Spirits of the Earth

News traveled fast, the dogs were barking- or more like the Soot Wolves were howling. Things were in chaos in the city of Arca, and when Valeska Horst returned- she was reveling in it and the first opportunity she had- she slit the throats of the Soot Wolves that dared approached her, attempting to challenge her and bring her in- and so she took care of them as any lady should, and left them hung in bloodied corpses on the alley walls as a reminder to Rufus- the bitch was back.

But she was pissed. She had missed her golden opportunity to seek revenge against Rufus. She made a vow to make him suffer in any way possible. And Dylanna Swinden and her son were still at the top of her list as targets. But she knew better than to go after the little lady merchant just yet, oh no, it was just too soon. But then some interesting rumors reached her ears.  Upon hearing about a little birdie... well, Valeska could have laughed. How many lovers did Rufus have? Or was this 'child-bird-wanna-be hero of the night' have other meanings to the red wolf? However, her resources were lacking, which soured her mood considerably, so she aimed to go to the source-

Goblins- and lots of them. Goblins, she knew, were trouble. On occasion, even the mountain cats got into scuffles with them, but the two groups left the others relatively alone. Perhaps until now...
Though one could say Valeska, by no means, was an actual member of the Mountain Cat group, she still held close relations and for some reason or another, which a lady kept as a personal secret, the group always obliged to help her. Always.

But for now, she didn't need the kitty cats. Oh no, this was between woman and... beast? Though she was not sure what to make of the little squeakers, she knew they were a tough lot to deal with. And it sounded like the sort of beings she desired as an ally. One could never have too many friends in dark places....

Where men favored the shadows of cities, she knew enough about goblins to know they favored the underground. Being a being of the surface world, she new little of the complexities the goblins cultivated beneath the surface, but she'd soon find out. So when she approached the inconspicuous looking cave, she thought not much of it, until something caught her attention and well... the almost invisible footprints of a hundred tiny men (or goblins to be exact) made her smirk and lead her eyes back towards the cave. It seemed they had tried to cover it by dust, but just enough of it was noticeable, even to the one eyed woman. Staring back at the cave, she let her hands grope over it, smoothing over moss and threading vines, until something happened and well...

She found herself the door. And when the woman opened it, she was surprised at what she found inside.

OOC: Tags to Daglobster!

(Smed's got a whole bunch of supporting NPCs. I'm gonna roleplay this first bit as one of them)

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"Watch where you're throwing that thing, you scratchy knob!" Hissed one of the guards, and Skitzo hissed right back, and got up to retrieve the small ball he was throwing against the cave wall to pass the time. Today, Skitzo was on door duty, which wasn't exactly old news for the goblin, seeing as how he was uncannily perceptive, even for a goblin. Down the tunnel, somebody dropped their meal, and the faint noise that made caused Skitzo to sit straight up and cock his ears, before he sunk back down into it. His club laid on his lap, a sordid looking club wrapped in oil soaked rags, with sharp nails poking out from underneath the rags.

The other guards were in a similar state of boredom, leaning on their pole-arms and otherwise lazing about. One was smoking a cigar that was obviously not downsized for a goblin, while the other six were gathered around a table gambling with bits of food. Although all of them had polearms (which turned out to be the weapon of choice for creatures no taller than three feet), three of them also carried small muskets, which were deceptively deadly despite their crude appearance.

Skitzo was picking something out of his teeth when he heard a faint click, and froze in place. The door swung open, a rather beautiful woman standing there. All the goblins stopped and froze, staring at her. One of the guards at the table casually leaned over and pulled a rope by his elbow, setting off the silent alarm.

Skitzo's little heart started racing. She wasn't a Wolf, that much was true. A wanderer? Didn't matter. None of the goblins wanted to make the first move, since she wasn't a confirmed enemy yet, although the sound of a few small firearms cocking rang out. "You lost, woman?" Skitzo said, putting on his most menacing scratchy voice as he stood up from the chair, resting his club on his shoulder.

Little tiny men, no taller than three feet tall greeted her, with the signature green skin and beady green eyes and pointed ears of goblins. Ah... it seemed as if luck was finally on her side this evening. How delicious.

"I think I'm precisely where I need to be," the woman purred, flashing white teeth behind a wicked smile. And though one side of her face was marred with scars and the same eye on that side was glossed over with a milky, opaqueness, if you were to look past even that, the goblins were right. The woman was hot, with smoking hot curves, and a leather, armored attire to show it, with a scantily short, ruffle leather skirt, a tankini styled armored breast plate, and thigh high boots and elbow length gauntlets and gloves. There was a sword on her back, and a few daggers around her waist, and wild, untamed blonde hair that fell about her shoulders that framed the tops of her ample chest that was jutting out and made perky from such a choice in attire. The cloak was left against her back, so it hid nothing before her as she wrinkled her nose gleefully.

"I've been hearing talks about little birdies and wolves playing with little green men. More specifically, a little green one of you called Smed." Her dark eye searched the men, her smile ever present as if she found this the most amusement moment in all of her life, well.. in a sort of crazed way.

"Which one of you is him?"

As Veleska talked, the few goblin guards around the table exchanged whispers in their native tongue, although their eyes were still glued onto her. If Valeska happened to speak Serenian Forest Goblin, she'd know their whisperings comprised of lewd comments about her, questions about the stock of fresh meat, and observations about her scars. When she asked which one of them was Smed, however, they stopped.

They exchanged glances, and started laughing.

The laughter of the various goblins was shrill and scratchy, and Skitzo thankfully put an end to it, snapping his fingers to get their attention, a technique he learned from Smed. It turned out that the snapping of fingers was a particularly attention-grabbing noise to goblins, and indeed there was an entire "language" of finger snaps only a goblin's unique hearing and subconscious could pick up. "Shut yer blistering holes, you rats!" Skitzo hissed, and the others quieted down.

Skitzo turned his head to Valeska again, and smiled. Goblins were known for their incredibly toothy and wolfish grins, and Skitzo considered his set of broad, dagger-like teeth to be incredibly special. "You wanna talk to the Boss? I'll take you to him. I'm trusting you won't do anything stupid, yeah?" Skitzo said, narrowing his eyes. As he awaited her answer, Skitzo snapped his fingers three more times, and one of the goblins at the table stood up to get a loop of rope.

Valeska knew well enough in body language of men to know what the little green things were thinking. They were hungry. Figured. Men always wanted one thing. She adjusted the weight in how she stood and planted a hand to her hip, noticing the rope then giving an equally sinister grin towards Skitzo.

"I won't do anything stupid if you don't. I might be a woman, as your men have easily observed, but I can assure you, there's a lot more to me than my breasts and scar. Now, are you willing to show me to this Smed, or do I have to ask nicely to someone else?" And she gave him a patronizing bat of her lashes and awaited his response.

Skitzo let out a small laugh, shaking his head. "Don't worry about the rope, we're not going to tie you up." Skitzo said as the guard handed him the rope and he tied it around his waist, leaving a length of rope about five feet to dangle from it. "We use the rope to get new recruits oriented with the tunnels, make sure they don't get lost. Unless you can see in pitch blackness, grab the loose end. I'll lead you through to the main chamber." Skitzo explained, grabbing the loose end and walking up to her, standing at her feet and holding the loose end up, like a child offering something to an adult.

Once she took it, Skitzo would turn around, and pause for a few moments. "Keep watch on the entrance. I want eyes out of those peepholes. So help you if I get back here, and you idiots are lazing around." Skitzo snarled at the other goblins, waving a small fist. The other guards wasted no time in jumping off of their seats and taking their positions at the door's wall, using the cleverly angled peepholes to watch the cave outside.

Skitzo turned his head around to look at Valeska, mentally thankful he was blessed with having to look up her body towards her face. "Ready to go in?"

Valeska took the rope and gave the man a wicked grin, giving a playful tug on it.
"But of course. Lead the way."
This was why she came here after all, though the idea of traversing a world in pitch black daunted her, she was confident enough in her own abilities not to let her fear get the better of her. Besides, fear made everything more thrilling, didn't it?

Skitzo gave her the toothy grin again, and started walking, leading her into the mouth of the dark tunnel. It was so dark, that if she decided to look down at her chest, she wouldn't be able to see it. "Ought to tell you that goblins ain't the only things in these tunnels." His voice rang out ahead of her. "There's some natural caves that connect to the goblin tunnels, so we share these tunnels with giant spiders and other cave freaks. Even a few Cave Trolls, but we've got a lovely agreement with them, so they don't bother us." Skitzo said, trying to make small talk.

They walked through the tunnels for what seemed like an eternity, even though it was only about an hour. Every once in a while, they'd be greeted by some light, in the form of a campfire by a guard post, but these moments only lasted about a minute before they were in the darkness again. Even though she couldn't see, Valeska would be able to tell that the tunnels were winding and convoluted through all the turns they were taking. Finally, at the end, she'd be able to see a dim the entrance of the main cavern.

When they stepped out into the main cavern, it was like a scene out of some fable. There were crude tents and buildings absolutely lining the wall, with structures hanging from the sides and even the roof of the massive cavern, which was kept lit by countless small magical lights. The cavern was laid out like a city, with designated stretches of unused cave floor to use as streets of sort and a more or less even distribution of living spaces. From where she was, Valeska would be able to see massive shapes moving up and down the streets. It seemed Smed had taken to hiring Cave Trolls.

