SataiRolePlayingGuy

A bottle with a random heart on it. It was not impossible it could be love related. There was plenty of magic out there to manipulate minds and feelings. Love was certainly one method, either to try to win someone you wanted, or for manipulation. Pelintira saw nothing wrong with such magic, used it from time to time, though she focused on other things. She tended not to drink random potions to test them though. She she had a great many protections and resistances from spells can’t on herself, and various artifacts, on and around her. But she was not that reckless. “I doubt it is Alenia’s, though we would have to ask her to be sure. More likely it is our resident potion expert and merchant. Though I don’t know why she would just leave one of her potions somewhere.” She had allowed a number of ‘suppliers’ or merchants, that she could trust, to move in. Help supply her and the apprentice’s. Made things more convenient, they did not have to go looking for things. “It might be a love potion…”. She speculated on the bottle’s meaning. “Thought the bottle could be intentionally misleading. Whatever it is, I would not recommend drinking it.” Mao probably did not have to be told that, but she reflexively switched into ‘teacher’ mode.

Pelintira assumed nothing significant happened with the body, she had not any disturbance within the fortress or from Alenia herself. Her chambers were sealed from all apprentices, including her, but it was always possible for the apprentices to reach out to her through magic, if absolutely necessary. She had been up late, as she often was with her studies, before eventually getting a few hours rest. Even then it was perhaps more accurately considered meditation than sleep. After she was up, it was back to her studies again. As well as looking through the crystal that she tended to use to check on things. Both in the fortress and further away. She noticed Mao, and her random potion, as she looked over Alenia’s room. “She seems to be sleeping well, coming to terms with everything that happened.” She spoke with her eyes still locked on the crystal. “You are curious about that bottle?” She asked Mao, she did wonder where Mao found it, though she had at least one guess about the source. But would she have just randomly left a potion sitting out?

Pelintira returned to her private chambers. Where her most secret materials, books and artifacts were kept. She had to consider Alenia would likely see these someday now. She passed the first test. Would she pass the next? Pelintira had some guess of what was coming, but even she was not certain. Alenia had to be prepared for surprises of course. That was why she said nothing. Alenia could find out how she would handle a big surprise, one that had no danger of harming her. Where would this go? How far would Alenia go? In time would she have a true partner. Perhaps not ever a true equal, with the vast gap between them, but maybe more than a simple apprentice someday. She walked over to one of her trophies as she considered this. Something like Alenia’s new project but on a higher scale. A demon body, large, powerful, stood bound by a magic circle. A demon could not be killed quite like a mortal but…it?…it was hard to call the creature male or female, it had its mind destroyed, essentially zombified. It did not react as she approached, but she still kept in the circle to be extra safe. She just liked to admire it from time to time. Of course none of the apprentices had seen it yet.

