Amdirlain’s PoV - Material Plane - Qil Tris

They continued going through moves for an hour before Jan’era came to fetch them, her scent faintly disturbed.

“Something wrong, Jan’era?” Jul’iane asked upon seeing her.

“Kadaklan’s abilities are both impressive and stomach-churning,” allowed Jan’era.

Jul’iane’s gaze narrowed. “What did he do to Mum?”

“Fixed some of her old scar tissue and problems,” replied Jan’era calmly.

Amdirlain studied how Jan’era kept her ears and tail relaxed while she lied and tried to mimic their placement.

“What’s stomach-churning about that?” demanded Jul’iane.

“He broke his leg first and healed it to show his capability,” replied Jan’era. “Which frankly was the most disturbing part.”

It wasn’t the only disturbing part, given how many pins and plates are now in a sealed bag.

“Is her leg all better?” asked Amdirlain.

Jan’era shook her head. “No, a call from one of Del’krin’s friends interrupted. Are you interested in speaking with her?”

Nodding, Amdirlain smiled. “If they believe their employer can help. I’m happy to chat with them.”

“The offer comes directly from their employer. It seems your name got her attention since she viewed your plaza performance.” clarified Jan’era.

“Are they still on the link unit?” asked Amdirlain, playing ignorant.

Jan’era nodded. “Lady Cla’nes is speaking to Del’krin.”

“On the link unit, you talk like my grandmother,” laughed Jul’iane.

“What do you say?” asked Amdirlain curiously.

Jul’iane’s whiskers continued to twitch with contained amusement. “Are they linked? Or are they still linked? What you said was so old-fashioned.”

“Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind,” said Amdirlain as she headed downstairs.

When Amdirlain pushed open the front door, an awed-looking Del’krin pointed to the link unit in her hand.

At Amdirlain’s responding nod, Del’krin interrupted the female on the other end. “She just came in the door. Shall I pass you over, Lady Cla’nes, or put you on speaker?”

Lady Cla’nes’s response wasn’t audible to most, but Del’krin pressing a rune on the unit made her response clear.

A rich alto voice poured from the unit’s speaker. “Are you and your studio representative, Jan’era, both present, Am?”

“Yes, your ladyship,” replied Amdirlain, curious at her discretion.

“Are others present I shouldn’t discuss your request in front of?”

“Potentially, depending on what your adept told you,” allowed Amdirlain.

“Del’krin told my assistant you are seeking advice on controlling your Charisma and gaining a notorious Skill. Might I ask why you are trying to gain such a Skill?” enquired Cla’nes.

Having just closed the front door, Jul’iane huffed in confusion.

“There is a slight misunderstanding, Lady Cla’nes. I already have that Skill. I’m looking to get it to evolve into something less problematic,” corrected Amdirlain.

Amdirlain heard claws tapping on wood near the other end of the link before a response came. “What skills combined for you to gain it?”

Wanting to groan, Amdirlain cheerfully countered. “Now that we’ll need to discuss privately.”

“I was going to propose a business arrangement with your studio. If you wish to discuss it privately, I’ll need to meet you alone.”

Is she aware of the Assassin Class requirement for the Skill? Or is it something else for them?

“That’s fine by me,” replied Amdirlain. “Will there still be potential for the business arrangement after meeting you?”

“If we remain on speaking terms,” allowed Cla’nes, her tone having turned wary. “I’ll have someone come to collect you shortly. I trust you don’t have any objections to that?”

Amdirlain’s ears twitched in amusement despite her attempt to still them. “No objections. I hope I’m not interrupting your afternoon plans.”

“If you were, we wouldn’t yet be talking. I already have Del’krin’s address. My driver will be there in an hour,” replied Cla’nes, and the connection ended.

“What do we want to speak about in the meantime?” asked Amdirlain, and she moved to sit on the couch and retrieve her drink.

Jul’iane took position on a couch facing Amdirlain and spoke up as others settled. “Am mentioned you could use Ki to fight spectres?”

Directing a sad glance at Amdirlain, Kadaklan dramatically slumped his shoulders. “Not another warrior type.”

