Not this day.*

"No," the shapely blonde shakes her head. "Now is not the time for play. Besides, your servitude will be much more sweet when your name is spoken throughout the land. Today, however, you will be honored. I'm Aisteja Palvova, and I have been commanded by my lord to honor you." The priestess walks towards the large statue of the six-armed fat elephant-man and picks up an elegant sword lying at its feet.

"This is Sídiabhal" the 'she-devil' forged by Scáthach." Aisteja gives the former brigand the exquisitely crafted thin bladed cusped falchion with an elongated handle and small square hilt.

"Praise the goddess." Sonja smiles looking over the god-forged blade. "I swear by Scáthach that I am hers and that I shall willing take no man unless he can best me in honorable combat."

"Hmm." Aisteja almost laughs, "An oath I could never keep and one that will be more complicated for you considering your next boon." Reaching down the priestess picks up items from a small pile of clothing near the statue. "Since the great Bel was so pleased by your offering he has created a set of armor for you."

The shapely blonde first hands Sonja a pair of high soft leather boots, matching gloves, followed by a leather thong, a loin cloth made out of scale mail and finally a leather bra covered with the same scale.

"You must be joking?" Sonja rolls her eyes in disbelief.

"Hardly," the priestess grins, "Bel, the lord of thieves and chaos, as commanded this be your attire. Besides the obvious distraction it shall cause to your opponents, it will give you the advantage of first strike, since many will not take a woman so dressed seriously. A fatal mistake considering the skill you know possess. Yet as your fame grows it will also enhance your reputation, for all will immediately know you by sight. Finally, the armor itself has powerful magics on it. When worn in the open it will bring you the favor of the gods, when disregarded or covered, it will bring misfortune. So is the will of the lord of chaos."

Sonja first hesitates, but she knows to reject a gift of the gods is most unwise. "My thanks to Bel for his kindness." Sonja answers with a monotonic voice as she slips on her so-called armor. "His name too be praised." And then slings the sheathed Sídiabhal across her back.

"Do not despair my friend." Aisteja puts her hand on the crimson haired warrior's shoulder. In this age of high adventure your name will be feared and honored above all women; for you are now Red Sonja, the She-Devil with a Sword."