The night wanes on, and with the trials of the day complete, everyone has ample opportunity to rest, relax, and enjoy themselves. Inevitably, sleep comes, and with sleep - dreams. Dreams have always been ephemeral glimpses of desires, or simply replays of the day or one's own desires. Yet...the dreams that come feel so viseral and full of sensations. They feel real.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"> Those who have a bond with Disa... </span><br/><br/>Fighting was just fun. It had been going on so long, noone really even remembered what sparked it, but it was simply enjoyable. Yet, there was a still a part of her that didn't truly like it. It was a lifestyle. Following the battles, fighting with the hope that she survived, and enjoying the spoils afterwards. Eating people was fun, and it felt great! She couldn't even remember the last time she had normal food, but now? She wasn't even sure she'd like it. Oh, but gems! Gems were tasty! So crunchy! Maybe, just maybe, before she met her inevitable demise on the battlefield, she'd do something heroic! Something to be remembered! Something that would be told in story and song, something to elevate her above the normal rank and file!<br/><br/>You find yourself gazing through Disa's eyes, feeling the weight of her enormous weapon as she slammed it down on some pitiable primal, crushing her flat with a single one-handed swing. It seemed like the battle was going well. She'd sustained a couple of injuries, but ultimately, it didn't matter - she'd be healed up within minutes, good as new, if not better. You feel the struggling in your other hand as the fishlike fellow who'd speared both of your thighs with ice shards squirmed in your grasp, and with the battle lines pushing forwards...you had a moment to enjoy yourself. Leaving your weapon firmly planted on the unmoving body of the former primal, you lift the fish-man up before your eyes, a thin grin creasing your lips. Well, you'd been alive for a couple of hundred years, and never tried sushi before! Good time to start!<br/><br/>The sudden realization of what you were about to do dawned in his eyes, and he planted his feet against your midsection, trying to push his way out of your grip. It was a useless effort, and with almost casual ease, you stuff his head between your jaws, lavishing your tongue over his smooth, faintly scaled face to get a good taste of the flavor. Ooohh...he was GOOD. You waste little time in cramming his head into your throat, eagerly gulping him down inch by inch. The sensation of his surprisingly cool skin sliding down your throat felt wonderful, and even more pleasant was the nice weight he made in your stomach as he slid effortlessly inside. Well! That was a good starter...but the battle was still ongoing! Yeah - you could actually get full in this one! Maybe even capture someone to save for later! Hefting your weapon up off the smushed body before you, you swung it effortlessly up onto your shoulder, gave your stomach a satisfied pat, and waded back into the frontlines, weapon swinging. The battle was already won.<br/><br/>*******<br/><br/>Terror. It was an unfamiliar sensation. Even when your back was against a wall, there was always determination. You didn't really fear death, though you didn't welcome it, but terror was a foreign notion. Until now. It had been some time before your contingent had been forced to give ground. Months and months. Now you knew why. The primal losses were heavy, but it was all a trap. They fell back. Fell back. Fell back...and your entire group simply followed, killing and eating. Then SHE appeared. The Devourer. The white-haired wolf. It was the Primal's ultimate weapon, one of the few who'd lived hundreds if not thousands of years, ate those opposed to her, and grew stronger and stronger as a result. Maybe it was also the belief of her followers that added to her power, but whatever the case...she was here.