История Королевы Эльфов / The story of the Elf Queen: 24. Непростая задача для агента королевы эльфов

A difficult task for an agent of the Elf Queen.

Camrad_RIP 16.04.24 в 17:35

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Camrad_RIP 16.04.24 в 17:36

Ensure he hadn't forgotten anything, Luaval said a brief farewell to Darendil and his colleagues. The Secret Guard agents had provided him with a duffel bag full of new consumables, amulets, and special equipment, as well as the latest information on the upcoming operation. The original plan had been for some of them to head to Sakhib-Nere with him, but the discovery of Tiantrel had changed everything. Now, their main objective was to get her to the Forest as soon as possible. Activating a pair of amulets, the dark elf jumps over the side of the ship as a blurry shadow. "Hardened" at that moment was passing along the spacious underground hall where the Deep Sea flowed into a small bay. Landing directly on the water, and not falling through thanks to the shoe enchantment that worked, the dark elf rushed towards the shore, trying to leave the open space as soon as possible. And also the deceptively calm surface of the dark waters of the Deep Sea.

Camrad_RIP 16.04.24 в 20:11

When he reached the shore, Luaval took cover between several large rocks and stood still, listening intently. Silence. Or rather, the usual sounds of the Underdark that its mindless inhabitants make. Good. After waiting a few more minutes to be sure, the dark elf left his hiding place and rushed forward. It was much easier and faster without such a burden as seven groundlings. He crossed three rather large halls in less than an hour and a half. They were filled with all sorts of wildlife, including some really dangerous ones. But they were all animals or plants. There were no intelligent creatures that Luaval had ever seen. Though, there were a couple of sightings of hunting parties of dwarves. That wasn't too surprising, though. This part of the Underdark was part of the Neutral Territories, lying between the lands of the Undermountain and several mixed cities inhabited by dark elves and dwarves.

Camrad_RIP 16.04.24 в 20:13

Both sides at different times tried to take them under themselves, and naturally met with opposition from their opponents, which resulted in several wars of varying degrees of intensity and bloodshed. In the end, several agreements were made, which secured the status of Neutral and a kind of buffer zone for these places. In addition, attempts to develop them were complicated by their proximity to the Deep Sea, which was a constant source of threat. Some of the creatures of the deep sea might well have crawled onto land. Or even walk out.

Camrad_RIP 16.04.24 в 20:14

When he reached the fifth hall, Luaval stopped, looking around. Yes, it must be here. But where exactly? It was naive to think that the halls of the Underworld were static. They change over time. Some change slowly, and some change rather quickly. A subterranean river changes course because of a cave-in or a new crack, and that's it. Somewhere flooded everything, somewhere on the contrary drained, and familiar places are no longer recognizable. Unless, of course, you're an experienced Dungeon Hunter. In this particular hall, the situation hadn't changed much, except that the underground vegetation had grown even more dense than before. It took Luaval almost half an hour to find a way to the surface. The last time he'd been here it had been almost fifty years ago, but he remembered the exit well.

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 16:56

Finally, the desired section of the side wall of the hall, concealed from the rest of the space by several massive rocks, was found. The dark elf spent a few minutes examining it from the side. Footprints and a small path going seemingly past, he noticed immediately. Not too fresh tracks, but someone was walking here, and regularly at that, and trying to make sure that the branch off the path leading to the beginning of the exit was not trampled. Interesting. After taking a few more minutes to look around, ensure no one was around, and that the last time anyone had been here had been almost three weeks ago, Luaval moved forward cautiously. The breach that led up to the surface was not manmade but had been in use for quite some time. It was blocked by a massive door, covered by a solid illusion. Classic. Ten minutes and the alarm locks were broken. Behind the door was the immediate start of the upward climb, which was still almost pristine.

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 16:59

Except it had been cleared, steps had been cut through the rock, and in some places, niches for lamps had been made in the walls. Which, however, were absent right now. But there were several good signal strings stretched across the passage. And a couple of alarms on the floor, triggered by stepping on them. Without much difficulty, the dark elf reached the final part of the ascent. A small cave, the exit from which was blocked by another door under the illusion and a few signaling threads. It was even quicker to break through them and Luaval stepped carefully out, locking the door behind him again. He found himself at the foot of a hill, heavily covered with very thick and thorny shrubs planted here on purpose. It was not easy to find the entrance to the cave and the path leading to it if you didn't know where to look.

