--- Sun Jul 30 18:35:12 2023

Skipping week

End of week 4

As Rowan was leaving his quarters and heading down towards the castle kitchens
he ran into a dark skinned woman dressed in bright silks. She had a cheerful
bounce to her movements, but also had a hard edge to her features.

She gave a one handed curtsey to the hero before addressing him.

Indarah
A fine morning to you, hero Rowan. I am Indarah, the one called Jezera
instructed me to seek you out and introduce myself.

Rowan
A fine morning to you as well, woman of the Dragon's Tail.

As he spoke, he returned her greeting with the customary sweeping bow. As he

did so, he noticed that there were some fighting scars on the woman's hands.

When he returned his gaze to her face, he spotted the barest hint of another
scar that she hadn't quite managed to cover up. This girl was a fighter.

Rowan
So what brings you to Castle Bloodmeen?

Indarah
An opportunity I would never get back home, a chance to own a tavern of my
own. Your mistress has offered me a property that was recently restored in the
Wastes. My experience dealing with pirates, often violently, seemed to have
impressed her.

Rowan
Well, I hope that your service does not prove to be a greater burden than you
thought it would be when you agreed to serve Jezera.

She measured Rowan's words for a moment before responding.

Indarah
I'm well aware that she is a demoness, as well as what she and her brother
seek to do. I don't care what they are if they give me a chance to break free
of the chains of my birth.

Rowan
Very well, Indarah. It was good meeting you, I'll see you around the tavern.

Cliohna
Why is this so difficult for you to understand?

Jezera
Mayhaps you are being too uptight. You won't know until you try.
Rowan seemed to have stumbled in on an argument of some sort between Jezera
and Cliohna.

Cliohna
I made my intentions clear from the start, your constant pestering will not
change anything.

From the looks of things, his mistress was enjoying herself. Rowan wasn't sure
exactly what her goal was, but it didn't seem like it was terribly conducive
to the librarian's research.

Jezera
Oh? I assure you that I can be very...

Jezera
... persuasive.

Blue hands rose up as she spoke, reaching towards Cliohna.

Rowan
*ahem*

Using Rowan's arrival, Cliohna quickly brushed passed the demoness and
approached the hero.

Cliohna
Rowan, I have been expecting you. Please walk with me.

She set a brisk pace down the aisle with Rowan falling into stride next to her
after a quick glance back.

Rowan
Now, uh, what did you want to see me about?

Cliohna didn't answer, only continuing to walk. After nearly a minute and a
few turns, Rowan got the distinct impression that they weren't heading towards
anything in particular, she just seemed to want to get away from Jezera.

Abruptly they stopped at an apparently random shelf and the librarian finally
broke the silence.

Cliohna
These interruptions are becoming very tiresome. See to it that woman ceases
this pointless chase so that I may focus on your projects again.

Cliohna
If you cannot convince her to give this up, I may be forced to spend more time
on my personal work instead.

Rowan
Is that a threat?
Cliohna
It is a warning or perhaps an incentive. Give her something else to focus on
or call in a favor to get her off my back. I care not for the method you
choose to employ, just ensure that harlot ceases this irritating chase.

Jezera
But it's just so fun!

Jezera
My hero, you're not going to try and ruin my fun, are you?

Jezera
I'll make it up to you later.

Choice: Convince Jezera to leave Cliohna alone.

Choice: Allow Jezera to continue.

Player chose: Convince Jezera to leave Cliohna alone.

Rowan
Is hurting your research really worth this? You're trying to fight a war here,
harassing your staff isn't exactly the best way to do things.

The demoness stepped in close and sensuously caressed Rowan's face.

Jezera
Hmmhmm, and exactly what are you going to be able to do to stop me anyway?

Rowan
Nothing. You are my mistress and if you command me to leave you be, then I
will do just that.

Rowan
At this point, I am used to having Andras sabotage our efforts, and this isn’t
all that different.

Her fingernails dug into his cheek, drawing blood. He remained perfectly
still, fearful he overstepped, but knowing fully well he could not back down
now.

A moment later, her grip lessened, and the sensuous caress returned.

Jezera
My my, someone’s showing his backbone today.

Jezera
I suppose I can cut the entertainment short. It’s unwise to overindulge.

Jezera
But do be careful with that tongue. I don’t mind that sharp edge it has, but I
think I enjoyed it between my legs more.

Jezera
Ta ta!
Week 5

Skipping week

End of week 5

Alexia
Good afternoon Cla-Min. I saw you'd stepped away from work and was hoping to
catch a word with you.

Cla-Min
Alexia.

The goblin woman tapped out her pipe and looked past the woman for a moment at
her family bringing in supplies from the portal chamber. She sighed, then
stowed the pipe.

Cla-Min
Yes, I suppose I can spare a minute. I don't suppose you're looking to offload
some money you stumbled on?

Alexia
Uh, no.

Cla-Min
Pity. Alright, what is it?

Alexia
You and your family aren't like most of the people here in the castle. Goblin
caravans aren't really Karnas supporters, regardless of what rumors often say.
What brought you to this castle? Was it the promise of Jezera's portals?

Cla-Min
I'm afraid that information doesn't come free, at least not for you. One good
turn deserves another, if you catch my drift.

Alexia
Are you asking for information or a favor?

Cla-Min
A favor, just a small thing, I assure you.

Alexia
I can't do much for you, but alright.

Cla-Min
Wonderful! Then I'd be happy to tell you a bit about my history with the
twins.

Cla-Min
It was by chance we joined the twins, but probably not when you suspect. My
caravan met up with them on the road before they'd taken up residence in this
castle. They needed to bring people and supplies across the wastes, we needed
their coin.

Alexia
How long ago was that?
Cla-Min
About two and a half years.

Alexia
What were the twins like back then?

Cla-Min
Less entitled, but we didn't talk much since I kept me and mine away from
them. A good mother doesn't let demons mess with her family.

Alexia
So why did you take the job if you didn't trust them?

Cla-Min
Jobs like that are few and far between for goblins, so we usually take what we
can get. That said, after the third trip over the wastes for more stuff, I was
thinking it was time to call it quits. After all, I have to look out for my
family and endless barrens are no place to raise children.

Cla-Min
However, it was then that things changed, as Jezera told me she'd managed to
get that portal open and was in the process of opening up other gates around
the whole of the Six Realms!

The goblin tapped a finger to her nose knowingly.

Cla-Min
Now I could see the way the wind was blowing if these two could go anywhere in
the world at any time. If we agreed, gone would be the days of runs through
dirt and sand, now we could go see woods, plains, or the sea whenever we
wanted!

Cla-Min
Even if the twin's plans don't pan out, this job has probably already made Cla
the richest goblin caravan in the world and since things just keep getting
better here, I have every intention of sticking around until the town bells
are ringing.

Alexia
Thank you very much for the story.

Cla-Min
If you're truly grateful, then I'll ask one simple thing of you.

Alexia
Certainly.

Cla-Min
Don't get too fussed up if I or someone from my family makes a move on your
husband. Thanks darling.

Alexia was left speechless as the goblin matriarch headed off to rejoin the
rest of her family who'd just finished unloading supplies. By the time she
collected herself and followed after Cla-Min, they'd all left back through the
portal.
Week 6

--- Sun Jul 30 18:35:35 2023