

"Fucking, stupid. Fuck!" she cursed, and I quickly dashed to the door and barged in to find-

"Wha- Nate, what the fuck?"

-Casey's lower half was completely exposed, and she quickly covered herself up with her hands, and raised a leg defensively to shield herself from view.

"Sorry, I just heard you yelling and I thought something was wrong."

"Fuck. Just... gimme a sec," she said, and I remained there, with my back turned, until she let me know that it was safe to turn around, though the cotton pair of panties that she slipped on left much of her body exposed.

"Sorry," I said again, as she put her hand on her hip and shot me a sharp look.

"What's so important that you just had to barge in?" she asked, and I frowned.

"I thought something was wrong," I explained. "What was going on?"

She sighed, then gestured towards the disheveled pair of pants on the floor.

"I can't get these stupid things off," she said, visibly frustrated, and I snickered.

Casey was wearing one of the outfits from the survival set, and while the sleek, close fitting design was quite good for moving easily outside, back when I'd worn it, I did have a bit of trouble putting it on, even with two good hands.

"Let me help," I offered, as and she shot me a wary look, I raised my hands. "No shenanigans. I promise."

She sighed, then relented, and I quickly undid the fastenings which kept it firmly in place.

"Hands up," I said, and she reluctantly complied, but as I lifted off the piece of clothing, her cotton top, which she wore on the inside, got stuck to the outer piece, and her breasts momentarily came into view.

She gasped, but I quickly lowered her hands, allowing them to conceal her bosom with the materiel that was still connected to her arms by the sleeve.

"Sorry," I said, and she shot me a look which said, 'you're not as sorry as you should be'. "What are you changing into?"

"There's a bath robe, or something, on the table," she said, gesturing toward the far end of the room, and as I got to the table, I noticed that the window on that wall offered a nice view of the springs outside, so I took a moment to survey the scene.

There were several springs, each surrounded by piles of rocks, and with vegetation that sprouted palm-like fronds separating the different pools.

"That looks nice," I noted, but as I turned back to Casey, she was tapping her foot on the floor, impatiently.

I draped the robe over her shoulders, then turned around as she slipped off her clothing, and fastened the robe around herself.

"Does it hurt?" I asked, gesturing to her hand, and she shook her head.

"I'm only wearing the bandages because it hurts to look at it... but that healing liquid basically closed it right up."

I nodded, but she seemed uncomfortable talking about it, so I decided to change the subject.

"I didn't see Cameron outside," I said, and she frowned.

"Seriously?"

"Yeah... the princess literally told me I'd get a scolding if I try to take a bath by myself," I said, and she sighed.

"Fine. I'll go look for her. I'll just tell Nolan it's girl stuff or something like that. I can tell her what you need her for, right?"

"Yeah, she'll be fine with it. I think she might actually be looking forward-"

"Ugh, I don't need to know," she complained, and I smirked.

"Don't let me down," I called, as I headed out the door, and I quickly found my way back to Gisela.

"Do I need to do anything to prepare for the bath?" I asked, and Gisela shook her head.

"Only accompaniment. All else is arranged," she explained.

"Someone will meet me there," I said, and Gisela shot me a curious look, before glancing back at the rest of the girls, and nodding.

"Very well," she said.

She led me down a corridor, which led to an exit somewhere off from the main entryway, but instead of leading me toward the bathing area, we headed to a changing area, which was sectioned into personal stations with wooden panels.

"May I disarm you?" she asked, and I nodded; but the process was rather quick, as the pieces of armor detached quite easily as I released the bond on each piece.

I watched with interest, however, as she ran a finger along the edges of one of the panels of my breastplate, and the metal began to separate into hundreds of little squares which folded and shifted, until the large thing was no more than a sliver of metal.

She did the same with each piece, and as I studied one of the slivers, I noted that inscribed on the edge was an image that corresponded with each piece.

That's convenient, I thought.

To my surprise, the pieces fit perfectly into the little satchel that I carried, and after packing them up, Gisela handed them to me.

"To keep, near on hand," she said, and I nodded, slinging the thing over my shoulder.

As I turned to head for the bath, however, Gisela stopped me.

"You must uncloak," she commanded, and I sighed.

Despite being quite capable of doing it myself, however, Gisela helped me, getting very much in the way, but as the remainder of my clothes fell away, I caught her gaze upon my nakedness.

"Are we good?" I asked, and she suddenly seemed flustered.

"Y-yes, of course. A-after you, Auslander."

We headed for one of the baths, and I was surprised to find that the water was quite cool, which pleasantly offset the warm, humid climate within the forest.

I waded in the bath for a bit, before settling down on one of the rocks on the inner ring which appeared well suited for sitting, and I began to douse myself with water, washing away the sweat that had accumulated over the past day's activities, when I noticed Gisela seemed a bit nervous.

