Even as she looks down at the magical fruit, Lureene feels a hand on her shoulder. Looking up, she sees that Sasha has a genuinely concerned look on her face. "I think you better eat it, I'm serious there's no way it'll fit there either."
Alis pauses and waits for Lureene to catch up before she continues walking, a contented smile on her angelic face. Unable to help herself, the succubus looks down to find that Alis must have been merely taunting Mal, for she can see no mark upon it.
"That was very sweet what you did for Jask," she says gently. "Big, tall, and scary might not look like it, but I think he was looking for an excuse to give his to you because of it."
Adding a skip to her next step, the princess playfully bumps Lureene with her hip. "Come on, we'll taste them together, El."
Lureene, by now unable to contain the blush on her face, turns and watches Mal disappear into the jungle. She remembers the time when aboard the White Pearl he was disguised as her husband, and remembers a time when he had objected to her acting the part of a doting wife while laid over at Light's End.
This is the most he ever has given me before...
She smiles in recollection at the memory and turns to Alis, "OK, 'Lis. I like that plan! On 3; One...two..."
Alis' blue-violet eyes light up with anticipation. "Three!"
As one the two blondes bite into the glowing, sherbert-hued fruits. Instantly, the juice makes their mouths water, even as the meat of it dissolves on their tongues. A rush of aroma courses through their sinuses sending shivers thru them. The sensation is not unlike the rush of the horseradish Pezock used in his Swamp Sludge, but there is no burning, only a tingling effervescence.
"By the gods!" Alis gasp is nigh orgasmic, her cheeks flushed, lip a quiver. With a breath that sounds more like a pant, she continues, savoring every last morsel, trying desperately to make it last forever.
Yet all to soon she is sucking slivers of pulp from her fingers, and licking nectar from her lips. Even as Lureene finishes hers, the princess looks down at the hard, oblong pit nestled in her hand and looks to Lureene, chest still heaving with each breath. For her part, Lureene can feel something stirring deep inside, a sensation she had never felt before, down in the very core of her being.
Lost to their senses, the two fail to notice that the others are leaving them behind.
"El I..."
Trying to master herself, Alis pulls Lureene into a tight embrace, burying her face in the crook of the succubus' neck as she inhales her perfume. As she runs her fingers thru Lureene's hair and light caresses a sensitive spot on the small of her back, she murmurs, "Lureene, I want to but..."
Lyria help me, I'm going to–
With a moan of desire, the princess unbalances Lureene and the two falls to the ground, Alis pinning her down even as her lips send courses of sensation thru the succubus as they probe the length of her neck.
What is...
First, Alis has been far too modest about her training, yet even so, this isn't like her to suddenly be overcome by such wanton lustful passion — unable to resist.
Secondly, the complete and sudden surrender seems almost as if she had just been stricken by a powerful compulsion or perhaps... wait that sensation she had felt. Pheromones?!
Sense Motive Checks:
Spellcraft Checks
Lureene is nearly overwhelmed by the heavenly taste sensation of the fruit provided by Aycenia.
By the gods...this is heav--
Her thoughts are interrupted by the Princess bearing her to the ground in a not-unpleasant embrace. For a few seconds she submits to it.
"Ok, 'Lis, that is good enough...Uhh...'Lis...'Lis?"
It doesn't take a genius to figure out Alis is only seconds from completely losing control of herself. While Lureene loves Alis deeply, she also knows the Princess would be embarrassed, if not completely mortified later by these actions.
Ohhh...'Lis, I LOVE you SOOO much, but this is NOT right! But what to do here? I cannot escape like this...She is more a grappler than I...I KNOW...
She wills her anklet to activate, and she vanishes from the Princess' embrace, reappearing behind the overwhelmed woman while calling out, "Lis! NOOO!"
It has to be my phernomes!...Is this what Sash goes through constantly when she is next to me...?
