Night was falling over the expansive supercontinent of Pangaea, the blue orb of warming light setting over the horizon as two twin spheres ascend to take its place. The emerald green sky slowly gave way to a curtain of night, brilliantly dotted with stars, a massive floating island silhouetted against this beautiful transition. This garden of paradise in the sky was once home to just a single, reclusive individual, but now teamed with multiple walks of life, mostly wild in nature, except for two individuals whom were of sentient intelligence.
 
 
One was the owner of this airborne place, a Lepidopteran sorceress named Nillyna, the other was of a different nature.
 
 
Her name is Lily, and she was… 'unique', to say the least. While she partially resembled an attractive human girl with green skin, she also possessed a massive lower body that resembled a plant, rooted in place with several vines and leaves. Lily is, for all intents and purposes, a plant, but she is a plant that thinks, talks, even moves.
 
 
Not long ago, Nillyna had met Lily on her travels and was immediately drawn to her, given her sexuality. But, after certain lustful activities with her, Nillyna soon discovered that Lily was actually a carnivorous plant, possessing another mouth in addition to the human mouth located on her humanoid body, big enough to swallow her whole. Which is precisely what happened.
 
 
Lily had consumed Nillyna, whole and alive.
 
 
Through shear luck the Lepidopteran had survived the experience, walking away almost unscathed (at least physically) but something had changed within her. Despite what had happened, all the cruel things that Lily did to her, Nillyna still found herself drawn to the plant-girl, almost obsessively so. She had tried to convince herself that the ravenous girl was nothing but trouble, but Nillyna's heart flat out demanded to have her in her life.
 
 
Nillyna often wondered how that came to be, the most believable theory to her was the fact that what happened between her and Lily was her first time.
 
 
Or maybe, subconsciously, she saw something in Lily, other than her lust and appetite, that was desirable.
 
 
But, either way, and despite much trail and error, Nillyna managed to convince Lily into accepting an olive branch and now she lives up here in Nillyna's lofty, hovering estate, along with a variety of wildlife. For, after all, if she was going to be living in a place that was several miles up in the air, she would need access to food. Preferably live prey, like she was used to sustaining herself on. Things had relatively smoothed out for Nillyna and Lily since Lily's arrival, falling into a routine that was efficient and healthy for both of them.
 
 
They would spend time together, either talking, or bonding in other ways, while also exploring new avenue's that could deepen their relationship.
 
 
One such thing had been discovered when Nillyna soon found herself suffering from a certain condition, brought on by her first experience with Lily. Despite her intense feelings for Lily, Nillyna had been deeply traumatized by being eaten by her, even after gaining her affection. After all, getting eaten alive wouldn't be easy to get over for anyone. But Lily , surprisingly, came up with a solution to help rid her of her anxiety related, and it had worked spectacularly, which is why, on this evening, the shadows cast by the setting sun displayed the two legs of a Lepidopteran girl, sticking out of a large object that cast a bulky shadow, gently kicking up and down, though not in fear.
 
 
Lily once again held Nillyna in her plant mouth, head first, her upper body completely engulfed, her lower portions still visible. Though none of it was done with malicious intent. Quite the contrary, in fact, Lily's grip on Nillyna's body was at light as she could make it, while still holding on to her tightly.
 
 
Within the green jaws Nillyna squirmed and moaned, for the tongue beneath her torso had positioned itself just right so that the soft, moist tissue slapped up against her breasts every time the large muscle even slightly moved. And she couldn't escape the sense every time she felt the wet slaps to her bare mounds even if she wanted to, for the upper jaw was keeping her thoroughly pinned to the exploratory tongue.
 
 
Such a thing would have Nillyna shivering down to her toes in fear not long ago, but now it only served to heighten her arousal.
 
