by Deathworks

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Disclaimer:
This work of prose is a fan fiction dealing with Duamutef's Cartovore 2 computer game. As such, most of the characters appearing are characters designed and owned by Duamutef. A few characters are borrowed from contributions by Bradley Repko. No harm is intented and I am ready to remove any characters should their copyright holders request so.

This is a work of soft erotic fetish fiction. As such, it is to be read only by those mature of mind. In other words, minors should stop reading right now and here. Residents in restrictive societies and states favoring censorship proceed at their own risk.
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Sandy Sailheart frowned as she looked at the shivering figure sitting in front of the fireplace. Her heart was full of pain and anger when she considered that Rachel probably wasn't shivering because of the chill of the early evening. Nor were it her drenched clothes and body. No, she had lost Mika, her mate. And what was worst about it, she saw it happen but wasn't able to do anything, wasn't able to save the person she loved.

Her lips still forming a thin line, Sandy leaned back in her wooden chair. Turning her head slightly, she looks at the door to her bed room. Misty Heartspear was standing there, silently watching her. Her lean body seemed to be completely at ease as she rested it against its frame, but Sandy recognized a worried look in her eyes.

Forcing herself into a smile that would probably not fool Misty, Sandy nodded in her direction and got up from her chair.

"Now, Rachel."

Slightly startled, Rachel turned her head away from the quivering flames to look directly at Sandy. Her hair poking out from the towel covering her head was still wet and even now, water was pouring down her face. For a moment, Sandy felt that the water's glint was slightly different on Rachel's cheeks, but closing her eyes and sighing, she cast aside such distractions.

"I want you to come with me. I want you to stay with Maya tonight."

Two simple sentences, but Rachel cringed at them as if she had been flayed by a whip. It looked as if she would break down right here and there, her spirit devoured by despair, but she seemed alright - for now.

Sandy had expected something like that. She had chosen her words carefully, but she couldn't hide the simple truth that it was too late. No matter what they did, Mika wouldn't return. And she needed Rachel to accept this, to come to terms with it. Not necessarily today, but soon, before the scars grow even deeper.

Letting out another sigh, Sandy raised her voice again.

"So, let's go."

Reaching out her right hand, she helped Rachel get on her feet. Rachel's hand wasn't particularly cold, but she was still shivering. Sandy actually felt it necessary to firmly grab her hand so she wouldn't inadvertently jerk it away.

On shakey legs, Rachel slowly followed Sandy to the door. Its creaking was followed by a cool breeze, but no one in the room was in the mood to welcome it.

As the door closed, Rachel wiped away the single tear that had escaped her control. Regaining her composture, she quietly strode across the room into the kitchen and then down the stairs to the cellar.

---+++---

Jalara was angry. She had shouted at Babette for ignoring her instructions, but no matter what she said, Babette seemed unimpressed, as usual. This, of course, only frustrated her even more.

If only those obnoxious poachers hadn't crossed the river - or rather, if they had never built their wretched settlement in this vicinity in the first place.

Jalara cursed clan Girlyburp in her heart as she had done so many times in her life.

It was because of that accursed clan of Girlyburp she had left Gabbertooth, her beloved home town, so long ago.

Gabbertooth had been a wonderful and prosperous place where Gurglemeisters could live freely and express themselves. Personally, she hadn't minded the occasional clashes with those Girlyburp bores back then. No matter what you had thought, who you had been, or what you had wanted to do, you had been free to live the way you wanted to.

But then Urara, the town leader had decided it would be best to forge peace with the neighbouring Girlyburp town. She had negotiated for days with the jerks, and in the end had returned with a formal peace agreement which doomed Gabbertooth's Golden Age. In it, Urara had had the girls of Gabbertooth promise to abide by certain rules to show their good will.

It had been a nightmare.

The new laws had been made public and Urara and her loyals had even policed the town in order to enfore them. Heck, they had even invited Girlyburps to join their patrols and see their efforts for themselves.

Over night, just about everything had become forbidden. Jalara, like many other Gurglemeisters, had felt strangled by the new order. She had been suffocating, she had needed to break free. She couldn't believe what Urara had done to her people for the sake of a bunch of idiots who lacked even the slightest trace of taste or artistic ability.

