<span style="font-weight: bold">[The main party, on the Move!]</span>(Sorry I took so long...)<br/>"M-melt Down?!" Sophie exclaims, images of fire and heat flashing through her simple mind at Erics Words. "S-Sophie no want to go!"<br/><br/>Sophie lets out a surprised noise as Eric picks up the pace! "wh-whooooa!"<br/><br/>Her eyes are wide... she doesn't feel at all balanced rushing along like this...! but wow... the wind, the sun... this is exciting!<br/><br/>She doesn't know it, but the Iron maiden has started smiling, even though she doesn't dare blink.<br/><br/>0000000000000<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">[UNKNOWN CAVE= MAIZA'S THRONE ROOM]</span><br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div>"O-okay... your highness... but w-what does my c-career choice r-really d-do to c-catch your interest?" As much as it pained her to show respect, she knew it was her best chance. As for the stuttering, Beta might need an update, or time to recover, one of the two.</div></blockquote><br/><br/>Maiza grinned stepping off her throne to stride toward the incapacitated Beta, waving her sister/commander away. "You see Doctor Beta... there are so few true alchemists in this world, let alone on this continent. I've been reading your work, and I find your skill to be... very respectable."<br/><br/>She leans close and strokes Beta's neck, clearly enjoying her submissivness and the projected fear of the woman.<br/><br/>"And I have found a niche in my growing kingdom for one of your talents." she purrs. "But before I tell you any more... a small test of your skill is in order."<br/><br/>She stands back up and pricks beta with her stinger. Instantly, the hazy leaden feeling of limbs begins to fade. "In two minutes you will be able to move again. Before you are the ingredients of a particular potion I found in your book, along with the necessary means to create it."<br/><br/>Indeed they are on the floor, only a few feet away from Beta. Oh she'll recognize the ingredients already: full gender transformation. Beta can probably tell where this is going. Shame the ingredients are harmless...<br/><br/>"To see if you are as good as you appear, you shall make the potion in ten minutes, then drink it." The absolute minimum time to make it. "If you do anything stupid, My sister will probably grievously maim you, and I might even allow you the mercy of a swift death at her hands."<br/><br/>Maiza cuts her bonds and steps well clear. Within moments, she's able to move again...<br/><br/>"Begin."<br/><br/>(WELCOME CLARE! yeah, I'm lucky if I'm able to post here until next FRIDAY. So don't worry, and we'll politely remind you if you miss anything. I won't hold it against you, at least!)