Lydia watches the alien coupling with rapt fascination. The Sisters are so intertwined it is difficult to tell where one begins and the other ends--it is as if they are one continuous being. She's never seen the Sisters perform before, and it is deeply arousing to watch. She can't help but imagine what it would be like if she were in Saju's place, or if she were the center of all their attentions. Could she handle such pleasure? Or would it drive all of her goals from her mind?<br/><br/>Despite the longing she feels, it is something to consider.<br/><br/>It is settled, then. She will strike toward the deeper reaches of the first level. If all goes well, she will aim for the top tier Counselors: the Paladin, the Archion, or perhaps even Malefactus. But if her run goes awry or she falls behind, she will instead go for the Marchioness or the Sisters. Preferably the Marchioness, but if the Sisters are close, and time is running out...<br/><br/>Irritated at their delays, Lydia turns the knob on the Æthertube.<br/><br/>~~~<br/><br/>It is like waking from a nightmare. Her heart is racing and her body is covered in a sheen of sweat.<br/><br/><em>Why are my arms so tired?</em><br/><br/>Then she knows. Even as she wonders, she realizes her fingers are pumping in and out of her. She withdraws the fingers and examines them, gaping in horror, terrified that she will discover them covered in her virginal blood.<br/><br/>They aren't. She shudders in relief.<br/><br/>Lydia is still searching for something with which to clean her hands when the Judges enter. She blushes brightly, but she cannot mask the flush of her cheeks or the shortness of her breath.<br/><br/><em><strong> "Contestant Lydia, you have secured the sponsorship of two wealthy benefactors.  The first presents you with your choice of two items from these racks, the second presents you with your choice of one item from this rack.  Choose wisely, for you shall have these, in addition to the standard contestant's outfit upon entering."</strong></em><br/><br/>"Uhh..."<br/><br/>Lydia shakes her head and concentrates. She only has seconds to make the decision, but that is all the time she needs. She approaches the second rack first, knowing this will be the easiest choice. Rarely do Contestants die of hunger or thirst in the Dungeon. Nobody wants to watch emaciated women slowly wither away, so there is always food and water to be had for those Contestants brave and cunning enough to take it. The potions will be a mixed bag. Maybe they will be helpful, maybe not. But the survival gear? That is something she could use. She touches that bag, and smiles warmly at the nearest eyebot, blowing it a kiss: "Thank you, Verde."<br/><br/>At the first rack, she takes a little more time. She isn't allowed to touch the offerings, which annoys her, so she chooses from the rack a sword which looks to be well-balanced for her height and weight and a coat of mail. Again, she looks at the eyebot, but this time, her expression is more serious. "Thank you, Patron who wishes to remain unnamed."<br/><br/>With that, she turns away. Time is of the essence, and even as the Judges are leaving, Lydia is already stripping down and dressing in her new gear.<br/><br/>