Nalcara's Shackles Bk. 02 Ch. 02

Then

"So, are we getting paid for this?" Celery asked pointedly.

"Just in good will," replied Jet. "And to be truthful, that's not even a given. Insular little town like this, even if we bring the kids back, they might find a way to blame us."

"Then what the Hells are we doing this for?!" Celery burst back at him.

Jetran raised a single eyebrow at her, keeping one eye on the trail they were walking down. "Kids are missing, Celery," he replied patiently. "We should help if we can. Even if some of those people don't appreciate that help, their parents surely will."

"If the little snot monsters are still alive," grumbled Celery. "Locals wouldn't go this way because of some creepy hermit or something, right?"

The woods did seem extra dark and thick around them. Celery herself was a little uneasy. Her hand kept drifting to the hilt of her (barely adequate) sword. Her head snapped to the left or right at the slightest sound. No wonder the local rubes wouldn't search this way.

But her companion... Jetran strolled down this foreboding trail as if he didn't have a care in the world. He wasn't even armored. He wore only sturdy traveling clothes. Yes, he had his thin sword, like that made a difference. He rarely drew it anyway. In truth, she'd only seen him draw it once, and if she never saw it again, that would be fine.

And although he looked oblivious, she knew he was not. He heard every sound that tugged at her attention, and probably a dozen more. She knew his senses were razor-sharp. He had more reason to be on edge than she did. And yet, he ambled down this shaded path with a neutral half-grin on his face.

So when he raised a hand to stop her progress, she was immediately on alert. He'd heard or sensed something. The prick didn't do false alarms. Something was happening. Her sword was half drawn before he grabbed her wrist to stop her.  

"Claws in, Celery," Jet told her in a low tone. "Two humanoids coming down the trail. One of them is very small. One fairly large. Let's see what's going on."

"Just one small one?" Celery hissed. "There are *two children missing. Where's the other--" She cut herself off as she too, heard the footsteps approaching from further up the trail. She could not bring herself to fully sheath her blade.

It was only a moment before shapes emerged from the gloom. One was a thin red-haired girl, of eleven years, if Celery remembered correctly. The other was a hulking humanoid shape in a dark cloak. And he? (It certainly looked like a large man.) He was carrying, with one arm, another much smaller humanoid also with red hair. And who looked to have one leg in a makeshift splint.

The large stranger froze when he saw them. His free arm twitched with an itch to draw a weapon of his own. Celery could see a massive club hanging from his belt. Her grip on her half-drawn weapon tightened. She so wanted to draw. She was scared. And it frustrated her. As she would have to admit to herself, much later, she was probably the safest one here.

Celery ran some calculations in her head. Turning and running appeared first, but she dismissed it. She might never live it down. Besides, Jet wasn't supposed to let anything happen to her. She could charge the man. He had bandaged the child. He *probably wouldn't hurt them. She supposed she shouldn't risk it. But she had to do some--"

"Fren and Lari Bakerson!" Jetran announced cheerily. "Greetings! Quite a chase you've led us on. The village is turning itself inside out looking for you. And your mother is beside herself."

"Mom?" the girl, Lari, whimpered. "Fren fell and hurt his leg!" She was nearly sobbing. "I... I didn't know what to do..." She glanced up to her large companion.

Celery watched the exchange. She couldn't read people well, and had little experience with children, but her guess was that the girl wasn't scared of the big man. Which irritated Celery because *she was. Still, Jet had put his nose in. She could let him handle it now. She still kept a hold on her sword.  

"But, indeed! It looks as though you found some help." Jet called back. "Thank you, sir! The village will be most appreciative."

He didn't look like he was approaching the trio, but Celery had worked with Jetran long enough to get a feel for him. He *was edging closer. Nearly unnoticeably. Wasn't long ago she wouldn't have seen even that. She also knew that while he was most likely worried after the kids, he didn't think they were in danger. Or this would be resolved already.

The stranger spoke for the first time, in a deep, gravely terrifying voice, with an odd accent. If Celerly didn't know better (and she couldn't deny that she didn't), she'd have said he was scared too. "The boy fell into a ravine and broke 'is leg." the apparent savior called back. "Can you lot take 'em back to the town?"

"You bet we can," answered Jet. "That's why we're out here after all." He began moving, slowly, in a more overt manner toward the group. "And you? Will you come too? Parents will want to thank the man who saved their boy."

"Man. Right," the stranger scoffed. "Think I'll be safer if I stay 'ere. You can take the credit if you're wantin'." He stiffened as Jetran approached, but made no grand movements.

"Well, that wouldn't be very decent of me," Jet reached the group with his easy stride. "Hello, you three. I'm Jetran, and that's Celery. We were asked to help find you two. And we'll take you home straight away. As I said, you're welcome too, sir. But now that I'm close, I can see your concern. Small town like this might be a little leery of meeting a hobgoblin."

Hobgoblin! Now Celery did fully draw her blade. The hobgoblin tensed, but was still holding the boy and to his credit, didn't drop him to go for his weapon. The girl reacted to Celery's motion and stepped back. And Jet, fucking Jet, didn't react at all. After a moment, he slowly raised his hands before extending them outward for the boy. He made no further move, just waiting.

