The trip home ... A Faerun tale ... (by Jain & Sunset)

[Jain Zar]

Zaryna seemed very warm and sincere when seeing Lya awake, and when it (finally!) was her turn to hug Lyanthi, the sisters could both tell certain fears had crossed Zaryna’s mind earlier on. Not that she had expressed any panick, nor was she usually stollid and unshakeable. Just the way how Zaryna held Lya said more than enough, and she didn’t let go before most of those fears under her surface had subsided. She brushed over Lya’s chest as if to make sure she was doing okay and then rose to her feet slowly. “Of course I’ll fix you some water… I’ll get all of us something.” She smiled brightly and straightened her jacket. And when the leather-clad tiefling turned around and walked away, the light of the morning sun outlined the shape of her calves, her thighs and her rear so magnificently that it was a rather sensual sight, even when the swaying of her hips was as unintentional as it could be...


A few minutes later she returned with a bottle of water and a few mugs. As she poored in for each, looking over the bottle at Lya, she said “We only will leave when you can walk decently, even though it’s not far.” Zaryna squinted over the railing. “If I remember well it’s less than half a mile and only two blocks away.” She smiled more widely, like as if the world around her suddenly smelled of roses, the abruptly brightening sun glowing like powdered gold on the water, its beams warming the deck, their heads and their hands. To Zaryna it was as if the air seemed even more pure to breath as she inhaled deeply, clearly very relieved that everything was alright again.

In fact… Zaryna was very very happy. Her heart was singing to her, her love for the two sisters blossoming. And in spite of all this joy, a few tears had pooled in her eyes. Yet if her lovers inquired about it, they learned Zaryna’s tears were not a mark of sadness. Zaryna didn’t explain though, at least not verbally. Her tears spoke more eloquently than a thousand words. To the sisters they were messengers of an indescribable love this red haired tiefling was feeling for them… so much that it was almost as staggering and as spellbound as the universe itself…

[Sunset Fallow]

“Really, I’m fine.” Lyanthi had an arm around Zaryna as her two companions must have asked her a hundred times if there was anything she needed.

Just a few hours ago Lyanthi looked to be on deaths doorstep. Now all she wanted was to get off this ship. She did look better, and her well-known appetite had even returned; all good signs. Reti looked over the railings into the jumble of cargo and people milling about on the docks.

“Okay. I need to get my things together and look over the cabin before we go. Lyanthi, we have your pack up here on deck. Was there anything you left in the room?” Reti’s pack was slung over one shoulder. She’d grown stronger these last few weeks. When they started this trip, carrying a heavy pack daily was difficult and by the end of the day felt as if she’d been beaten about the back and shoulder with a large stick.

“I’d like to look...you know how stuff just gets misplaced.” Lyanthi took Zaryna's hand as she was helped to her feet.

“I can do that...I’ll go Zaryna.” Reti was nearly to the cabin when Lyanthi called after her.

“Stop. You two...I’m not dying. Just let me go down there and look. If I can’t do that, then you can carry me to town. And it’d serve you right for ‘mothering’ me to death.” Lyanthi walked across the deck, slower than usual, but still without mishap.

“See...” She turned to the two as they watched, holding out her arms. “I’m fine.”
___________________

The docks and the masses of people and cargo moving so quickly about the docks worried Maharetii. See watched Lyanthi moving a bit slower than usual, which was to be expected considering what had happened.

"You okay?" Maharetii called out to Lyanthi.

"Yeah...just a bit slower, but okay." Lyanthi wasn’t quite as sure on her feet as she’d wished, but the docks weren’t what made her move as cautiously as she did. She'd heard the city was relatively safe, but since awakening from her unconscious episode, she felt odd and lethargic. She thought this would probably pass with some sleep, but for now she’d be a little more watchful.

Zaryna walked in front of them, watching the passing people and cargo as they made their way further ashore. Next to Lyanthi was Maharetii. “Would you stop.” Lyanthi looked to the side at Maharetii.

“Stop what?” Maharetii responded innocently.

Lyanthi turned to look at Reti sternly. “Watching me like I’m going to fall on my face any minute.”

“Alright...I was just worried, okay.” Reti sighed heavily in exasperation.

It was okay...and Lyanthi felt bad for what she’d said. “Yes...it’s okay.” She pulled Reti closer and pecked her cheek quickly. “Thanks...you and Zaryna.”

The swirling masses of people and goods thinned as they made there was farther from the docks and began passing between buildings. The odd sensation she felt earlier was fading quicker than she’d thought and she found she was looking forward to a warm fire and hot meal. She called out to Zaryna as they walked. “Is it much farther, Zaryna?” Her stomach beginning to growl in protest.

[Jain Zar]

Zaryna seemed slightly distracted by their surroundings, her gaze travelling over the facades of the buildings as if looking for points of recognition. When she didn’t immediately seem to recognize any she stopped a moment and turned around to look down the street. When then her gaze met her companions’s she nodded, still with a slightly confused expression.

