Banished Pt. 06

"You're dripping," I said, and she frowned.

"It's not me, it's the hypnosis," she whined, and I snickered, as I leaned in.

I planted a little kiss along the smooth skin just over her sex, then moved up to her stomach, but as I kissed along her body, she squeezed her legs together desperately, and I smirked, as I ran my kisses back down to her dripping place.

Her lips were thin, and her folds slick with the juices of her arousal; and I began my incursion into her sacred place by first lapping at her juices that now coated the upper parts of her leg and her inner thigh.

She moaned, and squirmed in my arms, and as she winced, I shot her a quick look.

"Don't overdo it," I said, and she frowned.

"Then stop fucking teasing me, and just tongue me properly," she chided.

I snickered, then leaned in, and planted a wet, sucking kiss over her slit, and she let out a long, drawling growl in response.

"Oh, fuck me, that feels good."

I traced the outer folds of her pussy lips several times, before flicking at the little nub of her clit, and planting my mouth over the dripping wet spot, I stuck my tongue out, and buried it into the hood of her clit, while kissing her mound.

"Mnh. Keep that up," she said, encouraging me, and as I kept the stimulation up, her body began to grind subtly into my face, and she let out a low, muffled stream of 'ohs', before she went still, her orgasm peaking, and she grasped my head and held me in place, as she climbed over the apex.

She slumped back onto her bed, panting, and as I stared up at her, my smile faded.

"You know, I came here looking for comfort," I said, and she frowned.

"I'm sorry," she said, but I quickly shook my head.

"It was worth it to see you smile," I replied, and as she blushed, I climbed up, and kissed her, and she pulled me close and held me, as we exchanged a series of kisses again.

When we broke apart, she sighed, rubbing her head gingerly.

"My mind is breaking," she said, and I chuckled.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm actually telling myself right now that maybe being hypnotized isn't so bad," she replied, and I snickered at her.

"Really? What other rationalizations are you having?" I asked.

"You don't wanna know. I even told myself that it's my duty as your advisor to know you in every way possible..."

I laughed at this, before frowning again.

"You know... I really missed you today. Your advice, I mean," I explained, and she blushed a little.

"Really?"

"Yeah. I didn't realize I depended on you so much already until you weren't there and crisis after crisis kept popping up."

She bit her lip, as I finished speaking, studying my lips with a slightly hungry expression.

"Maybe you should 'show your appreciation' a little more often then," she said suggestively, and I snickered.

"Was that the hypnosis?" I asked, and she nodded.

"Although... maybe after I get better... we can talk about some reciprocation after all," she said, and I laughed.

I helped her get back into her pants, and I placed a hand against her cheek, before leaning down, and planting a little kiss there.

"Rest," I said, and she nodded, but as I headed for the door, I caught that little wistful look in her eye.

"Call me. If you need anything," I said, tapping my head, and she groaned.

"Don't tempt me," she replied, and I smiled as I waved, and headed out the door.

As the door closed shut, I let out a sigh, then began to think about what we should do next.

Given that Palancar now posed a quite real threat, we'd need to organize a guard capable of defending our supplies constantly.

We did set up a temporary system of rotating between Francesca, Nolan, Jordan and Cameron... but our inability to tell time was really holding us back, since Francesca was constantly pushing herself past her ordinary limits, which was itself a danger given how effective she was in a fight.

I decided to pay a visit to Gisela, since she might know what could be done.

"Time?" the girl asked.

"Uh, like day-cycles. Year-cycles," I explained. "Are there shorter segments used to divide up a day-cycle?"

She rubbed her chin.

"Like the light-cycle and night-cycle?"

I frowned.

"Smaller cycles," I replied, and as she pondered the question, I decided to elaborate.

"Where we come from, a single day-cycle is divided into twenty-four parts. Each of these are called 'hours', and we use this to set a more precise timing to the division of tasks. For example, a person sleeps usually for eight hours."

"Ahh, interval," Gisela said, nodding; "there is custom for this."

She held out her hands in a V-shape, with each hand outstretched to each side at a right angle from the other.

"Do as I indicate," she said, and as I did, I studied her, and she moved behind me, and taking my left hand in hers, she adjusted my positioning slightly until-

"Whoa, what is that?" I said, as I felt an almost magnetic pull on my left arm.

