Second Skin Omnibus

by M Damon Baker

  The simple cabin only had three sleeping places, and Tási and I were forced to share a bed that was much too small for my liking. Staring at the small space, I couldn’t help but feel a bit hesitant.

  “Get used to it,” Tási said as she crawled under the covers.

  “What do you mean?” I asked, truly confused.

  “You and I are going to be bunkmates from now on,” she declared. “At least until I no longer need your help.”

  “Tási,” I began before she cut me off.

  “Dreya,” she replied firmly. “I don’t know how often I’m going to need you, and from our earlier conversation, I can tell you don’t want Venna to know what we are doing any more than I do. So, unless you want to make her suspicious, we are going to become close friends who enjoy each other’s company, rather than sporadic bed mates.”

  Her point became clear to me—if we were bunking together regularly, it would seem like we had become fast friends, but if we only chose to spend apparently random nights together, it would be certain to raise eyebrows.

  “Ok,” I said with a resigned sigh. “But we must be very careful. Unintended contact will be the most dangerous for us.”

  “Both of us,” I reminded her.

  She nodded, and I changed quickly into my nightdress. I slipped under the covers and had just gotten comfortable when I felt her warm body press against mine.

  “Tási,” I said reproachfully.

  “No contact, I promise,” she replied. “It’s just that you’re so warm.”

  I had to admit that it was quite soothing to feel Tási leaning against me. I had been deprived of the simple pleasure of companionship for so long that my body craved even the most basic contact. Giving in to the comfort we both enjoyed, I snuggled her in return before closing my eyes.

  I was awakened in the morning when Venna poked her head in the room. As I looked at her through my bleary eyes, she seemed to have an annoyed expression for just a second. It passed quickly, and I thought I must have been mistaken when she spoke without a hint of any irritation.

  “They brought us some breakfast,” Venna informed me. “You two better hurry before Khorim leaves you nothing but crumbs.”

  Knowing Khorim, that was exactly what he would do. Venna ducked back out, closing the door behind her softly. I got out of bed and dressed quickly, not wanting to miss out on a hot meal before I shook Tási awake as well. As soon as I was sure she was fully roused from her sleep, I bolted out the door and headed for the kitchen.

  Apparently, Tási and I were the late sleepers that morning, as everyone else was already crowded around the table, enjoying the bounty that had been brought to us. Venna’s caution about Khorim not leaving any food for us had clearly been solely for motivational purposes. Even considering the dwarf’s prodigious appetite, there was more than enough food to satisfy him without any risk of denying the rest of us a plentiful meal. Tási emerged soon after, still rubbing sleep from her eyes as she took a seat beside me.

  “Smells good,” she mumbled as she piled the food onto her plate.

  “Aye,” Khorim managed between bites. “Last chance for days, so you best make the most of it.”

  Khorim was right—it would take most of that day just to reach the road heading back to Oróna, and from there it would be several days more until we reached the main caravan route that would take us the rest of the way. Until reaching that caravan route, we would be keeping a low profile, not risking drawing any additional attention with a campfire, and with that came the consequence of no more hot food. The risks were real however, and though it was a small price to pay for the increased safety, the comfort of a good meal would be sorely missed.

  Despite the rough road ahead of us, everyone was anxious to get started, so we finished eating quickly. Stel left to prepare the wagon, while the rest of us made our final preparations for the journey.

  “How are you feeling today?” I asked Tási as we returned to our room to retrieve our equipment.

  “Still good,” she replied. “But I can feel the effects beginning to fade. We may have to try again as soon as tonight, and most definitely no later than tomorrow.”

  That was what I had suspected. After regaining consciousness, Tási had only managed to hold out three days before coming to me for help, but by that time, she had already been experiencing severe consequences. We would need to act before she ever got that bad again.

  “Alright,” I responded. “I don’t want you to suffer, but try and hold on as long as you can.”

