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Chapter Text

Chapter 1

Poetess Agathe, a Bearer of the Undead Curse, has been trying to get through Huntsman's Copse for days but she was struggling. Torturers and rogues jump at her from behind every tree or from the tops of cliffs, killing her quickly before she could even cast a spell. Colorful giant moths rain poisonous powder down onto her head, distracting her from seeing an Undead prisoner from burning her with a torch.

The young sorcerer had heard stories that when the Undead Curse started spreading all over Drangleic, Huntsman's Copse was used as an undead hunting ground. The tyrannical Iron King presided over these events and the many abandoned cells found here were originally built to imprison the undead prior to hunts before they were dragged away to a nearby colosseum to be tortured even further. This practice came to an end once the curse had claimed most of Drangleic's populace, and only hollow captives, rogues, skeletons, and other menaces now freely wander the woods. Agathe was quickly beginning to think the stories were true.

The sorcerer hadn't seen a friendly face ever since she entered this place, except for a strange fellow named Felkin who made a small home inside of the tunnel that connects Huntsman's Copse to Majula. Felkin is nice, but he often stops speaking (more like stuttering, technically) so he could stare at the shadows of the tunnel walls and he often forgets that she was still standing next to him. 

Agathe found herself staying inside of a small isolated room overlooking a cliff above the woods. Through her binoculars, she can see a raised bridge in the distance. If she could find a lever and lower to the bridge, she might reach the other side of Huntsman's Copse. She was also curious about the giant colosseum which can only be reached by crossing a long, rickety bridge. That bridge, however, is heavily guarded by torturers who ambushed her several times no matter how fast she tries to outrun them. There were just too many of them, she couldn't fight them all.

She has been staying by the bonfire for three days and she was starting to get lonely… in a carnal sense. 

She tried to remember the last time she laid with someone and she recalled a mild-mannered treasure hunter named Pate, who helped her take down an imprisoned giant. A mercenary named Sellsword Luet also helped too, but he was more interested in the souls he earned than sex. 

Pate gladly followed her into a small room in the Cardinal Tower and gave her a good time. He was gentle but he seemed to enjoy being in control; he preferred having her pinned below him, with her legs over his shoulders. When she tried to moan or cry out in pleasure, he would gently tell her to be quiet. Agathe enjoyed their quick fling but, sadly, Pate wasn't much of a cuddler.

Agathe found herself groping and stroking her breasts and then her lower regions, trying to replicate that good heated feeling that had made her sane in this lonely, bleak kingdom. 

She was able to get an orgasm but it ended too soon. She sighed and put on her clothes, which consisted of a black mage robe, imported manchettes, and trousers. She did buy a fancy-looking domino mask from Maughlin the Armorer from Majula, who claimed it was a mask used by black witches to enhance their sorceries. 

She picked up her simple staff and gazed at the cloudy sky. It was about time she tried another attempt through the woods. 

"It's abooouuut… late afternoon, I think," she pondered out loud. 

It wasn't easy to tell the time during the day since it was always overcast. But it wasn't dark yet so she had about enough time to rush toward the undead colosseum.

She crossed one of the old stone bridges and shot down a moth perching on one of the higher branches. She noticed the woods are mysteriously empty and quiet. Even the rogues and their dogs are absent. She thought she was finally safe when she barely dodged a swing from a pair of oversized sickles that came at her from behind. The owner of these weapons is a hulking artificial undead covered in chains.

"And I thought today was gonna be my day," she pouted.

Unfortunately, the huge huntsman blocked the bridge leading back to the bonfire. Agathe had no choice but to blindly run further into the woods. She could hear the big guy chasing her and judging by his footsteps, it was pretty fast.

She finds safety inside a rundown cell but she realized she was trapped. She crouched in the farthest end of the cell. The undead huntsman was too big and it couldn't get inside, but it used its sickles in an attempt to grab her. The blades managed to cut her legs and they hurt like hell. At any moment, it will have her.

Agathe tried to shoot Soul Arrows at its ugly head, but the magic seemed to bounce off from its thick hide.

"Straid was right! I'm too weak!" she wailed. "I should have stayed at the Lost Bastille! I'm gonna die here and become hollow!"

However, she sucked up her tears and pulled out a dagger.

"Bring it on, you big palooka!" she yelled as she held the dagger with both hands. "I, Poetess Agathe, will stab your eyes out!"

To her astonishment, the huntsman stopped moving and it collapsed with a heavy thud. It had been killed… but by whom?

She cautiously crawled out of the cell on all fours and checked the undead. It had small puncture holes all over its back as though someone had backstabbed it with daggers or claws. 

She then spotted her rescuer, standing on top of a hill a good distance away. He appeared to be taller than her, wore tight wrappings around his lean body, and has a tattered mask that covered the lower half of his face. He was watching around the woods with his own binoculars. When his eyes met Agathe's, he lowered the binoculars and stared at her for a few moments. Agathe gratefully waved at him, but he only bowed at her. Then he turned away as though someone was calling for him. Agathe watched him dash away and she found herself blushing.

"I think I found a guardian angel," she giggled.

Her mood shifted when she turned her attention to the wounds on her legs. She could return to the bonfire and heal herself, but darkness has already covered Huntsman's Copse.

"No way, how is it nighttime already?!" she groaned.

She knew at this time of night, the woods would be filled with skeletons looking for some lost undead to kill. She tried to kill a skeleton before, but it kept reviving to no end. Agathe realized she was stuck inside this cell until morning.

She returned to the cell and reached inside of her traveling pouch to grab a couple of lifegems she could pop and heal herself. Her wounds closed up and she was strong again. The corpse of the artificial undead disintegrated into dust. Peeking out through the entrance, she can see a couple of skeletons patrolling the area. Now she really was stuck here. Agathe could only sit against the wall of the cell, with her knees propped up.  She tried to think of her next plan, but nothing came to her.

Well, there is one thing she could do to pass the time…

She sucked on two of her right fingers, reached them inside of her trousers, and found her asshole. She has only touched herself down there before once. She began to rub herself slowly to get into the mood. She managed to get her pussy wet, but fingering her asshole created a different kind of pleasure that she started pumping two fingers inside of her tight cavity.

She couldn't believe she was masturbating in the middle of this horrible copse with hollows and skeletons out for her soul and body.

Speaking body, she thought about her mysterious rescuer. She wasn't able to get a better look at his face but she imagined him spying on her like this with his binoculars. She wouldn't mind spreading her legs wide open so he could get a closer look.

She giggled and spread her legs wider for more arm room. The thought of her rescuer watching her turned her on even more and her fingers moved faster. Her pussy is dripping now and the heat in the pit of her stomach grew hotter. Her toes curled with pleasure and she threw her pink-haired head back, shutting her eyes. She did not notice a small soapstone sign appearing on the ground to her left and her free hand accidentally pressed it.

"Oh gods…" she panted. "Yes, so close now…!"

Someone cleared their throat. "Ahem."

Agathe's eyes popped completely wide open. She looked up and saw her rescuer standing awkwardly a few feet away. His lower face may be covered but it was easy to tell he was blushing. He was also trying to avoid looking at her.

She yelped and removed her hand from her trousers. Her cheeks were red too, from outrage and embarrassment.

"W-where did you come from?!" she screamed, jumping onto her feet. She pulled out her staff with the intent to blow his face. "How long were you standing there?! Are you a pervert or something?!"

I'm one to talk though… she thought. I was thinking of him being a potential voyeur!

Her masked rescuer took a moment to speak.

"... You summoned me, didn't you?" he asked, still not looking at her. "You touched my soapstone sign, didn't you?"

He pointed his finger at the ground and Agathe finally noticed the dull white sign.

"Oh, crap! How long was that there?! I didn't even notice it!"

"... I see. We all make mistakes," the man muttered. "Well, since I'm here… I am here to provide you with service. The other kind of service, I meant, not the one you were doing just now--Sorry, forgive my insensitive mouth…"

Agathe lowered her staff. She knew this guy felt embarrassed to catch her in her most private moment, but she was the one who felt it worse. She then tried to change the subject, hoping not to scare him off.

"J-just pretend you never saw me like that! Maybe I can find some work for you!" She does her best to put on a sweet smile despite the awkwardness between them. "W-what's your name…?"

The man turned to her and Agathe finally got to see what he looked like up close. He reminded her of the suspicious shadows who surprised her in the Lost Bastille. His brown hair was neatly combed back and his blue eyes are full of distant warmth. He is handsome, tall, and lean… She even noticed his thighs are pretty muscular. Her pussy, still moist, began to throb and ache for this man she just met. 

"You can call me Bashful Ray," he introduced himself with a bow.

"Well then, Bashful Ray," Agathe smiled and placed her hands between her back. She leaned forward at him. "Are you decent?"

"I'm on a short time limit, but I will do my best," Bashful Ray replied. "What is your goal?"

Agathe caught herself staring at his chest, her eyes then moving lower. Bashful Ray had to clear his throat again to get her attention. She jumped and hastily pointed a finger at the raised bridge. Standing on guard in front of it are a couple of skeletons.

"I want to get to the other side of the bridge, but as you can see, it's full of boners-- I mean, boneheads!"

Agathe stammered her words but Bashful Ray pretended not to hear that last part. He pulled out his binoculars and accessed the area. While he was looking, Agathe's eyes wandered and she caught a glimpse of his backside.

What the heck am I doing?! she angrily slapped her face with both hands. Get a hold of yourself, Aggie! Now's not the time to have dirty thoughts! You gotta get out of Huntsman's Copse! You gotta stay focused! You gotta get this man deep inside you--ARGH, I'M DOING IT AGAIN!

"There are four skeletons on that hill," Bashful Ray spoke. Agathe quickly composed herself. "And there are three skeletons not far from here."

Agathe checked outside. She could only see two skeletons, how was he able to find the rest?

"If you stay close to me, we'll get that bridge lowered without any problems."

"You don't know how much I want to be so close to you," she mumbled in agony.

"What was that?"

The sorcerer quickly changed her line. "You don't know how happy I am that you showed up! I've been having trouble trying to leave this place! I'm so glad to see a pretty face--I mean, a friendly face!"

Bashful Ray's eyes slanted, he was smiling. 

"Not many people have summoned me these days. Either they're blind or they're ignoring my sign on purpose. I must say you're lucky to find it… despite the bizarre first impression."

Agathe giggled. The warm throbbing in her crotch is cooling down, but she was still immediately taken with this man. This might be her only opportunity to get to know him.

To be continued?

Chapter Text

Chapter 2

Bashful Ray's service is limited but he was reliable and he fought hard. Before lowering the bridge, Poetess Agathe wanted to retrieve the souls she dropped yesterday. Bashful Ray followed her without a complaint.

As soon as she picked up her souls, she heard the familiar sound of a dark spirit invading her. She turned around to see a dark hooded figure wielding a greatsword running at her. Agathe dodged the swing of the Forlorn's sword and Bashful Ray was on the invader's back, cutting up the latter with his dual claws without even getting a single hit. Agathe landed the finishing blow with a Soul Arrow. Bashful Ray wordlessly bowed at her before pointing her to the bridge. Agathe wished he talked more, she liked the sound of his voice from earlier.

Perhaps he only talks if it's necessary?

The Forlorn spirit had dropped a key to which Agathe didn't know what lock it. She soon got her answer though; after taking down the skeletons and lowering the bridge, the two undead came across a locked cell and Agathe opened it with the key. 

They found a sullen-looking knight sitting behind a bonfire. Agathe sat next to him as they form a plan to reach the end of Huntsman's Copse and, along the way, kill a few necromancers who are responsible for reviving the skeletons.

It was only a temporary alliance since the knight was planning to find the man who trapped him inside the cell. The knight, named Creighton the Wanderer, was interested in Agathe but he kept a distance because of Bashful Ray's interest. Agathe flirted with Creighton a little while her companion kept watch outside, but he often glanced at the sorcerer's direction. He never even spoke a single word ever since they freed Creighton.

Agathe gasped when she saw Bashful Ray's form disappearing. 

"Sorry, my time's up," he apologized. "Did I mention I was on a timer?"

Agathe rushed to him and grabbed his hands. "But you can't leave yet, we haven't done much!"

"But we did. In fact…  You made some progress earlier. Not to mention you're quite a charming partner." Ray saw the disappointed look on Agathe's face and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"This isn't a permanent goodbye. You can still summon me at any time. I look forward to cooperating with you again. If you need me, my sign will always be at the same spot. You can't miss it... but if you prefer to work alone--"

He then vanished. Agathe was bummed at first, but his promise did make her feel a little better. She stared longingly at the spot where Ray disappeared when Creighton wrapped his arms around her small waist from behind.

*&*&*

The early next morning, a naked Agathe woke up to find Creighton already gone from the cell. She felt a deep sense of loneliness and disappointment. Sure, she quickly gained a reputation for being promiscuous ever since she arrived in Drangleic, but she craves companionship like everyone else. It's not her fault that her libido is unnaturally high.

She checked her skin and found bruise marks on her thighs and neck. She even noticed her pussy was particularly raw and sore.

Creighton was rough with her, he wasn't gentle like Pate. But she did crumple easily to his touches and she had to admit that she also enjoyed it too. Sadly, Creighton is one of those guys who dumped their load inside her before leaving her. At least he didn't lock the cell door and leave her trapped inside.

After she dressed herself, she went to fetch her new friend. With Creighton and Bashful Ray working with her, the trio cut down rogues and skeletons in their paths. Not even a dark spirit named Merciless Roenna was a match for them.

The three of them faced the fearsome Skeleton Lords, though Agathe discovered they were all chumps. Even after they span a small army of skeletons after their deaths, Bashful Ray quickly burned all of them with some pyromancies. In fact, watching Bashful Ray moving gracefully and tearing through foes without losing a cool made Agathe swoon. She had quickly grown infatuated with the tatter-masked man while Creighton brooded with jealousy.

After parting ways with the wandering knight, Bashful Ray was resummoned to help Agathe to clear out Huntsman's Copse. Every time he returned to his world, Agathe would summon him again and again. She felt a little guilty for having him all to herself while some other undead travelers could use his service, but Bashful Ray didn't seem to mind. He was polite and patient with her. He taught her how to backstab properly and pointed out where the nearest hidden enemy was.

By noon, it was time to get to the colosseum. The two are eyeing the massive building from a hill right next to the path leading toward the group of torturers.

"It's called the Undead Purgatory," he told her. He was studying the hanging bridge with his binoculars. "It's supposed to be a massive prison or torture chamber created by the Old Iron King. Nowadays, a covenant called the Brotherhood of Blood has made it their headquarters."

There was a hint of disdain in his tone.

"This covenant, what's it like?" Agathe asked.

"They're full of undead who hunt down others like us," he explained. "They are those who love to spill our blood for the sport of it. Are you planning to join them?"

Agathe hesitated. "I'm not really suuure… I just want to check out the place before I leave this place for good."

Bashful Ray frowned a bit before putting away his binoculars.

"I won't stop you from joining the covenant, but if you do join them and if we ever crossed paths… I'm afraid I won't be as friendly as I am to you now."

The young sorcerer was hurt.

"You'd stop being my friend?"

Ray's eyes widened and he shook his head.

"No, forgive me. Forget what I said… It's just that I've had too many run-ins with those bloody dark spirits."

"L-let's just try to get the colosseum, please?" Agathe gulped. She pumps her fist in the air. "Come on, Ray! Let's do this!"

The two of them fought off the torturers, with only some scratches. The two ran across the bridge and Agathe did not see a hole. She missed her step and fell through. She would have died if it weren't for Bashful Ray, who grabbed by wrapping his arms around her chest.

With all his strength, he lifted her up to safety when two undead laborers (who had been hanging from the bridge without being noticed) jumped on top of him. 

"Ray!!" Agathe screamed.

"Never mind me, keep going!" Bashful Ray yelled as he fought off the laborers. "I'll catch up with you!"

Agathe hesitated, but she ran further ahead, jumping over gaps and trying not to trip and fall off. Otherwise, Bashful Ray's efforts in getting her here would be in vain.

She made it to the end but stopped. A knight in dark leather armor was blocking the entrance. She recognized him as a dark phantom thanks to the reddish aura he is giving off. He raised his greatsword and tried to cut her head off. Agathe rolled too late and the blade sliced her back. She was backed into the corner and saw she was nearly out of spells. Who knows what could be waiting for her behind the fog wall entrance? She's out of Estus as well, with only several lifegems to keep her alive.

The knight raised his sword again when Bashful Ray came leaping and attacked him. The two men circled around each other, exchanging blows. Ray is doing everything he can to keep the knight's attention away from Agathe.

The young sorcerer nearly screamed when the knight knocked Ray back onto the bridge, with the intent to make him fall to his death. Ray's forehead was cut and blood trickled down his face. The knight raised his greatshield to bash the other man's head but Bashful Ray rolled forward, nearly becoming invisible, and kicked the knight behind him.

The knight staggered and fell off, but not before grabbing Ray by his scarf and bringing him down with him.

Bashful Ray's eyes met with Agathe's for a fleeting moment.

"NO!!" Agathe screamed in horror as she helplessly watched her companion plummet below.

Bashful Ray knows he cannot really die. He will respawn at the same cell where he placed his sign. But his death is still gonna be painful.

He gazed at Agathe's horrified expression and he quietly wished her good luck.

Then there was a loud crunch and everything went black.

*&*&*

Later, Agathe returned to the copse to find Bashful Ray--in person, not a shaded phantom--sitting vigilantly on top of the same cell where they first met. 

"Hey!" she waved at him.

Bashful Ray fumbled with his binoculars and shyly waved back. Agathe had to coax the young man to come inside the cell so she could meet him properly. Before he could say a word, she rushed to him and embraced him tight. He completely froze, his mind going blank from this sudden hug. He could also feel her entire body trembling.

"I'm so glad you're okay," she whimpered. "I was scared for you."

"... Y-you didn't have to… My job was to keep you safe and get you to your destination," Bashful Ray commented. He awkwardly patted her back. "You… came back quickly. Did you succeed?"

"Nope! I died inside the colosseum," Agathe perked up as she pulled away. "Got killed by a two-headed horse! You should have seen it, Ray, it ran over a skeleton necromancer!"

"Oh… I'm sorry to hear that. Do you… want me to help you again?"

Agathe shrugged. "Maybe later. I just wanted to see you. And here you are, in the flesh."

"I see… I didn't realize I'd made quite an impression on you."

The two stood across from each other, studying each other's features. Once in a while, Ray would look away from her doting gaze to look outside or at his feet. Agathe noticed he was more reserved and shy in person, compared to his professional and straightforward side as a phantom.

"I want to thank you for being so helpful, Ray," Agathe said, still smiling. She pulled off her traveling pouch and began digging through the contents. "Stay right where you are, it's around here somewhere."

"The… there's no need," Bashful Ray said. "I get my own rewards--"

"Hold out your hand. Come on!"

She dropped a round stone covered in cracks onto his hand.

