Time for some lunch...

4th Maludae, the 26th day of the month of Semens (Sem), the 3672nd year of Salvation's Landing

Feeling like he needed to eat something, and more importantly, drink something, Reglin made his way down the service stairs in the back of the palace and down to the servants’ dining hall. He could have stopped by the Watch room to change out of his dress uniform, but he just didn’t feel like it. He’d just have to be careful.

Grabbing his earthenware tray of food and cup of water, Reglin turned to see who was about in the hall, it anyone. Fortunately for him, Lina and Asha were sitting at a table by themselves in a relatively empty hall. He could have gone and sit by himself, but where was the fun in that, he thought. So, he made his way to their table, making eye contact with Asha before sitting down.

Her response to him was more due to his uniform, her brows climbing up and a smirk of a smile, “Well, well… Did someone run out of clean uniforms or something? Why are you all dressed to the nines?” She looked over to Lina, who looked at him and gave him a waggle of her own brow, “Not that we girls are going to complain, mind you…”

Before Reglin could respond, or even set his tray down, he heard a loud bellowing call, “Gods man! Bothering the noble girls all morning and now you gotta hog the only ladies in here too? You have got to learn to give some of us mere mortals a chance, Young Blood!” That was Lim, of course.

Reglin could only snort a laugh as he set his tray down finally, “First bird gets the worm, Lim…” He looked over at Lina and Asha and made conciliatory face, “Not that I would ever compare such lovelies as yourselves as worms.” And he smiled as charming as he could, “A turn of phrase is all…”

“I’ll turn your phrase, new guy…” He heard Lim mutter loudly as he made his way over to their table, “But seriously Reg, the Princess didn’t bust your balls too much, did she?” Lim didn’t have the situational awareness to see the girls’ looks or slight mortification at his words. So, when he sat down and finally looked at them, he only said, “What? Got a nose goblin showing?”

Boll only shook his head with a grin as he sat down next to Lim, while Reglin and the girls just ended up laughing at the large character that was Lim. But it was Asha that turned to Reglin and gave him an accusatory look, “Spent all morning with the preening noble lasses, huh? What an unfortunate draw of lots for you, huh?”

“Hah! Draw… The Princess demanded him by name! Not once have I heard of that happening. Most of the time we are either an inconvenience, or not even there to that one!” as Lim expounded on Asha’s word.

Reglin just turned to glare at the wide guardsman with humor in his eyes, “Whose side are you on, man? What exactly did I do to you?” he gave a quick shake of his head before turning back to Asha, “I’ll admit that I did spend some time around a few beautiful ladies this morning. But all’s it did was really make me look forward to spending an evening with an even greater beauty…”

Lina barked a laugh at Asha’s reaction, which was going through various shades of red in turn. And that laugh earned Lina a playful slap from Asha, who then turned and gave Reglin a slap in turn. Her cheeks aflame, “It is not nice to make sport of a woman. You should know better Reglin…” She somehow managed a decent glare.

For his reaction, Reglin gave her a look of consternation, “Make sport? Of you? I would never dream of it. You can’t fault a man for looking forward to spending some time with someone such as yourself, Asha.”

“Oh yes, from the colorful silks and satins of the noble ladies, to the white linens of the laundress. I can see how you could make such comparisons, you dullard.” Asha poked at him, trying to draw attention away from her own embarrassment.

Lim and Boll seemed to be enjoying the banter and they slopped up stew with brad loaves, and Lina just looked like she was on the verge of bursting into laughter but maintained it somehow. Reglin gave them all a wounded look in turn, “I’m a dullard… For seeing beauty in a woman regardless of the garb she wears.” He started to speak in faux outrage, “I’m the dullard for seeing those chestnut locks and twinkling hazel eyes and wanting to spend an evening gazing upon the woman they belong to?!” Reglin had a couple of stray thoughts, ‘Was it really just yesterday that I would struggle to express myself? I think that scroll does more than just draw people’s interest. And I think I should consult with Tabitha about that before this evening.’

