Breaking the Rules Pt. 06

Her eyes sparkled mischievously.

-...and your scent is nearly unlike anything I've ever drunk before. It calls to mind just the one person, some time ago. Why that is, I cannot say-

+And who was this person, to you?+

-A good friend, and something a little more. Someone with a taste for indulgence, like we shared last night; though I have taken other lovers before and since-

+A sexy friend! I love those+

-And uninhibited from the mores of our times, as you seem to be. How have you remained so untouched? You could not possibly have the same...-

+Same what?+

She remained silent.

+Same giant dick?+

She shook with quiet laughter.

-You're such a cocky dork! He was not quite so big. Used it well, though. Better than you!-

She grinned, taunting him.

+I don't remember entering a contest+

-You didn't. You see, this unexpected depth is part of what intrigues me about you. You are at once both serene and impassioned, bold nearly to recklessness but self-aware. From a distance seemingly contradictory, but up close, strong and internally consistent. You're an old soul, in a horny, young, delicious package-

+Wait, how long have I known you again?+

She laughed again.

-Less than twelve hours-

+You sure laugh a lot. Is it because the sun's up?+

-It's past my bed time- she agreed, laughing again.

+Do vampires need to sleep?+

-The living ones do-

+And the dead ones... what, sleep forever?+

-Are ghouls, and merely hide-

+Oh, so they're vampires too?+

-Past their expiration date-

She laughed again, and had trouble stopping.

+You're fun. I like you+

-I like you too-

+But, not to get too personal... what do you mean, they're past their expiration date?+

-They're dead. Either revived, or simply over a hundred years-

+I thought vampires are immortal+

-The curse survives our deaths, but our souls do not-

+But you're nothing like the ghouls+

-Thank you. I am afraid I face the same existential dilemma, many years from now if I'm lucky-

+Sorry to touch on a sore subject, I was just curious+

-You don't hear me complaining, and trust me, I am well schooled in it-

+You're not laughing anymore, though+

-What is beauty without the ugliness to contrast it?-

+What is the sound of one hand clapping?+

-Exactly. Look closer, and you will find it is merely another spectrum of beauty and ugliness, defined by its outliers. -

+Interesting. You sounded like you knew what I meant+

-I was having a philosophical moment, and it sounded familiar somehow. Like something...-

+What?+

-Like something he would say. But that's not... you couldn't possibly... you're so young-

Nuru strained against his urge to reveal the succubus. But he simply didn't know Lesedi well enough to trust her with that knowledge, even as much as he liked her.

+Too young to have doubts about the order imposed on the world?+

-...-

+Too young to have opinions about others dictating how I live?+

-Certainly not-

+How do you mean?+

-One generation inevitably rebels against the one proceeding. Though, often, it then becomes what it once hated-

+You know what I've just realized? You're not that old either+

-You thought I was old?-

+You're very sophisticated, and I know vampires don't age visually, but you can't be more than thirty. This place is far older than you are+

She smiled.

-Very astute. I... inherited it from the previous occupant. He went on to answer his own mortal dilemma-

+How?+

-I do not know for certain. It was a private affair, I did not impose my own curiosity. My hope is that he went to meet the sun-

+And died?+

-Preferable to being trapped in a body that no longer answers to your commands-

+Gods below. A vampire expires and his powerless soul is trapped in a ghoul's body?+

-So it is said. I've no intention of finding out personally-

+That's a heavy curse. Are you hoping to lift it?+

-Heavens, no. There are drawbacks, but I prefer this life, such as it is. When I tire of it, the sun is waiting-

+Forgive me if I don't see how you can find this better+

She giggled quietly again.

-You were there last night-

+And I didn't have to be a vamp to enjoy it. My point stands+

He looked down at his rising cock and then waggling his eyebrows.

She squeezed his groin again.

-You do raise an interesting argument! But like you said, I'll never be ugly when I'm old. And you cannot appreciate what that experience was like for the others, last night-

+I think I might know how the donors felt+

-To clarify, I meant the 'customers'. The other vampires. It was a feast for the senses, if not the belly-

+You weren't that engaged either+

-It was still perhaps gratifying-

+You said you were ready to leave+

-Measured by the cost of admission, it hardly seemed worthwhile to stay. But then again, it wasn't my money-

She giggled again.

