Conquest of Shadows (For DaBomb)

[DaBomb]

Asheroth's eyes didn't dwindle on one aspect of the house for long, examining all the work that had been done to the place.  It was astounding, the beautiful architecture that made up this house was now being restored, and seeing this mansion get closer to original appearance was breathtaking. 


Sitting down on the bed, Ash could immediately tell why the location of this mansion was chosen. It had an amazing view of the town below and it was a suiting place for the soon to be ruler.  She could watch the town grow from this high, watch it flourish to never before though heights. It was something she was happy to obtained...


Her hand crept over and grabbed Kari's, holding her hand and offering a smile.  "Thank you... for everything you've done, Kari.  You have no idea how much of a help you've been..."

 

[Xatarias]

Kari laces her fingers with yours and leans against you.


"Hey, it's no big deal... Okay, I am pretty awesome, but it's not like I'm doing this for nothing- gods, that sounds mercenary doesn't it?- I mean that we're... We're together now," She gives your hand a little squeeze. "I'm going to do whatever I can to make this work for us... All of us."


She presses her lithe body against yours and kisses your jawline before nuzzling into your shoulder and purring.

 

[DaBomb]

Ash smiles as the feline woman snuggles up against her, her gaze still toward the village.  "And I promise the same thing, Kari.  I'll do whatever I can to make our dreams come true.  Anything within my power." She whispers, her head gently tapping Kari's. She rested against the woman in silence, thinking about her future goals.  She had a lot on her plate... but with Kari, they seemed that much more manageable.


"So, what were you making downstairs?  Need any help?" The sorceress whispers, realizing that sleep was still hours away, and there was still more o this day to be managed. 

 

[Xatarias]

"Oh I was just working on a flameless lantern. The idea was to shake the stuff and it would emit a bright light, but instead all I get is smoke," Her cute face scrunches up with dissatisfaction. "It's funny, I can spend hours purifying those cows' milk without a problem, but when I try to experiment for a bit of fun... Well, if you ever need a bomb, I'm your girl."


"You're friends left for the village just before you arrived," Kari continues and you realize she's talking about Jerrin, Rizzi, and Issac. "Seems like the band of misfits keeps expanding. For someone who's nervous about a few kids, you sure don't mind taking in strays, Ash."


As you lay with your first and foremost lover, your mind begins to wander with plans and ideas of how to spend the rest of your day. Preparations for the upcoming mayoral elections needed to be arranged, and there was also the matter of checking in on Gwen's progress as a soon-to-be succubus. The young blonde seemed in control when you last saw her, but you could never tell... Come to think of it, there's still that summoning circle in the basement. You weren't strong enough to use it before, but perhaps with Hecate's gift of arcane insight...

 

[DaBomb]

Ash decides to start working on the upcoming elections for mayor. To her, that seemed like the pressing matter on her todo list and it would certainly give her a better hold of the town.  With the leadership title achieved, she could start working on the improvements of the town and turn it into the city she had been wishing for this whole time.  "Kari, you mentioned the mayor elections?  You mind... helping me with that? I need some insight on how to get started."

 

[Xatarias]

"Hm, well it can't hurt that your popularity has really taken off as of late. Gwen and Tan will put a good word in for you amongst the tavern regulars and seeing as how I've got the saw mill workers employed, I think we're in a strong position. That's not to say that things couldn't go wrong, I'm not too familiar with the town's politics. Even if people like you, you're still a woman... Not to mention one of nonhuman lineage."


She waves her hands placatingly seeing your expression.


"You know what I mean. I'm a "subhuman" too, remember. Now most people in town are good folks, but living next to the Dark Forest for generations makes you wary of the unfamiliar. You're a half-succubus, that's not something people are going to get over easy... Not unless you nudge them in the right direction."

 

[DaBomb]

"Well, I can only do my best to erase and prejudice against me, right? So, how do you suggest I go about... nudging them?  I thought the whole tavern ideal would put me in a better light, but i you have more suggestions..." She wavers on, pausing for a few moment.  "I also... need to know how to actually run.  You know, put my name in the ballot so to speak, since I don't really have experience in... society."