For the first half an hour, it was an interesting thing, to be wandering her way through the darkened tunnels, but after a while, the cold and the darkness had gotten to her, and she was itching to be able to just see. When the occasional flame from a camp fire seen here or there came into view, it pierced her vision and made her eye tear as she made a face when her eyes had all but adjusted, only for her to continue onward back into the dark.

Soon she was asking Skitzo more than once, "Are we there yet?" And when she was finally rewarded with there, she was amazed. The city was vast and intricate, well, more intricate then she would have given goblins credit for, and the trolls strolling through the streets was a nice touch. The magical lanterns was also easy on the eyes, and being able to see was something a woman like her never wanted to take for granted. After all, she was only left with one remaining, deep, chocolate brown colored eye.

Taking in her surroundings, she studied the buildings on the ceilings and walls and all around her before she wrinkled her nose with glee and turned back to Skitzo, her single eye shining.
"Nice little town you got here," she said, strolling on up beside him rather than behind him and letting go of the rope she had once held that guided her. She didn't need to follow since she could see now.

"Not a town." Skitzo proudly stated, spreading his arms wide. As they walked down the street towards a fairly large crimson tent (the kind and size that human nobility would use), random goblins would stop to peer at Valeska. Some stayed to watch, others snickered and scurried while others openly shouted catcalls at her. It was clear there was a mob of curious goblins following them, although most of it was moving through the tents and not on the streets. "All the lovely sods you see here are trained killers, through and through. Serenian Guard thinks just 'cause we're goblins, we're stupid and slow on our little legs. They tend not to think so when string them up on meat hooks." Skitzo said, chuckling at his own morbid joke.

In the buildings hanging from the ceiling, goblin snipers could be seen patrolling, wearing goggles that had one eye telescoped outwards for magnification and wielding a variety of ranged weapons.

Eventually, they came up to the front of the large tent, and the heavily armored two-handed sword wielding guards leered at Veleska through their visors. Their swords were efficient in their sickeningly cruel design, just long enough to catch a grown man by the neck and covered in barbs and hooks that protruded from the blade. They were weapons designed to mangle, and they were blatant with this.

Skitzo motioned for Valeska to stop. "I'll tell Smed there's someone here to see him. Wait out here for a bit." Skitzo said, and disappeared into the flap.

Just about everything here amused Valeska, her eye dazzling at the sights as she let her eye take in all of the little details, piece by piece, and on occasion, her nose and ears as well. She could smell a lot of interesting things down here that mixed with the dank smells of the caverns, but the noises were interesting too. And she was still trying to decide if she was amused or annoyed by the way the goblins spoke. She supposed she'd have to decide that later, for as Skitzo commanded her to wait, she flashed him a grin.

"Alright, but remind your little leader that it ain't proper to keep a lady waiting."
And someone like her was rather dangerous if they let her get too bored, or even antsy. But the little gremlins, as it were, did not make any real advancements towards her, so for now, it seemed both sides were safe, which made this little hopeful alliance tame (for now).

So she was a good girl as she stood there, and would wait.

Valeska was right when she presumed the goblin's attentions towards her were mostly harmless. For one thing, they were smarter than that to approach such a dangerous looking woman, and two, they knew they weren't going to get any of she had with pick up lines and seductive hisses. Normally, they'd have to a bit more...assertive, but Valeska was a guest, and goblins were nothing if not hospitable at times.

After about a minute, Skitzo came back out, and motioned Valeska inside.

The inside of the tent was spacious, given it was probably stolen from creatures that weren't goblin sized. A few spots where the crimson gave way to light blue showed that the tent had been dyed red, in a tone suspiciously blood-like. Inside, there was all the amenities one could hope for inside a tent, and all the pieces of furniture, from the drawers to the chairs, were obviously stolen as well (they had been cut down and reconstructed to fit goblins).

In one part of the room, there was a pole with some manacles dangling from it and a pool of dried blood beneath it. A remnant of Owl's stay with Smed.

Speaking of, Smed was there all right. He was seated at the table and facing her, his little red focused on Valeska and a smile which just appeared to be naturally cruel on his face. His weapons weren't on him at the moment, they hung from a weapon rack at the back of the tent. On the table, was a mug of coffee (which on the mug, there were several scuff marks around the Serenian Guard emblem emblazoned on it, as if someone had tried to remove it), a small plate with several juicy-looking pieces of meat on it, and a letter in the process of being written.

Smed leaned forwards on the table, his interest piqued. "Take a seat." He offered, and snapped his fingers twice. Skitzo came running back in. "Would you like some meat, or coffee? Skitzo can send a runner for some." He said, placing his little clawed hands on the table.

"I didn't come here for a drink, but if you're offering, any alcohol you got would be nice." Her own lips replied in kind with a dark smile of her own as she took a seat, amusement evident in her eyes.
"So I hear you got a bird problem. Well, I've got one with wolves. Why don't we cut tot the chase and talk about that. I want to know about this little bird a certain wolf came to rescue. And why, who she is, and what all went down.And don't leave out any of the juicy details. Those I like best."

Smed's smile deepened. It'd seem Valeska touched on just the right subject. "Skitzo, get the lady a drink will ya? From the Guard reserves if you will." He said, and Skitzo nodded before dashing out. Smed took a piece of meat from his plate, and ate it up.

He placed both his hands together, and leaned forwards. "Bird problem? Naw, more like a Wolf problem as well." He said, and leaned back in his chair. Normally, he'd keep info to himself, but if it meant he got to spread Owl's secret everywhere like half-melted butter, he'd take it.

"The girl we picked up? Einin Bierne, daughter of a noble family who reckons herself a nightime crime fighter. She calls herself Owl, but use Anklehackers know her as Pigeon. Figured she could take me and four of my boys in a fight after we cased a jewelry shop in town." He started, and chuckled. "She figured wrong." Smed said, and indicated something hanging from the roof. It was an Owl mask, sewn back together and made into a trophy.

"We brought her back here, and I kept myself busy by making sure every moment she spent here was a living hell. I'm talking a broken arm, a slashed ankle, all kinds of fun. But I'm getting distracted."

He paused to think, tapping a claw on the table. "She's Rufus' personal pet project, and I wouldn't be surprised if she was his alpha bitch too, know what I'm saying? But he paid a pretty penny to get her back from me. Led an attack, lost a ton of Wolves for no good reason, and made off with her. Declared war on all goblin kind, too." He explained, and paused for a moment so she could absorb all of that info.

"But..." He started again, and ate some more meat. "I think the Wolves're feeling the hurt. After a stunt like that, and since he's put her on heavy protection ever since, I think there're some Wolves who wouldn't mind a change in leadership. After all, why waste all these resources and good men on a woman who isn't even in the gang?" He said, and leaned back into the chair again, placing his boots on the table.

Skitzo walked in with a bottle of Serenian wine and a few polished silver cups. "That answer satisfiy you, Stranger?"

Valeska's eyes lit up at such a story. My, my, my, wasn't this a pleasant surprise? Not only did she find Rufus wasting resources on a rescue of one woman, but now two. And as far as she could see, none of them had good reasons for it. Her presumptions against Dylanna Swinden she still wanted to believe were true. That he had something for her, and how knew, maybe her bastard of a child was his as well. The pieces seemed to be falling into place, but there was no definite facts. Just hints she collected that pointed it in Miss Swinden's direction. Or Lady Swinden, she forgot she had some nobility behind her or something, but the woman preferred to remain focused on trade rather than pretty little parties like most of her society was known fr. An interesting route for a lady to take. But thoughts aside, she'd keep the secrets about Lady Swinden to herself until she knew she could fully trust these little green men.

But it seemed they were more than happy to spill the beans and she mulled it over. So another lady? Rufus had taste. He was going after some big game here. And she began to wonder if he wanted to protect the younger girl because she was pregnant with another of his bastard childs. Figures the fool would find himself entangled with women, and here she, herself, had so much she could have offered him than whatever those other girls had.

But she let that thought simmer away as she flashed a grin his way.

"That's an interesting thought. One bird trying to fly from her cage, and a group of wolves trying to save her. Wolves are beast, just like a man is, so yes.." and here the ends of her lips curled. "I wouldn't put it past a few wolves to be getting hungry."

"Yeah, especially when the Alpha's not sharing." Smed concurred. Suddenly, his expression changed, and he suddenly became more serious. "But, I'm sure you came here for more than a pleasant chat with The Anklehacker, didn't you? What could a woman such as yourself possibly want from a mass murderin' bastard such as myself? You from the Mountain Cats?" Smed asked, and his eyes lit up with curiosity.

Outside, the sound of a troll stomping past the tent on patrol punctuated his question before slowly receding. 

Valeska smirked.
"I've got a.. connection with them, if that's what you want to call it,"s he said, seeming pleased with herself. "Made an alliance. More or less, they listen to me when I snap my fingers. They're good little cats, really." And her eyes took in Smed a moment before she slowly crossed one leg over the other. ANd if the troll's floor shaking stomp bothered her, she hardly showed it,a nd never once let her gaze lift from Smed.

"I came here with a proposition. Alliances I find more valuable than oaths and promises. It makes both worlds a bit more.. flexible, don't you think?"

