Just Like Home (Demeter;Tassadar)

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: He Is Mine (Demeter)

And so, with all their belongings packed, Sofia provided the food they'd need, free of charge, in order to make it to any location within fair walking distance. It seemed to be a food of fair mixture between quality and lasting freshness. Idian thanked her even if Demeter did or did not as well, before they made their way to the main hall, they'd find Octavia and her treacherous coven of witches waiting for her, along with Bubbles.

"Hehehe, again, thanks for having me along. I really owe you." Octavia nodded, thanking Demeter for the elf's protection against the strange menace that seemed fascinated with the elf. Meanwhile, Bubbles waved at Demeter and Idian.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: He Is Mine (Demeter)

Demeter thanked Sofia with a mild blush, and then proceeded to the main hall where they found the rest of the group they'd be traveling with. Demeter gave Bubbles a friendly smile and a return wave, though the witches drew a concerned frown from her. Whatever force was stalking her was still a threat, and Demeter admitted freely to herself that she had taken Octavia and her coven under her wing more to draw out that threat than to spare their lives, for which she gave only minimal care. "I hope that that debt never comes due," Demeter replied simply, before pushing past them and departing from Sofia's castle.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: He Is Mine (Demeter)

Octavia's grin faded upon Demeter's answer. The witch seemed to understand without being told, how Demeter really felt about their presence. Pushing past them, Octavia whispered, "She's waiting in a little town ahead," the green eyed witch revealed, before quietly continuing along with Demeter.

With everyone with her, Idian and Bubbles at her side, and the witches behind her, Demeter traveled from the castle and to the city, before leaving that territory altogether and to the roads, through the wet lands just outside of the swamp. A normally dangerous journey that would have left them with many threats to face, made casual due to the presence of all the witches. Arachne were scared away with fire, as well as many other countless insects. The coven proved very handy for taking care of all the hoards of considerable annoyances, until a rather larger annoyance made itself known as they saw a bridge up ahead, with a tall, powerful looking woman with green skin sitting next to it.

Seeing the group, she squinted one eye at them. "The toll is five silvers, each" she grunted rather rudely.

Idian didn't seem too pleased "Just what kind of price is that!? You should just let us pass." he said firmly.

The troll woman chuckled. "If'n you think yer numbers will help yah, you are wrong." she announced. "This here is the territory of Mean Green, you wanna pass? You gotta pay. Or you could take on our whole gang~" she suggested with a grin.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: He Is Mine (Demeter)

Demeter didn't complain at the help in dealing with the minor threats along the way, though she didn't allow herself to fall into a false sense of security either. The coven itself posed no less of a threat to herself, Bubbles, and Idian after all, and the elf inwardly doubted that the two of them could fight so many mages at once with only the three of them. They'd barely managed it with the Sofia's help and the advantage of surprise, after all, and Demeter certainly hadn't gained dramatically in power or magical skill by any stretch of the imagination. While they hadn't done anything threatening so far, at least not since she'd saved them from being exiled from the protection offered by the vampire's domain, Demeter was far from trusting any of them.

Arriving at the bridge troll, Demeter approached cautiously, not voicing her idea of simply going around it given her general shyness. She moved up with the rest, expecting Idian to handle it diplomatically, and when he didn't the elf heaved a deep sigh. Following the bridge troll's statement, at which Demeter merely rolled her eyes, she piped in; "That won't be necessary, I'm sure~" She glanced at Idian somewhat firmly and added; "We haven't the type to start needless bloodshed, and haven't the time for it either." While she had spoke, Demeter had been slowly conjuring silver coins one by one in her hand, and after a moment she turned to the troll and smiled before holding out a neat stack of coins, each of them indistinguishable from the ones that she'd seen in the town around Sofia's castle. She'd opted not to use Idian's money mostly because he was from the Order, and handing order money to a mamono would likely not result in anything positive.

