[The Norkari Mtns.] Chalet du Sommet Minuit

Several days later...

Deep in the bowels of The Chalet, nestled in among the mess of basements, vaults, and tunnels, lies a room.

The room is almost perfectly cubical, measuring about twenty meters to a side. The walls, ceiling, and floor are all of plain and largely unremarkable stone bricks, of about average size. The room has exactly one door, centered on one of the walls and seemingly made of some sort of metal- though a handful of runes are carved into its surface. It is within this room that Naoki has begun her preparations.

On the right side of the room if one is standing in the doorway, a table has been brought in. A long, squat sort of table, with six sturdy legs. Atop it, a fair variety of items have been placed. Among them are assorted candles, quills, parchment, and ink, bits of chalk, bottles filled with a variety liquids- some of them glowing, a set of matches, and a few suspiciously large, phallic shaped items. Among these items, one in particular stands out, and it is a large book, a tome, even, bound in purple letter and quite thick. It sits in the center of the table, open to a page, though numerous bookmarks hang their tassels out of the top.

In the center of the chamber, there is a raised dais, of the circular variety. Or perhaps it is an altar. Whatever the case may be, it seems to be made of a sort of bluish gray, and very smooth stone. The top of the platform is smooth, polished, and perhaps five meters in diameter, but the sides bear all manner of intricate runes, etchings, and depictions. Though the purpose of the runes would remain unclear to all but the finest of rune mages, the drawings and depictions interspersed throughout feature a suspicious number of lewd shapes, engaged in all sorts of activities, as well as a fair number of dark, demonic sorts of symbols. It’s a bit of a strange thing to behold- almost surreal in how the content of what would otherwise be a very fine and cultured bit of art is so exceptionally lewd, and the very sheer dichotomy in texture between the top and the sides.

The floor immediately around the altar is clean clear of obstructions for the time being. It is only around the very edges of the enclosure that candles seem to have been lit. Though the candles vary considerably in size, shape, and color, none of them are particularly interesting or provide anything more beyond flickering light.

Additionally, it should be noted at this point that while none of the items within the room have any active magics about them at the moment, the powerful pervasive magics and wards placed upon The Chalet have been modified somewhat for this particular chamber. Notably, the wards that prevent any and all manners of magical entry to the grounds have been modified to allow only those who have been invited, just the same as the teleportation rooms. Additionally, certain other magics that would usually be all but prohibited are, in this particular chamber, permitted. Furthermore, there are a fair number of miscellaneous protective sorts of spells in place here that are not seen elsewhere, though none are active at the moment. However, the heating spell that keeps the entire complex at a toasty 76℉ continues to function in the chamber without

Beyond those items which have already been detailed, there exists only one more item of note in the chamber, and it is Madame Naoki. Standing there completely unadorned and unclothed, with the table behind her, the altar a few feet before her, and the door off to her left, she surveys the preparations. Everything… seems to be in order.

Because as it so happens, the book on the table is entitled Wes’ Grand Compendium of Summoning, and was authored by legendary wizard, Wes the Wizard. And as the book says, there are all manner of parallel, alternate, and wildly alien planes of existence, and all it takes is an incredible amount of very intricate and dangerous magic to forcibly yank the denizens of one of those planes over to this plane to do one’s bidding.

If one follows The Wes School of Summoning’s Ways, there are three major components to a summoning spell. The first is the bit that does the pulling, the abduction. It is further categorized into the bit that does the pulling, and the bit that plops whatever the creature is wherever it is that you want it, but that’s irrelevant. The second portion is the bit that binds the creature to do the will of the summoner. Because oftentimes, the creatures are less than pleased to have been yanked across time and space, and would much sooner bite the summoner’s head off than go perform whatever embarrassing tasks the summoner would have them. As such, some magic can be applied so that the creature has no choice in the matter. The third portion is optional, and that is the bit that one could use to apply other magics to their creature. Enchantments to make them more durable, stronger, or not prone to smelling quite so awful.

