The Desperate Rescue. [In Game]

[TheIrishOtaku]

''Its quite alright Akalfa, your attack was formidable and would have been more than enough to defeat any normal enemy. Its not your fault that we are facing something with regenerative abilities as potent as this. Besides, I've experienced worse and probably will do so again.''

Valira smiled at her friend to show her there was no ill will on her part, if anything she was impressed by what Akalfa had done. She was no less proud of Dirk, his plan was reckless yet brave and she was just as confident as he was that they could pull it off. They had both come so far in such a short time and Valira was honoured to fight by their side, no matter what happened next. She gave Dirk a nod, determination firing in her eyes and an almost crazed grin gracing her face.

''I am with you my friend, as I am sure we all are. We can do this, hell we will do this! We didn't come all this way and endure so much to be stopped by a filthy cyclops! Let us make this foolish beast lament its decision to attack us with its last dying breath!''

Valira held her sword out in front of her, ready to move on Dirk's signal. It was his plan after all, it was only natural that he would be calling the shots.

 

[Kalnath]

Hearing Valira's words of affirmation greatly reinforced Dirk's confidence in the plan. While Daisy performed her incantations, he tied his rope into a wide loop - hopefully enough to fit around the cyclops' head or, failing that, one of its limbs.

"All right," he said, as the witch finished her spell, "Let's get 'em!"

 

[TheIrishOtaku]

Valira returned Daisy's warnings with a solemn nod and at Dirk's signal, she rushed forward with a loud and aggressive war cry, making sure that she did not get in the way of Akalfa's upcoming spell. She could see that Daisy's incantation had worked, both on her sword and their foe, and she had no doubt that the cyclops would be a sitting duck. She idly wondered whether the curse on the blade would be permanent, although even with her limited knowledge of such things she doubted that would be the case. Besides, its not as if it would be of much use when they faced their draconic enemies, given their magical resistance. Valira emptied her head of such thoughts as she jumped, aiming to time her attack on the monsters neck with the others efforts, both magical and mundane as they had discussed, to incapacitate the creature.

 

[OmegaUmbra]

Upon the signal being given Akalfa took a deep breath and focused all of her willpower. At this point her body felt heavy as stone trying to use more energy, but this was the final stretch, and she would not allow her friends to be harmed. Feeling the frost nip at her fingertips Akalfa gently lifted her hands, aiming her spell towards the cyclops's limbs. While it's feet may flail around somewhat. the thickening layer of ice forming at it's arms would at least prevent it from swatting at Valira, Daisy, and Dirk again. It was an exhausting, dizzying process, but the Dark Elf took great satisfaction seeing the creature's end at hand, with all of their hard work coming to fruition.

"I can't hold it too much longer, let us put this foul beast down once and for all!" Akalfa declared with a heavy exhale, trying her best to layer the ice atop itself to further solidify, in the event her body finally did reach utter collapse. Which didn't feel too far off, unfortunately.

 

[Kalnath]

Dirk sprang into action alongside Valira, fanning out toward the giant’s other side to give her room to maneuver and Akalfa a clear shot to cast. He threw his crude lasso over the head of the cyclops and tugged as hard as he could. Dirk was not a strong man, but between the enfeebling hex, the disorientation spell, the knife in its eye, and of course the ice, he hoped it would be enough to pull it close enough for Valira’s strike.

Please let it be enough…

 

[Ecnalab]

Valira's sword cut deeply across the giant's neck, and she was clear just as the frost formed on its upper body, covering its arms, and head in ice. Just as Dirk pulled with all his might, plus ten times more, yanking down and bashing the cyclop's head against the hard ground. The air filled with a sickening shattering sound, as the great beast's head, literally, broke into a hundred pieces. It's body stopped healing, and lay still. The companions stood on the field of victory.
Valira looked at her sword, and found that the blade had turned from its usual light green tint, to a deep black, Akalfa could barely stand, so drained as she was, and Dirk couldn't feel his arms, but they had done it; the foe had been felled.

 

[TheIrishOtaku]

Valira was a bit perturbed by the change in the hue of her blade, but that did nothing to diminish the feeling of triumph that suffused every fibre of her being. It had been touch and go there for a while but in the end they had pulled it off, and Valira had to resist the urge to let out a whoop of joy. She didn't want to bring anymore enemies down on their heads, after all she could tell that Akalfa and Dirk had been quite drained by the experience and group wasn't exactly ready for another fight in general. Instead, she settled for a wide and brilliant smile at her comrades.