“That light from your hands can harm spectres?” asked Del’krin in surprise. “You explained it as life reserves. How can it be used to fight them? I mean, wouldn’t they feed off it?”

“No, when used properly, it is devastating against them. Since they drink unprotected life, they are vulnerable to the same energy honed for use against them. If they tried to build up resistance to it, they’d also starve. I know how to use it for healing, protection, and creation. Others use it for battle, but I can instruct in the fundamentals at least, and provide guidance.”

His explanation relaxed the tension within Del’krin’s frame, and Amdirlain caught her worry about them fading. “What classes does it involve?”

“The Ki is within the flesh but can unify the Soul, spirit, and flesh. Even those who don’t follow classes can gain health benefits from exercising greater control over their Ki reserves.”

“But you can fight with it?” interrogated Jul’iane.

Kadaklan sighed dramatically and playfully pouted at Amdirlain. “This is your doing, young lady.”

Throwing both hands up, Amdirlain grinned. “Guilty, but it’s still your choice. The path you walk is yours, healer boy.”

“Since miss monster has told you about a use for it that draws you, let us start with a simple exercise to sense your Ki. Unlike others though, I don’t believe in shortcuts,” cautioned Kadaklan.

“Miss monster?” asked Jul’iane.

“She is monstrously talented,” laughed Kadaklan. “I’ve done things I thought impossible to aid her, but that is neither here nor there. If you wish, I shall teach of the Ki, but it is up to you if you’ll dedicate enough time to master it.”

Jan’era turned towards Amdirlain. “Have you learned this as well?”

“I know how to cycle my Ki, but I’m not sure how long it would take me to master it,” replied Amdirlain.

“Do you all wish to try?” asked Kadaklan. “If nothing else, it can help you recover from hard nights faster, Jan’era.”

When Del’krin and Jul’iane fixed their attention on Jan’era, she shrugged and agreed to join in. Avoiding shortcuts or not, Kadaklan still had all three of them sensing their Ki in short order even if two couldn’t move it. Del’krin, perhaps because of her exposure to Kadaklan’s healing, got wisps of it hesitantly moving.

The driver didn’t just call Del’krin’s link unit to announce himself, but came to the door with a gilded folder. He didn’t blink at the simple outfit Amdirlain wore, presenting her with credentials that Del’krin verified and a fancy written invitation. The vehicle that waited at the curb for Amdirlain was a solid metallic black, which made the decorative floral theme that overlay it pop. Its back compartment was like something from a mini-stretch limo, with room to fit six comfortably and a wet bar.

“There are a range of drinks within, Am. Please ‌enjoy,” said the driver, offering her a hand to slide into the backseat. Without waiting for a response, he closed the rear door and entered the front. “Would you care to listen to any caster channel?”

“I don’t know the local options, but go ahead if you like to drive with music,” replied Amdirlain, and she relaxed into the well-appointed leather seating.

The driver glanced in the rearview and turned it to a channel playing complex orchestral-style music, but Amdirlain didn’t recognise the instruments. When she nodded her appreciation, he pulled out from the curb.

It took nearly forty minutes in the city traffic to reach their destination, and the vehicle pulled into a curved driveway before a skyscraper set some distance back from the street. A delicate filigree covered the skyscraper’s facade, framing a trio of doorways and the well-tended landscape around the building. When the vehicle halted, a white-furred valet in a royal purple uniform opened the rear door on Amdirlain’s side.

“Welcome to the Tilrista, Miss Am,” said the valet. “Would you like anything before you’re shown up to see Lady Cla’nes’s floors?”

“I’m fine, thank you,” replied Amdirlain with a smile.

“Then please follow me,” requested the valet. Stepping aside, he directed her attention to the rightmost of the trio of doors. “Access to the private floors is only through that entrance.”

Amdirlain took in the lobby’s interior before the door opened. A reception desk sat in the middle before two banks of elevators, and on the left-hand side was a restaurant that occupied space on the ground and first floor. The area the valet directed her to had only three lifts that ran up the full height of the building. The enchantments in the lobby and the lift contained nothing that concerned Amdirlain—security features linked between the elevators, a few panels, and a security enchantment her guide and another valet nearby carried.