“What… oh, yes… I mean no, we are near. Hm. At least I think we are.” She frowned and turned back in the direction they were heading. “At least the sign tells us we are in Ship Street so we should see the place in a moment.” But she didn’t sounded very reassuring. They sauntered for a few more minutes down the street before she stopped again. “I now seem to recognize this place but it has changed so much in such short notice. The homes here seem so meticulously cleaned up and restored to a state I don’t even remember.” She then shook her head and motioned them along. “It’s right down there, just after the curve to the right.”


And indeed, Zaryna was right as the sign on a building caught their eyes.

-Warm Beds-

She smiled and looked at the others. “I only stayed here once but the experience I’ll never forget.” Zaryna explained them about the heated stones used to warm the beds. “Unfortunately the inn doesn’t even serve any food if I recall well. But for that we’ll be heading to the Sleeping Wench a little bit further, and have some lunch after we booked our room here.”

When the three tieflings stepped in it was just very quiet indoors, the establishment boasting a giant hearth along one wall, its fire blazing under three iron kettles from which steam billowed up. The decorations all around were simple yet elegant, like every detail had been carefully considered before it was added. For instance, the carpet beneath their boots, spread over a smooth marble floor was stylish and looked rather expensive. An antique coffee table and two couches had been set in a seating area not far from the fireplace, a spot that oozed such an intimate vibe that one would find him or herself immediately relaxing. This establishment seemed very peaceful and decent without being too glamorous.

Zaryna was just suggesting to book for a small week when a young blond girl quickly swept in from the back and took place behind the counter, her hand on the pages of a book spread open on some small pedestal. “Good morning misses! My name is Chanty. How can I be of assistance?”

The red haired tiefling quickly introduced the others and after some back and forth discussing they agreed upon booking for five days.

“One, two or three rooms?”

Zaryna coughed and the girl widened her eyes, followed by a smile and a knowing nod. She picked one key from the hook and showed them the way. “Here it is and we do hope you will enjoy your stay. If you have any questions, I’ll be downstairs.” After Chanty unlocked the door and swung it open for the three, the girl disappeared again.

The bedroom was even more spectacular, like they had entered a world of calming, and relieving goodness. Not only did it feature a kingsize bed, there was also a large bathing area that was completed with a double shower. The velvet, the suede and the silk on the bed and all around just looked divine, and together with the clean lines, the uncluttered surfaces in combination with mild materials, rich textures and a few pools of light placed in strategic spots throughout the room seemed to be the recipe for a very… very romantic stay.

“Oh... my... goodness…” Zaryna looked at the sisters and giggled.

[Sunset Fallow]

The walk from the ship had been more taxing than she would admit. The bed, the baths and showers...a meal later, she could feel her muscles relaxing, the day’s tensions and her pack dropping to the floor. Lyanthi sat heavily on the bed, bouncing slightly.

“Not bad, Zaryna. I was a bit skeptical...you know. But, yeah...not bad.” Lyanthi pulled her pack close to the bed and began to undress.

Maharetii turned her attention from inspecting the room to Lyanthi. “Whata you doin’? We need to go eat.”

“I’m not going to eat smelling like four day old fish, puke and bilge water....” Lyanthi looked up as she stood, kicking off her boots then shimmying seductively out of her pant. “Okay.”

A tail slid from the between Lyanthi’s legs as her pants dropped to the floor. It wasn’t as if Zaryna had never seen a woman undress or a woman as beautiful as Lyanthi, but to watch that long and sinuous tail and those long legs brought a quickness to her breath.

She smiled at Maharetii. “You should too.” Zaryna nodded to Lyanthi’s twin.

“What....shower?” Maharetii made a face. She brought her sleeve close to her face, then sniffed. “Uwwww...yeah. Alright.”

The shower was very luxurious. It was an open affair made of a wide expanse of ornate tile below several skylights arranged in a circular pattern high above the patterned floor. Water flowed from several brass spouts placed so a gentle stream from each cascaded onto the center of this tile expanse and then slowly drained into a depression that surrounded the entire affair. It gave the impression of standing under a waterfall in a secluded lagoon.

Zaryna took a long slow breath. What a glorious sight. Lyanthi had found the hidden lever that controlled the water to the shower and Maharetii had joined her, pulling her hair from its tight braid to flow long and lustrous down her back. Water cascaded over the two like rain in a heavy downpour. The scent of vanilla and some other exotic flower filled the air as the two covered each other in a thick soapy lather. They played and teased like children as Zaryna watched nearly spellbound.

Maharetii turned from Lyanthi and tilted her head back. “Wash my hair...please, Lyanthi.” She looked over at Zaryna seductively.

