Chapter 26: Loot ❤️

Annita and Kat went down the stairs to the main area hand in hand, smiling and leaning on each other as they walked over to the table Bren sat at.

“Looks like you two had a fine morning,” Bren smiled at them, waving at two empty chairs.

“If ye can call goin’ over logistics o’ the winter wit’ Candelaria fine,” Kat huffed as she fell into her seat. “Wasn’t the worst though. Good tae know the Keep’s doin well fer this year. Iron shipments from Korvas’re comin’ in just fine. Food an’ lumber too, especially thanks tae our expedition.”

“And I got my armor commissioned. Very nice Inlon up in the industrial area was able to fill a rush order. I should have it by tomorrow evening. Other than that I just wandered a bit,” Ann said as she took her own chair. “Gotta say, it’s a bit strange being alone for the first time in this whole experience.”

“Well, I am glad our presence has been such a comfort,” Bren chuckled. “It is well that your armor will be done so soon. I have possibly found us a lead on a caster that will fit our group, and hopefully you, Annita.” Bren leaned forward, sliding a piece of paper across the table.

Ann picked it up, and read it aloud. “Reports of increased Warped activity to the northwest of the city, two day’s travel in an unmarked section of woods. Local trappers and hunters refer to a witch residing in the area who is apparently attempting to control the situation, but they believe she could use assistance. When asked about why they did not offer her aid, they describe unnatural magics and strange happenings around the woman. Soldier who took the report notes the ones relaying this information seem to be superstitious types and this may not be entirely accurate. The city, however, cannot take reports of Warped without further investigation.” Ann put the paper back down, sliding it over to Kat to read.

“This has not yet been posted to official boards for tasking as of yet, though it will soon be placed in the Mercenary Association’s care. My contacts in the Guard informed me that, should we accept, we would be assigned specifically when it is posted. I do not believe I was incorrect in accepting on behalf of the party.” Bren stated calmly as he watched Kat pour over the document.

“Nae, sounds interestin’,” Kat murmured.

“A witch? Any other descriptors of the lady we’ll be helping?” Ann asked.

“None at this time. A little further in the list of information it states that the trappers know she knows when others enter the woods. It is likely she will find us before we find her.”

“At least she sounds like a magic caster. That’s someone we do need. She sounds kinda tied down though. What makes you think she’d join us?” Ann asked, leaning back in her chair and stretching.

“I am not certain. Call it a hunch, for as much as that is worth. Someone capable of such widespread magics while attempting to control the Warped population would be a valuable asset. If she protects the forest, she may be convinced to aid the greater world. It is not a guarantee, I will admit, but it is a good lead.”

Kat finished her reading and passed the report back to Bren. “Aye, I say it’s as good as we’re gonna get unless we take someone from the Garrison. I’d rather keep us as independent as possible considerin’…” she waved in Ann’s general direction. “Besides, sounds like a fight, an’ I’m always ready fer more o’ that.”

“Yup, sounds good to me too,” Ann agreed. “Is there a timeframe on this?”

“No,” Bren said, tucking the report away. “However, sooner is always preferred when there are Warped involved. I would say we leave the morning after your armor is completed.”

“Makes sense to me,” Kat said, flagging down a waiter and ordering lunch for them. Once she was done she returned to the table. “I wasn’t entirely busy with Candalaria’s reports, neither. Poked at ‘er fer an identifier or craftsperson who’d be able tae take a look at the shite we got from the last Seed. Someone trustworthy who’d keep their gob shut. Glade Underbrush up in the Keep itself. He can suss out what we’ve got.”

“Interesting. Then let us pay him a visit once we’ve eaten,” Bren decided.

After a quick lunch, they found themselves entering the gates of the Keep once more, the looming walls passing overhead with little ceremony. At Kat’s direction, they wound their way off to the right of the main building, to a side-structure. It was a tower, or as close as one could be, with only three stories. Odd instruments lined the outside, whirring and spinning in erratic manners, doing Gods knew what. Ann knew this was a wizard’s place just by the look of it, and a giddy excitement rose within her.

