Our Cabin Was Cold

Introduction

Indiscriminate Gore.
Discriminate Bloody Imagery.
Vanilla Adult Activities.

See the Table of Contents.
Read the Credits.
Read the Author's Note. [Contain spoilers.]

Written by myself, LeahPeach, this little novel is an adult fantasy romance novel. This novel was written for the 2023 Bare-Bones Jam.

1

As the sun rises east, you can feel your heart drop with dread in your chest as the sounds of screams and clashing steel rise from the west. With fear seizing your heart, you realize that the village you called home is under attack from an orc raid.

Your instincts scream at you to run for the northern woods, away from the flames and danger, as you stumble through the fields. Tears sting your eyes as you desperately try to avoid being caught, your adrenaline surging with each ragged breath as you push yourself to move faster and faster.

Your heart beats in your ears as you race through the tall grasses and shrubs, desperate to put as much distance between yourself and the orc horde as possible. Every breath you take burns in your chest, and you feel tears streaming down your cheeks as your body struggles to keep up with your frantic flight. The adrenaline coursing through your veins pushes you forward, despite your growing exhaustion.

Eventually, you reach the edge of a forest at the base of a mountain, and you have the distinct sensation that it is the only chance you have at surviving this encounter. Your feet hit the soft forest floor, and you push yourself forward, your arms pumping as you navigate through the dense trees and bushes.

You ascend the gentle slope of the mountain's foothills, and soon you find yourself surrounded by trees that have lost their color. Where there are no trees, there are large, jagged rocks. Even though you are in the woods, the lack of leaves allows you to see the sun rising. Your breath forms white puffs of fog as you run.

Finally, your stamina fails you and you kneel down, exhausted. Your clothing and pants are torn and wet, clinging to your skin. You wipe the sweat from your brow, but it doesn't help.

You look south and see no signs of pursuit. The only footprints you see are yours. But the trees could be playing a lie on you.

However, you know the orcs were quicker and stronger than you. You must be safe from the orcs. If they were chasing you, they would have caught you by now.

You lie down and take a rest on the side of a boulder, keeping an eye out south. The air is still. Except for your breathing, the forest is quiet.

Soon, a girl from the neighboring village approaches. She wears a tanned hooded dress with long sleeves. You recognize her as Tent, even though you don't know her very well. She is covered in soot and being chased by two green goblins. They're holding makeshift spears made from sticks and remnants of kitchen knives, laughing at the prey that stumbled into their home.

As your eyes meet Tent's, you instantly sense the overwhelming fear in her widened gaze. With urgency, she races towards you, her voice trembling as she cries out, "Please, I need your help! There are six goblins!"

Goblins are wicked spirits that emerge from trees to prey on the bounty of the forest. Unlike orcs, who are too large to flit between the trees, goblins can navigate through the woods with agility. It would be better to kill them here than to run.

As she runs toward you, you jump up and extend your right hand. Focusing on one of the small creatures you see, you feel for its neck with your expanded consciousness.

You grab the goblin by the neck, feeling its flesh in your palm as it stands a few dozen yards away. You squeeze hard, but you can't break its neck.

Instead, you concentrate on tearing off some flesh in its throat and lodging it inside so it can't breathe. After taking a few more steps, he falls to the ground in a heap.

By the time Tent reaches you, you can hear the goblins laughing as they begin to surround you, their spears pointing in your direction. They're making strange gestures and pointing at their genitals.

Mangle the goblin. (turn to 22)
Crush the goblin's pelvis. (turn to 57)

2

"Uh, I didn't know you could do that," you say to the scary village girl by your side.

She fixes you with her piercing brown eyes. "Why, can't you do that?"

You felt like you could do it, but whether you would was a different matter.

"Hmph. I'm used to cleaning animals. This is nothing." Gripping the rabbit by its feet, she dipped her hand into the carcass and extracted its intestines with a deftness born of experience. The entrails landed with a soft thud on the ground.

While Tent guts and prepares the rabbit, you search and scavenge the area for wood and tinder to build a small fire. The wood is sparse, but you find enough tinder to help it blaze. Before long, Tent has skillfully skinned the rabbit and skewered it with a stick, and is ready for roasting. You use your telekinetic abilities to ignite some twigs - a crackling fire now burning brightly between you two.

"It would be so much tastier if we had some spices." She looks at the rabbit regretfully, and you can't help but concur. She thrusts the stick into the heart of the fire, and the flames eagerly devour it. Tent bows her head in a gesture of gratitude. "Thank you Mr. Bunny for working so hard to become our food."

"Umm... yes, thank you, Mr. Bunny," you reply to Tent.

After a few minutes, the rabbit was cooked to perfection and Tent pulled it from the fire. She took an ample bite straight from the rabbit and then gestured towards you with the stick.

"Care for a piece?" You can hear the crunching as her teeth sink in. "It's got bones," she remarks nonchalantly.

"Thanks."

You ignore her crunching, taking the stick and carefully hold the rabbit. Carefully tearing away a piece from the area she hadn't bitten off, you bring it to your mouth and savor its juicy, fatty texture. The rabbit meat was plain, but your exertion from the day was enough to make your taste buds dance with delight.

You and Tent pass the bunny back and forth, eating in an oddly crunchy silence for awhile.

You keep stealing glances at her, watching as grease and fat dibbles down her dress. It looks like Tent has warmed up from the fire and food, as you can't see any outlines anymore. You enjoy your lunch and decide not to mention her messy eating habits.

Before long, the bunny was gone, leaving your stomachs sated. "Ahhh... That was delicious," Tent said with relaxed eyes and glistening lips as she rubs her greasy hands on her thighs.

You feel content as well.

Tent stands up, making her way towards the river to wash away the grease from her hands and face with the frigid water. She splashes it upon her skin, and it's coldness revitalizes and reinvigorates her spirit.

"Hey!" You spring up and hurry over to her. "You're getting the bandage soaked!"

She glanced at her wounded arm, the blood still streaming out. "Oh yeah. Sorry," she muttered, gingerly sitting down and leaning her head against a nearby rock.

"It still hurts," she winced in pain. "Do you have anything else to wrap this up with?"

"Let's wash the bandage while we can." You kneel down so you're at eye-level with her, carefully unwrapping the bandage to reveal her wound. Much to your relief, it isn't as bad as you feared and has already started healing. To make sure it stays clean, you wash it the creek before reapplying before wringing it out. As you wrap the bandage around her lacerated wound again, you notice Tent wince and try to be more gentle.

"All good?" You ask her.

Tent breaks out into a warm smile and happily exclaims, "Yes, thanks!"

A smile spreads up onto your face. "You're welcome."

The sun is high in the sky, but its time is waning. You have to hurry to find shelter before the freezing night sets in.

Begin Chapter 3:
A Cabin and a Fight (turn to 67)

3

"Wait, let me get this straight. You fought it while in the nude?"

She gives you a skeptical look.

"Uh, yeah..." "So how do you know it wasn't just trying to make cubs with you?"

Pain pierces through your knee and you collapse to the ground, smashing against the rocky terrain. Tent towers above you, shaking her head. "Hmph! I know what he was planning! He wasn't going to mate with me, he was about to devour me!"

Continue teasing her. (turn to 56)
Don't tease her. (turn to 38)

4

You choose to believe Tent. Although you hope for her complete recovery, it's not your decision to make. You apologize for badgering her and return the bottle to the sack.

"Maybe it'll come in handy later on?" you say, not certain what else to do.

Tent hums softly in response. She gazes at you for a moment, then looks away. "No, probably not," she says in a quiet voice. You wait to see if she'll say more, but she remains silent.

Continue (turn to 37)

5

Tent glares at the sky, her face hidden beneath her hood. "I hate the sun," she growls, "if only something could just block it away."

You and Tent set off for the woods. Your goal was to collect firewood for a few hours, then return and take turns bathing. As you walked, you were both on the lookout for something edible. It was late fall and it seemed unlikely that any of the trees would have any fruit left, so it was really any other animals that you were really looking out for.

You join Tent in glaring at the sun from beneath your hood. It's impossible to cover the sun, but perhaps if you two had a wide brimmed hat...

"Tent."

"Hmm?" She looks at you with her full attention.

"When I was a boy, there was a group of men coming into the village, selling things. One of those things was a big round hat."

She cocks an eyebrow. "And?"

"That's the one thing I wish we had."

She frowns, "A round hat? What would you do with that, look dumb wearing it?"

You glance her way, but her attention is already back on the ground, kicking around the leaves and dirt.

"If we could find the something to use, I could make us hats to hide from the sun."

She gives you a doubtful glance and you silently stare back. She locks eyes with you, her voice serious and stern as she speaks. "We could use a big leaf, a stick, and a thick vine." she declares.

"And make a giant leaf hat?", you chuckle, picturing her wearing a giant leaf hat. She laughs in agreement.

"Yeah! A giant leaf hat!" Her mirth is contagious, and you can't help but smile.

Of course, you both know that you wouldn't be finding any giant leaves here, regardless of the season. Those types of trees just didn't grow here.

After the two of you settle down, you say, "Well, keep an eye out. It'll help keep us from getting sun burnt."

She gives a small nod in agreement as she bends over and picks up a stick of dead wood with her bandaged arm.

"How's your arm doing?"

"Hmm?" She looks at her arm. "It's not hurting anymore, but the skin isn't quite back together yet. So I'll have to keep my bandage on a bit longer." She sighed. "I'll have to remember to clean it later."

It... doesn't hurt? You extracted wood from her muscles! It's unbelievable that she could be healed in just one day. "Are you sure it doesn't hurt?"

She puts her wood under her arm and walks up to you, showing you the bandaged arm. "No, not at all. Press on it. It won't hurt any more than than touching any other part of my body."

"Uhhh..." Pressing on a bandage stained with blood and dirt seems... ill-advised. Inappropriate, even.

Tent's patience wore thin. "Ugh!" She lunged forward and grabbed your arm, causing the two of you to drop your wood. "Just do it!" She firmly guided your hand towards the wound but didn't flinch.

"See! No problem!"

...You're very curious as to how her wound looks, but you'll ask to see it later.

The two of you continue gathering wood, but no food shows up.

Later on in the day. (turn to 47)

6

You decide to put the cap back on and resolved to ask the elf about it later.

Continue (turn to 87)

7

You shake your head to her request. "No, I'm sorry, I don't think we can do that."

"Very well, how about this?"

The elf walks to a nearby bookshelf, and takes a scroll, unfurling it onto the coffee table. Tent and you scoot forward and lean over, seeing the detailed drawing.

"This ward serves to provide protection against both monstrous entities and sentient creatures who may intend to do harm. It is a measure taken to prevent unwanted entry into an area."

The scroll contains a pattern of circular symbols, each one inscribed with mysterious runes.

"Place this at the doorway, and the winds of magic will prevent access to anyone with malicious intent. Only those with good intentions will be permitted entry. Would it be possible for me to barter this in exchange for allowing those individuals to rest in the cabin? They are not of ill intent."

You're not sure how much you can trust-

"Sure, we'll take care of your friends!" Tent agrees without thinking.

TThe elf chuckles. "Now allow me to prepare a bag for the both of you. Please remain here while I do so."

Continue (turn to 82)

8

You grab your homemade clay and attempt to patch the holes, hoping to make your nights a bit warmer.

You begin the tiresome process of restoring the walls with your telekinesis, keeping your consciousness expanded just in case some food hops by.

An hour or so passes by, and Tent hasn't returned. You're worried since the bathing spot isn't that far away, but there's no way you could go looking for her while she's bathing.

An hour later, the cabin still full of holes, you sense Tent's return from her bath. Turning to face her, she's bent over and dragging a massive furry creature towards the cabin.

You hasten to her aid, and find her drenched. Her wet locks lay upon her shoulders like a shimmering veil, and the damp fabric of her dress adheres to every contour of her body, leaving nothing hidden from sight. But you soon forget her problems as you gaze upon the massive creature she is dragging behind her.

It's a bear. With its head removed. Blood draining from its neck.

Tent's beaming with pride, she declares, "Dinner!"

Your mouth opens and closes, before opening again. "How did you kill a bear?!?"

"It attacked me while I was bathing! I thought that would be more your style." She tries to tease him, but she can't hide her pride and joy at catching the creature. Her wet hair frames her face, making her smile all the brighter.

She was fighting a bear... naked? You grab a leg of the bear and help her haul it to the cabin. "Yeah, but… how'd you kill it?"

"I hit its head with a rock!"

"How did you survive?!?"

"Hmph, I'm not some weakling. If I can fight goblins, then I can fight a bear, easy."

You raise your eyebrows. A bear could easily defeat seven or eight goblins, so there must be more to this tale. Could the bear have been ill or hurt?

Tent is stronger than a bear... and yet, you feel a sense of relief. This creature will provide food, and its fur will be warm. Even the bones could have their uses.

"I had to resort to climbing a tree and dropping rocks on its head," Tent said, her cheeks lightly flushing in embarrassment. "There was no way I could fight it straight on."

The bear was massive, and she must have been strong to haul it here. You couldn't help but marvel at her strength.

A thought pops into your head and a broad smile spreads across your face.

Tease her. (turn to 42)
Don't tease her. (turn to 73)

9

Tent returns with an armful of lumber and drops it by the cabin. You greet her warmly as she catches her breath.

"I'm starving!" she cried, grabbing some wood. She quickly started a fire and soon had bear meat roasting.

"That elf is so awesome!" Tent begins. "I saw her talk to some trees and they pulled wood outside of themselves! The elf said the trees have something called 'density' that they use to make wood, but it means that we can't ask them for too much wood..."

Tent was a complete chatterbox while cooking, a symphony that filled the room. You couldn't keep up with everything she said, but it was comforting. Her chatter distracted you from all your worries.

Your village was burnt down and your family gone. You have a young lady with you, and the only person who can help you is a mysterious woman living in an abandoned tower. Tent's symphony helped keep up both of your spirits.

You were thankful for her presence.

Tent's eyes survey the items you put out from the sack on the floor. "What's this?" She looks at the clothes laid out for her. "A white shirt and pants? I don't usually wear pants though..."

She grabs the shirt and drapes it over herself, confirming that it fit her properly. Satisfied, she picks up the pants to do the same, only for a small black garment fall out from them.

"What's this?" Tent muttered. She picked the salacious fabric up and them in front of her, her face turning a deep shade of crimson.

"Uh, y-you didn't see this! I-I'm going to change now so go outside!"

You leave the cabin and think some naughty thoughts about how that small collection of fabric would take residence with Tent in the moments she spent living, not just an everyday garment but also a little reminder that life could be sexy every once in awhile as well.

"I-I'm done," Tent's voice comes through the door. "Y-you can come in now..."

You enter the cabin to see a very shy and embarrassed young woman in a white tunic and black pants. The white shirt drapes over her breasts, emphasizing them, before being tucked into her pants. Her pants cling tight to her legs, hiding none of the curves that her dress normally hid.

Your gaze is inexorably drawn to her pelvis, the curves of her pants highlighting and accentuating the tantalizingly empty space.

You're not a creep, yet you can't help but gawk. Shame fills your chest.

Tent cried out in indignation, her face reddening as she frantically tries to cover her private area. "What's wrong?! Is it strange? Did I put it on incorrectly?"

She turns sideways to hide from you, but that only shows off the curves her pants hug. "…It's wrong for a lady to wear pants after all, isn't it?" You can see the tips of her ears through her hair, burning red. Her face must be completely flushed.

You stumble over your words. "It looks good... You look nice, uh, and neat."

"Oh..." Tent responds, glancing at you. She appears relieved, but her face is still flush. "I can't believe elves actually wear this stuff..."

Continue (turn to 49)

10

You and your companion struggle to hang up the bear in order to drain its blood. You manage to place it on a slight incline, so that the blood flows down. Without a proper knife or dagger, you rely on your telekinesis to cut through the fur and flesh.

The task is tricky, as neither of you knows how to skin the animal. You are simply doing your best to get it done.

It's a long, hard process, but the two of you manage to take off the majority of the bear's fur and meat. Thankfully, it has plenty of fat due to its preparation for hibernation. The two of you will have to dry it out over the coming days for it to last into winter. Tent has gone ahead and built a small rack for the bearskin to dry on over the night, so tonight will be cold too. You've done your best to use your skill to get all the blood off of everything, but you did far from a perfect job.

That night, the two of you dine on delicious meat cooked by Tent. You now have food, water and shelter for a while. Though warmth and clothing haven't been made yet, if you work together to collect firewood in the coming days, you should be fine.

And with Tent laying her head on your chest again, feeling her breaths tickle your neck all night, you can hardly believe life can be this blissful after such disaster. The warmth of the moment radiates throughout your body, a calm and content feeling that only deepens as you drift off to sleep together. The peace and serenity of the night acts like a shield for the two of you from the outside world; in this moment, it's just you two wrapped up in each other's embrace.

Begin Chapter 6:
Exploring the Woods (turn to 26)

11

You ask, "Are you okay? Are you tired?" She nods and maintains her pace. "I keep thinking about it," she says.

You prompt her, "What?"

"Our village. Our families... What happened to them all? Why did the baron recall the guards when he promised us protection?"

You don't say anything, but you think the same thing- maybe those promises were only lies. You try to console her, "We don't know what happened, but I promise we'll find out."

Tent continued sadly. "They said this village would be protected. Everyone lied."

You shook your head. "That's not certain. There may still be others out there."

She looked right at you, tears welling in her eyes. "What if all our friends are dead and the orcs are using our moms as a seedbed?"

You paused for a moment before responding firmly, "Don't dwell on that now. Let's just focus on getting to the cabin where we can find food and warmth. Then, we'll decide what to do next."

She let out a deep sigh, her gaze lingering on the path ahead as she contemplated what to do next. Finally, she broke the silence with a nod. "Let's keep going," she said determinedly.

Continue (turn to 30)

12

13

Tent bites into your neck, you feel two piercing pains that send pleasure coursing through you. You both moan as she sucks your blood.
Her warm body writhes in your arms, her hips moving up and down in time with the sucking motions of her mouth. The feeling of your skin pressed tightly against hers sends a shiver down your spine. She feels your body heat radiating off of yours, and you can feel the sweat beginning to bead up on both of your bodies. You run your hands across her back and around her butt, squeezing her ass cheeks together before moving to her breasts, caressing them softly.

Your hands cup Tent's face, holding it still while she drinks from you, your eyes locked on hers. She looks so beautiful as she does this. The sensation of your blood leaving your body is something that you have never experienced before, but you don't care. You can't believe how amazing it feels.

You slip Tent's panties to the side and position the tip of your erect dick at her pussy entrance. She gasps softly, her legs quivering slightly as she feels your cock pressing against her sensitive parts. You gently ease it into her, savoring the sensation of her tight walls wrapping around you. She lets out a loud moan, against your neck, never letting up from her biting.

You feel a slight resistance as she takes all of you in, her soft whimper quickly turning into a passionate groan of pleasure. Her hands fall to your chest as she begins to rock her hips, your penis moving in and out of her in tantalizingly slow strokes. She lets out a loud cry of pleasure, her body trembling and shuddering with each thrust. You feel the intensity of your connection between her mouth on your neck, and your dick in her.

Your chest constricts, her warm and inviting pussy greedily devouring your hardened dick. Tent's gaze is fixed, desperately trying to conceal the carnal pleasure that's rising up within her, but as she starts to move her hips with increasing intensity, a wave of desire takes over her body and she sucks even harder.

You kiss the top of her head, letting your hands drift up her back, feeling the delicate softness beneath your fingertips. She finally relents from biting you, arching her back. You press your lips to her breasts, caressing them with languid kisses. Your tongue grazes over each pink nipple, tantalizing and teasing in equal measure. Tent's hands press your face against her chest as you suck on her pink nipple, licking it in a rhythm. Her moans are sweet music to your ears, a confirmation of the desire that's building between both of you.

Tent's legs tremble, her breathing intensifies as she starts to reach a climax, grinding herself on you with increasing fervor. She holds on tightly as her eyes close, her head turning from side to side as the pleasure ravages her body. Tent lets out a series of moans and screams that grow louder and more passionate with each passing second. In that moment it feels like all the stars in the sky have aligned for her.

The sensation causes you to driver deeper into her, forcing her clenching walls apart as you make her yours. Before long, you feel her pussy win this fight, clenching your seed out of you in waves of pleasure.

Her pussy quivers as you fill her up with your semen. Tent screams your name over and over, your own blood splattering out from her mouth, the pleasure of having you in her so overwhelming as to obliterate every other thought.

Your breath slowly returns to normal as Tent lays against you, her own breathing calming and steady. It's a sign that she is just as satisfied as you are, and the sensation of contentment lingers long after the moment has passed.

You tenderly reach out and drape the blanket over the two of you, pulling Tent close. As she nestles into your chest, you gently kiss her head and inhale her sweet scent. Tent snuggles closer to you, savoring your touch as much as you enjoy hers.

Eventually, you both succumb peacefully to slumber enveloped in each other's embrace.

You'll have to pay her back for sucking your blood tomorrow.

Thank you for enjoying my story!
Read the Author's Note (turn to Author's Note).

14

After your lunch of salted and slightly burnt bear meat, you tell her about the red liquid.

"Yes, the elf gave us a remedy for your wound." You display the red liquid and explain its healing properties, having already taken a sip to figure out what it was.

"Huh," Tent murmured, her disinterest. Her gaze drifted across the room, seemingly looking for something more interesting to focus on.

"Have some of this." You offer her the liquid that will heal her wound.

Tent furrows her brow, confusion coloring her features as she hesitantly says, "Uh, but I'm fine?"

"But if you drink this, your wound will be gone quickly," you say.

"But, I'm already healed?" She tries to roll up the white sleeve of her new shirt, but it was too tight to roll it up high enough for you to see. Frustrated, Blind tells you, "The cut is gone."

"Is it?"

Persuade her to show you. (turn to 88)
Believe her. (turn to 69)

15

16

You're refreshed from your bath at the creek and have returned to the cabin. Unfortunately, your clothes are still damp, but there's nothing you can do at the moment. Tent is taking her own bath and has ordered you with attending to either the cabin or the food.

Despite going a day and a half on very little food, you're not nearly as hungry as you anticipated. Oh, if there was food, you'd eat it, but you're more concerned about the cold of night.

The cabin has many openings, from warped planks that no longer fit properly and gaps left by the shrinking of the wood. This allows air to flow freely throughout, making it clear why the cabin is so drafty.

Fix the holes. (turn to 19)

17

"Absolutely," you tell her. "Having someone stay for a few days is nothing in comparison to the aid you're providing us."

You could feel a faint, satisfied smile in your mind's eye from Tent as you spoke those words.

The elf smiles. "That is excellent. Naturally, I would be remiss to leave you two without the necessary resources and appropriate defenses." The elf walks to a nearby bookshelf, and takes a scroll, unfurling it onto the coffee table. Tent and you scoot forward and lean over, seeing the detailed drawing.

"This ward serves to provide protection against both monstrous entities and sentient creatures who may intend to do harm. It is a measure taken to prevent unwanted entry into an area."

The scroll contains a pattern of circular symbols, each one inscribed with mysterious runes.

"Place this at the doorway, and the winds of magic will prevent access to anyone with malicious intent. Only those with good intentions will be permitted entry."

"That'll be a great help!" Tent yells at her.

The elf chuckles. "Now allow me to prepare a bag for the both of you. Please remain here while I do so."

Continue (turn to 82)

18

The inside of the tower was filled with wood furnishings: chairs, tables, and bookshelves. A staircase wound both up and down, but the elf took you to a room on the same floor as you'd entered.

Curious, you expanded your consciousness, but found no one above or below you. Not even Tent was detectable, and the effort made you queasy so you stopped. The tower must have had a way to block your magic. Looking at pulsating staff the elven mage carried, perhaps that was preventing you from using magic.

The two of you settled into a plush sofa behind a coffee table while the elf pulled up an extra-comfy one-and-a-half person chair, also known as a love seat.

Three white cups and a steaming kettle sat on the table, signaling that the two of you were expected.

The elf poured you two tea, its pleasant scent drifting up to your nose. The cup was a stark white and had intricate floral designs at the bottom.

"So, what reason brings the both of you to this part of our woods?" The elf's question was simple.

You tell her how you and Tent lived in a village recently attacked by orcs. While you struggle to find the words, you don't feel sorrow or pain or any emotion at all as you talk to her.

You told her you had found a cabin, but it was already inhabited by an orc so you decided to keep going north and find another one. Fortunately, you were able to locate a another one, and that's where the two of you are now staying.

You asked her, "We've got water and slaughtered a bear for food, and soon we'll turn it's pelt into clothing. But there's no axe in the cabin, and no nearby wood either. We're worried about staying warm this winter."

The elf sips her tea quietly, enjoying the sweet taste as it covers her tongue before sliding down her throat. "So that's why you two came all the way out here," the elf replies.

"Yeah, but there's nothing for leagues, so I don't really get why this tower is here," you say.

The elf laughed, her voice chiming in high tones. "Ah, how amusing, so very amusing, it is to observe you two." You can feel her hermit vibes from this statement.

"Let me explain," the elf replies, leaning back in her oversized chair and crossing her legs. "I was dispatched by my superior to analyze the nature of this tower and its ability to manipulate the winds of magic. Haven't you noticed it? You are a practitioner of the magical arts, yes?"

You agree. "I can't feel anything in here."

"This is due to our manipulation of the tower to disperse dew every morning, allowing the settlements nearby, such as your own, to cultivate and thrive. It is for this purpose that I am here." She carefully places her mug on the glossy wooden coffee table.

"However, this is not of concern to you. We have been carrying out forest maintenance operations, which is why you have been unable to locate any wood." She looked past you for a moment, before continuing. "However, I shall provide you with some wood as well as a few other materials. I merely request that you abstain from indiscriminately cutting down our woods. If ever there is need for an additional supply, kindly do come back if you need more, okay?"

The two of you nod at her request.

"Additionally, that cabin is owned by us. However, we permit you both to make use of it. Should any merchants or mages come across your path, please be so kind as to accommodate them with a night's stay."

Tent's gaze rested on you, giving you the power to decide what to do. But when the elven mage asked if strangers could stay the night, doubt clouded your mind. While she spoke very formally, ger eyes were kind and soft. But you weren't sure if it was a safe idea.

The elf cocked her head curiously. "Wouldn't… you two want that?" she spoke to herself, her voice barely a whisper. She furrowed her brows in thought.

The cabin is in a wooded area, making you wary of inviting strangers over. The thought of being murdered in your sleep weighs heavily on your mind.

Agree to her request. (turn to 46)
Shake your head. (turn to 79)

19

20

21

You allow Tent to kiss you at her own pace. You lay back, gazing up as her glossy brown hair frames your face.

Tent kisses you fervently, her small body doing its best. The sheer force of her kisses is overwhelming, and it's clear that subtlety and finesse are not her strengths. You consider breaking up the kiss to make it more enjoyable.

Tent pulls away from the kiss, her eyes widening in shock. "What's going on here?" she says softly. She reaches down and you feel a gentle pressure over your clothes as her hand touches you.

"Going on where?"

Her brown eyes bore deeply into yours. "Oh come on, it's obvious that you're aroused,” she says with a sly grin.

She strokes the tip of your tent lightly, causing you to squirm.

"It's... huge!" Tent breathes out in awe. She covers her mouth with a delicate hand, unable to tear her eyes away from you. You get to witness Tent in all her admiration, eyes wide and cheeks flushed, mesmerized by the sight before her and lightly touching your crotch.

"Y-you'd really do me?" A seductive whisper asks, her words like molten honey dripping from her lips.

"Yes, of course! Why don't you get out of your clothes."

Tent blushes, her elongated fang biting her bottom lip as she untucks her shirt. Her fingers have already unbuttoned her pants, the front of her black panties peeking out. Her fingers are hooked around the waist of her pants, ready to take them off.

"All of it off?"

You nod.

As she slides it off, you notice how thin the black fabric covering her thighs is, how the panties don't cover nearly enough area. Your feel your heart pound within your chest, as she moves her hands to remove them as well.

She teases you by slowly peeling them off piece until all that's left is a heated and passionate moment between the two of you. As her hands move to slowly slide her pants off of her body, you can feel your heart pounding inside your chest. Her panties caresses the skin between her legs, barely concealing anything. She prepares to take these off as well.

You stop her, "No, keep your black panties on."

"W-why?!"

"I'd just like it."

"Fine."

You observe Tent as she slowly slides her white shirt upwards. Her movement a tantalizing reminder of her feminine nature. But before you can see the mounds hidden beneath her shirt, she turns around, teasing you as her butt bounces softly, giving an invitation to the gift under the fabric; every curve preaching volumes without speaking.

She slowly and deliberately slides off her clothes, pausing for a moment to feel the warmth of her own skin beneath her fingertips. When she's down to nothing but her panties, she turns around, allowing a few small glimpses of her supple figure. Her pert, petite breasts bounce ever so slightly as she moves, barely noticeable yet undeniably alluring. The light bounces off her curves in mesmerizing patterns, illuminating the subtle arc of her chest. Her small nipples, normally only visible when pressing against her clothing in the cold weather, were now hardened with anticipation of the pleasure to come.

"Happy, pervert?" A grin answers for you as it spreads across your face.

She blushes and coyly covers her petite breasts with her arms. "What next? Are you going to take off your clothes too?"

Goad her. (turn to 77)
Stop. (turn to 29)

22

Before the goblins can charge you and Tent, you concentrate on tearing up the throat of another goblin again.

You feel the adrenaline rush back to your veins, your senses on high alert. The goblin lunges at Tent with his spear, but Tent twists out of the way, her hand flashing out. She twists her fingers into a tiger claw and plunges her fingers into the goblin's eyes. She pulls her fingers back with a wet sound, and the goblin collapses onto the ground.

A goblin is trying to sneak around Tent as she is occupied with the one in front of her. As you focus on it, you hear the thwack of a rock hitting your ribs, causing you to lose concentration. You turn your head to see that another goblin is pelting you with rocks, distracting you from focusing on your own goblin.

In the confusion, Tent has managed to pull the knife out of the first goblin's spear and has buried it into the throat of the third goblin. Blood sprays everywhere as the goblin gurgles and falls to the ground.

TThe final pair of goblins, aware of their inferiority, turn back to flee into the woods.

Let them flee. (turn to 39)
Slaughter them. (turn to 41)

23

"Let's sleep on the hay mattress," Tent suggested, taking a bite out of the horn rabbit. "It'll keep us warmer."

Your heart rate increases as you process her words. "We?"

"Y-yeah, I mean… there's nowhere else to sleep, and it's cold," she mumbled, avoiding your gaze. The glow of the fire made her cheeks flush red.

"Ah, o-okay."

You use your magic to clear the hay mattress of debris and bugs, but like filtering dirt out of clay, it's hard to do. Tent watches as the hay shifts around in the air. "Thanks, your magic really comes in handy."

"Thanks. You fight really well," you tell her, trying to shift the mood and ignore her comment about sharing a bed.

"Mmm... I don't think that's what a girl wants to hear..." Her voice sounded forlorn.

You glance at her, but she's transfixed by the flames. "What do you wish to hear?"

Tent stared up at the ceiling. The firelight makes her lips glisten from the fat of the rabbit.

"Something about how cute my hair is," she decides.

You look at her. "Your hair is cute," you tell her.

"You can't just say what I told you!" She shouts. "Find something else!"

You sigh.

"Something about my eyes, then."

You gaze into her warm brown eyes, captivated by their clarity and intelligence. They twinkle in the firelight, and her vivacious spirit radiates from them.

...but if you comment about her eyes, won't you fall into her trap again? What does she really want?

You resolve yourself. "You have really pretty eyes." You tell her, trying to force sincerity in your voice.

She shakes her head, a deep sigh escaping her lips as she averts her gaze. "Men..."

The conversation dwindles, and soon the night falls. You attempt to clean the hay mattress as best you can. When you tell her about it, she quickly tears off her shoes and socks with an excited 'Yay!', settling down on it on her side, cuddling up close to the fire. She takes up all of its warmth, leaving none for you to bask in.

You pause, pondering if it's alright to sleep beside her. But maybe this isn't the craziest thing that happened today.

"Ah, the warmth of the fire on my front is so soothing, while my back is still chilled. Come over here and keep me warm." Tent's complaining has begun.

Heat rushes through your veins and your pulse begins to race.

She beckons to you with a seductive whisper. "I-I... why don't we share this warmth together?" The way she said it was almost like a caress, her words sending a shiver through your body.

Agree. (turn to 60)
Disagree. (turn to 51)

24

When you wake up, your neck is sore from sleeping on your back. You notice the fire pit has gone out and the cabin is freezing. Tent is lying on the hay mattress in front of the fire pit, shivering in her sleep.

You sigh with a foggy breath as you watch her.

Tent wakes up soon afterwards and the two of you begin chatting about your plans for the day.

"Let's get firewood and food today." She nods her agreement. "We should also try to wash up, and clean our clothes."

You look down at her. She sits with crossed legs, her feet under her ankles and with one leg exposed from the tear in her dress. Her dress is stained with dirt, sweat, blood from the goblins, and grease from the fat of the bun buns. Beyond that, her bandage is also bloodied. There's no way she could be warm in that.

"Ah, one last thing," you say as you think of it. "We should also see if we can get a blanket or two for the nights."

"Blankets?" She tilts her head. "Where would we get those?"

"We'll find something," you say, suppressing a yawn.

You watch her chest expand as she sighs.

Tent grins, showing her fangs. She then starts stretching her legs as she prepares herself for the day, causing you to turn your gaze elsewhere.

You stretch a bit yourself before leaving the cabin.

Continue (turn to 5)

25

You decide to let Tent tend to herself. Tent stares at her wound, studying it. Then she reaches into it with her other hand, digging around. Her blood is going everywhere, her hands, her dress, the ground... After a while of doing this, she pulls out a shard.

The process is messy, and while mesmerizing, you decide to look away. After what seems like several minutes, Tent manages to extract all the splinters. "It hurts, but I should be alright."

Hurting should be an understatement. Tent's eyes are sunken and tearing up from the pain. "Hmph!" She scoffs. Striding to a sunlit boulder, she sits down on it. "Let's rest for a bit." She pulls her hood, attached to her dress, over her head.

Continue (turn to 66)

26

This time, you wake up before Tent. You're less of a pillow, and more of a mattress as she sprawled over you. Even her feet rest on your shins, keeping them off of the lumpy hay mattress. Her rhythmic breathing lands right on your neck, and your heart is racing as you realize how comfortable it is to have her sleeping on you.

Her curves press tightly against you, and you can feel her heart beat against your own. Listening to it, you feel cradled, sinking deeper into your lumpy mattress, wanting to stay here forever.

When you do finally stir, you feel her shift on top of you. You tense and open your eyes, finding her face hovering above yours. Her eyelashes are long and lush, her lips look like the petals of a rosebud.