Somehow Alis manages to save from planting her face in the dirt. Hopping mad and hooting up a storm, King Tut attempts to shoo the succubus further away even and his mistress kneels legs spread and forehead resting upon the ground. For several moments, she remains thusly and it is only the concerned call of Darvesch and Sasha that snaps Lureene out of her panic-stricken state.
Her breathing now calmer, Alis pushes herself up and sits heavily upon the ground. Striking the ground with a balled fist, she wipes her left hand across her forehead before regaining enough sensibilities to clean herself up with a prestidigitation. Even as the others draw near, she says in a reserved tone, eyes raised to meet Lureene's, "You really are a true friend... Thank you, Lureene."
Weakly, she raises waves a dismissive hand at the others, "It will take more than a turned ankle to keep me down. Lend a hand, El?"
evasion
Will DC 18
Bluff Checks
Sense Motive Checks:
Lureene walks over to Alis a bit unsteadily, concerned whatever compulsion that nearly overcame Alis would return. Still, the act had to be maintained....
"Sorry about that 'Lis. You know how clumsy I can be with these wings of mine!"
She helps Alis to her feet while praying nothing else happens...
"Don't put too much weight on it." Without pause, Priyya rushes forward, a few lines of discomfort forming on her forehead as she helps Lureene to hoist the 'injured' princess back to her feet.
"Here, put your arms around our shoulders."
As Alis silently complies, the furrows on Priyya's brow deepen.
Did Alis get... taller?
Still balancing on one foot, Alis tucks the large seed from Aycenia's fruit into her bodice before putting one arm around Priyya's shoulder, and the other around Lureene's.
Blushing a bit, she avoids eye contact with anyone else and grumbles, "The way you all fuss over me..."
Feigning a limp, your group moves on a bit more slowly, but there is one feeling that Alis cannot shake...
Did Lureene and Priyya get shorter?
Perception Checks
Over the course of the next several days, there is plenty of work around the island to keep everyone occupied...
Your labors begin with repairs and renovations for the old stone buildings of the lighthouse complex. Mal and Darvesch handle the heavy work of clearing rubble from Shaka's rampage, stacking heavy blocks of stone while Ieana uses her magic to repair the breaches. While it is back-breaking work, the two seem determined to outlast one another, enduring long past the point where Ieana has run out of spells.
While they work, Priyya, Sasha, Lureene, and Gelik undertake a much different task. At Alis' request, they set off to begin an accounting of the various shipwrecks along the southern and eastern shores of the island. With a fair bit of imploring from Sasha, the princess also grants her approval to investigate the location of Captain Quellig's treasure indicated on Ishirou's old map.
Although they come under attack a few times from overly aggressive fauna, it is nothing that the four cannot handle. While their first day of searching proves largely fruitless, the southern coat of Reaver's Shiv seemingly populated only by giant crabs, near the end of the day's march the locate two wrecks on the island's south-eastern corner before making camp: Wavereaper and Voral's Lash.
As the four march, it becomes evident to Lureene that whatever changes Aycenia's fruit has wrought in her holds a powerful magnetism over those who are attracted to her. Likewise she feels her own desires increased to the point of frequent distraction, failing to notice that Priyya appears be putting on some additional weight, the fire of her angelic aura augmented by a softer, more intimate glow.
For their parts, Alis and Aerys trade off between keeping watch and the unenviable task of cleaning the giant compound of its prior occupants' filth.
[ REAVER'S SHIV: Map | Position (036 - Wavereaper & Voral's Lash) | Overland Rules ]
Lureene spends much of the time while exploring the Shiv in a dreamlike fugue state, reliving the time when she had first tasted the fruit, along with Alis. Thoughts of those who she cared about flooded her mind, and many of these thoughts brought a flushed look to her face, and over her entire body.
I...I...don't know how much longer I can control myself...
In a sign of near-desperation, she called on Grak to act as a defacto chaperone to keep Gelik from getting too close to her. His skills of moving, not to mention his unique body odors, served to distract him quite handily. Unfortunately Sasha was also quite interested...and also adept at evading the snake-like creature's defenses...