Entering through the sturdy door, they were met with a tidy reception area, with a secretary sitting behind a desk on the far wall. The room was entirely wooden, even the floor. It must have cost a lot to line the place in something besides the stone that made up the rest of the building. Chairs lined the right side of the room, while two doors occupied the left. The man looked up from a book he was reading as they crossed the threshold.

“Good afternoon. Do you have an appointment with Master Warga?” the human man intoned with a bored professionalism.

“Nae, apologies,” Kat spoke up. “An impromptu visit, unfortunately. Ol’ General Polaris sent us ‘ere. Said Master Warga could be trusted tae look at some curiosities we picked up.”

At the General’s mention, the man straightened in his chair, taking their group much more seriously. “General Polaris? I don’t mean to doubt you, ma’am, but do you have anything to prove this?”

“Aye, ‘ere.” Kat passed him a piece of paper with what looked like a stamped sigil on it.

The man looked over the paper before placing it in a drawer to his right. “Thank you, honored guests. I will fetch the Master. Please make yourselves comfortable. I will only be a few minutes.”

The party took the seats that were pointed out and waited. After several minutes, longer than any of them expected, the secretary returned.

“He will speak with you now. Please take that door. It will lead to a staircase. Second floor, second door on your right.”

“Thanks,” Annita called as she stood and walked over to the door. The rest of the building was wood as well, including the stairs. Taking the directions, Ann knocked on the second door to the right in the hallway.

“Come in,” a bassy voice echoed out from within.

They entered a ridiculously clean room. It was organized; the floor was spotless wood and the shelves, while packed with books and contraptions, were clearly specifically sorted by the owner’s design. The far wall consisted of a large stained glass window depicting a scholar of some sort staring up at the stars. At the center sat the bulbous fractured moon, with several of the stars Kat had taught Annita clearly visible to either side. In the center of the room was a round table festooned with apparatus Annita would have called a chemistry set. She knew this had to be something more complicated, but she couldn’t shake the memories of high school from her head looking at the bubbling beakers and vials filled with colourful liquid. Opposite the door stood a surprisingly plain desk, made of a dark polished wood. The top was covered with neat stacks of paper, several thick tomes, and a quill resting in an inkwell.

“General Polaris sent you, did she?” The man sitting at the desk asked in a gentle voice. He wasn’t as old as Annita had been expecting. Less Gandalf and more young Dumbledore. Warga was clean cut, with his light brown hair pulled back into a small ponytail. He regarded the three of them with green eyes full of curiosity that sparkled behind his clasped hands. “The letter stressed some level of secrecy. I admit I’m curious what would get her to issue a warning like that. Seeing that it is coming attached with a visit from royalty, however, I think I get some idea.”

“Ah, well, Kat’s outta the bag,” Kat laughed at her own pun. “I’m not huge on formalities so we can skip all that if ye don’t mind. Good tae meet ya, Master Warga. This is Annita and Bren, my companions. Candalaria told me ye’d be able tae help us figure out the details on some items we got in a Seed.”

“Oh? Something like that is normally handled by someone at the Mercenary Association. What is it that needs my attention?” Warga asked, leaning forward.

“It’s less the what an’ more the how,” Kat began. “See, well, I guess it’s easier to show ye.”

“By all means,” Warga waved at a section of papers which gently floated off to an empty spot on a shelf nearby.

Annita took the pouch of gifts from Estvall and emptied them onto the desk in front of Warga, then placed the note down.

“It’s, uh, not an easy thing to explain,” Annita hedged.

Warga’s eyebrows almost sprung free of his forehead as he read the letter. “This is real? What am I saying? I can confirm this is real, but how?”

“Long story short, I’m patroned by a Goddess and we’ve been working on some stuff regarding the seeds,” Ann explained simply. “After we helped with this one, this pouch and letter showed up outside the Core.”

“Quite suddenly,” Bren confirmed. “I was on guard outside the Core’s chamber and did not even notice the satchel’s arrival.”

“Fascinating. A gift from the Gods. Well, a specific God. Estvall. I think I read about him at some point. Minor forest god? Yeah, that was him. So, a piece of wood, a crystal, and a ream of bark. Yeah, that fits what he’d have access to.” As Warga spoke mostly to himself, he picked up each of the objects, holding them aloft and rotating them in the light of the surrounding candles.