Smed laughed lightly. "Goblins and Cats against Wolves? Can't say it's a bad idea. We never had a spotless relationship with the Cats, but hopefully we should be able to put that aside to fight a common nuisance." Smed said. Personally, he despised the idea of the Soot Wolves. Sure, they were thieves like he was,  but they tried to convince themselves they were  thieves when their leader uses them as his own personal army. Surely, the ranks are ripe with dissenters, wolves fed up with Rufus' constant selfish abuse of his leadership position.

Perhaps, they could kill Rufus and install someone more...receptive to his ideas.

Smed adjusted himself in his seat. "I'm all for an alliance, but I need to see the leader of the Cats to negotiate." He said, and hopped off of his seat. "Besides, I've been in this cave for the past week."

"You want to speak to their leader?" Valeska gave a laugh. "Whatever you say, I'm sure can go through me, but if you're itching to travel, I suppose things could be arranged.."

"Call it a lesson from experience, but I've become a tad bit distrustful of middlemen." Smed said, narrowing his eyes at Valeska before giving her a playful little smile. He took his weapons and placed them onto his belt, and walked outside of the tent. He pulled Skitzo aside, placing his mouth up to his ear. "'Till I get back, you're in charge, all right? I'll only be a few days." Smed said, and Skitzo nodded.

Smed snapped his fingers, and a small, runty goblin (one of the many runners around camp) scurried towards him. "Skitzo's in charge until I get back from travelling. Spread the word." Smed ordered, and the small goblin nodded before running off.

Smed had something Rufus didn't, which was the complete and total adulation of his followers. Smed wasn't just a criminal overlord to these goblins, but he was something they usually didn't have. A way to be bigger than they actually were, and a way for them to vent their oppressed fury against the more civilized folk that kept them in their small tribes.

"I suppose it won't be too much trouble," she said through her teeth, wrinkling her nose in a bit in scrutiny, but she smiled through it none the less. "We are all to make an alliance of this, after all. We should be nice in the beginning. Who knows, it could be good for goblins and Mountain Cats to become allies. I see mutual benefits. We've got our wilderness above we rove, and you... the dirt beneath us." Her lips cracked into a subtle dark smile.
"Then I suppose we're back off to the surface then?" she asked, staring back at him expectantly.

Smed smiled back at her. "Yeah, it's up to the surface we go." He said. He seemed to think for a few moments, before speaking again. "We'll be going back up through the tunnel, and be taking my own carriage from there." He explained, and he signaled for a length of rope.

"Oh, I never thought goblins would be ones to go for such things as a carriage. Would someone my size fit?" she asked, eyes shining with mirth.

Smed's smile dropped off of his face. "Funny." He said flatly, taking a length of rope from a nearby goblin's hands and tying it around his waist. "It's a stolen guard carriage. Gets me around quietly without raising suspicion, and the inside's been armored up." He explained. He walked over until he was just a few inches away from Valeska and stood up on the tips of his toes, holding the rope end up to her. "Shall we?"

Valeska accepted the end of the rope and slowly looped it around her own waist, tying it in a loose knot.
"Lead the way."

(Sorry for the huge delay. I sorta forgot about this thread :P)

Smed smiled, and led the way, tugging Valeska along. Rather than head for the main entrance, he took a side tunnel towards the hidden stable inside the complex. The only difference Valeska would notice between the coming and going trip through the black abyss that were the goblin tunnels was that it was noticeably shorter.

The chamber that they entered was dimly lit in the best parts, and pitch black in the others. Several crude stables lined the long room, and as they walked past them Valeska would notice that within each one was about a dozen giant spiders,with saddles on their abdomens and steering bolts driven into the tops of their heads.

When the two passed by, the spiders screeched, and one of them, a particularly large red spider even lunged at her, snapping it's mandibles as it reached the end of its chain. "That one's special. The boys call him Manbreaker, mostly because he's killed the most men out of all the spiders here. I wasn't there to see it, but his rider claims that Manbreaker toppled a carriage all by himself one time. Must've been truly something..." Smed trailed off, undoing the rope.

"...Ah, speak of the devil!" He said, clapping his little hands together when his carriage came into view. The horses that pulled it were kept remarkably well fed and groomed, which helped pass it off as a guard carriage even more. A stocky goblin was snoozing on the roof, and Smed whistled sharply, startling it awake. It stood there, rubbing its eyes, and Smed looked to Valeska.

"G'wan, tell him where we're going, sweetheart."

Valeska was more than impressed. The more time she spent with these goblins, the more respect she felt towards them. THey weren't just 'mindless green men', but it seemed they had enough brains in them to concoct quite a means to live- and quite an army, from what she had seen during her time underground. Yes, definitely aligning herself with such a mass was not a mistake. And it didn't hurt that both she and the little green guy had much in common- well, at least over the fact they hated the same man.

Valeska's lips curled into a smile as she gave a wave of her hand.
"Were going to the mountain pass. But we'll have to be discrete. We can't have anyone follow us. So the path will hardly be direct."

The goblin carriage driver laughed. "Hardly direct? Show me a goblin who takes a direct path anywhere, and I'll show you a dead one, m'aam." It chuckled and jumped down, going to a large footlocker, popping it open. Inside, was some kind of contraption, half-disguise, half insane steam-powered goblin construct.

It was a complete suit of Guard armor sized for a human, complete with chestplate, cape,  and a carriage driver's mask. The goblin set it out on the floor, and popped open a compartment in the chest and climbed in, closing it behind him. With a sputter of smoke, the thing came alive, and stood up. From a distance, it might as well have looked like a human being. 

It walked over to the carriage, and opened the door, gesturing for Valeska to enter. "In you go, m'aam." the goblin piloting it said.

Valeska's eyes lit up at such a concoction. She could have drooled. These little green men continued to surprise her. This made her pleased. Though she knew the wolves were smarter than the average savage, this made the journey a bit easier for her, well for them, to perhaps keep the wolves off their trail.

Taking the man's order, she gave a slight bow to her head and allowed but one last glance over her shoulder before stepping inside.

Smed, being the professional psychopath that he was, was quick to capitalize on Valeska's curiosity, speaking as he followed her inside the carriage. "That device there's the product of a bunch of wacko goblin tinkerers that call Anklehacker Camp home. Unfortunately, that powered suit of armor's the only thing they ever made, since clockwork and steam engine bits are so scarce out here." Smed explained, sitting across from Valeska in the carriage.

The interior of the carriage was also very well preserved, and even a little luxurious. Smed popped open a compartment on the side wall, pulling out a small bottle of brandy and two glasses. "But, scarce parts or not, those madgoblins have plans for something...well...much larger." He added, and filled the two glasses, passing one to Valeska.

After that, the sounds of the animated suit of armor clambering up onto the driver's seat was heard, and after another minute of some kind of rumbling sound (which was the exterior stable door sliding open), the carriage started off.

Valeska smirked. To be offered such a drink made her feel as if she truly were in some royal carriage and not simply making a ride with a goblin. Taking the glass,s he swished the contents around while keeping her eyes on Smed. She wouldn't be the first to drink, naturally. She wasn't about to get poisoned.... Alliance or not, even she knew trust came at a price.

"It's a pity items are so scarce. An army of those things could bring unimaginable pain."

Smed chuckled. "I've seen the blueprints. Ten of the metal and wood monsters these tinkerers are planning, along with the combined forces of the Mountain Cats and The Anklehacker Gang, would be enough to make us the single most powerful gang alliance this side of Le'Ranna." He explained, and took a sip of brandy.

"The Soot Wolves'll never know what hit 'em. We're gonna handle 'em like I handle my prisoners. Death, only after agony." He added with a sadistic smile, tapping his little claws on the upholstery.

"Rufus and his little pet Owl have the idea in their heads that they scored a victory against me when Rufus pulled that rescue operation. What he doesn't know is that I have his pet's name, and I'm going to burn her life down, and dance on the ashes."

"I like the way you think," she nearly purred, her face wrinkling into a gleeful smile.
"And oh? Do tell.." she pressed, quite impressed and intrigued about Rufus's love life. After all.. she was a scornful lover. She wanted to be in on this ash dance, too.

Smed gave her another one of his smiles.

"Her name's Einin Beirne, pretty little tart of a noblegirl who fancies herself a vigilante. Likes to put on a fluffy owl mask and pretend she can fight crime, in Serendipity of all places. I'd like to see her try to pull the same act in Jin'Ta or Uthlyn. Her family's powerful, but her parents haven't got a clue that she's pulling this act." Smed explained, idly staring out the window.

He then turned his head and locked his beady little eyes on Valeska's.

"You know, if we cause a big enough ruckus in Arca at night, she's sure to come running. Torch a whorehouse or somethin' like that...yeah..an' when she shows up, we could cut her pretty legs off and toss her in the fire..." He rambled, seemingly caught up in his own little murder fantasy.

"Einin Beirne..." she repeated the name with a tut-tut of her tongue. The description sounded like Rufus's type. He probably had a bigger ego for it, banging some noblegirl who, of all things, wanted to go about seeking justice. Rufus was probably banging her just to spite what she really was and the simpleton probably knew none the wiser. Even still, it made Valeska a little soured as her eyes sparkled just as dangerously as Smed's. She didn't need to verbalize the wicked plans she was concocting- but oh, wasn't the day still young?

"Cut her legs off?" Valeska lightly chuckled at the idea. "Surely we'll do something a bit more tactful and fun?" She could have purred at the idea, but to burn a whore house?
"I think we should spare the whores. I'm sure there's something bigger we could burn."
And as she thought it over, a wicked grin grew across her lips.