 
She was glad she had the foresight to only transmute her moth wings into a simple (and very short) skirt, leaving her chest bare so the tongue could reach every sensitive portion of her breasts unimpeded. It also worked in Lily's favor too. As the plant-girl held Nillyna in her mouth, outside, where her lower portions stuck out of her jaws, all she had to do was lightly lift the flimsy garment up a few inches to expose Nillyna's greatest treasure. The pert bottom of the Lepidopteran girl came into view without effort, plump, yet firm, the ample mounds of the cleft melding perfectly into the slender abdomen that jutted from Nillyna's lower back.
 
 
Not one to, as they say, beat around the bush, Lily brought her hands up and firmly brought Nillyna's snow white cheeks into a tight grip. The moaning reverberating throughout Lily's plant mouth grew an octave as the stimulation on her rear joined with the diligent treatment Lily's tongue was giving to her chest, her head spinning as her sensitive flesh was fondled passionately.
 
 
Lily, from the outside, smiled as the soft glutes ebbed and flexed under her fingers, the warm flesh making her palms tingle. She was always fascinated by this portion of someone's body, so supple and soft, and so fun to feel. Maybe it was partially because her own bottom didn't have as much detail, basically just a slightly raised spot where her humanoid body morphed into her stem connected to her plant body.
 
 
But, either way, right now Lily was enjoying the soft feeling of Nillyna's butt under her fingers.
 
 
Nillyna was enjoying the finger treatment just as much, maybe even more so. Her heartbeat increased as she felt Lily squeeze her slightly harder than she had been, her arousal increasing with the sensation, a tingling sensation going down her right leg indicating that she was opening up between her legs quite wide as her fluid flowed continuously, occasionally being flicked into the air in little twinkling droplets as her legs kicked and thrashed in conjunction with the pleasant sensation coursing through her butt. Eventually, the sensation on her chest and the sensation on her rear became insufficient for her needs though.
 
 
She began to crave…something more.
 
 
"Lily…"
 
 
The breathy tone that originated from within her plant mouth drew Lily's attention away from fondling the exposed posterior in front of her and she ceased her movement's, though she kept her hands firmly pressed against the pert bottom, unwilling to release it from her hold just yet.
 
 
"Please…" breathed Nillyna with great effort, so aroused that if she had pupils they'd be crossed, "Please…no more teasing…I…can't take…anymore." She thrusted her ass backwards, deeper into the grip of Lily's hands.
 
 
The plant-girl also decided that she had tormented her oral captive enough, and adjusted her grip on the rounding softness of Nillyna's rear, spreading her cheeks apart and exposing her hidden gems. The little circle of her anus drew Lily's attention first, flexing open and closed in desperate need. Then Lily focused on the gate to heaven directly between Nillyna's legs.
 
 
Her vulva was proud and exposed, two pouty lips tinted red with intense arousal, slightly parted to allow a small stream of sensual fluid to flow down one of the shapely legs in a trickle of diamond brilliance. The sight made Lily crave Nillyna's skin, for, despite the fact that this wasn't even remotely the first time she had seen this side of Nillyna, the moth-girls bare pussy stirred a passion within her she could not control. But she had absolutely no desire to maintain control either.
 
 
Placing her literal green thumbs on Nillyna's lips, Lily parted her labia fully, a little gush of inner fluids cascading from the wider opening as she did so. Now Nillyna's love tunnel was fully exposed to the outside world, her moaning reverberating within Lily's plant mouth more passionately as the cool air bombarded her sensitive flesh. All this, the soft skin in her hands, both of the glutes and the sex, and the squirming and sounds from within her plant mouth, meant Lily couldn't hold herself back any longer.
 
 
She dipped her head past the threshold of the cleft of Nillyna's rear and, at last, made her first contact with her lover's arousal, starting with a soft kiss to her labia. Nillyna responded by releasing the loudest muffled moan so far, her legs spreading apart as she felt Lily's mouth make contact with her lower lips. Lily left a trail of kisses on the sensitive flesh exposed by her thumbs spreading the vulva, slowly making her way down to what she sought.
 
