Witchhunt [IC]

[HeroicSpirit]

Alexander's eyes widened, a brief look of horror overtaking his features as he listened to Flint's firm utterances. He had no idea the mercenary had been through such a horrific experience and felt naive passively commenting about something that more than likely brought up unpleasant memories. Flint did have a point. Alexander's viewpoint could easily be considered heretical and inspire all manner of ill will. This was something he'd need to think about, and likely keep thoughts about to himself.

"...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-" He stopped himself from uttering any condolences, sure the mercenary had heard them a thousand times.

"There are still many things I have left to learn about the world, and I should not have spoken so rashly, I apologize." Alexander said under his breath, shifting uncomfortably in his seat having likely upset his comrade.

"I'm going to go pay for our room and board. Please excuse me." Alexander told as he got up to move from his seat, walking back towards the bar counter to speak with the innkeeper.

The innkeeper, who was busy polishing a glass, noticed Alexander approaching him and he looked up, smiling. "Hello, good cleric!" he said as he set the glass down. "I understand your type do not frequent establishments such as this, but I do not mind the business. What is it you desire to ask?"

 

[TheShepard256]

So the opposite could possibly be true for less-than-human individuals as well, right?

Now it was Alex's turn to receive a scowl, albeit less intense as he was defending Astra, which she appreciated. In her opinion, demons were not sub-human; if anything they were super-human, as their powers and natures meant they had fewer limits that humans.

And that every other demon I have met has tried to kill me and my friends. I'm sorry if I offended you, but I frankly don't trust the entirety of all demons, especially not after I witnessed them succeed in slaughtering my friends.

These words came as a shock. Sure, she'd heard that other demons could be more aggressive than her combat-averse self, but she never imagined that was widespread enough that someone would ever only encounter violent demons. Then again, the only other demons she'd met in this world are the ones she made herself - and with her "hunting" strategy, those people were already inclined towards sex and not violence, so they'd naturally turn out like her once demonified.

After Alex left, she shifted away from Flint a bit, though this time it was for his comfort, not hers. "I- I'm- I didn't-" Still processing this new information, she couldn't properly think of what to say. Calming herself, she eventually responded with, "I've heard that some of us were like that, but I didn't know that many of them were out there." Taking another breath to steel herself, she continued, "I, for one, have only ever drawn blood in self-defence, and even then I've never even killed anybody. Never even wanted to."

 

[OmegaUmbra]

Alexander once again felt embarrassed for his own poor choice of words. He had meant non-human, but judging by the daggers he felt stared into his back he could have said that better.

"I would like to pay for our rooms, in advance, if that's alright," Alexander spoke, running his hands through coin purse for a moment until a realization dawned on him. What exactly were their sleeping arrangements going to be like? They couldn't very well leave Astra on her own, nor should they be by themselves considering the exact village they were in.

"I'm terribly sorry, but I must consult my companions first. It idly slipped my mind. Please give me a moment, if you would."

Alexander walked back over to their table, twiddling his thumbs as he thought about how to word his query. With a sharp cough, he straightened up.

"I wanted to ask, how should we go about our sleeping arrangements?" He spoke next in a low murmur, only audible to the two of them.

"Given where we are being on our lonesome may be a downright horrible idea, though I understand for the sake of comfort if sharing a single room sounds too cramped. What kind of arrangements would you two be more comfortable with? I do not mind sharing a space, as there is clear safety in numbers."

 

[TheShepard256]

"I'm fine sharing." That wasn't 100% true, but the benefits of sharing (mainly safety and companionship) outweighed the primary drawback of being in the same room as the people who would have both the motive and the greatest chance to kill her - not that that was particularly likely, as they had managed to refrain from doing so thus far, and were even making some effort to make her feel welcome in the group. Besides, if she was going to go exploring the locals' dreams tonight, it wouldn't matter whether she was alone - they had no way of telling if she was without staying awake themselves.