“I’m not going to press on the whole ‘pushing back the darkness’ part of the letter. I have a feeling I’ll be learning about that soon enough. Now, let’s start with the crystal.”

Waving a hand, Warga brought over a piece of chalk and quickly drew a circle on the surface of his desk. Looking closely, Annita could see an array of runes woven into the circle and crisscrossing lines. He placed the crystal in the center of the circle and spoke a few words Annita couldn’t understand. Warga’s eyes flashed white at the same time as the circle for a split second before returning to normal. The man blinked rapidly, rubbing his eyes.

“Sorry, the flash always blinds me for a moment.”

“Like the one when you choose a Path?” Annita asked, curious.

“Yeah, exactly. For some reason, identifying an object does the same blasted thing. Surprised someone of your age and apparent skill wasn’t aware of that,” Warga said as he opened his eyes wide, trying to focus his overloaded pupils.

“That’s, uh,” Annita started before Warga held up a hand.

“Probably a secret. Don’t worry, Annita. Anyway, this is a wonderful gift. A healer’s focus. It increases the efficiency of protective and restorative spells, as well as a slight boost to their potency. Ten percent for each effect.”

Bren’s eyes widened as he listened. “You’re serious? That’s incredible! Far better than what I have currently. Mine is only a five percent increase to healing efficiency.”

“Yeah, I’m serious,” Warga laughed. “I guess this is for you, then. I’d get that socketed into a wand as soon as you can. Or a staff if you prefer. Now, next is the stick.”

He repeated the process, and the process of shaking the temporary blindness.

“Does closing your eyes help at all?” Annita asked.

“Nope! Sure doesn’t,” Warga grumbled. “Ok, so this is for a firearm. When fashioned into a stock, it will assist with aim and stability for rapid shots. It’s large enough for a pistol from the looks of it. Guessing this one is yours, Annita.” He handed the piece of wood to her.

“And lastly, Katlyn. Since these were each to your companions, I’d take a bet this is for you. Now then, time to blind myself again.” Reaching out, he performed the identification again.

“Wonderful, truly. All right then, this is ironbark. When applied to armor or a shield, it will provide resistance to bludgeoning and slashing damage. Perfect for someone who takes damage. Is there anything else?” Warga looked at the three of them.

“No, you can save your eyes again,” Annita laughed. “That’s all we got that’s important.”

“The General said she’d cover the cost of identifying these, which is admittedly a very minor cost, but it’s covered, nonetheless.”

“Fantastic,” Kat sighed, taking her bundle of ironbark. “Well, that’s all we really had fer ya. I know ye probably have a million questions.”

“Absolutely, can I ask one? Please?” Warga leaned forward excitedly. Even his fairly youthful looks seemingly growing younger.

Annita sighed, gesturing for him to continue.

“Which God or Goddess? Your Patron, I mean.” He asked instantly.

“Orenous. Nice meeting you, Master Warga,” Annita said with a bow as she turned to leave.

They all shuffled out of the room. Before the door closed, they heard Warga already rifling through books.

“Well, that’s one more person who knows. If Candalaria trusts him, though, I guess we can too,” Ann sighed as she descended to the main floor.

“Aye. He’ll keep his gob shut, especially wit’ me bein’ in the room. Wouldn’t cross the royal family. Bad fer one’s health.”

Kat voiced the threat so casually Annita did a double take at the words. “Really? It’s like that?”

“Oh, I mean, I wouldn’t do shit about ‘im. Thing is, people who can’t be trusted with secrets, ‘specially one like this, are more dangerous tae other things they mighta been trusted wit’.” Kat shrugged as they exited the building. “We’ve got some unfriendly neighbors tae the east an’ west. Spies an’ shit happen. If ye’re important like he is, ye’ve got more responsibilities, an’ risk more if ye choose tae betray those. It’s cold, aye, but we need tae keep the people safe.”

“So, like, assassins and stuff? Knives in the night? Poison in someone’s drink?” Ann asked, an uneasy feeling growing in her stomach.