Tent slides her body lower against yours and you can feel the pressure of her soft belly against your groin. You remain still as she curves herself around you in a tantalizingly sensual embrace.

Tent's breath quickness, puffs of air grazing your neck and sending a shiver of anticipation down your spine. You tilted your head back slightly, giving her room to do whatever she wants with your neck.

Tent's eyes blink open, and the two of you freeze.

Tent smiles softly, a flush emanating on her face. "Good morning, Mr. red face," Tent whispers in sleepy tone.

"Good morning."

"Did you sleep well?"

"I slept great," you say as your body betrays you by rising against her belly.

"I'm glad, I did too." After a few more moments of blissful relaxation, Tent's eyes blink opened once again, and she leaves your side to sit on the mattress. You sigh as the warmth and comfort of her body faded away.

"Uhm, sorry," she stammers, cheeks flushed from the chill.

"I don't mind," you tell her. "I enjoy it when you lean on me."

Tent turns away from you and stretches in preparation for the day ahead. Her back and waist are beautiful, making you wonder what it would feel like to caress her back, not realizing that you just had the opportunity to do so.

Continue (turn to 28)

27

You sort through the clothes next. The elf provided two sets of white long-sleeved shirts and two black trousers. One for Tent and one for you.

The clothes are simple and unassuming, made of inexpensive fabric and a bit too big. Though because you both had a tendency to get things dirty, you wonder if white was the best color.

The elf had gifted you two pairs of leather boots and some pairs of woolen socks, preparing you well for the cold winter season.

There was also some underwear, including a particularly salacious pair of black panties. A lacy border ran along the waistband, inviting fingers to lower them when shown.

Your mind immediately went to dreaming of Tent's bare, sun-kissed skin. Her muscled wrists just barely enough to cover her perky breasts. Her eyes diverting from yours, her brown hair flowing behind her. A plump bottom that sends shivers down your spine.

You shake off the thoughts. Tent wasn't the type of girl to fall for that sort of thing. And besides, she was always wearing a dress, so you had no idea what her legs looked like anyways.

You briefly wondered if the elf was hoping to bring you two closer together, but quickly dismissed the idea. Women simply needed panties, nothing more.

Your clothing was ragged and stained with soot, mud, and dried blood, so you decided to change.

You discovered a bundle of silverware in the sack as well. It contained two forks, two spoons, and two knives, this time designed for eating.

The last thing you drew from the sack was a book. You couldn't read, but on its cover was a man's silhouette with some red stains on his face and upper chest. You'd have to ask the elf about it later.

Continue (turn to 34)

28

The sun's rays stream through the gaps in the cabin.

Preparing the bear remains was the task for the day. You had some bones, a bearskin and a pile of meat. The plan you both agreed upon was straightforward: cook the meat then smoke it in the fireplace to last through winter. To do that, you'll need plenty more wood.

During an unappealing breakfast of boiled bear meat, you watch Tent taking extra care not to spill onto her tattered dress. You're both in need of new clothes after the previous day's struggle. Perhaps instead of making a blanket from the bear coat, the two of you would do better to figure out how to make some clothes from it.

...But then you'd both look like cavemen.

You two venture into the woods, the trees looming tall above. Your mission is to find suitable wood for kindling, but the search proves difficult. You contemplate attempting to fell a tree, but without any tools it seems impossible.

You both continue to look for wood, but it's obvious that there just isn't any. It's starting to become clear that someone else has already collected it all. You and Tent must think of another plan, or you'll end up burning your own cabin.

Tent's eyes widened as she gazes through the trees, searching for whatever had caught her attention. "Hey, what's that?"

You have no idea what she is seeing. Expanding your consciousness reveals nothing alive in that space. "Guess it can't hurt to take a look," you say with a shrug.

As you two wind through the trees, a tan brick tower emerges in a clearing. It's tall, with a bulbous top. Halfway up, there's a balcony on one side. There are no doors in sight, but walking around it shows a few windows.

Tent trails her fingers over the brick tower before rapping on it. With a hint of disappointment, she says, "It looks just like any other brick tower...but there's no door." She glances up. "Do you think anybody is inside?"

"Do we really want to meet a hermit who built a tower, out of brick, all the way out here?"

You peer into the tower's window, but under the wooden shutters, your view is blocked by heavy wooden planks.

"Well, this is interesting. Someone must be in there, trying to stay out of sight."

"Why don't we just break a window? There might be wood, clothes... or even salt!" Tent's eyes lit up with anticipation, her stomach growling in hunger.

Frowning, you consider the tower placed so far from any significant civilization. Unfamiliar with who or what may dwell inside, it could be a dangerous trap, a tempting lure, or even an ancient ruin.

"Let's at least try to get the attention of whoever's in there first."

Tent nods. "Let's walk around again and find the door."

You and Tent make your way around the tower, only to find that there is no door in sight. She huffs in exasperation. "What now? How do we even knock?"

"You may ascend to the balcony by taking flight," a woman's voice echoes from behind you. "It helps keeps the humans out. How may the Tower of Evis assist you today?"

You spin around in surprise, to behold an elf adorned in a forest-green robe that flows beneath her feet. The hood of her garment hides her tresses of dull blonde hair, though you can still catch a glimpse of the glimmering gray hue in her eyes. Her delicate hand wraps around a staff firmly, its tip reverberates reality around it as the winds of magic pulse and hum with energy.

This woman is a mage.

"Wah~!" Tent yells in surprise. "Who are you!"

The elven mage dismisses Tent with a roll of her eyes. "I have informed you that I am a member of the Tower of Evis. Is there something that you require, or are you simply trespassing on our land while out on your date?"

"D-d-date!?" Tent seems taken aback by the idea.

"No.. it doesn't appear that you two are having a very enjoyable time. May I inquire as to what has transpired? Might I suggest that you come and join me for tea?"

Tent is still flustering around with the idea of dating you, so you reply that you would love to.

The ground vibrates as a chunk of earth lifts you and Tent onto the balcony. You notice that it doesn't have a railing, but there is a sturdy wooden door leading indoors.

The elf beckoned, "Come along now, my dears."

Continue. (turn to 20)

29

You decide not to get too caught up with the situation. Taking a deep breath, you sit next to her and drape the bearskin blanket over her shoulders. Its comforting embrace will ward off the cold as the pleasant crackle of wood burning fills the air.

Taking a deep breath, you focus on calming your mind and heart of any negative thoughts. There's no place for them here.

Tent hugs herself and scoots closer to the fireplace. The gentle heat radiating from the burning logs is enough to soothe both of you, causing the tension in your body to slowly dissipate.

It doesn't matter what you are - human, vampire, or something else. What's important is your friendship with Tent and how the bond between you two has grown in the last few days. You don't want to rush it, especially if you're going to live for an eternity.

Perhaps you and Tent will develop a wonderful bond in the future, but it's possible that too much time together could cause conflict and push you apart. You decide to keep an open mind and accept things as they come.

And with that, you give the bearskin blanket to Blind and bid her a good night, resigning yourself to an unforgiving night on the harsh floor.

As you open your eyes in the morning, the heavy bearskin weighed down on your chest. Sitting up made you a little dizzy as you glanced over to see Tent sleeping peacefully on the mattress.

Thank you for enjoying my story!
Read the Author's Note (turn to Author's Note).

30

The two of you continue up the river. Time seemed to pass quickly, and before long you find yourselves drifting away from the river and entering a clearing.

You have arrived.

The tiny clearing is strewn with debris, a ruined cabin still stands in the middle. You share an uneasy glance, the tension palpable as you strain to hear the rustling of vegetation and ragged breathing of an unseen beast. An orc.

Your jaw slackens in disbelief.

"Wh-what?" Tent's own mouth seems to be unable to comprehend this.

You two stay silent and still, listening to the heavy footsteps and creaks from the cabin. After a moment, you hear something moving within. You can't tell where it is, but the sound of creaky floorboards indicates it's making its way around.

Tent looks at you with wide, fearful eyes and whispers, "We have to get out of here."

Fight the Orc. (turn to 58)
Flee from the Orc. (turn to 52)

31

You refuse Tent's request. She whines in response, "Awww come on, we've been walking for hours." Her gaze falls upon the bunny and she continues, "Just... try please?"

You gaze at the bunny. It's tiny, much smaller than the ones you recall your father hunting before. "It's not worth the energy it would require to catch it. There's plenty of food in these woods, let's just find shelter first."

Tent huffed crossly in response. "Fine then, I'll catch it. We'll see who's not worth the effort then!"

You're worried about her getting skewered by that bunny, but you let it go. Maybe she has a plan to catch the bunny without getting stabbed. "If you manage to get that bunny, I'll start a fire."

Tent's eyes lit up brightly at the prospect. She bobbed her head enthusiastically, her lips forming a tight smile. "I won't let you down," she whispered as she took a few careful steps forward, watching the bunny carefully as it continued to busy itself in its grassy feast.

You doubt Tent knows the best way to grab ahold of it, and she'll most likely get gored by those horns, especially with her injured arm. But perhaps the rabbit is young and inexperienced, due to its meek size. Or maybe she has had experience with this technique before, something she hasn't shared yet. Either way, you can see the eagerness in her eyes as she wants to impress you with her skills.

You give Tent the opportunity to net the bunny. She approaches cautiously, never taking her eyes off of it as she gets closer. Her movements are graceful and precise, ensuring that she won't startle the creature away.

You watch her in awe as she effortlessly dives at the rabbit, her hair splaying out behind her like a tantalizing wave. The rabbit pauses for the briefest of moments, but it's all that Tent needs.

She firmly graphs hold of the bunny's horn with one hand and its body with the other. A second later a crack sounds throughout the woods as the bunny's neck snaps.

Tent looks up at you with a triumphant smirk, her accomplishment evident as she skewers the rabbit onto a stick, and lets it blood run out.

Continue (turn to 2)

32

You and Tent are left alone in the room as your host goes to prepare a bag for you two. You bot exchange a glance.

"I apologize for yelling," she said, her gaze averting.

You notice that the elf's formalness has rubbed off on Tent, possibly due to her feeling embarrassed. "It's fine... Why would she invite strangers to our house? It's deep in the woods, so how would they even find us? And who are we expecting exactly? Merchants and mages?"

"Hey, it's free wood. When spring comes we can move on and find somewhere else to live."

The elf sounds out from the doorway, scratching the back of her ear. "Erm, I regret to inform you that I am unable to provide you with any wood today. Would it be possible for you to return tomorrow?" She's holding a large sack full. "I have acquired additional attire for the two of you, as well as soap, knives, salt, thread-"

Tent leaps up, snatching the sack of salt from the elf. "Salt!" she splutters with joy. "Thank you!"

She may even shed some tears from the salt. Personally, you thought the clothes would be the best part. Tent's tear in her dress, the one that reveals her leg, is a little too stimulating at times.

She holds the sack out before chirping, "Look she's giving us salt! Let's go make something tasty!" Tent runs to the balcony. Rushing after her, you just barely witness her jump off, spinning as she falls three stories to the ground below.

"Erm..." You're not quite sure what to say to the elf. "Thank you for your help."

"There is no issue. I anticipate that there will not be any visitors before spring, so please you are free to make yourself as cozy as possible with Tent." She gives you a wink as she teases you.

You find your face warming up despite the cold breeze.

After thanking her one last time, you walk off the balcony and land on the ground, your knees bending from the shock. The impact was surprisingly gentle, as if something had softened your landing. You look back at the balcony one last time before moving on. Tent was waiting for you and you chattered about how strange and formal the elf was all the way back to the cabin, where she proceeded to immediately cook some bear meat with her beloved salt.

Mysteries (turn to 62)

33

You and Tent are in a cabin. It's dark and freezing outside, but the bearskin is warm enough to use as a blanket, and the fire in the chimney crackles.

You both can't take the bearskin, so if you want warmth you'll have to sleep together. With no other choice, you suggest to Tent, "Should we… snuggle together for warmth?"

A soft sound escaped her lips as she took in the sight of you. Her eyes moved slowly over your body, almost as if they were memorizing every contour and curve. You returned the gaze, tracing her curves that were encased by a white long sleeved shirt and black pants that hugged her alluring figure.

It's not too different from the previous nights. There's a bearskin blanket, a fire, and more clothing now... and yet you know it would be warmer if you two slept together.

In truth, it was freezing outside. You both knew that if you were to spend the night away from each other, one of you would be forced to endure a night of discomfort and cold on the hard floor. Likely you. Your intentions were pure and honorable. Definitely.

It's undisputed that vampires are irresistible to humans, especially given how close you and Tent have been recently. You're both a human and a vampire, yet not fully one or the other - making you both an especially tantalizing prey and predator.

As is Tent.

Tent's defenses break down in your presence and she slowly moves closer to you, eventually sitting on the bed with her knees pulled up to her chest. She is a shy but spirited young woman, trembling from the chill of the room, sitting right beside you.

Engage with with Tent. (turn to 63)
Resolve yourself to sleeping alone. (turn to 29)

34

35

Tent swings the door open, and the two of you burst into the cabin.

Two of the goblins were fast asleep on the cold hard ground, while the two others had their vigilant yellow eyes turned up at you. The closest one immediately leapt to his feet and brandished a rusted short sword, ready for battle.

Another goblin slowly stirred from his slumber, pushing himself off the floor with a weary groan. The last goblin slumbered on the floor, his twisted face displayed a look of pure exhaustion as he watched what was about to unfold before him.

You immediately expand your consciousness to one of the goblin's faces, intensely pushing into its eyes until they burst, leaving it blinded.

Tent strides forward, her arm swinging as she reaches the goblin and connects with its neck, sending it crashing down onto the ground in a gurgle. She bends her knee and lifts up her right leg, the movement pushing her filthy dress up to reveal tantalizingly smooth thighs and a smooth teal fabric. The sight disappears as she lands a powerful stomp, crushing the goblin's sternum beneath her boot and sending shards of bone into his heart.

Rusty sword goblin charging at Tent, he blade aimed for Tent. You push your telekinesis against the sword and deviated its path, allowing Tent to dodge it.

The blind goblin was shrieking and writhing in agony on the floor, its grotesque fingers clawing at its empty eye sockets, orange sap-like blood covering his face.

All of a sudden, you felt a slimy, cold hand grip your ankle. The sleeping goblin had taken advantage of the commotion to creep over to you and was now attempting to drag you down to the floor. It was clear that he had been waiting for this moment, and his malicious eyes gleamed with delight as he tugged at your leg.

You grit your teeth and focus on maintaining your balance as you use your telekinesis to shove the sword goblin's head away from Tent. In a swift motion, you launch a kick at the one grabbing onto your leg with incredible force. Your blow connects with his nose, producing an earsplitting crack and orange blood spurts from his nostrils. You feel relief he releases his grip on you.

The sword goblin stumbles back a few feet, affording Tent just enough time to deliver a powerful kick, sending the small weapon tumbling from its grasp.

You tear your gaze away to look at the goblin at your feet. You stomp its head repeatedly, each impact sending ripples of pain throughout its body until his head is a deep purple, marked with bruises. With one final hit, he finally stops moving.

By then, Tent has also finished with her goblin, and is standing over the last one that you blinded earlier. He was still alive, blood dripping from his eyes as he was thrashing about on the floor.

You watch her as she grips the stolen sword tightly, thrusting it into the goblin's chest. The creature wails in agony, but Tent is undaunted and stabs again with a newfound ferocity. The blade sinks deep this time, and the goblin begins to weaken as it struggles to take its last breaths. Tent does not relent and continues her relentless assault until he passes away.

You glance around the room at the other goblins, calming your nerves after confirming that all three were dead.

You gaze down at your ankle, skin slashed and bloody. The fabric of your pants is ripped around the wound, exposing angry redness that oozes out.

Tent yanks out her rusty stick, letting it clatter to the ground. She raises the back of her wrist to her forehead, mopping up sweat as she looks at you. Her eyes linger over your figure, settling on your ankle. "A goblin got you?", she inquires, her head tilting slightly as a lock of her hair caresses her neck before settling on her shoulder.

"Yes," you reply, eyes still affixed to the dead bodies.

Tent watches your gaze for assurance that you were alright. "Are there any more goblins?" she cautiously inquires.

You open your mind and expand your consciousness, searching for any sign of the goblins. You sigh as you realize that their presence no longer lingers in this world.

You gingerly lower yourself onto the discolored blanket, carefully massaging your aching ankle as she begins to search the one-room cabin.

The room is thick with dust, illuminated only by the faint sunlight shining through from holes in the cabin. The furniture is sparse and rundown, consisting of just an old bed with a chipped and battered frame. But despite its grime and lack of luxury, this space is still shelter.

The corpses of the goblins lay strewn about, their blood seeping into the ground and forming a thick, orange pool. The putrid smell of death lingered in the air, adding nothing good to the ambiance.

You carefully finish tending to your wounds, rising slowly with a grimace. "Are you okay?" Tent asks, her brows knitted in concern as she gazes at your blood-splattered pant leg.

"I'm alright, but we need to get rid of these bodies quickly before they start to rot," you reply, making for the door.

"Wait." Tent calls out, and you pause. She averts her gaze from you, her hair shielding her expression from view. "I'll dispose of the bodies outside. Your foot must be hurt. Why don't you sit right here and use your magic to take care of the mess in here?"

"Are you sure?" You ask.

She doesn't answer you, instead striding over to a goblin. She bends over, her dress pulling tight against her curves, and you can't help but take in the view. The fabric clings to her small butt before leading to a provocative tear that exposes her thigh from the side.

You open your eyes wide in shock. The tear hadn't been there before, so it took you by surprise.

She looks at you, her gaze meeting yours. "Don't worry," she says softly. "I'll take care of it." Tent carefully lifts the goblin onto her shoulder and exits the cabin.

You rapidly blink and shake your head, alternating between shock and relief that she hadn't spotted what you were staring at.

Focusing your attention on the blood and dirt, you close your eyes, calling upon your telekinesis to scrub away the mess from the wooden walls and floor. You envision it dispersing through the air, before using a wave of your magic to make it float out the door and away.

A few minutes later, all the goblins had been left outside, and Tent returned with her eyes wide open in disbelief. "Incredible! How were you able to pull this off?"

"I simply used my magic to clean the mess," you explain, concentrating your efforts on eliminating every trace of goblin blood from the wood.

"That's incredible!" Tent exclaims, taking in the sights of the room. She stops at the tattered bed and gingerly runs her hand over the mattress and bedframe. The mattress is almost non-existent, made up of nothing more than a thin layer of old hay stuffed into cloth. Her face contorts as she takes it all in, dismay crossing her features.

"It's wet, and the bed frame is useless." Tent sighs.

"I don't mind sleeping on the floor," you say, continuing your telekinetic work.

"Well, it is getting late," She remarks, lifting a hand to her chin. "I think I'll go get some wood for the fire tonight. Keep close to the cabin, alright?" Despite her words of warning, there's an underlying sadness in her eyes as she speaks.

You give a brief nod in response, and continue on with your task of cleaning the cabin. Tent leaves the cabin, her dress swishing lightly in the chill breeze that slips in through the open door.

Begin Chapter 4:
Surviving the Night (turn to 84)

36

You took a sip. It was thick and syrupy, the flavor enigmatic. There was something sweet, something floral, something fruity. A saltiness that made those flavors more complex. A distinct mixture that hinted at uncertainty and determination. Whoever had created this drink must have been wavering over its composition, yet confident it was the right thing to do.

You had never tasted emotions before. Was this a potion of some kind?

Your heart raced, your body warmed, adrenaline coursed through you. You felt invigorated and stronger. Soon enough, you realized that the dull ache in your knees had stopped.

You could not believe it. The liquid was healing you. Was this really happening?

You had to be sure. Taking an elven knife, you made a shallow cut on your wrist and observed as the wound healed in mere seconds. The liquid was healing you, even from just one sip.

You replaced the cap and decided to give some to Tent later, allowing the wound on her arm to fully recover.

Continue (turn to 72)

37

The two of you sit together in front of the fire. Tent has her legs crossed, and the tight fabric wrapping around her thighs mesmerizes you.

Tent gazes at you. "So, there's something you should know about us, if we're going to be together for a while."

"What is it, Tent?" You ask. You can't imagine what could be so serious.

"We're...vampires," Tent says, looking at you worriedly. You're taken aback. "...at least the very least, half vampires."

Vampires. You've heard about them before. They are creatures of the night who suck the blood of people that they've enthralled. They don't eat, they don't age, they have incredible strength and agility, the winds of magic favor them, they live forever, they heal fast, and most humans become irresistibly attracted to them.

However, they have their limits. Sunlight burns them, they cannot cross running water, and they cannot enter homes uninvited.

"So,” you ask her, “What does that mean?"

Tent stares at the ground. "Well, I didn't realize to before, but... you've been watching me carefully, haven't you? I've been... aware of you as well."

She's not wrong. Tent has extraordinary abilities. You've seen how well she can navigate the forest. Her incredible jumping, fast healing, and ability to fight goblins make her strong. You also know that she shares your vulnerability to the sun, which is why she wore hooded dress all the time.

But this doesn't make sense. At the very least, if you were a vampire... "But then how come we both still eat meat, like this bear we had for lunch?"

"Huh?" Tent's eyes met yours. Her cheeks flushed before she looked away. "Their blood is disgusting. I don't want to drink that," she said. You remembered feeling the same way about all the blood you've seen recently, though Tent's own blood was strangely captivating. "You mentioned the 'potion' that the elf gave you, right? That's probably her blood."

Oh, delightful. You drank some of that.

"...Maybe we're not real vampires," Tent continued, her cheeks reddening further as she realized her new shirt didn't have a hood like her dress did. "Maybe we're just half-vampires, and so we can eat meat just fine.”

"So we have some strengths and some weaknesses of vampires?"

"Things like that. I heal quickly and have better vision in the dark." She could see in the dark? "Look, how long have you been alive?"

You glance at the fire, calculating the passing winters. It's a difficult number to pinpoint, but you tell Tent that you have likely seen about 530 of them.

"I see..." Tent responds, joining you in looking at the fire. "I'm nearing 360."

360 years? No wonder you don't remember playing with Tent growing up. You two were simple in different generations.

"Do you know how long humans live?" Tent asks you. "They start to wither like a tree in their 50s, and then they die before their 85th year." You stare at her in disbelief, unable to comprehend how humans could be so fragile to die to something as simple as time. It's simply inconceivable.

Silence descends for a moment before you speak up. "Will we be like this forever?"

Tent remains quiet. She looks scared and uncomfortable, refusing to meet your gaze, but after a while, she tells you, "...we are, probably."

Your mind is spinning, overwhelmed by many things to make sense of. The elf. Your family. Your village. And now Tent is telling you that you're a vampire. A half-vampire. Whatever that means.

Tent rises and moves toward the door, taking the clay bowl you crafted with her. "I'm… going to go get some some water."

As you watch her walk out, her swaying butt captures your attention.

Could it be... that there's something to this vampire thing? Is your human side drawn to her vampire side?

You spent the rest of the day cleaning yourselves with the elf's soap, filling any remaining holes in the cabin, having dinner, and confirming that the bearskin can be used as a blanket. It can.

Begin Chapter 8:
The Cabin at Night (turn to 40)

38

You manage to keep your teasing comment to yourself from the scary village girl who is strong and smart enough to kill a bear.

"...Hey."

Tent is looking at you.

She grinned slyly, her eyes twinkling. "You know, this bear is a female. Want it to carry your babies?"

You glance between the bear's legs and nodded; it was certainly a female.

Continue (turn to 10)

39

Tent is determined to pursue them, but you intervene, halting her in her tracks. As she turns to face you, her gaze meets yours, yet your attention is captivated by the injury she bears. Right above her elbow, a protruding wooden stick juts out. The wound oozes a mesmerizing crimson hue, gracefully staining her once pristine sleeves. Tent's eyes follow your gaze, and a flicker of surprise dances across her face, as if she had been oblivious to the wound's existence amidst the chaos of the battle.

She stretches her hand towards the stick, gripping it tightly. Tent's nostrils flare as she yanks the stick out of her arm. A deep cut is left behind, revealing the raw muscle beneath. You can see fragments of shattered stick remain embedded in the wound, but it doesn't look like the injury reached the bone.

Tent, wincing from her effort, asks, "Are they gone?"

You gaze towards the path where the goblins disappeared. "They're gone," you mutter. Drawing closer to Tent, you inspect her injury. Splinters of wood now reside within her tender flesh, the should be extracted.

Attempt to take out the wood. (turn to 54)
Let Tent handle her own wound. (turn to 25)

40

You and Tent are in a cabin. It's dark and freezing outside, but the bearskin is warm enough to use as a blanket, and the fire in the chimney crackles.

You both can't take the bearskin, so if you want warmth you'll have to sleep together. With no other choice, you suggest to Tent, "Should we… snuggle together for warmth?"

A soft sound escaped her lips as she took in the sight of you. Her eyes moved slowly over your body, almost as if they were memorizing every contour and curve. You returned the gaze, tracing her curves that were encased by a white long sleeved shirt and black pants that hugged her alluring figure.

In truth, it was freezing outside. You both knew that if you were to spend the night away from each other, one of you would be forced to endure a night of discomfort and cold on the hard floor. Likely you. Your intentions were pure and honorable. Definitely.

It's undisputed that vampires are irresistible to humans, especially given how close you and Tent have been recently. You're both a human and a vampire, yet not fully one or the other - making you both an especially tantalizing prey and predator.

As is Tent.

But it's different from the previous nights. Your fire is warm, and you have a bearskin blanket. There's no need to sleep together. There's no need for your attraction to each other to take control.

Engage with with Tent. (turn to 63)
Resolve yourself to sleeping alone. (turn to 29)

41

Letting them flee will just result in more goblins coming at you later. You use your telekinesis to grab one by the neck and choke them.

Tent sees your magic at work and sprints towards the other goblin, tackling them down to the ground. She attempts to stab them with a nearby stick, but they twist their body to catch it and instead press the end into her arm, causing her to yelp in pain.

Taking advantage of the situation, you quickly finish your goblin off. Tent is still engaged in her battle with the goblin. As she wrestles with him, he manages to lodge the stick even deeper in her arm, causing her to scream out in pain. She pushes his head back, giving you a good view of his face. He has an inhuman evil grin full of sadism. He kicks at her knees, pushing her to the ground, laying himself on tip of her. He shouts as he lifts his arms up to start pummeling her.

But you merely grab his throat as well, doing to him what you did to the others. As he suffocates, Tent pushes him off of her, and stomps on his chest. Breaking his sternum and quite possibly impaling his heart with those bone fragments.

She stretches her hand towards the stick, gripping it tightly. Tent's nostrils flare as she yanks the stick out of her arm. A deep cut is left behind, revealing the raw muscle beneath. You can see fragments of shattered stick remain embedded in the wound, but it doesn't look like the injury reached the bone.

Tent, wincing from her effort, asks, "Are they gone?"

You gaze towards the path where the goblins disappeared. "They're gone," you mutter. Drawing closer to Tent, you inspect her injury. Splinters of wood now reside within her tender flesh, the should be extracted.

Attempt to take out the wood. (turn to 54)
Let Tent handle her own wound. (turn to 25)

42

43

44

You and Tent spin around and sprinted down the path back towards the river, leaves crunching under your feet in a hurried haste.

After about fifteen minutes of running, you glance behind you and see no sign of the orc. You reach out to Tent and motion for her to slow down.

"I think... we lost it," you manage to wheeze out.

She stops and doubles over, her lungs heaving as she struggles to catch her breath. "Do you really think so?" she manages to gasp out between breaths. She faces the direction of the cabin with apprehension in her eyes. "Do you think there could be more orcs there?"

"I don't know."

Tent lifts her hands to top of her head, stretching her torso as she does so. Her dress tightens around handful-sized breasts, emphasizing their shape as stiff nipples poke through. She looks up at you with a mixture of embarrassment and confusion in her gaze, her cheeks flushed pink as she demands, "Wh-what are you looking at!"

She looks at you with her piercing brown eyes, her disheveled brown hair curling around her delicate face. You feel a jolt in your stomach as you quickly avert your gaze.

"Ugh... men..." Despite the teasing, cold lingered in the air, and the mood turned somber once more. "What are we to do? We're stranded in the heart of nowhere."

You pause and ponder for a moment. In the long ago days of your ancestors, you recall that the forest was further from the village. It's only been in recent years that it has grown closer to your village, slowly and steadily encroaching on human realms.

Perhaps there was another cabin hidden deep in the woods, from long ago. Though, time has probably diverted the creeks so much that it could be difficult to locate.

Tell her about another cabin. (turn to 48)

45

When you awake, you find yourself sleeping on your back, your neck aching from sleeping without a pillow. You don't hear the crackling of a fire, but instead feel a warm creature snuggled up against you, her head pillowed on your shoulder and her arm resting across your chest. Her supple breasts move rhythmically with her breaths, and you can feel the warmth radiating from her body. Your leg is has been captured between her two thighs, and you're keenly aware that there is nothing between her legs. With every second that passes; her breath feathering across your neck and sending tingles along your skin. You draw in the air around you and take in the sweet, intoxicating scent of her skin and hair; it sends a chill down your spine as you revel in the moment.

Truly, this is bliss.

When you open your eyes, you meet her blushing face looking up at you. She is staring intensely into your own, her breathing heavy and slow. Her small incisors peek out from behind full lips as she gazes upon you with passionate eyes.

Her brown eyes meet yours for a second, before she gulps and returns her gaze to your chest.

You smile, and run your fingers through her surprisingly silky hair. You knew the comfort of your touch was a balm to her after the tragedy of yesterday, and she rubs her leg up and down yours in response. Warmth spread through you both as you held each other close, feeling the electricity between you. Your gaze meets hers and suddenly all the stress from earlier seems to vanish away.

But reality is harsh and daylight is slipping away. It's getting warmer, so you should both get going.

Maybe the two of you can come up with a plan for the day ahead.

"Hey," you whisper. She looks up at you, her dark locks framing a blushing face. "You don't have to worry, I... kinda enjoy this."

She smiles, even her ears flushing pink. Her gaze averts from yours for a moment, before lifting her head and meeting your eyes once more. "I'm... kinda enjoying it too."

Her thighs press against your leg, her hips beginning to rock back and forth. She closes her eyes and lets her lips part, her every movement is sending blood to your other head throughout your body, but you do your best to ignore it.

You clear your throat. "Ahem, so today we need wood for the fire and food for the night." She slows her rocking as she listens to you. "Let's get cleaned up too, our clothes could use it."

You gaze down at her. Her dress is stained with the evidence of her hard-fought journey, dirt, sweat, and even blood from the goblins' claws. She has a bloody bandage wrapped on one arm. Her dress had split open from the hem, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of her leg. She must have been chilled by the night air.

"And we should also see if we can get a blanket for the night."

"A blanket?" She abruptly ceases her rhythmic grinding. "Where would we get that?"

You stroke her head, "We'll find something."

Her chest expands against you as she sighs.

"Okay," she chimes in. "Food and wood, water from the creek for bathing and washing needs. With some luck, we might even find something to keep us warm, like a sheep or goat."

"Let's wash up in the creek," you suggest to her. "No need to struggle with bringing back buckets of water to the cabin." It was clear your bowl wouldn't have been able to carry enough for both of you.

Tent lifts herself up onto her elbows. "No way I'm getting undressed out here in these woods! And no way am I letting you wash me either. You can do whatever you like, but I'm not going to be participating in that!"

Longing for the heat her body radiated, you respond, "It's not like there's anyone here, right?"

"But- but that's embarrassing!"

"Embarrassing?"

"Yes, it's awkward. We'd both be exposed and I- I don't want you to see me like this." She self-consciously moves her arm to cover her belly.

This girl think you two should bathe together? "No, Tent," you said firmly. "I have no plans to bathe with you. We just need to make time for it, separately."

Her brown eyes fixed on you, blinking before she looks away. "No no, that won't do. What if you turn around and see me in the nude? That would be...indecent!"

So says the girl who had commandeered your leg to rub between her thighs... "I'll stay in the cabin then."

"No! We should bring the water inside - it'll be icy out there, and we don't want to take the risk of getting frostbite!"

"We'll start a fire so we can warm up. The deepest part of the creek isn't that far away."

Tent's eyes frantically search for any chance to reject your proposal.

You are starting to get frustrated, so you take a deep breath and ask her again, "What is it? Are you scared of rivers?" Her silence is deafening and your heart sinks as the seconds tick by.

Finally, she speaks up slowly, her voice tense with anxiety. "Y-yes... I am afraid of rivers." The answer was subtle but unmistakable. She curls herself up a little, and just barely says, "I can't swim..."

Considering back to your time as a child in the village, you don't remember seeing her swim like all the other children. Why didn't she know how to swim? Wasn't it a requirement for everyone?

She shifts away from you, her warmth totally gone. She sits with crossed legs, her feet under her ankles and with one leg exposed from the tear in her dress. "It's totally normal!", she yells. The walls of the cabin rattle in protest.

You smile at her and say, "The creek is very shallow. Don't worry, you won't drown."

She blinks, turning away from you before raising her small arm and fiercely jabbing at your belly with a closed fist. "You should've just said that, dummy!" she teases, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.

You curl up, turning onto your side with as pain emanated from your abdomen. How did you wake up in such bliss just for it to be ruined like this?

Continue (turn to 12)

46

47

48

You let out a weary sigh. "Maybe... there's a cabin further into the woods."

Her eyebrows raise up in interest. "How do you know that?"

"My grandfather used to tell me stories of a time when the forest was farther away from the village than it is now. I wonder if there's still an old cabin up north that hasn't been infiltrated by orcs."

"Do you think so?"

You give a small shrug. "I suppose. Although if it does exist, I suspect it's far away from here."

After a soft sigh, she nods and says softly, "Then, let's keep going."

"Let's continue following the creek. We're more likely to find a cabin near a source of water."

You and Tent resumed their journey, continuing north alongside the babbling creek. The trees grew sparser as they ventured further, even sunlight manages to shine through the tree branches. The path ahead becoming easier to traverse.

After a short time, Tent suddenly stops and excitedly points at something in the distance. "Look look!" She whispers eagerly. "It's a bunny! It's lunchtime! Can you catch it?"

The horned rabbit is a cunning creature. Its sharp, pointed horn is capable of piercing through the hide of a deer… or even the leg of an unlucky hunter. But more importantly, its meat is succulent, and you two hadn't been able to bring any food with you.

Attempt to catch the bunny. (turn to 65)
Ignore the bunny. (turn to 31)

49

The two of you sit together in front of the fire. Tent has her legs crossed, and the tight fabric wrapping around her thighs mesmerizes you.

Tent gazes at you. "So, there's something you should know about us, if we're going to be together for a while."

"What is it, Tent?" You ask. You can't imagine what could be so serious.

"We're...vampires," Tent says, looking at you worriedly. You're taken aback. "...at least the very least, half vampires."