  “I understand,” she smiled. “I know how this works. Unfortunately, I’ve observed the process far too many times. I just never thought that I would be the one going through it.”

  Her smile, while still genuine, was just a bit faint. I could only guess at the turmoil that was constantly raging inside her and retuned her smile reassuringly as we finished gathering our belongings. Before we left, Tási turned and gave me a quick hug.

  “Thank you,” she whispered, before scampering out the door ahead of me.

  The gesture was unnecessary, but I appreciated it, nonetheless. This was a very cold, hard world, only made bearable by little gestures like that.

  I followed quickly behind Tási and when I walked outside the front door, Stel had already brought the wagon around. Venna, Broda, and Tási were climbing aboard, so I walked in front to where Khorim was waiting for our little procession to begin. As soon as everyone was in place, we headed for the gates.

  As we walked, part of me was anxious to grab the Amulet and find out where it would be sending us next, but we had talked it over and agreed to wait until we were safely back in Oróna once again before it could tempt us off course. Not only did Venna need to make her report to the Abbott, but we still had the priceless artifact, and returning it safely was our top priority at the moment.

  The morning passed slowly, and we soon approached the trail that would take us back towards Oróna. Walking along the narrow track, we kept a constant watch, alert for any of the multitude of threats that were all too common in the wilds. Fortunately, we reached the first crossroads without incident, and turning south, we continued on, headed for the main caravan road.

  We quickly reached the spot where we had been ambushed by the bandits. Pausing at the site, we took several moments to gather around Otney’s grave in solemn remembrance. Although it was unmarked as he had requested, we had no trouble locating his resting place as the bitter memory of his passing was all too fresh in our minds. Tási cried again, mourning the loss of her companion, and we allowed her the few extra moments she needed to compose herself before moving on. It was not likely that we would ever come this way again, and no one wanted to deny her those few final moments to grieve. Once back on the road, we were able to make decent progress before stopping for the night.

  I circled our campsite, laying my usual ring of traps while the others kept watch and set up camp. Once all of us had finished our chores, we gathered together to have our evening meal. The trail rations were far from a feast, but it felt good to share the camaraderie.

  “You said that you found some items on the Defiler,” Stel inquired between mouthfuls. “Anything good?”

  “Just her armor and bow,” I replied. “They have some magical properties, so I can’t identify them. Until I can find someone in Oróna to do that for me, I won’t know.”

  “You do not have the talent?” Tási asked.

  “No,” I lamented.

  “I was taught the Lore talents as part of my early training,” she replied eagerly. “It’s one of the few I can actually pass on. It may not help you now, but I would be happy to teach it to you.”

  “Really? That would be great Tási!” I answered. “Can you identify the stuff for me now?”

  “It would be better if you saved them for after I have taught you the Skill,” she offered. “That way, you can at least try it yourself first. Even if you fail, you can learn from the experience.”

  “Thank you, Tási,�
� I replied gratefully. “You’re pretty smart for a mere acolyte.”

  I smiled and winked at her and we both laughed at my little joke. Everyone else smiled as well, except for Venna who maintained an odd neutral expression during the entire exchange. I assumed she was in some sort of ‘Teacher’ mode and dismissed her unusual behavior.

  Stel had first watch, and we left him to it as the rest of us headed off to bed soon after we finished eating. Since we were camped in the wilds, I left my armor on and was just starting to crawl under the blankets when Tási reminded me of her offer.

  “It will be easier to pass you the Skill if you will sit for me,” she teased.

  I stopped trying to work my way under the covers and sat still for her. When she began reaching for me, I realized what she would have to do to open the talent for me and I stopped her.

  “Wait! Don’t touch me yet!”

  She stopped cold, suddenly realizing what had almost happened.

  “I was taught this way once before,” I explained, recalling Marli granting me the Herbalism talent. “It didn’t seem to affect the person, but it may be different for you.”

  “What should I do?” Tási asked.