"So you know Hobs," the Hobgoblin rumbled after a moment. He didn't relax, but he did place the boy in Jetran's extended arms before stepping back. He dropped one of his own now-free hands to his weapon but didn't draw it.

"Hey there Fren," Jet greeted the boy as he accepted his weight. "I'm Jet, and we're going to get you back home. How does that sound?" He spoke calmly to the child despite the tense standoff between the other two.

Celery kept her eyes on the hobgoblin as the boy blubbered some response. She also saw the girl follow her brother, moving to stand by Jet. The situation seemed resolved. She did not however, sheathe her weapon.

"Indeed. Thank you, sir for assisting these two," Jet said, addressing the hobgoblin. "I'll tell the village that their local hermit is not a concern. If, however, you'd like to join us and introduce yourself, well, I couldn't promise safe passage, but I would swear to stand with you if it came to trouble. Cover your escape if necessary."

"Mn," the hobgoblin rumbled. "And what of your friend there?"

"Fair chance as not she'd stick you at the first opportunity," sighed Jet. "So perhaps not today then. Can I at least get your name before I go?"

Celery didn't comment. Hells, he was a hobgoblin! She probably would have

"Hrm," the hobgoblin chuckled. "Gorm. Names Gorm."

"I thank you again, Gorm," said Jet. "Good luck. I'll be leaving town soon, so it's unlikely we'll meet again but I'll get these kids home and tell the locals of your actions. Who knows? Maybe one day, they'll invite you for a pint."

"Hrm, doubtful," Gorm said. "But, good to meet a friendly face." He glanced at Celery. "If only one."

"Right," said Jet with a grin. "Farewell then. Follow close Lari." With that, he turned his back to the hobgoblin and began moving back down the trail.

Lari reached up and hooked a hand on Jet's belt before turning and waving to the hobgoblin. "Thank you Mister Gorm!"

"Sure, kid," Gorm replied. "Keep an eye on yer brother now." 

Celery stood, weapon out, not taking her eyes off the 'monster' before her. Was she the only one here afraid of him?

"Celery. Let's go."

Celery let out a breath. Against all her instincts, she sheathed her weapon and turned to follow.

Now

"Greeting, Madam, and welcome to--" Terra began. She stood behind the counter at Leatherbound with Tlipa sitting on her shoulder, assisting.

"Someone's been at my chickens!" The imposing, heavyset woman announced as she pushed her way into the shop. "Got 'em all riled up! Broke some eggs!"

"Uh..." countered Terra.

"It was one of them!" The woman pointed to Terra's shoulder. "I could hear their wee little voices when the chickens started up! They were in there harassing my chicken!"

"Oh, I see," replied Terra, glancing at the tiny green girl on her shoulder. "Well, I can assure you that this one in particular has been assisting me all morning. But this does bear looking into. Tlipa? If I give you a boost, can you find your Ma?"

"No need," came a voice from above. The shop's occupants looked up to see Althea drifting down from the lair's ceiling entrance, followed closely by Uni. Each was dragging a struggling boy by the ear. Althea held Wunk while Uni gripped Lim. "I believe we have your culprits right here. They burst in a few minutes ago as if their behinds were on fire." 

"We didn't break no eggs!" protested Wunk, squirming in his mother's apparently iron grip.

"But, did you bother the chickens?" Althea asked in a tone that even gave the humans in the room pause.

"I... well..." Wunk (and indeed the whole family) knew better than to lie to his mother. "Maybe... We just wanted to see 'em..."

The door to Sarah's work room opened and the Wizard herself walked out, flanked by Jix and Brax, undoubtedly drawn by the raised voice of the woman.

The angry chicken farmer didn't seem to notice, keeping her focus on her two vandals. She was still angry, but much less animated. Perhaps because her criminals were children. "All right then. Now what are ya going to do about it?" 

Jix sighed and zipped forward. As the official head of the family, this was technically her problem. She moved into a hover next to her Althea. "What happened?"

"The boys went out exploring and excited some chicken," replied Althea. "Some eggs were broken."

"I see," said Jix. "How many eggs?"

"Five!" answered the woman. "And my chickens got all riled up! That's no good for them!"

Sarah moved up next to her diminutive partner. "I suggest repayment. Give her a silver for the eggs, and another for her trouble."

"And our assurance," added Althea. "That this will not... Happen... Again!" There may have been a few extra ear twists to punctuate her statement.

"Ow!" cried Wunk. "No, Ma! It won't!"

"No, Ma!" agreed Lim.

Jix, meanwhile, was appreciative of the advice. "Is this acceptable, Ma'am?"

"Oh," the woman replied. "Oh, aye. But, I'll be mad as a hornet if it happens again."

"As will we," replied Jix. "We'll keep them in line. Terra, two silver pieces, if you would."

"Yes, Ma'am," Terra reached beneath the counter and produced two coins. She grinned and looked up toward the ceiling. "Now I just have to put it in the ledger..." 

Tlipa suddenly scrambled to her feet and stepped off her perch. She fluttered ungracefully to the countertop, and ran to the ledger, grabbing an Atomie-sized sliver of charcoal to make the adjustment.

"Assistant," Terra said, handing the silver to the formerly angry chicken rancher. "Have a nice day, Ma'am."