"What all do you know about this Lady Beirne?" The more she knew, the better and more intricate a plan she could make. Oh, she'd have fun with this one. Toying around and making one of Rufus's little sluts pay would be worth the wait to make this thing big.

"Well, I paid my informant in Arca quite a pretty penny for her name alone, and for where she lives. I can also guess that she's going to be running with some protection now, ever since I gave Rufus that scare when I..."borrowed" her for a day or two." He said, eyes dropping to the floor as he re-thought his plans.

"Forget the whorehouse..." He muttered, long, ragged ears twitching. "I suppose we could torture her for a bit...pick off family members one by one and send 'em back as meat pies. But if we spook her, she'll fly into Rufus' den and never come back..." He continued.

"But before we come to a plan, I'm gonna need to see what our combined resources can do. I'm sure the Mountain Cats have got some lovely little criminals."

"Lovely indeed," Valeska repeated, her nose still crinkled in glee, and the shine in her eye was ever glowing. "But I do love that plan- taking our time, making her, and Rufus, suffer." And the words were practically purred out from her legs as she moved to cross her legs, one over the other.

"I know a few more resources we might be able to use outside of the Mountain Cats," she gave a fluff to her blonde hair as she went on, matter of factly. "I have reasons to believe we can stretch his numbers if we hit 'em where it hurts. There's... another woman in the picture as well, another... lady. And this one carries baggage, a family. Let's just say Rufus can't protect both of his precious ladies- and we might not even have to do our deed at night. This other woman is a tradesmen, a merchant. Would be a shame to have her suffer the wrath of a storm.. while another one of equal measure threatens the city. Winds, Hale, lightning, chaos...."
She chuckled at suhc an idea. "The sort of stuff I love. And the sort of power I can deliver. Only problem is, The Soot Wolves would know it is me. So..." she gave a tired sigh at this. "We might have to be careful at how we set up our pawns. This is a game of revenge, after all. We ought to make it... sweet."

Smed nodded, agreeing with what she said. They had to come up with something, and he had an inkling of an idea. As he developed it, he spent the short silence glancing about the inside of the carriage, idly tilting his glass of brandy back and forth.

Then, it hit him, and he smiled deviously.

"Way I see it, Rufus knows I know about Owl, but doesn't know I know about this noblelady. It's the other way around with you. So, we take eachother's mark. I find a way to close the sale on this noblewoman and her pretty little family, and you figure out deal with the crime-fighting Pigeon." He explained.

"Should be easy enough for you, wiping away that little stain..." He grumbled.

Valeska grinned at such a remark.
"But how would you feel for me to take away your toy? I could easily go after her... yes, but perhaps I could always bring her back to you for some fun."

Smed laughed.

"Oh, please don't. Maybe her corpse, I could use a good soup, but I've got no use for her. We're exchanging toys, you and I" he said, staring out the window. "I've had my fun with her. I think it's your turn."

Valeska's eyes sparkled.
"And fun I shall have," she purred and grew more cozy into her chair. She had finished her glass and leaned in forward, "Can you spare some more?" The drink was intoxicatingly good, but she figured she deserved to indulge- and she was growing more giddy at the prospect to hurt more of the Red Wolf's toys.

Smed humored Valeska's request, handing her the bottle after he refilled his own cup. "Drink your fill. I've got plenty of these. Guard captains love their brandy." He said, leaning back into his own seat. He realised that his bound demon had been awfully silent the entire time.

It's about time you realized, Smed. Don't mind me, I'm relaxing today. his demon's smooth, seductive voice bounding through his mind.

Smed visibly twitched when his demon spoke to him, but that was the only evidence of the event.

"I think our partnership's going to be a beautiful one. You know, when we get Rufus, I could have Chef prepare us a nice, candlelit dinner. Rufus being the candle, of course."

Valeska gave a laugh, a lovely but wicked sound before she wrinkled her nose with glee. And her remaining eye sparkled as she looked over to her new partner in crime.
"I'd love to see that man suffer. He's got an ego the size of an ocean. It's about time someone cut him down to size." And once she had a freshly filled cup of brandy, she downed it much faster than the first.

It was then she noticed the path they were on and she leaned forward to speak to the driver.
"Go up Gulvan's post, the winding street that follows the river." Then she sat back down once the request was noted and looked down at the remaining sip of brandy in her cup and swirled it around.

"You know...  I forgot your kind like to eat on the flesh of humans." She wrinkled her nose in disgust at that before glancing over at him and smiling none the less. "I suppose my kind would taste rather good." And she fixed her legs to cross the opposite way while finishing her drink.

"More brandy?" she said, though she was drunk already, she was not completely gone- she just had a hard time keeping to her limits sometime. No really never meant no, did it?

"This might be a long journey,"s he went on with a sigh. "But it'll be a good time for us to get better acquainted. After all, it's good to know who your partners are."

The carriage driver leaned back, sounding off a scratchy "you got it, miss!" Before returning to the work at hand. The carriage quickly and maneuverably switched roads.

"Well, not all of us. Everybody's got their own tastes. Personally, I think your kind has a certain...versatile nature. Just the right amount of bones, meat and organs. Perfect for soups, pies, or even just cuts." Smed explained, talking about the butchering of sentient creatures as if it was a hobby of his. Coincidentally, his eyes followed her legs as she moved them. It didn't take a genius to figure out that he found her attractive, very much so.

Then again, who wouldn't?

Upon her asking for more Brandy, he opened up a small cabine on his side, filled with bottles of all sorts of fine spirits. There was, of course, more brandy in there, but there were a few other bottles. Dwarven stout, Essyrni wine, just to name a few. It would seem Smed was as well connected as he always boasted he was.

"There's always more, Valeska." He said as he pulled out the second bottle of Brandy and handed it to her, pouring himself a little dwarven stout.

"Why don't we start with you. I'm sure you've heard all about me, but frankly, I've never heard of you."

"What's to tell?" Valeska said, allowing her drink to leisurely swirl around in her cup as she judged her level of inebriation. She felt in control enough and took another sip, but new she should take her time on this one.  Sighing, she smiled over at Smed and told him, "Not many would know about me. I haven't quite made a name for myself," and this amused her as she crinkled her nose and flashed Smed a toothy smile.

"I've recently come into... connections, however, not just with the rival thief clan of the Mountain Cats but... something else that might be of interest to you." And she allowed just the faintest crackle of blue lightning to dance at the tip of her fingers, and the blue crackled reflected in her eyes- but more predominantly so, her milky white blind one.

"I've got power, great powers, a craft, a work of art really..." And here she leaned forward, to tell him, "I've come in contact with a God. He took pity on me, taught me the art of the storm." ANd she flashed the little goblin a bigger grin.
"And he also gave me a second chance. And I aim not to waste it. Rufus left me for dead... and let's say it was for reasons I suspect he's got more than one lover."

She paused as she thought it over, wondering if it was too early for her to reveal her little secret to him as she took another sip of the brandy.

Smed smiled with an unearthly kind of glee when Valeska gave a little taste of her storm powers. He chuckled deviously and clapped his little hands like some kind of demented toddler. "Oh, how delightful, Valeska!" He said, excited by this new development. "I knew you were special from the get-go. Thing is, I've got a bit of a secret myself..." He said, rubbing his small hands together.

Smed...

Smed sat there, smiling, as his beady red eyes took on an unholy glow as a pair of little horns sprouted from his head, and his claws lengthened into veritable scythes. He persisted like this for a few moments, before he suddenly and jarringly returned to normal.

"You see, when I was a lad, I lived in Thanatos. I'm a Jin'Ta boy, and my father was an ore merchant. One day, we were opening a new mine, when the town guard rolled in and crashed the party, slaughtering my family. I escaped into the mines, and was lost for almost a week before I met my...uh...friend..." He paused, and twitched again.

"We're cut from the same cloth, Valeska. Except a God gave you your second chance. A demon gave me mine."

"So we're like light and darkness fighting for the same cause..." she seemed to purr at the idea. "How very intriguing, don't you agree?"

"Well, I wouldn't call any of us particularly 'light'-ish, but it's a nice little thought," Smed muttered as he leaned back, resting his head against the carriage's wall. He remained quiet, looking out of the carriage's window with a bored expression on his face.

"That's so true. I suppose vengeance does add a nice taint to one's skin," she purred. "But about your... little friend. What sort of.... things does he offer?" she asked, her eyes looking over his body.

"My friend here," Smed started, tapping the amulet around his neck. "Won't let me die. No matter what happens, he pulls me through it. I've had my head chopped off once. Not really looking forward to repeating that experience."

Valeska put a hand to her throat.
"No, I wouldn't think that would be at all fun. I heard swords don't cut so well at the bone. A few strikes before the head is actually severed. Though perhaps goblin bones are... softer, than a humans?" she asked, smirking.

"No, It wasn't a sword, it was an axe," Smed growled, remembering the event with anger. He lifted a little clawed hand up to his red scarf and pulled it down, showing Valeska the rough, horrifying scar that ran all around his neck.

"Serrated, elven steel."

Valeksa just eyed the scar with a smirk.
"So you're saying it cut your head off cleanly?"

"One swing. One swing that stopped halfway through my neck, and unfortunately, I lived just long enough to feel the bastard swinging it saw through the rest of my neck."