“Feck, no. Half the people at that level o’ importance have some way o’ dealin’ wit’ that shit. Most o’ the time it’s arresting, questionin’ or interrogation dependin’ on the person an’ crime, then sentence tae jail or worse. Judges appointed by the crown oversee it all. It… mostly works all right.” Kat sighed. “There’re always greedy fucks who worm their way in tae spots o’ power like that. The kingdom deals wit’ it as the need arises.”

“Well, I guess that’s better. You sounded like you were going to give the man some concrete shoes and toss him in the harbor.”

“I would not be aligned with Katlyn if that were the case,” Bren said indignantly. “I do not know what concrete is, but it sounds like a back alley drowning. Very very illegal.”

“Concrete is basically fast stone. You can pour some of it into a mould and it’ll dry into heavy, hard stone. And yeah, that’s what I meant.”

“Well, now that we’ve cleared that up,” Kat sighed, pointedly changing the subject, “Bren, got anythin’ ye wanna do fer the rest o’ the day? Should probably go commission our arms and armor wit’ this stuff.”

“Yes, that would be best. I do have some things I would ask Annita to join me on, however, that can wait until tomorrow. For now, shall we split up again, get our gear ordered, and return to the Association for dinner?”

“Sounds good to me,” Ann shrugged.

They briefly discussed the best places to get their equipment handled and went their separate ways.

After stopping by their various shops, the three re-joined and ate a simple dinner before retiring for the night.

Kat and Ann hit their mattress hard. Neither of them speaking about how much they’d been looking forward to getting back here. They instinctively knew the other was ready as soon as they crossed the threshold, and clothes were being torn off before the door even closed.

“Gods, it’s torture watching your ass in those pants all day,” Ann gasped as Kat kissed her neck, pinning her on her back.

“An’ ye think I’m spared wit’ that tail swishin’ in me face all day?” Kat murmured as she moved up Ann’s chin, licking slowly before pushing her tongue between the Lupine’s soft lips. “Just the smell o’ ye drives me nuts.”

Ann melted into the kiss, letting Kat take the lead for a short moment before tensing and rolling the Alf onto her back, looming over the smaller woman. “Not to mention, you in general. I wanted to take you so badly when we met up before lunch. That ‘be mine’ was one of the sweetest things anyone’s said to me.” She grinned wolfishly down at Kat before burying the woman with a barrage of kisses.

Kat giggled, hugging Ann’s face between her breasts as she endured the assault. “An’, ye agreed tae it. Feck. My wolf. My gorgeous, massive, gentle Ann. So damn considerate. Come back ‘ere.” Kat pulled Ann’s face back to hers, kissing again, both women moaning into the action. “Keep it up, an’ ye’ll have me wrapped around that clawed pinkie o’ yers.”

“And my tough, strong, beautiful, caring Katlyn,” Ann returned the sappy dialogue. “Couldn’t ask for a better partner to start a new life with. Even before the fucking.”

“Ye really do mean that,” Kat hummed, kissing Ann’s forehead as the latter returned to kissing her neck. “I mean, the fuckin’s nice, but I’m happy wit’ that. Partners. Girlfriends. Oh, oh, right there,” Kat moaned as Ann found a sensitive patch of skin, causing the Guardian to arch beneath her, accidentally grinding her abs into Ann’s stiff cock.

“Feck, Ann, oh I need ye again,” Kat groaned, arching herself again and rubbing herself against the heat she felt pressed against her.

Grinning, Ann pulled back, just their foreheads touching, as she began to rub her length against Kat’s inner thighs. “Feel good?” she teased.

“Ye feckin’ know it does, ya damn tease,” Kat hissed, trying to angle her hips to get more contact.

“So eager. Might just keep you like this for a bit. Squirming, panting, mmmm.” Ann moaned as she felt Kat tense under her.

“Ye wouldn’t…” Kat looked up to her, a playful fear in her icy blue eyes.

“Hmmm, maybe some other day,” Ann said as she pulled her hips back, lining up on the second try, then sinking half her cock into Kat.

Kat sucked in air at the sudden massive intrusion, her muscles locking around Ann as she held on for dear life. “Feck, still crazy that can fit in me.”