However, Naoki does not follow The Wes School of Summoning’s ways. Not in this instance, at least. Here, she has chosen to, rather than using a scepter of some variety to create the runes out of magic itself, to carve them into this dias. This has limited her to a very narrow window of summoning magic, and furthermore, she has only chosen to utilize the first portion of the spell, the one that does the pulling and the plopping- and at that, she hasn’t even done the right sort of runes to make it an infallible spell. Where Wes the Wizard might utilize a great metaphorical hand of magic to reach across time and space to pluck whoever he might see fit from their home, Naoki instead uses a single beckoning finger and the magical equivalent of a wink and a smirk. Indeed, Naoki has bastardized Wes’ noble summoning magics to make a device which essentially invites beings into this chamber. Only beings of a demonic and lusty persuasion, at that.

However, with that in mind, Naoki has her sights set at the very top. This altar, with its particular configuration of carefully selected runes, is intended to summon the most powerful and lustiest demon that currently exists- whoever that may be. (Wherein the word ‘summon’ is a term used loosely, and it would really be more accurate to say that it invites them.)

Of course, with all of the preparations and precautions apparently in order, there is no time like the present. Stepping up to the altar and nuding it with her foot, Naoki sets the thing into motion. (Wherein, agian, 'motion' is a term used loosely, as the altar isn’t actually moving as much as the runes on it are simply glowing with magical energies.)

Taking a few steps back, Naoki places a hand on her hip and watches with anticipation and a slight smirk. If this works, whoever it is ought to show up right there on the altar.

Naoki’s smirk widens as a rift in time and space forms before her on the altar. That is the other problem with this method of summoning: only beings powerful enough to traverse the planes unaided are able to answer the call. In this case, of course, it isn’t an issue.

As the woman steps through, Naoki exercises her Right to Ogle, looking her up and down. It’s not particularly hard to surmise that this is the Demonlady’s base state. Because if one was going to disguise their appearance, it wouldn’t make very much sense to disguise as that. Not that her form isn’t appealing- it is, but… it’s also a bit off-putting. Not as efficient as it could be if one’s singular goal is simply to appear as desirable.

Moving her hand from her hip to meet its partner behind her back as the Demonlady begins to speak, Naoki listens quietly, rolling a bit on the balls of her feet. It’s been awhile since anyone has referred to her as ‘delectable’, but Naoki doesn’t seem to mind overly much. What she finds far more interesting is that the Demonlady knows her. Damn. That’s how you know you’ve really made it, she supposes. When you don’t have to introduce yourself to anyone. Not heads of state, not anyone on the street, and not demigod lords of the underworld.

However, Naoki supposes, that’s to be expected. If she were her, she would know her, too, but whether keeping an eye on this plane is something that the current set of Demonlords do is a bit of information that has escaped Naoki until just now. Information pertaining to the various circles, levels, and incarnations of hell is sketchy at best, simply because there are so many varieties.

For a moment, Naoki considers. Right to the chase, this one. Which is probably fitting, she supposes- she's the same way herself, most of the time. And while Naoki might have preferred to get around to her proposal in due time, Naoki supposes that there is no time like the present, especially insofar as her ever-mounting need is concerned, as may be clearly evident if the Demonlady can actually see out of those iris-less eyes she’s got, there.

“Well,” she begins, “beyond the obvious, I would like to explore the possibility of an arrangement.” She pauses, intending to make clear that the sort of arrangement she has in mind ought to be far from standard. “You gain power from the lust of mortals in some roundabout way, yes?”

Evidently amused to see the Demonlady’s eyebrows raise, she responds, “Well, I can’t imagine most mortals are very creative, either.”

Outwardly, Naoki doesn’t seem particularly phased as the Demonlady approaches, but the veritable feast she’s treating the demon to cannot be hidden by body language. Neither can involuntary responses of the body, for that matter.

Eyeing the tentacle that hovers so close, Naoki employs a fair bit of restraint as she considers. The way the Demonlady stated it, it would seem as if feeding of arousal is a more personal and very distinct affair from the second bit- the acts powering her realm. Hm.