"... What is this?" he asked.

"Dunno. It's petrified and it's something. Maybe the little birds at the Things Betwixt can trade you something cool for it. They gave me an old whip once! You wanna see it?"

"No, that's fine. But thank you anyways…" Bashful Ray pocketed the petrified something. "You're… quite chatty."

Agathe stared. "Is that a bad thing?"

"N-no, not really. I'm not used to being around other people… in person, I mean."

His shy personality combined with his handsome features made him quite endearing to Agathe. She also couldn't help but glance down at his lean, athletic body once in a while. Not wanting to ruin this nice moment with her horny thoughts, she changed the subject.

"Ray, don't you ever get lonely sitting here and waiting to help out another traveler like me?" she asked. 

Bashful Ray crossed his arms and was quiet for a few moments.

"Not at all…" he answered. "I'm used to being lonely… but I do get bored sometimes. I really appreciate that you called for my help so many times. You gave me… a purpose."

He paused and looked down at his feet.

"As a matter of fact… You were the first and only one who found my sign."

"Seriously?" Agathe was astonished. "You should try putting down your sign somewhere out in the open, that way other people can find you!"

A light pink blush appeared on Bashful Ray's cheeks. He merely smiled behind his mask. "I'll think about that…"

"Anyways, that petrified something was only one gift from me. You're actually getting two gifts!" 

"You are very generous, but I'm satisfied--"

"The second gift…" Agathe cheerfully holds up three fingers. "Three kisses from me!"

Bashful Ray was so flustered that he jumped backward, pushing his back against the wall of the cell.

"With your permission, of course!" Agathe giggled flirtatiously. "It's one kiss for every time you helped me out of a bad situation. The first for saving me from the big brute… The second for taking out that bonewheel skeleton who chased me up a pillar… And the third for saving me from that dark phantom before you fell."

Her voice had become soft and tender. She slowly approached Ray and pressed both her hands on his chest. He blushed some more.

"You really worked hard, and I really wanted to thank you… my dearest protector."

Bashful Ray went quiet and Agathe was beginning to wonder if she was too forward when his hands reached behind his hand and untied his mask. The tattered cloth fell on the ground and Agathe stared at his face in awe.

His high cheekbones matched his sharp eyebrows and he was a little more rugged than she expected. Agathe nearly forgot to breathe so she exhaled into a small laugh.

"Wow, um, I can't believe you're hiding a pretty face behind a mask!"

Bashful Ray raised a single eyebrow. "I could say the same thing about you."

Agathe giggled again and removed her domino mask, revealing her soft blue eyes. She tossed the mask to the side and pressed her body closer to Ray's, closing more distance between them. Their eyes are locked onto each other, neither breaking away.

"I'll kiss your face twice," she softly told him. "And a third quick one on your lips. Are you okay with that?"

Bashful Ray nodded. Agathe stood on her toes so her head could reach up. She pressed her rosy mouth against his right cheek. For his left cheek, she kissed harder. She could feel Ray's face burning and his chest pumping rapidly. As much as she wants to explore his body right now, she doesn't want to force him into something he is uncomfortable with. There is always a next time.

"It's okay," she soothed him, cupping his face with her hands. "It'll be all over soon."

She closed her eyes and inched her lips closer to his. They barely touched when a small cracking sound was heard nearby. Bashful Ray suddenly pulled away and crouched near the entrance. Agathe nearly fell over without someone to lean against.

Ray had taken out his binoculars and looked outside of the cell; he thought he heard a noise of an enemy but it was one of the poison moths that had landed on a tree branch. 

"False alarm," he said. "I thought it was something dangerous."

Agathe wasn't looking at him. She was looking at her hands, reminding herself once more that even if she did go ahead and kiss his lips without interruption, she might do something more than a simple kiss and potentially ruin their partnership. It's exactly what happened with Bradley of the Old Guard during the ship ride to the Lost Bastille.

"Uh, I think I should go back to my bonfire," Agathe said, trying to sound normal. "We'll try going back to the Undead Purgatory tomorrow."

However, when she turned around, she was pushed against the wall. Bashful Ray looked at her briefly before leaning down to kiss her mouth.

Agathe couldn't believe her eyes. Ray pulled back when he was done, but she grabbed his scarf and pulled him in for another kiss, this time more desperate. Her deep regions were ablaze with desire. She found his tongue and sucked on it as his hands grabbed her waist to pull her closer to him.

The two finally broke apart, with only a small web of saliva connecting their mouths. 

"What was THAT about?" she panted. "Where did this come from?"

Bashful Ray pressed his forehead to hers.

"I must confess, I've begun to find myself attracted to you…" he whispered. "When we first met, I thought you were just a weird girl who just likes to play with herself…"

"Jeez, you have to remind me of that?" Agathe pouted. "Don't ruin the mood."

"... But I've never had someone look for me, or even want to talk to me… I've never had desires for another person until you came along. You're gonna have to take responsibility for that, you know?"

"Certainly." Agathe was excited. She wanted to strip off her clothes now, but this moment is special. "Would you like to do it now?"

"... Yes. Except…" Ray sadly looked down in shame. "... Except, I'm not that experienced."

"Oh my, this is going to be your first time?" Agathe cupped his face again so he could look at her bedroom eyes. "My dearest bashful companion, I shall be your guide."

Bashful Ray gulped. He was swift and strong in battle, but he is entering an unknown territory. He gasped softly when Agathe started kissing his jaw and then neck. He gasped again when her hand stroked his junk underneath his pants.

"But first," she speaks, "how do we cover up the entrance?"

Chapter Text

Chapter 3

After finding an old spare cloth, big enough to cover up the entrance so no hollow can find them, Bashful Ray stares in mesmerizing desire as Poetess Agathe starts sensually stripping for him. He was sitting on the floor and had his binoculars out so he could use them to see a closer look at her face and body, which she found amusing.

Her cloak was the last piece of major clothing that slipped off from her body when Bashful Ray accidentally dropped his binoculars after being caught up during his watch.

He was about to pick it up when Agathe placed her foot on it. He gazed up at her slender body, with the only curves being her waist and hips. Her breasts are held together by a piece of brown cloth, the same cloth that also functions as makeshift underwear. Her light pink hair reached her shoulders and ended in small waves, giving her a feminine and playful appearance. She gave him a teasing smile and she placed her hands on her hips.

"If you want this back, you have to do something nice for me," she told him.

Bashful Ray raised a confused eyebrow, his expression can be read clear: What am I supposed to do exactly?

"Whatever comes to your mind."

Ray blushed red, but he is up to the challenge. While kneeling, he takes off his gloves and then carefully removes Agathe's underwear. He stares at her crotch, which is covered with a small rosy bush. He inhaled and began to pepper her with gentle kisses. He kept one hand on her waist to keep himself balanced. Agathe moaned and brushed his hair with her fingers.

"Ooh, that feels good, Ray," she smiled. "But is that all you can do?"

Feeling a little bold, he moved his face closer. He had never done this before but there was no going back; he opened his mouth so his tongue could slip into her slit. It found her pussy and he began to lick.

His licking is awkward and pretty sloppy for a beginner, but Agathe is immediately overwhelmed by the pleasure that she had to stifle her moans, otherwise, she would attract nearby enemies--if there is any left in Huntsman's Copse. 

Agathe felt an intense heat when Ray's tongue brushed against her sensitive clit. She told him about that area and how good that made her feel. 

Bashful Ray alternated between sucking on her clit and licking her cunt, her hips slightly bucked against his face. He is quickly improving. 

Her cunt's taste and the sound of her sweet moans have made him hard. Her fingers grabbed his hair and he knew he must be doing a good job since she hasn't complained or made him stop. With one hand on her waist, he used his other hand to reach around Agathe to grope and rubbed her ass.

"Ray, oh god, Ray… it's so good…!"

His hot breath, his warm tongue, it was too much. The heat from her groin began to spread across her body. 

Agathe squeaked when she felt Ray's fingers digging into her ass's crack and found her OTHER hole. His middle finger began to stroke and poke the entrance.

"W-wait a sec…!" she blushed.

"When we first met, you  were playing with yourself down there… weren't you?" Bashful Ray asked, between each lick. "You seemed to enjoy it."

"But… I'm s-sensitive…!!"

She suddenly let out a small scream. His finger had thrust inside her, and it went so deep he was only stopped at his knuckle. Agathe's legs buckled and she collapsed on her knees. Ray became concerned, but Agathe merely giggled.

"If I didn't know any better, I think you have a natural gift," she smiled. "And… I've never had anyone fingering me down there before…"

Bashful Ray blushed heavily at her compliment. The sorcerer gave him back his binoculars and then told him it was his turn to get undressed. It took a while for Ray to remove his clothes since Agathe was watching him. He also seemed a little nervous. When he was finally naked, she could see several old marks on his back. 

"Are those…?" she asked.

"... Yeah, these are my scars," Bashful Ray answered, without looking at her.

"From dark spirits?"

"They weren't just simple dark spirits…" His voice was now serious and sad. "They were once my partners, people I've trusted and cooperated with until they hunted me down… It just happens, once you get a taste of a cracked red eye orb."

"Is that why your small soapstone doesn't last long as a regular one?" Agathe asked, standing up.

"Just to last enough time for some assistance… and mostly because I'm afraid to get close to other people."

"But you seem okay with me?"

"Well… I don't believe you're the type to backstab a friend, but who knows what would happen in the future?" 

Bashful Ray felt Agathe pressing her soft body against him, her arms wrapped around his waist, and her face onto his back. Without even saying a word, he could tell that she would never bring harm to him.

"Do these scars still hurt?" The young sorcerer asked. She tenderly kissed a faint knife scar under his nape.

"No, they've stopped hurting for a long time… But thank you."

He turned around and smiled gratefully at her, before kissing her forehead and then her lips. Deep down, he knew this would possibly be the last time he meets her and the chances of them crossing paths again is unlikely. Yet he still felt strongly attached to his woman. Maybe he, too, felt lonely and touch-starved for some intimacy.

They resumed their lovemaking and Ray was told to lie down on the floor. Agathe crawled on top of him and after she deeply kissed him, she wet her palm with her tongue and reached for him.

"Oh…!" he lightly moaned.

"You just tell me when to stop or slow down, darling," Agathe whispered. 

Her fingers wrapped around his cock and pumped it up until it hardened. It was longer than average and had moderate girth. Then she removed her hand and she could have sworn she heard Ray quietly mewled when he missed the touch. To make him feel good, she began rubbing his dick with her moist pussy. Bashful Ray groaned, closing his eyes tight.

"Tell me you want this, Ray," she said. She teased the head of his cock near her entrance.

The man's face was as red as a bottle of rouge water. His mind was drunk from the pleasure that he couldn't find any words to speak. The best thing he could do was look at her and nodded a bit. This was enough for her.

Agathe slowly pushed herself down, letting Ray's dick pierce her. Her body froze as she tried to get used to his size while he threw back his head. 

Then Agathe began to move her hips up and down at a slow, enticing pace. Ray was staring at this gorgeous view above him as he felt his dick being squeezed by her tight walls.

Soon, she began to pick up the pace, rolling her hips faster and harder. This made Ray accidentally thrust upward and she yelped.

"... Don't…!"

He saw tears forming in her eyes and he started to panic. 

"... Don't hold back! Do that again…!"

She pressed her upper body against him as she continued to bounce on his dick. Bashful Ray grabbed one of her breasts while he kissed the other. His hips erratically moved up to meet her thrusts. The two kept at it for a long time, with Agathe and Ray not keeping their eyes away from each other.

Their orgasms came without a warning. Agathe's entire body shook and she felt Ray shooting threads of his seed inside her. Ecstasy, sweeter than an estus drink, washed over them.

As soon as Ray's dick slipped out of her stuffed pussy, Agathe lay on top of him.

"... You're very warm," he mumbled.

"You too." Then she giggled. "I'm glad you're not a shade right now because you stuck around longer than usual."

She could feel her eyes getting heavy, a sign she was about to pass out soon. She was surprised when Ray kissed the top of her head and then embraced her with one arm.

*&*&*

Night time came for Huntsman's Copse again. Poetess Agathe and Bashful Ray finished dressing. Agathe even helped tie the tattered mask around Ray's head. Though she lifted the mask a bit to give him a quick peck on the side of his mouth. He returned the gesture by brushing some strands of hair from her face.

"Should we try another run towards the Undead Purgatory?" he asked.

Agathe deeply thought about it. "Nah, I'm just gonna leave the woods after all."

"Really? … Without picking the souls you dropped?"

"I don't mind, it's not a lot anyways."

Actually, it's about seventeen thousand souls… I'm just too embarrassed to grab them.

Bashful Ray shrugged and once again peeked through his binoculars to check the surroundings.

"No enemies in sight, I guess this is where we part ways…" He lowered his binoculars and looked at her with a shy smile. "I've… had a nice time with you."

Agathe beamed. "Thank goodness for that, I've never had someone complain about my coochie so far!"

Ray coughed, pretending he didn't hear that.

"Anyways, beyond the throne room of the Skeleton Lords is a valley of poison," he informed her. "I've already packed several moss inside your pouch in case you get in trouble. Do you know where you're heading?"

The question took the young sorcerer by surprise.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Are you looking for a way to cure your Undead curse?"

Agathe looked at the overcast evening sky above her before answering,

"For now, I'm looking for a woman."

Chapter Text

Chapter 4

"Hello there. Traveling all alone in these treacherous times?"

The man wearing leather armor introduced himself as Mild-mannered Pate, a low-profile treasure hunter. Agathe had been wandering around the fort when she met this soft-spoken man sitting alone near a gate.

"You can say that," the sorcerer panted. "I'm… Agathe."

She was breathless since she had been running away from a big scary knight who had been dropped by a giant eagle.

"Just plain Agathe?" Pate asked, resting his chin on his interlocked hands. "No fancy epithet to call yourself by?"

"Uh, is that important?"

"Not really, but having a title can help people remember you easily."

The young sorcerer tried to think of different ways to call herself. "Agathe the Lovely" and "Spellsword Aggie'' are her strongest choices, but she doesn't feel strongly towards either. While she was coming up with a name, Pate was quietly studying her appearance. She wore a simple black mage robe over old manchettes and trousers. She doesn't wear any headgear (yet). 

"You ought to get some new armor, you are basically wearing a glorified potato sack," Pate suggested.

"R-really?!" Agathe said in shock. She pitifully looked down at her clothes. "It's all I have right now… and I don't even have enough souls to buy new ones from the armorer in Majula."

"Forgive my rudeness, I was trying to be helpful. But even if you do wear a potato sack, you're still exceptionally beautiful."

Agathe blushed and slyly raised an eyebrow.

"Ooh, you hit on any girl you meet, Mr. Pate?" she asked.

"You're actually the second beautiful woman I've met here, the first being that merchant hag."

Agathe burst into laughter. "You're funny! I like that in a man!"

Pate chuckled too. He then became serious and warned her about going further inside the gate, despite the possibility of finding treasure.

To his mild surprise, Agathe blindly rushed in and the gate closed behind her. He winced as he listened to her surprised yelps followed by guttural sounds of Hollow soldiers. By the sounds of it, there seems to be a small horde of enemies rushing at her. 

In a few moments, she'll be dead like the others, he thought. I've always warned them of the dangers. It's not my fault that they ignore me. Such a waste of beauty, though…

He heard soul arrows being frantically fired, several feet running, some loud stabbing, and more screaming.

She's dead as a log. Any moment now.

Then it was all silent. Pate got up and peeked through the bars of the gate. He found dead bodies of Hollows scattered on the ground, but the girl was nowhere in sight. He did spot a trail of blood leading into a building. Perhaps she crawled inside there and perished. And if she's still alive, there's no way she can leave. The gate is permanently locked. 

She could die and return to the bonfire, since she is Undead like him, but he's concerned that she might get angry and suspicious at him for "tricking" her.

To his surprise, someone landed behind him. It was Agathe, still alive and only suffered some minor cuts. Her robe is half-soaked in blood and even her face was smeared with dirt and blood.

"Well!" he exclaimed. "I see you managed to escape."

"You were right!" she gasped. "It was a trap inside! I was almost Hollow food!"

Huh. So she didn't suspect anything. And I thought all sorcerers were smart… Maybe I could find some use for her.

"Oh, of course I am. I hope that brave warrior didn't come a cropper either… But never mind that. Look at you, my dear, you're dirty and dripping blood all over the grass."

"Oh, most of this blood isn't mine…" Agathe said sheepishly. She held up a broken dagger. "I ran out of my spells. But I did get struck in the back by a halberd."

"Poor little sweeting. Allow me to clean you up a bit." 

"What did you just call me--"

Agathe's words were caught off when Pate took out an old handkerchief from his vest to gently wipe her face clean. She kept quiet and just gazed at his thin face. He reminded her of a fox, which is strange because foxes are usually not trustworthy to be around with. But Pate seemed really nice, and he is rather pleasing to the eyes. Agathe could feel the pit of her stomach slowly getting hot. She liked the way he is kind to her and she couldn't help but imagine his hand touching the rest of her body. 

"There you go, all done," Pate smiled as he threw away the cloth. "Now off you go to the bonfire and get yourself healed."

"Hey, Pate…" Agathe twiddled her fingers. "Are you free later? There's a room in the Cardinal Tower and I bet it has some interesting stuff you could find…"

Pate isn't buying her words. "You're inviting me for some faire de l’amour, aren't you?"

"Uh, n-no way!" Agathe tried to deny it at first. "... Okay, you got me! But you were flirting with me earlier and I thought--"

"Well, I wouldn't mind. I've been feeling a little lonely these days."

"Wh-what--huh?!"

Pate chuckled and touched her chin. He leaned his face so close to hers she nearly swooned. 

"I've seen your type before, my dear, and I won't shame you for being a little starved…"

Agathe nearly jumped when she felt Pate's other hand touched her right breast. She blushed and backed away until her back hit a wall. Mimicking a cicada insect, Pate trapped her by placing his hands on the wall to make sure she could not escape so easily. He wanted her eyes to be on him and only him.

"Don't be shy," he whispered softly. "I can tell you wanted me. You bad girl."

Despite feeling aroused and excited, Agathe was at a loss for words. "You just surprised me, that's all!"

"Oh dear, what am I going to do with you?" he chuckled.

He leaned closer, until his lips almost touched hers. During this, his hand touched her breast again and squeezed it gently. Agathe moaned and gasped, shutting her eyes so she could enjoy this pleasure.

While massaging her breast, Pate could feel her erect nipple under the robe and he squeezed it through the cloth.

"Ow!" she whined.

"What a naughty little sweeting… Your sensitive cherry has gotten hard. As a matter of fact, you're looking very desirable right now. Do you like being manhandled roughly?"

"I… I don't know…?" 

Pate smiled and his thumb circled around her nipple.

"I'm not going to be rough with you, I'm not that kind of lover. I can show you what I'm like… if you'll allow me."