+That poor fool. You mind telling me what you're going to do about him?+

-Nothing. He aimed to court me. He succeeded in impressing me, but not the way he hoped-

+You're going to date him!?+

-Absolutely not. I am impressed, but mainly in how unattractive he now is to me, particularly compared to you. I'll not speak to him again, if I can help it-

+Good luck with that. When he hears what happened...+

-Maybe I'll send him to get the clothes I left, and let him find out just how poor his reputation is now. I'd be more concerned about yourself-

+Nobody knows me around here. I'm new in town+

-You might think that to be enough, but vampires have long memories, very good noses for a scent, and extremely good ears for voices. Best clear out for a month, at the very least-

+Will they know I've been here, in your home?+

-I hate to seem inhospitable, but that's an important consideration. There wasn't time to consider the implications... but now that there is, I believe there will be an inquisition, if I know these things at all. They will pay me a visit. I have plausible deniability in that my aroused scent differs from when I am at home, but you'll have to leave before the sun's last light, and I'll have to scrub where your clothes have been. I'm glad I got to talk to you first-

+Me too. Any chance I can meet this friend of yours, that I remind you of?+

-And what do I get in return?-

(Hey... what can I offer her?)

/Send Katlego to her, next time you meet./

(Are you sure? They're not-)

/Your thief's got that thing with blood, remember? It'll give her a chance to explore that. Plus, she's kinky in a way this one should appreciate. Maybe she's ready to play with girls. No, probably just share a guy - but that's good enough. Facilitator EXP for me, too. Win-win./

Lesedi snapped her fingers.

-Hey! Where did you go?-

+Consulting my muse. I have an offer for you. A friend for a friend+

-Intriguing. And how will I know him or her?-

+She will find you here, following the signs. And don't panic, but she's High Faction. Give her a chance, will you?+

-Which faction?-

+Nyala's House+

-She'll have to prove herself. But I won't kill her on sight. I'll adjust the wards... a little bit-

+I mean, don't trust her for my sake. She is a thief, I admit+

Lesedi snorted, then laughed again.

-You're one to talk, bard-

+Of course, I proposed absolute debauchery just last night, don't trust a word I say+

-On your honor then, such as it is- She laughed again. -My friend used to travel through many places, looking for his 'chosen family' as he called it. He said it like there were others who'd done the same-

+I've seen them too+

Her eyes opened wide.

-I would say the best way to know him is by the pendant he carries, if only you were pacted to... someone. It blocks detection by unfriendly forces, allowing only his own to pass. But you'd only find it if you've got a succubus yourself-

+And if I do?+

-Don't go seeking one out for this sole purpose. But if you had one, the connection would become weakened; she'd not be able to draw your MP, or whatever terms were set, at least as easily. Since, again, you're far too young-

+Am I, do you think?+

(Shit! Bite your tongue, Nuru, bite it...)

-Oh hush, don't go throwing away your credibility trying to impress me. What I recommend is looking for the person that sounds familiar, like a long lost friend; someone who talks like you, who has riddles like yours-

+What's his name?+

-When I knew him, he went by Keyon. No doubt he has another name now. He tries them on the way women try on hats-

+Why did you separate? If you don't mind me asking, that is+

-Another woman, of course. I couldn't be what he wanted, no matter our attraction; he is too fond of loud festivals. Summer solstice was his favorite, the longest day of the year. I don't begrudge him that, though I cannot share it with him; too much sun, alas, and too much noise. If you do see him, tell him his old nibbler sends her regards-

+I sense that it is time to go. Am I wrong?+

She shook her head.

-I am truly sorry you cannot stay longer. We have made my neighbors a little too jealous. Let's take it slow and quiet next time, shall we?-

+I'd love a next time. Be well, Lesedi. May the sun remain a distant dream for many years+

-Thank you, Nuru. May fate smile upon you as well-

She leaned forward and kissed him long and slow, then bit his lip playfully.

He grinned, and got up to go.

+Wards won't take me out again when I go, will they?+

-Just don't try to come back in-

She laughed, then lay back and closed her eyes. He carefully studied the floor as he dressed, taking in the complex runes laid down in the uncovered stone. He wasn't sure what it all meant, but he definitely wanted to remember it for later study. Tusa got up from gnawing the bones of some kill he'd dragged back, and followed him.

"!Fassada Girma! Next town over. Which way? Can we make it before nightfall?"

Tusa shook his head.

