Breaking the Rules Pt. 05

(Hey. Got a sec? It's important.)

/I don't like the sound of that tone. Are you breaking the pact with me? We were doing so well./

(No, I mean... not yet. But we need to discuss something.)

/Is this about that mermaid?/

(Kind of. Hang on, Dayo's here to help explain it.)

/My, she's all dressed up. What's the occasion?/

"*They* are attending a formal event called 'seduce Nuru'," he said, deciding to put it all out in the open.

Dayo's eyes opened in surprise, but held their tongue.

/Oops. But, that's fantastic! They look ready to try anal. Wanna break them in? Do you want to learn to tie someone up yourself? I've got all day for that./

"Before you go getting all excited about this, I want to explain why we're not already tongue fucking. See, they're not here because they wanted to seduce me, right here, today."

/But... they wouldn't mind. Said as much back in the garden. And look at those boots!/

"All else being normal, no, they might not mind. But their boss sent them out here, well their boss's boss I suppose, the high archon. He told them to get all dressed up like this, and went on at length about how they've got to do everything in their power to convert me. It just doesn't feel right anymore," Nuru said.

/But they still wants it. Err. Want it. Do I need to push my auras on you and set to maximum MP consumption?/

"Dayo, jump in here anytime. The point of me using your succubus powers isn't to make anyone forget their objections, or make their desire overpower their good sense in a way they'll regret later, it's to help whoever it is feel like they're in control rather than social pressure, and that they can back out if they want or need to."

/I get it, logically, I think. What do you want from me, an apology? We each follow our natures, and a demon is quite fixated on the source of its power growth. In my case, that's sex./

"No, I know you're never going to be anything more than what you are. But I feel like we aren't on the same page with this, and if you don't understand why I'm concerned, we're going to have a big problem at some point, because you're going to forget, or get too excited, and override my purpose."

/Don't go getting cold feet on me. I've put everything into this pact, now. If we separate, my MP draw is going to be unbearable. And I might have to arrange to have you killed, to hide my secrets; I was holding my levels back because this is where the others start to notice, and I can't stop pushing forward now that I'm here. You know too much; I don't know your True Name, but there are other ways. I could just turn off that compulsion next time Katlego comes around and she might not think twice about putting an arrow in your skull./

"No need to get nasty. Let's just talk about this, before it really becomes a problem. I need you to understand how important this concept is."

/Where does it come from? What's your driving purpose here?/

"Where does it come from? Great question. Dayo, where does this need to be comfortable with sex come from, on the deepest level?"

The valkyrie became pensive for a long minute. "It's extremely personal. I think... it partly has to do with childbirth, subconsciously. That's the true purpose of sex, or one of the biggest ones, is creating children. Women are the gatekeepers of the next generation. We decide who among men we think deserves to pass on his essence, who will be contributing to the personality and, I guess, the soul of our society's future. We don't live forever, but we might live on through our children. It's a huge responsibility. And we can't do justice to ourselves or that next generation if our decisions are taken from us. It is our duty, and our privilege, that is interfered with when consent is broken. To be so violated will make us want to burn the whole structure down, everything you create with that manipulation, because what have we got to lose then?"

"Damn, Dayo. That's deep, been thinking about it a lot?"

They shrugged. "I guess I'm tapping into the spirit of the question right now, with the position the high archon's put me in. And I've wondered about having children, considering Mesi and I can't exactly produce one together."

/Ah, you humans feel pressure stemming from that overbearing feeling of mortality. You want your futures to be secured, through your choices and actions. And sexual selection is the biggest choice you may make, in your entire lives, even more than class or faction. Does that cover it?/

"I think maybe you've got it," Nuru said.

/I must think on this a moment. We demons are amortal; we do not die of age, but sword or drowning or lightning can slay us. We fear that, but death and the coming generations do not enter our calculations in the same way. It is power, it is control; our offspring give us leverage, and build the conditions in which we can continue to thrive. But key to a new faction will be the women, and their support and commitment must be deep. I can see I would fail in time using lust and manipulation alone as I planned to do, if what you say is true; women would discourage their children from following the path in my direction, even if they themselves were ensnared. You were right to bring this to my attention. You would have left me over this too, wouldn't you? Yes, I see that you would, though I do not understand why./

"For me the joy of loving women has largely to do with their trust, and if I do not respect a woman's wishes, that trust will be broken. If all men act as you would have done, there would be no trust, and no joy in it for me," Nuru said. "You scorn the word love, but that is what I do. Sex is not a battle for supremacy, it is an act of mutual benefit and respect, even if it pretends to be antagonistic for entertainment purposes."

