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Olivine turned to face them, showing off her completely nude body, her smile broadened with recognition. “Well, fuck me sideways. John? And Ellie? What brings you here? And is the tall fella not accompanying you today?”

Before the couple could respond, she closed the distance between them and enveloped them in a warm hug, catching Alison and Violet in the crossfire. “Come in, come in. What can I do for you today?” she asked cheerfully.

Shale ground her teeth and her voice cut through the moment, fuming, “Olivine! Put your damn clothes on!” she demanded.

Olivine stiffened up, let go of the group hug and took two large steps back before slowly glancing down at her bare body, her face immediately flushing crimson. Frantically she began scanning the smithy, using her arms in an attempt to cover her curvaceous body.

Garlena watched her sister searching the workshop, growing more frantic as she went. The golem bit her lip a little before calling out, “Mistress, you discarded your clothing early this morning while I helped you forge nails. I folded them and stored them in the trunk by your door.”

Shale shot Garlena a disapproving glare, as Olivine rushed to the trunk, swiftly pulling her dress over her body and returning to the group, still red-faced.

“Aww, you’re such a darling. Come here,” Olivine said, embracing her taller sister, before attempting to plant an appreciative kiss on the cheek, though Garlena had other ideas, turning her face to catch her lips. Olivine seemed to ignore the gesture and continued, “My little sister spoils me too much, what would I do without you?”

Shale sighed. “Olivine, did you miss the fact that she just got you to kiss her on the lips, in addition to waiting for you to search the entire shop for the clothes she very clearly hid?” she interjected.

Olivine glanced at her sisters. “It was just an accident, nothing to get upset about. Right, GG?” she asked.

Garlena blushed, avoiding Olivine’s gaze while nervously nibbling her fingertip. “I might have been a little distracted… and your guests were enjoying the view too… Oh, by the way, are these the ones you mentioned that came to the forge right before you closed up the other day? If so, you were right, they are hot.”

Olivine’s blush deepened and she flailed her arms in protest. “I never said that! Just ignore her, she doesn’t know what she’s saying, she must be confused,” she spluttered.

Shale let out an exaggerated sigh. “Can we please move on? Introductions should probably be made, would have been better if that had happened before you started flashing everyone.”

Olivine glared at Shale. “Oh, that’s rich, at least I’m only naked temporarily. I don’t go around adding permanent dirty features to the things I make like someone! Like seriously, who needs a quick-release crotch in armour?”

Shale huffed. “W-well, sometimes people need to use the bathroom in those things, you know!” she argued.

“And I suppose removable cups are for when you need to breastfeed on the battlefield, right?” Olivine countered.

The two dwarves' argument was silenced as Garlena pulled them both into a hug, both women’s faces being pressed into one of their sister's breasts. “Come on, there’s no need to fight. As adorable as I find both of you when you’re mad, I’m not sure it gives the impression you’d like to leave on our guests. Plus, I’m sure you’d like John to think of you more favourably, right, Olivine?”

Olivine sighed, and returned the hug, while Shale half-heartedly protested. Olivine began to argue that she wasn’t the one to start the argument, but Garlena quickly shut both sisters up again by peppering their cheeks with kisses, some of which drew dangerously close to their lips.

The two dwarves squirmed, both giggling and pushing away from their sister but unable to escape her embrace.

While the sisters bickered, John and Ellie explained how they’d met Olivine to the others. Once the sisters had finally settled down, John introduced Olivine to the rest of his group.

Garlena turned to look at Olivine. “Mistress, John is trying to help Agni to find things she might be interested in. Being a lava slime, it could make sense that she might find smithing and forging to be something she likes, isn’t that right, Agni?” she asked, looking at the group but furrowing her brow when the person in question was missing.

A sound of disgust echoed from across the smithy, followed by spitting and spluttering, drawing everyone’s attention to Agni, who had sneaked past everyone and had picked at the forge in order to try eating hot coals. “These are super yucky. They were all glowy and red so I thought they might be good,” she complained.

