Temptation

Chapter 3
Chapter 3

“Temptation” Part 3

 

By Oni and Piper

 

They reach the nearby town soon after noontime.  It is more of a village, really.  A hundred people at the most.

 

"I need armor." Amara says.  "You need a dress." Reiko corrects.  "IF they have armor it won't fit you.  Neither will men's clothing.  Not properly.  In fact, we should stick close together and shop as one." She adds as they draw some odd looks from the village folk.

 

There is only one seamstress in town, though she has three full-grown daughters which help her they learn.

 

Some boys are playing in the street and Killi runs off to join them.  Jym calls for the little boy to return but Reiko tells the squire, "Let him be.  He doesn't need anything anyway."

 

"He doesn't have anything except a sling, and my tunic!" Jym notes, waving at the boy.  "What do you mean he doesn't need anything?"

 

"He's a little boy.  We'll get him some foot wraps for the road." Reiko replies to Jym.

 

Once in the shop the sorceress takes Amara by the shoulders and moves her forward proclaiming, "The girl needs a new outfit."  Reiko then unsheathes and takes Amara's sword from her before the skinny Paladin can recover.

 

The seamstress tsks disapprovingly at Amara's outfit, making her blush.  "What happened here?" the older woman asks.

 

"They are borrowed, from her."  Amara points at Reiko, trying to explain away the inappropriate and revealing clothing she is wearing.

 

"It was an emergency." Reiko explains.  "We know they don't .... suit her."  She pats Amara's chest as she speaks the last two words, causing the girl to blush deep red.

 

The seamstress claps her hands.  "No time to waste.  Come this way, Madam Gershaw will make things right."

 

Reiko gives Amara a gentle push.  "Amara, Jym's boots." she reminds.  "He needs them back."

 

"Good good, leave them," Madam Gershaw urges.  Amara steps out of the boots, looking all the younger for being bare foot and almost as if she is playing dress up.  She picks the boots up and hands them to Jym with a lighter blush.  "Thanks." she adds.

 

The seamstress has her daughters bring out what material they have, draping them over Amara's shoulders for Madam's inspection.  It's obvious the diminished Paladin is way out of her comfort zone, much to Reiko's delight.

 

To Jym, his Mistress looks like a goddess of nubile youth, with angels draping cloth over her form.

 

"Cute, isn't she?" Reiko asks the boy softly, reading his mind from the expression on his face.  She causes the boy to look swiftly away.

 

Reiko hands the squire Amara's sword.  "You should be holding this by the way, at least in town.  There is no way a normal girl would ever know how to use it.  Just doesn't look right.  I suppose you're my apprentice now.  I always did want one."  Jym frowns, a worried look taking over his features as some of the implications of their situation sink in.

 

In contrast, after her initial discomfort passes Amara actually smiles and laughs at the attention as they wait on her hand and foot, measuring her and having her try on sample boots.  The clothing is all very practical, better suited to her new form than Reiko’s, but also with its own simple elegance as the dress that forms looks perfect for a young maiden.

 

"See, she's happy." Reiko assures a glum looking Jym.  Still, it is a lot for Jym to take in.  His domineering mistress reduced to a shy-looking girl his age.  "Maybe you should shop a bit for Killi.  He seems attached to you.  Probably will love a gift." Reiko suggests.

 

Jym starts asking one of the women about clothing for boys, "Of about this high."

 

Reiko sits back and admires how smoothly the daughters work with their mother.  They have settled on a modest gray dress of stout wool which covers to her ankles and her elbows.  Reiko suggests they make the hem a bit higher, "For the road." she explains, but also in case the girl loses more age.  Madam however refuses to bring it higher than below Amara's knees.

 

Reiko switches tact, and quietly talks to one of the daughters about getting a little girl's dress as well.  "Something colorful." she specifies.

 

Killi doesn't exactly blend in with the village children.  His hair is wild and bushy, and he jumps and bounces in ways that almost awe them.  Jym notices the contrast when he goes to get the boy so he can be sized, taking him by the arm and dragging him into the shop despite his protests. 

 

Meanwhile, Reiko is looking at a little girl's yellow dress and nodding.  "Yes, and a blue one too, a couple of sizes smaller?" she asks.  Amara is too occupied with her fitting to notice just yet.  "And how long will these fit?  I mean, what age?  Ages to be exact?" she checks, not caring how awkward her questions are or the confused look the daughter wears as she explains the general sizing of young girl’s clothing to a Kirasani traveler who has none with her. 

 

Jym for his part pulls Killi over to the boy's outfits.  Killi makes a face at the tight, constricting-looking things boys wear.  "Don't complain.  You can't run around naked in the woods.  You'll get ... hurt." Jym explains.

 

"Do you have any ribbons and bows?" Reiko adds with a grin.  "And matching slippers?"

 

The prices are such that Jym finds he can only afford a simple tunic for Killi anyway.  Unfortunately his Mistresses’ coin was lost with her pack and he has precious little money on him.  Buying the little boy shoes will take up much of the squire’s available money he realizes. 

 

When Jym mentions this across the store to Reiko she replies, "Oh don’t worry, I’ll pay for everything.  And I said foot wraps.  Just."  Jym notices Reiko having her own purchases wrapped and bound and for the first time it occurs to him that the entire group will have to rely on the witch’s personal stash for all their supplies.

 

Still, Jym is sure to also buy Killi underclothes that can be adjusted for a different waist size.  The women use wet cloths to clean up Killi before dressing him up, each process causing him to squirm uselessly against their grip.  Reiko covers her mouth as she chuckles, amused by the image of the formerly buff barbarian now a skinny child so easily handled by a pair of seamstresses. 

