A sympathetic ear

It takes you almost two days to tell the story. Sarah seems to enjoy listening, and asks a lot of questions, both about your father’s adventures and your own. She’s a little disappointed when you avoid going into his sex life, but you describe your own to her, which she seems to enjoy immensely. You note that the only other person you see in that time is the guard that brings you food every so often. It’s a wonder that Sarah is as sane as she is.

When you finally finish your story, she smiles at you. “That’s a great story. Thanks for sharing, it feels good to have someone to actually talk to.”

You smile back. “I’m glad to share. So how about you? What’s your story?”

Sarah shrugs, her smile fading a little. “Not much to tell, really. Once I left home to make my way in the world, I discovered that I have a talent for metalwork, and a natural affinity for enchantment. I lived in a small town outside the capital, until I got a little too well known.”

She shakes her head. “About a year ago, the Order came knocking. I refused to work for them, and the next thing I know, I’m here.”

You nod. “What about your family?”

She shakes her head. “They’re…unavailable.”

You can sense you’re not going to get any more information than that. There’s definitely something in her past that she’s hiding, likely something involving her family and the Order. You don’t want to pry right now, especially if it’s sensitive. Sarah could be an ally, especially if you try to escape. Plus…she’s nice, and she’s cute. If you’re completely honest with yourself, you find her very attractive, and there’s not much to do here.

Sarah breaks your train of thought with a question. “So, you said you had a fancy sword, and it has all sorts of powers. Can you summon it? If it could cut these bars…”

You shake your head. “I’ve tried. Supposedly I can call it to me, but I think I’m too far away.”

Sarah sighs. “I suppose that would be too easy. Well, with two of us, maybe we can come up with something.”

You smile. “I’m sure we will. I have to get back to my girls, after all.”

The hellhound chuckles. “Of course you do. I’d like to meet them, some day.”

You nod. “I think they’d like you. Ferra especially.”

Mentioning Ferra makes you wonder how the golem girl is handling being separated. You hope she isn’t too distraught, and that she knows that you’ll get back to her somehow. Of all the girls, she’s at once both the most capable, and the most dependent upon you.

Sarah puts a clawed hand on your shoulder. “Hey. I know that look. Don’t let yourself get into a funk, that’s how you lose it in here.”

You nod. “It’s hard. I miss them already.”

She smiles. “Of course. I’d think less of you if you didn’t. But right now, you have other problems to worry about.”

You look at her. “Like what?”

Sarah grins. “Like how we’re going to pass the time until your girls rescue us!”

You smile, nodding. “Good point. So, you’re not worried about me being corrupted?”

She shakes her head. “If you were, I’d have smelled it on you already. But there’s something odd about your aura. I can’t place it, but it’s like magic just washes off of you.”

You chuckle. “I’d tell you, but it’s a secret.”

Sarah raises an eyebrow. “A secret, hmm? Aren’t we mysterious! I suppose I’ll just have to get closer to you.”

There’s a different kind of light in her eyes as she leans against you.