"I am sure that the Baron would be most grateful in the future to the Church for funding his cure." Melodie nods in agreement. Short of getting an unconscious spider-man to sign a written contract that's all the security any arrangement like this is likely to get.
As the baron is moved Melodie spends some time talking to him, trying to work her own kind of magic on him to keep him quiet.
Frater and his men help load Baron Telus into a caged wagon, then you leave Jambis behind and head back up the highway. Stopping briefly in New Towne, Frater meets with Baronet Vort and tells him that Jambis is now safe to return to. The residents of New Towne quickly begin to pack their belongings, eager to go back home and fix up the town.
Along the way, Melodie tries to charm Telus, but her spell fails. It seems he's too far gone to be considered human.
You cross the Gold Canyon Bridge, arriving in Stachys late st night. After spending the evening at your estate, you continue on the next day to Lotheedar, bringing the recovering Festo Misle with you do that he can report back to the Grand Bank of Abadar. Early in the afternoon, you reach the capital of the county.
"Let's go straight to the Grand Bank." Melodie opinions. "Festo can report back and they are most likely to have scrolls and such available for purchase by the Church of Calistria." She glances at Zileska and her mouth quirks upwards.
Zhi leans close to Melodie.
"I am so tired of dealing with spiders," she says, looking at the restrained Baron. "Once we're done with him, how about you and I go find us a drink."
Despite the tarp over the wagon to shield Baron Telus from sight, his snarls and screeches draw attention as you make your way to the Grand Bank. You swiftly attain an audience with Archbanker Lady Paril, who is grateful to see Festo. The young acolyte explains the fate that befell him and his partner. Paril is saddened to hear of Dradi's demise, but thanks you for giving her a proper burial and returning Festo alive.
"You have my gratitude and that of the Grand Bank. Please, accept this wand as a reward. May it help heal your wounds in your future battles."
Festo shifts uncomfortably before addressing his superior. "Archbanker, I feel I have not fully paid my debt to these women. While recovering in Stachys, I couldn't help but notice that they do not have a center of worship. With your leave, I would like to be reassigned to their village to help them build a temple." He glances at Zileska. "Not necessarily to Abadar. But a temple will go a long way towards modernizing Stachys."
Paril nods. "If this is your desire, you will have my blessings along with those of the Master of the First Vault."
When you bring up the matter of Baron Telus, Paril listens with a grave expression. "At last, the mystery of what happened to the Baron has come to light. We do have a scroll in the vault that may be powerful enough to break his terrible curse. If you can provide the bank with compensation, I will try to use it and undo his malady."
"I understand that our priestess would like to offer the funds to heal the Baron," Zhi says, looking at Zileska.
"What would be the required compensation?"
"The sum one would be 1,125 gold pieces, or the equivalent exchange in goods or magic items," Paril says precisely.
Zileska carefully puts down her small pack and removes from it a pouch that jingles with coins. Then she additionally takes out a small cloth satchel and opens it to reveal an expertly-carved amethyst in a silver setting.
"I have come prepared for just such an eventuality," she says.
Paril studies the amethyst appraisingly, then sends Festo to fetch the scroll from the bank's vault. Frater and his men wrestle Baron Telus into the temple and hold him down as Paril reads the incantation from the scroll. Zileska grants the cleric a bit of luck as she completes the spell and touches her holy symbol to Telus's forehead.
A brilliant golden glow suffuses the baron, and his spiderlike features begin to dwindle away. Fresh skin grows over chitin, and his drooling mandibles shrink back into a normal mouth. Within moments, the arachnid horror has been restored to a rather handsome man!
"Araig!" Frater hastens to remove Telus's bonds. The baron falls to his knees, sobbing with relief.
"Oh, thank the gods! The nightmare is finally over!"
Having spent far more time lately then she was comfortable with in the presence of arachnid monstrosities, Zhi waits outside sitting on the the temple steps.
She's quite happy to hear about the results of divine intervention from witnesses after the fact.
Zileska stands over the sobbing baron with her own holy symbol of Calistria in hand. Her armored skirt swishes idly as she turns to a profile.
"Baron," she says, "by the grace of Calistria, Abadar, and my lady d'Valois you have been freed at last from the grave curse that gripped you. Now it is time to return to your home and restore your lands, to take the lessons learned to heart... and to live life to its fullest."
