Ness Ch 2 - A Red Nuisance

"Try this on...n-no not like that *sigh* come here and let me show you." Ness walked towards the half naked princess and began assisting her with the slightly loose clothes she had picked out for her to wear in a bid to help keep her disguised from the public.

Giving the princesses frame Ness understood some adjustments were needed to be made. So she brought along a few clips and pins to help hold the gown in place. Unlike Ness herself, Princess Lana was slimmer, she had slender long legs and a nice height to match, and her breasts were nice and large which made it a little awkward when trying to find something perfect to fit her.

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%Lana's Modelling Outtakes unlocked%

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Ness dressed Lana in a few outfits, trying to find a nice canvas to work with.

"By the way Lana, You mentioned you had another one of those visions? What was it about?" Ness inquired whilst trying to straighten a long lace shawl beside the modelling Princess to see if it would go with the outfit.

"Oh-right, I did didn't I...Hmm, It was a little foggy but we were all in it. H-h-he was in it too" Her brown cheeks blushed a little when she referred to that fellow.

"There was more faces too, new faces I have never seen before and it looked as though we were in a party, a strong party. But that's not the weirdest thing about it, what was strange was the party name. We were called...the new hero party"

"Arah! Like-like the old Hero Party? A-amazing" Just the thought of both her and Lana being in a party again set Ness heart alight.

Half of an hour later and Ness finally managed to get the Princess dressed and ready for their departure. The final touches were in place, and Ness completed the makeover by adding a specially crafted masquerade festival mask to hide the Princesses face.

"Viola! Now we're all set" she said taking a good look at the final masterpiece of her work and making sure there was nothing which revealed the true identity of the the princess.

Lana stood awkwardly in the oversized robes with the slightly heavy mask on. Her hair had been gathered and pinned into a bun. And she had on a pair of white gloves fitted onto her hands. From an initial look at her, you would think she was a street performer of some kind or a maid belonging to a high noble household.

"Say Ness...where did you get hold of these strange wears anyway? and what's with the mask." She asked rather inquisitively

"Well-err...erm" Nell's face slowly turned red whilst she tried to dispel those memories from the past. She couldn't imagine what Lana would think if she knew she used to have a somewhat...daringly lewd nature when it came down to sex.

% Looking Through the Hourglass POV -Ness' Memory unlocked%

_

"It's...cough-not important anyway let's get going...Oh right I almost forgot- have you taken your..." There was a slight hesitance in her words. Ness felt a little unsure of how to word it, afraid she might hurt her best friends feelings. Lana in response could only cover her pretty mouth and lightly giggle.

"You shouldn't feel the need to hold back with me Ness. It's ok to mention it and yes I've taken my medicine already. See?" Lana carried a small golden pendant around her slender neck. But the pendant was actually a golden case which housed four tiny round sweets inside. Each one a different colour to the next and supposed to be ate at a particular time of the day. Once Lana had pried the delicate case open one sweet had already been eaten, showing only three inside.

Ness visibly exhaled a relieved sigh. The last thing she wanted to happen was for Lana to suddenly have one of her episodes whilst they snuck out. She dreaded to think what the Queen would say if something happened to her whilst she was under her watch.

"Hey don't make that face. Today's going to be a good day" Lana said with a warm smile bright enough to douse any shadowy thought away from Ness' heart. The girl in question felt her heart calming down and nodded in response.

"It'll be the best day ever...come on then lets go and find your future husband."

By the hour the sun had placed itself in the center of the skies, a group of partial clouds appeared across the spread of the vast azure plane above. Both Ness and Princess Lana had already reached the inner bailey and were currently heading towards the postern gate where the animals and mounts were kept in their own purposely built houses. Ness had already memorized the shift patterns of the guards. It was tricky but she had about 15 years worth of experience since she had been visiting these same grounds since she was a lot younger.

Once they rounded the bailey and could see the tall barracks positioned before the outer gate, Ness felt her goal on the cusp of being achieved. She took a quick look down at Ness. Her best friend looked calm, rather gentle and not so much anxious. Ness understood that most likely wasn't the case and this was Lana's usual disposition during serious matters.

'She's always so calm and collect in these situations. I cant help but remember our days travelling the world as adventurers....sigh oh Lana.' She thought to herself. The days of the past were still a bitter sweet memory to remember. Ness shook away her fears, she was determined to make sure Lana lived a life worth living. Despite her illness, she wouldn't stop trying to make sure her best friend could escape the prison which was this gloomy castle.

Ness could still remember that chilling feeling whenever Lana lost control. An image flashed through her memory...

(% Ness Memory%)

and she couldn't help but nervily glance at her beautiful looking friend beside her. 'How could she change so much whenever she slipped into that...state' She wondered. After a while Ness could only exhale, the lana in front of her was her friend and that was all that mattered.

Just as Ness had planned they managed to time their exit to absolute perfection. The guardsmen didn't even look at them twice, judging by their lackluster attitude towards the pair leaving it was clear they had never suspected the princess hiding beneath those garments.

