Conquest of Shadows (For DaBomb)

[Xatarias]

"I haven't been specifically invited," Tera says, "But I don't foresee being turned away at the gates. Sarkling has been known to... Amend the rules when beautiful women are concerned, and no man could resist your charms, mistress."


Meanwhile, Ronna and Stacy have locked hands and are struggling against one another. They tumble back unto the bed in a series of girlish shrieks. It's pretty obvious that the situation is doomed to escalate in an all-out fight or make-out session... Probably both.


"They always did that before meeting you," Tera assures you as Ronna slips her hand between Stacy's thighs. "Well perhaps not exactly, but you get the idea. Shall we?"


You close the door on the horny girls and quickly exit the manor. A short walk down a few blocks places you in the courtyard of a gothic mansion festooned in fairy lights and paper lanterns. Minor nobles mingle outside, listening to music and sipping drinks. All wear deco masks of various patterns mimicking monsters and animals. Between your makeup and demon "costume", you feel you can dispense with the festive disguise.


While fancier than any party you've ever been to, it becomes clear that the courtyard is just a holding pen for the riffraff. Judging from the sounds within the manor, an even bigger celebration is well underway inside. Two monstrously muscled guardsmen sporting gargoyle masks and loincloths, bar the main entrance to Sarkling's lavish abode.

 

[Xatarias]

.

 

[DaBomb]

Asheroth appreciates the sight of the mansion hen she arrives.  She always had a soft spot for Gothic themed furniture of dwellings... It may have been brought by her demonic heritage, but no one could know that for sure.  


Walking past the minor nobles, she walked up to the large and burly guards, giving them a warm smile. "Good Day, gentleman. I believe we've been invited to this festive?" 

 

[Xatarias]

You catch people whispering amongst themselves as you pass, discretely pointing you out to anyone in earshot. Your regal appearance has attracted the interest and envy of Sarkling's sycophants, and they no doubt wonder who this new player could be. Tera gracefully slides her arm through yours in a sisterly fashion, but also runs a discrete hand across your waist in a thoroughly sensual manner.


"I love the way they're looking at you," she whispers hotly, leaning into you as you walk. "They can tell you're worth of note, wondering if you're worthy of aligning with... They have no idea."


You reach the gate guards and they look you up and down with interest. One barely-clothed hulk steps politely forward to check your invitation, but his companion stops him short.


"I'm sure Lord Sarkling will be thrilled to know you were able to come. If you'll allow me, I'll guide you to the inner apartments and announce your presence, Lady..."


He lets the sentence hang, waiting for you to supply your name- alias or otherwise.

 

[DaBomb]

Asheroth grins at her companions whispers. "And how could they, me Dear?  They live in a town where my kind are unheard of.  They have no ear for me.. .they do not know what I'm capable of..." She whispers back, her hot breath warming her ear.


The Half-Breed gives a nod to both guards as they approach, making a quick curtsy. "Asheroth. Lady Asheroth, my good sir." She responds warmly.

 

[Xatarias]

The doorman nods as his companion heaves open the massive door leading into Sarkling's inner sanctum.


Surprisingly, none of the nobles favored guests and in the entranceway and you only see a servant here and there fetching something, or cleaning up the remains of a rambunctious group of nobles. You still hear the sounds of revelry, so something must be attracting everyone's attention.


The noise becomes more pronounced as you are led through the richly carpeted hallways and past various displayed paintings and artifacts of antiquity- symbols of Sarkling's wealth. The style of the place does indeed remind you of your own manor, in a abstract sense since major renovations are still under way at your abode. Its vaulted ceilings and mysterious carvings in the stonework give the building a mystical and slightly forbidding air.


The footman opens one last door, past which appears to be a massive atrium filled with exotic plants and cast in the flickering glow of paper lanterns. The place is thoroughly pact, and it soon becomes apparent why- you are interrupting an auction in progress! Nobles and rich merchants lounge on chairs and sofas, while servants bring refreshments and otherwise weight on the guests hand and foot.


Everyone's attention is locked on a stage set up at the far end of the room. On it, a slender young man stands in his under clothes, standing in a theatrically coy fashion as various ladies- and men- raise their hands to stake a bid. A closer look reveals why their object of desire is so valuable: running from his spine a long whip-like, spaded tail undulates and a pair of pointed horns peak from his messy hair.


