Dungeon Walkers 1

by Daniel Schinhofen

  Velina’s eyebrow rose. “Hmm? I hadn’t thought you’d opt for the best place in the city.”

  “It’s a big celebration,” Stern said. “I wanted to show our thanks for all you’ve done for us.”

  “We were a bit shocked at what he decided, as well,” Trish said, “but he’s not wrong. The training here is a big reason we’re as comfortable together as we are in combat. That’ll be a huge advantage for us.”

  “And I know how to defend myself now, more than just flailing,” Cyra added.

  “Your points are made,” Velina said. “I will inform him. I will be there, at the very least.”

  “The reservation is set for seven,” Stern said. “We wanted to make sure we had enough time to bathe and get things sorted. The three of us are going to be leaving the city tomorrow.”

  “I will see you all at seven,” Velina said.

  ~*~*~

  Stern looked at his bag and exhaled. Besides the clothes he was wearing tonight and the outfit he had set aside for tomorrow morning, all of his stuff was packed. Going to tell them at breakfast tomorrow... Why am I so damned nervous about it? It’ll be fine.

  “Stern, we’re ready,” Trish called from the living room.

  Taking a deep breath, he left his room with a smile on his lips. His steps slowed as he took in the two women. Both of them were smiling at him, and his heart beat faster. Their happiness filled the room.

  Trish was wearing a red dress that went to her calves, but it clung to every curve she had. Thin straps held it to her shoulders, and the neckline was a straight line that showed the upper curves of her breasts. Her blue eyes twinkled as she watched him look her over.

  Cyra had on a green dress that came to just below the knee, leaving her thin, but toned, legs on display. It had short sleeves, and the neckline of the dress was a modest vee, giving a hint of her breasts without revealing more than their upper swell. She was chewing her lower lip as she watched him, waiting for his comments.

  Stern brushed at the vest he had on over a buttoned shirt, wiping the sweat off his palms. He swallowed and tried to form the words that he knew they were waiting for. The women thought he looked dapper in his black suit, and both of them enjoyed the sight as much as he enjoyed seeing them.

  “You both look beautiful,” he finally managed to say. “Different, but just as radiant as the other.”

  Trish smirked, canting her hip. It accentuated her curves even more and made him realize she was not wearing a bra or panties underneath. “Glad you like it.”

  Cyra exhaled her relief, a bright smile on her lips. “You look very handsome yourself, Stern.”

  Stern coughed, looking away. He’d always thought he looked like a newly-embalmed corpse in a suit, but the emotion behind her statement had him reconsidering.

  “She’s right,” Trish added. “You look very attractive.”

  “Thank you,” Stern croaked before clearing his throat.

  “He doesn’t know how to take us complimenting him,” Trish laughed lightly. “We’ll have to make sure to do it often to help him.”

  Cyra giggled. “Yes. We should help him.”

  “Okay,” Stern exhaled, feeling a bit better. “We need to get going. Did you both get everything packed?

  “We have everything ready,” Trish said. “I just need to put my clothes in your room for tomorrow.”

  Stern felt his heart speed up and his face flush. “Oh, yeah? Before or after dinner?”

  “Why don’t you two go head down to the lobby and I’ll be right there?” Trish asked.

  Stern offered his arm to Cyra. “Shall we?”

  Cyra took the offered arm as Trish had told her to. “Okay.”

  As they walked down the hall, Stern felt the need to compliment her again, “Your dress really brings out your eyes. You look very lovely tonight, Cyra.”

  Cyra flushed and pressed into his side a little. “It’s a little more daring than I was going to wear, but with Trish in her dress, I wanted to do more. She’s very forward, and I’m trying to be her equal.”

  “You don’t have to be as forward,” Stern told her. “Your shy, reserved manner is equally as attractive. Your dress is a good match for how I see you. Attractive with a hint of daring, but still reserved.”

  Cyra flushed more, but she was smiling and her happiness soared to new heights. “You’ll have to wake me tomorrow.”

  Stern swallowed as her meaning dawned on him. He hadn’t gone to wake her yet, and while his libido hoped she’d do as much as Trish, he knew she wasn’t ready for that. “I shall awaken the princess with a kiss,” Stern said, thinking back to the stories his mother had told him as a kid.

  “What’s that?” Cyra asked puzzled.

  “Oh, a story my mother used to tell me. A princess fell asleep for years, unable to be awakened by anything or anyone, until her prince came to her. He gave her a kiss which roused her from her slumber.”

  Cyra’s face burned. “Yes. You’re my prince, and I’ll be your princess.”

  Stern’s face flamed at how she took the story and he swallowed.

  “Oh, did I miss something?” Trish asked, coming up behind them as they reached the stairs.

  Stern realized he’d been walking slowly as he talked with Cyra. “Uh... just promising to wake her tomorrow morning.”

  “Tell her the whole thing,” Cyra said, squeezing his arm.