As the nightfall approaches, her gaze steals to where Sasha walks ahead of the group, admiring every curve of her slender body...and she eagerly waits in anticipation of the group calling a halt to make camp.
Time: 2:00db (morning, 8:00am)
"Alright, up and at 'em!" Priyya's voice brooks no argument, her tone insistent as she bats at the sides of Sasha and Lureene's tent with her bow. "If you have enough energy to spend half the night 'petting' one another, you have plenty to rise and shine!"
After a simple breakfast of fish and fruit, the four resume their march, skirting the edges of the cliffs east of Red Mountain. It is not even an hour before the next shipwreck comes into view up ahead. As Sasha and Gelik eagerly rush ahead, Priyya takes hold of the curly blonde by the arm, noting that she is moving like someone who just got kicked in the gut. "This will only take a moment, Lureene."
Fiery aura subdued, Priyya's dark, almond-shaped eyes lock with Lureene's now-bloodshot blue eyes, last night's tryst clearly having left her groggy. Quickly and discretely, Priyya examines the succubus, commenting quietly as she does, "I couldn't help but notice that Alis had sprained her left ankle yesterday, but this morning was favoring her right. Truly I expected more consistent acting given the show the two of you put on yesterday."
At length, she sighs and seemingly reading Lureene's mind states matter-of-factly, "Your increased libido been accompanied by commensurate increases in sensitivity or discomfort in your breasts and abdomen since you ate Aycenia's fruit. Correct?"
When Lureene responds in the affirmative, Priyya nods. "In that case I suppose congratulations and a word of caution are in order." Straightening her headdress, she says stoically, "Unless you desire a child within the year, you would do well to mind the timing of your conjugal relations or restrict them to women. If you weren't fertile before, you certainly are now."
Upon seeing the surprised expression on her blonde friend's face, the priestess beams a broad, somewhat ironic smile and claps her on the shoulder. "Cheer up, you've taken another step in defying the old she-demon and realizing your own desire. Let that be a comfort at least when the bloating, cramping, mood swings, and bleeding set in."
Sense Motive Checks:
Lureene is shocked and overjoyed by the news.
I can be a mother now. Mother has no hold over me any more!
She gives the white-haired priestess a hug, and blinks back tears which sprang to her eyes all of a sudden.
"You mentioned the mood swings and all the other stuff that I am going through. Do you have any herbs I can use to help alleviate these symptoms? I think I may need to start using them regularly."
"You mean before your otherworldly charms have princess and pauper alike throwing themselves at you with wild abandon? Yes, I do suppose we have that effect on men don't we?"
A deep laugh, full of gusto flies from Priyya. She pats Lureene on the back giving the succubus a devilish wink. "Treatments such as the ones you are looking for are more the purview of Keva, or Lyria rather than Alíta, but I do have a few that should help to alleviate any discomfiture."
"Beyond that," Priyya thinks back to the library a the House of Lyria back in Titan's cove, inwardly rolling her eyes, "I suspect that our recently taller friend may be able to provide you with more insight."
The warrior-priestess nods for them to continue walking as she fishes some herbs from her pack, handing them to Lureene. "Curative spells won't help, but you can steep a tea from this for relief. Oh and don't worry your pretty little head. I won't breathe word of your roadside romp to anyone. After all, we wouldn't want to embarrass our intrepid patron now would we?"
Darvesch huffs and grumbles as he gets up. He carefully washes and polished his armour and shield before putting it on. While the women are bickering, he ponders his axe as he sharpens it. He thinks back to all his lessons with Grandfather Hellhammer, the disappointment he held for Darvesch when he didn't follow his footsteps, and mumbles an apology under his breath. "I must make my own path, but I'll never forget your teachings. Kahn help me recall all that I need to bless weapons as my Grandfather once did."