Agathe's mind is hazy. She really wanted him right here and now. Who cares if there's some Hollows still roaming nearby?

"Let me give you an appetizer."

Mild-mannered Pate removed the glove of his right hand so he could lower her trousers. Agathe tried to protest but his bare hand cupped her crotch.

Agathe would have let out a cry if it weren't for Pate's other hand covering her mouth.

"Not so loud, my dear," Pate smiled with a dangerous look in his eyes. "We can't alert some Hollows."

Agathe muffled moans were suppressed but she could still buck her hips against Pate's hand as he stroked her down there. He was really good at it too, he moved slowly and fingered her clit to tease her.

Agathe raised a leg and wrapped it around his waist so he could have an easier access. A few minutes later her orgasm unexpectedly came and she accidentally bit down on Pate's hand which made him back off.

"I'm sorry, sorry!" she cried, panicking as she adjusted her trousers. "It happened so sudden…!"

"It's alright, that means I've done a good job," Pate chuckled. He doesn't look mad at all. "Sticky Fingers Pate is what the ladies love to call me."

"Can we do that again?" Agathe asked hopefully. "It was amazing!"

Pate merely smiled and used his finger to tap her forehead.

"All in good time… But first, I want to make up for not helping you escape from that trap. And I'm not talking about in a carnal sense."

His tone became more serious, like it was when he warned her about the trap earlier.

"There's a rumor that a giant, the last one that survived the war, is located somewhere deep underground here."

"An actual giant?!" Agathe gulped.

"Yes, and killing it would bring in a lot of souls. If I find it, I will place down my signature nearby and you can summon me to assist you in battle."

"Your signature?"

"You'll understand when you see it. Let's try to find the giant's prison before this day ends. Then I would show you a good time. If not, then I'm afraid I can't accept your offer… which pains me to say it." Pate noticed the dismay expression on the sorcerer's face. "Oh, don't feel bad, it's just that I have to leave tomorrow. I never stay in one place longer than a week. But it was nice to be acquainted with you."

"Don't YOU worry!" Agathe huffed, her eyes shining in determination. "We'll find that giant today even if I have to kill every single Hollow in this fort!"

What an odd woman. Pate sweatdropped. She's all pumped up to fight a massive monster. Is she really that eager to lay with someone she just met?

In addition, she seems a little dumber than my last partner.

"Oh. Before I forget, did you find the treasure?"

"Yes, I did!" Agathe happily showed off a staff, similar to the one she already has. "I got two of these now!"

*&*&*

It took Agathe almost the entire afternoon to circle around the fort and find the location where this last giant is held imprisoned. Along the way, she met an absent-minded cartographer named Cale who mistook her for having the same passion for maps as him. He gave her the key to his house in Majula so she could have a permanent place to stay.

"Good thing he just gave away the key," Agathe spoke to herself as she took an elevator descending down under the fort. "I didn't have to open up my legs for him. Plus, I don't really want to take advantage of some guy who's mentally going nowhere."

After she shot down a Hollow with her staff, she noticed the weapon was about to break soon.

"I should've had Mr. Lenigrast reinforce this staff earlier… Ugh, too late for that now! I guess this must be the place!"

Agathe stood before a fog gate. She nervously clutched her staff with both hands; she has never seen a giant before, and the closest large beast she fought was the ogre in the Things Betwixt.

She could feel her confidence dwindling fast when her eyes spotted a glowing signature on the ground. Two signatures, in fact. 

She approached the first name and it wasn't a name she recognized. Out of curiosity, she touched it and it disappeared. Not understanding why it happened, she checked the other signature and her heart skipped a beat when she recognized a name:

Mild-mannered Pate

"So that's what he meant before…" she said. "Sooo… what do I do?"

"TO SUMMON A FRIEND, YOU JUST SIMPLY TOUCH THE SIGNATURE!"

Agathe jumped several feet in the air and spun around to meet an absolute unit of an Undead who has a faint white aura.

He was dressed in thick armor and his iron helmet was emitting a red glow. Insteading of carrying a sword or club, this Undead wields a pair of heavy greatshields.

"IT IS HOW PEOPLE CALL FOR HELP FROM THE ROCK-HARD WARRIOR KNOWN AS SELLSWORD LUET!" the Undead declared before he got down on one knee and performed an impressive war cry. "HUAAAA! NOTHING CAN TEAR DOWN THE WALL KNOWN AS SELLSWORD LUET!"

Agathe stared at him while Luet stayed in that position for a few moments, as though he was expecting her to clap.

"... Are you called 'Sellsword' because you sold your swords?" she asked.

"WHY DOES EVERYONE ASK SELLSWORD LUET THAT?!" the mercenary cried angrily. "SELLSWORD LUET JUST HAS A DIFFERENT FIGHTING STYLE!"

"Sorry, I was trying to lighten the mood!" Agathe apologized quickly. "I didn't mean to be insensitive!"

"SINCE YOU DIDN'T MEAN TO OFFEND SELLSWORD LUET, YOU ARE FORGIVEN. ARE YOU HERE TO FIGHT THE LAST GIANT?"

"Ah, so the rumor of a giant being imprisoned here is true… So, yeah, I am. But I'm a little concerned that I'm not strong enough."

"FEAR NOT! I, SELLSWORD LUET, SHALL FIGHT WITH YOU! BY OUR COMBINED MUSCLE POWER, WE WILL CONQUER IT TOGETHER!"

"Actually, I was about to summon my friend here." Agathe pointed down at Pate's signature. "The two of us will be fine."

To her shock, Sellsword Luet crouched down in a fetal position, facing away from her. He used his shields to cover his face in disappointment. Agathe thought he was wearing some kind of cloudy cape but on closer inspection, it's actually a transparent person hugging him. She wondered if it's some kind of spell he was using.

"Sellsword Luet sees…" he muttered in a lower voice. "You would rather fight with a normal warrior than some weirdo who uses only shields… But Sellsword Luet understands and doesn't hold it against you… Even though Sellsword Luet wanted some work for some extra souls…"

"Then why are you trying to make me feel guilty?!" Agathe snapped. 

Seeing Luet hurt did make her feel bad. She thought carefully and decided that if this giant proved to be tougher than she and Pate could handle, then maybe getting a THIRD person could bring them an easier victory.

"Okay, okay! You can join us!" she said. "Besides, I've never met a shield-only warrior."

"YOU HAVE MADE SELLSWORD LUET HAPPY!" Luet boomed, getting up and gesturing a war cry. "SELLSWORD LUET WILL NOT DISAPPOINT YOU!"

With Luet's instructions, Mild-mannered Pate was instantly summoned, armed with a long spear and a greatshield. Like Luet, he has a white aura around him but its glow is brighter. He was happy to see Agathe but his smile dropped when he saw Luet.

"Oh great," he sighed. "A part-timer."

The heavily-armored mercenary seemed offended for some reason. "WHAT DID YOU CALL SELLSWORD LUET?!" 

"Part-timer?" Agathe asked, confused.

"Never mind that, my sweeting," Pate changed the subject. "We have a giant to kill."

Chapter Text

Chapter 5

"... I thought we're goners, but the Last Giant wasn't no match for us!"

Agathe was jumping and cheering under the sunlight that poured into the cave from a broken ceiling. Before her was the corpse of the Last Giant, a tall and lean behemoth who had been imprisoned and abandoned under the fort for so many years. When it sensed the presence of Agathe and her allies, it furiously broke free from the rocks that held it down and tried to kill them.

Agathe felt for the gigantic creature. Though that feeling only lasted for a few seconds until she got smacked to the side by its hand.

Mild-mannered Pate and Sellsword Luet played their parts well; Pate kept jabbing the giant's legs with his spear and Luet kept the giant's attention on him. Agathe, for her part, used her remaining spells to shoot at the giant's upper body until her staff broke. She was scared for a moment until she remembered she picked up a spare earlier. But since she already ran out of spells, she ended up whacking the giant's legs with her new staff.

The giant tore off its own arm and tried to use it as a club. However, it was overwhelmed and collapsed upon dying. One wonders if it finally found peace after being trapped and tortured for so long.

Nearby, Pate was sitting on a boulder and he was nursing a bruised right arm.

"Easy for you to say that, my dear," Pate sighed. "But you weren't the one getting crushed under the giant's feet."

"Hey, at least you didn't die," Agathe smiled and placed her hands on her waist. "I thought giants were supposed to be tough."

"This one's just a shadow of its old self… You're lucky you haven't faced it in its prime when the giants were still invading Drangleic."

"This fight was fun though. We should do this again."

Pate raised an incredulous eyebrow. "You call it fun? Well, I suppose it is something that can be enjoyed… Sadly I can only work with one person only once. I hope you understand."

"YOU ONLY WORK WITH ONE PERSON FOR ONLY ONE TIME, AND YOU HAVE THE AUDACITY TO CALL SELLSWORD LUET A PART-TIMER?"

Pate and Agathe turned their heads towards the mercenary, who was standing triumphantly on top of the Last Giant's body.

"YOU SHOULD MORE LIKE ME," Luet beats his chest proudly. "I, SELLSWORD LUET, CAN BE SUMMONED MANY TIMES AS POSSIBLE!"

"Oh yeah?" Agathe asked.

"Don't listen to him," Pate rolled his eyes. "He's a Shade, and not a Phantom like me right now."

These terms confused Agathe. "Shade? Phantom?"

"WE GOT OURSELVES MR. BADASS OVER HERE," Sellsword Luet scoffed. "WHITE SOAPSTONE PHANTOMS CAN'T EVEN BE SUMMONED ANYMORE  AREA IF THE LORD OF THAT AREA IS VANQUISHED. THERE'S NO SHAME TO MIX THINGS UP. BEING A SHADE HAS USEFUL BENEFITS!"

"Tone down your voice, you buffoon," Pate frowned. "You could wake the giant back from its death."

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN TONE DOWN MY VOICE? THIS IS HOW SELLSWORD LUET TALKS."

"And stop referring to yourself in the third person, it's obnoxious," Pate growled. He rarely loses his temper but this mercenary is actually pushing his buttons. "If I were you, I could also change my armor and weapons."

"WHAT IS WRONG WITH USING SHIELDS? YOU'RE USING A SHIELD TOO!"

"Your two greatshields combined with your strong heavy armor… It feels like you're overcompensating for something."

Agathe gasped at Pate's remark. This struck a nerve in Luet because he grabbed both his shields.

"Take that back," Luet threatened him in a quiet voice. "Take it back now."

"Come on, forget about this!" Agathe laughed nervously, fearing a bad fight might break out. "I'll understand what you guys are talking about later!"

Luet and Pate glared at each other for a while before they broke away from each other's hard gazes.

"Forgive my rudeness, Aggie," Pate apologized.

"SELLSWORD LUET IS SORRY TOO!"

"Oh, you boys can get pretty hot-headed." Agathe teasingly flipped her hair. "All this tension from fighting a big monster like the giant… It makes me want to release it~"

"Oooh, I did promise you, did I?" Pate smirked. "I shall meet you at the bonfire of the Cardinal Tower, sweeting."

Pate suddenly vanished and Agathe looked around the cave, expecting to reappear.

"YOU LET THAT WEIRD GUY CALL YOU SWEETING?" Luet asked as he jumped down from the giant's body. "SELLSWORD LUET REMEMBERS HIS OWN MOTHER CALLING HIM THAT."

"I thought he was charming," Agathe giggled. She batted her eyelashes at Luet. "You want to come and join us? You were pretty cool in the fight too, and very girthy… I mean, tanky."

"WHAT ARE YOU SUGGESTING TO SELLSWORD LUET?"

Sweat rolled down Agathe's forehead. Not only is this guy tough as a rock, but he's dumb as one too.

"You know…?" She shifted her hip and seductively patted it so he could clearly understand. "... Clapping rumps with another person?"

Luet stared in disbelief. "... OH!"

Agathe moved forward and let her finger make circles on his chest. "It'd be nice to see how exactly 'rock-hard' you really are down there. I might convince Pate to allow you--"

"SELLSWORD LUET DOESN'T WORK FOR SEX," the mercenary backed off and raised both his greatshields. "SELLSWORD LUET ONLY WORKS FOR SOULS. MANY, MANY SOULS. ALSO, THAT GUY ISN'T MY TYPE."

Agathe now felt embarrassed for coming onto him. Hell, Pate might not even consent to a threesome without his permission.

"I guess you're right, Luet," she smiled nervously. "Let's pretend this whole thing is a joke, haha!"

"SELLSWORD LUET APPRECIATES YOU FOR THINKING OF HIS FEELINGS." Luet happily pats her back, but he forgot about his own strength that he accidentally knocked her to the ground. "NOW SELLSWORD LUET MUST GO. HOPEFULLY WE MEET AGAIN, MY SORCEROUS FRIEND."

Agathe was seeing stars circling around her head. By the time she gathered her senses, the mercenary was already gone.

*&*&*

Sunset was coming. It took one elevator ride and up a ladder to return to the Cardinal Tower. Agathe wanted to return to Majula and spend the new souls she earned from killing the last giant, but she promised to meet a certain treasure hunter.

Melentia the old merchant was mysteriously gone but she found Pate waiting for her. He was leaning against a wall near the stairs to the upper floor, he appeared to be in deep thought.

Agathe approached him, with her hands behind her body. She leaned forward cutely and met his eyes.

"Copper for your thoughts?" she asked.

Pate lifted his head and smiled at her. He really looked trusting and handsome up close.

"My dear Aggie, you were splending in that fight," he told her. "I've never met anyone who is willing to beat up a giant with a stick."

"You weren't bad with your own stick," Agathe giggled. 

"Ah yes, and you're curious to see the other one I'm carrying in my pants… Why don't we get ourselves a room first?"

*&*&*

The door to the room upstairs was initially locked but Agathe was able to break it down with only her fists. She already looted the place so the only reason she came back here is to get her brains fucked out by Pate.

The back room only leads to a jump back down to the bonfire. There used to be a Hollow sleeping here but Agathe kept killing it until it decided to leave permanently. Agathe closed the door behind her and she eagerly looked at Pate.

"So," she smiled. "How do we start?"

"Surprise me," Pate suggested.

Agathe knew what to do. She placed her hands on his broad shoulders and pushed him against the wall. Pate didn't object when her hand started rubbing his dick through his trousers. She raised her head and was about to kiss his lips when he blocked her mouth with his hand.

"I forgot to mention," Pate said. "You can kiss me anywhere except on my lips, sweeting."

Agathe was mildly let down. She loved to kiss her lovers in the mouth whenever they got down dirty and intimate. It makes her feel closer to them.

Agathe decided to kiss Pate on his jaw and then on his neck but his helmet got in the way.

"Um… can you remove that?"

Pate removed his helmet made of sturdy iron and dropped it inside of an empty chest close by. Agathe was wide-eyed, stunned by his appearance.

"I take it you've never seen a bald man before?" Pate chuckled, though he felt a little embarrassed of showing his bare head to someone else.

"W-well, you're not what I expected… but not in a bad way!" Agathe said. "Hehe, I think having hair is overrated anyways."

"Would you like to touch it?"

Agathe was taken aback but he had her attention. "You sure about that…?"

"I'm giving you permission right now."

Agathe hesitated. Her hand reached up and gently rubbed Pate's head. His head is more shaved than entirely bald, it was like stroking a hairless cat. It felt so fuzzy under her palm that her stomach and crotch began to warm up. Is she really getting aroused from this?

"Okay, that's enough."

Pate grabbed her hand and pulled it away. He leaned closer to her face so  she could see him smiling. There isn't much light but she could have sworn that there is a small flash of danger in his eyes.

"I get a little insecure about my appearance, my darling."

"I understand," Agathe said breathlessly.

Pate released her hand and slowly began to unbutton her robe without waiting another word from her. He opened up her robe and started kissing her bare collarbone and shoulders. His lips were cold but they seemed to burn her skin.

"I've thought up another epithet…" Agathe moaned softly. "What do you think of 'Rose Maiden Agathe'?"

"Aggie. Sweeting. Darling… no talking, please," Pate muttered while still kissing her skin. "It'll ruin a good love-making."

"I'm just running some examples with--Oh!"

Pate had grabbed one of her breasts and squeezed it to silence her.

"You're gonna behave like a good girl," he told her. "I really want to screw your brains out, but I might as well stop here and leave…"

"I'll behave, you can't just leave me like this!" Agathe whined. 

"Good girl~"

All of her clothes were removed and put aside, and Agathe laid down on the cold stone floor. She waited for Pate to remove his own clothes, but he never removed anything else besides his helmet. Because she is completely naked, she noticed how cold the room is and began to shiver. Pate noticed this and he got down on his knees between her legs. He wordlessly buried his face into her chest and licked around one of her nipples and his right gloved hand rubbed her pussy.

Agathe flinched initially but soon got used to the feeling of his tongue flicking back and forth against her stiffening bud. When it’s nice and hard, he starts on the other nipple.

She was breathing and moaning at how sweet and tender he is with her body. Her body is burning and aching from his touches and kisses. She wanted so badly to grab him and kiss him right now, but she knew he'd object.

He had been pleasuring her for at least ten minutes, which felt like hours for her, when a naughty smile appeared on his face. He showed her that his glove has some slick on it.

"You're all wet down there now," he chuckled. "I guess you're ready."

Through heavy eyelids, she watched him undo the buttons of his trousers and popped out his 'spear', it looked pretty long. Would all of that fit her?

Pate raised her legs and placed them over his shoulders, lifting her butt from the floor. He teased her entrance with the tip of his cock.

That cheeky prick! she thought in agony. He was waiting for me to say something so he could have an excuse to stop!

But she refused to utter a single word. She just covered her mouth with her hand, which Pate found amusing.

He slowly pushed his dick inside of her, getting used to her tightness. A bolt of electricity shot across Agathe's spine and it made her recall a memory of her foggy past.

"See the dancing of our bones,
Stimulated from our pheromones!"

Pate was only halfway inside of her when he stopped. Agathe went wide-wide, realizing she just goofed up but she couldn't help it. His dick somehow undid the Undead Curse for a moment. Yet, Pate was impressed

"I didn't know you're a poet," he remarked.

"I used to write poems in my pastime," Agathe panted. "I was good at it too, but I gave it up for some reason…"

"Interesting." Pate was hardly listening to her, he was eyeing at her belly button while his hand stroked her thigh. 

"Did you know I'm a master when it comes to limericks? I could tell you about the girl from South Bowers--"

The rest of her words were drowned out by her ecstatic cry when Pate finished thrusting inside her. A loud iron clang can be heard downstairs which caught her attention. Pate grabbed both her hands together by their wrists and pinned them to the floor, just above her head

"You must be quiet now, dear."

Pate pulled back and pushed in. Agathe happily moaned at how his cock dragged along her walls. The rapid rise and fall of her chest showed off her breasts to the best effect. Pate thrusted again, and again, and again. His ball sack slapping against the bottom of her ass cheeks. Agathe started shaking her head from side to side, struggling to cope with being on the receiving end of this slow and sensual pace. She wanted him to fuck her faster and harder.