Enraged, Jalara had gathered her closest friends and other Gurglemeisters who felt the same way. Presenting her followers, she had faced Urara, called her a traitor, cursed the Girlyburp embassadors at her side. And then she had announced she would take all who would follow her and look for a new place to live.

All the time, Urara hadn't said a word. Even when Jalara had turned around to walk out of the meeting hall, she hadn't raised her voice. She had only looked at Jalara.

"Farewell. May Lerania protect you."

Just when Jalara had reached the door, Urara had finally spoken. It had been all she had needed to say, but it had enraged Jalara even further back then.

Remembering that, it now seemed like a miracle Jalara hadn't started an outright revolt back then.

Now she was the leader of Mudspring, her town of dreams. And now she needed to restrain Babette who wouldn't abide by Jalara's own rulings.

She couldn't help but smile at the irony of her situation.

"I should really go ahead and swallow you whole ..."

While Babette's face remained unmoved upon this announcement, a devilish glitter in her eyes betrayed her excitement and anticipation.

"... but in your case, that would hardly be any punishment for you. You would probably enjoy it more than I do."

The disappointment was too much for Babette to hide. Her shoulders visibly dropped. Jalara heard Charlotte giggle and she wondered once more whether Babette had actually disobeyed her orders just so she would get swallowed for punishment. If that was the case, Jalara was determined to thwart her scheme.

"Instead, you will have feces duty for an extra week. I hope you use that time to consider your responsibilities towards your sisters."

Finally, Babette's face gave in and a pitiful look replaced her neutral stance. For a moment, it seemed as if she wanted to say something, wanted to defend herself, but instead, she simply lowered her head.

To her right, Jalara noticed Charlotte stiffling another giggle. She considered scolding her but then thought better of it. The more embarassing this became for Babette, the more likely it was to have effect.

Feces duty was one of the few rules all girls in Mudspring were bound to abide by. With so many different attitudes and liberties, there were quite a few Gurglemeisters who took things to extremes, relieving themselves whenever they felt the need without caring for time or place. This was commonly accepted practice and some artists even incorporated it in their designs. In the past only few had voiced concern about this, but after a dancing performance by the famous Whitethroat dancer Janelle had had to be cancelled because she had broken her leg and could hardly move at all during her stay at Mudspring, everyone had agreed that something needed to be done. This had been the birth of "feces duty".

Following a simple schedule, the girls living in town took turns walking through all the tunnels and streets of Mudspring and cleaning them from excrements - well, at least sweeping the excrements to the side so people could walk safely in the middle. Most girls were less than enthusiastic about feces duty, but there were a few who seemed to enjoy it and actually offered to do others' shifts as well. Jalara was pretty sure that Babette was not one of those volunteers, so she felt safe to use this approach.

"I suggest you go and get a broom now since your extra duty starts right away."

Jalara was actually relieved when Babette left without and argument. As things were, she would be pretty busy tonight so she was grateful she had one discussion less to worry about.

After Babette was gone, Jalara got up from her chair and walked around the granite table dominating her living room to fetch her light green coat. She knew Charlotte also got ready to leave. As Jalara straightened her clothes, she turned to face her friend.

"Say, the current fairy liason is Glitterface, right?"

"Yes, indeed."

"Good. That makes things easy."

With a wicked smile on her face, Jalara crossed her living room again and entered her bed room through its triangular door. Quickly opening her cupboard, she immediately found what she was looking for.

"Yes, this should do."

---+++---

Maya was sitting at the dinner table when one of her disciples having gate duty tonight entered. Swiftly and elagantly moving her bare feet across the hall's wooden floor, Clarissa crossed the room until she could kneel down next to Maya. The priestess noticed with satisfaction that the rustling of Clarissa's hakama was the only sound that could be heard.

Turning her head to look at Clarissa's face, Maya nodded, allowing her to speak.

"Miss Sandy and Miss Rachel wish to speak to you, holy mother."