 

When they are done, they wait for Amara to return from the back room.  Reiko actually whispers to Jym, "Do you think we'll need diapers?"  The squire looks horrified.

 

It takes some time before Amara emerges wearing her new, tailored dress.  She looks tired but happy.  She blushes as she watches Jym look her over.  Her dress has a frilly white apron around the waist to protect the dress from dirty hands.  The gray of the dress actually brings out her eyes beautifully, making them look even bluer.  "You, you look...." Jym breathes.

 

"Very nice." Reiko compliments.  "Looks comfortable too."

 

The girl’s hair is done up with a large blue bow in a pony tail as well.  The long hair is an indication of a young woman who is available for marriage.  Normally, Amara's hair is cut short, indicating her devotion to the church over marriage.

 

Reiko walks around the young blonde as if inspecting a servant, which in this situation is the only sensible conclusion anyone would assume.  "You do very nice work.  She looks.... presentable now." She tells Madam.

 

Amara however is far from amused and she gives Reiko a warning stare.  In truth Amara isn't that much shorter than normal.  Part of her height difference is not having her thick-soled boots to wear.

 

The witch simply gives her a wink.  "How much do we owe?"

 

The older woman laughs.  "The dress is free.  Your girl provided quite the entertainment with her story about being a Paladin under a curse."

 

Reiko laughs in turn then pats Amara on the head.  "Yes, she has much talent for fiction, though it is mostly used to get out of work.  I thank you." 

 

Jym holds his breath, unable to believe Reiko just called the Paladin a liar and lazy to boot.

 

"How Dare You?!" Amara demands loudly, her reverberating voice only slightly marred by the timber of youth.  It is a voice of righteousness, accustomed to calling miracles into being from reluctant deities.  Now however the tone seems somewhat … petulant, especially when combined with the girl’s clenched fists, youthful face and forceful foot stamp.

 

Reiko calmly turns then sighs.  "Jym, please take Amara outside.  I think she's getting excited again." She comments dismissively.  "She has had a very rough day.  We really should get her some rest." Reiko explains to the Madam, ignoring Amara as if she were a child throwing a tantrum.  In truth, it is the image the girl is creating given her perceived social position.

 

"Amara, please!" Jym begs softly, not demanding.  Amara glares at him her eyes flashing, then takes a breath and calms herself.  "We will have words," she promises Reiko in a tone which makes her blood shiver.  She then strides outside, followed by Jym.

 

"A rather willful servant." the seamstress tsks.  "Though with quite the spirit."

 

Reiko shrugs after a moment.  "She has her skills."  The witch notes Killi sitting nearby and sending a not so innocent gaze at the youngest daughter's backside.  She lifts the boy onto her hip to interrupt him and to see just how light he has gotten.  He feels like a sack of potatoes, too heavy to carry around for long.  "So, for my other purchases." she checks.

 

"She does not have the bearing of a servant," the Madam continues.  "In sooth, your story rings more falsely than hers."

 

Reiko raises an eyebrow.  "To some it might seem so.  And what would your village do with a cursed Paladin if one did enter its borders?"

 

"Send her to the priest, of course," the woman replies.  "If he does not denounce the story, we would be obliged to help in any way we can."

 

Reiko nods.  "That is interesting to know ... to complete the tale of course.  I for one think she should write them down."

 

Finished paying Reiko lets Killi back on his feet, patting his bottom to go outside.  Surprisingly, she felt a stiff lump between his legs.  She follows directly behind, hoping Amara doesn't take things too personally.

 

Amara's face however is dark and red, her eyes flashing with emotion as she speaks with Jym.  She turns her glare on Reiko as she joins them.  "Jym here seems to think that you are in charge now," Amara states unhappily.

 

The witch pauses, then strides forward, a bit surprised at the statement but secretly happy at it.  "Well, before you release your venom understand that I was just trying to help.  In my experience small village folk tend to react poorly to those cursed with magic; VERY poorly.  And as to Jym ... I was in charge for your rescue, and as we've seen with Killi there are emotional and mental additions to the curse." she points out.  She suppresses the thought screaming in her head that maybe she should be leader, and already is in practice.

 

"You cannot lead the party," Amara states bluntly.  "You lack compunction.  And it isn't as though you aren't affected, too."  She crosses her arms.

 

Killi snickers.  "Then I elect Jymmy!"

 

Reiko smirks in turn.  "I vote Jym as well."

 

Jym's blood runs cold.  "What?  For what?"

 

Amara, nose out of joint at their reaction to her statements, nevertheless turns to him.  "To lead us, Jym.  You are the only person who appears to be free of the curse.  What say you?"

 

Reiko blinks.  "Hey, wait a minute.  I said that just to piss you off.  In truth I have been leading since you recklessly ran out into the open and got yourself captured." she tells Amara truthfully.  "I may be affected, but I am still an adult."  She glances at Jym.  "If I do get younger than Jym, then I'll relinquish it.

 

"What of the fact that even now you say things, 'Just to piss me off'?" Amara mocks.  "That does not sound like capable leadership to me."

 

The witch shrugs.  "I just have my own style."  After a moment she crosses her arms and huffs.  "Fine.  I know Killi won't change his vote, and cursed as well I can't up and leave.  So, it’s back to Jym.  You want it kid you can have it.  Just promise to keep an open ear."

 

Killi grins up at Jym, showing that his front teeth have grown crooked.

 

Reiko looks at Amara.  "And you promise to do as he says, no matter what."

 

Killi moves to hug Reiko, and his hand slips to her butt cheeks afterward.

 

Amara nods.  "I agree.  Jym, remember your lessons, and you will be fine."

 

"Killi, hand off or you get a very public spanking." Reiko growls.