  “It’s about a story Mom used to tell me,” Stern said, relating the snippet of the story as they went down the stairs.

  Trish snickered when he finished. “Ah, so you’re my princess?”

  “And that’s why I didn’t want to tell you,” Stern sighed.

  Jensen looked up as they crossed the lobby, his eyebrows going up as he studied the women. “Ladies, good evening to you. If either of you wants a companion later, I’m willing.”

  Trish gave Jensen a long look before shaking her head. “Sorry. You’re not bad-looking, but I have the man I’m interested in.”

  Cyra had shaken her head and leaned into Stern more. “No, thank you.”

  Jensen’s face fell. “Wow, rejected that badly?”

  Stern smirked as he passed Jensen. “Sorry, man. Looks like I’m all they need.”

  Trish took Stern’s other arm as they walked outside. “Well, not all I need. I still need Cyra, too.”

  “And I need Trish,” Cyra said.

  “The only man they need?” Stern corrected.

  “Acceptable,” Trish said.

  “Or want,” Cyra added.

  “And I need you both, too,” Stern admitted. “Before we go tomorrow, there’s something I want to tell you both. I just want to put it off until then, please.”

  They nodded and didn’t question him about it— all three of them were looking forward to dinner.

  When they reached the Goddess’ Delight, they found Velina and Master Winla waiting for them. The old man had on a light-gray suit, looking distinguished and slightly formidable. Velina wore a simple, yet elegant black dress.

  “Master, Velina, thank you both for coming,” Stern smiled.

  “Nice dress,” Trish said, looking over the outfit. “It suits you.”

  “As do both of yours,” Velina smiled.

  “We are honored to be invited to dinner here with you,” Winla said. “It has been many years since I was last here.”

  “Shall we go in?” Stern asked.

  “After you,” Winla said.

  Stepping inside the richly-appointed building, Stern gave the man behind the podium a smile. “Good evening. We had a reservation for Stern, party of five.”

  “The room is ready for you,” the receptionist said. “Please follow me.”

  Cyra walked beside Trish in the back of the group, her eyes wide as she took in the silk tapestries and silver lanterns. “I feel out of place...” she whispered.

  “Yes, the decorations aren’t nearly as beautiful as you,” Trish said. “They’d have to do a lot more to be your equal.”


  Cyra flushed and took Trish’s arm like she’d held Stern’s earlier. “That isn’t true...”

  “It is in my eyes,” Trish said, kissing Cyra’s cheek. “You aren’t who you were, Cyra. Now, you’re our equal in everything. That’s part of being in a relationship.”

  Cyra stayed silent as she digested what Trish was telling her. Her eyes went to Stern at the front of the group and noticed how he seemed at ease. She glanced at Trish and, when she saw a hint of awe on her face, she felt better. If Trish was in awe, then it was okay if she was.

  They were ushered into a room with a silver chandelier above a rich oak table. A man in a chef’s jacket was standing next to the other door in the room and, once the five of them were seated, he stepped forward.

  “Good evening and welcome. I’m your chef this evening. I have prepared a five-course meal for you. We have sautéed shrimp for the appetizer, which will be served shortly. The soup is a delightful shark fin soup with my own flair. The salad course will be a simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette to help cleanse the palate. The entrée is lobster tail with a filet mignon steak and then, to round off the meal, we’ll finish with the Goddess’ Tears, a dessert that can only be found here. There is a wine to match each course, but does anyone wish for something other than wine?” When no one spoke, the chef smiled. “I do hope you will enjoy.” Clapping his hands, the chef oversaw the three women who came into the room to serve them.

  With the wine poured and the appetizer in front of them, they focused on the meal.

  ~*~*~

  Walking home with Trish on his left and Cyra on his right, Stern felt elated. Dinner had been as excellent as he knew it would be, and Cyra had gotten more and more comfortable as the meal went on.

  The conversation had been mostly about the food, though Winla did offer them praise for their training and wished them well as they advanced up the dungeon ranks. Velina agreed with her grandfather and added that they would keep their ears open to hear how the three of them were doing.

  “Thank you for the experience,” Cyra murmured. “I’d never have thought I’d eat in such an extravagant place.”

  “I doubt we’ll do it often,” Stern said, “but I wanted to end our time here with something truly memorable.”

  “That dinner will certainly help keep tonight memorable,” Trish said, “but I think the dessert when we get home will be even better.”

  Cyra sighed sadly, though there was still an underlying happiness to her emotions. “I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. I’ll content myself with waking tomorrow.”

  Stern felt a pang of sorrow for Cyra, but silently vowed to make it up to her when she was ready.

  Chapter Forty-seven

  Stern woke with a happy feeling in his chest. A soft snore and a leg over his let him know that Trish was still sleeping. When she’d gone a little further last night and used her mouth, Stern had thought he was in heaven. He’d been eager to return the favor — his ability to feel Trish’s emotions helped him find out what she liked best and let him bring her to a frenzy of lust.