Once finished sharpening, he stands and stretches. "I feel great. That was some fruit!" And he walks with the group.
"My mind is made up and that shall be final!" Alis calls out brooking no argument as Ieana follows after the unpersuadable princess, nearly running into Darvesch in her haste.
While the dwarf wasn't certain what the women had been arguing about so early in the morning, it must have left the wizardess flustered as she had not yet had time to transform her lower body back into a humanoid form.
Ieana flinches, the muscles in her neck standing out as she pulls up to keep from bowling Darvesch over (or possibly injuring herself). "My apologies, Master Hellhammer, her highness' request has me seeing stars this morning. Honestly dredging the tidal pool with just my spells and whatever labor you and Sergeant Malandraenas can provide would be an effort in futility."
She holds out a hand towards the doorway Alis just exited imploring, "Please, your people are masters of engineering and working stone. I am flattered that your cousin thinks so highly of my arcane talents, but I assure you the amount that could be accomplished would be insignificant compared to what a team of professionals could do. Furthermore, it would be an inefficient use of our time here when we stand a better chance of fortifying this location."
Exasperated Ieana clasps her hands together. "Would you please speak some sense to her, she will listen to you I'm certain of it."
Alis reappears in the doorway, sighing. "For the last time, I am not asking you to dredge an entire harbor, I merely need you to ensure sufficient clearance past Silent Island for a ship to pass. Mal's findings indicate that the tidal pool should be deep enough to at least shelter a shallow draft vessel even if it can't get close enough to dock, that's all I'm asking Ieana..."
Peering back towards the tower from where he is returning from an early morning hunt, Malandraenas freezes upon hearing Alis utter his name.
Gods below, please don't drag me into this. I don't get paid enough...
"Well, I.." he begins to say, stopping as he looks at Alis, "think we shouldn't include me in discussions I know nothing about." Then he turns to Ieana, and back to Alis, "Besides, your highness," he says with a grin, "aren't you supposed to delegate those jobs to the professionals who do such things anyway?"
Alis pauses for a moment, looking between the two, a displeased look on her face. At length she starts to take a deep breath but stops short and shakes her head in annoyance. Waving a hand in the air she says a single word that very nearly freezes the air of the hot, humid island.
"Fine."
With that, she storms off leaving you with the feeling that things are most certainly not fine. In fact, Darvesch had heard that same word wielded like a scythe by his sister and other women before and knew that it meant trouble. It is only as Alis turns to go that he sees an almost imperceptible wince of discomfort as her hand cover her bare midriff.
In a moment of stark realization, the full magnitude of the situation strikes him like a battering ram driven by ogres. Alis' time of the month had arrived!
Bluff Checks
Sense Motive Checks:
Darvesch quiets himself quickly. Looking to Ieana, letting out a sigh, and continuing with his work before setting out to do whatever it is the group is doing.
Lureene accepts the herbs from Priyya with a nod of thanks, that quickly turns into a grimace as she feels a cramp suddenly originate in her abdomen, spreading quickly through her thighs.
"Ooohh...AHH!"
She feels an unpleasent moistness in between her thighs and realizes with a sinking feeling this was the precursor to the effects Priyya mentioned. She also realizes something else...
I hope I can find some leafy trees nearby, just in case...Is this what 'Lis and Sash go through EVERY MONTH?
Time: 1:00et (evening, 7:00pm)
After the morning's bluster, Daegsday passes rather uneventfully. Atop the lighthouse, Alis takes over the lookout post while Darvesch, Mal, Ieana, and Aerys are content to give the moody princess a wide berth. In fact, the only times they see her are when she feather falls down for her meals after which she quickly flies off, apparently in no mood to socialize.
Miles away, Sasha continues leading Lureene, Priyya, and Gelik on a circuit of the peninsula surrounding Red Mountain. By noon, they have cataloged another two shipwrecks: The Crimson Angel and The Scarred Maiden. Unfortunately, the rest of the day proves significantly less productive as they march for hours thru a rainstorm before making camp less than two miles from the ruins of the ancient temple of Charelle.