Pate groaned, his bare head glistening with sweat and feeling himself reach the point of no return. Without a warning, he pulled out and spilled his seed on her thighs and stomach. Agathe's own orgasm arrived soon after that.

Pate hurriedly cleaned himself and tied up his trousers. 

"... Aren't you gonna hold me?" Agathe whimpered.

"Sorry, dear, I'm not much of a cuddler," Pate said as he put on his helmet. "But I had a wonderful time. Hadn't had anything like that since…"

Pate tried to recall but he merely shrugged.

"Oh, but you should take this." He handed her a white-colored object. It weighed heavy like a stone and it has a chalky texture. "This is a white soapstone. It allows Undead to call out for help to one another, across the fissures between worlds. With luck, somebody will lend you a hand."

"Sweet!" Agathe happily placed the soapstone in her traveling pouch. 

"And if you look down from here, you could find a little treasure sitting on a branch. It's all yours."

"Oooh, treasure…?"

Pate didn't help her put her clothes back on. Once she's fully dressed, Agathe moved to the edge of the hole in the floor and peered down. She saw something shiny on a branch. Pate was right, but speaking of which… she suddenly has a suspicious feeling.

She turned around and saw him casually leaning against the wall.

"You're not gonna kick me down, are you?" she asked.

"Now why would I do that?" he asked innocently.

She realized he's being honest. She cheerfully scolded herself for being paranoid.

"I finally thought up a good epithet, all thanks to you," Poetess Agathe beamed. 

With careful timing. She jumped down onto the branch and grabbed the shiny object, which was a bottle of Divine Blessing.

"Thanks for the gift, Pate!" she said. "You really are a nice guy!"

"No problem," he said quietly with a dark smile. "No problem at all…"

Agathe happily jumped down to the floor below. Before she could rest at the bonfire, she just noticed an old ironclad soldier was right next to her and it was about to smash her to the ground with its massive mace.

Now she knew where that iron clang sound came from.

Chapter Text

Chapter 6

Poetess Agathe made her way past Heide's Tower of Flame and by following the directions of the kind-looking cleric named Licia of Lindeldt, she ended up in No-man's Wharf; a small dilapidated harbor and town shrouded in darkness.

According to the cleric, No-man's Wharf was the home of Varangian sailors, who were fierce pirates that sailed the northern seas of Drangleic before they were captured by a former king and forced to do hard labor. Now they've all turned Hollow from the Undead Curse and the town itself is also terrorized by other ghastly creatures which Licia refused to elaborate.

Agathe first came here in search of an old sorcery master and she found him sitting alone in one of the lone docks. Carhillion of the Fold immediately sensed some power in her and, after seeing her wearing only the ragged clothes she had when she first arrived in Drangleic, offered a spare mage robe for her in addition to training her.

Initially, Agathe found no other reason to stay in No-man's Wharf, but she was later informed that an "Old One" is located in the Lost Bastille which can be accessed by ship at No-man's Wharf. In order to meet the mysterious King Vendrick, she must defeat four Old Ones and light four beacons… whatever those last parts were.

Agathe hated how dark that town was; in her first visit, she often found herself running low on torches to light her way. Not to mention, she also gets ambushed by Undead pirates and dogs hidden from every corner. She also got set on fire once!

After exploring everything possible in the Forest of Fallen Giants, Agathe could not delay the inevitable and must return to the cove.

After getting her clothes fixed up by the armorer Maughlin, he presented her a small gift in the form of a lavender domino mask.

"It's said that it used to be owned by a powerful witch and it can be used to boost sorceries," Maughlin stammered as he sat timidly on his stool. "H-hopefully it can help you on your journey."

"Wow, I love it!" Agathe smiled after putting on the mask. She doesn't know if his claims are true, but she loves how fashionable it is. "How much do I owe you?"

"I-it's free actually. It's a thank-you gift for helping me get my business started."

"Ohh, you should let me pay for it!"

"But aren't you already low on souls?"

"Well… there is another way to pay you~"

Maughlin squeaked when Agathe slid herself down and sat on his lap. She giggled and played with his cheek. Something about his meek personality is so endearing that she hoped that he remained that way.

She recalled the blacksmith Lenigrast criticizing her for being so promiscuous.

"It's bad enough you young folk like to wander, but eagerly sleeping with anyone you just met? A person is not the same as a pillow!"

She wondered if his absent wife left him prior to him moving to Drangleic. In the meantime, he should just mind his own business.

*&*&*

By the end of the afternoon, Agathe returned to a secret cave leading her directly straight to No-man's Wharf. The area is full of stone stalagmites but it wasn't difficult to get through. She came to a familiar clearing where the bonfire was waiting for her and she stopped in her tracks.

There was a man leaning cross-armed against a formation close to the bonfire. He is dressed in a fancy attire with a high collar vest and an ornate hat adorned with flowers and a long feather.

His long, blonde hair is wrapped in a ponytail, but his most distinctive feature is the metal bearded mask he uses to cover his face. His face is lowered, as though he were in deep thought, and he doesn't appear to acknowledge Agathe's presence.

Agathe sat at the bonfire, watching this man with interest. Her fling with Maughlin ended rather quickly; the poor guy was so nervous that he couldn't get himself up. Maybe she could have some luck with this stranger? 

Maybe the blacksmith was right, she thought. I should also be more careful. I might end up sleeping with the wrong person and regret it later… Nah, he should mind his business.

She might as well introduce herself to the stranger. He might even know a way to the Lost Bastille.

She fixed her hair and clothes, trying to look more presentable. She approached the masked man and waved at him. She was surprised to hear a woman's voice.

"What is it?" she coldly demanded, now looking at Agathe's direction. "I don't know you, and you don't know me. Things are better that way."

"Oh, forgive me! I didn't mean to be rude!" Agathe said, putting on a harmless smile. "It's just that I've never seen you around here before. I just wanted to see your… your mask! It looks really nice, I'm almost jealous!"

The masked woman merely stared at Agathe. The young sorcerer awkwardly rubbed the back of her head, trying to diffuse this situation.

"Er, you're new to No-man's Wharf?" she asked. "This is my second visit, but I can show you around. We have sailors, soldiers, dogs--though they're all a bit too Hollow for my taste. Also, this town has an obvious lack of proper lighting due to a storage of torches…"

Agathe was relieved when the woman started chuckling.

"You are an odd one. Normally, people keep a safe distance when they see this mask. But you…"

"Well, what can I say! People say I'm VERY charismatic! You can call me Poetess Agathe, or Aggie if you'd like!"

The masked woman let down her guard and tipped her hat upward so Agathe could see her mask.

"I am called Lucatiel," she introduced herself. "From the land of Mirrah, to the far east, across the mountains. They say Drangleic brims with powerful souls. And so I came to claim my share."

"It really is a popular destination," Agathe nodded. 

"But what a strange place…Even the rumors did not prepare me."

Agathe had to agree. She remembered how she first got here; she fell through a maelstrom which is actually a portal. Though she wasn't sure if she was transported to the past or another world.

The old Firekeepers from the Things Betwixt refused to answer her questions and their caretaker only implied that their home is actually a limbo between Drangleic and the outer world, which only raises further questions.

Argh, it hurts my head thinking about it , she thought. At least Drangleic is much friendlier compared to my old hometown that tried to kill me when I became an Undead…

A wave of confusion and melancholy hit her.

Home… Where did I come from again?

"--Are you okay?" 

Lucatiel of Mirrah's words snapped Agathe back to the present.

"You seemed lost," she commented. "What are you thinking about?"

"Uhhh, I was thinking of cats!" Agathe lied, forcing a silly smile. "I wish I was a tiny cat so I could mock the existence of anyone."

Lucatiel rubbed her chin. "You're… very interesting. Well, I'll just repeat my previous question. What are you here for?"

"Oh, yeah!"

Agathe pulled out an old map she borrowed from Cale the Cartographer. She pointed Lucatiel to a location on the map.

"I need to get to the Lost Bastille for an important mission, but I need a ship to get there," Agathe explained. "I was told to find a ship at No-man's Wharf but all the boats I've seen here are wrecked and abandoned. In fact, it looks like no ship has ever made port in this town in ages."

"It's true, but I've heard it is still possible to reach the Lost Bastille from here," Lucatiel said. "Why don't we go somewhere first? I know someone else who might help you. I, too, am seeking a ship to the bastille."

Agathe was touched by Lucatiel's offer that she immediately agreed.

*&*&*

Lucatiel led Agathe by the hand through the town, avoiding the fire arrows flying past them. Several sconces have been lit already, providing some small light to this dark cave. Lucatiel and Agathe cut down Undead pirates and dogs in their path. Agathe was deeply impressed with Lucatiel's swordsmanship and the way she charged at her foes without fear. It was like Lucatiel knew how to fight all her life.

Lucatiel suddenly stopped moving and pushed Agathe inside of an empty house before following her. 

"What is it--?" 

Lucatiel hushed Agathe to be quiet. The two women could hear the distant yowling and it made the hairs on the back of Agathe's neck freeze up.

"Darkdwellers," Lucatiel whispered as she peeked out from the door. "Disgusting bat-like creatures that stalk those who travel through this town."

"But I've never seen them!" Agathe said, astonished. "I've never even heard this sound before!"

"While they prefer the dark, they only come out at night. I guess it's now evening. Good thing our destination is close by, we'll be safe there."

Agathe was staring at the back of Lucatiel's hair before her eyes traveled downward.

Is this really the time to think of her ass?! she scolded herself. 

But then her eyes caught something else. Something was clinging to the ceiling above their heads. It looked skinnier than a human; it was covered in dark wrappings and it wore a bird-like metal mask.

When the Suspicious Shadow realized Agathe had noticed it, it leaped down from the ceiling and knocked Lucatiel down to the ground. It swiped at Agathe with its clawed gauntlet, but she was able to roll backward in time. She shot a soul arrow from her staff and at the same time, the Suspicious Shadow threw a knife at her.

Agathe's spell missed the nimble foe and the knife hit her chest, barely missing her heart. However, she could feel her skin burning around the wound. She has been poisoned.

Before she could do something, the Suspicious Shadow knocked her backward with a flying spinning kick, stabbed her chest with its claws, followed by its other hand grabbing her head and throwing her down face first.

Agathe coughed out blood and her body was too hurt from the poison to move. The Suspicious Shadow was about to cut her back open when Lucatiel stepped in and blocked its claws with her shield. The shadowy foe dashed sideways to avoid the swings of Lucatiel's sword. It took out its dagger and ran straight at the masked woman.

Lucatiel parried the Suspicious Shadow.

The enemy lost its balance and fell backward, flabbergasted. Lucatiel raised her sword and plunged the blade into the wretched thing's body, killing it instantly.

Agathe had managed to move her body into a sitting position. She was staring at Lucatiel with awe.

"I believe you're swooning, Miss Agathe," Lucatiel chuckled. But then she became concerned when she saw her companion's wound. "Where's your estus flask?"

Agathe numbly pulled out the dull green flask. It was empty.

"I have some spare lifegems, let me get…" 

Lucatiel quickly crouched next to the sorcerer and gave her HER own flask.

"Here, take as much as you need," she said.

Agathe was touched but she refused. But when Lucatiel touched her shoulder to encourage her, Agathe gave in and drank two big gulps. She could feel her wounds healing and the poison slowing down. When she felt extremely weak again and poisonous burning persisted, Agathe took another sip.

A minute passed and she felt poison in her blood vanishing.

"That was scary," she laughed nervously. Then she turned to her masked companion. "But let's talk about you, Lucatiel--you were incredible! You knocked that guy on his butt and killed him in one blow!"

Lucatiel seemed to enjoy the compliment or she's just being humble. Agathe couldn't tell from the mask that was covering her face.

"I'm just glad you didn't get killed," she said. "Can you stand up?"

Agathe could, but Lucatiel still helped her anyway. Agathe could see Lucatiel is pretty tall for a woman, and this fact made her blush.

"Let's go," Lucatiel said. "Before more of those shadows show up."

She pointed Agathe to a two-story building which they can reach by jumping across a gap. This building is at the center of the No-man's Wharf and Undead hunting dog patrol outside. A single Vangarian sailor was standing guard by a platform which had a Pharros contraption.

Lucatiel silently gestured Agathe to follow her before she jumped across the gap and landed on the wooden platform of the main building. 

Agathe doesn't want to imagine how much it'll hurt if she missed her landing. She could fall to the ground far below and hurt herself. Or worse, get swarmed by the pack of dogs. And to top it all, she'll probably get set on fire again by an enemy arrow.

She swallowed her fear and moved back a bit. Lucatiel has her arms out, getting ready to catch her. Heart racing, Agathe ran fast to gain momentum.

She failed to leap at the last second and she fell straight to the ground with an anguished cry.

And just as she predicted, she hurt herself from the fall damage. The dogs smelled her presence and they all attacked her. While she tried to fight back, an oil pot struck her in the head and drenched her. Then the Varangian sailor fired his arrow and Poetess Agathe was set ablaze.

From above, Lucatiel could only wince behind her mask as she watched her new companion perish from a painful death.

Chapter Text

Chapter 7

Poetess Agathe opened her eyes and found herself back at the bonfire in the unseen path to No-man's Wharf. All her wounds are healed but she could still vividly remember her horrible and humiliating death.

Worse of all, she made herself look like a buffoon in front of her new friend Lucatiel. 

"Oh god!!" she cried in horror. "I have to go through the town all over again!"

She was doing so well running through No-man's Wharf in the dark while fighting off enemies, but that's because she had help. Not to mention, Agathe isn't as physically strong as Lucatiel of Mirrah. 

When she was done resting at the bonfire for several minutes, Agathe carefully moved through the docks; she sneaked past the sailors and soldiers without making a sound. She found the main path up ahead but if she tries gunning for it, she will alert every Hollow in the vicinity and she'll become too overwhelmed. Even the shortcut she opened up before in her first visit isn't safe either.

She sat down behind some empty barrels as she pondered on her situation. Her eyes noticed a small glowing signature on the dock, very close to the nearest Varangian sailor who had its back turned to her. Agathe recognized it as a summoning sign for Shades, like the one used by Sellsword Luet.

Luet… she cringed in shame. Oh, Luet… I'm sorry, I should've saved you.

*&*&*

After narrowly beating the big scary knight known as The Pursuer, Agathe met up with the mercenary Sellsword Luet and the two came to what looks like a dead end. All they found was an empty space with nothing except for a dead tree born from a corpse of a giant and a large bird's nest. Luet found the latter at least amusing.

"CHECK IT OUT, SELLSWORD LUET IS A BABY BIRD!" he declared as he sat inside the nest. "YOU, YOU! GIVE SELLSWORD LUET SOMETHING SMOOTH AND SILKY!"

Agathe giggled. "That's actually pretty funny."

At that moment, the giant eagle (the same one that carried The Pursuer around) swooped in and snatched a surprised Luet from the nest before flying away with him.

"My buddy!" Agathe cried. She tried to shoot the bird down with her arrow spells but it was already too far away. "Give him back!! LUUUUEEEET…!!"

*&*&*

This happened two days ago and since Luet never returned, Agathe could only fear the worst.

Why did that damn bird have to find him delicious?! she thought, on the verge of tears. I was the one who killed his pet knight!

She eyed the small glowing signature, weighing her options. One one hand, getting some assistance would make traveling through No-man's Wharf easier. On the other hand, Shades are on some sort of timer and Agathe isn't familiar with this town's layout. And if she leaves her hiding spot, she will certainly catch the attention of the Varangian sailor.

With no other choice left, she moved away from the barrels. The Varangian sailor heard her and tried to cut her with its dual curved swords. She managed to dodge the attacks and she touched the summon sign. 

The sailor groaned angrily and attacked her again. Agathe wasn't so lucky with dodging this time; her upper right arm got slashed. If she rolled too much, she could fall into her watery death.

It's not a problem for her if she dies. She can always return to life from the nearest bonfire. However, if she dies too much, she will become a decaying Hollow, but at least she keeps a bit of her sanity. And the more she dies in her Hollowed state, her body decays more and she slowly loses her mind and senses. She could use a human effigy to restore her normal body, but she only has a limited number of those at the moment.

She was about to take a sip from her refilled estus flask when the sailor sliced her chest, nearly knocking her off the edge of the dock. But one more attack and it's all over for her.

To Agathe's happiness, the Shade she summoned arrived just in time and he used a miracle to push the Varangian sailor off from the dock instead. Agathe jumped for joy but she forgot she was standing at the edge that she fell backward. Luckily for her again, the Shade grabbed her arm and pulled her to safety.

"Glad I caught you."

The man stepped back and bowed before her. He is a paladin dressed in dull armor with a red scarf. He is armed with a Heide spear and a disc chime that acts like a shield. Speaking of which, he wordlessly gestured to Agathe to come closer to him. When she approached out of curiosity, he raised his chime to cast a miracle. A glowing circle appeared under Agathe's feet and she could feel all her wounds becoming completely healed.

"Bradley of the Old Guard, at your service," he introduced himself. "What is your wish, Milady?"

"Oooh, an actual knight in shining armor!" Agathe giggled. She looked around the town and pointed Bradley to a big building on top of a hill where she last saw Lucatiel. "You see that building over there? I need to get there quickly."

"Ah, I know what you're talking about," Bradley nodded. "That's where my actual body is. Stay close to me and I will see to it that no harm comes to you. By the way, are you a sorcerer?"

The question took her by surprise. "Why, yes! How did you know?"

"Well, besides wearing an obvious mage robe… you're wearing a mask that was once owned by a witch called Zullie."

Agathe touched her domino mask and recalled that Maughlin mentioned the mask belonging to a powerful witch. She wondered what kind of person this 'Zullie' was.

"You may be right about that," Agathe said. "I'm wearing this mask because I was told that it boosts the strength of sorceries."

"I heard that it shortens the lifespan of those who are not magically-gifted enough to wield its power," Bradley commented.

This scared Agathe, is that why she died so quickly earlier?

Bradley continued questioning her, "So what sorceries are you using?"

"Haha, what kind of question is that?" Agathe giggled nervously. "I only use the basic soul sorceries!"

"Oh, that's okay with me," Bradley said. He sounded relieved. "If you were a hexer, I'd hesitate to help you."

"Haha, you're such a little joker!"

"Who says I'm joking?"

Agathe and Bradley stared at each other; Agathe cannot tell what was his expression since his helmet covers his entire head and face.

"Uhh… What do you mean by 'hexer'?" she asked.

"Oh, never mind that," Bradley says. He used his disc chime to buff his spear with a lightning miracle. "I have about six minutes left. Shall we, Milady?"