When the valet escorted her to the first elevator, he waved her inside. “Lady Cla’nes’s maid will need to escort you to her. Please don’t step outside the lift if she’s not present.”

“Hopefully, she’s not had an emergency,” quipped Amdirlain as she stepped inside.

The valet smiled politely and pressed a control on the exterior that caused the doors to close. Observing the lift’s enchantment interacting with an engraved key in the valet’s possession, Amdirlain spent the ride considering alternative security options for similar devices.

The lift stopped seventy-seven floors later and opened into a double-story living space. The polished metal and stone layout provided space for people to mingle or dance in the middle with groupings of chairs and couches around the exterior. Wide railings that were more rib height tables cordoned off sections of the area.

An auburn-furred female with a white muzzle and tufted ears stood waiting for her in a dress that clung to her muscular body and whose colour perfectly matched her coat. Thin steel-hued ribbons kept her long hair in complex braids tight against her head.

“It’s a pleasure to see you in person, Am. If you’d accompany me?” asked the maid, and she turned gracefully to direct Amdirlain to her left, revealing her dress was slit nearly to the hip.

Analysis gave Amdirlain the details of the ‘maid’s’ full complement of combat classes, and she had to resist the temptation to greet her by name in return. Ssa’time had an interesting collection of military-type classes: Soldier, Gunner, Marauder, and Matriarch’s Guard in their mid-40s.

Unlike the silvery metallic finish of the main room, the corridor they now travelled down had dark red wood panelling.

The familiar stone lighting peeked through sections cut to resemble the outlines of a mountain scene. The only doorway was at the end—a pair of matching wooden doors with lacquered gold inlay.

“I’m feeling like a parcel being passed between caretakers,” noted Amdirlain.

“That’s unfortunate. I hope no one made you feel uncomfortable. I had organised everything to make your arrival here as smooth as possible,” Ssa’time said.

Amdirlain wrinkled her nose in thought. “Not uncomfortable, but an unfamiliar experience is perhaps the best description.”

The maid gave Amdirlain a personable smile. “Perhaps it’s care that will grow far too familiar in time, given your incredible performance at the plaza. Lady Cla’nes received word early in the transmission and was riveted by your playing and voice.”

Ssa’time opened the door and directed a bow within, keeping a downcast gaze. Security wards were laid throughout the room, and implanted weaponry linked to a bracelet on the maid’s wrist and a broach worn by Cla’nes. In Ssa’time’s thoughts, Amdirlain caught images of the room from multiple perspectives, interacting with the powers of her Gunner Class.

This room was nearly eight metres across and richly appointed in sombre hues with thick rugs, lacquered inlaid wooden furnishings from the wall-mounted cabinets, side tables and couches with deep cushions that promised luxurious comfort. The soft light panels only shone between slim gaps between the room’s wall decorations and cabinets.

The waiting female had white fur flecked with silver that looked like she walked through an ice storm. She sat reclined on a couch across the room. A loose dress of teasingly sheer material of vivid red, blue, and green hues covered her well-formed body from the neck to below the knees. With the room’s colour theme and the minimal soft lighting, she was the spark amid the coals.

“Lady Cla’nes, your guest Am is here to see you,” announced the maid, and she stepped aside to allow Amdirlain to enter.

[Name: Cla’nes, daughter of Mon’tai

Class: Pleasure Chancellor / Silk Blade / Councillor / Mistress of the Web

Level: 97 / 42 / 42 / 42

Health: 15,076

Defence 989

Melee Attack Power: 532

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Combat Skills: Throwing [S] (12), Short Blade [S] (3), Energy Projector [M] (32).

Details: Initially worked as an Escort and greet in the turbulent crossroads city of Quesplian. A functionary talking in his sleep caught her in a series of political events involving the neighbouring countries. After a decade and a half of prospering in the chaos of the challenging political landscape—and accumulating bounties on her alternative identities—she and her associates wisely moved.]

No mention of any pride.

[Pleasure Chancellor

Details: This Tier 5 Prestige Class combines evolved Escort and Diplomat base classes.]

