The Warden's Walk

(font: "Open Sans")[This is an **Interactive Story**. Your experience will vary depending on your choices. This story was written by (link: "Phantom")[(goto-url: "http://phantomdotexe.deviantart.com/")] and features characters by (link: "Skelebomb.")[(goto-url: "http://skelebomb.deviantart.com/")] You can <a href="mailto:phantomdotexe@gmail.com">click here to email me</a> with comments or critiques. To navigate the story, click the blue highlighted links. You can click the 'back' and 'forward' arrows on the left if you want to change your decision, but don't use the //refresh, back, or forward// buttons on your browser. [[Onward!]]]

(font: "Open Sans")[Nalen in...]<span style="font-size: 250%">THE WARDEN'S WALK</span> BY PHANTOM (font: "Open Sans")[This story is a *fantasy* in the grand tradition of dungeon crawls, pulp swashbuckling, and paperback romance novels. If you're reading this, you're aware that it features //adult themes//. This fiction is thick with fetish; bondage, domination, and kink. Assuming you're okay with this, then] [[read on]]! If you'd like to skip to the main investigation, [[click here|On to the workshop.]]

<img src="http://i.imgur.com/CUDo4g2.jpg" alt=Nalen Abaya Kara, the Warden" height="633" width="390"> (font: "Open Sans")[You take on the role of **Nalen Abayo Kara**, the Capitol Warden in the city of Alysa. She's well-versed in investigation and values her reputation. With a strong aversion to losing power (*especially* if that means being bound and gagged), Nalen has become one of the most effective wardens overseeing the (link:"Devil's Gullet")[Devil's Gullet. The Gullet is simply a nickname, though. Just as most call her Nalen or simply *The Warden*, her prison is formally named *Alysa Prison*, the nation's largest, most advanced, and most well-known facility for the storage, punishment, and rehabilitation of criminals.] Nalen is strict, confident, and capable. Her parents groomed her to be a model officer in the Imperial government from a young age. The result is a prim, proper, and uncomproimising woman who brooks no excuses and suffers no fools. Her pride is a (link:"curse and a weapon.")[curse and a weapon both. She is known to take duels with the gravity of an ancient knight; fighting with blade and honor. That is a problem when her foes are willing to use every dirty trick in the book on her.] To Nalen, there is no reason to break the law, and no point in running or hiding. Justice is meted out swiftly and without mercy. For Nalen, that generally means capture, punishment, and rehabilitation in the Devil's Gullet under her watchful leather boot. Today, Nalen is servicing a high-risk warrant at a noble's estate. Lady Claire is accused of plotting to kill her husband. [[Let us begin.]]]

Nalen stood outside the manor belonging to Lady Claire. Guards flanked her on the left and right. They wore the iconic imperial red and white, though obviously they lacked the flair and panache of **The Warden**. She fingered her sword. It was a long, thin blade with an elegant foreign curve. Nearly as tall as her but thin as a rapier, it offered greater reach, more power, and dexterity orders of magnitude greater than the truncheons and sabers that the guard carried. It also told everyone exactly what she was thinking. The guards shifted left and right as Nalen stared at the building. "Take your coat, ma'am?" Flanking her were a few guards and her trusted lieutenants, Noémi and Elijah. [[Nalen gave the guard her red coat.]] [[Nalen waved a finger. No, she'd wear it inside.]]

The guard nodded, helping her out of it. If she got into combat, she wanted every advantage. Beneath her red coat, she wore a tight blouse that showed off her sizeable bust. A red cravate around her neck drew the eye of everyone outside. At least one guard looked away for fear of accidentally ogling the Warden's curves. (set: $coat to 'off') [[Nalen stepped inside.|Nalen looked around the room.]]

The guard nodded. Nalen pushed open the door. Her red jacket and its gorgeous collar made it clear that she was in charge. (set: $coat to 'on') [[Nalen looked around the room.]]

Heavy dark leather boots made particularly loud footfalls on the wooden floor of the manor. Endless paintings, trinkets, and the gaudy frippery of the upper class filled the walls and shelves. The door to the garden swung listlessly in the afternoon wind, as though someone had just dashed out of it. Sharp, annoying screams came from upstairs. Nalen gritted her teeth. A witness of some sort would have been useful, but she couldn't stay away from the sound of the sounds coming from upstairs. She could take a look outside first, or she could head direclty upstairs... she couldn't decide. Eventually... [[Nalen sprinted upstairs!|Run upstairs!]] [[Nalen looked out the window before heading up the stairs.]]

The second floor was covered in the detritus of nobility, just as the first. It was just dustier. A woman in a pair of violently violet trousers and matching short-sleeved jacket stood in her bedroom. She was brandishing a knife, and backing a pie-faced man that Nalen took to be the husband into a corner. "Stay back!" she shouted. Nalen practically cringed. The woman had the sort of squeaky-screechy voice that some probably found endearing. Nalen was already taking pleasure in silencing her. "One more move, soldier, and the minister is toast!" (set: $pursued to 'upstairs') [[Nalen drew her sword and pointed it at Lady Claire.]] [[The Warden gave off a haughty chuckle. "Drop the dagger before you hurt yourself.]]

Claire wailed. She had a shriek to her that sounded absolutely, positively grating. Nalen leveled her blade. She didn't want to draw blood. It wasn't so much that she wanted to keep this noblewoman alive. Nobles died sometimes. It was a threat of being part of the Empire's upper class. No, Nalen didn't want to denigrate her finely-crafted blade with such a pittance of a fight. (if:$coat is 'off')[Also, she had no desire to besmirch the white linen of her blouse with some foolish dame's entrails.] The annoying criminal curled back. It looked like she was preparing to block or counter an attack. [[Nalen let loose her rage to disarm the woman.]] [[Nalen made a careful attack to throw her off-balance.]] [[Nalen kept her sword up straight, in a parry position.]]

"You don't *understand*," shouted the noble. Claire proceeded to explain how her vicious husband was working with some villainous new Figenzian woman, and was probably having unacceptable relations with her. What Lady Claire didn't realize was that Nalen understood. She understood that there were *always* extenuating circumstances. But that didn't matter. It never mattered. There is *never* a good reason to break the law. The law was there for a reason - to be obeyed, to keep order and good. Some of her lower-ranking subordinates might look the way when a pretty girl told a sob story about a need to pay off brokers or feed a starving family. If Warden Kara ever heard such drivel, she'd have the hypothetical woman heavily gagged, hooded, and taken away in chains. Which was, incidentally, what was going to happen to Claire shortly. [[She droned on.]]

Claire blocked the blow. Nalen gritted her teeth. It was foolish. She was in a confined space and hadn't had the chance to give the swing her full force. (if:$coat is 'on')[Not to mention that her attractive coat could be a bit restrictive during a close-quarters fight. She loosened her belt.] The pie-faced husband cowered, rocking back and forth. Lady Claire held up her dagger, preparing to lunge at Nalen with full force! [[Nalen struck hard at Claire!]] [[She held her blade up to counter the dame's blow!|She held her blade up to parry counter the dame's blow!]]

A gentle swipe with her sword - more at the dagger than at Claire - resulted in a loud 'twang' sound. However, it was just as effective as any full-strength blow. Nalen had been taught by some of the best teachers in the Empire, and when they weren't enough, she'd taught herself. One key lesson was to nod tire yourself out. When an opponent blocked, there was no need to try to overpower them; it was usually just a waste of energy, besides. No, better to find an opening or give a light blow to keep them off their feet. In this case, it was more than enough. Lady Claire's eyes went wide as the dagger flew from her manicured hands. Nalen sheathed her sword. She wouldn't need it. [["Give up yet?" asked Nalen with the barest hint of professional pride.|tackleoutwindow]]

The two women both kept their weapons at the ready. Neither made the first move. "I want you to know," said Nalen, "that I'm not going to kill you. However, I am going to have you dragged in chains to the prison, where you'll probably be spanked and definitely be publicly bound and gagged." Claire was silent for a moment. Then, she shrieked with all the rage of a wronged banshee and charged. [[Nalen struck hard at Claire!]] [[She held her blade up to parry the dame's blow!|She held her blade up to parry counter the dame's blow!]]

The dark-skaired woman's eyes narrowed, and she lunged. At the exact same time, the fair-skinned Claire did the same. The two actually managed to hurt one another. For the briefest of moments, The Warden was afraid she'd been injured. There was a sudden temperature change. But, looking down, she saw that it was only a rip in her sleeve. Her criminal quarry was marginally injured as well. In her mad dash, Nalen must have hit her with the handguard of her sword, and Claire moved as though she'd been punched in teh gut. Lady Claire and Nalen had charged each other, heedless of the other's attack. The Warden cursed herself; next time, she'd try to read her opponent better. Still, she'd accomplished her main objective. Nalen circled the noblewoman, whose shrieks had gone silent. Grinning with all the panache of a military professional, she leaned against a large glass window, letting the afternoon light make her seem ten times more intimidating. [[Looking at her ripped sleeve, Nalen sighed. "You're under arrest, madame. Are you coming quietly?|tackleoutwindow]]

Claire charged. Nalen stood still, a parry prepared. The Warden was a trained duelist. Even when holding back and avoiding bloodshed, she could win in a fight. It was all about seeing what your opponent was doing, and then acting in accordance. In a one-on-one fight, you had to be fluid; able to change your stance and style and strategy on the fly. In this case, it wasn't nearly so elegant. The noble Lady Claire let loose a banshee-like shriek and charged. Nalen sidestepped, placing herself up against the door to a balcony to block any last-minute attempts at escape. In the same motion, she tripped Claire with her foot and knocked the dagger out of her hands with her sword's pommel. Claire spilled to the floor, dropping the dagger. [["Give up yet?" asked the Warden with a knowing grin.|tackleoutwindow]]

(if:$clairetired is 'yes')[Nalen looked out the window for a bit. Her quarry was no doubt completely exhausted, having spent all her adrenaline on that rant, then getting into an ill-advised fight.] The Warden was taken by surprise with the speed and alacrity that her foe possessed! She gritted her teeth. Outside, guards were mulling about. They rattled their sabers and made crude jokes. One mentioned that the upcoming gala was going to need extra security, and that there'd be free leftover food once it was done. Another asked if anyone wanted to go to the archery range after their shift. They were all surprised when they heard the shattering of wood and glass, and saw Lady Claire tackle Nalen off the second story and into an adjacent shack. [["She has better aim than you," said one.|bombhut]] [["Talk dinner later. Help the warden now," said another.|bombhut]]

Nalen was starting to get bored. The angry verbal screed wasn't even that entertaining. Something about "he's cheating on me" or maybe "I'm cheating on him" or possibly something with financials and she was being cheated. The truth would come out during interrogation. (if:$coat is 'on')[Nalen took out a piece of hard candy from her coat and popped it in her mouth. It was a bit unprofessional, but in this case, it was a power play. She wanted the woman to know that she was ready to arrest her whenever she was done ranting.] (set:$clairetired to 'yes') [[Eventually, Nalen gave up and drew her sword. But she got the feeling that the woman was at least *tired*. That would be something.|Nalen drew her sword and pointed it at Lady Claire.]]

Twenty minutes later, Nalen was feeling better than ever. She was alive, well, and had even survived a twenty foot fall. She'd seen at least one bandit break his back from such a distance. Admittedly, the soft powder and hay in the shack had helped. The old barrels were made of some cheaper, lighter wood, and while they didn't help break her fall - they didn't make it much worse, either. That it was gunpowder spilling from the barrels and now covering both her and her quarry... well, that was at least *interesting.* Her staff had quickly seen to it that she was looked over by the constable-physician and her minor wounds were tended to. (if: $coat is 'on')[She regretted the damage to her iconic coat, but it seemed to have padded her fall. Luckily, she had a spare. It wouldn't do to be caught without her formal garb. What if the Imperial family came calling?] (if: $coat is 'off')[Her white blouse was in tatters. No doubt at least a few of the men were staring. Her amazonian physique was ever-more apparent when they could see her soft, chocolate-brown skin poking through holes in her attire. But, all the same, they quickly gave her a replacement shirt and handed her back her coat. It wouldn't do to deal with a criminal when half-naked.] [["Search the place. I want to know what's going on with all of these incendiaries."]]

"Of course, ma'am," said a guard. "Don't touch anything. Don't light a pipe. Don't be idiots." She spoke like a general addressing troops before a big raid. "Of course ma'am," said the same guard. "But... isn't this the constabulary's job? Should you really be investigating..." The Warden's right hand gripped at her retrieved saber. Her obsessive personality was showing. This was an interesting new problem. Thoughts of bringing in a whole ring of smugglers or criminals moving something as dangerous as *gunpowder* gave her an involuntary smirk. What a catch that would be! It'd been months since the last big trial. She was not one to rest on her laurels. "It may be... related to Lady Claire. Speaking of which..." [[She turned to the noblewoman. Her dress was dirty and her face pouty.]]

Nalen had a small leather case brought from the carriage. In it, she had tools of the trade. Well, not really her trade. More like accessories of the trade that she used so often that they might have well been her standard kit. First... [[Nalen bound her arms with a pair of cuffs.]] [[Nalen put her head and wrists into a portable wooden stock.]] [[The Warden placed her arms and legs in heavy chains.]]

(set: $clairebondagearms to 'cuffs') She was quickly bound at the wrists. It forced her arms back behind her, and her chest jutted out. The guards let her drop forward. She wasn't going anywhere now. "You can't do this to me!" she shouted. "I'm nobility! I'm practically royalty! This - this isn't even my *shack*! I have **no idea** what is going on with it. All I know is that my worm of a husband is still breathing... and that the moment my lawyer gets to the prison..." [[She shut her up with a fat red ball-gag.]] [[She quieted her with a handkerchief and a roll of tape.]]

(set: $clairebondagearms to 'stock') The guards let her drop forward. She wasn't going anywhere now. The noblewoman looked like she was ready for mounting in the town square. "You can't do this to me!" she shouted. "I'm nobility! I'm practically royalty! This - this isn't even my *shack*! I have **no idea** what is going on with it. All I know is that my worm of a husband is still breathing... and that the moment my lawyer gets to the prison..." [[She shut her up with a fat red ball-gag.]] [[She quieted her with a handkerchief and a roll of tape.]]

(set: $clairebondagearms to 'chains') She could still flail, but the heavy metal meant she wouldn't be running anywhere fast. "You can't do this to me!" she shouted. "I'm nobility! I'm practically royalty! This - this isn't even my *shack*! I have **no idea** what is going on with it. All I know is that my worm of a husband is still breathing... and that the moment my lawyer gets to the prison..." [[She shut her up with a fat red ball-gag.]] [[She quieted her with a handkerchief and a roll of tape.]]

(set: $clairegag to 'ballgag') Nalen patted her now-quieted quarry on the cheek. It was a tiny bit endearing, but mostly it was her showing off. Power like this was addictive. "Let's get you back to the station. I've got work to do, and I can't have brats like you watching. Guards!" [[They stood her up. Nalen took in her handywork.|claireend]]

(set: $clairegag to 'tape') Nalen patted her now-quieted quarry on the cheek. It was a tiny bit endearing, but mostly it was her showing off. Power like this was addictive. "Let's get you back to the station. I've got work to do, and I can't have brats like you watching. Guards!" [[They stood her up. Nalen took in her handywork.|claireend]]

(if: $clairebondagearms is 'cuffs') [The poor woman. There wasn't much pity for her, though. Claire tugged furiously at the heavy leather cuffs. They were thick and padded; no chafing was possible. They were also quite wide; some said they looked like archery bracers. Oh, and of course, there was a massive metal chain that kept them together. The prisoner wiggled left and right, as though tied to a post, sending her chest flailing as her dress came undone. Nalen laughed.] (if: $clairebondagearms is 'stock')[She looked rather silly. Her head and wrists were trapped in a wooden pillory. The result was that she could hop around all she wanted; if she really wanted to, she could've made a break for it. But... no, she wouldn't be doing that. She didn't want to be seen. She looked ridiculous. Anyone could grab or touch or grope her if they wanted. Anyone with old fruit could throw it at her. The noble's fingers wiggled in the air as she tried to slip out of it. It was far too tight. Nalen got a chuckle out of the sight.] (if: $clairebondagearms is 'chains')[There was more sound than there was fury. The prisoner looked down at her now-bound body. She didn't weep. But she didn't seem defiant, either. The chains were a reminder that she was probably going to spend a lot more time in cuffs and collars; probably going to get booked and tied to a chair and interrogated and probably brought in these heavy, clanking chains to the Imperial court to stand trial. And all the while , she'd be walking, dragging them with her.] (if: $clairegag is 'ballgag')[Lady Claire drooled. It wasn't a terribly dignified way to resist. It did look delightfully humiliating, of course. Here she was; a noble, a wealthy woman, and she was drooling on her tattered dress. Her eyes seethed and she moaned into the fat gag that kept her quiet. She could still be heard, of course- but her teeth weren't usable as a weapon. Nor were her words. Nalen wanted to tickle her chin.] (if: $clairegag is 'tape')[The Warden ran her fingers over her prisoner's mouth. She moaned and squirmed, as was expected. Nalen took her captive by the back of the neck and did it again. She couldn't really feel the tape through her glove, but she liked the look. The prisoner had a series of handkerchiefs wadded up and jammed into her mouth. They had a few alchemical reagents in them to keep her sedate and silent for a few hours. To keep her from spitting them out, Nalen had wrapped her mouth in an entire roll of bandages. She couldn't make out the lips, just the vague curve shapes where a woman's jawline was. She was very, *very* nicely packed and gagged. The Warden grinned. If only all prisoners could be so nicely silenced. The way that they mewled and groaned was so endearing. she liked the way their cheeks bulged. It was a tiny bit pathetic.] Nalen nodded, and the guards escorted their acquisition away. [[There was something afoot...|case]]

She waved away the driver, who was now taking the heavily-bound criminal back to the prison for processing. The carriage - with the mewling of the gagged woman somewhat audible through its curtains and wood - headed west. The Warden blocked the sun with her gloved hand. The late afternoon sun made Nalen impatient. She saw some of her staff eager to take the day off; to drop their hand-pistols and swords and to return to their holes for sleep and drink. Nalen had no desire to return home. While there was nothing quite like a good soak after a long day, relaxation paled in comparison to the sweet satisfaction of having the reprobate criminal under lock, key, and heavy bond. [Elijah](stood tall. He was lean and thin, with a head of curly, unruly hair that made him look like a lion with curly hair. The bushy eyebrows and dark oak-colored skin made him stand out among the guards. That, and Nalen’s trust in him. He) walked out of the small shed, removing his alchemist’s mask. “Your findings?” He shrugged. “Nothing going to blow you up right away.” Nalen raised an eyebrow. “But maybe later?” He shrugged with his hands, raising them up with his palms facing skyward. “Probably not. We got here late. Or maybe early. The fact that you didn’t blow up when you fell into it should be a good sign.” [[Elijah and Nalen walked towards the row of sheds.|shedrow]]

A woman was running away from the house. She was wearing a long brown cloak, so Nalen wasn't able to see her whole body - but she seemed to have creamy white skin and strange, purple hair. Nalen turned away and ran up the stairs, [[hoping she wasn't too late.|Run upstairs!]] (set: $sawhysteria to 'true')

The six sheds were long and wide. They were simple storage spaced to be rented by those locals who had more posessions than space. A few more guards milled about. The sheds’ proprieter was a local slum-lord named Torr. He stood with his arms crossed against the wall of one of the sheds. [[Nalen explored the other outbuildings.]] [[Nalen had a word with the owner.]]

Three of the sheds are empty. Of the remaining two, one was filled with water-logged personal effects like papers, books, clothes, and a soggy matttress. The other had a pair of vicious dogs. [[She ordered the dogs removed to the pound. No need to let them roam free.]] [[She ordered them taken back to her office as evidence. Maybe they'd be useful.]]

Torr gritted his teeth. He seemed to be under the impression that he was going to wait for his lawyer. The Warden’s presence made him suddenly more loquacious. [[Nalen reassured him that all would be well, and that he wasn’t in trouble.|interrogatef]] [[The Warden gripped her sword subtly and invaded his personal space. He was going to be in trouble unless he started talking.|interrogatef]]

The owner’s eyes kept flashing left and right. Normally, Nalen would’ve considered this an admission of guilt. She still might. But for now, she was willing to let him talk. She used silence rather than questions; letting him ramble to his heart’s content. “Listen, I rent those sheds to anybody who wants them. They’re simple wooden construction. Most folks can’t afford a whole warehouse down in the docks district, and they want to store some grain or something. That particular one was rented by a guy named Mr. Doe. Paid cash. He had a few months left on his lease. He had the pale skin of a scholar, somewhere in his sunset years.” Nalen nodded. [“Tell me about Mr Doe.”](Like I said; he was in the winter of his life. He always wore gloves, even in the summer. He’s rented sheds on and off from me before. This one he’s had for nearly a month. I saw him yesterday around lunchtime.” [“What was he doing here?”](“I don’t know what he kept in there. But… but… but I think the last time he rented one from me, he was keeping something he’d stolen. Imported bamboo, I think. And saltpeter.”) “I think you should speak with Miranda,” said Torr. “She runs a store and eatery in the neighborhood. She knows everybody.” [[Nalen thanked him and left. Time to move.]] [[Nalen nodded to her guards. “Your cooperation will be noted. Watchmen, take this man to the dungeon.”]]

Noémi nodded toward the workshop. It was better to see it sooner rather than later. A small crowd of gawkers was forming. [[On to the workshop.]]

(set: $prisonf to 'true') Noémi nodded toward the workshop. It was better to see it sooner rather than later. A small crowd of gawkers was forming. [[On to the workshop.]]

The dogs were taken to a local kennel. The renter would be alerted, and, assuming he was a law-abiding sort, pay a small fine for inconveniencing Nalen and have them back. (set: $dogs to 'pound') [[On to the workshop.]]

Elijah sighed. "If you wish, ma'am." He huffed and ruffled his mane-like hair. It took some doing and quite a bit of yelping, but her trusted compatriot brought the dogs to a waiting carriage, had them caged, and returned them to Nalen's office. If he didn't know *why* Nalen had done so, he knew enough not to question her choices. (set: $dogs to 'prison') It took quite a bit of doing. By the time Nalen and Elijah had restrained and caged them, the owner of the huts had been interviewed and had given a statement. They were looking for a "Mr. Doe," a strange woman who wore gloves even in the summer. The landlord, Torr, recommended they speak with Miranda, a local woman who always seemed to know what was going on. Malen would've preferred to interview the owner herself, but such was life. [[On to the workshop.]]

