: HP = 72/78, PP = 18/34, EP = 46/54, Status = Excited, Armor at 35/60 TP being repaired Smidgen: Taken 27 damage. Smith at Ferlies Ironworks - still owes 9 denarii
(Gain 2 XP)
"Yes it is~ All you are, belongs to me now..." The demon would growl in response to Leona's defiant declaration, only for Smidgen to interrupt them.
"No! You fuck off! I said it first!" Smidgen declared, before smacking the demon in the leg with her club, causing the thrust going into Leona at the time to go somewhat deeper than usual and particularly stretch the pinned lioness. The demon, growling in irritation, suddenly pulled out and away from Leona, leaving her feeling woefully empty... Only to then melt into shadow and slide across the alley in a wave. It enveloped the downed hellhound, and an echoing voice declared; "Fuck it, you aren't worth the trouble! Pray that we never meet again!" And then the wave of darkness slid up one of the nearby walls and vanished from sight, going who knew where.
"Fuckin' stupid prick," Smidgen grumbled, before looking to Leona. "You okay there?"
Being suddenly stretched even more caused Leona's eyes to widen as she grit her teeth and winced. Yet just as quickly her pussy was vacant as she was unceremoniously dumped on the ground. Growling as she muttered obscenities, she fixed her clothes and stood up.
"When I see that piece of shit again, I'll rip his throat out...!" She cursed. After composing herself slightly, she turned to Smidgen. "Have you remembered the right way to the inn, or do I need to try and lead us?"
: HP = 72/78, PP = 18/34, EP = 46/54, Status = Excited, Armor at 35/60 TP being repaired Smidgen: Taken 27 damage. Smith at Ferlies Ironworks - still owes 9 denarii
"Yeah... Unless he's wearin' another form next time. Coward prick like that'll probably change the way they look. Yer better off tryna recognize the hound, if ya got to see it when it wasn't all covered in shadows," Smidgen advised grumpily; She didn't seem any happier about the demonic shapeshifting ability than Leona likely was. When Leona turned to confront the goblin, Smidgen was actually a bit visibly taken aback and nervous, "uhhhh.... Y-yeah! I can figure it-errrr.... I know where we're going! Just... The streets get changed up sometimes, so I must'a taken a wrong turn..."
"Right... Look, just get us to the inn... Today's been fucking exhausting..." Leona grumbles as she straightens out everything and keeps her sword resting on her shoulder. She wanted a nice obvious deterrent for any other handsy bastards.
: HP = 78/78, PP = 34/34, EP = 50/54, Status = Excited, Armor at 35/60 TP being repaired Smidgen: Taken 27 damage.
Smith at Ferlies Ironworks - still owes 9 denarii
Melva Celeste
Nodding, Smidgen would wander back out into the street, moving with a slight limp but making haste back towards the main roads. It was... Hard to tell if the goblin was actually quite aware of where she was going, as she occasionally paused and rubbed her chin while looking around. Eventually, however, the sign for their destination - The Wet Witch - came into view, the letters aglow in neon blue and displaying a feminine figure in a sensual pose. "There is is! Told ya's we'd get there eventually!" Smidgen replied brightly skipping towards the entrance and getting the door for Leona.
A man was summarily thrown through it, the fortuitous timing ensuring that the door wasn't smashed down or inwards. They were short, stout, and... Oddly buglike, with a thick looking carapace, wings, and a big horn with a crest at the top of it. The figure landed on their front about ten feet out from the door, and immediately after them came another strange figure, of similar stature - the two were both closer to Smidgen's height than Leona's - that landed on their back on top of the first one to get thrown out, and both of them were heavily bruised and clearly too dazed to move much at the moment. The second one was scaled in green and gold, with hooked claw-like feet and almost as bug-like features.
