VRMMO: World's First Glyphborne

Belladonna gulped down the bowl full of sanguine sweetness, changing her Essence bonuses for the moment but it wasn’t something she was too worried about. She had spares for this very reason.

It was just too delectable to resist, and of course she wasn’t going to be rude and turn her nose up at such a lovely gesture, now was she?

Once it was drunk, Belladonna stood from the bed as the maid started to help her get dressed. Belladonna had tried to say that she did not need help, but the maid insisted quite strongly and before Belladonna knew it she was getting all manners of clothes shoved onto her body.

It took a few tries for the maid to figure out what outfit suited her, until finally she decided on a long, flowing dress which draped off of her shoulders, and which had long sleeves that slightly draped at the wrists and a laced corset in the front.

The dress itself was a deep purple, so deep that it looked black in the right light, whilst the corset front had hints of red and true black mixed into its colouration. It gave her the look of an old, vampiric noble woman straight out of an old horror film.

As the final touches, the maid let Belladonna’s hair flow loosely down her back, much like her own hair, and then applied a small amount of make-up. Some charcoal around the eyes, to act as an eye shadow that made her already soul ensnaring eyes more drawing, and then some lipstick which she applied in a most odd way.

Once again, the maid used the knife, this time sticking her own thumb, and used her own blood to apply the shading to Belladonna’s lips. She did have to scold Belladonna and re-apply it a few times when she kept licking her lips. But eventually it was applied and dried, and her look was complete.

Leaving the room, the women’s heels clicked as they strolled through the manors’ hallways. The maid walked in front, leading the way as they passed by actual statues as well as display stands of various sets of ornate armours, that allowed the armoured guards to blend in amongst the decorations.

Whenever they passed anyone else, be they other maids or lower nobles, they would often lower their gazes and refuse to look at Belladonna or her escort.

She could often hear their hushed voices, whispering fearfully between each other either after they passed or before they reached her, but a single hateful glare from her escort was enough to silence those whispers.

It was actually quite impressive how terrified of this simple maid everyone was, and it started to make Belladonna wonder if the peoples reactions were because of the maid or herself.

It was most likely a mix of the two.

Notably, all of the individuals they passed were completely human, or at least appeared to be so, which made the maid leading Belladonna stand out even more. If she had to guess, between her skin, hair and the pointed ears sticking out of that hair, this woman was most likely a dark elf.

They eventually arrived at the heavy wooden door of an office, which had a pair of heavily armoured guards standing either side of it.

Belladonna glanced at them warily, unable to shake the feeling of nakeness she felt in this particular outfit.

Without armour she felt so vulnerable, and these shows were absolutely torture. How women could ever walk in high heels, she could never understand. She had lost the use of her legs before she got to the age in which that was really a thing.

Even if some teenagers chose to wear them, she was always more of a trainers and comfortable shoes girl. Heels had never, ever been on her mind, never mind her feet.

It was taking a lot of concentration to keep herself from toppling over with every step, as her feet wobbled slightly while she stood here.

She wanted nothing more than to kick off these shoes, tear off the dress and punch one of these guards just for the fun of it. Because honestly getting stabbed by them felt less painful and humiliating than these heels.

After a swift knock on the door by the maid, the two slowly entered the room and closed the door behind them.

The maid immediately stepped to the side, remaining by the door with her hands clasped in front of her, as she completely reduced her presence until she practically became one with the wall itself.

Now that was some truly impressive maid work. It almost made Belladonna feel a little inadequate in her own service talents. If this woman had been working her job, she would have been employee of the month ten years running.

Two men were already in the room. One tall, strong and lean in a tight fitting tunic and a sword on his hip whilst the other was short, stout and also had qtight tunic. Although his was tight because of the portly stomach that was trying to break free from its elegant confines.

The former was Duke Lucian, while the latter was Lord Swinesby.

The Lord glanced at Belladonna with a hint of irritation in his eyes, possibly because he heard her quickly stifle a laugh at his pig-like appearance suiting his name, even down to his slightly up-turned nose.

"Ah, it seems our conversation must come to an end for the moment Lord." The Duke said, glanced at Belladonna briefly before puffing out his chest slightly, making sure to display his noble air.

"I have waited for this guest long enough. However I once again extend my gratitude to you for allowing me to use your home during my hunting trip."

Lord Swineby snorted, turning up his little piggy nose in annoyance.

"Words don’t mean much at this point Duke. What had been a few days turned into over a week!"

"I understand. As thanks for your hospitality, I have the cooks preparing an Ironhide Boar I caught this morning. I’m sure you will enjoy it."

Swinesby snorted again, forcing Belladonna to bit her lip to contain her giggles. He glanced between them with suspicious eyes, and lingered those eyes on Belladonna for a few more lecherous seconds, before finally turning on his heels and leaving.

But not without Belladonna having to stand out of the way so he could step out of the door.

"Finally... you have arrived." The Duke said, his regal and noble air completely melting away as he sighed with relief.

A strange smile spread across his lips, and his eyes teared up slightly.

"It is my pleasure to meet you, and may I say you are a true gift to the eyes, Madam Emissary of Blood."

Belladonna’s eyes widened in slight shock, as the Duke did not just stop at an over zealous greeting, nor did he bow.

Instead he dropped to one knee in front of her and dropped his head so he was staring at the floor in complete submission.