Chapter 4: Fuck That Dwarf
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the capital city of Tulfun, the palace began to transition from the bustling activity of the day to the serene calm of evening. Reas Perant moved with practiced efficiency through the vast halls of the royal residence, his mind reviewing the day’s accomplishments and preparing for the final tasks of the evening.
His first stop was the royal library, a sanctuary of knowledge and quiet within the palace. The library’s high ceilings and rows of ancient tomes and scrolls created an atmosphere of reverent calm. Reas entered to find the assistant archivist, a diligent young elf named Talen, organizing a new batch of texts.
“Good evening, Master Perant,” Talen greeted with a bow. “We’ve finished cataloging today’s acquisitions and are almost done with the latest translations.”
“Thank you, Talen,” Reas said, glancing at the meticulously organized shelves. “Please ensure that the translations are reviewed by tomorrow morning. We need to maintain our standards of accuracy.”
With a nod from Talen, Reas left the library, making his way to the palace’s stables. The stables were home to the royal steeds, each one a symbol of elegance and power. Reas wanted to ensure that the care and management of these animals were as impeccable as ever.
The stablemaster, a robust elf named Thalion, was meticulously grooming a majestic steed. “Master Perant, all is in order. The horses are well-fed and the stables are clean.”
Reas inspected the stables with a discerning eye. “Excellent, Thalion. Ensure that the horses are kept in prime condition for the morning rides. Their health and readiness are paramount.”
After confirming the stables were in good order, Reas made his way to the staff quarters. His presence here was a reassuring final check, making sure that the palace’s support staff were prepared for the next day’s demands.
The staff quarters were quiet, the soft murmur of conversations and the clinking of dishes from the kitchens the only sounds breaking the silence. Reas moved from room to room, offering a word of encouragement or a nod of approval. His interactions were brief but meaningful, acknowledging the hard work of those who kept the palace running smoothly.
As the final rays of daylight disappeared, Reas returned to his own quarters. The peaceful solitude of his room greeted him, a welcome respite from the day’s demands. He began his evening routine with a sense of relief.
Reas’s suite was a haven of comfort and relaxation. He moved to his private bath, a luxurious space with warm, inviting water. The tub was already prepared, the scent of lavender filling the air as he added a few drops of oil to the water. The warmth enveloped him as he sank into the bath, the soothing heat melting away the tension from his muscles.
With the bath providing a much-needed respite, Reas took his time, allowing the warmth to relax his entire body. He leaned back, his thoughts drifting as he enjoyed the serenity of the moment. The water glistened around him, and the flickering candlelight created a tranquil ambiance.
After his bath, Reas moved to his bedroom. The room was meticulously arranged, with soft lighting casting a gentle glow over the space. He changed into comfortable nightwear, his thoughts turning to the tasks of the coming day.
Reas’s nightly routine included reviewing any important documents or reports that might have arrived late in the day. He sat at his desk, a well-organized space with all the necessary tools for his work. As he reviewed the papers, he made notes and preparations for the next day, ensuring that everything was in order.
With the documents reviewed and any necessary preparations made, Reas took a moment to reflect on the day. The palace, once again, grew quiet as night settled in. The only sounds were the distant rustling of leaves and the occasional call of a night bird.
Reas moved to the large window overlooking the gardens, the moonlight casting a serene glow over the landscape. He took a deep breath, allowing the calm of the night to settle over him. The day had been long, but he had managed to fulfill his duties with dedication and efficiency.
Finally, Reas retired to bed, the soft sheets and comfortable mattress providing a welcome end to his day. As he settled in, he closed his eyes, allowing the tranquility of the night to embrace him. The challenges of the day were behind him, and a new day would bring new opportunities and responsibilities.
But just as he was about to slip into the soft embrace of sleep, his door slammed open. Rushing in with the balance of a drunken penguin and a toothy grin, Rukus plopped himself down into Reas’s favorite armchair and sighed in pleasure.
“What do you want, Rukus?” Reas asked, his voice heavy with irritation.
“Oh, nothing much. Just thought you should know something,” Rukus replied nonchalantly.
“Like what?” Reas was now fully awake, his curiosity piqued despite his irritation.
“I found a way to pay off my debt,” Rukus announced, his grin widening.
“Oh, did you?” Reas said, his tone laced with skepticism.
“Yep, and you have to help,” Rukus said, leaning forward.