 
Finally, Lily's lips landed on a small bead of flesh, a tremor coursing through all of Nillyna's being at the overwhelming sensation.
 
 
Lily placed multiple more kisses to Nillyna's clit, the little nub gradually extending out of its sheath, allowing Lily to access more of it with her gentle kissing. Finally, when all of the fleshy bean had been revealed, Lily drew its entirety into her mouth and suckled upon it. Nillyna practically screamed inside Lily's plant mouth, her hips ungulating as overwhelming pleasure spread out to her entire body from where Lily had latched onto her clitoris, her legs twitching involuntarily as she lost the mental fortitude to control them properly.
 
 
Lily regrettably had to relinquish her hold on Nillyna's butt because of her captives uncontrollable thrashing, having to use her hands to keep the thrashing girls legs spread, both to keep from getting kicked in the face and to maintain her mouths grip on the pulsating clitoris. If it came to a choice between the soft feeling of glutes or the heavenly taste and sensation of a girl's sensitive area in her mouth, Lily would choose the later. And she also was determined to give Nillyna as much pleasure without interruption as possible.
 
 
Nillyna could barely keep herself from moaning long enough to get a breath, the feeling's radiating from her lower body driving her wild. Not to mention that the large tongue beneath her was still attacking her breasts vigorously, Lily apparently had the controlling capacity to move her tongues in different positions simultaneously, adding to her heightening pleasure. It only got better when Lily changed from suckling upon her clit to full blown licking the entirety of her labia.
 
 
Lily, on her end, felt that the little nubbin had gotten enough attention, but only after she tugged it out a little so that when she released it sprang back into place and jiggled a little. She then turned her focus on all of Nillyna's sex, extending her leaf shaped tongue as far out of her mouth as possible and swiping it gently across the fleshy gorge that was Nillyna's vulva. Her efforts were undoubtedly appreciate, for Nillyna's legs tensed up for a moment before resuming her involuntary thrashing to the stimulus.
 
 
Lily directed more of her focus technique, steadily increasing the strength and speed of each lick, her tongue quickly becoming drenched in Nillyna's fluids as her new actions only seemed to increase the moth-girl's arousal. And the tunnel beyond the lips was so loose now that it was actually an effort on Lily's part to not let her tongue slip into the passage with just the contact she was providing. Though, maybe it was pointless for Lily to resist penetration at this point.
 
 
She had teased Nillyna enough, it was time for her real pleasure to begin.
 
 
Nillyna screamed again as she felt the tongue treating her stop at the epicenter of her vagina and finally slip within. She had to bite her lip to stifle the sound, feeling the rigid tongue slide along the sensitive walls of her love tunnel, her heartbeat so intense it jarred her teeth. Eventually, she was able to adapt to the sensation, at least enough to were she could breathe properly, though she was unable to suppress the passionate moans of appreciation and pleasure as Lily's tongue began a tempo of sliding in and out of her, steadily increasing in strength and speed, same as when she was having just her lips licked.
 
 
Lily noticed Nillyna taking control of her facilities, using it as an initiative to crank it up a little.
 
 
While she continued to send her tongue in and out of Nillyna's depths, she brought up a vine and slipped it under the abdomen above her head. Nillyna let out yet another gasp as she felt something slender rimming her sphincter, guessing it was one of Lily's vines, and if it was, she knew what came next. Her assumption came true as a narrow tip sunk into her anus, her muscles tensing up as she instinctively bore down on the intruder, before composing herself again and allowing herself to go limp.
 
 
With a tongue in her pussy and a vine in her ass, Nillyna wasn't surprised when she felt her climax steadily approaching. But she wasn't ready, not just yet. She wanted to do one thing before the undoubtedly glorious end fell upon her.
 
 
Or, given her intention, fell upon them.
 