It was a holy night. This was not done out of perversion. This was a something done in the holiday spirit. To bring the family closer together. It was something you were expected to do, if you could and were old enough. It did not matter if you had a partner, spouse, children. This was not cheating. Everyone knew it was going to happen. The presents had already been out. The conventional ones anyway. Dinner had already been eaten. Now Ciara was back in her room…preparing. A few months ago she had her 18th birthday. She had been mentally preparing for this a few years now. Now she was old enough. She was cleaning up. Had changed into underwear usually reserved for her boyfriend. Dark red, small panties, fancy, they screamed ‘stare at me, I’m yours.’ It was not her boyfriend that was going to be visiting her, it was her older brother. Back visiting the family after moving away for school. On the one night a year, from now on, they would have sex with each other. They both knew this day was coming, they had been told a few years ago. Had it repeatedly drilled into their heads that there was nothing wrong with this, as long as they only did it at this time. She was brushing her hair, going over all the grooming as if this was a date. She had to look as good as she could for this. The only lights in the room were a few Christmasy decorations, faint lights of many colors. After a few minutes of this, her brother, Ryan, knocked. “…Are you ready, Ciara?…”. There was some unease in his voice. “Come in.” She called, trying to be more confident, standing and turning. Watching him come in, wearing t-shirt and boxers. He looked at her. Tried to look where he normally would not. The womanly parts of her, that he never looked at the same way as other women…they were just there. “You look…hot…”. He said, only a little forced. Neither were completely comfortable with this. Neither had lusted for the other before. They were ordinary siblings. Though both had spent the last few years trying to mentally prepare for this. “Thanks.” She said, softly, shyly. “I’m as ready for this as I can be…”. She took her bra off, letting her brother see her modest chest. “…How you want to do this?…Foreplay might actually make it harder. Wanna just get in bed and do me?” She said with a little awkwardness. “You can touch them, if you want though…”. She was not sure what to expect here. Ryan took a breath and stepped forward. He did not really know how he wanted to do this either. Not get too carried away. It felt too weird to kiss her. But he tried her offer, cupping his sister’s breast, groping at it, then tried playing with the nipple. “Does it feel good?” He cautiously asked. It was hard to answer. “It’s a little weird…but it still feels good…Keep touching me, however you want.” After that both got each other undressed. There was some mutual groping, his hands wandering throughout her body. She did a little of the same. Gave him a brief handjob. But like with kissing, she was not prepared to suck him. After a few minutes, she went to bed, laid on her back, spread her legs. “Let’s do this, Ryan…”. He nodded, laid on top of her, slid in. Both closed their eyes. Remembered what they had been taught. This was about family love. They were brother and sister, but also man and woman. There was no shame in enjoying it, as long as they remembered it forbidden the rest of the year. Both of them had some experience with sex already. There was no awkwardness in that area. They focused on what they were doing, not who they were doing. It was not long until Ciara was softly moaning to her brother’s thrusts. It did feel good, and he had stopped hesitating, she could tell he enjoyed it too. After a little her legs, wrapped around him. Fond memories of their childhood together came back to her. Their bond was strengthened. Their love was not changing, but she was starting to look forward to future years. The two of them reinforcing their love on this holy night. They kept going throughout the night. As the years followed they got more into it. Trying various positions, getting more comfortable with foreplay and kissing. They balanced the line perfectly. No romantic love or lust, but that one night a year a stranger would believe they were lovers, both eager to please the other. And shortly after the fifth year they did it…Ciara found out she was pregnant. Ciara had married her boyfriend by now, already had a kid with him. There was some uncertainty over who the father was. But it would not be tested. It did not matter if she had Ryan’s child, if it was conceived that day. Everyone would look the other way, assume it was the child of her and her husband. Either man could have been the father. But no one would ever know for certain.

“You are free to do as you wish, Mao. You as well, Alenia. It will be a while before I teach you anything else. For now, practice controlling the body, getting used to having its presence. Hopefully it being in your room will not make sleep difficult.” Pelintira was not going to rush lessons. One step at a time. Alenia would eventually learn much more, but it would take some time. She had plenty to learn already. “…If you wish to try to strengthen the connection. Do what you already did.” The body’s organs had stopped, but the the spell preserved it in the moment of death. It still had a finite amount of blood inside. Alenia could draw more later, if she thought it would help. But it was up to her.

Pelintira was trying to only tell that stuff to Mao. Her curious little apprentice certainly had an elf’s ears. “Let that be a surprise. Maybe you will find it out in a day or two. Your body. Her body. Her soul. There is a link.” She walked over to the body. Pat its head. “Her mind is not completely gone either. It does not think like we do anymore. But it has…potential.” There were a number of possibilities there. Some that could come naturally, others through different sorts of magic. “Maybe someday something more drastic can be done with it. But, we have to see about that.” She was going to continue to be elusive. She wanted what was coming to be a surprise for Alenia. It would be an interesting one.

Yes, the soul. What to do with that? Pelintira did not have a use for it, herself. But it did still have a purpose or a potential one. “…It is my life’s work. A goal of mine…”. She said softly to Mao. “True resurrection, reunion of body and soul. Perhaps these two will one day united.” An Elf did not grown, did not fear death from age or sickness. Though they could still fall in battle, or from other violence or disaster. To escape death of that sort. It was one of the few great mysteries she was still studying. ”But that soul may be more drawn to Alenia…”. She observed. “She is not in danger…but she may become more connected to the girl than she realizes.” Pelintira was not going to get much more specific than that. The girl’s body, even her soul, might develop a connection to Alenia. “Keep the soul. Though I suspect it does not intend to move on. I’m curious to see what it does.” Alenia truly was not in danger, but she might eventually be in for quite a surprise.

I plan to write too, platinum isn’t stopping me. But have to wait for the weekend. Tomorrow being my last day of work before a long break, which means work keeping me busy until then.