He pulled his scarf back up, swishing his glass of brandy before finishing it off.

With a viciously delicious smile, she took a finger and traced it down the scar across her eye.
"It's funny how we remember pain... " she said, stroking the scar again. "But.." And she wrinkled her nose in a dark smile. "At least you got your head back."

"At least."

Perhaps their sense of time had been addled by the drinks they were consuming, but as Smed took another glance out the window, he was pleased to see that the vegetation was starting to get sparser and sparser. "We must be getting close."

Valeska readjusted the way she sat in her seat, getting a better look out the window- as well as a cautious look around.
"You'll want to be more careful here. As we get near to the Mountain Cat's lair, they won't hesitate to make their presence known. We'll keep to the trail just a bit longer, but come to the fork in the road- you'll want to bear left."

Left, of course, would mean they'd have to travel through the swamp, and quite possibly, at some point, they may have to ditch their carriage. But they couldn't go the dry road. Not only was it not safe, but it would anger the fickle leader of the cats, and Khanna Dey was no man to trifle with. He was like a man on menstruation, but thinking to that blonde haired man made her smile broaden.

Khanna Dey.... what a lovely, lovely little toy.

"You hear that?" Smed shouted, rapping on the carriage wall behind him. There was a moment of silence, before the goblin driving responded.

"Sure thing, Boss! Hang a left, keep me spotters peeled."

Satisfied, Smed returned his attention to Valeska, his little grin surfacing again. "You know, I've got meself an idea. It's a bit on the complicated side, and it needs Rufus and Einin alive to work. You one for torture, Valeska? I get the feeling you're the kind of gal who likes to watch folks bleed."

"Torture?" she laughed. "What sort of question is that?"

Smed smiled. "I like you, Valeska. I mention that?" He commented, before he started to explain.

"If we capture Einin and Rufus, we can make their deaths all slow like. Extra slow. We'd keep 'em in two separate cells, just out of arm's reach, an' every day, we'd come in, perform a little atrocity, and leave. Ah's got all kinds of ideas."

He cleared his throat, and continued.

"For instance, we cut of Rufus' pecker, stuff it, and fuck Einin raw with it, 'till it breaks or she bleeds. Or you can hold Einin down, an' I'll take bites outta her. Maybe even fuck her once, I dunno. What else...nail Rufus to a wall, let him down, and nail him again...dunk his legs in boiling water...We could have weeks of fun with 'em."

Valeska laughed.
"You have quite the imagination."

Smed cackled, rubbing his clawed hands together.

"What's a goblin like myself to do? I've usually got too many prisoners, and too much time on my hands. I've developed a real talent for making grown men cry like schoolgirls."

"Tch, school boy's cry just as well. But I like your style. It's.... different. Artistic.... clever."

"Thank you, I try my best," Smed said, bowing his head and smiling. "Usually, the only critics I got are my prisoners, and they're a hell of a tough crowd."

"Oh? You don't perform your fun before any of your men? Sounds awfully selfish of you, Smed."

"It's a lost art for most of 'em. Just wanna eat the prisoners, not toy with them first. There's a few who share my talent, though. When I got a particularly good piece of living meat, I invite 'em over to my tent and we have ourselves a hell of a time."

Valeska smirked.
"So you entertain your food, too? Is this before or after you kill them."

"Eh, sometimes before, sometimes after. Depends on my mood."

Valeska's grin was almost giddy. She could imagine it- a line up of dead humans (probably) set up like dolls around a tiny, goblin sized table. In which he'd be offering them the most delicious of meals, probably containing parts of those humans already dead, and getting drunk and lewd.

Her eyes rolled over the little green man's form.
"I must say, I used to never be a fan of goblins. Perhaps it's that sort of a reputation, you know, the liking to eat human's bit. Who would have thought our kinds could be so... similar?"

Though she'd never consider eating a human, she could definitely get into this art form of torture.

"But tell me... I'm sure you've got, well, other forms of entertainment. I'm sure goblins have loads of things they do for fun."

"That we do!" Smed cackled, as if he was waiting her to say something along those lines.

"Unfortunately, not much fun we can have in a cave, but we make do. Sometimes, we hold games with our healthier prisoners. Camp favorites include "Who Can Run The Farthest With A Slashed Ankle", "Outrun The Riding Spider", and many more. Apart from that, it's just gambling and conversation."

He fell silent for a few moments, before he spoke up again.

"I like the one with the spiders. Makes the most mess."

The spider piqued her interest as well.
"Oh? That's something I wouldn't mind watching."

"Oh, it's quite the event. You remember that big spider, the one I told you flipped a carriage once? He's the star of that show. We clear up the center of the camp, put up hodgepodge bleachers, the works."

Wistfully, he chuckled. "I reckon that's why he's so big."

"I guess he eats well?"

Smed cackled a bit more.

"Very well."

Valeska's smile twisted like the coils of a snake, but before she could comment, her smile dropped.
"Stop the carriage."

Smed looked at her for a few seconds, before he banged on the carriage wall behind him three times. The carriage came to a dragging halt on the road, and Smed glanced around.

"Mountain Cats find us?"

Valeska grit her teeth.
"Yeah. I didn't think we were close enough to their turf yet, but I can smell that Cat from a mile away. His name is Bear Skull, given to him by- you guessed it, the bear skull he wears. He's tall, pretty much a giant in human standards, and muscle, all muscle. Though he's all bite and no bark- the man can hardly talk. But that's what makes him dangerous that he's found us," she said, her lips going from an amused smirk to a scowl.

"I'd.. be on your guard. Not only is he strong physically but... Well... Out here, his magic is pretty tough shit."

"Well, I wouldn't worry. We ain't pickin' for a fight, after all. A flash of your pretty face, and he'll let us on by, won't he?"

Smed didn't really sound concerned about the situation at all.

Valeska gave a dark smile.
"It's not my pretty face we'd have to worry about. He might be too stubborn to allow me to let you pass." Though she knew this was a complication, it was one reason she hadn't offered him to tag along at first, but well...
She figured they'd deal with it when the time came.

And sure enough, now was the time.

"Perhaps you ought to stay back in the carriage while I handle this one."

"Hmph."

Just like a snubbed toddler, Smed crossed his arms and slouched into his seat. Idly, he poured himself the last of the brandy.

"Fine, I'll stay in here..."

It took a lot more talking than Valeska would have liked- and Bear Skull really tried her patience. But she knew better than to completely piss off Khanna Dey, leader of the Mountain Cats. So when Bear Skull moved off to signal someone to arrange a talk with Khanna, Valeska sourly returned to the carriage.

"Give me some brandy. This might be a long wait."

Smed looked into the liquor cabinet, and pulled out another bottle. He just held it out to her.

"How long, Valeska?"

"Longer than I'd fucking like,"s he admitted. "But that's politics for ya,"s he said, forcing a smile. "Be it here or the Soot Wolves." She sighed and knocked back a few good gulps on the drink. "You'd think these gangs would learn you can get things done faster if the red tape were cut.. or not even there at all."

"It's why the Anklehacker gang's been so damn successful. Sure, I play politics with the goblin tribes, but I get shit done. Did I hold you outside to make you wait for me? No, I let you in, had the guards take you straight to my damn tent. Shit Valeska, I slash the throats of teenage girls, and I still have better hospitality than The Soot Wolves or these other clowns."

Smed shook his head.

"It's all gonna change when Arca burns. I've got big plans, Valeska. And if everything works out, You, me, and the mountain cats could be sitting on top of a budding new empire. Built by criminals, for criminals."

Valeska's eyes sparkled at such an idea.
"And what would you do?" she asked, lifting the brandy bottle to her lips for another burning drink. "Having that entire city all to yourself? You seemed so cozy back there beneath the dirt."

"Nah, Valeska. Goblin like me? I've got ambition. Gonna build an empire, Valeska. And maybe, just maybe, I'll have the leader of the mountain cats as my right-hand."

He looked at Valeska knowingly. He could see the ambition in her eyes, too.

Ambition yes, but his ideas of 'employing' Khanna Dey... she had a feeling would not sit well with the Mountain Cat's leader.

"We might want to.. figure out how to phrase this to him." she went on thoughtfully, a finger smoothing around the top of the bottle. "Alliances are one thing, but I think Khanna might feel that's... a demotion." And stretching out leisurely upon the bench, and in no ways that was lady like, Valeska took another sip of the brandy and eyed the little green man.

"Like myself.. I don't like to particularly cement myself into any sort of title.. or position.." She let a hand smooth down her leg as she sighed and stared at the now half empty bottle of brandy.
Her milky white eye and scar was now facing him.

"Last time I tried my hand at a title was one time too many for me."
And she took another swig and looked over at Smed.

"So even if we are to... conquer Arca, as you put it... then what? Such ambitions surely do not end there."

"After Arca? The rest of Serendipity's gettin' put to the torch."

Smed watched her intently, fingers clasped together.

"And if Khanna don't want to play ball, I'll decorate my palace with his entrails. He should be honored. But, let's keep this on the down low from him. Don't mention it just yet."

"I think Khanna would be more up for an alliance than just some right hand bird, if you get my drift. But I ain't him so I guess I can't fully speak- but I know these orderly types." She gave a roll of her eyes and layed back further onto the bench, completely taking it over now. "Such a bore.. too many rules."