[Jain Zar]

The red haired tiefling watched a moment mesmerized how the sisters lathered themselves -and- each other with soap. She sensed tendrils of heat twining in her body and felt her pulse quickening. Despite the fog and the bubbles mixed with white foam clinging to their bodies, she could make out their shapes moving together very well. She watched hands moving up and down and listened to the soft squeals of surprise, Reti's eyes moving from Zaryna to her Lyanthi's face. It all looked like slow motion what happened next. A soft gasp escaped from Lyanthi...

Zaryna could almost sense in her own body how Lyanthi was feeling right now and absently started to remove her clothes as well, her eyes locked on the scene. Watching them made her ache to see more… as well as to feel. Her right hand slowly slid down her tauth stomach, her skin seemed to quiver uncontrollably. She was surprised to discover how sensitive she already had become, and the spirit for something more was heavily in the air.

Manipulating herself had soon soft cries of her own pleasure enhancing the entire mood of the room even further. Her entire being throbbed and ached by now as she watched those two. At some point she closed her eyes and streaks of bright light flashed under her eyelids...

[Sunset Fallow]

It started as play. Lyanthi stood behind Maharetii running her finger through her twin’s wet hair, feeling the heat radiate from her body. She hardly noticed that her hands had slipped along Maharetii’s neck and down her chest, kissing her slender neck. Maharetii leaned against her, her head tilted back and her eyes closed as she breathed heavily.

Maharetii twisted in Lyanthi’s arms, her face suddenly just an inch from Lyanthi’s. She turned slightly to glance at Zaryna, a wicked and intensely seductive smile played across her lips as her tongue slowly licked Lyanthi’s mouth. Lyanthi felt hands slide along the slippery arch of her back, caressing and tickling as they played at the base of her tail.

Maharetii turned again to Zaryna and pursed her lips, her eyes wide and face the perfect picture of innocence as she pressed a kiss to her red haired twin. Their lips pressed together furtively at first, then with a passion that drove them together wildly, their bodies writhing together like lustful performers in an erotic ballet.

The two played in the water as it cascaded down upon them like thousands of tiny diamonds, streaming across their bodies in a translucent shroud of glistening light. That Zaryna watched them, her eyes full of wonder, only heightened Maharetii’s arousal. She pressed her body seductively against Lyanthi, her tail wrapped around her twin’s upper thigh, pulling their hips together.

Slowly, Maharetii place her head on Lyanthi’s shoulder, twisting so that she might see Zaryna. Their bodies swayed under the warm downpour, Maharetii rocking faintly in Lyanthi’s arms. She watched Zaryna for several moments, then smiled and with the smallest of nods, she winked at their red haired companion.

[Jain Zar]

... much... much later..., -after-

Zaryna smiled even as she had passed out for a little moment. The warmth of water pouring down her face and body soaked her skin thoroughly, the color of her hair now a rich glossy scarlet hue. She was happy and she was relaxed, both physically and emotionally. Her lips curved even more because of Reti’s words. She wasn’t sure if the girl meant it, nor if the girl girl comprehended the full impact and implications. Instead of answering the question she had wrapped herself closer around Reti, and Lyanthi followed her example…


She talked about getting married, all... I would... wouldn't I...?

But Zaryna could never guess that she in the weeks after this moment would be proposed officially...


What seemed like hours later, the three tieflings started to wake up, their bodies soothed and ready to roll again. Zaryna felt like she could do anything. And when she giggled, the others did too…

About an hour later, three leather clad young women walked arm in arm down the darkening street to the Sleeping Wench, about 500 metres ahead. Above them the stars had appeared and the city around them became more enchanting as it was brought alive by its thousands streetlamps being lit, and their respective shadows bobbing mystically over stone and other surfaces…

[Sunset Fallow]

The sign that hung from the wrought iron arm read ‘The Sleeping wench’.

“This is it...are we ready?” Lyanthi laughed and tugged them forward.

Laughter and smoke billowed from the doorway as it opened before them. A young man was standing to one side to allow a very well dressed and quite attractive woman walk slowly and very seductively from that establishment. They watched the young man admire her, then turn his attention to the three tieflings.

“Ladies...” The young man bowed and smiled at the three as they entered. “My, but aren’t we blessed this fine evening to have such beautiful woman upon whom to feast our weary eyes.” The young man swepted his hat before him in a grand gesture. His words and cut of his clothes told much of his wealth and upper class privilege.

Maharetii smiled and seemed a bit embarrassed at the show of obvious admiration. Lyanthi, on the other hand, seemed quite pleased and simply reached out to lightly drag her fingers along the young man’s jawline and chin.

“Feast all you like good sir...you’ll not taste these sweets.” Lyanthi laughed not at all modestly.

Maharetii’s eyes widened and her mouth formed a little ‘OH’ as she watched the exchange between the two. She looked over at Zaryna, who had obviously also seen what Lyanthi did. “Did you see...?” Maharetii pointed back at the young man who then winked at her as they passed. “Oh my GOD...Zaryna? He winked at me...”

Lyanthi just laughed and tugged Maharetii along.