For her part, Sasha has little trouble supplying their small group with food enough, although with all the cave fishers on the cliffs, and sharks in the water, it looks like tomorrow will present either a long hike around the crab-claw lagoon, or the building of a raft to cross to its north shore.
In any event, the shockingly fast progression of Lureene's first womanly cycle seems to slow down and her cramping lessens. Her desires, while still quite strong, also become a bit easier to manage, particularly with Sasha on hand for some release. It is no small relief to the succubus when her bosom buddy informs her that the first time is always the worst and that things tend to get better from there. It also doesn't take her long to figure out that Lureene should have (in Sasha's words) 'another couple weeks before The Red Knight comes calling.'
[ REAVER'S SHIV: Map | Position (037 - Crimson Angel & Scarred Maiden) | Overland Rules ]
Lureene smiles and chuckles at the euphemism. "Sooo...from what you tell me that is one Knight I hope does not linger around me trying to win my favor."
As the small party prepares to camp she turns to Priyya, who seems content to allow Lureene to assume the role of leader. Lureene, for her part, knew the value of trusting her teammates and all three of them have certainly earned her trust. "Priyya, how much of a hurry are we in right now? We could save some time by building a raft here, but I am loath to leave any inch of this island unchecked."
As she talks to the priestess, she finally realizes that Priyya is looking a bit curvier than she remembered and seems to be developing a bit of a tummy.
Has she gained...THAT much weight?
"How much of a hurry are we in?"
The warrior-priestess turns and gazes towards the distant outline of the lighthouse, silhouetted against the sunset.
"As far as I know, it should be not quite two weeks before Yvonne and the rest of our body-doubles pass this point. Assuming the king of Mestara can deal with the minor issue of the Scyllan, of course." In a teasing tone she chides, "Eager to see Alis again, are we?"
"As far as a raft?" She shrugs. "Sasha is the expert there. I'm mostly just here to heal people, hurt others, and provide witty repartee."
"And you do a fine job at all three!" Lureene laughs, giving the priestess a wink, "You know me too well, Priyya. I enjoy her company, she is always good company to be around!"
She gazes at the lighthouse for a moment before deciding, "Very well, it sounds like we do have time to finish our exploration. No need to take any unnecessary risks here."
Time: 3:00et (eventide, 9:00pm)
Darkshoal: Full Moon
Everyone is sore by the time you make camp tonight.
Lureene's group spends the entire day circumnavigating the crab-claw lagoon. They are forced to hike up and around the shoulders of Red Mountain, back across the stone bridge Ieana created, and north along the trail leading towards The Shiv's central gorge. Keeping to the trails saves a good bit of time, and they further explore one of the trails leading up toward Captain Beliker's old hut before returning to follow the coast.
The last few hours of the day are particularly tiring as the thick tangle of the jungle forces them to descend the cliffs without the benefit of Alis' feather fall spell. Navigating the rocky beach is difficult but not nearly as bad as having to cross a river in the dark. Thankfully, Grak proves useful in both circumstances helping to hook Sasha's grapnel on rocks and tree limbs, retrieving it when you have cleared each obstacle. In addition, clear skies and the full moon provide sufficient light, with the watering habits of nearby fauna distracting any predators. Finally reaching a more gently sloping stretch on the far side, Sasha pushes you onwards until you reach an old, abandoned campsite that she had spied yesterday afternoon.
Back at the lighthouse, you finally managed to clear away the last traces of the giants' presence. While their old lodge still remains in poor repair, the stone work of the lighthouse and the building adjoining it is now solid, and you have filled in the reeking offal pit in the former prisoner pen behind it. Ieana also replaces Sasha's makeshift cover for the ghoul caverns with a sturdy access portal plugged by a stone manhole cover.