"Yes. Too much honor among thieves going around these days," Smed said.

"Next time I hold some kind of public prisoner game at my camp, I'll send a messenger your way. You look like you could use the excitement."

Valeska laughed. Boy was she good and drunk. She hadn't planned on it, but this whole meeting soured her mood. "Excitement?" she laughed again and put the brandy bottle between her legs. "Normally I prefer the excitement of a different kind."

"Really?"

Smed took a hearty swig from the bottle he had sitting next to him, eyes still locked on Valeska.

"Enlighten me."

"You know, sex, drugs, the thrill of nearly killing or dying-" she wrinkled her nose gleefully. "Those sorts of things."

"Yeah, I'm pleased to say we have those hobbies in common."

He licked his lips out of boredom.

"Although, most of the pussy I get nowaday's gotta be restrained. Call me odd, but goblin women just don't do it for me. I guess it can be said that I like 'em big."

At that, Valeska couldn't help but laugh.
"If you're not fucking goblins, what do you fuck?"

"Human women, of course! Prisoners, slaves, whores, all kinds!. Say what you will about humans, but you'll never fuck the same one twice!"

He was quiet after that, focused on downing more brandy.

Valeska was so drunk and amused by this.
"And you can really please a woman? I mean... how does that even work?"

"That one's not on me, actually."

He tapped his head.

"Demon in here? He thrives on sin. So he gave me a big dick. Of course, If I was foolin' with a goblin woman, she'd be cryin' my name to the stars. On human women, it gets the job done pretty well. The women who've fucked me willingly have all stayed satisfied."

Valeska sobered a little at the idea and turned to him curiously.
"What- so its the demon who's fucking?"

Smed shook his head.

"No. It's me fucking. the demon just gave me the tools to fuck better, since it thrives off of sin."

At that, Valeska laughed- and laughed and laughed.
"Ahh, I'm so drunk, don't mind me!" she went on, giddily. "But we've got too much time to burn and little to do."
And with a smirk, she glanced over at Smed. "Unless you want to rut?" But it was hard to tell if she was even serious as she snorted a laugh again.

"Hey, I'm always open for a little ruttin'. Believe me, I'll help you pass the time just dandy."

He took another swig of his brandy, and started capping the bottle.

Valeska only flashed him the most politest of grins.
"I dunno... not sure I'd get aroused over.." and her eyes took him in. "A goblin."
Though to be fair, she had fucked some pretty ugly men.

"What's wrong with being a goblin? Goblins rut like rabbits, you know. Average goblin can hit his climax three times before tuckerin' out."

He smiled, crossing his arms.

"And I'm well beyond your average goblin."

Valeska smirked.
"It's not that. I'd have to find... something about you, you know... attractive. That would make me want to scream and demand for a fuck. Somehow.. not sure I'm seeing it. Though perhaps I just like my men tall, dark and handsome?"

Smed thought for a moment.

"Well, I'm dark and I'm handsome. You like scars?" He asked, before he threw off his shirt and light armor in a single, brisk motion.

His upper body, apart from being exquisitely muscled (his attire really did him no justice), was latticed with scars, from all kinds of weapons.

"'Cause I got some pretty nice scars."

Valeska wrinkled her nose.
"Yes, but you seem like...a  well muscled child.. Well, perhaps not a child, even though you're like the size of one."

ANd she eyed his body. "Though those muscles are pretty impressive." And she reached a hand out- "May I?" interested to feel if they could be as hard as a man's.

"Of course you can."

Smed got closer to her, and presented himself for her to touch. She'd find that since he was much smaller than a human, but also capable of leaping clear at a human's head or other physical feats, his muscles were actually pretty hard and dense, probably denser than some human athletes!

"Interesting.." she seemed to purr as she touched the muscle. "Feels almost like a rock. I'm impressed." But then she gestured to his pants. "Alright, the least you can do is show me your cock. Maybe if I see what you have... I might be persuaded to find it as a means to pass the time."
She was drunk. What the hell. Though he never thought she'd ever sink to the low of fucking a goblin.

Smed grinned, and dropped his pants. He wasn't bluffing when he aid he was pretty big for something his size. It definitely was big enough, even just looking at it soft, to satisfy her if she so desired it.

Valeska simply stared.
"Well... despite the warning that was unexpected." And she rolled over so she was on her back and parted her legs.
"Alright... pleasure me, my goblin!" she said with a grin-a nd again, it was hard to tell if she was joking.. or perhaps coaxing him on. Though hey, the alcohol did wonders and even if she was joking, her body was slick and ready to go.

Smed just smirked like a bastard. "I had a feeling you'd come around."

He didn't pussyfoot around the subject, either. He just approached her and went straight in, knowing they probably didn't have too much time. He started fucking her, sighing with relief.

"Oh yeah, that's the stuff. Anyways, are you one of those girls who likes a little pain with their pleasure?" He asked.

Not fully expecting to be fucked, Valeska let out a scream of pure pleasure.
"By Kia's name- GODS!" she cried out, her sex slamming around him as he wasted no time in getting to the fuck. And gods did it hurt at first, his girth filling her up that, as her hips began to rock, she almost forgot just what she was fucking.

And after a moment of really getting into the rhythm did she realize what he asked.
"You're a goblin,"s he growled in pleasure. "Show me how a goblin likes to fuck."
And though she wrinkled her nose at the idea as her toes curled and her sex tightened,
"Just..." she panted. "Be careful with your seed. I.." she panted some more. "I didn't expect to be fucking anyone so I'm not exactly.. protected from it." If he got her drift. She wasn't sure IF she could get seeded with a goblin's child- but being drunk, she was still not dumb enough to take any chances. Then again, she wasn't sure if goblin mating was any different than humans. It sure felt pretty unworldly, and he was able to move with such speed-

Like a rabbit..
She smirked at the thought.
He hadn't lied about that and to help seal the vision, she got on her hands and knees so he could fuck her like a dog.

"What are you on about?" Smed asked as she turned herself over. He paused as she did so, but quickly resumed pace afterwards.

"Goblins and humans can't have kids. But, if you want to be on the safe side, you can always guzzle down my seed when I finish. I don't mind," he said, and as he got back into the rhythm of things, he snapped his teeth at her, and gripped her ass tight with his clawed hands. He'd definitely leave marks, but she'd gone ahead and given him the green light for the rough treatment, so he didn't really care if he hurt her or not.

The marks hardly concerned her, but at the revelation, she laughed.
"Then fire away when ready!"
Yeah, she was so drunk- so drunk she was now fucking a goblin..
and actually enjoying it- and more so than most of the sex she had been getting lately.

"G-gods!" she panted. "You can fuck so fast!"

"Speed's the goblin trademark, Valeska!"

Reaching to her back, he pushed her upper body downwards, pointing her ass up higher so he could thrust upwards and deeper.

Valeska growled but let him position her.
"Gods! Gods!" she panted. "I can't believe I'm doing this!" And she laughed, throwing her head back. "And I love it! Just keep it up!" she purred and tightened the walls of her sex so he could get as much pleasure out of it as she was.

Smed gave her a few spanks, cackling to show that he was enjoying this immensely.

"Hmm, what to do with this..." he muttered, and started rimming her asshole with the tip of a claw. It wasn't long before he pushed the claw in, smiling.

Valeska gave a gasp at the sudden intrusion of his claw, but found herself uncontrollably puckering at the sensation. SHe shivered and continued to buck, finding her body at his mercy and just needing to fuck.

"Holy shit, Valeska. So much for not being to keen on fucking a goblin, eh?" He teased, before he used a second finger in her ass. Using his claws on his other hand, he actually scratched her in his excitement, leaving quite the visible claw mark on her right asscheek.

Valeska laughed and moaned.
"Yes, well- we'll blame it on the brandy!"

"Believe me, you'll have no regrets about this!" Smed cackled.

He introduced a third finger into her anus, and grew quiet.

"You take it in the ass often, Valeska?"

"Only every time I'm good and drunk!"s he told him through a laugh and moan, and leaned in to his introduction of a third.

"Oh, well in that case--"

He abruptly pulled out of her sex, and began rimming her asshole with his cock. After a few moments of teasing her, he began pushing himself in, reveling in the tightness of her hole.

Valeska winced, but it was a wince of pleasure. After all, where was the fun in any of this if there wasn't a little pain? Pain made you remember your mortality, that you're alive, and Valeska arched into his entry with a moan. Thankfully his dick was slick enough from her juices that he was lubed enough for this, and she braced herself for more.

"I can treat you much better than that cockless Red Wolf ever did, Valeska," Smed growled, gripping onto her tightly and pulling her against him. After he was all the way in, he resumed the brutal pace from before.

"You can be a queen!"

It was quite obviously the sex talking, but there was a little nugget of sincerity to Smed's words.

She hadn't been fucked this wildly in ages, and Gods did it feel good! The alcohol was helping, sure- but part of the idea she was fucking some strange creature, a goblin no doubt, just made her all the more excited. It was her first time, after all, with something non-human. She might as well enjoy it to it's fullest.

And his comment simply sent her over the top as a hand moved down between her legs as she began to massage her clit while inserting two fingers into her soaking wet sex.

Smed was in heaven! It wasn't often that had sex with non-goblins, and even rarer to find a non-goblin that would fuck him willingly, like Valeska!

