Seraphim Online: Afterlife

The Grasslands of Torr, a huge sprawling forest part of the kingdom and home to a gigantic array of wildlife and bandit alike. Our journey to Tuscany brings us through this land today, a brief detour before we finally make our way to the human kingdom. Why is a vast forest known as a grassland you ask? Don’t ask me… maybe the forest itself isn’t that old?

‘Nice, we can finally relax for a while. Wonder if this place shares that famous racism the capital apparently has?’

Me and Lena arrive at the only major settlement in the region, a place called Riverdale high up in the hills. Passing through and being split by river, trying to get from one side of this place to the other looks annoying. Think we’ll put off any exploration and shopping for the capital later on.

“*Stomach grumbling*.”

“Hehe, how are you feeling, Sera?”

“Brilliant, thanks. Love to see you laughing at my misery… bloody dragon.”

“Hehe, it’s not my fault your stomach is weaker than a dragon’s. Did tell ya rare rabbit is a bad idea.”

If it isn’t obvious, my gut has been playing up all morning due to an undercooked rabbit which my apparent vegetarian gut has no interest in. Ah right, that also gave me some experience finding those little buggers, we hunt time to time during our journeys so any additional EXP that appears will most likely be from something like that.

Regardless of my blight, we find an inn and I follow Lena inside. Don’t ask on what she’s wearing today, or lack of wearing. The heat is awfully humid in this forest and I think she’s just using any excuse to show off as much skin as possible.

The second we open the door however; we’re immediately stopped by an argument going on. If this turns sour, maybe a side quest may appear?

“How many times is this now!? Do you hate me that much and wish to see me suffer!?”

“Oh, lighten up, you decrepit old fart. Stop pulling my chain on this, it doesn’t matter.”

The inn itself is pretty quiet with only a handful of customers around. The two arguing look to be the only staff members inside this place.

“It does matter to me! In the dead of night when you can’t see anything, you understand how dangerous that is!?”

“Not my problem, woman. Learn to live with me… my memory is reserved for more important things.”

Already getting a sense for what this might be about and the fact both of them have wedding bands on, this has to be a lovers spat. Best we just patiently wait because we’re not getting a room or some drink until they’re finished.

‘What the heck!? That could’ve hit me!’

I was thinking this is a regular argument, that’s until the woman picks up a knife in pure frustration and launches it across the bar! Clearly meant for her husband’s foot, another five feet or so and that might’ve hit my little toe!

“It is your problem otherwise you’re sleeping in the barn again. *Inhales*… PUT THE GODDAMN TOILET SEAT DOWN, WILLY! This is the last time I’m falling inside that outhouse; I promise you! Either put it down or fix the box!”

“Hmph… damn badgering wife. It appears we now have customers that you nearly just killed.”

Finally noticing we’re here, me and Lena try are hardest not to laugh while the woman turns pure red.

“I-I’m really sorry, y-you two. Were you looking for a room tonight? Willy, give them a place, free of charge.”

“Hang on, I’m paying for your indiscretions now!?”

“Give them a damn room… Willy.”

With gritted teeth, the wife forces the innkeeper Willy to give us a key, then we hurriedly find a booth to get out of the way. It shouldn’t be that long before dusk settles in so we’re taking the rest of the day off. Tomorrow, we’ll return to the long flight, swear I’m starting to get blisters sitting on Lena’s scaly hide for so long.

“How you doin’, ladies? Care for some intimate company?”

“Yeah, hic, you two Goddesses would give Seraphim a run for her money.”

Of course, the second we take a seat, a couple of bulky guys, presumably lumberjacks judging by their axes peek from the next table over. It’s going to be one of those days today, I swear.

‘Hmm… these two look like the macho kind. Bet this will scare them off.’

Instead of just telling them to buzz off, I try my hand at adding something extra to what I’ve done before. Lowering my voice and sticking out my chest, let’s see if a certain level of “maturity” scares them off.

“That depends, darlings, you two think you can compete with gals like us? You may feel insecure and question your masculinity when you realize what weapons we possess.”

…

Lena giggles from my maturity and I try my hardest to repress a smile. The odd thing is, these two seem more surprised rather than scared…

“Wait… you two are packing arrowheads underneath those skirts? That’s… hot.”

“Hic, true beauty knows no gender. Being on top is good, hic, sometimes it’s nice being the bottom.”

[This guide feels Sera should lose -1 to Speechcraft for that comment.]

‘Shut it, Guide. Why didn’t that work!?!’

Hang on, hang on, this wasn’t supposed to happen! My go to line for flirty drunks, and these two are into it! If anything, they seem more in interested now! This town is way more open to elves and other desires than I thought it would be.

“I-I… e-erm… *stomach growling*. F-Fuck.”

“Hehe, think we’ll have to pass. You two seem to have broken Sera.”