/Say what you will, I am not opposed to love, especially if it's the only choice. It's just stickier, more complicated, more difficult and time-consuming to produce and maintain. Sex without commitment is so much easier, tidier, much better for keeping your options open so you can just jump right in for a good time, and my EXP, at any moment. Isn't this what you've been doing all along? Haven't you been doing your best not to commit?/

"I see why you might be confused. You're talking about long-term commitments - you're right, I don't know where my life is going, and I don't want to make any of those yet, so why would I bother building towards long-term trust but on the other hand... Dayo, help me out, what am I trying to say here?"

Nuru repeated most of Sanaa's words.

"I'm only hearing half of this conversation, but I'll take a wild stab. You're talking about commitment - Sanaa, maybe you're oversimplifying the meaning of the term. There doesn't have to be a lifelong commitment, there can be a commitment to the person you're with, just for the moment you're in. You can be genuine, and caring, and do your best to make the other person feel good, and they can do the same for you, without obligating yourself for more than you're comfortable with. I find that much more desirable than a heartless fuck in a back alley somewhere, even if it's no-strings-attached. It feeds the soul, not just the body. We value personal fulfillment and connections too, because life is short, and it gives us a need to seek depth on multiple levels at once; not every time, but in general. You can't get there without building trust and communication," Dayo said.

Nuru spoke up again, "It's work, but then again, would you rather have one big EXP hit and then nothing, or a bunch of repeat gains that get better over time? Because trust is how you get people to come back for more, and get better at what works best for the other person. Thank you, Dayo, I think that's what I'm trying to say."

/Ahhh. I think we understand one another at last. Demons can turn on each other at any moment, no matter how long the association has been, but you mortals appear to be different. Your cultural institution of marriage finally begins to make sense. I will use my powers to help overcome hesitation, but I will not override any mortal's sincere wishes, in the hopes that your theory of repeatability is more profitable. Fortunately, it's already easier to leverage deeply-held wishes, although the opportunities may be fewer this way. But, what the hell, you can do that hard part - I'll show up for the sexy bits and then get out of the way, how does that sound?/

Nuru made a victory fist, then held his hand palm-out towards Dayo. The valkyrie slapped it with a tentative grin.

"Success?" they said.

"Dayo, you are absolutely amazing, and I couldn't have done this without you. I can see why Mesi's trying so hard to make this work."

"Aww. You're gonna make me cry. My mascara's going to run!"

/Better if it ran from choking on a dick./

(Ssh. Don't ruin the moment.)

/It's not too late to go that direction, I think./

(There's no way she'd-)

"Say, Nuru," Dayo said, giving him a quick sidelong glance.

"Hmm? What's up?"

"You like my brain, it seems to me."

"Well, yeah, you're a great person. That's why I don't care so much what you're wearing."

"But you really like this, too."

"Only if you do."

"Well, say I do feel good right now, how would you like to make love to my brain?"

"I... how would I do that?"

"Via one of the nearest orifices to it."

"I'll be happy to make time for that! But-"

"Let's step off the road for a bit, then. Nuru, I'm at peace with this. I don't know how long that's going to last, but I want to taste you."

(Are you doing something...?)

/Nuru, we JUST agreed. You think I'm going to throw everything away for a one-time pleasure? Dayo's thinking about their woman, and how much they want to keep exploring this new opportunity. You've given them plausible deniability to the boss, and they are feeling good about a meaningful contribution to your sticky situation with me. They want this, and they're ready./

"Well then, what are we waiting for?" Nuru said, grinning and leaving the road at a dead run.

"Wait, Nuru!"

He came to a sudden stop, concerned about traps again. The valkyrie plowed right into him from behind, tackling him to the ground.

"Oof!"

"Ugh, Nuru, why did you stop?"

"You said wait."

"Well, I meant slow down. I have a question. Tell me truthfully... when you watched Mesi and I together that first time. And then when you joined on my birthday celebration. Was she...?"

Nuru looked the valkyrie straight in the face a moment.

"Was she what?"