Nalen had visited a smithy recently to have her saber sharpened. It had smelt of humanity; sweat and heat and salt. The blacksmith was a marvel of good, honest work. She imagined those men and women - tough as the nails they forged - returning home, sore and pained, and sleeping the evening away far from the endless fire and neatly-organized confines of a furnace-shop. This workshop was almost the opposite. It was small, cool, damp, and smelt as though no human had been here for a few days... or if they were, they weren't terribly concerned with cleanliness. [[There were a series of documents stacked on the floor.|workshop-docs]] [[Compenents were scattered across the tables that lined three of the shack's four walls.|workshop-bomb]] [[Detritus littered the floor and overflowed the wastebin.|workshop-trash]]

The Royal Armoury was home to the Empire's alchemists. Aged masters and youthful apprentices both made it their livelihood. After all, there was no better place to work with the strange chemicals and reagants than the Armoury. The result was a curious diversity in its staff. Adelise wore large, thin glasses and dressed in shades of white and blue. She cleaned soot from her spectacles as she escorted Nalen. "The blasting powder you recovered belonged to us. Most of the components as well. Strange thing; no timers or clockwork mechanisms. Seemed that the bomb-maker was crafting something for remote detonation." "How remote?" "Oh, not far at all. No magic here. Not much wisdom either." Adelise stopped to pat a scribe on the back as he busied himself with some complex-looking formulae. "The triggers would be placed right there on the bomb! Makes me wonder if our bomber had a suicide wish." "People do strange things," said Nalen. "It does strike me as strange that you'd sell all this materiel to the public." "No, oh no," said Adelise. "We wouldn't sell that all at once. The portion you recovered would be enough to destroy a home or collapse a portion of the old city walls." "What about the amount that was missing?" Nalen wasn't looking at Adelise as they walked. She eyed the long rows of powders and scholars that seemed engaged in endless cataloguing. What was it all for? "That was a few peck's worth. Hardly enough to destroy a home. Maybe enough to obliterate a table or small room. Or perhaps a door." "A door?" Adelise stopped and grinned. "Sorry. A safe door. We frequently discuss vaults and security here after that string of burglaries a few months ago." "I remember that," said Nalen. "A safecracker who seemed quite adept at bypassing all manner of wards. I think I caught her. So many acquisitions, it's hard to keep track." "Indeed you did." Adelise adjusted the blue bow keeping her hair in place. She was starting to grin. "I have reason to believe that she originally stole her supplies from right here at the Royal Armoury. In fact, I believe she was responsible for stealing all that powder, too." "Now, where *exactly* [[did I put her...?]]" Nalen said to herself.

**Serpella Manor** was an elegant place in the very heart of Alysa's richer neighborhoods. Alleyways were restricted by magical wards and physical fences of dark iron. Movement was restricted for any peasants or visitors. The nobility, of course, didn't suffer any such indignities and traveled through the narrow corners without a care in the world. The district had a particularly vertical aesthetic. Rushing water from sewers and plumbing meant that the normal offal scents of the city were offset. The constant sound of flowing water was rather pleasant as well. If there were sewers and waterways below, the multi-leveled townhomes and manors loomed above. Many had walkways and aqueducts that would lead to and fro around their construction. Some were decorative and existed purely to proclaim wealth. A wide crowd of protestors and indignants were gathering outside Serpella Manor. [[The Warden made her way through with force of personality.]] [[Nalen avoided them, using the architecture to her advantage.]] (set: $path to 'manor')

Octavia shrugged, her bare shoulders rising into the air as she drew her dagger. "So. You were paid to wait here and ambush me?" Octavia laughed, now walking backwards towards the door. She kicked it shut. A hanging sign was knocked from 'OPEN' to 'CLOSED'. "Don't be so full of yourself," said the red-haired thief. "I was paid to wait here and do two things - keep Miranda quiet and out of the picture, and wait for anyone to come snooping around." "Why not simply kill her? I assume she's some sort of witness." Nalen was now pointing her sword squarely at her rival. There were only a few paces between them in the store. "Don't rightly know," said Octavia. "Strange request. Guess that she's not a threat after tonight, and my paymaster doesn't like killing. Conveniently she had already tied herself up when she got here. I wouldn't hurt someone defenseless like that, anyway." "But," Nalen said, motioning to the store, "you'd rob them blind." "She left the door unlocked. She was practically begging to have her goods pilfered." Nalen couldn't believe what she was hearing. Octavia would [[pay dearly for her disregard for the law!]]

agate gets tied. release chandyo. confirm bomber's identity. [[belowdeli]]

With her misadventure behind her, Nalen set off for the home of the would-be assassin. It was a simple matter to cross-reference her name - Agate Carre - with a residence. Multiple residences, actually - the royal spies had information on the political operative, and there were indications that she had one residence downtown and another by the docks. She sent a contingent to deal with the townhouse, while she explored the dockside flat. She had the feeling that this one would be far more relevant. [[It was.|bomberhouse-transition]]

The sun was beginning to set. The hues of vermillion and orange were quite pretty. It was almost enough to offset the salty smell of an old shanty, nestled in a maze of other, taller buildings and homes far better-kept. None of them had lights on. The dockside house had a strange, powerful odor coming from within. It was sweet, yet also industrual and pungent. It reminded Nalen of a factory filled with sweet-smelling flowers or candles. She thought about maybe [[staking the place out]], though it wasn't a great idea. There simply wasn't enough time, and she got the sense that she wasn't the only person watching the house. [[Nalen tried the door.|doordamage]] [[Nalen knocked first.|doorwait]] [[Nalen looked for another way in.]]

wandering. METAL TRAP INVENTED BY so and so. focus on chastity belt. can't get it off. If you fail in this, then it tkaes extra time and Octavia escapes. if not, then you get confirmed who the identity is AND you have Octavia say that she doesn't really know the details but the implication is that hse's got super sensitive taste. a bit of a neat freakk. never drinks things offered to her. not a bad puzzle: PI E no 'n' in tree, theme with a beautiful treeo n the front. [[bomberhouse]]

**Nalen's investigation was over.** Perhaps she'd escape with seconds to spare, unable to prevent the plot from going forward. Or perhaps she'd be snugly, heavily bound with a long future of humiliatiion and bondage ahead of her. Either way, her story had come to an end. <span style="font-size: 250%">(font: 'Open Sans')[**GAME OVER**]</span> (font: 'Open Sans')[Many thanks to anyone and everyone who allowed cameos and usage of their characters, to the TWINE community for giving generous support and advice, as well as you, for reading and enjoying the story! Of course, Nalen's adventures never *really* end. If you'd like, you're free to [[start from the beginning|Onward!]] or restart from the [[main investigation|Noémi nudged Nalen. She was done here.]]. And, regardless of whether you enjoy your ending or go back for more, [make certain that you take a look at (link: "Skelebomb, Nalen's creator")[(goto-url: "http://skelebomb.deviantart.com/")] or (link: "Phantom, this story's writer.")[(goto-url: "http://phantomdotexe.deviantart.com/")]] **Thank you for playing!**]

The investigation was soon stymied. She barged through the doors, heading directly for the top suite. Serpella's staff was often oddly quiet, especially when Nalen tried to go to places that no visitor would be allowed. They often wore ceremonial *masquerade* garb - large masks that covered their face and forehead. Some guards wore it *over* tight fabric hoods that obscured their identities. It was quite intimidating... as were their motions that Nalen was to turn around or face the consequences. This might not bode well for her career. [[Best to poke around the manor with a bit more subtlety.|manor-askquestions]] [[She played it safe and spoke to Sedrick instead.|manor-assistant]] [[Perhaps she could check out the manor *without* anyone watching.|manor-sneakroom]]

The staff ranged from quiet to *very* quiet. Sheila was kind enough to show off the grounds, at least. There were loads and loads of paintings on the walls. All of them were of various Figenzian royals. Most of them included some epic landscape as well. On one, a noble slammed open a door with a bound woman under his arms. In another, a gorgeous olive-skinned woman ran her fingers through her partner's dark hair. It was a fairly scandalous way to memorialize one's noble lineage. Sheila rubbed the back of her neck frequently. "Something wrong?" asked Nalen. "A rash?" "Possibly. Last nigiht, I was directing the kitchens to prepare a meal for Alessia and DeWulf. They ordered half the menu - all the expensive finery. I fear that I may have directed them a bit too hastily, and the food was off." "Poisoned?" Nalen tilted her head. She was half-joking. Only half. "Of course not. We'd never let anything like that happen here. Although, judging from her reaction, it might as well have been a plate of arsenic! Alessia has *exacting* taste. We went a bit too fast with the Mist Forest Duck, I think, and it was undercooked." Nalen nodded approvingly. "Anyway, her two cronies were getting ready to take it out on me. None of the other staff raised a word to defend me! I was just trying to make things right and I went too fast." "So Sedrick and Angela DeWulf roughed you up? Yelled at you?" Sheila nodded. "Hm? No, Angela and Hysteria. Strange eyes, she's got. Purple hair. Curious lady. Anyway, Angela grabbed my collar and told me not to mess up Madame Serpella's order ever again." Nalen thanked her for her input and time. [[The heroine decided to sneak about Serpella Manor more. Best to get a good sense of the place.|manor-sneakroom]] [[The heroine went to go speak with Sedrick about the bomb plot.|manor-assistant]]

Master Sedrick von Marygold Ashenburn was the personal logistician and aide-de-camp for Alessia Serpella. He prized himself on a job well done. Nalen could tell he loved the respect and power that came with being attached to a foreign noble household. He was a tall, spindly man that made Nalen think of a spider in human form - a tight tailor-made suit, inset with finery and detail to show off his wealth and station. His hair was long, aged white from stress but well-kept. His boney facial structure had Nalen's eye, and she was fascinated by the way he spoke. At times he polished and wore a metal monocle. "Madame Alessia Serpella is a mage and noble scion. I doubt any real harm could come to her." [["I have some questions for you."]]

The house was beautiful. Wooden floors, gorgeous carpets, exquisite wood paneling, and the southern Figenzian charm. Bright colors and tiles made the house a delight to infiltrate. She only had to pretend to be going somewhere important, and the staff never bothered her. Actually, many of the staff were quiet even when they *did* recognize her. Some wore masks that covered their eyes; others their whole face. She could swear to hear the occasional mumble from behind their hidden visages. She got the sense that Alessia was competent and smart. She was constantly commissioning paintings that stressed continuity within the Serpella line. She managed to sneak into the visiting office after distracting the guards with a description of the demonstrators outside. The most notable thing in the office was a recently-sent letter from Figenzia. It was hidden in an attractive manila envelope that smelt of the southern sea salt. (font: 'courgette')[Madame Serpella, I am unsure why you are commissioning images of a supposed younger sister when none exists. Much stranger are the descriptions of your imagined sibling. She supposedly looks like you, acts like you, talks like you and more. These expenditures of funds had best be worth it, because we are confused by your plan and are not willing to throw money after your own vanity. You're a competent mage and valued scion of our noble house. We hope you can explain your plan to us soon.] (if: $envelope is 'found')[It looked very, very similar to stationery she'd seen earlier in the day.] [[Nalen continued explore the forbidden portions of the manor.]] [[The heroine went downstairs to meet Sedrick.|manor-assistant]]

The interior of Nalen's office was an elegant place. The sun was now below the horizon, though its rays still warmed the city with an orange light. Her assistants, Noémi and Elijah, were both back from an unproductive day. (if: $path is 'followingthebomb')[Noemi hadn't managed any luck with witnesses. She was simply too gentle. Elijah hadn't been able to get much more than lip service from Serpella Manor.] (if: $path is 'witnesses')[Elijah hadn't been able to pry anything out of Serpella Manor. Noémi had found info on the bomber, though at this point it wasn't terribly relevant.] (if: $path is 'manor')[Noémi and Elijah had tracked down loads of information on the bomber, but it wasn't terribly relevant right now.] "So, what do we know, exactly?" Nalen spent some time thinking about the clues she'd found. She might not have physical evidence, but she probably had enough circumstantial evidence to figure things out. "Ma'am," said Elijah, "I think that if we're going to go any further with the investigation, we'll need to tell someone higher up. Perhaps get the watch involved. What do you say?" [[Nalen said something snarky.|report-snarky]] [[Nalen said something nice.|report-nice]]

"Tell the City Watch that they're free to come to the gala," she said, "because I'll want people there to see me when I crack this case wide open." She chuckled. So did her confidantes. [[Nalen prepared for the gala.|finale-prep]]

"Well," said Nalen, "The logical thing is to alert the city watch and tell them to come with me to the manor. I think I know who's behind all this." "Very good, ma'am," said her two trusted confidantes. [[Nalen prepared for the gala.|finale-prep]]

"Serpella. I do believe that *you* know all about this bomb plot and that you knew from the beginning." "Preposterous!" shouted Serpella. "I won't be insulted. Leave my home at once!" Nalen didn't get the chance to discuss it further. Angela DeWulf, already incensed by Nalen's behavior, decided to take matters into her own hands. Revealing herself as an earth-mage of high caliber, Nalen was suddenly hit by a blast of sand conjured from the air! She got to her feet just in time to see Serpella sighing and Angela transmuting the black sand into long strands of [[rope and webbing.]]

The sun wasn't terribly low in the sky. As she left the districts that housed Serpella Manor, she reflected that she still had time to [[canvas the neighborhood|mirandasdeli]] where the bomb was found. Alternatively, she could end the investigation for now and [[check in|report-in]] with the prison.

There was a response from the City Watch. She'd be given a warrant with enough flexibility to do what needed to be done. The question was simple - who was the warrant *for*? [[It was for the protestors and demonstrators who'd plotted to kill Alessia Serpella.|group-warrant]] [[It was made out for someone inside the manor.|finale-manor]]

"You're sure, ma'am?" asked Elijah. [[She was positive!|finale-wrong-warrant]] [[Then again, perhaps it was someone else...|finale-prep]]

Arresting the protestors and demonstrators was no problem at all. A few resisted, but for the most part, they were no problem. That was because they were, of course, thoroughly innocent. Nalen had gotten it wrong, and she realized it when a loud explosion detonated inside the manor! She rushed in, but she was too late. Alessia Serpella was gone, and the blame was laid squarely on, well, *everyone else*. She, as the Warden, had interfered with the investigation and not properly followed channels. Her evidence was thrown out, and therefore the common folk of the city took the blame for the attack. The resulting repression was brutal, and she took no joy in it. She didn't even have the chance to take joy in acquiring new prisoners. After all, she was one herself! For an entire week, she'd be brought from her cell and paraded down to the town square for public humiliation. People would tug and tease her tuft of hair, yelling and ranting. Common folk were disgusted with her, and the now-wealthy Serpella family blamed her for not stopping the bombing. Poor Nalen was strapped into the stocks and placed atop a short pillory. Her head was thrust forward at an uncomfortable angle, and her gloved hands were shoved into the wooden holes. The poor woman's fate was sealed as they bolted the stocks shut for all to come and laugh and see. The *shame* of it! She jingled back and forth, wiggling and sending her earrings tumbling in the air. People came by to make sure she wasn't lonely. One gave her a massive stuffing of handkerchiefs. Another fastened a heavy panel-gag over the bottom half of her face. She moaned, feeling her packed cheeks bulging over its tight embrace. One angry half-orc stole away her red coat. Another took her blouse, leaving nothing but her bra to keep others from ogling her bare body! And she was fairly sure that the one she'd be given was just a *few sizes* too tight. If that wasn't enough, someone even brought in a pair of toys to tease her. A feather duster and a heavy leather paddle now lay next to her bound form, in case anyone wanted to give her shapely rear a strong spanking or tickle her silly. *So **this** is what I've been doing to people all this time?* thought Nalen. Unfortunately, she didn't have much time for introspection. Just a few hours into her imprisonment, the younger Serpella sister (one who looked oddly like Alessia) appeared. She had a paddle in her head and a grin on her face, and Nalen knew she was in for a word of humilation. She only had time to shake once before the younger Serpella was grabbing a handful of Nalen's rear and giving her the spanking of her life! For the Warden, it was [[game over.|gameover]]

Nalen didn't say who it was, but she obtained a warrant for a "person belonging to or inside House Serpella and its respective manor." As the Capitol Warden, she had a substantial amount of pull when it came to legal measures. The scene outside the gala was chaotic. She jumped from the carriaged, flanked by Noémi and Elijah... and looking for trouble. (if: $dogs is 'pound')[Someone had released the animals from the local kennel. The result was that stray dogs filled the streets, alongside other, more dangerous beasts!] (if: $dogs is 'prison')[The demonstrators had turned riotous. House Serpella guards were keeping them at bay, but they were a dangerous barrier to getting inside the manor.] "I've got this, Warden," said Elijah. "I'll distract the lot of them. You and Noémi can sneak in on the second floor." Nalen thanked him with a warm, earnest pat on the back. Elijah knew how to get attention. Dragonborn agitators, half-orc protestors, and commoners of all stock; animals and beasts and people all paid attention when he showed off his shaggy mane and said something incendiary. Luckily, he was also fast enough to run, leading most of them on a chase and giving the two a chance to get inside. Nalen and Noémi slipped in to the second floor. It was nighttime now, and speeches were proceeding. Serpella's political society had a number of members downstairs. Noémi whispered. "Ma'am, I just want to ask... do you know who it is? Who's behind all of this?" [[Well, Noémi, it's quite simple...]]

Alessia Serpella was speaking at the podium. She seemed to be approaching a climax. A blue-haired maid was cleaning off the dishes. Some of the staff were distracted with the cleanup. Now was the *ideal* time to strike and make the big arrest. But who? And how? She could go for [[her assistants, Sedrick and Angela|finale-assistants]]. Alessia might make a run for it, but they might roll over on her and confess. Then again, [[the succubus|finale-guards]] was standing up there, watching over everything. She wasn't sure if she was magically 'bound.' She might bolt or she might stay, Nalen wasn't sure. Finally, she could do the loudest and most delightfully epic thing she'd done in quite some time and [[call out Alessia Serpella herself|finale-herself]].

**"Angela DeWulf! Sedrick von Marygold Ashenbloom!"** They looked up. No, the *entire party* looked up. "You two need to come with me. You're complicit in a plot to "kill" Alessia Serpella. Surrender now, *before* I need to jump down there, and I'll show mercy." "I believe you're mistaken," said Sedrick. "I believe she's crazy!" shouted Angela as she began to conjure a blob of shiny black webbing. "We're not going to kill anyone, not even you, Nalen." Alessia Serpella looked uncomfortable. Master Sedrick cocked an eyebrow. Since he had something of a bushy unibrow, that meant he was cocking his entire forehead in surprise. "Madame Serpella," said Sedrick, "I don't suppose... you know what she's talking about? A plot to kill you?" How to best convince them? [[Nalen said something snarky.|finale-assistant-snarky]] [[Nalen tried to be nice.|finale-assistant-nice]]

Nalen was running around the balcony, with her eyes squarely on Hysteria. "You, demon, are under arrest." Hysteria chuckled. It wasn't a haughty laugh. It was an earnest sign of her amusement. "You can arrest demons?" "I can try," said Nalen. She drew her sword. Hysteria responded, sumoning an ebony blade from the aether, and the two did battle. During their sword fight, however, panick reigned below. The noble fled the scene while Alessia disappeared in a puff of smoke. Distracted by the fight, Nalen didn't have time to stop anyone else from fleeing. As she locked blades with Hysteria she saw Angela and Sedrick plotting out of the corner of her eye. Eventually, she managed to land a blow into the magenta-maned demon's form. Hysteria fell backwards, toppling off the balcony and falling unconscious on a dining table. Unfortunately, Nalen was so caught up in her victory over a magical being that she was completely unaware when [[Sedrick came up behind her.]]

Nalen didn't waste her time with anyone else. She intended to metaphorically decaptiate the plot. Cut off the head, and the body would die. She drew her sword first, and leapt from the balcony onto a pile of squishy sitting-pillows. She raised her gaze, locking it with Alessia. "You are under arrest." She felt a smile cross her face as she looked up. It felt *good* to say that. Sedrick stepped back. Angela stepped forward. Above, her fourth and final foe, Hysteria, looked down from above. "Yes. All these people owe their loyalty to you, Miss Alessia Serpella. You are the root cause of all these problems. You have simply *ruined my day*. And I intend to make sure that I have you for many, many more days to come." She knew that she needed to stop her and recover the bomb intact. With a lightning flourish, she struck the podium with her saber. She took off the top of the lectern, showing a ticking explosive to for all to see! [[The gala fell into chaos.]]

"You don't believe me?" shouted Nalen. She looked up to see Hysteria, the purple-maned succubus, disappearing in a puff of smoke. Well, such was the power of a succubus. Hopefully she wouldn't be an issue again. (set: $hysteria to 'poofed') "Ahem. Well, the simple fact is that Alessia is a lying, conniving b-" "Shut up!" shouted Angela. The mage and bodyguard sent a wave of black web-like strands towards Nalen. She narrowly dodged it, jumping down from the balcony. Looks like that approach hadn't worked. Sedrick and Angela were now standing in between Nalen and the lady of the house. She wasn't going home empty-handed. [[She moved forward to subdue the two, starting with Angela.|Finale-subdue-asisstant]]

"Your friend," said Nalen, "is a bit too devoted to her cause. She's going to stage a suicide. That bomb was her doing. Sedrick, that's where they were - she went with Angela and her outsider friend to pick it up." Sedrick looked surprised and taken aback. So did Angela. "But... Alessia, you said it was for safekeeping! You said that it was all just a ploy!" Serpella was surrounded on all sides. As Nalen approached her, she saw the woman cast a spell and thumb a clockwork device below the podium. [[The world went white.|outro-serpella-dead]]

Angela DeWulf adopted a defensive stance. She pointed two fingers at Nalen with one hand, and with the other ran a hand through a black hair. It was a surprisingly sensual move. It spoke of confidence, as though she were saying "*come get me*". [[Nalen made an aggressive strike with the nearest thing she could find.]] [[Nalen took a defensive stance.]] [[Nalen attempted a subtle slash - feint.]]