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 17:06

When he reached the top of the hill, Luaval looked around. It was clear. It was still night on the surface, with a fresh, salty wind blowing from the Middle Sea and the stars and moon shining brightly in the sky. Although, the sky above the mountain peaks visible in the east was already beginning to lighten. In any case, it was a clear day for an inhabitant of the Underworld, and the dark elf could easily recognize a rather large village nearby, surrounded by high fences. A narrow path led to it, winding through gentle hills, covered with sparse forest. So the locals were trading with someone from the Underworld.

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 17:07

Well, nothing surprising, the products from the surface, especially fresh ones, cost a lot of money underground and are considered delicacies. And not just food. Wood, fabrics, and materials for them are also very valuable. Just as the goods and resources of the Underground are worth many times more on the surface than in the cities of dark dwarves or elves. And the locals definitely conduct this trade secretly, bypassing all duties and taxes. Or, more likely, they do it under the patronage of the local sheikh, who is obliged to collect these taxes in favor of His Grace. He wonders who they're swapping with. With the dark dwarves, or with the inhabitants of the Undermountin? More likely the former. But that's none of his business.

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 17:08

Luaval adjusted his sack behind his back and headed westward. Where the hilltop overlooked the Iliyra and the huge vegetable garden that covered most of the delta. Despite the deep night, its streets were filled with lights, some of them bright. But that was all in the central part of the city. The outskirts of the capital city and the middle districts were in total darkness. By people's standards, of course. Which was a good thing. As he descended the hill, Luaval took a quick step toward the city. He had to get there before dawn.

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 18:21

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Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 15:52

Ashuir yawned and snapped her fingers. The faithful Tonga immediately held out a small glass of chilled fruit juice. Taking a few sips of her favorite drink, the sorceress yawned once more and returned the glass to her, rising from her chair to her feet. At that moment, a naked black woman of sturdy build standing in front of her on all fours demandingly rubbed her face against the sorceress's knees. Smiling contentedly, Ashuir stroked her curly black hair and praised her:

Camrad_RIP 19.04.24 в 09:56

"Good kitty."

Camrad_RIP 19.04.24 в 09:55

In response black-skinned inhabitant of the far south, covered with many scars, purred naturally, wagging her long panther-like tail a few times. After petting her some more, the sorceress began to test her commands. Gnbema, which was the name of the beastfolk, performed flawlessly. She rose to her feet, knelt, sat on the floor, lay down, bent over, opened her mouth, took on a fully animal form, partially animal form, and then human form again. Toward the end, she stood on her hands, froze for a moment like an arrow, then, on command, spread her legs in a horizontal twine. Ashuir walked her around in a circle, inspecting her meticulously, and was pleased with what she saw. Placing her palm on Gnbema's open lower lips, the sorceress ran a finger between them, pressing on her clit, and spoke:

Camrad_RIP 20.04.24 в 16:23

"Good kitty."

Camrad_RIP 20.04.24 в 16:23

In response, the black-skinned beastwoman pressed her lips together, shuddered, and mewled, but kept her balance despite her orgasm. Giggling contentedly, the sorceress slapped her palm on her firm and tight buttock. Well, job well done. Bringing Gnbema back to her normal position, Ashuir pinched her dark nipple and pulled her back with force, causing her to mewl contentedly and smile stupidly at her stern face. Nice kitty, but not her type at all. Too fierce and wild. And she looked more like an Orc, both in physique and beauty. Flat chest, no refined grace, just steel muscles, and beastly strength. But as they say, everyone has different tastes. Although... They say that cat beastmen have very nice tongues... Oh, well, there are prettier cats, if her friend thinks of getting one.

