A Fitting Reward for the Hero

THE NEXT MORNING:

John lets out a slight groan as he wakes up. Immediately, he feels weighed down by the two women that currently lay on his body.

He looks to his right and sees Kyuala, sleeping away happily, a small smile on her face as she dreams. A smile then graces his face as he watches Kyuala's gentle movements along with her just audible noises. John's gets such a warm feeling inside that he can't help but kiss her head and smile uncontrollably.

As he brings his head back up, he looks to his left and sees Tally, who is also sound asleep.

As he looks at the stunning elf, and feels a pang of guilt within him. This was the first woman that he slept with when he arrived, she even proclaimed her love for him, and he did the same for her. He wonders if it was a heat of the moment thing, but that's when the warm feeling from before returns which immediately complicates things for him.

As the feeling increases, he can't help but also feel bad for Kyuala. No matter how much he fights it... he loves both women.

Granted, his time was much more limited with Tally than it was with Kyuala, but something about her words gave him a feeling that he didn't expect. Even after finding out about him and Kyuala, Tally wasn't angry, or upset, she simply... understood, and accepted it.

The same seemed to be true with Kyuala. Yes, she more leaned into the sex part of it, but she wasn't angry... just horny. The only part that John is uncertain about... is if Kyuala is okay with him loving both of them.

The combined feeling of the loving warmth within him, the uncertainty of Kyuala's feeling, and just the literal heat in the bed, makes John realize that he needs to pee.

He looks at the two sleeping women, and quietly realizes that his task of moving is going to be near impossible.

He then takes a quiet breath, readying himself before undertaking a potentially even more dangerous feat than killing Imoga...

Disturbing two women's sleep.

John starts by slowly retracting his arms from under the women. He manages to get his left arm out from under Tally with little problem, Kyuala however, not so much.

He tries to move his right arm, but Kyuala doesn't budge an inch.

John then places his left arm on Kyuala's shoulder before gently tipping her up. As he tips Kyuala, he starts moving his arm, and manages to get it out from her.

After letting go of Kyuala as carefully as he could, he then moves onto part two: Actually getting out of the bed.

Immediately, he's in a bad spot considering he's in the middle. He could just lift the covers and move, but that could undo literally his entire plan.

He then decides to go with option B: Slide under the cover.

John then slides under the cover, and begins to slowly make his way out of the other side.

After a dangerous and daring attempt to escape, he finds the light at the end of the tunnel, managing to get out from under the covers without waking either of the two.

John lets out a quick exhale, slightly relaxing before heading into the bathroom.

A few minutes go by, and John walks back into the room, feeling much more relieved now that he's drained the snake.

Before getting back in the bed, John looks out the window, and sees that the sun hadn't even begun to rise yet. John then quickly realizes how much he missed being able to see the time anytime he wanted.

As he realizes that, he then quickly begins to think about all the other small stuff that he took for granted; air conditioning, food delivery, cool drinks wherever he wanted, just to name a few.

While he reminisces on what he has lost, his mind snaps back onto what he has gained. He's met all the girls, the captains, Johtun & Cidal and the angels. The one thing that he thinks about more than anything, is how he has gained a purpose. He may have been practically lumbered with this huge burden of literally saving this world, but the fact that he can do something about it, it makes him feel... oddly proud.

All of the reminiscing comes to a close however, as John is grabbed and pulled back to the bed. He falls onto the bed and immediately sees two green tree trunks for arms wrapped around him.

"I was fine with letting you go to the bathroom, but you were taking too damn long getting back in bed" An obviously groggy Kyuala says.

John quietly chuckles as he leans into the tired bear hug, "Well, i'm back now. So why don't I get under the covers, and you can hold onto me as tight as you want?".

Before John can even get a response, the covers are whipped up, and he is back in-between Tally and Kyuala, with the latter's arms still tightly wrapped around him.

As John relaxes, Kyuala squeezing tighter, and he begins finding more difficult to breathe, so he says, "Uhh.. Kyuala.. you're... squishing... me".

"You said I could hold you as tight as I want".

"But... I didn't... mean... squeeze... the air... out of my.. lungs" John barely replies.

"Then you shouldn't have said 'as tight as I want' then, should you?".

John wants to respond, but decides against it due to Kyuala being stubborn, and the lack of air in his lungs at the moment. He then decides to kiss Kyuala on her head once again and surprisingly, she lets up her bear hug, not much though.

The duo then smile as they relax before heading back to sleep.