Next to him, a sleekly dressed man stands, riling up the crowd.


"Utterly compliant, ladies and gentlemen. Know's his work well and loves doing it. Not as pure as our typical fair, but there's something to be said for a pair of experienced hands to scratch certain itches, am I right ladies?... You're pardon, Lord Larton, I didn't see your bid. And another from Lady Aston, that's three thousand on the nose! Any more?... One, twice, sold! Jerrin, why don't you say hello to your mistress for the evening."


The demon-lad hops off the stage and meekly curls up against the seat of a smug looking noblewoman. She idly strokes his hair as the next lot is brought to the stage. Before the next bids can start, you are announced.


"Lady Asheroth of the Northern Reaches," Calls the footman before letting you pass with a bow. Every eye locks upon your exotic frame as you step into the room.

 

[DaBomb]

Asheroth eyes the room carefully as she walks in.  Oh, an auction?  How splendid!  She was always fascinated with rare or valuable items!  What could they be sell- Oh.  Sex.  Ash frowned for a moment.  She never knew such a scandalous thing would be afoot of such nobles... How amusing. As the footman leaves, walks down the aisle, looking to see if Lord Sarkling was available.  If he was around, she'd attempt to sit as close to him as possible.  If her wasn't, she'd find an empty seat and watch the show. 

 

[Xatarias]

The auctioneer looks in your direction and hesitates only for a moment before giving a bright smile and waving for an associate to take over for him. He hops off the raised platform and weaves in and out of seated nobles, before bowing before you.


"This is Lord Sarkling," Tera whispers into your ear as the man rises. Your mark for the evening as a look of razor-sharp intellect about him and every part of him, from his windswept blonde hair to his carefully folder kerchief, has been meticulously arranged. Even underneath the puff of his fashionable attire, you can see the nobleman has a hard body, no doubt honed from hours of fencing practice. Although his manner gracious, you can't help but get a sense of the man's opportunistic nature. Sarkling is dangerous, there's no doubt about it.


"My dear Lady. Asheroth, was it? You make quite the demoness, the very vision of temptation. And that dress! I don't doubt there are more than a few ladies here that will have words with their tailors after tonight."


He leans in to kiss your cheek but, if detecting any resistance, will gracefully switch to your hand. Tera can't help but let out a possessive little growl that draws Sarkling's bedazzling gaze.


"Lady D'Lutheon, always a pleasure. You'll be sure to give my regards to your father?"


With much pomp and circumstance, he leads you to a private table spread with various culinary pleasantries and a selection of intricately carved pipes. Sarkling makes sure you and Tera are comfortable before leaning back in a chair himself, quick hands lighting a pipe. He watches his auction progress with unnerving focus for a few moments before turning to you with that shark-like smile.


"So where has Tera been hiding you, Asheroth? I like to think I know everyone who's anybody in this city, so it's a blow to my considerable ego to have such an intriguing young lady slip past my notice."

 

[DaBomb]

Asheroth receives the kiss without much hesitance, such small signs of affection bother her little.  "Thank you, this dress was actually recently made.  One of a kind, I assure you. The tailor prefers to keep a low profile, doesn't want to be flooded by dozens of noble, i'm sure you can relate." She responds, keeping a friendly mood for the evening. 


The Demoness follows the lord, making her way to sit down at his private table, her eyes waving across the numerous items that were available.  How exquisite.  She'd look toward the auctioneer and check in once in a while on the bids to see if anything caught her attention.


 Her attention returns to the lord when he speaks to her, again giving him the friendly smile she was just so good at giving. "I'm not surprised you haven't heard of me.  I don't live in this city, I live in a manor relatively close by to this city, overlooking a decently sized village.  Also, I haven't been a noble for very long... I only very recently was informed of my noble bloodline, something I would like to reform to its  former glory..." She cuts off, her eyes taking a glance to the auction stage.  


"Which is part of the reason I came here.  I need sources of income to fuel my missions and I've already set one up.  I have the supply and the buyer... Unfortunately, I don't have a means to ship the items to the city.  I like to do my operations without attention from nobles and guards... to avoid wasting time with inspections and what not... I've heard that you are the person to go to for such things.  Can you assist me?" She says in a hushed tone, without arising suspicion. 