<br/><br/>Ten times your own considerable height, and yet it was like she'd appeared out of nothing. Your group was too far out. Your own champion was off fighting on a different front line, against your OTHER foe, and really...what chance did you have? You could do little but watch in stunned terror as she casually scooped up your own lieutenant, a immensely powerful Oni like yourself, and stuffed her into her mouth. A single swallow, and the vague bulge that was now your former-leader traveled effortlessly down her throat, not even making a single bulge in her stomach. Then she scooped up another. Another. The casual ease with which she dispatched your squadmates was utterly terrifying, and as you watch on helplessly, watching one by one devoured, watching her stomach grow from a tiny bump to a big, lumpy sphere, you realized there was nothing you could do. Her enormous hand swept by you to snag K'Tela, an angelic Lamia you'd know for thirty some-odd years, and like an over-long noodle, she simply stuffed her into her mouth and slurped up her entire thirty-foot length like it was nothing. Then her gaze focused on you. Your blood ran cold, and you turned to run. You could FEEL her enormous hand behind you, only to be saved at the last moment when she directs her hand to Korche, grabbing him up. You don't even look behind you - you already knew what was going to happen. You ran. You ran as hard as your legs would carry you.<br/><br/>Later that night, you made it back to camp. A few others of your group came back, but only a dozen at best. A hundred lost, not only to the enormous wolfgirl, but to the rest of the primal ambush force. It was shameful...but you'd survived. You'd just have to fight harder next time. Not allow yourself to be tricked so easily.<br/><br/><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Those who have a bond with Viera...</span><br/><br/>You really didn't like fighting. Yet, you were good at it. Stealth. Quick sneak attacks. Taking out high-value, individual targets. Sometimes, you used your weapons. Sometimes - and your preferred method - you used your stomach. There was something so absolutely blissful about that feeling. The sensation of domination you felt as someone squirmed so viciously in your tummy, utterly at your whim. Of course, the energy you got afterwards was always nice, but it was there in the moment that the true pleasure was. The pleasure that made you moan and squirm, that urged you to seek out somewhere a bit more private so you could 'take care' of your body's urges.<br/><br/>Would you give all of that up for a little peace? Time where you did not have to fight? Unlikely....and yet, there were moments when you wished you could enjoy both.  Was there really anything wrong with enjoying a nice, full stomach, AND not having to worry about this endless war? It seemed nice, but likely not something you'd ever get to experience. Numbers fluctuated, but regardless...neither of the three sides ever dipped so low they could be taken out of the war completely. Children were expected, they grew up quickly, and they were preened at a young age to fight. Tactics. How to act. What to expect in the military life. The other two 'sides' called you barbarians, practically animals, even if you had people just like them amongst your ranks. What they didn't know was how much your general focused on simply making sure the troops were happy. Units were less 'soldiers in arms' and more like family members, fighting for survival, fighting to end a war that had gone on far, far too long.<br/><br/>You were happy to see to that. Exactly like you were doing now. Yet, as you looked down into the terrified eyes of the Heaven's guard soldier, your weapon poised to end his life...you just couldn't. He was scared. Everyone was when they knew it was the end. Yet, he could not have been more than twenty years old. His life had hardly begun, and yet here he was, fighting....<br/><br/>You hesitated. Perhaps the first time in a long time. Then, you growled at him, nudged him in the ribs with your foot, and told him to run. He looked confused, glanced at his weapon - which you'd skillfully disarmed him of - then looked back at you. He never said 'thank you', but you could read it in his eyes. It made you feel good. Yet, it was inevitable he'd return to fight eventually. Might very well kill one of your own. Every 'good' act had a cost. You had to harden your heart. Had to stop doing these things. Even as he retreated, the sun was briefly blotted out by SOMETHING, and you had the foresight to dodge just in time, the trident piercing the earth where you'd been seconds before. White feathered wings flared outwards, blowing dust into your face, and you lifted a hand to shield your eyes from the dust, only to defensively backpedal again when that trident thrust at you. Yes. This was the girl you were looking for. The angel you'd been tasked with dealing with once the battle started. NOW was the time to fight.