"This is 'constant zenith'," she explained, and I nodded, as she moved her attention to my right arm, and as she adjusted this arm, I felt another force, this one resisting the position of my arm.

"This one is known by 'wandering zenith'," she said, and again I nodded.

She moved to my front, then opening my arms out to a ninety-degree angle, she nodded.

"When the wandering and constant zenith are so, it is known by 'ascendant solstice'; and when the positions are reversed..."

She moved, so that my right hand occupied the place where my left hand was, while the left moved an equal distance in the opposite direction.

"This is known by 'descendant solstice'. On alternating days, one represent light; the other dark. But the signifier changes with each day."

I rubbed my chin, as I considered the information.

"So, this 'wandering zenith'. It moves back and forth between these two points?" I asked, and Gisela nodded.

That was useful information.

It meant that each ascendant and descendant phase represented fifteen hours.

"Are these what you meant by 'interval'?" I asked, and Gisela shook her head.

She positioned my arms out again, and this time, she moved my right hand a bit of the way towards the left.

"This movement is called 'interval'. In both ascendancy and descendancy, there are five intervals. Like this," she finished, as she demonstrated moving her hand in little ticks, until the left and right hand were together, then moving the other hand away while the first hand remained stationary, in another five equally spaced movements.

"Interesting," I said, as I rubbed my chin.

So, each interval was three hours, and every day made up of ten intervals.

It certainly made dividing up guard duty a lot easier, but we would need a more accurate way to measure the intervals.

As I considered the info, however, I quickly realized that a rudimentary device could be constructed using nothing but wood and rope.

"Gisela... is there someone amongst the Kobalt who specializes in building things?" I asked.

She rubbed her chin.

"Things like what?" she asked.

"Chairs, tables... that sort of thing," I explained, and she nodded.

"Yes. Matthias," she answered.

"Do you think he could build something for me? At my direction?"

"Yes. But I will be in assistance to speak your words onto him," she answered.

I nodded, gesturing for her to lead the way, and as we made our way out of the tree, I spotted Eradne in the distance, overseeing the burial of Emily's body, and my chest tightened.

Maybe I should check on her when this is done, I thought.

We headed over to the man; Matthias, who appeared to be constructing a better supply cart for our long journey, and after relaying the design for the tool I had in mind, the man nodded.

"He says it sounds simple enough. It can be completed before second fade."

"Second fade?"

"This is how my people refers the final light segment in light-cycle of day."

So, late afternoon? Or evening.

Interesting.

It might actually not be a bad idea for us to adopt their terminology, rather than forcing them to adopt our own.

I nodded at this, then indicated to Gisela that I was heading over to check on the burial.

"Herr Auslander. The goddess is interred. She will supplant a new life," Eradne said, and I nodded.

"Do you think I did the right thing?" I asked, and she rubbed her chin.

"Your action was just... but whether mistake or not, the true virtue will only be seen when looking back on this day from far beyond."

I nodded, but just as I did, the princess' voice spoke into my mind, and as I looked over to the tree, in the direction that I felt the slight tug of her presence, I spotted her.

Slip away to my chamber when you can, she commanded, before disappearing into her room, but Eradne spotted the look, and quickly moved to my side.

"Auslander," she whispered, keeping her voice low. "Remember that one seed may bring hope, but two seeds with intertwined root, will only inhibit the other's growth."

I pondered her words, as I glanced at Gisela, then indicating towards the princess' room, she nodded, and I headed off.

When I got to her room, however, I found that another Kobalt girl awaited me in her chamber, and I suddenly understood Eradne's warning.

Will you seed her? The princess asked, and as I gulped, she shot me a questioning look. Is she not acceptable?

She turned to the girl, as if examining her again, and I quickly shook my head.

I approached the princess, and taking her hand, I pulled her closer to me, and using her body to shield our actions, I placed her hand over my belt.

She studied me questioningly.

It is done? She asked, and as I nodded, her eyes lit up.

She turned to the girl in her chamber, and quickly dismissed her.

But who? She asked, as she leaned in, and inhaled deeply.

Her eyes seemed to be trying to process the scent, but as she knelt before me, and inhaled deeply over my part, her eyes lit up.

This scent... so familiar, yet unknown. It couldn't be... Eradne? She asked, and as I nodded, her mouth fell slightly open with shock.

You impress me beyond words, the princess said, studying me with a look of amazement.

