Sierra couldn’t stop herself from smiling. Nathaniel should have returned yesterday. She walked down the streets carrying a basket with a steaming meat pie and warm honey buns. She spent all morning making them. I hope he enjoys them.
“Did you see her this morning?” Sierra passed a couple of housewives gossiping by the well.
“I did! I wasn’t expecting him to come back with a monster.”
“You don’t think…”
“He is an unmarried man.”
What are they talking about? Sierra eyed them with confusion. She shook her head and continued down the street. Nathaniel’s house came into view, and she ran to the door. He should be up by now. She knocked on the door. Sierra heard steps approaching and she quickly straightened out her dress. The door opened, and for a moment she forgot to breathe.
A woman with golden blonde hair stood in front of her, and Sierra suddenly became conscious of her own figure. The woman’s large bust and wide hips made her envious, and her sharp blue eyes were beautiful, but Sierra couldn’t stop staring at the dark blue horns poking out from her hair and the thick dragon tail swaying behind her.
“What do you want?” the woman sneered.
Sierra gawked, “Who are you!” she said, “What are you doing in Nathaniel’s house?”
“I live here,” the woman said tossing her long hair, “If you have no other business here, then leave.” The woman slammed the door in Sierra’s face.
The nerve! Sierra pounded on the door again.
The door opened, “What is-” Sierra pushed past her.
“Nathaniel!” The woman’s tail slammed in front of her.
“How dare you barge in here!” she said, “The master is busy and doesn’t want to be disturbed.”
“What’s going on out here?” Nathaniel looked down on them from the second floor.
“Forgive me master. I didn’t mean to disturb your sleep,” the woman bowed, “This girl barged into the house and started causing an uproar. I was about to throw her out.”
“It’s fine Ralia,” Nathaniel said coming downstairs, “Sierra’s a good friend.”
“Nathaniel, who is she!” Sierra said glaring at the woman.
“This is Ralia. She’s a slave I purchased in Rumand.”
Sierra’s mind went blank, “S-slave,”
“That’s right,” Ralia smiled as she snuggled up to Nathaniel, “Truthfully, he pretty much stole me for what he paid,” Her smile grew as she stared down at Sierra, “But it shouldn’t be a surprise that he bought me. I was the best of the lot.”
“That’s not saying much considering the only other slave worth buying was an orc.” Ralia laughed while she dug her nails into his arm.
“But…why her?” Of all the women, why a monster?
“Because she can be useful,” Nathaniel said with a sigh, “Ralia is level thirty-one, and has high levels in several martial skills. The village could use someone like her.”
“What do we have to worry about!” Sierra glared at him.
Nathaniel simply stared back at her, “Just because all the fighting is away from us doesn’t mean we shouldn't be prepared,” he said, “We were attacked by bandits yesterday on our way back. Thankfully it was only a handful of them, but what if they were a larger force. Do you think we could fight against them?”
Sierra’s head fell, “No,” Auntie told me this would happen. Tears started welling up in her eyes.
“What smells good?” Sierra gawked as Nathaniel gave her a small smile.
She wiped her eyes, “I thought you might be hungry, so I made a meat pie and some honey buns,” she said.
“Would you like to eat with us?” Nathaniel said with a smile.
“Yes,”
“Ralia and I will set the table if you’ll set out the food,”
Sierra nodded and headed into the dining room. She pulled out the warm pie and set the pan near the head of the table, and she left the honey buns in the basket. I should put them on a plate. She headed to the kitchen. Nathaniel reached into the upper cabinets to pull out three of his copper mugs while Ralia grabbed the silverware and plates. The dragon-heart noticed her and gave her a vicious smile. Her tail wrapped around Nathaniel’s waist with the tip rubbing against his thigh.
“Ralia, your tail,” Nathaniel said with a nervous chuckle.
Ralia pulled Nathaniel back and embraced him, “I’m sorry master,” she said, her smile growing when she saw Sierra gawking, “It has a mind of its own.” She rested her head on his shoulder.
Sierra bit her thumb and screamed internally. That filthy monster!
Nathaniel freed himself from her clutches, “Now’s not the time for playing,” he said, “Go set the table.”