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Melodie steps forward to greet the Baron. "I am Lady d'Valois, Tribune of Stachys. I must apologise for the methods by which we delivered you here Baron, but the circumstances were... unusual to say the least. Without Mistress Vestalina here your curse would likely have remained in place for some time to come - she has made great effort on your behalf."
You owe her is the fairly obvious meaning behind Melodie's words, but she makes sure to dress it all up politely. "We will of course be delighted to return to Jambis with you when you are fully recovered."
She leaves the temple once it is polite to do so and goes to find Zhi on the steps, sitting one step higher than her friend and massaging her shoulders.
"It worked. He's 100% human again..." She says, working a tough knot out of Zhi's neck. "For that drink you suggested, do we need to go out? After all the excitement I could do with some time to just relax together." She leans forward, placing her chin on Zhi's shoulder. "I want to have some time with you where we aren't just falling asleep."
Her voice goes very quiet, whispering breathy words into Zhi's ear and almost kissing her soft skin. "I have some ideas about what else we could do."
Baron Telus stands and bows. "I am in your debt. Whatever it is I can do for you, you need simply ask. I will need some time to fully recover from the trauma of the past few years, but I swear to make up for my past transgressions and make right what I did wrong."
"And you can count on our support, as well," Frater says. "We will sing your praises across the county!"
If anybody is interested, Telus will recount the whole story of how he came to be cursed.
Zileska helps the baron to his feet and says, "My lady the tribune relishes amicable relations with neighboring communities. The best we can ask is that you and she work as allies to ensure the prosperity of both our communities," she says.
In a softer tone she adds, "There will be time to recover. We can help make the arrangements to be sure that your lands return to health while you do the same."
"It worked. He's 100% human again..." She says, working a tough knot out of Zhi's neck.
"Mmmm... Good," Zhi says, almost purring at the attention. "One less spider ... monster ... thing ... in the world. It could use more of that ... er ... less of that. Whatever."
Her voice goes very quiet, whispering breathy words into Zhi's ear and almost kissing her soft skin. "I have some ideas about what else we could do."
Zhi turns in surprise to look at Melodie. At this close of a distance, she can all the variations of color in the changeling's eyes.
Is she saying ... ?
Zhi takes a deep breath.
Gods, I could get lost in those.
"That would be ... nice," she says in a whisper after a moment of just looking. "I think if we're going to ... " She swallows. "... relax. Then I'm really going to need a bath first. And I think home would be a good place for that."
"Thank you, Mistress Vestalina. Stachys is one of the towns in my barony. I will take my responsibility to her people with the utmost respect." Despite his disheveled appearance, he favors Zileska with a warm smile.
Maria was glad to see that the Baron was restored successfully.
"I hope you'll forgive any excessive damage - to yourself or your manor - that my fire may have caused. On the plus side, it may have given you a headstart on clearing out the cobwebs," she said, trying to add a bit of levity to the moment.
"Is there anyone who may have left the Barony whom we should notify?" asks ZIleska. "Any friends, retainers... family?" She speaks with a hint of sultriness as she looks up at the baron through half-lidded eyes.
Telus chuckles at Maria's attempt at humor. "Well, the old place was due for a remodeling anyway."
He turns back to Zileska. "If you've spoken with Baronet Vort, he should be able to round up all of our wayward subjects and lead them back to Jambis. As for family... I have none to speak of." He smiles slyly at the half-elf's coquettish look.
Sara attempts to get to know the Grand Banker while the others focus on the now recovering Baron.
"So, what does an Abadaran do for fun? I've never really met many who practiced your ways, even in Oppara. It just seems so rigid- at least to my untrained eyes, but I'd be delighted to be disproven."
"It's true, the daily duties of a Banker are an orderly affair--though we prefer the term 'structured' rather than rigid. But once their tasks are complete, most of the clergy enjoy engaging with the community as much as any other citizen. I myself am a fan of theater and artistic performances. Sadly, I lack any such skills myself." Lady Paril gives Sara a smile.
Zhi shakes her head to clear it of all the possibilities that begin flooding her imagination.
"We're not going to be home until late tonight or early tomorrow morning, though," she says, rationality asserting control.
She stands up, drawing Melodie with her and moves up the steps until she's eye to eye.
"And while I can think of a few things myself we can do ... "
She reaches out and puts one hand around Melodie's waist and then pulls her in closer for a gentle kiss.