*&*&*

They returned to the main square where all the Undead dogs and Varangian archers were. Bradley easily took care of the dogs and Agathe's spells put down the annoying archers. The two heard hissing around them. They turned around and saw they were surrounded by three bat-like creatures with elongated arms which ended in claws. The monsters made threatening swipes at the two travelers who have their backs pressed against each other.

"I didn't think the darkdwellers were this bold enough to get closer to this area!" Bradley said. "If we run into the building, they'll chase us inside!"

"What do we do?" Agathe asked, panicking. "Do we fight them here?"

"Yes, but there's too many of them here and their claws hurt so much, I'm afraid my healing spell won't be able to save us. They do have a weakness… they shun from any light source. Do you have a torch?"

"H-hang on!"

Agathe reached inside of her pouch when one of the darkdwellers slapped her to the side, separating her from her companion.

"Milady!" Bradley screamed. 

He tried to get to her but two darkdwellers stopped him. Agathe weakly got up from the ground and she resumed her frantic search for a spare torch while avoiding the darkdweller who attacked her. She found a lockstone, which she thought was useless in this situation.

Wait a minute…

She recalled the Pharros contraption she saw before. She looked around and found it. Her eyes moved up and saw a giant sconce hanging from the cave's ceiling. Guessing on a hunch, she made a mad dash towards the contraption.

The darkdweller's long reach scratched her back but she ignored the pain. She leaped forward and reached the Pharros' contraption in time. With a short cry, she slid in the lockstone.

The giant sconce above her quickly lit up, filling the entire town with bright orange light. The darkdwellers flinched and scurried away.

"Yeah, you better run!" Agathe screamed as she angrily raised her staff.

She was about to go after them when she noticed that Bradley is no longer around and she is now alone. 

"He's already left? Damn…" she pouted. "I wanted to thank him. I couldn't get here without him."

To heal her wounds, she slowly sipped her estus flask and shuddered. Estus tasted like a mixture of honey and bone broth. There is a reason why she's a bit too dependent on the lifegems.

"I'm never gonna get used to this taste…"

*&*&*

Agathe entered the main building. The front doors weren't surprisingly locked. She found a pub inside; it was nearly dark except for a small oil lamp sitting on the counter of a bar. There are only a couple of tables. The farthest one away is occupied by sleeping Varangian sailors. Next to them are stairs leading to the second floor. Another person has taken the other table and not only is he awake, he is an old man wearing a mage robe. It was her sorcerer teacher Carhillion of the Fold.

"Master, I thought you were going back to Majula," Agathe said.

"I have unfinished business here," Carhillion replied. He was sipping mead from a pint while jotting down notes into his logbook. "Young pupil, you're here for another lesson?"

"Uhh, I'm looking for someone… here…?"

What caught Agathe's attention is a stout warrior wearing thick armor, a helmet that covered his eyes, and a massive beard. He was standing behind the bar, preoccupied with his own pint of drink in his hand. He introduced himself as Gavlan, a traveling Gyrm warrior who loves to drink and trade.

"Gavlan wheel, Gavlan deal!" he laughed. He poured mead into an extra pint and gave it to her after she sold him some extra swords she picked up from the fallen pirates. "With Gavlan, you wheel, you deal!"

"Y-yeah, I love to wheel and deal too," Agathe said awkwardly, sitting on a single stool next to the bar. Man, he speaks in the third person like Luet too! And just thinking of what happened to Luet makes me sad again!

A door in the back opened up and a familiar paladin stepped out. It was Bradley in person, with his helmet's visor up. He was carrying an iron pot full of soup. 

Agathe squealed. "Bradley!"

"Milady!" he smiled when he saw her. "You're just in time! I've prepared some hot soup!"

"I wonder what that smell was coming from."

This new voice came from upstairs. A masked woman descended and Agathe squealed even louder. She jumped out from her seat and ran past Bradley, nearly making him drop the pot of soup. She even bumped against Carhillion. Agathe then threw herself at Lucatiel and wrapped her arms around her neck.

"It's great to see you again!" Agathe said happily after she pulled away. "I thought you'd forgotten about me!"

"We've only been separated for at least an hour…" Lucatiel sweatdropped. There is relief in her voice. "I'm glad you're alright. I saw how you died and I thought you weren't coming back to No-man's Wharf."

"Pfft, it'll take more than dogs and fire arrows to destroy me!" Agathe boasted.

"... You are an odd one, indeed."

Bradley cleared his throat to get everyone else's attention. "So is anyone interested in trying my soup?"

The guests decided to use Carhillion's table to sit down and eat. The pub doesn't have much when it comes to dining, but Gavlan found four small bowls to provide for his guests. Bradley was about to take the empty seat next to Agathe, but Lucatiel already sat down in it.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Oh, nothing," Bradley sighed as he sat next to the old sorcerer instead. At least he's sitting across from Agathe.

Bradley's soup is so warm that it rejuvenates everyone's bodies to full health.

"I've learned this recipe from this Catarina knight I've once traveled with," Bradley said proudly. "I think he calls it Estus soup."

"Did you really turn your Estus into soup?" Lucatiel asked. 

"Yeah, but I mixed a few things in it! Doesn't taste so bad, right?"

I could think of another thing I'm craving to taste right now , Agathe thought. 

As she drank her mead, she raised her right foot and touched Bradley's leg. 

Lucatiel and Carhillion didn't see what was happening under the table. Gavlan was drinking heavily and he didn't seem to notice or even care. Bradley immediately knew whose foot was that and he turned to Agathe in shock. It might be the drink getting to her head, but Agathe giggled when she saw how red Bradley's face is now.

Feeling more bold, she raised her foot high and rubbed it up and down against his greaves. Her foot reached further and found something soft between his legs. She pressed that area with the tip of her boot and stroked him.

Bradley jumped, nearly spilling his soup again. Agathe pulled back her leg and pretended to look innocent. Bradley lowered his visor so nobody could see his scarlet face.

"Are you okay, young man?" Carhillion demanded. 

"Y-yeah…" Bradley gasped. "I think a mosquito got me…"

"Agathe, you haven't been listening for a while," Lucatiel said. "We're trying to discuss how to get to the Lost Bastille."

"Oh, right!" Agathe mentally slapped her head. "I almost forgot!"

"You go to bastille?" Gavlan asked the group. "You need ship. Ring bell, then ship comes."

"What ship?" Agathe asked.

"Ship that carry prisoners to bastille," the Gyrm explained. "Gavlan seen it before. Ring bell at night, then ship will come."

"You know, I recall seeing a bell tower here," Carhillion said. "And what the Gyrm says it's true. This town sends its prisoners, all Undead, to the Lost Bastille to be imprisoned and forgotten forever."

"So, we have to ring a bell to get a ship to take us to the bastille, but only at night," Bradley said, rubbing his chin. "I don't understand why though…"

"Forgive me for changing the subject," Lucatiel said. "Your name is Bradley, correct? Though, I couldn't help but wonder if you also went by another name… like Alva?"

"Alva?" Agathe hiccuped. She has just finished her third drink.

"Alva the Wayfarer. I've heard stories about him growing up. He was a legendary knight who searched many lands for a cure for Saint Serreta's sickness."

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not Alva," Bradley chuckled. He leaned back into his seat and crossed his arms. "But he was my hero when I was kid. The story of Saint Serreta was a favorite of mine. It was during his mission that the dutiful Alva was seduced by Zullie the Witch, who hated Saint Serreta and tried to use her cunning and trickery to ruin Alva's life."

Ahh, the lady whose mask I'm wearing, Agatha thought. I wonder how she seduced him…?

"But as the legend goes, Alva not only banished Zullie to the Abyss, he was able to cure Saint Serreta," Bradley continued. "I've always wanted to be a brave and pure knight like Alva, so I dressed like him and traveled around helping others with my miracles."

"... That's not how that story ended from what I remember," Carhillion spoke up. All eyes turn to the old sorcerer. "From what I heard, Alva the Wayfarer actually failed his mission. He was the one who got banished to the Abyss by Zullie."

"I think you're going senile, old man." Bradley's warm voice is now cold. "Alva didn't fail his mission. He saved Saint Serreta."

"Then how come there are no accounts of what happened to him afterwards?" Carhillion questioned him. "In fact, it was said that Saint Serreta perished a year after she became sick. Not much of a happy ending." 

"I think we should try ringing that bell and see if what Gavlan says is true!" Bradley said harshly, getting up from his seat.

"Can we do it a bit later?" Agathe asked. "I feel lightheaded."

"How many did you drink?" Lucatiel asked.

"... Not enough."

Gavlan laughed. "Gavlan approves!"

"I suppose we can wait for an hour," Bradley sighed. He went around the table and got down one knee before Agathe. He took her hand much to her surprise. "I'll be outside and stand guard, Milady. When you feel better and require assistance, you can find my soapstone sign at the same spot."

"Of course," Carhillion said. "You wouldn't want to wait here with me and face the truth of your idol hero."

"Watch it!" Bradley pointed a finger at him. "I don't know if you've realized this, but I can only tolerate sorcerers as long they don't use hexes!"

"Oh, the stubbornness of the youth…"

Bradley picked up his spear and disc chime, and left the pub. Lucatiel helped the woozy Agathe onto her feet.

"You can rest upstairs in the attic," she told her as they walked up the stairs together. "That's where I've been hiding until you showed up."

"Why were you hiding?" Agathe asked.

"Well…" Lucatiel leaned close and whispered, "That old sorcerer annoys me too."

*&*&*

Lucatiel had made a "bed" out of a large sack she spread out on the floor. It wasn't exactly comfortable but Agathe wasn't complaining. The latter lay on her side while clutching an empty bucket in case she felt like throwing up. Lucatiel was sitting nearby, watching her.

"Thanks for helping me again, Lucatieeel," Agathe slurred. 

"It's not a lot," Lucatiel shrugged. "It's the least I could do since I wasn't able to catch you before, Agathe."

"Naaaah, I'm just clumsyyy… Alsooo… Pleeease call me Aggieee."

"If that's what you want, sure."

"Can I also call you Lucyyy and Bradley Braddyyy?"

"You may not, we're not that close. Speaking of which, I think that Bradley likes you a little."

Agathe hiccuped and giggled. "How?"

"He called you 'milady' and the way he kneeled before you," Lucatiel said lightheartedly. "It's almost like he wants to be the Alva to your Saint Serreta."

"... What's this Saint Serreta like?"

Lucatiel tried to remember. "Not much is known about her, I think she was a woman of perfect humility and chastity." 

Agathe burst into laughter. She is definitely NOT chaste like Serreta. Meanwhile, Lucatiel has been staring at Agathe's flushed face for a long time.

"You know, Aggie," she began. "I've always made a point of avoiding people. While you've made a point of engaging me."

Agathe was befuddled, her mind still hazy from the drink. "Thank… you?"

"And I can see that you are mid-journey. If you require assistance, I will help you."

At this, Lucatiel stood up and drew out her sword so she could raise it high.

"I come from Mirrah, a land of knights. My sword is always ready," the masked woman declared. "Don't hesitate to call upon me. Whatever happens, I won't be missed."

Agathe raised her head and rested her chin on her hand. "That sounds sooo romantic. Maybe you should be the Alva instead."

The women shared a laugh together. A special bond between them is born, a bond that Agathe would take for granted.

Chapter Text

Chapter 8

Poetess Agathe never expected a ghost ship to appear from a fog when she rang the bell at the top of No-man's wharf. Assuming the ship will disappear by dawn, she rushed to it with Lucatiel of Mirrah and Bradley of the Old Guard following her.

The ship was empty, there was no one waiting for them. The group decided to check downstairs to find a way to get the ship moving to the Lost Bastille. What they found at the brig was a fearsome creature neither of them expected, whose duty under King Vendrick was to punish and oversee the ferrying of undead into the Lost Bastille.

Agathe dodged swings from a pair of warped swords wielded by a two-headed lizard-like monstrosity. In actuality, this lizard not only has extra head but an extra pair of arms. His conjoined brother, joined at the torso, is carrying a pair of spiked clubs. 

The Flexile Sentry is brutal and fast inside of a cramped room. There was also another danger; the same room is filled with water, making it hard for Agathe and her companions to move around. 

"Heads up, ladies!"

Agathe and Lucatiel averted their eyes away from the Flexile Sentry and saw Bradley firing a miracle. The miracle knocked the Flexile Sentry backed into a wall. With the enemy staggered, Lucatiel swung her sword down at the beast's chest and Agathe landed a final blow with a soul arrow.

Agathe happily exhaled with relief as she absorbed the enemy's soul. Lucatiel was panting, exhausted from the fight. Bradley then bowed before the two women, congratulating them for the fine victory.

Agathe soon found a ship's map and compass. When she pointed the arrow to the Lost Bastille, the ship's bell began to ring and everyone could feel the ship slowly moving. They came up to the deck and gazed at the night sky as the ghost ship made a steady journey to the bastille.

"It looks like it's good-bye to No-man's Wharf for now," Bradley remarked. "Once the ship reaches the bastille, I'll come back and help more travelers who are having trouble accessing a ship."

"I feel like we're forgetting something," Lucatiel said, sounding mildly concerned.

"I can't think of anything of what that is," Agathe shrugged. "I guess it's not important."

Unbeknownst to the group, a lone old sorcerer was sitting alone on a dock for a while. Carhillion of the Fold had been watching the ghost ship leaving without him and he could only lower his head in sadness.

"They forgot about me…"

*&*&*

It would take a few hours for the ship to reach the Lost Bastille, so Agathe decided to use this free time poking around the ship and finding something to amuse her.

She reached the cellar next to the brig where she defeated the Flexile Sentry. There were chests that hadn't been touched by seawater. She was hoping to find some pirate treasure, but she only found a single pyromancy scroll so far. In fact, most of the chests are empty except the last one. This box was filled with several dusty unopened rum bottles.

Agathe opened a bottle and she was greeted with a strong, alluring smell. She recalled how sweet Gavlan's mead tasted since most of the time, she only drank her Estus and occasionally water from a river. Before she became Undead, she didn't drink a lot of alcohol, but maybe indulging in a few sips could make her feel normal.

*&*&*

Lucatiel found a bedroom and was sitting in a chair, cleaning her greatsword, when she heard a knock on the door. She adjusted her bearded mask and opened the door to find Agathe.

Lucatiel thought the sorcerer was going to announce that they've arrived at their destination but she immediately saw Agathe was red in the face, holding an empty rum bottle in one hand, and her robe halfway unbuttoned to reveal her cleavage. The latter is obviously drunk.

"Agathe, you shouldn't drink some mysterious alcohol you picked up inside a ghost ship," Lucatiel sighed, shaking her head. "How much did you drink anyway?"

"I'm fiiiine~!" Agathe giggled as she tossed the empty bottle over her shoulder. It smashed to pieces on the wall. 

Lucatiel was taken aback when Agathe threw herself into her, wrapping her arms around the taller woman's neck. Agathe began to grind her chest and hips against Lucatiel's body. Lucatiel blushed with embarrassment, realizing Agathe is the bold and clingy type of drunk.

"I want youuuu~" Agathe mewled as she kissed Lucatiel's neck. "Please make love to meee~"

Lucatiel blushed harder. She secretly admitted that Agathe is pleasing to the eyes and her vivacious personality is quite charming too. But she only met Agathe tonight and even if the sorcerer wasn't drunk, this is still going too fast for her. In fact, this loose side of Agathe doesn't actually appeal to Lucatiel at all.

"I can't, you're drunk," Lucatiel mumbled, trying not to show how much Agathe's soft lips had turned her on. She has to be the responsible one here. "Drink your estus. It'll flush out the alcohol."

"But my flask is emptyyy~" Agathe said. "Lemme drink yours… and maybe drink something else from you too, hehehe~"

My estus flask is empty too , Lucatiel frowned. 

One of Agathe's hand reached up and lovingly stroked Lucatiel's mask.

"I wonder what you look like underneath this," she smiled. "I wanna take a peek~"

Lucatiel managed to push Agathe off from her as gently as she could and guided her out the room.

"Go find Bradley and get him to heal you," Lucatiel told her. "And fix yourself, a lady should be more presentable."

"Okaaay~" Agathe giggled, utterly lost in her drunken horniness. "And after I get back, I want to show you all of my womanliness~!"

Agathe jumped a bit when Lucatiel slammed the door behind her. She scratched her, stupidly wondering what was her problem.

*&*&*

Bradley was the only one up deck and for a good reason. He had forgotten to relieve himself before the ship left No-man's Wharf. He looked everywhere in the ship but not only was there no toilet to be found, but not even a single chamberpot. He couldn't just pick a single room and go in a cornet, he is supposed to be a proper knight full of standards!

Since he isn't sure how much longer till this ship arrives in the bastille and the ladies are busy downstairs, he decided to answer nature's calls up here.

He stood close to the railing and untied the strings of his front trousers. He then pulled out his dick and shivered from the cold. He could feel his full bladder about to burst soon. It's a good thing he's alone here where nobody can catch him peeing over the railing--

A pair of small hands suddenly covered his visor.

"Guess who~?"

"M-milady!" Bradley squealed in shock. 

He blushed and hastily covered his dick with his red kilt. He blushed harder when he saw a drunken Agathe whose breasts are nearly popping out from her unbutton robe.

"P-please forgive me for exposing my dirty member!" Bradley stammered, trying to avoid looking at her open chest. "I know it's not meant for the eyes of maidens who have yet to be wedded! I was about to relieve myself over the railing! I-If you wish to speak to me about something important, just give me a few minutes… Also, look away, please!"

Agathe giggled and batted him with her eyelashes behind her domino mask.

"Bradley, Bradley, Bradley."

She closed the distance between them and raised his visor so she could get a look at his face. Bradley was mortified when she even licked his lips seductively.

"You're so cute. I can help you~"

"Milady…?!"

Bradley's eyes shot down and watched her lift up his kilt so she could grab him. He covered his mouth to stop himself from moaning, but this only amused the drunk sorcerer.

"Oooh, you're so warm~" she smiled as her hand rubbed his semi-erect cock that was leaking piss. "You said you were gonna go, right? Well… go ahead right now~"

"I can't…!" Bradley panted, feeling himself harden from a strange arousement he had never experienced before. "Your hand is touching me. It's too… distracting…!"

"Here. This will help make it easy."

Agathe reached up and kissed him, pushing her tongue deep inside his mouth. The touch of her lips combined with a distinct taste of rum made Bradley lose it. His piss streamed all over her robe but Agathe wasn't even a little disgusted. She was enjoying her kiss with Bradley, who was just too shocked and confused.

When Agathe finally broke away as soon the stream of piss ended, Bradley wanted to jump over the railing and drown. 

"I… I've dirtied you…!" he moaned as he leaned back against the railing for support. "Milady, why would you touch me like that?!"

"Bradley," Agathe sighed. Her hand is still wrapped around Bradley's cock and she loved how it twitched a bit when she rubbed it again. "I am not a soft maiden… I am a hard and dirty whore…"

"Y-you don't really mean that--"

"Shush, you know what I wanted when I touched you back in No-man's Wharf."