Zaryna found a table for them and they were seated in a very nice place to watch all that went on around them. They made some small talk and soon it became quite obvious that a group of men had taken quite an interest in the three.

“Now that’s odd. They keep looking at us and exchanging money. Zaryna, do you see that?” Maharetii grabbed Zaryna hand. “Zaryna...LOOK...Ohhh...ohh. I think that one’s coming over.” Maharetii eyes were wide as saucers. She slid back her chair and looked about ready to run when Lyanthi gently reached under the table to hold her hand.

“Reti....” Lyanthi whispered. “It’s okay, sweetie...he’s going to ask one of us something. Just watch...kay?” Lyanthi gave Maharetii’s hand a little squeeze.

The man, who looked to be in his early thirty’s approached the table and took off his hat to stand in front of them. He looked at the three, then finally, his eyes settled on Zaryna.

“Ummm...excuse me, ladies...ahhh, I mean Madame...oh, God, no! I didn’t mean...I mean, milady. Yeah.” He stopped and looked back at the table where the other men shouted and waved their hands, laughing and yelling.

“Come on Louis...ask her, ya boring old fart.” They all laughed and ‘Louis’ turned a light shade of pink as he turned back to the women. Besides the three tieflings and the men gathered at the table, the spectacle had gathered several onlookers who were now laughing and shouting comical and a few lewd comments to further urge ‘Louis’ to ask...whatever he was going to ask.

Louis, for his part, was simply spellbound as he stared at Zaryna. His mouth opened several times and seemed about to speak, but each time failed. Then, crumpling his hat in both hands nervously, he took another step forward, took a deep breath and spoke.

“Would ya...please, milady...ummm...would ya dance with me?” He stood, his hat held in a death grip, a look of utter terror on his face and a very noticeable sheen had formed on his forehead.

The group of men behind him erupted in raucous laughter. Several others, of whom there was a significant number now watching, were strangely quiet. Perhaps they only wanted to hear the reply from the beautiful redhead, or maybe they found some sympathy for this obviously shy and unassuming man. But for whatever reason...all seemed poised on the edge of their seats waiting to hear what this woman would say.

[Jain Zar]

Zaryna, in spite of being used to once in a while being approached by men under all sorts of circumstances, smiled at the man. This had happened more than once during her journeys, and still she found herself blushing slightly. First, she said nothing, depositing her empty glass on the table. Then, her hands advanced slowly forward over the arms of her chair. Elegant and refined, Zaryna rose from her chair with ladylike grace, straightened her red gown and to her onlookers she suddenly didn’t seem just pretty, but also came across as up town and all cultured up as she spoke,” Why wouldn’t I? Dancing is one of the most beautiful of the arts. You don’t need paints or brushes, lutes or chisels, so yea… I’d be delighted for one dance. I trust you to escort me there and back here?”

Some of the guys had started clapping and whistling while Zaryna winked at her companions. “I’ll be right back,... lovers …”

A sudden color rushed over Louis’ face and his jaw fell. He glanced between the three of them as he speechless sensed how Zaryna’s hand took hold of his arm and overheard her whispering,” Don’t worry about it… Shall we then?”

The pair glided out towards the dancefloor after another reassuring word from the red haired tiefling and positioned themselves to start dancing between a few others, Zaryna ignored any stares they received and focussed on Louis with a nod. A hand on her back, a hand on his shoulder and off they were, their feet in perfect sync with the rhythm of the music.

Zaryna allowed a small kind smile to form on her lips as she followed his movements. And that was pretty much it. Just two people dancing, elegant, Louis inviting his partner to follow along. He seemed alert and concerned, his eyes at times scanning the dancefloor ahead of them, watching traffic while making sure he didn’t step on any toes.

No big deal for the spectators who all soon turned back to their own tables and doings.
All but one…

All the way in the back of the taproom, on one of the many occupied tables sat two men. They were just like the rest of the customers, ordinary and dressed inconspiculously. One of them was wearing a hat like the last fashion around Waterdeep dictated. He was in a quiet conversation with his companion until the laughing and shouting and clapping drew also his attention, just like the rest of the clientele. He watched Zaryna a moment, his seemingly dark eyes pensively beneath the shadow of his hat. His fingers lightly and rather absently brushed the hilt of one of his twin sabres at his hips, and he looked as if his mind was running a thousand memories. He gazed a moment longer at the dance floor than the rest before he finally turned back to whatever business he had with the other.

Meanwhile Zaryna adapted fairly well to the changes in direction, allowing Louis to take her anywhere on the dance floor. When he sped up, she sped up as well and they continued until the song was over and they had to go seperate ways again. But not after Louis had escorted her back to her lovers.

She curtsied briefly before taking a seat. “Thank you, Louis. That was lovely.”

[Sunset Fallow]

“That was nice of you Zaryna. And you can dance. Thought I’m not surprised.” Maharetii greeted Zaryna as she returned to the table.