Ralia sauntered towards the dining room as she gave Sierra a toothy grin. Her tail snapped at Sierra’s feet when she passed. Sierra glared at the monster.
“I’m sorry about her,” Sierra turned to see Nathaniel looking at her, “Frankly, I don’t know what she’s thinking.”
“It’s fine,” Sierra said twirling a lock of hair, “May I have a plate for the honey buns?”
Nathaniel gave her a plate and they headed back into the dining room. Ralia had set the table, with one plate on the other end of the table. She sat in the chair next to the one clearly meant for Nathaniel snacking on a bun. Sierra groaned as she plated the buns, and brought the other plate next to Nathaniel.
The meal went by with relative peace. Nathaniel caught her up on what happened in Rumand, and Sierra caught him up on the very little that happened. Ralia wasn’t paying attention, she was too busy wolfing down the third helping of pie.
“While I’m here,” Sierra wiped down her mouth, “Could you make me more undergarments.”
“Of course,” Nathaniel said, “How many pairs?”
Ralia perked up, “Undergarments?”
“I’d like enough for a week,” Sierra said, “My old ones…are getting worn out.”
“Let’s go get your measurements then,” Nathaniel rose from the table.
Sierra rose and gave Ralia a smirk as she followed. Ralia shoveled the last of her food and ran after them. Nathaniel led them to a room on the bottom floor. Several spools of fabric hung from racks on the wall, and a loom sat in the corner. Sierra hadn’t been in here since Lydia passed a few months ago.
Sierra stepped behind the paper curtain and pulled off her dress. She patted her cheeks, hoping to chase away the blush, and stepped out. The simple black bra and panty, as Lydia had called them, did little to accentuate her curves, and the frayed ends and missing threads were evident.
“I see what you mean,” Nathaniel said, “May I?”
Sierra nodded, and Nathaniel gently touched her shoulder. She tried to hold back a shiver. He went over to a workstation and pulled out a measuring rope.
Nathaniel approached her, “Arms up please,” Sierra raised her arms, and blushed heavily as he wrapped the string around her, “You can lower them now,” She did that, then squeaked when he tightened the string. Nathaniel loosened the string and kneeled to take her hip measurements.
“What colors were you wanting?” Nathaniel rose and put the string away.
“I was wanting something more…mature,” Sierra said, “Something that…men might find attractive.” Why is it so hot.
“Mature and seductive,” Nathaniel said. Why did he have to say that! “Black and red are good colors, but I think you’d look good in yellow and light blue.” He checked the colored cloths, “Do those colors work.”
“Yes,” Sierra finished getting dressed.
“I’ll get started on them today,” Nathaniel said, “I’ll have them done by the end of this week.”
“Thanks Nathaniel,” Sierra smiled as she gave him a hug before leaving.
Ralia was happy that the little imp finally left. She snorted in contempt and headed back to the sewing room. Nathaniel stood by the workstation, color coordinating the fabric with lace and thread. She sauntered over and leaned against the table.
“You didn’t need to treat her like that,” Nathaniel said glancing at her.
Ralia pouted, “I found her rude and bothersome,”
“Sierra is the closest thing to family I have in this world,” Nathaniel said, “You don’t have to be friends, but I want you to stop antagonizing her, understand?”
“Yes master,”
Nathaniel gave her a smile of approval and returned to his work. He carefully selected the colors until he had five different sets.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“What’s with those strange undergarments,” Ralia said, “Do human males truly find them attractive?”
“They did back in my world,” Nathaniel gave a slight chuckle.
Ralia looked back at the cloth, “I would like some too,”
“You want lingerie too!” Nathaniel gawked at her.
“Yes,” Ralia said taking her top off, “Take my measurements.”
“Put your blouse back on,” Nathaniel sighed heavily, “I’ll use my [Intuition] to get your measurements.”
“But you didn’t do that with the girl,”
Nathaniel rubbed his face, “She doesn’t know about my legendary talents. Now put your shirt back on!”
“Measurements first,”
“Fine,” Nathaniel said. Ralia smiled as she pulled off her skirt, “Why are you women so damn pushy.”
