The Gates of Stormhearth.

When your sight finally returns, you notice that you’re standing in a clearing surrounded by trees. Though you’re not exactly in Stormhearth, the bleak grey walls of the fortress-town loom over the treeline nearby. You glance around for Sindarion, but the only person in the clearing with you is an...extremely pretty human woman. She has long, flowing black hair, perky breasts, and seems to be around your age. To complete her look, the woman’s skin is as smooth as porcelain, and an intelligent cunning burns brightly in her brown eyes. Her robes are a deep, velvety purple and seem far more lavish and regal than your own.

“Quite a convincing illusion, wouldn’t you agree, pet?” The woman’s tone is melodious, but drips with a sadistic malevolence that betrays her true identity. “It certainly fools the people of this pathetic town into trusting me more easily!”

The Dominatus Curse stirs and you quickly mutter a quiet ‘yes, master’ to placate it.

“Oh, don’t be so bitter, Thalia! As far as anyone knows, we’re just two innocent, young women spending a fun day in town. If you don’t start acting the part, I can’t promise there won’t be any...accidents if our cover gets blown!”

You follow Sindarion out the forested clearing and onto the road leading to Stormhearth’s main gate. The road is bustling with an assortment of travelers, most of whom are shamelessly ogling you and your ‘friend’. Though you want to believe they’re just wondering what two pretty women were doing in the forest, you sense many of them undressing you mentally as well.

If only they knew who my ‘friend’ really is, You think. Bet they won’t be so eager to stare then. Sindarion’s right about one thing at least: these people are clueless!

Even with so many people around, you’ve never felt more helpless and alone. As much as you want to out Sindarion for the monster he is, it’ll be all the excuse he needs to wreak havoc on the crowd. The two of you push through the masses and reach the gate...mostly unmolested. One of the many armored guards watching over the gate calls you over, his eyes lighting up as he examines your form.

“I’m sorry, ladies.” The young man drawls, smiling thinly at you. “As pretty as the two of you are, whoring is illegal in Stormhearth.”

“Please sir.” You’re so familiar with Sindarion’s cruel demeanor that her submissive tone takes you completely by surprise. “My friend and I aren’t whores, we’re just visiting town for a day. We’ve been walking for hours, please don’t turn us away!”

The guard points at the collar you’re wearing. “Stormhearth’s an extremely dangerous place. The only people that come this far north are adventurers, mercenaries and **** whores. And the first two rarely show up with collars around their neck!”

“Please, you’ve got to believe us!” Sindarion maintains her helpless facade, knowing full well what the guard will say next.

“Well, I suppose I could make an exception for two fine girls like you. But...you’ll both have to come with me to the barracks for...processing first. If the two of you are the good girls you say you are, I’m sure we’ll get along just fine!”