"This should cover all of us. May we pass now?" she said, smiling politely as she offered the troll her demanded toll. She'd made enough coins to pay for herself, Idian, Bubbles, and the entire coven all at once, a somewhat grueling task but not a particularly difficult one.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: He Is Mine (Demeter)

The troll rose her head when Demeter offered that no fighting need be done, before giving the troll a wealthy amount of coin. Taking Demeter's offering, the troll grinned, before looking back up to Demeter. "Very nice," she said, "But ya see... It can be dangerous around 'ere. I can't guarantee that you all will make it through safe. I can provide protection through our lands, for... Say, fifteen silver, each." she chuckled.

Idian groaned, reaching back and scratching the back of his head and letting out a sigh as he leaned over to whisper to Demeter. "She's just going to keep extorting us..."

 

[Tassadar]

Re: He Is Mine (Demeter)

Demeter shot Idian an irate glare before turning back to the troll and reapplying her friendly smile, "Oh, I'm sure we can handle ourselves. I mean, we got this far, right? I'm sure that the lands controlled by a tribe of trolls couldn't be too dangerous~" Demeter didn't doubt that they'd end up fighting the creatures at some point, given the troll's attempt to extort them for more money, but if she seemed confident perhaps they'd leave her alone. "Besides, we don't even have a quarter of that much left!" she added, though it wasn't precisely true given her ability to conjure money out of the aether and Idian's supply of money. Making them a less appealing target couldn't hurt if the trolls were the ones likely to harass them along the way.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: He Is Mine (Demeter)

The troll nodded at Demeter. "I see, but it's still dangerous all tha same. What say you all come into our village? Stay for a while, buy some food, supplies? I'd like to welcome ya to our home, because..." she chuckled. "Just walkin' on through our lands as you seem wantin' to do is... The worst decision you could make~" she grinned at Demeter.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: He Is Mine (Demeter)

"Oh, I don't know... Our journey is quite pressing, and we've got supplies enough to last us a while!" Demeter replied reassuringly, inwardly knowing without a doubt that going to the troll village would be a trap. Given that she had no desire to be raped by trolls any more than by anything else, the place was to be avoided at any cost. Still, she had to play up her foppish act, as the beasts would be a bigger threat by far if they came expecting a more intelligent opponent. Tilting her head, Demeter asked; "Oh? And why might that be?"

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: He Is Mine (Demeter)

"Well, tink about it," the grinned. "I gave the okay for you to pass... But my sisters don't know that. Why, they're likely to attack you on sight!" she announced. "Plus, there's boars!"

Idian blinked. "Boars?"

She nodded. "That's right, boars. A whole tribe of em."

Idian nodded slowly. "Oh, right... Mamono."

 

[Tassadar]

Re: He Is Mine (Demeter)

"And why might that be?" Demeter said testily, her expression dropping to a scowl. "Do your kind regularly attack strangers unprovoked?" Demeter knew trolls well enough to know that such was true, as she'd been educated on how to defend herself from the common enemies of her kind. She knew that trolls were aggressive, territorial, and freakishly strong and resilient even for mamono. She also knew that they were harmed most by fire, however, as it would prevent their bodies from regenerating. She paid no heed to the mention of orcs, as those were by and large the lesser threat compared to the trolls.

(Thanks for not posting the info that I asked for. And enough with the fucking boars already.)

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: He Is Mine (Demeter)

(I FUCKING FORGOT, CALM YOUR BITCH TITS.)

Indeed the trolls were weak against fire, and their physical attributes were powerful in almost all fields. They were powerful, durable, and even fast on their feet. Not fast enough to catch more agile mamono such as harpies, centaurs, and the uncommon cockatrice, but fast enough to run down any of them for sure. They were always infamous for harassing travelers, and they're always very confrontational, often even attacking settlements looking for trouble, sometimes even with ogres as companions in terror.

There have been cases where wit has saved some from becoming the victim of a troll, and the story of how a human man actually survived and passed through these lands was just on the tip of Demeter's thoughts, just out of reach, before Idian spoke up, as if he drew from her memory. "I understand where you're going with this... However, there's something you should know." Idian announced. "You see, we're the scouting group from a nearby castle, and there is a convoy of noble men who wish to visit another land. Fine, beautiful, virgin men." Idian put emphasis on the quality of the men he was apparently making up. However, it seemed to be working, as he had the troll's immediate attention.

