Lotef

The nightwave appeared on the horizon a few days later, Lotef feared a panic but fortunately, most people did not appear as bothered as she was. Lotef tried to not let it bother her that much. Instead focusing on her final obligations before the nightwave approached.  

She was quick to hand Midnight off to Enjinseer Jamie. She spent a few moments looking for Overseer Agatha. Maybe if she begged just right, she could convince Overseer Agatha to send someone else. Not that she was able to even find the overseer at all.  

Resigned, Lotef made her way to Luminous Maggie's domain. She was greeted by a imposing woman, with a sharp chin and sharper eyes, she glared at Lotef with a keen intent. Judging by the heraldry Lotef had no doubt she was a knight. "Jyoko?" She asked with a curtness. But what took Lotef was her bright pink hair. It was so vibrant. Lotef would have shaved her head bald if she was cursed with such a hue.

Apparently, she stared too long, the knight wore a scowl that somehow looked casual and threatening at the same time. Before she could say whatever she was going to, Lotef noticed something vastly more important.

"Crescent, C'mere girl!" Lotef said, falling to her knees and wrapping her arms around the nymhide, pressing her cheeks across the rough ridges of her neck.

"You should be careful around nymhide, girl." She said. At least the tone was chiding adult instead of a woman ready to mug her.

"Crescent? Nah she's a peach, you're real lucky to have her." Lotef had no doubt the knight was shooting her some kind of glare but she didn't care. Nymhides were all adorable in their own way and Lotef wish there was a way she could get one herself without needing to be a warrior.

"Come." The Knight said, Lotef following quickly behind, the Weald was large, it looked like a barrack. But also had very unbarrack-like tendencies like cleanliness, calm atmosphere, and attendants everywhere. Honestly, it looked more like that time she went to fix a floratech in a library. There they were so adamant about everything and everyone kept quiet, she was so afraid to even speak.

She didn't know if her guide held the same fear or if she just didn't want to speak. The two of them made their way up multiple flights of stairs before stopping in front of a room. "Luminous Maggie will be here shortly. Stay in the room, the nightwave will be approaching shortly."

"A word of advice." The knight said before Lotef made her way into the room. "Luminous Maggie would consider it rude if you did not use the bed."

Lotef made her way inside the room, it looked pretty cozy. A large bed that almost looked imposing in how decadent it appeared. A small cabinet, splayed with cut fruits and cheeses on top. A chair at the side looked way more preferable, but did she really want to start off on the wrong foot with her new hostess?

Lotef made her way slowly to the bed. She sunk in the cushions, Lotef couldn't help but throw herself on the bed and sink into the cushion. Ok, it was amazing, but still far too comfortable for it's own good. How could a girl expect to ever get up from such a temptation? 

...

/I want to make you my partisan./

Lotef still couldn't believe that actually happened, was she being genuine? What could possibly possess her to make such a horrible choice? Also, why just ask her? True Lotef was high enough to turn down most gentry who'd make such a proposition, but Gentry Ne'etah wasn't just any gentry. The fact she was asking and didn't just make a declaration was another factor that made this... suspicious.  

Lotef sat at the edge of a comfy bed, her bag hung on on a branch-like fixture on the wall kept low. Her poppet rested in her arm, convictions she felt like a child. Mimi just summoned herself as the nightwave etched closer. Slipped free from where ever it is she resided when Lotef dismissed her.

Lotef nearly fell off the bed as the door flung open, a small pixcee fluttered into the room first. He giggled making his paces around the room his azure blue mane fluttering like crazy. Unlike female pixcee it began from his chest and extended long enough to cover him like a cloak. Lotef waved as the pixcee glided around fiddling with the accessories adorned across the room. The little cutie struggled to keep her attention on  Lotef as much as she struggled not to snatch him out of the air and cuddle at him.

