The Ruby Empire

Rovil the Halfling

I had been traveling for a long time. I had just finished dealing with a mess up north. Now all I wanted to do was find a warm bed and sleep for a good solid week. It's growing bitterly cold and I am not well equipped. It's late by the time I find a small village. By then I am not able to find lodging or no one is opening their doors. The gnawing voice at the back of my mind is cackling at me.

I sit down on a set of stairs, wrapping my cloak around me as tightly as I can. If this is all I have, then it is what I have to work with. I just can't help imagining a nice, soft, down bed and waking to pancakes and coffee in the morning.

"A bed of warm bodies would be better," the voice whispers.

I close my eyes, forcing the voice back deep and down. It takes a lot of effort to keep that darkness inside me at bay. Every day when I wake and before I sleep I have to meditate so I can survive the day.

I don't know when I fell asleep. In fact, as I come to, I don't know exactly where I fell asleep. I'm in the warm bed from dreams. The blankets are soft and nice, and the pillows have a delicate fragrance to them. I leap up, terrified and worried. I look around the room and I see you. Your back is bare to me. Your hair is short and fluffy from sleep.

You turn and you face turns red. Your lips part and you duck. "I'm so sorry!"

"Sorry?" I yelp.

"She's naked, it's a good start." The voice cackles.

I haven't meditated. I can't meditate! I feel my heart squeeze and my chest grow painfully tight.

"I thought you were still asleep." You've slipped on a tunic and you dash out the door. "Please. Take your time. I didn't mean to wake you."

I stare at the door, a cold sweat beading down the back of my neck despite how hot I feel. The voice won't silence. It keeps chittering away and whispering to me. "She has enough breast for two. Imagine your cock in that."

"Shut up," I hiss. I press the heels of my palms to my eyes attempting to meditate. I'm finally able to center myself and the voice goes quiet.

I step outside just now noticing the sweet aroma wafting through the entire place. It's warm and cozy as I step into the kitchen. I see you standing over a large oven. The door is open and you're pulling out a tray of fresh, sweet pastries.

My heart leaps into my chest. Have I died and gone to heaven?

You turn and smile at me. "Good morning."

I begin to wonder what angle I should take. Should I play it cool? Should I do my usual bit and act cutesy?

"Did you sleep well?" You set the tray on the counter and my mouth begins to water.

"Yes!" I decided to go cute. "Thank you for taking me last night, ma'am. It was so cold and I was so scared." I simper and pout, I make my eyes wide and voice sweet.

You look at me confused. You open your mouth to speak then shut it. "Yeah uh...I couldn't just leave you there."

"You're so nice."

"I'm sorry," you laugh. "I didn't realize you were a kid. I thought you were some...big adventurer type."

This never happens.

"She thinks you're some big shot adventurer," the voice cackles. "Isn't that cute?"

"I uh-" I let my real voice slip. "Uhm."

You tilt your head as I try to decide what move to make next. "Are you hungry?" You ask. "You woke up just in time."

"Really?" I gasp.