A FEW HOURS LATER:

The group are all downstairs, chowing down on some bread rolls and grickhen soup as they discuss their plans for the day.

"Alright, at the festival tonight, i'm thinking... we get as hammered as possible" Amilia says.

"So, you mean like you always do at every festival?" Kyuala responds.

"Well... yeah, pretty much".

John is the next to speak as he asks, "What do they have at these festivals by the way? I'm assuming it's not too different from a renaissance fair?".

"A rena-what now?" Amilia responds.

"The festival is essentially just a big celebration for the end of the mid-year season. It's just a lot of food, games, entertainment, singing, dancing, and the major catalyst of all of those... ****" Kyuala explains.

"Don't forget the fair maidens who are, oh so pure, that end up being stuffed more than the damn cooked pigs".

"Oooh Amilia..." Terra says, "Do I detect a hint of jealousy by any chance?".

"What?! No! Why would I be jealous of some low life, two copper ass sluts who would fuck ratfolk if they gave them the coin?!".

The group all look at Amilia in confusion about the sudden outburst and so Kyuala explains, "Not long after we moved here, we went to the festival and this guy Amilia liked showed up. Amilia talked to him for the whole night, and for the few minutes she came over to talk to me, he had dipped into in alley with one of those women and-".

"And ended up knocking the whore up in the process, serves him right. He was the worst kind of guy, no cock or brain" Amilia finishes Kyuala's story, resentment still present in her voice.

Amilia looks down at the table, obviously annoyed at the memory, but Terra puts her arm around her, and says, "You needn't worry this time around, cause you've got me! I'll beat them up with my staff if I need to!".

Amilia smiles before leaning into the hug and saying, "Thanks Terra".

John then looks to his right and sees Lani is unusually silent, seemingly away in her own world as she nibbles on her food.

John is a little concerned about her, considering the conversation he and Lani had before Kyuala showed up last night.

He then decides to get her attention, "Lani?".

Lani snaps out of her trance-like state as she says, "Yeah?".

"Are you alright? You were completely spaced out there".

Lani takes a second, but eventually replies, "I'm fine... just... thinking, about stuff".

"Well, don't think too hard!" Kyuala says, "We need you to be your regular chirpy self for your first festival! I don't want you be all tired and moody when we're supposed to be having fun".

Lani giggles before saluting Kyuala and saying, "Yes ma'am!". The group all share a laugh at the fairy's response before they continue talking about their plans for the day.

Eventually, the plates are cleared, and the tankards are almost empty. The group are still talking amongst themselves, but that's when the door opens and Daffy walks in, "A-ha! Look who's finally awake! Boot time yer arse got up!".

"Nice to see you too Daffy" John replies as the dwarf walks over to the group before hugging John who happily accepts.

"You just get back into town?" Kyuala asks.

"Yep! After word got back to Wiralsama about the festival still being on, you wouldn't believe how many folk wanted to come. We've got a whole legion of wagons coming in!".

"It would make sense, people will be wanting to forget what happened, and what better way to do that than to party?" Terra says with a little hint of resentment in her voice.

"You sound pretty experienced in that department" Amilia comments.

"You have no idea" Terra responds as she finishes the last of her drink.

As that last part lingers a little too long, Lani asks Daffy, "Hey, since you're here, do you need help unloading the wagon? I know at least 3 capable people willing to help... and Amilia".

Amilia promptly responds, "Y'know, I would be insulted... but it's true".

Lani smiles proudly, but that pride is met with a follow up from Amilia, "I will still eat you wings".

Lani's smile then fades into fear as Daffy finally answers, "I've got sum lackeys tae unpack, but it wid go quicker wae the help".

"We'd be more than happy to help you out Daffy" John says.

The group almost all agree in unison. Amilia was more hesitant to do so, but after a small elbow from Terra, she agreed to help their dwarven friend.

As the six head toward the door, John grabs Kyuala's arm and pulls her back for a second as the others go out to Daffy's wagon.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Kyuala asks.

"Oh, nothing's wrong. I just wanted to ask about what happened with Tally, she wasn't there when I woke up".

Kyuala takes a small sigh of relief before saying, "Oh, she had to go to her shop early, apparently a lot of people wanted new clothes for the festival, so she left before you woke up".

John then replies to that with, "Oh, alright. I just thought that... because of what happened... before the sex... y'know?".

"You mean us learning that you said that you loved us both? I could see how you'd think that something bad happened".

"So, nothing happened...?" John asks hesitantly.

"Well..." Kyuala says, "You did miss out on the part when I had her up on my shoulders while I was eating her delicious elvish pudding".