 

[Xatarias]

"Well that's a given. People aren't going to know you're interested in the job unless you tell them," She giggles, then realizing your actual hesitation, puts on a more serious face. "Hey, I know this is a big step putting yourself out there, but isn't this what you always wanted? You're not going to fix things for people like us by staying in the shadows. As for the nitty gritty details, I think Gwen's better situated to help on that front."


She curls into you and for a moment the only sound is the wind outside and Kari's soft purr.


"Tell them the truth about what you intend to do here. What you've already done for them. Tencrest is on its way to greatness, and you're a big reason why. People won't have a hard time seeing that with you in charge, good things are sure to follow. Just keep your methods quiet, deal with normal folk in good faith, and I'm sure they'll come to love you... But this is a serious responsibility, Ash. You're going to be responsible for these people, not just their ruler, but also their judge and protector."


You feel Kari's teeth gently nibble on your earlobe and her hand softly brush the inside of your thigh.


"But I'm not too worried. Despite the tough, demon sorceress front, I know your heart is in the right place."

 

[DaBomb]

Asheroth lets out a small sigh, the idea seeming to lose weight the more she thought on it.  As much as she'd love to be this town's leader, Kari was right, responsibility came with that.  She'd have to be to be there for the town, practically at all times. But, that's now... what she wanted, was it?  She still wanted to explore.. there were so many things that she still needed to do.  Becoming mayor would only add to her plate, why didn't she see this before?


"Instead of me being mayor... do you think I could get a friend to take the position?  I know that my ideas are in the right place, but do I have the skill to be mayor?  I have no skill in law... politics, or anything else that would be required. I-I... I don't know. Maybe I should give it some thought.  I'm sure they'll be another election after this one, you know?" She responds with a weak smile, her tail curling around Kari's waist. 

 

[Xatarias]

Kari rolls her eyes, but gives you a reassuring smile.


"What do you think is required of someone who wants to be queen of the world? You've got to start somewhere, Ash. So you're not an expert on statecraft, but that's why you delegate. You're good at making friends," Kari strokes your sensitive tail and threads it in between her parted legs. "I'm sure Gwen or someone else would love to run things around here while you go about your business. The important thing is to put yourself out there so when a bigger prize presents itself.... People won't object to your taking it."


Being a mayor doesn't necessarily mean sitting at a desk, you realize. How many nobles have lofty titles while letting their underlings run things? This was no different except instead of stuffing your face and whoring, you'd actually be doing useful work while your friends made sure things in Tencrest ran smoothly.

 

[DaBomb]

"You're right... I have to try.  I may not be able to run everything, but I do have people that can. Besides, I don't really have anything to lose by trying, right?" Her tail shudders in response, slightly pushing against Kari's crotch, rubbing it slowly. "Yeah, I guess i'll get started tomorrow then? I don't really have anything else to do... though. you will have to guide me... since I don't really know how to run for mayor... You'll help me, right?" She replies with a hopeful grin. 

 

[Xatarias]

Kari's grin is positively evil as she rolls over on you and places a series of kisses on your neck and collarbone, going down over your tight silks and pausing at your skirts.


"What did I tell you? We're in this together," Her face disappears as she dives underneath your skirt, "We're not stopping until... This fine ass of yours is sitting in the biggest throne we can find."


You jump a little as she snaps the band of your panties before rolling down the sheer fabric.


"Gotta say though, I'm not going to get tired of this, even if you do become Empress Asheroth," Kari murmurs, tracing the folds of your sex with a delicate finger, hot breath tickling teasingly. 

 

[DaBomb]

(I'm assuming i'm still wearing the noble clothes that were made for me?)


A smile crept on the sorceress' face as Kari encouraged her, her tail creeping around the woman's back and rubbing against her ass. "And you'll be sitting right next to me, Kari." She purrs, her hand falling against Kari's head, lightly rubbing her fur. 


(Sorry for short post.  Not on my A game)

 

[Xatarias]

(Indeed, I assumed so. The outfit doesn't get dirty, so you can wear it as much as you like. There's always the opportunity to expand your wardrobe if you like, you'll just need to track down a certain demonic tailor )


You don't need to see Kari's face to know she's smiling before darting in to plant a tender kiss right on your mound, slipping lower to gently probe your depths with her clever tongue and brushing your clit with her nose.