[Silk Blade:

Details: This Tier 6 Prestige Class combines evolved base classes from Escort, Assassin and Spy paths.]

[Councillor

Details: Those possessing this evolved base class from Diplomat are the power behind the throne. They play out the silk cable steering moves in the halls of power without entering it themselves.]

[Mistress of the Web

Details: This is an evolved base class that progresses from Spymaster available to those with an experience in the silk trade.]

“Do come in and relax, Am,” invited Cla’nes, and she swished her tail tip towards the nearby couches. There was a relaxed air within the room, a subtle invitation to relax and unwind; it shifted across the tension in Amdirlain’s form and nudged against her comfortingly.

There wasn’t a prickle of Danger Sense, so Amdirlain moved forward, taking in the visual aspects of the room, while Cla’nes’s attention remained fixed on her. Four steps inside the room, the door closed behind her, and Amdirlain knew she’d screwed up.

“You’ve got your Charisma unfurled,” noted Amdirlain as she caught Cla’nes’s curiosity as to her lack of reaction.

Cla’nes laughed. “Well, I slipped up. Did someone send you to kill me?”

Snorting, Amdirlain shook her head. “I’ve no intention of hurting you. I need a hand to get my Charisma and Femme Fatale under control, and I hope you can help. What sort of favour could I do for you?”

It wasn’t until Amdirlain offered payment that Cla’nes’s theme relaxed.

“That’s not normally how favours work,” remarked Cla’nes. “They’re best held for future need. Plus, it’s too soon to determine if I’ll help you, let alone the extent of favour I’d later look to collect. Please sit.”

This time, Cla’nes patted the couch beside her and smiled warmly. The friendly, relaxed atmosphere of the room became charged with an invitation.

“You’re very forward with a sixteen-year-old,” noted Amdirlain, not having moved from where she’d stopped.

Snickering, Cla’nes waved a reproving finger. “You do the innocent, naïve body language so well. However, if you’re sixteen, I’m a nomad prostitute trying to scrape together ward costs. Sit, relax. This is when we get to know each other, as much as either of us will allow anyway, so let’s set that lie aside.”

“Why do you insist I’m not sixteen?”

“Your Skill sounds saucy, but there is far more to it than feminine charms and naughty dancing. High levels in the Assassin Class, mastery of Diplomacy, Acting, Haggling, Intimidation, Sense Motive, and Danger Sense are the core requirements, plus some other optional aspects I’ve heard theorised.”

“You know a bit about it,” allowed Amdirlain.

Cla’nes’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “I had to move it along myself. You’re lucky all the friends Del’krin called work for me, directly or indirectly. I’m sure they won’t need to pass on word of your Skill.”

“Is there a particular problem with it?” enquired Amdirlain, ignoring the implied threat.

“It depends on who starts looking at you. At the very least, it’d have you on the watch list among some patrons and have others block you from their events,” explained Cla’nes. “The law keepers might not make a fuss unless a crime is involved, but given you’re listed only as a Bard, they’d have some questions.”

“Like?”

“At the very least, how you’ve hidden your other classes,” advised Cla’nes.

Amdirlain shrugged. “How did you hide yours?”

“I’ve hidden nothing,” replied Cla’nes. “I’ve never been in legal trouble, so they’ve never gained a full record. You, however, volunteered the information by asking about that Skill.”

Amdirlain noted that the maid’s thoughts didn’t include spoken words, only the room’s visuals.

“Guess I shouldn’t update my chit again,” said Amdirlain.

A twitch of Cla’nes’s left ear and a slight lift of her whiskers conveyed her amusement.

“Would you be willing to sell the means to alter what your record shows?” asked Cla’nes, and she patted the well-padded cushion of the couch beside her again.

Amdirlain tilted her head and weaved her way through the couches before sitting at an angle on a couch across from Cla’nes. “Perhaps.”

Her choice received an unfazed smile from Cla’nes. “I feel I might need to cancel my evening plans.”

“I’m not in a rush, so there isn’t a need for that,” advised Amdirlain.

“Cancelling on them occasionally helps keep them eager,” observed Cla’nes matter-of-factly.

