Setting Out

The morning was well put together, all told. Gilzra had gotten you up early, as well as Glenn, still in your arms. She made no comment on it either way, but a solitary wink and smile gave all the approval you needed. Some greasy, sweet sausage was paired with flat bread and a handful of small berries for a quick breakfast. It was still a more flavorful diet than you were used to in **** poverty as a Sister of Phoenicia, so you took it in stride. Kharn had been successful in obtaining horses for everyone; fast chargers by the looks of them, bred and raised for racing or possibly cavalry. Your horse, Francia, wasn't used to your kind, and took some effort for her to be comfortable with you. That you had never been on horseback before was going to complicate things further, but you were sure this would still be a net gain on catching Xosha and obtaining the scepter before him. Rhian had also come through, though in a way you hope need not be used. Potions of healing were doled to each of you, and upon you receiving yours, Rhian provided an extra provision; a parchment of paper rolled up, sealed with red wax and an intricate seal.

"What is this?" you ask

"It's a spell scroll. Seems that you'll be the only person other than me who has any familiarity with magic. Let's just call this an insurance policy."

"What do you mean? What's it do?"

"I mean don't open this unless the situation seems doomed. Xhosa cannot be allowed to succeed. He must be stopped at all costs. That's more important than whether any of us are able to walk away from this. Even your bowed boyfriend. Just open the seal and read the spell. As you finish, the spell will be cast"

You stammer in surprise "What? Glenn's not my boyfriend"

Rhian had the stone passive face one often hears of when speaking of elves, though his tone gave away the feelings his visage did not "It's written plainly in your eyes, and in his. You both reek of desire. Fear not, young Demetria. That I am repulsed by how you express your feelings for each other does not make me cold hearted against them. I wish you both the best. Just remember what is really important, yes?"

"Yes, and thank you Rhian, for trusting me with this"

"You've shown greater care and respect for life than most. You possess good judgement. I am sure you will use it if the situation calls for it."

The party prepared and outfitted, the five of you departed on horseback swiftly, trying to clear distance and time lost in your detour. Moving at such speed was a rush, you could see how some became fascinated and seemingly addicted to riding and perfecting their skills. An unexpected jolt caused you to nearly be thrown from your horse. The galloping was brought down to a more reasonable pace, which also afforded you the chance to talk. Gilzra gently lead you the back of the group to chat without attracting undue attention.

"So, how did it go?" Though her question was quite vague, you understood exactly what she was asking about. You feel your whole body warm in the abruptness of trying to answer that.

"Gilzra, I'm not really ready to talk about any of that. It's weird."

"That's fine. I wasn't really looking for any of the gory details anyway. Did you enjoy yourself?"

"Ya" this was still an awkward conversation, but being this vague about it was helpful "We both did."

"Good. Hopefully it wasn't too enjoyable, or it may start getting difficult to get you two to do anything. Young love and all that."

"No, I don't think that would be the case" after you say that, you realize that might in fact be a lie. You'd have loved to have a lazy morning with Glenn, exploring each others bodies and finding out just how familiar and intimate he can be with your dick.

"Well, anyway" She continued "I was more wondering about the other aspect of what we talked about last night. The visitation idea."

"Oh" you feel a little sullen "Ya. It happened after I fell asleep"

"Interesting." Gilzra responded "that might explain why she hasn't visited you until recent events. How did it go?"

"Not as great I would like. She doesn't know who my father is. Too many possibilities, it seems."

"That's plausible, I guess. Have to take her word on it. Do you?"

You press your lips thin, grimacing in the upcoming answer "I don't know. I know it's not the answer I wanted, but does that mean I shouldn't believe it?"

"Demons are manipulative by nature. Succubi specifically. Did she say anything else?"

"She showed me the plight she and other demons are in. The succubi are **** to please higher demons in order to keep them from terrorizing their own realm."

"hmm" Gilzra response was familiar display of constrained skepticism "you and I both find it almost impossible to say no to sexual advances, but this demon has tired of her own nature."

"You never believe her, do you? What do you have against her?" You find yourself growing defensive.

"We should remember Demetria, our race as tieflings were never conceived out of consent." Gilzra began to take a more emotional form herself "Demonic harlots like her **** men just as much as imps and the like **** women. It's disgraceful. They are abominations, and the enemy"

Your mouth begins to turn dry, and you miss the head turning of your comrades "You're sounding like the people that try to demean us. That we carry the sins of our demonic ancestors."

"That demon is not your mother!" Gilzra belts out, in an outburst you're not used to "Whoever she is, you have to see that she's trying to pull the wool over your eyes"

"You were never going to let me summon her into this world. You were always going to destroy the Scepter."

"No" Gilzra struggles to look at you "Not exactly. I was hoping that you would be convinced to do it yourself. If you don't, I will. I won't let you get deceived Demetria."

Tired of this conversation, but short of any defiant words, you give Francia a swift kick, nudging her to move forward, seperating you from her.

"Scabby old hag" You mutter to yourself. You feel staring eyes from Glenn and the others, but nobody speaks. That's fine, you figure. None of them understand what this is like, growing up without any family. You're not going to let the doubts of some jealous woman stop you from trying to get the life you've wanted all this time. The life you deserve.

You see strange dark clouds forming in the horizon, above a hilltop.

"That's probably him" Kharn says grimly "Xhosa. We need to hurry."