 

[OmegaUmbra]

"You're absolutely right." Alexander nodded, a smile gracing his lips once again. "I don't plan to indulge in any drinks, can't hold my liquor too well I'm afraid. I admit in secret I used to take a sip or two of the communion wine at the church, nearly lifted me to the clouds! Though I'll happily join your merriment, Mr. Mercenary." Alexander said playfully, making an effort to lighten to mood along with Flint.

Hearing what Flint had to say did cause a faint blush to appear on the young Clerics face. He didn't think it at first, but it would look odd with two men and a single woman sharing one room, goodness only knows what they'd think, both in terms of blowing their cover, and generally. He graciously accepted Flint's coin, nodding.

"Understood. When the night comes I hope you have a pleasant rest. Unlike...others have." He was slightly worried how the mercenary would fare against the strange dreams plaguing the locals, giving a silent prayer to Hesol that his rest would be undisturbed.

He smiled, a hint of worry on his brow but optimistic non the less, as a good cleric should be. Walking back towards the innkeeper. He put the coins down upon the bar counter.

"I'd like to request two rooms please." Hopefully, the beds were comfortable. And hopefully, there would be two.

 

[HeroicSpirit]

"You're absolutely right." Alexander nodded, a smile gracing his lips once again. "I don't plan to indulge in any drinks, can't hold my liquor too well I'm afraid. I admit in secret I used to take a sip or two of the communion wine at the church, nearly lifted me to the clouds! Though I'll happily join your merriment, Mr. Mercenary." Alexander said playfully, making an effort to lighten to mood along with Flint.

Hearing what Flint had to say did cause a flint blush to appear on the young Clerics face. He didn't think it at first, but it would look odd with two men and a single woman sharing one room, goodness only knows what they'd think, both in terms of blowing their cover, and generally. He graciously accepted Flint's coin, nodding.

"Understood. When the night comes I hope you have a pleasant rest. Unlike...others have." He was slightly worried how the mercenary would fare against the strange dreams plaguing the locals, giving a silent prayer to Hesol that his rest would be undisturbed."

He smiled, a hint of worry on his brow but optimistic non the less, as a good cleric should be. Walking back towards the innkeeper. He put the coins down upon the bar counter.

"I'd like to request two rooms please." Hopefully, the beds were comfortable. And hopefully, there would be two.

The innkeeper, who had waited patiently since Alexander had left, clapped his hands as he said brightly, "ah! Thank you for your business, good brother! I shall prepare the rooms right away!" The man, with amazing quickness for someone his age and size, tossed a set of keys on the bar and dashed upstairs. While he is busy, you see the waitress exit with drink and food.

"I see you've met my father," she said, stopping by the young priest to talk. "I suppose he does have a lot of enthusiasm for his job. Still, it does worry me how often he does this, especially since he's a bit in his years. Still, that's his job, and this is mine, so how about you take a seat before I set down my drinks?"

 

[OmegaUmbra]

Alexander was surprised at how steadfast the innkeeper was. Godspeed and enraptured with his work, it was really something to admire. Grabbing the keys Alexander looked back to his companions and gave them a slight jingle. "Room and board secured."

Seeing the waitress inspired that rosy hue back to his cheeks. That outfit really was distracting...Shaking himself from his thoughts he nodded.

"Your father is quite impressive! I can really tell he has love for this inn. I admire his dedication in his years." Alexander said walking back towards the groups table, absolutely ready to wolf down his meal like a man starved.

 

[HeroicSpirit]

Reaching the table, Lucia put down each of their meals. "Here you are," she said, as she set the food for them. While leaning over, the fabric of the dress shifted in such a way the edge of her dark areola was exposed, if just barely. "I hope this food suits you well!" she said, smiling cheerfully as she stood up. "Is there anything else you'll be needing tonight?"

 

[HeroicSpirit]

"Right away, sir!"

As Lucia turned around, her ass brushed up against Astra's arm as she left their table, leaving to go fetch the cider.