"You finding yourself adjusting well?" Luminous Maggie made her way into the room, dressed in soft silks and simple clothes displaying her ample curves. Was she really a warrior with that body? She'd assume certain... assets would get in the way.

["You're one to talk."] Not Philistine said, sitting on a fluffy chair Lotef wanted to sit in. That was different! She wasn't a warrior. 

"Are you comfortable with all that on?" Luminous Maggie followed up, her bed depressing as she sat next to Lotef on the mattress.

"Y-yes Luminous." Lotef said with a shallow gulp, not exactly what she was expecting of an argent knight.

"Maggie, no need to worry love, I won't bite." She said, her fingers ran through the long mane of her pixcee as he swept past her. "Agatha made sure of that." Her petulance was palatable on that statement. Maybe Lotef was a punishment for her after all.

Luminous Maggie fell on her back with a sigh and dismissive wave. Vines sprung to life, ruffling out of view, opening the cabinet revealing two bottles chilled within a plethora of rimeblossoms. It seemed a bit of a waste to have her pixcee go through all that for just a drink, not that Lotef had any authority on that matter. Until she noticed him playing with a little chime-like ornament. 

He wasn't piloting the vine? It wasn't a beacon, they were all placed in a bunker and left to ensure nothing went wrong during the nightwave. Lotef hoped she didn't bother the arden of this weald for something so trivial.

"Oh, don't strain your little mind dear," Luminous Maggie cooed, patting her against her head, running her fingers through Lotef's hair. "You must hear this all the time, but you have such lovely hair."

Lotef had to remind herself to breathe, "Your floratech appears to be in working order." Lotef said, trying to make a bit of space between her and Luminous Maggie. Lotef focused on watching the waterfall. Anything to not 'accidentally' jab her fist into Luminous Maggie's side. The vines worked effortlessly filling the two glasses. Trying to let the bubbling of the drink drown out Luminous Maggie. 

["Stop her, you are not a pet!"] 

Lotef was brought back to reality as the vines produced a platter resting two glasses of wine, filled to the brim. Sensing Lotef's hesitation, one of the vines fetched a glass and brought it toward her, giving Lotef no choice but to retrieve it. /This had to be the work of an arden./ Lotef thought, in an attempt to keep her mind off Luminous Maggie messing with her hair. An arden should be busy scaring away the nightmares, wouldn't it?

Lotef swallowed her hesitation grasping the glass fumbling some of the pale pink liquid on her lap. It took both of her hands to keep the glass from toppling over, the pixcee emerged from his corner, nuzzling against Lotef, at least she had this little cutie to keep her company.

"Olik seems to have taken a liking to you."

"Likewise," Lotef said, her free hand scratching against the mane on his chest. "You're so lucky to have a pixcee."

"I don't know if we're grading on exotic prizes, I would say you win the lot." Luminous Maggie said, holding Mimi upside down.

["Let her go!"] Lotef hissed, snatching Mimi from Luminous Mimi's midst, keeping the poppet tightly in her grasp. 

The look on Luminous Maggie's face made Lotef cringe. She had begged and pleaded with Not Philistine to behave herself ever since she was assigned this place. Now it was over, how was she going to explain away such a blunder?

"I'm guessing that was your peculiar quirk?" Luminous Maggie asked, Lotef forced a nod. "Outbursts like those are always a treat." She said, the vines pouring Lotef a new glass, while also retrieving the glass she spilled. 

It was obviously going to set, was she going to have to replace it? How would she even approach Overseer Agatha about funding that? She was obviously going to lose her chair for certain. She would be sent back to Cazmagar, relegated to a low-rung gothel.

"Does that happen often?" Luminous Maggie continued when Lotef's only response was looking at her like a doe in headlights. "Your little episodes?"

"I..."

"None of that," Luminous Maggie said, pulling her hair back, "No need to hide what you really are with me."

"Only..." Lotef forced herself to swallow, that was right Luminous Maggie did know already. Why did that not relieve her at all? "When in the presence of a nightwave."