<br/><br/>The exchange was short and vicious. Her armor was thick, thick enough that it easily deflected your weapons. Every time you blocked her attack, you could feel the force of the blow in your arms, rattling your bones. Unfortunately for her...you had no intention of holding back. Just had to time it right. There! A thrust directly at your chest, trying to impale you...and you simply vanished, becoming the literal interpretation of a shadow. You briefly melded with her own shadow, then hopped out of it directly behind her, hooked her arm around her neck, and squeezed. She struggled, but it didn't matter. Her weapon was too large to poke at you, and as strong as she was, she didn't have the leverage to dislodge your arm. You felt her consciousness fading, and in a matter of moments, she collapsed in your arms, breathing, but completely out of it. Perfect.<br/><br/>You dragged your prize off. Her weapon and armor would be good for one of the recruits. She wouldn't be needing it anymore. Safely hidden, you quickly remove her armor, piling it neatly beside you. Her clothing comes next. Your pulse was racing. You could feel her mouth getting wet, and you licked your lips to keep from drooling like some idiot. She looked delicious, and those wings tickled something in your feline nature. You could hardly wait, and the moment you tore her underclothes off, you greedily grabbed the back of her head, climbed atop her thighs, and stuffed her face-first into your mouth. A little shiver coursed through your body as the flavor of smooth, soft angelic skin flooded across your tongue, and you eagerly swallow. Normally, you'd take your time. Savor it. But she was pretty strong, and all the strength in the world wouldn't matter once she was tucked away nice and tight in your stomach. You gulped eagerly, taking only a scant second to slither your tongue across her breasts before gulping again. Her wings proved to be difficult, but once they were squished up nicely against her back, they fit well enough, and though the flavor of feathers was hardly anything to write home about, the tickling sensation, the satisfaction, ushered a moan out of your throat, muffled by the passage of your food.<br/><br/>It takes you nearly a full minute before her feet slide out of sight, and you give her toes a last little lick before tilting your head back and swallowing. She was starting to wake up...and what a place to wake up in. Ugh, you were so full...and it felt AMAZING. Your heart was pounding. Every predatory instinct in your body was soothed, and you were...admittedly aroused. A little, muffled cry of surprise came from your stomach, and smiled with smug satisfaction - looked like sleeping beauty had woken up! Good. This was the fun part. Reclining comfortably, you rubbed your stomach, listening to the growing panic of the poor angelic woman within. Mmmm...time to enjoy yourself....<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"> Alura, Cyria, and Johan </span><br/><br/>The dreams were strange, but by now, you're sure you've awoken. Yet...this was not the Inn. Gazing around you, you see your party members. Johan. Alura. Cyria. This was all familiar - that ghostly blue glow that surrounded you when you were drawn into the well, when you watched a multi-hour battle play out in the span of but a few moments. This felt familiar...but this was not the battlefield. It takes a few seconds for the world around you to materialize, as if a hazy fog was lifting from around you. Your bleary eyes focus, and you find yourself in an enormous stone chamber, dominated with a pedestal that looked like an ancient sundial. Around it, three individuals stood, glaring balefully at each other. One, a resplendent white-winged female, her features delicate and elvish. She was beautiful beyond words, and her simple, white attire - whilst body-covering - clung to her form so tightly she might as well have been wearing nothing. Coal-black hair was short-cropped just below her jawline, save for a single braid that descended down the middle of her back to nearly her butt. The next was a thick-bodied male Ohi, his nearly iridescent blue skin lined with faintly shimmering tattoos. Though he stood a solid two feet above the other two, he was clearly at a meeting of 'equals'. He wore little but a leather strap across his broad, muscled chest, and a knee-length spartan wrap, lined with metallic alloys that could have been anyone's guess. His horns were enormous, Jutting forwards from his forehead before curving backwards over the crown of his head, all the way down to his shoulder blades. The last was a wolfgirl, shorter than either of her peers, and yet she had a primal beauty to her that seemed to rival, and yet be entirely opposite, of the angel's. Brown hair cascaded down her back to curl at the tip, and her large, brown-furred ears were constantly moving and twitching. Her tail easily reached the ground, and was curled upwards to be kept off the floor - and frazzled with anger. She wore absolutely nothing, her body the epitome of fitness, a trim stomach, well-defined legs, a nice butt, and breasts that were just above a handful. Two canine teeth were just barely visible beneath her upper lip, giving her what one could only call a 'cute' face. Her golden eyes were slitted and intense, and narrowed in anger.