''You see my friends, together there is nothing we cannot accomplish! We should take some time to rest before we move on, I think it is very much necessary. Besides, we have more than earned the privilege. Are you and Sunelarra alright Daisy? You both took quite a hit from that monster.''

A look of genuine concern passed over Valira's face, marring the joyous one that had previously graced it. She was also tempted to ask about her sword, but decided that that could wait for a while in favour of more pressing concerns.

 

[Kalnath]

Dirk gathered up the ropes and kicked aside a few frozen chunks until he found his dagger. His arms ached more than he would have expected, and he wasn't sure why, but what mattered was that ir had worked! Every one of them had played their part to perfection.

He staggered over to wherever they were regrouping and all but collapsed face-up on the ground. "Woo! Well done, everyone!" he said brightly, struggling to lift his arms. A quick breather sounded like an excellent idea, but... "Maybe we should move just a bit further away? Enough so anything that heard the commotion won't see us immediately."

 

[Ecnalab]

As he lay there, Dirk noticed something out the corner of his eye. Sune still lay in a heap a little ways down the gully they were in... she wasn't moving.

 

[Kalnath]

The enthusiastic glee drained from Dirk's face as he quickly assumed the worst. After some effort, he managed to get back to his feet and stumble over to the where the demon had fallen.

"...Sune? Are you still with us?" He knelt down beside her and gently turned her body to get a better look at her face, just to be certain.

 

[Ecnalab]

When he got there, he found she was broke in many ways; limbs twisted, face a mess of cuts, and wings mangled. Just as he thought she was gone, a sputtering cough erupted from her mouth, and she wheezed, "Gah! Last time... I take... Point," she managed to gasp, before grabbing Dirk by the collar and pulling him into a deep kiss. In his weakened state, Dirk was unable to resist her, even if she was using only one arm, and as they kissed, he felt his strength drain even further, until he was barely able to keep his eyes open. As their embrace dragged on, Sune seemed to be pulling herself back together; arm and legs twisted back into form, cuts and bruises faded, and before even a minute had passed, she was leaning over him, and smiling. "Thanks little man, I'll take it from here," she said, and picked him up in her arms, before heading back towards the rest of the group.

 

[Kalnath]

Dirk wasn't sure what happened, or if he should have tried to stop it - but any doubts were overshadowed by the relief he felt at Sune's inexplicable recovery.

He relaxed into her arms as the strange exhaustion overtook him, and was already asleep by the time she reached the others.

 

[Ecnalab]

"Aw, someone's all tuckered out," Sune cooed, as she walked up. "How about the rest of you? Anyone out of commission?"

 

[OmegaUmbra]

Akalfa was both revolted by the cyclops' gory demise but relieved beyond belief at everyone's safety. Well...almost everyone. She was just as curious as to Sune's status as Dirk was, shuffling behind him a bit to get a better look. Her face went pale, slate grey nearing a marble color seeing the demoness in such a state. For a second the sorceress felt ill, guilt-ridden, thinking by forcing the demon along she had sent her to her doom. Akalfa was very used to dead creatures, never a slain person. Before horror could settle in with all its weight Sunelarra's cough eased the Dark Elf's coming panic attack, settling her nerves if only slightly. Still, she was in bad shape. Akalfa looked back and thought towards Daisy, pondering if there was another red vial in her bag that could help mend the demon. Before looking back and seeing Sunelarra and Dirk's surprising embrace.

Confusion would be an understatement. While she was glad to see her healing it seemed far more...intimate? Than a random act of passion. Suddenly thinking back Akalfa realized why he may have gotten along with Sune so well. It felt presumptuous to assume such a thing but she couldn't help it. With a sheepish blush, she awkwardly chuckled, deciding it best not to ask any questions. At least not now, even if it was strange and she had many she wanted to ask.

That's when the heaviness in her limbs finally reached its peak. Shuffling to the ground with a dull thud, Akalfa yawned, eyes struggling to stay open for more than a second. Boy, did she feel woozy.

"Victory is ours! I knew we wouldn't be beaten by that one-eyed monster, together we are invincible! And...I'm glad to see you safe, Sunelarra." Heroic as those words would seem the way she said it felt less than enthusiastic, more like someone on the verge of collapse. Suddenly the ground looked very comfortable...

"Rest sounds...nice."

 

[OmegaUmbra]

Akalfa smiled warmly at Daisy, reaching her hand up to take the twinkling vial of purple elixir.

"Thank you, I appreciate the assistance! For a moment I thought the dirt was starting to look rather inviting for a nap."
Her words were unhurried, tiredness rampantly apparent.