 

"Don't be like that!" the little boy protests.  "Just wanted to feel what belongs on a woman eight feet tall."

 

"I'm not eight feet tall, you're a little boy.  That's the problem." she soothes, caressing his cheek with a sigh.

 

"Pretend I'm not," he encourages.  "Pretend I'm just shrunk."  He grins, purposely looking up at her from between her breasts.

 

Reiko shakes her head.  "Talk to me later.  Besides, Jym has yet to say yes."  The boy’s behavior is turning Reiko on, but not for the reason he wants.  Instead she is feeling affectionately … motherly.  Sitting down on a wooden bench Reiko pulls the boy onto her lap and cuddles him.  "So, what is it Jym?"

 

Jym looks back and forth between his mistress and the witch as he thinks.  He finally sighs, knowing he will regret this.  "Okay.  Yes.  I accept.  Now, I need ideas, from everyone."

 

Reiko waits before giving hers, wanting to know if Amara has any.  Killi wriggles a little bit in her arms, delighting Reiko by being too weak to squirm free.  His feet only touch the ground one at a time. 

 

"We should see the priest of this village," Amara states.  "He won't be powerful enough to undo the curse, but he can send word to the church for us."

 

"Darn it!" Reiko laughs, finding it funny and impressive that Amara still knows her stuff.  "The madam just suggested the same to me.  Oh well.  Of course, you'll have to make him believe you and you do realize that the curse also came from the church."

 

Amara blinks in surprised realization.  "Not exactly, I mean, it can't be!"

 

Killi giggles.  "You're a Paladin of Naita now!" he jokes.

 

Reiko laughs again.  "Yup, and she likes her Pallys young.  I may be wrong, but you did accept a blessing from Naita, as did we.  As I see it, it's not about lifting a curse, but finding out how to deal with an unwanted blessing." Reiko points out.

 

"All the more reason to speak to a priest," Amara nods.  The blonde girl begins walking in the direction of the temple when Reiko coughs.  "What?" Amara asks, sounding annoyed. 

 

Reiko smirks.  "Jym, what do you think we should do?" she asks the boy sweetly.

 

"Have sex while you still can!" Killi exclaims.

 

"Silly boy, Jym's not cursed." Reiko teases.

 

Taking a deep breath Jym says.  "We do need to talk to the priest." he says, eliciting an 'I told you so smile' from Amara.  "However....." he adds, causing her smile to drop.  "We need to be careful, find out what deity he personally follows first, and be sure to ask for suggestions.  If we put ourselves into his hands, we may get another unwanted blessing." 

 

Reiko grins.  “A well thought out and unbiased order Sir Jym.  Obviously all priests do not deserve unwavering trust.” She compliments, giving Amara a look that causes the Paladin to glare back yet stay silent.  “After you our fearless leader." The witch motions dramatically. 

 

With a swallow Jym takes the lead with Amara falling in quickly by his side.  The teen Paladin eyes her sword on Jym's belt, and realizes she has just put herself even further from reclaiming it.

 

"No, but you are," Killi says slyly to Reiko after a moment.

 

"Hmmmm?" the witch asks Killi.

 

Reiko gives a sly grin.  "Mayhap I will then." she begins.  "But not with a little boy.  Sorry kiddo." she whispers.

 

"I'm not a little boy," Killi grumps, placing her hand over his penis to feel his erection.  "I'm still capable..."

 

Reiko sighs.  "Then I'll oblige you, when I'm simply 'still capable'."

 

"Okay," he agrees, not really understanding.

 

They reach the shrine, only to find it empty.  "That's not good.  Amara, explain please." Reiko says in mock seriousness, in part to pull her chain at not being the one asking questions anymore.

 

Amara glares at her yet again.  "It doesn't have to mean anything.  I'm sure a solo priest has duties which keep him out and about."

 

Reiko just grins at her.  "Know how to find him?"

 

Amara rolls her eyes and stops a running child.  "Do you know where the priest is?"

 

"He is at the wedding!" the little boy exclaims, shrugging himself loose.

 

"A wedding, of course," Amara nods, and smiles.  "See?  Life continues normally."

 

Killi starts to chase after the smaller boy.  "Killi!" Reiko says sharply, causing the boy to grunt in complaint but halt regardless.  Music starts up in the middle of the village amongst cheers.

 

"Yes, but for us it continues backwards." Reiko mutters as she follows the music.

 

On the village green, there are men, women and children dancing in celebration.  A couple is wearing wedding clothes.

 

Amara holds her hands together over her chest.  "Now doesn't that look sweet?"  She doesn't realize she is nearly gushing.

 

"Screw sweet, where's the holy man?" Reiko asks gruffly.

 

Amara glares yet again, her fists at her hips.  "Must you mock everything?"

 

"Yes, yes I must." Reiko deadpans back in an emotionless voice.  This time Amara simply huffs in annoyance and walks off.  Reiko makes mocking motions behind the girl, holding her own hands together for a moment and causing Killi to giggle.

 

They go looking, asking around.  The priest seems quite busy, in that they keep just missing him.

 

As they search a young man steps into Amara's path and invites her to dance.  She looks surprised and in her hesitation Reiko gives her a light push. "She'd love to." The witch tells the man.  The blonde teen blushes, and before she can find her voice, she is whisked into a lively dance.  Jym watches in shock for a moment.

 

"Poor dear needed to have some fun.  Anyway, this guy isn't going to be easy to find it seems." Reiko comments to Jym as she takes private delight in watching the paladin being swept off her feet.  The Kirasani woman keeps a firm grip on Killi's hand, as he tries to run off again.  "Killi, stay with auntie." she instructs firmly.