Vampires. You've heard about them before. They are creatures of the night who suck the blood of people that they've enthralled. They don't eat, they don't age, they have incredible strength and agility, the winds of magic favor them, they live forever, they heal fast, and most humans become irresistibly attracted to them.

However, they have their limits. Sunlight burns them, they cannot cross running water, and they cannot enter homes uninvited.

"So,” you ask her, “What does that mean?"

Tent stares at the ground. "Well, I didn't realize to before, but... you've been watching me carefully, haven't you? I've been... aware of you as well."

She's not wrong. Tent has extraordinary abilities. You've seen how well she can navigate the forest. Her incredible jumping, fast healing, and ability to fight goblins make her strong. You also know that she shares your vulnerability to the sun, which is why she wore hooded dress all the time.

But this doesn't make sense. At the very least, if you were a vampire... "But then how come we both still eat meat, like this bear we had for lunch?"

"Huh?" Tent's eyes met yours. Her cheeks flushed before she looked away. "Their blood is disgusting. I don't want to drink that," she said. You remembered feeling the same way about all the blood you've seen recently, though Tent's own blood was strangely captivating. "Maybe we're not real vampires," Tent continued, her cheeks reddening further as she realized her new shirt didn't have a hood like her dress did. "Maybe we're just half-vampires, and so we can eat meat just fine.”

"So we have some strengths and some weaknesses of vampires?"

"Things like that. I heal quickly and have better vision in the dark." She could see in the dark? "Look, how long have you been alive?"

You glance at the fire, calculating the passing winters. It's a difficult number to pinpoint, but you tell Tent that you have likely seen about 530 of them.

"I see..." Tent responds, joining you in looking at the fire. "I'm nearing 360."

360 years? No wonder you don't remember playing with Tent growing up. You two were simple in different generations.

"Do you know how long humans live?" Tent asks you. "They start to wither like a tree in their 50s, and then they die before their 85th year." You stare at her in disbelief, unable to comprehend how humans could be so fragile to die to something as simple as time. It's simply inconceivable.

Silence descends for a moment before you speak up. "Will we be like this forever?"

Tent remains quiet. She looks scared and uncomfortable, refusing to meet your gaze, but after a while, she tells you, "...we are, probably."

Your mind is spinning, overwhelmed by many things to make sense of. The elf. Your family. Your village. And now Tent is telling you that you're a vampire. A half-vampire. Whatever that means.

Tent rises and moves toward the door, taking the clay bowl you crafted with her. "I'm… going to go get some some water."

As you watch her walk out, her swaying butt captures your attention.

Could it be... that there's something to this vampire thing? Is your human side drawn to her vampire side?

You spent the rest of the day cleaning yourselves with the elf's soap, filling any remaining holes in the cabin, having dinner, and confirming that the bearskin can be used as a blanket. It can.

Begin Chapter 8:
The Cabin at Night (turn to 40)

50

You shake your neck and Tent backs off. Her cheeks are a deep crimson as she tilts her head and inquires, "Is it... really okay? To do something like this?" Her breasts press against your chest, her nipples teasingly flicking over you as she continues to grind against you.

You gently shake her ass as you look her in the eyes. "Everything is going to be alright."

"T-that's so," Tent murmurs softly to herself, her gaze lowering as she nibbles nervously at her lips. When your eyes meet again, a small spark of determination shines through hers. "C-close your eyes..."

You close your eyes, every nerve attuned to her slightest movement. A chill washes over you as she slowly lifts herself off of you, the faint sound of fabric rustling as Tent slides off her panties filling the air around you. She is sitting on top of your hips before long, her warmth enveloping you like a comforting embrace.

You feel her body tremble as she wraps her soft, smooth hands around your hard penis. She caresses it tenderly, guiding it to her pussy. Her breath hitches in anticipation as she readies herself, getting into the perfect position. A moan escapes you as you prepare to give her unrestrained bliss.

Tent slowly lowers herself onto you, her body trembling with anticipation. You feel a slight resistance before she takes all of you in, her soft whimper quickly turning into a passionate groan of pleasure.

Her hands fall to your chest as she begins to rock her hips, your penis moving in and out of her in tantalizingly slow strokes. She lets out a loud cry of pleasure, her body trembling and shuddering with each thrust. You feel the intensity of your connection deepening with each movement.

Your chest constricts, her warm and inviting pussy greedily devouring your hardened dick. Tent's gaze is fixed, desperately trying to conceal the carnal pleasure that's rising up within her, but as she starts to move her hips with increasing intensity, a wave of desire takes over her body and her eyes become heavy with passion.

"Jerk! Ahh, d-don't look," Tent presses a wet hand against your face, trying to shield your eyes from the sight.

Her hand moves down, her fingers spreading apart as they find your lips. A whimper comes out of her. You lick her fingers, forcing her to remove them.

"That's disgusting!" Tent screams out as you give her hips give a particularly sharp thrust. "A-ahh!"

Tent's hands reach behind your neck for support, but her hands are wet and they slide off easily. You pull her down by her arms and kiss her again. Tent's hands rest on your chest as she rides you, her moans vibrating against your lips.

You let your hands drift up her back, feeling the delicate softness beneath your fingertips. As she arches against you, you press your lips to her breasts, caressing them with languid kisses. Your tongue grazes over each pink nipple, tantalizing and teasing in equal measure. Tent's hands press your face against her chest as you suck on her pink nipple, licking it in a rhythm. Her moans are sweet music to your ears, a confirmation of the desire that's building between both of you.

Tent's legs tremble, her breathing intensifies as she starts to reach a climax, grinding herself on you with increasing fervor. She holds on tightly as her eyes close, her head turning from side to side as the pleasure ravages her body. Tent lets out a series of moans and screams that grow louder and more passionate with each passing second. In that moment it feels like all the stars in the sky have aligned for her.

The sensation causes you to driver deeper into her, forcing her clenching walls apart as you make her yours. Before long, you feel her pussy win this fight, clenching your seed out of you in waves of pleasure.

Her pussy quivers as you fill her up with your semen. Tent screams your name over and over, the pleasure of having you in her so overwhelming as to obliterate every other thought.

Your breath slowly returns to normal as Tent lays against you, her own breathing calming and steady. It's a sign that she is just as satisfied as you are, and the sensation of contentment lingers long after the moment has passed.

You tenderly reach out and drape the blanket over the two of you, pulling Tent close. As she nestles into your chest, you gently kiss her head and inhale her sweet scent. Tent snuggles closer to you, savoring your touch as much as you enjoy hers.

Eventually, you both succumb peacefully to slumber enveloped in each other's embrace as the warmth from her body radiating through yours.

Thank you for enjoying my story!
Read the Author's Note (turn to Author's Note).

51

You feel a sense of unease as you look at her. You know deep down that getting involved with a woman you hardly even know isn't the best idea.

She looks downcast, but her eyes show a silent understanding of your decision as you lay down on the floor. The night will be long, hard and cold; however, it's better than compromising your values and beliefs.

You rest your head on your arm, wishing for a more comfortable pillow. Knowing the morning will bring you soreness, you try to ignore Tent shivering beside you and focus on your own discomforts.

Surely a few nights like this won't kill you.

Begin Chapter 5:
Food (turn to 24)

52

You give a curt nod. "Yeah," you whisper, "we need to get out of here. It's just one orc." You motion for her to follow you as you quietly move away from the cabin, staying in the shadows and making your way around the area where he could spot you if he suddenly emerged outside.

You remain vigilant, carefully observing and listening for even the slightest movements. Despite the creaking floorboards, the room is becoming eerily silent.

You two silently begin to tiptoe away, but suddenly one of you steps on some dried leaves, sending out a loud cracking sound. In an instant, the door to the cabin bursts open and a gargantuan orc marches out, towering at least one and a half times your height.

As the orc emerges from the cabin, his gaze falls upon you and a chill runs down your spine. "Fuck," you whisper under your breath.

Looking over at Tent, you shout, "Run!" Your voice breaking through the stillness of the woods.

Continue (turn to 44)

53

54

You ask Tent if you could clean up her wound, explaining that there's more wood in the wound, and it'll get infected if left untreated.

She frowns, but after a moment, she relents, relaxing her arm and giving it to you.

You carefully probe at the wound with your telekinesis to sense for splinters in her muscle. She looks away from you and her wound. It must be unpleasant for her.

Perhaps looking for a distraction, Tent finds the suffocated goblins and asks, "What did you do to those goblins?"

You slide a small shard of wood out from her muscle with your telekinesis. Looking at it, you see it glinting in the sun, completely covered with Tent's blood. You let it float away into the woods. "I used my telekinesis to cut a portion of their throat, so they'd suffocate on their own flesh and blood."

Fierce brown eyes turn to look at you, now wide open, before quickly looking away. "That's... very scary. I didn't know you could do that."

You nod, and reach to another piece of wood that is protruding from the wound, carefully removing it. "It's not really useful in close combat." You say, and nod at her wounded arm, "I wish I could've prevented you getting hurt."

She glares at you. "Don't be stupid! You could probably stop a sword mid swing!"

You laugh, "No no, I'm not that strong."

You finish your work, and find that there is no more splinters lodged into her muscle, just a lot of succulent blood. She is still breathing heavy from the fighting, the adrenaline likely helping her with the pain.

She pulls away from you. Striding to a jagged boulder, she sits down on it. "Let's rest for a bit." She pulls her hood, attached to her dress, over her head.

Continue (turn to 66)

55

Later in the night, Tent reclined against the hay mattress, basking in the warmth of the crackling fire. Her gaze caught yours. You knew there wasn't room for both of you on the hay mattress, unless the two of your cuddled. When Tent finally spoke to you, her words were like a whisper on your skin. "Last night was cold," she said softly, her eyes never leaving yours.

It was. The cabin does do a great job keeping the chill of autumn in.

She turns to you with a sultry voice, "We should try sleeping together..." The fire from the fire pit crackles behind her, obscuring her features in a mysterious silhouette. But her voice lets you hear the anticipation inside of her. "You know, for warmth."

"Mhmm," you vaguely reply to her.

She hugs her hands against herself and says, "At least I was still able to feel the chill last night, even beneath the warmth of the flames."

Tent seemed eager to enjoy the comfort of shared warmth throughout the night.

Share your warmth with Tent. (turn to 74)
Alternatively, begin Chapter 6:
Exploring the Woods (turn to 59)

56

From your spot on the ground, you tell her, "It's a pity. You could have had cubs with him and been queen of the woods!"

Tent's foot rubs against your sternum, causing an aggravating pain to flare throughout your body. However, simply sliding her foot against your chest causes the underside of her dress to be shown to you. You look up at her shapely legs, and notice that they're blue. Looking past them, her wet dress clings to her belly, preventing you from seeing her breasts. She holds her foot firmly in place atop your sternum, forcing you to endure the excruciating agony as you appreciate the sight before you. You try not to pass out as you remain subject to her whims.

After a moment, she figures out your plan and her cheeks flush. She quickly removed her foot from you.

You lay there for a few moments, waiting for the pain to subside before getting up and dragging the bear back towards the cabin. Tent soon joins you, an uncomfortable silence settling between you two. Sure, you had gone too far, but so had she! There was no need to stomp on your chest like that!

"...Hey."

Tent is looking at you.

She grinned slyly, her eyes twinkling. "You know, this bear is a female. Want it to carry your babies?"

You glance between the bear's legs and nodded; it was certainly a female.

Continue (turn to 10)

57

You concentrate on the nearest goblin and grab for his groin with a closed fist, using your extended mind. As he stops thrusting his hips in the air and says, "Grah?" you can feel his little genitalia in your hand. You clench your hand into a fist as disgusting sticky orange blood spurts out from his pelvis. He collapses to the ground.

Tent wrinkles her nose at the sight.

The goblins let out a wild cry. One of them approaches you, brandishing a spear. You step back, focusing for his neck, but he moves too swiftly for you catch him, and jabs at you with his spear. You slowly step back, careful to dodge, your focus fixated on his neck.

A goblin charges at Tent, spear in hand. She swiftly dodges the attack and lands a powerful punch to the goblin's chest, leaving him breathless. Grabbing a nearby rock, she smashes it onto the goblin's head, leaving him dazed. With a swift kick, she knocks him to the ground and takes his spear, impaling him with it.

After gaining control over the goblin, you mercilessly rip into his neck, completely shredding it. The goblin writhes in excruciating pain as blood spurts out from his neck, causing him to stagger backwards from the sheer brutality of your attack.

In the midst of chaos, the terrified goblin lunges at Tent with his spear, but she gracefully evades his attack. Tent retaliates with a mighty swing of her rock, shattering the goblin's face with a resounding crunch. Seizing the opportunity, she grabs his spear and relentlessly pierces the goblin until its lifeless form lies motionless in a puddle of sap like blood.

Aware of their inferiority, the final pair of goblins turn back to flee into the woods.

Let them flee. (turn to 39)
Slaughter them. (turn to 41)

58

"It's just one orc." You whisper, "He doesn't know we're here, let's find a way to kill him."

Tent doesn't respond at all, her eyes betraying the fear she felt. Your heart was pounding in your chest. This was one of the things that smashed a fist through your father's torso, blanketing your house in your father's inviolable blood. You knew you were no match for any one of these orcs on your own, but you mustered up all the courage you had to face them down.

But the orc doesn't notice you. If it's just the two of you, then maybe, just maybe, you'll have a chance at victory. Tent seems skeptical that the two of you stand a chance against one orc.

"It doesn't know we're here. If we surprise it, we may stand a chance. Let's go together."

She looks at you, her eyes wide. She knows she can't escape or hide, so she reluctantly nods her head in agreement. The two of you prepare yourselves for what is about to come.

You know what must be done.

You approach the ruined cabin and make a quick scan for any possible movement from the creature. There doesn't seem to be any movement or sounds within, so you slowly, and very quietly, start to enter through the open doorway. Tent stays at your back.

Your breathing starts to increase, your heart pounding as adrenaline surges through you, but you take a few deep breaths and regain your composure.

With each step you take through the dark ruins of the cabin, a chill runs down your spine. Taking a moment to adjust to the darkness, you carefully scan your surroundings with your eyes. Everywhere you look, all that remains are broken pieces - the furniture has been smashed beyond repair, and what was once an exquisite bed frame has been turned into nothing more than splinters that have been scattered across the floor. In one corner of the room stands a lone chair that appears untouched by whatever destruction had been done. Turning slowly, your gaze lands on a pair of piercing yellow eyes. You can feel your heart skip a beat as the hairs on the back of your neck stand up in anticipation.

The beast's lanky limbs and broad chest make it seem even more intimidating from up close than what you had initially pictured.

The beast lurches forward, its arm raised high as it barrels towards you. You feel the ground shake with each thunderous step it takes and hastily raise your arms in defense, but it smashes through your guard and hurls you away to the outside. Tent stands there looking at the orc in horrified awe, mouthing an incredulous "Oh shit".

The orc remains still, its movements tense and predatory. Its low, menacing growl sends shivers down your spine, the sound reverberating throughout your body. You can feel it in the very depths of your being, as if the beast itself is inside you. Fear overwhelms you as you stand frozen in place, unwilling to move an inch closer to the creature that stands before you.

Tent frantically rushes to your side, lifting you up from the ground with remarkable ease. "Come on, we need to get out of here," she urgently suggests.

Continue (turn to 44)

59

60

"Of course." There was no way a gentleman like you would deny a pleading lady like Tent.

You lay down behind her, careful not to touch her, and put a small space between you. Her hair was in your face and her scent wafted towards you, making you blush.

"How are we gonna warm up if you're so far away," she says. "What's the point if we're not touching?"

She shifts backwards, into your embrace. Her hair fills your face, filling your senses. Her chest rises and falls as she breathes in and out, her body fitting against yours like a perfect puzzle piece. Your knees fit behind hers and your hips press against hers, while your chest rests against her back. Soon, the warmth of her body seeps into yours.

Gazing down, you can spot that tear in her dress snaking up her leg, revealing her thigh. Smooth curves flirted with the firelight, largely hidden by the darkness of night. Dirt, sweat, and blood had stained her, but could do nothing to diminish her beauty.

You're probably just as filthy as her. The two of you will have to figure out how to bathe and wash your clothes tomorrow.

"Hey." Her voice catches your attention. "Let me use your arm as a pillow."

You blink.

She tilts her head up, pulling locks of her hair forward, tumbling them away from her neck as if in a silent invitation. Her slender and graceful neck is exposed, an alluring promise that you can't fulfill beckons to be touched or kissed. "It's awkward not having a pillow... would you mind?" You can feel the heat radiating off of her body like an incendiary flame.

After a moment, you guide your arm forward, and she tenderly lays her head on it. The weight feels comforting yet light, her head seeming to rest effortlessly on your arm. You can feel an electric tingle where your skin touches, a sweet sensation that fills you with warmth and joy.

"Thanks." She murmurs as she melts back against you, her lithe body creating a pleasant friction as it moves. You feel yourself responding to her touch, your desire growing against her body.

You can't help but be mesmerized by the heat radiating from her body, fighting against the lonely coldness. Despite being so fierce and strong, she's incredibly soft, with gentle curves. Taking a deep breath, your eyes wander around the darkness to distract yourself from the delightful sensation of being pressed against her soft and supple backside.

You both remain in this moment, the only sound being the soothing crackle of the fire and the howling of the wind.

Your other arm dangles awkwardly, feeling restricted and uncomfortable. You slowly bring it up and wrap it around her slender waist, taking comfort in its warmth as you melt into an embrace.

You can feel her body tense as she takes in a sharp breath. Then she relaxes, her muscles softening as she sinks into your embrace. The sensation of her warm breaths on your arm send shivers down your spine.

You soak in her nearness, her scent, the rhythm of her breath, and the smoothness of the nape of her neck before letting your eyes drift closed as you drift off to sleep.

Then, whether minutes or hours later, you sensed her reach out, carefully collecting and placing another section of the bed frame into the flames. She then leans back against you, her body melting into yours as she straightens out one of her legs. Her leg is icy cold against your own two legs, sending a shiver through your body. But soon her leg begins to move gently and rhythmically against the your pants on the inside of your knees and calves, its movement creating a tantalizing friction that is warming up both of you. Her hips sway against yours, in a slow and tantalizing rhythm.

"Mmm," you let out.

She pauses her leg, her warmth lingering on yours. "Sorry," she breathes out. "I was getting chilly."

You shift to get comfortable, a subtle sigh of pleasure escaping your lips as you relax. You look up at Tent and softly whisper, "Good night."

"Good night."

Begin Chapter 5:
Food (turn to 45)

61

62

After a breakfast of salt with a side of bear bacon, you two decided that Tent would get the wood while you worked on turning the bear pelt into a blanket and filling up any remaining holes in the cabin with your magic.

You began with the bear pelt. Essentially, all you had to do was wash it in the river and hang it up on Tent's clothesline. You worried that the hide was too coarse to use as a blanket. You might need to ask an elf for a wool or linen sheet instead.

Perhaps hopeful by the idea, you went through the sack that the elf gave you. Soap, a metal bucket, salt, a pan, clothing... Oh, right. Tent probably should've worn these before going to pick up the wood. Oh look, a few knives.

There were two glass flasks of a deep red liquid. You didn't remember ever seeing one before, so you were curious as to what it was. Lifting the wooden lid of one, you caught a whiff of its sweet aroma--like honey. It seemed safe enough.

Take a sip of it. (turn to 83)
Ask the elf about it later. (turn to 6)

63

You sit down next to Tent.

Soon, you feel her chilled shoulder pressing against your chest. You adjust yourself to support her more and take in the sweet scent of her hair. It smells like sunshine... or at least something nice.

Tent closes her eyes in content as your warmth flow into her.

Tent's eyes snap open. "It's still cold in here!"

Tent stiffens as you reach past her for the bearskin blanket, but relaxes when she realizes you are not trying to grope her. A faint blush lingers on her rosy cheeks.

You embrace her with the blanket and pull her close, your arm gently resting around her waist.

Tent nestles her head against your chest, her nose gently touching it. You feel her chest press against you as she breathes, her body becoming warmer.

You gaze down and are met with a sea of brown hair. "What's wrong, Tent?"

"N-no. It just smells different in here now."

"Oh?" you say to her.

"It's your smell! Jeez." she says, teasing as she turns away from you and allowing a chill to creep in between your bodies.

"...So does that means you like the smell?"

"S-Shh!" She buries her face into you, unable to do anything else. You felt your cheeks flush with warmth at the sight. She really is the endearing type of person who hides her face when feeling embarrassed or shy.

You gently lean in and kiss her head, hearing a soft protest before she looks up with a fierce gaze. When you look deeper into her eyes, you see confusion and acceptance. As you inch closer, your lips meet hers in a gentle but definite kiss.

She accepts your kiss, her eyes wide in surprise at the unexpected moment.

You kiss Tent passionately, holding her close. When you finally break apart, she's blushing deeply, her eyes glassy. "Hey, jerk," she smiles shyly.

You give her your attention.

That was my first kiss! It was awful, so do it better this time!" she murmurs, pushing you gently onto your back. Her lips dip down softly and caress yours with a tenderness that takes your breath away. The warmth of her mouth radiates through your entire body as her spills onto the corner of your mouth. You wonder whether you should let her do this at her own pace or try to guide her a little.

Let Tent kiss you at her own pace. (turn to 21)
Guide Tent along the steps to adulthood. (turn to 80)
Stop this here. (turn to 29)

64

65

"I can try." You search for a stick, and pick up a branch the length of your forearm.

Tent's mouth opens as her eyebrows knitted together, bewilderment on her face as she gazes at you. "Can't you... just use telekinesis?"

"Uhh," Your cheeks heat up as you feel embarrassment bubble throughout your body. "Yeah, good idea."

You focus, and funnel the winds of magic at the bunny, but it senses your spell and bolts into the woods.

"Damn." You extend your consciousness, chasing after it and managing to grab it by the foot. "Got it!"

You fling the rabbit out from the brush. Tent cries out in joy as she catches it, before cracking its neck and skewering it with a stick. She holds it upside down to let the blood flow out. You watch as the rabbit bleeds out. You think it's a shame, but you're also quite hungry.

Continue (turn to 2)

66

After resting for a moment, Tent grabs the hem of her dress, and tugs at it.

"What are you doing?", you ask.

Tent doesn't answer, instead opting to flap her dress right in front of you, letting you see her socks peeking out from her boots, and above that, her smooth knees.

You decide to let her do her thing in peace, and look over the woods. The sun shines on you as well, so you decide to pull your hood over your head as well. Perhaps unusual, but it seemed that everyone had hoods attached to their clothing in your village.

Eventually, the sound of fabric ripping grabs your attention. Tent has managed to tear a strip off from the bottom of her dress... It'll be exposing just a little bit of her calves whenever she walks now.

With a surprisingly deft arm, she quickly wraps the fabric to her arm, tying a neat loop at the end, as though she was used to dressing wounds with just one hand.

"Where did you learn to make bandages like that?" you ask.

She frowns as she reminisces. "My father is... was careless at farm work..." She left the rest of her sentence unsaid.

You can remember an enormous orc bursting through the wall of your home, sending shards of wood flying in every direction. In just a split second, he snatched up your little brother and slammed him to the ground with a deafening thud. You'll never be able to unsee your brother squirming on the floor as the orc pounded him deeper into it.

Perhaps talking about family wouldn't be the best idea right now.

...but her response didn't answer how she was able to do that with just one hand.

Begin Chapter 2:
Looking for a Cabin (turn to 68)

67

You and Tent continue your journey northwards, ascending further into the mountains.

A chill was creeping its way into the air, and you shivered slightly, turning to Tent. "It's getting cold," you said, your breath steaming in the cool air. Tent merely nods in agreement before her eyes drifted away from yours and back to the creek in front of you.

You walk for hours, both silent, searching for somewhere to rest.

Finally, you come across a clearing with a small cabin. It's probably just one room large. It's ramshackle but looks to be warm.

You can tell that the goblins are inside, since there are footprints and other signs of their presence, signs that you have to be careful to avoid stepping in.

Tent screws up her face, her nose curling in distaste as she hisses, "It stinks here." Her lips curled into a scowl and her eyebrows drew together as she took in the putrid scent that permeated the air.

Prepare to fight for the cabin. (turn to 76)

68

After resting for awhile, the two of you consider your current predicament. The orcs are still down in the village below you, though they might climb up into this forest at the foot of the mountain. It's difficult to know how to move from here.

Tent also seems to be worried, asking, "Where do we go from here?" The silence hangs heavy, but the answer is obvious.

With a, "Let's go," the two of you head deeper into the woods.

Cold wind whips through autumn leaves, bending the trees down to the ground.

The attack happened in the blink of an eye, and all you could do was flee. You look over at Tent to see if she managed to bring anything with her, but your eyes are drawn to her bloodstained bandage. Through her dress, you can see the shapes of Tent's nipples pushing against the fabric. Tent didn't come prepared either.

Looking down, you saw her she tremble slightly as the cold rippled through her dress. The tan dress was in tatters from both running and fighting the goblin, but at least Tent was able to grab boots. Even though it's cold, it's not quite cold enough for frostbite to be a problem in the day.

The two of you continue to walk in silence. The crunch of your footsteps on dead leaves is broken by a soft, hesitant voice. "What are we going to do?" Tent's voice cracks, and her brown eyes fill with tears.

You can't let her despair. "There should be a hunting cabin nearby... about two more hours away. When we find a river, we'll simply follow it upstream. We can stay there for awhile."

She slowly raises her gaze and looks up at you, her expression solemn and determined, before nodding in agreement. Her eyes focus straight ahead once more, full of steely resolve.

The two of you continue walking. You're both exhausted and hungry. It's been about four hours since the attack on the village.

Finally, after a few hours of walking, the two of you come upon a stream.

"You said we can follow the river?"

You nod, walking upstream. Even though it's still cold, the sun's heat gradually softens the air surrounding you both. You softly reassure her with a smile, "It shouldn't be too much further."

The two of you walked on, slowly but surely. As time went on, she began to move more and more slowly until finally coming to a halt and gazing at you. Her eyes were intense yet gentle, filled with misery that drew you in as her lips parted ever so slightly as if to say, "I just keeping thinking about what happened."

Ask if she's all right. (turn to 11)
Continue onwards, we can mourn later. (turn to 30)

69

70

You decide to put the cap back on and resolved to ask the elf about it later.

Continue (turn to 81)

71

"Can you show me your wound again?" You were aware that this might bring up a sore topic, yet you want to check if her injury had fully healed, or if the potion could been effective.

"No..." Tent muttered, cheeks flushed. She avoided eye contact, making it clear he didn't want to go any further.

"Tent, I'm here to check if you are alright," you say reassuringly as you move closer and place a gentle hand on her shoulder. She jumps reflexively at the sudden contact.

You gaze into her eyes, a deep brown with a hint of red. She was hesitant and scared, but not completely against showing you the injury.

"You sick pervert! I'm not going to strip down just so you can take a look at my injury! No way am I getting naked for you!"

You realize how you sounded and regret it instantly. You mentally berate yourself for your thoughtlessness. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to sound like that," you apologize. "I just want to make sure you're okay, alright?"

Tent lets out a "Hmph!" and ignores you.

Continue (turn to 37)

72

73

74

"Of course." There was no way a gentleman like you would deny a pleading lady like Tent.

You lay down behind her, careful not to touch her, and put a small space between you. Her hair was in your face and her scent wafted towards you, making you blush.

"It's a shame we can't use the bearskin yet. I wonder how we could get warmer..." Even as she says that, she shifts backwards, into your embrace. Her hair fills your face, filling your senses. Her chest rises and falls as she breathes in and out, her body fitting against yours like a perfect puzzle piece. Your knees fit behind hers and your hips press against hers, while your chest rests against her back. Soon, the warmth of her body seeps into yours.

Gazing down, you can spot that tear in her dress snaking up her leg, revealing her thigh. Smooth curves flirted with the firelight, largely hidden by the darkness of night.

"Hey." Her voice catches your attention. "Let me use your arm as a pillow."

You blink.

She tilts her head up, pulling locks of her hair forward, tumbling them away from her neck as if in a silent invitation. Her slender and graceful neck is exposed, an alluring promise that you can't fulfill beckons to be touched or kissed. "It's awkward not having a pillow... would you mind?" You can feel the heat radiating off of her body like an incendiary flame.

After a moment, you guide your arm forward, and she tenderly lays her head on it. The weight feels comforting yet light, her head seeming to rest effortlessly on your arm. You can feel an electric tingle where your skin touches, a sweet sensation that fills you with warmth and joy.

"Thanks." She murmurs as she melts back against you, her lithe body creating a pleasant friction as it moves. You feel yourself responding to her touch, your desire growing against her body.

You can't help but be mesmerized by the heat radiating from her body, fighting against the lonely coldness. Despite being so fierce and strong, she's incredibly soft, with gentle curves. Taking a deep breath, your eyes wander around the darkness to distract yourself from the delightful sensation of being pressed against her soft and supple backside.

You both remain in this moment, the only sound being the soothing crackle of the fire and the howling of the wind.

Your other arm dangles awkwardly, feeling restricted and uncomfortable. You slowly bring it up and wrap it around her slender waist, taking comfort in its warmth as you melt into an embrace.

You can feel her body tense as she takes in a sharp breath. Then she relaxes, her muscles softening as she sinks into your embrace. The sensation of her warm breaths on your arm send shivers down your spine.

You soak in her nearness, her scent, the rhythm of her breath, and the smoothness of the nape of her neck before letting your eyes drift closed as you drift off to sleep.

Then, whether minutes or hours later, you sensed her reach out, carefully collecting and placing another section of the bed frame into the flames. She then leans back against you, her body melting into yours as she straightens out one of her legs. Her leg is icy cold against your own two legs, sending a shiver through your body. But soon her leg begins to move gently and rhythmically against the your pants on the inside of your knees and calves, its movement creating a tantalizing friction that is warming up both of you. Her hips sway against yours, in a slow and tantalizing rhythm.

"Mmm," you let out.

She pauses her leg, her warmth lingering on yours. "Sorry," she breathes out. "I was getting chilly."

You shift to get comfortable, a subtle sigh of pleasure escaping your lips as you relax. You look up at Tent and softly whisper, "Good night."

"Good night."

Begin Chapter 6:
Exploring the Woods (turn to 26)

75

The two of you sit together in front of the fire. Tent has her legs crossed, and the tight fabric wrapping around her thighs mesmerizes you.

Tent gazes at you. "So, there's something you should know about us, if we're going to be together for a while."

"What is it, Tent?" You ask. You can't imagine what could be so serious.

"We're...vampires," Tent says, looking at you worriedly. You're taken aback. "...at least the very least, half vampires."

Vampires. You've heard about them before. They are creatures of the night who suck the blood of people that they've enthralled. They don't eat, they don't age, they have incredible strength and agility, the winds of magic favor them, they live forever, they heal fast, and most humans become irresistibly attracted to them.

However, they have their limits. Sunlight burns them, they cannot cross running water, and they cannot enter homes uninvited.

"So,” you ask her, “What does that mean?"

Tent stares at the ground. "Well, I didn't realize to before, but... you've been watching me carefully, haven't you? I've been... aware of you as well."

She's not wrong. Tent has extraordinary abilities. You've seen how well she can navigate the forest. Her incredible jumping, fast healing, and ability to fight goblins make her strong. You also know that she shares your vulnerability to the sun, which is why she wore hooded dress all the time.

But this doesn't make sense. At the very least, if you were a vampire... "But then how come we both still eat meat, like this bear we had for lunch?"

"Huh?" Tent's eyes met yours. Her cheeks flushed before she looked away. "Their blood is disgusting. I don't want to drink that," she said. You remembered feeling the same way about all the blood you've seen recently, though Tent's own blood was strangely captivating. "Maybe we're not real vampires," Tent continued, her cheeks reddening further as she realized her new shirt didn't have a hood like her dress did. "Maybe we're just half-vampires, and so we can eat meat just fine.”

"So we have some strengths and some weaknesses of vampires?"

"Things like that. I heal quickly and have better vision in the dark." She could see in the dark? "Look, how long have you been alive?"

You glance at the fire, calculating the passing winters. It's a difficult number to pinpoint, but you tell Tent that you have likely seen about 530 of them.

"I see..." Tent responds, joining you in looking at the fire. "I'm nearing 360."

360 years? No wonder you don't remember playing with Tent growing up. You two were simple in different generations.

"Do you know how long humans live?" Tent asks you. "They start to wither like a tree in their 50s, and then they die before their 85th year." You stare at her in disbelief, unable to comprehend how humans could be so fragile to die to something as simple as time. It's simply inconceivable.

Silence descends for a moment before you speak up. "Will we be like this forever?"

Tent remains quiet. She looks scared and uncomfortable, refusing to meet your gaze, but after a while, she tells you, "...we are, probably."

Your mind is spinning, overwhelmed by many things to make sense of. The elf. Your family. Your village. And now Tent is telling you that you're a vampire. A half-vampire. Whatever that means.

Tent rises and moves toward the door, taking the clay bowl you crafted with her. "I'm… going to go get some some water."

As you watch her walk out, her swaying butt captures your attention.

Could it be... that there's something to this vampire thing? Is your human side drawn to her vampire side?

You spent the rest of the day cleaning yourselves with the elf's soap, filling any remaining holes in the cabin, having dinner, and confirming that the bearskin can be used as a blanket. It can.

Begin Chapter 8:
The Cabin at Night (turn to 33)

76

"We need somewhere to stay," you reply, your focus returning to expanding your consciousness.

Tent watches you intently as she asks, "Are you... casting magic right now?"

"I am," you confirm. "I'm trying to see if I can figure out how many goblins there are."

You close your eyes and focus your energy, gradually expanding your consciousness. As you do, you sense a group of goblins inside the cabin. Slowly, you open your eyes, revealing what you just discovered. "There are about four of them."

Tent's eyes lit up. "Good! We can take them!" You glanced at her bandaged arm, wondering where she gets her confidence from. A determined frown crossed her face. "It won't be like last time!" She leans forward with unwavering conviction in her gaze. "We can do this," her sweet breath teases your nose.

You and Tent silently made your way towards the cabin, taking care to stay hidden from view should the door suddenly open. "Okay," Tent whispered softly, "when they open the door, we'll go in and catch them off guard."

You let out a deep sigh. Your heart is pounding as you begin to doubt if the two of you will be able to secure the cabin.

"You can do it. I believe in you." Tent says, brown eyes shimmering with encouragement as she looks up at you. You find yourself feeling a wave of confidence wash over you upon hearing those words.

The two of you continue stalking towards the cabin.

As the two of you approach the door, the wind shifts, and a terrible stench comes to your nostrils. You struggle to remain composed and mask your repulsion.

You watch Tent as she reaches for the doorknob. She closes her eyes for a moment, preparing herself for whatever lies beyond the door, before finally opening her eyes and giving you a brief nod.