From behind them emerged a woman with a brilliant mane of golden hair, currently alight with what seemed to be blue fire that didn't burn, that hung all the way down to her waist. She was lithe, also fairly short, and her eyes were glowing the same color as the heatless blue fire emanating from her, which flared around her limbs as she strode out of the opened door to survey the two battered patrons, giving Leona and Smidgen only a momentary glance and deferential nod. She was clad in a tight black dress that frilled out at the waist, white knee length stockings, and white gloves that ran to her elbows, the outfit displaying the woman's slim figure.
"I'm sure that's enough Melva!" A bright and bubbly voice called from within the building, and after surveying the downed figures imperiously for another moment, the woman's fiery glow would begin to fade out, and she swirled on the spot and went back inside. "Told ya this place was good," Smidgen declared mischievously, and followed her in. If Leona went in as well, she would find herself in a wood furnished tavern common room, not altogether different from what she might expect anywhere out on the road, though it was notably cleaner. There were a decent number of patrons in the fairly spacious room, scattered throughout the dining area and the bar, and most had already lost interest in whatever they were doing before the ruckus happened. The girl who had thrown the other two weirdoes out - Melva apparently - would sit on a stool by the door and cross her arms, and the one who had spoken to her proved to be a prodigiously busty blonde woman - human by all appearances - in a tight blue robe that was cut so as to expose a lot of cleavage and a fair bit of leg, plus a stereotypical wide brimmed, conical hat with stars, cats, and mushrooms sewn onto it. She had a pleasant motherly bearing, and looked to Smidgen and Leona with a warm smile.
"Hello! Don't worry about all that, just one of our lovely employees taking out the trash! If you'd just like to sit at the bar, feel free and our bartenders will see to your needs! If you'd like to sit down in our dining area, wait right there and a server will see to you shortly. If you'd like any of our other services - a bedroom, a bath, or someone to share either with ya - I'm your gal!"
The lioness followed her goblin companion closely, making sure that any onlookers knew to mind their own business and back the fuck off given she wasn't in the mood for anyone else's bullshit. Once they did arrive at the establishment, Leona felt a grin forming as she saw the patrons getting tossed out. "Okay, this might just be my kind of place after all." She chuckled. Walking inside, she made her way to the busty woman behind the counter, listening to her explain the services provided. "Yeah, a meal sounds good to start with. I definitely want a room and a bath too." She explained, wondering just what that all would run her. She then remembered the items she'd gotten off those idiots that tried to jump her on the road. This woman did look more magically inclined...
"I've got denarii, but I was also planning on selling this stuff I got from some jackasses that tried robbing me earlier." She said, fishing out the Shorn Nectar and Darkhearts from her pack. "Speaking of which... That guy that just got his ass thrown out. What'd he do? You get problems often here?"
: HP = 78/78, PP = 34/34, EP = 50/54, Status = Excited, Armor at 35/60 TP being repaired Smidgen: Fine
Smith at Ferlies Ironworks - still owes 9 denarii
Melva Celeste
"Sounds like we're gonna have a wondrous relationship then!" The busty blonde replied brightly after Leona announced what she wanted. She gestured for Leona to head over to the bar, "go on and take a seat wherever, unless you and your lil friend would like a table! Do you think you'll be wanting company for your bath, or are you two an exclusive item?" The woman had a brusque but still friendly way of going about things, smiling sweetly at Leona and Smidgen all the while as she began to drift away, but when Leona brought up her findings and began pulling them out, she paused and watched with apparent interest.
"Oh? I hope you weren't in too much danger! It can still be pretty rough around Acheron sometimes, but, most folks are actually pretty friendly if you take the time to get to know 'em!" She replied brightly, looking over Leona's findings. "Got some good things here... Pretty common, but, I can use those!" She would begin doling out the money for them, and in the meantime replied to Leona's other question; "Oh, those two are just regular troublemakers! They like to try and ask for special favors and discounts, and sometimes they just get a lil pushy is all!" Smidgen, hopping up onto a stool to be more at eye level with the other two, interjected; "Yeah? They tryna get freebies or somethin' like that?" The woman nodded serenely, "Essentially! I wouldn't'a minded in my earlier days, before I took over the place, but now we're just so busy!"