 

The shrunken paladin doesn't really know how to dance and it shows as she stumbles a few times, but her coordination helps her along.  The young man seems to understand, and leads her such that it is hard to tell she is having difficulty.

 

Leaving Amara to the dance the others finally catch up to the priest, who is listening to a villager intently and nodding. Given the current rank of the group and her ... race, Reiko actually stops and waits politely as Jym comes up next to her.  She has already gotten a few harsh stares and doesn't want to upset any strangers in the village, which is interestingly not like her.  She tells herself it is the importance of their visit with the priest which has reined her in.  However, given the hellcat she was at Jym's age, she feels they'd better deal with this soon.

 

Reiko nods to the new teen leader.  "Well, your show." she whispers.  Killi bounces around excitedly.  She imagines he has recently lost some height, though it is hard to be sure.  She gives Killi’s hand a shake to settle the little boy.

 

It works on Killi.  Noticing Jym's nervousness, Reiko takes his hand and gives it a gentle shake as well.  She adds a warm reassuring smile when Jym looks at her which causes him to notice she is looking more attractive to him, less ... out of his reach.

 

"Yes my son, and daughter?" the priest asks.  Killi turns his attention to Reiko and starts trying his best to pull free.  She manages to keep hold of him for the moment but is distracted, leaving Jym to speak.  The priest waits as Jym tries to work up the nerve to explain themselves.

 

Reiko looks up and sighs.  "Okay, here's the long and short.  We visited a temple of Naita in another town and now we think we're cursed, or blessed, or whatever you guys like to call it.  Thing is all three of us but Jym here are getting, well ... younger." she explains.

 

The man blinks and looks them over.  "Is that so?" he asks neutrally.

 

"Quite.  Dancing in the crowd is a young girl who is also a Paladin of the Church.  She figured you'd know how to help." Reiko explains.  She shrugs at Jym.  "Well, someone had to talk." she mutters.

 

The priest smiles.  "Nice wedding joke, very funny.  Thank you."

 

"It not a joke!" Jym protests.  "She is a paladin.  Right over there."  He points at Amara, who is giggling now and enjoying herself in the dance.  "I'm her squire.  This is hers," Jym adds, drawing the sword.  "See?  This is real."

 

The priest checks the sword then looks worried.  "Naita would never do this."

 

"Huh?" Reiko asks.  "It looked like she did it to the whole town!  They were all kids!"

 

The priest is still having a hard time believing them, especially since Amara is having such a good time.  He raises a skeptical eyebrow when the blonde girl spins and squeals.

 

"Fine.  How do we prove this?" Reiko asks.

 

"How indeed?" the priest agrees.  "A village full of children, maybe?  Maybe you were wrong about them getting younger?"

 

"It didn't make sense for them to all be children.  Well, all were children except the priestess." Jym adds.

 

"Are you sure there were no adults?  Or did you just not see them?" the priest argues.  The man stares at them for a few moments then simply says "Come with me."

 

Jym turns back to the crowd.  "Amara!  Come on!  We’re leaving!" he shouts, calling out to her quite informally and only using her first name.  He does so without even thinking about it.

 

When the blonde girl turns to go, the young man who was her dance partner gives her arm a tug, spinning her back to him.  He then dips her and gives her a kiss.  Reiko whistles as Amara visibly melts in the man’s arms.

 

Eventually Amara climbs clumsily out of his arms, panting for breath, and staggers off toward them.

 

"Well that looked fun." Reiko comments dryly.

 

The girl continues to be faint and flustered, forcing Jym to take her hand.  The blonde teen easily and obediently follows him appearing to be very self-conscious at the moment, her head and eyes cast downward.

 

The priest leads them to the shrine to have a serious talk, sitting them down in front of the Alter on soft cushions.  He says a prayer over them.  As he touches Reiko and Killi on the head however the two feel a sudden surge go through them.

 

The priest opens his eyes after a minute and says, "Indeed, you have been blessed.  Such a wonderful blessing..."

 

The Kirasani blinks.  "Are you kidding?  I mean, yeah, it kept us alive, but when will it stop?" she asks.  Amara takes Jym's arm, looking for comfort.

 

"Why the concern?" the priest asks.  "The further it goes, the longer your life will be."

 

"Yeah, as a little kid!  I mean, look at them.  Who would really want to grow up all over again?" she asks. 

 

Amara sighs.  "She's right.  Also, I'm nothing like the way I was the first time.  I've lost much more than I've gained.  Is there some way to please Naita and gain back some of our age?" she asks in an uncharacteristically pleading tone.

 

The priest shudders and turns into a teen causing the foursome shuffle back a bit.  "Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's not good right?" Reiko asks.

 

The priest smiles.  "It's wonderrrfulll..." and steadily regresses down past puberty, his priestly robes beginning to bunch up on him.

 

"I think you just .... gave it to him." Jym comments.

 

"He was right, this can't be Naita." Amara says worriedly.

 

"Then what is it?" Reiko asks.

 

"One of the evil ones," Amara says, then looks like she forgot which they were.

 

"And which evil one would take Naita’s name and mimic her blessings?" Jym asks.

 

"Um," Amara replies, trying to think.  The boy before them giggles as he drops below Killi's age.

 

Killi walks forward and pokes at the boy’s loose robe.  Reiko grabs the boy around the waist and pulls him back.  "No Killi.  Don't touch." she says.

 

Amara sighs.  "Well, what do we do now?  He can't help us." she gestures at the giggling little boy.

 

The smaller the boy gets, the more affectionate Reiko feels towards him.  "He's kinda cute actually." The witch notes. 

 

"Are you all nuts?" Jym asks.

 

"That's hardly constructive, Jym," Amara chastises.