 

[Xatarias]

"The most respectable on individuals are the ones who had to claw their way to success. I won't boast of rising from destitution of course, my noble standing comes with several advantages, but I do know something about overcoming obstacles. The fact that you have such a regal bearing while lacking a cultured upbringing is nothing short of astounding. I find that and your obvious ambition... Admirable." His eyes look practically predatory as he peddles his flattery, Sarkling clearly more than willing to mix business with pleasure.


"It's fairly well known that I have a friendly relation with the various merchant importing and exporting goods to and from the city," Sarlking says addressing your business proposal, "Of course, I would never do anything that infringes upon his Majesty's law, or interfere with the Inquisition's holy mission."


He says this as a great sword thrumming with demonic energy is brought onstage. A relic of the demon wars if the auctioneer's description can be believed. Several bidders that had been previously disinterested now lean forward with anticipation. It seems that Sarkling's cliental isn't limited to noblewomen with a streak of sexual deviancy.


"It all depends on the merchandise. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume your proposal is a lucrative venture, but we still have to consider the risks. I need to have a better picture of this operation of yours. It's not that I don't trust you, but I'm a man of good conscience. If there was even the slightest chance of unwittingly involving myself in some nefarious dealings, why, I wouldn't be able to sleep at night!"

 

[DaBomb]

"Thank you, sir.  I have tried my best to learn to be civilized..." She coos, chuckling at the man's compliments. Oh, if only he knew what she had to do, to get where she was now...  "And of course darling, i'd never do anything to harm my status or my family name." She quickly agrees, taking a glance to the item for sail, needing to take a double take after hearing what the man had said.  She stares at the supposed artifact, mumbling an identify spell to see if the item truly was magical.  She wouldn't be interested in an ordinary great sword after all.


She returns her attention to the Lord after she had finished with her appraisement. "The shipment consists of bottles of milk.  The product has been rumored to have slight transformative effects but I assure you, we take our customer's safety very seriously. The shipment will got to a humble shop in the upper district, of whom will have the sincerest gratitude if the operation is able to begin."

 

[Xatarias]

The sword does indeed contain a fair amount of power. Although you aren't able to tell its origins or year of make, you don't feel a reason to doubt the auctioneer's description. This was a sword once wielded by a denizen of the underworld in an age long forgotten. Judging from the destructive might you detect bound up in the blade, its previous owner must have been quite the magical warrior. Maybe even a demon lord.


Sarkling's eyes twinkle as he leans in. At first it might seem like he's misinterpreting your polite banter and looking to steal another kiss, but he halts a few inches from your face. His gaze focuses on your unique eyes and other features of your uncanny "costume".


"Such lovely eyes you have," He murmurs. "I'm not aware of any glassworks that could produce contacts so fine. Remarkable."


He retracts, talking as if nothing had happened.


"I'm familiar with the product you are describing. Some of my best servants have benefitted from similar concoctions. As for risk to customers," He shrugs, "It's no concern of mine what people are willing to buy, I merely procure their requests... But I'm not in the business of favors unrequited, my dear. If I get customs off your back, what's in it for me?"

 

[DaBomb]

Asheroth licks her lips at the sword.  She could tell it wasn't just an ordinary sword, it contained great power.  Power, that any mortal would most definitely misuse. She knew she was in a crowd of super rich nobles... but she may as well give it a try...  She quickly makes a bid for a thousand crowns, hoping no one else would spend that much for a sword...


She returns her attention to Sarkling.  "Thank you, they're natural, I assure you.  I happen to be a sorceress, runs in the family as it normally does." She responds, her eyes glowing brighter for a few moments before dimming back down to their normal brightness. 


"What's in it for you? Well, you'd get some of the profit of course.  Shipping and handling usually costs extra. So... would twenty percent of the revenue be a fair deal?" She offers, glancing back at the sword for a moment, listening to any counter bids.  

 

[Xatarias]

The bids cause the price of the sword to creep well beyond the your 1000 crown stake. Discouragingly the bidding war doesn't seem to be losing steam. Sarkling notes your interest and calls over a servant, whispering in their ear.


Just as the bidding is getting really heated, the auctioneer is pulled to the side, soon returning with a white clothe which he hurriedly throws over the demonic sword. The crowd groans audibly, barely placated by the seller's explanation.