"They'll have to wait until we get there. So, printesa mea, how about just a drink right now?"
"Oh, I'm sure you're not terrible. Come now, what's your favorite play?"
Sara glances at Zhi, wanting to tell her something but unsure where and how to say it.
"I've always loved Huntress of Heroes. I heard the famous bard Shensen from Kintargo was planning on bringing her version of it to Oppara soon, though with our current political climate and the rumors of civil war brewing in Cheliax, I don't know if that's going to happen now."
"Oh my word! I've read that one!" Clearly excited, Sara beams and scoots a little closer to the Banker, talking quietly. "You know, I'm from Oppara, and if it does come in, I'm sure I could get my hands on two tickets so long as you would go with me."
She pulls back and lets out her hair, letting the long black tresses cascade over her shoulders before gathering them together once more, 'correcting' her ponytail. "I know it's the popular pairing, but I've never been convinced that Matei would be a good match for Violeta when she so admires and worships Dionarra. Just let the two women love each other, damn it."
She takes a moment to watch and gauge Lady Paril's reaction before continuing. "It is a beautiful tragedy and I would ever so loveto see it performed."
Paril smiles and nods. "I believe that love is love, no matter who it is between. Though I must admit I don't have much experience in matters of the heart. My devotion to my faith has precluded me from pursuing many personal relationships. But if you did get a pair of tickets, it would be my pleasure to accompany you to the opera."
"No peeking, you promised!" She insists, letting Zhi's hand go briefly to open the door. The scents of cherry blossom and rich tea waft out of the room as Melodie steers Zhi into it and shuts the door behind her.
"You can open your eyes now."
Zhi does so, finding herself in a small chamber, lit by softly glowing candles and featuring a large sunken bathtub set in the floor.
"Tonight it's just us." Melodie says with a smile "Go on." She gives Zhi a little push towards the bath and turns away. "I'll make tea."
She doesn't even peak until the tea is done, the fact that the teapot shows a reasonable reflection has nothing to do with that fact... With Zhi safely ensconced in warm water up to her shoulder Melodie places a small cup of fragrant tea beside her and settles behind the smaller woman, her warm hands setting to work on Zhi's neck and shoulders.
"So, do you like your surprise?"
Zhi's eyes go wide as she opens them, seeing the room arrayed around her.
"Tonight it's just us." Melodie says with a smile "Go on." She gives Zhi a little push towards the bath and turns away. "I'll make tea."
She stands for a moment taking it all in as Melodie tends to the tea. As her thoughts turn back to the bath she and Sara shared at the palace, her eyes begin filling with tears.
No, no, no, not now. She went through so much trouble. Don't ruin it by turning into a blubbering mess.
She wipes her sleeve across her nose and then wipes her eyes. She glances back to make sure Melodie wasn't privy to her emotional display and then quickly disrobes.
The water is warm as she slowly steps down into the tub and she forces herself to allow it to relax her aches. She slips lower into the water and lets out a sigh of enjoyment.
As Melodie begins massaging her neck and shoulders, she closes her eyes and groans.
"So, do you like your surprise?"
"Oh, printesa mea, It's heavenly," she replies, without opening her eyes. "The warm water ... your hands. I should be doing this for you, though." She reaches up to cover one of Melodie's hands with one of her own. She pulls it down and kisses it.
Images of Melodie in the tub with bubbles only partially concealing her nakedness fill Zhi's mind.
"Melodie," she asks in a husky voice. "Have you ever ... been with anyone?"
Images of Melodie in the tub with bubbles only partially concealing her nakedness fill Zhi's mind.
"Melodie," she asks in a husky voice. "Have you ever ... been with anyone?"
Melodie freezes for a second, although whether that's because of the question or because Zhi kissed her is unclear (even to her).
"Ummm... no." She finally answers, giving Zhi's neck a final squeeze before stepping back. She eases most of her own clothes off before circling around to Zhi's right and making the sound of a door opening off to her left.
As Zhi's head snaps around Melodie takes advantage of her distraction to drop the last of her clothes and slip into the water, unable to repress a sigh of delight as the hot water engulfs her and almost immediately sends a hot red flush running across her pale skin.
She pops up, hair plastered in waves down her back, right in front of Zhi and finds herself leaning forward, drawn by the tempting sight of Zhi's lips and the pulsing of the vein in her throat.