  As he lay there, he came to the realization that for Trish to have gone that far with him last night, meant Cyra and she had already done so. He swallowed at that mental image and his body responded accordingly.

  “Oh... good morning,” Trish murmured, waking up when something tapped her leg.

  “Sorry,” Stern apologized. “I just thought about why you offered what you did last night.”

  “I see you like the idea,” Trish murmured.

  “It’s very enticing.”

  “Yes, it is. She makes the cutest little sounds before she finally lets go. You’ll find out in time.” Trish looked outside, then grinned. “Looks like you woke up even earlier than normal.” She kissed his chest. “Maybe a quick repeat of last night?”

  “Would any man tell you no?” Stern snickered.

  “Some might, but I don’t think you will. Let me introduce you to something called a sixty-nine,” Trish murmured as she shifted. “This way, we can both enjoy ourselves at the same time. And yes, Cyra and I did this the night before last.”

  Stern swallowed and let Trish lead. As his lust grew, so did his love for this woman who was patient and willing to show him so much attention and affection.

  ~*~*~

  Stern took a slow deep breath, hesitating outside of Cyra’s door. It’s just a kiss... just a kiss. Calm down, he told himself.

  “She won’t bite,” Trish giggled. “I might, though, if you like it.”

  Stern snorted and took another calming breath. He cracked open the door and heard a snore. Opening it a little farther, he found Pawly watching him from on top of Cyra. He motioned to Pawly, who yawned, then leapt down. Purring, Pawly bumped his leg as she went past.

  Shutting the door behind him, Stern felt his heart racing as he crossed the room to stand beside Cyra’s bed. Taking a knee beside the sleeping woman, he smiled softly at her open, peaceful face. Brushing back her ear, which was laying across her eyes, Stern paused. Cyra stirred slightly, rolling to her back and murmuring.

  With another slow breath, Stern leaned in and lightly pressed his lips to hers. Cyra let out a soft happy sound and stirred again, her emotions rising as her lips parted. Stern let the kiss deepen and hoped it was the right thing to do.

  After a moment, he leaned back. “Good morning, Cyra.”

  “My prince came to wake me...” Cyra murmured as she blinked sleepy eyes. “Are you here to take me away?”

  “I’m here to make sure you’re ready for breakfast,” Stern chuckled.

  Cyra blinked at him slowly, her face heating slightly. “Oh... right. Umm... did you enjoy last night?” Her question was a little shaky. Her emotions showed her interest, but also a hint of fear.

  “Trish is very understanding and willing to help guide me,” Stern said, his own face heating. “Yes, I enjoyed it. Did you?”

  Cyra’s face burned hotter. “When she and I… yes. I’ve been thinking about us... you and me. I think I’ll be ready for a little more soon.”

  Stern swallowed. “I’ll be here when you are.”

  “Kiss me again?”

  Stern smiled and did as she asked, leaning over to kiss her. Cyra let out a happy sound as she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back. He let her lead, matching her passion equally with his own. He kept a tight leash on his libido, which wanted to do more with her.

  When the two of them came out of Cyra’s room, Trish gave them an eyebrow waggle. “That took a bit of time.”

  Both of them flushed, but Cyra was the one to speak up, “You’re horrible. It was just kissing... but I did ask him for more than one.”

  “That’s good,” Trish smiled. “I almost have breakfast done. Why don’t you two sit down?”

  They did as she asked and she brought out breakfast a minute later.

  She had used up the last of their groceries— eggs, ham, sausage, cheese, and bread. They dug in, all of them focusing on the food, though Stern’s mind wandered to what he was going to tell them when the meal came to an end.

  “Just need to clean the dishes, grab our bags, and head out,” Trish said once they’d all finished.

  “Dishes are mine to do,” Cyra said, getting up. “It won’t take me long.”

  “Yeah,” Stern said distractedly. “I can tell you what I wanted to while you clean.”

  “I forgot you wanted to tell us something,” Trish said. “I’m all ears.”

  Cyra nodded, picking up the dishes. “Go ahead.”

  “Okay... My family... I haven’t said much about them. I left them because I wanted to make my own way up the ranks. Our time together and our relationship had made me realize I should tell you who I am. This way, you’re prepared in case it comes up later.”

  Cyra went to the kitchen, listening as she began to get things ready to clean up. Trish sat back in her chair, waiting for him to say more. Pawly jumped to the floor, purring and winding through his legs to encourage him.


  “My family is well known in the north,” Stern went on slowly. “Funnily enough, my father is married to three women, so this relationship isn’t all that odd to me.”

  Trish’s brows contracted at something tickling the back of her brain. Cyra just smiled as she washed the dishes.

  “When I left my parents, all four of them, and their two closest friends, were about to go through the last starium-ranked dungeon.”