Camrad_RIP 20.04.24 в 18:37

Ashuir smiled again and nodded to Otong sitting at a small table in the corner of the room. He put aside his quill and hurried over to her with a small scroll written in neat handwriting. It contained a detailed description of the beast folk, as well as a list of commands. The transformation of this fierce feral cat into a sweet domestic pussycat began early in the morning and took almost half a day. The work was not too difficult, rather routine for a specialist of her level. But still, it was exhausting.

Camrad_RIP 20.04.24 в 18:38

There was no need to keep Gnbema's old personality and skills. Instead, it was to make her as meek and obedient as possible. Which Ashuir did very well. Ooh, that's it, that's the last one. In the past few days, she had processed four slave girls and three slaves, increasing their value by at least four times. She had paid off her debt to Khefur in full. Squeezing her nipple again and eliciting another satisfied meow from the beastwoman, who was a full head taller than the sorceress, Ashuir took the scroll from Otong, snapped her fingers, and headed for the exit. Her personal slaves and Gnbema followed her. A pair of white-eyed bodyguards silently opened the doors before the sorceress. Behind them, another pair was on duty. When the sorceress stepped out into the corridor, she nodded to the boy-servant standing nearby, and he immediately rushed deep into the house. A couple of minutes later, Khefur appeared, smiling broadly, in his unchanged snow-white robe with green foliage patterns. Behind him, a large retinue of people were milling about.

Camrad_RIP 19.04.24 в 10:11

"Charming Ashuir-Wali, did you really finish so quickly?"

Camrad_RIP 19.04.24 в 10:11

In response, the sorceress repeated the previously voiced commands with a slight smile. And the fierce beastwoman, who had taken more than a dozen lives during hunts both for food and for fun, obediently obeyed them. Khefur was delighted:

Camrad_RIP 19.04.24 в 10:12

"Once again I am amazed at your skill, charming Ashuir-Wali! Truly, you are my savior! I was afraid she would not be ready in time for the auction."

Camrad_RIP 19.04.24 в 10:18

"It's nothing, Khefur-Shan. But I must warn you in beast form her mind also becomes animal-like. Her thoughts become simpler and her instincts come to the forefront. The unnecessary ones I suppressed as much as possible, but they can't be completely eliminated without very serious effort. Therefore, I strongly advise the future owner not to put too much pressure on her, if she will be in the form of a beast. Otherwise, like any beast, she may bite back. I've covered all of this in great detail."

Camrad_RIP 19.04.24 в 10:35

"Of course, of course! Thank you again, charming Ashuir-Vali! You will attend the auction tomorrow, won't you?"

Camrad_RIP 19.04.24 в 10:36

"By all means, Khefur-Shan, how could I miss such an event? I'll see you at it tomorrow. I hope you've prepared a proper front-row seat for me."

Camrad_RIP 19.04.24 в 10:36

"Of course, everything will be top-notch, I assure you! And again, please accept my deepest gratitude and let me show you out."

Camrad_RIP 19.04.24 в 10:37

Khefur accompanied Ashuir to the exit of his mansion, which was his warehouse, trading house, and workshop at the same time. After saying goodbye to the merchant of living goods, the sorceress threw on a face-hiding garment, albeit made of translucent fabric, and went outside with her entourage. The sun was already past noon, the day was in full swing, and the Caliph's Bazaar was full of people. Of course, only the honorable and wealthy. The city guards, who stood at all the entrances and exits, did not let anyone else in. Hmm... Maybe we should take a little walk? Her grandmother had asked her to come early to help with the chores. But she was so tired of handling that cat... Well, the chores could wait, nothing urgent for now anyway. Then again, there are some things to buy here for that very business. Ashuir nodded to her bodyguards and headed toward the nearest shopping aisle.

Camrad_RIP 20.04.24 в 18:39

Unlike the other bazaars of Sakhib-Nere, here the vendors did not shout at the top of their voices in praise of the goods, calling customers to them and shouting over the neighbors, but politely inquired whether the honored lady wanted anything. And the quality of the goods offered here corresponded to the politeness of the sellers. The first row was mostly selling various fabrics and ready-made clothes, as well as offering the services of sewing masters. The enchantress walked it almost to the very end and stopped at a familiar wizard whose services she had used before. The latter showered her with compliments and immediately offered her several ready-made garments and a dozen fabrics. Ashuir was not interested in ready-made garments so she chose two pieces of bright red and sandy-colored fabric. Afterward, she discussed the details of the future outfits with the craftsman. She had to make up for what she had lost in Morgrave. The master and his assistant wrote down all her wishes and took measurements. After some more time with him and complaining about the lost outfits, Ashuir left him, having paid for the order in full.