"I suppose since this land is so dangerous, we'll let you keep that money and simply have our convey take another route-"

"N-no! By all means!" The troll insisted, suddenly seeming quite friendly. "Our roads are safe! Our roads are safe! I was just being naughty and trying to make wealth. Here's the money back, even! I was only foolin'~" she chuckled. The witches rolled their eyes. So easily fooled was the troll. Demeter was given back her money, and the troll stepped aside.

"Thank you very much! Our convoy should be following shortly." Idian announced, before leading the way, having acted out the children's tale of how the man outwit the troll, and was successful at it.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: He Is Mine (Demeter)

(No. I dun wanna.)

Demeter fell silent as Idian spoke up, reciting the tale that had she just couldn't seem to recall, and when the troll actually bought the lie she inwardly let out a sigh of relief. Taking the coins back, Demeter frowned at the stack of useless silver as she followed her lover over the bridge. Once they were on the other side, Demeter quietly intoned; "Good thinking, I just couldn't seem to remember that story... Anyway, I doubt they'll buy that forever. If we end up getting attacked, stay away and use fire. They're quicker than they look, and very territorial, so keep alert." She didn't know if she needed to actually tell them as much, but it wouldn't hurt to make sure they all knew the large mamono's primary weakness. After explaining as much, Demeter felt no further need to speak unless there was some response that needed addressing from any of her companions.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: He Is Mine (Demeter)

"Thanks." Idian said happily. "Sly Billy was my favorite story when I was young..." as he said that, Idian's happiness faded, and his head sank a little as well, his expression switching rapidly from happy to depressed. "My brother didn't like that story though... His favorite stories were always about a valiant hero charging against evil, fighting the villains directly instead of with wit..." Idian sighed, as Octavia and her coven all seemed to stare at him. "My brother..." Idian hummed, apparently his thoughts going elsewhere.

Meanwhile, they saw many other trolls along the road, Demeter would count up to two dozen at least, not counting the ones she may not have seen. They were all clearing the road, letting them pass, word apparently having traveled quickly from the bridge. As Octavia made as if to speak, Bubbles was pulling on her robes. After a big of hand, or rather, fin gestures, Octavia took off her hat, and gave it to Bubbles, who proceeded to take the hat and put it on Demeter's head. "Hey, Demeter?" she inquired. "We didn't talk about this, and the possibility of having a... hostile exchange with these trolls made me wonder... How are we gonna be... fed? Not like, with meat or anything like that, but..." The glowing eyed witch hummed. "With... a particular kind of nourishment?"

 

[Tassadar]

Re: He Is Mine (Demeter)

Demeter, who had remained expressionless during Idian's trip down memory lain, had little trouble in discerning the source of her lover's distress. That said, there wasn't much that she could do about it beyond laying a comforting hand on his shoulder and offering him a sympathetic look.

They made good time, and the trolls thankfully left them alone, though Demeter took note of how quickly word had spread among them and had to wonder if the news that Idian had lied about the convoy would spread just as quickly. She eyed the exchange between Bubbles and Octavia after the witch had been about to speak, allowing herself a small smirk as the sahuagin placed the witch's hat on her own head, but then became somewhat grim as she made her concern known. "We're all adults and mages here, you may speak candidly," she began, "I doubt that Idian and I have the energy between us to keep you at full strength, but if I have anything leftover at the end of the day I'll see about restoring what I can." She paused a moment, and then added; "No sex need be involved, siphoning off portions of my energy to lend to others was one of the first tricks that I learned."

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: He Is Mine (Demeter)

Octavia's expression went bright when Demeter seemed alright with the idea of sharing energy, but then all of that brightness seemed to crash like a runaway wagon when she said 'no sex.' "Right..." Octavia seemed disappointed, as did the coven and their sad faces. "A shame in it's own right. I suppose Sofia got luckier than we'll ever get when it comes to that." Octavia said with regret.