"I tend to recall, that being a habit among jinn yet to be housebroken." Lotef would have dropped her glass again. "It's understandable why you wouldn't want this secret spilling out. But I'm talking way too much." Taking a new glass she handed it to Lotef.

"A special brand of Rime Wine from La'Crux. Enough to give a kick, but too weak to remove your faculties." She said, taking a small sip.

["Oh this is going to be good."] Not Philistine said, licking her lips in anticipation. Lotef almost refused the drink, what better way to punish her? She was still mad at Not Philistine's behavior, besides this is certainly not a habit she should be encouraging. 

Lotef peered into her reflection, which struggled to maintain its form in the rippling liquid. Luminous Maggie still sat too close, at least her hand was no longer exploring Lotef's scalp. She paid no mind to the fact it now rested on Lotef's love handle, small miracles. "If you're worried that it's been drugged I'd be more than happy to prove otherwise." Luminous Maggie offered.

Matron's mercy, why would that even cross Lotef's mind? Her cheeks flushed brighter than the wine she was holding. Lotef swallowed her hesitation and half the wine in her glass. She had expected it to taste like what Gentry Ne'etah offered. To her surprise, it was light, sweet, and tickled at her tongue.

Luminous Maggie clicked her tongue while cycling the finger on Lotef's side in a circle. "Such a people pleaser aren't we?" Lotef kept the glass to her chest, feeling whatever words would have escaped her mouth would be a confirmation. "You're going to need to work on that dear, else someone nefarious will take advantage of you." Lotef nodded, taking another sip of the sweet wine.

"That's going to stain if we don't get it handled." She said, pointing towards the pink liquor sitting on her jacket. It made good company with the nectar stains that surrounded the new addition. 

Lotef paused, looking at Luminous Maggie with confusion, she couldn't be serious, could she? "E-excuse me Luminous, I don't think I would be comfortable with that." Lotef struggled out in a nervous stutter.

"Hand it over." Luminous Maggie ordered, curling her finger. /What happened to not pleasing people?/

["Quit fighting her, you could use another Agatha."]

Lotef took a deep breath, letting her jacket slide off her shoulder. The vines sprung to life and pulled her jacket to the side of the room. "There. Let's keep it right there until we can get that blemish addressed."

Lotef crossed her arms, she was glad she picked a sturdy undershirt. Luminous Maggie seized her and pulled her into an embrace. Lotef kicked and tried to pull out of her grasp. Luminous Maggie merely giggled. Lotef felt like a fool thinking this woman was anything, but a warrior. Getting tired of making a fool of herself, Lotef stopped.

"Got that all out of your system?" Luminous Maggie asked, keeping her arms wrapped around Lotef as she pulled her closer, was this how Mimi felt? Honestly, she would probably have to apologize to the pile of leaves and felt.

Lotef tried to make herself comfortable on the mattress. Fighting to keep herself from reacting to the condescending coos of Luminous Maggie. "There isn't this much more comfy?" She said, guiding Lotef to rest against the crook of her neck.

Any attempt to pull away was halted by Luminous Maggie. The only choice Lotef seemed to have was rather she would like to be smothered by her bosom or neck. With a sigh Lotef resigned herself to her new cushion, forced to follow the breathing of her hostess.

Lotef tried her best not to fidget as the Luminous 'got to know' her, "Overseer Agatha told me to let you know if you touch me, you'll have your arms lopped off." She reminded. 

Luminous Maggie let out a scoff. "Honestly she finds herself a regal to play with and forgets what it's like to have fun, don't you agree?" Lotef curdled in her embrace.

"I'm just worried about-"

"There you go again, trying to please people, how about you make up your own mind for once, besides who's going to tell?" Lotef gulped, breathing in Luminous Maggie's perfume, Strawberries, of course, it was strawberries.