Sierra couldn’t stop herself from smiling. She knocked on the door as she hummed to herself. Nathaniel opened the door and smiled at her.
“Morning Sierra,” Nathaniel said letting her in, “You can head on into the sewing room, I need to sharpen my shears first.”
“All right,”
Sierra watched Nathaniel disappear into the forge before she headed to the sewing room. Her smile grew, and she could help but skip to the room. She stepped into the room, and her heart fell.
Ralia stood in front of a mirror, checking herself out in her undergarments. Her undergarments were made of a dark blue material with black lace and golden stitching. Sierra stared in shock because Ralia’s pants left her cheeks exposed save for a single string that connected to a small triangular patch in the front.
“I don’t like you,” Sierra noticed Ralia staring at her.
Sierra crossed her arms, “I don’t like you either,” she said. Ralia smirked as she cocked her hip. “Why did Nathaniel buy you?”
Ralia snickered, which caused Sierra to glare, “I can think of a few reasons,” she said running her hand over her body, “A human male once told me I had an attractive figure.”
“Are you even attracted to Nathaniel!” Sierra said with a glare.
“Of course,”
“But…don’t monsters think humans are ugly?”
Ralia looked confused, “What does looks have to do with it?” she said, “A female should find a mate that can provide and protect her and her offspring,” she started laughing, “Is that why humans are weak, because you choose mates solely on their looks?”
Sierra couldn’t stop herself from blushing, “Shut up! I’m not going to let you have your way with Nathaniel.”
Ralia’s smile vanished and she slowly approached her. The monstrous woman’s presence caused Sierra to hold her breath. Sierra backed away until she came up to the wall, and was forced to look up at Ralia.
“How do you plan to stop me?” Ralia’s cold stare caused a shiver to run down her spine. The words wouldn’t come. Ralia sneered, “What does the master see in you,” she said, “You want to be his mate, but here you are, cowering in my shadow. The master deserves strong females at his side, not crying children,” she turned and slapped Sierra across the cheek with her tail, “Why don’t you go find some boy to satisfy you and leave the men to real women.”
“I…I am a woman!”
“You are a child thinking she is a woman,” Ralia said turning to face her. Sierra hated how confident and proud she stood, “The master will perform great deeds, but those deeds will easily crush him if he’s not supported. That’s why he needs strong women at his side. You are not one.”
Sierra couldn’t stop the tears, “And you are!”
“Yes,” Ralia said looking over her shoulder at her reflection. Scaly stubs protruded from her shoulder blades, “I’ve already lost my family, and I will not lose another one.” Her gaze softened, “I care about him, and he cares about you. I fear what might happen if something happened to you, and the last thing I want is to see him suffer because of your weakness.”
Sierra’s clenched her fists. I hate her, but… Auntie said the same thing. “How… do I… become strong?”
“Struggle, and win.”
Sierra’s head throbbed as she walked down the street, and she hugged the package that carried her clothes tightly. Ralia’s words stung, but it was the truth behind them that brought the most pain. She wasn’t paying attention and ended up walking into something hard. Sierra screamed as she fell onto the ground.
“Are you all right miss?” a tall man leaned down and helped her back to her feet.
“I-I’m fine,”
“That’s good,” the man said, “Does this village have a healer? My friend’s hurt.”
“We don’t have a healer, but we do have a priestess,” Sierra said.
“That’s great,” he said, “Would you mind helping me with him?”
Sierra nodded and followed him. He led her to the brush on the edge of village, and he pushed into the wilderness. He led her deeper into the forest, and Sierra couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
“How much farther?” Sierra looked around trying to see anyone.
“Not far,”
Sierra screamed as someone grabbed her from behind and lifted her off the ground. Two other men stepped out of the brush, and they tied her hands and feet together. They then gagged her with a wadded-up cloth.
“Sorry about this miss,” the man gave her a sad smile, “But we need you to come with us.”
Sierra screamed against the cloth as she was tossed over someone’s shoulder. They continued pushing deeper into the forest. Sierra struggled, hoping that she could get free, but the man tightened his grip around her waist.