You nod back.

Continue (turn to 35)

77

Tent takes a deep breath before reaching over your waist to tug down on your pants, sending a wave of pleasure coursing through your body with each inch that she pulls. You can hear her breathing getting heavier, the anticipation building as she brings them lower and lower. Finally, Tent looks up at you with her mouth half open, a sultry expression in her eyes as she takes in the sight of your hard erection.

She inches closer, her eyelashes fluttering as she blinks. In a quiet voice, she uttered "Y-you pervert!" as her eyes settled on your penis. "So... this is the thing that has been rubbing against me all this time?"

"Well, you were the one on top after all," you purr as you slip off your shirt, exposing your bare body to her in all its glory. She takes a moment to appreciate the sight before her.

"What...?" Tent looks down shyly. "This... thing? Is it even going to fit...?"

You extend your arm and grasp her hand, drawing her up against your chest. Whispering in her ear, you reassure her, "It’ll fit, we’re made for this."

Tent shivers in your arms, her body trembling from a desire that the cold cannot match. You lean in and softly press your lips against her forehead, feeling her warmth beneath them. Her eyes stay on you as you kiss her again, this time on her nose. You pause for a moment then move towards to the most precious part of all - Tent's lips. She closes her eyes as they meet yours, soft and inviting. A soft sigh, filled with desire and longing, escapes from between them. It fills the air like a sweet perfume, stirring passion between them as their eyes lock together. You feel your heart beat faster as your body moves closer to hers in an intimate embrace; you can hear her breath catching as the tension intensifies. her lips gently brush against yours in a tender kiss that seems to linger forever, a moment of pure bliss and temptation, one that you know will stay with you long after tonight is over.

You pull away slightly and whisper in her ear, "We can find other ways to heat up."

Tent's eyelashes tremble, her gaze locking with yours as if sensing an answer that she already knows.

Your gaze is locked onto her soft and smooth body, youth and heat radiating from it in equal measure. You slip your hand down into her panties, feeling the softness of her coarse hair as well as the warmth of her arousal. You brush your finger across her pussy, exploring the contours of its hidden depths before tracing a fingertip along a small bump you found in her wet crevice, wobbling it.

"Eek! Jerk! What are you doing?!" Tent gasps, pushing away from you, your body quickly missing the warmth of hers. Her hips sit on yours as she stares at you with wide and captivated eyes, her mouth parting slightly in surprise.

The angry young girl's gaze was full of desire, her cheeks flush with arousal as you press your erect dick against her. Your hips move in slow circles, grinding against the thin fabric that separate the two of you.

Tent blushes furiously and falls forward, her body now molded to yours as her arms encircle your neck. You feel the warmth of her breath on your neck as you savor the sweet moment. "I knew it. You're definitely a pervert," she teases with a smirk. Despite her words, you can feel what she truly desires; the small movements of her hips against yours let you know that she is attempting to prolong the pleasure, pressing her supple body against yours in a captivating dance.

You reach around and squeeze Tent's firm butt, reveling in its curves as you tightly squeeze, spreading out her ass. Tent can't help but let out a gasp as she feels your hard dick pressing against her crotch, through the thin fabric of her soaked panties. The warmth of your arousal mingling with hers drives her crazy, and she digs her nails into your back, sending an electric wave of pleasure through you, a passion that grows with each second that passes.

You slide your hands up her back, the tips of your fingers delicately tracing her skin and pulling her closer to gently kiss her. But her lips are out of reach, so you settle for savoring her earlobe, eliciting a soft whimper from Tent as she succumbs to your sensual assault. Your mouth lingers on hers as if savoring the sweet taste of desire.

Your hands squeeze Tent's butt again, forcing her hips to grind harder against you. Sliding a finger between you and her, you discover the area is a complete mess badly concealed by thin fabric.

Tent trembles atop you, the sensations becoming unbearable. Her legs wrap tightly around your waist as her threaten to close from pleasure, and you feel her body quiver with delight.

Tent slides her body upwards, the soft sensation of her breasts pushing against your chest. She angles her face up, kissing your neck at her own pace as you rub her back. The feeling of her breath against your neck fills you with desire. Tent's lips tease all over your neck, sending shivers down your spine.

Let her bite you. (turn to 13)
Don't let her bite you. (turn to 50)

78

You notice Tent's bloodshot eyes and cracked lips. Your own parched throat compels you to suggest, "Let's get some water from the river."

Tent agrees and the two of you depart the cabin. The sun is sinking, signaling the start of a cold and dark evening.

Tent asked, "How can we get water back to the cabin? There weren't any buckets."

The solution was simple, you'd use your telekinesis skill to make clay, and then make a clay bowl to bring some water back in. It would take a bit of effort, but eventually you'd have your makeshift bowl and water.

As you were about to explain this, the serene sounds of the forest slowly drifted into your ears: the gentle chirping of crickets, the delicate rustling of leaves, and the peaceful footsteps of animals exploring their surrounding.

"Wait," says Tent. "Do you hear that?" You freeze mid-step, straining your ears in an effort to locate the source of the faint noise emanating from not too far away. You and Tent exchange a glance. Could there be something lurking in the woods?

"Do you think... it was another bun bun?" Tent asks, her voice higher than normal, mouth agape eyes flirt expectantly in the direction of the sound.

Her gaze held no trace of caution or fear.

"It's a bun bun!" Tent shouted, her eyes wide with joy and her face lit up with excitement.

You feel a twinge of worry. "Maybe-"

"I'll get it! You go get water" Tent dashes off before you could respond.

"Stop!" you yell, but Tent is either disregarding you or too focused on her hunger to pick up on the danger.

She dives onto the ground, quickly getting back up and darting after something, grasping her injured arm.

Perhaps it is just a horned rabbit. Nevertheless, you hope she'll be mindful to ensure the rabbit doesn't impale her leg or something.

You make your way back to the creek, parched and in need of a drink. You follow the creek to a spot where the water is deep. It looks clean and clear, likely home to fish, though none are visible.

You crouch, scooping up a handfuls of water, and drink. To make a clay bowl, just mix water and dirt, filter out the clay, then add more water. Let it dry by wicking out the moisture for a hardened finish.

It's deceptively simple, but it takes skill to complete quickly. You won't likely finish more than a medium-sized bowl before nightfall.

You begin crafting, mixing water and dirt together in a sphere in the air. You watch the blend swirl, attempting to separate out clay from the mixture with limited success. You soon realize that a cloth filter is necessary for this task.

Despite the difficulty, you strive to shape the clay-like material into a bowl and then wick the water away from it, drying it out.

With the sun starting to hide, you finish up the bowl, scoop some water out, and then inspect it for leaks. You drink your fill and get a second bowlful before returning to the cabin.

Smoke billows from the chimney, signaling Tent's return. Hurrying, you rush inside to escape the chill.

You close the door behind you, feeling the warmth of the cabin compared to the cold wind outside, though you can still feel the cold wind from all of the holes in the walls. Tent is by the fireplace, her arms embracing her knees as eyes glued are to the flames.

Your mouth curves into a smile as your heart races as you realize what's for dinner. "You caught it!" You cry out in excitement. Another bun bun is being roasted today.

"Huh?" She blinks and shakes her head of her thoughts. "Yeah! Let's eat soon! You got water?"

You nod, show her the clay bowl. Having no where else to put it, you place it on the floor by her.

You sit by Tent, watching the meat roast. The sizzling smell of food tries to fill the cabin, yet the cold wind quickly disperses it.

You shuffle closer to Tent, who is entranced by the hypnotic flames. She appears so vulnerable and defenseless, making you feel a sudden urge to protect her.

"Thanks." You say to her.

"Huh?" She turns her head and looks at you, her thoughts coming back to you.

"For catching the food. Thanks."

"Oh, yeah. You're welcome." She nods and returns her attention to the fire. You both sit there, watching the meat, not knowing what else to say.

After a while, the meat is ready. You both eagerly dig into the horn rabbit with delight.

Tent's making a mess again, and you can't help but admire her clothing as it gets messier. In particular, her breasts are covered with dirt and grease. She notices you looking at her and your eyes meet, the intensity of the moment sending shivers down your spine. She shyly looks down at her clothing, showing you the delicate swirl of hair in the middle of her head.

Continue (turn to 23)

79

80

You grasp Tent gently at the hips, pulling her close and placing her atop you. "Come here," you murmur softly to her. Your hands slide slowly up and down her back, caressing her in a loving embrace.

She leans forward on your chest, her body radiating warmth and desire. "Sorry," she breathes, a shy smile playing on her lips as she glances around. "I've never done this before." You can feel the excitement coursing through her veins, the anticipation of something new and thrilling.

You grab the bearskin and spread it over you both. She lays down on top of you, resting her head on your chest and gazing into the fire as you graze your fingertips across her back, over her shirt.

She lifts her gaze up to yours, her lips turning downward into a slight pout. "What...what if I want to kiss you again?"

You place a hand on her chin, guiding her to your lips.

"Mmm..." As your hands glide over her slowly, caressing the fabric of her clothing, she suddenly opens her eyes.

Tent pulls away from the kiss, her eyes widening in shock. "What's going on here?" she says softly. She reaches down and you feel a gentle pressure over your crotch as her hand touches you.

You can't help but stifle a smirk, the corners of your mouth tugging up in a subtle tease as you say, "Well, you're the one on top, after all."

She turns away, arms folded. "Don't tease me. I didn't kiss you first!"

Tent turns back to you, with her hands in between her legs. You get to witness Tent in all her admiration, eyes wide and cheeks flushed, mesmerized by the sight before her. She's not even denying your proposition anymore.

"Y-you'd really do me?" A seductive whisper asks, her words like molten honey dripping from her lips.

"Yes, of course! Why don't you get out of your clothes."

Tent blushes, her elongated fang biting her bottom lip as she untucks her shirt. Her fingers have already unbuttoned her pants, the front of her black panties peeking out. Her fingers are hooked around the waist of her pants, ready to take them off.

"All of it off?"

You nod.

As she slides it off, you notice how thin the black fabric covering her thighs is, how the panties don't cover nearly enough area. Your feel your heart pound within your chest, as she moves her hands to remove them as well.

She teases you by slowly peeling them off piece until all that's left is a heated and passionate moment between the two of you. As her hands move to slowly slide her pants off of her body, you can feel your heart pounding inside your chest. Her panties caresses the skin between her legs, barely concealing anything. She prepares to take these off as well.

You stop her, "No, keep your black panties on."

"W-why?!"

"I'd just like it."

"Fine."

You observe Tent as she slowly slides her white shirt upwards. Her movement a tantalizing reminder of her feminine nature. But before you can see the mounds hidden beneath her shirt, she turns around, teasing you as her butt bounces softly, giving an invitation to the gift under the fabric; every curve preaching volumes without speaking.

She slowly and deliberately slides off her clothes, pausing for a moment to feel the warmth of her own skin beneath her fingertips. When she's down to nothing but her panties, she turns around, allowing a few small glimpses of her supple figure. Her pert, petite breasts bounce ever so slightly as she moves, barely noticeable yet undeniably alluring. The light bounces off her curves in mesmerizing patterns, illuminating the subtle arc of her chest. Her small nipples, normally only visible when pressing against her clothing in the cold weather, were now hardened with anticipation of the pleasure to come.

"Happy, pervert?" A grin answers for you as it spreads across your face.

She blushes and coyly covers her petite breasts with her arms. "What next? Are you going to take off your clothes too?"

Goad her. (turn to 77)
Stop. (turn to 29)

81

82

83

84

After a while, the cabin is tidied up. Cleaning it has given you a better understanding of the cabin's condition - it will be cold at night because of the holes in the wall. The broken bed frame is dry, so you can use that and some hay from the mattress to start a fire if necessary.

Mindful of your aching ankle, you rise and inch towards the door. Weary from toiling all day and maybe it was the dust, but a small tear escapes your eye and traces its way down your face.

Your tears start to flow more freely now, burning your face as they make their way down. You take a deep breath and steady yourself before wiping them away and redirecting your focus.

You've pushed your body to its limits today, engaging in fierce battles with goblins and cleaning this entire cabin. The sun will set soon and the cold is creeping in, but Tent is getting some firewood.

At the very least, the two of you will survive this night.

When you open the door, a thick and acrid odor assaults your nostrils. You blink in disbelief as your gaze falls on a disturbing sight - goblin dung scattered everywhere. By the door, by the forest, even by the pile of four goblins - it was everywhere around you.

You sigh and start digging up a pit with your telekinesis, and before long you're magicking the dung into the hole. Hopefully, the wind will be enough to drive the smell away once you bury it.

As you work, Tent is visible in the distance, picking up sticks of wood. She has a scrunched nose and a frown on her face, making her look displeased with her task.

Soon the mess had been cleared up and Tent returned with an armful of tinder. Her expression was one of clear frustration, her eyebrows furrowed in annoyance.

"Are you alright?" you ask her.

"There's only tinder here! Not a lot of real, good wood to burn!" Brown eyes glisten with tears as she looks at the fire pit, her nose winking to the left and right.

She blinks away her tears before tilting her head and smirking. "Who knew you could poop that much?"

You look at her with an expressionless, uninterested gaze and say nothing in response, opting instead to just turn away and ignore her completely.

With the amount of wood she's gathered, you two should be able to start the night warm, but that's about it. There's no way you'll be able to burn the goblin bodies.

With a heavy sigh, you dig the deep hole for the goblins.

"What? Gotta go again?" Tent said, chuckling softly to herself as she goes inside the cabin with the wood. The smile on her face showed just how as was satisfied with her joke.

But you're not going to complain, you have work to do.

The first day after the orc raid, you and Tent are alive. The two of you have a little wood, and a little bit of shelter.

It's just... it's just...

You take a deep breath and let it out, thankful for being alive. Nothing else matters at this moment.

You hear Tent's voice coming from inside the cabin, but it's too low for you to make out what she's saying. But that's alright, her soothing and comforting tone is enough to remind you that you're not alone in this journey.

Soon, the grave is wide and deep enough. The thought of these inhumane monsters getting a more dignified burial than your own family was vile, but you had to accept it. There was no other option. Anything else would lead to disease or attract even more heinous creatures lurking in the shadows.

As you're laying the bodies into the pit, you hear the sounds of large wood cracking from the cabin. You quickly finish your job and go inside to see that Tent has thrown the moldy hay mattress on the floor and is tearing apart the decrepit bed frame.

Your gaze follows Tent closely as she methodically breaks down the bed frame. She cuts glances at you, her hands continuing with their work. "We can burn the bed frame," she suggests. "It'll be more effective this way."

You stare in disbelief, not wanting to believe it. "But it's the only bed in the cabin..."

Tent cast a glance toward the bed frame and sighed. "It's not like we'd ever sleep on it anyway. I don't even want to risk getting impaled on it's broken wood. If we can use it as firewood that'll be great."

She grabs a piece of the bed frame. "Let's burn it," she suggests. You gaze at the damaged bed frame, the last fragment of the cabin's original decorations. You reluctantly agree with her.

With a wave of your hand, you use your telekinetic powers to lift up the individual pieces of the broken bed frame and move them over to the fireplace.

You wave your hand over the fireplace, the dust and ashes swirling away. Looking up, you see the chimney is obstructed with grime and webs. With a snap of your fingers, the mess is gone and the chimney open for use.

You take the tinder that Tent gathered from outdoors, and some bits of the bed frame. The fire is ready to burn.

With one final thud, the bed frame was broken apart. "I'm all done!" Tent exclaimed with satisfaction.

All that's left is to get some water for the night.

Suggest going to the river together. (turn to 78)

85

86

87

88

Chapter 1: Flight (turn to 1)

Chapter 2: Looking for a Cabin (turn to 68)

Chapter 3: A Cabin and a Fight (turn to 67)

Chapter 4: Surviving the Night (turn to 84)

Chapter 5:

Sleep: Food (turn to 45)
Not Sleep: Food (turn to 24)

Chapter 6:

Sleep: Exploring the Woods (turn to 26)
Not Sleep: Exploring the Woods (turn to 59)

Chapter 7:

Sleep: Mysteries (turn to 64)
Not Sleep: Mysteries (turn to 62)

Chapter 8:

Sleep: The Cabin at Night (turn to 33)
Not Sleep: The Cabin at Night (turn to 40)

Return to the Introduction.

Credits

Thank you to Sophie Houlden for making WritingFantasy, the Twine StoryFormat I used to display this story!

I'd also like to give thanks to the hosters of the 2023 Bare-Bones Jam! This little experiment likely wouldn't have been completed without the impetus of the jam.

Several other people could also be thanked, but the list of those people is long, and their personal involvement with this project minimal. Hituro gave guidance, TheMadExile wrote Tweego, which I used to compile this story, Klembot made Twine, whose history was practically required to make this story in a sane way...

I could even thank Microsoft for making Visual Studio Code, which I programmed this in! The list is endless.

But there is one person I'd like to be sure to thank. Zauzaza, on a Discord server I frequent, gave the simple recommendation of using Text to Speech to listen to my story as a way to find errors and clean up unsightly language.

This was embarrassingly effective, so I'd like to give Zauzaza my biggest thanks.

Thank you all, and thank you, yourself, for reading my little tale here.

Return to the Introduction.

Author's Note

This is LeahPeach. I'd just like to say thank you for reading my little story.

This is my first time writing a non-state interactive fiction novel. Normally within my stories, I keep extensive track of the options you make, and the various characters and settings react to it. For instance, if you choose to wear a robe instead of a shirt and skirt, the characters and your movement descriptions could change. That is, I can make alternative paragraphs of text based on your choices.

But in a non-state story, I have to keep things on track. So if you decided not to hunt a bunny, I, as the author, need to find a way to align that outcome to be the exact same outcome as you hunting the bunny. I can't permanently branch the story off into completely separate stories if I wish to keep my sanity... or at least not within the current technical limitations of the software that I am using. Honestly, it's really stressful not being able to change the story in relation to what you did in the past. For instance, the story should change based on whether you decided to burn the bed frame or not. But I am simply unable to do that without tracking state.

So, I've been trying to figure out a good way to make a state-tracking story possible in a "turn to page" style interactive fiction novel. If I manage to do this, I could put these novels out on several different mediums: An html file (for Itch.io), an .epub (for e-readers), a .mobi (for Kindle), an electron game (for Steam), print (for books) and a PDF (for the crazy people). But the problem is far more complex than it seems at first glance. [I mean, if it wasn't, then it would already be done!] For instance, if I make alternative paragraphs of text based on your choices, I have to duplicate many passages, but with very subtle twists. This is fine for digital formats, but would lead to a crazy inflated page count in a printed book! Even worse, with some states, I may have to give different options to the reader, while hiding other options. So if they choose to wear a shirt and dress, they can decide to go to a party or to the bar. Alternatively, if they choose to wear a robe, they could decide to go to the school or to the bar. Because the ending choices are different, the whole passage that contains those choices would have to be rewritten.

I'm not actually against that idea. Data is cheap, and having an extra 50,000 words in any format [except print and maybe PDF] incurs no real loss. But the issue comes in programming a solution to do that automatically. In theory, it should be easy. In reality, there are a lot of little choices that need to be carefully made.

And so, in order to figure out what those "little choices" are, I decided to write this non-state interactive fiction novel.

Even so, I ended up embedding two boolean state trackers into the story. You can see these in the flow chat of this story, presented here:

Because I don't have a good technical way to write variations based on those two states within one passage, this story is ridiculously stiff and very inflexible. I had to write all of the variations within their own passages, I couldn't write a single passage with "if-else statements" to show the variation in each. I'm hopeful that a future project of mine will fix that issue for future stories, but that doesn't help this one.

Regardless, I hope you enjoyed my stiff little story.

Return to the Introduction.

To your west, your home-town village is burning. To your east, the sun is burning. Track your adventure as you run from the orcs massacring your hometown, and see if you can find yourself a little bit of comfort in the harshness of my world, just as winter is onsetting. It's time to scatter! [[Flight->1A]] <i>Content Warnings:</i><ul><li>Indiscriminate **Gore**.</li><li>Discriminate **Bloody Imagery**.</li><li>Vanilla **Adult** Activities.</li></ul> See the [[#->Table of Contents]]. Read the [[#->Credits]]. Read the [[#->Author's Note]]. [<i>Contain spoilers.</i>] Written by myself, LeahPeach, this little novel is an adult fantasy romance novel. This novel was written for the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://itch.io/jam/bare-bones-jam">2023 Bare-Bones Jam</a>.

Chapter 1: [[Flight->1A]] Chapter 2: [[Looking for a Cabin->2A]] Chapter 3: [[A Cabin and a Fight->3A]] Chapter 4: [[Surviving the Night->4A]] Chapter 5: <ul><li>Sleep: [[Food->5A-1]]</li><li>Not Sleep: [[Food->5A-0]]</li></ul> Chapter 6: <ul><li>Sleep: [[Exploring the Woods->6A-1]]</li><li>Not Sleep: [[Exploring the Woods->6B-0]]</li></ul> Chapter 7: <ul><li>Sleep: [[Mysteries->7A-1]]</li><li>Not Sleep: [[Mysteries->7A-0]]</li></ul> Chapter 8: <ul><li>Sleep: [[The Cabin at Night->8A-1]]</li><li>Not Sleep: [[The Cabin at Night->8A-0]]</li></ul> Return to the [[#->Introduction]].

Thank you to Sophie Houlden for making WritingFantasy, the Twine StoryFormat I used to display this story! I'd also like to give thanks to the hosters of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://itch.io/jam/bare-bones-jam">2023 Bare-Bones Jam</a>! This little experiment likely wouldn't have been completed without the impetus of the jam. Several other people could also be thanked, but the list of those people is long, and their personal involvement with this project minimal. Hituro gave guidance, TheMadExile wrote Tweego, which I used to compile this story, Klembot made Twine, whose history was practically required to make this story in a sane way... I could even thank Microsoft for making Visual Studio Code, which I programmed this in! The list is endless. But there is one person I'd like to be sure to thank. Zauzaza, on a Discord server I frequent, gave the simple recommendation of using Text to Speech to listen to my story as a way to find errors and clean up unsightly language. This was embarrassingly effective, so I'd like to give Zauzaza my biggest thanks. Thank you all, and thank you, yourself, for reading my little tale here. Return to the [[#->Introduction]].

This is LeahPeach. I'd just like to say thank you for reading my little story. This is my first time writing a non-state interactive fiction novel. Normally within my stories, I keep extensive track of the options you make, and the various characters and settings react to it. For instance, if you choose to wear a robe instead of a shirt and skirt, the characters and your movement descriptions could change. That is, I can make alternative paragraphs of text based on your choices. But in a non-state story, I have to keep things on track. So if you decided not to hunt a bunny, I, as the author, need to find a way to align that outcome to be the exact same outcome as you hunting the bunny. I can't permanently branch the story off into completely separate stories if I wish to keep my sanity... or at least not within the current technical limitations of the software that I am using. Honestly, it's really stressful not being able to change the story in relation to what you did in the past. For instance, the story should change based on whether you decided to burn the bed frame or not. But I am simply unable to do that without tracking state. So, I've been trying to figure out a good way to make a state-tracking story possible in a "turn to page" style interactive fiction novel. If I manage to do this, I could put these novels out on several different mediums: An html file (for Itch.io), an .epub (for e-readers), a .mobi (for Kindle), an electron game (for Steam), print (for books) and a PDF (for the crazy people). But the problem is far more complex than it seems at first glance. [I mean, if it wasn't, then it would already be done!] For instance, if I make alternative paragraphs of text based on your choices, I have to duplicate many passages, but with very subtle twists. This is fine for digital formats, but would lead to a crazy inflated page count in a printed book! Even worse, with some states, I may have to give different options to the reader, while hiding other options. So if they choose to wear a shirt and dress, they can decide to go to a party or to the bar. Alternatively, if they choose to wear a robe, they could decide to go to the school or to the bar. Because the ending choices are different, the whole passage that contains those choices would have to be rewritten. I'm not actually against that idea. Data is cheap, and having an extra 50,000 words in any format [except print and maybe PDF] incurs no real loss. But the issue comes in programming a solution to do that automatically. In theory, it should be easy. In reality, there are a lot of little choices that need to be carefully made. And so, in order to figure out what those "little choices" are, I decided to write this non-state interactive fiction novel. Even so, I ended up embedding two boolean state trackers into the story. You can see these in the flow chat of this story, presented here: <img src="flowchart-WF.webp" style="max-width: 100%;"> Because I don't have a good technical way to write variations based on those two states within one passage, this story is ridiculously stiff and very inflexible. I had to write all of the variations within their own passages, I couldn't write a single passage with "if-else statements" to show the variation in each. I'm hopeful that a future project of mine will fix that issue for future stories, but that doesn't help this one. Regardless, I hope you enjoyed my stiff little story. Return to the [[#->Introduction]].

As the sun rises east, you can feel your heart drop with dread in your chest as the sounds of screams and clashing steel rise from the west. With fear seizing your heart, you realize that the village you called home is under attack from an orc raid. Your instincts scream at you to run for the northern woods, away from the flames and danger, as you stumble through the fields. Tears sting your eyes as you desperately try to avoid being caught, your adrenaline surging with each ragged breath as you push yourself to move faster and faster. Your heart beats in your ears as you race through the tall grasses and shrubs, desperate to put as much distance between yourself and the orc horde as possible. Every breath you take burns in your chest, and you feel tears streaming down your cheeks as your body struggles to keep up with your frantic flight. The adrenaline coursing through your veins pushes you forward, despite your growing exhaustion. Eventually, you reach the edge of a forest at the base of a mountain, and you have the distinct sensation that it is the only chance you have at surviving this encounter. Your feet hit the soft forest floor, and you push yourself forward, your arms pumping as you navigate through the dense trees and bushes. You ascend the gentle slope of the mountain's foothills, and soon you find yourself surrounded by trees that have lost their color. Where there are no trees, there are large, jagged rocks. Even though you are in the woods, the lack of leaves allows you to see the sun rising. Your breath forms white puffs of fog as you run. Finally, your stamina fails you and you kneel down, exhausted. Your clothing and pants are torn and wet, clinging to your skin. You wipe the sweat from your brow, but it doesn't help. You look south and see no signs of pursuit. The only footprints you see are yours. But the trees could be playing a lie on you. However, you know the orcs were quicker and stronger than you. You must be safe from the orcs. If they were chasing you, they would have caught you by now. You lie down and take a rest on the side of a boulder, keeping an eye out south. The air is still. Except for your breathing, the forest is quiet. Soon, a girl from the neighboring village approaches. She wears a tanned hooded dress with long sleeves. You recognize her as Tent, even though you don't know her very well. She is covered in soot and being chased by two green goblins. They're holding makeshift spears made from sticks and remnants of kitchen knives, laughing at the prey that stumbled into their home. As your eyes meet Tent's, you instantly sense the overwhelming fear in her widened gaze. With urgency, she races towards you, her voice trembling as she cries out, "Please, I need your help! There are six goblins!" Goblins are wicked spirits that emerge from trees to prey on the bounty of the forest. Unlike orcs, who are too large to flit between the trees, goblins can navigate through the woods with agility. It would be better to kill them here than to run. As she runs toward you, you jump up and extend your right hand. Focusing on one of the small creatures you see, you feel for its neck with your expanded consciousness. You grab the goblin by the neck, feeling its flesh in your palm as it stands a few dozen yards away. You squeeze hard, but you can't break its neck. Instead, you concentrate on tearing off some flesh in its throat and lodging it inside so it can't breathe. After taking a few more steps, he falls to the ground in a heap. By the time Tent reaches you, you can hear the goblins laughing as they begin to surround you, their spears pointing in your direction. They're making strange gestures and pointing at their genitals. [[Mangle the goblin.->1B]] [[Crush the goblin's pelvis.->1C]]

Before the goblins can charge you and Tent, you concentrate on tearing up the throat of another goblin again. You feel the adrenaline rush back to your veins, your senses on high alert. The goblin lunges at Tent with his spear, but Tent twists out of the way, her hand flashing out. She twists her fingers into a tiger claw and plunges her fingers into the goblin's eyes. She pulls her fingers back with a wet sound, and the goblin collapses onto the ground. A goblin is trying to sneak around Tent as she is occupied with the one in front of her. As you focus on it, you hear the thwack of a rock hitting your ribs, causing you to lose concentration. You turn your head to see that another goblin is pelting you with rocks, distracting you from focusing on your own goblin. In the confusion, Tent has managed to pull the knife out of the first goblin's spear and has buried it into the throat of the third goblin. Blood sprays everywhere as the goblin gurgles and falls to the ground. TThe final pair of goblins, aware of their inferiority, turn back to flee into the woods. [[Let them flee.->1D]] [[Slaughter them.->1E]]

You concentrate on the nearest goblin and grab for his groin with a closed fist, using your extended mind. As he stops thrusting his hips in the air and says, "Grah?" you can feel his little genitalia in your hand. You clench your hand into a fist as disgusting sticky orange blood spurts out from his pelvis. He collapses to the ground. Tent wrinkles her nose at the sight. The goblins let out a wild cry. One of them approaches you, brandishing a spear. You step back, focusing for his neck, but he moves too swiftly for you catch him, and jabs at you with his spear. You slowly step back, careful to dodge, your focus fixated on his neck. A goblin charges at Tent, spear in hand. She swiftly dodges the attack and lands a powerful punch to the goblin's chest, leaving him breathless. Grabbing a nearby rock, she smashes it onto the goblin's head, leaving him dazed. With a swift kick, she knocks him to the ground and takes his spear, impaling him with it. After gaining control over the goblin, you mercilessly rip into his neck, completely shredding it. The goblin writhes in excruciating pain as blood spurts out from his neck, causing him to stagger backwards from the sheer brutality of your attack. In the midst of chaos, the terrified goblin lunges at Tent with his spear, but she gracefully evades his attack. Tent retaliates with a mighty swing of her rock, shattering the goblin's face with a resounding crunch. Seizing the opportunity, she grabs his spear and relentlessly pierces the goblin until its lifeless form lies motionless in a puddle of sap like blood. Aware of their inferiority, the final pair of goblins turn back to flee into the woods. [[Let them flee.->1D]] [[Slaughter them.->1E]]

Tent is determined to pursue them, but you intervene, halting her in her tracks. As she turns to face you, her gaze meets yours, yet your attention is captivated by the injury she bears. Right above her elbow, a protruding wooden stick juts out. The wound oozes a mesmerizing crimson hue, gracefully staining her once pristine sleeves. Tent's eyes follow your gaze, and a flicker of surprise dances across her face, as if she had been oblivious to the wound's existence amidst the chaos of the battle. She stretches her hand towards the stick, gripping it tightly. Tent's nostrils flare as she yanks the stick out of her arm. A deep cut is left behind, revealing the raw muscle beneath. You can see fragments of shattered stick remain embedded in the wound, but it doesn't look like the injury reached the bone. Tent, wincing from her effort, asks, "Are they gone?" You gaze towards the path where the goblins disappeared. "They're gone," you mutter. Drawing closer to Tent, you inspect her injury. Splinters of wood now reside within her tender flesh, the should be extracted. [[Attempt to take out the wood.->1F]] [[Let Tent handle her own wound.->1G]]

Letting them flee will just result in more goblins coming at you later. You use your telekinesis to grab one by the neck and choke them. Tent sees your magic at work and sprints towards the other goblin, tackling them down to the ground. She attempts to stab them with a nearby stick, but they twist their body to catch it and instead press the end into her arm, causing her to yelp in pain. Taking advantage of the situation, you quickly finish your goblin off. Tent is still engaged in her battle with the goblin. As she wrestles with him, he manages to lodge the stick even deeper in her arm, causing her to scream out in pain. She pushes his head back, giving you a good view of his face. He has an inhuman evil grin full of sadism. He kicks at her knees, pushing her to the ground, laying himself on tip of her. He shouts as he lifts his arms up to start pummeling her. But you merely grab his throat as well, doing to him what you did to the others. As he suffocates, Tent pushes him off of her, and stomps on his chest. Breaking his sternum and quite possibly impaling his heart with those bone fragments. She stretches her hand towards the stick, gripping it tightly. Tent's nostrils flare as she yanks the stick out of her arm. A deep cut is left behind, revealing the raw muscle beneath. You can see fragments of shattered stick remain embedded in the wound, but it doesn't look like the injury reached the bone. Tent, wincing from her effort, asks, "Are they gone?" You gaze towards the path where the goblins disappeared. "They're gone," you mutter. Drawing closer to Tent, you inspect her injury. Splinters of wood now reside within her tender flesh, the should be extracted. [[Attempt to take out the wood.->1F]] [[Let Tent handle her own wound.->1G]]

You ask Tent if you could clean up her wound, explaining that there's more wood in the wound, and it'll get infected if left untreated. She frowns, but after a moment, she relents, relaxing her arm and giving it to you. You carefully probe at the wound with your telekinesis to sense for splinters in her muscle. She looks away from you and her wound. It must be unpleasant for her. Perhaps looking for a distraction, Tent finds the suffocated goblins and asks, "What did you do to those goblins?" You slide a small shard of wood out from her muscle with your telekinesis. Looking at it, you see it glinting in the sun, completely covered with Tent's blood. You let it float away into the woods. "I used my telekinesis to cut a portion of their throat, so they'd suffocate on their own flesh and blood." Fierce brown eyes turn to look at you, now wide open, before quickly looking away. "That's... very scary. I didn't know you could do that." You nod, and reach to another piece of wood that is protruding from the wound, carefully removing it. "It's not really useful in close combat." You say, and nod at her wounded arm, "I wish I could've prevented you getting hurt." She glares at you. "Don't be stupid! You could probably stop a sword mid swing!" You laugh, "No no, I'm not that strong." You finish your work, and find that there is no more splinters lodged into her muscle, just a lot of succulent blood. She is still breathing heavy from the fighting, the adrenaline likely helping her with the pain. She pulls away from you. Striding to a jagged boulder, she sits down on it. "Let's rest for a bit." She pulls her hood, attached to her dress, over her head. [[Continue->1H]]

You decide to let Tent tend to herself. Tent stares at her wound, studying it. Then she reaches into it with her other hand, digging around. Her blood is going everywhere, her hands, her dress, the ground... After a while of doing this, she pulls out a shard. The process is messy, and while mesmerizing, you decide to look away. After what seems like several minutes, Tent manages to extract all the splinters. "It hurts, but I should be alright." Hurting should be an understatement. Tent's eyes are sunken and tearing up from the pain. "Hmph!" She scoffs. Striding to a sunlit boulder, she sits down on it. "Let's rest for a bit." She pulls her hood, attached to her dress, over her head. [[Continue->1H]]