[But we'll see only the most desperate ghouls, if we do not dawdle, and if there's no other trouble on two legs. Wights, of course, can come out any time.]

"Onward, then."

Nuru ate some of his travel food as they went, and tried to improve his proficiency in Weightless Foot, and his drumming.

*****

The ghouls kept their distance as darkness fell, and Nuru got a room for the night. Sanaa gave him a dream about being snatched up by a flying creature and held naked together with a female captive that looked like Rynn, who was more than happy to take comfort in his arms as the giant bat (or whatever it was he couldn't quite make out) pushed them together with its claws. He yanked at her after he woke up from the wetness of his seed.

/You like that?/

(Oh yeah. Don't think I don't know what you're doing though, with the whole captive thing. I'm not going to change my mind and start a harem by force.)

/Hey, it's fine, it's just fantasy. You can role-play this in real life too./

(And she was clearly into it; it wouldn't work if she wasn't. Realistically, I doubt if she would be amenable in reality.)

/My auras can arrange some of that./

(But if she's sorry afterwards, I'm never going to forgive myself. Tears or frowns will ruin it for me.)

/No danger of that in your sleep./

(Alright, but I'm watching you. If I ever start having trouble telling fantasy from reality, you and I are going to have some harsh words.)

/Noted./

He slept some more, had a hot breakfast, then set off toward Quartz Port again.

It was an arduous journey, with lots more hills to climb than the other route, but he didn't feel like going back near Onyx Township and tempting fate. Tusa kept him safe from random encounters, and he arrived at the port as the sun was diving toward the sea. The library was closed and the door locked, so he went to the hut. He came up behind Furaha, clearing his throat so that she knew he was coming, and then stopped next to her, watching what she was watching at the oceanside.

"Evening," Furaha said, barely looking over at him.

"And a good one. What's going on?" Nuru said.

"Ace, is what's going on. He - you're not going to believe this. He's got a girlfriend."

"What!? Ace, what the hell, man! I thought you didn't do that!"

"I don't *have sex* is what. I can absolutely have a girlfriend. She's perfect!" he said.

"A mermaid. Your perfect girlfriend is a mermaid," Nuru deadpanned.

"Ekene's amazing! I'm so in love. She's so smart, and so talented. We can't have sex, and that makes her more approachable. I'm just enchanted."

"He's decided to learn her language, and you know how D'Shemil fanatics are, can't do anything halfway," Furaha said teasingly. "Got half the language decoded already, it seems like. Basic syntax anyway."

"You know what?" Nuru said. "I'm happy for you, man. You gonna retire from the adventuring business?"

"Nah. We have started a contest, who can bring the other the shiniest and most expensive gift. Gotta compete with all those shipwrecks on the floor, I'm gonna be a busy guy!"

"Well, cool. I'll try to continue being profitable to work with," Nuru said.

"Ah, don't you worry about that. I feel like I owe you like she does, I know you helped when Furaha saved her from the net. She just won't shut up about the both of you, not that I can fully understand it yet. Sounds like it would have been hilarious to watch though, if it hadn't been so serious. Dwarves flopping on the beach, beards full of sand, what a sight!"

Furaha finally turned to face Nuru, then launched herself into a full embrace, kissing and holding him tight.

"Welcome back," she said, slipping back down and looking up curiously. "Business first?"

"Ever the tease," Nuru grinned.

They went into the hut, they started in on a bottle of wine and a pastry.

"We need a code system," Nuru started.

Furaha nodded. "I like the word substitution method. Letter substitution is so time-consuming, but it's better if you're expecting a sophisticated adversary to ever try to read the note."

"I guess we need both then. A quick method, and a secure method."

"You're going to be carrying around a reference sheet and a book."

"That's fine, I'm carrying a spellbook already. I can just tie them together if I need to."

"I'll get them set up. We'll need two of the exact same book, and we'll set up a list of keywords to substitute on each page. Then just write the page number on the message, and we'll only use each page one time. Since we're doing both anyway, we'll just use the letter substitution method every time there's a word that's not in the list."

"OK. Get one page done and I'll do a test message to make sure I can do this properly."

They drew up a list of words, Furaha started writing in the margins and circling a word in the middle of the line to replace. Then she drew up a line of letters on top of that same page of the book, and a random arrangement of the letters underneath for letter substitution.