No! Not this! Not with Zhi! She freezes, an inch away from Zhi's lips as the urge rises inside her, the same urge she felt with Bartelby, the call of blood. Somehow, knowing that it's Zhi in front of her lessens the call however and her hesitation is only momentary - just long enough for Zhi to meet her lips half-way.
[/spoiler]
Zhi turns in surprise when she hears the sound of the door opening and then back at Melodie when the sounds seems to turn into her fantasy come to life.
Her eyes fix on Melodie's just long enough to notice a hunger there that she hasn't seen before. She then closes the small space between them to engage in a wet and hungry kiss.
Zhi has spent the majority of her life living very close to destitution and danger. She's grown to depend on senses constantly listening for the quiet sound of a guard's boot, the click of the latch of an opening door, the tiny buzz of an activating trap. Those senses now scream through her veins, almost overwhelming the rush of pleasure from the kiss. They all scream the same thing.
*Run!*
Oh gods! What's happening?
She finally, reluctantly, pulls back from the kiss.
"Something's not ... "
She looks around the room trying to find the source of her anxiety, but is unable to locate it. She looks back at Melodie.
"I want this," she says. "I do so much want this, but it's too soon and ... " she looks around the room again. "and something's ... not ... right."
She looks at Melodie's pale skin flush with the heat from the water. Unable to resist, she leans in and kisses the girl's neck.
Her senses ring out again.
Dammit, what is it?
She pulls back to look around the room again.
"Something's not right and I don't know what it is," she repeats in frustration.
Heedless of her nudity, she climbs from the tub and, dripping water, makes a circuit of the room. Still finding nothing to explain away the warning of her subconscious, she returns to the tub and slides back into the water.
Is it her? How can that be? No, I can't imagine her ever being a danger to me.
She leans back against the side of the tub.
"Come here, sit next to me," she says patting the spot next to her.
Baron Telus remains at the Grand Bank so that Lady Paril can see to his recovery, but he promises to stop in Stachys when he is feeling better. Your business in Lotheedar concluded, you return to Stachys, arriving shortly after nightfall.
After a good night's rest, the next few days are yours to do with as you please.
Sara spends a lot of time with Malphene over the following week, even neglecting to train her birds. She takes her to the pub most nights, drinking heavily and loudly championing Malphene as the "toughest b*~!@ in town".
On her last night in, Sara weeps while holding her. "I don't like being vulnerable around others. But I don't mind it so much with you."
Malphene holds Sara in a surprisingly tender embrace. ”Tough b%&~+es need a good cry every now and then, just like everybody else. I wish we could have spent more time together without you crusading across the county for days at a time. But I understand. I’ll try to visit again as soon as I am able.”
She lifts the other woman’s chin and kisses her gently.
The night after you return to Stachys, the soft shifting of silk on carpet awakens you from your slumber. You open your eyes to see a figure standing by your bed—with your low-light vision, you recognize the attractive form of Duchess Veleto Lotheed!
”Hello, sweet thing. I have missed you. I’ve thought of nothing but your embrace since the night we shared our dance.” She shrugs her shoulders, and her silken nightgown falls to the floor. ”Perhaps we can share something more intimate tonight?”
The night after you return to Stachys, the soft shifting of silk on carpet awakens you from your slumber. You open your eyes to see a figure standing by your bed—with your low-light vision, you recognize the attractive form of Duchess Veleto Lotheed!
”Hello, sweet thing. I have missed you. I’ve thought of nothing but your embrace since the night we shared our dance.” She shrugs her shoulders, and her silken nightgown falls to the floor. ”Perhaps we can share something more intimate tonight?”
"Well, well! You made the trip all this way just for me? I'm flattered," says Zileska, immediately stepping into her role. She turns to a three-quarter profile and continues, "Of course I can't say no to a woman of noble blood."
The priestess approaches slowly and licks her lips once. "I see we're getting straight to the heart of the matter. No time like the present?" She steps quietly to one side and then around behind the Duchess, and runs the back of her hand gently down the older woman's cheek and across her shoulder, then turns her hand over to slide it down the lady's arm. Her hand comes back up, just a pair of trailing fingers, to brush away the Duchess' hair as the priestess leans in to gently kiss the side of her neck and whisper, "Do tell me how I can... please you."
The duchess shivers with ecstasy at Zileska’s caress. She sighs and leans against the priestess. ”Oh, I’ve missed being touched! But there’s no need for me to be selfish tonight. Much better if we please each other, yes?”