While she was busy, they noticed they weren't the only ones in the inn-sitting in a corner there was a young man sharing a couple of beers with an older man. The young man was obviously a hunter, with his more lithe build and the crossbow he had. Meanwhile, the older man, with his thick muscular limbs and wide middle, as well as the axe leaned next to the wall, was clearly a woodcutter. Another notable difference was the older man's thick beard and black hair, while the hunter was clean shaven and blond with his long hair tied back in a ponytail.

The group couldn't hear what they were talking about, but it seems they were amused by it, whatever it was.

 

[TheShepard256]

As Lucia turned around, her ass brushed up against Astra's arm

Astra couldn't help but crack a lustful smile at this. It was quite rare that someone made a move on her, rather than the other way around, without her knowing they were likely do so beforehand.

Like Flint, she was concerned that the two men had overheard them, but realised they probably couldn't due to her own inability to hear what they're saying. There was nothing suspicious about them - they could be father and son, co-workers, friends, or just some random strangers who simply hit it off with each other. They didn't look too dangerous, either - if it came to a fight, the younger one might be a problem due to his crossbow, but the older one, much less so - while he probably wasn't old enough to become infirm, woodcutter's axes are far too heavy to be used effectively in combat without clear telegraphing (which she had used to her advantage before) or superhuman strength (which, as a human, he obviously lacked). So, she paid them no mind and dug in to her own meal.

 

[OmegaUmbra]

[I'm gonna redo my post real quick, since I wanted Alexander to do a little something more.]

 

[OmegaUmbra]

Alexander's jaw dropped nearly seeing Lucia's breasts in full view. Given that he was as virginal as one could be even that was enough to fully captivate his attention. Blinking incredulously before realizing he was staring rather rudely into the valley of her cleavage. With a stammer, he awkwardly looked away, red as a garnet gem. Turning down to his meal and hurridly wolfing down his food, avoiding eye contact. Regardless of his delicate looks, the boy sure did have an appetite. Saving face as a cool-headed professional was now an absolute lost cause, anyone could see he was as green as the verdant gardens around the village.

Mentally Alexander scolded himself for his actions. Why did he do such an impolite thing? Surely if she thought highly of him before that image of the cleric must have tarnished by now. Desires were seldom felt within the capital's safe walls. Yet outside his mind wandered to places it usually disregarded. Shaking his head he returned to his meal, now mere crumbles remaining.

Curious as to what his companions were looking at he peeked over at the two men. An interesting duet to be sure, considering they were better armed than the other townsfolk. Could they also be strangers to the village? It...couldn't hurt to ask. Where was the harm in it? They had an investigative duty, and perhaps they wouldn't mind indulging the cleric's curiosities. Conceivably some valuable intel could be gained for his comrades or at least pleasant chit-chat. He'd have to leave Astra and Flint to get to know each other and Lucia for the time being, but he had a feeling they wouldn't mind too much.

"I find myself a tad curious about those two...I think I'll go introduce myself for a moment."

Exiting from his seat once more he approached the two men in their celebration.

"Hello there! I hope I'm not intruding, but I saw the two of you looked like you may be fellow travelers and wanted to introduce myself." With the most graceful smile he could muster, the cleric extended his hand.

"Alexander Charmant. Pleased to make your acquaintances."

 

[HeroicSpirit]

As Alexander approached, he heard the men talking about having found something in the woods, and how they were going to split it between them. As the priest spoke, however, they quieted down and turned to face him. They both boweed.

"Pleasure to meet you too~" said the hunter, whose face was curled into a smile. Looking down, Alexander couldn't help but notice the bulge between the man's legs, pressing against the fabric of his breeches. "You know, you look pretty fine...not that I'd touch your saintly behind..."

The old man, less inebriated and not exactly in the mood to tolerate this sort of behavior, stomped on his food and let out a harsh "SH!" nosise. "Aplogizes, good sister...brother, perhaps?" he said, still not completely certain. "Anyway, regardless, you may call me Lenador and you may call him Cazan," he said, as he shifted back. "I suppose you were interested in speaking with us?"