As soon as the woman was out the door, Althea flicked her arm, releasing her son. Even as he moved to make his escape, she froze him again with her voice. "Where do you think you're going? You've caused trouble here today. You owe Ms. Wright and Jix an apology for your antics."

Sarah would have argued. At least for the use of her surname, but she felt she should let the family handle discipline internally.

"Well," Jix hovered up to the level of her brothers. "Let's hear it."

Lim, now free of Uni's hold, was the first to crack. "We're sorry, Jix! We just wanted to see! We didn't know they'd get so mad! They just started flapping around! They broke their own eggs!"

"Maybe they did," returned Jix, as sternly as she could manage. "But why did they get so mad? Because you two were in there bothering them. It's handled now, but we want to keep the humans happy with us. We're safe here for now, and we want it to stay that way. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Jix," blubbered Lim.

Jix turned to the other perpetrator, who had not answered. "Wunk? Do you understand?"

"Yes, Jix," her younger brother muttered.

"Brax," Althea put in. "It seems the boys have an excess of energy today. I think some sword practice is in order. Get the practice sticks and start them through ground form on the kitchen table. I'll join you shortly."

"Yes, Ma." Brax immediately replied before setting out to follow the orders.

"Ground form!" Wunk protested. "But Ma..?!"

"This is a penalty, Wunk!" said Althea. "Not a discussion! Now, kitchen table! Go!" She watched her three sons depart, keeping her furious mien up until they were fully out of sight. "You... handled that well, Jixia," she sighed, sagging a little in the air. "And Ms. Wright, I am sorry if we have caused you trouble."

"It's Sarah, Althea," Sarah replied. "And it's all right. I won't say that it's nothing. We do have to be a little careful. But they can hardly be blamed. They are young. This is a new place, and they have, as you said, an excess of energy."

"I..." Althea let out a breath. "Yes. Sarah. Thank you for understanding. But we will have to keep a closer eye on them. We can't be alienating the neighbors. Or purchasing all the eggs in the city."

"No indeed," replied Sarah with a grin. "But I may have a solution. Allow me to speak to a few of my associates on Moonday and we'll see if we can't find an outlet for that excess energy. I'll let you know when we have more details."

"Very well," said Althea. "We'll keep them tired until then." She turned to her daughters. "Jix, Uni? Ground form practice?"

"Yeah, Ma," Uni replied. She eyed her sister. "And Jix could use the practice too."

"Yeah, she could," grumbled Jix. "Humans are so much easier to fight. Especially the dumb ones." She turned to the counter and her youngest sister. "Tlipa! Family sword practice?"

The girl jumped on the counter before freezing, looking back and forth between Jix and Terra.

"Better go practice," encouraged Terra. "I officially give you the afternoon off."

Tlipa squeaked and jumped, awkwardly flitting toward Jix, landing right in the older atomie's arms.

"Oh, no," Jix countered. "I'll hold your hand, but you can fly yourself. You need the practice for that too." She took one of Tlipa's hands in one of her own and raised the other to the counter girl. "And thank Terra for giving you time off."

"Sank you, Tewa!" the girl cried.

"You're welcome," returned Terra.

"I'll be upstairs if you need me, Sarah," Jix informed her partner.

"Very good," replied Sarah. "And don't forget, Jossi is coming over tonight. To, uh, help with that research."

"Oh! Right," grinned Jix. "That... important magic research. We'll be done by then." And she flitted toward the stairs, keeping her speed appropriate for Tlipa.

Sarah waited until the atomie were out of sight before turning to Terra. "Are you going to be all right without your 'assistant'?"

"Guess I'll have to make do," smirked Terra, enlarging the script on the ledger notation to make it more legible to human eyes.

*

"So what's this 'research'?" asked Jossi Wentren, closing the door to Sarah's bedroom. It had taken them a little time after her arrival, to work their way through the rest of the Bramblehomes. The kids, in particular, were always delighted with visitors, and with Terra out at her own sword practice, Jossi had their full attention. "And shouldn't we be experimenting in the work room?"

"Not that kind of experiment," grinned Jix.

"I'm going to try a spell out on you, if that's all right," added Sarah.

"Try a-- oh. Oh!" Jossi almost gasped, recalling the last time she had a spell 'tried out' on her. She'd been stuck immobile to a wall while Sarah loosened her clothing. "Yeah. Yeah, that will be fine. But, um," She looked back toward the door. "You got a house full now. Is *that going to be all right?" 

"Oh, yeah," Jix waved a hand. "Like, second day, Sarah put magic squiggles in the corners. We're magically soundproofed in here."

"Runes, Jix," Sarah grinned. "I put runes in the corners."

"That's what I said."

"But yes," affirmed Sarah. "We are magically soundproofed."

"Okay, then," Jossi's cheeks colored. "So what are we testing then?"

"You know that spell that Jix casts on me?" asked Sarah. "I was working my way through it with observation. But now I live with the spell's creator. She wrote it out for me and I had it in my spellbook in an afternoon. Now I, of course, wanted to test on Jix, but she suggested you instead. Which I found to be an acceptable compromise."

"I've heard you mention it," replied Jossi. "What does it do again?"