Dismissing Clarissa with a gentle nod, Maya considered this development. Surely something must have happened, something urgent. Otherwise Sandy wouldn't come to see her at this hour. Before their evening prayer, she had noticed some commotion near the sea, but she hadn't been able to gather any information about it yet.

Still smiling, Maya got up. She knew she had to keep exuding an air of confidence and warmth. Her disciples depended on her. No, not only her disciples, the entire town expected her to be there to listen to their woes and calm their worries. But deep inside, she got worried. She felt she would get to know what happened at the sea sooner than expected and she was sure she wouldn't like what she would hear.

Stepping out onto the small veranda surrounding the building, she took a pair of sandals from the supply always kept near the door and walked over to the small wooden stairs. Descending them, she put on the sandals and approached the figures visible in the last gloom of the day.

There was the other disciple on guard duty, then Sandy wearing a white blouse and jeans trousers. And then there was Rachel, her head and her body covered with towels and still shivering.

At that moment, Maya was sure that something had happened to Mika. Considering the events of the past two months, she could also imagine what.

"Good evening, Maya."

"Good evening, Sandy. Rachel."

"..."

"Could you please take care of Rachel tonight?"

With Rachel obviously still pre-occupied with her grief, Sandy cut the niceties short. A decision more than welcome to Maya. She knew the sorrow would be inevitable, but even so she hoped to be able to escape it at least once.

"Of course. Clarissa! Please show Rachel to a guest room and see to her bodily needs."

Maya did not need to look around to know that Clarissa had been following her at a distance. After all, this was the way things should be. And no matter what happened in the outside world, the temple was a place of stability, a refuge for the community.

After watching Clarissa lead Rachel away, Maya turned her attention to Sandy again.

"Is there anything else I can do for you? Do you wish to talk?"

"No. - No, but I want to pray."

"Certainly."

Maya wasn't sure whether this meant she would be spared tonight or whether Sandy simply wanted to focus herself before telling her. Still, she was glad that the time had not yet come.

Taking off her sandals, Maya climbed the five stairs to the sanctum's veranda. Taking water from the bowl next to its entrance, she washed her hands, mouth and belly, the latter by reaching into her hemp clothes. The water was cold and it helped her focus on her tasks ahead.

Glancing back, she saw Sandy struggling to take off her boots. Her comical efforts cast a true smile onto Maya's face as she entered the prayer room.

Dismissing the disciple on duty there, she walked up in front of the stone statue of Ruble and bowed her head, hands put together and eyes closed.

The statue was a master piece, the pride of the village. A travelling Darkswallow artisan had made it from a single giant boulder the villagers had retrieved from the bay.

The stone itself was of a whitish grey with various colored veins running through it and the statue was put in such a pose as to make the most of that. Her smooth and perfect features revealed the love she felt for the world.

A love Maya wanted to share with everyone.

Getting out of her day dream, Maya quickly ran to the shelves lining the right wall - or rather she floated, her feet touching the floor only so softly. Without hesitation, she followed her inspiration and picked up a crimson prayer cushion.

Returning to the center of the hall, she approached Sandy who had finally arrived and was showing her respect to Ruble.

In a fluent motion Maya had practiced thousands of times, she put the prayer cushion down in front of Sandy and the glided backwards to the wall.

Her hands still put together, Sandy knelt down, her knees resting on the soft, thick cushion. Her eyes were closed, but Maya could see her lips move. There was no sound, though, except for the breath of the two women.

Seeing Sandy so quiet, Maya couldn't help but compare her with the Sandy of the past. They had both been hatched in Daisyton roughly at the same time and had spent a lot of time together during their apprenticeships. But then Sandy's restlessness had gotten the better of her and she had left to see the world. Back then, Maya had hesitated. On the one hand, she had wanted to accompany her friend, on the other hand, she had felt how much she had been needed as a disciple in Daisyton. In the end, she had stayed behind.

When her friend had finally returned, she had done so bringing not only her mate Misty Heartspear with her, but also wonderous tales of her travels. After her return, she had stayed in Daisyton for a while, but then she had grown restless again. As she had decided to leave again, there had been many who wanted to follow her. They had been infected by Sandy's fiery spirit. Maya had been one of them.