Kari's oral skills never seem to lose their potency as you experience waves of toe-curling pleasure roll throughout your body. Perched in your lofty abode, looking over your soon-to-be domain, you can't help feeling like an empress as your most favored lover does her best to please you. Visions of a possible future crawl into your mind. Ruling as a powerful demon monarch. Beautiful and gracious to your loyal subjects, terrifying and monstrous to your enemies... And after a hard day of ruling, you would come home to be tended to by your slaves and lovers.

 

[DaBomb]

Ash came quickly under Kari's skilled tongue, once again proving her skill at the art of oral stimulation.  After the long night of lovemaking, she'd easily fall asleep, closely cuddled next to her feline lover, sleeping until the next day's morning.  


(Sorry again for short post.)

 

[Xatarias]

Periods of separation always made Kari frisky, and she keeps you busy well into the night. Sleep comes easily, and you drift off, your naked skin pressed to the warm fur of your lover...


"Ash... Ash, come on."


The rustling of the bed's sheets, stirs you to half-wakefulness. You open your eyes, luxuriously sprawled out in a patch of sunlight as Kari looks down at you ruefully.


"No rest for the wicked, hon," She teases. "Don't you have nations to topple and thrones to usurp?"


The catmorph is decked out in long overall and sturdy gloves. Seeing you eyeing her strange attire, she explains, "The girls need their milking at least twice a day or they get cranky... But they're also super lazy and need help getting started in the morning. I learned the hard way not to wear nice clothes during the process. I figured you'd also want to talk to Gwen before the tavern opens. She'll have the details on the election. And tell her, that she'd better have two wagons ready for the next shipment. Helga has taken a little too well to milker's stimulation if you get my drift."


She mimes an enormous pair of tits hanging off her chest.

 

[DaBomb]

Ash blinks awake, yawning as she sits up from bed. She jumps from bed, stretching her arms out, making the typical lip smacking noise, that one did as they awoke. "Alrighty then... I'll get started." She mumbled, letting out a second yawn, shaking her head as she finished.  "She's making that much?  That's... impressive to say in the least.  I'll try to remember to mention it, though I can always go back...." She mumbles off, walking toward the door. 


"I'll see you later in the day, I guess. Hopefully this doesn't take too long, I have some other things I wanted to do today..." She gives a small nod to her lover, walking out of the door and to the Tavern, to speak with Gwen.

 

[Xatarias]

"And put some clothes on!" Kari yells after you.


After readying yourself for the day, you set off down the hill towards town. It's still early morning and the builders have yet to arrive to work on the mansion. There isn't a cloud in the sky and the birds chirp merrily. The only movement amongst the wooden houses below is the lazy drifting smoke from cookfires as housewives begin preparing morning meals.


You slip into the back entrance of the Tavern while Gwen is taking inventory with Tan.


"Hon, I think we're running low on the summer ale. I think we'll have to put in another order," The perky blonde stands among the casks and barrels with her back towards you, quill constantly in motion as she makes notes and tallies on a bit of parchment.


One clumsy stroke causes her to lose grip of her writing utensil. You are startled to see a spaded tale creep from under Gwen's skirts to retrieve the fallen quill and replace it in her hand.

 

[DaBomb]

Asheroth smiles as she catches sight of Gwen, happy to see the woman after helping her out before.  She was glad to see her take up a more managing position or the tavern, she remembered the woman saying that it was something she was fond of.  She was about to greet the waitress when the quill falls, not hitting the floor, but instead being caught by a tail.  A spaded tail at that. Remaining silent for a few moments, she looks back up to the woman and clears her throat. 


"Hello Gwen, it's good to see you again.  Kari mentioned that you'd help my with my political campaign...."

 

[Xatarias]

Gwen favors you with a bright smile before wrapping you hug and kissing your cheek.


"Ash! I was wondering when you were going to stop by. Kari mentioned you'd need some help, so Tan and I have been preparing a game plan. Let's grab a table and I'll fill you in on the details."