"It will form invisible, intangible 'shackles' on your wrists and ankles. There will also be a similar collar and gag-like function." explained Sarah. "I'll have imprecise control over their movement."

"And Sarah will be able to feel your feelings," added Jix. She looked to Sarah. "Empathy?"

"Correct," Sarah agreed. "I'll be able to read your emotions, though not your thoughts. If you like or don't like something, for example, I'll be able to tell immediately. Also, while the spell is active, you and I will be sort of tethered together. I will have the majority of the control, but I won't be able to move very far from you. You'll have most of my attention, which is the purpose of the spell."

"I see," said Jossi. "So we'll be stuck together? How long does the spell last?"

"It can be dismissed," replied Sarah. "So as long as I want. Left on its own though, it will last for days. Now, Jix is not a dedicated caster. She has to cast as a ritual that takes several minutes. I should be able to cast quickly when I've prepared. And I should be able to dismiss it quickly as well, as this is my profession. This is an experiment though. My first time."

"She's going to show off though," put in Jix. "Fancy sex wizard."

Jossi snorted at the jab. She'd known what was probably going to happen, but having it spelled out so plainly was funny. "All right, then. So what do I need to do?"

"Just stand in the center of the room," replied Sarah. "I'll cast the spell. You'll feel it come over you, and be able to resist it if you want. It's a voluntary target spell. It will not work if you do not allow it." Sarah paused, putting a finger to her chin. "I wonder if 'suggestion' would work to compel cooperation. Unnerving, but an experiment for another day."

"Okay, then," Jossi moved to the room's center. She was a little excited for this now, and not 'unnerved' in the least. "Do you, uh, want me to get undressed first?"

"Well, yes," Jix grinned. "But don't. Undressing you once you're stuck will be part of the fun."

"Indeed," grinned Sarah with an eye roll. "And here it goes..." She spoke three recently learned and carefully enunciated words in Sylvan, extending her hand toward the Engineer.

Jossi did feel... something. And true to Sarah's word, she did feel like she could push back. She might have instinctively if she'd been surprised. But she'd known it was coming and it was not unpleasant. Then the sensation passed and she felt normal again. "Did it work?"

"Show off," muttered Jix.

"It did," replied Sarah. "I can sense your shackles. Also, you are a little nervous, but mostly... excited? No... I think perhaps giddy is a better word. And embarrassed," she grinned as Jossi's cheeks colored.

"Yeah, yeah," sighed Jossi, though she was also grinning. "So how does this work then?" She raised her arms examining her unmarked wrists. "Are there magic words or--Whumph!" Jossi's mouth suddenly sealed itself shut, her tongue pasting itself to the roof of her mouth. Her arms, which she had been sort of waving in front of her for inspection, twitched awkwardly as her wrists fixed in place. "Mmph? Mmmph!" She attempted to flex her body, but it seemed anchored by her wrists, ankles, and neck, exactly as Sarah had said.

"No, it's entirely a mental process," replied Sarah. "Lady Bramblehome does like to use gestures and they are wonderful for theatrical effect, but not necessary." The Mage began to walk a slow circle of her captive. "As I've discovered, and you are discovering now; being under this spell places you completely under the physical power of the caster. And I must say, it is a bit of a rush."

"You think?" said Jix. "Now try it with someone ten times your size." She flitted a quick circle of the trapped engineer, cutting between her and the Mage, before lighting on her left shoulder. She strolled up to Jossi's cheek and ran a gentle hand along her jaw. "I know I'm not in control right now, but," She leaned in and stage-whispered in her perch's ear. "Neither are you."

"Mnm," Jossi groaned. She could turn her head and track her two companions. She could gyrate her hips, and flex her hands back and forth, but there was nothing useful she could do.

Sarah completed her orbit. "So, we're here to experiment. Now that I have you locked down, our first test is tether distance. With Jix and I, the length can be variable, depending on current emotional states. The general range is five or so feet, but it's been more and less."

"A couple times, when she got clingy," put in Jix, "I couldn't get my butt off her shoulder. We've literally been stuck together. We had to get *that figured out before going outside."

"Good times," said Sarah. She stopped in front of Jossi. "All right. Here we go." She took a step backwards, followed by another, and a third. She was halfway through a fourth when she stopped. "Uff," she grunted. "This is as far apart as we can get for now."

"Mmph." Jossi managed a shrug. Her shoulders would still move.

"Great! That's out of the way," Jix lifted off and slid into a hover next to Sarah. "Can we strip her now?"

"If she's all right with that," replied Sarah. "It... feels like she's all right with that."

"Oh, please, " grinned Jix. "She knew what she was getting into when she walked into our bedroom and agreed to this." 

Jossi's cheeks colored, but she shrugged again and nodded.

"I'm just glad I got you to help me," Jix went on. "Your sleep shirt and panties are one thing, but she's got a lot of buttons, and straps... and these metal things..."

"Buckles, Jix." 

"Yeah, that," Jix drifted to Jossi's belt buckle and began to work out how to pry it open. "I... think I can... get it," grunted Jix, pulling on the leather. "Urgh, eventually."

Sarah stepped back in. "I'll let you work on it then. I'll start up here." She pushed Jossi's light jacket off her shoulders. It slid down her biceps and hung up on her elbows. "Hmm, well that's not going to work. Can you lower your arms?"