"It's just, I'm n-new, Lumin-Luminous, I wouldn't want to get in trouble if Overseer Agatha finds out." Luminous Maggie let out a sigh, thankfully capitulating to her request, Lotef closed her eyes in relief.

Unfortunately, Lotef was brought back to reality, when Luminous Maggie brushed her hand against Lotef's hip. "L-Luminous!" Lotef yelped attempting to argue only for Luminous Maggie to shush her, like a child!

"I'm not touching you dear, I'm admiring your uniform, smartly made might I add." 

"My uniform is over by the corner, Luminous."

"And if I wanted to admire that drab blanket, I would. People put so much thought on what they want to show. I'm more concerned with what they want to hide."

"Maybe some things should remain hidden."

"That type of attitude only invites further investigation." Luminous Maggie argued, "I would hate to bring up this little mindset with Overseer Agatha, or someone more concerned with such eager obfuscations." Would she really? Overseer Agatha reassured her she would keep her secret.

Lotef focused on her breathing, fighting the urge to grip her left arm.

["Mistvines, needed to be kept at a chilled temperature least they faded away."]

["Crystalbells made perfect lens when harvested properly."]

["Night Lotus could only be found in nightwaves, and could help with adjusting amberite output."]

["Rimeblossoms can keep things cold, and last for months if handled properly."]

Lotef focused on her words, Luminous Maggie was a distant voice, she was in her garden, tending to her children, baked under the blazing sun. Not that she minded at all, after all, if it was easy it wouldn't have been worth it.

"Now where are you hiding it, oh probably underneath this ribbon, no?" Lotef was brought back to reality at that question, leaping from the Luminous' grasp, or at least trying to, damn her and her chiseled body!

"Lu-Luminous, I really would prefer if-" 

Maggie wasted no time removing the ribbon, letting it fall to the floor. "What's the big deal? I already know, no need to hide it from me right?"

Lotef clenched at the sight of her brand, an O with a cross around it, usually, it would be much dimmer, but during a Nightwave it was as prominent as the night she had been branded.

"What crime did you have to commit to get such a mark?" Maggie asked, playfully, Olik making his way towards the two of them, letting his azure hair brush against her brand.

"I wouldn't like to get into the details Luminous..." Lotef pleaded, her fist clenching as Luminous Maggie brushed her thumb across the brand.

"You were forgiven, so no problem anymore, correct?" Lotef nodded, stopping herself from arguing it isn't as straightforward as Luminous Maggie had suggested.

"You have no need to worry, I will not hesitate to make you my majin if such a horrible fate ever occurs."

["Get off of-"] Lotef hissed, attempting to pull away, she would never become a genie. She would not be chained; Not by Agatha, Eva, Her mother, and especially not by this woman.  

"Shhh, just relax," Maggie whispered, resting her hand on Lotef's shoulder. Lotef felt a tingling build at the spot Maggie pressed against. Lotef leapt like a rabbit in a snare, the sensation on her shoulder beginning to spread. Maggie merely gripped her left arm tighter, more to keep her from falling than running away, Lotef could barely keep herself upright, her body continuing to get numb. 

"Just relax my little fugitive, this will go much better for the both of us if you do." Maggie spoke so softly that Lotef needed to strain to hear. The tingling sensation made its way through her shoulder extending throughout her entire body. She could barely hold on to her wine anymore, thankfully one of those vines kept a firm grip, keeping the ichor from staining her uniform.

It felt... Amazing, all her nerves and feeling went numb, all tingly, as if her whole body went to sleep, except for an annoying numbing feeling, it felt as if her nerves were giggling. She was not...

["Wish..."]

"How are you feeling? My little fugitive? Marvelous isn't it?" Lotef couldn't help but nod to Maggie's words, she felt sooo free, unburdened by her fears or anxiety... save the one groping her. "I can only think of a few intoxicants that even come close to comparing." She ran her hand against Lotef's hair, "You have such lovely hair."