She turns around and slides her arms around Zileska’s waist. She presses her warm body against the other woman’s as she leans in for a kiss. Veleto’s lips are hot and hungry, and her body seems to burn with a savage lust.
Zhi takes great effort to time her visit to Malphene's room to occur while she's packing and Sara is not around.
She taps lightly on the doorframe to announce her presence.
"Umm... Hello," she says tentatively. She looks around the room avoiding meeting the woman's eyes.
"I wanted to come by and ... I've been meaning to ..." she begins haltingly. She takes a breath to steady herself.
"Look ... I know ... I know we're not friends and ... we'll probably never be ... "
She falters to a halt and a awkward silence opens up. She begins wringing her hands together as the silence stretches out.
"I couldn't be what Sara needed me to be," she finally blurts out. "I'm sorry I hurt her - I just couldn't do it. I couldn't ... "
She reaches up and wipes her eyes and steadies herself.
"Thank you for being there for her. She deserves someone to make her happy. I think you ... Please make her happy. I want her to be happy. That's ... that's all I wanted to say."
She then turns and exits the room.
Zhi awakens from a pleasant dream that she can't seem to remember the details of. The feelings of happiness and satisfaction still linger though, as she squeezes her thighs together holding on to the fading glow. As her senses awaken further they begin to sing to her of Melodie. The smell of her hair. The feel of her skin.
Her skin?
Zhi slowly opens her eyes to find herself pressed up against Melodie's back as the girl lies sleeping on her left side, Zhi's cheek resting against the girl's neck. The hair there softly tickles Zhi's face. Her arm is wrapped around Melodie's waist and her hand nestles in the warmth just below Melodie's breasts.
Oh gods, please don't wake up.
She closes her eyes and basks in the warmth for a few more moments.
This is too ... I need ...
Without thinking about it, she squeezes her thighs together once more.
No! Not what I need.
As gently as she can, she removes her arm from the sleeping beauty and sits back and takes a deep breath.
Focus!
She looks again at Melodie. Her eyes travel from the woman's peaceful sleeping face, down her shoulder where her gown has slid down revealing her pale skin. She continues down to the swell of her breast where her nightclothes are bunched up underneath - where until, just a moment ago, Zhi's hand rested. Her gaze continues down past her slender waist and the curve of her hip ...
Zhi's hand brushes casually across her own chest and pauses to linger.
Aaaiiii!!! Do something constructive with that energy!
Zhi slips from beneath the sheets and with a huff of exasperation, begins her morning stretches.
Organize a Party
As Zileska goes about town attending to those availing themselves of her ladies-health services, Zhi approaches her.
"Could I ask you some questions?" Zhi asks as she joins her steps to those of the priestesses.
"I want to know more about ... well ... about what goes on between ... between men and women ... or women and women," she says nervously, her face quite red.
"Sara showed me ... some things, but I can't ask her ... now. I've tried finding books, but there's nothing in that stupid library that tells you anything."
The girl's embarassed tone begins shifting to frustration.
"All those books talk about are his 'urges' and her 'desires' and ... "
She stops and turns to the half-elf.
"When I needed to open a double-clasped Hemmerman door lock, I found a book. It said to use a j-style pick and insert it halfway until you feel it slip past the second plate. Then you raise it up enough to feel resistance and then pull it back to slide into the joint of the two plates. You then use a torsion bar to provide a little force and the plate will snap. Then you push the hook ... "
The girl seems to realize that she's babbling.
"It told me exactly what I needed to know to do the job. No vague mentions of 'manhood' or 'that secret place'. It's stupid. They all assume you already know what they're talking about and I don't."
Zhi looks down at the ground.
"I feel like I'm stumbling around in the dark. I was hoping you knew of some books that I could read so I wouldn't feel so inept."
Her embarassed tone returns.
"Something weird happened with Melodie. We were ... "
She takes a few deep breaths.
"We were in the bath and we were ... we were kissing and ... "
Zhi turns to look at Zileska.
"All my instincts were screaming at me that I was in danger. There's no way I will ever believe that Mel would hurt me, but there was nothing else there. So what is there about ... sex ... that I need to know that would explain that."
"I want to be with her, Zileska. I need to figure this out."
Zileska, as she is trained to do, provides the Duchess with quite the memorable experience.
