After taking time to rest and get more magic items, the party was ready to take on a new quest. However, before they could look at the board, Racknar was informed that he had received a personal request from the temporary Duchess of Flowers. Knowing the job would pay well, Racknar led the party to the Lord's Manor, the personal home of whomever is put in charge of the region.

It was a large manor, beautifully built like most of the buildings in the city. It was three stories tall and had a massive fountain out front. The property had its own garden and stables for horses and there was a really nice carriage parked next to the stables. Once at the gate, two guards opened it after confirming the invitation. The group was then led to the door and into the building.

The inside almost looked more spacious and definitely looked more beautiful than the outside. Fancy rugs and paintings decorated the walls and floors. A massive crystal chandelier hung above a large staircase that went up to the second floor, then split into two smaller staircases that went to the third. The group was given directions to the office room that Princess Elizabeth Bramble was working from. Once told where to go, the party wasted no time going there.

Racknar knocked on the door to the office room. “Hey Liz, it's me, Racknar. I was told you asked for me. I have a full adventuring party with me as well.” After a pause, Elizabeth opened the door. “Good. Good. Because you'll need one. Let us go to an area more suited for a group meeting.” She moved the group to a lounge area. “I know it's only been a few days, but it's good to see you again, Racknar. I see you've made some interesting friends.”

Racknar nodded. “I joined a whole party of freaks and weirdos.” Ariagoria then commented “You seem awfully casual with a princess from another kingdom. Is there a story there?” Racknar did a hand wave as he considered his wording. “Elizabeth is a Reborn like us, I knew her in my old life.” Mari perked up a bit hearing this “Oh? So you two were friends beforehand?” Elizabeth did a so-so gesture “We had a… complicated relationship. But it has been a few years since we saw one another when he passed and died five years before I did.”

Marionette let out a sigh, perhaps of relief, then the group sat down as servants poured tea. “I'm not sure if I could handle another Lisa situation. Watching someone be flirty, even as a joke, is really awkward.” Elizabeth tilted her head “Lisa? Who's Lisa?” Davy grumbled “Lisa Da Vinci, absolute babe. Turns out she's the one that's the Reborn and the twin is just a pretty face.” After a pause he realized what he just did and jumped a little “But uhh… that's supposed to be a secret.”

Elizabeth laughed “Don't worry about it, I can keep a secret. Though even as a joke or teasing I find it hard to imagine someone openly flirting with Racknar here. Though I guess watching him squirm would be fun. Having the attention of an attractive woman is not something he's used to.” Marionette tilted her head “Why do you find it hard to imagine someone hitting on Racknar? I'm sure plenty of people enjoy the strong silent type or simply have a thing for the whole knight ascetic.”

Elizabeth gave her a blank expression “Do you… not know what he actually looks like.” Marionette jolts a bit in shock “Wait, do you?” Racknar interrupts them “Everyone in this room knows what I really look like. In fact we can all probably drop our illusions here. Since she now knows we are all Reborn and trusts me enough to know none of you would harm her.” Davy nodded and took off his ring. Marionette hesitated but did the same.

Elizabeth was barely shocked “Ah, so all of you are non-human Reborn. Figured as much from the freaks and weirdos comment before. Though I wasn't expecting to see an Illithid. Let alone a blue skinned one. I thought they all came in shades of purple.” Davy responded “Normally they do, and that was part of my problem. I was born with blue spots that spread and unfortunately Illithid don't like visual differences unless they provide an advantage. Then they make the change uniform.”

Racknar nodded “They take the hive mentally of all being the same quite seriously. Now let's focus, you asked me here to do a job for you, not for tea. Though I don't mind a casual conversation over tea or coffee, I'd like to stay on task.” Elizabeth shook her head making tisk-tisk sounds “Same old Racknar, always straight to the point. You're lucky that's part of what I like about you.” She put down her tea cup. “I heard you managed to take down a young swamp dragon with relative ease despite your lack of experience. Not that I'm surprised.”

Racknar grumbled “Please don't tell me it's a dragon slaying mission. The only reason things went so smoothly is because I had prep time and an open area.” Elizabeth waved dismissively “No no, nothing quite that intense. I got a report that a group of three to five manticores were traveling and hunting together in a way similar to dogs. Unusual behavior, or so I'm told, though not unheard of.”

Racknar nodded “So you want me and my party to handle them. Three to five rank three monsters might be a bit of a challenge for a party of our level under normal circumstances. However, under normal circumstances they don't have the equipment we do. Good armor, an overabundance of magic items. I mean everyone in the party has boots of cat's grace and two of us have a belt of bull's strength since we got one for the cleric too. Infinite arrows, bolts, and javelins. Then to top it all off rings and cloaks of protection across the board as well as bracers of defense for myself.”

