The next day.

Slowly, your eyelids flutter open. Your first sensation is that of complete exhaustion, and the memories of the previous day come flooding back. You bolt up in the bedroll and suddenly realize it's not yours. You're inside some kind of tent, again not your own. And you were dressed in your underclothes, with no evidence of indecent tampering. A quick glance to your right reveals your armour and sword on the tent floor, placed carefully to avoid any damage or exposure. 'Hmph. Maybe there is honour among thieves after all.' You think to yourself, standing up and yawning. Exhaustion clings to your limbs like dew on the morning grass, trying it's best to keep you down and in bed. But such slovenly behaviour is no fit for such an upstanding paladin such as yourself. Plus, you still have a quest to complete.

After completing the arduous task of putting your armour on by yourself, you open the tent flap and stride out. Instantly, you are greeted with two familiar faces. It's Dancing Tide and Firewater, the two cousins. The former you had saved from certain **** yesterday. It seemed that both had been standing guard outside your tent while you slumbered. You smile as both of them quickly stride towards you, each putting one hand on each cheek and squeezing, which you guess is their way of showing thanks. "We were not sure if you would survive girl." Firewater says with a smile, his white teeth shining in the morning sun. "You sleep like a dead man. Not a word, nor a grumble. Still as stone." Dancing Tide seems equally happy, his hand squeezing your cheek firmly. He rolls up his sleeve to show you the new pattern that lines from the bottom of his chest up to his collarbone, then back down his right arm. Evidence of your work. "You save me. That I will not forget." Dancing Tide said, giving your cheek a squeeze so firm that it reminds you of your grandmother, before finally letting go. His gaze lingers on you a tad too long, with a look that brings a heat to your cheeks and makes you look away.

Sensing your embarrassment, Firewater quickly speaks up. "Pale girl, the boss has summoned. You sleep through most of the day. Day's end is only a few turns away." He gestured to the setting sun. "They wanted to wake you a turn ago, but we didn't allow them." He smiled, speaking in his exotic accent. You figure out that turns must mean hours, and day's end must mean evening. "I suppose I should go and meet him." You say reluctantly, knowing that a meeting with Karl means that the attack will begin soon. And bloodshed will follow.

"Perhaps." Dancing Tide said. "Though he could be delayed awhile longer." You turn to look at him inquisitively. An impish grin is plastered over his face. "My cousin wouldn't stop talking about the pale goddess who saved his life. Us three could get better acquainted in your tent I think. If the pale goddess would want to of course."

Your cheeks colour again, deeper this time. You don't really care about keeping Karl waiting, but you know that taking this invitation will certainly mean sex with these strange and yet rather intoxicating men. Your cheeks colour slightly at the idea. It wouldn't be against any of your vows after all...