Pelintira was a little surprised at Mao's discomfort. She would not probably be uncomfortable with everything Alenia would be taught, but there might be other things that would be difficult for her. She was sure both could handle it. "Yes, value it. Take care of it. It may be without a soul, appear almost like a doll. But there is nothing wrong with treating it well...your connection to it may be stronger than you think. Consider this another lesson, though you won't understand what I mean immediately." She did not intend to elaborate at the moment. Alenia would figure out what she meant later. It might become a shock, but perhaps it would please her in time. It was something Pelintira wanted to do more research into as well.

The wound was simple enough to deal with. But, getting a sense of what Alenia was thinking Pelintira left it up to her. “Living or not, healing magic would seal the wound. If you wish to do so, it is something else you can practice on the body.” It was an option, but if Alenia wished to leave it there, a reminder of what she did, that was another option. It would be something that would have to be cleaned more often, but it was up to her apprentice. The girl’s body belonged to her now. For the most part, it was up to her how to treat it. There was the unspoken point she made. The body could be used as a safe dummy to practice healing magic. Hurt it, then heal it. But again, it was up to Alenia if she chose to do that or not.

"Yes it will need cleaning from time to time, the first being soon." Pelintira observed, watching the body while considering the other questions. "I would recommend Alenia taking it to her room, leaving it in a chair or such, while she sleeps. Though that might take some getting used to." That was her recommendation. She was not going to force Alenia to do it though. If she was uncomfortable with it, there were plenty of other isolated rooms, such as this, they could hide it in. "Of course it is best to keep it out of sight of the other apprentices. Just as Pelintira kept her knowledge of such magic secret from most, it was best for Alenia to do the same as well. Most of the others should be kept unaware of it. She could see Mao wanted to be useful. Mao was free of course to wander off and do what she wished. Her presence at the moment was welcome enough, but not required. "You and Alenia can discuss the cleaning of the body. When and who is involved. If you wish, you can can clean the altar. Should be faster if you do it now, before it dries too much." It was a suggestion, not an order. If Mao had a desire to helpful, have something to do, Pelintira would make some suggestions.

Marry for the platinum partnership.

There were more options they could use this body for eventually, but one thing at a time. For now there was no danger, it was just a puppet, only capable of moving the ways Alenia wished. “The spell will not fade on its own. The body is yours to do what you wish with it. Unless you choose to break the spell, or another mage does. The body will not decay, as long as the spell remains in effect. You are free to do with it, whatever you wish. Though keep the spell in place, eventually we will use it for other lessons. For now, work some more on controlling it. In time you will be able to move it naturally, as it was part of your own body. That will take some time though. Take your time. Basic movements at first, then more complicated ones.” This was not going to be a one day process, though she was pleased with the progress made so far. Further process would be slow, a day by day process.

Pelintira let Mao do her thing with the soul, though what was coming up had a chance of complicating that. Would it remain completely hers? It was time for the lesson now though. "The blood did not give you any particular power, just makes this exact spell easier. What it gave you is a connection to the body. Feel it in you. She has become one with you in a sense. Necromancy is what you learn today. Feel your new connection to the body. Use it to make the body your puppet. Start simple. Form the link between you and the body, cause it to stand up. Walk around. It will be clumsy at first. The blood will increase your control over it, but it will still take practice. Eventually you will be strong enough to do it easily enough, without the help...though there is no harm if you develop a taste for blood." Alenia would make the body her tool, weapon, whatever she wished. They could have used someone already dead, but a fresh body was better. Had the blood to make it easier, and would be stronger and useful than an already dead body or skeleton. This was Alenia's first step though, a safer and simple introduction to dark magic.

The girl watched with fear, becoming more aware of her surroundings, what was about to happen. She was unable to say anything though, simply watching until the knife plunged in, her body went limp. With a gesture from Pelintira, the chains binding the body came undone. She walked over to the body, pulled the cloth away, revealing a cup in her other hand. She placed it against the body, let it fill with the stream of blood coming out of the body. "...This part is completely optional..." She casually observed as she waited until it was filled. Once it was she lifted it and offered it to Alenia. "The magic I intend to teach you now, will be easier if you drink the girl's blood. Once you have more practice and skill, it will not be necessary. For now though, I would recommend you drink it all. But we can try without it, if that is still too much for you." Alenia had not prepared herself or expected this. Pelintira could see it go either way.