“Please behave miss,” the large man carrying her said, “We don’t want to hurt you, but if you keep struggling then I might have to.”
Sierra stopped. They continued walking through the wilderness, and she was forced to watch the ground move beneath them. The morning chill was starting to lessen, and the traces of winter were starting to disappear. Then, beyond the sounds of the forest, Sierra could hear the sounds of people.
“So, this her?” Sierra heard another voice but couldn’t see the person.
“Yes boss,” she recognized the voice of the man that led her into this trap.
“Put her over there so I can speak with her,” Sierra screamed as the man dropped her onto the ground. The boss looked like a soldier with his metal breast plate and short hair. “My men weren’t too rough with you, were they?” he pulled off her gag.
“What do you want with me?” Sierra said, looking around. Their camp was small with only a few tents around a fire.
“We’re here to send a message, nothing more,”
“A… message to who?”
“Your friend the crafter,” the boss said, “He’s made some powerful people angry, and they want him to stop. You’ll be free to go once he pays the ransom.”
“But… who,”
“None of your concerns miss. I suggest you relax until your crafter friend arrives.”
Sierra stared at the eight men surrounding her. They were heavily armed and most wore simple coats with leather greaves and bracers, but even she could see how well trained they were. She curled up into herself and laid on her side. She felt cold despite the blazing fire.
Ralia finished cleaning up the few dishes that filled the wooden tub in the kitchen. After that, she walked to the forge and watched as Nathaniel took stock of his supplies. Sierra’s words echoed in her head. It’s true that she didn’t find Nathaniel physically attractive. He lacked the bulging muscles that she was used to seeing on male dragon-hearts, and the lack of tail, horns, and wings made him look incomplete, but it wasn’t his physical appearance that attracted her.
Mother always emphasized judging a mate by their potential hoard. Ralia smiled as she remembered the vault. Even though it lacked precious metals and gems, the sheer size of it showed of Nathaniel’s intent. No one builds that large a vault without a desire to fill it. Then, there was the dungeon core. Just remembering the size of the core made her tail shiver and face flush. She even felt her wing stubs twitch at the memory. Mother’s core was level eight, to see one that’s level twenty is…exhilarating.
A loud knock broke her trance, and she glared at the door. Ralia threw the door open, ready to unleash her wrath upon the fool, but no one was there. She could smell the faint trace of a male, one that hadn’t bathed in weeks, but he clearly ran away before she got to the door. She did, however, notice a note that was nailed to the door. Ralia read the note. Her fingers tore into the parchment, and it fell apart in front of her. That foolish girl!
“Who was it Ralia?” Nathaniel said from behind her.
“No one,” Ralia said closing the door, “Just some fool causing trouble.”
“I see,” Nathaniel said with a sigh, “I take it you’ll handled it?”
“Yes sir,” Ralia said with a vicious smile, “Master, do you have any spears made. I have a sudden need to do some training.”
“They’re not the best, but I do have some in the forge,” Nathaniel said giving her a serious look, “Will those do?”
“Yes master,” Ralia stormed into the forge.
“Ralia,” she turned to see Nathaniel looking at her, “Be careful.”
“Of course,”
“Meet me in the dungeon when you’re done.”
Sierra shivered against the cold ground. The sun was starting to sink in the east, and the men were huddled against the fire. A ninth man had appeared from the woods a few hours ago, and now they were waiting for Nathaniel. Please, don’t come. Sierra kept eyeing the wilderness.
“He should be here soon,” the boss said looking at her, “Soon this will all be over.”
“Are you sure,” the tall lanky man said, “Why don’t we kill the crafter then sell her into slavery in Umvral. I hear you don’t need a contract to sell human slaves there.”
“Because the Guild doesn’t want him dead you fool,” The boss glared, “They want him to stop supplying Quarmane, and come under their authority.”
The Guild!
“So that’s what this is about?” Everyone turned to the dragon-heart woman standing at the edge of camp, “You humans always try to bring down those stronger than you.” Her grip tightened around the shaft of her spear.
“Where’s the crafter?”