After resting for a moment, Tent grabs the hem of her dress, and tugs at it. "What are you doing?", you ask. Tent doesn't answer, instead opting to flap her dress right in front of you, letting you see her socks peeking out from her boots, and above that, her smooth knees. You decide to let her do her thing in peace, and look over the woods. The sun shines on you as well, so you decide to pull your hood over your head as well. Perhaps unusual, but it seemed that everyone had hoods attached to their clothing in your village. Eventually, the sound of fabric ripping grabs your attention. Tent has managed to tear a strip off from the bottom of her dress... It'll be exposing just a little bit of her calves whenever she walks now. With a surprisingly deft arm, she quickly wraps the fabric to her arm, tying a neat loop at the end, as though she was used to dressing wounds with just one hand. "Where did you learn to make bandages like that?" you ask. She frowns as she reminisces. "My father is... was careless at farm work..." She left the rest of her sentence unsaid. You can remember an enormous orc bursting through the wall of your home, sending shards of wood flying in every direction. In just a split second, he snatched up your little brother and slammed him to the ground with a deafening thud. You'll never be able to unsee your brother squirming on the floor as the orc pounded him deeper into it. Perhaps talking about family wouldn't be the best idea right now. ...but her response didn't answer how she was able to do that with just one hand. Begin Chapter 2: [[Looking for a Cabin->2A]]

After resting for awhile, the two of you consider your current predicament. The orcs are still down in the village below you, though they might climb up into this forest at the foot of the mountain. It's difficult to know how to move from here. Tent also seems to be worried, asking, "Where do we go from here?" The silence hangs heavy, but the answer is obvious. With a, "Let's go," the two of you head deeper into the woods. Cold wind whips through autumn leaves, bending the trees down to the ground. The attack happened in the blink of an eye, and all you could do was flee. You look over at Tent to see if she managed to bring anything with her, but your eyes are drawn to her bloodstained bandage. Through her dress, you can see the shapes of Tent's nipples pushing against the fabric. Tent didn't come prepared either. Looking down, you saw her she tremble slightly as the cold rippled through her dress. The tan dress was in tatters from both running and fighting the goblin, but at least Tent was able to grab boots. Even though it's cold, it's not quite cold enough for frostbite to be a problem in the day. The two of you continue to walk in silence. The crunch of your footsteps on dead leaves is broken by a soft, hesitant voice. "What are we going to do?" Tent's voice cracks, and her brown eyes fill with tears. You can't let her despair. "There should be a hunting cabin nearby... about two more hours away. When we find a river, we'll simply follow it upstream. We can stay there for awhile." She slowly raises her gaze and looks up at you, her expression solemn and determined, before nodding in agreement. Her eyes focus straight ahead once more, full of steely resolve. The two of you continue walking. You're both exhausted and hungry. It's been about four hours since the attack on the village. Finally, after a few hours of walking, the two of you come upon a stream. "You said we can follow the river?" You nod, walking upstream. Even though it's still cold, the sun's heat gradually softens the air surrounding you both. You softly reassure her with a smile, "It shouldn't be too much further." The two of you walked on, slowly but surely. As time went on, she began to move more and more slowly until finally coming to a halt and gazing at you. Her eyes were intense yet gentle, filled with misery that drew you in as her lips parted ever so slightly as if to say, "I just keeping thinking about what happened." [[Ask if she's all right.->2B]] [[Continue onwards, we can mourn later.->2C]]

You ask, "Are you okay? Are you tired?" She nods and maintains her pace. "I keep thinking about it," she says. You prompt her, "What?" "Our village. Our families... What happened to them all? Why did the baron recall the guards when he promised us protection?" You don't say anything, but you think the same thing- maybe those promises were only lies. You try to console her, "We don't know what happened, but I promise we'll find out." Tent continued sadly. "They said this village would be protected. Everyone lied." You shook your head. "That's not certain. There may still be others out there." She looked right at you, tears welling in her eyes. "What if all our friends are dead and the orcs are using our moms as a seedbed?" You paused for a moment before responding firmly, "Don't dwell on that now. Let's just focus on getting to the cabin where we can find food and warmth. Then, we'll decide what to do next." She let out a deep sigh, her gaze lingering on the path ahead as she contemplated what to do next. Finally, she broke the silence with a nod. "Let's keep going," she said determinedly. [[Continue->2C]]

The two of you continue up the river. Time seemed to pass quickly, and before long you find yourselves drifting away from the river and entering a clearing. You have arrived. The tiny clearing is strewn with debris, a ruined cabin still stands in the middle. You share an uneasy glance, the tension palpable as you strain to hear the rustling of vegetation and ragged breathing of an unseen beast. An orc. Your jaw slackens in disbelief. "Wh-what?" Tent's own mouth seems to be unable to comprehend this. You two stay silent and still, listening to the heavy footsteps and creaks from the cabin. After a moment, you hear something moving within. You can't tell where it is, but the sound of creaky floorboards indicates it's making its way around. Tent looks at you with wide, fearful eyes and whispers, "We have to get out of here." [[Fight the Orc.->2D]] [[Flee from the Orc.->2E]]

"It's just one orc." You whisper, "He doesn't know we're here, let's find a way to kill him." Tent doesn't respond at all, her eyes betraying the fear she felt. Your heart was pounding in your chest. This was one of the things that smashed a fist through your father's torso, blanketing your house in your father's inviolable blood. You knew you were no match for any one of these orcs on your own, but you mustered up all the courage you had to face them down. But the orc doesn't notice you. If it's just the two of you, then maybe, just maybe, you'll have a chance at victory. Tent seems skeptical that the two of you stand a chance against one orc. "It doesn't know we're here. If we surprise it, we may stand a chance. Let's go together." She looks at you, her eyes wide. She knows she can't escape or hide, so she reluctantly nods her head in agreement. The two of you prepare yourselves for what is about to come. You know what must be done. You approach the ruined cabin and make a quick scan for any possible movement from the creature. There doesn't seem to be any movement or sounds within, so you slowly, and very quietly, start to enter through the open doorway. Tent stays at your back. Your breathing starts to increase, your heart pounding as adrenaline surges through you, but you take a few deep breaths and regain your composure. With each step you take through the dark ruins of the cabin, a chill runs down your spine. Taking a moment to adjust to the darkness, you carefully scan your surroundings with your eyes. Everywhere you look, all that remains are broken pieces - the furniture has been smashed beyond repair, and what was once an exquisite bed frame has been turned into nothing more than splinters that have been scattered across the floor. In one corner of the room stands a lone chair that appears untouched by whatever destruction had been done. Turning slowly, your gaze lands on a pair of piercing yellow eyes. You can feel your heart skip a beat as the hairs on the back of your neck stand up in anticipation. The beast's lanky limbs and broad chest make it seem even more intimidating from up close than what you had initially pictured. The beast lurches forward, its arm raised high as it barrels towards you. You feel the ground shake with each thunderous step it takes and hastily raise your arms in defense, but it smashes through your guard and hurls you away to the outside. Tent stands there looking at the orc in horrified awe, mouthing an incredulous "Oh shit". The orc remains still, its movements tense and predatory. Its low, menacing growl sends shivers down your spine, the sound reverberating throughout your body. You can feel it in the very depths of your being, as if the beast itself is inside you. Fear overwhelms you as you stand frozen in place, unwilling to move an inch closer to the creature that stands before you. Tent frantically rushes to your side, lifting you up from the ground with remarkable ease. "Come on, we need to get out of here," she urgently suggests. [[Continue->2F]]

You give a curt nod. "Yeah," you whisper, "we need to get out of here. It's just one orc." You motion for her to follow you as you quietly move away from the cabin, staying in the shadows and making your way around the area where he could spot you if he suddenly emerged outside. You remain vigilant, carefully observing and listening for even the slightest movements. Despite the creaking floorboards, the room is becoming eerily silent. You two silently begin to tiptoe away, but suddenly one of you steps on some dried leaves, sending out a loud cracking sound. In an instant, the door to the cabin bursts open and a gargantuan orc marches out, towering at least one and a half times your height. As the orc emerges from the cabin, his gaze falls upon you and a chill runs down your spine. "Fuck," you whisper under your breath. Looking over at Tent, you shout, "Run!" Your voice breaking through the stillness of the woods. [[Continue->2F]]

You and Tent spin around and sprinted down the path back towards the river, leaves crunching under your feet in a hurried haste. After about fifteen minutes of running, you glance behind you and see no sign of the orc. You reach out to Tent and motion for her to slow down. "I think... we lost it," you manage to wheeze out. She stops and doubles over, her lungs heaving as she struggles to catch her breath. "Do you really think so?" she manages to gasp out between breaths. She faces the direction of the cabin with apprehension in her eyes. "Do you think there could be more orcs there?" "I don't know." Tent lifts her hands to top of her head, stretching her torso as she does so. Her dress tightens around handful-sized breasts, emphasizing their shape as stiff nipples poke through. She looks up at you with a mixture of embarrassment and confusion in her gaze, her cheeks flushed pink as she demands, "Wh-what are you looking at!" She looks at you with her piercing brown eyes, her disheveled brown hair curling around her delicate face. You feel a jolt in your stomach as you quickly avert your gaze. "Ugh... men..." Despite the teasing, cold lingered in the air, and the mood turned somber once more. "What are we to do? We're stranded in the heart of nowhere." You pause and ponder for a moment. In the long ago days of your ancestors, you recall that the forest was further from the village. It's only been in recent years that it has grown closer to your village, slowly and steadily encroaching on human realms. Perhaps there was another cabin hidden deep in the woods, from long ago. Though, time has probably diverted the creeks so much that it could be difficult to locate. [[Tell her about another cabin.->2G]]

You let out a weary sigh. "Maybe... there's a cabin further into the woods." Her eyebrows raise up in interest. "How do you know that?" "My grandfather used to tell me stories of a time when the forest was farther away from the village than it is now. I wonder if there's still an old cabin up north that hasn't been infiltrated by orcs." "Do you think so?" You give a small shrug. "I suppose. Although if it does exist, I suspect it's far away from here." After a soft sigh, she nods and says softly, "Then, let's keep going." "Let's continue following the creek. We're more likely to find a cabin near a source of water." You and Tent resumed their journey, continuing north alongside the babbling creek. The trees grew sparser as they ventured further, even sunlight manages to shine through the tree branches. The path ahead becoming easier to traverse. After a short time, Tent suddenly stops and excitedly points at something in the distance. "Look look!" She whispers eagerly. "It's a bunny! It's lunchtime! Can you catch it?" The horned rabbit is a cunning creature. Its sharp, pointed horn is capable of piercing through the hide of a deer… or even the leg of an unlucky hunter. But more importantly, its meat is succulent, and you two hadn't been able to bring any food with you. [[Attempt to catch the bunny.->2H]] [[Ignore the bunny.->2I]]

"I can try." You search for a stick, and pick up a branch the length of your forearm. Tent's mouth opens as her eyebrows knitted together, bewilderment on her face as she gazes at you. "Can't you... just use telekinesis?" "Uhh," Your cheeks heat up as you feel embarrassment bubble throughout your body. "Yeah, good idea." You focus, and funnel the winds of magic at the bunny, but it senses your spell and bolts into the woods. "Damn." You extend your consciousness, chasing after it and managing to grab it by the foot. "Got it!" You fling the rabbit out from the brush. Tent cries out in joy as she catches it, before cracking its neck and skewering it with a stick. She holds it upside down to let the blood flow out. You watch as the rabbit bleeds out. You think it's a shame, but you're also quite hungry. [[Continue->2J]]

You refuse Tent's request. She whines in response, "Awww come on, we've been walking for hours." Her gaze falls upon the bunny and she continues, "Just... try please?" You gaze at the bunny. It's tiny, much smaller than the ones you recall your father hunting before. "It's not worth the energy it would require to catch it. There's plenty of food in these woods, let's just find shelter first." Tent huffed crossly in response. "Fine then, I'll catch it. We'll see who's not worth the effort then!" You're worried about her getting skewered by that bunny, but you let it go. Maybe she has a plan to catch the bunny without getting stabbed. "If you manage to get that bunny, I'll start a fire." Tent's eyes lit up brightly at the prospect. She bobbed her head enthusiastically, her lips forming a tight smile. "I won't let you down," she whispered as she took a few careful steps forward, watching the bunny carefully as it continued to busy itself in its grassy feast. You doubt Tent knows the best way to grab ahold of it, and she'll most likely get gored by those horns, especially with her injured arm. But perhaps the rabbit is young and inexperienced, due to its meek size. Or maybe she has had experience with this technique before, something she hasn't shared yet. Either way, you can see the eagerness in her eyes as she wants to impress you with her skills. You give Tent the opportunity to net the bunny. She approaches cautiously, never taking her eyes off of it as she gets closer. Her movements are graceful and precise, ensuring that she won't startle the creature away. You watch her in awe as she effortlessly dives at the rabbit, her hair splaying out behind her like a tantalizing wave. The rabbit pauses for the briefest of moments, but it's all that Tent needs. She firmly graphs hold of the bunny's horn with one hand and its body with the other. A second later a crack sounds throughout the woods as the bunny's neck snaps. Tent looks up at you with a triumphant smirk, her accomplishment evident as she skewers the rabbit onto a stick, and lets it blood run out. [[Continue->2J]]

"Uh, I didn't know you could do that," you say to the scary village girl by your side. She fixes you with her piercing brown eyes. "Why, can't you do that?" You felt like you could do it, but whether you would was a different matter. "Hmph. I'm used to cleaning animals. This is nothing." Gripping the rabbit by its feet, she dipped her hand into the carcass and extracted its intestines with a deftness born of experience. The entrails landed with a soft thud on the ground. While Tent guts and prepares the rabbit, you search and scavenge the area for wood and tinder to build a small fire. The wood is sparse, but you find enough tinder to help it blaze. Before long, Tent has skillfully skinned the rabbit and skewered it with a stick, and is ready for roasting. You use your telekinetic abilities to ignite some twigs - a crackling fire now burning brightly between you two. "It would be so much tastier if we had some spices." She looks at the rabbit regretfully, and you can't help but concur. She thrusts the stick into the heart of the fire, and the flames eagerly devour it. Tent bows her head in a gesture of gratitude. "Thank you Mr. Bunny for working so hard to become our food." "Umm... yes, thank you, Mr. Bunny," you reply to Tent. After a few minutes, the rabbit was cooked to perfection and Tent pulled it from the fire. She took an ample bite straight from the rabbit and then gestured towards you with the stick. "Care for a piece?" You can hear the crunching as her teeth sink in. "It's got bones," she remarks nonchalantly. "Thanks." You ignore her crunching, taking the stick and carefully hold the rabbit. Carefully tearing away a piece from the area she hadn't bitten off, you bring it to your mouth and savor its juicy, fatty texture. The rabbit meat was plain, but your exertion from the day was enough to make your taste buds dance with delight. You and Tent pass the bunny back and forth, eating in an oddly crunchy silence for awhile. You keep stealing glances at her, watching as grease and fat dibbles down her dress. It looks like Tent has warmed up from the fire and food, as you can't see any outlines anymore. You enjoy your lunch and decide not to mention her messy eating habits. Before long, the bunny was gone, leaving your stomachs sated. "Ahhh... That was delicious," Tent said with relaxed eyes and glistening lips as she rubs her greasy hands on her thighs. You feel content as well. Tent stands up, making her way towards the river to wash away the grease from her hands and face with the frigid water. She splashes it upon her skin, and it's coldness revitalizes and reinvigorates her spirit. "Hey!" You spring up and hurry over to her. "You're getting the bandage soaked!" She glanced at her wounded arm, the blood still streaming out. "Oh yeah. Sorry," she muttered, gingerly sitting down and leaning her head against a nearby rock. "It still hurts," she winced in pain. "Do you have anything else to wrap this up with?" "Let's wash the bandage while we can." You kneel down so you're at eye-level with her, carefully unwrapping the bandage to reveal her wound. Much to your relief, it isn't as bad as you feared and has already started healing. To make sure it stays clean, you wash it the creek before reapplying before wringing it out. As you wrap the bandage around her lacerated wound again, you notice Tent wince and try to be more gentle. "All good?" You ask her. Tent breaks out into a warm smile and happily exclaims, "Yes, thanks!" A smile spreads up onto your face. "You're welcome." The sun is high in the sky, but its time is waning. You have to hurry to find shelter before the freezing night sets in. Begin Chapter 3: [[A Cabin and a Fight->3A]]

You and Tent continue your journey northwards, ascending further into the mountains. A chill was creeping its way into the air, and you shivered slightly, turning to Tent. "It's getting cold," you said, your breath steaming in the cool air. Tent merely nods in agreement before her eyes drifted away from yours and back to the creek in front of you. You walk for hours, both silent, searching for somewhere to rest. Finally, you come across a clearing with a small cabin. It's probably just one room large. It's ramshackle but looks to be warm. You can tell that the goblins are inside, since there are footprints and other signs of their presence, signs that you have to be careful to avoid stepping in. Tent screws up her face, her nose curling in distaste as she hisses, "It stinks here." Her lips curled into a scowl and her eyebrows drew together as she took in the putrid scent that permeated the air. [[Prepare to fight for the cabin.->3B]]

"We need somewhere to stay," you reply, your focus returning to expanding your consciousness. Tent watches you intently as she asks, "Are you... casting magic right now?" "I am," you confirm. "I'm trying to see if I can figure out how many goblins there are." You close your eyes and focus your energy, gradually expanding your consciousness. As you do, you sense a group of goblins inside the cabin. Slowly, you open your eyes, revealing what you just discovered. "There are about four of them." Tent's eyes lit up. "Good! We can take them!" You glanced at her bandaged arm, wondering where she gets her confidence from. A determined frown crossed her face. "It won't be like last time!" She leans forward with unwavering conviction in her gaze. "We can do this," her sweet breath teases your nose. You and Tent silently made your way towards the cabin, taking care to stay hidden from view should the door suddenly open. "Okay," Tent whispered softly, "when they open the door, we'll go in and catch them off guard." You let out a deep sigh. Your heart is pounding as you begin to doubt if the two of you will be able to secure the cabin. "You can do it. I believe in you." Tent says, brown eyes shimmering with encouragement as she looks up at you. You find yourself feeling a wave of confidence wash over you upon hearing those words. The two of you continue stalking towards the cabin. As the two of you approach the door, the wind shifts, and a terrible stench comes to your nostrils. You struggle to remain composed and mask your repulsion. You watch Tent as she reaches for the doorknob. She closes her eyes for a moment, preparing herself for whatever lies beyond the door, before finally opening her eyes and giving you a brief nod. You nod back. [[Continue->3C]]

Tent swings the door open, and the two of you burst into the cabin. Two of the goblins were fast asleep on the cold hard ground, while the two others had their vigilant yellow eyes turned up at you. The closest one immediately leapt to his feet and brandished a rusted short sword, ready for battle. Another goblin slowly stirred from his slumber, pushing himself off the floor with a weary groan. The last goblin slumbered on the floor, his twisted face displayed a look of pure exhaustion as he watched what was about to unfold before him. You immediately expand your consciousness to one of the goblin's faces, intensely pushing into its eyes until they burst, leaving it blinded. Tent strides forward, her arm swinging as she reaches the goblin and connects with its neck, sending it crashing down onto the ground in a gurgle. She bends her knee and lifts up her right leg, the movement pushing her filthy dress up to reveal tantalizingly smooth thighs and a smooth teal fabric. The sight disappears as she lands a powerful stomp, crushing the goblin's sternum beneath her boot and sending shards of bone into his heart. Rusty sword goblin charging at Tent, he blade aimed for Tent. You push your telekinesis against the sword and deviated its path, allowing Tent to dodge it. The blind goblin was shrieking and writhing in agony on the floor, its grotesque fingers clawing at its empty eye sockets, orange sap-like blood covering his face. All of a sudden, you felt a slimy, cold hand grip your ankle. The sleeping goblin had taken advantage of the commotion to creep over to you and was now attempting to drag you down to the floor. It was clear that he had been waiting for this moment, and his malicious eyes gleamed with delight as he tugged at your leg. You grit your teeth and focus on maintaining your balance as you use your telekinesis to shove the sword goblin's head away from Tent. In a swift motion, you launch a kick at the one grabbing onto your leg with incredible force. Your blow connects with his nose, producing an earsplitting crack and orange blood spurts from his nostrils. You feel relief he releases his grip on you. The sword goblin stumbles back a few feet, affording Tent just enough time to deliver a powerful kick, sending the small weapon tumbling from its grasp. You tear your gaze away to look at the goblin at your feet. You stomp its head repeatedly, each impact sending ripples of pain throughout its body until his head is a deep purple, marked with bruises. With one final hit, he finally stops moving. By then, Tent has also finished with her goblin, and is standing over the last one that you blinded earlier. He was still alive, blood dripping from his eyes as he was thrashing about on the floor. You watch her as she grips the stolen sword tightly, thrusting it into the goblin's chest. The creature wails in agony, but Tent is undaunted and stabs again with a newfound ferocity. The blade sinks deep this time, and the goblin begins to weaken as it struggles to take its last breaths. Tent does not relent and continues her relentless assault until he passes away. You glance around the room at the other goblins, calming your nerves after confirming that all three were dead. You gaze down at your ankle, skin slashed and bloody. The fabric of your pants is ripped around the wound, exposing angry redness that oozes out. Tent yanks out her rusty stick, letting it clatter to the ground. She raises the back of her wrist to her forehead, mopping up sweat as she looks at you. Her eyes linger over your figure, settling on your ankle. "A goblin got you?", she inquires, her head tilting slightly as a lock of her hair caresses her neck before settling on her shoulder. "Yes," you reply, eyes still affixed to the dead bodies. Tent watches your gaze for assurance that you were alright. "Are there any more goblins?" she cautiously inquires. You open your mind and expand your consciousness, searching for any sign of the goblins. You sigh as you realize that their presence no longer lingers in this world. You gingerly lower yourself onto the discolored blanket, carefully massaging your aching ankle as she begins to search the one-room cabin. The room is thick with dust, illuminated only by the faint sunlight shining through from holes in the cabin. The furniture is sparse and rundown, consisting of just an old bed with a chipped and battered frame. But despite its grime and lack of luxury, this space is still shelter. The corpses of the goblins lay strewn about, their blood seeping into the ground and forming a thick, orange pool. The putrid smell of death lingered in the air, adding nothing good to the ambiance. You carefully finish tending to your wounds, rising slowly with a grimace. "Are you okay?" Tent asks, her brows knitted in concern as she gazes at your blood-splattered pant leg. "I'm alright, but we need to get rid of these bodies quickly before they start to rot," you reply, making for the door. "Wait." Tent calls out, and you pause. She averts her gaze from you, her hair shielding her expression from view. "I'll dispose of the bodies outside. Your foot must be hurt. Why don't you sit right here and use your magic to take care of the mess in here?" "Are you sure?" You ask. She doesn't answer you, instead striding over to a goblin. She bends over, her dress pulling tight against her curves, and you can't help but take in the view. The fabric clings to her small butt before leading to a provocative tear that exposes her thigh from the side. You open your eyes wide in shock. The tear hadn't been there before, so it took you by surprise. She looks at you, her gaze meeting yours. "Don't worry," she says softly. "I'll take care of it." Tent carefully lifts the goblin onto her shoulder and exits the cabin. You rapidly blink and shake your head, alternating between shock and relief that she hadn't spotted what you were staring at. Focusing your attention on the blood and dirt, you close your eyes, calling upon your telekinesis to scrub away the mess from the wooden walls and floor. You envision it dispersing through the air, before using a wave of your magic to make it float out the door and away. A few minutes later, all the goblins had been left outside, and Tent returned with her eyes wide open in disbelief. "Incredible! How were you able to pull this off?" "I simply used my magic to clean the mess," you explain, concentrating your efforts on eliminating every trace of goblin blood from the wood. "That's incredible!" Tent exclaims, taking in the sights of the room. She stops at the tattered bed and gingerly runs her hand over the mattress and bedframe. The mattress is almost non-existent, made up of nothing more than a thin layer of old hay stuffed into cloth. Her face contorts as she takes it all in, dismay crossing her features. "It's wet, and the bed frame is useless." Tent sighs. "I don't mind sleeping on the floor," you say, continuing your telekinetic work. "Well, it is getting late," She remarks, lifting a hand to her chin. "I think I'll go get some wood for the fire tonight. Keep close to the cabin, alright?" Despite her words of warning, there's an underlying sadness in her eyes as she speaks. You give a brief nod in response, and continue on with your task of cleaning the cabin. Tent leaves the cabin, her dress swishing lightly in the chill breeze that slips in through the open door. Begin Chapter 4: [[Surviving the Night->4A]]

After a while, the cabin is tidied up. Cleaning it has given you a better understanding of the cabin's condition - it will be cold at night because of the holes in the wall. The broken bed frame is dry, so you can use that and some hay from the mattress to start a fire if necessary. Mindful of your aching ankle, you rise and inch towards the door. Weary from toiling all day and maybe it was the dust, but a small tear escapes your eye and traces its way down your face. Your tears start to flow more freely now, burning your face as they make their way down. You take a deep breath and steady yourself before wiping them away and redirecting your focus. You've pushed your body to its limits today, engaging in fierce battles with goblins and cleaning this entire cabin. The sun will set soon and the cold is creeping in, but Tent is getting some firewood. At the very least, the two of you will survive this night. When you open the door, a thick and acrid odor assaults your nostrils. You blink in disbelief as your gaze falls on a disturbing sight - goblin dung scattered everywhere. By the door, by the forest, even by the pile of four goblins - it was everywhere around you. You sigh and start digging up a pit with your telekinesis, and before long you're magicking the dung into the hole. Hopefully, the wind will be enough to drive the smell away once you bury it. As you work, Tent is visible in the distance, picking up sticks of wood. She has a scrunched nose and a frown on her face, making her look displeased with her task. Soon the mess had been cleared up and Tent returned with an armful of tinder. Her expression was one of clear frustration, her eyebrows furrowed in annoyance. "Are you alright?" you ask her. "There's only tinder here! Not a lot of real, good wood to burn!" Brown eyes glisten with tears as she looks at the fire pit, her nose winking to the left and right. She blinks away her tears before tilting her head and smirking. "Who knew you could poop that much?" You look at her with an expressionless, uninterested gaze and say nothing in response, opting instead to just turn away and ignore her completely. With the amount of wood she's gathered, you two should be able to start the night warm, but that's about it. There's no way you'll be able to burn the goblin bodies. With a heavy sigh, you dig the deep hole for the goblins. "What? Gotta go again?" Tent said, chuckling softly to herself as she goes inside the cabin with the wood. The smile on her face showed just how as was satisfied with her joke. But you're not going to complain, you have work to do. The first day after the orc raid, you and Tent are alive. The two of you have a little wood, and a little bit of shelter. It's just... it's just... You take a deep breath and let it out, thankful for being alive. Nothing else matters at this moment. You hear Tent's voice coming from inside the cabin, but it's too low for you to make out what she's saying. But that's alright, her soothing and comforting tone is enough to remind you that you're not alone in this journey. Soon, the grave is wide and deep enough. The thought of these inhumane monsters getting a more dignified burial than your own family was vile, but you had to accept it. There was no other option. Anything else would lead to disease or attract even more heinous creatures lurking in the shadows. As you're laying the bodies into the pit, you hear the sounds of large wood cracking from the cabin. You quickly finish your job and go inside to see that Tent has thrown the moldy hay mattress on the floor and is tearing apart the decrepit bed frame. Your gaze follows Tent closely as she methodically breaks down the bed frame. She cuts glances at you, her hands continuing with their work. "We can burn the bed frame," she suggests. "It'll be more effective this way." You stare in disbelief, not wanting to believe it. "But it's the only bed in the cabin..." Tent cast a glance toward the bed frame and sighed. "It's not like we'd ever sleep on it anyway. I don't even want to risk getting impaled on it's broken wood. If we can use it as firewood that'll be great." She grabs a piece of the bed frame. "Let's burn it," she suggests. You gaze at the damaged bed frame, the last fragment of the cabin's original decorations. You reluctantly agree with her. With a wave of your hand, you use your telekinetic powers to lift up the individual pieces of the broken bed frame and move them over to the fireplace. You wave your hand over the fireplace, the dust and ashes swirling away. Looking up, you see the chimney is obstructed with grime and webs. With a snap of your fingers, the mess is gone and the chimney open for use. You take the tinder that Tent gathered from outdoors, and some bits of the bed frame. The fire is ready to burn. With one final thud, the bed frame was broken apart. "I'm all done!" Tent exclaimed with satisfaction. All that's left is to get some water for the night. [[Suggest going to the river together.->4B]]

You notice Tent's bloodshot eyes and cracked lips. Your own parched throat compels you to suggest, "Let's get some water from the river." Tent agrees and the two of you depart the cabin. The sun is sinking, signaling the start of a cold and dark evening. Tent asked, "How can we get water back to the cabin? There weren't any buckets." The solution was simple, you'd use your telekinesis skill to make clay, and then make a clay bowl to bring some water back in. It would take a bit of effort, but eventually you'd have your makeshift bowl and water. As you were about to explain this, the serene sounds of the forest slowly drifted into your ears: the gentle chirping of crickets, the delicate rustling of leaves, and the peaceful footsteps of animals exploring their surrounding. "Wait," says Tent. "Do you hear that?" You freeze mid-step, straining your ears in an effort to locate the source of the faint noise emanating from not too far away. You and Tent exchange a glance. Could there be something lurking in the woods? "Do you think... it was another bun bun?" Tent asks, her voice higher than normal, mouth agape eyes flirt expectantly in the direction of the sound. Her gaze held no trace of caution or fear. "It's a bun bun!" Tent shouted, her eyes wide with joy and her face lit up with excitement. You feel a twinge of worry. "Maybe-" "I'll get it! You go get water" Tent dashes off before you could respond. "Stop!" you yell, but Tent is either disregarding you or too focused on her hunger to pick up on the danger. She dives onto the ground, quickly getting back up and darting after something, grasping her injured arm. Perhaps it is just a horned rabbit. Nevertheless, you hope she'll be mindful to ensure the rabbit doesn't impale her leg or something. You make your way back to the creek, parched and in need of a drink. You follow the creek to a spot where the water is deep. It looks clean and clear, likely home to fish, though none are visible. You crouch, scooping up a handfuls of water, and drink. To make a clay bowl, just mix water and dirt, filter out the clay, then add more water. Let it dry by wicking out the moisture for a hardened finish. It's deceptively simple, but it takes skill to complete quickly. You won't likely finish more than a medium-sized bowl before nightfall. You begin crafting, mixing water and dirt together in a sphere in the air. You watch the blend swirl, attempting to separate out clay from the mixture with limited success. You soon realize that a cloth filter is necessary for this task. Despite the difficulty, you strive to shape the clay-like material into a bowl and then wick the water away from it, drying it out. With the sun starting to hide, you finish up the bowl, scoop some water out, and then inspect it for leaks. You drink your fill and get a second bowlful before returning to the cabin. Smoke billows from the chimney, signaling Tent's return. Hurrying, you rush inside to escape the chill. You close the door behind you, feeling the warmth of the cabin compared to the cold wind outside, though you can still feel the cold wind from all of the holes in the walls. Tent is by the fireplace, her arms embracing her knees as eyes glued are to the flames. Your mouth curves into a smile as your heart races as you realize what's for dinner. "You caught it!" You cry out in excitement. Another bun bun is being roasted today. "Huh?" She blinks and shakes her head of her thoughts. "Yeah! Let's eat soon! You got water?" You nod, show her the clay bowl. Having no where else to put it, you place it on the floor by her. You sit by Tent, watching the meat roast. The sizzling smell of food tries to fill the cabin, yet the cold wind quickly disperses it. You shuffle closer to Tent, who is entranced by the hypnotic flames. She appears so vulnerable and defenseless, making you feel a sudden urge to protect her. "Thanks." You say to her. "Huh?" She turns her head and looks at you, her thoughts coming back to you. "For catching the food. Thanks." "Oh, yeah. You're welcome." She nods and returns her attention to the fire. You both sit there, watching the meat, not knowing what else to say. After a while, the meat is ready. You both eagerly dig into the horn rabbit with delight. Tent's making a mess again, and you can't help but admire her clothing as it gets messier. In particular, her breasts are covered with dirt and grease. She notices you looking at her and your eyes meet, the intensity of the moment sending shivers down your spine. She shyly looks down at her clothing, showing you the delicate swirl of hair in the middle of her head. [[Continue->4C]]

"Let's sleep on the hay mattress," Tent suggested, taking a bite out of the horn rabbit. "It'll keep us warmer." Your heart rate increases as you process her words. "We?" "Y-yeah, I mean… there's nowhere else to sleep, and it's cold," she mumbled, avoiding your gaze. The glow of the fire made her cheeks flush red. "Ah, o-okay." You use your magic to clear the hay mattress of debris and bugs, but like filtering dirt out of clay, it's hard to do. Tent watches as the hay shifts around in the air. "Thanks, your magic really comes in handy." "Thanks. You fight really well," you tell her, trying to shift the mood and ignore her comment about sharing a bed. "Mmm... I don't think that's what a girl wants to hear..." Her voice sounded forlorn. You glance at her, but she's transfixed by the flames. "What do you wish to hear?" Tent stared up at the ceiling. The firelight makes her lips glisten from the fat of the rabbit. "Something about how cute my hair is," she decides. You look at her. "Your hair is cute," you tell her. "You can't just say what I told you!" She shouts. "Find something else!" You sigh. "Something about my eyes, then." You gaze into her warm brown eyes, captivated by their clarity and intelligence. They twinkle in the firelight, and her vivacious spirit radiates from them. ...but if you comment about her eyes, won't you fall into her trap again? What does she really want? You resolve yourself. "You have really pretty eyes." You tell her, trying to force sincerity in your voice. She shakes her head, a deep sigh escaping her lips as she averts her gaze. "Men..." The conversation dwindles, and soon the night falls. You attempt to clean the hay mattress as best you can. When you tell her about it, she quickly tears off her shoes and socks with an excited 'Yay!', settling down on it on her side, cuddling up close to the fire. She takes up all of its warmth, leaving none for you to bask in. You pause, pondering if it's alright to sleep beside her. But maybe this isn't the craziest thing that happened today. "Ah, the warmth of the fire on my front is so soothing, while my back is still chilled. Come over here and keep me warm." Tent's complaining has begun. Heat rushes through your veins and your pulse begins to race. She beckons to you with a seductive whisper. "I-I... why don't we share this warmth together?" The way she said it was almost like a caress, her words sending a shiver through your body. [[Agree.->4D-1]] [[Disagree.->4D-0]]