 
"Lily!" She called with what little breath she could spare, though only managed a light, squeaky tone, barely above a whisper.
 
 
Her call was apparently heard, for Lily's tongue and vine ceased their movements and began to extract themselves from her body.
 
 
 
 
"NO! DON'T STOP! I DIDN'T WANT YOU TO STOP!" She pleaded, already feeling the pleasure receding without the stimulation.
 
 
Her request was granted, for Lily resumed pleasuring her, a moan of both relief and pleasure escaping Nillyna.
 
 
"I don't…nuh…want you to stop…" resumed Nillyna between grunts of pleasure. "I just need you to do something for me."
 
 
The sensations Nillyna could feel on her body outside of her placement in Lily's plant mouth didn't lessen this time, but she somehow knew Lily was paying attention to her word, so made her request. "I need you to release me...nuh...ha…from your mouth."
 
 
This obviously surprised Lily, for her tongue paused very briefly inside Nillyna's tunnel, but resumed shortly. Nillyna understood her lover's confusion, but she had a desire to fulfill that she couldn't as long as she was confident in this mouth.
 
 
"Please…let me out…I wanna do something…" Nillyna's words were very clear to Lily as she lapped away at her innards, wondering what she wanted could be.
 
 
Was she not doing enough to pleasure her? Was she growing uncomfortable in there? No, that couldn't be the case, her and Nillyna had been doing this ever since they discovered how effective it was against Nillyna's phobia about being consumed.
 
 
But, for whatever reason, Nillyna wanted out, and considerably early, compared to the previous times.
 
 
The only way to find out why was to comply with her request though.
 
 
Gently, Lily's humongous plant mouth releases its hold on Nillyna's body, depositing her on awaiting vines waiting to hold her steady. Her entire upper body was drenched in saliva, though Nillyna didn't seem to care at the moment, too busy moaning in pleasure, as Lily hadn't halted her treatment on the sensitive region of her lower body. Lily's plant mouth nuzzled the side of Nillyna's face before receding into the distance; to someone who doesn't know Lily, seeing the massive appendage moving so would give the impression that it was its own creature, rather than an extension of Lily.
 
 
Nillyna took a second to readjust to the outside world, the fresh air and open space a stark contrast to the humid, confining interior of Lily's plant mouth, before she followed the sudden desire that prompted her early release from the jaw's of her formentioned intimate partner. Dredging up the willpower to move, despite the unbridled pleasure Lily's actions were sending through her, Nillyna parted the vines she now rested on with her four hands, slipping her body out of their support and into the pull off gravity. Lily still had a firm grip on Nillyna's legs, so she didn't plummet to the ground like a stone, but with her lower body secure, while her upper body was free to move, caused Nillyna to bend at the waist, sending her against Lily's lower portions, her head lightly impacting her green navel.
 
 
Lily was slightly jarred by Nillyna's actions, but was too engrossed with exploring her depths to react much, other than to tighten her grip on her legs. However, she wasn't too engrossed not to notice Nillyna wrapping her arms around her waist tightly. She especially noticed when she felt Nillyna's breath brush over her own labia.
 
 
Nillyna managed to focus enough willpower to focus on what her new position gave her full view of. She was literally a breath away from Lily's womenly navel, which meant her puffy labia was now in full view. For a second, Nillyna just started at the pouty green lips, slightly parted, a drop off Lily's nectar poised to drop from the clitoris.
 
 
Not wanting the precious substance to be wasted, Nillyna extended her proboscis and, to start with, lightly touched it to Nillyna's clit, claiming the sensual gem dripping from it before it was stolen by gravity.
 