"H-how did you..." Oh matron, was the wine really spiked? Was she really going to-

["Lotef make a wish, I can't help you unless you make a wish!"]

"You should learn not to take treats from strangers..." Maggie answered, /Oh matron no.../ Exploring her body more thoroughly, Lotef couldn't even have the dignity of hating it, each touch sending ripples throughout her.

["Wish!"] Not Philistine demanded, ["Please! Make the wish!"]

Even now this monster was trying to get her to offer away her soul.

["Overseer!"]

"O...Overseeeeer, Agatha.... will-"

"Will hear the truth, you got yourself hammered and threw yourself at me when I denied you, you opted to put on a little show taking advantage of us being locked in here because of the Nightwave, right Olik?"

Lotef turned her gaze towards the little Pixcee who hovered on her back, her long hair curved like a crescent moon. "Oh, yeah whatever Kith-Maggie said." Lotef's stomach turned, she must have passed out, this must have been a nightmare induced by the Nightwave, that was the only explanation.

She struggled to free herself but that only made it easier for Luminous Maggie to get a firmer exploration of her. Lotef only closed her eyes, attempting to find a way to escape this scenario, but if she could even break free then what!?! She would be trapped in this room with this woman...

["You claimed you would never be powerless again... was that just a lie?"]

Maggie's hand brushed against her cheek, so playful, so jovial. To her, Lotef was nothing more than a present to unwrap... 'Never be powerless again...' Played in her mind again. Without hesitation, She took over.

"Matron Abort me!" Maggie howled, pulling her finger away. "Did you just bite me!?!" Lotef spat what blood was left in her mouth. Clenching her eyes shut, she pushed Not Philistine away. What was she thinking relying on Her, Lotef never expected She would bite the woman! Now Luminous Maggie was going to make this much worst!

She couldn't help but weep, coughing and dry heaving, she couldn't take this, she couldn't escape, she was powerless. "Good to know you have a bit of bite." Luminous Maggie said with a giggle, wiping a tear from her eye.

"Remember my little fugitive, you are a girl far away from the matron's bulwark. It would do you well to remember, a couple more allies never hurt." Maggie said poking her on the nose.

["It depends on the ally."]

Lotef forced a nod, realizing she was able to move again! Without hesitation, she leapt out of the bed.

"Wh-what was all of this, some kind of lesson!?!" Lotef demanded, she still couldn't turn to face Maggie, that was probably for the best, she didn't need to see herself to know she didn't look intimidating.

"Of course, what else would it have been darling?" Maggie reassured her producing the glass for her again. Did she really believe Lotef would sip another ounce from anything she offered!?!

"No thanks, Luminous..." Lotef stuttered pushing the glass back.

"It seems my cultivation is already beginning to bare fruit..." Luminous Maggie preened, brushing her hands beneath Lotef's neck. "You can rest assured the La'Crux Rime Wine is not spiked."

"Then... how..."

"Curious little thing aren't we?" Maggie pressed her lips against Lotef's cheek, "I guess you are owed at least that." Maggie extended her hand out, another long breath, before she knew it the vines at the cabinet sprung to life once again. "Come now, the answer is obvious isn't it?"

Lotef wanted to deny her claim, she felt a shiver down her spine, Luminous Maggie couldn't be-

"Relax, I am sanctioned," She reassured unbuttoning her top, revealing a tattoo branded across her chest. Lotef forced herself to calm down, once again pressing her head against Luminous Maggie if only to avoid looking at that brand. "You see, we are both in a similar boat."

Lotef merely nodded, they were nowhere near on the same boat, a sanctioned wyrdheart didn't have to worry about even half the things someone in Lotef's position did.

["Disgusting creature."]

Going mad and having to deal with someone like Not Philistine being at the top of the list. Maybe she was too hard no Not Philistine, after all, she did just help her when she needed a push.

"What's you little friend think of me?"