I smiled, but my mind momentarily drifted back to the matter with Emily, and the princess quickly noted the slight inflection in my mood.

There rests a heaviness upon your heart, she noted, and as I nodded, she bit her lip. Yet you do not seek solace?

There is much to do, I thought, but even though I couldn't relay that thought to Miriam, she smiled.

She leaned into me, and kissed me gently on the lips, before nuzzling me affectionately with her nose.

Do as you please, then, mine Götze. I will see to your healing.

She kissed me on the cheek, and as I nodded, and headed out of the room, I let out a sigh.

Maybe being smothered in the bosoms of her servants later this evening wouldn't be so bad after all, I thought.

All the more reason to get everything sorted out first.

I headed outside to check on Gisela.

"Gisela," I called, and she turned to me as I approached. "How are the preparations coming along?"

"It is well. Your tool will be ready soon, I think."

"What of the rest of the supplies?"

She took a quick look at the Kobalt around her, then pulled me with her.

"We are provisioning for journey, but there are things to consider. Council met last night to discuss, but we await your judgement."

"On what?"

"We will need to depart this cluster, tomorrow if possible."

"Is that enough time to get all the supplies needed?"

She shook her head.

"After last night's attack, there are two feelings within this cluster. Some fear the disdain of Palancar, while others feel reverence for Herr Nathan and the princess."

"Really? How come?" I asked.

"Your action against the straying Goddesses, and exoneration of Herr Helmut was viewed favorably. They see you like Götze, the name princess bestowed... and they respect the fearless Goddess who fights like Tuskan Roc. That she bows to you also elevates your status."

"So those who fear Palancar... they want us to leave as soon as possible?" I asked.

She shook her head.

"Palancar's position has not been made. They would not dare drive out such a one as the princess, nor risk offending the Gods."

"Then why do we need to leave?"

"The one who listens... he is risk to us," she answered.

"So, to gather provisions?"

"We will journey to further cluster. It will be much safer, and ability to provision; the same."

"How far away?" I asked, and she frowned.

"We will discuss without ears," she answered, and I nodded.

"I understand."

"There is one more thing."

She looked around again, before speaking.

"Amongst those who regard us with favor. Some have offered us assistance; like Matthias. But there are some who wish to depart amongst our ranks."

"I see... more settlers would benefit us," I said, and Gisela nodded. "How many did we leave Palancar with?"

"Forty-seven."

"How many more have offered to join?"

"Seven."

I wondered to myself if she counted Eradne amongst that number.

"But... there is advice I have."

I studied her, indicating for her to go on.

"This grove possesses hunters. Warriors known for their skill in scoring treasured meat. They look to the fearless one with regard. If Herr Nathan is seen with the fearless one; walking as mates for their eyes to behold. We may find reward with some useful hunters from their ranks."

"I see."

As I cast a glance over toward the supply cart, I noted, with some relief, that Jordan was on guard, as I half-expected to see Francesca still at it, but my relief was short lived, as I spotted Francesca moving over to the cart to join him.

Maybe I could work with this, I thought.

"I'm gonna see what I can do about that, then," I said, and Gisela nodded as she followed my gaze.

As I headed over to the supply cart, I took a look around, and as there did seem to be quite a few gazes looking in our direction, an idea quickly came to me.

Maybe we could put these armors to the test, I thought.

"Hey, Francesca... isn't your watch over?" I called, and she frowned.

"I'm not on watch, I'm just checking on Jordan," she replied, casting a conspiratorial look in his direction, and he quickly nodded.

"Uh, yeah. We were... talking about... stuff."

I snickered at the two, then took a look around, and I spotted a few of the Kobalt's bone-tipped wooden spears leaning against a nearby tree.

"Jordan... have you ever done any kind of fighting? Before coming here, I mean?"

He quickly shook his head, and as he did, I walked over to the tree, and picked up one of the spears.

It was lighter.

Lighter than our own spears, for sure... but much less deadly.

I tossed the spear at Jordan, and as he caught it, he examined the weapon, then shot me a wary look.

I took the other spear, and then cast a smiling gaze at Francesca.

"Do you mind going a round or two with Jordan?" I asked, and she snickered.

"Seriously? Fuck yeah!" she said, her eyes lighting up.

Jordan, however, seemed a little unsure.

"Really? Isn't that kind of dangerous?"