Elizabeth blinked with a blank expression for a moment “How exactly did you afford all that?” Davy did a dismissive wave “Da Vinci gave us several items in exchange for the ability to study Racknar. Science nerd and whatnot. He even gave her his severed arm, twice. Apparently he can just regrow limbs whenever he molts. The grossest part is the bastard eats the shedded armor. Then he washed it down with some strange liquid that she gave him that smelled like iron rich blood and pen ink.”

Racknar explained “Because it basically was. The thread of a black iron spider is affected by its diet. She wants high quality silk for making cloth armor. It's a cocktail of the blood of a rust eater from the sea of black sand mixed with squid ink. Tastes like copper and ink but it's part of the payment for our magic items. It's not even the strangest thing she asked for.” Marionette crossed her arms “I still would like to know what she meant by “a close and detailed examination”. I mean, the tone she took when she requested it…”

Racknar put his hand up in a “stop” gesture. “It was basically a full medical examination. You know, lights in the ears, eyes, mouth, nose. Blood sample and pressure check, heart rate check. Samples of spit, venom, and thread. I'm just glad she didn't ask to perform a prostate exam. Though with everything else she poked and prodded I wouldn't be surprised.” Mari loosened up a bit. “Ah, so not comfortable.” Racknar chuckled, “Anything but.”

Elizabeth couldn't help but notice how defensive Marionette got every time Lisa Da Vinci was mentioned. “Does she… have a thing for Racknar? She also got defensive when I joked about him not being the target of flirty behavior. Did she notice when I got defensive at the mention of a woman flirting with him as well? Wait… how does the thought of a woman pursuing Racknar even make me feel?” She shook her thoughts and pulled out a map and pointed. “This is the area with the Manticore pack. Or would it be pride like with lions? Anyway, there are three to five in this pride of manticore so be careful. I'll make sure you are well compensated.”

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Racknar looked over the map with his hand on his chin. “I've never been to this area, so it looks like another carriage ride for several days unless one of you has access to a gate closer than this one.” He pointed at a gate. The party looked and shook their heads. Racknar continued “We'll head out right away then and return when the job is finished. It's a good thing we got equipment for ranged fighting. Since otherwise fighting something that could fly would be a real pain.”

Elizabeth nodded “Unfortunately you don't get any of your class bonuses with ranged weapons. Outside maybe reckless attack and your ability to attack faster than most because of the extra hands.” Racknar sighed “Yeah. I'll just have to live with not fighting in the optimal way for my style. Though at our current level our mage should be able to cast the “fly” spell at least once per day.”

With some final handshakes and a promise to return with the bodies, the party heads out to deal with the manticores. While on the carriage ride the party had time to talk. Davy being the first to speak. “So you and Elizabeth. Is there anything going on there?” Racknar bluntly responded “No. Just friends. And even then it wasn't exactly a smooth friendship. She sees me as a solid advisor, one that gives her an honest opinion over what I think she wants to hear. She values my input, but that's it. There was never anything close to a romance between us, and I highly doubt there ever will be. I mean… look at me? I fill a void in her life, and although it makes her feel a certain way, she can get the same effect from a platonic relationship. We hardly even need to be friends for her to get the benefit she wants from me.”

Davy crosses his arms and nods. “Uh-huh uh-huh. And what about Lisa?” Racknar grumbled “Lisa likes to tease me for fun, her interest in me is scientific curiosity. Nothing more. Although… She could be open to a sexual encounter. Though it would be less out of romantic or even sexual interest and more out of curiosity. She's the sort of person that'll try anything once and in her previous life as a man she definitely got around with people of both genders. Though I'm not the type to go for sex without emotional attachment. Normally. Then again, I've never really been the emotional type either.”

Krys then asks “Are you sure you're not some sort of ace like myself?” Racknar scoffed “Yeah, I'm definitely capable of being sexually and romantically interested in a woman. I just have a hard time getting in touch with and identifying my own feelings sometimes. I try to focus on facts, logic, and reason. I'm goal oriented and tend to avoid things I see as distractions. The mission comes first.”

Ariagoria nods in understanding “That makes sense. So a good partner for you would likely be someone willing to travel with you and or pursue the same goals. A fellow adventurer or something. As long as they are willing and able to aid in your goals.” Racknar nods “Probably.” The group then goes the rest of the trip either talking casually or relaxing. Thankfully there are no instances with bandits or wild animals while they travel to the nearest town. Since there is a Yggdrasil gate outside it, everyone interacts with it. After a long trip, the group takes the chance to sleep in a real bed before going out on their mission.

In order to save money the group just pays for one room with two beds with them setting up a cot. Once in the room Racknar dies a stretch. “Alright, I guess Davy and I will use the one bed with Charity and Mari on the other with Krys on the cot. They can rotate with either one of the ladies or Davy so everyone gets a chance on a bed. I'm not trusting Davy to share a bed with Krys.” Davy’s arms become animated as he speaks with frustration “Oh come on Racknar! Really? They are made of crystals and don't even have a hole in their body. I couldn't try anything with them even if I wanted to. How about we leave it up to Krys who they rotate with.”

