CH 39: The Revered
A duo was playing music before the crowd. A blond, blue-eyed man dressed in a light blue outfit was singing a song and dancing as a woman played the guitar behind him. His slim figure twisted and contorted as he danced to his song. His voice resonated throughout the inn as Lily was nearly entranced by it. She joined the many miners and working women as they watched his performance.
Her eyes followed him as he danced across the small stage. She had never seen a full-grown man in person before. His small frame, thin limbs, and flashy, gem-covered skirt really enticed her. His halter top covered his upper chest but showed his thin abdomen. His skirt showed just enough of his hips and thighs to keep all eyes on him. He had a thin veil on that fluttered as he moved. His bright blue eyes pierced through it as he made eye contact with the crowd.
Lily could not take her eyes off him as he made eye contact with her. She felt her heart skip a beat as he gave her a wink. She felt her face heat up, her knees weakening. She sat at the nearest table just in time to hide her growing arousal. She again underestimated how powerful her new gift was. But something felt off.
It was so similar to Claire’s check-up, but nothing had popped up in her sheet.
The man finished his song with a dramatic fall onto his back. The inn erupted into applause as the man stood to bow. Flowers were thrown, and cheers could be heard while he walked forward. He was flooded with women as they surrounded him. Lily lost sight of him in the crowd of women. They all took turns to tip or compliment the man. His partner stood off to the side, a wide smile on her face as she watched the man soak in the attention. Lily realized how similar the two looked. The guitarist seemed to be his sister or maybe a cousin.
She took a deep breath and adjusted her arousal before standing. She made her way to the guitarist as her thoughts slowly returned to her. She had some questions about why the man’s voice seemingly entranced her. Her stat sheet never pinged, but it felt so close to a trance or a haze that she had to ask. The guitarist gave her a warm smile as Lily approached her.
“Hello, how did you like the show?” She said as she began to put her guitar away.
“It was amazing… That man has a beautiful voice, and his dance felt like I was in a trance.” Lily noticed the pause as she said that last bit. Confirming that some form of magic was in play. She was more curious than mad, as none of it seemed to be malicious yet. “I’m Lily, by the way, and you’re very talented on the guitar.”
The woman looked up and studied her for a moment. “Alice. That’s Anthony, he likes Toni though.” She said, pointing towards the singer. He was still thanking his audience, but Lily squirmed a bit while she watched him. “Is that all? I’d like to get this cleaned up…” Lily shook her head and brought her focus back. “What’s happening? Every time I look at Anthony, it’s like I lose all control.”
Alice tensed up as she reached behind her. Lily guessed she had a dagger hidden, so she backed up. “I’m just curious… I have an analyzer skill, and it’s not pinging anything. I don’t mean any harm.”
“Why should I tell you?” Alice said, her face scowling. Her voice portrayed her hostility as Lily began to panic.
“I-i am truly ju-just curious! I research magic in my spare time, and his aura is similar to a… friend? Party member? Lo- it doesn’t matter. It feels so similar to something I’m researching. I was just wondering if he was blessed by a god or goddess.” Lily quickly spouted off. She lifted her hands subconsciously to show the lady her surrender. She hoped her sincerity made it through to her.
She eased her hand as she slowly stood up. She let out a sigh and loosened her shoulders. “He was blessed by Anka… it comes from his beauty mark above his lip. Women tend to get really clingy or obsessive. I’m sorry about the hostility, but I can never be too careful...”
Lily shook her head and responded. “No, no, no, I understand. I was just curious, like I said, I’ve experienced something very similar.” She was able to get out. “Was he chosen from a young age or when he got his class?”
She pondered for a moment, and Lily grew bright red as she was being studied. She may be overstepping here, but she was too curious. The goddess of beauty has chosen him to represent her beliefs. It wasn’t too far from Claire, but came with far fewer obligations. He wasn’t a champion or priest of a god, but an example of the god’s virtue. His natural beauty probably drew Anka to bless him. Most gods chose distinguished individuals like researchers or warriors, but to find one who may have been born with it is incredible. Her curiosity was truly piqued as she had only heard of the Revered but had never met one.