(font: 'Open Sans')[Some time later...] With Master Sedrick currently on trial, guards searching for a magenta-haired demon, and the ongoing brouhaha with the new head of House Serpella, Nalen had been busy. She hadn't had the chance to visit *this* prisoner in quite some time. Nalen took time unlocking the cell door. It wasn't *true* isolation. Magical wards and charms allowed her to view the prisoner whenever the door was closed, and pipes wired into the room allowed her to speak with the inmate when necessary. However, she hadn't done so in a few days. Angela DeWulf had taken the fall for the whole incident, and was now serving out a rather lengthy sentence in rather restrictive accomodations. She had resisted several times, earning Nalen's ire. The courts had clearly labeled her as a danger to herself and society, which the Warden had taken to mean 'keep under lock and key'. Her arms had been sealed up in leather mittens; balled-up fists which would keep her from picking locks or casting spells. Just in case the witch decided to try something else - be it pleasing herself or trying to escape the mittens - she had ordered that her wrists be raised above her head, locked in irons, and chained to the wall. The latex mage had been attached to the wall, to make certain she wouldn't attempt any romantic overtures towards the guards. She sat in a rather comfortable sitting pose, with her back to the wall and rear wedged in the corner. Two heavy metal bonds had been bolted to the padded wall, each one as wide as a man's hand and thick as a saber. One around her waist and another around her neck kept her from getting up or wiggling her hips. Nalen was nothing if not merciful (or so she told herself,) so she kept Angela 'safe' by locking her in a metal chastity belt and isolating her from the rest of the prisoners. Padded walls would make certain that nobody could come in and take advantage of the squirming mage, helpless as she was to resist. Unfortunately, Angela didn't see her isolation and metal bondage as a 'mercy,' and spewed hateful rhetoric mixed with curses. Such impudence was unacceptable among prisoners. The Warden responded by carefully packing Angela's mouth with some of her own magical rubber before 'gluing' it shut with the same material. In case she attempted to control her magical sap, Nalen also slid a gwen hood over the dark-haired woman's head. Only her eyes - frequently aggravated at her restraints - showed through. Even with all that isolation, a few pranks would occasionally interrupt her punishment. She could *swear* that Elijah had snuck in to write 'WITCH' or 'SLUT' on her hood more than once... "Go ahead," said Nalen. "You have an hour to chat. Be aware that anything you say will be monitored... and that the inmate might not be very talkative." "Eleonora Serpella" entered the room, and Nalen locked the door behind her. The mage knelt down and took Angela's head in her hands. Instantly, the two bonded. (text-style: 'blur')[I'm here for you, Angela. I'm sad to see you imprisoned like this.] Angela wriggled. The metal band around her waist was tight like a corset! Her generous breasts spilt out over it as she struggled in her tight metal restraints. (text-style: 'blur')[Don't worry. We'll get revenge on Nalen yet...] [[The End]]

(font: 'Open Sans')[Some time later...] "Miranda stopped by." "The store owner?" "Yes," said Elijah, "the mimic-mancer." "And?" Nalen raised an eyebrow. She was going over recent reports of Octavia Bloom's new *accomodations* in Alysa Prison. "And Miranda confirmed that the body wasn't hers. It was just a fetch - a magical copy." "We knew as much," said Nalen. That meant that Alessia Serpella was out there... somewhere. "Still, they've all been banned from Alysa City for ten years. If any of them - Alessia especially - is still here, they face fines, or penalties, or..." "Or imprisonment?" grinned Nalen. "Quite so, ma'am." Nalen put down the clipboard and signed off the release papers for Torr and Sheila. That meant that cells D1 and C2 were now empty. She picked up her sword and began to head downstairs. She'd visit the city watch station and look up if there were any other fugitives that needed catching. After all, it was best to have symmetry. Nalen grinned to herself as the carriage door closed. [[The End]]

copy text from finale-assistant-changemind [[gameover]]

There was a floorplan for **Serpella Manor**, an estate in the city. The bundle on the floor included seating arrangements for a speaking event of some sort. Concentric circles around the podium indicated blast radii; the smallest blast would eliminate the speaker. The larger would destroy half the room. The larger ones seemed to be crossed out, with 'NO' written in the margins. Accompanying this was a handbill for the *Society of Friends of Intelligent Animates*, or "SoFIA." The document indicated that the Serpella family - a group of royals from Figenzia - sought to end the restrictive [system of guilds](and open them up to all beings. That meant humans would be competing with goblins, magicians, golems, and more for the same jobs). [[Compenents were scattered across the tables that lined three of the shack's four walls.|workshop-bomb]] [[Detritus littered the floor and overflowed the wastebin.|workshop-trash]] [[Noémi nudged Nalen. She was done here.]]

The objects on the benches were clearly for making an explosive device. Saltpeter and gunpowde lay everywhere in barrels, shells, and buckets. If all the powder were used at once, all the reactive materials combined, all the alchemical equipment used to refine and shrink it down... it would be enough to obliterate a carriage or decimate a small room. Indentions on the floor and missing parts indicated that some of the goods were already gone - an amount comparable to a grenadier's hand-bomb. It could blow through a wall or kill several people. [[There were a series of documents stacked on the floor.|workshop-docs]] [[Detritus littered the floor and overflowed the wastebin.|workshop-trash]] [[Noémi nudged Nalen. She was done here.]]

She knelt down and began thumbing through the detritus in the room. It was a real mess; newspapers and second-hand books and scandalously-illustrated dime-novels. "Double World Ninja" and some speculative fiction listed as "Slave to the Machine," and an unfinished piece labeled "Witch Quest.". She thumbed through them, but saw only endless images of pale women in varying states of restriction. There was an envelope made of fine manila paper tucked at the end of "Elvina in Peril" It smelt strongly of the sea and brine. Mixed in were the occasional piece of wax paper imprinted with *"Miranda's Artisinal Goods*". It must've held some illusory caramels - sweets with all the taste and no calories. (set:$envelope to 'found') [[There were a series of documents stacked on the floor.|workshop-docs]] [[Compenents were scattered across the tables that lined three of the shack's four walls.|workshop-bomb]] [[Noémi nudged Nalen. She was done here.]]

Noémi accidentally bumped into Nalen. The woman's tall, poofy hair rubbed against Noémi's face as she stood up straight. "Excuse me, Warden Kara. I couldn't help but look at the paperwork on the ground." She looked down. It was not a good idea to bump your boss while gawking at evidence. "You are forgiven, assuming you've made some useful conclusions." "Nalen, there's a large event happening at Serpella Manor. It's happening *tonight*." The Warden frowned. She had been hoping to have a nice, hot bath later. It was going to be a busy day. "Some of the guard have already been deployed to help keep the streets clear. You see, she's holding some gala to promote a political cause, and it's rather controversial. The City Watch fear violence, or even rioting." "How long do we have?" The sun was well past midday. "It'll happen late. She's supposed to give a speech after sun-down, near 9 o'clock." It would seem that she might not have time to pursue every lead. She'd have to send Elija and Noémi to deal with the other two. A bomb plot couldn't be trusted to the loose lips and braggarts at the City Watch. Besides... she wanted the mastermind behind this plot bound, gagged, and hooded in *her* office. [[I will inquire with the royal alchemists. We'll follow the bomb, and from there, to the bomber.|followingthebomb]] [[Serpella Manor would have to be investigated.|Serpella Manor? Surely, they needed to be informed of this threat.]] [[Nalen departed. Someone nearby must have seen the bomber. They'd talk.|mirandasdeli]]

She profusely thanked Adelise for her assistance and expertise. She turned on the heel of her boot, and took the waiting carriage back to (link:Alysa Prison)[The Devil's Gullet]. (If: $prisonf is 'true')[Torr loudly complained to his lawyer as he awaited a magistrate to hear his case.] "No traces of our bomb-maker," said one of the prison guards. "Elijah's still canvassing the area, by the way. Tracing your bomber will be pretty tough. No hair anywhere, so we can't scry on 'em. Seems that he wore gloves and was rather fastiduous." Not an issue. Nalen had [[another source of information.|prison-calial-intro-bondage]]

Alysa Prison, or "The Devil's Gullet," was a masterwork of architecture. Some wings were very clean and elegant, with low-risk inmates getting their own cells - complete with a name-badge. *FARAH, #1093.* *FLARI, #591. VINCE, #414.* Some rooms were very private. Magical wards could silence matters of state. Contraptions could pipe the sound of the ocean or a fountain into hallways to deafen any eavesdroppers. Padded walls and cushioning could make even the most vociferous of prisoners into a mute memory. The interrogation room was *not* private. It was held in the central panopticon of the west wing of Alysa Prison. Although the walls were solid, pipes and tubes would echo through the nearest cells. Grunts, groans, mewls, screams; begging, pleading, frustrated yelps and shouts would all become muffled and unintelligible music. It reminded any prisoner that needed it just what would happen should the Warden's ire be raised. Nalen's keen sense of irony reared its head. As a free thief, **Calial** wore an enchanted leather suit that made her quiet as a mouse and stealthy as a tiger. As the Warden's prisoner, the suit became a permanent fixture. Wards and charms allowed her to keep it on at all times. Modifications meant that it was no longer stealthy, but immensely restrictive. A boned corset compressed her waist, giving her an attractive figure and making her breath short. Her boots now bore a punishingly high heel that made her wiggle and wobble when she tried to walk. More than a few had had their curiosity aroused by Calial's quivering legs. [[Nalen entered the interrogation room, locking it behind her.|prison-calial-1]]

She was rather pretty - creamy skin, black hair with a shock of red - and shapely, too. Though it was rather hard to tell - the only skin visible was her face, and occasionally her hands when she wasn't buckled into leather bodange mittens. Calial's suit made her look far more like a leather-clad gimp than a master thief. D-rings now dotted her form at strategic points. Sometimes, she'd be allowed to putter around the prison... but with her legs buckled together at the ankle and knee, and her wrists chained to her waist with just a few inches of give. Once, Nalen had the bright idea to give her short spreader bars at her wrists and ankles alike. She couldn't reach up to remove her heavy gag, but she had enough dexterity to open doors... with a little work. She had surely been tempted to escape, but all that clattering metal and squeaking leather made it an idle fantasy. At the moment, the D-rings were used to strap her to the wall. Her arms and legs were wide, giving her an 'X' shape. Her head hung defeated, with a thin line of dribble coming from the bright read ball-gag and head-harness. Calial wiggled her form as Nalen entered - though since she was attached to the wall by so many different contact points, it was little more than a sensual wave of her hips. Nalen led with... [[a snarky comment.]] [[a kindly comment.]]

"You think that this is bad?" "*Nnnnnf,*" replied Calial. "Maybe I should have my mages enchant your suit further. We could have you sealed up in a vault, permanently hooded and enclosed with only the guards and rats for company. It'd be an ironic way to spend a few years - the safe-cracker encased within a safe. What do you think?" *Hnnngfhf...* [[Calial squirmed in her seat.]]

"There there, Calial. You're drooling." Calial raised her head. Nalen approached her, taking her chin in her white glove. She gently raised Calial's head. The thief's eyes sparkled. She dabbed up the drool with a handkerchief. "It's not dignified to be drooling in front of the Warden. I could pull a few strings. Perhaps we could get you a nicer cell?" "NNnnff." "In that case, maybe we could provide you a with a posture collar. It wouldn't do to let a pretty prisoner like you droop her head. Or, if you're ashamed, maybe a nice, heavy hood so that nobody can see your face." *"Nnnnnggh!"* [[Calial squirmed in her seat.]]

Calial's eyes narrowed. She understood what Nalen was getting at, and the Warden removed her prisoner's gag. "Unngh." A groan escaped her mouth as her sore jaw and twitching lips rested. "Prisoner. You'll tell me about the explosives then?" (if: $dogs is 'prison')[The sound of a series of dogs barking puncuated the antagonistic silence. Calial's eye twitched to the left, expecting Nalen to leave. Nalen didn't move a muscle.] After a long pause, Calial spoke. "I liberated them a few months ago, yeah. I took quite a bit. Not my fault that they were so very easy to grab." "You were pretty easy to grab too, Calial." The thief blushed and chewed her lip. "I don't know why you're asking. I'm already here." "Yes," Nalen said, "But the goods are not. I have reason to believe that someone is in danger because of your theft." Calial raised an eyebrow. "Who's in danger?" [["Someone important.]] [["You don't get to know that."]]

"You're a smart woman," Calial said. "I know that," said Nalen. "Now, tell me about our suspect." "Agate Carre. She's a politician who moonlights with the thieves' guild. They call her Facade." Calial went on to explain that Carre usually dealt in safe-cracking and political machinations; tampering with evidence and brokering power. She had the connections to Serpella, as well as the know-how to make a bomb. "Strange, though. Carre is on good terms with Serpella. I'm surprised that the assasssin would take a deal like this. You don't eliminate your political allies." Deals were made. Addresses were given. Nalen turned to leave. "Just... out of curiosity, what else did you have in mind for me? If I hadn't cooperated." Calial licked her lips and grinned. [[Nalen returned the smile as she left the prison. She had to get to the Carre's home. |bomberhouse-transition]]

Some prices were too much. Nalen snapped her fingers. The interrogation was over. Calial wriggled and groaned, but she wasn't much of a fighter. Especially not when enclosed and clad in endless straps, strips, and bindings. Guards locked the slave in an enchanted hood - and finally, with neither voice nor identity, brought her wriggling and kicking back to her cell. Hours passed. Nalen's contacts with the Watch ran dry. She was just about to check on Noemi and Elijah when she had an idea. *The dogs!* They weren't exactly trained guard dogs, but they'd do well enough. She provided the dogs with a sample of the assassin's clothing, and a wage-mage provided the magical motivation. Soon enough, the dogs were following the trail of the bomber, and none too soon - it was [[getting late.|bomberhouse-transition-nocalial]]

The dogs brought Nalen on a rambling run through the city. They were so fast, she hardly had time to speak with anyone else. After a few minutes of running, Nalen, sweaty and out of breath, found herself at a dockside apartment. The sun was dipping onto the horizon now, and the dark orange sky was quite pretty. The small apartment building stood before her. The suspect was, no doubt, inside. The dogs scattered to the wind as Nalen approached. She thought about maybe [[staking the place out]], even though protocol and common sense argued against it. There simply wasn't enough time, and she got the sense that she wasn't the only person watching the house. The apartment had a strange, powerful odor coming from within. It was sweet, yet also industrual and pungent. It reminded Nalen of a factory filled with sweet-smelling flowers or candles. [[Nalen tried the door.|doordamage]] [[Nalen knocked first.|doorwait]] [[Nalen looked for another way in.]]

There was no response at first. A loud hum from somewhere in the building made Nalen furrow her brow. The walls were all magical components and ingredients. Small sundry goods; the occasional alchemical component. A pair of attractive metal bracelets lay on the counter with no price tag. Nothing in the room was fresh; everything was preserved very carefully. Nalen browsed the dried foodstuffs; almost nothing was left. Not surprising, as there’d been a shortage the past few weeks. Nalen knocked on the chime again, this time louder. A few moments later, a woman with short amber hair and a purple dress entered from a door behind the counter. She moved her fingers along her bare neck and wrists. “Ah, we meet ag- or should I say, a customer! I’m so happy to see you.” Nalen raised an eyebrow. “ “No? You don’t want to taste one of my sandwiches? They’re quite good, if a bit decadent! I use the finest of salted pork. All fresh ingredients here!” Miranda smiled. “I’m looking for someone who might come by regularly. Miranda’s faced turned to a frown. “Oh, no. Has something happened?” “I just want to know who’s been here today." Miranda pursed her lips. “Okay. But come downstairs. I’d rather talk in private. This is very important.” [[“Lead the way.”|trickedbyoctavia]] [[“Actually…”|accuseoctavia]]

There was no response to Nalen shouting for Miranda. “Shopkeeper, this is a matter of security. Are you home?” A few moments later, a woman with short amber hair and a purple dress entered from a door behind the counter. She moved her fingers along her bare neck and wrists. “Ah, we meet ag- or should I say, a customer! I’m so happy to see you.” Nalen raised an eyebrow. “ “No? You don’t want to taste one of my sandwiches? They’re quite good, if a bit decadent! I use the finest of salted pork. All fresh ingredients here!” Miranda smiled. “I’m looking for someone who might come by regularly. Miranda’s faced turned to a frown. “Oh, no. Has something happened?” “I just want to know who’s been here today. Every person who’s entered your store.” Miranda pursed her lips. “Okay. But come downstairs. I’d rather talk in private. This is very important. I'm simply not comfortable talking up here.” [[“Lead the way.”|trickedbyoctavia]] [[“Actually…”|accuseoctavia]]

Nalen’s ears pricked up. She could hear something falling and the sound of metal clanging somewhere. A few seconds later, a woman with amber-reddish hair that went to her waist, an indigo pair of tight-fitting pants, and a purple dress hastily thrown over that. “You…” said Miranda. “Me.” Nalen raised an eyebrow. There was a long, companionable silence. “What can I do for you?” asked Miranda. “Would you care for a sandwich? All fresh ingredients every time, I assure you - taken from the garden and straight to you.” Nalen opened her mouth to speak, stopped, and then started again. Miranda’s eyes were so piercing, and staring directly at Nalen herself - not the sword, not her clothes, just her face. “I’m looking for someone who might come by regularly.” Miranda nodded. “Yes. Downstairs. I know exactly where she is, and who you mean.” [[“Lead the way.” It would be best to keep this professional.|trickedbyoctavia]] [[“Actually…”|accuseoctavia]]

Locals didn’t seem to know anything about what Nalen was asking. Spreading out with guards just seemed to make them clam up. Nalen didn’t get the sense that they were hiding anything… just that they had nothing to hide. Plenty of people came and went and used the sheds. Time was of the essence. The Warden decided that she would either ask about [[Miranda, the local know-it-all|aboutmiranda]] or if any [[unusual people had been seen in the neighborhood.|unusual]] (set: $path to 'witnesses')

When Kara woke, she was far from the docks, far from home, and farther from escape! The holding cells were too good for Nalen. No, the Warden - for all her meddling and getting too close to the truth - was brought to the mastermind's lair in a heavy hood and thick gag. What seemed like endless layers of handkerchiefs and tape wadded around her mouth were met by a long layer of clingy, slightly spongy bandages. The gagged and mewling woman that *had* been the warden was dragged kicking and screaming, sweating and panting into a tiny vault in the basement. Thugs stripped her to the nude, and slipped the helpless and disoriented noblewoman into a tight canvas straitjacket. Like any good lunatic, she flailed and groaned, completely unable to hurt anyone, bite anything, or say a single word to call for mercy or curse her captors. Six locks sealed her fate. Three on her straitjacket, two more on the long straps that attached to her shoulders ( suspending her in the air!) and then one huge on on the outside of her vault door. She wriggled there for a long time. When she kicked the door enough, the guards came down to encase her in a padded canvas sack. She wasn't to be allowed any chance to harm herself... not until the real villain came by. Unfortunately, by the time that Nalen learned what was *really* going on, it was [[too late.|gameover]]

"Okay, someone important... is it you? Maybe one of your cronies? You're a fun jailer. I wouldn't want to see you replaced." Nalen sighed. "If you *must* know, it's the Serpella family." "Ah!" exclaimed Calial. "They're the worst. They've got that new society they're pushing. The Society for Friends of So-And-So. You know what that is, don't you?" "Humor me." "They're trying to open up a bunch of laws so that they can use anyone, and I mean *anyone* to craft their goods. We're talking slaves, goblins, gremlins, golems, and more! All sorts of nasty stuff, but cheaper than using real people. Nobody likes their new proposals except them. I wouldn't be surprised if someone was trying to knock them off with a bomb." "Do you think such a thing would succeed?" asked Nalen. "No. Alessia Serpella is the local head of the family. She's some visitor from Figenzia. Alessia, they say, is a pretty powerful mage. A bomb wouldn't do anything to her, so long as she had warning." [["Interesting," said Nalen.]]

"Fine, fine," said Calial. "Keep me in the dark." "If you're not cooperative, perhaps I shall." Calial gulped. "Well, okay, let me tell you this much right now - the materials in question aren't really good for warfare or anything. I'd honestly guess they were bought by someone more innocuous. Someone more sublte." "Subtle?" Nalen tilted her head. "Yeah, like... like a safecracker or something. You could make a bomb to kill someone, but not blow up a house. Honestly, this is the sort of precision stuff you'd use to blow open a door or make something *look* dangerous. Not to absolutely destroy a house." Calial moved. The leather squeaked and the metal rings clinked. [["Interesting," said Nalen.]]

Calial was straining against her bonds. Nalen eyed them. There was something *magical* about the way that a prisoner looked when **properly** bound. Of course, Nalen had no desire to be in her position, but there was a pride to be taken in a thoroughly and completely restraind thief. She wouldn't be stealing ever again, even if she ever got out of the Devil's Gullet. "Listen," said Calial nervously. "You've got me here. Maybe we can make a deal." "A deal?" Nalen furrowed her brow and stepped closer. "Y-yes, a deal!" [[Nalen got intimate.]] [[Nalen got harsh.]]

The Warden had an impressive figure. She was muscular, toned, and looked positively stunning in her coat. When she stepped forward, Calial couldn't help but gulp. The Warden was only a few inches from her prisoner's face. She could practically smell Calial's fear, and perhaps arousal. She put one hand on the thief's face, taking her chin between thumb and forefinger. She stroked her gloved left hand against the prisoner's cheek. "Really, I don't know if I can make a deal. Not unless I have something else." "W-well, have you ever noticed that Serpella is always talking about her daughter?" "No. I haven't paid much attention." "W-well, she's always going on about how if anything happens to her, her daughter is supposed to take over. A-and that , uh, her daughter bears a striking resemblance to her. Crazy, huh?" [["Indeed," said Nalen.]]

The Warden had an impressive figure. She was muscular, toned, and looked positively stunning in her coat. Calial couldn't help but sweat and swallow. Nalen took her prisoner's head in her hands. Muscular, confidant gloved fingers rubbed over the mewling thief's face. She was being treated like a doll, or an object. In this prison, that wasn't far off. "You must have **something** for me, Calial. I can make things very uncomfortable for you. I won't **always** be this nice a warden." "Uh... uh, okay, so her staff! " "What about her staff? You mean a magical implement?" "N-no. Her servants! They're always so blank. Like they're hypnotized! I honestly suspect that she's got them all working on something. Like they're all willing to do - you know - anything she says. Like if she's got some evil plot, they're not going to tell anyone." "This isn't helping, prisoner." "W-well," stuttered Calial, "I saw them once when I cased the joint last month. They were practicing for something. They were all sitting in front of a big podium and there was a loud sound. And - and she was training them to react and act shocked!" [["Indeed," said Nalen.]]

Nalen stepped back. "Listen, I think I - I've told you a lot. I may or may not know who the bomber is. But you need to give me something!" "Give you what?" "Maybe some leniency?" Calial wriggled in her bonds. Nalen felt that same welling of pride, seeing her prisoner clad in tight, inescapable leather and strict steel. Perhaps easing her restraints would be helpful. Perhaps not. Perhaps it'd be a bad sign for the other prisoners. [["We'll talk about parole."|calial-deal-accept]] [["You're a ward of the state, and I am your warden. No deal."|calial-deal-decline]]

Nalen opened the door, but found her hand strangely stuck to the handle. She pulled her glove away, finding a strange, sticky substance on the handle. She wiped her glove off on a nearby piece of wood and went inside. The apartment's interior smelt of pungent floral odors. That and the nice hues of a setting sun made it all really rather relaxing. The layout was simple - a mixed-use front room (an amalgam of sitting room, study, and thief's workshop) a rear room that mingled with the kitchen, and a bedroom. There was a rustling sound coming from the [[rear of the house]]. Nalen was interested in examining the [[front room]].

The sound of rustling leaves came from inside. That was odd for any number of reasons. [[Nalen opened the door.]] [[Nalen looked for another way in.]]