"What?" Lotef said, she couldn't possibly mean, "I haven't talked about you with anyone Luminous Maggie."

"Oh come now." Maggie said, "We both know who I mean. What does yours look like? Still, going to keep silent? You might do well to listen to her."

"She hates you."

"So much the better to ignore those impulses. Now how about you calm down and get back on the bed."

"I'd prefer to stand Luminous."

Maggie rolled her eyes. With a wave of her hands and the vine wrapped around Lotef's waist pulling her to the bed. "It would be better for you to sit with me, in case a nasty nightmare slips in."

Lotef pushed and struggled and attempted to escape, not that that did any good. "I'm going to unleash you, do you promise to behave?"

["Depends on what behaving means."] Lotef said.

Maggie rolled her eyes, the vines squeezed tighter Lotef began fearing her bones would snap. "I guess that was her?" Lotef nodded, "I'll only tolerate her if she behaves. So... do you ladies feel like behaving?"

"Y-yes..." Lotef could barely force it out.

She fell face first on the bed, coughing loudly. ["I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."] Not Philistine said, in hushed whispers. It took Lotef a moment to realize she was apologizing to Lotef and not pleading with the knight.

Lotef didn't waste a moment leaping off the bed and rushed to the door, she would spend the Nightwave in the halls. Unfortunately, the door wouldn't yield, she expected the vines to take her again. Instead, she just sat on her bed, Lotef hesitated to turn around seeing her just as calm as usual.

"Does the Overseer tolerate such rudeness?"

"Overseer Agatha can keep her hands to herself." Lotef retorted, able to slip free from Luminous Maggie's grasp, if only slightly.

"Do you know why you are here girl?"

"Overseer Agatha told me you needed a floratech repaired."

Luminous Maggie clicked her tongue, "Poor child, she didn't tell you did she?"

"Tell me what?"

"Listen carefully. This entire place works much smoother when people help each other, a favor for a favor. I offer Agatha access to my weapons and contacts, and she... gives me a night with her new toy."

"W-what?"

["Lies... Lies..."]

"Oh yes. She practically offered you to me on a platter. It would be a shame if I pulled back my support."

"Y-you wouldn't!"

"Why not? I've already given enough, what does it matter to me that your master goes running blindly into her own death."

"You're disgusting."Lotef leapt back, her right arm stinging like crazy.

"There's that attitude again, you really need to keep her in line." Maggie said, waving her fingers, one of the vines following the gesture swaying like a snake. "If you're going to be a child, I guess I'd have to treat you like one. Now quit being a child and get over here."

Lotef could hear her heart in her ear. D-did she really need to do this? Did Overseer Agatha really expect this from her? She had always been tough, at times harsh, but this? No, she was always open about what she expected of Lotef.

"Go."

"Excuse me?"

 "Take your resources and go."

"You'd really turn away my resources? Simply because you don't like my company that much?"

Lotef took that like a slap to the face, so many men and lionesses would die without that support. They were putting their lives on the line, surely she could do this for just one night. How could she look any lottman in the face if she refused?

'When you accompany Lucent Maggie, I'd advise you not to do anything I wouldn't do.' Those words played in her mind once again. Overseer Agatha would do anything for her men. It was obvious what she would do in this position...

Lotef took a step.

Overseer Agatha constantly hammered home the need for sacrifice and the burdens of leadership. How Lotef herself would one day need to bare those burdens.

["You are not a leader. Those burdens are not yours to bare."]

Lotef took another step.

"Tick tock." Maggie said, "The nightwave only lasts so long."

Lotef swallowed, she could do this, it's not like she hadn't been with a woman before. 

["You haven't done anything like this before, do not insult them with that comparison."]

Lotef looked Maggie in the eye, she looked so pleased, so satisfied, why shouldn't she? She was getting everything she wanted.

["What do you want?"]