Krys gave a nod. “Davy has a point. I should have a day on who I share a bed with. Even if it's just for sleeping.” Ariagoria then asked “Wait, do you even need to sleep?” Krys shook their head. “Technically no, but I do meditate to rest my mind. Also since my body isn't as sensitive to firmness I'm not as picky about softness.” Mari nods “I'm a construct so it's the same for me. I just like laying on a bed to feel more human. I imagine it's the same for Krys.”

Racknar put his hand on his chin. “That's definitely useful for when we have to camp. Makes keeping watch easier. Now let's all try to get some proper rest. We'll need to be in top shape to take on the pride of manticore.” They all get into their respective spots after everyone changes into nightclothes using the bathroom. The only one who doesn't use the bathroom is Racknar who simply strips in the open since his bits are always covered.

Ariagoria looked at Racknar as he readied the bed. “Wait… so this whole time before you made that robe you've been basically naked?” Racknar gave her a blank expression “Well yeah, my naturally armored “skin” covers my bits so it's not like you'll see them dangling.” Ariagoria then responded “Well yeah but then where… are they?” Racknar bluntly responded “Inside. The codpiece opens up to let my thing out when I need to use the bathroom or something.” Ariagoria responded with a simple. “Ah, I see.”

The group then laid down to rest. In the middle of the night, Racknar felt a hand push on his arm to shake him awake. He opened his eyes to see Krys standing over him. “What's up?” He whispered. Krys spoke to Racknar telepathically so they wouldn't need to whisper. “Let's switch. You take the cot.” Racknar would squint if he could, instead he sort of half blinks with his many eyes. “Sure, whatever.” He gets up and moves to the cot allowing Krys to take his spot.

Davy half wakes up with the shuffling to see he now has Krys under the covers with him instead of Racknar. This takes him a bit by surprise but he tries to doze back off. “Why are they wearing nightclothes? Like Racknar there's nothing to cover up. Then again… there is something about the fact they are that's… kinda working for me. Ugh, no Davy. They are ace and can't even do stuff. Don't be a pervert. Wait… can they hear my thoughts? We are both capable of telepathy.” The voice of Ernie responds to his question “No. They won't hear your thoughts unless you choose to project them. Just like you won't hear theirs unless they do the same.”

Davy lets out a sigh of relief and rolls over, only to find himself facing Krys who's facing the other way. Looking at the back of her head, the crystal shaped to resemble hair in a style that reminds Davy of long dreadlocks. Davy can't help but look over Krys’ body. Although they have a completely flat chest and androgynous body, there is some nice almost feminine shaping for the hips. “God help me, I want to grab ‘em” Ernie chirps back jokingly “Not a god.” Krys moves her head a bit and telepathically projects to Davy. “I may not be able to openly read your thoughts, but I can practically feel the anxiety and tension rolling off you. Possibly even… desire? What's up, are you a pervert who can get turned on by a rock after all?”

Davy tensed up a bit “C-crap. Am I? I mean they do have an aesthetically pleasing shape.” Davy telepathically projects back “Sorry. You may be a rock but you are shaped like a person. One with a nice looking set of hips. I guess I really am a degenerate pervert after all.” Krys mentally projects a chuckle “At least you're honest about it.” There is then a pause “You know I may not exactly be into romance or sex, but I'm not fully opposed to physical contact from another person. Just know I don't exactly have the same kind of urges you do and can't exactly reciprocate them.”

Davy shifts for a bit. “I think… I could be okay with that. At least for now. I mean… there's no harm in a little cuddling, right? That is, if it's okay with you.” Krys nods slightly “No funny business though. I can and will kick your squid-faced ass right out of this bed if you try anything weird.” Davy laughs telepathically. “What exactly am I going to do? Dry hump a rock?” He then wrapped his arm around Krys and snuggled up to her back “Though to be fair, I wouldn't be surprised if you got poked. I am a pervert after all.” Krys shuffles into him a bit. “I will not hesitate to punch you if you make this weird.”

Davy grips them a bit tighter as the shuffle “Says the person literally wiggling into me.” Krys apologizes “Right, sorry. I'm not trying to get you worked up.” After a bit, Davy eventually settled down and went to sleep. Davy woke up in what must have been early in the morning just before dawn, the vague memory of a spicy dream floating in his head. He looked to see he was still wrapped around Krys. A common morning affliction for males poking her in the backside through his clothes and into theirs.

Davy clenches his hand tight. “Fuuuu- god damn it. Hard as a rock and I can't even do anything about it even if I wanted to. Wait… can they even feel this? Probably not, but even if they could it's not like they could physically reciprocate or even emotionally do so on the level an alosexual would. Ugh. I can't believe how much of a perv I am to be turned on by a sentient gemstone.” Davy does his best to settle himself down before everyone wakes up. Once everyone is awake the group gets ready to head out and take on the pride of manticore.