"Mm-mn," replied Jossi, shaking her head.

"She knows," added Jix. "It's just fun to remind you."

"True," grinned Sarah. "But this does lead us to another experiment I wanted to try." The Wizard's brow creased in concentration as she gripped Jossi's right wrist with both hands. Then she effortlessly moved the arm down to hang at the Engineer's side.

Used to working with mechanisms, Jossi could swear she heard an audible click as her arm fixed into its new position. There was, of course, no sound, but fix it did. Her right wrist was locked at about hip level, while her left still hovered near her face.

"Well, that worked," commented Sarah. "The hand movement helps me focus. Try to resist this time, please." She switched her grip to Jossi's raised wrist and began to press it downward.

"Mmn!" Jossi did try to keep her arm up, but in another machine analogy, it began to click downward. She was able to resist, but she quickly learned any progress Sarah made was a new limit for Jossi. It was a battle of attrition. She fought, but the outcome was inevitable.

"That's better," said Sarah, as the jacket slipped from now straight arms. She then moved to unlacing the Engineer's tunic. "How you doing, Jix?"

"I'm... getting it," the Fae replied. She did, indeed, have the belt nearly half undone. "This would be easier if I had something to stand on."

"I'll help when I'm done with this," Sarah had finished with the laces and was in the process of rearranging Jossi's arms, raising them above her head to slide off the loosened garment.

By the time Sarah had pulled Jossi's tunic and shirt over her head, Jix had fully undone her belt and was taking a break on Sarah's shoulder. The Wizard was a fair amount shorter than the Engineer and there was a bit of stretching to get them fully off. "Maybe we *should have let her undress herself," said Sarah.

"Eh, where's the fun in that?" huffed Jix. "It's foreplay." She lifted off to hover in front of Jossi as Sarah started unwinding her chest wraps. "I know I've seen these before, but it's a little different when they're, you know, mine."

"Mmph?" questioned Jossi.

"Fine," Jix rolled her eyes. "Ours. You get them back when we're done."

"She is both amused and annoyed that you've taken ownership of her boobs, Jix," grinned Sarah.

"Oh, I know," replied Jix. "I got practice reading gagged humans. And what's she gonna do about it?" 

Sarah hung the wraps with the other removed clothing on a nearby chair, leaving the immobile Jossi bare from the waist up. "Well, if she empathically complains too much, I *would release her," replied Sarah. She examined the Engineer's remaining apparel. Only a sturdy pair of work pants and socks were visible. With Jix having successfully unfastened the belt, it was a simple matter to unbutton the pants. Unsupported, the heavy garment immediately slipped to the floor, revealing a flimsy G-string. "Jix, I think that one's yours."

"Oh, yeah! I can handle this!" The atomie flew to the first knot, pulling it loose, which dislodged the whole garment, sending it fluttering to the floor.

"Mmp!" squeaked Jossi.

"We've seen you in less," consoled Jix. "I mean, you still have socks on! I can't see your feet or ankles at all!" She hovered around to Jossi's front in an unsubtle reminder of what she *could see.

"Okay, fine," sighed Jix. "We'll compromise. Sarah, let's let her keep her socks. Pants are coming off though."

"You're a generous soul, Jix."

*

Terra easily sidestepped Captain Tarnhoff's overhead strike and adjusted her stance for a counter. The dodge, however, was too easy. The practice weapon shifted direction, skimming along the floor and sweeping Terra's legs from under her as she was focused on her counter-attack. "Yeep!" The sound came out as more a squeal than a shriek, but was still embarrassing as Terra tumbled to the ground.

The assembled guard in the practice hall roared at her defeat. She'd been on a winning streak for the evening, and they were happy to see her lose.

"Yeah, yeah," Terra sighed. She lay still for a moment, before accepting The Captain's offered hand to haul her back to her feet.

"What'd you do wrong?" Korina asked with a half grin.

"Thought too hard about my counterattack," replied Terra. "Didn't think about yours."

"Correct," agreed Korina. "And that bruise on your butt should be a nice reminder." She turned to the rest of the off-duty guardsmen. "Well, that completed my day! I'm done for the night. I'll give you guys time for one more round if you want before I lock up." Seeing no takers, she went on. "All right then. Good night and I'll see most of you tomorrow." She turned to Terra, still stretching out the kinks from her impact with the ground. "If you wait until I get cleaned up, I'll walk you home?"

"Yes, Ma'am," returned Terra.

As the others filtered out, the pair moved around, arranging any loose equipment; mostly their own, as any that came in for practice were pretty responsible. Still, there were a few mats to roll up, lamps to put out.

"I, uh, talked to Sarah about joining the guard," Terra began offhandedly. "She was supportive. I knew she would be. Told me they'd always have a place for me if I needed one. But she knew this was a temporary arrangement."

"So you're going to apply then?" Korina responded, straightening a weapon rack.

"I... mean to," said Terra. "But I'm dragging my feet. I think Sarah already told Jix, because of course she did. So that part shouldn't be too bad. But now there's the kids to think about. I'll have to make sure the shop has a replacement. And I have a relationship with one of the captains that might... complicate things."