"I'm terribly sorry, esteemed patrons. The seller paid the house commission and asked for the object to be retracted. But we have many other fine artifacts dated to the period of the Demon Wars. Next lot is-"


His voice fades from your attention as Sarkling begins his counter-offer.


"You have more spark in you than my usual business associates," he purrs, fingers light rolling on the tablecloth, "But you have to understand that there are more transformative dealers in this city than you might imagine. Most of which I have a friendly relationship with. Showing favoritism to a newcomer wouldn't go over well, so I'm afraid I'll have to insist on a higher cut. Forty percent. You can even pay me out of your merchandise if you like."

 

[DaBomb]

Asheroth has a brief look of awe when she sees the cloth put on top of the sword.  Looks like she wouldn't have to spend too much money on this occasion after all...  How pleasant!


The Demoness looks back at the lord, staying silent as she thinks on his offer.  Forty percent?  That was a big cut... But at least it was less than half.  She didn't really have any other option.... And she didn't have any other source of income.  It would have to be done.


"Forty percent of the profit is more than reasonable.  You have yourself a deal, Lord Sarkling."

 

[Xatarias]

The nobleman smiles, pleased at having got his way.


"Well I'm glad we were able to come to an agreement. You are of course, welcome to view the remainder of the auction... And attend the after party. My staff is legendary for its hospitality- mean and women better trained in matters pleasurable you could not find. Everything will be on the house, excluding what's already been bought and paid for.


He nods in the direction of the noblewoman with her demon-boy escort for the night. No doubt the more exotic employees of Sarkling's high end brothel would be similarly engaged. Still, plenty of the maids and butlers are pleasing enough to the eye, and the seated nobles aren't shy about casting looks (and sometimes touches) their way.


Tera fidgets in her seat.

 

[DaBomb]

Though she gave a little more away than she wanted... She was still glad to have finally got a source of income to fund her operations. 


"I thank you for your hospitality, Lord Sarkling. You've been very gracious." She gives him a slight bow.  "Do you mind if I ask what happened to the sword?  It was a same that it had to be returned to the dealer..." She states regretfully. 


Asheroth gazes across the room.  She might be able to do some more "work" while she was here... Though she may blow her cover if she tried to do such a thing... She'd have to be careful if she tried anything.


Before she could continue thinking on the matter, she felt Tera move.  Turning toward her, she asked her in a hushed tone if she was alright. 

 

[Xatarias]

"I was just thinking about you... You know, like what you did in the alley," Tera whispers back.You notice the flush of her face and her hand unobtrusively slipped under the table, buried amongst the folds of her skirt. The little slut is getting hot just imagining you having your way with one of the sexy maids scurrying about!


Still, Tera must have some wits about her because, she pulls you closer and says, "I don't trust our host. I think he knows more than he's letting on. If he reveals what you are to the inquisition..."


Sarkling obviously observes your private little conference, but makes no note of it. He instead addresses you query about the demon sword.


"Oh I'm afraid that happens sometimes. Sellers get cold feet right in the middle on an auction. It's a frequent enough occurrence that we have a house policy: so long as bidding is in progress, the house will accept it's minimum commission and pull the object from sale. Sometimes it's strategic- you can imagine pulling something expensive that isn't fetching the price you expected- but more often, it's emotional. They thought they could part with something and just can't when the time comes."


Sarkling's piercing blue eyes don't stray from your face. He smiles once more and goes back to puffing his pipe.


"...It's a feeling I'm quite familiar with."

 

[DaBomb]

Asheroth puts a hand on the woman's lap.  "Honey, just breathe... It's normal to have these thoughts... but to focus on them can cause problems. Think of something else and don't... act on it." She whispers to her, her hand moving from her lap. "And on the other matter, I doubt we ave anything to worry about.  Sarkling is a Lord with much to loose, i'm sure he wouldn't want unnecessary attention from the Inquisition..." She gives her a wink, before turning back to Sarkling. 


"That's a shame... though I understand.  I'd have quite the reluctance to give away such a unique piece.  Though... I guess it can't be helped." She replies with a small sigh, her eyes looking up to Sarkling's.  She'd remain there until the auction was over, giving Sarkling her regards and departing to mingle with other nobles.