Valira was right, they really would need a good rest after this. And a bath, after trudging through all that dirt and gore. Try as the Dark Elf might her hand couldn't make it all the way up. It felt as though it were slicked shoulder-deep in mud, with a slight tremble. Letting out a sigh she looked towards the witch timidly.

"Actually...I think I'll have to take up that offer, if you don't mind of course." Akalfa's hands slumped limply at her side. Gods did she really overdo it. When the time to finally fight that grand old dragon did come there would need to be more tact on the sorceress's part if she wanted to feel like anything other than a statue.

 

[OmegaUmbra]

While a little flustered being rendered so helpless by her reckless usage of power, Akalfa was incredibly thankful for Daisy's kind assistance. Oddly, the taste was a lot better than she expected, vaguely reminding her of blackberries. Within a few seconds the sorceress felt much better than before, invigorated and now only slightly fatigued rather than ready to faceplant. Taking Daisy's hand Akalfa shakily rose to her feet.

"I wouldn't mind that at all, honestly, if I wasn't so heavy." Akalfa said, amused at the thought. Being carried like a princess did sound inviting but the Dark Elf was very aware of her extra 'baggage'. Dark Elves weren't known to be the lightest, and with Akalfa's stature and bottom heavy nature she was no exception. Yet her mind did wonder if the elven knightess could pull it off...though she may have been tired from the earlier battle, as much as Akalfa would want to be hoisted around like a bride in her lover's arms.

"We should get moving, maybe try to set up camp for the night. Doubt we'll find an inn but we could try looking, long as we find somewhere a little further away to rest."

 

[Ecnalab]

Making their way down the gully, they would eventually come upon the mouth of a cave, that was big enough to allow them access, but far to small to accommodate something like a giant, or dragon. The inside was roughly oval in shape, and big enough for all of them to lay down in comfortably.

 

[Kalnath]

“I think we’d smell it if something else lived here,” said Dirk, stirring slightly from his exhausted daze. “This place just smells like rocks. I like it.”

He still felt faint after the fight with the cyclops and… whatever it was Sune had done to heal herself. He could barely feel his own heartbeat. Even through the fog of exhaustion, Dirk could recognize that he was in no state to be taking watch; not until he'd had a chance to properly rest first.

"So, who's sleeping where? You can just set me down wherever, doesn't matter."

 

[OmegaUmbra]

"However we sleep, we should do so close together. Erm, for the sake of watching each other's backs. And a little warmth wouldn't hurt."

Akalfa was aware that her words could be taken the wrong way but didn't intend any innuendo. Dirt, caves, and recent bloodlust weren't considered potent aphrodisiacs in her eyes. Though a girl could always daydream as she lulled herself to sleep.

Sitting down on a soft patch of moss, she patted her side, motioning Valira and whomever else was possibly interested over. It wasn't uncommon for Dark Elves to huddle together back home, even if in those instances it was usually more 'touchy.' But in Akalfa's case, she simply enjoyed company when she slept.

 

[Ecnalab]

Sune plopped down next to Daisy, and set Dirk down on the other side of her, before wrapping her arms around each of them. "Now, this is cozy."

 

[OmegaUmbra]

"I wouldn't mind, actually, I'd prefer it." Akalfa said, eyes already open as she struggled to sleep. Comfortable as it was the cavern was too familiar to home. The home she didn't want to return to. It made her restless.

"I've still got a bit of energy left in me yet. So I'll gladly take the reigns for the first shift."

While her words were said with a smile, her eyes seemed distant, deeply thinking on unpleasant memories. It felt like torture to untangle herself from such comfort but she knew she wasn't getting sleep anytime soon, occupied as her mind was. A little cool night air would do her well.

 

[Ecnalab]

"I'll take care of keeping us safe until morning," Sune assured, and began weaving a symbol into the air. Soon a multitude of writhing tentacles spouted up around the entrance, and wove together into a makeshift door. "There, no one's getting in without us knowing about it now."

 

[TheIrishOtaku]

Valira had happily carried Akalfa on her back, passing the journey in silence in an effort to focus fully on regaining her equilibrium. She soon fully recovered from the Cyclops attack, even if she was pleasantly distracted by the Dark Elf's prodigious breasts pressing into her back. Valira idly thought of how romantic this could be in a different context, vowing that when this was all said and done she would carry her lover in a manner more befitting a lady, more than likely to a waiting bed, or even across the threshold if given enough time and intimacy.