<br/><br/>Fur bristling, the wolfess snarled "We've been at this for four centuries. Are you truly content to keep this going?! Admit your defeat, both of you, and I promise you I will only demand small repayments for the trials you've put me through. In fact....sacrifice yourselves to me, and I swear on my life that I won't even take out my wrath on those who fought with you. You can end this NOW."<br/><br/>"Ahahahahah!" The angelic woman tittered a lilting laugh, her wings briefly flaring outwards "As if we would ever bow to the barbarian hordes. You're primitive. You deserve the punishment coming to you. Every life taken in your name is paramount to murder - and I, as the Keeper of Law, shall relish the day I can make you pay. I hear wolf is hardly appetizing, but I think I can stomach you just fine."<br/><br/>The back-and-forth exchange earns a grunt from the enormous blue-skinned Oni, and he bared short, sharp teeth "You can keep bickering all you want. The simple truth is we have you both on the defensive. You might as well both surrender now. I won't even kill you. I wouldn't mind a couple of concubines like yourselves. You're not proper Oni women, but you--"<br/><br/>Interrupting, the wolfgirl growled again, a sound you not so much hear, as feel in your bones and your heart. It was terrifying. It was fear itself, and as brave as you might think you are, you feel your heart picking up it's pace in your chest, feel a thin tendril of fear creep into the back of your mind "I'll rip your dick off, you overgrown blue shitheap! And I'll fucking eat you, you winged bitch! Both of you are prey. Don't forget that. You're food. Eventually, you're mine. You might think us simple, but I assure you - the Primals have not lost. In fact, I'd estimate you both having surprising losses within the next week. In fact, even as we speak, I'm digesting a half-dozen of Heaven's Guard. Don't forget. I'm a champion...unlike you two." The sudden escalation sours the angel's expression, and she looks like she's ready to drive an unseen weapon into the smug wolfgirl's throat. Barking a quick laugh, the wolfess continued "Oh, I know you wanna spear me. Try it here. Just fucking try it. You'd be dead before you could move. The pact remains, and it's magic that will outlast us all."<br/><br/>"Hrmph." The Oni grunted, crossing his arms over his chest "I do not see the point in meeting like this any longer. It's clear that neither of you are going to give in. Ten more years, it will be the same. Until I grind you under my heel, you simply won't see that you've already lost. The Watchers have forseen it. My story does not end." The Angel frowned thinly, her beautiful brown eyes narrowing "The Watchers told me differently. They've already seen the end of the war, and yet they refuse to divulge who wins. They--"<br/><br/>"Shhh!" The sudden hush from the wolfgirl drawn a look of pure anger from the Angel, who opens her mouth to speak - only for the wolfgirl to sniff. Once. Twice. Then suddenly her ears perked upwards, and her intense eyes turned right to you. To the group "...Mortals!"<br/><br/>Three pairs of eyes alight upon you, and you feel crushed under the weight of their gaze. It was like being in the gaze of the gods themselves. Perhaps these were gods? You suddenly feel small. Minuscule.<br/><br/>"Mortals?" The oni coughs out a laugh, scratching his chin thoughtfully "Worthless, and yet they make quite avid servants. Short-lived, but useful. They've made many great things. Yet, such things are doomed to ruin. The grandest castles, the most beautiful statues..."<br/><br/>"BECAUSE OF YOU TWO!" The wolfess shoots back, the fur on her tail bristling "They live in the moment. It's how things should be! It's the way of nature!" The angel smiled thinly, eyeing the wolfgirl for a second, before returning her gaze to the group "The way of the mortal world is laws. Laws of the land. Laws of the world. All mortals are judged in time, and they will be under my judgement soon enough. Not like your kind. Enslaving..." She shoots a dark look at the the Oni, then shifts her attention to the wolf "Or eating them. They will be judged...and all are guilty of something. Those few who're completely innocent? They can be spared."