Lyanthi sat with her arms crossed, then smiled. “I’m glad it wasn’t some kind of cruel joke...but yeah, you really are graceful out on that dance floor. But can we get something to eat and drink? I’m starving.” Lyanthi waved her hand towards a man who stood near the bar with a tray and a canvas apron.

The man was huge and obviously wasn’t inclined to be summoned. His face turned from bored disinterest to a sneering smirk evident from across the tavern. He stood purposely ignoring their table and shortly turned his attention elsewhere.

“Oh well...that just pisses me off.” Lyanthi rose and started across the floor towards the hulking waiter.

“LYANTHI...Stop, don’t...” Maharetii called after her twin. But it was too late. Lyanthi was already striding quickly toward the waiter deftly avoiding other patrons and tables. She was in his face within moments. Although she had her blades, they remained at her sides as she nearly crawled into the lackadaisical waiter’s face. “Hey, you work here or what?”

“Piss off.” The waiter stood leaning against the counter.

“What the f***? You wanna earn that coin they give you or do I have to slap the crap outa you right here in front of God and everybody?” The voices in the room suddenly quieted.

The hulking waiter’s face turned mean. He grabbed the front of Lyanthi’s leather jerkin and shoved her backwards hard. Lyanthi rolled backwards in what should have been an awkward fall, instead rolling deftly on her feet.

“So, you wanna play?” She took out a pair of leather gloves and slipped them on...flexing her fists. “So, let’s play, fat boy.”

The huge waiter threw the tray onto the ground and yelled. “Big mistake, whore.” Then ran at Lyanthi. The crowd yelled in encouragement as they simultaneously backed off to give the two room.

Lyanthi waited as the man mountain ran at her in lumbering strides that shook the floor. As he drew back his fist, she danced easily to the side and struck the giant like a cat might hit a giant dog...her blows landing to the side of his head. The crowd roared in approval and inched closer.

Lyanthi danced back and waited as the giant cleared his head and roared in anger. He came at Lyanthi again and again she moved to the side, leaping onto a chair to punch the man in the head hard enough to make him stagger as he passed.

Chairs and tables lay strewn about the floor. The giant picked up a chair and began swinging it like a huge cudgel as he came at Lyanthi more deliberately. The crowds cheering became louder.

He swung once, twice. She jumped back, the crowd surging from their path. He stepped forward and swung again at her head. She stepped in quickly, dropping hard on her side and kicked out savagely at the giant’s planted leg and knee. There was a loud ‘pop’ as the knee folded backward and the giant toppled to the ground, his eyes wide and face suddenly panicked. He crumpled to the floor as Lyanthi rolled to her side and stood far from his reach. He grasped his knee and screamed.

“You bitch....you bitch...I’m gonna kill you.” He rolled in agony clutching at his ruined knee.

Another man had separated from the crowd and now stood over the wailing giant. He was similar in appearance and had his hands on his hips, staring down at the man writhing on the floor.

“I told you, Jake. No more complaints...I warned you.” The man in the apron paused. “You’re fired. Get your stuff and get out.” The ‘owner’, it appeared, looked over to Lyanthi. His look wasn’t pleasant but he didn’t say anything until a few people had helped Jake rise and stumble from the bar. He then went over to where Lyanthi stood.

“Not sure if I should ask you and your friends to leave or offer you a job.” His smile had changed his face considerably.

Lyanthi relaxed. “All I wanted was some food and this...”

“Yeah...me brother-in-law. Sister passed a year ago...he’s been in a bad way ever since. Lots of trouble. I thought maybe a job could change his ways.” The owner shrugged.

Lyanthi looked around the tavern. “I’ll pay for the damages. If me and my friends can still eat here?”

“You pay for the damages and I’ll buy you and your friends that meal.” The owner smiled back at her.

“And damn nice fight.” He added as he walked back to the bar.

Lyanthi turned to look at Zaryna and Maharetii with a sheepish grin.

[Jain Zar]

“Lyanthi!” Zaryna almost cried out. Then she started laughing. “Good thing this worked out well, I’ve seen a few brawls in my life before but never got involved into one. For a moment there I thought this was going to be my first time.”

Zaryna reached out and brushed her hand over Lyanthi’s wrist as if to make sure she was okay. Then she reached out for Reti’s hand as her other hand slid to Lya’s. She looked from the one to the other as her fingers gently clasped around theirs. For a moment she looked serious, or at least tried to until a sheepish grin spread over her beautiful face.
“Tiefling trouble for sure,” she whispered.

And then all three of them laughed as they glanced over at the broken furniture in the taproom.





The atmosphere was all good again around them, and food started to get served. Like many dockside taverns, the Sleeping Wench forsaw food that was basically “sailor’s bite”. Roasted meat, baked fish and potatoes, stale beer, and of course ladies of the night as well. And the later it got, the more noise… without things getting out of hand though. The Sleeping Wench wouldn’t have been a tavern in a port town if there weren’t any dancing on the tables either.