"Watching all of us the whole time?"

Nuru swallowed nervously. "Yes."

"And she's gonna watch us in a moment."

"I'd bet my last currency on it."

Dayo sucked in a deep breath, exhaling with a deepening purr. "Oh, that makes me so wet; please, let me make you feel good with my mouth, I'm begging you."

They kissed teasingly, got up and both made their giddy way a bit further into the treeline, and then Dayo stopped.

"The knees in these boots are pretty well padded. It's good for combat, but I've also been wondering about other reasons for getting on my knees in them. Let's test that out, shall we?"

"Don't go too quick, unless you're uncomfortable. We'll really need to put them through their paces," Nuru said, winking.

"That won't be up to me," Dayo said, winking back.

The valkyrie kissed him, holding onto his shirt as they sank to their knees, kissing their way down.

"I'm really gonna wreck my makeup, aren't I?" Dayo said.

"Beats doing it in a fight, I'd say," Nuru said.

"Mmm, agreed."

Nuru's pants slipped down, and Dayo took him in their mouth, sniffing.

"You, um... see Katlego recently?"

"Er... few days ago. You smell her?"

"Little bit."

"Should have mentioned, sorry. Or better yet, washed."

"You know what? It doesn't bother me. She tastes pretty good, doesn't she?"

"Y-yeah. Fuck that feels so good."

"I can only imagine what she's like fresh."

"Oh... for a second I forgot you were a lesbian, or bisexual or whatever. Of course you're not automatically grossed out by that."

"Mmm mmm. I could still be grossed out, because I don't know her, but that's actually even hotter for me. Ask Sanaa if that gives her bonus EXP."

/Fuck yes it does! Hey, eyes down mister, we're missing the show./

"That would be an affirmative." Nuru's eyes stopped rolling back and snapped down to watch Dayo taking him further into their mouth, a little bit at a time, apparently savoring the flavor. He shuddered as they winked up at him.

"Best... skill choice... ever," Nuru gasped.

"Eidetic?"

"Yep."

"I'm jealous. Might have to go find a respec. Keep your eyes peeled, will you?"

"Sure thing babe. Ohhh, goddess below the belt, that's so good. Shit, am I allowed to call you 'babe'?"

"Men call women that. Women call men that. I think it's universal," Dayo said, rubbing his dick on their lips and smacking it on their cheeks as they said it.

"Whew. Gender crisis averted."

They both laughed together.

"I'm after your flavors today. Did she leave any more down here? Let me go check." Dayo moved down to the nutsack, and kissed and licked her way around. "Mmm. Yep. Gonna spend a little time down here, don't mind me."

"No rush whatsoever," Nuru groaned.

Dayo's hand slowly pumped his cock while their mouth cleaned out his public hair and the skin of his genitals.

"You are so adorably dirty," Nuru said.

Dayo giggled. "I'm not the kind of girl you bring home to your mother, am I?"

"Love that dress right now, but... yeah, I'd recommend a change if I had a family to bring you home to," Nuru laughed.

Dayo took the tip of his cock in their mouth and practiced pumping him the way they had both discussed on the bench at Way Station.

"Hmmmm," the valkyrie said hungrily.

"Gonna cum for the mind, and stay for the body," Nuru said. "Unless this is all you want right now."

Dayo giggled again. "Maybe. Got places to be, though. Cum for my brain, baby. Please."

Nuru's legs started to tremble, and he had to work extra hard to hold himself up. His knees locked up and his whole lower body clenched as his orgasm burst in Dayo's mouth. The valkyrie kept stroking him slowly until he stopped shaking, staring up at him with a naughty gleam.

"Phew. There's another memory I'm going to cherish until my dying day," Nuru sighed, leaning against a tree.

"Feel good?" Dayo said, getting to their feet.

"I feel absolutely fantastic. Although I think I need a breather before we actually walk some more. Sure you don't want anything?"

Dayo shook their head. "Nope, I'm good. Mesi wants to eat me out while I'm telling her about it. I was surprised when she said that, but apparently knowing all about it will be easier for her than sitting and wondering; go figure. I'll let you know, though. If we're on the road together long enough..."

"Oh, please do tell me if you're in the mood."

"So, unrelated question. Daylight's starting to die. You want to just make camp around here, or do you want to push through to the township?"

"Guess there's no time for resting then. Let's push through."

