Basia's tale

Max Lancer was not amused. His masked, hunky vigilante thing hadn’t really worked the way he planned. Well yes, he had saved the damsel in distress and brought justice upon the night, but the publicity was a little… miscalculated. Instead of first introducing himself to the lady with the humble speech he had prepared, he answered the thug’s bewildered question with a great one-liner he read in an adventure novel. “I’m your worst nightmare, punk.” sounded pretty cool didn’t it? Sure it did, but the ditzy damsel told everyone she had been saved by a hero who preferred to be called “Punk”.

Max waved the servant to fill his goblet and nodded politely to the high priest who was whining about his son. Max regretted not going to the mayor’s party instead, but he had been seen in those too often lately and the high priest had been a little offended. He was immensely relieved when the music started. Cassandra, the voluptuous vixen was sitting on the next table with a young fellow who looked like an aristocrat. Max wondered if he was supposed to know the boy when Cassandra introduced him as Peter, no titles included.

Cassandra was wax in his arms as they spun and glided on the dance floor. Her raven hair cascaded down her back and her violet eyes had a mischievous spark in them. Max thought he should remember to ask what charm she had used on her looks tonight. Staying up all night wasn’t doing any favors to him and he had a certain image to maintain. He was a keen reader of her magazine but she never revealed her best tricks in it.

Peter was starting to get uncomfortable with the questions posed to him by the nobleman sitting opposite to him. He excused himself and walked to the glamorous couple. For the first time in his life he was happy his great-aunt Ermintrude had made him take dance lessons.
Cassie was having the time of her life. Two fine gentlemen were competing for her attention and all eyes in the banquet were on her. It was worth her while to attend the festivities instead of getting much needed beauty sleep. She had been surprised when Peter proved himself to be an excellent dance partner. He had confidence and grace fit for a prince.

Flames consumed Joanna’s prayer sheet. Were good if gods were patient and understanding, for she wasn't. She caught one of the priests eyeing her short skirt in disdain. "Like this? I can make you one in white – it really goes well with a chastity belt." Not caring to see his reaction, she marched out of the temple.


Basia and Arien had arrived to the scene of sharp-shooting competition almost too late. It had already started, but Arien was quite persuasive so they signed in as Brothers Basil and Ares just before the first round was over. Arien had to pay quite a lot for the bows but this was the event he had been looking for. Basia had a hard time not using her magic. She felt like her recent lack of training was painfully obvious, but she made it to the final round because the other competitors seemed to be plagued by bad luck.

Basia’s self confidence had sky rocketed thanks to the cheering crowd. Her last shot was the best of the night. The look on Arien’s face, however, was the thing that made her decide they would show up on Mayor’s party even though it was risky. Besides, she really wanted to find out what the prize was.

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Please review. I own Punk and I'm not afraid to use him.