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“Now why would I do that?” Reas asked, crossing his arms.
“Because I’m your uncle, that’s why,” Rukus said, his grin never fading.
Reas sighed, begrudgingly sitting up and looking at Rukus with a mix of curiosity and annoyance. “What could you possibly need me for?”
“Calm down. It’s not a bad thing. In fact, I’m sure you’ll love it. Your dad did. It’s actually how we first met, though we weren’t... I wasn’t... never mind. The fact is, it’s in your blood, kiddo.”
“What the hell are you even saying?” Reas demanded, his voice edged with frustration.
“Baaa, you’ll get it eventually. It’s discreet work, so you’ll be needing this,” Rukus said with a grin, tossing a mask that he had been holding behind his back.
The mask was black and intricately detailed, shaped like a lion with piercing red eyes. Reas stared at it, his confusion evident.
“What is this, you old fool?” Reas asked, examining the mask with a mix of curiosity and disbelief.
“It’s a mask,” Rukus replied, his grin widening.
“I know that, but why?” Reas pressed, his patience wearing thin.
“To protect your identity,” Rukus said simply.
“Obviously, but why?” Reas persisted.
“The job is one you might not want to be connected to your identity,” Rukus explained, his tone growing more serious.
“I’m not going to commit any crimes for you, Rukus,” Reas said firmly.
“No crimes, trust me,” Rukus assured him, a knowing gleam in his eye.
Reas studied the mask, the red eyes glaring back at him with an almost hypnotic intensity. Despite himself, he found the mask fascinating, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he glanced up at Rukus.
“You’re really serious about this, aren’t you?” Reas said, shaking his head.
“Absolutely. It’s a way to make quick money and get me out of this mess. The mask ensures your anonymity while performing the services, so you don’t have to worry about your reputation,” Rukus explained, his tone earnest.
Reas sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Alright, I’ll do it. But only because you’re family. And because I want to help you.”
“Perfect,” Rukus said, his eyes twinkling with relief and mischief.
“But I need more information,” Reas pressed. “What exactly am I supposed to do?”
“All will be clear when you arrive,” Rukus replied with a cryptic smile.
“And when do I have to do this?” Reas asked, his unease growing.
“In about 20 minutes,” Rukus said, glancing at the clock on the wall.
“What!” Reas exclaimed, disbelief evident in his voice. “You can’t be serious.”
Rukus nodded, his grin widening. “Aye, time’s of the essence. You’ve got to act quickly before the opportunity slips away. Don’t worry, it’ll all make sense when you get there.”
“This is insane,” Reas muttered, shaking his head. “I don’t even know what I’m getting into.”
“Look,” Rukus said, leaning forward, “I wouldn’t ask you if it weren’t important. The place you’re going to is safe, and I’ll be in touch. You’ll meet the people you need to. Trust me, this is the best way to get the money I need and get out of this mess.”
Reas glanced at the mask again, its dark, ornate design with red eyes feeling strangely foreboding. The sense of urgency combined with the mysterious nature of the task ahead was unsettling. Still, his concern for Rukus outweighed his hesitation.
“Alright,” Reas said, his voice resolute. “I’ll do it. But you better make sure this is worth it.”
“It will be,” Rukus assured him, his grin returning. “Now, get going. The sooner you start, the sooner this will be over.”
Reas set out from Rukus’s room with the address firmly in mind. As he approached the designated location, he felt the weight of the mask and its strange, heavy presence against his face. Despite its discomfort, it didn’t impair his vision, allowing him to see clearly through the intricate eye openings. The black silk pajamas he wore under the mask added an additional layer of anonymity, contrasting with the grandeur of his usual attire and blending seamlessly with the night.
The city was alive with the usual nocturnal hustle, but Reas’s focus was singular. He moved stealthily through the dimly lit streets, his footsteps barely making a sound against the cobblestones. The mask, though cumbersome, gave him a sense of detachment from his usual self, a disguise that shielded him from prying eyes and curious glances.
Reas reached the address—a nondescript, old building tucked away in a less frequented part of town. It stood in stark contrast to the opulence of the palace. Its brick façade was weathered and covered in creeping ivy, with a heavy wooden door that seemed out of place among the modern buildings nearby. Reas glanced around, ensuring no one was watching, before slipping into the shadows of the nearby bushes.