It seemed that there was a back door, [[already open.]] [[Nalen went to open the front door instead.|doordamage]] [[Nalen went to the front and knocked.|doorwait]]

The first thing that she noticed was the smell. It was fragrant and pleasant. If an odor could be 'loud,' then this was deafening. Her senses were being positively assaulted! That was rather strange, since much of the apartment seemed simple, spartan, and basic. The second thing she noticed was the floral arrangement, the weird black ink covering the walls... it was all bizarre. The house seemed to be just three rooms - a small kitchenette, a rear bedroom (which she was facing) and a front room filled with junk and evidence. The rear was a bizarre sight indeed! The bed seemed like someone had recently sat in it. Or struggled in it. A long line of rubbery vines seemed to flow from a table in the room. On it was a massive floral arrangement. Vibrant hues of red, blue, and gold mixed with pleasant fragrances emitted by the flowers. The vines ran from the arrangement, off the table, and towards the bed. They also ran in random patterns along the walls of the rear. It seemed like everywhere they went, they leaked black rubbery ichor. At least Nalen knew where *not* to step. If she had to guess, someome had placed down the flowers, and there was a struggle on or near the bed shortly after... during which the vines grew and grew. Of note was the woman [[tangled up in the vines.]]

Nalen opened the door, but found her hand strangely stuck to the handle. She pulled her glove away, finding a strange, sticky substance on the handle. She wiped her glove off on a nearby piece of wood and went inside. Inside was a profoundly strange sight. There was a blast of vines and flower petals that evacuated from the apartment. Much stranger was the brown-haired woman in the bizarre, shining black catsuit. It seemed totally seamless, with a blue dress very loosely draped around it. She cut a stunning figure. Shoulder-length bob-cut brown hair, just above average height, and the loose blue dress that showed off the rubbery suit below it. "I'm glad you gave me time to wake," said the woman. Her looks and expression were offset by the curious masquerade around her eyes. The mask made Nalen think of the large balls during *Carnivale* in foreign cities. The way that it hid the top half of her face - while hardly hiding her identity at all - was very interesting. It also hid her eyes behind white, transparent glass. Nalen felt a vine grab around her leg, and she was [[pulled into the shack!]]

There were three coffee mugs made of pressed, cheap metal. One smelt strongly of anise-spiced rum, a favorite among the local thieves' guild. Another had a magenta smear on the rim, and was filled with lukewarm tea. It had been hastily wiped down. The third was totally untouched. It had been held by someone's gloved hand (as evidenced by the smearing of the grime layeres on the mug) but hadn't been drunk at all. Miscellaneous bits of bomb-making gear and blasting powder littered the front room. The concentration was high enough to suggest that there **had been** a bomb here. Someone was [[entering the room.]]

The bed seemed like someone had recently sat in it. Or struggled in it. A long line of rubbery vines seemed to flow from a table in the room. On it was a massive floral arrangement. Vibrant hues of red, blue, and gold mixed with pleasant fragrances emitted by the flowers. The vines ran from the arrangement, off the table, and towards the bed. They also ran in random patterns along the walls of the rear. It seemed like everywhere they went, they leaked black rubbery ichor. At least Nalen knew where *not* to step. If she had to guess, someome had placed down the flowers, and there was a struggle on or near the bed shortly after... during which the vines grew and grew. On the bed was a woman, seemingly tangled up in the vines. Before Nalen could do anything, [[she sprung up from the bed!]]

Nalen drew her sword reflexively and pointed it at the interloper. It hovered at the sternum of the woman who now presented herself before her. She cut a stunning figure. Shoulder-length bob-cut brown hair, just above average height, a dress of deep blues... though her looks were a bit off-set by the masquerade around her eyes. The mask made Nalen think of the large balls during *Carnivale* in foreign cities. The way that it hid the top half of her face - while hardly hiding her identity at all - was very interesting. It also hid her eyes behind white, transparent glass. "You are my assassin?" The woman shook her head with a smile. "No ma'am. I'm Agate Carre. Do-gooder by day..." "And bomber by night?" Nalen's arm didn't twitch. She was loving the power that came by having a sword to her opponent's chest. "No ma'am, just a thief. Now put down the sword. It'll do you no good." [["Why not? Seems that I have the advantage."]]

She pressed her point home by jabbing the sword a few fingers closer to her target. It wouldn't be enough to harm her, but the feeling of a sword-tip on one's breast - or a cut to one's clothing - could be very distracting. Nalen nudged, and raised an eyebrow. Agate's blue dress fell off one shoulder, revealing an inky blackness underneath. Her body, from the neck down, seemed to be enclosed in a shining magical sheath. Agate grabbed the sword. No blood was drawn as she jerked it away, down, and out of Nalen's hand. Normally, she'd never be caught off-guard, but sometimes her overconfidence (and Agate's surprise maneuver!) got the better of her. Carre threw the sword to the side. "Sorry, Warden. I don't see any advantage. Maybe Nalen... [[...made a dive for her saber.]] [[...jumped at Agate to strike her!]] [[...stalled for time.]]

Agate wasn't nude. Or was she? It was hard to tell when her body, from the neck down, was encased in rubbery black ichor. It was shapely, skintight, and shining. It also probably made her rather difficult to harm with any sort of piercing attack. Still, having the sword in her hand felt good. She turned back towards Agate, saber firmly in hand. **Very** firmly. "So, who are you working for?" asked Nalen. She moved backward, eyeballing the doors front and back. "Someone who hates the Serpellas?" "Sorry," said Agate. "I'm afraid I'm not allowed to say." "Not allowed?" asked Nalen. "Mistress's mask prevents me from doing so. It is something of a *curse*. In fact, I'd much rather be doing anything but fighting you right now... but..." "But what?" Nalen was circling. She was closer to the back door than the front now. "...but I was told to restrain anyone who came to visit. I wasn't planning on being ensorcelled, but, well, here I am." "But you're still talking," said Nalen, almost at the door. "Well, I was just stalling for time. I'd say "drop your weapon," but well... now you can't." [["I... can't?"]]

Agate was taken aback by the sudden martial prowess that Nalen was exhibiting. The thief clawed at Nalen as she struck, eventually grabbing ahold of Nalen's arm and throwing her through the room and into the rear room. Nalen's coat was damaged and Agate ripped her glove clean off! Carre threw it to the ground and began to slowly walk forward towards Nalen. Though the Warden quickly recovered, she recognized that she was in something of a perilous situation. Agate stroked her body. "Skintight, shiny... and also impervious. Sorry, Nalen, my captor doesn't want you getting away." The rear of the house was covered in black ichor and exotic flora. It seemed that a small floral arrangement at the center of the table was now spreading rubbery coating all across the table and walls. The warden was back on her feet. [[She darted for the door.]] [[She searched the bedroom.]] [[She struck at Agate.]]

Agate wasn't nude. Or was she? It was hard to tell when her body, from the neck down, was encased in rubbery black ichor. It was shapely, skintight, and shining. It also probably made her rather difficult to harm with any sort of piercing attack. "So, who are you working for?" asked Nalen. She moved backward, eyeballing the doors front and back. "Someone who hates the Serpellas?" "Sorry," said Agate. "I'm afraid I'm not allowed to say." "Not allowed?" asked Nalen. "Mistress's mask prevents me from doing so. It is something of a *curse*. In fact, I'd much rather be doing anything but fighting you right now... but..." "But what?" Nalen was circling. She was closer to the back door than the front now. "...but I was told to restrain anyone who came to visit. I wasn't planning on being ensorcelled, but, well, here I am." "But you're still talking," said Nalen, almost at the door. "Well, I was just stalling for time." "...but [[I was just...]]"

"I know," said Agate. "Stalling for time." Nalen looked down and realized that her hand - which she had held in a ball, ready to strike - was now well and fully encased in the same black slime. She tore at it with her other hand, only too late realizing that the minor incident at the doorway had now encased her hand into a ball, and practically glued it to her arm. She shook wildly, trying to remove it. It did no good, and she just smeared it on her other glove. Nalen ran for the door, heading through the back room. She stopped, realizing that all the stalling and waiting had given *something* in the room time to grow. A huge floral arrangement had seeped black ichor everywhere, starting with the bed and going to the floor. It was moving fast. It must have been planted just minutes ago. Sadly, Nalen only had a few minutes of freedom left, though she didn't yet know it. She wasn't able to parse the info when her legs were stuck to the ground. She wasn't able to do anything with all her collated knoweldge when the latex spread from her hands to her arms, or her boots to her legs. Glued in place, she could only stare at the cracked-ajar door and the setting sun as the rubbery enclosure grew and grew. It was so profoundly *tight*. Nalen hated it. The loss of control was complete. She was standing still - not bound or gagged - but rooted to the floor by this growing sap. "Your clothes will dissolve, as will your desire to resist. The Lady of the manor will be by soon to provide you with a masquerade as well." Nalen turned to spit at her captor. The latex was compressing now, forcing her arms behind her back. She could feel her breasts being forced out, the rubber plants shaping her to straighten her back and raise her chin. "You don't seem to be enjoying this at all, Nalen." "Burn in Hell," said the Warden. "No... I'll serve, instead. Actually, **we'll** serve. You'll make a fine guard." The rubber finally grew from her arms to her neck and her stomach to her waist and finally began to encase her head. Save for an opening in her nose, Nalen was deaf, blind, and dumbfounded. She struggled and squeezed, eliciting endless organic squeaky sounds from her new prison until Agate came by and closed the door. [[Later that night, there were **two** masquerade statues in the gardens.|gameover]]

Nalen looked down and realized that her hand, gripping her sword, was now totally encased in the same mysterious black rubber as Agate! She tore at it with her other hand. She managed to rip off her glove (sending the sword flying to the floor with it) but realizing that it had also served to encase her *left* hand in the sticky, sappy glue as well. Excess was already coating her clothes and arms, growing, tightening, and making her panic. Nalen ran for the door, heading through the back room. She stopped, realizing that all the stalling and waiting had given *something* in the room time to grow. A huge floral arrangement had seeped black ichor everywhere, starting with the bed and going to the floor. It was moving fast. It must have been planted just minutes ago. Sadly, Nalen only had a few minutes of freedom left, though she didn't yet know it. She wasn't able to parse the info when her legs were stuck to the ground. She wasn't able to do anything with all her collated knoweldge when the latex spread from her hands to her arms, or her boots to her legs. Glued in place, she could only stare at the cracked-ajar door and the setting sun as the rubbery enclosure grew and grew. It was so profoundly *tight*. Nalen hated it. The loss of control was complete. She was standing still - not bound or gagged - but rooted to the floor by this growing sap. "Your clothes will dissolve, as will your desire to resist. The Lady of the manor will be by soon to provide you with a masquerade as well." Nalen turned to spit at her captor. The latex was compressing now, forcing her arms behind her back. She could feel her breasts being forced out, the rubber plants shaping her to straighten her back and raise her chin. "You don't seem to be enjoying this at all, Nalen." "Burn in Hell," said the Warden. "No... I'll serve, instead. Actually, **we'll** serve. You'll make a fine guard." The rubber finally grew from her arms to her neck and her stomach to her waist and finally began to encase her head. Save for an opening in her nose, Nalen was deaf, blind, and dumbfounded. She struggled and squeezed, eliciting endless organic squeaky sounds from her new prison until Agate came by and closed the door. [[Later that night, there were **two** masquerade statues in the gardens.|gameover]]

"You're not going anywhere, Warden Okoro," said Agate. She was getting very close now, even with her laborious, sexy slow-walk. The door slammed shut. A pool of inky darkness on the ground and vines on the wall had manipulated the wooden portal. [[Nalen kicked it down.]] [[Nalen struck at Agate.]] [[Nalen struck the table.]]

The bed seemed like someone had recently sat in it. Or struggled in it. A long line of rubbery vines seemed to flow from a table in the room. On it was a massive floral arrangement. Vibrant hues of red, blue, and gold mixed with pleasant fragrances emitted by the flowers. The vines ran from the arrangement, off the table, and towards the bed. They also ran in random patterns along the walls of the rear. It seemed like everywhere they went, they leaked black rubbery ichor. At least Nalen knew where *not* to step. If she had to guess, someome had placed down the flowers, and there was a struggle on or near the bed shortly after... during which the vines grew and grew. Her instincts kicked in. Perhaps the vines had been forced upon the person? Perhaps the floral centerpiece was controlling or powering Agate up? It was time for a desperate gambit. Nalen decided to... [[...kick down the door.|Nalen kicked it down.]] [[...foolishly strike at Agate.|Nalen struck at Agate.]] [[...destroy the arrangement.|Nalen struck the table.]]

Although it wasn't completely foolish, it wasn't smart. Agate took the kick with panache. The suit rippled, spreading the force equally. She hardly noticed the blow. "Try one more time. I dare you." [[Nalen tried the same attack again.]] [[She darted for the door.]] [[She searched the bedroom.]]

Nalen's last few moments of freedom were spent fruitlessly attacking Agate Carre. It wasn't smart. A few blows later, Nalen was tired, and, as predicted, was soon growing warm as a layer of magical latex grew to encase her legs and arms. Agate came close, making Nalen quiver with rage even as the thief rubber he down ,further enclosing her. "My subordinates will be here in hours," said Nalen. Sadly, Nalen only had a few minutes of freedom left, though she didn't yet know it. She wasn't able to parse the info when her legs were stuck to the ground. She wasn't able to do anything with all her collated knoweldge when the latex spread from her hands to her arms, or her boots to her legs. Glued in place, she could only stare at the cracked-ajar door and the setting sun as the rubbery enclosure grew and grew. It was so profoundly *tight*. Nalen hated it. The loss of control was complete. She was standing still - not bound or gagged - but rooted to the floor by this growing sap. "Your clothes will dissolve, as will your desire to resist. The Lady of the manor will be by soon to provide you with a masquerade as well." Nalen turned to spit at her captor. The latex was compressing now, forcing her arms behind her back. She could feel her breasts being forced out, the rubber plants shaping her to straighten her back and raise her chin. [[Nalen would soon meet the mastermind, but couldn't stop any evil plans.|gameover]]

Kicking was *not* a smart move. Especially when the door was encsconced in a protective, organic layer of membraneous, rubbery magical plant-matter. All it did was make sure that Nalen was stuck in an awkward pose when Agate came for her. It was a swift subdual. She was tied tight with rope, then sealed up in the latexy embrace of Agate's powered-up plants. In no time at all, the Warden had become a piece of evidence in a case. She would have to hope that her companions would come to rescue her. Either way, this [[case was over.|gameover]]

Nalen ripped apart the flowers! It was somehow sad, yet satisfying, to destroy something beautiful. They fell apart in a flash. She was afraid that she might prick herself or get the black stuff on her fingers, but her luck held out. When all was done, she looked over at Agate... who was shivering and [[totally nude.]]

She was bound very tightly with strong, black-green vines! It was bizarre. They all seemed to trail to the floral centerpiece! Also of note was the bizarre masquerade covering her eyes. It made Nalen think of the large balls during *Carnivale* in foreign cities. The way that it hid the top half of her face - while hardly hiding her identity at all - was very interesting. It also hid her eyes behind white, transparent glass. The woman seemed to be waking up... and the vines seemed to be moving! [[Nalen hacked at the vines.]] [[Nalen threw off the mask.]]

With her sword in hand, she slashed at the vines. Her saber sliced through the plants with ease. She followed up with the expert choreography that came from years of dueling practice. In a few moments, the flowers, the vines... all the room's magically-enhanced plants were just organic matter. There was also the matter of the woman who had, up until a few moments ago, been tied to the bed by said vines. When they retracted, she got to her feet, shamefully nude. Nalen said nothing as the woman woke up, grabbing a slinky blue dress from the floor. [["And you are?"]]

She snatched the masquerade from her quarry's face. In an instant, it turned to crumbly clay, as if the magic from it left all at once. The thief rose with a start, as if jolted to the waking world from a sleepwalk. "Awake?" asked Nalen. "Did you enjoy your rest?" The thief was surprised. She reached up in the air. For a brief moment, her eyes - finally visible - spoke of gratitude, confusion, as well as a certain amount of respect... before she fell into an enchanted slumber. [[The bomber was hers.|Nalen was victorious against Agate.]]

"Let's try again," said Nalen. "You are?" "I, uh, my name is Agate Carre." "And you are the bomber I've been looking for." Nalen took a moment to grab her sword and point it at her quarry. "N-no, I'm not. I'm - I'm not an assassin or the like." "But you built the bomb." "I... I did, yes. But it's not to hurt anyone. I'm a thief by trade. A safecracker." "Funny," said Nalen, "I've got another thief in the Devil's Gullet right now. She's quite vociferous about getting better treatment. At least, she would be if she weren't kept under lock, key, and gag at all times." Agate didn't respond. "And that mask..." "The masquerade is enslaving my will to another, yes." "And if I were to remove it?" "Then I'd fall into a magical sleep for twenty-four hours." "Oddly specific," said Nalen as she [[ripped the mask from Agate's eyes.]]

"I, uh, my name is Agate Carre." "And you are the bomber I've been looking for." Nalen pointed her sword at her quarry and took a step forward. It was *good* to be in charge. She was already enjoying the thought of having another thief bound and gagged and on her way back to the prison. "N-no, I'm not. I'm - I'm not an assassin or the like." "But you built the bomb." "I... I did, yes. But it's not to hurt anyone. I'm a thief by trade. A safecracker." "Funny," said Nalen, "I've got another thief in the Devil's Gullet right now. She's quite vociferous about getting better treatment. At least, she would be if she weren't kept under lock, key, and gag at all times." Agate didn't respond. "And that mask..." "The masquerade is enslaving my will to another, yes." "And if I were to remove it?" "Then I'd fall into a magical sleep for twenty-four hours." "Oddly specific," said Nalen as she [[ripped the mask from Agate's eyes.]]

Nalen let the villain get closer.... closer... and closer... and then, at the absolute last second, snatched the mask away from Agate's face! In an instant, it turned to crumbly clay, as if the magic from it left all at once. The thief was surprised. She reached up in the air. For a brief moment, her eyes - finally visible - spoke of gratitude, confusion, as well as a certain amount of respect... before she fell into an enchanted slumber. [[Nalen was victorious!|Nalen was victorious against Agate.]]

She tumbled into the small house, and had just the barest of time to take stock of her surroundings as she was pulled into the central room, a kitchenette. There (link:"front froom was a mess.")[were miscellaneous bits of bomb-making gear and blasting powder littering the front room. The concentration was high enough to suggest that there **had been** a bomb herwas a 'front room,' a sitting room and study in one. The tools and powder made it clear that this was the rogue that Nalen had been looking for.] The (link:"rear of the room had a strange sight.")[rear of the room had a strange sight; a huge floral arrangement of pink, red, gold, and blue flowers. It seemed to be the source of all the strange growths, with vines going everywhere stemming from the arrangement and leaking out mysterious, rubbery black ichor everywhere.] The (link:"kitchenette had a few coffee cups scattered around.")[kitchenette had a few coffee cups scattered around, all made of cheap pressed metal. One smelt strongly of anise-spiced rum, a favorite among the local thieves' guild. Another had a magenta smear on the rim, and was filled with lukewarm tea. It had been hastily wiped down. The third was totally untouched. It had been held by someone's gloved hand (as evidenced by the smearing of the grime layeres on the mug) but hadn't been drunk at all. ] Both doors slammed shut at once, controlled by the vines. [[Agate stepped forward.]]

"You see, Miss Okoro - and yes, I do know your name - my controller-" "Your controller?" Nalen interrupted. "I'm afraid to say that I'm a slave to someone else." "The masquerade," said Nalen with a nod. "Indeed. I can talk and walk, but my actions aren't my own. For example, normally I'd be leaving you in this dump, but I've been told to detain and *restrain* anyone who comes here." "Really now?" Nalen fingered her saber. "Indeed. My, ahem, my master was very specific. She wanted anyone who came poking around here taken for questioning." "So I'm on to something," said Nalen. She was [[drawing her sword.]]

"Indeed you are," said Agate Carre. "I'm afraid I might have interpreted her orders too literally. Because here I am, taunting and verbally sparring with you when I should be tying you up with rope and vines so tight that you'll forget you were ever free." Nalen was now wielding her saber with all the panache of a trained duelist. "Oh, you won't be needing that, by the way. My skin is strong as the bark of a mighty tree." She took a moment to stroke the shiny suit that covered her from stem to stern, running her hands down her hips and gently smacking her rear. "But it's a bit more shapely than a druid's barkskin." [["How did you get that, anyway?"]] [["Nice mask."]] [["So, where is your mistress now?"]]

"Oh, my persuader left it for me. I told her that I wanted more money. She disagreed, and gave me a nice gift. And orders to stop anyone who came by. Right now, I'm thinking that I'll strip you nude, bind you with rope, and then if I'm feeling generous, give you a nice suit like mine to make sure you won't wriggle out any of those ropes." "[[How kind of you," said Nalen. She was stalling.]] "[[What about that mask?" Nalen asked. Too many questions was a bad idea, but...|"Nice mask."]] "[[Did she leave that mask with you?"]]

"Thank you," said Agate. She was stepping closer now, trying to corner Nalen in the center of the room. "It's Figenzian-made. They love their *Carenvale* don't they?" "Can I see it?" asked Agate jokingly. "I'm sorry, but one of the stipulations of my *geas* - my ensorcellment - is that I can't take it off." "I think I understand," said Nalen. [[Nalen stepped forward.]]

"Silly. Also, how did you know she was a *she*?" Nalen shrugged. "Context. Guesswork. Pretty sure you said so yourself." "Interesting," said Agate. "Well, I'm afraid I can't tell you where she is right now. She's a very choosey sort. She couldn't stomach my tea, for one. Said something about a fast, or maybe she just has rather refined tastes." "Is she in danger?" asked Nalen. "Something to do with your bomb?" "Oh no," said Agate, stepping forward with one hand on her hip. "My persuader is in no danger at all. She's quite adept at getting out of trouble." `This Agate woman... could she be reasoned with? Nalen wasn't sure. [[Nalen attempted negotiation.]] [[Nalen drew her sword.]]

"You're stalling for time," said Agate. She clenched her rubber-gloved hand into a fist. [[Nalen drew her sword.]]

"Why yes, yes she did. Good call. Indeed, I'm fairly sure that it's what's causing my *geas*, my magical persuasion. Can't take it off, though. Can't let it be taken off, either." "What happens if it's removed?" "I fall into a magical slumber until next sunrise." "So... your persuader wants you alive ,but doesn't want you to be able to talk? Interesting." [[Nalen stepped forward.]]

This Agate woman... could she be reasoned with? Nalen wasn't sure. [[Nalen attempted negotiation.]] [[Nalen drew her sword.]]

"So it's an affray, then! A direct melee. I promise to leave you alive. Alive enough, at least, to speak with my mistress." Nalen squinted her eyes. It looked like Agate was attempting a massive, strong attack. [[Nalen swung with her blade.|Nalen tried the same attack again.]] [[She dodged out of the way.]]