His speed hit a peak, and he came quite fortuitously. Although, the thing was that as he came and filled up Valeska's ass, he didn't slow down one bit. In fact, his speed didn't change at all!

He pounded her until he finished ejaculating, and then immediately pulled out and enterd her sex with his seed-slick cock.

His seed was everywhere. And its hotness gushed from her ass and rivered down her ass and thighs. But to feel him make entry into her sex, still coated in his own warmth had her crying out as she continued to finger fuck herself while the goblin bucked into her like a rabbit.

Smed was relentless and vicious in his assault, snapping his teeth periodically as the act threatened to overwhelm his senses.

He pushed Valeska's ass down, laying her on her belly so he could jab deeper into her at a sharp new angle. One of the scratches he'd made on her asscheeks was actually deep enough to draw blood, and he took the opportunity to lick that up.

The little goblin was kinky, and she shivered as he lapped at her blood. It was strange, she knew the scratches stung but were so easy to ignore. After all, his speed was incredible and her fingers worked to match it, fingering herself and him in the process as her eyes rolled back in a moan while the pooling of fire between her legs grew more and more intense.

Smed smacked his lips, licking some errant drops of blood off the corner of his mouth.

"Mmm, your blood's real good. Why, I could take a big old bite outta ya right now!" Smed cackled, passing his tongue between his dagger-like fangs.

Valeska only gave a short laugh before a moan took over.
"What? You a vampire now?"

"No, I just eat people, remember?"

With that, he gave her another stiff spank, before continuing to lick up her blood. He get more aggressive, and as he licked her, the tips of his fangs brushed against the soft flesh of her ass, threatening to pierce it, but never going that far.

He tapped the side of her leg, pushing her lightly.

"On your back!"

"Ha! I almost forgot!" She seemed to purr. And she wasted no time in obliging, reclining as much as was allowed in the carriage.

When Valeska made herself more accessible, Smed wasted no time in lifting her legs up high and going deeper. His beady eyes met Valeska's, and he grinned, but didn't say anything.

Valeska's eyes rolled back so far she swore she was seeing her brains.
"Gods... S..Smed!" And when her eyes finally opened, they were half lidded as she panted and just looked at him, cheeks flushed.

"That's right, scream my name!"

Reaching forwards, Smed began to manhandle her breasts, using his claws to great effect in order to provide some pleasurable pain.

Valeska let out screams of pleasure to feel his small, frantic dick make claims to her while his claws scratches and drew light rivers of blood from her chest. And though it was all insane, she reveled in it as she continued to scream and scream.

Smed drew his hands back, smearing her blood on his face as he smelled and heard her revelry with eagerness. Screams were always the sweetest of music, to Smed. There was so much emotion in a good, genuine scream.

"It's all quite maddening, isn't it?! Look at you, you're out of your mind!" Smed yelled, leaning forwards to nip at her leg.

He came yet again, blasting her insides with the first spurt before pulling out and emptying the rest across her body.

He paused only for a second, before he snapped his teeth viciously, and went right back in, his efforts redoubled.

Valeska moaned and writhed at such attentions, baring her teeth as both blood and his semen coated her. But she was hardly in the clear, and when he rammed into her again, her moans only increased, and the heated, velvet walls of her sex clenched tightly around his member as it furiously worked within her, pushing his load in deeper and even dragging some of it out as it dribbled down her legs and joined the rest of the mess that was now pooling on the floor.

"They say.." she went on, between pants. "Sometimes a little madness is all we need." But her sentence came short as it was over taken by a moan. Somehow, despite his size, he was hitting just the right spots in her to building an intense heat within her. It also didn't hurt over the fact she was severely turned on by the fact she was literally covered with his seed, and even filled up with it.


Ah madness.. yes.
And also, true drunken bliss.

"That!" Smed started.

"Is my favorite saying. I think the world'd be so much better if everyone just learned how to kick back and go a little insane. Just like what we're doing now..."

Smed scooped up a handful of the semen and blood mixture on the ground, and pulled out temporarily so he could slick himself up with it even more before pushing right back into her.

"It makes you wonder why everyone's so bent on being sane!"

Valeska tossed her head back in a laugh.
"Because they're all idiots!" she proclaimed, simply basking in the sensations of his cock fucking her with his wild like a rabbit speed. But it was at that very comment another voice cut in from outside the carriage.

"Yes... all idiots."

And it was only then did Valeska's eyes sober, if even only momentarily to realize...
That voice was none other than Khanna's..
Leader of the Mountain Cats. And even knowing that.. all Valeska could do was moan and laugh.

Smed froze up, a natural goblin reaction to hearing an unexpected voice, but he quickly joined Valeska in her laughter. He leaned forward to plant a toothy kiss on Valeska's abdomen, and...he continued to fuck her, if only a bit slower. His ears were perked up, though, and a wide toothy grin was plastered all over his face.

His eyes flit back down to Valeska, and he grinned mischievously.

"Give us a few minutes to tidy up, won't ya?" Smed asked, ears perked and waiting for Khanna's answer.

The fact they had somewhat of an audience only aided in how wonderful it felt to be fucked, and when Smed's actions grew slower, it was hard for Valeska to keep back a moan.

Khanna simply glared at the carriage. Did they honestly think that he'd give them the time of day when he'd found the pair like this? Khanna was not interested in meeting Valeska's fuck buddies, and the fact this one was a goblin.... only made the man more soured at the proposition.

Smed continued to listen, but when no answer came, he began to look a bit more serious. He leaned forwards so he could whisper to Valeska.

"You think he's mad? As much as I want to keep fucking you, this alliance is kind of important."

Valeska purred out a laugh.
"Of course he's pissed. It's not like he gives just everyone the time of day..." Valeska went on, puckering her sex against his, hoping it'd get him to focus back on their little fuck. The idea of being caught made her even more horny, and damn it, she'd be pissed if the goblin stopped now!

"Alright, alright. But I'm counting on you to patch things up with him when we're done."

Smed adjusted himself a bit, and just like that, he went back to fucking her.

At such a request, Valeska only laughed, reveling int he sensation of their maddening session. Sure, she was used to fucking men- but hell, being this drunk made her realize what she was missing out on. Too bad she might be missing something else as the leader of the Mountain Cats grew more and more impatient as he studied the rocking carriage and hearing the sounds of rutting inside.

In Smed's defense, if Khanna wanted them to stop, he would've said so. Besides, the mountain cats weren't that important, at least not compared to the situation at hand. Smed reached up Valeska's abdomen, squeezing and scratching her tits as he leaned down and passed his rough tongue over her navel.

After getting back into his stride, he was back to his lightning-quick rabbit humping within seconds. He reached to the side, snatching up the bottle of brandy. He took a hearty swig from it, before holding it out to Valeska.

And when he offered her the drink, Valeska tossed her head back in a laugh.
"Is this a sign you want to fuck into the night? We do have a business proposition to get to... eventually,"s he purred.

"I know, I know. A bit more brandy never hurt anyone, though," Smed said. He winced a bit, before his smile returned. He spread her legs a bit wider, so he could get more of himself into her.

"Course, if we didn't have a proposition to get to, I could go well past the night. That demon inside me lets me fuck forever."

At such an idea, she purred.
"I can drink to that," she went on, and reached for the bottle.

Elaros laughed.

"Then drink. Lose your mind a bit more, why don't ya!"

And that's when the door was kicked open, and the infamous Khanna Dey stood just outside of the now broken carriage door with flames of anger in his eyes.

"You have five seconds to stop fucking around or any talks among us will be severed. Permanently."

Smed quite literally jumped up out of his boots, a natural goblin reaction to being surprised. It was an armored carriage. The doors were pretty much designed to not be kicked open. He clung to the ceiling of the carriage, looking just about ready to pounce, before his saw it was Khanna.

He smiled, and dropped back down.

"Gods above, I didn't know you was still out there. What with the silence and all that. Alright, alright. We'll get going."

He looked back to Valeska, giving her a "The nerve of some people" look. It was clear that although he was friendly on the outside, he was a bit miffed to be interrupted. It's not like he knew Khanna was going to meet them in the middle of nowhere anyways, and that large fellow who went to fetch him didn't exactly give any hints either.

Smed pulled up his trousers, and glanced over to Valeska again.

"There's a few buckets of water hidden under the floorboards. Clean yourself off, wont you?" He said, before he looked back to Khanna, and then to the damaged door. Damn it, that was an expensive door.

Khanna still said nothing, keeping arms crossed against his chest as he glared.

But even in the heavy silence, Valeska found herself grinning from ear to ear as she went to clean herself off, but not until after she took a long swig from the bottle. Setting that aside, she dressed with some leisure before turning to Khanna and giving him an even bigger grin.

"I hope you're not too upset. After all, you know you're always invited to join me in any occasion of fun," Valeska purred, daring to get close enough to Khanna to purr in his ear. But the man simply glared over at her, then to Smed.

"It was brought to my attention you had a proposition. Being as it was clarified it had something to deal with the Soot Wolves, and some sort of an alliance... I thought it was worth my time." And as he spoke, his eyes studied the goblin for all he was worth. He was a little creature, an ugly one, that was for sure, but those were normally the most dangerous types. Sure, it looked like Khanna or even Valeska could easily kick his ass, but there was definitely something else about him.

"So talk. You have my ears for now. But just know this- this hardly guarantees any trust or alliance. I don't take these sorts of things lightly, and I'm not sure how I personally feel about pairing up with goblins."