Soon you are seated with the burgeoning succubus and her significant other. Tan dons a pair of spectacles as he references a larg ledger crammed with numbers denoting Tencrest's demographics and all other relevant information one running for political office could want.


"Simply put, against your strong, typical candidate, you won't win, Ash," He explains with an air of expertise. "People appreciate the fact that you've made them safer, but that also works to your detriment. Without a source of imminent danger, people are likely to pick the more conservative candidate. You know- male and human."


"Which is why Tan is going to be running," Gwen interjects, wrapping her tail around her lover's forearm. "Don't worry, we don't actually plan on him winning. No candidate is going to have a majority for the first few rounds of voting. The small fries will be knocked off, one by one until it's just you, Tan, and Fenrir the owner of the sawmill... At which point, Tan will drop out, endorsing you."

 

[DaBomb]

Sitting at the table, the Succubus taps her fingers against its wooden surface, listening to the game play they were giving out.  "And by dropping out, most of your voters would instead turn to me. And from what I heard about you... you're quite intelligent and wealthy, correct?  I'm sure that'll attract many voters, which translates to more voters for me. Good idea." The demoness nodded, putting her hands together and laying them on the table. 


All in all it seemed like a solid plan but she didn't think it'd be enough to win... Or at least, assure her victory.  "I assume that isn't all, most likely stage one to the plan, right?  While you do that, I should do something to gain the public's favor, or make myself more appealing?"

 

[Xatarias]

Gwen nods.


"Right. Tan pulling votes in your favor won't be enough to get us the majority we need. You need a sizeable voting base of your own if you have a hope of making it to the last rounds of the election."


You spend the next few minutes discussing options how you could strengthen your appeal to the various citizens of Tencrest. Gwen and Tan voice a few viable options, and you think of some ideas yourself. Time constrains you to picking two of the following options. You have a feeling that pursuing one plan or another will result in very different futures for the township.

• A dangerous crowd - The tavern sees all sorts of travelers, some of which you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley at night - or anywhere at any time of day for that matter. Some gold in the hands of these unscrupulous characters would work wonders in "persuading" those hesitant to vote for you. Of course such corrupt dealings would earn you a shady reputation - not to mention a lawless quality to the up-and-coming township.
  
• Daddy's girl - Since arriving at the mansion, the power emanating from the secret study has been beckoning to you . It is said that entire nations fell under the corrupting influence of the demon lords. Surely one would find it no trouble to bend the will of one village on behalf of his favorite daughter. But do you really want to give a toehold to such dark powers in the lands you one day hope to rule?
  
• Friends in high places -  Tencrest has a small, but influencial sect of wealthy craftsmen and landowners. Their influence might make the difference in the upcoming election, but there's no telling what favors will be asked of you once you secure the mayor's seat.
  
• Homage to the old gods - Many citizens of Tencrest secretly worship gods outside of the sanctioned religion of the Kingdom. Promising to protect open practice of their faith is sure to gain you votes, but might earn the ire of certain religious authorities.
  
• Land of Misfits - You might have been born in the Capitol, but much of your life has been spent in the Dark Forest. That forgotten place is home to the world's most dangerous horrors - or the Kingdom's one refuge for those unjustly persecuted, depending on who you asked. Opening Tencrest's gates to those long exiled would gain you numerous allies with unique abilities, but giving these misfits a new home might be more trouble than it's worth - You know from experience that not all reputations go unearned.
  
• Presto chango - Your powers have grown much since leaving the Dark Forest, enough perhaps to have the whole of Tencrest under your thumb. By entreating the awakened Hecate, you could mount a display of arcane might that would have the whole township groveling at your feet. Of course, deities are self-serving creatures and greater gifts from the Arcane Mother will lead to greater sacrifice on her behalf. Being favored of a goddess go both ways, after all.
  

 

[DaBomb]

Asheroth silently stares at the two for a lengthy amount of time, her fingers tapping against the table, as she thought on the options she was given. When she compared them, she could tell that some would grant a larger mass of voters than others, while those that did usually came with a hefty price to pay.  And the price would be both short term and long term, so her choices would impact the fate of the town, meaning she'd have to choose what she thought would best impact the town.


