At first Eve and her sister stay where they are. Maybe the Matriarchs are just bluffing.
“Don’t be afraid, you two.” Tristan says. “We are not going to attack you. I just want for us to talk.”
With Tristan’s assurances, Eve and Ai walk into the room.
“Oooh, I like the one on the left.” Minerva says, referring to Eve. “The whole covered in blood look is really … sensuel.”
“Careful Minerva.” Lydia admonishes her fellow Matriarch. “Your excitement is showing.”
A quick glance at Minerva lets Eve know she has a bulge in her dress where her groin is.
“Congratulations for making it this far, you two.” Tristan compliments the Union sisters. “Not many women have made it this far. Even less with no traces of the Tower's gifts. I must say, I am quite impressed.”
“You even made it past The Sinful Lady.” Lydia says. “That is quite a feat.”
“Thank you.” Eve says. “It feels great to have you acknowledge our feats. Maybe you can do us a favor for the entertainment we’ve provided you.”
“Hohohooo,” Minerva laughs. “Quelle avidité.”
“Come now, Minerva.” Tristan says. “It doesn’t hurt to listen.” Then she turns to Eve and says, “State your terms.”
“I know it’s a long shot but …” Eve says. “… Perhaps you could stop hostilities and commit to a ceasefire?”
Lydia’s stern face breaks and starts snickering. Minerva even starts laughing out loud, like she’s heard the best joke in years. Tristan merely smiles.
“I am afraid that is a term we cannot agree to.” Tristan tells Eve. “But I will grant you something else for your troubles. Instead of getting impregnated by one of the many mindless towerlings, you may choose to be impregnated by any one of us. As our handmaidens, you will live longer than any normal human, enjoy your youth your entire lives and maintain your intelligence.”
“Sorry to disappoint.” Ai says, “But we prefer to have children on our own terms.”
“The only other option is for you to continue your journey through the tunnel behind us.” Tristan says, pointing behind her. “However, before we let you through there, you will have to prove your worth.”
Eve looks at her sister, then asks Tristan, “Haven’t we proven ourselves enough already?”
“Not for what lies beyond.” Tristan explains. “For that you’ll have to work a little more. What I have for you here are three challenges. If you can pass all three, I will not stand in your way.”
“What kind of challenges?” Eve asks.
“Ehe, no spoilers.” Tristan chuckles.
Eve looks at Ai and asks her, “What do you think?”
Ai holds her sister’s, looks lovingly into her eyes and says, “Together we can face anything.”
Eve turns back to Tristan and says, “Give us some food, some water and some time to rest. Then we’ll face your first challenge.”
“Fair enough.” Tristan nods, and soon some food and a pair of water bottles appear from the ground in front of the Union sisters.
Eve and Ai sit down in front of the Matriarchs and start eating. During the meal, Eve can feel Minerva’s eyes stay on her. She can feel the maid Matriarch’s eyes on her breasts. It is really quite uncomfortable.
When they are fed and rested, Eve and Ai stand up, weapons in hand and Eve says, “We’re ready, Tristan. What is your first challenge?”
TEAM STATUS
Eveline Union: Naked, Covered in dry blood, Rested
Arms: Lupick Claw
Ai Union: Naked, Covered in dry blood, Romantically in love with Eveline, Rested
Arms: Pair of Lupick Claws
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