“What options do you know for shooing Femme Fatale on its way?”

“Now, why would I tell you that so early?” asked Cla’nes as she traced fingers idly across a spot on the cushion. “Especially when we’re not even close?”

“Because if you don’t know an option I’m interested in, we can at least focus on negotiating training for controlling my Charisma,” replied Amdirlain.

“Well, given we’ve potential for business, there are three options I know the methods for, one of which I’ve used myself,” stated Cla’nes.

It tempted Amdirlain to pull the details from her thoughts, but ‌Cla’nes’ Mistress of the Web Class promised longer-term benefits. “Are there others you’ve heard hints about?”

Getting her to work with Mor’lmes without someone connecting J and Am will be challenging. Maybe tell her upfront and make Cla’nes handle it.

“Given its extensive requirements, Femme Fatale isn’t the most common Skill to develop,” responded ‌Cla’nes.

“Not even among those with high levels in silken trade professions?”

Cla’nes’s gaze gleamed with genuine amusement, brightening her projected Charisma. “Similar skills, yes, but not this specific one. Indeed, if we’d met even a few years ago, I’d still be working to transition it onward.”

“Might I ask the version of the Skill transition you decided to progress to?”

“The name won’t help you much: Sensual Confidante,” informed Cla’nes.

[Sensual Confidante

Details: While retaining its capability to influence a large group of people, possessors of this Skill can quickly develop intimate personal connections to further their ends. The combination allows the possessor to leave their contacts feeling like they’ve gained the most from their interactions.

Requirements

* Femme Fatale [S]

* Counsellor [M]

* Sensualist [M]]

That’s two firsts, or three since I've not encountered the evolved Skill nor two of its required skills. Do Counsellor and Sensualist skills give her Charisma that mellow, comfortable feel by default or is she having to work to project that feeling?

“It tells me enough. I’m not looking for a Skill that involves intimacy. I’m looking for something that doesn’t constantly invite people to regard me with sexual desire,” advised Amdirlain.

Cla’nes paused with the tip of her tongue against her lip and blinked. “If you don’t like people paying attention to you that way, how did you end up with Femme Fatale in the first place?”

“It’s a long, ugly story, not something I’ll discuss. With my Charisma, I know people will pay attention to me. I want to get it to a point where seeing me doesn’t feature in wet dreams later,” responded Amdirlain.

Snorting, Cla’nes threw her head back and began to laugh. The sound mingled in Cla’nes’s Charisma and projected a caressing sensation. It was an effect that Amdirlain easily ignored, and she waited for Cla’nes to finish.

“Honey, if you didn’t want things to get hot, you shouldn’t have been playing in the fire,” laughed Cla’nes, and she looked Amdirlain over. “Look at you sitting there all prim and unbothered. I felt your stage presence through the receiver and wouldn’t believe you to be the same person now. How tight do you have yourself locked down?”

“As tight as I can manage. It’s not tight enough,” replied Amdirlain.

Her muzzle wrinkled, and Cla’nes’s ears perked up. “You’ll need to let it out so I know the challenge.”

“The bigger the challenge, the bigger the favour you’ll want me to pay,” countered Amdirlain.

Cla’nes smiled. “I’m glad you understand.”

“Do you have a Power like Mental Clarity?”

“I do,” replied Cla’nes. “Don’t project any emotions; just relax your control.”

“As long as you tell your maid not to kill me if you behave weird,” said Amdirlain.

Cla’nes gave a guileless laugh that Amdirlain didn’t believe for an instant. “Whatever do you mean?”

Not that she could hurt me with the strength of these projectors, but still.

“I’m unsure how to proceed. You have people you must need protection from, or you wouldn’t have her on staff. I doubt she has a single social Class. Sure, she moves gracefully, but it’s a combat veteran’s grace,” explained Amdirlain. “She’s got the eyes of a Gunner, at the very least. Do you want me to guess at her other classes?”

“If you’re so confident you could overwhelm us-”

“How about I slowly unfurl my Charisma?” proposed Amdirlain.