~~~~~~~~~~
Caught on her rounds by Zhi, Zileska slows to listen, then nods a few times. Finally she says, "Oh, Zhi. I'm so sorry that nobody ever explained this to you."
"There are a few approaches... sexuality is, of course, considered a taboo or titillating subject. That is part of the power of the Calistrian church. By mastering this taboo subject we are able to use its power. And it is powerful. Desire is power. Understanding what people want, and how to make them want, is power over them."
"Speaking as a healer, I could describe all the mechanisms of intercourse and sexuality. But that's just part of it. As you've felt yourself, sex drives you and you can't always just talk about it impartially like it's describing some kind of device or theatrical performance."
"Though you can use devices and performances."
"Anyway, I do have a selection of salacious literature, but usually it's couched in florid language as you described - but it's illustrated, if you think that might help," says Zileska as she idly runs a hand through her hair.
The half-elf woman glances back and forth, then says, "These kinds of discussions aren't usually in public, though. Also... Melodie is, like me, not fully human. You should be careful... but risk can enhance the flavor of seduction, too."
"Did you want to have a more private conversation?"
"I'm sorry it's like this. I can't seem to afford anyone the time deserved of them. Thank you for watching my birds while I was gone. Thank you for being with me and appreciating me and having my back and never lying to me."
She stymies her cries and sits by the window, patting the sill and inviting Malphene to join her. As she does, Sara takes the tall woman's hands in hers and bends down to softly and gracefully kiss her long neck.
"I think I love you," she whispers, her voice cracking from emotion.
Sara sends Marigold Faucher to follow Malphene's carriage out of town with two purposes. To escort her safely out of the county, and to approach the peasantfolk in the Beggarwood with instructions to deliver a missive to the Night Swan, if possible. To ensure this, the sickly woman puts forth 50 gold coins from Sara's purse, promising it only if she receives word from her mistress The Mockingbird of their meeting. While there, the deserter helps the peasants as best she can; tilling their fields alongside them and mending their tents.
From the Mockingbird.
They stole it from us, those noble pretenders. As soon as I laid my sights on Jambis, the Betony heirs "fixed" things, sparing the Baron instead of exposing his monstrous form and vile deeds, instead of baring his soul before Pharasma to judge.
For me, I blame the Raven and their "agent in the household". Until proven otherwise, I say the Raven cannot be trusted. I will meet you soon, where we last crossed paths.
PS, did you know that swans have teeth on their beaks and tongues? Just thought you could use that somehow. Also you're beautiful.
Sara then takes off to Lotheedar on an unexpected and poorly explained "trip", taking her birds with her.
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Duchess Veleto is thoroughly pleased by Zileska's clerical ministrations. She lies awake in the half-elf's bed for some time thereafter until eventually drifting to sleep.
In the morning, Veleto lounges, showing no hurry to depart. "It is so boring at the palace. Bartelby keeps me locked away like one of his caged birds. You won't send me back, will you, sweet thing? I can stay here with you and we can share many more nights together like that."
---
"Hey!" Malphene calls before Zhi scurries away. "I'm sorry things with Sara didn't turn out the way you wanted to. Yes, your rejection hurt her, but it was better than stringing her along. I will do my best to make her happy, but... You deserve to be happy, too. Don't forget that, okay?"
---
Malphene laughs softly as Sara kisses her and professes her love. "I love you too. I wouldn't have sat around this shithole watching your damned birds if I didn't." She kisses away Sara's tears. "I'll see you soon."
---
Sara receives a return letter which is merely a drawing of a swan with a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth. The next night, when she climbs to the roof of the Grand Bank of Abadar, she finds the Night Swan waiting for her, casually leaning against one of the church's eaves.
"Tell me about Jambis," she says without preamble.
"Zhi? Can you get a light? Please?" Melodie's voice is that of a small child, frightened by something she can't explain.
By the time Zhi gets back Melodie seems to have calmed herself down somewhat although her eyes are tightly shut and she's humming something quietly under her breath until the light hits her eyelids and she cautiously opens them.
She takes Zhi's hand and pulls her gently onto the bed. "Zhi, I think I already know the answer - but can you hear music?" At Zhi's negative response she sighs heavily, closing her eyes for a second. "I thought not... something's coming Zhi, it's coming for me and I don't know why, or what it is..."
