Astrael had slipped out of the inn around midnight, eager to explore the fort in search of meat to feed on. Obviously, by feeding, he meant something carnal, passionate, anything that could quell his hunger as a lust demon. It had been a while since he had sought out innocent humans to pounce on; perhaps tonight he would be lucky and find exactly what he was looking for.
He strolled in the dark, along the narrow streets of Duskcombe, until he heard music and chattering, classic signs of a party, or at least people having a good time. When he turned the corner, he found himself on a slightly wider, well-lit street, where there were indeed several citizens drinking and talking animatedly. Folk music could be heard in the background, the typical melody that enlivened human hearts and, often accompanied by alcohol, made everyone feel lighter.
As soon as he stepped into the street, a few people turned to look at him: not only was he a stranger to them, but he was the classic dashing traveler! He wore common clothes, but his charisma and beauty made his appearance look elegant to everyone's eyes. The demon eyed a few women and men with whom he would have the great pleasure of laying that night... he just had to figure out how many people he could afford to conquer before their departure. At that moment, he hated having to follow Grimilde around the continent for incredibly boring matters like politics, but he admitted that the idea of seeing the Sun of the Empire and the Ice Queen of Arran face off was nothing short of electrifying.
But back to present business... a beautiful girl was walking towards him with a seductive gaze and lips curled into a smile. "Nice to meet you, I'm Lina. I don't think I've seen you around Duskcombe before. Are you a traveler by chance?"
"Exactly, Lina. Nice to meet you, my name is Edgar." Astrael never revealed his true name; it was a dangerous thing for demons. Besides, he still had poor Edgar's body, albeit improved in many areas that we won't go into...
"How about having a drink with us, Edgar?"
Lina grabbed his arm and led him toward the center of the party, where her friends were gathered. He liked decisive people, and more importantly, just because it looked like an easy conquest didn't mean it wouldn't be very, very enjoyable.
"Edgar, these are Mike, Ronn, Wein, and my brother Patt." Lina introduced her friends and fellow villagers, who offered equally friendly smiles. Astrael was struck by Patt's beauty, which rivaled Lina's. It was clear they had both inherited the best genes from their parents. And who knows, maybe they would appreciate sharing a nocturnal adventure with a mysterious traveler.
"Are you staying for a few days?" Patt sidled up to the demon and Lina, handing him a full glass: the substance inside was dark and unknown, but Astrael wasn't picky. Although alcohol had no effect on demons, possessing a human body came with the benefit of allowing oneself to be touched by mortal vulnerabilities. He allowed himself to get tipsy and kicked off his night of revelry.
Soon enough, he began dancing with Lina, then Patt too got caught up in the euphoria and danced with Edgar. They began wandering through Duskcombe, exploring the place in search of new entertainment, and ended up in another tavern gambling. Astrael snapped out of his buzz and realized he was facing off against a massive brute of a man challenging him to a drinking contest. His opponent's eyes gleamed with a lunatic expression.
"Come on! Show me how much you can drink, you sissy!"
"First of all, I take that as a compliment, since women are fantastic, but be on your guard, I'm going to drown you in your own alcohol!" They started drinking and drinking, egged on by the dense crowd that had formed around them, while Lina and Patt hung onto Astrael's every word—the charming stranger who feared nothing and no one.
When Astrael's opponent collapsed onto the table from ingesting too much alcohol, the demon stood up, smiling at his audience:
"Ladies and gentlemen, does anyone else wish to challenge me?"
"You were amazing!" Lina clung to his arm, while Patt clapped a hand on his shoulder: "Teach me how to drink like that, it would be fun to crush my friends."
"The night isn't over yet, there's plenty more we can do together..." Astrael's gaze turned seductive, just like his voice and gestures; he was ready for the conquest and his prize for the evening.
It was right then that he lost complete lucidity, giving himself over to drunkenness and lust.
When he opened his eyes again, however, he realized he was far from the crowd and lying in a bed, tangled in the sheets. He pushed himself up slowly, looking around and noticing a female body beside him: he smiled, thinking it was Lina, but she had a different hair color... strange, Astrael thought: he didn't remember seducing anyone else that night. Not that he minded finding himself in that situation. But now he had to make a run for it! It was already dawn, and he had to get back to Myrel's inn. Besides, he hated arguing with mortals when they realized they had been used for just one night; some got clingy, others showed up accompanied by their actual lovers, and still others tried to kill him (well, that had only happened a couple of times).
As he got out of bed, he almost tripped over the naked body of a man: it was Patt! So where was Lina? Astrael then looked closer at the room and saw a mattress on the floor, about two meters away from the bed, on which Patt's sister was lying. At that point, Astrael smiled in satisfaction, until he noticed another naked body... lying right next to Lina's! A woman? It definitely looked like a woman... what the hell had happened last night? Who had he spent the night with? Well, he was full, that was what mattered most... but he could recover the memories of that night during the carriage ride, to savor his exploits while waiting to arrive in Krussgard... yes, that would be an excellent idea.
"Edgar? Are you leaving?" A whisper stopped him right as he was about to bolt out the door, and turning toward the man who had spoken, he was horrified. It was that giant brute who had challenged him to the drinking contest!
"Last night was so beautiful... didn't you feel the spark? The gods brought us together!"
Astrael's mouth fell open in a silent scream as the giant grabbed him around the waist, pulling him close. "Let go, let go!" He shoved him away, grabbing a pair of trousers he found lying around the room and sprinting out of there fast.
The big guy chased him all the way to the inn's exit but stopped when Astrael disappeared around a corner: "Don't run away! We are destined!"
Destined my ass! the demon thought, using his powers to fix his appearance and dress properly. How the hell had he ended up bedding that beast of a man? He was at least six foot two, with arms twice the size of his human body... not to mention that massive beard he sported! He had never been picky before, but... not him! Maybe he wouldn't spend the journey reminiscing about the previous night... it would be better to reflect on a few choices before proceeding with his next conquests...
When morning came, the group found meals ready for a hearty breakfast delivered directly to their rooms; Myrel had gone out of her way to procure the freshest local products, in addition to providing various pastries she knew the princess might appreciate (a tidbit Federik had let slip).
As soon as they finished breakfast, they followed Myrel to the back of the establishment, which opened onto a street inside the district, wide enough to accommodate a carriage. In fact, it was already waiting for them, with Derek in the driver's seat: "Good morning, they are already waiting for us at the exit of Duskcombe."
"Myrel, we are grateful. Although our stay was brief, we found ourselves very comfortable." The Queen thanked the innkeeper on behalf of everyone, and the woman blushed instantly. She bowed her head humbly and accepted the gratitude: "I wish you a peaceful journey. May the gods bless you!"
And with that sincere wish, the group set off again for Krussgard, leaving the fort of Duskcombe behind.