"That will be something we will have to manage," Korina agreed. "We might have to start limiting our, uh, interactions to Moondays for a time. And of course, you'd get no preferential treatment." The Captain paused with a sigh. "No *deliberate preferential treatment."

Terra grinned. "Wouldn't ask for any. Outside of Moonday, anyway.

"Oh, you'll definitely get it on Moonday," said Korina. She moved around the room, checking the entrances. "Ready when you are," she said, moving to the last unsecured exit.

Terra grabbed her cloak and her non-practice sword belt. "Let's go," she confirmed, stepping out the door and waiting while Korina secured it. "You know," she said as they started on their way, "I'm tempted to invite you in when we get home. Jix and Sarah have Jossi over for some 'research' tonight. She might need to be rescued."

"You tempt me," Korina smirked. "But no. If I got tangled up with you four, I'd never make my shift in the morning."

"Not if I could help it," chuckled Terra. "Just as well. Sarah soundproofed the room. We'd probably have to break in."

*

Jossi sighed contentedly as she knelt on Sarah's bed. She could... shimmy a little and turn her head side to side, but she otherwise couldn't budge. Her corresponding wrists and ankles were fixed adjacent to each other with her 'collar' held near her knees. Her mouth was still fully sealed. That was frustrating. She had questions. And it felt weird wearing nothing but socks. But she couldn't complain, literally or figuratively.

"Feels like she's calmed down," Jix walked up the curve of their prisoner's spine before flitting down in front of her face, now entirely nude herself. "You good, Engineer Girl?" She grinned impishly. "You ready to go again?"

"Mmph," Jossi groaned. Jix seemed to love asking questions of people who might struggle to answer. "Mmmph."

"I think she needs a break, Jix," Sarah, still in her underclothes, traced a finger down Jix's path on Jossi's back. "I think it's your turn. And you are perfectly positioned."

"Positioned for wha-- Hey!" The diminutive Fae was suddenly tipped onto her back by something unseen. She seemed to struggle as her arms and legs were pulled into a spread position. "Oh, I see," she remarked, looking up into Jossi's eye. "I'm right under her face. She has to watch." Jix flexed her body weakly. She could probably squirm free if she wanted. The 'unseen servant' wasn't that strong. But she could live with this.

"That was my plan," replied Sarah. "We should keep her entertained. Until we let her go anyway. Speaking of which, are you still planning on staying the night, Jossi?"

"Mmlff," grunted Jossi. "Mmrgh fuf..." She was trying to explain that her schedule was, in fact, clear tomorrow, but hadn't been able to get a word in since she'd arrived. Her hosts were far too amused by her silence. Finally, she nodded as best she could. "Mm-hm."

"Very good," said Sarah. "And don't worry. We'll loosen your lips before too long. And let you up for a stretch."

"Mmph," Jossi meant to say that up might be difficult as she wasn't sure how well her legs were going to work once they were freed. They might be made of jelly, and she'd have to stretch right here.

"And hey! What about you?" asked Jix. "What are we going to do for your turn? You don't even have your underwear off yet. And how are we going to tie you up? I suppose we can borrow Terra's shackles. Or do you have any of that-- Yeek!" The Fae stiffened as the servant began to writhe across her 'trapped' body. "Oh, you're... ch-changing the... s-subject. Oh! Okay, b-but we're c-coming back to that."

*

Jossi awoke to movement on the bed. Large movement, so it must have been Sarah. The room was bright, even through her eyelids, so it was probably morning. She lay still as Sarah climbed over her legs to likely get out of bed. As if she had a choice. She was still fixed, flat on her back, to the mattress. At least her mouth was free. "Good morning," she yawned.

"Oh, good morning," replied Sarah. Her voice put her in mid-climb over her guest's legs. "You don't have to get up yet, but, uh, you know, nature calls..."

"Okay," sighed Jossi. "I'm still sleepy. Where's Jix?"

Sarah slid off the bed and onto her feet. "When you pry your eyes open, look down. She's exactly where she fell asleep." The grin was audible in Sarag's voice.

Suddenly curious, Jossi did crack her eyes open. Looking down took some doing. Her collar was locked in place, so she had to put her chin on her chest. And she spotted Jix immediately.

The diminutive green woman was sprawled, still naked, in Jossi's cleavage. She still appeared fast asleep and was snoring slightly. A tiny adorable noise.

"That's where she usually sleeps with me," said Sarah. "I think she picked you for the novelty and your fixed position." She blushed slightly as Jossi's eyes moved to her, standing by the bed. She had lost her panties sometime during the night."

It occurred to Jossi, that if she still had her socks on (and it felt like she did) that she was the best dressed person in the room. She kept her gaze on the Mage as she turned to cross the room to the toilet facilities.

And stopped short. "Oof!" grunted Sarah as she collided with... something. "What the..." She turned back, glancing at Jossi. "Oh, right... We're still tethered! I can't go anywhere without you." She pushed against the invisible wall blocking her progress. "Uff, it's not... funny," grumbled Sarah, reacting to the Engineer's emotions. "Okay, I guess it's a little funny."

"It is a little funny," agreed Jossi. "Can you reach any clothes? I think that makes it funnier."