For what is was worth, Boll actually said something as he shook his head, “Nope…” It wasn’t much, but Reglin appreciate the support of him playing along. Lim did his part as well, shaking his own head, “uh-uh… Not fault in that at all.” Though it was somewhat garbled due to a mouth full of bread.

Reglin turned to Asha, who’s blood seemed to have pool completely in her cheeks now and gave a single decisive nod as if to say ‘Hah!’, taking up a bite of food himself. He followed with a drink, looking over at Lina. His cup hid his mischievous grin at the elder laundress, who finally just laughed at the whole spectacle. Asha thought she should take a bite as well and just shook her head with an anxious smile.

The rest of the mean was more little jabs of humor at various occupants at the table with the rest laughing, or in Boll’s case, smiling at the jests. Reglin did try to make very subtle contact with Asha when it was possible. When he did, he was not disappointed in the reaction. Whether it be a small shiver, a blush of the cheeks, or that little bite of her lip, he enjoyed them all. Nearing the end of their lunch, he leaned over whispered into her ear, “I truly am looking forward to seeing you tonight. The Blackened Kettle at first Smallbell, right?”

Asha turned her head and looked him in the eyes with an almost bashful smile and nodded. She then mouthed ‘Me too’ to him. The blush never did seem to leave her cheeks all meal, whether from feelings toward Reglin or just feelings of merriment from the table talk. But it got the better of her now, so she grabbed her tray and cup and stood, “Well, back to work for us, Lina. We’ll see you boys around, I’m sure.”

Lina nodded at her coworker and grabbed her own ware. Smiling that sly smile she had, she leaned over and said to Reglin, “You sure are doing a number on her… But she’s my friend, and you better not hurt her.” She pulled back away from him and gave him her sweetest smile.

Reglin felt warmth at Lina’s caring for her friend and smiled a warm smile back at her, “I won’t. I promise.”

Lina just nodded once more and turned away, the girls going to put their dishes away and leaning into one another to talk quietly.

Brushing his hands off on his tray, Reglin began to gather up his own dishes, “Well, I suppose I should get back to the Watch room and change out of the finery and meet back up with you guys, eh?”

“Naw, just go get changed over. I’m sure you had to deal with enough shit this morning from the Princess, Reg.” Lim said, cleaning up his own area, “Just let em know that you are off and go get yourself ready for your little evening with that lovely Asha…” He turned to look Reglin in the eyes, “And don’t you even think about hurtin her, or you’ll have to deal with me.”

Reglin couldn’t help but laugh, “You and Lina actually… I don’t know why people just assume I’m going to hurt her though. That’s the last thing I’d want. I just want to have a good time and hope she does the same.” And with that, the guards all got up and cleared out.

After getting changed into his casual attire. Black trousers with a black and red doublet. Sure, they were House colors, but he could make it work for casual wear until he was able to get some more clothes. He got his knee boots on and decided to head over to the library, following those thoughts he had earlier.

Making his way through the doors of the library, Reglin continued on to the offices where Tabitha was usually to be found. Only, when he looked inside, she wasn’t there. And so, he went on the hunt through the library rows, trying to walk as stealthily as he could.

Strangely enough that was apparently quite stealthy, given the usual quiet of the library. Because when he found the Magistricia, she was facing away from him and bent over slightly looking at books on the shelves. He crept up behind her with no reaction from her, and then reached out and ran his hand from her ass and up her back slowly.

To her credit, the only reaction that Tabitha gave was an arching of her back and that little shiver. She spoke lowly, “Reglin, that is cruel…” and she turn her head to regard him with a smirk.

“How’d you know it was me?” and eyebrow quirked up inquisitively, but his hand stayed on her back, softly rubbing it and then running back down that very well-toned ass.

Reaching back, Tabitha grabbed his hand and then stood upright and faced him, “Because, the immediate of sensation of your touch left no doubt in my mind. Perhaps a small drawback to such a gift as that? You are not going to deceive anyone with touch anymore.”