  “Give me a moment to clear my thoughts,” I said in answer. “Let me try and keep control of things. Perhaps it won’t be necessary, but if it is, I hope I can focus long enough for you to finish.”

  When I had done all I could, I nodded for Tási to proceed. I felt her hands as she pressed them lightly against the sides of my head, then there was the same odd sensation that I had experienced when Marli had imparted the Herbalism talent to me so long ago. Quicker than I had anticipated, I felt Tási withdraw.

  “It worked,” I said.

  “Maybe,” Tási replied, glancing at her fingers.

  “What happened?” I asked.

  “It wasn’t like the other times I have passed on the talent. This time, I felt a tingling sensation. Mild, not intense like your usual touch, but certainly unmistakable.”

  “So, it worked a little?”

  “Well, comparing it to the other times, I would say it worked a lot,” Tási laughed.

  “But enough about that, let’s see what the old Defiler left you,” she said, returning us to our original purpose.

  I retrieved the bow and the Defiler’s tattered armor from my pack. Taking the weapon in my hands first, I tried my best to examine it, searching intently for any indication of its power.

  The bow was clearly a masterpiece. Carved from dark wood, the weapon was surprisingly elegant, considering its former owner. Thin lines carved into the dense wood revealed scrolling tendrils winding around both limbs of the bow, but despite my best efforts, I failed to discover its secrets. Passing the weapon over to Tási, I asked her to try as well.

  She held the weapon in her hands for a few moments, turning it over and examining it much as I had. Then she nodded, as if something had been confirmed in her mind before passing the weapon back to me.

  “It should be clear to you now,” she said plainly as she handed me the bow.

  As soon as the dark wood was in my hands, I finally knew what it was.

  Bow of Impact – This finely-crafted weapon applies additional damage and effects with each successful hit. The power and intensity of these effects is dependent on the wielder’s Strength. This item will become Soul Bound to its rightful owner.

  That certainly explained the incredible force that the Defiler’s arrows had seemed to possess. Stel was no lightweight, especially in his full armor, yet her shot had hit him with incredible power, spinning him in a near circle as it drove him to the ground.

  “This is an amazing weapon, Tási,” I said as I marveled over the description.

  “It is. Now claim it,” she encouraged me.

  Although I had several soul bound items, I had never ‘claimed’ anything before; they had simply become soul bound when I equipped them. I assumed that was all she meant, so I stowed my old bow in my pack, and strapped the new one across my back. It was a bit cumbersome to do in the small confines of the tent, but when I had managed to complete the task, I pulled up my Inventory sheet.

  Inventory

  Encumbrance – 65/275

  Clothing

  Bow of Impact (80) Soul Bound

  Essence Blade (45), Soul Bound

  Fine Short Sword, (18)

  Dagger of Laceration (2)

  Dagger, Fine (3)

  Archer’s Circlet

  Fine Leather Chest Guard (10)

  Fine Leather Pauldrons (2)

  Fine Leather Tassets (4)

  Fine Leather Bracers (1)

  Fine Leather Armguards (1)

  Fine Leather Cuisse (1)

  Fine Leather Greaves (2)

  Fine Leather Boots (2)

  Fine Leather Gloves

  Hunter’s Cloak (2)

  Fine Padded Shirt (2)

  Fine Padded Pants (3)

  Scrolls, Resurrection

  Unidentified Amulet, Soul Bound

  Token of Grace

  Token of Insight

  Token of Agility

  Token of Acumen

  Ring of Encumbrance

  Never Ending Quiver of Arrows, Soul Bound

  Camp blade

  Belt pouch, common:

  15 weak health potions, 14 red crystals, 2 cure disease potions, 2 cure poison potions, 2 purple crystals

  Coin pouch, Soul Bound:

  12 Talons, 48 Gold Bits, 185 Silver Marks, 87 Silver Bits, 192 Coppers

  Backpack 50 slot, 70% weight reduction

  The Encumbrance hit from the Bow was incredible. Even with my proficiency reducing it by twenty percent, it still took eighty points just to wield the thing! But remembering the vicious power of the weapon, how devastating a single hit from it could be, it would be well-worth any necessary accommodations I might have to make in order to bring its power to bear in battle. Shaking my head in amazement, I closed the screen and turned my attention to the shredded remnants of armor that still remained to be identified.