 

[OmegaUmbra]

Alexander's ears did perk up hearing them speak before hushing down. Now that sounded rather interesting.

His face flushed noticing the bulge between the young hunter's legs. Was everyone in the tavern so shameless? Stiff as stone, and staring right into Alexander's eyes without so much of a flinch. The thought that he may be the source of the hunter's arousal made the cleric's heart pound. Shamefully titillated by the idea more than a good man of faith should be. It wasn't like there was some rule of celibacy but...hearing his sultry words sent Alexander's mind racing. Letting out a shallow breath as he nervously grinned. Trying to calm himself, being unused to such casual flirting.

Rattled from his thoughts by the harsh stomp, he gazed back to the older man.

"Brother, sir Lenador." Alexander nodded, more flattered than anything.

"If you would have my company. I'm not from around here and would love to know more about this lovely village. Do you have room for one more?"

He didn't plan to sit for long. Just enough to gather some decent information, and satisfy his idle queries.

 

[HeroicSpirit]

Lenador nodded, offering a seat to him. "There," he said, smiling. "I apologize for my mistake-you aren't exactly what I'd expect a man of the cloth to look like-generally, their a fair bit older..."

"But not as old as you!" The hunter interjected, his speech slurred and breath smelling of ale. Hearing that Alexander was male didn't seem to bother him as much as the half-elf might have hoped, although he kept his hands to himself and tried not to stare.

The woodcutter, smilling, asked, "so, what would you like to know?"

 

[OmegaUmbra]

Sitting down next to the two men he found himself a bit smushed due to the sheer size of his hips, though it wasn't overly uncomfortable.

"No apologies needed! I'm flattered. I get it all the time, no need to worry." Alexander said with understanding, letting out a slight giggle at Cazan's drunken exclamation. They both seemed easygoing and had a strong sense of camaraderie. The fact Alexander was male not seeming to bother Cazan only made his face bloom redder. At this rate, the hunter was causing some very indecent thoughts to well up in the cleric's head. He himself was unbothered by the handsome hunter's attention. Yet endeavored to keep his thinkings chaste.

"I wanted to ask if you've heard any interesting gossip, or know any good sights to see. I and my companions are new here and would be excited to know!" He said, pointing back towards Astra and Flint.

 

[HeroicSpirit]

"Well," Cazan giggled as he looked at Alexander's rear, "I see a pretty good sight now..."

Lenador rolled his eyes. " More to the point, there are some areas within the surrounding forests which are quite beautiful. As for gossip, I heard that the innkeeper's daughter has been going out at night more. According to Cazan, she's been assisting some of the other villagers in some improper ways." He shrugged. "Personally, if it's true, I don't judge her for it. After all, she's making people's days better, and it seems to be something she enjoys doing."

As he said this, Lucia walked back to the table with the cider. As she set it down, she whispered to Flint, "you know, food and drink isn't the only thing available on the menu..." as she briefly flashed him one of her breasts, hoping to entice him. "You've been traveling on the road for a long time, and I bet you're pretty pent up. I doubt you would mind some company..."

As she talked, she wiggled her hips, giving the group of men sitting at the other table a very enticing view.

 

[TheShepard256]

Astra simply observed in silence and continued eating. While she was kind of envious that Lucia seemed to favour Flint, it might simply be the case that she prefers men. Besides, Flint could handle himself; Alex, on the other hand, might need some assistance if things came to a fight. Or sex. So, she kept an eye on both groups.

 

[OmegaUmbra]

Alexander listened to Lenador speak with a focused gaze. If the gossip were true that was troubling news indeed. While it could be as simple as Lucia keeping herself entertained, given the village's strange circumstances it was information worth passing on to Astra and Flint. The view she provided was beguiling as always but now made the cleric warier than before. From what Alexander could see, it appeared as though she had taken an awfully quick liking to the mercenary, putting Alex in an uncomfortable position. If she wasn't a demon then he'd be spoiling his companion's fun and potentially insulting an innocent woman...yet If she were Flint would be in terrible danger. There was only one choice to make: the lesser of the two evils.