Thankfully, the two lads leave us to our own devices and don’t pry any further. I’m going to blame my low speechcraft, intelligence and that rabbit for this. Maybe it gives me an invisible speech debuff or something.

Anyways, my gut may be unhappy but I could do with some grub. Never known Lena to turn down food but I’ll still ask her regardless.

“You hungry Lena? Want me to get some snacks?”

“Hehe, maybe, Sera. The only thing is… the snack I’m really wanting is right in front of me.”

…

Seeing the dragon smirk and her eyes look through me like I’m a hunk of meat, I guess those guys have given her a flirty idea. I can’t let her get away with such a bold and unnecessary flirt that easily though.

“Heh, looks like we’re having salad with extra lettuce and no sauce then.”

“NO! A-Ahem… you get me rabbit food and we’re over, Sera! Thought that would work…”

Heading to the bar to get us some food while Lena tries her best at thinking of some more pick up lines, it looks like Willy’s wife has disappeared. Let’s just hope she hasn’t disappeared in the outhouse again.

“Have any recommendations for someone with an appetite comparable to a dragon?”

“Eh, steak with a truffle glaze, elf? Ignore that… wife of mine will go insane if I try and rip you off. How does a stew made from fish, potato and leek sound? Add a chunk of bread and it’s the most filling thing we have.”

“That sounds great… make it three bowls though, or four. Lena can definitely down three by herself.”

Money well spent and order placed, I head back to my partner to find her deep in thought, twiddling her hair.

“*Stomach grumbling*. Think our stomachs are in sync, Sera.”

“Heh, you’re just hungry, Lena. I’m currently waging a full-on war here.”

My stomach pain may be dwindling but at one point, it was getting dangerously close to producing a gas fit for chemical warfare.

“Hehe, true. It’s a shame really, I just thought of an idea for a starter.”

“I can always go back up there to get something else if you want.”

“Hehe, nothing like that, Sera. I only wanted an ear to nibble… but stew will have to do.”

…

Again with the food flirtations! It’s like a switch has been turned on inside Lena’s head… unless this is what she’s like when a fire burns deep? Her passion filled eyes are definitely saying something.

“You two got lucky, the wife already had a batch already prepared. Here you go.”

Right as I’m about to respond, the innkeeper Willy brings a platter of food and sets it down. Talk about good service, let’s hope everyplace we visit ends up with knifes being thrown.

“Yummy! Let dive in!”

Even though Lena is already inhaling the food like its oxygen, I can’t leave things like this. She has to have a taste of her own medicine.

“Heh, you don’t have to flirt if you want some intimacy, Lena. Just ask me to jump and I’ll say how high.”

I swoop in and quickly give Lena a peck on the cheeks that immediately causes her to shut down. Coughing and spluttering, you can barely notice the growing fluster behind the fact she can barely breathe.

“*Cough cough*… I-I’m eating, S-Sera! Don’t c-catch me off guard like that!”

‘Sure sure, you can flirt but the second I respond, she loses her composure. She’s way too adorable at times…’

__________

“L-L-Lena… I-I can’t d-do this.”

“Sera! Just a few more steps to go, you can do it!”

After finishing a filling but unfortunately unseasoned stew, Lena’s legs suddenly stopped working so the only solution was to find a strong and strapping elf to carry her to safety. What should’ve been romantic moment was ruined in a split second because of my status.

“L-L-Lena! H-how much do y-you weigh? I g-give up!”

Every muscle in my body spasms, my face drips with sweat as this moment might as well be killing me! My feeble arms cannot keep up with the weight of this specimen. Seriously though, why I thought carrying her like a princess is beyond me. If we do this again, I’m either holding her like a sack or she’s going on my back.

“Hehe… aww. I was enjoying being in your arms, Sera.”

‘She’s really flirty today, huh.’

Giving up carrying my heavy load, we finally arrive at the bedroom with Lena still trying not to giggle at my weakness. Someday dragon, I’ll wield the strength of Sisyphus and toss a boulder over a mountain, mark my words!

‘Number fifteen… but this room is already occupied.’

A skimpy dressed woman lies on the bed looking to the open doorway, almost like she’s waiting for someone, perhaps her lover? That’s what I’m thinking until she speaks at least.

“My my, two strong and beautiful vixens enter my lair tonight. Which of you needs attention first?”

…

Absolutely gob smacked from the words the seductive woman speaks, both of us freeze. We definitely have the right room and this woman appears to have found the right room as well.

“Lena… there appears to be a prostitute on our bed.”

“Sera, you can’t say that!”

“Prostitute? What’s offensive with that? It’s an honest profession.”

“Think they prefer ladies of the night… or is it sex workers? I’m sure I heard a woman in Bordertown say something like that.”

‘Priorities, damn dragon! I don’t need to know what they like to be called!’