After a hearty meal of venison supplemented with a fine nice red wine, -and- a few tankards of beer eagerly donated by the owner and a bunch of friendly sailors, Zaryna was as relaxed as she could be. She laughed at Lyanthi who had gotten into a little gambling game that involved dice and she imagined the men who had asked her in already regretted their earlier jovial invitation.

The hours ticked by with Reti happily sitting on her lap, her own curvaceous body pressing into the girl’s back a constant reminder of what they had and how lucky she was. Reti must have sensed how Zaryna felt as she took the redhead’s hand in hers and placed it against her cheek. Lyanthi ended her game and came over with this super satisfied grin on her face, and she performed a happy twirl right in front of them, just like a girl who had just found her favorite thing to do.

Zaryna smirked and kissed Lya when she leaned in to peck both their lips. Of course there were onlookers when they did that but Zaryna didn’t care, not even when all their lips briefly connected together. She hoped she would be able to control her desire for the two, at least till they got at their place.

“You know, you both are prettier than any jewel in all of the realms,” she said with an abnormal change in her voice.

It was something the twins noticed and it caused them both to gaze at their mutual red haired lover who looked suddenly somewhat playful… and bloody gorgeous.

Zaryna’s hands were also a tiny bit less modest than normal. “My two girlfriends… my two sexy lovers...“ she looked devilish beautiful as she laughed softly at their expressions.

And then the sisters realised. Zaryna, now planting kisses in Reti’s neck... was tipsy, and clearly not used to so much booz.

[Sunset Fallow]

It was well past midnight as the crowd in the tavern started to thin. Zaryna, Reti and Lyanthi still sat at their table drinking, laughing and telling tales; each one bigger and more extravagant than the last. That they sat so close and seemed to be lovers made everyone in the place stare; some with envy, others with a clear expression of disgust. Even the tavern owner would glance more often at the three as they sat having such an obvious good time.

Only a handful of patrons were left in the tavern when Lyanthi noticed they were almost alone. “Seems we’ve closed the place down, ladies.” She raised her glass of warm ale. “To us and the Sleeping Wench...whoever she may be.” She took a long drink, finishing the last of her ale.

“I see you’re doin’ a proper toast afore ya’all leave this evenin’.” The owner had come to stand a few feet from their table. “I done some figurin’. And I have the bill for the damages.” The owner handed Lyanthi the slip of parchment.

Lyanthi looked over the figures for a moment, then looked up at the owner. “Seems a bit high...but that’s fine. A promised is a promise.” She began to get out her purse.

The owner nodded. “Now...I do have a bit of a proposition for ya, if ya’all listen.” The owner stepped closer to their table as the three quieted, waiting for the barman to continue. “I know ya’all don’t live ‘round here, but on the off chance that ya might be lookin’ to have a change of scenery, I’d like ta offer ya’all a job.”

The barman stepped up to their table. “I kin see the eyes were all on you three tonight. I’d pay handsomely to keep ya around. And I’d forget about the damages.” He looked at the three of them. “So, what do ya say...maybe think on it?”

Maharetii looked at Zaryna and began to giggle. “Oh gosh...ummm, sir...no. I mean, we can’t.” Maharetii still smiled and seemed about ready to begin laughing again. “I’m sorry...I was just picturing Lyanthi in a short skirt and revealing top serving tables...” She began chuckling again as she looked over at Lyanthi.

Lyanthi, of course, had a rather smug look on her face and smirked at Reti as she laughed. “Oh....ha ha. I’m not serving tables.”

The owner looked at the three then finally upon ‘Lyanthi’. “Ahhh you mean this one...the fighter.” The owner had placed a hand on Lyanthi’s shoulder. “Oh no...no serving tables for this one...she’d be my new bouncer!” The owner laughed deeply.

That made all three women laugh even more. The barman, not understanding their humor simply stood and watched. “Well...ya’all think about it.”

Lyanthi handled the owner a pile of coins. “No, I think we’ve made our decision.” Lyanthi shook her head as Maharetii and Zaryna still smiled, hugging each other. “We’ve some unfinished business and then plan to return home.” She smiled at the owner. “Thank you...your offer is generous and flattering.”

The owner nodded as he pocketed the coins. “Offer stands. And have a good night, ladies.” He turned and strolled away. Then called out to them. “And you’re welcome back to me place anytime.”

[Jain Zar]

The morning after...


“I… hope I wasn’t too drunk.”
Genuine concern colored her voice as Zaryna watched the other two next to her on the pillow. The two sisters ended their kiss and looked at her with a grin.

They both reassured her it all had been just fine, even when they told her Zaryna had slipped on the slippery street... and another time on the wooden stairs where she almost had tumbled down on her butt if it weren’t for the sisters.

Lya remarked with a sly grin that Zaryna at least had been tipsy enough that it couldn’t have hurt that much, and that there never had been any blood involved.