"Oh right, I guess I was a little harsh." She said, taking Lotef's right arm, breathing in. Lotef felt the tingling once again. On instinct she pulled her arm back, looking at the spot Maggie had touched. She expected that numbness to debilitate her once again. Instead, the wound Maggie's vine had inflicted had been healed.

Lotef looked where the wound had once been, bewildered for a moment, did she waste a wish? "There. All better." Maggie said, that was right she was a wyldheart, one capable of healing.

Lotef stood, looking vacantly, she just had to take one more step and then she could spend the rest of the nightwave counting her flowers.

"You're not going to make me do this... Right?" She asked, pleadingly, this was all some test, some way to figure out how far she would go. It wasn't like Maggie was actually going to go through with it right?

At once two women answered.

"It's all up to you. Are you going to let so many people suffer?" One said.

["Is this what you want?"] The other asked so softly Lotef barely missed the question.

"No." Lotef said, her voice was so cold, she almost couldn't recognize it as her own.

"Good girl." That wretched woman said, curving her finger.

Lotef did not move.

"Are you really going to abandon so many people you selfish child?"

["Let them die for all I care."] Lotef said, showing her teeth.

The look on Maggie's face was priceless. "You stupid selfish-" She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "If you wish the others to die because of your petulance, so be it. I guess I can't find such selfishness surprising considering... your little attitude. Would be a shame if everyone to find out. But don't worry, when the leash is placed on you, I will make certain to take good care of you."

"Really? Because Overseer Agatha said you'd keep your word." Lotef said, taking her ribbon that fell to the floor. ["But I wouldn't expect you to keep to your word Maggie."]

"You know what," Maggie said, "You are right." The vines sprung to life once again, moving too fast for Lotef to track, let alone stop it. "I was treating you like an adult." Another one, this one hitting her leg. "Like most Odiumites, you need to be treated like a child!" Another crack of vines this time on her back.

"Stop! Stop it! Stop it!" Lotef shouted, tripping over herself the moment she attempted to run away.

"Much better. Most children think themselves tall, it just takes a little tumble to put things into perspective. It can all end if you just be a good girl and behave."

Why was this so important to her? Why was she so focused on making Lotef yield? Another pain, this time across her side. Another her cheek, followed by the hand she put in the way. "You can take all the time you need, I'll be certain to mend you once you come to your senses."

"Please..." Lotef's voice was hoarse, "Take her smile... Away."

Not Philistine filled every facet of Lotef's being, engulfing her until she felt she was about to burst. The pain didn't go away, it didn't even numb. Not Philistine didn't make it any better, her words only goading the Knight into striking her more and more. This continued until everything went white.

...

Lotef rummaged on the comfortable bed, stirring upright when someone pressed against her. Lotef leapt out of the bed and ran to the wall farthest from it. "Morning Lotef." Maggie said with a yawn, "Did you sleep well?"

"Get back!" Lotef said, keeping an eye on her as she slipped out of the bed.

"Lotef wait, I want to apologize."

"A bit too late for that!" Her head was throbbing. Matron's mercy it felt like someone pressed a hammer against her skull. 

"I guess I did let you fall too much into your cups. We did go from pink to the red stuff." She gestured towards the tables. "You kind of passed out afterward."

"You did more than that you... Monster!"

"Are you saying you dream about me?" Maggie winked and flashed a half-smile.

What she was wearing was far nicer than anything she owned. "You stripped me!?" What else did she do when Lotef passed out?

"You need to relax, you'll wrinkle if you keep stressing like that." Maggie said, looking at herself in the mirror as she did her makeup. "You spilled wine all over yourself last night, luckily I had something in your size."

The pink-haired knight made her way inside, Lotef's jacket folded in her hands. "Your jacket." She said.

"Ah, Rose perfect timing." Maggie said, before she could reach for Lotef's jacket. Lotef snatched it from Rose's grasp before that wretched Knight could molest anything else she own. She made her way outside the weald, paying no heed to the attention she was drawing for her hasty evacuation. 