Sarah looked around. Anything she could wear was, indeed, out of reach. "No, it seems not. Looks like I'm going to have to let you go." She paused, lowering her voice. "If you could not mention this to Jix... I'd be appreciative."

"Hmm, "Jossi replied with a grin. "What's it worth to you?"

*

"Why'd you let her do that?" asked Jix as they wandered the dungeon at Shimmering Ponds Manor. She trailed close behind Sarah, flitting around the device that held the Wizard's wrist behind her back. "I mean, I'm not complaining. Well a little, I guess. You should have taken your shirt off first."

"She helped with our experiment," replied Sarah. "It's only fair we help with hers." It was the Moonday following their session with Jossi, and Sarah had agreed (with minimal coercion) to test one of Jossi's designs this evening. "They're... not uncomfortable, though I think the tolerances could be tighter on the lock components." She twisted her arm ineffectually. "I'm certainly not slipping out of them. Well, not yet."

"Magic is cheating," grinned Jix.

"For the purposes of this test, yes," agreed Sarah. "Have you spotted Tanji yet?"

"No," said Jix. "Nara said she's here though."

They made a full circuit of the main floor; even ducking into a few side rooms before locating their quarry. It was no surprise that she'd been hard to spot. Her position was semi-obscure. Her head and hands were poked through the frame of a pillory, keeping her profile lower than normal.

"There you are, Tanji," Sarah greeted as they approached.. "We've been looking for you."

Tanji Arrowcatcher raised her eyes to the pair. Her face was memorable for the tribal scarring decorating her cheeks and jaw. Her hair was dark, her skin dusky, and her voice was deep with an oddly melodic accent. "Ah, greetings... Sarah and Jixia." She breathed. "How may I... help you? Not physically I hope. That might be difficult."

From alongside the pillory, Tanji's captor made herself known. "Oh, hello Sarah. Hello Jix," Anise greeted them. "How are you this fine evening?" She eyed Sarah's imprisoned hands. "Oh, is that one of Jossi's? Should have been careful. She's a whiz at making them lock. Unlocking though, seems a little trickier."

"I think it will work out," smiled Sarah. "But we have business with your prisoner, if you don't mind us talking to her. How did you catch Tanji, by the way?"

"With the proper bait, of course," grinned Anise. "She agreed to be my prisoner in exchange for a few freshly baked apple pies. But if you wish to speak with her, by all means. I will be eavesdropping though."

"Acceptable," replied Sarah. "We're not discussing arcane secrets. What we are looking for, Tanji, is an outlet for some energetic atomie and I was wondering if you'd like to trial some scouts."

"Oh, I see," Tanji flexed against the pillory, which did not even creak. "I have heard some gossip about a disturbance with some chickens?"

"Yes," confirmed Sarah. "The first and hopefully last. It is not my intention to expel the boys from the city, but as gamekeeper and ranger for Lady Silver's lands, they might get into less trouble working with you in a more rural setting."

"I see. A not unreasonable plan," said Tanji. "But, you say 'boys'. Would I be a nanny for these children?"

"You would not," replied Jix. "Another elder atomie would accompany them when they were with you. Brax, in particular, is anxious to explore the surrounding woods. But me, Uni, or even Ma, uh, Althea would be with them. Ma likes the idea so we don't 'lose touch with nature' or something."

"What we're asking from you, is guidance and perhaps focus," continued Sarah. "You know the area and might have things for them to do."

"They can patrol and run messages," said Jix. "They won't be great trackers, but they know the basics. Brax, or whoever goes out with them *will be useful. We all grew up in the forest. We can track and know our way around the woods. And it will be good to teach them."

"We're asking for a trial," said Sarah. "We understand that you have a job to do. Our hope is that they can be useful to you while learning woodcraft and staying out of trouble."

"Hmm," Tanji cocked her head in contemplation. "It sounds, in theory, like an equitable arrangement. There has been more than one occasion where a bird's-eye perspective, as it were, would have been useful. And Fae woodcraft is a topic of interest. But they are children. I think a trial is a wise decision. They are children, and focus might not always be available."

"I would argue," frowned Jix. "But I don't like being wrong. Kids..."

"I will offer a trial of one week to start," said Tanji. "I plan to do a full survey before winter, and they should accompany me. No, learn the area if nothing else. We can further negotiate once we see what we are working with." She twisted again. "And when I am not locked in this infernal device."

"Aw, you don't like negotiating locked up?" Jix hopped to the top of the pillory and looked to the other side. "Oh! And naked! Even better!"

"You're welcome," grinned Anise.

"Indeed," sighed Tanji. "I will be in the city tomorrow for supplies. I will stop by the shop to meet my potential assistants and arrange a time to start the survey."

"Sounds great," Jix leaped off the pillory and landed between Tanji's shoulder blades. "Sarah, if Anise doesn't mind, I'm gonna lounge around her for a while. Carry on without me." 

"I don't mind at all," said Anise. "I'd take a nap on her if I could."

"Mn," grumbled Tanji, wondering why she'd agreed to this.

"All right," sighed Sarah. She shifted her arms slightly. They were not quite useless, and Jix's size gave her limited utility anyway. Sarah wasn't *much worse off alone. "I'll go locate Jossi and see about getting out of these."

"Tell her I said 'Don't do it!', Jix called.