"Agate Carre, you are a thief, guilty of burglary and possibly treason. Your conspiracy is over. You'll come with me to the prison whereupon, in my mercy, I'll allow you to live and explain your case." She put her hand on her hips. "I wouldn't mind that," said Agate. "I'd be out within a few days. Unfortunately, I must decline." Nalen put one hand on her sword, but it was too late! Agate had already grabbed her with a strong, gloved and coated hand. It was sticky and smooth at once, providing a thoroughly firm grip while Nalen's blows slid off her chest and stomach! It was like it as alive, and keeping Nalen from getting any sort of damage from going through. "Unhand me, thief!" Nalen shouted and kicked, but it was no use. She was powerless before this woman and her strange, rubbery armor. She stared at Agate. Her eyes were angry and helpless. Agate's were obscured by that damned mask. "Perhaps my persuader will give you a mask as well," she said. Agate dragged her towards the rear bedroom, grabbed something foul-smelling from a drawer, and shoved it in Nalen's face. In a few moments, the Warden was unconscious. Carre grabbed a thick wad of handkerchief and shoved it between Nalen's lips before cruelly forcing it deeper with silken rope. When she woke up, she'd find out just how good at *negotiating* she really was. [[The answer? Not very good at all.|gameover]]

Agate destroyed an old cabinet with a powerful lunge! She was practically shredding her own shack in trying to subdue Nalen, using brute force and little else. The rubber-clad thief stepped wide, recovering her strength in a defensive stance. [[Nalen went all-out!]] [[Nalen made a subdued attack.]]

Most of the effort was wasted, and Nalen tired herself rapidly. Her magically-enhanced sapskin was impervious to blades, but the blunt force did send her backwards a bit. Carre positioned herself for another huge attack. Her muscles, visible through the incredibly tight shining skin, told Nalen that she was preparing for a massive lunge. [[Nalen attemped a defensive attack.]] [[Nalen positioned herself next to the table, ready to dodge.]]

It was highly successful. Agate's sap-skin was too thick to be penetrade with a blade, but it sent her backwards, tumbling and smashing the sink. "You'll pay for that!" she shouted. Carre positioned herself for another huge attack. Her muscles, visible through the incredibly tight shining skin, told Nalen that she was preparing for a massive lunge. [[Nalen attemped a defensive attack.]] [[Nalen positioned herself next to the table, ready to dodge.]]

It wasn't very effective. Already tired, the Warden found herself slammed against a wall. She narrowly dodged another blow. Agate was preparing to move closer and make some weak jabs to Nalen. Things were turning against her. She could attempt to [[run for it|]], or she could perhaps go for a [[desperate gambit.]]

The centerpiece and table alike exploded into a shower of wood, plant matter, and petals as the armored thief charged! She had the briefest moment of surprise before she fell to the ground, nude save the mask and totally helpless! "Tsk tsk," said Nalen. "That arrangement was a gift from your controller as well, eh? And the magical sap-skin suit that went with it? Tsk tsk. Looks like you're out of options." She got to her feet, ready to attack again, but Nalen leveled her sword. "We're going to have a nice [[discussion]], Miss Carre.

The doors, Nalen realized, were all shut and sealed up with the waxy enclosure created by these strange plants. She gave the door a running kick! Kicking was *not* a smart move. Especially when the door was encsconced in a protective, organic layer of membraneous, rubbery magical plant-matter. All it did was make sure that Nalen was stuck in an awkward pose when Agate came for her. It was a swift subdual. She was tied tight with rope, then sealed up in the latexy embrace of Agate's powered-up plants. In no time at all, the Warden had become a piece of evidence in a case. She would have to hope that her companions would come to rescue her. Either way, this [[case was over.|gameover]]

"I'm afraid that I still can't tell you a thing," she said. "My mistress prevents it." "Well," said Nalen, "at least I can confirm that it's a woman controlling you. Judging by all the strangeness, I'd also guess that she's a human, someone with money and a soft spot for thieves. Someone with political connections - maybe an eye on a throne or noble title? At least someone who plans to stick around and might need your services in the future in case nobody came here." "I can't say," said Agate. "No, but **I** can. And I'm making connections here. I think I have an idea of who I'm looking for." Nalen had a malevolent grin. "But you? I don't think I need you awake any longer." [[Nalen subdued the sap-sealed thief.]]

With the plants gone and the exits secured, the victorious heroine had a team of guards meet her to examine the hideout. She confirmed that Agate was alive, but unconsious. Some sort of magical slumber was the culprit. Though interrogation was off the table, she had time to poke around Agate Carre's hideout. She felt that there was more to this case than just the bomber. There (link:"front froom was a mess.")[were miscellaneous bits of bomb-making gear and blasting powder littering the front room. The concentration was high enough to suggest that there **had been** a bomb herwas a 'front room,' a sitting room and study in one. The tools and powder made it clear that this was the rogue that Nalen had been looking for.] The (link:"kitchenette had a few coffee cups scattered around.")[kitchenette had a few coffee cups scattered around, all made of cheap pressed metal. One smelt strongly of anise-spiced rum, a favorite among the local thieves' guild. Presumably, it was Agate's. Another had a magenta smear on the rim, and was filled with lukewarm tea. It had been hastily wiped down. The third was totally untouched. It had been held by someone's gloved hand (as evidenced by the smearing of the grime layeres on the mug) but hadn't been drunk at all. ] A (link:"pouch of money sat on the table.")[pouch of money stamped with all the royal markings of a Figenzian noble house sat on the table. They were all so complicated; the foreigners had all these bizarre rituals in their canals and festivals that you could never tell which house was which. Half the time they were trading partners... or stabbing each other in the back.] The bomber was subdued, but the [[mastermind was still out there.|bomber was still out there.]]

It seemed that there was to be a meeting with some higher-up ministers to discuss the investigation. Another time-wasting excursion she could scarcely afford. There was one more matter that was totally within the Warden's purview. How to properly bind Agate? She could give follow the [[mage protocol]], which meant plenty of bindings and an extra-special gag to make sure she couldn't summon anything nasty. Or, she could be escorted away with the [[larcenist's delight]] which would ensure she wouldn't get handsy while being escorted away.

With her foe subdued, the victorious heroine had a team of guards meet her to examine the hideout. She confirmed that Agate was alive, but unconsious. Some sort of magical slumber was the culprit. Though interrogation was off the table, she had time to poke around Agate Carre's hideout. She felt that there was more to this case than just the bomber. There (link:"front froom was a mess.")[were miscellaneous bits of bomb-making gear and blasting powder littering the front room. The concentration was high enough to suggest that there **had been** a bomb herwas a 'front room,' a sitting room and study in one. The tools and powder made it clear that this was the rogue that Nalen had been looking for.] The (link:"kitchenette had a few coffee cups scattered around.")[kitchenette had a few coffee cups scattered around, all made of cheap pressed metal. One smelt strongly of anise-spiced rum, a favorite among the local thieves' guild. Presumably, it was Agate's. Another had a magenta smear on the rim, and was filled with lukewarm tea. It had been hastily wiped down. The third was totally untouched. It had been held by someone's gloved hand (as evidenced by the smearing of the grime layeres on the mug) but hadn't been drunk at all. ] A (link:"pouch of money sat on the table.")[pouch of money stamped with all the royal markings of a Figenzian noble house sat on the table. They were all so complicated; the foreigners had all these bizarre rituals in their canals and festivals that you could never tell which house was which. Half the time they were trading partners... or stabbing each other in the back.] The bomber was subdued, but the [[mastermind was still out there.|bomber was still out there.]]

The fate of mages was to be decided in a court. But to get there? The methods were decided by Nalen. She did the binding herself. It made her feel warm with pride at a job well-done. She wiped the sweat from her brow as she stared at Agate's beautifully, bodaciously bound body. The most obvious feature was the multiple layers of gags that the thief now enjoyed. She was treated to a massive, wide ball-gag with two visible gold rings to break it up. A tiny bead of drool dripped from Agate's lips as the Warden buckled it behind her head, below her ears. Second came a wide layer of tape. The sticky substance started at one cheek and covered her lips. Agate mumbled something in her dreamy state. Not to be deterred - and making absolutely certain that the thief couldn't talk her way out of this - Nalen went all-out. That meant eagerly wrapping the tape over and over and over Agate's bound lips. It was quite nice to see the gag disappear and the tops of her cheeks bulging out over the shiny bands. Just the barest hint of her chin was visible, and the way that it forced her head slightly back really did make her look splendidly stuffed. A pair of leather mittens made certain that mages wouldn't be able to cast spells... and in this case, it meant that Agate Carre wouldn't be using any thieve's tools when she woke. Her hands were strapped into balls and then covered with rough leather mitts. A pair of straps were wound around each one individually and locked in place. Each of the two mitts were kept in place by an appreciably larger pair of archery bracers, though they hosted D-rings over the wrist-guard. The purpose was to attach short lengths of iron bars that went from their wrists to a girdle around the mage's waist. She'd have to keep her arms about one foot from her waist at all times! Enough to move the occasional thing around in her cell, or open a door, but never enough to pick a lock or thumb through a spellbook. She wouldn't be doing any of that for a good long while. charms. Possibly never again - if the courts had their way, Agate might be sent to a prison for a very, very long time. Perhaps even the *Devil's Gullet.* As the sleeping Agate was shipped off, Nalen instructed that she be woken as soon as possible, but not unbound in any way. With the bomber in custody, it was time to [[check in.|report-in]]

Thieves! They were the absolute worst. Not the least of which was the likes of... dare she say it... **Octavia**, Nalen's arch-rival. Thieves were a scourage upon her fair city and the empire to which she owed her loyalty and livelihood. They claimed a victimless crime, but Nalen knew better. She also knew better than to tolerate at thief. There was no chance of escape with the magic of the "Larcenist's Delight." A single massive metal cylinder with three locks was brought in from a carriage. The unconscious Agate Carre experienced it without so much as a whimper of resistance. That meant have her arms folded in front of her and having the whole thing locked on at once. Her neck popped through the hole in the top, and her waist was visible below the cylinder, but beyond that, her arms and torse were shrouded in metal and mystery. It was *singularly* humiliating. She looked ridiculous. Once she woke, she'd be helpless. Running would be without balance - though she'd still be able to walk, be it to a prison or a courtroom. A fat panel-gag covered her face, complete with a metal strip on the outside to weigh down her pretty little head and tell everyone that she was indeed a thief. The real beauty in the cylinder was its enchantment. She wouldn't need to worry about silly things like sustenance when encased in a mechanikal wonder like this. It really was a bit of a mystery how it worked, but it seemed that it inflated and filled with foam, keeping the victim totally encased. Nalen could imagine it and grinned. Agate would soon wake up and whirl around her cell, wiggling and jamming her totally-encased torso against the walls. She'd be helpless as a newborn hare, squirmy as a rabbit, and as perfectly bound and gagged as she could be! With her body totally encased, she'd lose sense of self - and if kept long enough, hopefully her thieving skills would get rusty. The bomber was in custody, but the story was definitely not finished. Agate needed to [[check in|report-in]] with the authorities.

Miranda owned a local store that specialized in various sundries, especially magical goods. She was a copycat summoner and could fabricate fetches and copies of things she’d seen. It made her sandwiches appealing for those who wanted to lose weight, since they’d disappear a few minutes after being eaten! She also had a thing for metalworking - she was said to always wear shining steel bracelets. A few scandalous rumors indicated that she was something of the *sexual deviant*, with a propensity for enforced chastity and self-bondage. [[Nalen paid Miranda a visit.]]

There was mention of a very strange woman who’d been seen running earlier in the day. She had bright purple hair and thin eyes like a reptile’s. *Very unusual indeed*, thought Nalen. She’d never been seen in the neighborhood before, and had the curious choice of wearing a long brown traveling cloak that hid much of her face. All sorts of strangeness. [[Nalen paid Miranda a visit.]]

Miranda’s sundry store smelt of incense. It was a pleasant place. Nalen preferred the urbane sophistication of a townhouse in the capital’s elite districts, but this place was downright *cozy*. The hearth was a dark iron fireplace with a long vent that went into the walls. Attractive paintings and sketches adorned the shop, and goods of both magical and mundane qualities sat behind the counter - a counter which was [[strangely empty.]]

There was nobody here, though the fireplace was still burning. Perhaps Miranda hadn’t heard Nalen enter? There was an old chime on the counter next to a pile of bent bobby pins. [[“Miranda, if you value your livelihood, you'll get here now.” Nalen rudely called out the absent owner out by name.|shop-rude-namecall]] [[Nalen gently tapped the chime.|shop-polite]] [[Nalen knocked on the wooden counter twice, hard as she could.|shop-forceful-knock]]

Miranda took her downstairs, explaining that her source was very close. Nalen was feeling particularly good about herself. She had, after all, just cracked the case wide open. At this rate she'd have the bomber and whoever funded them under lock and key by the end of the night, and have the lauding love of both the city of Alysa and of the Serpella family. Therefore, when Miranda opened the door to a side-room, revelaling none other than **Miranda** sitting inside - bound and gagged in a straitjacket and lashed to the wall - she was startled. Coming down from such a 'high horse' hurt. So did the sudden block to the back of her head. Nalen fell to the ground just as the fake Miranda's disguise dissipated. She saw a shock of red hair before [[falling into a dreamless haze.]]

Nalen crossed her arms. Miranda took a step back as the Warden played her gambit. [[“You’re being held against your will. I’m here to help.”]] [["Where is the *real* Miranda?|getitright]] [[“You’re just an illusion. You’ll dissipate any second, and I’ll get to the bottom of this.”]] [[“You’re under arrest.” Nalen drew her sword.]]

"You're right," said Miranda. She looked really rather relieved! "Come downstairs. I'm... I'm being watched up here. We can talk in private." [[*Marvelous,* thought Nalen. This case would be over and done with before it had begun.|trickedbyoctavia]]

"She's safe and sound. You'll be joining her soon," said 'Miranda.' Nalen recognized that voice. It was **her**. The illusion magic faded the moment that **Octavia Bloom** stopped concentrating. Nalen was knocked a few feet back as the magical illusion faded, revealing Octavia in all her larcenous glory. She was an attractive woman; a thief in dark blues and with incredible scarlet hair that went down to her waist. A pair of brown leather boots and a weapon at her waist told Nalen that yes, this was indeed **her**. The woman who had ruined her perfect record. The insufferable thief who was a plague on the empire and city of Alysa. [[Nalen and Octavia faced off.|AttackOctavia]] <blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="CUDo4g2"><a href="//imgur.com/CUDo4g2">View post on imgur.com</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Nalen stuck out her hand to wave through the illusion. She was surprised when the shopkeeper instead grabbed her wrist, twisted it painfully, and unleashed a blow to Nalen's temple that instantly [[knocked her unconscious.|falling into a dreamless haze.]] She didn't even have time to see the magical disguise falling away.

"Please!" shouted Miranda, her hands in the air. "I'm innocent! But I know the bomber - Agate Carre is her name. She's downstairs right now! [["Show me," said Nalen.|trickedbyoctavia]] [[Nalen grabbed Miranda by the hair.]]

She changed her mind at the last minute. That sort of abrupt shift in opinion was detrimental as well as dangerous, as Nalen soon found out. Staking out the place wasted a valuable hour of time. Though ironically, Nalen would soon have all the time in the world. Staring at the seemingly empty house was boring, and Nalen - exhausted from the day's activity - nearly dozed off. She was woken by the preternaturally fast footfalls as a woman burst from the house, leapt into the air, and blinked next to her! A web of darkness shot from the thief's hand, and Nalen fell asleep. She woke up restrained, and she would wake up that way forever.... [[bomberhouse-captured]]

"Let me read the charges." Nalen's senses returned to her one at a time. The first was touch, followed shortly by balance. Hearing returned shortly thereafter, with a ringing in her ears becoming the infuriating, awful, and incessant voice of **Octavia Bloom,** Nalen Kara's mercenary archenemy! "Resising detention, for one. Second, conspiracy to kidnap. Third, attempted interruption of another's freedom..." Sight did not return. Her sense of smell wasn't there either. "...and finally, the capital crime of attempting to imprison someone as pretty as **me**. Face it, Warden - you never really had a chance." "Mmmnfnfh!" Warden Nalen Kara had been stripped to her underwear. She sweated in the stifling, stuffy heat of the padded basement. Practically nude and perfectly vulnerable, she struggled against her bonds and blindness. "I thought about slipping you something in a drink, and saying it was a potion. People who take drinks from strangers are foolish. But no, I think a quick blow with an enchanted blackjack worked just as well. Though it's got less poetic justice." [[Nalen groaned into her fat gag.]]

"Something wrong, Warden? Oh, the gag. Well, you'll forgive me, I think. I stuffed a handkerchief in your mouth before the ball-gag, so your jaw might be rather packed." Nalen, unable to see or respond, simply stewed. Octavia Bloom would **pay** for this! The Warden had experienced a thorough reversal of fortune. She lay on the ground in a fetal position. Her arms were tied tightly behind her back, her hand taped up into balls in what felt like unbreakable, sticky tape. She couldn't see or smell, and could barely hear. The gag was simply *massive*. The heat of the situation and her growing anger made her pant (or at least, try to!) while she wriggled against the heavy metal irons locking her feet together. Octavia Bloom! A name so despicable to the warden that in private she’d scribble it onto a piece of paper simply so she could rip it apart as though she were squeezing the life from this despicable thief. Alas, she was too tightly bound to even mimic the motion. Nalen lay on the ground in a fetal position. Her arms were tied tightly behind her back, her hand taped up into balls in what felt like unbreakable, sticky tape. She couldn't see or smell, and could barely hear. The gag was simply *massive*. The heat of the situation and her growing anger made her pant (or at least, try to!) while she wriggled against the heavy metal irons locking her feet together. <span style="font-size: 150%">"Mmnnnnggh!"</span> "I also took the liberty of taping it all shut. I didn't want you calling for help of any sort. I figured I'd maximize it since you've got a very loud, haughty voice, so you're enjoying the benefits of one of Miranda's sustaining noseplugs. Technically you're supposed to swallow them and you don't need to eat or breathe, but I though the *sensation* of having all your holes packed would be more fun." Nalen huffed. She could hardly exhale. It was torture! She wished she could lunge, bite, or give this Octavia a piece of her mind. "I'm not terribly heartless. Someone will be down here eventually. I just had to tie up a loose end - literally." Octavia laughed. It was cold, professional; not the haughty laugh of a supervillain but the joy of a job well done and a foe defeated. "I don't really feel like hauling off Miranda. She's in a bit of a pickle already. So I think I'll just leave you two here. What do you say, Nalen? Will you be good? Will you admit defeat to the great and gorgeous Octavia Bloom?" [[She stayed silent and submissive.]] [[She shook her bonds in anger!]]

"Aw, that's a shame," said Octavia. "I was almost hoping to hear you talk about what you're going to do to me when you're free." Octavia leaned in close. If she wasn't so heavily gagged, Nalen could've smelled her. Bloom removed the leather hood, giving the Warden a chance to see her captor. Octavia was attractive in a way that Nalen automatically suspicious. A tight blue outfit and incredibly bright red hair meant that she always stood out in a crowd... and that whenever she escaped, Nalen found herself cursing that her nemesis was once again free. She planted a kiss on her fingers, rubbing them on Nalen's bare forehead. "See you later. Someone will find you two eventually." [[Nalen shook as Bloom left.]]

"*Mnnnnfh! MMMMMMMMNGH!* "That's what I thought." Bloom removed the hood for a brief moment, giving Nalen the chance to see her face. Octavia was attractive in a way that Nalen automatically suspicious. A tight blue outfit and incredibly bright red hair meant that she always stood out in a crowd... and that whenever she escaped, Nalen found herself cursing that her nemesis was once again out of her grasp. "You're not going to be a good prisoner, are you, Nalen?" *Bitch*, thought the Warden. She tried to say it, but only managed to moan into the layers gagging her. The sensations compressing her lips and mouth were fit for a peasant or a horse, not Nalen Kara! "Really. This isn't quite as bad as you think. The rich are going to get richer, the poor are going to get poorer. That's life. People aren't going to get hurt, unless you keep this up. But you probably don't much care about that, do you? You just carea bout getting *this*..." Octavia spanked her rear in a show of arrogance! "...into some prison uniform, huh? Well, that's life. You've been sporting and squirmy, so I guess I'll just leave you two here. Someone will be along shortly to rescue you. Eventually, I guess. Ta-ta, Nalen." [[Nalen shook as Bloom left.]]

Octavia laughed and threw a key into the room, then slammed the door behind her. There were several long seconds of clicks and gears, indicating that the door was quiet thorouhgly locked. Nalen spent a few more moments huffing, wriggling on the ground and feeling sorry for herself before she was able to realize that someone else was in the room. She matched the description of Miranda exactly... though of course, nobody had mentioned that she'd be chained to the wall! The Warden wriggled across the floor like a worm - humiliated but far from beaten. Miranda was nearly nude save the wide metal chastity belt and metal collar, which turned to a wide posture collar and gag, and even a padded blindfold - all locked on with steel chains and locks! The poor girl couldn't speak, communicate, or do much else than grunt. The belt itself hummed with power; it was covered in smooth gemstones that glowed yellow. Nalen was able to reach the key, and with great work, even unlocked the shackles that bound her wrists and ankles. Perhaps Octavia was being sporting. Then again, she'd lost several *valuable* hours of time wriggling on the ground, grunting, and trying to maneuver the key with her mittened hands. It was an exercise in frustration. Her desire to crack this case and go after Bloom had magnified tenfold. She had no time to writhe on the floor, squishing her breasts and straining against shackles. She was having trouble with the gag, but that'd be fixed in due time. [[Nalen looked at the door.]]