"Wait, really?!" John then asks, his jaw almost on the floor.

"No, you incredibly horny bastard! What? Five times wasn't enough last night?".

John looks down as he brings his jaw back up, feeling a little embarrassed for believing the obvious lie and for being overly horny. That's when Kyuala grabs his chin, pulling his eyes back up to meet hers as she says, "I never said that was a bad thing by the way".

Kyuala then plants a kiss on John's lips and a smile forms once more which makes Kyuala smile as well.

John then says, "Still... I feel like I should talk to her. I did a pretty shitty thing to both of you".

Kyuala then simply begins to laugh, which makes John a little scared.

Eventually, Kyuala manages to calm her laughter down enough before saying, "John, how common do you think polyamory is here?".

John is stunned by the sudden question, "Uhh... well I know elves are cool with it, but if I had to guess for all the other races... probably pretty rare, right?".

Kyuala simply smiles at John before ruffling his hair and saying, "Oh John, I forget just how innocent you are to this world. Now, yes, harems aren't exactly commonplace, but they aren't rare either, so think of them as in the middle. The most likely to have a harem is very rich people, but since you're... well... you, it seems like you won't need any riches for that to happen".

"Wait, wait, wait... are you saying...?".

Kyuala puts her finger on his lips, "I'm saying... That you've got Tally wrapped around your incredibly talented cock. Now, it's up to you to make sure she knows that you want her".

John is stunned, unsure on how to take Kyuala's words. He eventually gets rid of his confused state before asking, "But, I thought I was... yours?".

Kyuala doesn't respond with words, instead, she grabs John's face before pulling him in for a kiss. As they break, Kyuala says, "You are mine, but are you really going to decline the opportunity to wake up next to two gorgeous, and very horny women, every morning?".

John simply shakes his head, making Kyuala smirk, "That's what I thought. Now, after we help Daffy, you go tell her how you feel, and bring her back".

John smirks with Kyuala doing the same before the two share another kiss. Once they break, Kyuala says, "Okay, we should really go help Daffy now".

"Agreed".

The two then quickly make for the door, and walk outside. They are then quickly met with some words rom Daffy.

"Oh lookie here! The lovebirds finally decided tae come help us oot!".

AN HOUR LATER:

After unloading the last few crates from Daffy's wagon, the group sit down to regain their breath.

"Why... did she have to bring... soooo much shit?" Amilia asks while she pants for air.

"I get that she's a trader and all, but holy fuck I agree with Amilia" John replies as he wipes away the sweat from his forehead.

"I don't know what you're all complaining about, I had quite a fun time" Lani says, a smug ear-to-ear smile as she sits upon the side of the wagon.

The four look up at the happily sitting Lani, and it's Amilia who responds, "Oh, you better hope you can fly fast and far wings, cause i'm feeling reeeeally hungry right now".

Amilia begins to slowly get up, but Terra stops her by putting her hand on Amilia's shoulder, "You're not eating Lani, sit down".

Amilia lets out an annoyed exhale before hitting back down, "Well, what am I supposed to eat?".

Amilia then gets an idea, she then shuffles a little closer over to a distracted John before seductively saying, "I know... i'm gonna eat you, John".

Both John and Terra react in unison with a surprised, "What?!".

"Oh c'mon lover boy, I overheard you last night, you were really going for the trophy huh? Well I want a go, so let's say you fill me up... right... now...".

John is stunned, this sudden advance from Amilia who is leaning towards him, alongside his current thoughts about what to say to Tally, have really rattled him. He then stands up before stammering out, "I-I-I have to go!".

With that, John walks away from the group as he heads toward Tally's store.

Amilia is a little stunned, but more amused as she comments, "Wow, did I freak him out that much?".

"What in the hells was that all about Amilia?!" Terra asks, a more serious tone in her voice than usual.

"What? I was just joking with him. I didn't realize he was gonna take it so seriously".

"It doesn't matter of it was a joke or not! T-t-that was totally inappropriate!" Terra says, that little stammer really catching Amilia's attention.

Amilia then has an inkling of why Terra reacted like that, so Amilia then says with a slight devious smirk, "Terra... are you... jealous?".

Terra is stunned, "W-w-what?! N-n-no! I just... uhh... w-w-what you said was very inappropriate between friends! Especially since John is clearly in some sort of relationship with Kyuala!".

Amilia follows that up by saying, "Well, considering I heard three voices last night, i'm pretty sure Ky isn't exactly following the monogamy path".