 
Nillyna could not help but moan into Nillyna's flower as she felt a light sensation on her own lower flower. Once again, this wasn't the first time this happened, she had felt Nillyna's tongue there before, but it was the first time, in general, that she felt a tongue while, at the same time, using her own in the same way. For, despite Nillyna's unforeseen actions, Lily hadn't let up her tongue assault on Nillyna's sex, to swept up in the passion for anything short of the end of the world to let up feasting on the delectable treat she was enjoying. But the fact is, she could still feel Nillyna's sensitive lips quivering around her own leaf shaped tongue, and now, Nillyna was doing the same. Not that she had any objections, on the contrary, this new position turned her on even more than anything else she had done thus far.
 
 
Especially once Nillyna got more aggressive.
 
 
From her new sixty nine position Nillyna started swirling her tongue around Lily's clit, but, so aroused and so close to climax, it didn't take long for her to decide to forget teasing Lily and just amp it up to the fullest right at the start. She placed her tongue to the center of Lily's labia, and, without giving her even the slightest warning, plunged it into the tunnel of flesh at lightning speed. During its descent, Nillyna's tongue wiggled frantically, like a fresh bait worm on a hook.
 
 
Lily wasn't too engrossed in her own actions to not react somewhat to Nillyna's invading tongue, the smooth muscle so deep inside her she thought it might just reach her roots. Her tongue was still diligently lapping away at the moth-girls loin's, but her arms suddenly lost some of their strength and Nillyna began to slip from her grip. The thought of dropping her was unwanted, partly because she wasn't finished eating her out, partly because she wished for Nillyna's tongue to remain inside her, but mostly, for Lily still had Nillyna's wellbeing in mind, even now, under such passion, she was afraid that Nillyna would be hurt if she fell from this height, so she adjusted her grip on her legs to where she did need as much strength to hold her up.
 
 
She wrapped her arms under Nillyna's thighs, gripping her glutes with her hands and securing her in place once more. Happy that the crisis was averted, Lily again channeled her focus on tasting as much of Nillyna as she could. It also pleased her to notice that, with this new position, she could squeeze Nillyna's soft buttocks again.
 
 
Nillyna gasped into Lily's nethers when, in the span of a millisecond, Lily almost dropped her, but was secured in place again when Lily wrapped her arms around her waist and grabbed her butt. It was jarring at first, but soon the gentle caressing on her ass heightened her still burning arousal and Nillyna refocused on Lily's labia. The taste was just as heavenly as all the other times she had sampled it, the potent flavor of nectar dancing in her mouth.
 
 
Soon a tempo was established, with Nillyna and Lily racing each other to see who could make the other climax first.
 
 
And, even though Lily had a good head start in pleasuring Nillyna, Nillyna's longer than average tongue gave her just enough advantage to push Lily's arousal to the point that, before too long, they were both brought at even pace with each other. Then, when Nillyna's probed into an extremely sensitive area, and, at the same time, Lily pressed her tongue to the little nub of flesh while squeezed the butt on the opposite side, that everything came crashing down like a sudden downpour.
 
 
Lily screamed in euphoric bliss as her orgasm slammed into her, all of Nillyna's rear vibrating muffling the lustful call. Nillyna, suspended in Lily's arms upside down, also felt her body reach its limit, finishing with her own scream of pleasure into Lily's mound. Both participants in this erotic game were assaulted by a gush of fluid produced from the vaginal lips they had their mouths pressed against, each trying to swallow every precious drop. It went on for seemingly forever, the sound of sensual gulping reverberating around the floating island.
 
 
Then, just like the brief gust of pleasant spring wind, it all came to an end.
 
 
Both Nillyna and Lily separated from their partner with an audible pop, breathing heavily as the first breaths of air not obscured by a womanly navel filled each of their lungs. Then came the afterglow, so powerful that it blotted out all other sensations. Nillyna tightened her grip on Lily's waist to steady herself again, but Lily could feel her own strength waning, her grip on Nillyna's rear loosening. But, still desiring not to harm Nillyna, or herself, Lily steadily lowered herself backwards, the soft feeling of the crisp grass a welcoming sign that it was safe to release her hold on Nillyna.
 