And now, Sandy had become leader of her own village and was doing a great job. Calm and with care she saw to the needs of her people. No more rash decisions, no more impatience. Back in Daisyton, she had never visited the temple and it had been unimaginable for her to actually spend time kneeling down in prayer. No, Sandy hadn't been able to sit still for even a minute in those days.

She had changed facing all the challenges and Maya wondered what the future would bring for her. And for Cleargulf, the village Sandy Sailheart had created. And for herself, Maya.

Maya's thoughts were interrupted by Sandy clapping her hands together marking the end of her prayers. As the girl stood up, Maya quickly approached her, picked up the cushion and put it back in place in the shelf. Neither of them spoke a word as she escorted her guest from the sanctum to the gate.

"Thank you."

"It is nothing. That's what we are here for."

Maya stood a while at the gate watching her friend disappear in the darkness of the night.

With a sigh she turned around and headed for the guest quarters. It was to be a dark night indeed.

---+++---

"Mmmhhhh ... 12 nagas and 6 forest karis."

"You got to be kidding. 4 nagas. That is more than enough. You are just to watch Sailheart and make sure we can find her tomorrow."

"The Girlyburps seem to be suspicious of my people. Going to their town and spying on their leader is very dangerous."

"5 nagas and 1 forest kari."

"10 nagas and 2 harpies. We are risking our lives there, you know."

Rather amused, Charlotte Gurglemeister watched as Jalara was haggling with Glitterface. The fairy was maybe a tenth of the Gurglemeister's height, but both seemed more than equally matched. And neither was ready to sell out cheap.

Not really interested in the details of business, Charlotte allowed herself to be distracted by her surroundings. No longer in the underground of Mudspring, the two girls were now in a wooden building used to house the diplomats from their river fairies allies.

The fairies took shifts visiting Mudspring and it was no secret that Mudspring liaison was a much-coveted position among them. After all, besides the girls in Mudspring there were few sources of news, rumors, and fashion trends this deep in the jungle. Of course, this was also true for the inhabitants of Mudspring who also listened for any interesting ideas the fairies might have come up with. Thus, all in all this was a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship.

When then underground town of Mudspring was finally ready and most of the Gurglemeister population moved underground, they offered the fairies to prepare quarters in the safety of the tunnels. After a tour through the town, the fairies declined, however, something Charlotte still didn't quite understand. The river fairies and clan Gurglemeister had so much in common, it would have been natural for them to live closely together. And unlike the centauresses who simply wouldn't be able to enter most of the tunnels due to their size, the small fairies would have had enough space to roam and enjoy themselves. But in the end, the office remained on the surface, next to the centauress' camp and the homes of the few girls who had chosen to remain without the fortified core.

However, while the fairies had declined the luxury of the tunnels, Charlotte had to admit that they were doing their best to compete with the glory of Mudspring. Of course, each fairy had her own style and preferences and so each time the liaison changed, there was a week-long trek of transports - old furniture taken away and new furniture brought in. During these periods, the office was closed to Gurglemeister visitors as the new liaison wanted to surprise her hosts with a complete and impressive interior decor. But actually these were the times when nearly all of Mudspring was looking at the fairies and the girls came up with many schemes to get at least a glance at the new designs the fairies were bringing. After all, everyone was starving for inspiration and those who brought the new trends first were loved by all.

Glitterface was an experienced liaison and Charlotte really liked her style. Unlike Kitarra, who had had the last shift and whose dark and brooding arangement of dried flowers, iron spikes and rocks still made Charlotte shudder, Glitterface preferred light colors and shining things. Everytime she came to Mudspring, you could be sure she would bring lots of gems and glittering stones and arrange them in a myriad of colors. This time was no exception. While her current favorite color seemed to be sky blue, the beads covering the walls showed all thinkable colors, forming geometric forms with rounded corners - an idea that had quickly found its way into Mudspring society.

Although she didn't allow her face to betray it, Charlotte actually longed to simply settle down in the comfy harpy feather chair and enjoy the atmosphere. This chair alone was unbelievable luxury and clear testimony to Glitterface's social standing among the fairies. The high frequency of her becoming liaison was another. Charlotte didn't know what Glitterface was doing for her people that made them treat her that well, but the girl certainly enjoyed the comfortable side effects. Leaning back, Charlotte allowed her thoughts to wander.