Agathe released Bradley's cock and removed her piss-soaked robe. Bradley tried to look away again, but Agathe grabbed his face and made her look at her.

"Look at me, my knight in shining armor," she said with a flirtatious smile. "I'm going to make you feel good. I want you right now."

This isn't what Bradley wanted. No proper knight should take advantage of a drunken lady, except SHE'S the one taking advantage of him! 

Agathe got down on her knees and peppered his shaft with kisses. She got a fun idea to make him feel good. She playfully rubbed his cock between her breasts as she kissed his tip.

Bradley wanted to push her away but his hands were gripped tight to the railing behind him. That aroused feeling came back and he was starting to feel like he was being corrupted.

Agathe's tongue swirled around his sensitive tip, it was driving him crazy. She heard him muttering a low prayer and she rubbed his testicles together in response.

"That's right. Keep praying. You'll be calling out for your god soon~"

"Agathe, please…!"

She paused. He stopped addressing her 'milady' and it would have been enough for her to stop and she wouldn't have to regret what happened next. Unfortunately, she was too horny and drunk to care.

Agathe took Bradley's entire dick inside her mouth and began to suck him slowly. Bradley was moaning and crying; his cock felt so good inside her mouth but he felt terrible at the same time. This goes against his pure ideals. This woman is no maiden. In fact, she is more like…

Like a witch.

Agathe's head bobbed up and down, her tongue stroking against his erection. She was not only drunk from the rum but the scent of Bradley's musk. She wanted to swallow more of him and pushed herself further into him until the tip of his dick reached the back of her throat. She nearly gagged but she was now at the peak of her pleasure.

Bradley's cock twitched in her throat and his cum shot into threads. She pulled out and coughed, but she was able to licked some essence that was left on her mouth. She looked up and saw Bradley collapsed on the floor, completely drained. As much as she wanted to climb on his lap and screw his brain out even further, she was exhausted.

She giggled and crawled beside him, resting his head on his shoulder. She wiped her mouth with his red scarf as her eyelids began to get heavy.

"That was really nice, Bradley…" she whispered.

*&*&*

Agathe woke up with a bad headache. She found herself lying down on a lone dock. Before her is the ghost ship but it was wrecked.

"We're finally here."

Agathe sat up and found Bradley sitting nearby, his back to her. She looked around and noticed the dock leads to a path into a cave of a high cliff.

"We're here… at the Lost Bastille?" Agathe blinked. "Seriously?"

"Yeah," Bradley said. His voice is stiff and cold. "Miss Lucatiel already went ahead. We also took care of the nearby guards so getting inside the bastille won't be too much trouble for you. I hope you find what you're looking for."

"How long was I out?" 

Agathe noticed her robe had been hastily buttoned together and it smelled like piss for some reason. She recalled finding a chest full of rum so she checked her breath. It was strong and bitter. A horrible thought came to her.

"Bradley… I haven't done anything weird, have I?"

The paladin said nothing. He refused to look at her. He stood up, with his spear and disc chime, and began to make his way down the dock. Panicking, Agathe got up and nearly tripped over her feet. Her head is still a little hazy from the rum, but she is pretty much sober again.

"Bradley, where are you going?" she pleaded. "Why won't you look at me? Whatever bad I did, I didn't mean for that to happen! I'm really sorry--"

Bradley turned around and Agathe stopped. He had his hand raised and he was about to slap her. Instead he lowered it. He was looking at her and even though his helmet's visor is down, Agathe could feel his rage.

"You… are no proper lady," Bradley snarled. "Just as I'm trying to walk the proud path of Alva the Wayfarer, you are a harlot like Zullie the Witch. You seduced me, you were trying to stray me from my dream."

"N-no I wasn't!" Agathe cried.

Everything had gone wrong; hours ago, she was happy to be around him but now he wanted nothing to do with her.

"When I get really drunk, I get careless! But it's true, I'm no proper lady. I'm not even pure at all--I enjoy sleeping with people for fun! I'm sorry I couldn't be your maiden, but that's why I'm also apologizing for taking any advantage of you!"

"Just stay away from me, witch."

Bradley of the Old Guard turned around and then walked away from her. Agathe stood where she was before falling to her knees in remorse. She sniffed but she did not shed tears. She understood Bradley's anger and he had every right to hate her.

In time, the Undead Curse will possibly make her forget this incident as though it were a bad dream. The only thing she could do is now move forward and find the Old One.

Chapter Text

((WARNING: S/A happens in this chapter))

Chapter 9

When Agathe arrived in the Things Betwixt, all she had on her was a tattered imported set of clothes and her simple staff to cast only a basic spell.

The Old Firekeepers, jaded and retired, helped her remember her name and past, and then gave her a human effigy as a gift. They even told her where to go, though they laughed at her and mocked her inevitable failure.

Their housekeeper Milibeth was kinder and gave Agathe some small dinner and a place to sleep in the attic.

"It's been a while since we had any new visitors," Milibeth said as she helped prepare a bed for Agathe. "They rarely return here, and many of them never made it out of the forest so they went Hollow."

Agathe was hardly paying attention. She was leaning against a wall and rubbing her face.

"I forgot how my skin felt this smooth as a normal human!" Agathe sighed happily. "My mind was also clear for the first time in ages!"

"I'm glad you felt that way, that's the wondrous work of a human effigy," Milibeth smiled. "However… it is not a permanent fix. If you die too many times, you will revert back to your previous decayed form. And you will become closer to becoming a mindless Hollow."

Agathe shuddered. "I'm not dying."

"That's the spirit, love! When you leave tomorrow, you can explore the forest as you please. Be warned, however, not only is it full of Hollows, but the further you go deeper… you will face stronger foes that you won't be able to beat on your current level. Just come back when you get stronger and more experienced with this land."

After Milibeth finished making the bed, she went downstairs to help the Firekeepers tuck into their own beds. Agathe lay on her bed but she was too excited to go to sleep. Several days ago, she heard rumors of a kingdom down that was supposed to cure her Undead curse but she only found ruins of a gate… which turns out to be a portal to the lost kingdom of Drangleic.

She rolled to her side and tried to recall her past, feeling her eyes getting heavy.

Somewhere in a haze, she found herself back at the old hut she used to live in beforehand. She was sitting alone in a room and she dressed in simple peasant clothes.

She doesn't remember why she was sitting alone in the first place, but she felt a deep dread inside her.

Her feet were heavy like stones but she forced herself to get up and look around for someone. The hut was silent and everything was gray. Her footsteps made creaking echoes as she timidly made her way around.

She found a door, but there was something wrong with it. Her mind is telling her not to open it.

Heart racing fast, she grabbed the doorknob and pulled it. The room was completely dark but she saw the silhouette of a tall man, who had his back to her. His head was lowered and he seemed to be carrying something in his arms which she couldn't see.

Then a sharp, anguished voice ring out in the air,

"What have you done to him?!"

Everything began to melt and as the man turned around to face her… and Agathe woke up the next morning, not remembering what happened next in the dream, except the feeling of sorrow and fear that remained.

It was very early so the Firekeepers were still sleeping. Millibeth was the only one to greet her and the two chatted together while the housekeeper prepared breakfast.

"Can't believe you just live here all your life, taking care of three old hags--oh sorry about that!"

"Don't worry, I'll pretend I didn't hear that," Milibeth chuckled but she was slapping her ladle against her palm in a threatening manner. "So, how did you sleep anyways? Any good dreams?"

"I wouldn't say it was a good dream," Agathe sweatdropped. "But I did remember more of my old life!"

This piqued Milibeth's interest that she gave Agathe a generous helping of porridge before sitting down across her.

"Spill the details," she said excitedly. "I rarely leave the house and I enjoy hearing stories of travelers."

"You already know I'm a sorcerer," Agathe began, looking down at her staff. "But I actually didn't receive any proper education at some school. I got married at the age thirteen…"

"That's a bit too young, isn't it?"

"I was still a child, but my family married me off to a former knight who came from some foreign kingdom…"

"What was your husband like?"

Agathe paused to drink some tea and a melancholic smile broke across her face. 

Her unnamed husband was older than her by two decades. He was a man of few words and he can be quite intimidating due to his stoic and tall appearance. Agathe didn't hate him, but she felt trapped in a marriage she wasn't ready for. Her only escape from boredom was teaching herself elementary sorceries from hand-me-down books her neighbor--a scholar from Melfia--gave her. She never told her husband about her hobby, assuming he would disapprove.

Agathe then recalled a memory that made her giggle.

"I just remember something else," she grinned naughtily. "There is one I really liked about him. He was… pretty big."

Milibeth's eyebrows were raised and she leaned forward. "How 'big' are we talking about?"

Agathe smiled wider and revealed the details in a low voice in case she doesn't want the sleeping Firekeepers to overhear her.

When Agathe finally consummated her marriage with her husband three years into the marriage, she was scared by the size of his girthy cock. She was so nervous that she started laughing, which mildly irritated him. Because of her petite size due to her young age, he was gentle and slow with her. Agathe ended up feeling sore for the next few days. Now that she became Undead and left her home, she realized how much she missed his dick.

"Now that I think about it… I don't think I actually fell in love with him," Agathe said, feeling awkward. "I only got married because it sounded fun and he makes me feel good… does that make me sound like a bad person?"

"Kinda," Milibeth replied in a blunt and sympathetic manner. "But you did get married at a young age, so I can't blame you for feeling that way."

Agathe finished her breakfast and hugged Milibeth good-bye.

*&*&*

"Yah, yah. So nice, so smooth!"

"Yah, yah. Silky smooth!"

Agathe retrieved a small amber-colored herb as a gift from a pair of talking baby crows living in a giant nest on a ledge in the Things Betwixt. She saw them rolling around in a pile of stones of varied sizes. Earlier, she picked up a small stone, which is silky and smooth to the touch, and she dropped it into the nest. She hoped she would find more similar stones to give them to the birds and get more free gifts.

Agathe climbed down a wooden ladder and then went through a fog door of a giant tree. Today, she experienced her first battles with some Hollows and a couple of ogres, and even accidentally dropping into a pit full of basilisks. She found a golden glass shard, but she doesn't know what it does.

Agathe then found herself in a bank of a dark lake, where she defeated the two ogres. She didn't have the strength to kill them both, so she had to trick them into falling off a bridge from a tree she kicked down. She wondered why they were guarding a strange coffin made of stone, which was sitting at the edge of the lake.

She inspected the coffin and randomly thought of jumping inside the coffin. Why on earth would she do that?

She heard a rumbling sound behind her. She turned around and saw a huge knight in dark armor rising from the ground. He was carrying a big shield and a sword, almost as big as him. His chest armor is decorated in faces screaming in agony. What shocked Agathe the most is that this menacing knight is floating above the ground and his visor is glowing red.

The knight quickly flew towards Agathe and raised his sword to strike her down. Agathe dodge out of the way and tried to escape, but the Pursuer blocked her route. Agathe had no choice but to fight him.

She shot spell after spell at him but he kept sliding out of the way. She soon ran out of spells, and she pulled out her dagger. 

The Pursuer used his shield to bash Agathe to the ground, knocking her weapon out from her hands.  Panicking, Agathe tried to rush towards the coffin to hide inside… even if it did sound like a stupid, hopeless choice in her head.

The Pursuer was quicker and he knocked her to the ground again, this time using the hilt of his massive sword against the back of her head.

She fell headfirst and could feel warm blood trickling down her face. She realized she is going to die here, without even leaving the forest. 

Wait, I'm an Undead…. The Firekeepers said that I could always respawn at the nearest bonfire if I die, she suddenly remembered. So why should I be scared?!

Agathe weakly rolled onto her back and looked up at The Pursuer.

"Okay… you got me," she sighed, closing her eyes. "Just get it over with."

The Pursuer stared at her.

"What's the matter? I surrender… Make it quick, because I don't like pain."

She waited and it painfully felt like an eternity. She could hear her enemy breathing heavily through his armor. Why isn't he striking her down to kill her? Is he sparing her? If so, then why wasn't he leaving?

She heard a loud sound. She opened both her eyes and saw he dropped his heavy shield. Before she could say anything, he pointed his sword at her body. She held her breath, believing he planned to kill her after all.

… Except that wasn't the case.

The tip of the Pursuer's sword sliced the front of her old tunic to expose her milky chest and stomach. Agathe blushed, speechless from shock.

The Pursuer kneeled down and effortlessly ripped the rest of her tunic off from her slender body. Agathe realized in horror of his true intention.

"W-wait a minute!" she cried, covering her chest. "You can't be serious!"

The Pursuer grabbed one of her legs and hoisted her up from the sandy ground. She flailed around trying to release herself. While hanging upside down, she watched him drop his sword and ripped her trousers apart.

She felt so helpless like this, with no weapon to defend her and all the blood rushing to her head. She would rather die and be treated like this.

The Pursuer continued to hold both her legs, keeping her dangling upside down. A fleshy cylindrical tube poke out from between his legs and smacked her face.

Oh god, that's his cock, she gasped.

She stared at the enlarged tip as it brushed against his cheeks and lips. She could smell the bitter musk and it was making her stomach tighten and hot for some reason. Is she getting seriously aroused from this? The only man she ever slept with was husband, but she could tell this knight's dick is way bigger and thicker. She hasn't even slept with anyone since she became an Undead.

God, she never felt so much shame.

Agathe reluctantly opened her mouth and took the swollen cock into her mouth. If she played along, maybe the big knight would let her go. She began to slowly suck, tasting the salt from the tip. The Pursuer moaned and pushed his dick further.

Agathe's face burned as she could feel the entire thing pushed deeper inside her throat. Her pussy is now throbbing from the pleasure. She closed her eyes and hummed while she sucked him off, pretending this was all an erotic dream.

Agathe was suddenly lifted upward and she found herself sitting upright and pressed against the Pursuer's body with her legs now wrapped around his waist.

"Hey! I wasn't done!" she pouted and slammed her fist against his chest armor.

The Pursuer silently gave her a look. Agathe let out a scream when he slammed her body down onto his cock, penetrating her. She grabbed onto him as he began to thrust roughly inside her. Her walls were stretched tight around his massive 'weapon' and Agathe felt like she was going to lose her mind. In fact, she barely noticed The Pursuer poking her butthole with two of his huge fingers before thrusting both of them inside her as well.

Agathe screamed again, feeling tears flowing down her face. The pain and the pleasure, both intense like heavy waves. She never felt anything like this before and she wanted more of it. Her orgasm came but there was no time to rest.

The Pursuer alternated between thrusting her pussy and her butthole, until both holes were raw and loose. Agathe was now delirious and drooling. She lost track of the time and she already came three times, but the knight hasn't even slowed down.

Agathe's thoughts were all over the place. She was treated like a whore and yet she loved it. She wanted to stay like this forever. However, all good things must end.

The Pursuer thrusted deep inside her three times before climaxing. Something cold and thick filled her, and she wondered if she could get pregnant as an Undead. Then she wondered what happens if she dies while carrying a child. Before any grim idea came to her mind, The Pursuer non-ceremoniously dropped her to the ground. A fatigued and flushed Agathe weakly lay on her back, and she could feel thick liquid leaking out from her cunt. 

"Why--"

She barely spoke a single word when The Pursuer picked up his sword. It glowed for a moment before it pierced her stomach. Intense pain hit throughout her body and she screamed. 

"B-bastard!" she wailed angrily. "I thought… you'd let me go…!"

She was lifted into the air and The Pursuer's dark magic transformed her body; no longer she was human, but now as a Hollow with decayed, sickly skin.

She screamed once again when The Pursuer threw her aside and her body fell into the deep edge of the lake.

Agathe then woke up, finding herself sitting next to the bonfire outside the Old Firekeepers' home. She looked down and found her stomach wound was completely healed, and her clothes restored. However, she was still a Hollow, possibly from a curse inflicted on her by the enemy. 

She hastily reached into her traveling pouch and found an extra human effigy she picked up while staying in the attic. She crushed the effigy to her chest and her body was restored to normal. At that moment, Milibeth stepped outside and found her.

"Oh, you're back," she said. "Did you have a nasty death?"

"Y-yeah…" Agathe said, blushing.

"I was just checking to see why I haven't heard those two ogres by the lake howling in a while. Was that you? Did you put them down?"

Agathe nodded. Milibeth was astonished but pleased.

"Magnificent! I'll have to think of an appropriate gift for your courage! Will you wait out here for a few minutes? I'll be right back!"

Milibeth went back into the house, leaving Agathe to sit alone pouting by the fire. The young sorcerer could not believe that big brute of a knight had the audacity to kill her after fucking her. The next time she sees him, she will just… run away. The power of his cursed sword can turn her Hollow and she fears she might not have enough effigies to restore her form back to human. She just started remembering her old life!

She is scared of him and yet… she couldn't get his dick out of her mind. It was the best dick she had ever since she got here.

Could there be more like that outside the Things Betwixt?

Wait, I just got used by an armored pervert! I shouldn't be thinking things like that! I'm not that kind of girl!

But the more she remembered how it tasted and how it felt inside her, Agathe realized her hands were now automatically touching her breasts and her crotch. Was she always this easily aroused?

She couldn't stop herself and she lay on her back, rubbing herself through her trousers and longing for another touch from someone. She forgot all about Milibeth and started removing her clothes.

The housekeeper finally returned with an extra soup ladle.

"Sorry that took a while, but I have your gift," she apologized sweetly. "You have proven yourself to the forest. We have little to offer, except perhaps thi-- HOLY SHRINE OF AMANA!!"

Milibeth dropped the ladle in shock. She had just walked in on a naked Agathe sitting her back to a tree wall and her legs crossed in a flirtatious manner. 

"You've been really hospitable to me, Miss Milibeth," Agathe giggled. "You don't mind if I repay you like this~?"

Milibeth just responded with a big whack to Agathe's head using the ladle.

Chapter Text

Chapter 10

"I thought that might be you. You haven't changed a bit, have you?"

Poetess Agathe covered her face more with the old imported hood she still kept around. 

"Y-yeah, I'm still me," she stammered.

"Your voice," Lucatiel of Mirrah said. "It seemed different last time we met."

"I caught a cold."

Agathe pretended to cough. She did not want Lucatiel to see her hollowed face.

Yesterday, she had just arrived at the Lost Bastille and during her exploration, she found a hidden blacksmith shop. Sadly, she has been killed several times by undead jailers and dogs her body has been reduced to a decayed, cursed state. It did not help that her nemesis, The Pursuer, kept popping up when she least expected him. And finally, her worst fear came; she ran out of effigies and she doesn't know where to find more. She could feel her body slowing down. The Undead Curse is doing its job on her.

Agathe had just escaped from a jailer and ended up inside of a room of an abandoned tower. She was so relieved to find Lucatiel again that she wanted to throw herself onto the masked woman's arms and cry on her shoulder.

"Ah, yes, I have not thanked you for humoring me the other day," Lucatiel said, reaching into her pocket. "This is for you."