The first idea dealt with criminals and extorting people.  She'd get a decent amount of votes... but she'd also cast fear on the populace. She wanted this town to prosper in freedom, not be a lawless den of scum and villainy.  Plus criminals were not the most reliable folk, their loyalty will most likely run out once the coin does.


Second one involved her Demon lord father.  She'd have to allow the tone to be corrupted by her demonic father, in order to gain power. Asheroth would have much more power over the town this way, though she may have a person above her if she did.  Which she wasn't very found of... That and the fact, it'd give her father access to this plane.  She knew the demons were sealed away for a reason, so letting them pour back out may not be the wisest of decisions. 


Next, we had the wealthy. From what she's observed, the wealthy in this town consist of the craftsman and landowners. Getting votes from the wealthy would be quite the score, even if a few favors would have to be involved. Plus, craftsman are a source of revenue, doing anything to promote them would promote the town as well. Not really a downside on this one, though she hadn't seen their requests yet.


This one involved secret worship.  In a way, this one spoke to her a lot.  People were being prevented from worshiping who they wanted.  Hecate herself was ruined by this law, so enforcing it wasn't in her agenda. This made this option much more plausible, if not a no brainer to pick. She only saw two downsides to this option.  One, the Inquisition may bust down their doors for heresy. Though if she made this town powerful enough, they'd be reluctant to do so...  And second, it may allow cults to cultivate in the town. She could probably solve this by keeping the worship of wicked gods illegal, or something similar. 


Like a few others, this one spoke to her.  Letting in people that were banished from the world, could arise many benefits, though many downfalls as well.  The people may not take to them well and it wasn't a guarantee that all of them were... civil.  This one was quite the gamble, but the question was would she believe the benefits outweighed the downfalls?


And the last one... This one was interesting.  She could bully the town into submission, using the power of Hecate to force all to her will.  This would grant many rewards in the short term, but she could also see some pivots in the long run. While, fear is a good motivator, it is not a good way to control.  Fear leads to rebellion.  And rebellion... wasn't good. Not to mention she'd owe something to Hecate and she assumed it wouldn't be small...


The Demoness clears her throat and fold her hands together, against the table. "I've made my decision. First, I would like to gain the trust of the wealthy class.  From what i've been told, they comprise of Craftsman and landowners.  Having both of them on our good side, would reap many benefits in the long run.  I think appeasing to them would help the revenue of Tencrest, as well as earn me votes.


And the other one... would to promise free worship.  I'm not a fan of oppressing free religion in the first place, so I think this would be a good choice. It would supply me votes, as well as increase the freedom of the town.  A win, win in my opinion.


So, any thoughts?" 

 

[Xatarias]

"I think it covers our bases nicely," Gwen says. "Keeps those with something to lose feeling secure, and gives the disenfranchised something to hope for. Right, honey?"


Tan startles from looking at his ledger.


"R-right. It should be fine."


Gwen soon departs to make ready for the day's business, while Tan coaches you on who to meet and what to say. Your mind is quickly able to take in all the details. As it turns out, a master seductress makes for a decent politician, and soon you have the plan fixed in your mind. Soon all the right people would know what you were offering to the people of Tencrest. Hopefully it would be enough to carry the day.


"Erm, Ash?"


You turn back to Tan who looks supremely nervous.


"It's... It's about Gwen. She told me about how... How you changed her. She says that we can't... Well, you know. Because it might get too far and she'd lose control. We've been making do with visiting travelers but..."


He balls his fists and takes a deep breath, clearly working up the courage to voice his request.


"I'd like for you to change me like you did Gwen. Not a woman, I mean! But... You know, make me into someone who can satisfy her. I've never felt for anyone like I do Gwen and I... I want to do be everything she needs."

 

[DaBomb]

Ash looks a bit surprised a the man's request, taking a few moments to process it before she responded.  "Well... Hm.  This is a difficult thing to say... But changing you into part demon... wouldn't really fix things.  If anything, it'd only magnify the changes if you two... had sex. I assume you two don't want to become full blooded sex demons... right?" She asks, not exactly knowing much on their love life.