When you touch base with Alis, she seems frustrated about the fact that her clothes and boots aren't fitting properly, and she ends up confiding to Aerys that she feels as clumsy as a teenager. It is only at that point that the sharp-eyed sailor gives confirms a hunch that the rest of you had suspected...
The short little princess has grown nearly 4 inches taller in the past few days!
While this brightens Alis' spirits considerably, it only takes a few moments before the stark realization that while her adventuring gear still fits (more or less), all of the finely tailored gowns she had brought with her will now be too short. It takes Darvesch a few minutes to rouse Alis to coherent state after she blacks out from the shock.
[ REAVER'S SHIV: Map | Position (038 - Abandoned Camp) | Overland Rules ]
Lureene sighs tiredly as it had been a long day marching. Still, she reflects it was better than ending up as shark food. Plus, to be honest, she did not want to spemd any more time on the water than was absolutely necessary.
As the party approaches the abandoned campsite, she motions for Sasha to hold up. "I don't think Ieana and Kovack would have headed this way. We should check it out cautiously."
She signals Grak to take an aerial pass over the campsite to ensure it is actually abandoned.
Grak shrugs his wings and flied off as instructed...
The campsite you find contains a partially completed wooden shack built from the planks and timbers of a shipwreck. The place appears to have been abandoned for some time, several months at least by Sasha's reckoning.
On the front side of the shack, you find that someone has carved a large pentagram and has hammer something into it. Upon closer inspection, you realize that those somethings are human teeth.
"Hmm..." Sasha doesn't seem too particularly impressed by the place. After having a look at the map that Gelik is updating, she snaps her fingers. "Hey, there's a hill just east of here we could camp on if you want. Ought to have a nice view of the moons to sleep under I bet..."
Stealth Checks
Survival Checks
Bluff Checks
Sense Motive Checks:
Lureene looks inside the shack, wondering what the final fate of the poor soul who had found himself shipwrecked here. Probably ended up in the giant cannibals' cook pot, most likely. Repressing a shudder, she nods in agreement to Sasha's suggestion.
"It is a beautiful night..."
Time: 4:30et (evening, 10:30)
Darkshoal: Full Moon
Lureene does a sweep of the area but sees no magical auras other than those that you yourselves bear on yourselves. With no compelling reason to stay, you press on, fumbling your way thru a narrow band of jungle as you make your way up to the crown of a low hill.
Here you find one of the few areas of the Shiv that's not jungle — the entire hilltop is an open area of tall grass overlooking the island's eastern shore. Washed in the silvery light of the setting Brightpool, you can see two tall, rocky spires jutting from the surf about a mile away.
"WOOOoooh boooy!" Sasha stretches and gives a big yawn. Without wasting any time, she quickly pitches her and Lureene's tent saying, "Wow, well it's a lot of work leading you guys all over, I'm bushed! Well, let's hurry and get to bed El. Nite Priyya, nite Gel! Have a good watch, Grak!"
Although none of you are quite certain why, Sasha does seem to be in quite the hurry to get to bed without chit-chatting for once.
Sense Motive Checks:
[ REAVER'S SHIV: Map | Position (K - Quellig's Stash) | Overland Rules ]
Lureene glances sidelong at Sasha, wondering what the redhead was up to. She did not appear to be especially tired on second thought.
Once the two ladies are sequestered away in their tent, she turns to Sasha. "So, Sash, are you excited about what we might find in that old treasure stash?"
Sasha almost seems surprised that Lureene saw thru her. In spite of the dark, Lureene can tell that the redhead is blushing. "Mmmaaaybe?"
"Oh!" From outside the tent you hear the cracking of parchment, and short laugh from Gelik. "Well would you look at that, I suppose this is where that old scoundrel's treasure marked, isn't it!"
From outside the tent, you can hear Priyya swear something sulfurous in a tongue neither of you understands.
"So THAT was why you drove us like cattle all day long? Holy mother of... Sasha, Gelik... you should both count your blessings that I'm too tired to deliver the thrashings you deserve right now!"