Figuring it best to continue proceedings directly, Naoki continues, “My idea is more or less as such... Whatever methods you use to harvest these things- the arousal and lustful acts and such, they must be somewhat passive. Because if you’re to profit in some way from any instance in which any mortals get it on, that must be a very wide area sort of spell, to say the very least. And likewise, I assume that you may only feed on arousal if you’re… close to the individual in question.” With this, Naoki tilts her head back and slightly to the side, intending to meet the other woman’s gaze and to draw attention to the fact that the lady is in awfully close physical proximity to her, and seems to be enjoying it more than most others tend to.

“In both cases, I think that an increase in efficiency is possible. I’ve been dabbling in artifice, and the high magics of energy manipulation, as you can see.” With one hand, Naoki gestures idly toward the altar in the center of the room, a primary example.

“It may be possible to devise some manner of device, or, rune spell that gives you more bang for my banging, if you would be interested in such a thing.”

With her offer on the metaphorical table, Naoki does her best to simply stay put and maintain eye contact, despite how much she would love to not.

As Lust steps away, Naoki heaves a visible sigh of relief. A second longer and she would have lost all pretense of restraint. As Cahryss presents her rear, Naoki clasps one hand firmly in the other to keep it from wandering. As she clears her head and parses what the Demonlady said, Naoki wonders for a moment what all she possibly could do to earn this woman’s ire. Any agreement they enter into would have to be accepted by both parties, and it seems like it would be simple enough to simply understand and decline. It isn’t as if Naoki has a great ability to force her will on Lust. Perhaps she’s been double-crossed before, Naoki muses. Hellscape politics are a bit hectic, as she understands, and this sort of suspicion seems understandable.

Regardless, Naoki responds, “Well, truthfully, I don’t know much about you, your circle of the hellscape, your magics, or what all you could offer me. I initiated this discussion with the assumption that we, as two individuals who could probably stand to profit from the other, could work something out that we both find to be mutually agreeable.” With this, Naoki offers a small shrug. It is the truth, but not quite all of it. If Cahryss’ abilities to sense intentions are particularly keen, she might postulate that Naoki has something in mind, but has chosen not to voice it- perhaps in the interest of not coming off as presumptuous.

Raising her hands in mock surrender, Naoki concedes, equally as eager to proceed to the next portion of their meeting.

“Very well. If you’ve been keeping as close an eye on me as it would seem, you ought to know: I envy very few individuals. However… my physiology and supernatural ability as they relate to sensuality… I often find lacking. Or at least somewhat ordinary.” Gesturing to herself, Naoki intends to illustrate that in regards to beyond her tail (which is excellent for foreplay and cuddling but not much else) she is all but a perfectly mundane human being- her other exceptionalities notwithstanding.

“To elaborate, I crave variety. There is only so much I am capable of with the tools I currently possess, and I’m looking for a little something… extra.” With this, Naoki raises her eyebrows, treats Cahryss to one of her trademark smirks, and eyes the writing mass of tentacles pointedly.

Nodding along as much as she’s able between shudders, Naoki is in clear agreement: something like those would be excellent. Preferably, in her right now. But then Lust draws away, leaving Naoki unfinished and somewhat disappointed, if in a clearer state of mind.

In this more astute state, Naoki consciously realizes what Lust has done- completely halting her advance as she states her terms of the deal, as to allow Naoki to seriously consider. This action, Naoki was not at all expecting and speaks favorably of the Demonlady’s character. She is either a legitimately decent individual (the demon bits notwithstanding) or knows not to try to fool with Naoki. Whatever the case may be, Naoki appreciates it and listens carefully as Lust outlines her terms.

Nodding along quietly in acknowledgment and contemplation, it only takes a half-moment before Naoki- rather than accepting the offered hand, raises a single finger in objection, “Not quite. I would like a few clarifications and caveats added before I agree.”