It seemed to be covered in magical runes. She'd need Miranda's help to get it unlocked. Elijah, Noemi, or the watch wouldn't know where she was. She needed to escape! Miranda's many bonds had no key, though there was a strange gemstone-like fob on the ground next to her. Twisting it turned the color, and the moment she picked it up the 'key' displayed silent but moving images on the wall. While startled at first, such sorcery was old hat to the Warden. It was a ghostly image of Miranda in the same gear - some kind of instructional information on how to operate the belt and 'key'. The first scene was Miranda walking. The gems in the chastity device glowed yellow, slowly pulsating and growing brigihter. The second showed the gems glowing green. Miranda cast spells with ease. The third was blue. Miranda frowned and removed the belt. The fourth was red. Miranda looked overjoyed. She wiggled with delight in the instructional image, while the gems grew more powerful. The fifth was purple. Miranda gloated about as the belt slowly discharged. Nalen set the key to... [[Yellow]] [[Green]] [[Blue]] [[Red]] [[Purple]]

No change. The gem continued to glow a vibrant yellow. Nalen set the key to... [[Green]] [[Blue]] [[Red]] [[Purple]]

The belt turned green. Nalen was frustrated when she realized that it was still very much locked. The "key" gem in her hands went dark. Another hour passed. Finally, Miranda built up enough power to cast a spell of her own volition. Nalen stepped backwards, feeling the hair on the back of her neck prick up as Miranda magically unlocked her bonds. "Whew," she said. "Miss Miranda," said Nalen, "Are you well?" "Quite well," said the illustionist. "Though I don't know what you're doing here. I was merely enjoying myself and-" "Miss Miranda, your deviant, self-aggrandizing behavior has jeapordized my investigation. Not to mention your *inane* and overcomplicated little puzzle here. I hope you enjoyed denying yourself pleasure, because you'll be reporting to Alysa Prison tomorrow morning for a punitive term pending a full report of your collaboration with the thief Octavia Bloom." Miranda looke surprised. "But... but! All I did was enjoy myself while the shop was closed. It's not my fault if someone came in and - did you get tied up?" Nalen sighed. She dropped the subject as Miranda opened the door. [[Octavia was long gone.]]

Aha! The belt slipped off. Miranda looked surprise. "I'm - I'm sorry!" she said, trying to cover her sudden, embaressed nudity. "You **will** be," said Nalen, though she wasn't entirely certain why yet. "I - I was just, um..." "I'd say you were *enjoying yourself,* said Nalen, *but that doesn't seem to be the case. Did you enjoy your little deviant escapade?" Miranda cocked a half-smile. "A bit." "Well, perhaps you'll get the chance to enjoy it again. Get me **out** of this room right now. Perhaps I can still catch Octavia." "Who?" "You mean to say that you've just been down here, ensconced in your own little world?" "Well... yes, I suppose. After Agate Carre came by, I decided to close early." "Who's that now?" asked Nalen. "Agate, um... she's a clock-maker, I think. Always wears gloves. Covered in dust of some sort. Looked out of breath. Thief or politician - they blend together." Nalen raised an eyebrow. Miranda began unlocking the door to let them both out of her little self-imposed dungeon. "An expert in blasting powder, or anything of the sort?" Miranda nodded. The door swung open. "Why yes. Agate Carre is a regular. Came here earlier to grab some sundry goods, including clockwork bits. Said she was working on something to make a bang. Why?" "Stay here, for your own safety... and mine." [[Nalen was already upstairs.]]

The belt turned red. Nalen was frustrated when she realized that it was still very much locked. Miranda began to squirm, occasionally mewling into her gag. Eventually the gems rand down and the belt unlocked of its own accord. With it came the rest of her restraints. "Whew," she said. "Miss Miranda," said Nalen, "Are you well?" "Quite well," said the illustionist. "Though I don't know what you're doing here. I was merely enjoying myself and-" "Miss Miranda, your deviant, self-aggrandizing behavior has jeapordized my investigation. Not to mention your *inane* and overcomplicated little puzzle here. I hope you enjoyed denying yourself pleasure, because you'll be reporting to Alysa Prison tomorrow morning for a punitive term pending a full report of your collaboration with the thief Octavia Bloom." Miranda looke surprised. "But... but! All I did was enjoy myself while the shop was closed. It's not my fault if someone came in and - did you get tied up?" Nalen sighed. She dropped the subject as Miranda opened the door. [[Octavia was long gone.]]

The belt turned purple. Nalen was frustrated when she realized that it was still very much locked. Miranda began to squirm, occasionally mewling into her gag. Eventually the gems rand down and the belt unlocked of its own accord. With it came the rest of her restraints. "Whew," she said. "Miss Miranda," said Nalen, "Are you well?" "Quite well," said the illustionist. "Though I don't know what you're doing here. I was merely enjoying myself and-" "Miss Miranda, your deviant, self-aggrandizing behavior has jeapordized my investigation. Not to mention your *inane* and overcomplicated little puzzle here. I hope you enjoyed denying yourself pleasure, because you'll be reporting to Alysa Prison tomorrow morning for a punitive term pending a full report of your collaboration with the thief Octavia Bloom." Miranda looke surprised. "But... but! All I did was enjoy myself while the shop was closed. It's not my fault if someone came in and - did you get tied up?" Nalen sighed. She dropped the subject as Miranda opened the door. [[Octavia was long gone.]]

Nalen cursed her name once, twice, three times! Bloom had escaped... again! After humiliating her , wasting her time, and worse! "I truly am sorry, Miss Kara," said Miranda. "I... I was just enjoying my devices for a bit, and... and I suppose that this Octavia-" "*Don't* say her name," interrupted Nalen. "Erm, this... this thief you mentioned must have snuck into my store while I was out of commission. I had a few differnet illusion potions ready, so she probably pretended to be me." "I'd guess," said Nalen, "that she was sent to capture anyone snooping around. You're a witness now." "I suppose," said Miranda casually. "She could have kidnapped me or spirited me away or done something far worse. Yet she didn't. Instead she was just waiting around. I wonder why?" Nalen stroked her chin. "I think that our villain just wanted you out of the picture for a few hours. So she sends Octavia to capture anyone who comes poking, and also to make sure you don't get out. It was just luck that you were already tied." "I don't know why there's all this trouble! I only had one customer the whole day - Agate. Lovely girl. Brown hair, tall, came by to pick up a bunch of parts for a clock or something. Said she was working with blasting powder and they needed to be non-reactive. All very specific stuff." (set: $octavia to 'gone') The sun was starting to set. She'd need to hurry now. She whistled for a carriage. This was all behind her now. She had a [[bomber to catch.|bomberhouse]]

Octavia was listlessly poking through the shop's sundry goods. She had helped herself to a few enchanted caramels and had begun working on cracking Miranda's safe when Nalen arrived upstairs. "You're free," she said with a half-grin. "That I am," said Nalen. "And **you're** still here." She spied her saber carelessly left on the counter and grabbed it. Octavia seemed surprised, but not surprised enough to fall victim to an obvious strike.(set: $miranda to 'found') [[In a flash, she drew her weapon and adopted a fighting stance!|AttackOctavia]]

Octavia drew her dagger and held it in a unique fighting stance, with the point outward and towards Nalen and her arm behind her back. It was a defensive pose. Nalen... [[struck hard!]] [[blocked as well.]] [[made a probing attack!]]

Octavia parried most of the blow. Nalen felt a bead of sweat roll down her forehead, dripping onto her coat. She unbuttoned it and panted. Bloom had been forced back, but only barely. The scarlet-haired thief made a massive lunge at Nalen! Nalen... [[...blocked Octavia's heavy blow.]] [[...made a very dainty parry.]] [[...charged as well!]]

The two combatants stared at each other. "So. I hear there've been more escapes since I made it out," said Octavia. "Lies and slander!" shouted Nalen. The scarlet-haired thief made a massive lunge at Nalen as she spoke! [[...blocked Octavia's heavy blow.]] [[...made a very dainty parry.]] [[...charged as well!]]

It was extremely effective! Octavia was knocked backwards, hitting a shelf filled with powders and dusts. She was disoriented and coughed as reagents hit the floor. The scarlet-haired thief made a massive lunge at Nalen, waving dusty particulates away from her face! [[...blocked Octavia's heavy blow.]] [[...made a very dainty parry.]] [[...charged as well!]]

Bloom's dagger was light but she had momentum. Although Octavia had less reach, the Warden had to use all her skills to try and avoid the blow - made more difficult with the intense speed with which Octavia struck. There was a cut to the puffy shoulder of her red coat. Octavia Bloom was panting. She spluttered and spit, dodging behind a long rack of scrolls. "You took away my favorite stiletto," said Bloom. "I had to get a new one. Enchanted to do non-lethal damage only. Or at least, mostly." Octavia changed her stance. Nalen recognized it - the last time Bloom was in her grasp, she was bound, gagged, and forced to hobble along in chains and rope. This positioning meant she was preparing for a light feint. Nalen... [[...braced herself for the attack.]] [[...charged with a blow that could part stone!]] [[...prepared a parrying attack.]]

Bloom's dagger was light but she had momentum. Nalen's attempt to parry the blow was a good showing but was mostly knocked aside by the thief's careful charge. A long slit threw buttons into the air before the clattered on the floor. Her coat had been sliced, though Nalen was unharmed. Buttons clattered to the floor. (set: $coat to 'damaged') "You took away my favorite stiletto," said Bloom. "I had to get a new one. Enchanted to do non-lethal damage only. Or at least, mostly." She grinned and rolled behind a long rack of magical scrolls. "And you've taken the buttons off my favorite coat! Perhaps you'd prefer a straitjacket!?" shouted the Warden. Octavia changed her stance. Nalen recognized it - the last time Bloom was in her grasp, she was bound, gagged, and forced to hobble along in chains and rope. This positioning meant she was preparing for a light feint. Nalen... [[...braced herself for the attack.]] [[...charged with a blow that could part stone!]] [[...prepared a parrying attack.]]

Octavia had the advantage, having charged first. Nalen was stabbed in the chest! ...or was she? She looked down as Octavia kicked her off the dagger. She was woozy, but no blood was drawn. However, her coat, shirt, and underwear were all cut down the middle! She blushed, flustered and trying to cover up the generous bust now spilling out of her tattered shirt. (set: $coat to 'cut') "You took away my favorite stiletto," said Bloom. "I had to get a new one. Enchanted to do non-lethal damage only. Or at least, mostly. Maybe I'll take your sword when we're done." The thief cackled, running a finger through her red hair. She tumbled behind a long rack of magical scrolls. "And you've all but destroyed my favorite coat! Perhaps you'd prefer a straitjacket!?" shouted the Warden. Octavia changed her stance. Nalen recognized it - the last time Bloom was in her grasp, she was bound, gagged, and forced to hobble along in chains and rope. This positioning meant she was preparing for a light feint. Nalen... [[...braced herself for the attack.]] [[...charged with a blow that could part stone!]] [[...prepared a parrying attack.]]

Nalen found herself far more stressed than she anticipated. The effort of preparing oneself for a blow was almost anticlimactic when Octavia merely probed her, tearing Nalen's sleeve with her dagger. "So, what do you do to me if you win? A hanging? Lock me up and throw away the key?" Bloom chuckled. Nalen faced her down in a corridor of potions and summoning spellbooks on racks. Bloom was tired and persipiring. Nalen was starting to enjoy the workout. The thief reared back. She was delaying now, ready to dilute and deflect attacks. [["You can't even imagine." Nalen expended all her effort on one massive blow.]] [["I'll follow the law. That means you in chains." She made a careful, seeking cut.]]

Bloom barely put her dagger up in time. Nalen sent Octavia spinning! She nearly dropped her dagger, and she clutched her wrist. It was either sore or possibly sprained from the sheer power of the slash. Her grin was tempered by stress and strain... but it was still a grin. "So, what do you do to me if you win? A hanging? Lock me up and throw away the key?" Bloom chuckled. Nalen faced her down in a corridor of potions and summoning spellbooks on racks. Bloom was tired and persipiring. Nalen was starting to enjoy the workout. The thief reared back. She was delaying now, ready to dilute and deflect attacks. [["You can't even imagine." Nalen expended all her effort on one massive blow.]] [["I'll follow the law. That means you in chains." She made a careful, seeking cut.]]

Swords met. Nalen had reach. Bloom had speed. (if: $coat is 'cut')[The Warden was also trying to hold on to her dignity. A bit more difficult as her breasts peeked from her damaged shirt...] Reach beat speed, but only barely. A few strands of Octavia's hair flew into the air. She panicked, and her eyes darted to the left. She dodged back, now off-balance. "So, what do you do to me if you win? A hanging? Lock me up and throw away the key?" Bloom chuckled. Nalen faced her down in a corridor of potions and summoning spellbooks on racks. Bloom was tired and persipiring. Nalen was starting to enjoy the workout. The thief reared back. She was delaying now, ready to dilute and deflect attacks. [["You can't even imagine." Nalen expended all her effort on one massive blow.]] [["I'll follow the law. That means you in chains." She made a careful, seeking cut.]]

By the time Nalen reached speed, she realized her mistake. She didn't have time to change direction or alter her stance when she saw Octavia reach down and throw a jar of powder into her face! *No!* she thought. Already her muscles were relaxing. She dropped her saber. Octavia kicked it away. The Warden felt woozy, weak, and practically fell into Octavia's arms. This was strong-acting stuff. (if: $coat is 'cut')[The thief laughed, casually teasing Nalen's now-exposed form.] [[Nalen's body went limp. Her last act was to curse Octavia's name.]] (if: $miranda is 'found')[...unless [[Nalen was saved at the last moment by the timely intervention of Miranda!]]]

One, two, and three blows to Bloom sent her spiraling and sprawling. She'd nicked her quarry a few times, and more importantly disarmed her. She clutched her wrist. Octavia's dagger fell to the floor, and Nalen swiftly [[kicked it aside.]]

Nalen's hand phased through hair that definitely wasn't there. Instantly her hand went to her saber. The glamer faded the moment that Nalen fingered her sword. That was the moment that **Octavia Bloom** stopped concentrating. Nalen was knocked a few feet back as the magical illusion faded, revealing Octavia in all her larcenous glory. She was an attractive woman; a thief in dark blues and with incredible scarlet hair that went down to her waist. A pair of brown leather boots and a weapon at her waist told Nalen that yes, this was indeed **her**. The woman who had ruined her perfect record. The insufferable thief who was a plague on the empire and city of Alysa. [[Nalen and Octavia faced off.|AttackOctavia]]

Octavia was just about to savor her acquisition when what must have been a *hundred* tiny pellets rolled into the room. "One of them is an alchemical bomb," said Miranda. The mage stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame. "The rest are all illusions." Bloom jumped to her feet, dropping Nalen and trying to search for the right one. A few seconds later, she realized her folly and began to sprint for the exit - slipping on one of them and falling to the floor. Miranda approached her, magic rod in hand. "Or they're all marbles and you slip on them. Either way." There was a small detonation and the room filled with gas. Nalen, already half-awake from the powder attack, still felt a certain amount of glee. At least Octavia wasn't getting out of this. "Or maybe one of them is a knockout bomb. Oops." [[Nalen woke up under better circumstances.]] Suddenly, Miranda stood in the doorway. Clothed in a purple robe and with her hand on a magical rod, she leveled it at

"I'm not going to put you to sleep this time. I want you to feel everything. *Everything.*" She wasn't joking. Octavia laid Nalen on the floor. She stripped her clothing with the practiced precision of a pickpocket. (if: $coat is 'cut')[She saved particular scorn for the evidence of her blow.] (if: $coat is 'damaged')["Your coat is fixable. Maybe I'll wear it. Will I be the warden then?] "I'm not just going to tie you up, Nalen. I'm going to make you disappear. I can see the headlines in the handbills now - evil Warden gone for good! Maybe when you show up at your destination they'll find a good use for you. Live-in slave, maid, or pony, perhaps." The thief slapped the limp Nalen across the breasts. She had lost control of her limbs, but she *felt* every touch. She screamed internally, barely able to blink as intense sensations shot up her spine! Octavia's bindings were thick and bordered on the cruel. Nalen, totally nude, now enjoyed the precise touch of Octavia bloom's ropes. She had an endless supply, beginning with a long wrap that practically corseted her waist and lower torso! She bound Nalen's legs together at no less than seven places - obsessive even by her standards! Three times around her thighs, once just below the knee, once around her calves, and one more thick layering of rope around her ankles. The loops grew tighter as Nalen's body lay numb and weak. With her legs bound, Bloom gleefully brought the Warden's arms behind her. She laced her fingers together before wrapping them with sticky tape and sealing it with some of the store's magical wax. Just for fun, she also brought a few coils of rope tight around Nalen's generous breasts. "Any last words?" *Mnnf.* "Very poetic," said Octavia. Nalen felt a rubbery ball entering her mouth, and then the leather kiss of a wide panel-gag. Canvas and straps covered the lower half of her face. By the time her physical faculties were returning, Bloom was long gone. She had taken out Miranda and stuffed the unconscious magician into a magically-enchanted stasis safe in the backroom... alongside the thoroughly bound and gagged Nalen! The Warden could *swear* she heard [[Ocativa's victorious laughter.|gameover]]

Miranda had Octavia helpless and soon revived Nalen. (if: $coat is 'cut' or 'damaged')[The oche-haired mage was also generous enough to spend some time magically *mending* Nalen's coat back to pristine quality.] (else:)["You fought quite well," said Miranda. "The last attack was rather underhanded. You should've won." "I know," said Nalen. "Now, as for you, Octavia... I've been thinking." She held her down and taunted the thief with a haughty tone.] "Some prisoners disappear," said Nalen. "They get lost in the shuffle and end up without a name or number. Isolated and kept alive - and sometimes, eternally young - by magic. There are walled-off rooms in Alysa Prison, Octavia, and I swear I sometimes hear whimpering and begging coming from them. Maybe you'll get to see some remodeling first-hand - chaind up, bound and gagged in a straitjacket and hood. Perhaps covered in an endless length of metal chain like a fey goddess. I hear that ancient kings once mummified themselves and their most prized possessions, and you, Octavia, are going to be my most valued prisoner." "I'll be out by the end of the week," said Octavia. Nalen wasn't having it. She sat her up straight and walked her over to a sturdy-looking wooden chair. Her wrists were forced to the arms of the chair and Nalen began cruelly wrapping them with rope. She didn't stop after two or three or four loops, but took her time, making certain that the bonds were *good and tight*. Octavia protested, of course, until Nalen shoved a wad of handkerchiefs in her mouth and taped it shut. "Do you have anything else to keep her here?" asked Nalen of Miranda. In a flash, Miranda was back with more than enough chains and metal restraints to keep Octavia here for a good, long while. "No time to book her at the prison. Keep her here for now," said the Warden with a glowing grin. "I'll be back for her tomorrow. Keep her on ice for me. I'd hate for the infamous *Crimson Thorn* to get out." "With pleasure," said Miranda. She spent a few minutes carefully testing out belts and buckles and spreader bars and collars on the bound Octavia's form. She interspersed it with discussion and description of Agate Carre, a local clockmaker, safecracker, and explosives expert who'd left in a rush. (set: $octavia to 'captured') [["If you don't mind, I've got a bomber to catch."|bomberhouse]] Nalen left with a grin and a spring in her step.

(if: $miranda is 'found')[Miranda made her way upstairs. The commotion was settled, but she was happy to help Nalen restrain the thief. After all, she'd caused quite a disruption to her normal business... and interrupted her self-time!] (else:)[Nalen saw to the thief's minor wounds. Under more than little duress, she admitted that the *real* Miranda was downstairs, enjoying a little self-bondage. The mage was released. She was more than happy to help Nalen restrain the interloping Octavia!] (if: $coat is 'cut' or 'damaged')[The oche-haired mage was generous enough to spend some time magically *mending* Nalen's coat back to pristine quality.] (else:)["You fought quite well," said Miranda. "I know," said Nalen. "Now, as for you, Octavia... I've been thinking." She held her down and taunted the thief with a haughty tone.] "Some prisoners disappear," said Nalen. "They get lost in the shuffle and end up without a name or number. Isolated and kept alive - and sometimes, eternally young - by magic. There are walled-off rooms in Alysa Prison, Octavia, and I swear I sometimes hear whimpering and begging coming from them. Maybe you'll get to see some remodeling first-hand - chaind up, bound and gagged in a straitjacket and hood. Perhaps covered in an endless length of metal chain like a fey goddess. I hear that ancient kings once mummified themselves and their most prized possessions, and you, Octavia, are going to be my most valued prisoner." "I'll be out by the end of the week," said Octavia. Nalen wasn't having it. She sat her up straight and walked her over to a sturdy-looking wooden chair. Her wrists were forced to the arms of the chair and Nalen began cruelly wrapping them with rope. She didn't stop after two or three or four loops, but took her time, making certain that the bonds were *good and tight*. Octavia protested, of course, until Nalen shoved a wad of handkerchiefs in her mouth and taped it shut. "Do you have anything else to keep her here?" asked Nalen of Miranda. In a flash, Miranda was back with more than enough chains and metal restraints to keep Octavia here for a good, long while. "No time to book her at the prison. Keep her here for now," said the Warden with a glowing grin. "I'll be back for her tomorrow. Keep her on ice for me." "With pleasure," said Miranda. She spent a few minutes carefully testing out belts and buckles and spreader bars and collars on the bound Octavia's form. She interspersed it with discussion and description of Agate Carre, a local clockmaker, safecracker, and explosives expert who'd left in a rush. (set: $octavia to 'captured') [["If you don't mind, I've got a bomber to catch."|bomberhouse]] Nalen left with a grin and a spring in her step.

"Official business," Nalen said. She pursed her wide, dark lips. Some knew her by reputation and others by sight, but the protestors quickly made way. She could overhear their discussion, though. Alessia, the head of the household, was using her political connections to introduce a new law in Alysa. It would open up various jobs and trades to 'demi-humans' and other creatures normally not allowed in the city - goblinoids, bogrin, and even magically-animated constructs. While perhaps good for businesses - especially Serpella's - it would surely decimate many of the locals' livelihoods. Nalen was now [[inside Serpella Manor.]]

A hop, skip, and a jump later, Nalen was walking along a rickety catwalk. She nearly lost her footing, but she'd been successful today and still had all her wits. With a few moments of clambering she entered the manor's foyer unseen by anyone outside, and was now [[inside Serpella Manor.]]

The highest-ranking member of the household was Sheila, chief of the household staff. Sheila wore an impressive maid's uniform, complete with long leather gloves and an apron so small as to be ceremonial. She certainly looked the part of the 'alpha maid.' Nalen explained the nature of the threat against the household. "That's horrid!" said Sheila earnestly. "Serpella Manor is adjacent to hotels and townhomes. Any sort of attack might have terrible collateral damage." "Indeed. But fear not, there won't be any sort of plots on my watch." Sheila nodded. Nalen got the sense that she truly had no foreknowledge of any conspiracy. "Normally, Serpella Manor is just a holding. We often rent it out or loan it to other nobles or families - sometimes we even host events to the public here. We're a long way from Figenzia." "The southern city of canals?" Nalen raised an eyebrow. "The very same. The Serpellas are a royal and noble household from Figenzia - power players down here. But in this city, they're just visitors. Traders and merchants and the occasional pipeline of information." Nalen put one hand against her mouth. She stroked her cheek and lips, thinking. She propped up her elbow with the palm of her other hand in a pensive motion. "So they're foreigners? No ties?" "Well," said Sheila, "they've got ties to the city. But **Alessia Serpella**, the current head of the family, is only recently arrived. She came three days ago, and is staying in the grand suite up top. You'll want to speak with her assistants, **Sedrick** and **Angela**." "Indeed I will. If you don't mind, I'll go there now." Nalen turned towards the stairs. "W-wait!" said Sheila. "First of all, Alessia Serpella is out and about with Angela, her personal assistant. Second of all , you can't simply go barging around! This is a noble household." (set: $path to 'manor') Nalen spoke... [["I think I can go where I need to be." Nalen was willing to risk her reputation.|goloud]] [["I'm just going to meet with Sedrick and have a chat." Discretion was all.|manor-assistant]] [["I just want to investigate the grounds and staff. This bombing plot is serious.|manor-askquestions]]

There was a peculiar door that had no guards protecting it - only a strange inscription on the outside. That and what appeared to be six massive locks and six keys (numbered one through six) hanging from nearby hooks! (text-style: "emboss") [**TOOP** ENDO **ORPU** SHHA -**RD**-] Nalen tried to... [[Put key 1 in lock 1|fakelock]] [[Put key 2 in lock 1|fakelock]] [[put key 3 in lock 1|fakelock]] [[put key 4 in lock 1|fakelock]] [[put key 5 in lock 1|fakelock]] [[put key 6 in lock 1|fakelock]] [[Force the locked door]] [[...rack her brain, but she gave up and returned to the bottom floor. She'd claim she got lost.]]