“Only half in, too. Thank you, Orenous,” Ann offered as she pulled her hips back, feeling Kat’s walls grip her tightly before pushing back in further than she was before. A loud moan from Kat spurring her further. Three more thrusts and she sank her full length in, feeling their pelvises meet.

Kat’s eyes had become unfocused as she panted, sweating slightly at the effort of adjusting to the huge member nestled in her guts. “Feck, Ann, I’m ready, don’t… don’t stop.”

Ann chuckled as she felt Kat’s walls squeeze tighter, the velvet embrace resisting heavily as she drew her full length back and pushed back in experimentally. A loud moan and no resistance encouraged her to pick up the pace. Quickly, she was driving Kat into the mattress, hips slapping together as moans flowed from their throats.

Being on top this time, Ann leaned down and captured Kat’s lips in a fierce kiss. As she did, she felt their breasts press together, nipples rubbing together as she moved. She felt Kat gasp as a jolt of pleasure shot out from the sensitive nub. Feeling Kat squeeze harder around her, she pulled back and used her increased flexibility to her advantage as she captured one of the Alf’s nipples between her sharp teeth, biting gently.

Kat’s reaction was exquisite. She sucked in her breath, arching her back to offer more of herself, while her insides contracted stronger than before. Ann had to hold herself back from exploding then and there, feeling the other woman’s body beginning to milk her for her seed.

“Oh, you like that, huh? Like a little pain with the pleasure?” Ann asked, sucking the nipple further into her mouth before biting down again, a little harder this time.

“Feck yeah! Holy shit Ann, keep goin’. I’m.. Oh feck. I’m cummin’” Kat groaned as her body shook beneath Ann. Her arms and legs tightened around Ann’s back and hips, lifting herself off the bed as she rode out her orgasm.

Ann released the nipple, letting the woman pull herself as close as she could before clamping down on Kat’s shoulder, feeling her teeth pushing against the soft flesh, and never stopped plumbing Kat’s depths.

“O-oh-Orenous above,” Kat gasped as she was driven from one orgasm into another. A hand snapped from Ann’s back, latching on to the back of her head and pulling her closer.

Encouraged, Ann bit in, feeling the skin give way a little, being careful not to dig too deep as she continued to rail Kat. The moan that rumbled through Kat made the Lupine grin as she kept her furious pace. She felt her cock being milked by orgasm after orgasm, she felt her stomach clenching and didn’t hold back. One final thrust and a firm bite into Kat’s shoulder and she came deep in the other woman.

Kat gasped at the feeling as Ann’s seed rushed into her, legs locking around the other woman’s hips, keeping Ann buried as deep as she could manage as Ann pulsed deep inside her.

Ann was lost in bliss. Nothing but the rushing feeling of her seed pumping furiously into Kat reached her senses as her eyes rolled back into her skull. Time melted away as she came. Eventually, she felt the stream subside, jets turning into streams, into dribbles. Kat had let go with her arms, but her legs were still holding Ann fast.

“Feck, ye really can fill a girl up,” she laughed. “Thank the Gods ye can’t get me pregnant fer now. That woulda definitely done the job. I can feel me leakin’!”

Ann felt her self twitch at the thought, and by Kat’s raised eyebrow, she felt it too.

“Oh? Bit early fer thoughts like that, girlie. Get ye all excited? The thought o’ puttin’ a kid in me?” Another twitch. “Mmmf, that confirms it. Ye beast.”

“You look at yourself and tell me that wouldn’t be something you wouldn’t think about,” Ann countered, trying to pull back, but held in by Kat’s thighs.

“Definitely fair,” Kat sighed as she relaxed, allowing Annita to relax in turn.

“Cause, I swear, if we didn’t have this whole quest thing, I’d love to just spend my days doing stuff with you. And doing you,” Ann giggled as she kissed her girlfriend playfully, nuzzling into her neck. “You sure that didn’t hurt too bad?” she asked as she traced the bite mark on Kat’s shoulder.

“Nae, hurt just right. Shit, I knew I was into a bit o’ that, but ye really set me off wit’ it.” She sighed and began to trace patterns across Ann’s back with her fingers, sending thrills up her spine. “Anythin’ ye’re about?”