I shook my head.

"Our bodies apparently heal a lot more quickly than regular ones do. Besides; you're both wearing armor. Just... no stabbing at the face, I guess?"

As Francesca accepted the second spear from me, and she turned to face Jordan, he shrugged.

"Sure. Why not?" he said, and I quickly retrieved the actual spears that the two carried, and stowed them away in the supply cart.

"Let's see," I said, as I went for a nearby stick.

Using the stick, I made a circle on the ground, about fifteen feet in diameter, and Francesca beamed excitedly as she stepped inside.

I gestured to Jordan, who followed her in, as I took a seat on top of the supply cart, with the stick in my hand.

"So... push the other out of the circle?" Jordan asked.

"Or knock them off their feet," I added, and he nodded.

As the two got ready to begin, a small crowd began to gather, and I smiled.

"On my call, then," I said, and the two readied themselves. "Ready? Go!"

Francesca swept at Jordan's legs, and as he evaded the attack, she jabbed with the other end of the staff, and as it hit him square in the chest, he stumbled backwards, and she dashed forward, and with her elbow, dealt the final blow, sending him toppling over and out of the ring.

"The first round goes to Francesca!" I declared, and Jordan shot me a glum look, as Francesca offered him a hand, helping him up.

As they moved to the center of the ring again, this time, Jordan seemed a bit more focused.

"Ready?" I called, and as the two nodded, I raised my hand, with the branch in it, before yelling, "Go!"

Francesca went for the same move, but this time, Jordan leapt forward as he evaded the sweep, but as he thrust his spear at Francesca, she turned her shoulder away from the strike, and as it glanced the protective piece of armor over her arm, the bone tip cracked and crumbled.

She smirked, as Jordan retreated, and the two circled each other.

Jordan made the first move, swinging straight at Francesca, and as she blocked the strike, she readjusted her grip on her spear.

She seemed to be watching Jordan closely, and as he made another swing, she jabbed at his arm with the butt end of her spear, and as the weapon struck the unprotected area by his shoulder, he winced.

He shot me a quick look, but I nodded, gesturing for the bout to continue, and he shook off the pain, dashing toward Francesca this time; but she read the attack well, as she jabbed at his foot, and as he teetered off balance, she bashed at him with her shoulder, and he went sprawling, rolling as he landed, just outside of the circle.

"Hm. Round two, Francesca," I declared, giving her a little appreciative round of applause.

Some of the Kobalt also cheered, and I noted that the gathering around us was now slightly bigger.

"May I?" I said, indicating to Jordan, and he quickly nodded, but as he took a quick look around, he leaned in to whisper.

"Is this a good idea? If she beats you in front of everyone..." his words trailed, off, and I smirked.

"It's fine. They already see her as the warrior," I said, and he shrugged.

Not that I intended to lose, though!

As I stepped into the ring, I gestured to her weapon, and as she handed it to me, I examined the bone-tip that was attached to the end, and after undoing the cord that fastened it into position, I threw the item onto the floor beside the caravan, and returned the weapon to her.

"Good. Now I can stab with both ends," she remarked, and I smirked.

"You're really into this, huh?" I replied, and she shrugged.

I shot a glance at Jordan, and he suddenly realized that it was his job to officiate the bout, and he climbed into position on the cart, where I'd previously been.

"And, go!" he called, and Francesca lunged immediately.

Her thrust was aimed at my neck, but my armor quickly kicked my senses into gear, and the move seemed to slow down right before my eyes.

I dodged the strike with ease, and using my own spear, I aimed a blow at her weapon, deflecting it into the ground, and as the move took her off balance a little, I quickly tapped her with the opposite end of my spear on the shoulder; a light tap, but merely to show her that a straightforward attack like that would get her nowhere in a hurry.

She smiled, then readjusted her grip on her spear.

She began to circle me now, and I waited for an attack, until I decided maybe I should try an attack of my own.

Let's see how quick this armor can really move, I thought.

I dashed at her, and slashed toward her neck from the left, and as she parried the blow, I made three more swipes in quick succession, and she parried two more, before ducking just under the third, and as she evaded, she spun, and swung at my legs, and I leapt over the attack, then dashed forward, closing the space between us in a single stride, and her eyes went wide as my knee came up, and collided with her breastplate; hard, and knocking her clean off of her feet.