Cla’nes gave a confident smile. “I deal with some very high-level commanders and officials frequently. Indeed, I’m sure some have more Charisma than I do.”

“Does associating with them help you level?”

“Various levels are certainly involved,” replied Cla’nes playfully. “You’ll be fine, no emotions; relax whatever control you use.”

I might have to introduce her to Sarah. I’m sure they’ll have a blast.

Amdirlain didn’t roll her eyes, but she could see Cla’nes’s expectations of being caught up with charismatic individuals didn’t go far enough.

“I’m concerned about the aftereffects if I do that,” explained Amdirlain, worrying Cla’nes wasn’t taking it seriously enough.

“If I can’t feel the extent of the presence you’re able to project I can’t determine if I can even help,” countered Cla’nes.

“Fine,” grumbled Amdirlain.

Amdirlain put a song barrier in place to stop her Charisma from extending beyond the maid’s position outside the room. Mentally exhaling, she felt the energy within her unfurl and flood through the room.

Mental Clarity and another Power within Cla’nes crashed and burnt without a whimper of protest. As the maid scrambled for the handle to yank the door open, Cla’nes leapt towards Amdirlain with a heated moan. Far Hand restrained her in mid-air, and Amdirlain pulled her Charisma back in.

[Femme Fatale [S] (12->13)

Note: For most this Skill is a matter of subtlety and delicacy. What do you plan to do next, knock them over the head?]

“Oh, pleasurable night, that can’t be your Charisma,” panted Cla’nes.

The maid stood in the doorway, one hand on the throat clasp of her dress and the other clung to the door’s handle. Ignoring the musky wetness between her legs, the combat veteran tried to clear her thoughts to reacquire control of the room’s weaponry.

“Yes, that’s what my Charisma defaults to if I’m not projecting any specific emotions,” sighed Amdirlain. “Sexual heat.”

When Amdirlain set her down on the ground, still panting, Cla’nes shivered and licked her lips. “You drowned me.”

Frowning, Amdirlain considered dissolving their newly formed memories, but it had too much similarity to what she’d done to the infested. Also, the endorphin afterglow wasn’t something she’d touched previously. “I don’t think unfurling my Charisma completely is a good idea in a small group; a crowd at least dilutes the effect.”

Ssa'time regarded Cla’nes with concern, but Cla’nes gave a curt negation. “No. It’s my fault—I got arrogant. This isn’t to be talked about, Ssa’time.”

“Of course not, Lady Cla’nes. My apologies for the intrusion. I seem to have blanked out,” replied Ssa’time.

Cla’nes coughed. “Am’s Charisma spiked, but at least my body tells me I had a good time. I hope we didn’t disturb the building’s other occupants.”

“If you’ll excuse me,” Ssa’time said, giving Cla’nes a bow; she exited the room and retook her position outside the door.

Cla’nes returned to her seat and squirmed as her pulse continued to race. She wrapped her arms around her stomach and struggled to resist the temptation to curl up in a ball. “Are you going to tell me you’re sixteen still?”

“It’s what’s on my identification,” persisted Amdirlain, watching Cla’nes with concern. “There are various enchantments that can erase memories. Fresh memories are comparatively easy.”

“I’ve seen a recent discussion on the caster about such matters, but I’d prefer not to lose memories. I don’t suppose you’d be interested in withdrawing to my bedroom for a time?” enquired Cla’nes, waving upwards.

“If you’re feeling indisposed, I can return another time,” offered Amdirlain.

“Right now, I want to keep you by my side,” said Cla’nes, and she shifted position on the couch again. “Do you have a proper place to stay?”

Suppressing a sigh, Amdirlain nodded. “I do.”

“How did you hold me in the air?”

Amdirlain smiled. “I’m surprised you even noticed.”

“I did, and my wards aren’t reporting any Mana usage,” noted Cla’nes.

“How curious,” drawled Amdirlain. “Your broach does more than interaction with the emplacements.”

Closing her eyes, Cla’nes rubbed at her temples. “I’ve experienced being drowned by charismatic individuals when I was younger, but nothing so strong or recent. What do you normally project if your Charisma isn’t furled.”