 
Her arms fell limp to her sides, spent, like the rest of her. Her vision slowly cleared with each breath she took, the sight before her coming into focus. Nillyna's bottom lay suspended above her, Nillyna having braced herself on her knees when she made contact with the ground when Lily reclined. Her sex was in full view, flush with pleasure and winking with the Lepidopteran's deep breathing as she too fought to compose herself.
 
 
Deep in the haze of orgasmic bliss, Lily found herself admiring the sight above. Nillyna was equipped with all the right womanly parts, and her butt was to die for.
 
 
'And just think, it's all mine, she's mine,' commented Lily to herself happily.
 
 
Since signing Nillyna's Soul Contract Lily had never been happier.
 
 
Though what happened next didn't make her all that happy. The wonderful sight above her suddenly disappeared and was replaced with a view of Aquasa's midday sky, Nillyna having finally rolled off her. Looking to the side, Lily saw that, with tremendous effort, Nillyna was trying to position herself to lay parallel with her left side. Finally, she succeeded, Nillyna laying on her side beside Lily, her dark, pupil less eyes staring into Lily's sole visible red pupil, the other obscured by her hair again, a grateful smile on her face, which was just as flush as her nether regions had been.
 
 
"That…that was…" she said between deep pants. "That was amazing!"
 
 
Lily gave her an affectionate smile and brought her hend up to Nillyna's cheek, stroking her face gently, Nillyna swooning at the sensation.
 
 
"You weren't too bad yourself," she said evenly, for, being the more 'experienced' one, she had already composed herself.
 
 
Nillyna smiled and drew Lily in for a hug. The plant-girl smiled, rolling on her own side and reciprocating the gesture, wrapping her arms around Nillyna's lithe body. She was so soft and frail, Lily deep down, worried how easily it would be for Nillyna to be hurt.
 
 
Which was a legitimate worry with what Nillyna intended to do soon.
 
 
Another Lepidopteran, by the name of Linda, had come here several weeks ago.and hurt Nillyna, physically and emotionally, and, while that danger had long past (due to Lily's own intervention on Nillyna's behalf, both for her physical and emotional trauma) it had let Nillyna come to some sort of conclusion.
 
 
"Do you really have half to go?" Lily asked, her voice edged in worry.
 
 
Nillyna smiled at the tone of her love, noticing that, steadily, time by time, her mask of arrogance and indifference was lowered more easily, letting it show that Nillynas wellbeing did matter to her more than food and sex.
 
 
"I must, Lily," she replied to Lily's question from where her head rested over her shoulder.
 
 
"But why?" Asked Lily, tightening her grip on Nillyna, genuinely scared to let go.
 
 
"I already explained it to you, Lily," said Nillyna. "I need the experience."
 
 
"But…it sounds so dangerous," moaned Lily worriedly.
 
 
Nillyna frowned, knowing Lily's concerns were warranted. But, due to recent occurrences, Nillyna felt like she had to do this. It hadn't been easy, especially when Nillyna remembered what the hardest part for her to swallow was.
 
 
Not long after Nillyna was saved from Linda by Lily (by consuming the obnoxious Lepidopteran girl, no less) she soon found herself emotionally incompacitated, and while that to was easily overcome (with Lily's help again) Nillyna soon realized a cruel truth about herself. She was too easily conquered. Nillyna was adept at many things, from arcane to mathematical, even excelling at physical accomplishments, such as dancing to combative techniques, like swordplay.
 
 
Yet, as Nillyna had found out the hard way, utilizing combat training in a real life confrontation with an opponent with genuine lethal intentions towards you was much different than learning them. Linda had managed to breach Nillyna's defense with relative ease, despite her skills in combat, and she was gravely wounded as a result. And afterwards, despite having survived the ordeal, Nillyna was also plagued with crippling anxiety, though mostly stemming from Linda's own fate, rather than what Linda had done to her personally, the dark Lepidopteran having been eaten alive by Lily, something Nillyna very nearly shared.
 
