The Halfway Inn

Rowan couldn't remember a time he had slept so well. He awoke with his arms wrapped tightly around Goom, who slumbered peacefully in his embrace. He could hear the muffled sounds of movement from the hall, but the pale light flowing in from behind the curtains told him it was too early for the tavern to be open. He was just settling back into the sheets when a sharp knock pierced the morning birdsong.

'Meeting in half an hour, Vornalla expects everyone to be there,' Rowan recognised the self-important tone of Feralith through the oak wood.

Goom stirred at the loud interruption, groggily she flung the sheets aside and stretched, reaching her arms as high above her head as she could.

'Wha's all that noise about?' she asked through a loud yawn.

'There's a meeting apparently,' Rowan explained, picking his trousers off the floor where they had landed in a crumpled heap the previous night.

'Ugggh,' Goom groaned, collapsing back into the warm sheets. Rowan was tempted to join her, but another urgent knock rattled the latch.

'We all know you two are in there, hurry before I have Krugga *gently* force this door open,'

'Bitch,' Goom hissed under her breath. She snatched a garment from the floor in a huff, pulled it irritably over her head and, without another word, stormed out of the room. Feralith yelped as Goom burst through, middle finger proudly pointed toward the startled elf.

In the whirlwind of her departure the door had been left wide open while Rowan stood naked, save for the one foot he had managed to slip into the leg of his trousers. His eyes locked with Feralith, who stood gawking at him from the corridor. Hurriedly he tugged himself into his brais, aware of the Elf's roving eyes, and scanned the room for his shirt. He glanced between the garments strewn about the room unable to spy it anywhere.

'You don't want to keep Vornalla waiting,' Feralith said, making little attempt to hide her blatant ogling.

'I'll be there as soon as I can,' Rowan replied absent-mindedly, still searching for his wayward vestment.

'If you're looking for your shirt, Goom was wearing it when she stormed out,' she told him, 'you're better off just picking a clean one,'

'Right, Let Vornalla know I'll be there in a moment,'

'Oh yes, of course, I'll do that right away sir,'

Feralith's sarcastic tone trailed off, and she departed muttering something to herself in elvish that Rowan could not understand. Seizing a fresh shirt from the drawer he slipped out into the hall, with Feralith following close behind.

Everyone had gathered around the far table of the dining hall. There was no breakfast laid out although Rowan could smell the alluring aroma of eggs and bacon wafting from the kitchens. Vornalla sat at the head of the table, her brow furrowed with concern. Even Krugga, despite her rugged demeanor, had an air of worry about her. There was an uneasy silence as Rowan and Feralith sat at the table, they all knew what this meeting was about. Rowan had an unpleasant feeling that names were about to be drawn to determine who was to be the soul given over to Ronove. He shuddered at the memory, the aura of endless hunger and the three piercing eyes that burned themselves into his soul. The seat at the head of the table was empty, though everyone else was in their seats. Rowan wondered who else should be at this meeting, and that's when she arrived. In a puff of lilac smoke, Xeryix materialised in the chair, in her full Succubus form. Two large black-feathered wings framed her curvaceous form, twin ram horns curling around her delicate pointed ears, and furred cloven hooves for feet. She twiddled idly with the heart-shaped tip of her tail, luminous amber eyes surveying the gathered workers of her tavern.

'Good morning, everyone,'

Her melodious tone soothed any anxiety Rowan felt, a warm wave of heat seemed to wash over him taking any trepidation away in a tide of lust. His eyes immediately fixed themselves upon the soft curves of her breasts framed by the dark fabric that only seemed to stay upon her through the sheer force of her suggestive will.

He did not seem to be the only one affected. Everyone in the room seemed now transfixed upon Xeryix, who revelled in the attention. Even Vornalla had her gaze locked on the succubus, her cheeks flushed a bright pink, contrasting with the cobalt tones of her skin.

'I spoke to our dear Ronove yesterday,' Xeryix continued, leaning forward and placing her large breasts upon the table, 'and he has agreed to forgo the debt on one condition,'

It took a moment for her words to register, as everyone had their eyes fixed upon the valley of her cleavage. Kazir was the first to speak up.

'Wait, what condition?'

'A simple task, not beyond any of your skill I assure you,' Xeryix said with a wave of her hand, 'All he wants is for us to retrieve something for him,'

'And what, pray tell, would that be?' Vornalla inquired, eyes narrowed with suspicion.