Charlotte remembered times when she wouldn't have dreamed of resting in such a comfortable chair. Times, when they had been marching south in search for a new home. It had been a tiresome march and no matter where they arrived, there had been Girlyburp camps or Girlyburp towns nearby. So, they had moved on and on, until they had reached the Storm Peaks. These rocky mountains rose high above a broken wasteland of dust, topped by glittering snow. Jalara had suggested to try establish a settlement somewhere in the mountains, using the snow for water. Like the others, Charlotte had reached her limit and had been ready to give up hope. She had wanted to be safe and warm, she had wanted to have fun with friends. Instead, they had been stuck in a dangerous wilderness for weeks now.

But Jalara had spoken in flaming colors about her vision of a Gurglemeister paradise, far away from the dreaded Girlyburps, a haven of freedom. And pointing to the impressive peaks, she had told them that it was waiting there for them. Charlotte had been really impressed by Jalara's spirit, and even today, she could not help but marvel at her charisma.

But what had waited for them in the mountains had been no land of dreams. Instead, they had found death and betrayal.

Actually, Charlotte pondered that it was a miracle she was now enjoying the soft feeling of harpy feathers and had leisure to watch their leader negotiate with a fairy.

As her thoughts turned towards the present, Charlotte suddenly realized a change in Glitterface's composure. Her eyes, that had been looking Jalara up and down in fury were fixated on a single spot and instead of fury, another fire was in them. Following her line of sight, Charlotte noticed that Jalara was playing with a necklace she was wearing made of colored glass and gems. Her right hand would pick out one crystal, raise it a bit from her neck so that it would shine in the light of the gas lamps before repeating this process with its neighbor.

Looking back at Glitterface, Charlotte realized that she was already hooked. All Jalara had to do was to pull her in.

"Well ... you do have a nice necklace there."

"What? Oh, this necklace. Yes, I had it made especially to fit my taste. It is very dear to me."

Realizing that this had become naught but a game for both the fairy and the girl, Charlotte had to struggle hard to suppress her laughter. Although the conversation was something of a ritual, she found the way they avoided approaching the point they both sought just too funny.

"You wouldn't consider parting with it, would you?"

"Parting with it? No. Never. - Although, for a friend, I might make an exception."

"... Mmmmmhhhh .... 4 nagas and 1 harpy. That is really the best I can offer."

"I guess we have an agreement then. 4 nagas, 1 harpy, and this token of our friendship."

Smiling a most generous smile, Jalara opened the necklace and placed it deliberately slow onto the table. Glitterface's eyes were virtually glued on the shimmering object gleaming like a million flames. As Jalara released her grip, the fairy made a move towards the jewelry but then thought better of it and regained her posture.

"I will see to it that my sisters will keep an eye on Sailheart right away. Is there anything else I can do for you, Lady Jalara."

"No, thank you. I am sure you will be very busy tonight, so I don't want to keep you unduly occupied. Good night."

"Good night, fair lady. It is always a pleasure."

"Good night."

Jalara and Charlotte opened the door and faced the cool night outside. The sensation helped Charlotte retain her self-control as she was about to burst out into laughter.

"Diplomacy is all about self- control. If you wish to become someone in the world, you better learn how to keep calm in any situation."

Jalara's comment seemed like a lose thought, but Charlotte noticed a slight undertone in it. Realizing that Jalara had just given her a warning, she turned solemn immediately, all laughter disappearing from her thoughts.

"Where to now?"

"I want to go to the grotto. I want to make sure that Babette's little escapade hasn't done it any harm. You may retire to your quarters, I won't be needing you tonight anymore."

"As you wish."

Charlotte bowed and then watched as Jalara went to an entrance to the tunnels that lay a bit off the main path. Once she was gone, Charlotte breathed out and relaxed. Being Jalara's secretary had its glorious moments, but in the end, there was always this stiff atmosphere. Charlotte wondered again why she did this anyway.