Camrad_RIP 20.04.24 в 18:40

The next row sold alchemical goods and their ingredients. Ashuir was well known here, as was her grandmother. Some of the materials they needed for their craft were supplied by the Coven, but some were impossible to obtain in the Great Desert. And that was procured in the bazaars of Sakhib-Nere. When she entered the first shop, Ashuir greeted the owner politely. The smiling halfling, from a large clan that had settled on the shores of Illyira in the vicinity of the capital, and who had accepted the Lordship's allegiance, showered her with compliments. While his nephews and grandsons lined the walls, laden with vials of various ointments, oils, powders, and dried herbs. Ready to serve and present anything that would interest the honorable lady. Most of the goods presented were made by the halflings from what they had grown in their fields and greenhouses. They were very successful in this field, having earned special patronage from His Grace. They didn't sell any magic ingredients, but they had all kinds of bases for alchemical potions of excellent quality. They also had incense, which she liked to use in her work to enhance the effect.

Camrad_RIP 20.04.24 в 18:42

After buying her favorite scents and sampling a few new ones, as well as a set of vials with various oils and other consumables, Ashuir said goodbye to the pleased and extremely gracious owner and moved on. She next visited the largest and richest shop in the row, where they were selling full-fledged magical ingredients. Many of which could be very dangerous in the wrong hands. And in skillful ones even more so. Therefore, they were not sold to just anyone, even if they had money. A special permit was required to buy them. It could be obtained either in large guilds or through the Chancellery of the Illustrious. Of course, you had to specify who was buying what goods and why. It was a lot of work, but how else? Take, for example, the Scarlet Orchid, which grows deep in the impenetrable jungle in the south. Its flower can be used to make both a valuable medicine and a deadly poison, capable of poisoning dozens of people. If you know how to prepare it, of course.

Camrad_RIP 20.04.24 в 18:45

Ashuir, of course, had a permit, certified by the Chancellery of His Grace, with the right to buy any goods. She was well known here, too. The shopkeeper, an older man in an impeccable black and gold robe, personally came out to greet the important guest. A member of a noble family, albeit a side branch, he was a gifted man, though not of outstanding power. But he had received a very good education, even at the Neurat Academy. After a polite greeting, Ashuir bought a set of the most popular consumables she and her grandmother had in stock. She also bought some overseas goods from the other side of the Middle Sea. The sorceress had planned to buy some of them in Morgrave through Vinatir, but the bloody bastards from the Isles ruined everything! They were much more expensive in Sakhib-Nere.

Camrad_RIP 20.04.24 в 18:46

Ashuir bade him farewell and left the shop, moving on after purchasing what she needed and discussing with the proprietor the possibility of supplying him with some of the goods the coven's servants had procured in the Great Desert. In the next row, were jewelry vendors, including the masters of the Undermountain, who had their own representative in Sahib-Nere. The sorceress was also well known here. In the end, the little walk took more than three hours, and Ashuir left the Khalifa Bazaar when the sun began to sink. She didn't seem to have done much shopping though. Eventually, she returned home as the streets began to darken. Leaving the palanquin, she went inside the mansion accompanied by her slaves and bodyguards. She was already greeted by her disgruntled grandmother.

Camrad_RIP 20.04.24 в 18:47

"Ashuir, where have you been again? I was expecting you much earlier!"

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 16:14

Making a pitying face, the sorceress pointed at Tong and Otong, who were laden with purchases:

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 16:14

"Grandma, I just decided to take a stroll through the Khalif's Bazaar. I picked up a few little things. And I ordered a couple of new outfits to replace the ones that burned up in Morgrave. I bought some stuff for my aunts, too, that they asked for."