<br/><br/>"Laws. Rules. Pheh. We only eat them because of this war. We need a food source. I'm sure they understand that it's for their own benefit. Is not living as nature intended, hunting, enjoying life, better than being confined to laws?! They should be protected, allowed to do what they like! Let the strong rule. Let the laws be only those of nature! There's no fun in hunting mortals...even if they are EXCEEDINGLY delicious." The wolfess runs her tongue across her lips, affixing the group in her gaze. Suddenly...she moves forwards. It's as it the world itself shifts. She seemed so small, and yet with every step, her size increases exponentially. Ten feet. Twenty. Fifty. A hundred. Soon, she settles down on her knees and leans down, butt in the air and breasts pressing into the cool stone floor. You can feel her breath hot on your face, see the excitement in her eyes at the prospect of enjoying a little snack...and yet, she does not act on those instincts clearly painted on her pretty face "I smell...Mmm...there's magic on these. Something old. A little human, a fairy, and a spider. How cute. You understand. The primals must win. Ruled be nothing but the law of nature. If we have to use you as food till then...there's no hard feelings. Your kind will persist. It will survive. It will grow strong. Eventually, we'll win, and you'll all be free."<br/><br/>"Now, prepare, little ones. Your world is the next battleground. Is but a matter of time. Your kind will side with right. With the Primals. It's freedom in the surest form. Now...you'd better wake up, before you forget how to..."<br/><br/><br/><br/>******************************************************************<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Threads of Fate</span><br/><br/>Positive -<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"> A mercenary group did not lose a member. Though opposed, the group spared them. Surely the fates will smile on this moment...and surely a favor repaid will come in handy later...<br/><br/>Yumina survived. Though cold-hearted on the exterior, and gruff by nature, the benefits could be far reaching...<br/><br/>Naji had her first 'real' meal. The bonds of fate grow ever stronger...<br/><br/>A glittering gem in Cyria's pack shimmers with an inner light, unseen by the party's eyes...<br/><br/>None of the party members were seriously harmed. The bonds of fate grow ever stronger...<br/><br/>An elven ninja was not spared (and subsequently eaten by Yumina). Her mission cannot be carried out. The benefits are far-reaching.... <br/><br/>A bandit group was stopped from preying on travelers. Only one survived.... </span><br/><br/><br/>Negative -<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"> A strong fighter met her end in the fighting pit the night the party made it back to town, via underhanded means. The bonds of fate have weakened...<br/><br/>A secret stash was never found. A more thorough search of the house would have revealed a little, hidden treasure, hidden long before the well ever appeared...<br/><br/></span><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>((As I mentioned in my PMs, this is just a 'story post', and it will not be until after christmas before we get things back under way! 'Threads of Fate' will control things in the background, and lead to different things happening - the positives are there to make you feel good about your choices, and the negatives are just things that were missed, or things that were altered in a bad way! Overall, the group did amazing covering everything I had planned for this starting area, and there's PLENTY more coming!<br/><br/>Thanks, Johan, for getting the character sheet done quickly! Cyria and Alura, be sure to get your own done and posted before the new year, so we can hop right back into it! ^_^<br/><br/>Again, thanks a ton for the patience, and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!<img alt=":D" src="./images/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif" title="Very Happy"/>This will be kicking off soon enough! Also, Chaos, the reason you're not included in the 'dream sequence' is you were just introduced! You've not yet gotten a 'bond' yet, but that will be coming shortly! ))<br/><br/>Current Bonds - Group gets +1<br/><br/>Johan - +6<br/>Cyria - +1<br/>Alura - +6<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"> Threads of Fate </span><br/><br/>This plane of existence hangs in the balance and the future is uncertain. Yet, the choices of a few has steered things towards a brighter tomorrow.