Sasha clamps her hands over her mouth to keep from laugh before calling out, "Looove you Priiiyya!"
Time: 0:00db (daybreak, 6:00am)
The sun is just barely starting to peek above the sunrise when the excited voices rouse Lureene from a cozy dream. She was a new mother nursing a pair of twin baby girls who looked suspiciously like miniature versions of Alis and Alexis. Rath-hun had been digging in the yard of their cottage to prepare the foundation for an expansion to their house while Sasha was in the kitchen baking muffins in a ridiculously short kilt. Rolling over to snuggle up to the huntress, the succubus instead ends up on her tummy as there is no redhead there to put her arm around.
Dimly, her mind and body still in need of a few more hours of rest, Lureene becomes awake of Gelik and Sasha talking in hushed tones. Every few moments, she can hear the sound of a shovel biting into the ground.
Perception Checks 0db
I swear...What in the name of the gods are those two doing??
Lureene groans and crawls out of her bedroll, staggering to her feet. Pulling her blouse and skirt on and equiping herself with the rest of her gear, she hopes her currently memorized spells are sufficient to meet any challenges, as she did not have time to memorize new spells.
Exiting the tent she looks around for Priyya, wondering whether the priestess had sanctioned this action this early.
Outside, Lureene finds Priyya kneeling nearby, face lined with concentration as she conducts her morning prayers facing east toward the source of the commotion.
Looking in the same direction, Lureene sees that the sun is rising perfectly in between the two stone spires that jut from the surf. In between those and her, Sasha and Gelik were furiously digging where the beam of light passing thru the stones marked the ground.
Well, now I know why they woke up SOOO early...I don't think I would make a good treasure hunter...NOPE, not at all!
Lureene walks over to where the two interpid treasure hunters are sweating away and asks, "Do you need a hand?"
"Two if you can spare them," Gelik hisses.
"Yeah, two would be good," Sasha agrees before a though occurs to her, "say, why are we whispering, Gel?"
The gnome pointedly jerks a thumb towards where Priyya is kneeling before wiping his brow and waving a hand to stop. "Phew! OK, this is a good enough start that we won't lose our spot. Let's try to prepare a quick repast so we can get back to digging before the sun gets too high though."
At Gelik's suggestion, Sasha nods and gives Lureene a quick squeeze and a kiss on the cheek before running off to go scare up some breakfast in the jungle.
Once she's out of sight, Gelik nods to her shovel and asks, "Shall we, my dear?"
Lureene eyes the proffered shovel with a look of distaste.
Are you kidding me, Gel? Do I look like a common worker to you?
She waves off the tool, and slips into a summoning trance. Soon a small earth elemental answers the call. She points at the spot of the ground where Sasha and Gelik have started their digging and pantomines a digging motion, pointing straight down.
This time when Lureene summons her little, rocky friend, the elemental understands exactly what she means. As you watch, mounds of earth begin to grow in the area as it effortlessly tunnels through the rich soil, heaping it neatly to one side.
"Ah!" Gelik exclaims in delight. "Yes that is a far superior idea. Excellent thinking Lureene, next time I'll wake you up first!"
With that, he begins cleaning himself up with a prestidigitation.
Lureene turns an icy look on the gnome. "You had better not even THINK about waking me up before a decent hour!"
"Tut- tut..." Gelik clucks his tongue. "Can you really fault a fellow for wanting to see such a lovely sight first thing in the morning?"
A sudden thought occurs to him and he purrs with a wink. "I do have... gentler ways of rousing a lady, you know. Or would you rather just snuggle?"
For a brief moment Lureene's breath catches in her throat as she remembered a time spent with another gnome, in another place far from here yet close to her heart. While Gelik looked nothing like him, for a brief second there his mannerisms were eerily similar.
Trying to hide her reaction to this, she responds silkily, "Careful, Gel. I can assure you Grak also likes to snuggle as well. He also tells me he has been lonely a lot recently..."