Author's note: this story was originally submitted as part of a friendly contest between Literotica authors. I liked the premise so much I decided to expand a little upon it. I hope you enjoy this little Fantasy/Sci-Fi tale. Feel free to comment if you wish, but please don't forget to vote.
This is the second of a two-part installment.
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Twelfth Day, Second Quadrimester, Year 3743
Taverns and inns were customarily open well into the night, and those of the city-state of Averine were no exception. Gavin found one close to the city gate and gave a few coins to the valet to secure their horses. With Adastriana close beside him, he led the way into the tavern.
Eyes fell upon them. The sight of an armored knight-gunman with a comely young woman - even one swallowed up by a cloak - beside him was enough to stir imaginations and make those with guilty consciences squirm in their chairs. Gavin ignored the sometimes fearful, sometimes challenging looks and stepped directly to the bar. He was conscious of how close Adastriana stayed to him, and he did not blame her. A woman of her qualities alone in such a place at a late hour would be mercilessly set upon by those with cruelly carnal intent.
"Good evening, knight-gunman," said the stocky man behind the counter. "I hope this is not an official visit?"
"No. Just passing through. I need a room for my companion and I, one with hot and cold plumbing, and soap. And if I could have a menu; we are in need of real food."
The bartender relaxed with a smile and handed over a folded menu. "Of course, good sir. I'll have your room prepared." His eyes flickered across Adastriana's pretty face. "Eh, one bed, or two?"
"Two," Gavin said quickly as he perused the fare.
"I will see to it. Call on me when you have chosen your meals."
Gavin turned to Adastriana as the bartender stepped away. "You do not mind sharing a room for the night, do you?"
She shook her head. "Of course not." He brow furrowed in thought. "Gavin, why are you continuing on to Neustis when another knight, dispatched by the Oracle, was sent to kill you?"
"Because that is my mission," Gavin replied simply. "I do not have the option of abandoning my quest. My life would be forfeit."
"But if you arrive, and the Oracle demands your death, what then?"
"Then at least I served my purpose in life," Gavin replied curtly. "What do you want to eat?"
Adastriana gave a frustrated sigh at the change in conversation, and told herself she would resume it later. "Let me see the menu."
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Sated from their meal, Gavin and Adastriana were lead to their room on the topmost floor of the inn. The elderly woman who escorted them was the owner's mother, a kindly woman who assured them they would be left in privacy after commenting on what an attractive couple they made. The zantrist blushed but said nothing. Gavin scowled.
"You may bathe first," the knight-gunman said once they were within the room with the doors closed. He removed the holstered pistol from his belt and tossed it onto one of the beds.
Adastriana looked about the room, noting the amenities. A large open alcove included a tub, sink, and toilet. She was grateful for at least some measure of civilization away from her temple. "More than I expected," she commented, unfastening the clasp of the cloak. She let the garment fall to the ground amid a cloud of wasteland dust.
"More than we need . . ." began Gavin as he unfastened his bracers. He followed after Adastriana with his eyes, watching the way the woman casually divested herself of her minimal clothing. Dust and grime from the wastelands contrasted starkly with the pale, revealed skin as she slid off the rest of her clothing. Casually nude, the woman stepped to the tub and turned on the faucet.
Having adjusted the temperature of the water as it flowed into the large basin, Adastriana stood in profile to Gavin. He admired the shape of the woman's firm breasts, the tautness of her buttocks, the intricate swirling tattoos that covered her arms and shoulders. Even with the grit of travel upon her, she was easily the loveliest woman Gavin had ever seen.
He suddenly realized she had turned her head to look his way, and quickly cast his eyes down. "My apologies," he muttered.
"I am not embarrassed," she said. "You have, after all, seen me fully before."
Gavin allowed himself a small, fond smile. "Yes, and it is something I will never forget."
She turned to face him, delicious and unabashed in her casual nudity. Her nipples stiffened, growing darker. A flirtatious smile stretched one corner of her mouth. "A cherished memory?" she asked.