Shaking her head clear of such thoughts as they came upon the cave, she thanked their good fortune. A highly defensible position, and one in which they were unlikely to be disturbed by any of their foes. Part of her was worried about the prospect of encountering a wild animal inside, but the place appeared to be uninhabited. Her body and mind did rebel at the idea of sleeping on a dirty, muddy, cave floor (typical Valira) but given the circumstances she was able to tolerate it. Akalfa's suggestion of sleeping together for warmth made practical sense, although doing so with everyone still brought decidedly fanciful images to her head. Her cheeks flushed as she got settled in, doing her best not to grope anyone. She was a little disappointed that Akalfa was taking first watch, both because she longed to embrace her and because it would make the group sleep session a bit easier. The look in the Dark Elf's eyes spoke of dark recollections, and Valira shot her a reassuring smile paired with eyes filled with supportive love. Then finally she broke her self imposed silence.

''I apologize for my silence thus far. The attack from the cyclops took a bit more out of me than I let on and I needed some time to recover. At least you are now all aware that I can be silent, I sometimes get the feeling that you think I'm a chatterbox of some kind. I have no idea where that notion comes from.''

Valira grinned at that, a self deprecating joke to lighten the mood after all they had experienced. The closeness of their sleeping arrangements, combined with Sune's ward, made her feel safe and secure despite the danger of the outside world. Naturally, she still didn't fully trust the demoness, but she knew that self preservation and the control they had over her would help to keep her in line. Of course, she also had the feeling that Sune's helpful nature had something to do with Dirk. Unless the rather passionate moment she had observed between them was a mere hallucination, a product of a concussion, then obviously the two of them had been quite intimate up until this point. It all made sense really and Valira felt like a fool for not seeing it before. Still, she was surprised that the thought did not anger her, in fact she was a tad happy for the two of them. As long as what they were doing was consensual than it was no different than what she was doing with Akalfa. True, there was the danger of Dirk being manipulated or corrupted and she would keep an eye out to ensure that that did not happen, but she trusted that her friend could handle himself. Besides, she nurtured the hope that the inverse would be true, that Dirk would have a positive impact on Sunelarra and help to make her a better person. It seemed unlikely, but not impossible.

''If you need any help at all, do not hesitate to wake me Akalfa. Even if you just need some company.''

Valira smiled once more at her friend, voice and eyes filled with warmth and understanding. She then let sleep take her, the exertions of the day finally catching up to her weary body.

 

[Kalnath]

A few days ago, Dirk would have balked at the idea of sleeping next to anyone, let alone four very attractive women. And yet he didn’t feel much discomfort about it now. Admittedly, he was on the outside edge, but that was still technically inclusion.

He cuddled up against Sune’s side and nuzzled his cheek into her shoulder, already feeling the warmth of his friends’ bodies as it spread across their shelter. Although Dirk could barely raise his arms, he managed to bring one of his hands up to rest on the demon's bosom before exhaustion overtook him once more.

 

[OmegaUmbra]

Akalfa smiled hearing Valira's reply. Her mind was deep in thought, mired in the muddy memories of times less favorable. But with Sunelarra's protection against the elements, there wasn't much cool air left for the Dark Elf to brood in. She was surrounded by friends, not deep in the caves of her home being laughed at. There was no real point focusing so much on the past when their future was just days ahead.

"Ah goodness, what am I doing? Sitting here making a fuss! Make some room."

Akalfa settled back down onto the moss with the others, sandwiching herself between the lot of them and wrapping her arms around Valira. If the Dark Elf couldn't sleep at least she'd be deeply comfortable. Before exhaustion could grip her entirely, she took one last look towards the cave wall.

"You know Sunelarra, if you had tentacles this whole time the least you could do was share." Chuckling at her slightly flirtatious comment she closed her eyes. Despite herself, she did grow tired, embraced at all sides. Falling asleep in time with a soft breath.

 

[Ecnalab]

"Maybe in the morning," Sune replied, before her eyes slid closed.

The companions awoke to the sound of cheers, and revelry. They were in a large field ringed by thick forests, and surrounded by men and women of all races, dancing around several large bonfires, and none of them were wearing even a scrap of clothing. Blankets, and pillows were laid out on the ground here and there, upon which people lay, spoke, laughed, and even made love. The party found themselves on one such blanket, all present save for Sune, and all of them were just as naked as the rest of the people around them; no sign of their clothing or equipment anywhere.

 

[Kalnath]

Dirk’s first assumption, as he took in the sights around them, was that he must dreaming. And it was only reinforced by the realization that he was completely naked. He reflexively tried to cover himself, face flushing red with embarrassment.

“Wha- where? Huh!?” He squirmed uncomfortably in place, and it seemed like he was trying to make himself even smaller to avoid notice.