---+++---

Misty took a sip from her goblet, testing the taste of the thinned out lemon juice for a final time. According to her estimates, Sandy should return soon and she would be in the mood to talk. And the cold lemon juice was just the right thing to keep them clear and focused throughout the affair.

As if on cue, the door opened and Sandy entered.

"Welcome back."

Misty gave her mate the warmest smile possible.

"What do you think?"

Sandy did not waste any time on niceties, asking her question even as she was removing her boots.

"A dire octopus, no doubt."

"I was afraid you would say so. Any experiences with it."

Misty felt a little reluctant to tell her lover the truth.

"Actually, yes. I was able to accompany a group of hunters going after a dire octopus shortly after I hatched. Although I didn't actually fight it, I saw it all."

"So, what are our chances?"

Hearing Misty's response, Sandy seemed to be invigorated.

"Well, it had been four experienced hunters and they had a tough time with it. The octopus we are facing seems to have been tamed by the Gurglemeisters, so we have to expect them to protect it. And we don't have that many experienced warriors."

Misty took a sip from her juice, watching Sandy closely as she tasted the bitter liquid on her tongue.

Misty felt sorry for her mate having to go through all of this. When they had finally found this river, everything had seemed alright. There had been no greater monsters in the vicinity and with one side facing the plains, the location had seemed easy to defend in a way. Misty remembered that she encouraged Sandy to set up camp near the river. While they had traversed the Howling Woods just north of the plains, the two of them had already been worried about the morale about the girls. While they had been impressed by Sandy's speech, they had not been used to the adventurous lifestyle Misty and Sandy had come to know. They were growing tired and Sandy had been worried how long they could carry on.

Only Sandy had been different. This had been one of the things that had impressed Misty when she had first met her. While being a Girlyburp, she had been so much like herself, an adventurer, a traveller. If anyone had told her before she had met Sandy she would fall in love with a Girlyburp, Misty would have beaten them up. Being proud and independant, Misty had had little use for the Girlyburps. Sure, she would have defended them from the monsters of the wild, but she would never have wanted to get too close to their feeble society. The mate of her dreams had had to be someone as energetic and strong- willed as herself - and these were things she would never have expected to see in a Girlyburp.

Even now, that Sandy had become used to being leader of a village and had effectively settled down, her fiery spirit was still strong, a warm flame the presence of which Misty enjoyed enough to fight the call of the road.

Sandy had changed. Misty remembered her look when the first egg had hatched in Cleargulf. It had been Rachel and Sandy had been incredibly proud. For a while, whatever Rachel had done, Sandy would have been nearby watching over her. During that time, Misty had joked she had been jealous. Actually, there had been some truth to the statement.

And when Rachel had gotten together with Mika, Sandy had acted just like when Misty and her had gotten together. But fortunately, she had calmed after a little while and things had returned to normal.

Rachel and Mika. They had been a curious pair. When Mika had hatched, Rachel had stepped forward and had proposed to her even before she had completely cleaned herself up. Everyone had been baffled, but Mika had simply smiled and accepted.

And now that Mika was gone. Devoured by a dire octopus ridden by Babette of the vicious clan Gurglemeister. Misty wondered how much sorrow Sandy was really carrying in her heart.

Chasing away such thoughts and remembering that she should be protecting and supporting her mate, Misty turned her attention to the present again.

"So, unless we find a way to improve the odds, we are utterly defenseless."

Finally, Sandy responded to Misty's eplanation, obviously having pondered its implications for quite a while.

"You will be going?"

"Yes. And I want you and Rachel to accompany me. If her condition permits, we will leave tomorrow."

With these words, Sandy downed the rest of her juice and went to their bed room.

After Misty had cleaned up the living room, she joined her. Sandy already lay in bed, but she wasn't asleep yet.

Misty lay down next to her. After tugging herself into the soft blanket, Misty tentatively touched her mate's shoulder. In response, Sandy turned away from her.

Sighing, the Velvet Flower girl turned on her back. So Sandy wasn't in the mood tonight. She couldn't blame her, although she would have liked to distract her and given her at least some pleasure tonight. Who knows when they will have the time and privacy to do so again.

Slowly, Misty drifted away into the land of dreams.

---+++---

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