That was something to think about. That could be a definitive downside, but one that beggars in comparison to the upside, he thought. But he just nodded, his hand closing on hers, clasping it tightly. He looked her in the eyes, “I am to meet Asha tonight in the city. But first, I haven’t looked at the scroll yet today and I was wondering if you would be willing to render advice again?” He gave her a chagrinned smile, hoping that asking for her aid before going out to meet another woman would not upset her.

But Tabitha just smiled warmly and brought her empty hand up and ran it along his cheek, “Of course not, my dear… Come, let’s head to the office.” Lowering her hand, she turned and started to make her way there, still holding his hand with her other. Reglin just smiled at how nice that felt. That she desired to maintain contact with him. His heart was warmed once again, this time with what he thought might be love.

Reglin was a stranger to the emotion. He thought he knew what it might be, but he wasn’t sure those thoughts were just those of an immature young man caught in a fancy. But reflecting on what he felt in his chest at that moment, he was willing to bet that feeling was not just some idle fancy. There was depth there inside him… Layers. And when they made their way into office, he stopped his feet and pulled her back toward him, grabbing her up into his arms and lowered his lips to hers.

It was as if every kiss with her was a new thing all over again, minus the familiarity of how they kissed one another. The feeling that came over him though, that always seemed to be a shock to his system. One that he didn’t think he would ever get tired of. And as their lips and tongues greeted each other hungrily, he heard that lovely purr of hers, stoking fires in his loins.

Somehow though, they were able to retain a semblance of propriety and pulled away. What if someone had come looking for Tabitha? He would have to not let himself be ruled by these emotions, however strong they came upon him, “I-I’m sorry… It just was an overwhelming need” he took a couple of deep breaths in recovery.

Tabitha, for her part was labored in her own breathing, but gathered herself up quickly enough, “Yes… Yes. We need to be a bit more circumspect. At least for the time being, I suppose.” A look of speculation crossed her face then for a few moments, “But nevermind that… Let’s see what we can do for you this afternoon.” And, as if planned, the tenth Daybell began to chime.

“Ahh… I have two hours until I am to meet Asha. I should get a wash in before that.” reaching behind and pulling the scroll case from this belt, “I really need to get a pouch for this thing.” He muttered mostly to himself as he went about opening the case and withdrawing the vellum.

Tabitha just watched in her naturally curious fashion as Reglin open the scroll in an almost familiar way already. He spread it open and read it:

The Affection Multiplier

~Mana: 288~

~Mana Channels: ~Labiae Passionii (Lips of Passion) free, ~ Corpu Vigorii (Vigorous Body) 100, ~ Uirtau Proelium (Martial Prowess) 100, ~Mensu Lucidae (Bright Mind) 100, ~ Tactu Beatae (Blissful Touch) 100, ~Plurem Amatrixae Normalii (The Normalcy of Many Loves) 500, ~Corpu Libidaem (Lustful Body) 100, ~Corpu Spectabilum (Intimidating Body) 100

Tabitha was able to read over his shoulder as long as he traced what he was reading with his finger. He spoke quietly, “So I have two hundred and eighty-eight idle mana streams… Let’s see…” And he began to read off the channels to her once more. But then he bucked backwards, as if struck, “That’s new… Consult with the Council… I can ask the artifact a question and get a truthful answer once per week… So it is sentient.” Reglin got quiet, thoughts running all over in his mind. If her were to have looked at Tabitha then, he would have seen almost the exact same look on her own face. But he shook his head, “That is still a long ways off though. I’d need five thousand streams to activate that.” Then he sighed and continued on with the reading.

Once they had covered all the channels that were within a reasonable distance, Tabitha provided her input, “Truthfully, the cost is quite low, but I think that ‘lustful body’ and ‘intimidating body’ could both prove to be very useful.” Reglin looked at Tabitha’s face and saw her cheeks color as her imagination seemed to be taking her places.