Alice tilted her head. Lily went from a blushing, squirming mess to a giddy woman ready for answers. She could only imagine what the woman was thinking, but she decided to humor her. “He was blessed from birth… Thankfully, our Lady was just and let him stay with me...” She trailed off as Lily’s eyes filled with intrigue.
Lily gave her a wide smile as more questions formed in her head. Did he get visited by the goddess? Can he hear her? What exactly does her blessing give him? Does he know other Revered people? But before she could get a word out, she heard his angelic voice.
“Alice! Everyone was so kind and generous. They really enjoyed our performance. Ah, thank you for watching us.” He said to Lily before bowing.
Lily froze. The effects of Anka’s blessing came over her. She noticed every little detail of the man before her. His thin lips, striking eyes, and slight curves. Even his blond, shoulder-length hair seemed so perfect. He was so thin, yet athletic, that even she could probably pick him up. It sent her perverse mind into a frenzy and caused her to lose all train of thought.
Alice caught on quickly and replied for her, “This is Lily. She was just asking about you. Seems you’ve gained a new fan.”
Anthony’s face lit up as he clasped his hands together and did a little dance. He rushed closer to Lily and grasped her hands. “Really?!? I’m so happy. I hope you stick around for our next performance.”
Lily awkwardly nodded her head as she felt his smooth, dainty hands. It was nearly too much for her, and she was thanking her goddess that she had properly adjusted herself beforehand. She took in the details of his makeup, perfectly coating his pale skin and his mascara ending in a little wing. She felt an urge to take this boy wash over her. It was only when Anthony released her hands that a moment of clarity hit her.
“Anthony… are you able to talk to Anka?” She got out. She clasped her hands over her mouth. She really overstepped now.
Anthony tilted his head, and his smile slowly disappeared. “It’s Toni, and why do you ask?”
His little head tilt nearly caused Lily’s knees to buckle. It was such a cutesy look that she could barely handle it. But her curiosity took over. “Okay, Toni, I’d rather speak in private with my party… we could use the guidance of a goddess.”
Toni pursed his lips and thought for a moment. He looked to Alice for guidance, but she just shrugged. “I have some time, but I’d rather not go to a room or anything until after my last performance…”
Lily shook her head and replied, ”That won’t be necessary! We just… we have someone like you… Oh gods, that was probably too much information. Whatever, we have someone that’s been visited by a goddess… we could use the advice.”
Toni smiled at her as he let out a sigh. He put his hand on his chest and continued. “Ohhh, okay. I can try to talk to her, but I’d prefer if we didn’t go to a room.”
“Is this a good idea? You know how she can be…” Alice interjected. Her eyes were focused on Toni as he gave her a slight nod. Alice sighed and went to find a hidden table.
“Forgive her. She has to deal with a lot of… complications when it comes to my gift.” Toni said, his sapphiric eyes looking into hers. “Are you an adventurer? I would love to hear your tales if you were.” He had closed the gap again.
Lily couldn’t handle the attention she was receiving from the cute man. The way his attire moved with his walk, his slightly toned tummy, and his hips were a lot for Lily to take in. She had the urge to take him like before, but she took a deep breath. She mimicked Jasmine for a moment before she spoke.
“Can I quickly grab one of my party members? She’ll have a better idea what to ask her.” Toni nodded enthusiastically, and Lily sped off to find Jasmine. She didn’t have time to go get Claire, but she knew Jasmine would have a level head about this. Or at least, she hoped she would.
Lily found Jasmine at the bar, talking to a bartender. They had serious expressions on their faces as they spoke in a low tone. Lily rushed up to Jasmine as the two turned to look at their intruder.
“Jaz, sorry to interrupt, I need your help.”
Jasmine tensed up before getting up. Lily looked panicked, and she didn’t know why. Did her party members find alcohol, or did Elsie piss someone off? She followed her friend back by the stage, where a lone table was obscured by a support pillar.
There she found two people, a man and a woman who seemed to be related. The man seemed to be free, not a slave of any noble. Must be the singer the bartender mentioned.