A month of course was nothing to an elf. Pelintira barely paid attention to the time as it past, focused on her own studies, gradual practice in everything. Constantly learning, getting stronger, even if only in subtle ways. She was pleased to the apprentice return. She appeared to be ready. But they would see. She stood up, with a nod, stepped over to Alenia. The circle took them back to the room. ”I put the girl into a sleep after the two of you left. Time to wake her up.” She put her finger on the forehead again, breaking the spell, waking the girl. She was still a little out of it, not quite aware of where she still was. Pelintira grabbed the knife again, and the mysterious cloth covered object. She handed Alenia the knife. Placed her hand on the apprentice’s shoulder. “Take your time to prepare yourself. But like I said, just plunge the knife into her chest. It will be over for her quick, she will not suffer.” She was not beyond using pain to punish or teach, but there was a time and place for it, the girl on the alter did not need to suffer.

Pelintira and Mao of course were not completely alone. Throughout the grounds of the fortress there were other apprentices, and several present to support both herself and the apprentices. Though the other apprentices were unlikely to follow this path, more interested in safer magic. She had been doing this for a long time. Alenia was the first with the potential to learn that side of her magic. ”You can try to spend time with her, if you wish.” She told Mao. There was no harm with Alenia and Mao talking, if they wished. The important thing was Alenia had time to think on her own, separate from her. An independent study of herself. How badly did she want to follow the footsteps of her ancient teacher? Did such magic tempt her? She was sure Alenia would eventually return, the only question how far she would be willing to go. “Do not feel bad or blame yourself for what happened. She is a strong girl. Once the shock fades, she will understand. Though we will see if she is still willing to learn such magic.”

“I am old. I remember the old ways. I was once the emperor’s mage.” Pelintira repeated things she already said. They were an answer on their own, but she elaborated. “The first invasion. The war with Vanorians. It was brutal. Everyone who lived through those days probably killed at some point. We won. The first and still only ones to do so. But it was not easy.” It was a brutal war for both sides, neither wanting to give up. But a stalemate was reached, which was a victory in a sense for the elves. They remained unconquered. That was how it started. Unrelated, but it made what came after easy. “How many have died at my hands…?” She was not bothered by the question. But between the war and her later work, and after living so long, it was not easy to answer. “Many. But never for fun or no reason. There is always a purpose. You need to harden yourself and gain power to follow my path. Such beings can not be controlled, but they will treat someone like me with a degree of respect, they would not show others. The gods and higher beings, anyway. Demons can be temporarily bound and controlled when you are strong enough, and know the right spells. To put it simply though, I got here between thousands of years of study and refusing to accept any taboo over my studies. To explore any magic I could find, no matter how dark, or the cost. I was strong enough at that point to do so.” Strictly speaking death was not required for what she had planned on teaching Alenia, but it was the best way to teach that spell and test her readiness. “But Mao is probably right. You could use a little rest. To think about your future.” Alenia would have another chance. But after her reaction, it was best to wait a little. Let her think about everything she had learned, what she really wanted. Was she willing to cross the line?

Reference to a few challenges back, when Aura was the only one who wrote, getting all the prizes as a result. Though Isabella changed the prize system with the last one, so I was only going to get the first place prize and would not get the complete experience either way.

Where was this going to go? Anya being who she was, it was hard to know. Aileen would give her what she wanted, all her fantasies, no matter what they were. On the surface it would perhaps be much darker than it was. But she would just be treating Anya how she wanted to be treated. It was not going to be a conventional relationship, that was for sure. “…You want it rough? Beg for it, the sort of things you want me to do to you…maybe you will get some of it soon…”. She knew the basics of what Anya fantasized about. But she wanted to hear it in Anya’s own words. Details of some things she wanted most. Exactly how rough should Aileen be her? How forceful? If it was what Anya wanted, Aileen would give it to her.