Olivine was the first to walk over. “I’m not surprised they’re not tasty… though you are a lava slime, hmm. Maybe you’d like the taste of some hot slag?”

Garlena and Shale burst out into laughter and Olivine stared daggers at them. “Oh, grow up, both of you,” she chastised before turning back to Agni. “I have some Field’s metal somewhere around here if you want to try that, or maybe some crystals?”

Olivine rummaged through some storage bins, pulling out a couple of handfuls of random minerals and metals. Agni happily tried them, spitting out the metals and slag but seemingly enjoying some of the crystals she’d been offered.

“So, how about trying some forging?” Olivine suggested. She gave a quick explanation of the process, but before Agni even lifted the hammer, she shook her head.

“Eh, I am bored already. The metal was not very tasty, so hitting it with more metal does not seem fun,” Agni explained. “What was that cooking thing you were talking about? That sounds like it could be interesting, let us try that?”

“I’m not sure if Sunni will let us, but we can ask,” Skye said. “We’ve shown the master the craftsman’s guild and he’s been introduced to everyone, so I think it is about time we moved on. Thank you for your hospitality and patience.”

“Oh, you’re gonna see Sunni?” Shale asked. “Can ya ask her to send some grub over here at some point and I’ll make sure to pay extra. Also, make sure to stay on her good side.” The dwarf looked at Agni. “And you should talk to Ceruleia, she might have some suggestions for what you could try for entertainment.”

As the group headed towards the door, Olivine and Shale waved goodbye. “Hey, cutie, make sure to come back soon. If you give us a heads up, Olivine might make sure her clothes are missing… Though to be fair, she’ll probably be nude anyway. If you let me know, I can hide her clothes so you have more time to appreciate those delectable curves.”

Olivine went beet red and began complaining, dragging the golem girl back into the building. John and his group chuckled and followed their guides.

The next destination was only a short walk and the building they approached was rather intriguing. It was small, with a large barrel on top. Walking through the saloon doors at the front, they entered a much larger bar interior. Kegs lined the wall behind the bar and every piece of furniture was either made from or shaped like a barrel. There were only two individuals inside but it was clear they were staff and not patrons. A light-skinned redheaded dwarven girl wiped down one of the tables, while a blue slimegirl tended the bar; her attire quickly drew the attention. She wore a skirt and a white shirt, which was wide open revealing a very skimpy black bra which allowed her ample chest to spill out around it.

The short redhead practically skipped over with a bright smile. “Hello my lovelies! It’s great to see you on this most gorgeous day. Feel free to sit anywhere you’d like, unless you’re interested in a private booth or a room for the night? Could I get you something to eat or drink?”

“Hello again, Sunni. It’s lovely to see you again. We are actually making rounds to introduce our master. John, this is the owner of The Bottom of the Barrel, Sunni. Sunni, this is our master, John,” Skye said, standing between them.

Extending his hand, John said, “It’s great to meet you, and I appreciate having you here to help us.”

Ignoring his hand, Sunni hugged John’s midsection. “Oh, Aren’t you just a doll? Come on in, please sit,” she said, guiding the group to a large table. “Ceruleia, please go mix up some fresh lemonade, then come sit with us.”

The blue slime smiled before she glided across the floor, disappearing through a door behind the bar. Moments later, she reemerged with a large pitcher and enough mugs for everyone

As she moved around the bar, John spotted a curious sight. Her bottom half lacked any physical defining shape, though within the clear blue of her body, he could see an outline of legs, ending in black heels, which moved as if she was walking.

John couldn’t tell if her legs were actually real and that the slime around them was like a dress, or if the imagery was purely for show, meant to put others at ease.

“First, I’d be remiss if I didn’t start with business. Please consider The Bottom of The Battel for all your catering and lodging needs, whether personal or for any future events planned for your little hamlet here,” Sunni said. “Of course, as the leader, you and your immediate group will receive a discount, but I can’t extend that offer to all of your dragonlings.”

“Drakelings, dear,” Skye cut in, with a gentle smile. “And it would be rude of us to expect you to extend that generous concession to everyone.”