"Of course." There was no way a gentleman like you would deny a pleading lady like Tent. You lay down behind her, careful not to touch her, and put a small space between you. Her hair was in your face and her scent wafted towards you, making you blush. "How are we gonna warm up if you're so far away," she says. "What's the point if we're not touching?" She shifts backwards, into your embrace. Her hair fills your face, filling your senses. Her chest rises and falls as she breathes in and out, her body fitting against yours like a perfect puzzle piece. Your knees fit behind hers and your hips press against hers, while your chest rests against her back. Soon, the warmth of her body seeps into yours. Gazing down, you can spot that tear in her dress snaking up her leg, revealing her thigh. Smooth curves flirted with the firelight, largely hidden by the darkness of night. Dirt, sweat, and blood had stained her, but could do nothing to diminish her beauty. You're probably just as filthy as her. The two of you will have to figure out how to bathe and wash your clothes tomorrow. "Hey." Her voice catches your attention. "Let me use your arm as a pillow." You blink. She tilts her head up, pulling locks of her hair forward, tumbling them away from her neck as if in a silent invitation. Her slender and graceful neck is exposed, an alluring promise that you can't fulfill beckons to be touched or kissed. "It's awkward not having a pillow... would you mind?" You can feel the heat radiating off of her body like an incendiary flame. After a moment, you guide your arm forward, and she tenderly lays her head on it. The weight feels comforting yet light, her head seeming to rest effortlessly on your arm. You can feel an electric tingle where your skin touches, a sweet sensation that fills you with warmth and joy. "Thanks." She murmurs as she melts back against you, her lithe body creating a pleasant friction as it moves. You feel yourself responding to her touch, your desire growing against her body. You can't help but be mesmerized by the heat radiating from her body, fighting against the lonely coldness. Despite being so fierce and strong, she's incredibly soft, with gentle curves. Taking a deep breath, your eyes wander around the darkness to distract yourself from the delightful sensation of being pressed against her soft and supple backside. You both remain in this moment, the only sound being the soothing crackle of the fire and the howling of the wind. Your other arm dangles awkwardly, feeling restricted and uncomfortable. You slowly bring it up and wrap it around her slender waist, taking comfort in its warmth as you melt into an embrace. You can feel her body tense as she takes in a sharp breath. Then she relaxes, her muscles softening as she sinks into your embrace. The sensation of her warm breaths on your arm send shivers down your spine. You soak in her nearness, her scent, the rhythm of her breath, and the smoothness of the nape of her neck before letting your eyes drift closed as you drift off to sleep. Then, whether minutes or hours later, you sensed her reach out, carefully collecting and placing another section of the bed frame into the flames. She then leans back against you, her body melting into yours as she straightens out one of her legs. Her leg is icy cold against your own two legs, sending a shiver through your body. But soon her leg begins to move gently and rhythmically against the your pants on the inside of your knees and calves, its movement creating a tantalizing friction that is warming up both of you. Her hips sway against yours, in a slow and tantalizing rhythm. "Mmm," you let out. She pauses her leg, her warmth lingering on yours. "Sorry," she breathes out. "I was getting chilly." You shift to get comfortable, a subtle sigh of pleasure escaping your lips as you relax. You look up at Tent and softly whisper, "Good night." "Good night." Begin Chapter 5: [[Food->5A-1]]

You feel a sense of unease as you look at her. You know deep down that getting involved with a woman you hardly even know isn't the best idea. She looks downcast, but her eyes show a silent understanding of your decision as you lay down on the floor. The night will be long, hard and cold; however, it's better than compromising your values and beliefs. You rest your head on your arm, wishing for a more comfortable pillow. Knowing the morning will bring you soreness, you try to ignore Tent shivering beside you and focus on your own discomforts. Surely a few nights like this won't kill you. Begin Chapter 5: [[Food->5A-0]]

Later in the night, Tent reclined against the hay mattress, basking in the warmth of the crackling fire. Her gaze caught yours. You knew there wasn't room for both of you on the hay mattress, unless the two of your cuddled. When Tent finally spoke to you, her words were like a whisper on your skin. "Last night was cold," she said softly, her eyes never leaving yours. It was. The cabin does do a great job keeping the chill of autumn in. She turns to you with a sultry voice, "We should try sleeping together..." The fire from the fire pit crackles behind her, obscuring her features in a mysterious silhouette. But her voice lets you hear the anticipation inside of her. "You know, for warmth." "Mhmm," you vaguely reply to her. She hugs her hands against herself and says, "At least I was still able to feel the chill last night, even beneath the warmth of the flames." Tent seemed eager to enjoy the comfort of shared warmth throughout the night. [[Share your warmth with Tent.->4D-alt]] Alternatively, begin Chapter 6: [[Exploring the Woods->6B-0]]

"Of course." There was no way a gentleman like you would deny a pleading lady like Tent. You lay down behind her, careful not to touch her, and put a small space between you. Her hair was in your face and her scent wafted towards you, making you blush. "It's a shame we can't use the bearskin yet. I wonder how we could get warmer..." Even as she says that, she shifts backwards, into your embrace. Her hair fills your face, filling your senses. Her chest rises and falls as she breathes in and out, her body fitting against yours like a perfect puzzle piece. Your knees fit behind hers and your hips press against hers, while your chest rests against her back. Soon, the warmth of her body seeps into yours. Gazing down, you can spot that tear in her dress snaking up her leg, revealing her thigh. Smooth curves flirted with the firelight, largely hidden by the darkness of night. "Hey." Her voice catches your attention. "Let me use your arm as a pillow." You blink. She tilts her head up, pulling locks of her hair forward, tumbling them away from her neck as if in a silent invitation. Her slender and graceful neck is exposed, an alluring promise that you can't fulfill beckons to be touched or kissed. "It's awkward not having a pillow... would you mind?" You can feel the heat radiating off of her body like an incendiary flame. After a moment, you guide your arm forward, and she tenderly lays her head on it. The weight feels comforting yet light, her head seeming to rest effortlessly on your arm. You can feel an electric tingle where your skin touches, a sweet sensation that fills you with warmth and joy. "Thanks." She murmurs as she melts back against you, her lithe body creating a pleasant friction as it moves. You feel yourself responding to her touch, your desire growing against her body. You can't help but be mesmerized by the heat radiating from her body, fighting against the lonely coldness. Despite being so fierce and strong, she's incredibly soft, with gentle curves. Taking a deep breath, your eyes wander around the darkness to distract yourself from the delightful sensation of being pressed against her soft and supple backside. You both remain in this moment, the only sound being the soothing crackle of the fire and the howling of the wind. Your other arm dangles awkwardly, feeling restricted and uncomfortable. You slowly bring it up and wrap it around her slender waist, taking comfort in its warmth as you melt into an embrace. You can feel her body tense as she takes in a sharp breath. Then she relaxes, her muscles softening as she sinks into your embrace. The sensation of her warm breaths on your arm send shivers down your spine. You soak in her nearness, her scent, the rhythm of her breath, and the smoothness of the nape of her neck before letting your eyes drift closed as you drift off to sleep. Then, whether minutes or hours later, you sensed her reach out, carefully collecting and placing another section of the bed frame into the flames. She then leans back against you, her body melting into yours as she straightens out one of her legs. Her leg is icy cold against your own two legs, sending a shiver through your body. But soon her leg begins to move gently and rhythmically against the your pants on the inside of your knees and calves, its movement creating a tantalizing friction that is warming up both of you. Her hips sway against yours, in a slow and tantalizing rhythm. "Mmm," you let out. She pauses her leg, her warmth lingering on yours. "Sorry," she breathes out. "I was getting chilly." You shift to get comfortable, a subtle sigh of pleasure escaping your lips as you relax. You look up at Tent and softly whisper, "Good night." "Good night." Begin Chapter 6: [[Exploring the Woods->6A-1]]

When you awake, you find yourself sleeping on your back, your neck aching from sleeping without a pillow. You don't hear the crackling of a fire, but instead feel a warm creature snuggled up against you, her head pillowed on your shoulder and her arm resting across your chest. Her supple breasts move rhythmically with her breaths, and you can feel the warmth radiating from her body. Your leg is has been captured between her two thighs, and you're keenly aware that there is nothing between her legs. With every second that passes; her breath feathering across your neck and sending tingles along your skin. You draw in the air around you and take in the sweet, intoxicating scent of her skin and hair; it sends a chill down your spine as you revel in the moment. Truly, this is bliss. When you open your eyes, you meet her blushing face looking up at you. She is staring intensely into your own, her breathing heavy and slow. Her small incisors peek out from behind full lips as she gazes upon you with passionate eyes. Her brown eyes meet yours for a second, before she gulps and returns her gaze to your chest. You smile, and run your fingers through her surprisingly silky hair. You knew the comfort of your touch was a balm to her after the tragedy of yesterday, and she rubs her leg up and down yours in response. Warmth spread through you both as you held each other close, feeling the electricity between you. Your gaze meets hers and suddenly all the stress from earlier seems to vanish away. But reality is harsh and daylight is slipping away. It's getting warmer, so you should both get going. Maybe the two of you can come up with a plan for the day ahead. "Hey," you whisper. She looks up at you, her dark locks framing a blushing face. "You don't have to worry, I... kinda enjoy this." She smiles, even her ears flushing pink. Her gaze averts from yours for a moment, before lifting her head and meeting your eyes once more. "I'm... kinda enjoying it too." Her thighs press against your leg, her hips beginning to rock back and forth. She closes her eyes and lets her lips part, her every movement is sending blood to your other head throughout your body, but you do your best to ignore it. You clear your throat. "Ahem, so today we need wood for the fire and food for the night." She slows her rocking as she listens to you. "Let's get cleaned up too, our clothes could use it." You gaze down at her. Her dress is stained with the evidence of her hard-fought journey, dirt, sweat, and even blood from the goblins' claws. She has a bloody bandage wrapped on one arm. Her dress had split open from the hem, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of her leg. She must have been chilled by the night air. "And we should also see if we can get a blanket for the night." "A blanket?" She abruptly ceases her rhythmic grinding. "Where would we get that?" You stroke her head, "We'll find something." Her chest expands against you as she sighs. "Okay," she chimes in. "Food and wood, water from the creek for bathing and washing needs. With some luck, we might even find something to keep us warm, like a sheep or goat." "Let's wash up in the creek," you suggest to her. "No need to struggle with bringing back buckets of water to the cabin." It was clear your bowl wouldn't have been able to carry enough for both of you. Tent lifts herself up onto her elbows. "No way I'm getting undressed out here in these woods! And no way am I letting you wash me either. You can do whatever you like, but I'm not going to be participating in that!" Longing for the heat her body radiated, you respond, "It's not like there's anyone here, right?" "But- but that's embarrassing!" "Embarrassing?" "Yes, it's awkward. We'd both be exposed and I- I don't want you to see me like this." She self-consciously moves her arm to cover her belly. This girl think you two should bathe together? "No, Tent," you said firmly. "I have no plans to bathe with you. We just need to make time for it, separately." Her brown eyes fixed on you, blinking before she looks away. "No no, that won't do. What if you turn around and see me in the nude? That would be...indecent!" So says the girl who had commandeered your leg to rub between her thighs... "I'll stay in the cabin then." "No! We should bring the water inside - it'll be icy out there, and we don't want to take the risk of getting frostbite!" "We'll start a fire so we can warm up. The deepest part of the creek isn't that far away." Tent's eyes frantically search for any chance to reject your proposal. You are starting to get frustrated, so you take a deep breath and ask her again, "What is it? Are you scared of rivers?" Her silence is deafening and your heart sinks as the seconds tick by. Finally, she speaks up slowly, her voice tense with anxiety. "Y-yes... I am afraid of rivers." The answer was subtle but unmistakable. She curls herself up a little, and just barely says, "I can't swim..." Considering back to your time as a child in the village, you don't remember seeing her swim like all the other children. Why didn't she know how to swim? Wasn't it a requirement for everyone? She shifts away from you, her warmth totally gone. She sits with crossed legs, her feet under her ankles and with one leg exposed from the tear in her dress. "It's totally normal!", she yells. The walls of the cabin rattle in protest. You smile at her and say, "The creek is very shallow. Don't worry, you won't drown." She blinks, turning away from you before raising her small arm and fiercely jabbing at your belly with a closed fist. "You should've just said that, dummy!" she teases, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. You curl up, turning onto your side with as pain emanated from your abdomen. How did you wake up in such bliss just for it to be ruined like this? [[Continue->5B-1]]

When you wake up, your neck is sore from sleeping on your back. You notice the fire pit has gone out and the cabin is freezing. Tent is lying on the hay mattress in front of the fire pit, shivering in her sleep. You sigh with a foggy breath as you watch her. Tent wakes up soon afterwards and the two of you begin chatting about your plans for the day. "Let's get firewood and food today." She nods her agreement. "We should also try to wash up, and clean our clothes." You look down at her. She sits with crossed legs, her feet under her ankles and with one leg exposed from the tear in her dress. Her dress is stained with dirt, sweat, blood from the goblins, and grease from the fat of the bun buns. Beyond that, her bandage is also bloodied. There's no way she could be warm in that. "Ah, one last thing," you say as you think of it. "We should also see if we can get a blanket or two for the nights." "Blankets?" She tilts her head. "Where would we get those?" "We'll find something," you say, suppressing a yawn. You watch her chest expand as she sighs. Tent grins, showing her fangs. She then starts stretching her legs as she prepares herself for the day, causing you to turn your gaze elsewhere. You stretch a bit yourself before leaving the cabin. [[Continue->5B-0]]

Tent glares at the sky, her face hidden beneath her hood. "I hate the sun," she growls, "if only something could just block it away." You and Tent set off for the woods. Your goal was to collect firewood for a few hours, then return and take turns bathing. As you walked, you were both on the lookout for something edible. It was late fall and it seemed unlikely that any of the trees would have any fruit left, so it was really any other animals that you were really looking out for. You join Tent in glaring at the sun from beneath your hood. It's impossible to cover the sun, but perhaps if you two had a wide brimmed hat... "Tent." "Hmm?" She looks at you with her full attention. "When I was a boy, there was a group of men coming into the village, selling things. One of those things was a big round hat." She cocks an eyebrow. "And?" "That's the one thing I wish we had." She frowns, "A round hat? What would you do with that, look dumb wearing it?" You glance her way, but her attention is already back on the ground, kicking around the leaves and dirt. "If we could find the something to use, I could make us hats to hide from the sun." She gives you a doubtful glance and you silently stare back. She locks eyes with you, her voice serious and stern as she speaks. "We could use a big leaf, a stick, and a thick vine." she declares. "And make a giant leaf hat?", you chuckle, picturing her wearing a giant leaf hat. She laughs in agreement. "Yeah! A giant leaf hat!" Her mirth is contagious, and you can't help but smile. Of course, you both know that you wouldn't be finding any giant leaves here, regardless of the season. Those types of trees just didn't grow here. After the two of you settle down, you say, "Well, keep an eye out. It'll help keep us from getting sun burnt." She gives a small nod in agreement as she bends over and picks up a stick of dead wood with her bandaged arm. "How's your arm doing?" "Hmm?" She looks at her arm. "It's not hurting anymore, but the skin isn't quite back together yet. So I'll have to keep my bandage on a bit longer." She sighed. "I'll have to remember to clean it later." It... doesn't hurt? You extracted wood from her muscles! It's unbelievable that she could be healed in just one day. "Are you sure it doesn't hurt?" She puts her wood under her arm and walks up to you, showing you the bandaged arm. "No, not at all. Press on it. It won't hurt any more than than touching any other part of my body." "Uhhh..." Pressing on a bandage stained with blood and dirt seems... ill-advised. Inappropriate, even. Tent's patience wore thin. "Ugh!" She lunged forward and grabbed your arm, causing the two of you to drop your wood. "Just do it!" She firmly guided your hand towards the wound but didn't flinch. "See! No problem!" ...You're very curious as to how her wound looks, but you'll ask to see it later. The two of you continue gathering wood, but no food shows up. [[Later on in the day.->5C-0]]

Tent glares at the sky, her face hidden beneath her hood. "I hate the sun," she growls, "if only something could just block it away." You and Tent set off for the woods. Your goal was to collect firewood for a few hours, then return and take turns bathing. As you walked, you were both on the lookout for something edible. It was late fall and it seemed unlikely that any of the trees would have any fruit left, so it was really any other animals that you were really looking out for. You join Tent in glaring at the sun from beneath your hood. It's impossible to cover the sun, but perhaps if you two had a wide brimmed hat... "Tent." "Hmm?" She looks at you with her full attention. "When I was a boy, there was a group of men coming into the village, selling things. One of those things was a big round hat." She cocks an eyebrow. "And?" "That's the one thing I wish we had." She frowns, "A round hat? What would you do with that, look dumb wearing it?" You glance her way, but her attention is already back on the ground, kicking around the leaves and dirt. "If we could find the something to use, I could make us hats to hide from the sun." She gives you a doubtful glance and you silently stare back. She locks eyes with you, her voice serious and stern as she speaks. "We could use a big leaf, a stick, and a thick vine." she declares. "And make a giant leaf hat?", you chuckle, picturing her wearing a giant leaf hat. She laughs in agreement. "Yeah! A giant leaf hat!" Her mirth is contagious, and you can't help but smile. Of course, you both know that you wouldn't be finding any giant leaves here, regardless of the season. Those types of trees just didn't grow here. After the two of you settle down, you say, "Well, keep an eye out. It'll help keep us from getting sun burnt." She gives a small nod in agreement as she bends over and picks up a stick of dead wood with her bandaged arm. "How's your arm doing?" "Hmm?" She looks at her arm. "It's not hurting anymore, but the skin isn't quite back together yet. So I'll have to keep my bandage on a bit longer." She sighed. "I'll have to remember to clean it later." It... doesn't hurt? You extracted wood from her muscles! It's unbelievable that she could be healed in just one day. "Are you sure it doesn't hurt?" She puts her wood under her arm and walks up to you, showing you the bandaged arm. "No, not at all. Press on it. It won't hurt any more than than touching any other part of my body." "Uhhh..." Pressing on a bandage stained with blood and dirt seems... ill-advised. Inappropriate, even. Tent's patience wore thin. "Ugh!" She lunged forward and grabbed your arm, causing the two of you to drop your wood. "Just do it!" She firmly guided your hand towards the wound but didn't flinch. "See! No problem!" ...You're very curious as to how her wound looks, but you'll ask to see it later. The two of you continue gathering wood, but no food shows up. [[Later on in the day.->5C-1]]

You're refreshed from your bath at the creek and have returned to the cabin. Unfortunately, your clothes are still damp, but there's nothing you can do at the moment. Tent is taking her own bath and has ordered you with attending to either the cabin or the food. Despite going a day and a half on very little food, you're not nearly as hungry as you anticipated. Oh, if there was food, you'd eat it, but you're more concerned about the cold of night. The cabin has many openings, from warped planks that no longer fit properly and gaps left by the shrinking of the wood. This allows air to flow freely throughout, making it clear why the cabin is so drafty. [[Fix the holes.->5D-0]]

You're refreshed from your bath at the creek and have returned to the cabin. Unfortunately, your clothes are still damp, but there's nothing you can do at the moment. Tent is taking her own bath and has ordered you with attending to either the cabin or the food. Despite going a day and a half on very little food, you're not nearly as hungry as you anticipated. Oh, if there was food, you'd eat it, but you're more concerned about the cold of night. The cabin has many openings, from warped planks that no longer fit properly and gaps left by the shrinking of the wood. This allows air to flow freely throughout, making it clear why the cabin is so drafty. [[Fix the holes.->5D-1]]

You grab your homemade clay and attempt to patch the holes, hoping to make your nights a bit warmer. You begin the tiresome process of restoring the walls with your telekinesis, keeping your consciousness expanded just in case some food hops by. An hour or so passes by, and Tent hasn't returned. You're worried since the bathing spot isn't that far away, but there's no way you could go looking for her while she's bathing. An hour later, the cabin still full of holes, you sense Tent's return from her bath. Turning to face her, she's bent over and dragging a massive furry creature towards the cabin. You hasten to her aid, and find her drenched. Her wet locks lay upon her shoulders like a shimmering veil, and the damp fabric of her dress adheres to every contour of her body, leaving nothing hidden from sight. But you soon forget her problems as you gaze upon the massive creature she is dragging behind her. It's a bear. With its head removed. Blood draining from its neck. Tent's beaming with pride, she declares, "Dinner!" Your mouth opens and closes, before opening again. "How did you kill a bear?!?" "It attacked me while I was bathing! I thought that would be more your style." She tries to tease him, but she can't hide her pride and joy at catching the creature. Her wet hair frames her face, making her smile all the brighter. She was fighting a bear... naked? You grab a leg of the bear and help her haul it to the cabin. "Yeah, but… how'd you kill it?" "I hit its head with a rock!" "How did you survive?!?" "Hmph, I'm not some weakling. If I can fight goblins, then I can fight a bear, easy." You raise your eyebrows. A bear could easily defeat seven or eight goblins, so there must be more to this tale. Could the bear have been ill or hurt? Tent is stronger than a bear... and yet, you feel a sense of relief. This creature will provide food, and its fur will be warm. Even the bones could have their uses. "I had to resort to climbing a tree and dropping rocks on its head," Tent said, her cheeks lightly flushing in embarrassment. "There was no way I could fight it straight on." The bear was massive, and she must have been strong to haul it here. You couldn't help but marvel at her strength. A thought pops into your head and a broad smile spreads across your face. [[Tease her.->5E-0]] [[Don't tease her.->5F-0]]

You grab your homemade clay and attempt to patch the holes, hoping to make your nights a bit warmer. You begin the tiresome process of restoring the walls with your telekinesis, keeping your consciousness expanded just in case some food hops by. An hour or so passes by, and Tent hasn't returned. You're worried since the bathing spot isn't that far away, but there's no way you could go looking for her while she's bathing. An hour later, the cabin still full of holes, you sense Tent's return from her bath. Turning to face her, she's bent over and dragging a massive furry creature towards the cabin. You hasten to her aid, and find her drenched. Her wet locks lay upon her shoulders like a shimmering veil, and the damp fabric of her dress adheres to every contour of her body, leaving nothing hidden from sight. But you soon forget her problems as you gaze upon the massive creature she is dragging behind her. It's a bear. With its head removed. Blood draining from its neck. Tent's beaming with pride, she declares, "Dinner!" Your mouth opens and closes, before opening again. "How did you kill a bear?!?" "It attacked me while I was bathing! I thought that would be more your style." She tries to tease him, but she can't hide her pride and joy at catching the creature. Her wet hair frames her face, making her smile all the brighter. She was fighting a bear... naked? You grab a leg of the bear and help her haul it to the cabin. "Yeah, but… how'd you kill it?" "I hit its head with a rock!" "How did you survive?!?" "Hmph, I'm not some weakling. If I can fight goblins, then I can fight a bear, easy." You raise your eyebrows. A bear could easily defeat seven or eight goblins, so there must be more to this tale. Could the bear have been ill or hurt? Tent is stronger than a bear... and yet, you feel a sense of relief. This creature will provide food, and its fur will be warm. Even the bones could have their uses. "I had to resort to climbing a tree and dropping rocks on its head," Tent said, her cheeks lightly flushing in embarrassment. "There was no way I could fight it straight on." The bear was massive, and she must have been strong to haul it here. You couldn't help but marvel at her strength. A thought pops into your head and a broad smile spreads across your face. [[Tease the bear killer.->5E-1]] [[Don't tease the bear killer.->5F-1]]

"Wait, let me get this straight. You fought it while in the nude?" She gives you a skeptical look. "Uh, yeah..." "So how do you know it wasn't just trying to make cubs with you?" Pain pierces through your knee and you collapse to the ground, smashing against the rocky terrain. Tent towers above you, shaking her head. "Hmph! I know what he was planning! He wasn't going to mate with me, he was about to devour me!" [[Continue teasing her.->5G-0]] [[Don't tease her.->5F-0]]

"Wait, let me get this straight. You fought it while in the nude?" She gives you a skeptical look. "Uh, yeah..." "So how do you know it wasn't just trying to make cubs with you?" Pain pierces through your knee and you collapse to the ground, smashing against the rocky terrain. Tent towers above you, shaking her head. "Hmph! I know what he was planning! He wasn't going to mate with me, he was about to devour me!" [[Continue teasing her.->5G-1]] [[Don't tease her.->5F-1]]

From your spot on the ground, you tell her, "It's a pity. You could have had cubs with him and been queen of the woods!" Tent's foot rubs against your sternum, causing an aggravating pain to flare throughout your body. However, simply sliding her foot against your chest causes the underside of her dress to be shown to you. You look up at her shapely legs, and notice that they're blue. Looking past them, her wet dress clings to her belly, preventing you from seeing her breasts. She holds her foot firmly in place atop your sternum, forcing you to endure the excruciating agony as you appreciate the sight before you. You try not to pass out as you remain subject to her whims. After a moment, she figures out your plan and her cheeks flush. She quickly removed her foot from you. You lay there for a few moments, waiting for the pain to subside before getting up and dragging the bear back towards the cabin. Tent soon joins you, an uncomfortable silence settling between you two. Sure, you had gone too far, but so had she! There was no need to stomp on your chest like that! "...Hey." Tent is looking at you. She grinned slyly, her eyes twinkling. "You know, this bear is a female. Want it to carry your babies?" You glance between the bear's legs and nodded; it was certainly a female. [[Continue->5H-0]]

From your spot on the ground, you tell her, "It's a pity. You could have had cubs with him and been queen of the woods!" Tent's foot rubs against your sternum, causing an aggravating pain to flare throughout your body. However, simply sliding her foot against your chest causes the underside of her dress to be shown to you. You look up at her shapely legs, and notice that they're blue. Looking past them, her wet dress clings to her belly, preventing you from seeing her breasts. She holds her foot firmly in place atop your sternum, forcing you to endure the excruciating agony as you appreciate the sight before you. You try not to pass out as you remain subject to her whims. After a moment, she figures out your plan and her cheeks flush. She quickly removed her foot from you. You lay there for a few moments, waiting for the pain to subside before getting up and dragging the bear back towards the cabin. Tent soon joins you, an uncomfortable silence settling between you two. Sure, you had gone too far, but so had she! There was no need to stomp on your chest like that! "...Hey." Tent is looking at you. She grinned slyly, her eyes twinkling. "You know, this bear is a female. Want it to carry your babies?" You glance between the bear's legs and nodded; it was certainly a female. [[Continue->5H-1]]

You manage to keep your teasing comment to yourself from the scary village girl who is strong and smart enough to kill a bear. "...Hey." Tent is looking at you. She grinned slyly, her eyes twinkling. "You know, this bear is a female. Want it to carry your babies?" You glance between the bear's legs and nodded; it was certainly a female. [[Continue->5H-0]]

You manage to keep your teasing comment to yourself from the scary village girl who is strong and smart enough to kill a bear. "...Hey." Tent is looking at you. She grinned slyly, her eyes twinkling. "You know, this bear is a female. Want it to carry your babies?" You glance between the bear's legs and nodded; it was certainly a female. [[Continue->5H-1]]

You and your companion struggle to hang up the bear in order to drain its blood. You manage to place it on a slight incline, so that the blood flows down. Without a proper knife or dagger, you rely on your telekinesis to cut through the fur and flesh. The task is tricky, as neither of you knows how to skin the animal. You are simply doing your best to get it done. It's a long, hard process, but the two of you manage to take off the majority of the bear's fur and meat. Thankfully, it has plenty of fat due to its preparation for hibernation. The two of you will have to dry it out over the coming days for it to last into winter. Tent has gone ahead and built a small rack for the bearskin to dry on over the night, so tonight will be cold too. You've done your best to use your skill to get all the blood off of everything, but you did far from a perfect job. That night, the two of you dine on delicious meat cooked by Tent. You now have food, water and shelter for a while. Though warmth and clothing haven't been made yet, if you work together to collect firewood in the coming days, you should be fine. And with Tent laying her head on your chest again, feeling her breaths tickle your neck all night, you can hardly believe life can be this blissful after such disaster. The warmth of the moment radiates throughout your body, a calm and content feeling that only deepens as you drift off to sleep together. The peace and serenity of the night acts like a shield for the two of you from the outside world; in this moment, it's just you two wrapped up in each other's embrace. Begin Chapter 6: [[Exploring the Woods->6A-1]]

This time, you wake up before Tent. You're less of a pillow, and more of a mattress as she sprawled over you. Even her feet rest on your shins, keeping them off of the lumpy hay mattress. Her rhythmic breathing lands right on your neck, and your heart is racing as you realize how comfortable it is to have her sleeping on you. Her curves press tightly against you, and you can feel her heart beat against your own. Listening to it, you feel cradled, sinking deeper into your lumpy mattress, wanting to stay here forever. When you do finally stir, you feel her shift on top of you. You tense and open your eyes, finding her face hovering above yours. Her eyelashes are long and lush, her lips look like the petals of a rosebud. Tent slides her body lower against yours and you can feel the pressure of her soft belly against your groin. You remain still as she curves herself around you in a tantalizingly sensual embrace. Tent's breath quickness, puffs of air grazing your neck and sending a shiver of anticipation down your spine. You tilted your head back slightly, giving her room to do whatever she wants with your neck. Tent's eyes blink open, and the two of you freeze. Tent smiles softly, a flush emanating on her face. "Good morning, Mr. red face," Tent whispers in sleepy tone. "Good morning." "Did you sleep well?" "I slept great," you say as your body betrays you by rising against her belly. "I'm glad, I did too." After a few more moments of blissful relaxation, Tent's eyes blink opened once again, and she leaves your side to sit on the mattress. You sigh as the warmth and comfort of her body faded away. "Uhm, sorry," she stammers, cheeks flushed from the chill. "I don't mind," you tell her. "I enjoy it when you lean on me." Tent turns away from you and stretches in preparation for the day ahead. Her back and waist are beautiful, making you wonder what it would feel like to caress her back, not realizing that you just had the opportunity to do so. [[Continue->6B-1]]

The sun's rays stream through the gaps in the cabin. Preparing the bear remains was the task for the day. You had some bones, a bearskin and a pile of meat. The plan you both agreed upon was straightforward: cook the meat then smoke it in the fireplace to last through winter. To do that, you'll need plenty more wood. During an unappealing breakfast of boiled bear meat, you watch Tent taking extra care not to spill onto her tattered dress. You're both in need of new clothes after the previous day's struggle. Perhaps instead of making a blanket from the bear coat, the two of you would do better to figure out how to make some clothes from it. ...But then you'd both look like cavemen. You two venture into the woods, the trees looming tall above. Your mission is to find suitable wood for kindling, but the search proves difficult. You contemplate attempting to fell a tree, but without any tools it seems impossible. You both continue to look for wood, but it's obvious that there just isn't any. It's starting to become clear that someone else has already collected it all. You and Tent must think of another plan, or you'll end up burning your own cabin. Tent's eyes widened as she gazes through the trees, searching for whatever had caught her attention. "Hey, what's that?" You have no idea what she is seeing. Expanding your consciousness reveals nothing alive in that space. "Guess it can't hurt to take a look," you say with a shrug. As you two wind through the trees, a tan brick tower emerges in a clearing. It's tall, with a bulbous top. Halfway up, there's a balcony on one side. There are no doors in sight, but walking around it shows a few windows. Tent trails her fingers over the brick tower before rapping on it. With a hint of disappointment, she says, "It looks just like any other brick tower...but there's no door." She glances up. "Do you think anybody is inside?" "Do we really want to meet a hermit who built a tower, out of brick, all the way out here?" You peer into the tower's window, but under the wooden shutters, your view is blocked by heavy wooden planks. "Well, this is interesting. Someone must be in there, trying to stay out of sight." "Why don't we just break a window? There might be wood, clothes... or even salt!" Tent's eyes lit up with anticipation, her stomach growling in hunger. Frowning, you consider the tower placed so far from any significant civilization. Unfamiliar with who or what may dwell inside, it could be a dangerous trap, a tempting lure, or even an ancient ruin. "Let's at least try to get the attention of whoever's in there first." Tent nods. "Let's walk around again and find the door." You and Tent make your way around the tower, only to find that there is no door in sight. She huffs in exasperation. "What now? How do we even knock?" "You may ascend to the balcony by taking flight," a woman's voice echoes from behind you. "It helps keeps the humans out. How may the Tower of Evis assist you today?" You spin around in surprise, to behold an elf adorned in a forest-green robe that flows beneath her feet. The hood of her garment hides her tresses of dull blonde hair, though you can still catch a glimpse of the glimmering gray hue in her eyes. Her delicate hand wraps around a staff firmly, its tip reverberates reality around it as the winds of magic pulse and hum with energy. This woman is a mage. "Wah~!" Tent yells in surprise. "Who are you!" The elven mage dismisses Tent with a roll of her eyes. "I have informed you that I am a member of the Tower of Evis. Is there something that you require, or are you simply trespassing on our land while out on your date?" "D-d-date!?" Tent seems taken aback by the idea. "No.. it doesn't appear that you two are having a very enjoyable time. May I inquire as to what has transpired? Might I suggest that you come and join me for tea?" Tent is still flustering around with the idea of dating you, so you reply that you would love to. The ground vibrates as a chunk of earth lifts you and Tent onto the balcony. You notice that it doesn't have a railing, but there is a sturdy wooden door leading indoors. The elf beckoned, "Come along now, my dears." [[Continue.->6C-0]]

The sun's rays stream through the gaps in the cabin. Preparing the bear remains was the task for the day. You had some bones, a bearskin and a pile of meat. The plan you both agreed upon was straightforward: cook the meat then smoke it in the fireplace to last through winter. To do that, you'll need plenty more wood. During an unappealing breakfast of boiled bear meat, you watch Tent taking extra care not to spill onto her tattered dress. You're both in need of new clothes after the previous day's struggle. Perhaps instead of making a blanket from the bear coat, the two of you would do better to figure out how to make some clothes from it. ...But then you'd both look like cavemen. You two venture into the woods, the trees looming tall above. Your mission is to find suitable wood for kindling, but the search proves difficult. You contemplate attempting to fell a tree, but without any tools it seems impossible. You both continue to look for wood, but it's obvious that there just isn't any. It's starting to become clear that someone else has already collected it all. You and Tent must think of another plan, or you'll end up burning your own cabin. Tent's eyes widened as she gazes through the trees, searching for whatever had caught her attention. "Hey, what's that?" You have no idea what she is seeing. Expanding your consciousness reveals nothing alive in that space. "Guess it can't hurt to take a look," you say with a shrug. As you two wind through the trees, a tan brick tower emerges in a clearing. It's tall, with a bulbous top. Halfway up, there's a balcony on one side. There are no doors in sight, but walking around it shows a few windows. Tent trails her fingers over the brick tower before rapping on it. With a hint of disappointment, she says, "It looks just like any other brick tower...but there's no door." She glances up. "Do you think anybody is inside?" "Do we really want to meet a hermit who built a tower, out of brick, all the way out here?" You peer into the tower's window, but under the wooden shutters, your view is blocked by heavy wooden planks. "Well, this is interesting. Someone must be in there, trying to stay out of sight." "Why don't we just break a window? There might be wood, clothes... or even salt!" Tent's eyes lit up with anticipation, her stomach growling in hunger. Frowning, you consider the tower placed so far from any significant civilization. Unfamiliar with who or what may dwell inside, it could be a dangerous trap, a tempting lure, or even an ancient ruin. "Let's at least try to get the attention of whoever's in there first." Tent nods. "Let's walk around again and find the door." You and Tent make your way around the tower, only to find that there is no door in sight. She huffs in exasperation. "What now? How do we even knock?" "You may ascend to the balcony by taking flight," a woman's voice echoes from behind you. "It helps keeps the humans out. How may the Tower of Evis assist you today?" You spin around in surprise, to behold an elf adorned in a forest-green robe that flows beneath her feet. The hood of her garment hides her tresses of dull blonde hair, though you can still catch a glimpse of the glimmering gray hue in her eyes. Her delicate hand wraps around a staff firmly, its tip reverberates reality around it as the winds of magic pulse and hum with energy. This woman is a mage. "Wah~!" Tent yells in surprise. "Who are you!" The elven mage dismisses Tent with a roll of her eyes. "I have informed you that I am a member of the Tower of Evis. Is there something that you require, or are you simply trespassing on our land while out on your date?" "D-d-date!?" Tent seems taken aback by the idea. "No.. it doesn't appear that you two are having a very enjoyable time. May I inquire as to what has transpired? Might I suggest that you come and join me for tea?" Tent is still flustering around with the idea of dating you, so you reply that you would love to. The ground vibrates as a chunk of earth lifts you and Tent onto the balcony. You notice that it doesn't have a railing, but there is a sturdy wooden door leading indoors. The elf beckoned, "Come along now, my dears." [[Continue.->6C-1]]