Both Ness and Lana were filled with incredulous joy once they had made it onto the soft matted jade grass spread across the outside of the castle. Ness could barely contain her joy and was instantly filled with exuberance as she held Lana's slender hands between her own and jumped in joy.

"We did it Lana-we did it" she sung.

"Hahaha*Giggle* it's all thanks to you Ness. Come on, shall we attend the festival?"

"Ahem and just where you two think you're going." The moment Ness heard that familiar voice her heart instantly sank. Of all the people to have spotted them, of course it was one of the few people she wished she could be done with and forever erase from her memories.

The fellow appeared behind one of the slanted trees in attendance. He was clothed in silver armor with his own custom red and carmine plates fashioned onto his shoulders. He also carried a sword placed in a brown scabbard. An unblemished faced young man with fiery red hair.

%Rudd's Portrait unlocked%

"What the hell you doing here!" Ness barked

"Oh-ho if it isn't my lovely Nesselda! I see you're still spirited to see me as always" the fellow chuckled self mockingly

"Fuck you! why the hell are you here? are you...are you stalking me again?" She roared back

The accusation erased all the humor from his face , his red brows narrowed deeply.

"Still spouting that crap again? My father almost beat me until I was black and blue once word got out that I somehow was 'harassing' one of the Princesses dearest companions. Heh...if only they knew what a Nymphomanic slu-"

"Rudd!" Lana almost shouted

Her voice seemed to have surprised Rudd whose eyes widened out of shock, before sheer amusement creased against his face.

"hahahaha well I'll be damned. Pr-ahem...It's always a pleasure Princess Lana" he said with a wide smile and an audacious bow.

"You will do well to remember I am of the royal house. And Ness is my companion, so you will respect her especially in my presence...understand."

"Ah of course- of course. One thousand apologies your highness. I just didn't recognize you under that...disguise? and correct me if im wrong but aren't the members of the royal house supposed to usually leave the castle via the main gates and upon the kings road. Hmm how strange-very strange indeed. Could it be...no...surely not...Nesselda? Princess Lana? Are you sneaking out of the castle."

'This fucking animal!' Ness grit her teeth and tightened her fists.

If Lana wasn't here she might've beat Rudd until he couldn't talk. But she understood there was trouble awaiting her if she laid a finger on him. That damn silver ranked he earned meant she could only challenge him to an official duel that must go through the Knights guild for approval. Failure to do so and simply attacking him could lead to her suffering severe consequences.

"Rudd, if it's coin you need. Then I'll pay you but I must stress the need for keeping this between us three. Although..." Lana raised her slender right hand and icy chill suddenly swept through the area around them. Small shards of ice started to appear around her outstretched hand. "I'm willing to exercise other means to ensure you don't ruin our day."

Lana's expressionless gaze remained firm. There wasn't an ounce of waver nor fear in them. Ness could tell from a single look at her friend, she was prepared to go as far as she needed too. But...

"buahaha oh my- no-no-no how could I ever threaten or spoil the princesses fun? How can I sleep at night knowing I was the one who stomped on the hard thought out plans and dreams of the Princess. Considering all the hardships you've suffered...I mean...unstable magic and all? I can only grimace at my heart at what conjuring those blades of ice must be doing to your blood...sigh...Forgive me Princess for being a thorn in your side this morning. But how can I ignore my duties as a knight...tsk...such a unpleasant dilemma to be in." Rudd folded his arms and started to ponder as though he was seriously thinking about the difficulty of the matter.

Ness could only bite her lower lip to quell her anger. She knew all too well that he was playing games. And she understood exactly what his words meant. Even if he didn't outrightly say it aloud. She turned her eyes towards Lana's outstretched arms. And her eyes softened. 'She's trembling...even with this low level magic it still...hurts her...damn it!' Ness understood she had to make a decision. The risk of Lana losing control was a fate she didn't want to imagine.

"Oi Rudd, th-that's enough. Let us go and I'll...I'll owe you one." she whispered deflatingly Rudd's eyes suddenly flashed with a wildness and almost deranged happiness.

"Oh my Nesselda swearing an oath? oh my- oh my is the sky falling down? am I dreaming hahaha someone hit me- I cannot tell!"

Whilst Rudd continued his hysterical and eerily manic laughter, all Ness could do was stand her ground and watch him carefully.

'I should've killed him when I had the chance...h-how could I even let him-'

"Ah Nesselda I have a brilliant idea. I'll grant you your desires. And swear absolute secrecy about you and Princess Lana's escapades so to speak"

"Ah!" Lana gasped lowering her outstretched hands finally which subtly still shook with pain beside her. The hovering ice dutifully melted away as well.

Ness felt her heart heart a little but she had to remain cool headed, especially around Rudd.

"T-thank you" she **** out of her mouth

"Oh no-no-no don't thank me I'm merely honoring our turbulent and somewhat poetic love"

"Love? stop saying crazy thing before I beat you- I said I owe you one so move the fuck out of the way."