As we continue to natter to ourselves, the seductive woman continues to smile and even starts licking her lips at us. She doesn’t come with the room, right!?

“Lady, I think we’ve got the wrong room. Or are numbers too hard for you to read?”

“Nope! You two are exactly where you should be… just call this an added extra. My, you two really are cute! Charge is by the hour so the longer you two keep gawking… the less fun we’ll have.”

Blowing us a kiss, she very slowly and sexually moves herself around so she’s now sitting cross-legged at the end of our bed. If you’re going to go commando… at least try and be subtle about it.

…

Normally, me and Lena are far more composed to strangers, I’m struggling to find any polite way to tell this woman to screw off. I can’t even think of anything sarcastic or rude!

Still unsure how we politely ask this woman to buzz off, thankfully a saviour comes in the way of the innkeeper again. Where would we be if it wasn’t for good ol’ Willy?

“Where has Ramona gone-… bloody hell, woman! I already told you NOT to force yourself upon costumers! It’s bad for business!”

Charging into our room like a bull in a china shop, the innkeeper Willy swiftly grabs the woman by her hair and practically tosses her off the bed.

“Correction barkeep, it’s excellent for business. Who cares if people are getting the wrong idea, you’ve had like double the costumers this month!”

“Ack, that’s beyond the point! If you insist of continuing this devious life, go back to Tuscany and find a brothel there! Seraphim knows you’ll find work among the succubae whoring themselves!”

“No! Get off me… why you…”

Kicking and screaming, the lady of the bar is dragged out and so we’re left alone on a filthy bed. Metaphorically speaking I mean, it’s not like me and Lena actually want the sheets changed. That sex worker did leave a strong scent of perfume though.

“So, erm… what now?”

As soon as I ask that however, Lena’s face shines when she notices I’m just as red as her. Even though that woman was pushy, I can see why someone with coin to spare would be interested. Not my cup of tea but then again… I can see the appeal.

“We could make out, Sera! Only if you want to.”

“Heh, let’s do that then.”

I reach out to Lena, only to find complete rejection. This isn’t funny if this is meant to be a tease.

“Hehe, beforehand Sera, how about we get comfortable and put something else on first? No peeking!”

Both of us turn away from each other and I have to shake my head. I can read this dragon like a book.

“Heh, don’t think I can’t see through your slyness, Lena. Don't you dare peek at my bottom.”

“Hehe, silly Sera. I have no idea what you’re on about.”

Already into my birthday suit, I quickly toss on something Lena bought. Seeing that we don’t actually have pyjamas, it makes sense to carry a couple of things when we are spending time inside inns. Sure, it may be obviously feminine but comfort always reigns supreme.

For what Lena has put on… I have no words.

“Hehe, what do you think, Sera? This comfortable enough for ya?”

“E-Erm… have you really thought this through, Lena? You want us to make out like this?”

As soon as I say that, the dragon’s face turns a brighter shade of red and she turns away. Whatever bold act she was trying to put on, it looks like she’s struggling to keep at it.

“N-No, but y-yes… I dunno, Sera! I kinda wanted to try something days ago, but didn’t know if you’d be ready or not.”

Taking a seat alongside my purple partner, why she’d think that surprises me. It’s not like I’ve yet to turn down any of her advances, I think? I’ve even had my own desires steadily growing in the background.

“Why wouldn’t I be ready?”

“Your curse, Sera. I just didn’t want to take advantage of you, all the change must’ve been hard to get through.”

Again, I’m still surprised but for a different reason. I really had no idea Lena was thinking that heavily on this.

“Heh, fair enough. The only thing is… do you like me, or is it Sera you like?”

I have to ask, even I may not like the answer. She has already said she’s gay, I’m still a guy at heart though.

Thankfully, she surprises me with a peck on the cheek to help my anxiety a tad.

“Honestly Sera… I’m not sure. The body plays a part but I think I’d still like you even if you were a head in a jar… like that Walt Dizzy person you told me about.”

‘Heh, I’m going to ruin her knowledge of Earth at this rate. Totally worth it.’

“Heck, I don’t even think having a masculine body is that big of a deal anymore. Although… we may have problems if you turn into a male dragon. Oh, and growing muscles that bulge out, those suck!”

From what started off somewhat flirty, then serious and now onto our regular playful vibe, we’ve come full circle in just a matter of minutes! Both of us can’t help but smile, chuckle and huddle together. We’re like two peas in a pod with how connected we are.

“Heh, anyways Lena, let’s wing it and see how things go. Think I’ll start by doing this… num.”

Num! Giving Lena a little payback for all the flirting and that kiss, she practically jumps out of her skin when I put my lips to her ear and nibble down.

“S-S-Sera! That’s totally u-unfair… your ears are b-better for nibbling…”