 
All this revealed to Nillyna that she had been too easily beaten by both scenarios. And, even though Lily was such a big assistance when things looked bleak, when Nillyna looked back on it and thought about certain subjects she realized how big the situation between her and Lily was getting. Even though things had relatively settled down, once Nillyna had had a chance to actually contemplate what Linda's intentions were, she soon realized that having the plant-girl on her property could entail.
 
 
Nillyna loved Lily, loved her purely and with all her heart, but that didn't change who and what she was.
 
 
Lily was the Immortalitus Plant, who's fruit was the primary ingredient for a potion that grant's eternal youth. Nillyna should know, that said fruit had been her lifelong goal for some time in the past, but after meeting Lily, and having fallen for her, she had abandoned the pursuit, finding the thought of having to ingest a piece of Lily revolting and unacceptable. Ironic, considering what happened between her and Lily the first time.
 
 
And Linda had stumbled across these properties of Lily's fruit herself, while snooping around Nillyna's home, and, needless to say, became hellbent on obtaining it. She almost killed Nillyna for it, and threatened Lily with a knife when she discovered her. Whenever Nillyna remembered the glistening blade held to Lily made her current concerns all the more worrisome.
 
 
What if, against all odds, someone else discovered the unique properties of Lily's fruit.
 
 
Shadow had…
 
 
…Nillyna had…
 
 
…and then Linda had.
 
 
And Nillyna had tried to defend her love when it became clear Linda was after her but ultimately failed and had to be rescued herself. What if a similar event were to happen again? And at a time when Lily didn't have such an advantage.
 
 
Lily had admitted herself she was vulnerable to magic, with virtually no defense against it. Linda had been a powerful sorceress, possessing great magical strength, but had greatly disadvantaged herself. First, she attacked Nillyna's estate at night, away from the magic giving rays of the sun, then, using a sword that absorbs all magic, forcing Nillyna into a hands on fight, where neither of them could use magic, and lastly, let herself be separated from her extensive supply of talismans she had brought so the sword she was wielding wouldn't kill her, rendering herself completely powerless in the end. But what if the next time someone comes seeking Lily's fruit they attack during the day, where magic is more potent, and not limited to what may be stored in a talisman at the time.
 
 
And Nillyna wasn't diluted, she may live an isolated life, but not to the same degree as the remote forest where she originally found Lily was.
 
 
There was still a chance word of Lily's whereabouts could get out, at least slightly, and if that happens more would come, seeking a means to obtain eternal youth. And determined to do so at any cost, no matter who may be hurt…be they moth or plant. And Nillyna had proved just how inadequate she was in a fight.
 
 
Nillyna loved Lily, wanted her in her life, that meant she had to protect her from those who would seek to harm her. But, if she wanted what happened with Linda to never happen again she needed to get better at defending, not just Lily, but herself too. She couldn't defend Lily if she was dead.
 
 
But education wasn't going to help her this time, she had reached the limit of how much stimulated fighting can help. No, what Nillyna needed was experience. And, though the thought left a vile taste in Nillyna's mouth, Linda gave her an idea. The life of a sellsword.
 
 
Surely, if Nillyna opened her skills to the work of a mercenary, she could obtain some genuine battle experience.
 
 
Throughout all her life, Nillyna had made a living doing commission work for others, be it for magic, mundane, or artistic tasks, and was damn good at it, probably the best. She had fallen off the circuit while pursuing eternal youth, but since that venture had all but wrapped up, Nillyna found herself free again, and had since let the word out that her services were available again. Only, this time, with a slight alteration to her resume.
 
 
She was now accepting mercenary work.
 