"hahaha forgive me Nesselda but I recall one too many instances of what that 'owe you one' later turns out to be. So just for this perfect moment I have acquired something to help us keep things...honest." Rudd wore a snide smile before he tapped his spatial ring and summoned a small glass egg covered in gold and carmine runes.

"I spent quite a bit of money on this hehe but alas it'll be put to good use. This is an advanced Gear- called Oathbreaker." Before Ness could say another word Rudd had twisted the egg open which released a blinding golden light.

"Nesselda swears to honor the pact made between us today. In 20 days time if said pact isn't honored...*Whispering*

"Hey what the fuck is that! and-wh-what are you whispering you freak"

"Don't fear. It's merely a harmless way of making sure oaths are kept. And it wont work unless you agree to it hehe. Don't fret Nesselda I wont ask of you what you haven't done before" he said licking his lips crudely.

Ness felt goosebumps crawling up her spine. She couldn't allow this psycho back into her life after all she had gone through to rid herself from him.

'I could kill him? No one would miss him surely?'

"Ah and I should add this item was given to me by the Grand Knight Master Rufus! I've become somewhat of his protégé ehehe "

His words brought a deep frown upon Ness. She felt as though cold water had been poured over her plan. She noticed a worried look had surfaced against Lana's face. Understanding she was basically backed into a corner right now, the only thing she could do was agree. So with **** steps she steadily made her way towards Rudd and held out her hand over the glowing gear. She could feel a heat emitting from the egg as her hand drew nearer.

"l-like this?"

"Say it then...agree to the oath." Rudd demanded

"What is this damned oath you want from me?" she quipped back with venom in her tone.

"Aha well...I'm not a complete monster contrary to what you believe sigh...so why not we settle with..." He leant forwards and whispered into her furry ears. His warm breath ticked Ness who took a step back readying her fist to strike if he touched her.

"Let me...smell you...all over"

"Wh-what!" Her battle aura suddenly surged wildly which created a growling rumble against the ground.

"My-my Nesselda I...I think you should reconsider what you're about to do....th-the princess..."

"Shut up you freak...h-how dare you...grrr"

"Ness...d-dont" Lana called out. Ness was ready to abandon everything and send Rudd back to the depths of whatever hell he had crawled out from.

*Trumpet noises*

The air was suddenly filled with a ceremonial horn so loud it covered nearly the entire central plaza and even reached the royal castle ground. Ness was rooted on her heels, suddenly her mind recalled what her mission today was.

"L-lana" she called out whilst looking back towards her friend.

"Hehehe sounds like it's about to begin. I imagine you're planning on taking her to see whether that Elf can achieve what most couldn't?"

"Sigh..." She really had no other choice.

"F-fine I Nesselda ac-accept the oath." She muttered reluctantly. The golden light suddenly brightened and wrapped its warm embrace around both her and Rudd. The sensation was quite odd, it almost felt like something was invading her body against her will but it swiftly ended just as quickly as it had appeared. Leaving nothing but silence across the field.

"heheh wonderful absolutely wonderful I'll look forward to...seeing you then. Farewell Princess and may your endeavors be filled with much joy today. Ta-ra!" Rudd took his leave without further words spoken. Ness could only stand rooted on the same spot he left her, watching his cruel smile bouncing jovially whilst he whistled along his way.

"N-ness..." she felt a cold hand touching her which brought out from her despair. She already knew Lana would blame herself so she quickly took the initiative to quell her worries.

"Lana...don't worry...I know him well...unfortunately and I know how to handle him better now...sigh. Let's...let's forget about him for now. You heard that didn't you. The festival to crown the 14th has started let's hurry and get some good seats. We need to be able to scan the entire arena if we're going to find the love of your life." Ness explained.

She saw Lana's brown cheeks turn red. "D-dont call him that" she said bashfully softly. Ness wore a charming smile as she took hold of the princesses arm and led her away. The mood eventually brightened as it felt as though Rudd's arrival had truly been forgotten about. But Ness couldn't shake away his sudden arrival.

'I planned everything down to the last second. And it felt as though he was waiting for us...h-how could he have known.' There was a lot of bothersome thoughts swirling around her mental. Rudd was someone she absolutely didn't want to have anything to do with. And history was a cruel reminder of why that was.

'Sigh I just need to keep my oath...b-but wait. He whispered something...If i broke the oath...fuck! what did that fucker do.' She knew he wouldn't be content with just what he asked her for. He was definitely planning something heinous. And Ness needed to be prepared.

'I might just have to drive my sword through his heart...once and for all.' Her arm slightly shivered as those unfond memories popped back into her mental.

Other POV

"La-lala-lala- hm-oh-la" Rudd was filled with great elation, his plan had worked perfectly. "Hahaha oh Nesselda how could you know I borrowed this Holy ranked Gear from my master._ The invisible red Cloak..._fufufu this is amazing." His mind was filled with countless imaginations. Rudd's cock was so hard at this point it was starting to hurt him a little.

%Ruud's Delusional day dreams%- - - - - -

'Ah that ass...i cant wait to sniff that ass again ahhh-Nesselda- my Nesselda'