Harvest Festival (15)

Duchess Leonisa gave me a nod before her lips curled into a small smirk as I asked "Um... might I ask what exactly you have heard about me, Duchess Leonisa..? I have to admit I am rather curious..."

"Oh, just a few things is all. As I understand it, you are a rather smart woman with a head for business and an acumen to make the most amount of money off of whatever you can sell, even if what you are selling is sex. And from what I've heard... and perhaps something that my fellow Duchess can attest to, you just so happen to be a rather incredible woman in bed."

Magistrate Gia smirked as well, nodding her head as she added "My niece's could agree with that~! Little Vienna and Lizbeth were absolutely singing your praises~! As well as that of your wife, dear..."

That made me stiffen up for just a moment as the Boarkin woman gave me a small smile, her eyes letting me know she knew exactly who that was and exactly what she had done, though considering the lack of malice or any other negative emotions in her eyes - alongside the mirth gracing her Orc wife's face - I was hoping I could relax and talk with her personally later, but for now I looked back towards the Duchess as she coughed and said "Now, we can talk about other things, yes? Everything doesn't need to revolve around carnal pleasures, does it?"

Magistrate Fenkar chuckled and shook her head, her greying hair bouncing softly as she said "It doesn't need to, but can you blame us~? We're just trying to remind you that you're still in your true prime, Duchess Poinset~! All of us are far too old and withered up to offer up much despite wanting to partake..."

Her movements were semi dramatic as she waved her hands around and gave me another look, her heterochromatic eyes sparkling with a few different emotions - lust and mirth primarily - as she added "So you had best take advantage of your youth when you can~!"

Duchess Leonisa nodded, though she said "I believe Miss Astra has, correct? She's twice wed, perhaps thrice - I don't know the specifics - but she has multiple children. Rather ambitious, aren't you Renna?"

The Lioness glanced at the Duchess and chuckled at how she frowned slightly at that information being reiterated - something that made my heart pang slightly as I wondered if that was a sore point for the Duchess or not.

"My personal life is none of your business."

Her flat tone made all four of the Nobles freeze for a second, before the green scaled Lizardkin smiled and said "That is correct, Duchess Poinset, however you can't blame us for being curious. This is the first time you are hiring someone outside of close connections or through us, and she happens to have a record of being a coveted courtesan. It's only natural, especially since you have a record of being a... 'shrew'."

I frowned beneath my veil, only to let out a soft sigh as the Duchess just clicked her tongue and muttered "Fine, whatever..."

Since she was seemingly dropping it, and the others were as well, I looked back towards Duchess Leonisa as she asked "Well, Miss Astra, might I ask just how you managed to earn the coin to purchase two separate plots of land, the materials for a house, and everything needed to furnish it? It's rather odd to not hear about someone at all and then have them suddenly purchase two high priority plots without much difficulty."

"You already know, Duchess Leonisa. Primarily through sex. But, I also am lucky enough to have more than a few different avenues of income, like making basic jewelry and cooking. Now I work with Duchess Poinset as her Secretary..."

The Lioness just nodded, glancing back at Magistrate Fenkar as the older Wolfkin just snickered as she slyly asked "I feel like the primary means are still hidden from us, no~? Not that it matters. I just have to ask though... might this old woman employ your services sometime soon? I have to say, hearing one of my agents reports on you got me curious..."

I looked towards the Duchess, who just shrugged as she openly said "I have no intentions on restricting you. Clipping the wings of a pretty bird might let you gaze upon it whenever you want, but it begins to dull when it can no longer fly."

We all stared at the Duchess for a moment, with Magistrate Viridian blinking a few times before she muttered "Philosophical... and unnecessarily cheesy."

The others all began to chuckle, with the Duchess joining in as she added "Sorry, I couldn't help it~! But Magistrate Fenkar, I do hope you are willing to cough up more than a couple Gold for a night with my Secretary? Both for me and for her, of course~! She is MY Secretary, after all..."

Her lips curled into a grin as she stared at the Wolfkin, who just rolled her eyes as she waved her hands dismissively, answering "I'm no cheapskate, Duchess Poinset! I have more than enough coin for a single night. We'll discuss this later though..."

Gesturing towards the stairs, the Wolfkin smiled as she smoothed out her sharp jacket and stood straight, causing the others to all do the same as they turned and watched as two women ascended onto the stage, their arms linked.

On the left was a towering, regal brown skinned woman, her sharp features and white spotted skin all too familiar to me, as were the twin branches of bone that sprouted from her head; she was a Northern Deerkin, and as such her frame was compact and brimming with explosive power, waiting to be unleashed at a moments notice.

Draped over her shoulders was an emerald cloak lined with brown fur that complimented her skin, while the golden thread that coiled around the golden buttons that held it together, and hanging from her thick leather belt was a golden scepter that radiated magical power, the other side balanced out by a heavy bladed axe that waited to draw blood.

A warrior first and Queen second, she stood above even Rhefia, but not above Shelur, though her aura made that seem impossible since she oozed power and demanded respect and attention, something that she wore naturally just like the golden circlet that rested on her brow.

Holding her arm out, the Deerkin walked with someone who did demand more attention than her, and it was only because the Queen was a mortal that most of the eyes went from her to this other woman, who could only be described as divine.

Gentle, joyful features adorned a pale green skinned face, her darker green lips curled back in a mischievous yet loving smile as she looked towards us, her eyes of liquid gold brimming with such weight and wisdom that made it difficult to look at them for too long.

Her abundant curves were hugged tight by the forest green dress she wore, while a cloak of leaves rested upon her shoulders, budding with flowers that gave her a pop of color; her hair was just as green as her dress, and like her cloak it was adorned with flowers as well.

Raising her hand, she waved at the citizens before turning towards us, her smile widening somewhat as she looked towards me, which made my heart leap into my throat as I worried for a brief moment, only to be soothed as she winked at me before looking towards the Queen, saying something that made her nod.