Even the strongest empires had to deal monsters on the borders. The army could not take care of all of it either, especially when the army seemed to on a crusade to conquer the world. All that really meant was there were those who were paid to hunt and kill them. Some did it for the money, some for the challenge, others because they had a grudge against monsters for one reason or another. Lunnur was one such man, who had taken up the job. He was the third son of a minor noble. Technically nobility, but with little chance of inheriting anything. He could have joined the army, but he thought his sword would be more useful against non-human threats, lingering on the frontiers. He had just woken up from the bed in the inn he was staying at. Waiting for his sometimes partner in the job. A rare case of a woman who had chosen to fight. A woman who had grown up fast. He did not a lot about her, but apparently had her family killed by monsters, leaving her all alone. He could not blame her for wanting to kill them. Was happy to help. He certainly enjoyed watching her, fighting and in other cases. He had not so far made a move on her, maybe that would be another time. It was something to consider another night when they were back in town. Nice as would be to do in camp at night, it was too risky to do around monster territiory. Could not let their guard down, or give them ideas. Many monsters would be just as eager to have their way with a woman like her. You occasionally heard stories of raiding monsters having their way with any human woman they could. Though that was rare in the empire and tended to only happen in border villages, which harsh response to the monsters involved. Once she was up, they would figure out their plan for the next day or days. Choose a destination and monsters they hoped to hunt. There was some randomness involved though. Often you just hunted what you ran into.

Pelintira glanced at the girl still chained up on the altar. "You will have to wait for your moment of destiny." She put a finger on the girl's forehead and she fell into a deep sleep. Deep enough to not need food or water while she slept. Closer to suspended animation. She put the knife and other tools away. She was sure Alenia would come to her senses eventually. But she did not know how long it would take. They were both immortal though, and she had already lived a very long time. She could be very patient. But it was time for a lecture. One done out of care. It did not take long for her to reappear. "Let me be clear, I am not disappointed in you. I gave you the opportunity for what you asked for. To learn everything I know. You still have the opportunity. But now you have some idea of the costs involved. Those lessons will only come when you are ready for them. Such magic involves much you consider distasteful, very dangerous as well. You will encounter many power beings. Demons, perhaps gods, or things even I would find to difficult to name. Worlds you can't imagine. You are young, inexperienced, there is no shame not being ready yet." She returned to her books, would let Alenia try to comfort herself Mao. The girl was free to speak to her about what she just said, or other things, as well.

Pelintira let Mao try to comfort Alenia as she looked over the girl. Young long brown hair, in a simple peasant’s dress. She helplessly struggled against the chains. “What is this this?! Where am I?!” Then then Elf’s face stood over her, an icy fear filled girl’s heart. “…No…no…not you…”. She had never seen the ancient witch, but legends and rumors of terror had spread about her throughout the region. The girl was certain where she was now and terrified of her fate. “…Relax, young one…”. Pelintira coldly comforted her. “You should feel honored. You have been chosen to help unlock the secrets of the universe.” She walked back over to the other two. Set a knife on the ground, in front of Alenia. “You told me, you did not care if learning from me, ‘turned you evil’, as you put it. This girl is not to be killed just because we can, or fun. This act is not meant to give you any power directly. It is a test. To see if you have the stomach to study dark magic. And a tool to teach you a spell or two after it is over. I will not rush you though. I know this will be very difficult for you. Take as much time as you need, when you are ready, plunge that knife into her heart.” She fiddled, almost playfully with an object in her other hand, covered by a cloth, hidden for now. “Just remember. You are about to explore a world you can’t imagine. With magic like this…who knows what will happen?” Pelintira did have a plan here of course. But she was not going to tell her new apprentice what was coming. First she had to decide, was she serious enough about what she said before? Could Alenia do what was necessary to learn her mistresses darkest secrets, share a power no apprentice had yet?

You can bring the girl back and have Mao chain her up to the alter.

Pelintira kept smiling at the young elf. “Looks like Mao already went to get one.” She put a had on Alenia’s shoulder. “You already opened the door. Don’t be scared. There are many opportunities here.” They were going to start with a big step, one Alenia might have felt unprepared for. But if she wanted to explore dark magic, she needed to develop a stomach for things she might find distasteful. “Besides, you might make a…friend out of this.” There were many options here. Magic that could be used from this starting point. “Come now”. She took her apprentice’s hand and a magic circle appeared below them. With a flash they were in a room Alenia had never seen before. Dark stone, with dim glowing red runes in the wall. In the center, an altar, surrounded by a currently dark circle, with chains at the side of the altar. “This is where the young girl shall go, when Mao returns. Where you will soon learn your first lesson of a new sort of magic.”