'An orb of some description, he provided a handy sketch,' the succubus reached into the depths of her cleavage and pulled out a scrap of weathered linen. She spun it across the table so all gathered could see what was scrawled upon the fabric.

Rowan peered at the crude drawing. It depicted a circular object, with strange runic symbols scrawled across its surface, criss-crossed with lines, almost like a puzzle. There was nothing written about what this item was or where it could be located, only a brief description of its physical properties. Approximately the size of an apple, copper-coloured, faint glow, it sounded like any standard magical object, imbued with some arcane power no doubt.

'there's just one issue,' Xeryix continued, 'there are two possible locations it could be, and you will have to search both of them and find the orb by the end of next month,'

'sounds easy enough,' Krugga grunted, stretching her shoulders with a shrug 'where are these locations?'

'Shatterbarrow and Fenraven,'

A cold silence fell upon the room at the mention of those words. The colour drained from Vornalla's face, Caja let out a sharp gasp, and even Krugga seemed to shudder at their mention.

'You can't expect us to go there, not after we lost Bjolf in that ruin,' Vornalla jumped from her seat in indignation, 'Krugga barely made it out of there intact...'

'I never said this would be easy,' Xeryix retorted, her voice lost all its mellowness, becoming a harsh hiss that grated like sandpaper.

'Yes, you did, you told us it would be a simple task,'

'Simple? Yes. easy? No.' The succubus motioned for Vornalla to take her seat. The drow hesitated for a moment, then sank back into the chair, dejected.

'I understand your trepidation, I believe that he gave us this task because he was aware of how dangerous those ruins are, but it is better than sacrificing one of you outright. This way you have a chance to avoid being devoured. you have a month to complete your task, which is more than enough time to prepare, and I am willing to give you access to the Tavern funds for any additional equipment you may require,'

'That would be great if the tavern made any money,' this snarky retort came from none other than Feralith, who had shown no interest in the conversation until now. 'I have to rely on my own funds to get anything in this wretched realm,'

'Tha's easy fer you when ya choose to put yer tits on display for a few coins,' Goom scoffed,

'I most certainly do not, you green whore.' She flicked her golden hair aside in pure outrage at the suggestion. 'I am no harlot nor prostitute, unlike you, who is more than happy to sleep with the first mortal with a dick that walks through that door,'

'hey, she hasn't slept with me...' Kazir attempted to interject on Goom's behalf but was drowned out by the tirade that flowed from Feralith.

'I am a performer, a Cantor, I recite poetry, sing songs, more than some drunkard bard looking for a few spare coins, I used to be one of the most respected Cantors of the Temple of Eloriae, I have a status that demands respect that I am not afforded by you lot,'

'And yet you don't perform here, where it could be of use,' Vornalla noted, 'we might be more willing to respect you if you helped a little more,'

'I prefer venues with more class, not this dreary and drab place, no offence to our hostess,' Feralith Glanced at Xeryix, who sat observing the interaction with a vague smirk.

'None taken as of yet,' she smiled in answer, the sharp points of her teeth visible behind her plump lips.

'And don't you dare take her side,' Feralith gestured toward the goblin, 'you can't pretend you didn't hear those two going at it like animals last night, Kazir could hear it and he's all the way down the hall from them...'

'Enough,' Krugga bellowed, slamming her fist down upon the table so hard Rowan could swear he heard the wood splinter. 'Let's get back to the task at hand unless you want to volunteer as a demon's dinner?' the orc looked accusingly at Feralith, who had enough sense to keep her tongue behind her teeth this time.

'It's true, Shatterbarrow is no pleasant stroll, but I know the passages well enough to find my way around, and with a few helping hands it shouldn't be as dangerous. A month is more than enough time to gather supplies and prepare for a quick delve. Fenraven, however, will need more caution.'

'I'm sure you will be more than able to handle the situation Krugga, I have every confidence in your leadership.' Xeryix fixed her attention back to everyone gathered, 'I expect to be kept updated on all major decisions, and Feralith,'

The elf visibly stiffened at the mention of her name, directing her gaze firmly to the ground, either through worry or shame.