He took a deep breath, the mask’s red eyes glowing faintly in the low light. With a final check to ensure he was alone, he adjusted the mask and made his way to the front door. The black silk of his pajamas rustled softly as he moved. He approached the door, which was slightly ajar, and hesitated for a moment, listening for any signs of movement inside.
The air was cool and filled with the faint scent of night-blooming flowers. Reas reached out and pushed the door open slowly, the creak of the hinges sounding loud in the quiet of the night. The interior was dimly lit by a single hanging lamp, casting a soft glow over a room that appeared both welcoming and worn.
Inside, the space was surprisingly cozy, with comfortable furniture and rich, dark wood paneling. The room was sparsely decorated but had a certain charm to it—an assortment of plush armchairs and low tables scattered about, with a few exotic artifacts adorning the shelves.
Reas’s heart raced as he scanned the room for any sign of the contact or instructions Rukus had mentioned. The atmosphere was charged with an air of expectancy, and he could sense the weight of the task ahead. The mask’s red eyes seemed to pulse in the dim light, adding an eerie touch to his already heightened sense of alertness.
He took cautious steps further into the room, his senses on high alert. The sound of muffled voices drifted from a door at the far end of the room, and Reas carefully approached, his movements fluid and deliberate. He gently pushed open the door to reveal a more private space—a small, dimly lit office.
A figure stood behind a desk, their back turned to Reas. The figure’s posture was relaxed, but there was an undeniable aura of authority about them. The room was sparsely furnished, with only a few pieces of essential furniture and a small window letting in a sliver of moonlight.
As Reas took another step closer, the figure turned around, and he was met with the sharp gaze of a man dressed in a dark suit. The man’s expression was inscrutable, his eyes cold and assessing as they locked onto Reas’s masked face.
“Welcome,” the man said, his voice smooth and commanding. “I assume you’re here on Rukus’s behalf.”
Reas nodded, his heart pounding. “Yes. He said you might be able to help with a certain situation.” the mask lowered Reas voice and added a vibrating effect.
The man’s eyes widened and flicked briefly over Reas’s attire, taking in the mask and the black silk pajamas. “Very well. Please, follow me."
Reas was led past doors on either side until the man stops at one and turns toward him, "Go right on in, shes waiting"
Reas took a deep breath before pushing open the door. The room beyond was a stark contrast to the dimly lit office he had just left. The walls were lined with rich, deep red velvet curtains that cascaded to the floor, absorbing the muted light and adding an air of opulence to the space. The floor was covered in a thick, plush carpet of a similar hue, soft and inviting underfoot.
Against the far wall was a large, ornate bed with a lavish, intricately carved wooden frame. The bedspread was a sumptuous mix of deep red and gold, its fabric shimmering subtly in the dim light. Piles of satin and silk cushions were arranged haphazardly, giving the bed a disheveled yet enticing appearance. Soft, ambient lighting from elegant sconces cast a warm glow over the room, creating an atmosphere that was both sensual and secretive.
In the center of the room, near the edge of the bed, a large, antique vanity stood with its mirror framed in elaborate gold. The vanity was cluttered with an assortment of beauty products and perfumes, hinting at the room's primary purpose. On one side of the room was a small, plush armchair, draped in a rich, velvet fabric that matched the curtains and carpet.
Reas’s gaze was immediately drawn to the bed, where a woman reclined with a languid grace. She was strikingly beautiful, her skin a smooth, flawless shade of olive that contrasted sharply with the dark red of the bedspread. Her long, dark hair was splayed out across the pillows, cascading in loose, lustrous waves that framed her face. Her eyes, a deep, entrancing shade of green, looked up at him with a mixture of curiosity and expectation.
She was adorned in nothing but a delicate, sheer veil that draped over her shoulders, the fabric nearly transparent but tastefully positioned to preserve her modesty. Her legs were elegantly spread, and the soft curves of her body were highlighted by the soft glow of the room. Her posture was relaxed yet deliberate, as if she were accustomed to being observed and was perfectly comfortable in her role.
Reas stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest as the realization began to sink in. The mask's vibrational effect had distorted his voice, adding an eerie resonance that now seemed to echo with his shock. The mask, the secrecy, the sly grin—everything began to fall into place. His uncle, Rukus, had not just asked him to perform a discreet job; he had essentially sold him as a prostitute.
Fuck that dwarf