  Picking up one of the pieces, I was shocked when an identification appeared.

  Destroyed Armor – Although it may have once possessed magical enhancements, this armor is beyond repair. While remnants of its former power may linger, the item, along with any enchantments it may have held, has been destroyed.

  Picking up each ragged piece in succession yielded the same sorry message. The Defiler’s armor had been through too much, suffered too much damage, to have any hope of salvaging any of it—it was utterly worthless. Dejectedly, I tossed the pieces outside before unslinging my new bow and lying down once again.

  “Sorry about that,” Tási tried to console me. “I could tell they were too far gone, but it was better to let you find out for yourself, for the practice.”

  “It’s alright,” I replied. “I’m not sure how I’d feel wearing so much of the Defiler’s armor anyway.”

  “Yeah,” Tási agreed. “That would be a little creepy.”

  “By the way,” she added, “I keep forgetting how new all of this is to you. You only needed to hold the bow and think of it as yours to claim it. As long as the former owner is dead, that’s all it takes.”

  “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind for next time,” I replied dryly.

  We laughed for a moment before Tási came to lay down beside me. We lay quietly together for a few moments before she spoke again.

  “Dreya,” she said softly. “I promise I really am trying, but I’m starting to feel itchy inside again.”

  “You know that Stel is on watch and everyone else is sleeping right next to us, right?”

  “We’re in a tent, Dreya,” she replied somewhat perplexed. “They can’t see us.”

  “No, they can’t,” I said. “But they can hear us. Or should I say they can hear you. You’re not exactly quiet, you know.”

  We had already extinguished our small candle, but with my Enhanced Sight, I could see Tási’s cheeks flush red with embarrassm
ent.

  “I didn’t realize,” she whispered sheepishly.

  “It’s alright Tási,” I tried to reassure her. “We’re not always going to have a separate room to stay in, so we’ll have to come up with something that will work on the road.”

  “I have a Spell,” she offered. “It prevents sound from traveling outside a small area.”

  That sounded a lot like the Warden Spell, Muffle, although Muffle worked on a person, and Tási’s spell seemed to protect an area.

  “I’m willing to try,” I said cautiously. “But if it doesn’t work, you’re the one who is going to be explaining things in the morning.”

  She blushed again but nodded her understanding, and after a few quick gestures, she lay back down beside me.

  Instead of curling up for sleep, Tási folded her blankets down, uncovering her upper body. After she pulled her night dress up and exposed the soft contours of her stomach to me, Tási lay still, waiting for me to do my part.

  Her night dress was quite unlike like the flowing robes Tási wore during the day—the thin material did nothing to hide the curves of her body. I tried clearing my mind but seeing the way her flimsy dress clung to the outline of her round breasts and watching the soft, bare skin of her taut abdomen rising and falling seductively with her every breath was causing me some difficulty. Realizing the situation was hopeless, I finally gave up.

  Reaching out, I placed my hand gently against her warm skin. The electric thrill of the unrestrained contact flowed through me in a rush, and I let out a soft gasp as subtle tendrils of desire ran wildly across my body. Tási reacted much the same, shuddering under my touch and moaning softly with the unbridled pleasure I had unleashed on her.

  I closed my eyes tightly as I could feel Tási writhing beneath me, hear her low groans of ecstasy. I knew that that the sight of her lush body reacting under the power of my touch would be far more tempting than I could handle. All too quickly, my own emotions became overwhelming, and I released her abruptly.

  “Nooo!” She protested softly. “That was too soon. It’s not enough!”