While mingling, she'd make sure that Tera's "heat" was under control and not letting her fall to her urges.  She'd also keep on the look out for nobles or maids that stood out from the rest, looking quite... delicious. 

 

[Xatarias]

Tera squirms in her seat and even more so when the auction breaks for refreshments and mingling. Keeping a close eye on her, you ensure that she stays out of mischief. Your head slave does admirably well given her recent "awakening", only requiring your intervention once when she gets into an animated conversation with a young noble who shares her passion for archeology. You feel it necessary to steer her to a nearby powder room when she grabs the man's upper arm in a fashion too familiar to your liking.


She gives you a pouty look when you enforce your rules, but soon recognizes how bold she was being and splashes her face with water from a nearby basin.


"By the goddess, is it always like this for you?" she asks, "One minute I was enjoying his explanation on ancient Elendelian carvings and then I kept thinking that wouldn't it be nice to put that stuttering mouth of his to work on other things and..."


She visibly shakes herself and resumes cooling off. It takes a few minutes before you deem Tera sufficiently calm to rejoin the party.


And what a party it is. Sleek serving staff strut to and fro in closely cut garments and music fills the air. You notice the noblewoman from before leading her demon-boy consort up a staircase and numerous other guests are making advances on servants and fellow nobles alike. Some of Sarkling's staff are beyond glamorous. More than one pretty face likely the result of illegal transformative. The modifications aren't limited to almond eyes and plump lips however, a flash of white draws your eyes to a perky brunette with a full set of white feathered wings folded neatly at her back.

 

[DaBomb]

Asheroth gives Tera a comforting smile, taking a hand and placing it on her shoulder. "Honestly dear... It used to be... but I got over it.  It'll get better, trust me.  Soon you'll only get slight urges and even those are manageable. You'll be fine, Tera.  You have me to assure that." She pats her shoulder, before giving her a wink.  "Now come on... i'm sure that Noble was looking forward to hear more about your studies." She encourages, walking out with her, back to the party. 


Once she returns to the party, Asheroth resumes to mingle with the nobles.  She catches sight of many attractive woman throughout the room, she'd have a difficult time trying to ind one that she wanted... Then she caught site of wings.  How curious.  She casually made her way to the woman, a smirk on her face. "I'd tell you a pickup line, but i'm sure you're tired of people making angel jokes?" 

 

[Xatarias]

The woman flashes you a cheeky smile.


"I'm always telling people I ain't no angel. Whenever they ask if I fell from heaven or some such nonsense, I just tell them matter'a factly, that no, kind sir, I from South End. You must be thinking of my cousin." She gives you a graceful curtsey and a mischievous smile. "My name is Seraph, Madam, what divine pleasure may I bestow upon you?... Or at least that's what the boss tells me say. I dunno, I always thought it sounded a bit stuffy. And Seraph? Please..."


As she speaks, her wings rustle and there is a small gust of air that ruffle your skirts. Those things could probably flip a table if "Seraph" was so inclined.

 

[DaBomb]

"Well, it's nice to meet you, Seraph... Would you prefer me to call you by your real name?" She asks, chuckling at the woman's response. I'm Asheroth by the way. And in all honesty, the only pleasure I wanted was to speak with you.  I see a exquisite woman and I had to speak with her.  Where i'm from, everything is dull, so speaking to you shines in its comparison." She warmly explains, her eyes falling down to the woman's wings.


"Sorry, but I just have to know... were you born with those wing or did you grow them later in life?  I find uncommon things such as those to be... quite attractive." 

 

[Xatarias]

"Rizzi is fine, if it's all the same to you. And no, I didn't have these portable table-sweepers to begin with. When I was a little'un, I liked wandering the forest even though every other word out of my Mam's mouth was a warning not to. I fell asleep in a clearing and..." She spreads her wings for emphasis. "There they were."


You can tell she's giving you the short version, but no doubt a waitress/courtesan isn't often expected to relate her life story to customers.


Rizzi brushes your cheek with a wingtip before moving close to you.


"It is nice that some folk appreciate them, though let me tell you, getting new shirts is a nightmare... You sure you only wanted to talk, sweetheart? I can't say I'm all that practiced in conversation. Other things, though..."

