Chapter 4: Reparations

Zahreem gave me a cruel smile, while behind him Diane cowered in terror.

“What do you want from me?” I spat.

“Awfully feisty for a level 1.” Zahreem joked.

“Screw you.” I grimaced. Zahreem snapped and my head jerked to one side and smacked into the wall.

“Now, you asked what I want from you. I want your loyalty. You’ll get unimaginable benefits, and in return you’ll have to do a favor for me now and then. Sound good?” Zahreem drawled.

“If I say no?” I asked warily.

“I kill you.” Zahreem said cheerfully.

“Then I’m in.” I said. Zahreem grinned, and snapped his fingers. I dropped to the ground, and purple and black magic swirled around his fingertips and a heavy metal ring appeared on my index finger. It was black, with swirling violet letters.

“That’s a signet ring. It can’t be taken off by anyone except me, and it denotes you a follower of the Shadow Order. I am the leader of the Shadow Order, and we have many members. The signet ring also allows you onto any property owned by the Shadow Order. We have a manor in the great city of Lightcairn, many miles east of here, for instance.” Zahreem explained. I nodded slowly.

“As to your escape hatch built into your head, that won’t be returned to you. Sorry.” Zahreem grinned and disappeared in a black and purple puff of sparks. Diane rushed to me, touching my cheek, and I abruptly noticed Diane’s big tits squashing gently against my chest.

“Are you OK?” she asked worriedly.

“I should be asking you that question. Did he hurt you?” I asked her. She shook her head, and pushed some brown hair out of her face. She lifted my hand to examine the signet ring. She gave me a worried look.

“What?” I asked.

“The Shadow Order is no joke. Other than the Druid Sect, they’re the strongest group in the Mystic Realms.” Diane explained. I wrapped my arms around Diane and she made a small noise muffled by my shoulder.

“I’ll be alright.” I promised. She gave me a slightly shy smile, and I realized abruptly I’d made my character absurdly handsome, which probably helped my standing with the women of the Realms. I smiled back, enjoying Diane’s immense tits against my chest, as they threatened to spill out of her corseted dress.

“Out of curiosity, have you heard of a researcher in town investigating a secret Elvish village?” I asked. Diane considered that.

“I have, actually. She’s a level 8 cleric named Jessiriani Liakalyn.” Diane told me.

“Wow. That’s a hell of a name.” I said.

“Yeah. She has a surname because her mother is the former queen of the Seventh Realm.” Diane told me.

“I’m new to the Mystic Realms. How many are there?” I asked.

“Oh, I see. There’s 8 realms, each with their own monarch. They’re shaped by terrain, not species. Jessiriani’s mother was married to the king of the Seventh Realm, until she had an illicit affair with a visiting elf ranger.” Diane told me the gossip.

“Ah. So, Jessiriani’s half-elf?” I asked. Diane nodded.

“Alright. Do you know where she’s staying?” I asked.

“The Golden Doe. It’s a strictly female only inn across town.” Diane said. I sighed.

“Alright.” I said grimly. After I reluctantly left Diane alone, I went to investigate the Golden Doe, and met a stern old woman with a claymore held expertly in her hands.

“Only the fairer sex may enter.” she croaked.

“I understand. I simply wish to speak with Jessiriani Liakalyn, about the matter she’s here investigating.” I said respectfully. The woman used the knocker three times, and the door opened by a youthful woman who was quite beautiful. She cast me an untrusting look.

“Please see if Lady Liakalyn wishes to speak about her investigations.” the crone said. The younger woman nodded and hurried away. I tried to look semi-trustworthy, and the crone snorted.

Soon, the door opened and the young woman from before came out, followed by a woman who took my breath away. She looked to be just about thirty, a couple years older than me, with radiant honey blond hair, piercing eyes, one silver, one gold, and just immense breasts squashed into the corset of her battle armor, which was a light silvery material. There was an amazing amount of cleavage caused by it, and her generous curves strained against her pants.

“Who is this man?” Jessiriani asked, sizing me up.

“I’m Sebastian. I came to the Mystic Realms in search of... what you’re looking for.” I said, glancing at our company. Jessirani’s eyes lit up.

“Walk with me, Sebastian.” she said. She walked briskly past me and I moved to catch up, noticing her elvish ears. She was tall, too, almost a head taller than me.

“How have you heard about this elvish village?” Jessiriani asked.

“I heard some rumors, and I got a quest to find it.” I said truthfully. My gorgeous half-elf companion nodded.

“I studied at the High School of Oakfield, in the Second Realm. The elves have mighty cities across the eight realms, but the secret elvish village in the Fourth Realm has never been mapped. Nobody save the elves can pinpoint it, and no elf would tell me. They look down on me for being the bastard child of an elf and a human.” Jessiriani scowled.

“That’s not fair.” I said. She gave me an appraising look.

“What realm do you hail from?” she asked me curiously.

“I don’t. I come from a land beyond the realms. I came seeking adventure.” I said. She gave me a curious look.

“I see. You are a blade mage, which is unusual.” Jessiriani told me. I nodded.

“I have a lead about the elvish village.” Jessiriani revealed.

“Whoa. Can I come with you?” I asked hopefully. She gave me a smile.

“Yes, I would enjoy your company, I think.” Jessiriani admitted.

“Thank you very much. Uh... what should I call you? Lady Liakalyn?” I asked her.

“Jess works fine.” Jessiriani smiled.

“Jess.” I tested the name.

“Alright, then Sebastian. Get some rest. I’ll meet you at the gate at dawn.” Jess said. I smiled.

“See you then.” I said, and walked away from the busty, voluptuous half-elf.