Smed pretended not to take offense to Khanna's comment, although he'd torn out throats for less. He slipped his top (and by extension, his armor) back on, and patted himself down to make sure it fight right.

"Well, not knowing how you feel is a good start. Too many folks think badly of us goblins. Think all we want out of life is to gnaw on chicken bones, or eat babies," Smed said, chuckling a bit afterwards.

"But we're not here for geopolitics or the general outlook towards my species. Surely, you must know of The Anklehacker Gang. My gang, more specifically. We're local, just like the Cats or the Wolves..."

He stepped from the seat onto the table in the center of the carriage, allowing him to look Khanna in the eye.

"The Anklehacker Gang's been building power. I've got big plans, and I want to offer the Mountain Cats a place in a...confederacy...of sorts. The biggest thorn in my side is Rufus, with his stupid fucking Soot Wolves. So I'm gonna be blunt with you, Khanna."

Smed took a seat, allowing his legs to dangle off the side of the table.

"I do want an alliance, and me and my humble gang stand ready to do what it takes to earn your trust."

Khanna let the thoughts, the words digest in a poignant stare. Yes, he had heard alot about his gang, but to be frank, he rarely ever saw them in action, as if they were some sort of ghost tribe in the night. However, it was a force one could not ignore. And the gossip against them...
Yes, yes he had heard of their appetite, if one could call it that. But to align oneself with them against the wolves?

He too, felt a growing annoyance towards the leader of the Soot Wolves, if only because he and his pack were ruining all the hard work and advancement he had so diligent worked to achieve and maintain ever since he had taken the head of the Mountain Cats, and he'd be damned if anyone would take it from him. But in the same breath, Khanna held a mild respect for Rufus of the Soot Wolves.

Sure, they were rivals, but even Khanna knew their similarities, and differences. Though he had allowed Valeska to take the Soot Wolves head on, he had been promised there would be big changes, that the tables would turn in the Cat's favor.

So far, Valeska had failed to deliver. Khanna had to wonder what this new proposition was to prove. That Valeska was useless by herself? Khanna turned to the woman and studied her. It was true, he had a thing for Valeska, that her maddening beauty had... aroused something inside himself he could not describe, but it was far from him actually being her lover. After all, the two had never shared a bed, or anything more than a heated session of kissing and heavy petting. Then again...

That was all Khanna could really offer to others. Any other's who had gotten close well...
All of Khanna's lovers were dead, and Valeska was just a toy on the side. So he again, had to wonder why she was testing his patience, and putting his own reputation on the line for such a thing.

But even still, the idea intrigued him or he would not be here. But to think Valeska was fucking this... animal, well, it put a whole other perspective on the whole thing, and Khanna wasn't exactly sure he liked or admired it.

"You ask for an alliance, but where would the Cats stand against your gang? As far as I'm concerned, things are fine the why they are. Why shake up the balance when the woman who has brought you here has yet to deliver on the promises she has made already." And Khanna turned to give Valeska a sharp look, and Valeska only gave a cold smile in return.

"Fail to deliver? You wound me," Valeska went on, but still kept that cruel smile about her face as she wrinkled her nose and studied Khanna. "I would like to think I have done much for you... and for the cats," she seemed to purr, her eyes taking in Khanna's form and showing she liked everything she could see. So Khanna was a bit of a pretty boy. She kind of liked that, and the things Khanna did for her... having it be that only he was in control...
Well, Valeska sorta liked those sorts of arrangements. It was perhaps why she fell prey to Smed in his carriage...
And to Rufus so long ago.

But with Rufus she made a mistake, and she wasn't going to make that same mistake again.

"Well, she hasn't been targeting the right area, to be frank. Rufus has a weakness, he does. A chip in the armor. Besides, The Anklehacker Gang's not a single woman," Smed said confidently. He crossed his arms and cracked his little neck.

"Things are fine. Oh yes, quite fine indeed. But the problem is that I don't want things to be fine, Khanna. I want things to be amazing. Not just for me, but for criminals in general. I have very big plans, many strong, pre-existing connections, a list of connections that keeps getting bigger. Things are going to change in Serendipity, Khanna. And it'd be extremely beneficial for your gang to be there alongside mine when they do. Do note!"

Smed stood up on the table again.

"I'm not threatening you or anything. I have enough problems on my hands with the Wolves. If you want to stay in your hideout and be fine, then I won't bother you."

Khanna gave him another sharp look.
"What you propose is anarchy. Who do you think lines your pockets when you go on raids?"
Criminals? No..
Criminals would not exist if it weren't for others in powers, and if he was talking about a whole kingdom's corruption, well then..t he little green man was mad!

"I Haven't proposed anything yet. I don't appreciate it when others put words in my mouth," Smed said. His tone got dangerous there, and a perilou glint in his eye gave Khanna a look at the kind of calculated, insane evil hidden behind his small, almost non-threatening appearance.

If that look was meant to cut him down, Khanna stood his ground, that cool look hardly changing, but there was also a souredness added to it that the little monster would dare think to look at him in such a way.
"Proposals are as they seen. Are you not proposing to rule in anarchy? Anarchy being anything but what Serendipity is now."

"It ain't anarchy, and besides, I'm getting a bit too ahead of myself," Smed said.

"Whatever those plans are, they aren't due for a long time A long enough time that warrants you not worrying about it. What I've come looking for is an ally against the Soot Wolves. Someone who can join me in a mutual effort of coordination against their operations. Someone to... help me rip their fangs out, as it were. Not only that, but I feel there's much we can offer each other in the way of trade, as well."

Khanna cooled off at the prospect of trade, and also a mutual alliance against the Soot Wolves. The Soot Wolves had grown significantly over the past few years, so much it affected her territory- and most of the good spots he and his men used to flourish by. Now they were being pushed back into the back waters and swamp lands as their primary roads of operation, because getting near the city instantly elicited a fight between the Cats and Wolves.

"The wolves.. I'd be game for an alliance and strategy to be rid of them, or at least get them under a muzzle. And this trade you speak of.... Do go on."

Smed was glad to see he could get Khanna to lose some tension. Of course, his unwillingness to participate in Smed's plan was noted by the small goblin. He'd be less gratuitous when his plans would actually come into effect in the future.

The Cats would join, or burn like Arca.

"In terms of trade, there's much we can offer each other. Things you can get that goblins don't have access to, and things we can get that you humans can't get. In the grand scheme of it all, I'm offering resources and covert services. We goblins can also supply you with plenty of cruel little poisons and alchemical products unique to us."

Khanna nodded slowly, taking it all in.
"And the price?"
He was always a man to cut straight to the point. No alliance wasn't without speak of fees. It was the way the world worked, after all. Money was money, and money bred power.

"Oh, I think you'll find the price to be quite fair, actually. The Anklehacker confederacy has need for steam parts. Pistons, boilers, gears, all those naffs. If we're going to muzzle the wolves, we're going to need some serious equipment. Equipment I have the engineers to build, but not the parts."

He glanced to Valeska, and back to Khanna.

"Exclusive goblin services and goods in exchange for steam parts. That's my initial offer. Of course, if you want a few samples, I have some in this carriage. Although, if we're going to do business, I'd rather take it off the road. Have a camp nearby we can sit down properly at?"

Khanna frowned. Despite having a proposed alliance, he wasn't about to lead the goblin (and potentially his whole hoard) into his domain.

"We have an outpost. We can talk there." And he gestured for the pair to follow. "You'll have to come on foot. ANd bring the examples.. only if you wish." She had a rough idea just what he'd propose, and would need time to think this over, but it was sounding more convincing as it was explained. However, Khanna Dey knew he had to be careful-
Working with goblins and trolls could be tricky...
and he had heard more than his fair share of stories of deceit and the fall of foolish human empires who dare ally with them.

Smed nodded, and hopped down from the small table. He dusted off his hands, and looked to Valeska.

"Come on, then."

He hopped out of the carriage, and stepped behind it to open up the trunk. Coming back holding a small box under his arm, he motioned to the goblin driving the carriage.

"Bring it off the road. Camoflauge pattern six. Camp inside of it."

The goblin nodded, and started the lengthy process of bringing the carriage off the road. Smed looked back to Khanna.

"Lead the way."

The out post was surprisingly close. Though they had to walk far enough away from where Smed's men made their hide away, it was probably only a twenty minute to half an hour affair. And the look out tower looked unused for the most part, but once they approached, something moved at the top.

"Keep still if you don't want to get shot!" came the voice of a man at the top.

Khanna just glared up from the bottom of the latter that she was about to ascend to get to where the man was currently residing at the look out's peak.

"Still your arrow if you don't want my brother's wrath," Khanna growled.

The man did a double take and quickly put his notched arrow away.

"Sorry boss! Come on up!"

Khanna just gave one gesture with his head before moving to take the lead, and Valeska gave a sweeping gesture for Smed to follow. After all, he was their guest.

Once at the top, they'd see there wouldn't be a lot of room for the three of them- or rather, four, since the man on duty did take up a lot of space. He was about six feet tall, but was a lanky, handsome younger man. But Khanna didn't seem to think much of it as she took a set at one of the small barrels they used at the look out for chairs.

"Have a seat." She gestured to the other vacant barrel- Valeska would have to stand. "Then we'll talk." And she gave a look to the man on look out who went back to his job.