Sarah rolled her eyes as she moved off. "Thank you, Jix."

The dungeon was not crowded. It was a large room and the society was made up of perhaps twenty people. Still, Sarah had to search a bit. She also stopped to chat with a few people as she went; most with questions about her current circumstances and offers of entertainment, which she politely declined. She eventually did pause for more than a moment when she came across Narani talking with Captain Tarnhoff. Terra was also present, though she was *not talking.

"Greetings, Sarah," said Narani with a grin. "You appear to be in a bit of bother. Do you need a hand? And where is Jix?"

"She abandoned me in favor of Tanji's back," replied Sarah. "And no, I'm fine. I thought the Dancers might waylay me, but I gave them the slip. Have you seen Jossi? I was going to get her to let me out of these things."

"If she can," put in Korina. "The Guard is interested in those devices, but the locking mechanism is unreliable. We'll need it to be more consistent before the higher-ups will invest."

"Yes, the design seems good," said Sarah. "I suspect the tolerances of the parts are the problem. I can hear things slipping as I move around. For such intricate machinery, I wouldn't think there would be much play in them." She glanced past the Captain to her employee. "Terra? Going to make it to work tomorrow?"

"Mmph," grunted Terra in response. "Mmph!" She was trailing behind Korina, being led by a length of fine chain attached to a collar. Aside from that, a panel gag, and whatever was pinning her arms behind her back, she was entirely nude.

"She'll be there," sighed Korina. "I have to work in the morning too."

"I offered to take custody of her," grinned Narani. "My schedule is fluid. But the Captain is too responsible."

"Mmph,"

"Thank you Captain," said Sarah with a smile. "We are looking for a replacement, but we'd currently struggle to get by without her."

"Oh my," put in Narani. "Going somewhere, Terra?"

"Mmph..." groaned Terra, part of the conversation but unable to contribute.

"She's considering joining the Guard," Korina answered her charge. "She's putting it off to find a replacement and to help the Bramblehomes get settled."

"Mmph," Terra agreed.

"Yes, that does add a wrinkle," said Sarah. "We'll have to find an honest person who can read, count coin, and is fine being supervised by a tiny green girl."

"Mmph," added Terra with an eye roll. It was hard to tell with the panel over her mouth, but she may have been trying to grin.

"I see," said Narani. "Well, good luck, in both regards. Present circumstances except, you would make a wonderful guard, Terra."

"Mmph," replied Terra.

"Ah, here you are," came Jossi's voice. "When I found Jix without you, I thought you might be in trouble. I thought I'd better locate you." The Engineer walked up to the small group, appearing as if she was trying not to appear rushed. "As everything is still locked. I was sure you'd have 'magicked' yourself out by now..." 

"I can use magic?" replied Sarah with a half grin. "Jix told me it would be cheating."

"It sort of would," grinned Narani. "But I suspect she just wanted to keep you in them."

"Ah," Jossi deflated a little. "So you haven't really tried to get out yet. How are they otherwise?"

"They're not uncomfortable," replied Sarah. "And they seem secure. At least I can't slip out of them. The mechanism needs work. I can hear the internals shifting around. Your tolerances need to be tighter."

"Oh, I know," moaned Jossi. "But precision is difficult at that scale. I can drill the hole *mostly uniform, but it's hard to measure the pins and gears. Even if I had you 'fabricate them, it'd be a trick to get the size consistent."

Sarah cocked her head. Were her hands free, she'd likely be tapping her chin. "I'll have to think about the gears, but for the pins, what about a wire roller? Once you get the right die, they'd be consistent. You might have to harden them..."

"That... is a great idea!" mused Jossi. "Worth a try. I knew you'd be a good test subject. Most people just complain because the lock rattles and the key is sticky."

"I can imagine why people *in them would complain that the key doesn't work," smirked Korin.

"I... well... yes," admitted Jossi. Then she grinned. "But Sarah's not worried about that because she thinks she can escape."

"Sarah has a plan to escape," said Sarah. "I have a few spells I always keep prepared for Moonday meeting, just in case."

"All right then," said Jossi with a sigh. "Let's see. I'd have thought you'd have done it by now anyway."

"Okay. Let me just work it out in my head..." The Wizard looked around the dungeon until she spotted what she needed. Walking over to a padded bench, she turned her back to it and extended her bound arms over the seat as best she could. "So I don't damage your device," she said.

"Why? What are you going to--" Jossi began.

But Sarah, after whispering a few words under her breath, vanished. Well, not so much vanished, as dissolved. Her body turned to vapor. She was still there, but no longer solid. Hence, the device locked around her wrist passed through them and fell to the padded bench. Also, the simple knee-length shift she was wearing, now unsupported, fluttered to the floor.

"Oh. Well, that's one way to do it," Jossi stepped over and picked up her device for examination.

"Clever," said Narani, also stepping over, picking up the shift. "I wonder if this was intentional?"

The misty form of Sarah looked down at herself, stepping clear of her two friends. Her mouth moved soundlessly for a moment. She stopped, looking confused, before solidifying. Naked. "It was not. I had to focus on not taking the restraints with me. I guess I didn't take *anything with me. Can I have that back please?"

"Of course," grinned Narani. "Eventually..."