"Herr Auslander-"

"You know, you can just call me Nathan. Or Nate," I cut in.

"Nate..." she began, but she shuddered, then shook her head. "Auslander. The princess gazes with displeasure," she explained, and I frowned.

I took a look towards Casey's room.

Where was Cameron? I thought.

I was quickly distracted from the thought as the sounds of giggles and feminine voices came from somewhere off to my right, and I bit my lip as the sounds told me that they were entering one of the nearby pools.

I chanced a glance towards where I believed the princess would be, but her window also seemed vacant.

Oh, please don't tell me she's coming down here.

An image of her dragging one of the girls to me, by the ear, appeared in my mind, and I quickly shook the thought away.

"Auslan... Nathan," Gisela corrected herself, "unless it is displeasing, I can tend to you. It may satisfy the princess," she offered.

My eyes flicked to her bosom, and I almost instinctively licked my lips.

It was a tempting proposition.

"If it doesn't bother y-"

"-Nate! Sorry I took so long," a voice called, and my eyes went wide as Casey stood across from the pool.

"What are you doing?" I mouthed at her, and she bit her lip.

Cameron's a no-show, she said into my mind, and I cursed under my breath.

As she climbed into the pool, however, Gisela took a step back, and I suppressed a groan.

Casey was wearing her robe, but as she waded into the bath, I shot her a sharp look, as I quickly moved to her side.

"You have no idea what you're doing," I whispered, and she frowned.

"I thought I was helping," she whispered. "Isn't your princess expecting..."

"Yes, but she expect you to-"

"Herr Götze!" the princess called, cutting me off, and I closed my eyes, as I stifled a groan.

You seem to favor this one. Is she a special interest? The princess asked.

I bit my lip as I turned to face her, then nodded.

Sit down, and relax, Casey said. I know how to act.

I suppressed a grimace, as I knew for certain that it would take more than acting to please the princess, but I complied nonetheless.

I sat down, and Casey placed her injured hand behind my back, as she leaned into me, and stroked my chest seductively with her right hand.

See? Easy, she said, but the thought had hardly reached me when the princess stood at the edge of the pool, and I watched with interest as Gisela quickly stripped her of her clothes.

It was my first time seeing her nude form, and she stood proudly at the edge of the pool, displaying herself to me.

Her breasts were pert, and quite well shaped despite being smaller, yet fitted her lithe, petite frame perfectly; but there was a quality to her silky-smooth skin that spurred in me a desire to taste it.

I licked my lips as she entered the pool, and Casey poked me disapprovingly in the ribs.

Easy there, horn-dog, she chided.

"I'm totally not kidding right now, when I say that you should run."

She shot me a curious look.

"What? Are you being serious? Or do you just want some alone time with your precious princess?"

"No, seriously... just get out of the pool and get further away from me than the next nearest female," I said, and she snickered, but the exchange came to an end as the princess came to our side, and Gisela circled the rocky enclosure, to stand closer to us as the princess spoke, seemingly to Casey.

"Frau Goddess," Gisela translated, "you serve Herr Auslander to advice, no?"

Casey nodded, as the princess continued.

"Then why do you remain cloaked, when he bares himself?"

She's feisty, Casey said into my mind, before nodding, and shedding her robe. I guess you've seen most of it anyway.

She quickly huddled down into my arms, but the princess extended a hand toward her, and she took it, albeit a little hesitantly, and she shot me an embarrassed look as the princess brought her to her feet, and let her stand on full display in front of me.

The princess spoke again, and Gisela translated:

"Your form seems virginal to his eyes... have you never shared this intimacy?"

Casey's mouth hung open, and she seemed unsure of how to answer.

The princess lifted up Casey's arms at her sides, as she began to trace along her sides, with her fingers.

I studied Casey as the princess caressed her, and I noted with interest that her reluctance seemed to be quickly fading away, as little shudders came each time the princess' fingers trailed up her sides, and soon enough, her body began to sway subtly in rhythm with the princess' hypnotic touch.

Is it just me, or is she really getting into that? I thought.

The princess spoke close to her ear, and she actually let out a soft moan; but as Gisela translated the words, Casey was snapped immediately out of her reverie.

"Your master yearns for attention," Gisela said, and Casey's gaze quickly flicked between my stiffening thing, and my eyes.

"Do you need me to bail you out now?" I asked, and as Casey bit her lip, I tilted my head at her, surprised by the fact that she actually seemed to be considering the prospect...

Seriously? I thought.

She seemed about to speak, when suddenly, a scream rang out from somewhere off to my right, and as I stood up, I felt something pulling me in that direction.