She slipped the key in the lock. It sounded like she'd gotten the first phase of the puzzle correct. She went for the second. It was strangely far away. She didn't realize until a half-second later that a trapdoor had opened beneath the door, and now Nalen was falling into darkness! She landed on something soft, sticky... and silky. A curious woman with incredible amethyst hair, lizard-like eyes, and the nubs of demon-horns was waiting for her. She idly chuckled and lit a candle. "I'm glad we could get a latex mage like you to set up a trap like this," said the demoness. "No problem," said Angela DeWulf. "They're quite fun. I don't get the chance to use them as much as I'd like. But really, I think my summoned rubber is a bit too **good** for our nosey Nalen." The Warden - for all her meddling and getting too close to the truth - was rewarded with a heavy hood and thick gag. What seemed like endless layers of handkerchiefs and tape wadded around her mouth were met by a long layer of clingy, slightly spongy bandages. The gagged and mewling woman that *had* been the warden was dragged kicking and screaming, sweating and panting into a tiny vault in the basement. Hysteria and Angela stripped her to the nude, and slipped the helpless and disoriented noblewoman into a tight canvas straitjacket. Like any good lunatic, she flailed and groaned, completely unable to hurt anyone, bite anything, or say a single word to call for mercy or curse her captors. Six locks sealed her fate. Three on her straitjacket, two more on the long straps that attached to her shoulders ( suspending her in the air!) and then one huge on on the outside of her vault door. She wriggled there for a long time. When she kicked the door enough, the guards came down to encase her in a padded canvas sack. She wasn't to be allowed any chance to harm herself... not until the real villain came by. Unfortunately, by the time that Nalen learned what was *really* going on, it was [[too late.|gameover]] Nalen's investigation was over.

Nalen's hand went right through the message. *Push door to open,* she thought with a grin. Inside were a few more letters. This looked like an extremely important private study! Gloves sat on the table. The scent of sea salt and a strange, rubbery odor filled the room. There was one letter of note on the table: (font: 'courgette')[HYSTERIA LOVE, AUNT CONFIDE ARE WE. GO TOY READ IS ALESSIA FALLS, PREPARED D'VICE CLOCKWERK MOTION IN PLO.T] Strange indeed. Nalen [[returned downstairs quickly and quietly.|downstairs]] (set: $foundevidence to 'true')

"Ah, there you are," said Sedrick. "I was looking for you." Nalen brushed off questions about why she was upstairs. Sedrick seemed to believe her, or at least, not care about her excuses. [["You had questions for me about the Serpella family?"|manor-assistant]]

(link: "Where is Alessia? Or Angela?")["Alessia and her personal assistant, Angela DeWulf, are both out shopping. They'll be back soon."] (link: "What event are you hosting here?")["A fundraiser for SOFIA - Society of Friends of Intelligent Animates. We're to open up the long-closed market for jobs to creatures of all sorts."] (link: "Does Alessia Serpella have any enemies?")["A few, yes. You know, Angela is technically a noble scion herself. She'd get stewardship if something happened to Alessia. Oh, but I'm first in line. But I'd never harm the Madame.] (link: "How are preparations for tonights' event?")["All the preparations for the fundraiser are going perfectly. Alessia is thrilled to be able to raise money for SOFIA, which is an excellent cause."] (link: "May I see where Alessia is staying?")[Sedrick stalled. Nalen got tough, crossing her hands and furrowing her brow. Clearly, he was trying to keep her out of Alessia's room. Eventually, he relented and [[allowed Nalen into the suite.]]] (link: "Who might be responsible for this plot?")["Foolish peasants who fear what a good, hardworking goblin or magical machine might do for their profit margins. That, or perhaps non-humans who think they'll be exploited. Ludicrous fake news, if you ask me. We have nothing but respect for nonhumans."]

Since Serpella Manor wasn't always occupied, many rooms had been converted to hotel-like units or loaned to other nobles. The master suite had been empty for a few months, but with a scion of the Serpellas here, it was once again in use. A pair of hooded and helmeted guards stood outside the suite as Nalen entered. They parted ways and let her in. Sedrick explained that Alessia would be back soon, and she'd need to vacate the suite once the Madame returned. (set: $secondsLeft to 120) Nalen would need to act quick to [[search the place without arousing suspicion or harming her reputation.]]

(set: $counter to 90) Alessia was on her way back. Nalen had |amount>[$counter] seconds left. The suite was very large; about 40 paces to a side! Multiple patios, a king bedroom with a private bath... a separate parlor with its own bathroom, a second side-room for the assistants and more. That was to say nothing of what appeared to be a wet bar with Figenzian and Orktopian wines! (link: "There were various papers and notes around the room.")[There was a floorplan for the fundraising dinner and gala, similar to the one found in the bomb-maker's workshop. There was no way to prove that the bomber obtained a copy of *this* particular document.] (link: "There were dishes everywhere.")[It seemed that the women had been living out this suite for days. There were plates and silverware, and innumerable used coffee cups. ] (link: "An attractive painting lay on the floor in its frame.")[A portrait of "Bernadetta, younger sister of Alessia Serpella" sat ready to be hung. She looked almost exactly like Alessia, though the 'younger' version had a few fewer freckles.] (link: "Nalen saw a floorplan of the manor.")[It was large, with lots of basements and small rooms on the middle floors.] (link: "Nalen spied a spellbook.")[It was filled with scrolls and wax seals. Clearly there was at least one, and probably two, magic-users staying in this suite.] (link: "Two smaller suites held space for other visitors.")[The main bedroom was used by Alessia. The other two suites seemed to be used by women; one had purple hair, the other short black hair. There wasn't a gray hair to be seen.] (Link: "The closet war ajar.")[Inside was an unmarked metal bottle of pills and small white granules. Elijah had explained these before - they were taken by nobles who wanted to maintain a spell, like an illusion for the long term.] (link: "Written papers lined the floor.")[A wide sheaf of familiar-looking stationery lined a desk. It looked and smelled familiar, in fact. There were various drafts of Alessia Serpella's speech. From the amount of red ink and marginal notes, it seemed that the team was having trouble agreeing on a unifiying message. Interestingly, there were many notes about 'legacy' and 'memory' and 'continuity of succession' as if the speech was drawing a line under Alessia's career. Parts read almost like an obituary.] (link: "There were drawers and cabinets in the kitchen.")[None of them seemed to hold anything interesting or surprising.] (link: "She reached her hand under the bed.")[Nothing but dust and grime.] (link: "Was there anything in the bathroom?")[The white powder was freeze-dried fruit. Nalen recognized it as *synsepalum dulcificum*, better known as ‘miracle fruit’ - it could alter the taste buds and make sour foods taste sweet.] (link: "Nalen was done investigating.")[She decided to help herself to a juicy apple and wait for [[Alessia to return.|AlessiaReturns]]] (live: 1s)[ (set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "AlessiaReturns")] (replace: ?amount)[$counter] ]

{(live: 0.5s)[ (print: parseInt($secondsLeft / 60)) : (print: $secondsLeft % 60) ]}

(if: (passage:)'s tags contains "timed")[ {(live: 1s)[ (set: $secondsLeft to $secondsLeft - 1) (if: $secondsLeft <= 0)[(goto: "Lose")] ]} ]

Time's up. Nalen dropped what she was doing as Alessia Serpella entered the room, alongside a dark-haired woman in a red dress. Alessia Serpella was a daughter of House Serpella. She had short brown hair and a winning smile. Right now she also seemed out of breath. She threw a pair of white gloves (covered in oily grime) into the laundry basket for the maids to tend to. "Ah, Warden Kara," said Serpella. "We haven't met." She shook Nalen's hand with brief earnestness. The noble seemed somewhat out of breath. Nalen's grip wasn't *that* strong. Angela DeWulf, Serpella's personal assistant, wore a red dress and hosiery. She seemed no-nonsense, with a face that gave her an expression permanently trapped between suspicion and malicious grinning. "No," said Nalen, "we have not. Though I believe our families may have some vague contacts. You're part of the Imperial Bureaucracy. I'm *certain* we have," said Alessia. "We deal with so many different elements in so many cities." Angela was carrying a load of spell components. She looked like she'd just gotten back from a shopping trip, or a tiny dungeon crawl. Alessia looked much the same. It was a good time for tact. She turned to Angela first as Alessia went to a back-room to change. [[What were you out doing? You look out of breath.]] [[Your servants are very well-trained, Angela.]] [[Do you know any safe-crackers or bomb-makers, Angela?]] [[There a threat to your gala. You must cancel it.|galathreat]]

"We were shopping. Alysa is a big city." Nalen nodded. She wasn't wrong, though this was a rather suspect statement. [["You weren't shopping."]] [[Your servants are very well-trained, Angela.]] [[Do you know any safe-crackers or bomb-makers, Angela?]]

"No." Angela said it so fast that Nalen knew it wasn't true. She was nervous, but a flat denial could cover *anything*. [[Alessia returned to the room.]]

"Fine," said DeWulf. "I don't like your tone, and you're not officially with the City Watch. But just for you, Warden Kara, I was... I was out getting components for Alessia." "Really now?" Nalen believed *that*. "She's been using magic to alter her face. Makeup and all that. She's got some unsightly blemishes and she's too afraid that people will judge her. The second a good noble woman has any flaws, everyone pounces on her." Angela crossed her arms. Nalen looked her over. She seemed to be a fairly well-built and strong woman; tough for a mage and probably no slouch in combat. The long leather gloves and boots definitely made her seem a bit dominant! (set: $angelaangry to '1') Nalen had clearly angered DeWulf. She was about to riposte with a bit more tact when [[Alessia returned to the room.]]

Nalen was strucky by just how *young* Serpella looked. She was coordinating so much at a young age. It was a sign of ambition - possibly dangerous ambition. [[Nalen flattered Alessia's ego.]] [[Nalen approached with grim professionalism.]]

"Indeed they are. Well-trained and well-dressed." "Not very chatty, though." "Perhaps," said DeWulf. "I'm her bodyguard and persoal assistant. Protecting Alessia is my job. Talking to the *help* is, however, **not**." Nalen had noticed an oddly glassy look to them. The cadence in their speech - rare as it was - was just slightly off. [[Alessia returned to the room.]]

It seemed to relax her, and get her talking. Something was up. Nalen suspected that she - and Angela- had just got back from something that used a lot of energy. Enchanting a device or person could have that effect, as could fleeing from a crime scene. [["So, the sense I get is that you're not popular."]] [[You were out shopping, you say?]] [["Who is staying in this suite with you?"]] [["You do understand the magnitude of this threat, yes? There might be a bomb here already."]]

Nalen's descriptions of law and order didn't seem to have much effect. Something was up. Nalen suspected that she - and Angela- had just got back from something that used a lot of energy. Enchanting a device or person could have that effect, as could fleeing from a crime scene. [["So, the sense I get is that you're not popular."]] [[You were out shopping, you say?]] [["Who is staying in this suite with you?"]] [["You do understand the magnitude of this threat, yes? There might be a bomb here already."]]

"Hysteria. She's another from out of town." "She has... hm... purple hair?" "Yes, correct. She's a bit odd," said Serpella. [["Uh-huh."]] She was more than a bit odd.

"Even if there is a threat to my event, I wish to go ahead. I've been targeted before by peasants and fools and humans who think that I'm out to get them. I'm not out to get anyone... I'm just out to promote my family's interests. Therefore, I'm to make a stand - not be cowed by evil people corrupted by magic or their own old-fashioned ways." [["Uh-huh."]]

Nalen had heard enough. She wasn't going to learn anything else from Serpella or her cronies... and she got the sense that she wouldn't be able to do anything else unless circumstances changed. She was preparing to leave and head to the station. She needed to report in and [[review the evidence.]] Then again, she thought that she might have [[cracked the case]]. Even if making the accusation right now, without permission or backup, would likely ruin her career!

"Yes. We needed some goods for the event tonight." Nalen was [[rather skeptical.|"Uh-huh."]]

"Afraid not. Not in this city, at least. House Serpella looks out for its own interests. You've got a large pool of labor here in Alysa - small creautres like goblins and kobolds, big ones like orcs, and others like golems and constructs. My own city doesn't like the idea of bringing in a bunch of filthy little greenskins for what is essentially slave labor." Neither did Nalen, but she had the sense not to say. "But, if your government is willing to accept my very generous deal, then you'll be rich and so will we. If a few do-gooders out there take exception to our exploitation, or dislike a change in the labor force, then that's there own problem." Angela gritted her teeth. She didn't like seeing her companion forced to discuss such matters. (Set: $angelaangry to '1') [["It is indeed," said the Warden.|"Uh-huh."]]

"It was a pleasure meeting you," said Nalen. "And also with you. In case I don't see you again-" "Oh, you will," said Nalen. "I'll be back." The Warden turned in a huff and exited the manor. Sheila let her out. Nalen felt eyes staring her down as she strutted through the protesters and back toward the [[prison.|report-in]] Alternatively, the sun wasn't terribly low in the sky. As she left the districts that housed Serpella Manor, she reflected that she still had time to [[canvas the neighborhood|mirandasdeli]] where the bomb was found. There were more clues to be had!

Hysteria had strange eyes; orange with pupil's like a lizard's eye. It gave her an exotic, otherworldly look. So did the great big grin. Nalen tried to speak to them - to spend her last moments of freedom finding information in the off-chance that she managed to escape. "MMnnnfgh!" "I think she has more *questions* for us," said Hysteria. "I'm afraid that you've asked enough questions for one lifetime, dear." "Nnnngh!" Nalen was bound with her arms behind her back. The staff had converged on her, and she'd never even had a chance to resist as Angela and nearly a dozen household staff members converged on her all at once. "I spent all day running around," said Hysteria, "so I'm pretty exhausted. And no, I don't tell you the evil plan. If there is one. Hah, wouldn't that be funny, if all this time you were wrong? Anyway, you'll never find out, so it doesn't matter. I've got a buyer down at the docks who would **love** a beauty like you as his maid." Nalen couldn't believe what she was hearing! She bucked and kicked until Angela joined Hysteria and the servants in moving the squirming Warden. Just who *was* in on this plan? Was it *all* of them? "Buuut," said Angela, "We've decided to keep you close to home. See, we might need you alive later, and if you're good you'll be breathing when we're done with you." Nalen chewed her gag. Angela had created a fat wad of webbing inside her mouth and then coated it with a series of green, tape-like leaves. This particular caster seemed well-versed in finding creative ways to tie her up! The vines and rope had meshed together, wrapping her thoroughly from her neck down. "Anyway, enough taunting," saud Hysteria. "You goofed up, and I win. So we're going to introduce you to your babysitter for... hm... maybe the rest of your life!" The servants and evildoers carried Nalen through a pair of double-doors to a secluded study. Sheila was already here, tightly tied to a chair. "Ah, another maid," said Sedrick. He grinned and presented Nalen - still bound and gagged - with an insanely revealing tight white-and-black maid's outfit! The skirt was so short that it practically revealed her underwear, and the chest so tight she'd swear her breasts would be bursting through! Sheila groaned into her gagged. The poor girl had been grabbed and would be punished just for helping her. Nalen would feel remorse if she wasn't so angry! The bonds were tight, segmenting her flesh, showing off her chocolate skin and making every motion a struggle! "Try and make the best of it," said Sedrick with a grin. [[Game Over|gameover]]

Angela was *not* interested in hearing it. "You do know we're rather **hated**, don't you? The *vaunted* residents of your *noble city* have decided that a bunch of foreign-born humans coming and shaking up their little system is bad. Well to that I say *too bad*. And so what if we treat a few greenskins poorly? What I'm saying is that we represent *progress* and industry, and if the people of your city are too pig-headed to get that, then that's there problem." Nalen had stifled the urge to strike or arrest Angela DeWulf, but only barely. [[Alessia returned to the room.]]

(font: 'Open Sans')[It's the moment of truth. Has Nalen got it figured out? In a moment, you, the reader, will be presented with a few questions. If you've got them all right, then Nalen will be successful. If not, she'll make an incorrect arrest. Although she might be able to save the day, getting any of the questions wrong will severly hurt her reputation. [[I'm ready to solve the case.]]]

(font: 'Open Sans') [1. Who ordered the bombing? 2. Why is Serpella being targeted by the bombing? 3. If Nalen never intervened, what would happen? [[I think I know the answers.]]]

(link: "Click here to see Nalen's answer.")[It's a reasonably simple plot," said Warden Kara. Madame Alessia Serpella of Figenzia recently came to our fair city. She's looking to expand her family's influence and wealth. A reasonable course of action, but it can never come at the expense of our own empire, of course. She founded her Society for the Friends of if Intelligent Animates in order to achieve that goal. They'd convince politicians and pass laws to allow all sorts of cheap labor. They could move their manufactories into the city and benefit greatly. Of course, it'd also hurt the locals, but Serpella had her family in mind over the lives of countless common folk. However, she knew it wouldn't be popular. She had to get the upper crust of Alysa on her side. To that end, she's paid a safecracker named Agate Carre - another political operative, you see - to build a bomb. Not a large one, just a small one; enough to "kill" her. The city would see all these craftsmen and non-humans as murderers, and she'd be able to pass her laws with ease. Who wants to speak out in favor of a rabble that killed an innocent and beautiful woman? But of course, Alessia wouldn't **die**. The bomber knew of a young mage named Miranda. She's a mimic-mancer, and her magical goods and store was vital. They've created a false copy of Alessia. It'll look and die like the real thing, but once nobody's watching, it'll turn back to magical dust. In the meanwhile, Alessia reappears as her 'younger sister.' She can continue the work, claiming that she was sent from Figenzia, but this time playing the sympathy card. I'd be willing to bet that her whole crew is in on it. Alessia herself, her henchman Sedrick, her witch Angela, and her strange friend Hysteria. Though I don't think that Angela or Sedrick quite know about the bombing; they probably think it's just a story. Hysteria, though, isn't even human. I imagine she's the one who's been moving the bomb around, and probably is planting it as we speak. Simple but effective. Also, highly illegal. And we can't let that go unpunished." Her subordinate nodded. She understood and knew that Nalen was right. [[I was correct!]] [[I wasn't quite right.]]] [[I don't want to see the solution just yet. Take me to the manor!]]

Excellent! As you are right, so is Nalen. [[Nalen prepared to close the case.]]

If you didn't get it all, then maybe you could try [[investigating again|Noémi nudged Nalen. She was done here.]] or reviewing what you saw. Maybe try a different path this time; there are three main ways to investigate, and you might not have time to see everything in one playthrough! If you were *very* far off, then Nalen is in [[deep trouble.]]

Very well! [[Nalen prepared to close the case.]]

Nalen spent her time trying to find a certain *someone* to arrest. She thought she understood what was going to happen, but unfortunately, her planning didn't live up to reality. She rushed in, but she was too late. Alessia Serpella was gone, and the blame was laid squarely on, well, *everyone else*. She, as the Warden, had interfered with the investigation and not properly followed channels. Her evidence was thrown out, and therefore the common folk of the city took the blame for the attack. The resulting repression was brutal, and she took no joy in it. She didn't even have the chance to take joy in acquiring new prisoners. After all, she was one herself! For an entire week, she'd be brought from her cell and paraded down to the town square for public humiliation. People would tug and tease her tuft of hair, yelling and ranting. Common folk were disgusted with her, and the now-wealthy Serpella family blamed her for not stopping the bombing. Poor Nalen was strapped into the stocks and placed atop a short pillory. Her head was thrust forward at an uncomfortable angle, and her gloved hands were shoved into the wooden holes. The poor woman's fate was sealed as they bolted the stocks shut for all to come and laugh and see. The *shame* of it! She jingled back and forth, wiggling and sending her earrings tumbling in the air. People came by to make sure she wasn't lonely. One gave her a massive stuffing of handkerchiefs. Another fastened a heavy panel-gag over the bottom half of her face. She moaned, feeling her packed cheeks bulging over its tight embrace. One angry half-orc stole away her red coat. Another took her blouse, leaving nothing but her bra to keep others from ogling her bare body! And she was fairly sure that the one she'd be given was just a *few sizes* too tight. If that wasn't enough, someone even brought in a pair of toys to tease her. A feather duster and a heavy leather paddle now lay next to her bound form, in case anyone wanted to give her shapely rear a strong spanking or tickle her silly. *So **this** is what I've been doing to people all this time?* thought Nalen. Unfortunately, she didn't have much time for introspection. Just a few hours into her imprisonment, the younger Serpella sister (one who looked oddly like Alessia) appeared. She had a paddle in her head and a grin on her face, and Nalen knew she was in for a word of humilation. She only had time to shake once before the younger Serpella was grabbing a handful of Nalen's rear and giving her the spanking of her life! Every blow was pure agony. It wasn't the physical pain - though each and every stinging spank *did* send her nerves ablaze with stimulation and surprise. It was the knowledge that she was bound, gagged, and locked up in stocks in her own city. It was the way that she wiggled her rear in her tight pants, trying and failing to negate the blows. It was the fact that she had been reduced to a toy for the public - to bind, gag, and tease voraciously. Hopefully, nobody would decide that she was their *property* and not just their entertainment. For the Warden, it was [[game over.|gameover]]

The two moved through the manor. They were soon on a balcony, overlooking the grand ballroom. The balcony was in a large U-shape, going around three sides of a lower level. Dark red rugs and white tile made for an extremely attractive place to watch the proceedings! Down below, it seemed that all of Alessia's staff was present at once! There were a dozen or more people in the room. Some of them wore Figenzian masquerade, others were her business associates. She recognized a few local notables, all nodding in agreement as Alessia explained the profits and bounty that awaited them. Nearby her, she saw Angela DeWulf, her mage and close friend. Master Sedrick sat stroking his white hair. All of them surrounded Alessia Serpella as she droned on. They looked bored, not anxious. Skulking in the shadows on the balcony was the outsider! The succubus that Nalen had identified as Hysteria was waiting there, too... purple hair, lizard-like eyes, and a dark brown cloak that concealed her horns. She seemed rather panicked and eager, as if waiting for something to happen. (if: $octavia is 'gone')[Most importantly, a red-haired thief was leaving the party. Agate didn't need to say a thing. Noémi nodded and ran off towards the infamous Octavia Bloom, hoping to capture her and leaving Nalen alone.] (if: $octavia is 'captured')[Noémi pointed at a few of the noble preparing to leave the party. "They must be interrogated!" she said. "They might be complicit in her acts. There's no way she didn't have local support." "Good point," said Nalen. "Just try not to get caught. I went after Lady Claire this morning, and she was quite feisty. They're like rats when cornered." "No promises," Noémi said. (set: $nobles to 'captured')] With her confidantes gone, she was alone. But that brought a certain kind of [[clarity|finale-inside]]

She threw a single, gigantic chair at the mage! Sometimes, she surprised herself with her own strenght. Unfortunately, Angela was ready - snagging the chair in the air with her arcane, rubbery powers and splitting it apart. Nalen blocked her face from the splintering wood. When she looked up, she saw a massive black tendril heading right for her! It slapped around her face, shoving a thick mass of arcane between Nalen's lips and mouth. (set: $latexgagged to 'true') Angela stood perfectly still, charging her powers to finish the deed. Nalen... [[...slashed aggressively]] [[...jabbed defensively]] [[...prepared to dodge]]

Master Sedrick seemed to be shifting to the side, as if trying to get out of the way. A few guests had bolted and run. Angela and Nalen stared each other down. Angela stood perfectly still, charging her powers to finish the deed. Nalen... [[...slashed aggressively]] [[...jabbed defensively]] [[...prepared to dodge]]

It was the perfect move! She swung her saber, removing it from its scabbard and attacking in the same blow. She sliced into Angela's hair. It didn't draw blood, but it told the rubbermage that she was in danger... and more importantly, threw whatever spell she was casting off-balance. Master Sedrick began inching away. "You're good, but I'm better. And you won't be hurting Alessia!" She was charging a gigantic spell. Nalen... [[...slashed aggressively]] [[...jabbed defensively]] [[...prepared to dodge]]

Nalen used all her effort to strike at Angela. She didn't want to kill the mage, only subdue her. And, as a master fencer, she did just that, hitting her in her hand and making her drop to the floor. The spellcaster was just not in any position to continue fighting, and she put up her arms weakly in a sign of defense. Unfortunately, Nalen didn't realize how tired she was from her flurry of blows until [[Sedrick came up behind her.]]