 

"And neither is taking this all so lightly.  This is serious, especially since none of you are taking it that way.  An evil deity has obviously cursed you and you can't even think up a possible name.  Never mind that the village is going to fear us as soon as they realize their priest is missing.  There is a wedding going on right now!"  He holds his hands to his head and tries to think.  "What to do, what to do?"

 

"I know," Reiko declares suddenly, plucking the boy up and heading for the door.  She feels a surge of energy rush into her, but nothing further happens to the boy.  She bounces and looks down at the child, checking his new age.  His priestly robes engulf him and serve more as a blanket now.

 

"Okay, what are you doing?" Jym asks.

 

"Keeping the mob from becoming a mob," she says lightly.  She hurries to the celebration and lifts the boy up, still wrapped in his robes.  "A sign!" she declares.  "Your priest bears a sign that this marriage has been blessed by Naita herself!  Look upon him!  Look upon the promise of a fruitful marriage!"

 

The other three move outside.  Jym puts a hand to his forehead.  "Oh no." he mutters.

 

At first, nobody believes what they see.  Then, slowly, they pass the happy little boy around, studying him, and have to agree.  Some begin to cheer.  How else can they react to such an incredible message?

 

Reiko grins and winks at Jym happily.  He motions for her to come over.  As she approaches he asks, "Okay, now what?  What if it spreads?"

 

The Kirasani shakes her head quickly.  "I don't think it will.  He was touching two of us AND saying a prayer at the time.  He was begging to be hit by it."

 

"I doubt begging.  He was just doing his job.  Still, thanks Reiko."  The Kirasani grins at Jym, much to Amara's annoyance.  The blonde takes Jym's arm again.

 

"We still have the problem of our own curses." Amara points out.  She smiles at Jym, seeming to be trying to turn it back around to make her his center of attention again

 

"Right." Jym nods.

 

"What are we going to do, Jym?" Amara asks, looking up at her squire vulnerably.

 

"We likely have to return, confront them.  At least that's what, uh, you'd do, unless somebody can think of another connection to the gods perhaps?  But you really have to think harder Amara." he adds.  "I need a source to this problem.  Maybe we should go back in the temple and pray."

 

Amara actually pouts.  "I hate the prayer part of training.  The gods probably aren't even listening, anyway."

 

Jym blinks in surprise at his young mistress’ reaction.  "Hate it or not we need to do it.  Now go in and pray ... to Naita.  She'll likely be our best ally." he orders.  The blonde girl gives a long suffering sigh but does as she is told, marching into the temple with Jym behind her.

 

Reiko meanwhile is watching the amazed crowd.  "Look at them all, nothing but sheep.  Ready to believe just about anything." she comments softly.  "I wonder what they think of the bearer of their miracle." She mentions to Killi.  Taking Killi's hand Reiko moves again into the crowd to listen and greet.

 

The little priest is stood before the newlyweds, who look down at him while holding each other.  "Is the blessing really ours?" the woman asks the boy hopefully.  The boy smiles at her and nods in response.  He looks about three or four.  A cheer goes up as the wife scoops up the little messenger and whirls him around.

 

"Are you giving other blessings?" some ask Reiko, thinking she was the source.  The Kirasani woman enjoys the suddenly warm treatment. 

 

The seamstress approaches her however after a moment, her daughters not too far away.  Reiko suddenly feels a bit nervous at the woman's serious look.  "So, I see you found our priest." she comments, just the barest hint of wryness in her voice.

 

"Yes.  "Madam Gershaw, right?" Reiko asks.

 

The woman nods.  "So, it seems you do have a little paladin with you.  And this is not a curse?" she checks.

 

Reiko shakes her head.  "How could it be?" she bluffs.  "Look how happy your priest is."

 

Madam raises an eyebrow at the giggling boy, being tickled now by the girl he'd just married.  A girl barely older than Amara is now.  "Yes, very happy." she agrees.  "I'm sure I don't know how it could be a curse.  But that isn't what I asked, now is it?"  She smiles.  "Still, this is happy occasion, is it not?  It makes one wish for a dance partner again."

 

Still holding a questioning look, the seamstress bids a good day to Reiko and moves into the crowd.

 

Another woman's voice speaks softly from behind Reiko.  "Hello ma'am.  Is your girl enjoying her dress?”  Reiko turns, seeing the eldest daughter of Madam Gershaw.  “Oh my, why the worried look?  Did mother have a word with you?" the woman asks, giving Reiko a smirk. 

 

A second daughter is with her and speaks next.  "Mother thinks you got Father Maron cursed.  Isn't that silly?"

 

Reiko smiles.  "Who's worried?  The priest checked us over, and said it was a blessing."

She can tell they are the two older daughters, each in their early twenties.  The third was still in her late teens.  "You should be grateful it isn't a curse," Reiko continues.  "If it was, you'd probably also be cursed by now, what with the way you were handling my girl."  She looks them over.  "Then again, were you always this undeveloped, or are you just girls?"

 

The younger one looks worried and feels her chest, but the older shrugs, knowing Reiko is just playing with them.  "And yet the good Father is a young child and we are not.  Strange, isn't it?  Regardless, mother had some very wild things to say, some nasty accusations about you and your friends.  Pity if she let the guard know her theories, wouldn't it?  We however are simple girls with no desire to spread such rumors." she adds.

 

"We shouldn't do this." the second one whispers.

 

Reiko is aware that her distinctive racial differences may have again singled her out for attention.  "Do what?" Reiko asks mildly, though she feels her magic building within her.