“Ah, of course, drakelings, My apologies, lovie. The Great Bearded One has asked me to reserve you one of my more premium rooms, so feel free to use it at any time,” Sunni informed John, tossing him a key.

Right at that moment, Robin, Flint and another rowdy dwarf staggered down the staircase, loudly singing to each other and laughing while holding barrel-shaped tankards.

“Flint! Cole! Keep your damn voices down, you louts. That is unless you want to be thrown out onto your asses!” Sunni thundered, the ray of sunshine now taking on a darker fearsome aura. Noticing Robin with the two, her expression softened and the caring tone returned. “Oh, Robin dear, you’re not included in that threat. Though I would appreciate it if you could also keep the noise level down to indoor voices.”

Robin laughed and rubbed his arm. “Of course, Sunni. I apologise for the commotion, seems your delicious homebrew might have gotten me a little over-excited,” he replied, smiling. He then noticed the group and began blushing silently as he acknowledged them.

“Ey up a minute. How come we get a bollockin’, but you get all mother hen with Robin just giving him a nice gentle reminder?” Cole grumbled.

As Sunni stormed over, the other two dwarves raised their hands defensively. Unfazed, she grabbed them, and while they kicked and cried, she dragged them across the room before tossing them out of the front door, one after the other, then dusted her hands.

“I don’t have the patience for those fools today,” she muttered with a huff. “Next time I won’t be so kind as to use the door though, you’ll find yourself either through a window or the wall.”

Flint groaned and John could see him standing up from beneath the saloon door. “When do you ever have patience?” he grumbled.

Rage filled the short redhead's face again and she slammed the doors open staring furiously at the dwarves. “Did you say something? I don’t think I heard you properly!” she yelled.

“N-no ma’am,” both dwarves responded in unison, scrambling to their feet and scurrying away in opposite directions.

John and the girls chuckled, joined by Robin, albeit more awkwardly.

Robin took a seat around the table and poured himself a glass of lemonade, downing it in one. “So, how’s the tour been? The, uh, rooms are really nice here,” he said with an embarrassed chuckle.

“It’s been fine,” John started. “We’ve seen Merl, the guy in charge, and the craftsman triplets. We also picked up a side quest to find Agni some hobbies and interests. Thought she might like blacksmithing but it was no luck. Our next option was maybe cooking.”

Robin hummed. “Any other leads? Also, it might be worth not putting all your eggs in the lava basket, just because she’s part lava slime, doesn’t mean that everything she enjoys has to be heat-related.”

Alison perked up. “Sh-she said she l-l-likes the outdoors. M-maybe we could go f-f-for a w-walk? You s-said there is a for-forest close by, r-right?” she asked.

John nodded, and Robin agreed, turning to look at the slime golem. “Agni, is there anything specific you like about the outdoors?”

“Hmm,” Agni mused, touching her cheek thoughtfully, “Agni just likes the outside. It is big and free, and wind is nice. It is cool and tingly on Agni’s skin but a different tingly than when John is close.”

John nodded. “We could try visiting the beach again. We also need to walk through the forest to go and see Lani too. We’re probably going to get an escort so we can tell them we’d like to take a scenic route,” he suggested.

Finally, his eyes settled on the other slime girl. “Hey, I hope this isn’t an imposition but Garlena mentioned asking you for some ideas, maybe there’s something common that slimes enjoy?” he asked.

“Wow, racist. You think all slimes are the same?” Ceruleia scoffed. John’s face dropped and he felt anxiety wash over him before the blue slime began laughing. “Just yanking your chain, and yeah, I think I might have a couple suggestions. Agni is a lava slime though, so we’re kinda on opposite sides of the slime spectrum. She might like suggestions I give but others could be uncomfortable for her, but we can see what works and what doesn’t.”

Sunni smiled and took Ceruleia’s hand. “How about starting simple, maybe show her something easy to make in the kitchen?”

“Sure, sounds good. Agni, follow me, I have a recipe that’s easy but will get your feet wet, so to speak,” Ceruleia said, taking Agni’s hand and leading her through the door, leaving the group waiting in relative silence.

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