The inside of the tower was filled with wood furnishings: chairs, tables, and bookshelves. A staircase wound both up and down, but the elf took you to a room on the same floor as you'd entered. Curious, you expanded your consciousness, but found no one above or below you. Not even Tent was detectable, and the effort made you queasy so you stopped. The tower must have had a way to block your magic. Looking at pulsating staff the elven mage carried, perhaps that was preventing you from using magic. The two of you settled into a plush sofa behind a coffee table while the elf pulled up an extra-comfy one-and-a-half person chair, also known as a love seat. Three white cups and a steaming kettle sat on the table, signaling that the two of you were expected. The elf poured you two tea, its pleasant scent drifting up to your nose. The cup was a stark white and had intricate floral designs at the bottom. "So, what reason brings the both of you to this part of our woods?" The elf's question was simple. You tell her how you and Tent lived in a village recently attacked by orcs. While you struggle to find the words, you don't feel sorrow or pain or any emotion at all as you talk to her. You told her you had found a cabin, but it was already inhabited by an orc so you decided to keep going north and find another one. Fortunately, you were able to locate a another one, and that's where the two of you are now staying. You asked her, "We've got water and slaughtered a bear for food, and soon we'll turn it's pelt into clothing. But there's no axe in the cabin, and no nearby wood either. We're worried about staying warm this winter." The elf sips her tea quietly, enjoying the sweet taste as it covers her tongue before sliding down her throat. "So that's why you two came all the way out here," the elf replies. "Yeah, but there's nothing for leagues, so I don't really get why this tower is here," you say. The elf laughed, her voice chiming in high tones. "Ah, how amusing, so very amusing, it is to observe you two." You can feel her hermit vibes from this statement. "Let me explain," the elf replies, leaning back in her oversized chair and crossing her legs. "I was dispatched by my superior to analyze the nature of this tower and its ability to manipulate the winds of magic. Haven't you noticed it? You are a practitioner of the magical arts, yes?" You agree. "I can't feel anything in here." "This is due to our manipulation of the tower to disperse dew every morning, allowing the settlements nearby, such as your own, to cultivate and thrive. It is for this purpose that I am here." She carefully places her mug on the glossy wooden coffee table. "However, this is not of concern to you. We have been carrying out forest maintenance operations, which is why you have been unable to locate any wood." She looked past you for a moment, before continuing. "However, I shall provide you with some wood as well as a few other materials. I merely request that you abstain from indiscriminately cutting down our woods. If ever there is need for an additional supply, kindly do come back if you need more, okay?" The two of you nod at her request. "Additionally, that cabin is owned by us. However, we permit you both to make use of it. Should any merchants or mages come across your path, please be so kind as to accommodate them with a night's stay." Tent's gaze rested on you, giving you the power to decide what to do. But when the elven mage asked if strangers could stay the night, doubt clouded your mind. While she spoke very formally, ger eyes were kind and soft. But you weren't sure if it was a safe idea. The elf cocked her head curiously. "Wouldn't… you two want that?" she spoke to herself, her voice barely a whisper. She furrowed her brows in thought. The cabin is in a wooded area, making you wary of inviting strangers over. The thought of being murdered in your sleep weighs heavily on your mind. [[Agree to her request.->6D-0]] [[Shake your head.->6E-0]]

The inside of the tower was filled with wood furnishings: chairs, tables, and bookshelves. A staircase wound both up and down, but the elf took you to a room on the same floor as you'd entered. Curious, you expanded your consciousness, but found no one above or below you. Not even Tent was detectable, and the effort made you queasy so you stopped. The tower must have had a way to block your magic. Looking at pulsating staff the elven mage carried, perhaps that was preventing you from using magic. The two of you settled into a plush sofa behind a coffee table while the elf pulled up an extra-comfy one-and-a-half person chair, also known as a love seat. Three white cups and a steaming kettle sat on the table, signaling that the two of you were expected. The elf poured you two tea, its pleasant scent drifting up to your nose. The cup was a stark white and had intricate floral designs at the bottom. "So, what reason brings the both of you to this part of our woods?" The elf's question was simple. You tell her how you and Tent lived in a village recently attacked by orcs. While you struggle to find the words, you don't feel sorrow or pain or any emotion at all as you talk to her. You told her you had found a cabin, but it was already inhabited by an orc so you decided to keep going north and find another one. Fortunately, you were able to locate a another one, and that's where the two of you are now staying. You asked her, "We've got water and slaughtered a bear for food, and soon we'll turn it's pelt into clothing. But there's no axe in the cabin, and no nearby wood either. We're worried about staying warm this winter." The elf sips her tea quietly, enjoying the sweet taste as it covers her tongue before sliding down her throat. "So that's why you two came all the way out here," the elf replies. "Yeah, but there's nothing for leagues, so I don't really get why this tower is here," you say. The elf laughed, her voice chiming in high tones. "Ah, how amusing, so very amusing, it is to observe you two." You can feel her hermit vibes from this statement. "Let me explain," the elf replies, leaning back in her oversized chair and crossing her legs. "I was dispatched by my superior to analyze the nature of this tower and its ability to manipulate the winds of magic. Haven't you noticed it? You are a practitioner of the magical arts, yes?" You agree. "I can't feel anything in here." "This is due to our manipulation of the tower to disperse dew every morning, allowing the settlements nearby, such as your own, to cultivate and thrive. It is for this purpose that I am here." She carefully places her mug on the glossy wooden coffee table. "However, this is not of concern to you. We have been carrying out forest maintenance operations, which is why you have been unable to locate any wood." She looked past you for a moment, before continuing. "However, I shall provide you with some wood as well as a few other materials. I merely request that you abstain from indiscriminately cutting down our woods. If ever there is need for an additional supply, kindly do come back if you need more, okay?" The two of you nod at her request. "Additionally, that cabin is owned by us. However, we permit you both to make use of it. Should any merchants or mages come across your path, please be so kind as to accommodate them with a night's stay." Tent's gaze rested on you, giving you the power to decide what to do. But when the elven mage asked if strangers could stay the night, doubt clouded your mind. While she spoke very formally, ger eyes were kind and soft. But you weren't sure if it was a safe idea. The elf cocked her head curiously. "Wouldn't… you two want that?" she spoke to herself, her voice barely a whisper. She furrowed her brows in thought. The cabin is in a wooded area, making you wary of inviting strangers over. The thought of being murdered in your sleep weighs heavily on your mind. [[Agree to her request.->6D-1]] [[Shake your head.->6E-1]]

"Absolutely," you tell her. "Having someone stay for a few days is nothing in comparison to the aid you're providing us." You could feel a faint, satisfied smile in your mind's eye from Tent as you spoke those words. The elf smiles. "That is excellent. Naturally, I would be remiss to leave you two without the necessary resources and appropriate defenses." The elf walks to a nearby bookshelf, and takes a scroll, unfurling it onto the coffee table. Tent and you scoot forward and lean over, seeing the detailed drawing. "This ward serves to provide protection against both monstrous entities and sentient creatures who may intend to do harm. It is a measure taken to prevent unwanted entry into an area." The scroll contains a pattern of circular symbols, each one inscribed with mysterious runes. "Place this at the doorway, and the winds of magic will prevent access to anyone with malicious intent. Only those with good intentions will be permitted entry." "That'll be a great help!" Tent yells at her. The elf chuckles. "Now allow me to prepare a bag for the both of you. Please remain here while I do so." [[Continue->6F-0]]

"Absolutely," you tell her. "Having someone stay for a few days is nothing in comparison to the aid you're providing us." You could feel a faint, satisfied smile in your mind's eye from Tent as you spoke those words. The elf smiles. "That is excellent. Naturally, I would be remiss to leave you two without the necessary resources and appropriate defenses." The elf walks to a nearby bookshelf, and takes a scroll, unfurling it onto the coffee table. Tent and you scoot forward and lean over, seeing the detailed drawing. "This ward serves to provide protection against both monstrous entities and sentient creatures who may intend to do harm. It is a measure taken to prevent unwanted entry into an area." The scroll contains a pattern of circular symbols, each one inscribed with mysterious runes. "Place this at the doorway, and the winds of magic will prevent access to anyone with malicious intent. Only those with good intentions will be permitted entry." "That'll be a great help!" Tent yells at her. The elf chuckles. "Now allow me to prepare a bag for the both of you. Please remain here while I do so." [[Continue->6F-1]]

You shake your head to her request. "No, I'm sorry, I don't think we can do that." "Very well, how about this?" The elf walks to a nearby bookshelf, and takes a scroll, unfurling it onto the coffee table. Tent and you scoot forward and lean over, seeing the detailed drawing. "This ward serves to provide protection against both monstrous entities and sentient creatures who may intend to do harm. It is a measure taken to prevent unwanted entry into an area." The scroll contains a pattern of circular symbols, each one inscribed with mysterious runes. "Place this at the doorway, and the winds of magic will prevent access to anyone with malicious intent. Only those with good intentions will be permitted entry. Would it be possible for me to barter this in exchange for allowing those individuals to rest in the cabin? They are not of ill intent." You're not sure how much you can trust- "Sure, we'll take care of your friends!" Tent agrees without thinking. TThe elf chuckles. "Now allow me to prepare a bag for the both of you. Please remain here while I do so." [[Continue->6F-0]]

You shake your head to her request. "No, I'm sorry, I don't think we can do that." "Very well, how about this?" The elf walks to a nearby bookshelf, and takes a scroll, unfurling it onto the coffee table. Tent and you scoot forward and lean over, seeing the detailed drawing. "This ward serves to provide protection against both monstrous entities and sentient creatures who may intend to do harm. It is a measure taken to prevent unwanted entry into an area." The scroll contains a pattern of circular symbols, each one inscribed with mysterious runes. "Place this at the doorway, and the winds of magic will prevent access to anyone with malicious intent. Only those with good intentions will be permitted entry. Would it be possible for me to barter this in exchange for allowing those individuals to rest in the cabin? They are not of ill intent." You're not sure how much you can trust- "Sure, we'll take care of your friends!" Tent agrees without thinking. TThe elf chuckles. "Now allow me to prepare a bag for the both of you. Please remain here while I do so." [[Continue->6F-1]]

You and Tent are left alone in the room as your host goes to prepare a bag for you two. You bot exchange a glance. "I apologize for yelling," she said, her gaze averting. You notice that the elf's formalness has rubbed off on Tent, possibly due to her feeling embarrassed. "It's fine... Why would she invite strangers to our house? It's deep in the woods, so how would they even find us? And who are we expecting exactly? Merchants and mages?" "Hey, it's free wood. When spring comes we can move on and find somewhere else to live." The elf sounds out from the doorway, scratching the back of her ear. "Erm, I regret to inform you that I am unable to provide you with any wood today. Would it be possible for you to return tomorrow?" She's holding a large sack full. "I have acquired additional attire for the two of you, as well as soap, knives, salt, thread-" Tent leaps up, snatching the sack of salt from the elf. "Salt!" she splutters with joy. "Thank you!" She may even shed some tears from the salt. Personally, you thought the clothes would be the best part. Tent's tear in her dress, the one that reveals her leg, is a little too stimulating at times. She holds the sack out before chirping, "Look she's giving us salt! Let's go make something tasty!" Tent runs to the balcony. Rushing after her, you just barely witness her jump off, spinning as she falls three stories to the ground below. "Erm..." You're not quite sure what to say to the elf. "Thank you for your help." "There is no issue. I anticipate that there will not be any visitors before spring, so please you are free to make yourself as cozy as possible with Tent." She gives you a wink as she teases you. You find your face warming up despite the cold breeze. After thanking her one last time, you walk off the balcony and land on the ground, your knees bending from the shock. The impact was surprisingly gentle, as if something had softened your landing. You look back at the balcony one last time before moving on. Tent was waiting for you and you chattered about how strange and formal the elf was all the way back to the cabin, where she proceeded to immediately cook some bear meat with her beloved salt. [[Mysteries->7A-0]]

You and Tent are left alone in the room as your host goes to prepare a bag for you two. You bot exchange a glance. "I apologize for yelling," she said, her gaze averting. You notice that the elf's formalness has rubbed off on Tent, possibly due to her feeling embarrassed. "It's fine... Why would she invite strangers to our house? It's deep in the woods, so how would they even find us? And who are we expecting exactly? Merchants and mages?" "Hey, it's free wood. When spring comes we can move on and find somewhere else to live." The elf sounds out from the doorway, scratching the back of her ear. "Erm, I regret to inform you that I am unable to provide you with any wood today. Would it be possible for you to return tomorrow?" She's holding a large sack full. "I have acquired additional attire for the two of you, as well as soap, knives, salt, thread-" Tent leaps up, snatching the sack of salt from the elf. "Salt!" she splutters with joy. "Thank you!" She may even shed some tears from the salt. Personally, you thought the clothes would be the best part. Tent's tear in her dress, the one that reveals her leg, is a little too stimulating at times. She holds the sack out before chirping, "Look she's giving us salt! Let's go make something tasty!" Tent runs to the balcony. Rushing after her, you just barely witness her jump off, spinning as she falls three stories to the ground below. "Erm..." You're not quite sure what to say to the elf. "Thank you for your help." "There is no issue. I anticipate that there will not be any visitors before spring, so please you are free to make yourself as cozy as possible with Tent." She gives you a wink as she teases you. You find your face warming up despite the cold breeze. After thanking her one last time, you walk off the balcony and land on the ground, your knees bending from the shock. The impact was surprisingly gentle, as if something had softened your landing. You look back at the balcony one last time before moving on. Tent was waiting for you and you chattered about how strange and formal the elf was all the way back to the cabin, where she proceeded to immediately cook some bear meat with her beloved salt. You spent another wonderful night acting as a mattress for Tent, sharing your heartbeat with her. Begin Chapter 7: [[Mysteries->7A-1]]

After a breakfast of salt with a side of bear bacon, you two decided that Tent would get the wood while you worked on turning the bear pelt into a blanket and filling up any remaining holes in the cabin with your magic. You began with the bear pelt. Essentially, all you had to do was wash it in the river and hang it up on Tent's clothesline. You worried that the hide was too coarse to use as a blanket. You might need to ask an elf for a wool or linen sheet instead. Perhaps hopeful by the idea, you went through the sack that the elf gave you. Soap, a metal bucket, salt, a pan, clothing... Oh, right. Tent probably should've worn these before going to pick up the wood. Oh look, a few knives. There were two glass flasks of a deep red liquid. You didn't remember ever seeing one before, so you were curious as to what it was. Lifting the wooden lid of one, you caught a whiff of its sweet aroma--like honey. It seemed safe enough. [[Take a sip of it.->7B-0]] [[Ask the elf about it later.->7C-0]]

After a breakfast of salt with a side of bear bacon, you two decided that Tent would get the wood while you worked on turning the bear pelt into a blanket and filling up any remaining holes in the cabin with your magic. You began with the bear pelt. Essentially, all you had to do was wash it in the river and hang it up on Tent's clothesline. You worried that the hide was too coarse to use as a blanket. You might need to ask an elf for a wool or linen sheet instead. Perhaps hopeful by the idea, you went through the sack that the elf gave you. Soap, a metal bucket, salt, a pan, clothing... Oh, right. Tent probably should've worn these before going to pick up the wood. Oh look, a few knives. There were two glass flasks of a deep red liquid. You didn't remember ever seeing one before, so you were curious as to what it was. Lifting the wooden lid of one, you caught a whiff of its sweet aroma--like honey. It seemed safe enough. [[Take a sip of it.->7B-1]] [[Ask the elf about it later.->7C-1]]

You took a sip. It was thick and syrupy, the flavor enigmatic. There was something sweet, something floral, something fruity. A saltiness that made those flavors more complex. A distinct mixture that hinted at uncertainty and determination. Whoever had created this drink must have been wavering over its composition, yet confident it was the right thing to do. You had never tasted emotions before. Was this a potion of some kind? Your heart raced, your body warmed, adrenaline coursed through you. You felt invigorated and stronger. Soon enough, you realized that the dull ache in your knees had stopped. You could not believe it. The liquid was healing you. Was this really happening? You had to be sure. Taking an elven knife, you made a shallow cut on your wrist and observed as the wound healed in mere seconds. The liquid was healing you, even from just one sip. You replaced the cap and decided to give some to Tent later, allowing the wound on her arm to fully recover. [[Continue->7D-01]]

You took a sip. It was thick and syrupy, the flavor enigmatic. There was something sweet, something floral, something fruity. A saltiness that made those flavors more complex. A distinct mixture that hinted at uncertainty and determination. Whoever had created this drink must have been wavering over its composition, yet confident it was the right thing to do. You had never tasted emotions before. Was this a potion of some kind? Your heart raced, your body warmed, adrenaline coursed through you. You felt invigorated and stronger. Soon enough, you realized that the dull ache in your knees had stopped. You could not believe it. The liquid was healing you. Was this really happening? You had to be sure. Taking an elven knife, you made a shallow cut on your wrist and observed as the wound healed in mere seconds. The liquid was healing you, even from just one sip. You replaced the cap and decided to give some to Tent later, allowing the wound on her arm to fully recover. [[Continue->7D-11]]

You decide to put the cap back on and resolved to ask the elf about it later. [[Continue->7D-00]]

You decide to put the cap back on and resolved to ask the elf about it later. [[Continue->7D-10]]

You sort through the clothes next. The elf provided two sets of white long-sleeved shirts and two black trousers. One for Tent and one for you. The clothes are simple and unassuming, made of inexpensive fabric and a bit too big. Though because you both had a tendency to get things dirty, you wonder if white was the best color. The elf had gifted you two pairs of leather boots and some pairs of woolen socks, preparing you well for the cold winter season. There was also some underwear, including a particularly salacious pair of black panties. A lacy border ran along the waistband, inviting fingers to lower them when shown. Your mind immediately went to dreaming of Tent's bare, sun-kissed skin. Her muscled wrists just barely enough to cover her perky breasts. Her eyes diverting from yours, her brown hair flowing behind her. A plump bottom that sends shivers down your spine. You shake off the thoughts. Tent wasn't the type of girl to fall for that sort of thing. And besides, she was always wearing a dress, so you had no idea what her legs looked like anyways. You briefly wondered if the elf was hoping to bring you two closer together, but quickly dismissed the idea. Women simply needed panties, nothing more. Your clothing was ragged and stained with soot, mud, and dried blood, so you decided to change. You discovered a bundle of silverware in the sack as well. It contained two forks, two spoons, and two knives, this time designed for eating. The last thing you drew from the sack was a book. You couldn't read, but on its cover was a man's silhouette with some red stains on his face and upper chest. You'd have to ask the elf about it later. [[Continue->7E-10]]

You sort through the clothes next. The elf provided two sets of white long-sleeved shirts and two black trousers. One for Tent and one for you. The clothes are simple and unassuming, made of inexpensive fabric and a bit too big. Though because you both had a tendency to get things dirty, you wonder if white was the best color. The elf had gifted you two pairs of leather boots and some pairs of woolen socks, preparing you well for the cold winter season. There was also some underwear, including a particularly salacious pair of black panties. A lacy border ran along the waistband, inviting fingers to lower them when shown. Your mind immediately went to dreaming of Tent's bare, sun-kissed skin. Her muscled wrists just barely enough to cover her perky breasts. Her eyes diverting from yours, her brown hair flowing behind her. A plump bottom that sends shivers down your spine. You shake off the thoughts. Tent wasn't the type of girl to fall for that sort of thing. And besides, she was always wearing a dress, so you had no idea what her legs looked like anyways. You briefly wondered if the elf was hoping to bring you two closer together, but quickly dismissed the idea. Women simply needed panties, nothing more. Your clothing was ragged and stained with soot, mud, and dried blood, so you decided to change. You discovered a bundle of silverware in the sack as well. It contained two forks, two spoons, and two knives, this time designed for eating. The last thing you drew from the sack was a book. You couldn't read, but on its cover was a man's silhouette with some red stains on his face and upper chest. You'd have to ask the elf about it later. [[Continue->7E-01]]

You sort through the clothes next. The elf provided two sets of white long-sleeved shirts and two black trousers. One for Tent and one for you. The clothes are simple and unassuming, made of inexpensive fabric and a bit too big. Though because you both had a tendency to get things dirty, you wonder if white was the best color. The elf had gifted you two pairs of leather boots and some pairs of woolen socks, preparing you well for the cold winter season. There was also some underwear, including a particularly salacious pair of black panties. A lacy border ran along the waistband, inviting fingers to lower them when shown. Your mind immediately went to dreaming of Tent's bare, sun-kissed skin. Her muscled wrists just barely enough to cover her perky breasts. Her eyes diverting from yours, her brown hair flowing behind her. A plump bottom that sends shivers down your spine. You shake off the thoughts. Tent wasn't the type of girl to fall for that sort of thing. And besides, she was always wearing a dress, so you had no idea what her legs looked like anyways. You briefly wondered if the elf was hoping to bring you two closer together, but quickly dismissed the idea. Women simply needed panties, nothing more. Your clothing was ragged and stained with soot, mud, and dried blood, so you decided to change. You discovered a bundle of silverware in the sack as well. It contained two forks, two spoons, and two knives, this time designed for eating. The last thing you drew from the sack was a book. You couldn't read, but on its cover was a man's silhouette with some red stains on his face and upper chest. You'd have to ask the elf about it later. [[Continue->7E-00]]

You sort through the clothes next. The elf provided two sets of white long-sleeved shirts and two black trousers. One for Tent and one for you. The clothes are simple and unassuming, made of inexpensive fabric and a bit too big. Though because you both had a tendency to get things dirty, you wonder if white was the best color. The elf had gifted you two pairs of leather boots and some pairs of woolen socks, preparing you well for the cold winter season. There was also some underwear, including a particularly salacious pair of black panties. A lacy border ran along the waistband, inviting fingers to lower them when shown. Your mind immediately went to dreaming of Tent's bare, sun-kissed skin. Her muscled wrists just barely enough to cover her perky breasts. Her eyes diverting from yours, her brown hair flowing behind her. A plump bottom that sends shivers down your spine. You shake off the thoughts. Tent wasn't the type of girl to fall for that sort of thing. And besides, she was always wearing a dress, so you had no idea what her legs looked like anyways. You briefly wondered if the elf was hoping to bring you two closer together, but quickly dismissed the idea. Women simply needed panties, nothing more. Your clothing was ragged and stained with soot, mud, and dried blood, so you decided to change. You discovered a bundle of silverware in the sack as well. It contained two forks, two spoons, and two knives, this time designed for eating. The last thing you drew from the sack was a book. You couldn't read, but on its cover was a man's silhouette with some red stains on his face and upper chest. You'd have to ask the elf about it later. [[Continue->7E-11]]

Tent returns with an armful of lumber and drops it by the cabin. You greet her warmly as she catches her breath. "I'm starving!" she cried, grabbing some wood. She quickly started a fire and soon had bear meat roasting. "That elf is so awesome!" Tent begins. "I saw her talk to some trees and they pulled wood outside of themselves! The elf said the trees have something called 'density' that they use to make wood, but it means that we can't ask them for too much wood..." Tent was a complete chatterbox while cooking, a symphony that filled the room. You couldn't keep up with everything she said, but it was comforting. Her chatter distracted you from all your worries. Your village was burnt down and your family gone. You have a young lady with you, and the only person who can help you is a mysterious woman living in an abandoned tower. Tent's symphony helped keep up both of your spirits. You were thankful for her presence. Tent's eyes survey the items you put out from the sack on the floor. "What's this?" She looks at the clothes laid out for her. "A white shirt and pants? I don't usually wear pants though..." She grabs the shirt and drapes it over herself, confirming that it fit her properly. Satisfied, she picks up the pants to do the same, only for a small black garment fall out from them. "What's this?" Tent muttered. She picked the salacious fabric up and them in front of her, her face turning a deep shade of crimson. "Uh, y-you didn't see this! I-I'm going to change now so go outside!" You leave the cabin and think some naughty thoughts about how that small collection of fabric would take residence with Tent in the moments she spent living, not just an everyday garment but also a little reminder that life could be sexy every once in awhile as well. "I-I'm done," Tent's voice comes through the door. "Y-you can come in now..." You enter the cabin to see a very shy and embarrassed young woman in a white tunic and black pants. The white shirt drapes over her breasts, emphasizing them, before being tucked into her pants. Her pants cling tight to her legs, hiding none of the curves that her dress normally hid. Your gaze is inexorably drawn to her pelvis, the curves of her pants highlighting and accentuating the tantalizingly empty space. You're not a creep, yet you can't help but gawk. Shame fills your chest. Tent cried out in indignation, her face reddening as she frantically tries to cover her private area. "What's wrong?! Is it strange? Did I put it on incorrectly?" She turns sideways to hide from you, but that only shows off the curves her pants hug. "…It's wrong for a lady to wear pants after all, isn't it?" You can see the tips of her ears through her hair, burning red. Her face must be completely flushed. You stumble over your words. "It looks good... You look nice, uh, and neat." "Oh..." Tent responds, glancing at you. She appears relieved, but her face is still flush. "I can't believe elves actually wear this stuff..." [[Continue->7I-10]]

Tent returns with an armful of lumber and drops it by the cabin. You greet her warmly as she catches her breath. "I'm starving!" she cried, grabbing some wood. She quickly started a fire and soon had bear meat roasting. "That elf is so awesome!" Tent begins. "I saw her talk to some trees and they pulled wood outside of themselves! The elf said the trees have something called 'density' that they use to make wood, but it means that we can't ask them for too much wood..." Tent was a complete chatterbox while cooking, a symphony that filled the room. You couldn't keep up with everything she said, but it was comforting. Her chatter distracted you from all your worries. Your village was burnt down and your family gone. You have a young lady with you, and the only person who can help you is a mysterious woman living in an abandoned tower. Tent's symphony helped keep up both of your spirits. You were thankful for her presence. Tent's eyes survey the items you put out from the sack on the floor. "What's this?" She looks at the clothes laid out for her. "A white shirt and pants? I don't usually wear pants though..." She grabs the shirt and drapes it over herself, confirming that it fit her properly. Satisfied, she picks up the pants to do the same, only for a small black garment fall out from them. "What's this?" Tent muttered. She picked the salacious fabric up and them in front of her, her face turning a deep shade of crimson. "Uh, y-you didn't see this! I-I'm going to change now so go outside!" You leave the cabin and think some naughty thoughts about how that small collection of fabric would take residence with Tent in the moments she spent living, not just an everyday garment but also a little reminder that life could be sexy every once in awhile as well. "I-I'm done," Tent's voice comes through the door. "Y-you can come in now..." You enter the cabin to see a very shy and embarrassed young woman in a white tunic and black pants. The white shirt drapes over her breasts, emphasizing them, before being tucked into her pants. Her pants cling tight to her legs, hiding none of the curves that her dress normally hid. Your gaze is inexorably drawn to her pelvis, the curves of her pants highlighting and accentuating the tantalizingly empty space. You're not a creep, yet you can't help but gawk. Shame fills your chest. Tent cried out in indignation, her face reddening as she frantically tries to cover her private area. "What's wrong?! Is it strange? Did I put it on incorrectly?" She turns sideways to hide from you, but that only shows off the curves her pants hug. "…It's wrong for a lady to wear pants after all, isn't it?" You can see the tips of her ears through her hair, burning red. Her face must be completely flushed. You stumble over your words. "It looks good... You look nice, uh, and neat." "Oh..." Tent responds, glancing at you. She appears relieved, but her face is still flush. "I can't believe elves actually wear this stuff..." [[Continue->7F-01]]

Tent returns with an armful of lumber and drops it by the cabin. You greet her warmly as she catches her breath. "I'm starving!" she cried, grabbing some wood. She quickly started a fire and soon had bear meat roasting. "That elf is so awesome!" Tent begins. "I saw her talk to some trees and they pulled wood outside of themselves! The elf said the trees have something called 'density' that they use to make wood, but it means that we can't ask them for too much wood..." Tent was a complete chatterbox while cooking, a symphony that filled the room. You couldn't keep up with everything she said, but it was comforting. Her chatter distracted you from all your worries. Your village was burnt down and your family gone. You have a young lady with you, and the only person who can help you is a mysterious woman living in an abandoned tower. Tent's symphony helped keep up both of your spirits. You were thankful for her presence. Tent's eyes survey the items you put out from the sack on the floor. "What's this?" She looks at the clothes laid out for her. "A white shirt and pants? I don't usually wear pants though..." She grabs the shirt and drapes it over herself, confirming that it fit her properly. Satisfied, she picks up the pants to do the same, only for a small black garment fall out from them. "What's this?" Tent muttered. She picked the salacious fabric up and them in front of her, her face turning a deep shade of crimson. "Uh, y-you didn't see this! I-I'm going to change now so go outside!" You leave the cabin and think some naughty thoughts about how that small collection of fabric would take residence with Tent in the moments she spent living, not just an everyday garment but also a little reminder that life could be sexy every once in awhile as well. "I-I'm done," Tent's voice comes through the door. "Y-you can come in now..." You enter the cabin to see a very shy and embarrassed young woman in a white tunic and black pants. The white shirt drapes over her breasts, emphasizing them, before being tucked into her pants. Her pants cling tight to her legs, hiding none of the curves that her dress normally hid. Your gaze is inexorably drawn to her pelvis, the curves of her pants highlighting and accentuating the tantalizingly empty space. You're not a creep, yet you can't help but gawk. Shame fills your chest. Tent cried out in indignation, her face reddening as she frantically tries to cover her private area. "What's wrong?! Is it strange? Did I put it on incorrectly?" She turns sideways to hide from you, but that only shows off the curves her pants hug. "…It's wrong for a lady to wear pants after all, isn't it?" You can see the tips of her ears through her hair, burning red. Her face must be completely flushed. You stumble over your words. "It looks good... You look nice, uh, and neat." "Oh..." Tent responds, glancing at you. She appears relieved, but her face is still flush. "I can't believe elves actually wear this stuff..." [[Continue->7I-00]]

Tent returns with an armful of lumber and drops it by the cabin. You greet her warmly as she catches her breath. "I'm starving!" she cried, grabbing some wood. She quickly started a fire and soon had bear meat roasting. "That elf is so awesome!" Tent begins. "I saw her talk to some trees and they pulled wood outside of themselves! The elf said the trees have something called 'density' that they use to make wood, but it means that we can't ask them for too much wood..." Tent was a complete chatterbox while cooking, a symphony that filled the room. You couldn't keep up with everything she said, but it was comforting. Her chatter distracted you from all your worries. Your village was burnt down and your family gone. You have a young lady with you, and the only person who can help you is a mysterious woman living in an abandoned tower. Tent's symphony helped keep up both of your spirits. You were thankful for her presence. Tent's eyes survey the items you put out from the sack on the floor. "What's this?" She looks at the clothes laid out for her. "A white shirt and pants? I don't usually wear pants though..." She grabs the shirt and drapes it over herself, confirming that it fit her properly. Satisfied, she picks up the pants to do the same, only for a small black garment fall out from them. "What's this?" Tent muttered. She picked the salacious fabric up and them in front of her, her face turning a deep shade of crimson. "Uh, y-you didn't see this! I-I'm going to change now so go outside!" You leave the cabin and think some naughty thoughts about how that small collection of fabric would take residence with Tent in the moments she spent living, not just an everyday garment but also a little reminder that life could be sexy every once in awhile as well. "I-I'm done," Tent's voice comes through the door. "Y-you can come in now..." You enter the cabin to see a very shy and embarrassed young woman in a white tunic and black pants. The white shirt drapes over her breasts, emphasizing them, before being tucked into her pants. Her pants cling tight to her legs, hiding none of the curves that her dress normally hid. Your gaze is inexorably drawn to her pelvis, the curves of her pants highlighting and accentuating the tantalizingly empty space. You're not a creep, yet you can't help but gawk. Shame fills your chest. Tent cried out in indignation, her face reddening as she frantically tries to cover her private area. "What's wrong?! Is it strange? Did I put it on incorrectly?" She turns sideways to hide from you, but that only shows off the curves her pants hug. "…It's wrong for a lady to wear pants after all, isn't it?" You can see the tips of her ears through her hair, burning red. Her face must be completely flushed. You stumble over your words. "It looks good... You look nice, uh, and neat." "Oh..." Tent responds, glancing at you. She appears relieved, but her face is still flush. "I can't believe elves actually wear this stuff..." [[Continue->7F-11]]

After your lunch of salted and slightly burnt bear meat, you tell her about the red liquid. "Yes, the elf gave us a remedy for your wound." You display the red liquid and explain its healing properties, having already taken a sip to figure out what it was. "Huh," Tent murmured, her disinterest. Her gaze drifted across the room, seemingly looking for something more interesting to focus on. "Have some of this." You offer her the liquid that will heal her wound. Tent furrows her brow, confusion coloring her features as she hesitantly says, "Uh, but I'm fine?" "But if you drink this, your wound will be gone quickly," you say. "But, I'm already healed?" She tries to roll up the white sleeve of her new shirt, but it was too tight to roll it up high enough for you to see. Frustrated, Blind tells you, "The cut is gone." "Is it?" [[Persuade her to show you.->7G-01]] [[Believe her.->7H-01]]