"There's time, I just needed to make sure in case I needed to lay some wards against ghouls and such."

"But we'll be cutting it close, yeah?"

"Yes."

"What happens when we get to Onyx Township? What will you do?"

"I can make it home. Mesi's used to me getting there late. I can always take the travel service."

"Cheaper than a room?"

"Well, no, since I still have to come back in the morning, but home has got Mesi in it."

"Oh, I just needed you to get me there. You can wait by the bulletin board if you want to, but I may not need you again right away."

"You forget all my other quests are cancelled. If you don't want me there, you'll have to send me away on some other task."

"Hmm. How secretive is Onyekachi feeling about the Chosen right now?"

"I have absolute discretion, aside from my primary directive. The only thing I'm not allowed to tell you is what I don't already know, as long as I'm only telling you. Your confidentiality agreement still applies."

"Well, then, why don't we cut the coy nonsense and you get ready to show me what you can really do," Nuru said.

"What do you mean?" Dayo said.

"You said you couldn't explain exactly how that necromancy stuff worked, back there with the goostrich and the warthogs. I want the grand tour of your powers, if he's OK with that now."

"I'll have to do some soul collecting, might take a few days. And I need to check in, give a status update... and relay your message," Dayo said, grinning mischievously.

"That's fine. I think I'll be busy in town for a little while. But if we're going to work together, I need to know what you're capable of."

"Oh... this is gonna be _fun_."

"You know I'm all about that."

*****

The trip was not entirely devoid of incident. Bandits attacked on the way, taunting and jeering in a sudden cloud of smoke around Nuru and Dayo. Unfortunately for the bandits, this gave Dayo the perfect cover to Shadow Walk to the back of the group, Arcane Blast half of them into a heap on one side of the circle, and rush straight into the other side of the circle, smashing ankles and wrists along the way.

"Apparently they thought we were unarmed," Dayo said, slicking their hair back as the smoke cleared.

"And thought they had the initiative," Nuru said.

"Hahah, that, and didn't notice I had a level advantage too. Noobs. I didn't even have to break out souls for this one. Or a sweat."

"Gotta admit, that was a hundred percent all you."

"No kill EXP to hoard for myself, I'm sorry to say. But there'll be some to share before too long."

*****

They reached city limits after sundown and parted ways, agreeing to meet again in three days' time.

"Don't bother with the dress if you're just out by yourself. You can wear robes or whatever you like."

"But you want to see me in this again when I come back?"

"I'll leave it to your discretion. Whatever you think your demonstration needs."

"See you soon, Nuru."

"Looking forward to it."

He turned and went into the Boar and Rose, and sat down to order his last meal of the day.

"Say, anyone named Tatenda here?" he asked the serving woman.

"I'll ask around."

He got his food and started in on it, and someone approached the table.

"This seat taken?"

"Not unless Tatenda shows up," Nuru said.

"What happens then?"

"Then you'd better be him."

"Lucky for me, I am. Why are you here?"

"I hear you're good at finding people."

"Look, I'm no bounty hunter, so-"

"I don't need a bounty hunter. I need somebody who knows people who cater to specific... tastes."

"Who sent you?"

"Furaha."

The man nodded, stroking his goatee thoughtfully. "Not heard from her in a minute. How's she doing?"

"Had a short bout of seasickness, I think, but she seems to be doing better."

"Quartz Port?"

"Yep."

"I knew it was going to happen. That place'll make anybody sick to their stomach. And it's not the motion of the waves."

"Saw it with my own eyes, still picking the sand out of my ass. Trust me, I know."

"So. What kind of tastes are we talking about?"

"Carnal."

Tatenda leaned forward at Nuru, squinting in the lantern light.

"Problem?" Nuru said, quirking an eyebrow.

"You're just... Level Eleven. Barely eighteen years old. I'm trying to figure out what you think you know about carnal pleasures. She say anything to you about my family?"

"Not a word. What is the sound of one hand clapping?"

"...the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

"Sorry, just a riddle I'm musing about. Unrelated. As I was meaning to say, though, I'm plenty familiar with delights of the flesh. Furaha knows. Send her a message if you need proof."

The corner of Tatenda's mouth twitched. "Nah. She gave you my insider name, and none of the warning keywords. Had to bluff check, though. Some of this stuff is... not for the faint of CON."