After a long pause Melodie shakes her head, sending her chestnut hair flying and only then seems to realise that Zhi is wearing almost no clothes, and those plastered close to her body by sweat. She reaches out, tilts Zhi's face up to her own and presses a kiss to her lips. Unlike the bath this kiss is slow, sweet and Melodie seems almost to be exploring Zhi's mouth, mapping every inch of it with her tongue. When she pulls back it is with a smile and a sparkle in her eyes that has been missing.
"Zhi - will you be my girlfriend?"
-------------------
During the middle of the week, before Sara leaves for Lotheedar, Melodie calls a group meeting, although she's not explicit about the reason.
Once everyone arrives Melodie clears her throat. "Thank you all for coming. This may all be terribly unnecessary - but I'd like to be prepared." She pauses, and then continues grimly. "You're all aware that I've been a little... strange recently. I keep hearing things, a music that no-one else can. My Knight in Shining Armor," at this point she flashes a smile at Zhi, "has been helping, but the last few nights I've had a very strong sensation that something is coming closer, coming for me."
"I don't know what it is or what its interest in me is, but I think its to do with my magic, which is why it calls me in my dreams. But now I'm hearing the call more often - even when I'm awake. I want you all to know that it's happening, so that if something happens to me you can all carry on."
With her piece said Melodie sits down, and appears ready to chair the discussion of what to do in the event of her own death...
-------------------
That doesn't mean she's taking the situation lying down however. The Night Swan's claims to know what is going on in Stachys, as well as some sort of approaching threat have Melodie and her agents working hard throughout the week, conducting a charm offensive across the village. She makes the effort to get to know everyone, speak to every grandparent and child and generally work as hard as possible to rebuild and reinforce the sense of civic pride and responsibility which is gradually coming back to Stachys.
"We are all a family." Is her most common refrain, heard all over Stachys for a week or more. "A family looks after each other and sticks together! We look after each other and we tell each other things. I will always be honest with you, and I hope you'll do the same for me!"
By the time the week is over Melodie is the most well know Tribune that Stachys has ever had and she can greet well over half the town's residents by name.
Cloaked in ravens, Sara begins.
"The Betony Heirs arrived before I did; they ransacked the Baron's Manor and bound and gagged him, dragging him through the streets to Lotheedar, where they healed him rather than exposing his crimes and his existence as a monster. He sleeps right below us in the Grand Bank, recovering from his nightmare.
"I think the reason they were driven there is the Raven; Lady Hayashi Zhi is the Raven's agent in the household, and she was definitely present when I arrived in Jambis.
"Perhaps the Raven is correct and they could be our allies, but if allied in thought they are not allied in deed; they do not go far enough. The Baron deserved to be brought to the Boneyard and judged as both a monster and as a man; he did not deserve a chance at living redemption."
"I agree." The Night Swan walks up to Sara, stopping a few feet away from her. She cocks her head and regards the tall warrior. "So what are we waiting for? If the wicked baron slumbers below, it would be a simple matter to slip inside and slit his throat before anybody realizes what is happening. Would you be bold enough to do the deed yourself? Would you deliver the justice the Betony heirs denied you?"
The masked woman seems to be studying Sara intently, judging her reaction.
"Anyway, I do have a selection of salacious literature, but usually it's couched in florid language as you described - but it's illustrated, if you think that might help," says Zileska as she idly runs a hand through her hair.
"It might," she says.
The half-elf woman glances back and forth, then says, "These kinds of discussions aren't usually in public, though. Also... Melodie is, like me, not fully human. You should be careful... but risk can enhance the flavor of seduction, too."
"Did you want to have a more private conversation?"
"What do you mean, 'not fully human'?" Zhi says, stopping in her tracks to look at Zileska.
She then realizes that she said that a little loud and some people are looking at them.
"Yes, more private, please."
"Zhi - will you be my girlfriend?"
Zhi spends a moment catching her breath. She begins to speak, but then looks thoughtful. She sits back.
"That's a big step," she finally says, looking around the dark room. "That implies ... " She shakes her head as if to clear it.
"Yes," she blurts out. She moves close and meets Melodie's lips with her own again. Her mouth then begins to move down the girl's neck. She pulls back again.
"Just remember that whatever is coming for you has to go through me first. And you may not have noticed but I'm kind of a stabby b+~#*."
Her hand reaches out and her fingers brush Melodie's breast with a feather-light touch.
Not yet.
She pulls her hand back and then turns and lies next to the sweaty woman, leaning her head against her shoulder.