"...Explain? Someone? Please?"

 

[TheIrishOtaku]

Valira stared at the sight before them in absolute shock and confusion. Where were they? How had they gotten there? Who were these people? And where in the name of the gods were their clothes, equipment and weapons? Valira was so befuddled by this bewildering turn of events that at first she didn't even make an effort to cover up her naked body. She finally did so as best she could with a blush, doing her best not to stare at the others and the strangers who surrounded them. Akalfa of course she had seen naked before and even made love to, but the others were a different matter entirely. She wanted to look of course, but she did not want to offend them or come across as rude. Of course, while she could attempt to avoid visual stimulation, the sounds of lovemaking on behalf of the party goers still reached her ears, making her feel even more flushed. She did her best to drown it out as she considered the possibilities. A dream or hallucination? Then how were they all experiencing it? Perhaps an enchantment or some sort of spell? Had they been transported somewhere else or was this all an illusion? So many questions, so few answers. Valira cleared her throat and turned to Dirk, doing her best not to look directly at him.

''I wish I could Dirk. One minute we were all asleep in each others arms, the next we find ourselves here nude, without our equipment and surrounded by these.... rather raucous strangers. At least we all appear to be unharmed....''

Valira did a headcount and suddenly realized that Sune was not there with them. Her eyes narrowed at that, a sinking feeling pooling in her gut. This was no coincidence, the demon was clearly involved somehow. Whether she had been taken elsewhere, or as Valira thought more likely was responsible for their current predicament, that fact remained undeniable. Suddenly, she remembered the ward that Sune had made, to supposedly bar the entrance of the cave from intruders and she felt her blood boil. How could she have been so naïve!?

''Whatever is going on, Sunelarra was clearly not brought here with us. I would wager that she is involved in this somehow, in fact I think its likely that she is behind this mess! It would fit her sense of humour and proclivities.... Regardless of the truth of the matter, we need to find her quickly!''

Valira clenched her jaw, feeling a mixture of humiliation, anger and betrayal fill her. She had begun to trust the demon, to think that perhaps she was changing for the better if only slightly. And then this? A practical joke on the eve of their greatest battle, their very reason for being on this quest in the first place? True, there was no definitive proof of Sune's involvement or of this being some sort of cruel jape, but Valira was too angry and humiliated to give the demon the benefit of the doubt.

''Akalfa, Daisy, you're our resident magic experts. Do you have any idea what's going on here?''

Valira's expression softened a little as she turned to the other two women, again trying her best not to look directly at Daisy. She may have been emotionally volatile in that moment, but she was still a knight and a lady.

 

[Ecnalab]

Daisy found that she was in her human form, same as always, so far.

As soon as Valira spoke Sune's true name, a high pitched moan issued out from the left, where a large group of people were gathered in a crowd around something.

 

[TheIrishOtaku]

Valira noticed Daisy's lecherous appraisal and felt heat rise to both her cheeks and down to her core. It was obvious that she was not bashful in the slightest about ogling their nude forms, and so Valira felt no guilt or shame in returning the favor with gusto. The human's body was beautiful, breasts and ass more modest than her own but no less intoxicating. The sight of her pussy made her salivate as she imagined touching and tasting it, along with every other part of her glorious form. As if to pay back Daisy for her little show, she stopped covering up her own nakedness, revealing nipples that were as hard as diamonds and her own nether regions hot and slick. Despite her anger and confusion, Valira was clearly turned on. Perhaps she and Daisy could grow.... closer? After all, it had worked with Sholgra and Akalfa. Suddenly, the image of the entire group getting closer, a more lewd version of their situation back at the cave, fired her imagination. Her lustful thoughts were interrupted by Daisy's agitation and her line of reasoning. She was a bit confused by the former, but reasoned that her hat was probably important to her and she was merely annoyed to lose it. The latter were all very valid possibilities, although until they did a bit of exploration it was as speculative as her own musings. Valira was about to take Daisy's advice regarding Sune when she heard the moan, sighing as her friend did but coming out as more of a groan of frustration.

''Indeed, let us go see what our favourite demon is up to. Although judging by the sounds and the presence of the crowd I can probably guess what....''

Valira swallowed heavily, preparing herself for the debauched scene she was no doubt about to witness. Curiosity and lust mixed with her feelings of anger and betrayal towards the demoness. Valira made it a mental note that she would personally give the demon a punishment that would make Akalfa's spanking look like child's play, although that only served to confuse her even more. As she walked slightly ahead of Daisy and the others they got a good look at her massive ass, swaying as she walked and illuminated by the light of the bonfires.