"Thank you for your time gentlemen, but I think I should get back to my companions now. They'll start to worry if I take too long. Though this was a pleasant chat. It was nice to meet you two."

As Alexander scooted over, he purposely brushed his soft ass against Cazan's hand, giving the hunter a good handful as he rose from his seat. It made his heart jump, doing something so forward. But in his eyes, the man had earned a little caress of his saintly behind. Alexander turned his head and shot a glance at Cazan before veering around and waving.

"I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening."

Whilst Alexander didn't know anything about flirting, his body sure did know how to tease. Something about that man was so enthralling. He was most certainly inebriated, but charming in many ways to the sheltered cleric. The smell of ale failing to bother Alex one bit. The hunter's brazen, amorous attention stirred a feeling inside the cleric that he couldn't quite place. A new, unbidden thrill that made his breath hitch. Maybe it was the warmth emanating off of the fireplace and nothing more but...a small part of him hoped to see the young hunter again. Him and the scent of sweet spice that followed. Yet alas, that was wishful thinking. There were more important things to take care of.

Striding his way back to their table his face turned gloomy, eyes flickering between Flint and Lucia. Subtly moving over to Astra Alexander whispered as quietly as he could manage,

"I think we may have been too quick to rule out that earlier possibility."

 

[TheShepard256]

"So, have fun with those two guys over there Alex?"

Waiting until Lucia had left, Astra continued in a whisper audible to only Alex and Flint, "Yes, and please explain why you think our prior assumption might have been wrong."

 

[OmegaUmbra]

He turned to Flint and Astra, hoping they'd hear him out. Moving closer to them and staring in worry. Especially after seeing Lucia walk off, unaware of what was said to Flint.

"I heard a troubling rumor from those two gentlemen. I'm not entirely sure if it is true, but thought I'd pass it along. They said that she has been going out more and...'keeping villagers company' at odd hours of the night. I'm not one to judge, she very well could just be having fun. Yet it feels as though it could be connected to our investigation if the claims have merit..."

He did blush at the earlier mention, still thinking fondly of that hunter...

"And yes. I did enjoy speaking with them. They were...kind."

 

[TheShepard256]

"Hmm." While Astra didn't want to hunt a fellow demon, not doing so would land her in trouble - if something were to happen to either Flint or Alex and the other couldn't provide an alibi (or maybe even if they could), the church would assume she was responsible. So, she had no choice but to go along.

"I think I could help. If she tries any mind tricks, I could use my own powers to cancel her's out." If the rumours are true, she only started about a month ago, which means she's much less experienced - and thus weaker - than Astra is. "But that'll require you - " turning to Alex " - to loosen my power dampeners."

"She'll probably try her mind tricks at the moment of orgasm - that's when we're at our strongest, and you at your weakest, mentally speaking. But to be safe, I'll still have to pay attention the whole time."

 

[OmegaUmbra]

Alexander nodded his head in agreement, somehow redder than before by Flint's brash words. Well, if the man were anything he was certainly honest, and that was something to admire. In a way, Alexander envied his naturally charismatic nature, maybe one day he could ask how Flint does it so well...Talking with others, carrying a conversation with such ease. Maybe it was the years of experience on the road, or maybe just how he always was, either way, it did bring a smile to Alexander's face. He sure knew how to light up a room, crass or not.

"Red, understood! We'll come running to your aid post haste if the night goes sour."