 

The older one sighs and whispers.  "My dear little sister wants to let everyone here know my mother's suspicions.  I however, think we should be silent.  Provided mother doesn't spread the word herself." she winks.  The second sister by contrast looks a bit fearful.  "Just know your girl was very detailed." the older one adds.

 

Reiko realizes it would be unwise to do anything so out in the open with so many people, which is likely why the girl spoke to her here.  "I see," Reiko says slowly, fishing in her pack.  Her hand tingles as it comes into contact with the jar she used to milk herself.  She shivers slightly as she feels the bottle grow warm then pulls it out, half-surprised to find it full of breast milk.  "If you want your mother to have a change of heart, may I suggest a vintage she has not had since she was a yearling?"

 

Both girls look surprised, but the older one smiles and takes the jar with a thanks.

 

"What about Alyssa?" the second one whispers.

 

The older shrugs again.  "If she makes a fuss, then she gets a ‘blessing’ as well."  She bows slightly to Reiko.  "I thank you witch.  Enjoy the party."

 

Reiko isn't even sure if the milk will work that way, but she has little to lose in the attempt.  "And enjoy your new sister," Reiko nods back.  "Be she your older or younger."

 

"Oh, I think the shop will be happier with the pitter patter of little feet." The woman quips back, laughing.

 

"What are you doing?" Killi asks in disbelief.

 

"Hush, my love." Reiko comments amused at the looks of realization on the girls' faces when she speaks to the little boy. 

 

"Keeping this quiet!" Reiko gives the boy a sharp whisper once the women have moved off.  "Do you want the mob on us?  Granted we should likely follow them and make sure all goes well.  I get the feeling the good madam has already retired to her shop."

 

"We better find Jym and Amara," Killi replies, trying to pull away.

 

"They're fine.  You heard him, she has praying to do." Reiko states, as if the girl is being made to do her chores.

 

Reiko crouches down and pulls him to her, face to face.  "Things are in hand, Killi.  Do not worry."  She starts to tickle him, erasing all worry from his face.  Her nipples start to tingle as though sparking and his laughter gets livelier as she feels ecstatic at the motherly feelings growing within her.  "Now, do you wanna go make sure those mean girls turn their mommy into a widdo baby?" she whispers to the boy happily, getting a nod.

 

Reiko stands, lifting the thankfully lighter boy off his feet.  She tests his weight for a moment, dangling him then sitting him on her hip.  The seven-year-old is excited and happy, and seems to have forgotten his worries as well as lost his front teeth.

 

It is amazing to her that the now small boy once had been able to easily carry her this way, and had, despite her own playful struggles at times.  The reversal of positions makes her feel even warmer inside as she imagines the little barbarian needing her to protect him.  "That was almost as good as sex," she compliments the boy, giving him a belly rub.

 

She knows she should likely tell Jym what has happened with the women, but convinces herself this needs to be done to protect them all and their new leader likely wouldn't approve.  It is best she tell him after the fact she decides to ease his mind.  Reiko also notes that the youngest daughter, Alyssa she recalls, is still enjoying herself at the party, apparently oblivious to her sisters' plans. 

 

As she rubs Killi's round tummy Reiko silently leaves the outdoor party.  Killi's fresh, smaller face looks a little bewildered as she carries him.  His hair looks even more wild and unkempt, if that is even possible.  She can tell he is down to about sixty pounds as she bounces the boy, "My you are a cutie." she adds.

 

Killi scrunches his nose.  "I'm not cute!"

 

"Mmmmm, okay no.  Adorable." she teases as they approach the shop.  "Now, how am I going to keep an eye on things without being noticed?" she asks Killi, knowing the answer already.  “Oh, that’s right.” 

 

Reiko steps into the shadows around the side of the building to hide and listens to the sounds the shadows within the house are exposed to, unashamedly using the very shadow magic Amara had so long disapproved of.  The shadowcaster can soon discern all three women are in the shop, with the daughters currently in the kitchen area.

 

"... one tea-time she will never forget," one of them is sniggering.

 

The other sister, the middle one Reiko recognizes, speaks.  "Are you sure about this Emelia?" 

 

The eldest girl responds dismissively.  "My dear young Sasha, do you want to be under mother’s thumb your entire life?  She wants to marry us off and keep hold over the shop.  It's her way of controlling us and I'm tired of it.  You are too.  It's not like we're going to hurt her."

 

"We'd have our husband's money," Sasha argues.  "Even if we kept the shop, it would only be ours until we got married anyway.  Do you want to become an old spinster like mother?  Don't you want to leave this place?  I mean, yeesh, why are you still here?  As the eldest, you should have left years ago."

 

"Married or not, shop or not, she'd still control us.  This is a perfect solution.  Besides, men I can control myself." Emelia explains.  Sasha wisely refrains from comment at that statement.  "And, as you should know the reason I haven't gotten married is I won't marry that old fop Dunkin who owns the stable that mother insists would provide for me.  And if I did, she'd just tell you who to marry as well or she'd withhold your dowry just as she has done with me.  Then Alyssa would get everything WE have worked for, so don't back out now."

 

Sasha sighs.  "So, how much?" she asks.

 

"I don't know.  I suppose we shouldn't use it all, a third maybe?" Emelia suggests.

 

Sasha nods encouragingly.  "We need some left over in case Alyssa is a problem," she reminds.

 

"Right.  And we probably shouldn't make mother too little, else our work doubles.  Of course we won't know until the witch’s milk does its work." she adds.

 

Sasha chuckles.  "It's fortunate the witch believed us so easily.  Mother is suspicious, but not enough to actually do anything about it."  Reiko’s eyes slant as she hears this annoyed but slightly amused that she was tricked.

 

"But she's crafty.  Notice she didn't put the curse on Mother herself." Emelia points out.