Agathe gasped when she saw Lucatiel was giving her a human effigy for free. 

"Of course, I've no idea what it is, hehe."

"Oh, I love you so much, Lucatiel!!" Agathe wailed. "You don't know how much I needed it so bad!"

She happily grabbed the effigy and then jumped onto Lucatiel so she could plant a few kisses on the woman's mask.

"You're welcome…?" Lucatiel said, a little taken aback from the other woman's affections. "But don't say such words… you don't really mean…"

"Thank you anyways!" Agathe beamed, stepping back so as not to scare her friend off. "I'm so glad I was able to find you!"

Lucatiel heard a sound outside. As she peeked out the doorway, Agathe used the effigy to restore her human form back. Then she removed her hood, glad to be free of its awful smell.

Lucatiel looked back and watched the sorcerer putting her domino mask on.

"You have beautiful eyes," she noted.

"Ohhh, are you flirting with me~?" Agathe raised an eyebrow. "Didn't know you have such a suave side~"

The masked woman chuckled and pinched Agathe's cheek.

"Don't be silly."

Something the way Lucatiel acts sweet and playful to her made Agathe's heart flutter. She wanted to resume her exploration for the Old One, but that mission can wait a little longer. Agathe sat on top of an empty iron chest while Lucatiel leaned against a wall. Agathe was curious about Lucatiel's old home and the female knight was happy to provide details.

According to Lucatiel, she was born into a family of peasants in Mirrah, an unprivileged part of the society of this kingdom. In order to ensure the well-being of her family, Lucatiel joined the army and even at an early age. Naturally, her skills on the battlefield allowed her to become a knightess of the Order.

"I had swift success on the battlefield, and quickly attained respectable stature," Lucatiel proclaimed with pride.

"I bet you had a lot of admirers," Agathe commented. 

"Oh, I received plenty of flowers, letters, and even marriage proposals. I had men offering themselves to be my knights, like our acquaintance Bradley."

"Oh… r-right…"

Agathe became awkward and looked away. Her friendship with Bradley had been soured since she took advantage of him while she was heavily drunk and aroused. She doesn't even know where Bradley of the Old Guard went, and she's afraid to see him again out of guilt.

"My parents wanted me to retire and settle down now that our lives have gotten better," Lucatiel sighed. "But to be honest, I found the life of a knight to be a more preferable choice. Or maybe I haven't found the right person yet."

"I think the single life is better," Agathe shrugged. "I hear marriage is unfun."

"I'll take your word for it then," Lucatiel chuckled before resuming her story. "And then I… And then I came here… to…"

"Lucatiel?"

Agathe saw that Lucatiel was staring into space and she became concerned. Lucatiel broke the silence and turned to her.

"Have you heard of the Undead?" she asked. "These poor souls affected by the curse."

"Yeah, you're looking at one right now…" Agathe said reluctantly. "Are you okay? What's wrong?"

"Do you even know what it means to be an Undead, Aggie? An Undead gradually loses his humanity, until his wits degrade completely. Finally, he turns Hollow, and preys upon others… And a Hollow can never be human again."

"Lucatiel, you're scaring me--"

"One can skirt this wicked fate only with the help of the souls found here," Lucatiel continued. "Assuming, of course, that the legends are true. I can only hope… that they are."

Lucatiel removed her bearded mask and tossed it to the floor. Agathe was finally able to see Lucatiel's true face; an androgynous human woman but half of her face is Hollowed, a sign of the curse. Despite the mark, she was the saddest-looking and most beautiful woman Agathe had even seen.

Lucatiel gazed at the wide-eyed sorcerer with a terrified expression before looking down.

"I'm sorry… to burden you with talk of my fate," she murmured. "I suppose I've grown weary these days."

Agathe got up to retrieve the metal mask. She handed it back to Lucatiel.

"I'm not mad or anything," she said, trying to cheer her up. "Besides, even though you lost a bit of your face, you still got your wits!"

"Aggie, please understand the weight of this concern of mine…"

"I know you're worried, but I think I know how to help you! Do you remember I said I wanted to go to the Lost Bastille for a mission? I'm searching for the Old Ones, some ancient beings with powerful souls. Once I gather the souls, I can meet the King of Drangleic and hopefully get my wish granted. There's supposed to be an Old One somewhere here, and the two of us can work together and beat it without problems! … So, what do you say?"

Lucatiel looked from her mask to Agathe's hopeful face. She slowly formed a smile on her own face.

"Do you remember what I told you back at No-Man's Wharf?" she asked after she put on the mask. "If you require assistance, I will help you. Don't hesitate to call upon me."

"That's the spirit!" Agathe fist-pumped into the air. "That's the Lucatiel I know!"

Lucatiel told her to go on ahead since she wanted to stay and reflect on her thoughts longer. As soon as she's far away from Lucatiel's sight, Agathe sat on one of the gunpowder barrels littered all over the path. 

"She doesn't know what a human effigy is and I took one from her just to help myself!" she moaned. "If she doesn't know how to use an effigy, she might go Hollow sooner or later. What if that's her only one and she gave it up without knowing…?"

An idea came to her.

"If I find another one, I'll give it to her! Heck, I'll even pay her back with two!"

She gleefully imagined a future scenario of herself presenting two effigies to a happy and maskless Lucatiel.

"My lovely Aggie," Lucatiel smiled as she held a swooning Agathe in her arms. "How can I repay you for your generosity?"

"I'd like us to get to know each other more… in a biblical sense," Agathe replied as she touched Lucatiel's mask. "I have this demon inside me, and I want you to touch it--"

KABOOM!!

The barrel under Agathe exploded, caused by a small fireball shot by a patrolling jailer. Agathe lay stupidly on the ground for a while, hurting from the pain. Within seconds, she got back on her feet before throwing a barrage of spells at the enemy.

"You… are… so… RUDE!!" 

*&*&*

Agathe respawned at a bonfire next to the hidden blacksmith shop. 

Undead who are taken prisoners have their weapons confiscated and dropped off at the blacksmith, a remnant of the prison staff.

The blacksmith McDuff was too absentminded to remember which weapon belonged to who, but since the bastille has been abandoned for years, he decided to sell the weapons to any traveler who is unlucky enough to end up in the prison.

Agathe checked on 'Steady Hand' McDuff, who is not as grumpy as Lenigrast back in Majula, though he seemed a little obsessed with the flame burning on a nearby sconce.

"I ought to fetch another ember," he muttered to himself as he hammered away on an old anvil.

Too bad, cuz I can't find any more dull embers for you, Agathe thought. She cleared his throat to get his attention. "Anything new in the store today?"

She checked the inventory rack. She was hoping to find an interesting weapon that could replace her broken dagger. The only thing that stood out was a twinblade but she has a bad feeling she won't be able to master it quickly.

Something else caught her eye; propped beside the rack are a pair of greatshields of glory. The same shields used by her companion Sellsword Luet whom she thought was eaten by a giant eagle. The shields appeared to be in great shape and they weren't here yesterday.

"Excuse me, Mr. McDuff!" Agathe yelled, pointing at the greatshields. "Do you know the cell where the owner of those shields is being held?"

McDuff merely chuckled in his madness, ignoring her.

I guess there's only one thing I could do…

"How much can I offer you for those shields?"

*&*&*

Agathe was able to squeeze and shrink both shields inside of her traveling pouch. She could still feel their weight but it didn't hinder her movement.

She was surprised to find Luet's cell was very close by, located next to the elevator. As she approached the cell, she heard him yelling and rattling the bars.

"RELEASE SELLSWORD LUET! YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO SAY 'YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT'! NO ONE SAID SELLSWORD LUET HAS THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT!"

"Luet, you HAVE the right to remain silent," Agathe sniffed. "What you lack is the capacity."

"THAT VOICE… COULD IT BE AGATHE?!"

Luet stopped rattling the bars and peered outside. The moment she saw his familiar red-eyed iron helm, Agathe burst into happy tears and rushed to the cell. Luet wept loud and happy tears as well. The two companions performed their warcry gestures while facing each other.

"I MISSED YOU!!" they both screamed in unison.

"I thought you were dead!" Agathe said. "How did you even end up here?!"

"YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS, AGGIE MY SORCEROUS FRIEND, BUT IT WAS THE GIANT BIRD THAT BROUGHT SELLSWORD LUET TO THE BASTILLE!"

"Wait, what?"

"SELLSWORD LUET TRIED TO FIND A WAY TO ESCAPE BUT SELLSWORD LUET WAS CAUGHT BY A MOB OF TRIGGER-HAPPY CROSSBOW-WIELDING MEN IN ARMOR. THEY TOOK SELLSWORD LUET'S SHIELDS AND PUT HIM IN THIS CRAMPED CELL!"

"All this time… I could have been at the bastille already if I took the bird…" Agathe fumed. She shook her head and dropped the greatshields in front of him. "Anyways, I got your shields back! I had to bribe the blacksmith into telling me where your cell is--"

Agathe jumped back when Luet tore apart his cell door like it was made of wood. He stepped into the hallway and hugged his shields.

"AGATHE, YOU FREED SELLSWORD LUET AND REUNITED HIM WITH HIS PRIZED WEAPONS!"

"Me, ME? You did that YOURSELF!" Agathe pointed at him. "Also, you could have done that any time with your gigantic strength!"

"Well, uh…" Sellsword Luet chuckled nervously. "No reason before?"

Agathe wanted to smack his head but she restrained herself. For now.

*&*&*

Agathe took Luet to the first bonfire room she found when she arrived at the bastille. It was inside of another small cell, but Luet didn't seem to mind and he was happy to refill his estus flask. 

The two Undead travelers sat together, drank, and chatted about their adventures. This is the first time Agathe saw Luet unmasked and he has the look of a hardened and worn fighter. He also reminded her a little of her crestfallen knight friend Saulden, though Luet is more cheerful. His eyes have a fiery red glow, as an effect from a special ring he's wearing which aggravates nearby foes and makes them target him.

"Can you take it off for a bit?" Agathe asked. "I want to see your actual eyes."

"NO WAY, THE RING STAYS ON," Luet said. Then he pointed his thumb to the ghostly figure strapped to his back. "AND THIS RING TOO! IT PROTECTS ME FROM BACKSTABS!"

"Well, if you insist…" The young sorcerer leaned back and stretched her body. "It's been so long since we last talked to each other, you wouldn't believe the shenanigans I've been in."

"TELL SELLSWORD LUET, I WANNA HEAR EVERYTHING!"

Agathe blushed nervously. Definitely NOT everything! Who even wants to hear about the people I've been hooking up with?

She instead told him of her mission and Luet has a deep thought on his face.

"Sellsword Luet… may have an idea of where this Old One is located," he said, rubbing his chin. "Sellsword Luet heard the jailers whispering of the worst criminals--unmentionables--get thrown somewhere far below the bastille… The Old One may not be found anywhere up here, but perhaps below us. Away from the general population."

"That's… actually brilliant thinking," Agathe said in astonishment. 

"WHICH IS WHY YOU MUST RECRUIT SELLSWORD LUET!" the mercenary boomed. "IF THIS OLD ONE IS STRONG, YOU MIGHT NEED HELP!"

"I already have someone else to help me…" Agathe paused when he saw Luet giving her big puppy eyes. "... Aw, what the heck, Lucatiel probably won't mind! Welcome aboard!"

The two shook hands, though Luet's grip nearly broke her fingers.

"WHILE WE SEARCH FOR THE OLD ONE, I MUST ALSO TRAIN. SELLSWORD LUET HAS BEEN PARTED FROM HIS SHIELDS FOR TOO LONG, HE'S PROBABLY RUSTY."

"Yeah, you do that," Agathe smiled. "I'm just happy to see you alive. I was really upset thinking I'd never see you again."

Luet blushed pink. "You… You like Sellsword Luet?"

"Sure, I do! You're tough, funny, and you helped me take down a giant!"

Agathe then remembered she tried to invite him to sex (with Mild-mannered Pate involved), and she decided to leave before things got awkward between them.

"Let's meet up here again later," she suggested, standing up. "We can share any discovery--"

"WAIT, AGATHE, I MUST BRING UP SOMETHING PERSONAL!" Luet obviously shouted. "DO YOU REMEMBER ASKING ME TO MAKE LOVE TO YOU?"

Oh gods, I was hoping he wouldn't bring that up, Agathe thought. "Yeah, but I'm not gonna ask if you wanna do it now. Besides, you said that you only work for souls."

"AND IT'S TRUE, SELLSWORD LUET IS A PROFESSIONAL MERCENARY! BUT THAT'S NOT THE SUBJECT I'M BRINGING UP! THE TRUTH IS…!" Luet paused and kneeled before her, lowering his head. "THE TRUTH IS… SELLSWORD LUET REALLY WANTED TO HAVE SEX WITH YOU BACK THEN!!"

"Whaaaaaat?!" Agathe screamed. "But you refused!"

"SELLSWORD LUET HAS AN EMBARRASSING PROBLEM THAT HE'S AFRAID OF BEING JUDGED OR MOCKED!"

"Is it because Pate's included?"

"KINDA… BUT IT'S NOT HIM."

"You're married?"

"SELLSWORD LUET HAS NO WIFE!"

"Religious reasons?"

"CLERICS SCARE SELLSWORD LUET."

"Wait, really? I actually met a nice cleric," Agathe chuckled. She imagined Luet hiding behind his shields if he ever meets Licia of Lindelt. "Look, if it's because you're shy, it's okay. I don't mind taking things slow."

"CAN YOU PROMISE NOT TO LAUGH AT SELLSWORD LUET?"

Agathe crossed her fingers. Luet then moved closer and whispered into her ear.

"Sellsword Luet… has a small penis."

The mercenary then wailed as he covered his face in shame.

"I KNOW! YOU THINK SELLSWORD LUET AS A LESSER MAN RIGHT NOW, RIGHT?! SELLSWORD LUET ALWAYS HAS BAD LUCK WITH THE LADIES!!"

"Take it easy, big boy," Agathe said and she patted his back. "I thought it was something really bad."

Luet blinked and looked at her, his mouth open. "Huh? You… you're not shocked about Sellsword Luet's tiny manhood?"

Agathe liked how cute he sounds when he's speaking in a lower and calmer voice. 

"Well, I haven't seen what it looks like so I can't really tell," she said. "But I think it's a good time to check, right~?"

*&*&*

Agathe wasted no time removing her clothes while Luet took his time to remove all his armor, his chest piece being the heaviest. Agathe wondered how he was able to move around while still carrying two heavy greatshields until she saw his body.

He was big and thick, from his well defined arms to his legs. His chest is covered in a thick layer of dark hair, which made Agathe want to rub her face against it. He still kept his special rings on, and it's no use to convince to remove them. 

Agathe finally saw the tiny dick he was fearfully mentioned before. It was small and thin, only a little thicker than her pinkie finger. It looked like it was drowning in the forest of his dark bush.

The buff mercenary was sitting on the ground, with his back on the prison wall. He had been enjoying the view of Agathe's slender naked body but now he seemed extremely nervous about his own.

"S-see what Sellsword Luet meant having a small penis?" he said. His usual loud voice is now quieter and shyer. "I'm afraid I won't be able to satisfy you!"

"Oh, Luet, it's not that bad," Agathe said, kneeling in front of him so she could look at his cock closer. "It's better than I expected."

"YOU'RE JUST SAYING THAT TO MAKE SELLSWORD LUET FEEL BETTER!" he wept comically and covered his glowing eyes with his hands. "BUT SELLSWORD LUET APPRECIATES YOUR SWEET COMMENT!"

Agathe shushed him and removed his hands so he could see how close her face was to his'. To his further surprise, she was smiling.

"Why don't we just have some fun, big boy~?"

She planted a quick kiss on his mouth before her hands grabbed his huge breasts.

"WHOA, AGGIE!!" Luet gasped. "Your hands are cold!"

"Sorry about that~" she giggled. "I'll be warming them up soon~"

She loved how thick and heavy his boobs are in her hands; squeezed and rubbed them together while she planted playful kisses and licks on Luet's neck and collarbone.

Luet had never had anyone play his chest like this and he found himself liking it. Even better, he had never had a cute girl throwing herself at him or taking the lead.

He yelped when Agathe suddenly slapped his massive tits.

"Ooh, they do bounce~!" she laughed.

"THAT HURTS!" Luet responded by slapped her breasts too. "HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW?!"

It was Agathe's turn to cry in pain and she hugged her tits together.

"But I'm a girl! Mine are more sensitive!"

"WELL, YOU SHOULDN'T BE SLAPPING ANOTHER PERSON'S BOOB WITHOUT A WARNING!"

Agathe started sniffing and mewling. Luet quickly forgot his anger and became concerned.

"FORGIVE ME, I DIDN'T MEAN TO BE THAT ROUGH!"

"Luet…" Agathe looked at him with huge sad eyes. "I need a boo-boo kiss for my sore boob-boobs."

Luet looked at her dumbly before the comment finally sank in.

"OH!"

Agathe adjusted her seating, leaning back a bit so Luet could crawl forward and have his calloused hands take her breasts. When he gently squeezed them, Agathe's breathy moans were music to his ears. 

She made herself lay down so he could cover her. He continued to rub her chest and started to, with confidence, suck on each tit like a starved man. 

Agathe smiled and rubbed the top of his head, murmuring "yes" and "again".

She squealed when Luet suddenly pushed his face between her tits and blew a raspberry 

"SORRY, SELLSWORD LUET COULDN'T HELP IT! SELLSWORD LUET HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO THAT IF HE EVER GETS TOGETHER WITH A GIRL!"

Agathe wasn't offended; him bringing a factor of silliness to their foreplay felt rather charming.

"Well, since you had your fun, you ready to get straight to the point~?"

*&*&*

Agathe remained lying down on the floor, but with her knees bent and her feet planted on the ground. She invited the glowing-eyes mercenary to kneel above her, straddling her head and having her facing his thick legs. From there, Luet bent over to reach Agathe's genitals and in turn, gave her access to his.

Luet wasn't sure if he wanted to insert his fingers inside her pussy so Agathe told him to stimulate her clit instead. His fingers slowly pressed and circled her sensitive spot. While he's doing that, Agathe can proceed to go down on him.

Her tongue reached up and licked the tip of his dangling tiny pecker. This elicited a sharp gasp from Luet which interrupted his fingering.

"That's Sellsword Luet's--!!"

"I know," Agathe said as she continued to kiss and lick his tip. "Cock is cock, no matter the size. And who says you can stop touching me, darling?"

Luet resumed stroking Agathe's swollen clit but he couldn't help but feel distracted when the sorcerer proceeded to suck on his small knob, the one part of his body he had felt ashamed about for a long time. Tonight, he was ecstatic and bewitched. He pushed his hips downward so he could feel the moist, hot cave of her mouth some more.

Agathe didn't seem to mind; even if his heavy balls kept slapping her forehead, Luet's size couldn't make her gag.