“I keep it furled; I’m normally projecting calm even while furled,” advised Amdirlain.

“Calm? I could do with some calm right now,” huffed Cla’nes.

Amdirlain shrugged, slowly unfurled her Charisma, and brushed both of them with calm. Ssa’time standing just outside the door, relaxed far sooner than Cla’nes, whose Mental Clarity initially resisted the effect.

Eventually, Cla’nes exhaled sharply and shook her head to clear it. “Moonless night. Alright, here is the deal. You help me train my Mental Clarity and Resilience, and I’ll work with you to control your Charisma.”

“You just want to keep me around,” noted Amdirlain, taking in the moment Cla’nes’s abilities failed to keep the imposed calmness at bay.

“That too. One day you might say yes,” laughed Cla’nes.

Amdirlain nodded. “I can agree to that as long as you keep our arrangement private. Though I reserve the right to stop if I think exposure to my Charisma is causing you problems. I think we’re going to have one problem, though.”

“What’s that?”

Getting up, Amdirlain opened the door and returned, easily carrying a staggered Ssa’time and laid her out on the couch nearest the door. “Your maid doesn’t have your capabilities.”

“Scat, the people on other floors,” groaned Cla’nes. “You’ve got me making bad choices.”

“I’m not a complete novice. I’ve ensured it’s contained just to your apartment, but I wanted to clarify the extent of the issue. She’s very loyal to you—she didn’t shift from her position,” stated Amdirlain, and she took the security control bracelet from Ssa’time’s wrist and tossed it to Cla’nes.

“That’s her story,” Cla’nes rebuffed gently, her mind still fixed on Amdirlain’s age. “Would you give me something to work with?”

“You’re fixated on my age, aren't you? We don’t know each other well enough for me to share confidences. I’m debating replacing this afternoon’s memories of you and your staff and calling this a bad idea.”

“If you can wipe my memories, it doesn’t hurt to tell me,” proposed Cla’nes cheerfully.

Amdirlain took in her recovering grace and tilted her head. “You’re recovering quickly.”

“I’m not a combat veteran.”

“Yet you’ve also got high levels in Assassin.”

“I’ve lived through some turbulent times, plus, there are many kill bounties in some parts of the territories.”

“Including high-level officials from opposing groups,” noted Amdirlain, and she changed the subject as Cla’nes’s gaze dug into her. “And you won’t be getting me into bed.”

“Not into females?” questioned Cla’nes, her ears drooping exaggeratedly.

“Is your ego that sensitive?” asked Amdirlain.

Cla’nes shrugged. “If it was never on the cards, then it was never on the cards.”

“It wasn’t,” confirmed Amdirlain.

“You know I progress levels by listening to people discuss their issues,” offered Cla’nes.

“Not happening, but I’ll help you progress whatever powers and skills you’ve got so you can properly help train my Charisma,” rebuffed Amdirlain.

“I might have to buy a device from the college to keep it under wraps,” laughed Cla’nes.

Does it hurt to have a Plan B?

“Do I have your oath that you’ll keep my secrets until I tell you it’s alright to share them?” asked Amdirlain.

“I can agree to that,” responded Cla’nes, and Amdirlain caught the lack of deception in the promise.

[Allegiance Bond [B] (3->5)]

At the energy of the connection, Cla’nes’s gaze widened, and her whiskers stood straight out. Amdirlain sang, and Cla’nes meowed in surprise as more power ran through her.

“Try thinking Profile,” instructed Amdirlain.

Amdirlain caught her use of it by the recent memories chiming through Cla’nes.

“Moonless night,” breathed Cla’nes. “How? I’ve never heard of anyone just being able to see their record. Are you involved in the weird stuff at the lake?”

Amdirlain gave a mysterious smile. “What’s your Mental Clarity?”

“Senior Master rank, thirty-nine,” replied Cla’nes. “Mental Resilience, Senior Master rank, fifty-two.”

“Let me know when you’ve pushed twenty or thirty levels in them, and then we’ll call it a night. In the meantime, let me tell you about the Eldritch threat to your world,” said Amdirlain. “After that, you can decide if you want to remember anything but an interesting evening.”