After that, Leona and Smidgen would be handed a menu - for food and drinks - and a brochure with their room and baths services... The latter including a list of workers who could join them that were on staff for the day, with pictures... Which seemingly included the woman they'd been speaking to so far, who was seemingly named Celeste.
(Leona can exchange those for the usual rates listed here.)
With the two darkhearts and the shorn nectar, Leona is able to make a cool profit of 65 denarii. Pocketing the coin, she arches a brow at the woman's words. "Huh? I mean, I want a meal and a room, yeah, but why would I wanna share the bath? I'm just looking to relax after the day I've had. Gotta pick up my armor tomorrow too." She mutters. Upon sitting down, Leona's gaze quickly goes over the menu before finally deciding to have a nice medium rare steak and a side of ale. She also decides on a private bath and a room for the evening so she can rest her body for tomorrow.
With her plans for the evening decided and while chewing on a chunk of her meal, she ponders out loud. "Gotta figure out a plan to get into that tournament though... Need a sponsor or some jobs that'll get the notice of the city..." She muttered, putting a great deal of thought into how she should proceed. She refused to miss her chance at proving her strength.
: HP = 78/78, PP = 34/34, EP = 50/54, Status = Excited, Armor at 35/60 TP being repaired Smidgen: Fine
Smith at Ferlies Ironworks - still owes 9 denarii
Melva Celeste
"Mmmhhhh, well, sometimes one could enjoy some company to... Help them relax~" Celeste replied brightly, before handing Leona some coin only to reclaim some of it when she presumably paid for her meal and room key. "A regular bath is just one coin with a room rental, which is another three. Will you two be sharing?" She asked, and Smidgen bobbed her head rapidly. "Yup!" The bubbly blonde nodded with a bright smile still on her face, and continued; "What'll you have to eat?" When Leona gave her order, she took it down, declared that it'd cost five denarii, and then looked to Smidgen, who scanned the menu and declared; "Cheesy noodles! And bacon! Dark beer! And tater tots!" Smidgen would hand over some coins for her own food, and cover half of the room and bath costs, meaning Leona only had to pay a measly seven. With that, she'd be given a room key, and told that she could take her bath at will in bathroom four, after which the curvy blonde would saunter off to continue with her business.
While waiting on her meal and sipping their drinks, the goblin would reply to Leona's musings; "Yeeeaaah.... Could try going for the little arena fights. Get a name for yourself there... Or! Or, find out what the city needs done, get invited by the Queen! Otherwise, yeah... Gotta find a sponsor from the nobles, or make a whole lotta coin....We coooould go to the slums, maybe work out a sponsorship with a crime boss. That's kinda risky though..."
When their food arrived shortly thereafter, Leona would find that it was quite good, the steak being juicy and pink on the inside, and the side of potatoes that came with it made as she wished. Smidgen would, perhaps unsurprisingly, prove a very messy eater, digging into her assortment and of random foodstuffs with ravenous vigor and ending up sporting a goatee of melted cheese.
Pondering it over, Leona gives her answer to Smidgen. "Arena fights sound more my speed. Gives me a chance to see how they're handled and a potential look at my competition." She then turns towards the server. "Steak and whatever side goes with it. Gimme an ale to drink too. I'll just stick with a normal bath for now. I like my privacy." She answers.
Once the food is brought out, Leona wastes no time in devouring it all. She had a long day, so a big appetite is to be expected. She then makes her way to her bath so she can relax and clean up. After all, she'd be right back to it tomorrow looking for an arena fight.