Terra is both stunned and speechless, stammers just escape from her mouth as she tried to make some semblance of a sentence. Luckily for Terra, Kyuala saves her from any more embarrassment as she says, "Ami, stop teasing the poor thing. She's practically going to burst".

"Ugh, fine... spoil sport" Amilia says, before thinking of another question, "So where's John heading anyway? He seemed to be in a hurry".

"He's going to see Tally" Kyuala answers.

"Tally? Oh! So, that's who you two were boinking last night? Good taste".

Amilia then looks over to the still flustered Terra and says, "You hear that Terra? Seems our resident hero has a thing for pointy ears. Who knows? You might be next on his list of conquests".

Terra doesn't answer, instead her blush reddens right back up as she looks away from Amilia.

"Ami, that's enough, leave her alone" Kyuala says, which Amilia does, albeit unwillingly.

TALLY'S STORE:

Tally is in a world of her own as she works away on a fancy corset, adding the final touches to the piece. Just then, the door is opened. Tally then looks up to see who just entered, and that's when she sees none other than John.

"Hey Tally".

Tally is stunned, the sweat making John glisten in the sunlight, making her feel some not-so innocent thoughts. She eventually regains her composure before saying, "Hello John, how are you?".

"I'm good... uhh, how are you?".

I am well, thank you for asking" Tally replies before asking, "So, what brings you to my store?".

"Oh, well... it's just... I didn't see you this morning, so I wanted to come by, and check up on you".

Tally's heart suddenly flutters, something about those few words throw her through a whirlwind of warm feelings. The way John looked at her as he said it, she saw a mixture of innocence, and a little bit of nervousness as he looked into her eyes.

That look in his eyes makes Tally wonder what the other reason for John being here is, but she doesn't want to confront him about it, so she decides to keep the conversation going.

"Well, that is very sweet of you to do. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you waking up, I had to open the store early because of orders, plus, I knew people would want new clothes for the festival".

"That makes sense, need to make money after all" John replies with a little chuckle, still looking a little nervous as he tries to figure out how to properly word his feelings.

"Uhh... Tally... I..." John gets out, feeling like a kid confessing to their crush.

Tally stands up, walking over to John, and making him ultimately more nervous. Tally then looks at him in the eyes, a few inches of space between them. Just then, in a sweet, calm tone, Tally says, "It's okay John... take your time".

John looks into the elf's eye, all the clashing words now clearing as he knows exactly what to do.

Tally is then quickly stunned as John brings his hands up to her face, and in the blink of an eye, brings her in for a kiss.

The kiss isn't like the two have previously had during sex, no, this kiss is deep, passionate, and filled with pure emotion. The kiss lasts for a few seconds, but for the two, it feels like hours.

Eventually, the two separate, but their eyes stay locked on to the other. Silence may fill the store, but it couldn't be any louder in the ears of the two that stand in the center.

Both of them want to speak, but they also want the other to say something first. Eventually, John is the one to speak as he says, "I wanted to tell you how I feel about you... I hope that lets you know".

Tally is once again, stunned. Her mind is full of thoughts and words that she can't even decipher, her stomach is full of butterflies on crack, and her heart is filled with that same warmth that she had when the last time they had sex, before last night that is.

All of those thoughts, butterflies and warm feelings all come together as Tally finally gets out some words.

"So... does that mean?".

"Kyuala and I talked..." John says, "I told her that I felt bad about what happened, and I wanted to talk to you. That's when she told me to tell you how I feel, and that she wanted me to bring you back, and not just for a night".

Tally's eyes are wide open, her jaw agape as she is in disbelief at what she just heard, "Are you saying that Kyuala-".

"Kyuala wants you to... join us? Join in? I don't really know the right term to use, but... she wants that".

Tally is silent, but her eyes show an indescribable amount of happiness and excitement. She looks at John and plants her lips back onto his, giving him the answer he was looking for.

This kiss last for a few seconds before Tally pulls back to say, "I never expected anything like this. I assumed we would be done after last night, but after hearing you say that... I promise to never let either of you forget how good I can make you feel".

"Well, Kyuala will certainly be excited to hear that".

After those words, the two laugh as they embrace one other as tight as they can.

A few moments pass by before the two let go, that's when John says, "I suppose we should go tell Kyuala the good news".

"That we should" Tally says.

The two then smile as Tally quickly grabs a sign from behind the counter before the two head to the door. As they walk outside, Tally locks the door and hangs the sign on the handle before the two walk off.