Beginning, Naoki adopts her business tone- apparently able to shift from being molested by tentacles to levelheaded negotiation quite easily.

“I have no issue with the first two terms. I honestly intended to invite you to parties anyway, and as so long as your funneling magics have no detrimental side-effects, I will happily accept them. However, in regards to the third term, I would like some clarification on what all that entails. I’m not particularly interested in my soul becoming anyone’s property, per say, but the prospect of ‘partners’ is an attractive one. As I am not very well informed on how souls and such are handled down there, I would like clarification on what specifically you mean by that.”

Even though it seems that Naoki has more to say about the agreement, she pauses here. It would be best to work out the terms Lust has already presented before beginning to tack on supplementary terms, she figures.

Continuing to listen carefully, Naoki nods slowly in acknowledgment but doesn’t immediately express agreement. Though the offer is very clearly a generous one, there is much to be considered. Truthfully, Naoki hasn’t done very much thinking about the ‘afterlife’, more concerned with what would happen in her absence than what she would do once she’s gone. Contingency plans, successors, wills, and such.

But as for what to do with her soul… Well, the question sort of begs itself, she supposes. Because while Naoki is very firmly opposed to ‘mortal’ immortality of the sort that vampires have, the soul is sort of immortal by default, she supposes. Which makes things a bit troublesome- in that her options are limited. The first option is to accept Lust’s offer, and do as she suggests. Which is a very attractive concept, Naoki thinks. There’s something to be said not only for the experience of it- spending eternity in neverending throes of pleasure with those who do it best but also for the security of it. Knowing her own soul to be a fairly valuable one- and being all but certain that it has dramatically increased in value since it was last appraised, the possibility of some manner of gluttony demon or another soul-eating or collecting creature eating her soul is quite high- if she doesn’t take steps to protect it. Hence the attractiveness of Lust’s offer. Once promised, Naoki would presumably need to take no further action after death to ensure the safety of her soul, Lust here would simply come and take it.

But then again, so could anyone else. So could Grandma, or so could Ms. Lum, for that matter. And considering the resources at her disposal, it would be fairly trivial for Naoki to have her soul forcibly reincarnated into a new body of her choosing. But then that’s immortality, isn’t it. Is it really without the mind, though? It’s hard to say- that’s a question about the relationship of the mind and the soul, and those are always tricky. But beyond that, what of everyone else? Though Naoki supposes she won’t really have any problems in accounting for Artemis and Skarlet’s afterlives- as there likely won’t be any, what of Kate’s? Or Liz’, Jun’s, or Emahra’s, for that matter? Thinking to herself quite frankly, Naoki muses that if she’s going to spend eternity with anyone, she would really prefer to spend it with someone she loves rather than Tentacles over here. But accepting the offer would put her in a pretty reasonable position to negotiate for that- for their souls as well, she supposes. And really, Naoki doesn't think that Kate would much object to that sort of afterlife. However, if Naoki doesn’t accept the offer, she could probably also go about achieving the same thing in another way. There’s nothing in particular besides convention that says that one’s soul needs to either go up and down, and those forces can be circumvented by people like Grandma anyway…

These sorts of spiraling questions, doubts, and wildly out of control trains of thought are the sort that plague Naoki as she takes a few steps over to the altar and seats herself upon it, finding her legs just barely long enough such so that her feet brush against the floor, but cannot rest properly on it. At least it’s warm, she supposes.

For the space of a few moments, she simply sits in deep concentration, staring into one of the candles, watching it flicker and waver slightly as candles tend to even in the absence of a breeze. Presently, however, she begins her response, slowly and ponderously, choosing each word carefully.

“Well. Allow me first to state that I am flattered by your offer. I believe that I have a handle on the…” With one hand, Naoki gesticulates idly as she searches for the word.

“The significance- the gravity of what you’re offering me, and honestly, it’s a bit strange to receive such an offer from someone I’ve only met in the past… what, ten, fifteen minutes? And who hasn’t quite introduced themselves beyond their title. Not that I mean to imply anything about your manners, or my opinion of you so far- it’s just that I’m surprised that I’ve made such an impression that you would offer something like that to me.” This, Naoki offers in a light yet polite sort of tone, not intending to come off as rude or upset.