 

"Well of course she's crafty." Sasha jests.  "She is a witch.  Is the tea ready?" 

 

"Yes." Emelia grins.

 

When they take it to their mother, the older woman sniffs disdainfully.  "You over milked it," she scolds, though she does not put the cup down.  She smells it as they apologize.  "Wonderful aroma, though."  Reiko peers through the shadows, seeing the rocking chair the woman sits in as if in a spot light.

"The milk is fresh." Emelia says, causing Sasha to cough.  The woman drinks the tea.  To their surprise, she downs it as quickly as she can.  "Is there more?" the older woman asks, licking her lips.  Her eyes twinkle as deep wrinkles begin to fade on her face.

 

"Uh, I suppose we could find some more." Emelia says.  Reiko can see Sasha move back to the kitchen.

 

The woman becomes younger and stronger-looking, sitting up straighter.  Emelia cannot help but stare in amazement at the transformation unfolding before her.  "What is it?" her mother of ten years ago demands, making her eldest daughter jump.

 

"What is what mother?" Emelia asks nervously.

 

"Why are you standing there, looking idle?" her mother asks suspiciously.

 

Her eldest daughter curtsies.  "I'm sorry mother, I'll go help Sasha."  Reiko can easily sense that big bad Emelia does indeed fold in front of her mother's will.

 

"Don't be daft," her mother berates.  "Your sister can manage.  If you aren't having tea, you should be working or studying.  Sasha, tea for Emelia as well!"

 

"Uh, I suddenly remembered some work mother." Emelia says, hurrying off.

 

"Emelia!" her mother hollers, causing her daughter to instinctively freeze.  Then, in a more civil tone, "I said, let's have tea."

 

"Y-yes mother." Emelia says tentatively.

 

Sasha comes out of the kitchen with a tray.  This time, she left the milk in a small dispenser to allow her mother to choose how much she wanted, as is appropriate for a social tea.  She sets the tray down on the table between them.

 

"Sasha, be a dear and get dinner started," her mother dismisses.  For the first time in ages, she has not shouldered the responsibility on her oldest.  Emelia politely waits for her mother to take her tea first.

 

"Emelia," Madam Gershaw starts primly, "we need to talk.  It is high time you sought marriage."

 

"I have sought mother, as you know.  You have not approved." Emelia points out.

 

Her mother scoffs.  "I know very well you only chose the most disrespectful sorts to rile me.  You have not seriously searched for a man to take care of you.  My dear, you are getting too old!  Sasha is now old enough to marry, and she is two years your junior!  Your attractiveness as a bride is decreasing!"

 

"I still manage to turn an eye or two." Emelia points out, waiting for her mother to fix her tea, as is polite.

 

Her mother does so and stirs while she watches her daughter.  "But fewer and fewer every season!" her mother insists.

 

We all get old mother." Emelia says calmly, reaching forward and fixing her own tea.  She makes sure to use only sugar, waiting for her mother to drink more.  She is still off balance and nervous however, not having expected the witch’s brew to have made her mother more intimidating rather than less at this point.  She manages to add, "Why are you not advising Sasha half as much as you advised me two years ago I wonder?"

 

"Sasha is following your lead, Emelia.  It is your responsibility as the oldest to be the first to marry."  She looks at Emelia's tea, instantly suspicious.  "No milk?"

 

"It upset my stomach last time." Emelia replies smoothly, having been ready for the question.  She may be intimidated, but she isn't stupid enough to drink the brew.  "Besides, I should let you have your fill first mother." she politely adds.

 

"Nonsense," her mother berates.  "Or is there something wrong with the cream that you are not telling me?"

 

Emelia dramatically sighs.  "Are we arguing about cream or marriage now mother I've lost track.  Who do you wish me to marry now?  I'm sure you had a specific reason for starting this conversation."

 

Her mother puts down the tea and sighs as well.  "Watch your tone, Emelia.  I swear you don't even want to get married!  You aren't responsible enough to be the eldest.  Perhaps I should give up on you and start grooming Sasha instead."

 

Emelia actually lets loose a small grin at that.  "I simply enjoy working with you in the shop mother.  Perhaps Sasha could get married first.  Other families don't stand on that old tradition."

 

Emelia starts on her own tea, hoping to prompt her mother to drink as well.  Reiko rolls her eyes, a bit tired of the drama but wanting things to unfold naturally.

 

"You are such a foolish girl.  It matters not what they might say.  What matters is that you have been getting less and less attention, and your suitors are marrying other girls.  Men don't marry women older than themselves.  Your sisters will marry and leave.  Do you really wish to be alone?" Madam Gershaw berates.

 

Emelia looks into her mother's eyes.  "I truly don't know.  Was it so bad for you mother? You did quite well after father passed away all those years ago.  You didn't seek another man." Emelia compliments.

 

Her mother looks away sadly.  "But I was lonely, in a way that daughters simply cannot fulfill.  You will become an old and bitter woman, mark my words.  You are already on your way."  Madam Gershaw picks up her tea and happily slurps it up.  Her lips absentmindedly make a suckling motion afterward.

 

Emelia notices the action and enjoys, but her mother's words have reached her to a point.  She glances at the cream, wondering if just a little might give her more time.  Again she asks, "You didn't say mother who you have in mind for me now."

 

Her mother eagerly says, "A merchant has come into town with his son.  His son is a few years your junior, but we can lie about your age."

 

"Is the son cute?" Emelia winks at her mother, who is looking closer to her own age now and likely closer to the son’s age than the merchant’s.  She pours her mother more tea, and puts some more cream into it. 

