Maybe news of your own upcoming Paladinhood will wipe the smug look from her face...

"Well Cora," you say, matching her smile and enjoying the fact that this time she can't hide the brief flicker of distaste in her eyes, "I was just coming back from the quarters of your commander, Paladin Ilmara. It seems that I'm to join the ranks of the Paladins."

You don't bother trying to keep the pride swelling up inside you out of your voice. If Cora thinks she can cheapen your triumph...

"Ah yes, the Paladin-Commander did mention something about that when we spoke last," Cora cocks her head to one side, her eyes making a show of appraising you from head to toe. "I don't know why a glorified messenger girl is worthy of joining our ranks, but I do trust in the wisdom of the Paladin Commander. Still, there's the small matter of the trials - are you sure that when you stand in judgement you'll be able to see the light of the Goddess through the layer of daemon cum splattered on your face?"

You flinch at Cora's casual crudeness, unexpected even from her, and her smile widens as she sees her insult land home.

"Well, Paladin-Initiate Cora," you hiss through clenched teeth, anger flaring, "Perhaps Paladin Ilmara thinks that the order could use some fresh blood. I can't help but notice that most of the real Paladins left to face Thoros at the side of the Supreme War Mother. I wonder, did she leave you behind on purpose, or did she simply forget to think of you at all?"

Cora's cheeks flush and she takes a half-step forward. You refuse to give ground, staring at her defiantly as she closes the distance between you until your faces are inches apart. Though she's only a little taller than you, you find that the close quarters **** you to tilt your head up to meet her eyes. Her gorgeous face is twisted with fury, and you tense, preparing to weather the stream of insults straining to escape her lips. To your surprise, no verbal jabs come. Instead, the anger drains from her face, and a serene smile graces her lips - though if anything the expression unnerves you further.

"Sister Sabine," her voice is now pure honey and you can feel her sweet breath tickle at your lips, "let's not fight like this. Forgive me, Sister - I let the sin of pride and..and jealousy to get the better of me. In truth," her eyes widen innocently, "I was not waiting outside of your quarters by accident. I was waiting for you to return."

"You...were?" you stammer slightly, taken aback by the sudden shift in tone.

"Oh yes, of course - the commander told me of your upcoming elevation to the ranks of the Paladins and I wanted to come by to congratulate you in person. Of course," she sighs theatrically, her chest rising underneath her robe, "Commander Ilmara also asked me to keep a close eye on your Imp...friend."

"Yes," you say faintly, almost not believing your ears, "she..she did mention..."

"But you don't have to worry about me hovering in your room day and night," Cora rolls over your words unconcerned, "the commander trusted my instincts on the best way to handle this very delicate task, and I took a more...creative approach."

She leans back slightly and brings one of her hands up, a flash of metal caching your notice - she's holding a small silver key. Before you can blink, she stashes it within her robes.

"What is that? What did you do?" you ask, worry and uncertainty rising.

"Why Sister, that is my gift to you!" Cora laughs lightly, "to welcome you into the ranks of the Paladins of course. After all, the scriptures do say that she who removes temptation from her Sister's life is blessed by the Goddess."

You part your lips to reply, but no words form as your mind struggles to catch up. What is she playing at?

"You seem confused Sister - no matter, you'll see what I mean soon. Or is my gift not to your liking? Here's another then."

Cora leans forward and mashes her lips against yours. You have time for a yelp of surprise before her tongue slips into your mouth, wrestling with yours. You feel one of her arms snake around your waist possessively, the hand sliding down to grasp at your firm ass. She pulls your closer against her, your breasts pressing against her own bosom as she tongues at your lips, your eyes involuntarily fluttering.

She releases you just as unexpectedly, leaving you staggered and gasping for breath, lips slick and shiny. You wipe at your chin with the sleeve of your vestments, and look up to see that Cora is already walking away from you.

"I'll see you soon, Sister Sabine," her honeyed voice comes back to you, "I'm so looking forward to it."

In moments, you're left alone in front of the entrance to your rooms, confused and shaken.

The Imp! What did she-?

Spinning around, you approach your door hesitantly.