“Furthermore,” she continues, “I’m beginning to have second thoughts about dying in the traditional sense at all- I might, later in life, decide to simply not, and continue to accrue power in my own right. The semantics on that might get a bit strange if I utilize some means of resurrection, so allow me to make this counter proposal.”

Sliding down off the altar, Naoki turns to face her guest directly and puts her business voice back on to continue, “I will accept that third proposed term with the following condition. If I might like to stay up here in the overworld for a while longer than may be considered ‘fair’, by whatever means I may choose to employ, you will allow me to, and will not attempt by any means to secure my soul before I am prepared to surrender it. However, as I suspect will be the case, I die- regularly, in the traditional sense, and opt to stay dead, my soul will be yours to do as you propose. Furthermore, I would feel a bit more comfortable if it is written explicitly into the contract that there will be no involuntary servitude involved.”

Listening to the Demonlady’s response, Naoki smiles slightly. Honestly, she had expected Maelik to be something of a fluke, and other demons to be considerably… ruder, and less agreeable. And- she supposes, they probably are, for the most part. But even so. 

Waving a hand dismissively, Naoki shrugs. “Meh. If you wouldn’t prefer to, I’m not going to insist. It’s just somewhat troublesome not to have a name to address you with. I could call you ‘The Demonlady of Lust’ but then that’s referring to you in the third person, and by a title that’s somewhat similar to my own. Just ‘Lust’ is a noun, and that would get troublesome if either of us wanted to use the noun in conversation- and I expect that we will. I think that if you wouldn’t prefer to tell me, you should at least adopt a nickname for convenience. Especially so if you intend to conduct more business in the mortal realm here, and would like to keep your identity hidden.”

Naoki looks on as the wicks of the candles tremble under the power associated with the name. Beyond nodding solemnly, Naoki offers no further comment.

It’s mildly amusing, though, she muses. Idly, she wonders if the name magic comes with the other powers Charyss possesses, or if something deliberate needs to be done to ‘initiate’ the name magic, as it were. Thinking a bit further, Naoki supposes that it must be an unintended side effect, considering that it’s hardly something one would want- to give others power over them. But then at that point, what constitutes a ‘true’ name? Aren’t all names given or assumed, by their nature? Or do demons have some specific naming convention, courtesy of some higher power? That would be somewhat fiddly with mortals becoming demons, though. Well, at least ‘Naoki’ is an explicitly assumed name, which is somewhat convenient, she supposes.

But in any case, as nice as it is to know Charyss’ name, and to have that degree of leverage, it still doesn’t quite solve the issue, Naoki muses. She still can’t use that name to refer to Charyss for conversational purposes, which was why she asked for the name in the first place.

‘But that can be readdressed later’, says the growing sense of need between Naoki’s legs. ‘There are altogether too many words coming out, and not enough tentacles going in!’, it says. Unfortunately, the gap between Naoki’s legs is not very well versed in economics and is prone to creating trade gaps. But it also seems to be yelling more loudly than the rational bits of Naoki, so it seems to be calling the shots in this case.

Though there are a few lingering stipulations drifting about regarding the wording of the document and Naoki’s entry into the political realm of the Hellscape, they can also be addressed later, declare The Loins. Against its better judgment, Naoki’s head shakes, indicating the negative.

“There are a few items I would like to discuss later, but the emphasis is on ‘later’” Perhaps as eager to seal the deal as Charyss is, Naoki drips her way over to the table, and proceeds to unceremoniously slide Wes’ Grand Compendium of Summoning off to one side, clearing room for the written portion of the partnership about to be forged.

If Charyss would like to use the provided materials, a fine set of writing utensils and paper still stands at the ready on the left of the desk. If not, she would find herself able to freely draw upon whatever manner of magic she might wish to utilize to conjure writing materials of her own.