Idian went red in the face at the mentioning to Sofia, no doubt recalling the night the three of them had sex together.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: He Is Mine (Demeter)

"Do I look like a whore to you?" she asked, her voice spit evenly between bemusement and venom, such that it would be difficult to tell whether the elf was genuinely offended or just feigning to be so. In truth, Demeter was sufficiently jaded to the ways of mamono, being one herself, that Octavia's desires were of no surprise to her, but that didn't mean that she shared them. "Sofia was a one time thing as far as I'm concerned, I vastly prefer men to women in bed, and I don't relish the idea of putting myself into a position of vulnerability for someone that I don't trust. Our relationship is one of benefit to both of us, but it is one born of pragmatism, not friendship."

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: He Is Mine (Demeter)

"Hoh?" Octavia inquired curiously. Demeter's mixture of venom and jest didn't seem to discourage her. "Trust, is it? As well as other things, but trust, that I think I can fix." she cooed. "I will benefit you well, oh Demeter. And after enough time has passed, you will trust me as well... Maybe then, a one time thing can be a second." she suggested with a grin and laugh.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: He Is Mine (Demeter)

Demeter smirked slightly at Octavia's reply, glad that the witch hadn't taken it as negatively as she might have. Even so, Demeter's voice was a tad grimmer than she'd intended it to be as she imagined the consequences that that might bring. "We will see," was all that she said, and then continued on in relative silence, keeping herself on full alert in case the locals should opt to attack them.

 

[Mamono Assault Force]

Re: Friend and Foe of Ancient Past (Demeter)

Octavia winked at Demeter. "Yes~ We shall." Octavia said in reply. No trolls bothered them on their exit trip, and they saw some boars along the way, but they were all tame, and the tan women with tusks all waved at them and said hello as they went along through the troll territory, and eventually left, no doubt leaving behind soon to be very angry trolls... Whenever they'd realize that they'd been had.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 3: Friend and Foe of Ancient Past​

A week of travel would pass before they'd reach their first destination, and that was simply a milestone at which Idian claimed he'd wish to rest at. Terrain was complex, and there were no roads to help with their travel. Plus, there was Bubbles, who did not take kindly to such difficult land movement, and often needed to take detours to get wet with water lest she dry out. After a while, Octavia, her coven, and Idian all seemed to become rather relaxed during the trip, even bored.

"I think this is the safest of my trips." Idian said as he cooked everyone up something delicious. All anyone knew was that he had eggs, some spices, and something sweet to create a rather odd combination of spicy sweet. What was even more odd was that it was delicious. Octavia even commented that she normally hates spices altogether. "I figured, so I replaced yours with sweet flakes from a lilitu bloom." he announced, thus making him 'very' popular with the witches as they all crowded around him, and showered him with compliments that Idian was happy to receive.

In their camp, it seemed that there were no worries, at least for now, and everyone could relax. Though the real reason for their peace was the coven themselves. No intelligent mamono threat would dare approach a group of dangerous witches.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: Friend and Foe of Ancient Past (Demeter)

The relative uneventfulness, barring the incident with the troll at the bridge, had Demeter somewhat on edge. She'd lived in the swamp for most of her life, and had long come to expect attacks from the arachne and slimes that shared her murky home, and had even come to watch out for the sahuagin like Bubbles. Leaving Idian to his cooking, Demeter kept watch on the outskirts of camp, but despite her wariness the elf was beginning to grow fairly relaxed. The presence of a larger group of mages seemed to ward off most lesser threats, and that would keep them safe so long as they kept their heads down and avoided any mamono powerful or numerous to make the risk of attacking their group worth it for the prize.

"Where is this place that you want to stop at anyway?" Demeter asked over her shoulder, directing the question at Idian. "You didn't say, and the last time you insisted on a detour it took us to Sofia's. I'm not going to have to fight off an army of would-be suitors along the way, am I?"