*Note* This part of the story takes place immediately after the first story. This chapter is substantially longer than the first part. I think more than twice the size of the first story. It's my hope that it's twice as enjoyable.
A big Thanks to Jordan Church for editing and helping me out.
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There were a few minutes of silence.
Mercy had left us all in quite a state. I crawled over to the bench and used it to help me to my feet. I stood for a moment, hunched over with my hands on my knees, catching my breath. "That was intense." I spoke. I don't think I've ever had an orgasm as intense as that.
"I'm sorry you guys, I should have asked first if Mercy could join us fully. While we were riding back from High Tide Port, Mercy was asking me if she was still on a trial period. She was very insistent on an answer, and I couldn't say no to her." Alice said. She too looked flushed after her 'washing'.
"You know... it might not be too bad to have her on the team. If not for her, we might not have survived that ambush on the road today. I know I only got lucky, there was only one who attacked me. I'm certain she saved us." Kelsey said. Thinking it over, she certainly had a point. Mercy was intense, but she had carried our team through the last couple of quests.
"It'll all work out. Though, maybe we should set some ground rules with her. She's been pretty forward so far." I said.
"Yeah, we'll tell her what's up. And keep her on as our muscle. Just... no more touching." Kelsey added. Alice nodded.
There was more silence between us three as we changed and made our way into the pub. There, at the same table as last time, again with three large pitchers in front of her, sat Mercy. She looked happy as she waved us over, then downed the rest of her mug. It seemed like nothing had ever happened.
"We have some things to say Mercy." I started and stopped there, unable to say anymore. My eyes are having a hard time looking up at her face. Kelsey nudged Alice to speak. "We're happy to have you join our party." She said loudly "B-but if you could p-please not be so... handsy." She said nervously and much less loudly.
There was a moment of silence as the space seemed to fill with tension. Mercy then shattered the tension with a body-shaking laugh.
"Ladies, sit. Sorry if I was making any of you uncomfortable. I was only trying to be friendly. That's just how they do things in the south." She paused "Speaking of which, I've come up with a plan I think you'll want to hear." Mercy said with a big smile as she pushed out a chair and patted it with her hand.
Kelsey was the first to sit which set of a chain reaction with Alice and I following in suit. Picking up a pitcher I filled a glass for all of us.
Mercy began "The quests at this guild hall... are shit. They're for beginners with barely any worthwhile rewards. We, are going to travel south to the Gran Stoby." She seemed to emphasize the word 'We' while gesturing to all of us with her hands.
"The port city? The city of luck? Isn't that a gambling city filled with criminals?" Alice asked concern returning to her voice. Though my heart sprang at the name. The city of luck. I loved the rush of gambling, that feeling of anticipation to see if you won or lost. Mercy certainly had my attention.
"You got that right, there's a lot of criminals there, that's why their guild hall has the best postings." Mercy said. "I've got a few connections there too. An old friend who can get us up and operate very quickly." She continued to down her mug, then thrust it out for one of us to fill it.
Kelsey began pouring more beer into the empty glass while asking "How far away is it? I thought it was supposed to be near the desert? Are we sure this is even a smart idea?" Kelsey just kept blurting out question after question, the pitcher in her hand was a bit shaky. She was definitely nervous.
I wasn't the only one to pick up on this. Mercy smiled that big smile of hers "Nothing to be nervous about kitten. I used to live there and there's ample opportunity to make something of you." *Hiccup* "Make something of yourself, is what I meant to say."
The table was quiet as we all thought about the plans for the future. Nothing was really keeping me here other than my friends. I was honestly very excited to finally see Gran Stoby. You'd always hear great stories of people making their fortune in Gran Stoby. I was certain that good things were heading our way. "C'mon! Let's do it! There's nothing keeping us, and I've got a gut feeling the best part of our lives is waiting there." I said bursting with excitement. The more I thought about it, the more excited I got. It was contagious, smiles forming on everyone's faces, most especially Mercy's.
"It's a little over a two-day ride if we push it." Mercy said, answering Kelsey's questions. "It's fairly close to the desert. It's a port city of the Niverdown sea. The Twisting Savanah is just a few miles east.
Alice stood up "Well, if we are going to do this. We better get a jump at this in the morning. So, goodnight you troublemakers. I'll see you in the morning." With that, Kelsey also stood up. Raised her half full mug in for a cheer. "To keeping our success alive. May we never stop enjoying the journey."
"Here, here" We clinked cups, and then bottoms up. That was nearly the last of the booze. Kelsey and Alice started for the stairs.
"Alice, don't forget about our morning shopping trip. I'll be getting you up extra early," Mercy loudly said to Alice as she was nearing the stairs. She paused briefly, turned to Mercy and gave a thumbs up.
Just as I was about to also retire to my room, the same waitress arrived from the previous night to our table. Yesterday she looked cheerful and happy. Today she looked meek, eyes staying on the floor. "Can I get you anymore" She asked Mercy. I could see she had a few bruises and what looked like bite marks along her cleavage and neck.
"None for me." I said as I started walking away.
"I hope you're wearing my gift from last night." I overheard Mercy say to her.
"Yes Daddy. I'm wearing it right now." The waitress answered. My good feelings about our future adventure started to not feel so good.
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