Zaryna and Reti started laughing at that and soon the girls found themselves hugging and kissing one another for a wee while longer. After all, the beds at this establishment were very comfortable and very warm. It lasted until noon before the three girls left the inn in search for lunch and some fun.

Hand in hand the three leather-clad tieflings walked towards the centre of the city, as it had been Zaryna’s plan to have Lya checked at the House of Healing.


“I’m really fine, Zayna…” Lyanthi started.

But Zaryna parried that by saying,” Then it possibly cannot hurt you to have things double checked, lover. After our little week here we’ll be in for a long ride north and I want to make sure you are okay. Perhaps there’s also someone around who can explain us why it all happened, or at least help us look in the right direction.”

Lya seemed as if she was about to object, but Zaryna stopped and countered by placing a kiss frontally on her lips, in broad daylight, in the middle of the street. “Hush now… I know, but I love you. And without you two in my life my days just wouldn’t seem right anymore.” She looked from one sister to the other. “I hope that just didn’t sound weird but that’s how I feel about you girls. I’ve never been so happy in my life before.”

More kissing…

“So alright, we’re visiting the House of Healing… but only after we got ourselves some food and checked out the city… okay?”


From Belnimbra’s street they got into Small Street and from there they started to follow The High Road north… albeit not for long. There was a lot of traffic on this road, and it was piling up around a small crowd gathered at the front of one of the buildings on their left. When the three tieflings managed to peek in between, they perceived a lot of glittering stuff. Necklaces and bracelets with mystical looking gems ranging from electric blue to brilliant red were arrayed in the first window, their colors so vivid that Zaryna wondered if such colors even existed in this world. In another window were more versatile necklaces and earrings sets that would make a great addition to any woman's jewelry collection. They were decorated with a little bit more discrete gems, like tiny polished diamonds, deep amber, flawless topaz and a colorful variety of lesser known stones.

Zaryna squinted at the facade fashioned of silvery and polished stone resembling a huge faceted gem, and then recalled the name of the shop even before she managed to read it.

-Olmhazan’s Jewels-


She looked at the other two girls and said,” I’d like us to visit as soon as the crowd allows.” She smiled,” I’ve been inside only once… you will find the rarest gems and minerals you can find in the entire world and it’s really worth the effort. They even have amaratha, a stone that is very very unique and it has magical properties. It’s said that can it shield the wearer and nearby companions from elecitricity by attracting -and- absorbing the energy.”

Zaryna seemed very excited and eagerly to visit the shop and reached for their hands, motioning them to get in the line as well.

She glanced over her shoulder at the other side of the street and motioned the sisters to look over there as well at the mouth of a very crowded alley. “And that over there is Spendthrift Alley. It used to be a street like any other, but now it’s an ongoing bazaar of stalls selling trinkets and street vendors selling cheap stuff. Still… it’s more than worth it to see one of the busiest places in the city.” She looked at Lya,” A lot of thieves though, and you can bet if you left this shop and enter that alley, they will follow you and try to steal away your new purchase. It’s rumored the Shadow Thieves before been driven from Waterdeep, operated there and trained the locals.” She shrugged,” Let us just watch each other’s backs and delay any purchase in here until we’re ready to leave for the North.”

[Sunset Fallow]

It was just as Zaryna had said. The street was packed with people struggling to find their way along the crowded lane between stalls packed with an assortment of items like she’d never seen. There were also the hands; most were the lightest of touches, deftly reaching into her pockets, slipping along the layers of her clothing as she brushed against one person or another. It was almost sensual as they made their way deeper into the bustling crowd. If not for the little enchantment she had cast earlier their hands might have found more.

There was more than one light fingered thief that probed at Lyanthi’s clothing, however, that found a very sharp blade pointing at an eye or her hand twisting painfully at their wrist. Still, she wasn’t quick enough or skillful enough to catch them all. Zaryna for her part seemed nonplussed by the entire affair, walking as if nothing untoward was happening.

“Oh...look at this.” Maharetii had stopped at a shop selling children’s toys among other things. “The other two stopped, returning the few steps to find Maharetii playing with a toy that resembled a small figure of a man that was sawing wood. As she pressed on the bottom of the platform where the toy man stood, he would look as if he was sawing the small log that was near him. “That is so clever...I just love it.” She looked up at the two and began to dig for her purse.

“Reti...that’s okay. Don’t... I’ll get it. I have a few coins I’ve hidden away.” Lyanthi handed the merchant a few coins. “Better you not show where your purse is while we’re in here.”

Ummm...okay. Thanks.” She had the toy out and was busily making the little figure saw vigorously at the tiny log. Lyanthi and Zaryna glanced at each other and grinned widely. “She’ll take it apart you know...” Lyanthi spoke to Zaryna.

Zaryna nodded. “Yes, I know...then it’ll lay gathering dust in that little workroom she has fixed up in the basement.”