“Not coming,” Ralia said glaring at them, “I’m not letting the master get caught up in your ridiculous plans.”
“Too bad,” the boss said, “Maybe sending back your heads will be a clearer message.”
The bandits drew their weapons and approached Ralia. A shallow smile came to her lips as she spun the spear around. The bandits charged. “[Rapid Thrusts]” Ralia stabbed at the bandits with multiple fast thrusts. Ralia spear pieced through the hearts of five bandits. The four remaining bandits circled Ralia and attacked her at once.
Ralia deflected the attacks and swung the spear hitting two bandits in the head with the butt of her spear. She stabbed forward and pierced the neck of one bandit, and then danced out of the way of another attack. She slapped away an attack with her tail as she struck down another bandit. The boss took to fighting Ralia head on keeping her distracted from the second bandit.
Sierra struggled against her bonds as she watched the second bandit circle around Ralia. She couldn’t get the ropes to loosen, so she started crawling on the ground. The dirt and sticks dug into her, but she kept going. The second bandit charged at Ralia’s back, but Sierra jumped and grabbed onto one of his legs causing him to fall. The bandit fell to the ground and glared at her.
He kicked at her, “Let go…” his words were cut short when Ralia stabbed him in the throat.
The bandit boss staggered back from the death of his men and fled. Ralia chased after him. “[Dragon Lance]” Golden light enveloped the spear as it sped through the air and struck the boss’ back. The shaft of the spear broke, and the bandit’s body fell to the floor. Ralia threw away the broken weapon and approached Sierra.
“Are you hurt?” Ralia said undoing her bonds.
“I’ll be fine,” Sierra said, trying to ignore the pain in her shoulder from where the bandit kicked her. She was covered in small cuts from crawling on the ground.
“That’s good to hear,” Ralia said with a small smile, “The master would be upset if you were badly injured.”
“Did Nathaniel send you?”
“No,” Ralia helped her to her feet, “I didn’t tell him you were taken, and I couldn’t let these bandits cause him any more trouble. So, I came to deal with them myself.” Sierra nodded solemnly, “Thank you for helping,” Ralia smirked, “You’re not nearly as weak as I thought you were.”
“Y-your welcome,”
Ralia pushed her away from the camp, “Let’s get you back home,”
Nathaniel stood by the dungeon core looking over the domain map. The extractors were working on expanding the dungeon upwards into the mountain. The door to the main entrance hissed open and Ralia stepped inside. She no longer held her weapon, and blood coated the bottom of her skirt.
“Take care of everything?” Nathaniel said, looking at her.
“Yes master,” Ralia said, “I’m sorry, but the spear broke during my training.”
“Is Sierra safe?”
Ralia sighed deeply, “Yes master,” she said, “Give her a few days and she’ll be as good as new.”
“Who was it?” Nathaniel said he hid his clenched fist behind his back.
“They were bandits hired by the guild,” Ralia handed him a letter, “I found this on the leader.” Nathaniel read the letter. He sneered and threw it into the dungeon core.
“Thank you for taking care of her,” Nathaniel sighed, “But you should have told me something was wrong. I shouldn’t have to use [Intuition] to figure it out.”
“I didn’t want you to worry master,” Ralia bowed, “After all, you wanted to take full advantage of my martial skills. I will do everything I can to protect you and those closest to you.”
“Very well, but be honest with me next time,” Nathaniel said with a small smile, “As a reward, I’ll start working on some proper gear for you,” He turned to the core, “But I don’t want this happening again.”
Nathaniel opened the minion menu and created a new minion. It was the size of a hawk with four thin blade-like wings. The central body was spherical with a singular red eye that could freely move around the body. Small blue jets of fire kept the robot aloft and propelled it forward.
“I should have created these recon bots sooner,” Nathaniel said, “Seneschal, create enough of these to properly patrol around Treante. I don’t want this to happen again.”
“Yes master,” Seneschal said creating thirty more robots.
Nathaniel rubbed his face, “Dammit, I wasn’t expecting the guild to interfere,” he said heading towards his workshop, “Have the fabricators ramp up production, and have the parts brought to me immediately.” I can’t let this happen again.