“Hmm,” Ann paused for a second, thinking. “A lot of it came before I had this,” she flexed the length of cock still in Kat, drawing a soft gasp, “but I still have all my equipment, so I guess we can play around with that too. I dunno, hair pulling? Liked that. Liked being smothered in a pair of massive thighs. Eating someone out while they ate me out was definitely fun. But, most of all, I really liked getting my partner off. Just something about making sure they were having so much fun and cumming their brains out drove me crazy.”

“Ye’ll hear no complaints from me,” Kat giggled, hugging her larger partner, whispering in her ear. “An’ I definitely like me hair pulled too.”

Grinning, Ann backed off, taking charge again. “Hmm, is that so?”

Kat tried to pull her back, but Ann pushed her back onto the bed before taking her hips and rolling her onto her stomach.

“Back that gorgeous ass up,” Ann ordered, smacking the muscled ass before her.

Moaning, Kat raised her hips, feeling Ann slide between her cheeks. Slowly she rocked them, cum and her own juices spreading thickly across her ass and pussy.

Impatiently, Ann aligned her cock with Kat’s pussy and pushed in. In the same motion, she grabbed the Alf’s hips and pulled her to the hilt in one smooth thrust. Kat buried her face in the pillow with a low moan. Her muscular back flexed as she felt herself spread wide once more, and Ann was lost for a moment as she watched it move.

By themselves, Ann’s hips began to move, causing those rippling muscles to move more. It was almost hypnotic the way Kat’s back moved. She could watch it for hours, but a gasp brought her out of her state. Leaning down, she took two of the Alf’s long brown braids in a hand and pulled.

Kat’s back arched readily, hoisted up by her hair as she rose to her hands. Grinning, Ann sped herself up, feeling Kat pushing back against her with every thrust. She hadn’t gotten to do this the other night, and she marveled at the ripples flowing up Kat’s ass cheeks before disappearing into her lower back. Fuck, this woman was incredible, and she needed to show her how much.

Pulling harder, she brought Kat’s head back further by her scalp, until she was all but standing, suspended by Ann’s hold on her hair. Releasing her hold for a moment, Ann adjusted her grip deeper to claw at the roots of Kat’s hair, getting complete control of her head. Turning it, she brought their faces together and sunk into another deep kiss. Kat’s arms, which had been hanging to her sides, reached up and pulled Ann’s face deeper into the kiss.

Bouncing the woman against herself, she could feel her already sensitive cock pulsing as another orgasm readied itself. Kat, for all she’d cum in their first round, hadn’t yet this time. That wasn’t allowed. With their lips still locked, Ann took advantage of her long arms and reached down between Kat’s thighs. After searching for a moment, she found the small nub of the woman’s clit. Kat moaned intensely into her lips as she began to play with the sensitive button, rubbing her fingers in quick circles as she continued to fuck into the divine pussy wrapped around her.

With a deep moan of her own, Ann felt her orgasm start, her cum rushing up her cock as she pounded harder into Kat. Desperately, she sped up her attentions to Kat’s clit, trying to bring her to her peak as quickly as she could. She felt the first jets of cum spray from herself and a moment later, Kat clamped down hard on her. Hands frozen, Ann held them both there, feeling them both shaking as they rode their ecstasy together.

Eventually, Ann let go of Kat’s lips, both of them desperately drawing breath as they came down. She slowly lowered them both to the bed, not bothering to pull out of Kat, and snuggled into her.

“Every night gonna be like this?” Kat gasped, aftershocks of her orgasm rocking her body.

“Do you want it to be?” Ann panted back.

“More time with ye? I’ll take all I can get,” Kat sighed, relaxing before another aftershock made her tense up. “Oh, that feels amazin’.”

“Then yeah,” Ann said, kissing the back of Kat’s hair. “Definitely a regular thing.”

“Good,” Kat replied with a yawn. “I’m feckin’ knackered. Ye really take it outta me.”

“Mmm, me too,” Ann yawned herself. “Feel kinda bad for the housekeeping, leaving messes like this.”

“Can just tip… ‘em… extra,” Kat said softly, her voice beginning to trail off as her eyes drooped.

“Sweet dreams,” Ann whispered, pulling Kat close.

“Sleep… sweet,” Kat mumbled as she drifted off.