The jab simply wasn't enough. She realized her mistake only too late. Rushing a mage with a prepared spell was like rushing directly towards a line of pikemen! (if: $latexgagged is 'true')[Nalen soon felt a lot more than a small gag around her lips.] Angela grinned a [[cruel smile as Nalen fell into her attack.]]

A shiny black ball of magical sap floated through the air. Although pointed at Nalen, the Warden was ready to dodge it. She hit the deck, crouching down as the ball barely passed by the coif of her hair. It struck a blue-haired maid, who quickly disappeared beneath a shiny sheathe of resetraining rubber. Nalen pounced, [[knocking out Angela|finale-assistant-outro]] just as an explosion shook the room!

The old master was simply a *virtuoso* when it came to rope. Nalen was tired, having run around trying to solve the case the entire day. He threw a lasso around her waist, then a second - it was as if he summoned them from nowhere. The ropes quickly tightened, pinning her arms to her sides in a cruel pinch. Sedrick pulled, tightening the ropes and squeezing her soft flesh beneath her coat. It wrapped her elbows, her wrists, and Nalen dropped the sword. It was at that moment that the Master grabbed her wrists and began wrapping them in shiny tape. "Sorry, Warden," he said, "But I'm afraid your journey ends here." Nalen opened her mouth to protest, but Sedrick shut it with a long string of rapid-fire legalese about the 'legality of an attack within a diplomat's home' followed by a ball gag harness that strapped over her head. He combined that with a second strap around her forehead and tiny padlocks to keep her jaw clenched around the rubbery sphere. "Nnnnggh!" "Not to worry," said Sedrick. "I'll take fine care of you." She didn't see what happened next. A cloth bag was thrown over her head, and the world became muffled. There was the sound of an **explosion** behind her followed by shouting and running. In the confusion, Sedrick stole away Nalen, disappearing with his bound and gagged package. It would be a long time before news of Alessia's "death" trickled back to Warden Kara. [[Game Over|gameover]]

Magically-summoned tendrils of latex wrapped around Nalen's head, hiding her face and reducing her vision to shadows. A second layer quickly covered the first, removing even her trademark coif of hair and hiding it beneath a snug sheathe. She scrabbled, trying to wipe off her featureless mask as it shoved its way between her lips. She felt her cheeks balloon out as her hood tightened. Angela had blinded her target, and went in for the 'kill'. She wrapped the Warden from her ankles, then brought her arms behind her back into a boxtie pose. "You made a big mistake, Warden," said Angela. Nalen didn't respond. Not that she *could* respond. Magical tendrils wrapped her entire chest, working like an undercoat for the snug sleeve that smoothed over all the subtle creases in her jacket and gloves. Her arms became encased in a single pouch, and her arms were soon glued to her back! In just seconds, the encasement was complete. And a good thing, too, since it protected her from the sudden explosion behind her. Angela never quite forgave Alessia for not telling her about the planned 'assassination,' but she was allowed to keep Nalen as a chew-toy. That offered *some* comfort. For Angela, of course. Nalen's fate was [[not so comfy.|gameover]]

<span style="font-size: 250%">[**THE END**]</span> (font: 'Open Sans')[Thank you so much for playing **The Warden's Walk**. Looks like Nalen came out on top this time. The plot has been stopped, and the day has been saved... more or less. And of course, the Warden has a gaggle of new beings to watch over in the Devil's Gullet! Well-played and well-read! Many thanks to anyone and everyone who allowed cameos and usage of their characters, to the TWINE community for giving generous support and advice, as well as you, for reading and enjoying the story! Of course, Nalen's adventures never *really* end. If you'd like, you're free to [[start from the beginning|Onward!]] or restart from the [[main investigation|Noémi nudged Nalen. She was done here.]]. And, regardless of whether you enjoy your ending or go back for more, [make certain that you take a look at (link: "Skelebomb, Nalen's creator")[(goto-url: "http://skelebomb.deviantart.com/")] or (link: "Phantom, this story's writer.")[(goto-url: "http://phantomdotexe.deviantart.com/")]] And once again... **Thank you for playing!**]

"What is this!?" shouted Angela. "Madame Serpella..." Sedrick's voice trailed off. Alessia, however, said nothing. She turned back and began to run. Hysteria leapt from above, throwing her brown cloak to the sky and exposing her horns and serpent-like eyes to the room. The henchwoman took the stunned Alessia under her arm and began running out of the room. There was only time to go after one. [[Nalen stayed put, intending to arrest Sedrick and Angela.]] [[Nalen ran after Alessia.]]

"To arms! Protect your mistress!" shouted Angela. The staff had converged on Nalen. Though she tried her best to resist, the Warden simply couldn't fight off a dozen guards, Sedrick, and a mysterious mage. "I spent all day running around," said Angela, "I'm tired, and I'm not sure what's going on with Alessia. But you've ruined our gala, and destroyed her family's chances of moving forward. Death would be too easy for you." In the chaos of the gala's collapse, few saw the household guard - led by Alessia's assistants - dragging Nalen out of the room and into the dungeons below the manor. They spared no expense in restraining Nalen, nor did they skimp on humiliation. First, they removed Nalen's coat. They'd hold on to it as a trophy; perhaps even wear it later to show off. Or, if needed, they could plant it alongside some forged body and make the entire world think that Nalen was dead and gone. No other way to make sure that nobody would come looking for her. Her blouse had to go as well. Her captor's hands were rough and grabby, and they happily manhandled her in removing it. Buttons flew into the air as they tore the white garment from her ebony flesh. She had only her bra to protect her dignity! They didn't strip her further; not out of any sense of mercy, but to leave something else to remove later. They didn't want to run out of tortures any time soon. Sedrick forced her onto the floor, where Angela began a brutal hogtie. She wound silken rope around her chest. One loop wouldn't do; she did so three times each way, creating a harness that pinched at her breasts but was plenty wide to avoid any damage. Nalen felt her arms pinned behind her back. They started at her wrists, wrapping them together with a rope lasso, then proceeding out to her elbows. The boxtie was effective and practically *made* to be expanded later. They looped rope around her biceps as well, snug and taut against her muscles. All of it seemed designed to make her struggle, to feel as if she was *almost* able to escape when she was of course leagues away from freedom. With her arms bound and harness in place, they took their time attaching the two with more rope. Every time she pulled back, it only further squeezed her poor chest! Angela's specialty might have been magical rubber, but she didn't provide any of that - at least, not yet. Instead, she simply cuffed Nalen's legs together with wide shackles, and then lashed a length of rope between her legs and her wrists. It pulled her knees up into the air as she was hogtied, putting *immense* pressure and forcing more and more pressure on Nalen's breasts. She grunted, furious as the defeat and howling for vengeance. "She looks like a stuck pig. Hogtied and ready for someone to dig in." "Almost, but it's missing something..." Nalen opened her mouth to protest - she was *not* an animal! - when a fat white ball-gag got shoved between her lips. It made her drool and groan as her jaw went wide, forcing her lips around this soft but humiliating object! Her captors left for a few minutes. Nalen took the time to compose herself. She'd escape, and soon... at least, she had to to tell herself that! When they did return, her eyes went wide. They held in their hands a handerchief, a blindfold, and several candles - all lit and dribbling hot wax. "I think it's time to get cooking." Nalen cried out in infuriated, aroused anguish as the first scintillating bead of hot wax fell on the small of her exposed back. [[Game Over|gameover]]

The two bolted! Nalen was in hot pursuit. They climbed up two flights of stairs and were soon clambering from Serpella Manor to an adjacent rooftop, with Nalen in hot pursuit. [[Nalen took a moment to gauge their path.]] [[The Warden sprinted after them directly.]]

Alysa felt *alive*. The crowds below had been stirred into a frenzy by the protests, the sudden exit of nobles, and the commotion inside. Guards were swarming the area. Nalen had done good. She tried to chart their course, but failed. The noble districts were such a tangle of townhouses and taller buildings that she'd never track them down if she stopped! [[She sprinted after them.]]

If she lost them now, there'd be no way to find them later! Two street-wise criminals could do a lot of damage in a big city. [[She sprinted after them.]]

The upper levels of the district were a tangled, confusing maze of multiple levels, interconnected bridges, ropes, and cluttered rooftops. One was filled with crates and debris. Her quarry was a few paces ahead. [[She dodged between the clutter.]] [[She vaulted over the larger pieces of debris.]]

Nalen carefully avoided the clutter, not losing a step! Hysteria and Alessia slipped through a narrow hole in a wall one story below. [[She vaulted over it and kept going.]] [[She sucked in her gut and tried to fit through.]]

She tried to climb a crate, but it fell apart beneath her. She got back to her feet and kept running. Hysteria and Alessia slipped through a narrow hole in a wall one story below. [[She vaulted over it and kept going.]] [[She sucked in her gut and tried to fit through.]]

The Warden hopped it with ease, running through an old hallway and nearly knocking into a surprised maid. She came to a balcony. Her foes had just leapt across. [[Nalen took a running jump.]] [[Nalen tried to climb down and go beneath.]]

While Nalen was thin, she was just a bit too muscular and her coat was just a bit too large to fit through easily. She got stuck, costing her a few precious seconds before running into the building. She jogged down the hallway, surprising a maid as she followed their trail. Nalen came to a balcony. Her foes had just leapt across. [[Nalen took a running jump.]] [[Nalen tried to climb down and go beneath.]]

Like a graceful swan, she leapt into the air and tumbled through! She nearly lost her balance, as the rooftop to which she had jumped was much steeper than it looked. [[The Warden climbed down carefully.]] [[The heroine tried to balance and slide down the roof.]]

She lost precious time, climbing down from the balcony to the next floor, then climbing up and onto the roof opposite the balcony. Pulling herself up, the Warden nearly lost her balance, as the rooftop to which she had jumped was much steeper than it looked. [[The Warden climbed down carefully.]] [[The heroine tried to balance and slide down the roof.]]

Kara was glad she was careful; the roof was slippery and the tiles old. She caught sight of Hysteria and Alessia. They were approaching a crowded marketplace! A surly rooftop vagrant blocked Nalen's path! [[She intimidated the vagrant.]] [[She threw him a coin.]]

Warden Kara slid down as though she were born for it, unfortunately falling on her rear at the bottom of the roof. She caught sight of Hysteria and Alessia. They were approaching a crowded marketplace! A surly rooftop vagrant blocked Nalen's path! [[She intimidated the vagrant.]] [[She threw him a coin.]]

The vagrant backed down. With seconds to spare, she [[caught up with her targets]]!

The old man laughed with glee. With seconds to spare, she [[caught up with her targets]]!

Nalen spent a brief moment to survey the scene. She was atop the flat roof of a multi-level townhouse. She could see a tangle of balconies, bridges, and lines that went off in every direction. Debris, chairs, and the remains of a rooftop cafe littered this upper-most level. It was a long way down. A fall would be crippling, if not lethal. Nalen took it all in. It was, in its own way, exciting. "Nowhere to run," she shouted to her quarry. "You, Alessia, are going to come with me. And your summoned bodyguard and henchman is going to come quietly, or not at all. I've got no compunctions about hurting demons." Alessia stood still, letting the wind from the high altitude flow into her brown dress. "Walk away now," she said, "and you live. You get to keep living and enjoying your prison." They stared at each other. It was clear that neither side would back down. Alessia drew a long fencing blade. Hysteria summoned an ebony crystal sword from the aether. [[Nalen readied herself.]]

Hysteria chuckled. "Don't worry," she said, "we'll be quick about this!" She moved forward with a probing series of jabs - light attacks to throw Nalen off. Alessia moved with her fencing sword. "*For my family!*" she shouted, charging with full strength. [[Nalen dodged and fought defensively.]] [[Nalen made an even bigger attack!]] [[Nalen tried to parry one blow.]]

It was a success! The two foes ended up nearly hurting each other in the melee. Nalen dodged away, facing them once again. Alessia was tired, and she held up her sword with difficulty, as if prepared to attempt a block. Hysteria was getting ready for another attack; she wasn't taking this seriously. [[Nalen swung for the fences.]] [[Nalen tried to fight defensively.]]

The attack was big, and knocked the blade from Alessia's hands... but she simply wasn't fast enough to avoid the attack from the demoness. The magical blade pierced her side; damaging her spirit, not her flesh. She fell [[unconscious, cursing the coming dark.]]

Nalen knocked the sword from Hysteria's hand, but was powerless as Alessia attacked. She jabbed at her, forcing Nalen to nearly fall off the ledge. Just before she did, Hysteria recovered enough to grab her and [[knock her out|unconscious, cursing the coming dark.]].

The two foes were able to take their sweet time in restraining Nalen's form. They didn't skimp on humiliation and took every pain to tell her how very close she was to rescue. When she awoke, it was deep within the bowels of one of Serpella's safehouses - far from any rescuers. First, they removed Nalen's coat. They'd hold on to it as a trophy; perhaps even wear it later to show off. Or, if needed, they could plant it alongside some forged body and make the entire world think that Nalen was dead and gone. No other way to make sure that nobody would come looking for her. Her blouse had to go as well. Her captor's hands were rough and grabby, and they happily manhandled her in removing it. Buttons flew into the air as they tore the white garment from her ebony flesh. She had only her bra to protect her dignity! They didn't strip her further; not out of any sense of mercy, but to leave something else to remove later. They didn't want to run out of tortures any time soon. Hysteria forced her onto the floor, where Alessia began a brutal hogtie. She wound silken rope around her chest. One loop wouldn't do; she did so three times each way, creating a harness that pinched at her breasts but was plenty wide to avoid any damage. Nalen felt her arms pinned behind her back. They started at her wrists, wrapping them together with a rope lasso, then proceeding out to her elbows. The boxtie was effective and practically *made* to be expanded later. They looped rope around her biceps as well, snug and taut against her muscles. All of it seemed designed to make her struggle, to feel as if she was *almost* able to escape when she was of course leagues away from freedom. With her arms bound and harness in place, they took their time attaching the two with more rope. Every time she pulled back, it only further squeezed her poor chest! Alessia was a mage, but she didn't need magic for this - at least, not yet. Instead, she simply cuffed Nalen's legs together with wide shackles, and then lashed a length of rope between her legs and her wrists. It pulled her knees up into the air as she was hogtied, putting *immense* pressure and forcing more and more pressure on Nalen's breasts. She grunted, furious as the defeat and howling for vengeance. "She looks like a stuck pig. Hogtied and ready for someone to dig in." "Almost, but it's missing something..." Nalen opened her mouth to protest - she was *not* an animal! - when a fat white ball-gag got shoved between her lips. It made her drool and groan as her jaw went wide, forcing her lips around this soft but humiliating object! Her captors left for a few minutes. Nalen took the time to compose herself. She'd escape, and soon... at least, she had to to tell herself that! When they did return, her eyes went wide. They held in their hands a handerchief, a blindfold, and several candles - all lit and dribbling hot wax. "I think it's time to get cooking." Nalen cried out in infuriated, aroused anguish as the first scintillating bead of hot wax fell on the small of her exposed back. [[Game Over|gameover]]

With a flash, Hysteria was flying off the ledge! Her arm bloodied and sword dissapating, she had time to scream something close to "*I'll be back!*" before disappearing in a puff of magical smoke. The blast startled Alessia, and she shook. Nalen got in close, grabbing the noblewoman by the hair. "If someone teleporting startles you, a bomb would've scared your britches clean off." Alessia screamed. "Resisting arrest, is it?" Nalen kicked the sword from her hands and [[got to work]].

It simply wasn't enough, and the Warden soon tired against two opponents. She gave them time to rest, which was her [[last mistake|unconscious, cursing the coming dark.]].

Alessia Serpella; noble and foreigner and scion of a vaunted house. Now she was also Nalen's prisoner. After seeing the tricks pulled the past day, the Warden made certain to search her for any hidden items. This of course meant undressing her to everything save her lacey underwear. She threw off her dress. In searching her, she found a detontor, a *scroll of simulacrum*, a small pouch of gold, a *second* dagger, and no shortage of lacey undergarments. Were she in a more merciful mood, Nalen would have flushed red. She was *not* in the mood to be kind, however. She knew that Alessia felt the warm touch of Nalen's leather gloves. She knew that she was squirming, with her powerful hands teasing against her soft noble's flesh. Her body responded with fitful struggles, but not enough to shake off the aggresive bindings by the Warden. The captive's legs stopped obeying her mind's commands. Nalen had grabbed her ankles, clad in hosiery and garters up to her thighs, and bound them in tremendously strong hemp rope. She wound it around her ankles four times first, while Alessia was still flailing in surprise. Knotting it off, the Warden moved up to Alessia's arms. She was strong, but nothing compared to an enraged officer of Alysa. Nalen grabbed Alessia's sweat-drenched wrists and pulled them together. When her hands were adjacent with her elbows, she began looping the rope around and around and around. Her wrists and forearms disappeared, and when that wasn't enough, she did the same around her biceps. This time, the struggling woman felt the pinch of rope squeezing her breasts both above, below, and across. The harness around her torso made a 'window' that encouraged anyone who looked to see her pitifully squeezed breasts nearly popping out of her bra. She thrust her hips, trying to knock the Warden away. It wasn't enough. It only made the professional further aware that she was a tricky one. She'd need to get her back to the prison soon to set up more permanent arrangements. The only thing she had on her was a handkerchief - several, actually. It would need to do. She pinched Alessia's nose shut, and the mage responded with a cavalcade of threats. Nalen quickly plugged them with a torn bit of her own dress, followed by a knotted cleave-gag between her lips. Just to make certain the mage wasn't going to keep talking, Nalen wound two more handkerchiefs around her face, covering her mouth and nose. The poor woman's cheeks bulged over the gag, squirming and flailing. The Warden knelt down, staring at her handiwork. Alessia looked so pitiful. Maybe she was merely misguided. Either way, the punishment would be severe and strict. But that was the thing - Nalen had [[won.]]

The warm tea nearly burned Nalen's dark lips. She thumbed through the stack of paperwork that Noémi had recently brought her. The Warden leaned forward in her chair, eliciting a squeak from the new leather. Recent additions to the prison were pricey. Luckily, the city was thankful; the Imperial Service had provided all the funds to rennovate several portions, giving her a state-of-the-art setup. She was already thinking of how to test it - perhaps she could 'accidentally' release Angela DeWulf, and see how far she got before becoming trapped. "Noémi, what's on my agenda for tomorrow?" The woman spoke with a soft, accented voice. "Tomorrow you need to head to the Royal Service's office and speak with them about your upcoming parade. They want to make sure you don't get kidnapped or attacked during the event." "Bah," she said, waving it away. "I'll go, but I want security to be light. This is *my* day of honor. I don't want to ruin it with armored guards." "No ma'am," said Noémi. "But yo ned to go all the same." "Of course, of course. Elijah, did you get in touch with the diplomats?" "Yes indeed," he said, waving his shaggy mane, "They're coming next month to see your prison. They were being coy, but I think their princess Elvina is something of a brat. They joked that they wouldn't mind seeing her bound for a while in one of your cells." All three shared a laugh. "Well, then I guess you two can leave early. We all had to wake early up to go to the tribunal, so I see no harm in ending the day a few hours sooner than normal. Take some time for yourselves." Noémi and Elijah grinned and exited, leaving Nalen alone. She leaned back now, eliciting another squeak from her leather seat. A grim smile crossed over her face and she put her feet up on her desk. Staring down, she gently traced a finger over the armrest. It was warm, and occasionally flexed in the pressure and heat of Nalen's form. *"Mmmmngh,"* said Octavia meekly into her gag. "Chairs don't speak," Nalen said quietly. She gently fingered the sturdy bonds that kept Ms. Bloom encased and enclosed. She relaxed, putting her arms behind her back and basking in the blissful moans of frustration coming from her chair. All was well. [[The End]]

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She profusely thanked Adelise for her assistance and expertise. She turned on the heel of her boot, and took the waiting carriage back to "The Devil's Gullet." (If: $prisonf is 'true')[Torr loudly complained to his lawyer as he awaited a magistrate to hear his case.] "No traces of our bomb-maker," said one of the prison guards. "Elijah's still canvassing the area, by the way. Tracing your bomber will be pretty tough. No hair anywhere, so we can't scry on 'em. Seems that he wore gloves and was rather fastiduous." Not an issue. Nalen had [[another source of information.|prison-calial-intro-bondage]]

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