Travel and warning

The next few days go smoothly, although traveling through the forest is slow and tiring. Melora’s powers are a great help in avoiding patrols, although they don’t appear to be looking for you in particular. According to her, despite the anger at your escape, you’re not considered a high priority. You attribute this as much to the Great One’s unstable mental state as to their confidence. Regardless, you’re thankful for that reprieve, at least.

Although it’s slow going, everyone chips in to the best of their abilities. Melora’s vision and Victor’s knowledge of the area are huge assets, obviously. Cassie surprises everyone with her knowledge of woodscraft, identifying berries and mushrooms that are edible, and avoiding dangerous ones. Alex is of course helpful in lighting campfires and providing light. And Sarah turns out to be quite an adept hunter, despite having been a prisoner for quite some time. It’s easy to forget that the muscular hellhound is likely the strongest in the party after Ferra.

Speaking of Ferra, you and her feel a bit useless on this part of the journey. Ferra’s primary skills are in combat, which isn’t needed here. And with Victor taking the lead so far, you’re left without much to do. The girls don’t seem to mind, taking pleasure in watching out for you for now. Even Victor doesn’t seem to mind.

“Don’t worry, Nicholas, we’ll reach the edge of the woods soon. Then we’ll definitely need your…skills.”

The way he says that is odd, and you see him hiding a grin. Beside you, Melora stifles a giggle, and you glance over to see her blush. Looking back to Victor, you raise an eyebrow.

“Ok, you’re going to have to elaborate, that was way too obvious.”

Victor laughs. “I suppose it’s better if we don’t spring it on you. When we get out of the woods, we’re heading towards an inn. The innkeeper is friendly, and will help us get supplies, as well as hiding us for a couple days.”

You nod. “Sounds good so far. Which means that there’s going to be a catch.”

The panther man chuckles and shrugs. “I suppose you could put it like that. She’s…odd. In several ways.”

Melora interrupts. “Hey, be nice, Victor. Addie is wonderful, even if she talks weird.”

You look at Victor curiously. “She talks weird?”

Victor shrugs. “She does. I don’t know where she got the strange accent and dialect, but it’s very…unique. But as Melora said, Addie is a good person. And she has helped us in the past. But that’s where her other unique trait comes in.”

You chuckle. “You make it sound so ominous.”

Victor shakes his head. “Not at all, let me explain. Addie is a monster girl, and I know you’re aware of how monster girls bond with their chosen mate quickly.”

He gestures back towards Cassie and Sarah as he says this, and you nod. “Yeah, I’m very aware of it.”

Victor continues. “Well, sometimes the bond works differently. In Addie’s case, she has an intense desire to sleep with someone once, and never again. Essentially, her life is a series of one night stands. As far as I can tell, she’s happy with that, and it’s why she opened her inn in the first place. She even offers free lodging to the person she sleeps with.”

You laugh. “I imagine that makes her very popular.”

Victor shrugs. “She does get some tourists that way, but it’s not like she sleeps with just anyone. And she’s very good at saying no, forcefully if needed. But I imagine she’ll take one look at you and be all over you.”

Melora laughs. “He’s speaking from experience!”

You smile, looking at Victor. The panther man’s dark skin hides it, but you’re fairly certain he’s blushing. “It’s true. I’m not normally…sexual, but as I said, Addie is a lovely woman.”

You nod. “And I’m guessing you want me to agree to sleep with her?”

Victor shrugs. “That’s up to you. I’m just explaining what will likely happen.”

You turn to Melora. “And you’re okay with that?”

Melora nods. “Of course! And I already talked with the other girls, they’re all on board, even Ferra. Alex even volunteered to take your place if you want!”

You chuckle. “Of course she did. Well, you don’t have to twist my arm, yes, I’ll have sex with the strange innkeeper.”

Melora laughs.