“You mean her lab…the one that stinks up the entire house and has all those weird noises all the time?” Lyanthi bumped Zaryna by way of emphasis.

Zaryna smiled sarcastically. “Yeah, that one.”

They made their way through the alley finally emerging into a slightly larger opening that still hosted several stalls and booths. “Is this the end here?” Lyanthi stood next the Zaryna. She looked around at the throng of people still milling about the lane where they stood.

Maharetii had come up from behind them and now stood close. “What’s this? Is it another alley or...” She glanced about placing the toy absently in her pocket.

“You need to hide that if you want to keep it, Reti.” Lyanthi added, her head close to Maharetii.

“Okay.” Maharetii casually moved the toy to an inner pocket and then cast a small dweomer to hide it from probing fingers. “I’m pretty much done looking if you guys are.”

“Yep. Me too.” Lyanthi added as she glanced at Zaryna. “You wanna head back or go somewhere else?”

[Jain Zar]

Zaryna smiled as she tucked away a few of the small trinkets she bought herself. “Lets head to the market and find ourselves something to eat. After that we can make a brief stop at the House of Healing as it’s quite near the market. This way, girls…”

They squeezed themselves once more through the crowd of visitors gathered at Spendthrift Alley and made their way back to the High Road. “The local market is one of the best ways to get to know something on the culture of Waterdeep,” Zaryna explained. “If I recall correctly it’s quite colorful because of the vegetables and clothes they sell. They have some really nifty souvenirs and authentic handicrafts, and…” the tiefling grinned at Lya. “There used to be a huge food section if I remember well.”

Lya rubbed her hands together, clearly looking forward at the sound of that, but in fact all three the tieflings were getting hungry as they ‘only’ had had each other for breakfast. After about an hour walking, surrounded by rather beautiful houses, the trio arrived at the cobblestoned market place, and it was huge.





At first sight the chaos about here appeared to be rather untamed. Colorful endless stalls were lined up around the entire square with about a hundred or more dotted in the centre. Several even ran up the steps into streets leading away from the plaza and even though there didn’t seem a sense of order that governed the open-air market, there actually was. The howl of street vendors was deafening at times when they started to walk along the first line of stalls.

“They are placed in historical order and specific vendors selling very specific things are located in very specific spots. You’ll also find guilds controlling other parts where they monopolize their share of the market with guild-approved products only,” Zaryna explained.

The vibrant place also along with its harbor seemed to be the heart of the city. Jewel-colored fabrics, delicious smelling spices and slices of fruit dripping with juice were a feast for the senses. The guilds’ focus seemed firmly on celebrating local arts and crafts. They saw racks heaving with colorful costumes designed according to latest fashions in Waterdeep, tables packed with amazing little wooden statues and necklaces and other adornments dripping with polished seashells and marble beads.





It didn’t take them too long to gather some food and while strolling down the rows of stalls, distracted by the gigantic offer they kinda lost eye on Reti. It was Zaryna who noticed and stopped. “Where did she go now…”
Lyanthi stopped as well, tiptoeing in an attempt to look over the disorganized crowd of individuals.

...

Meanwhile Reti had stopped when she saw something interesting and moved between some stalls in order to get to the other row. She only wanted to have a quick glance but when she turned around she was slightly disorientated with the wrigging mass of people around her. Someone bumped his shoulder against hers and snarled at her to watch out. She then noticed the pushing and bumping had moved her some small distance away from the point where she had entered this ‘lane’. When Reti tried to make her way back she realised this was going to get tough as everyone else seemed to be moving in the other direction, and she was pretty much like a tiny little salmon fighting a strong current.

That is when she bumped into another man, only this one stopped and looked down at her, the people coming from behind moving around the dark brown cloak draped over fairly broad shoulders. It felt like this person was kinda protective towards her this way, and when she looked up at him she noticed he was handsome… for a male. He looked like he was in his late twenties, the sunlight hitting the slightly tanned skin of his chin and mouth. The rest of his face was cast in the shadows of a magnificent cavalier hat featuring an ostrich plume. One side was pinned to the side of the crown of the hat. His cheeks were chiseled and the bone structure perfectly symmetrical... like his face were a finely-carved statue. There was a gentle smirk at the corners of his lips, the scent of his cologne strong as midnight-sex. The touch of his hand on hers was gentle and soft, yet he felt strong and seductive. His warm brown eyes were striking beneath graceful arching brows. All in all he seemed the type of man that could have most women (and probably some men) freeze in their tracks. And then he let go off her hand and removed his hat...





“Are you alright, miss? You seem lost…” the devilish handsome man, wearing light, rather extravagant clothing asked with a warm yet somewhat playful voice. His other hand was resting on the hilt of one of the sabres hanging from his waist.

...

Meanwhile... the other two tieflings who were looking for Reti agreed that Zaryna would wait at the point where they lost her and Lyanthi was going back to look for her...