‘If just the thought of those qualities do that to her, I suppose that it could be worth a hundred and twenty-five streams.’ He thought, grinning as he looked on the woman he now believed he truly loved had a daydream about him. That was all he needed. “Corpu Libidaem… Corpu Spectabilum…” He said in order.

That drew her out of her reverie. Tabitha’s eyes got as big as saucers as she peered at Reglin, hoping to see something happen instantaneously. When it didn’t, it didn’t deter her from staring further. He was content to let the woman who loved research so much to just observe for a while. But after about five minutes or so, he turned and looked at her, “I think that’s enough…”

The eyes went wide once more at that, “O-Oh my! Wow… the way you just looked at me. You hooded your eyes in a way I’ve never seen you do before. And your voice… It was chilling and exhilarating.” She shivered again, “Might have to change this smallclothes out again…” She said with a wicked grin.

‘That’s… Amazing! I felt no different. I just spoke and she took all that from it.’ He shook his head in bewilderment, “These activations are so strange. But Tabitha, thank you… For everything.” He just looked at her and she at him for some time. It was like she was at a loss.

Finally Tabitha walked, no, sauntered up to him and placed a hand on his abs lightly, “My Dear Reglin, you have to stop thanking me…” her hand descended and cupped his manhood, “With words, and do so with deeds.” An obvious lustful visage on her.

That worked fast, Reglin thought. Maybe it was the combination of the two together? But Reglin enjoyed seeing Tabitha out sorts and leaned down to try and recreate the kiss they had minutes ago. The noises that came from her during that kiss made sure that his cock was at full-swell in her hand, and she was enjoying just rubbing it. It was up to him to disengage now. He didn’t think she had the wherewithal to do so.

Pulling away from her, Tabitha made even more noises that he thought he would never hear from her. Sounds of a pouty girl being told she couldn’t have a sweet. She even pouted her bottom lip at Reglin. But Reglin had to be the composed one for now, as hard as that was, literally, “May I come around later, Love?”

Tabitha closed her eyes, taking in his words and nodded, “I will leave the library unlocked if you are not here by the third Smallbell.”

Reglin nodded and took her hand and kissed it, that being as far as he trusted himself, or her at the moment, “Then I will see you tonight, my love…”

She nodded and he turned away to exit the office and the library. He had to get himself cleaned up and prepare for Asha. That felt so strange in part of him as he had just left a woman that he was sure he loved. But another part of him said that he very well could fall for Asha as well. Was this normal? He thought to himself as he made his way to his quarters.

~This is knowledge for the Reader~

The Affection Multiplier

~Mana: 259 (+29-125) 163 ~

~Mana Channels: ~Labiae Passionii (Lips of Passion) free, ~ Corpu Vigorii (Vigorous Body) 100, ~ Uirtau Proelium (Martial Prowess) 100, ~Mensu Lucidae (Bright Mind) 100, ~ Tactu Beatae (Blissful Touch) 100, ~Plurem Amatrixae Normalii (The Normalcy of Many Loves) 500, ~Corpu Libidaem (Lustful Body) 100, ~Corpu Spectabilum (Intimidating Body) 100

~Tabitha~ Affectionae: 100 Erosii: 63 (+3) 66 Libidae: 100 (Effective 55)
~Lim~ A: 29 (+4) 33
~Boll~ A: 16 (+4) 20
~Grahm~ A: 29
~Lina~ A: 29 (+5) 34
~Asha~ A: 25 (+9) 34 E: 2 (+1) L: 2 (+2)
~Princess Katya~ A: -52
~Maiden Caterina~ A: 18 E: 1 L: 2
~Maiden Gwynfuir~ A: 15
~Maiden Erynna~ A:5
~Lady Wilmyna~ A:17 L: 5
~Maiden Freighla~ A: 11 L: 3
~Lady Falina~ A: 12
~Maiden Deela~ A: 9
~Lady Vidala~ A: 6
~Maid Camilla~ A: 6 L: 4
~Night's Shift Guards~ A: (+6)
~Govren~ A: 2