“Threat to the world sounds like something beyond my capabilities,” commented Cla’nes.

Giving her an understanding nod and a reassuring smile, Amdirlain continued. “It’s not a matter of taking on the whole thing. I’m looking for people to take on pieces and to set up a long-term organisation.”

“I don’t even know what these Eldritch are. Let’s make this simple, what’s in that for me?”

“Survival, wealth, and potentially lots of levelling from information gathering,” answered Amdirlain.

A cascade of gemstones and slim Adamantine ingots appeared on the couch beside Cla’nes before a crystal pendant attached to a white ribbon choker appeared.

Lifting some of the cut gemstones to the light, Cla’nes nodded. “I can work with that offer. What’s the necklace?”

“Protects your thoughts from being corrupted or read and lets you present a false front so no one knows,” explained Amdirlain. “Also grows warm in the presence of those infected by the Eldritch or places with their energy.”

“Is your Bard class a completely false front?” enquired Cla’nes.

“Yes, like the ones you used while working against the Matriarchy and the Oligarchy in Quesplian,” replied Amdirlain.

About to pick up another gem, Cla’nes froze. “How do you know about that?”

“It’s enough I know about them and the bounties on twelve of them,” replied Amdirlain.

“So I keep your secrets, and you keep mine?” asked Cla’nes. “Considering you’ve told me enough that I know all the weird stuff lately is you, I could earn enough protection from them.”

Amdirlain took in the calculations within Cla’nes' song and snorted in amusement. “There are many ways you can come out ahead in arrangements with me or, at the very least, keep all you have. Betraying me isn’t one of them; cause me issues, and I’ll give you a fresh start.”

“That’s an interesting euphemism,” noted Cla’nes, trying to find her mental balance as Amdirlain’s projected calmness suddenly stopped.

“I’m not talking about killing you. Who would become your guardian if you were suddenly sixteen and classless again?”

Cla’nes swallowed. “No thanks. What are my other options?”

“Option one, say no; I leave you, you keep the trinkets, and if you keep your mouth shut, all good. Option two, I tell you about the Eldritch; you say no, and follow the same rules, and it’s the same result.”

“I can follow the progression. Option three, I say yes and get the shiny things you promised, whereas if I betray you at any point, I lose everything,” observed Cla’nes.

“There are variations of option three with suitable rewards,” replied Amdirlain.

“Such as?”

“From working with me to help my Charisma and your capability progression, to actively working to gather information,” replied Amdirlain. “Let me tell you about the Eldritch, and you can decide.”

A glowing multi-layered sphere appeared between them, and its centre was a section of the night sky above the city.

“This world and others circle the realm’s stars. Consider outside the sphere hostile territory. Its inhabitants don’t obey our reality’s laws and are happy to ravage its resources.”

“Realm?”

“The reality as you know it includes your planet and more, but its scope has a defined boundary.”

“Sounds like something the old gods were supposed to have claimed,” growled Cla’nes, and Amdirlain caught the contempt and loathing in her tone.

I wonder how well history and reality match in this situation.

“Whatever gods your world had ‌didn’t make this world or the realm, no matter their claims,” replied Amdirlain. “I don’t know the history of your world. I didn’t believe it necessary to learn more. My purpose is to ensure its future safety.”

“You can speak with authority about the claims of gods-” Cla’nes cut off and closed her eyes briefly. “Alright, I got us off track. So they’re invaders that would strip our lands and kill everyone? What has this got to do with people losing memories and masses of ground being thrown into the sky?”

“Some of their forces are here already and either implanted into people’s minds or have replaced them. The task I’m undertaking is to locate all the agents working for them and the mechanism that would convert more to their side,” explained Amdirlain. “The foundation, outreach centres, and the Spellclash couple were all elements of their operations that I’ve identified to act against so far.”

“You want help to pull all the strands of association together?” exclaimed Cla’nes in relief.

“Not all strands, but as much as you can. Let me give you the full details so you know the risks and can consider if you want to be involved,” reiterated Amdirlain.

Cla’nes gave a steely smile. “I know how to gather hidden information.”