 

Her mother places the tip of her index finger between her lips, giving them something to mouth.  "Oh, yes!" she assures her daughter encouragingly, and blushes slightly at her own enthusiasm over the son’s looks.  She leans forward and pours some milk into Emelia's tea in turn.

 

"What's his name?  The son of course.  Might you wish to entertain the merchant too?" Emelia encourages.  She leaves her own tea on the table for the moment.

 

As her mother falls firmly into her twenties again she becomes much less intimidating to Emelia, who begins to once again have fantasies of pushing her mother around.  Imagining a squealing child on her lap about the size of the witch's lover brings a grin.

 

Meanwhile, unable to watch with Reiko, the little barbarian curls up on the ground and falls asleep. Reiko strokes his hair and back affectionately reassuring Killi that she is there for him. 

 

"His name is James and we can certainly have them over!" her mother enthuses, warming to her daughter's new interest.  She grows more slender and her bosom firms, her matronly dress no longer fitting her figure.  Her face flushes with youth as she returns to her early twenties.

 

"Does he have siblings?"  Emelia asks hoping to keep her mother distracted.

 

"His younger brother is not of marrying age," her mother says dismissively.

 

"Younger than Alyssa?" Emelia considers.  She is somewhat surprised as she begins to regard the younger brother as a better match for herself, since it would allow her to stay single longer.  If only she could wait that long.  The brew becomes more tempting.

 

Her mother certainly does seem to be enjoying herself, and not compelled to drink vast quantities of the brew however as she nods to Emelia’s comment.

 

"But is he cute too?" Emelia presses.  "Perhaps he can be a husband for Alyssa.  Would you have been interested in him, in your younger years mother?" she teases. 

 

"If I were a silly girl barely out of britches, with no responsibilities," her mother jokes, making Emelia think fondly of the days before she had to wear a dress.

 

“What were you like when you were young mother?” Emelia asks eagerly.

 

"I was a respectable young woman," her mother answers primly.  "Such as was proper and expected in those days."

 

Emelia giggles.  "Alyssa was cute running around in britches and no shirt.  Did grandmother do the same to you then, as was proper with little girls?"

 

Her mother giggles as well, just like a teen, which she is rapidly becoming.  "Yes, she did but only when I was a child, of course, and near home.  But that was only on wash days, when we had no shirts.  Alyssa just liked having her shirt off.  We thought she was a boy back then."

 

"I think I did too." Emelia admits.  "Enjoy it that is."

 

Her mother downs her tea again then sucks on her spoon contentedly as her facial features become leaner yet rounded and flushed; those of a teenage maiden.  The top of her dress gapes and droops as her breasts diminish underneath.  "I suppose I did, too," the girl admits with a blush.

 

Outside, Killi starts sucking his thumb in his sleep, to Reiko's surprise.  Reiko thinks the thumb sucking is cute, though she certainly doesn't want Killi getting much younger, more so for the work he'd create for her.

 

In contrast Emelia fills with barely contained excitement at the sight before her.  "Why mother, I had no idea.  Do you ever wish you were a little girl again?"  She fixes her mother's tea once more.

 

"Sometimes, in the spring," her mother admits, crossing her legs.  "The spring reminds me of when I used to run through the meadows as a little girl, heedless of the dangers of twisting an ankle.  Of going down to the water hole and stripping down for a swim, without worrying about boys seeing me, because they didn't much care I know now."  Her mother's voice has grown noticeably higher.

 

"When you saw the priest, and knew the girl we dressed was an adult paladin in truth, did you wonder if you could be young too?" her daughter pushes on with a grin.

 

The teen shakes her head.  "No good can come of that, Emelia, mark my words.  You can't win against evil and hardship by turning your holy warriors into small children."

 

"You're hardly a holy warrior mother." Emelia remarks lightly, no longer holding back her sarcasm to this wisp of a girl.  "And I asked if you would like it."  She hands the tea cup straight into her mother's hands ready to be consumed.

 

"I don't see how," her mother answers, only sipping as she thinks.  "The shop would fall apart without my skills and reputation.  Sorry dear, you just aren't ready to run the shop."

 

Emelia slants her eyes and frowns.  "Oh truly?  Sasha and I do most of the work now mother, and the family reputation holds." she points out.  "And even as a ten year old, you could do plenty of work."  She lets the word 'plenty' drag out.

 

"I am still correcting your stitches," her mother points out unkindly, the new sweetness of her voice not making it any less so, "and without my reputation, you wouldn't have two customers who would agree to your prices.  Frankly, even Alyssa is a better seamstress than you right now.  You have played too much over the years and neglected your skills.  Regardless of age, you are the daughter who needs to get married and have someone watch over you."  The stinging words come from an underdeveloped girl who is maybe fifteen now, making them hurt all the more.

 

Emelia goes cold with shock, then hot with anger.  "You ... you're correcting my stitches?  How could you?!" she growls. 

 

"I can't have you ruining my reputation," her young mother replies, putting her tea down and crossing her arms.  "Our livelihoods depend on it."

 

"The clothes are the reputation mother.  You've always said that.  Fine, I'm lousy, but you're full of yourself.  Most of the designs are Sasha's and most of the work is done by her and Alyssa.  They'd survive the loss of your 'reputation'." she remarks snidely, not even realizing she has admitted herself expendable.

 

"Well and good." The girl nods, only infuriating her daughter more.  "Now you see why it is so necessary to have you married off.  When I am no longer around, Sasha and Alyssa will have the business, but you must not be underfoot to bring its ruin." She adds, openly insulting her eldest, who appears to have a decade of growth on her mother now.

 

Emelia's hand strikes out and slaps hard across her mother's young face.  The fair girl looks at her with shock, a dark red handprint on her soft cheek.   It is already fading from sight.

 

---