"Can Sellsword Luet do the same thing too…?"

At first, Agathe didn't know what he was talking about until she felt his warm mouth eating her out.

*&*&*

They were done in fifteen minutes, both parties ended up feeling satisfied.

"THAT WAS AMAZING, AGATHE!" a grateful Luet said as he put armor back on. "FIRST, YOU RETURN SELLSWORD LUET HIS SHIELDS. THEN YOU TASTED HIS PENIS WITHOUT MAKING ANY MOCKERY! YOU HAVE MADE HIM THE HAPPIEST MAN ALIVE  TONIGHT!"

Agathe giggled, but she secretly wished Luet cuddled her after she was done milking him. Instead, she received a powerful pat on the back which knocked her naked self to the floor.

He really should watch his own strength…

Chapter Text

Chapter 11

Creighton was not only grateful towards the young lady who freed him from his cell, but he immediately lusted after her. She was oddly simple-minded for a sorcerer, but she was vibrant and cute. He couldn't help but wonder what she looked like under those old-looking traveling clothes. It was a desire at first sight.

Unfortunately for him, the girl was accompanied by a man wearing ragged clothes and a mask that covered his lower face. Creighton was quickly jealous of how the girl acted friendly towards him, but according to them, the two had only just met.

This made the wanderer sigh with relief. He still has a chance…

After introducing himself, he warned them about a man named Pate who had tricked him into falling into his own trap. The sorcerer Poetess Agathe was flabbergasted, and when Creighton asked if she knew him, she quickly denied it but Creighton was already suspicious.

How well did Pate know her? That damn smooth-talking rat never had a problem of attracting bints. He even steals whatever girl I was into before I could even sink my dick inside her…

The nimble companion who came with Agathe was then forced to leave. Creighton didn't bother to remember his name. Now that he and the girl are alone together, he decides to make his move.

He approached the young sorcerer and wrapped his arms around her thin waist. With his face to her hair, he deeply inhaled her scent. It smelled faintly of flowers.

"It's been so long… since I've touched a dame. Especially one this soft."

Agathe blushed. When she struggled to get away, Creighton clung to her tighter and his body pressed harder against hers.

"Don't fight, love, you're gonna make me want you even more."

The way his rough, hoarse voice floated into her ear made her entire body hot. She tried to remind herself that she currently has her eyes on her companion Bashful Ray.

Yet… Why not? Ray doesn't seem like the type to fool around. Besides, he probably doesn't want you after he saw you touching yourself… Creighton here, he's available and ready. There's no harm done, right?

"I'm not fighting, I'm playing," she giggled with a sly smile. "Is your bite as good as your bark?"

Creighton was taken aback, but he eagerly began tearing her robe apart.

"Hey, that was the only thing I have!" Agathe whined.

"I have spare repair powder. I'll fix it when I'm done with you."

Creighton pushed her flat on the ground, his weight trapping her. Agathe didn't struggle but she grumbled about the weight of his armor. Creighton merely chuckled as he began to loosen his belt with one hand.

"I could help remove your clothes…" Agathe grunted, still stuck under him. "Just let me sit up."

"Like hell, I would," Creighton growled. "You're planning to escape from me."

"I'm not running away… as long as you promise not to be rough with me."

Creighton squinted his eyes at her. He wasn't sure if he could fully trust her but he was too aroused to think straight. He finally relented and got off from her.

"You set me free, but you better not try anything tricky."

Agathe sat up and crawled playfully towards him before resting her hand on his crotch. Creighton gasped when she stroked him through his chainmail pants.

"Wow, I could feel how big you are," she blushed.

"Gods…" Creighton shut his eyes as he felt her hand rubbed him harder.

When he was still imprisoned in this same cell, he often masturbated to get rid of his boredom. Yet, no matter how many times he drained his cock, he got bored of that too. It felt amazing to have someone else, especially a cute girl, touch him this time. 

Feeling impatient, he helped her remove his armor, her eyes lit up at the sight of the faint old scars decorating his muscular body. Agathe lowered herself to kiss every scar she saw and her soft lips made Creighton's cold skin burn with impatient passion. Agathe wanted to touch and kiss every inch of him to make this moment last, while Creighton really wanted to screw her right now.

Agathe's hands cupped Creighton's iron mask and she stared into his dull eyes. His pale hair poked out from his helmet and she couldn't tell if the color was a sign that he was actually older than he seemed. She tried to remove his helmet but he grabbed her wrists to stop her.

"The mask stays on," he growled.

"But I always kiss my partners on the mouth," she whined. "It's just romantic."

"Too bad."

The sorcerer was pushed down to the ground again. Agathe was about to complain about the way she was being handled when Creighton threw her legs over his shoulders. Agathe barely registered the tip of his cock touching her barely moist pussy when the sullen warrior punctured her.

Agathe squealed in pain and tried to push herself away. Creighton held her down firmly with one hand on her thigh and another hand on her neck. Agathe quickly realized she made the mistake of allowing this mistake to screw her. She was scared until Creighton started thrusting into her. It hurt her but the pain was soon followed by pleasure.

"You… You're so mean…!" Agathe moaned, tears filled her eyes. 

"Sorry, but I haven't felt this good since I got locked up," Creighton grinned as he continued moving inside her. The girl was tight and warm, just the way he liked it. "Finally, I found some nice cunt without Pate ruining it for me."

The mention of Pate made Agathe silent again and Creighton noticed it. He ignored it for now and squeezed her neck and thigh, hoping to leave his mark on her body. He could sense deep down that she was pretending she never met Pate, probably out of embarrassment. The thought of Pate fondling her body made Creighton's blood boil. He's going to fuck Agathe so hard and good, she'll be seeing him as a better partner than that two-faced rat.

Creighton stared at Agathe under him, her face slicked with sweat and her breasts bouncing from his thrusts. It was such a delicious, mesmerizing sight.

"That masked man who came here with you… What is he to you?" Creighton asked in a low voice.

"R-Ray?" Agathe squeaked. "I told you, I just met him today!"

"He doesn't seem strong, but he's a handsome bloke, don't you think?" Jealousy filled Creighton. "Are you sure he's just a bodyguard and nothing else? Have you let him touch your body like this?"

Agathe could not answer him; she was too distracted from the rising pleasure overtaking her pain and discomfort. Ecstasy jolted within her belly and she came, her legs shook before they went limp. Creighton, on the other hand, continued thrusting back and forth inside her while she weakly begged him to finish.

When Creighton reached the peak of his lust, his hand squeezed Agathe's neck so tight that she passed out. Creighton crashed on top of her and he sighed in contentment, letting his load fill her. He was about to thank her when he noticed she hadn't been responding to his words.

"Lucky broad," he chuckled to himself, gazing down at her sleeping expression with a tender smile Agathe would never see. "I'm lucky to meet her too."

Creighton let Agathe sleep naked on the cold floor while he put his armor back on. He made sure to push her body closer to the bonfire to keep her warm while he fixed her torn clothes with a repair powder.

He had no blanket to cover so he sat against the wall of the cell, keeping a vigilant eye on her. It wasn't out of protecting her from danger, but to prevent anyone else from taking her away from him. She belonged to him.

Creighton had half a mind to shackle Agathe to the chains of the cell and keep her locked here. Then whenever he felt bored or lonely, he would pay her a visit and have fun with her.

Perhaps she could even fall for a wretch like me? he thought to himself. But she freed me from this rotten cell, so I owe a great debt to her. Leaving her trapped here would make me no better than that slimy bastard Pate…

For the rest of the night, Creighton was still watching Agathe while thinking about his plans. Before dawn, he finally got up and softly brushed her face with the back of his hand.

Swinging his crescent axe over his shoulder, Creighton the Wanderer left the cell without bothering to wake the sorcerer first. 

Chapter Text

Chapter 12

Poetess Agathe sat together with her dearest ally and lover Bashful Ray inside of a cave, located in the Black Gulch, a poisonous decrepit cavern located far below Majula's gutter where undesirable things and people are thrown into to be forgotten.

The gulch is home to giant millipede-like razorback nightcrawlers that hide inside deep burrows ready to launch crushing blows at passersby, and tentacled black worms called coal tars lurking in flammable tar pits that grab victims with their finger-like appendages and bite their heads down with fanged maws. The only light is provided by luminescent poison-spitting statues strewn about the area. And further into the gulch is the lair of an Old One called The Rotten, rumored to be a golem made of melded humans. And this foe is the reason why Agathe came to the Black Gulch in the first place.

Agathe stumbled upon the gulch by accident while trying to flee from the gutter's hollow denizens. Her torch had run out of light so she was running around near darkness in blind panic. She crashed through several acid-filled vases and slipped through a hole, and for a moment, she thought she was in more trouble until a familiar face came upon her. Ray had been assisting another fellow undead (a lone hunter named Schmidt) for the past couple of days. All they have been doing is hunting coal tars for their valuable smithing stones found in their stomachs. Both Agathe and Ray were pleased to see each other again, especially the latter who was getting annoyed with Schmidt's reckless behavior for running in front of the burrows of the nightcrawlers and getting knocked off a cliff.

The cave where Ray brought Agathe was small but dry and cozy, especially with the bonfire emitting much-needed light and warmth for undead travelers who lost their way after a treacherous exploration in the gutter.

Agathe and Ray sat close together, finding comfort with each other. The pink-haired sorcerer had her head rest on Ray's shoulder while the latter kept a close eye on the entrance of their cave, to make sure none of the tar creatures found them. Schmidt was out hunting on his own.

Despite the respite in their safety zone, Agathe was feeling rather miserable.

"You're unusually quiet," Ray finally spoke up. "Is something wrong?"

Agathe hugged herself and spoke in a small voice, "… I found Lucatiel."

"The woman from Mirrah? You've told me about her. Is she here in the gulch?"

"Yeah, and she's not doing so well," Agathe sighed sadly. "In fact, she told me to go away. She doesn't want anything to do with me, Ray. She hates me."

"That's… quite extreme," Ray said in surprise. "From the way you described her and how you two worked well together, I had the impression you two were close."

*&*&*

Ray and Schmidt were destroying the poison statues to clear the path to the Old One's lair. They all planned to work together with Agathe to take down The Rotten tomorrow, so they needed some time to prepare and rest until the fight.

Meanwhile, Agathe had crossed paths with Lucatiel in one of the tunnels of the Black Gulch. The Undead curse had deteriorated the Mirrah knight's mind much further, she became fearful of losing more than just her memories. Lucatiel confessed to Agathe that she would not hesitate to draw her sword on the young sorceress if it meant she could preserve her identity and be freed from the curse.

"I don't want to die. I want to exist..." Lucatiel lamented as she leaned weakly against the wall. "I would sacrifice anything, anything at all for this... It shames me, but it is the truth."

Agathe didn't need a torch to see the despair on Lucatiel's face. The sorcerer reached forward and pulled the other woman into a hug, hoping to comfort her.

"Aggie," Lucatiel panted. "Do you remember anything about your past?"

Agathe hesitated.

"I... think I got married at a young age." Her voice was empty. "And I got a kid later. I don't know if it was a son or a daughter."

Agathe stared off into the darkness of the tunnel. She tried to remember her family's names, faces, and their voices but she failed. Anguish and doubt filled her.

"When I became an undead, I was forced to leave my home so I wouldn't endanger my family's souls... Or maybe my old life never existed and I was remembering someone else's memories told me. In the end, it's no use mourning for people I've long forgotten."

"Are you not concerned about losing your connection to your past?" Lucatiel asked, her tone suddenly shifted to slight anger. She even pushed Agathe away. It was like the sorcerer's response somehow offended her. "Do you even miss the people you've forgotten?"

Agathe was taken aback, feeling hurt by Lucatiel's tone. "I am concerned! It's just that I don't even know if my mind is playing tricks on me! It's not like I don't care, Lucatiel... But right now, I'm doing what I can to move on and survive in the present. I don't even remember the people I've long forgotten anymore, and frankly, it's no use crying about it."

"... I understand now." Lucatiel glared at her. "I understand why you seek multiple partners, and why you were flirting with me before... You wanted to fill the missing void in yourself. You miss feeling loved and wanted, so you seek out physical pleasures just to feel good again even if it lasts a short time. Frankly... I'm a little disappointed in you, Aggie. I've never met anyone who would throw away their sense of self so carelessly for a hedonistic lifestyle."

Agathe was trembling. Her hands formed into fists.

"It's not my fault I was cursed to become an undead!" the sorcerer cried angrily. "I lost my past and I have no happy future! I couldn't form lasting intimate attachments without fearing I'd either hurt someone or kill them if I ever become a hollow!"

Agathe reached into her traveling pouch and tossed a couple of human effigies at Lucatiel's feet.

"There! It's to repay you for giving me your effigy a while back! I'm sorry for taking yours without telling you how to use it! It's supposed to remove your hollowing, even if it's temporary!"

Lucatiel was in shock while Agathe ran away from her, now in tears. The Mirrah Knight kneeled and picked up the human effigies, now feeling guilty for pushing away the only friend she had in this unforgiving land.

Maybe we're all cursed… From the moment we're born…

*&*&*

"Did she really say she hates you?" Ray asked Agathe as soon as she finished her story.

"N-no," Agathe admitted painfully, burying her face into her knees. "But it feels like it. She never had a problem with my 'lifestyle', as she calls it."

"The way it sounds, I think she was more upset that you wouldn't care or miss her if you forget about her one day."

Agathe lifted her head in horror. "No, not Lucatiel! I could never forget... I'm such an idiot!"

She started breaking down into tears. Ray pulled her close and rubbed her head. At this moment, Lone Hunter Schmidt returned and he stared at awkwardly at the two.

"Uhh, is this a bad time?"

Agathe attempted to make up her insensitivity by inviting Lucatiel to the team. However, she could not find the Mirrah knight at her usual spot again. The next day, Agathe desperately tried to search for Lucatiel anywhere in the Black Gulch once more. Once again, Lucatiel was missing, including her summon sign. Agathe had to move on and finish off The Rotten with both Ray and Schmidt. In the back of her mind, Agathe could not forgive herself for leaving Lucatiel alone.

*&*&*

A long time has passed and Agathe arrived at the overgrown courtyard of Aldia's Keep, a mansion located at the end of one of the paths from the Shaded Ruins. Agathe heard rumors that the mansion serves as a research facility and the mysterious owner was a member of the royal family. However, the mansion fell into ruins after Aldia suddenly disappeared and nobody knows what the mansion contains. It was said that those who ventured into the mansion never returned; others said that unlucky humans are captured and experimented on to become horrifying monsters.

Whether these rumors were true or not, Agathe was more interested in reaching an ancient being found beyond the keep, hoping to find actual answers to cure her undead curse. Her journey should have ended when she met King Vendrick. However, when she found the king in the Undead Crypt, she was shocked and disappointed to find what she was looking for did not turn out as she expected. After retrieving the king's ring on her finger, Agathe was told to head east and seek audience with some "great, colossal being".

Agathe stepped through the tall grass, staring nervously at the foreboding keep before her. The sky is dark tonight and she didn't feel like approaching the keep at this hour. Her eyes spotted a small rundown shack close to the entrance steps and inside was a bonfire.

Relieved, Agathe rushed to the shack and was surprised to find someone else was occupying it. Kneeling on the ground is her friend Lucatiel, exhausted and without her mask. Agathe had not seen her companion in such a long time and she still remembered her angry outburst at the woman back in Black Gulch.

Agathe did not care what happened in their last meeting. She quickly kneeled before the woman and placed her hands on her shoulders. It took a while for Lucatiel to notice the new presence and she lifted her head. She looked like she was in pain.

"Who are you...?" she asked.

Agathe feared the worst until Lucatiel finally recognized her after a few moments.

"No, forgive me, I know you... Yes, of course," she sighed. "When was the last time we saw each other? Was it the Lost Bastille?"

"N-no, it was somewhere else," Agathe reminded her. Her heart was sinking in despair.

"Oh, that's right... it was under the poison windmill then." Lucatiel stared at the ground in deep thought. "I know not what you seek in this far-away land... But I pray for your safety. Tell me... what is your name, my friend?"

"I'm..." The sorcerer's voice was shaking. "I'm Agathe."

"My name is Lucatiel. I beg you, remember my name. For I may not myself..."

Agathe's lips were clenched tight and she started crying. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Lucatiel... I wanted to save you so bad."

Lucatiel was to hear this from this strange girl she barely knew. Yet, it filled with a warm hope that if she ever turned hollow in the morning, there was someone who would miss her. Her lips formed a little smile before she reached out her hand to touch Agathe's soft face, unblemished by the undead curse compared to her. Both girls gaze into each other's eyes.

"You're so kindhearted, you've always listened to my tales... I didn't know I had a precious friend this whole time."

Agathe couldn't help herself. She launched herself forward and pressed her mouth against Lucatiel's, kissing her desperately. Lucatiel was confused, but she knew this was something she needed. She had always loved Agathe despite her promiscuous nature and her numerous flings. She understood why and stopped resenting Agathe for it. Tonight, she wanted to express her gratitude and affection for this sorcerer.

Lucatiel returned the kiss and she let Agathe remove her decorative clothes worn by Mirrah knights of the Order. Then it was her turn to strip down Agathe and she gazed lovingly at her youth and beauty.

Agathe did not say a single word during all this and she didn't need to. Her lips peppered Lucatiel's neck and collarbone before Lucatiel lifted Agathe onto her lap. Her mouth suckled on one of Agathe's teats. Agathe blushed and squeezed her legs tight around the taller woman's waist.

Lucatiel gently set Agathe down on her back before lowering herself down between the sorcerer's legs. Lucatiel licked and kissed Agathe's pussy as the latter started breathing and moaning faster. Lucatiel even squeezed and rubbed Agathe's thighs to make her feel extra good.

Agathe squealed when Lucatiel started sucking on her clit. Chills ran down her spine and her back arched. In the pit of her stomach, something hot is growing. Agathe wished this moment would last forever. Her eyes went blank from the intense pleasure.

Agathe ended up lying on top of Lucatiel, their skins glistening with sweat and warmth from the friction between them. Agathe's hand caressed Lucatiel's small tits while she passionately kissed Lucatiel's lips with hunger.

"Look at me, Aggie... please remember me," Lucatiel whispered. "Remember what I used to look like. As a human, not a hollow."

Agathe's eyes gazed at Lucatiel's face for the longest time. "I will never forget you. I promise to tell everyone about you. You will be remembered for a thousand years."

Lucatiel smiled in appreciation and kissed Agathe's forehead.

The next morning, the sky was cloudy and gray. Agathe woke up next to the bonfire and found herself alone. Lucatiel of Mirrah was already long gone. She left behind her sword and her bearded mask for her friend to keep and remember her by.

Agathe held the mask and sword to her body as she lay curled on the ground. No one was around to hear her small sobs and her repeating Lucatiel's name. After a long while, Poetess Agathe dried her tears and resumed her journey, with a new reason to cure her undead curse.

Fin.