"My recommendation... Is to just limit yourselves. She hasn't changed much from what i've seen, so she shouldn't me too much of a lust craving demon yet." She pauses, letting out a rush of air from her nose. "Besides... I don't really have anything that'd turn you into an incubus. Succubus milk feminizes and that's what it would do to you.  And... I don't know any incubus, so I couldn't get the materials to change you." She slides her hand across the table, placing it on top of Tan's.  "Listen... if things do get worse, go to Gwen.  I'm sure she can whip up something that would... settle her down."

 

[Xatarias]

Tan nods, looking a bit crestfallen. Clearly, he was hoping for a more permanent solution for his relationship difficulties. A mortal maintaining levels of propriety while simultaneously dating a succubus, no matter how newly turned, was a daunting task indeed. Hopefully Gwen would inherit the self-control of her maker. If not... Things could get messy. This wasn't the demonic realm, and you couldn't afford for corrupting magic to be spread without restraint... Not yet, anyway.


Political plan set, you have two days to execute it. In between cajoling and generally asserting your claim to the township, you should have time to conduct business amongst your followers. Rizzi and Jerrin will likely be settling into the mansion, and you promised Issac a look at the study's arcane library. Maybe he would know something about your demonic origins.


Whatever your plans, the election will be conducted at the tavern with all candidates present. You should think about what sort of speech you might deliver before the final votes are cast.

 

[DaBomb]

(Damn, I meant to say go to Kari, not Gwen.  Whatever...)


Ash bids Tan farewell, getting up from the table, and leaving the tavern. She heads back to the mansion, wanting to see the others.  They probably had quite the bit to talk to her, considering she asked them to leave the church without her...


(So, how do I deal with the two political missions?  Are they done automatically, or do I have to say start them?)

 

[Xatarias]

(Well you chose two options that don't really require much effort on your part. You can take an active role if you want, but otherwise Tan and Gwen will spread the word of your future mayoral commitments. I wanted to give you the chance to do what you want around town before jumping directly to the election. Take as much or as little time as you want.)


You arrive at the mansion in short order, passing an exhausted looking Kari in the laboratory- milking must just have finished judging from the barrels stacked outside and the atypical quiet surrounding the barnyard. Maybe getting some help for your feline lover wouldn't be a bad idea. You just needed someone willing to handle two randy bovines day in and day out...


Rizzi and Jerrin are settling in to an upstairs bedroom. The avian girl practically gushes excitement while the more reserved Jerrin simply lurks by the windowsill, examining the horizon.


"Ash, it's so wonderful here! Not as posh as Sarkling's manor, but cute in it's own way!" Rizzi exclaims, catching sight of you. "We really can stay here?"

 

[DaBomb]

Asheroth frowns slightly once she sees Kari, seemingly fatigued from her hard work today. Know that she thought about it, she hasn't seen the two girls from the bandit camp, that she kept as helping hands... perhaps they left?  She wasn't sure, but if they were still here, she knew she'd run into them eventually. 


Assuming the two were in one of the spare bedrooms, Ash heads upstairs, poking her nose in each one.  After she caught sight of the two, she offered them a smile, chuckling once she head Rizzi's response. "Well, I see no reason you can't.  We have all these spare bedrooms, i'd much rather them be used then remain empty.


However... You won't be staying here for free.  You won't pay rent or anything like that, but I expect you guys to help around the house when you can. I assume that's reasonable to you two?" She asks, raising her brow, alternating her gaze between the two. 

 

[Xatarias]

(Forgot about those two -_-" Welp, a bunch of stuff I said previously doesn't make any sense... Wooops....)


Rizzi nods emphatically.


"Sure, shouldn't be too hard. Cleaning house is a heck of a lot better than working off your back. Right, Jerrin?"


"...Right."


Rizzi throws a pillow at the sullen demonkin before turning back to you.


"I know  you said we'd be safe here, but... Does that mean I can walk around the village? With my wings out, I mean. Or Jerrin... Well you know. You've already done so much for us, we don't want to make trouble..."