Nuru took a scrap piece of paper, and wrote:

I NEED A ALHIJU ELEPHANT

He handed it to Furaha.

She put one finger on the letters in order, and then found the word "elephant" on the page. If he had written it out on the paper plainly, it would have read:

I NEED A POCKET DIMENSION

Her face drained of color as she saw how the last word substituted. She swallowed, looked up at him sideways. He nodded.

"Badly," he said. "As soon as possible."

She took a deep breath, then grabbed the wine bottle and drank half of it.

"You've... been talking to your friend," she said.

"She knows that you know how," he said.

"You do not fool around sometimes. You're worse than Ace. You sure you don't want to be one of D'Shemil's Masters too?"

"I'm sure it would simplify a lot of things. But no, thank you."

"I promised to my boss to suggest that if I ever saw you again. Oath fulfilled. Now stick it in your ethereal pipe and smoke it, you reprobate! Ahem. I may have enjoyed your refusal more than I should. Speaking of which... I won't be making any progress on your request tonight. Shall we move on to our contest?"

"Oh, do let's!"

Furaha draped herself on Nuru as he stood up and prodded his succubus through the pact, and they hurried to undress each other after they reached the hut. Furaha gave Nuru's dick hard pulsing suction until he was fully engorged, and Nuru kissed and nibbled at her thighs until her apprehension vanished and he dove right into her face-first, hungrily. When it became clear that neither of them was easily winning this way, Furaha turned around and climbed up on top, sliding over him and making his cock jump upwards involuntarily, timing it carefully to sink back just at the apex so that her vulva engulfed him. She watched his face intently, cooing with every grunt he made and every time he grabbed at her ass cheeks and bore him down into a head-to-head climax that seemed like it would never end. He turned her around, laying her head on his arm and spooned her, pinching, scratching, and caressing just as she did without looking; he got hard again and held on tightly as she squirmed and shuddered and they both lost count of the score long after the sun had gone down. They drifted off quietly, oblivious to where Ace slept, or anything else that happened.

*****

Furaha groaned.

"Good morning, sexy elf," Nuru said.

"Fuck, don't call me that," she grunted.

"But you are sexy."

"But I'm not a- just don't. OK?"

"Oh. OK."

(Still self-conscious about her elf half,) Nuru thought to himself.

She dragged herself up out of bed. "Ugh. Gonna be late to work. You mind showing yourself out?"

"That's fine. I might get lost trying to find the front door, but it'll be alright."

She gave him a sour glare, then walked the five steps to that same front door and continued out, jumping into the pool at the edge of the water. She got back, put on some fresh clothes, and sauntered off in no particular hurry to the library.

"Oh hey, one last question," Nuru said, catching up to her. "I have this other friend. Do you mind if I have them come find you? They already know about... my friend that looks over my shoulder."

Nuru still talked to the one side when he was speaking aloud to her, barely conscious of that feeling of her being just behind him, or sitting on his shoulder.

"I absolutely do mind. Two people can keep a secret, Nuru - if, and ONLY if, one of them is dead."

"Well alright, but I don't think they were planning to exercise that branch of their necromancer career path just yet."

"Oh. You mean Dayo."

"What, you know her!?"

"Them, you mean?"

"Gods below, I've done it again. Yes. Them."

"I know of them. I checked you out quite thoroughly before I stuck my head out for you," Furaha said.

"And I made great money doing it!" Ace burbled right next to them.

"By all the gods, you eldritch blabbermouthed wannabe eunich!" Furaha snarled.

"Oops, I'm doing it again," Ace said, exiting his stealth skill. "Was I not supposed to be hearing this conversation?"

"Uggh... I'm just hung over, and you surprised me," Furaha groaned. "Plus, you'd listen anyway, you'd just pretend not to, so it's not like my answer matters."

"I need to get you promoted, so I can take over the position here," Ace said. "So don't worry about telling me things, I'm looking out for you."

"I've just had a revelation," Furaha snapped her fingers. "That damn page- he's working for somebody. I was going to bust him for stealing packages, but I need to find out who his chain of command is. Ace, I need you to follow him; he seems the type to be sloppy. Let me know who you find holding the leash."

"Aye aye, cap'n," Ace said, mock-saluting and vanishing.

"I didn't mean- oh, well, now's as good a time as ever, I guess. Sure, Nuru, send Dayo this way and I'll have a chat. Who won last night, anyway?"