Alexander then heard Astra's request. He fidgeted nervously in his seat. It wasn't that he didn't trust her, but it'd be a lie to say it wasn't a gamble. If his decision was the wrong one it could have horrible consequences. But...If it was the right one it would prove Astra's loyalty, and rid the village of their demon. It wouldn't hurt to loosen her binds, just a bit. Goodness only knew how much the church limited her true potential, and whether or not that process was painful. Thinking on it brought Alexander a pang of guilt, never really questioning how the church 'acquired' her services in the first place, but knew considering how zealotrous the others could be, it was a good bet that the experience was unpleasant for her.

Taking a deep breath, Alexander looked into her eyes. A gaze that spoke both of trust, and pleading against betrayal. Sighing out he lifted his hands over hers, speaking low in a whisper, a language foreign to them. He softly rested his palms upon hers, closing his eyes as he focused. There was no magic ray of light, or blast of holy radiance, simply the feeling of pressure being removed. A weight being lifted to a certain degree and renewed vigor, the shackles not visible in her human form. Moving his hands away he gave a soft smile. There was no room to doubt in a situation like this, and she had yet to prove herself untrustworthy in any sense of the word. Maybe he was too quick to give the benefit of the doubt, but that's just who the cleric was.

"Hiding doesn't seem like a bad idea. As long as Lucia doesn't make it to the room first.

 

[TheShepard256]

Feeling like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders, Astra gave Alex a smile and a nod in thanks. But there was one other point that needed to be addressed - "I don't have to be in the same room as you, I just need to be nearby, like in the next room or the hallway. If we're going to be on standby in case something goes wrong, I should be close enough anyways."

 

[TheShepard256]

you seem the type to join in on fun rather than just watch.

"Heh. True."

You two wait nearby while I play the bait. If you hear me shout out "red", things have gone wrong and I need help.

"Understood."

 

[OmegaUmbra]

"Red, and we come in like a pair of valiant knights to rescue you, understood, Mr. Mercenary." Alexander said with a chuckle. Both serious about the situation but keeping the air light hearted, confident in their plan and abilities. Looking down at the cider Flint ordered for him he was tempted to have a quick sip, but resigned not to inebriate himself. Well, not until the night was over. Cleric's were known prudes but Alexander tried to be an exception, more laid back than most priests, vicars and priestesses if he could. After all if you wanted to make friends, you need to know how to read the room.

 

[TheShepard256]

Seeing Alex's hesitation over his drink, she told him, "You know, I can cure drunkeness, if that's what you're worried about." Of all the myriad things her 'poison' elemental powers covered, alcohols were close enough to conventional poisons that she could intuitively see why that worked. It also had a side effect that, despite naturally being a lightweight, she could (if she wanted to) beat literally anyone in a drinking contest (aside from a fellow poison-elemental demon, with whom she'd tie).

 

[OmegaUmbra]

"...Really?" He looked to Astra, hopeful. It did feel odd to sit out their merriment, but the boy was a complete lightweight. Though he did just put his faith in her. Why doubt it now? Why be the only sober soul in an inn? Be the odd one out once again, just like back at the capital?

Looking down at his beverage he contemplated it.

"Alright...Just a taste."

Gently raising it to his lips he had the slightest sip. Alexander frowned up at the taste like a child biting into a lemon, sticking out his tongue at it's bitterness, yet continuing to drink as it became easier the further he went. Still hardly making it down the pint at the pace of a snail.

 

[OmegaUmbra]

"I suppose you're right. Live and let live, as they say. Still tastes absolutely horrid though." Alexander grinned, against his better judgment and inhibitions. If he did anything wrong by the morning at the least he could atone for his sins with a tribute to Hesol. Swirling the contents of his glass before really drinking it down, until the burn became a faint warm glow.

Raising his half glass of Cider he brought it to Flint's for a toast.

"To us! And a good night's rest..."

 

[TheShepard256]

What's the point in drinking if you don't get drunk? Just cure the hangover, not the cause of it.

"I can do that, too."

To us! And a good night's rest...

"I'll drink to that!" Astra finished her own meal and drinks at a leisurely pace, to savour the flavours, neutralising enough of the alcohol that while she would get drunk, she could quickly purge that if necessary.