: HP = 78/78, PP = 34/34, EP = 54/54, Status = Fine, Armor at 60/60 TP Smidgen: Fine
Smith at Ferlies Ironworks
Melva Celeste
"Kaaaaaay! S'probly the better route anyway. No beggin' at some demon's feet involved," Smidgen replied. The server would nod and depart, and in short order they had their drinks, followed not long after by their meals. Smidgen had a bunch of crispy potatoes covered in cheese and crumbled bacon, which she devoured with absolutely zero sense of table manners, while Leona was able to dine however she chose on a fairly decent steak with a side of beans and mashed potatoes to go with it. The food was good, and certainly filling after a long day.
The following bath was relaxing, the water kept warm throughout, and she and her new goblin compatriot would be able to drift off to a good night's sleep... (You may spend xp here)
Come the morning, Leona and Smidgen would be able to depart, head to Ferlies Ironworks to retrieve Leona's newly repaired armor and pay off her balance. The suit was once more in mint condition, and the techs would help her don her armor before Leona was able to be on her way...
Soon enough, the arena was looming in the distance as they made their way down one of Acheron's main streets, the bustle of the city's day-to-day business passing them by. The chaotic streets were dirty and lined by shops and stands attempting to bilk passers-by of their coin, but as they neared the arena Leona would note a number of novelty figures made - allegedly - in the image of fighters from the arena, memory slabs of their best fights from "the best angle in the house!" and sometimes alleged raunchy encounters either in or out of the arena. The video of a particular dragongirl participating in a famed game of Cromgen - Smidgen explained that it was a goblin sport - going by Alexandra was extremely popular on that front...
Presuming that she didn't stop to spend more coin on merchandise, Leona would make it to the arena grounds - it was surrounded by a wide swath of flat stonework in decent condition - and approach the arena itself. Outside were the stalls where workers sat at tables looking bored to take down their information. Leona and Smidge would approach a pale woman in red, who was sporting dark red horns that curled over a head of bright gold hair. She fixed them with an almost annoyed stair as they stepped up to the table, and then calmly asked; "Let me guess; here to sign up for the daily fights?" Smidgen nodded enthusiastically, and after Leona's affirmative reply would continue; "Fantastic. Always need more amateurs. Just so you're aware, there aren't any big events planned for today. That means small prize pools, you're mostly going to be going in for practice and hoping you'll get noticed by somebody... Unless you already have a sponsor?"
She gave the two a searching look, and if Leona didn't answer negatively, Smidgen would shake her head; "Nah! We don't need no stinkin' sponsor!" The clerk quirked an eyebrow at that, but then went on; "Well, standard rules apply; You get money for every fight you participate in, more if you make it good for the audience. Participants are not allowed to place bets in fights that they take part in; don't try to skate around that. We will find out, and you will be blacklisted. Minor equipment repairs are provided, just don't get your stuff completely destroyed and our techs should be able to piece it back together for you. Respect your opponent's things similarly, please. We prefer to avoid public killing when and where possible, and any stray attacks that risk hitting the audience come with a warning followed by a disqualification, so watch your magic. You are allowed winners rights in the one on one fights, but your opponents have the same right if you go down. If you elect for the group melees instead, they only get you for the bell, but otherwise anything goes. The Acheron Arena is not responsible for mutation or maternity that may result in any case, you're responsible for your own protection. Any questions?"
Arriving at the arena, Leona was beginning to feel some excitement. Finally! Proper fights and she'd be getting paid for them to boot! Another step towards her goal of proving she was one of the greatest warriors out there. As she listened along to the briefing from the woman behind the stall, she nodded occasionally, but it all seemed rather standard. It's not like she had spells or projectiles to worry about hitting the crowd with anyway.
"Sounds pretty simple. And yeah, Smidgen has the right of it. No sponsor yet since I just got here yesterday. Let's keep things simple and start with some one on one fights to get used to things." The lioness said, eager to finish whatever entry forms or what have you to get her first fight underway. She was going to show these people what overwhelming strength looked like! That was when she realized how vague one part was.
"Hey, you didn't say a time limit for victor's rights in single matches."