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 16:15

The latter softened the expression on the young-looking witch's face, and she waved her hand without reprimanding her granddaughter.

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 16:15

"Well, we'll take care of business tomorrow then."

Camrad_RIP 19.04.24 в 10:32

"Grandma, I told you there's a big auction tomorrow. I must attend it, there's bound to be someone interesting there."

Camrad_RIP 19.04.24 в 10:32

"Oh, I really forgot. The day after tomorrow, then. Just don't spend all your money on those toys that are only good for the bed. And be careful out there."

Camrad_RIP 19.04.24 в 10:33

"They're not just for bed! They'll be useful at home, too. Besides, once they're trained and processed, they can be sold for a profit. Or send them to aunts. And I'm always careful!"

Camrad_RIP 19.04.24 в 10:33

"Sure, sure. Hmmm... Okay, we'll figure out what to do with them later. Did you check the shopping?"

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 16:12

"Needless to say, the Sakaribs were inspecting them as well."

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 16:12

"All right, then. Then let's go to dinner."

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 16:11

Tonga and Otong and their silent bodyguards took the purchases to a separate room in the basement of the mansion where they kept the supplies for the magic craft, while Ashuir and her grandmother went to the dining room. Everything on the table was ready and just waiting for their hosts. After dinner, the sorceress went to the harem to bathe before going to bed. Once inside, she began to take off her clothes, which she handed to the dark-skinned slave girl. Dropping her shoes last, she dove into the pool. Ooh, that felt good! The cool water was invigorating and refreshing. The past few days had been so tiring. She had to handle one slave after another in preparation for the auction. All that boring routine that only took up time and energy without bringing any joy. On the other hand, it saved her a lot of money. She wanted to rest properly after returning, but she couldn't. One thing or another. Maybe she shouldn't go to the auction tomorrow. But there's bound to be someone interesting or useful to the coven. And Zitra has to be taken care of, and the newcomers have to be properly processed. So much to take care of. Well, she'll think about them tomorrow. For now, she can and should rest. Hmm.

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 16:00

Climbing out of the water, the sorceress tossed her wet hair behind her back and glanced around at the harem's occupants. The new slave girls were just getting ready for bed after their day's activities, sitting on benches along the wall. Some were rubbing themselves with skin care creams and oils. A couple gently brushed and dried their washed hair. They were not wearing any clothes except sandals and towels, which allowed to see their seductive figures. Next to them on a separate chair in an open robe sat Feyrouse, who had been Ashuir's assistant in training and educating the slaves. Especially the part about training in beauty care and pleasing their master. Or mistress. And not just in bed. She also taught etiquette, arithmetic, writing, manners, dancing and singing. A very useful and intelligent assistant, on the preparation of which was spent a lot of effort and time. Her grandmother Ashuir had bought her at a slave auction as a child for absolutely ridiculous money, where Feyrouse had been sold by her poor peasant parents. Since then, she had transformed from a skinny and huddled creature into a true southern belle. Long dark and wavy hair, a slender waist, large breasts that had been slightly enlarged by alchemy, and smooth white skin that she carefully protected from the rays of the hot sun. It was obvious that the woman knew how to take care of her beauty.

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 15:56

And right now Bibi was kneeling in front of her, between her wide-open legs, wearing only a loincloth, working his tongue diligently. With a predatory smile, Ashuir climbed out of the water and walked leisurely toward them, swaying her hips. At the sight of her mistress, the assistant dismissed the boy and got to her feet. But Aushir stopped her with a gesture and said with a mischievous smile:

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 16:11

"I see Bibi's training is progressing well. How are the results?"

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 12:37

With a satisfied smile, the assistant snapped her fingers, and the interrupted boy returned to his previous task. Feyrousa leaned back in her chair and said in a satisfied voice:

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 12:43

"Not bad, Mistress. Of course, he still has a lot to learn, especially manners and etiquette, but he is trying hard. He can read and write, and not bad at calculus either. In a month or two, he'll be good if he keeps working hard."

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 12:44

Giggling, Ashuir stroked the boy's head who wouldn't stop working his tongue.

Camrad_RIP 18.04.24 в 12:45