 

[DaBomb]

It can easily be seen that Asheroth is fascinated by the woman's story, a bit saddened that she couldn't here more about them... Maybe at a later time. "Well, that is not exactly what I expected... but nonetheless that is fascinating... I would love to here more at a later time, if you want to that is..." She suggests, smiling as the wing brushes past her cheek.


"Oh, I know darling... It's an absolute pain in getting undergarments when you have a tail poking out of your back... Though having tailor does makes things a bit easier..." She smirks, her tail wrapping around the woman's leg for emphasis. "I am a woman with simple tastes, and a mere conversation with you is enough... However, if you are offering something us... I'd gladly partake in anything you offer."

 

[Xatarias]

"Tail? What- oh!"


The excitable angel-girl gives a little giggle as your tail teases her.


"Guess we have more in common than I thought," she says, eyeing you with new interest. "Well, I am at your disposal, dear Mistress. This evening might actually be fun for a change."


She detaches herself with a knowing wink, wings flapping lightly, leading you to a nearby spiral staircase. You ascend to a long hallway with an innumerable amount of doors leading to the various servant quarters and lounging spaces housed within Sarkling Manor.


The room Rizzi pulls you into is no maid's bedroom, however. A massive silk-covered bed dominates the center and a large tiled bathing area is built into the far corner. Towels and oil vials line a nearby shelf, along with rope, sex toys, and various leather implements for the more adventurous types.


Rizzi lightly hops unto the bed and spreads her wings- easily as wide as her outstretched arms. Their delicate feathering catches the light beautifully, casting a series of sexy shadow across the winged woman's tanned flesh. Frizzi sets a coy pose, flipping her waving brown locks innocently.


"Well, it seems like you've got yourself a pretty little bird in a cage." She says the prefabbed line in a mocking way, letting you know that she knows it's not fooling anyone. "Whatever will you do with me?"

 

[DaBomb]

Asheroth eyes the woman intently as she makes her way to the bed, smirking as she sprawls herself on the bed. "Well, i'd like to play with my little pet.  Why else would I keep one?" She responds in the same tone, walking toward the bed and climbing on top of Rizzi, staring deep into her eyes before leaning in to meet her lips with her own. "I feel obligated to warn you, that I have some parts that aren't normal for humans... nor woman." She says with a devious smile, her arms moving to grope the woman's curves. 

 

[Xatarias]

Rizzi giggles as you run your hands along her wide hips and pert breasts. An errant hand along her avian appendages reveals that the base of her wings are actually very sensitive. And soft.


"I don't think I'm really one to complain about extra parts, do you," she says, matching your playful tone. "Come on, honey, you're not gonna scare me."


She leans in for another kiss, pulling at your bottom lip a bit before breaking away.


"Besides," she says, breathily, "I like surprises."

 

[DaBomb]

"Good, surprises help keep things exciting." She coos, her finger lightly running across her wings.  "Would you mind... being the one in control?  I'm always the dominant one... I'd like to try something new..." She says with a grin, reaching down to squeeze Rizzi's ass.  "I guess you can be a bird of prey instead of a caged bird."

 

[Xatarias]

"Well," Says Rizzi, pushing up from her prone position, "That's not something I often get to hear. It's like music to my ears. Don't worry, sweetheart. Rizzi will take you for a ride you won't soon forget."


Your transformed lover pushes you over into the sheets, and straddles you with her strong legs. She reaches for the hem of her uniform and tugs the garment off. Soon her stocking and undershirt follow, treating you to the sight of her taut, muscled belly and hand-filling breasts. Your comparison of Rizzi to a raptor may have been in jest, but there's something feisty about the way she licks her lips looking at you. Predatory even.


"Well, I think we'd best get you out of those clothes," She breaths, "Like unwrapping a fancy present, just for me..."


She goes to work, freeing you from your rich silks, deftly undoing laces and slipping buttons loose, all the while pressing against your body in the most delicious manner. Every piece of exposed flesh she exposes is treated to a flurry of kisses- almost as if Rizzi is determined to taste every inch of you. She moves aggressively, barely letting you catch your breath from one moment to the next. Skimming her teeth along your collarbone, your personal angel pulls off your bodice exposing your bare breasts.


"Now these, I like," She growls, kneading your tits while leaning in for a fierce, openmouthed kiss that fully engages your tongue.


"I'm going to... Make us feel... So good... You'll beg me not to stop," she promises during the brief gaps in your oral tango.