...

The moment Lotef got home she rid herself of that horrid undershirt. Every time she saw it, every time she felt it on her skin. She recalled the sting of that wretched vine. The look on Maggie's face.

What happened when she passed out last night? Did that woman have her way with Lotef? How would she ever know?

"Are you hear?"

["What kind of question is that?"] 

"What happened last night? After I passed out." She had to know.

["I only know what you know."]

"What kind of response was that!" How could she not know!? If Not Philistine couldn't inform her, how would she ever know? "Is this to get a wish from me? Fine! I wish you tell me what happened!"

["That's not how it works, even if it did, would you want to waste a wish on her?"] She said 'her' with the disgust Lotef felt.

Lotef didn't answer, she simply slouched on her table. She couldn't bring herself to get to her bed.

A knock at the door, Lotef didn't get up, she didn't want to entertain anyone right now. The knocking persisted Lotef continued to ignore it. The knocking beat in a eerily familiar rhythm, before her door opens up.

Overseer Agatha made her way inside trailed by Midnight and Regal Nu. "Rough night?"

Lotef didn't respond, what? Did she want Lotef to laugh and make light of what she put her through?

"Put her up." Overseer Agatha said, handing the lantern that likely bound Midnight to Regal Nu. Lotef heard Regal Nu and Midnight make their exit, leaving her and Overseer Agatha alone. Overseer Agatha sat on the chair across from her. 

"Jyoko. Look me in the eyes." Overseer Agatha said, Lotef didn't. "Very well, I want to know what happened last night."

"You can rest assured, you'll get your precious weapons." Lotef said.

"What do you mean?"

"Is this how it's going to be? We're just going to pretend you didn't offer me up to that woman."

"What happened? Tell me everything."

"Why don't you go ask your business partner."

"Jyoko. You're not a child, sit up and talk with me now."

Lotef slammed her palms on the table, "Or what? You'll beat me?"

Overseer Agatha barely winced, "It's good to know you're capable of talking, care to continue?"

"Is that an order?"

"Yes."

Lotef began speaking about how everything last night was fine. The faster she could get this over with the faster-,

"The truth Lotef." Overseer Agatha interrupted.

"I was-," Lotef cut herself off the moment Overseer Agatha looked her in the mind. With a long dragged-out sigh, Lotef forced herself to recall that night, each horrid part she dare remember...

"Fine! This is what happened!" Lotef hissed, On Overseer Agatha's third demand to not skip any detail, did Lotef finally give in. She dredged up every horrific thing she could remember of that night. Going into intricate details about last night.

If Overseer Agatha wanted to know what she put her through, fine! Lotef spouted the unabridged account. It forced her to confront multiple questions she had been avoiding. Which she did not hesitate to voice to Overseer Agatha, Including the most horrid, question of all...

"I... I... Don't even know if she-, if she..." Lotef couldn't even say it. Saying it would make it real.

"I've heard enough." Overseer Agatha said, "You've been through enough. Lotef I want to apologize I erred in a few factors." She erred? She erred? Was that all she had for Lotef!?! "I know you have no basis for trusting me right now. But I am certain she did nothing to you."

"I'm not a idiot! I know it wasn't a nightmare!"

"I didn't say it was. You're just missing critical information."

"Which is?"

"I placed her under a whitemares mane, one of the key tenants was for her not to force herself on you. So long as you didn't agree to anything she couldn't do anything." A lot of things began coming into perspective, why she was so desperate to make Lotef ask for it. "Rest Lotef, I will deal with that Knight."

Lotef spend the rest of the day going through the motions, Overseer Agatha gave her the day off, and she spent it in her weald. All day she longed to speak with Gentry Ne'etah, but something kept her from reaching out. Midnight was lucky Lotef gathered enough energy to feed her. She spent the night asleep on the table.