After your lunch of salted and slightly burnt bear meat, you tell her about the red liquid. "Yes, the elf gave us a remedy for your wound." You display the red liquid and explain its healing properties, having already taken a sip to figure out what it was. "Huh," Tent murmured, her disinterest. Her gaze drifted across the room, seemingly looking for something more interesting to focus on. "Have some of this." You offer her the liquid that will heal her wound. Tent furrows her brow, confusion coloring her features as she hesitantly says, "Uh, but I'm fine?" "But if you drink this, your wound will be gone quickly," you say. "But, I'm already healed?" She tries to roll up the white sleeve of her new shirt, but it was too tight to roll it up high enough for you to see. Frustrated, Blind tells you, "The cut is gone." "Is it?" [[Persuade her to show you.->7G-11]] [[Believe her.->7H-11]]

"Can you show me your wound again?" You were aware that this might bring up a sore topic, yet you want to check if her injury had fully healed, or if the potion could been effective. "No..." Tent muttered, cheeks flushed. She avoided eye contact, making it clear he didn't want to go any further. "Tent, I'm here to check if you are alright," you say reassuringly as you move closer and place a gentle hand on her shoulder. She jumps reflexively at the sudden contact. You gaze into her eyes, a deep brown with a hint of red. She was hesitant and scared, but not completely against showing you the injury. "You sick pervert! I'm not going to strip down just so you can take a look at my injury! No way am I getting naked for you!" You realize how you sounded and regret it instantly. You mentally berate yourself for your thoughtlessness. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to sound like that," you apologize. "I just want to make sure you're okay, alright?" Tent lets out a "Hmph!" and ignores you. [[The Cabin at Night->7I-01]]

"Can you show me your wound again?" You were aware that this might bring up a sore topic, yet you want to check if her injury had fully healed, or if the potion could been effective. "No..." Tent muttered, cheeks flushed. She avoided eye contact, making it clear he didn't want to go any further. "Tent, I'm here to check if you are alright," you say reassuringly as you move closer and place a gentle hand on her shoulder. She jumps reflexively at the sudden contact. You gaze into her eyes, a deep brown with a hint of red. She was hesitant and scared, but not completely against showing you the injury. "You sick pervert! I'm not going to strip down just so you can take a look at my injury! No way am I getting naked for you!" You realize how you sounded and regret it instantly. You mentally berate yourself for your thoughtlessness. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to sound like that," you apologize. "I just want to make sure you're okay, alright?" Tent lets out a "Hmph!" and ignores you. [[Continue->7I-11]]

You choose to believe Tent. Although you hope for her complete recovery, it's not your decision to make. You apologize for badgering her and return the bottle to the sack. "Maybe it'll come in handy later on?" you say, not certain what else to do. Tent hums softly in response. She gazes at you for a moment, then looks away. "No, probably not," she says in a quiet voice. You wait to see if she'll say more, but she remains silent. [[The Cabin at Night->8A-0]]

You choose to believe Tent. Although you hope for her complete recovery, it's not your decision to make. You apologize for badgering her and return the bottle to the sack. "Maybe it'll come in handy later on?" you say, not certain what else to do. Tent hums softly in response. She gazes at you for a moment, then looks away. "No, probably not," she says in a quiet voice. You wait to see if she'll say more, but she remains silent. [[Continue->7I-11]]

The two of you sit together in front of the fire. Tent has her legs crossed, and the tight fabric wrapping around her thighs mesmerizes you. Tent gazes at you. "So, there's something you should know about us, if we're going to be together for a while." "What is it, Tent?" You ask. You can't imagine what could be so serious. "We're...vampires," Tent says, looking at you worriedly. You're taken aback. "...at least the very least, half vampires." Vampires. You've heard about them before. They are creatures of the night who suck the blood of people that they've enthralled. They don't eat, they don't age, they have incredible strength and agility, the winds of magic favor them, they live forever, they heal fast, and most humans become irresistibly attracted to them. However, they have their limits. Sunlight burns them, they cannot cross running water, and they cannot enter homes uninvited. "So,” you ask her, “What does that mean?" Tent stares at the ground. "Well, I didn't realize to before, but... you've been watching me carefully, haven't you? I've been... aware of you as well." She's not wrong. Tent has extraordinary abilities. You've seen how well she can navigate the forest. Her incredible jumping, fast healing, and ability to fight goblins make her strong. You also know that she shares your vulnerability to the sun, which is why she wore hooded dress all the time. But this doesn't make sense. At the very least, if you were a vampire... "But then how come we both still eat meat, like this bear we had for lunch?" "Huh?" Tent's eyes met yours. Her cheeks flushed before she looked away. "Their blood is disgusting. I don't want to drink that," she said. You remembered feeling the same way about all the blood you've seen recently, though Tent's own blood was strangely captivating. "You mentioned the 'potion' that the elf gave you, right? That's probably her blood." Oh, delightful. You drank some of that. "...Maybe we're not real vampires," Tent continued, her cheeks reddening further as she realized her new shirt didn't have a hood like her dress did. "Maybe we're just half-vampires, and so we can eat meat just fine.” "So we have some strengths and some weaknesses of vampires?" "Things like that. I heal quickly and have better vision in the dark." She could see in the dark? "Look, how long have you been alive?" You glance at the fire, calculating the passing winters. It's a difficult number to pinpoint, but you tell Tent that you have likely seen about 530 of them. "I see..." Tent responds, joining you in looking at the fire. "I'm nearing 360." 360 years? No wonder you don't remember playing with Tent growing up. You two were simple in different generations. "Do you know how long humans live?" Tent asks you. "They start to wither like a tree in their 50s, and then they die before their 85th year." You stare at her in disbelief, unable to comprehend how humans could be so fragile to die to something as simple as time. It's simply inconceivable. Silence descends for a moment before you speak up. "Will we be like this forever?" Tent remains quiet. She looks scared and uncomfortable, refusing to meet your gaze, but after a while, she tells you, "...we are, probably." Your mind is spinning, overwhelmed by many things to make sense of. The elf. Your family. Your village. And now Tent is telling you that you're a vampire. A half-vampire. Whatever that means. Tent rises and moves toward the door, taking the clay bowl you crafted with her. "I'm… going to go get some some water." As you watch her walk out, her swaying butt captures your attention. Could it be... that there's something to this vampire thing? Is your human side drawn to her vampire side? You spent the rest of the day cleaning yourselves with the elf's soap, filling any remaining holes in the cabin, having dinner, and confirming that the bearskin can be used as a blanket. It can. Begin Chapter 8: [[The Cabin at Night->8A-0]]

The two of you sit together in front of the fire. Tent has her legs crossed, and the tight fabric wrapping around her thighs mesmerizes you. Tent gazes at you. "So, there's something you should know about us, if we're going to be together for a while." "What is it, Tent?" You ask. You can't imagine what could be so serious. "We're...vampires," Tent says, looking at you worriedly. You're taken aback. "...at least the very least, half vampires." Vampires. You've heard about them before. They are creatures of the night who suck the blood of people that they've enthralled. They don't eat, they don't age, they have incredible strength and agility, the winds of magic favor them, they live forever, they heal fast, and most humans become irresistibly attracted to them. However, they have their limits. Sunlight burns them, they cannot cross running water, and they cannot enter homes uninvited. "So,” you ask her, “What does that mean?" Tent stares at the ground. "Well, I didn't realize to before, but... you've been watching me carefully, haven't you? I've been... aware of you as well." She's not wrong. Tent has extraordinary abilities. You've seen how well she can navigate the forest. Her incredible jumping, fast healing, and ability to fight goblins make her strong. You also know that she shares your vulnerability to the sun, which is why she wore hooded dress all the time. But this doesn't make sense. At the very least, if you were a vampire... "But then how come we both still eat meat, like this bear we had for lunch?" "Huh?" Tent's eyes met yours. Her cheeks flushed before she looked away. "Their blood is disgusting. I don't want to drink that," she said. You remembered feeling the same way about all the blood you've seen recently, though Tent's own blood was strangely captivating. "Maybe we're not real vampires," Tent continued, her cheeks reddening further as she realized her new shirt didn't have a hood like her dress did. "Maybe we're just half-vampires, and so we can eat meat just fine.” "So we have some strengths and some weaknesses of vampires?" "Things like that. I heal quickly and have better vision in the dark." She could see in the dark? "Look, how long have you been alive?" You glance at the fire, calculating the passing winters. It's a difficult number to pinpoint, but you tell Tent that you have likely seen about 530 of them. "I see..." Tent responds, joining you in looking at the fire. "I'm nearing 360." 360 years? No wonder you don't remember playing with Tent growing up. You two were simple in different generations. "Do you know how long humans live?" Tent asks you. "They start to wither like a tree in their 50s, and then they die before their 85th year." You stare at her in disbelief, unable to comprehend how humans could be so fragile to die to something as simple as time. It's simply inconceivable. Silence descends for a moment before you speak up. "Will we be like this forever?" Tent remains quiet. She looks scared and uncomfortable, refusing to meet your gaze, but after a while, she tells you, "...we are, probably." Your mind is spinning, overwhelmed by many things to make sense of. The elf. Your family. Your village. And now Tent is telling you that you're a vampire. A half-vampire. Whatever that means. Tent rises and moves toward the door, taking the clay bowl you crafted with her. "I'm… going to go get some some water." As you watch her walk out, her swaying butt captures your attention. Could it be... that there's something to this vampire thing? Is your human side drawn to her vampire side? You spent the rest of the day cleaning yourselves with the elf's soap, filling any remaining holes in the cabin, having dinner, and confirming that the bearskin can be used as a blanket. It can. Begin Chapter 8: [[The Cabin at Night->8A-0]]

The two of you sit together in front of the fire. Tent has her legs crossed, and the tight fabric wrapping around her thighs mesmerizes you. Tent gazes at you. "So, there's something you should know about us, if we're going to be together for a while." "What is it, Tent?" You ask. You can't imagine what could be so serious. "We're...vampires," Tent says, looking at you worriedly. You're taken aback. "...at least the very least, half vampires." Vampires. You've heard about them before. They are creatures of the night who suck the blood of people that they've enthralled. They don't eat, they don't age, they have incredible strength and agility, the winds of magic favor them, they live forever, they heal fast, and most humans become irresistibly attracted to them. However, they have their limits. Sunlight burns them, they cannot cross running water, and they cannot enter homes uninvited. "So,” you ask her, “What does that mean?" Tent stares at the ground. "Well, I didn't realize to before, but... you've been watching me carefully, haven't you? I've been... aware of you as well." She's not wrong. Tent has extraordinary abilities. You've seen how well she can navigate the forest. Her incredible jumping, fast healing, and ability to fight goblins make her strong. You also know that she shares your vulnerability to the sun, which is why she wore hooded dress all the time. But this doesn't make sense. At the very least, if you were a vampire... "But then how come we both still eat meat, like this bear we had for lunch?" "Huh?" Tent's eyes met yours. Her cheeks flushed before she looked away. "Their blood is disgusting. I don't want to drink that," she said. You remembered feeling the same way about all the blood you've seen recently, though Tent's own blood was strangely captivating. "Maybe we're not real vampires," Tent continued, her cheeks reddening further as she realized her new shirt didn't have a hood like her dress did. "Maybe we're just half-vampires, and so we can eat meat just fine.” "So we have some strengths and some weaknesses of vampires?" "Things like that. I heal quickly and have better vision in the dark." She could see in the dark? "Look, how long have you been alive?" You glance at the fire, calculating the passing winters. It's a difficult number to pinpoint, but you tell Tent that you have likely seen about 530 of them. "I see..." Tent responds, joining you in looking at the fire. "I'm nearing 360." 360 years? No wonder you don't remember playing with Tent growing up. You two were simple in different generations. "Do you know how long humans live?" Tent asks you. "They start to wither like a tree in their 50s, and then they die before their 85th year." You stare at her in disbelief, unable to comprehend how humans could be so fragile to die to something as simple as time. It's simply inconceivable. Silence descends for a moment before you speak up. "Will we be like this forever?" Tent remains quiet. She looks scared and uncomfortable, refusing to meet your gaze, but after a while, she tells you, "...we are, probably." Your mind is spinning, overwhelmed by many things to make sense of. The elf. Your family. Your village. And now Tent is telling you that you're a vampire. A half-vampire. Whatever that means. Tent rises and moves toward the door, taking the clay bowl you crafted with her. "I'm… going to go get some some water." As you watch her walk out, her swaying butt captures your attention. Could it be... that there's something to this vampire thing? Is your human side drawn to her vampire side? You spent the rest of the day cleaning yourselves with the elf's soap, filling any remaining holes in the cabin, having dinner, and confirming that the bearskin can be used as a blanket. It can. Begin Chapter 8: [[The Cabin at Night->8A-1]]

You and Tent are in a cabin. It's dark and freezing outside, but the bearskin is warm enough to use as a blanket, and the fire in the chimney crackles. You both can't take the bearskin, so if you want warmth you'll have to sleep together. With no other choice, you suggest to Tent, "Should we… snuggle together for warmth?" A soft sound escaped her lips as she took in the sight of you. Her eyes moved slowly over your body, almost as if they were memorizing every contour and curve. You returned the gaze, tracing her curves that were encased by a white long sleeved shirt and black pants that hugged her alluring figure. In truth, it was freezing outside. You both knew that if you were to spend the night away from each other, one of you would be forced to endure a night of discomfort and cold on the hard floor. Likely you. Your intentions were pure and honorable. Definitely. It's undisputed that vampires are irresistible to humans, especially given how close you and Tent have been recently. You're both a human and a vampire, yet not fully one or the other - making you both an especially tantalizing prey and predator. As is Tent. But it's different from the previous nights. Your fire is warm, and you have a bearskin blanket. There's no need to sleep together. There's no need for your attraction to each other to take control. [[Engage with with Tent.->8B]] [[Resolve yourself to sleeping alone.->8A-Ending]]

You decide not to get too caught up with the situation. Taking a deep breath, you sit next to her and drape the bearskin blanket over her shoulders. Its comforting embrace will ward off the cold as the pleasant crackle of wood burning fills the air. Taking a deep breath, you focus on calming your mind and heart of any negative thoughts. There's no place for them here. Tent hugs herself and scoots closer to the fireplace. The gentle heat radiating from the burning logs is enough to soothe both of you, causing the tension in your body to slowly dissipate. It doesn't matter what you are - human, vampire, or something else. What's important is your friendship with Tent and how the bond between you two has grown in the last few days. You don't want to rush it, especially if you're going to live for an eternity. Perhaps you and Tent will develop a wonderful bond in the future, but it's possible that too much time together could cause conflict and push you apart. You decide to keep an open mind and accept things as they come. And with that, you give the bearskin blanket to Blind and bid her a good night, resigning yourself to an unforgiving night on the harsh floor. <hr> As you open your eyes in the morning, the heavy bearskin weighed down on your chest. Sitting up made you a little dizzy as you glanced over to see Tent sleeping peacefully on the mattress. Thank you for enjoying my story! Read the [[Author's Note]].

You and Tent are in a cabin. It's dark and freezing outside, but the bearskin is warm enough to use as a blanket, and the fire in the chimney crackles. You both can't take the bearskin, so if you want warmth you'll have to sleep together. With no other choice, you suggest to Tent, "Should we… snuggle together for warmth?" A soft sound escaped her lips as she took in the sight of you. Her eyes moved slowly over your body, almost as if they were memorizing every contour and curve. You returned the gaze, tracing her curves that were encased by a white long sleeved shirt and black pants that hugged her alluring figure. It's not too different from the previous nights. There's a bearskin blanket, a fire, and more clothing now... and yet you know it would be warmer if you two slept together. In truth, it was freezing outside. You both knew that if you were to spend the night away from each other, one of you would be forced to endure a night of discomfort and cold on the hard floor. Likely you. Your intentions were pure and honorable. Definitely. It's undisputed that vampires are irresistible to humans, especially given how close you and Tent have been recently. You're both a human and a vampire, yet not fully one or the other - making you both an especially tantalizing prey and predator. As is Tent. Tent's defenses break down in your presence and she slowly moves closer to you, eventually sitting on the bed with her knees pulled up to her chest. She is a shy but spirited young woman, trembling from the chill of the room, sitting right beside you. [[Engage with with Tent.->8B]] [[Resolve yourself to sleeping alone.->8A-Ending]]

You sit down next to Tent. Soon, you feel her chilled shoulder pressing against your chest. You adjust yourself to support her more and take in the sweet scent of her hair. It smells like sunshine... or at least something nice. Tent closes her eyes in content as your warmth flow into her. Tent's eyes snap open. "It's still cold in here!" Tent stiffens as you reach past her for the bearskin blanket, but relaxes when she realizes you are not trying to grope her. A faint blush lingers on her rosy cheeks. You embrace her with the blanket and pull her close, your arm gently resting around her waist. Tent nestles her head against your chest, her nose gently touching it. You feel her chest press against you as she breathes, her body becoming warmer. You gaze down and are met with a sea of brown hair. "What's wrong, Tent?" "N-no. It just smells different in here now." "Oh?" you say to her. "It's your smell! Jeez." she says, teasing as she turns away from you and allowing a chill to creep in between your bodies. "...So does that means you like the smell?" "S-Shh!" She buries her face into you, unable to do anything else. You felt your cheeks flush with warmth at the sight. She really is the endearing type of person who hides her face when feeling embarrassed or shy. You gently lean in and kiss her head, hearing a soft protest before she looks up with a fierce gaze. When you look deeper into her eyes, you see confusion and acceptance. As you inch closer, your lips meet hers in a gentle but definite kiss. She accepts your kiss, her eyes wide in surprise at the unexpected moment. You kiss Tent passionately, holding her close. When you finally break apart, she's blushing deeply, her eyes glassy. "Hey, jerk," she smiles shyly. You give her your attention. That was my first kiss! It was awful, so do it better this time!" she murmurs, pushing you gently onto your back. Her lips dip down softly and caress yours with a tenderness that takes your breath away. The warmth of her mouth radiates through your entire body as her spills onto the corner of your mouth. You wonder whether you should let her do this at her own pace or try to guide her a little. [[Let Tent kiss you at her own pace.->8C]] [[Guide Tent along the steps to adulthood.->8D]] [[Stop this here.->8A-Ending]]

You allow Tent to kiss you at her own pace. You lay back, gazing up as her glossy brown hair frames your face. Tent kisses you fervently, her small body doing its best. The sheer force of her kisses is overwhelming, and it's clear that subtlety and finesse are not her strengths. You consider breaking up the kiss to make it more enjoyable. Tent pulls away from the kiss, her eyes widening in shock. "What's going on here?" she says softly. She reaches down and you feel a gentle pressure over your clothes as her hand touches you. "Going on where?" Her brown eyes bore deeply into yours. "Oh come on, it's obvious that you're aroused,” she says with a sly grin. She strokes the tip of your tent lightly, causing you to squirm. "It's... huge!" Tent breathes out in awe. She covers her mouth with a delicate hand, unable to tear her eyes away from you. You get to witness Tent in all her admiration, eyes wide and cheeks flushed, mesmerized by the sight before her and lightly touching your crotch. "Y-you'd really do me?" A seductive whisper asks, her words like molten honey dripping from her lips. "Yes, of course! Why don't you get out of your clothes." Tent blushes, her elongated fang biting her bottom lip as she untucks her shirt. Her fingers have already unbuttoned her pants, the front of her black panties peeking out. Her fingers are hooked around the waist of her pants, ready to take them off. "All of it off?" You nod. As she slides it off, you notice how thin the black fabric covering her thighs is, how the panties don't cover nearly enough area. Your feel your heart pound within your chest, as she moves her hands to remove them as well. She teases you by slowly peeling them off piece until all that's left is a heated and passionate moment between the two of you. As her hands move to slowly slide her pants off of her body, you can feel your heart pounding inside your chest. Her panties caresses the skin between her legs, barely concealing anything. She prepares to take these off as well. You stop her, "No, keep your black panties on." "W-why?!" "I'd just like it." "Fine." You observe Tent as she slowly slides her white shirt upwards. Her movement a tantalizing reminder of her feminine nature. But before you can see the mounds hidden beneath her shirt, she turns around, teasing you as her butt bounces softly, giving an invitation to the gift under the fabric; every curve preaching volumes without speaking. She slowly and deliberately slides off her clothes, pausing for a moment to feel the warmth of her own skin beneath her fingertips. When she's down to nothing but her panties, she turns around, allowing a few small glimpses of her supple figure. Her pert, petite breasts bounce ever so slightly as she moves, barely noticeable yet undeniably alluring. The light bounces off her curves in mesmerizing patterns, illuminating the subtle arc of her chest. Her small nipples, normally only visible when pressing against her clothing in the cold weather, were now hardened with anticipation of the pleasure to come. "Happy, pervert?" A grin answers for you as it spreads across your face. She blushes and coyly covers her petite breasts with her arms. "What next? Are you going to take off your clothes too?" [[Goad her.->8F]] [[Stop.->8A-Ending]]

You grasp Tent gently at the hips, pulling her close and placing her atop you. "Come here," you murmur softly to her. Your hands slide slowly up and down her back, caressing her in a loving embrace. She leans forward on your chest, her body radiating warmth and desire. "Sorry," she breathes, a shy smile playing on her lips as she glances around. "I've never done this before." You can feel the excitement coursing through her veins, the anticipation of something new and thrilling. You grab the bearskin and spread it over you both. She lays down on top of you, resting her head on your chest and gazing into the fire as you graze your fingertips across her back, over her shirt. She lifts her gaze up to yours, her lips turning downward into a slight pout. "What...what if I want to kiss you again?" You place a hand on her chin, guiding her to your lips. "Mmm..." As your hands glide over her slowly, caressing the fabric of her clothing, she suddenly opens her eyes. Tent pulls away from the kiss, her eyes widening in shock. "What's going on here?" she says softly. She reaches down and you feel a gentle pressure over your crotch as her hand touches you. You can't help but stifle a smirk, the corners of your mouth tugging up in a subtle tease as you say, "Well, you're the one on top, after all." She turns away, arms folded. "Don't tease me. I didn't kiss you first!" Tent turns back to you, with her hands in between her legs. You get to witness Tent in all her admiration, eyes wide and cheeks flushed, mesmerized by the sight before her. She's not even denying your proposition anymore. "Y-you'd really do me?" A seductive whisper asks, her words like molten honey dripping from her lips. "Yes, of course! Why don't you get out of your clothes." Tent blushes, her elongated fang biting her bottom lip as she untucks her shirt. Her fingers have already unbuttoned her pants, the front of her black panties peeking out. Her fingers are hooked around the waist of her pants, ready to take them off. "All of it off?" You nod. As she slides it off, you notice how thin the black fabric covering her thighs is, how the panties don't cover nearly enough area. Your feel your heart pound within your chest, as she moves her hands to remove them as well. She teases you by slowly peeling them off piece until all that's left is a heated and passionate moment between the two of you. As her hands move to slowly slide her pants off of her body, you can feel your heart pounding inside your chest. Her panties caresses the skin between her legs, barely concealing anything. She prepares to take these off as well. You stop her, "No, keep your black panties on." "W-why?!" "I'd just like it." "Fine." You observe Tent as she slowly slides her white shirt upwards. Her movement a tantalizing reminder of her feminine nature. But before you can see the mounds hidden beneath her shirt, she turns around, teasing you as her butt bounces softly, giving an invitation to the gift under the fabric; every curve preaching volumes without speaking. She slowly and deliberately slides off her clothes, pausing for a moment to feel the warmth of her own skin beneath her fingertips. When she's down to nothing but her panties, she turns around, allowing a few small glimpses of her supple figure. Her pert, petite breasts bounce ever so slightly as she moves, barely noticeable yet undeniably alluring. The light bounces off her curves in mesmerizing patterns, illuminating the subtle arc of her chest. Her small nipples, normally only visible when pressing against her clothing in the cold weather, were now hardened with anticipation of the pleasure to come. "Happy, pervert?" A grin answers for you as it spreads across your face. She blushes and coyly covers her petite breasts with her arms. "What next? Are you going to take off your clothes too?" [[Goad her.->8F]] [[Stop.->8A-Ending]]

Tent takes a deep breath before reaching over your waist to tug down on your pants, sending a wave of pleasure coursing through your body with each inch that she pulls. You can hear her breathing getting heavier, the anticipation building as she brings them lower and lower. Finally, Tent looks up at you with her mouth half open, a sultry expression in her eyes as she takes in the sight of your hard erection. She inches closer, her eyelashes fluttering as she blinks. In a quiet voice, she uttered "Y-you pervert!" as her eyes settled on your penis. "So... this is the thing that has been rubbing against me all this time?" "Well, you were the one on top after all," you purr as you slip off your shirt, exposing your bare body to her in all its glory. She takes a moment to appreciate the sight before her. "What...?" Tent looks down shyly. "This... thing? Is it even going to fit...?" You extend your arm and grasp her hand, drawing her up against your chest. Whispering in her ear, you reassure her, "It’ll fit, we’re made for this." Tent shivers in your arms, her body trembling from a desire that the cold cannot match. You lean in and softly press your lips against her forehead, feeling her warmth beneath them. Her eyes stay on you as you kiss her again, this time on her nose. You pause for a moment then move towards to the most precious part of all - Tent's lips. She closes her eyes as they meet yours, soft and inviting. A soft sigh, filled with desire and longing, escapes from between them. It fills the air like a sweet perfume, stirring passion between them as their eyes lock together. You feel your heart beat faster as your body moves closer to hers in an intimate embrace; you can hear her breath catching as the tension intensifies. her lips gently brush against yours in a tender kiss that seems to linger forever, a moment of pure bliss and temptation, one that you know will stay with you long after tonight is over. You pull away slightly and whisper in her ear, "We can find other ways to heat up." Tent's eyelashes tremble, her gaze locking with yours as if sensing an answer that she already knows. Your gaze is locked onto her soft and smooth body, youth and heat radiating from it in equal measure. You slip your hand down into her panties, feeling the softness of her coarse hair as well as the warmth of her arousal. You brush your finger across her pussy, exploring the contours of its hidden depths before tracing a fingertip along a small bump you found in her wet crevice, wobbling it. "Eek! Jerk! What are you doing?!" Tent gasps, pushing away from you, your body quickly missing the warmth of hers. Her hips sit on yours as she stares at you with wide and captivated eyes, her mouth parting slightly in surprise. The angry young girl's gaze was full of desire, her cheeks flush with arousal as you press your erect dick against her. Your hips move in slow circles, grinding against the thin fabric that separate the two of you. Tent blushes furiously and falls forward, her body now molded to yours as her arms encircle your neck. You feel the warmth of her breath on your neck as you savor the sweet moment. "I knew it. You're definitely a pervert," she teases with a smirk. Despite her words, you can feel what she truly desires; the small movements of her hips against yours let you know that she is attempting to prolong the pleasure, pressing her supple body against yours in a captivating dance. You reach around and squeeze Tent's firm butt, reveling in its curves as you tightly squeeze, spreading out her ass. Tent can't help but let out a gasp as she feels your hard dick pressing against her crotch, through the thin fabric of her soaked panties. The warmth of your arousal mingling with hers drives her crazy, and she digs her nails into your back, sending an electric wave of pleasure through you, a passion that grows with each second that passes. You slide your hands up her back, the tips of your fingers delicately tracing her skin and pulling her closer to gently kiss her. But her lips are out of reach, so you settle for savoring her earlobe, eliciting a soft whimper from Tent as she succumbs to your sensual assault. Your mouth lingers on hers as if savoring the sweet taste of desire. Your hands squeeze Tent's butt again, forcing her hips to grind harder against you. Sliding a finger between you and her, you discover the area is a complete mess badly concealed by thin fabric. Tent trembles atop you, the sensations becoming unbearable. Her legs wrap tightly around your waist as her threaten to close from pleasure, and you feel her body quiver with delight. Tent slides her body upwards, the soft sensation of her breasts pushing against your chest. She angles her face up, kissing your neck at her own pace as you rub her back. The feeling of her breath against your neck fills you with desire. Tent's lips tease all over your neck, sending shivers down your spine. [[Let her bite you.->8G]] [[Don't let her bite you.->8H]]

Tent bites into your neck, you feel two piercing pains that send pleasure coursing through you. You both moan as she sucks your blood. Her warm body writhes in your arms, her hips moving up and down in time with the sucking motions of her mouth. The feeling of your skin pressed tightly against hers sends a shiver down your spine. She feels your body heat radiating off of yours, and you can feel the sweat beginning to bead up on both of your bodies. You run your hands across her back and around her butt, squeezing her ass cheeks together before moving to her breasts, caressing them softly. Your hands cup Tent's face, holding it still while she drinks from you, your eyes locked on hers. She looks so beautiful as she does this. The sensation of your blood leaving your body is something that you have never experienced before, but you don't care. You can't believe how amazing it feels. You slip Tent's panties to the side and position the tip of your erect dick at her pussy entrance. She gasps softly, her legs quivering slightly as she feels your cock pressing against her sensitive parts. You gently ease it into her, savoring the sensation of her tight walls wrapping around you. She lets out a loud moan, against your neck, never letting up from her biting. You feel a slight resistance as she takes all of you in, her soft whimper quickly turning into a passionate groan of pleasure. Her hands fall to your chest as she begins to rock her hips, your penis moving in and out of her in tantalizingly slow strokes. She lets out a loud cry of pleasure, her body trembling and shuddering with each thrust. You feel the intensity of your connection between her mouth on your neck, and your dick in her. Your chest constricts, her warm and inviting pussy greedily devouring your hardened dick. Tent's gaze is fixed, desperately trying to conceal the carnal pleasure that's rising up within her, but as she starts to move her hips with increasing intensity, a wave of desire takes over her body and she sucks even harder. You kiss the top of her head, letting your hands drift up her back, feeling the delicate softness beneath your fingertips. She finally relents from biting you, arching her back. You press your lips to her breasts, caressing them with languid kisses. Your tongue grazes over each pink nipple, tantalizing and teasing in equal measure. Tent's hands press your face against her chest as you suck on her pink nipple, licking it in a rhythm. Her moans are sweet music to your ears, a confirmation of the desire that's building between both of you. Tent's legs tremble, her breathing intensifies as she starts to reach a climax, grinding herself on you with increasing fervor. She holds on tightly as her eyes close, her head turning from side to side as the pleasure ravages her body. Tent lets out a series of moans and screams that grow louder and more passionate with each passing second. In that moment it feels like all the stars in the sky have aligned for her. The sensation causes you to driver deeper into her, forcing her clenching walls apart as you make her yours. Before long, you feel her pussy win this fight, clenching your seed out of you in waves of pleasure. Her pussy quivers as you fill her up with your semen. Tent screams your name over and over, your own blood splattering out from her mouth, the pleasure of having you in her so overwhelming as to obliterate every other thought. Your breath slowly returns to normal as Tent lays against you, her own breathing calming and steady. It's a sign that she is just as satisfied as you are, and the sensation of contentment lingers long after the moment has passed. You tenderly reach out and drape the blanket over the two of you, pulling Tent close. As she nestles into your chest, you gently kiss her head and inhale her sweet scent. Tent snuggles closer to you, savoring your touch as much as you enjoy hers. Eventually, you both succumb peacefully to slumber enveloped in each other's embrace. You'll have to pay her back for sucking your blood tomorrow. <hr> Thank you for enjoying my story! Read the [[Author's Note]].

You shake your neck and Tent backs off. Her cheeks are a deep crimson as she tilts her head and inquires, "Is it... really okay? To do something like this?" Her breasts press against your chest, her nipples teasingly flicking over you as she continues to grind against you. You gently shake her ass as you look her in the eyes. "Everything is going to be alright." "T-that's so," Tent murmurs softly to herself, her gaze lowering as she nibbles nervously at her lips. When your eyes meet again, a small spark of determination shines through hers. "C-close your eyes..." You close your eyes, every nerve attuned to her slightest movement. A chill washes over you as she slowly lifts herself off of you, the faint sound of fabric rustling as Tent slides off her panties filling the air around you. She is sitting on top of your hips before long, her warmth enveloping you like a comforting embrace. You feel her body tremble as she wraps her soft, smooth hands around your hard penis. She caresses it tenderly, guiding it to her pussy. Her breath hitches in anticipation as she readies herself, getting into the perfect position. A moan escapes you as you prepare to give her unrestrained bliss. Tent slowly lowers herself onto you, her body trembling with anticipation. You feel a slight resistance before she takes all of you in, her soft whimper quickly turning into a passionate groan of pleasure. Her hands fall to your chest as she begins to rock her hips, your penis moving in and out of her in tantalizingly slow strokes. She lets out a loud cry of pleasure, her body trembling and shuddering with each thrust. You feel the intensity of your connection deepening with each movement. Your chest constricts, her warm and inviting pussy greedily devouring your hardened dick. Tent's gaze is fixed, desperately trying to conceal the carnal pleasure that's rising up within her, but as she starts to move her hips with increasing intensity, a wave of desire takes over her body and her eyes become heavy with passion. "Jerk! Ahh, d-don't look," Tent presses a wet hand against your face, trying to shield your eyes from the sight. Her hand moves down, her fingers spreading apart as they find your lips. A whimper comes out of her. You lick her fingers, forcing her to remove them. "That's disgusting!" Tent screams out as you give her hips give a particularly sharp thrust. "A-ahh!" Tent's hands reach behind your neck for support, but her hands are wet and they slide off easily. You pull her down by her arms and kiss her again. Tent's hands rest on your chest as she rides you, her moans vibrating against your lips. You let your hands drift up her back, feeling the delicate softness beneath your fingertips. As she arches against you, you press your lips to her breasts, caressing them with languid kisses. Your tongue grazes over each pink nipple, tantalizing and teasing in equal measure. Tent's hands press your face against her chest as you suck on her pink nipple, licking it in a rhythm. Her moans are sweet music to your ears, a confirmation of the desire that's building between both of you. Tent's legs tremble, her breathing intensifies as she starts to reach a climax, grinding herself on you with increasing fervor. She holds on tightly as her eyes close, her head turning from side to side as the pleasure ravages her body. Tent lets out a series of moans and screams that grow louder and more passionate with each passing second. In that moment it feels like all the stars in the sky have aligned for her. The sensation causes you to driver deeper into her, forcing her clenching walls apart as you make her yours. Before long, you feel her pussy win this fight, clenching your seed out of you in waves of pleasure. Her pussy quivers as you fill her up with your semen. Tent screams your name over and over, the pleasure of having you in her so overwhelming as to obliterate every other thought. Your breath slowly returns to normal as Tent lays against you, her own breathing calming and steady. It's a sign that she is just as satisfied as you are, and the sensation of contentment lingers long after the moment has passed. You tenderly reach out and drape the blanket over the two of you, pulling Tent close. As she nestles into your chest, you gently kiss her head and inhale her sweet scent. Tent snuggles closer to you, savoring your touch as much as you enjoy hers. Eventually, you both succumb peacefully to slumber enveloped in each other's embrace as the warmth from her body radiating through yours. <hr> Thank you for enjoying my story! Read the [[Author's Note]].