Sammy burst into Marianna's shop with a big grin on her face. "Another successful contract! That's one less centaur bandit who'll be robbing travelers on the high road."
"That's wonderful, dear. Good work!" Marianna smiled at her daughter. She was happy that Samivella had stuck with the adventuring trade, even after her little incident with the goblins. The last few weeks had been more than good. Sammy had proven herself quite the warrior, cleaning up a death wasp nest, burning out a burrower hive, and even killing a wannabe orc chieftain in single combat. Marianna was also glad to see that her daughter had taken her advice about armor to heart. Sammy was clad in skintight leather and chainmail leggings, a corset of the same material, and snug leather gauntlets that went all the way up her arms. After her night stuffed with goblin cum, Sammy's tits had grown explosively, and she'd had to buy all new tops. So she'd taken the opportunity to purchase a linen bikini top, dyed red to complement her hair, and enchanted with enough spells and wards to block a ballista bolt. Sammy had kept the only clothing to survive the goblin debacle, her high heeled boots, but they fit well with the rest of the outfit.
Marianna was less pleased with the company that Sammy was keeping on her missions. Her companion was right behind her through the door.
"Good day madam. I must say you're looking lovely." Arvelor bent low as he spoke, green cape fluttering behind him.
Marianna could only roll her eyes. Why her daughter had chosen to partner with a bard, an elven bard at that, she could only imagine. Something about the slender elf grated on her. Maybe it was the way his eyes danced over Sammy's curves when he thought no one was looking. Maybe it was just that he was so... pretty. He certainly had a way with words, and she knew he helped promote Sammy around town. But she did wonder if Sammy was finding a more creative use for his silver tongue.
Though in Marianna's experience, an elf male was more likely to request that Sammy fuck his asshole than put any work in himself. Everyone knew that elven women had bigger cocks anyway. She shrugged off the thought. The less she knew what her daughter got up to around the campfire, the better.
"So, has the guild given you a new contract?" Marianna asked, pointedly ignoring Arvelor's complements.
"They did!" Sammy pulled a piece of paper from her belt. "A flower infestation outside of Dogal. Already almost captured a couple of farmgirls."
"Sammy," Marianna cried in exasperation. "What have I told you about taking on flowers? Why would the guild even give you this contract? You're a woman!"
"I was the only one available, I guess." Sammy raised a hand to forestall any other complaints. "I know guild policy is to not send women after flowers, but this was a royal order. They want it done now, no waiting for some men to come around. So they're making an exception."
"Foolish. Irresponsible even. Don't they remember what happened to Sheena and her Seven?"
The monsters known simply as "flowers" were stationary ground dwelling creatures. They secreted a powerful pheromone that lured in women, made them slaves to its addictive sap, and then slowly drained the life from them while they were trapped in its grasp. Sheena and her band of warriors had been one of the best all women groups in the game when Marianna was younger. But they had encountered an uncommonly large flower growth on their travels. When they were found, only one of them still lived.
Sammy fished a jar out of her pack. "Mom, I know it's dangerous. But Arvelor whipped up an elvish salve that should block the pheromones. And if something does go wrong, he'll bail me out. He's a male, so he's immune anyway."
"At least take a prophylactic potion. Just to be safe." Marianna pointed to her potion rack.
"Entirely unnecessary, madam. You human arts are cunning, but they're no match for elven alchemy." Arvelor fixed a greasy smile onto his face. "And I may be a bard, madam. But I am as skilled with blade and bow as I am with my lute."