'If you are unable to behave civilly with your compatriots, I will have no issues moving you somewhere where that pretty mouth of yours can be put to more entertaining work, I am well aware of your visits to Shadewald, know that I tolerate it for now. Rowan...'

Rowan felt the Succubus eyes fall upon him but could not bring himself to look at her in fear that he had done something wrong.

'I wish to speak with you in private, at my chateau. I expect you to meet me there shortly,'

'yes mistress,' Rowan found himself saying involuntarily, a phrase he was surprised to hear in his voice. A wave of dread rose within him. Had he done something wrong? Why would Xeryix want to speak with him alone? The succubus's soft features betrayed none of her intentions, even in her warning to Feralith she had remained composed and inviting.

'Good, there will be no need to open the Inn Today, I'm granting you all a day of rest, use it well. Meeting adjourned,'

Just as she appeared Xeryix vanished, leaving nothing more than a thin pink mist and the faint smell of cherries in the air.

Rowan walked between the towering poplars that flanked the path to Xeryix's villa. Between their shivering branches, exquisite carvings of beautiful women and men stood in evocative poses, slowly becoming more and more indecent as he approached. He soon found himself at the large dark doors of the manor. The imposing stone structure loomed above him, the intricate stained-glass rose window peering down at him like a giant eye. Steeling himself, Rowan raised his hand and gave two loud stern knocks to the door. The distinctive sound of high heels upon tiles echoed beyond the entrance, steadily growing louder with each step. After an eternity the mahogany doors creaked open.

'Welcome back Rowan,'

Rowan felt the breath halt in his throat. Xeryix stood invitingly just across the threshold, her warm smile encouraging him to enter. Without much resistance he found himself stepping into the hall, the doors closing sharply behind him.

'Follow me pet,'

Xeryix turned on her heels, motioning for him to follow. He could not tear his eyes from her as she walked, the hypnotising sway of her hips coaxed him onward, her slender tail occasionally granting him brief glimpses of what lay beneath the fabric, never enough to satiate his desire. She glanced back, and he caught a glance at a smirk playing across her lips. She knew exactly what she was doing.

Xeryix led him up the sweeping staircase, past the erotic tapestries and into the grand master bedroom. It was every bit as luxurious as the rest of her home. Tapestries depicting every explicit act imaginable adorned the walls, even the carpet's complex pattern incorporated many acts of fornication threaded throughout. Pride of place stood her bed, an impressive four-poster, chestnut, with sensual carvings adorning the headboard and red velvet inlay. Silk sheets of bright crimson and rose lay in contrast to the dark wood, with plump feather pillows placed liberally along the headboard. It looked so comfortable Rowan was tempted to lie there, and half hoped the succubus would direct him to do so. To his disappointment, she strode over to a smaller wooden door to the right, gilded lettering above the doorframe simply read "desires." If the bedroom was surprising, this next room was even more so.

Rowan almost tripped over himself in astonishment, and the feeling of dread washed over him again. The stone walls were draped in plain scarlet curtains, and a second bed lay at the far end of the room, though not as richly decorated as the one in the master bedroom. It was the furniture, if that is what it could be called, that sparked apprehension within him. There was equipment here he had seen only in the dark chambers within the grimmest gaol, he recognised the pillory immediately, many a ne'er-do-well had found themselves serving a spell within its restrictive grasp, though the wood was highly varnished, with soft velvet where the head and wrists would be placed. A large X-shaped cross stood against the far wall, with black leather cuffs strapped to each end of the wooden beams. Rowan didn't want to imagine what the other fixtures might be capable of. Above the bed was an array of instruments that would not look out of place in a torturer's arsenal. Whips, collars, floggers, cuffs, harnesses, rope and restraints of all descriptions, all crafted from some of the finest leather imaginable. Xeryix sensed his concern. She stepped toward him, caressing the stubble of his chin with a comforting hand.

'Don't worry about the decorations my dear,' she chuckled, 'they're for my more... adventurous explorations,'

Rowan glanced about the room, it was certainly an odd setting for a dungeon, and Xeryix did not seem to require such drastic means for punishment, at least not in the traditional sense.

'Have I done something wrong?'

'On the contrary,' the succubus comforted him, 'you're progressing quite well, I only wish to speak to you a little about how you're settling in,'

'That's reassuring,' Rowan replied, not feeling reassured in the slightest.

'Now, be a good boy and take a seat on the bed,' the coaxing purr of her voice was irresistible. Obediently Rowan settled himself on the edge of the bed. He was surprised the mattress was so comfortable, he expected everything in the room to have a cold harshness, but the reality was far different. This did little to ease his trepidation, however.

'you still seem a little worried,' Xeryix frowned, bending down to wrap her arms around his shoulders, 'Is there anything I can do to ease your nerves?'

Rowan could think of a few things she could do, his body burned at her touch. He sat, staring down the neck of her dress, feeling his arousal begin to overcome his fear. He shifted uncomfortably as the confines of his trousers became significantly tighter.

'I think I know what might help,'

Xeryix reached for the silver clasps that held the fabric of her dress at the shoulders. She flicked them aside, allowing the soft flesh of her breasts to bounce free. He felt himself stiffen immediately; her gaze flashed downwards as a sly grin spread across her face. Gently, she pushed Rowan back against the bed until he lay across the sheets.

'Now, wait there a moment, and I'll be right back.'

Rowan nodded, unsure what spell had overcome him, and not caring. His eyes flicked to the ceiling and, to his shock, found he was looking right back. A large mirror had been set into the ceiling, giving him a full view of the entire bed. He stared up at himself, his touseled chestnut hair, the days' worth of stubble building on his chin, he looked untidy and weary. The stress of the last few days had evidently taken its toll. At least Xeryix helped ease his worries, the aura of a succubus had that effect. As he melted into the soft feather mattress, she returned, bearing a handheld polished brass mirror.

'This is a little something I think you'll find interesting,' Xeryix stated, perching herself beside him. She presented the mirror to him, unfamiliar delicate script etched into the rolled edge of the bright surface. She took his arm and wrapped it around her bare waist, letting him feel the weight of her chest on his forearm. She towered over him, a dark idol, relishing his admiration of her bare form.

'This is the mirror of Naerenthir, a powerful elven king,' she explained, 'he was incredibly vain and paranoid, constantly worrying his courtiers would be plotting his death, so he asked a sorcerer to create for him a means to spy upon those he suspected of treason.'

she whirled the magical artefact between her slender fingers, allowing the candlelight from the chandelier to play across the golden surface.

'Of course, he never expected that his closest servant would be the one to kill him as he spied upon others.' She chuckled, holding the mirror up to Rowan.

'I have found better uses for this, however,' from her lips she chanted an incantation, causing the flowing script on the mirror's edge to glow a brilliant white, and the reflective face to spin upon itself until it became a whirlpool of gold and silver.

'now, who would you like to see?'

The question spun in his mind for a moment. Here he was given the opportunity to view whomever he wished, unbeknownst to them, at the mere utterance of their name. the succubus sat patiently beside him, her free hand toying with the tassels of his shirt.

'Who can I see?' he inquired, narrowing his eyes at the swirling pool of glittering light.

'Anyone within this realm,' Xeryix answered, 'the closer they are, the clearer you see them.'

Rowan pondered for a moment. There was something indecorous about spying upon someone without their knowledge, but Rowan couldn't deny the thrill he felt in the concept. Curiosity got the better of him, and Rowan finally gave her a name.

'I'd like to see what Vornalla is doing please,'

'Now that was unexpected,' a sly smirk pulled at the corner of the succubus's lips, 'Considering the time you've been spending with Goomluga... but I'll oblige,'

The whirling vortex within the mirror quelled, and Rowan could clearly see Vornalla. She was lying upon her bed, red and black gown loosely tied at her waist, book in hand. Her room was furnished with two large bookshelves, littered with well-thumbed tomes and alchemical bottles. Rowan was unsurprised she would be using her day off to catch up on her reading, she'd shown plenty of interest in his books, though he would not have spent his afternoon immersed in books.

'she's always been rather boring,' with a disappointed sigh the succubus dispelled the image, 'let us see if anyone is doing anything more exciting,'

The mirror shimmered, and Rowan found himself looking upon an entirely different scene. This room was cluttered with various items of clothing, carefully folded but absently placed upon a maze of furniture. An air of opulence hung from every velvet curtain, a decadence which nearly rivalled that of Xeryix chateau. Sitting in front of a bronze-rimmed mirror, dress bunched around her slim waist, Feralith was adjusting her makeup, her bare chest teasingly hidden by the golden strands of her hair.