 
It hadn't been immediate, for, such was the problem, Nillyna had no combat experience, but her reputation still preceded her, even after being inactive for so long. In fact, apparently, there had been a waiting list for her return, and she had been bombarded with commission's not a day after her announcement that she was taking job's again. None were challenging, Nillyna completing most in less than an hour, or even that, but, eventually, a client with a job she was looking for did turn up, seeking someone to take up a less than safe job. Nillyna had accepted the task at the first opportunity, and now she needed only randevu with the client to begin.
 
 
But, there had been one unseen complication.
 
 
When Nillyna had explained to Lily what she intended to do, to her surprise, the plant-girl hadn't taken it well at all. Especially after she explained that what she was about to do would most likely end up in a confrontation, similar to what happened with Linda. Lily had actually pleaded with her not to go through with it. But Nillyna, despite being deeply in love with Lily, had been adamant about her decision and wouldn't bend to Lily's pleas.
 
 
She had to do this, for both of them.
 
 
Lily hadn't liked Nillyna's response, the Lepidopteran insisting she was going through with what she was planning, regardless of how Lily personally felt about it, but l, ultimately, was eventually persuaded to at least respect Nillyna's decision. Though she did request that they make love before she left.
 
 
Hence the steamy activity they had just performed.
 
 
It wasn't just hormones, Nillyna was fulfilling Lily's request.
 
 
"It most likely will be, Lily," said Nillyna to Lily's comment, after she finished reminiscing about her motivation.
 
 
"I…I still don't understand…" moaned Lily, finally pulling back from Nillyna to stare her in the face. "Why do you need to go looking for a fight? What does doing so have to do with protecting me?"
 
 
Nillyna smiled supportively and stroked Lily's cheek affectionately.
 
 
"Because I couldn't protect you, Lily," she said with self disappointment. "I couldn't protect you from Linda."
 
 
Lily frowned in confusion, "Her? What does she have to do with anything?"
 
 
"She came here looking for someone valuable, even though she didn't know what that was at the time," explained Nillyna, "And when she discovered what you are she became obsessed with getting some of your fruit, which can grant eternal youth."
 
 
"So?" Said Lily with slight annoyance. She had heard all this from Nillyna before they made love. "I dispatched her easily."
 
 
"That's my point, my dear," said Nillyna sternly. "You shouldn't have had to intervene on my behalf at all. I should have been strong enough to protect you from her to begin with."
 
 
Lily looked really annoyed at what Nillyna said about protecting her.
 
 
"I told you I don't need you to protect me," she stated with conviction. "I've handled myself just fine till now. I ate Linda with no problem."
 
 
"I know you are perfectly capable of defending yourself Lily," argued Nillyna desperately, "But that's not good enough. You need to be able to defend yourself and, at the same time, rely on me to defend you as well."
 
 
"I don't understand why I need you to protect me, at the same time as I protect myself even," said Lily with an aggravated frown.
 
 
Nillyna huffed in annoyance. Why were they even arguing now? Lily had already relented in letting her go seeking combat experience, hence why they just made love.
 
 
Still, maybe if she was more specific, at least in regards to her primary concern.
 
 
"Lily, dear," she said, Lily's expression softening at the desperation in her tone, not resisting as the caressing on her face deepened in affection. "Don't you realize how vulnerable you are now?"
 
 
Lily's expression sprouted genuine curiosity, "Vulnerable?"
 
 
Nillyna nodded with sad sympathy. "My property, as isolated as it is, isn't anywhere near as remote as your forest was."
 
 
Lily still didn't seem to understand, and it showed on her face.
 
 
"Lily, don't you understand who and what you are?" Said Nillyna desperately. "You're the Immortalitus Plant, whose fruit is the primary ingredient for a potion that grant's eternal youth. What would happen if word got out that you're here? Everyone with a desire to live forever would come here seeking you."
 
 
Nillyna's worries seemed to finally dawn on Lily with this last explanation. In all that had happened, it never occurred to her that this place wasn't as unknown to the world as her forest had been. On the contrary, Nillyna was exceedingly famous among the population, her name known far and wide, at least, according to her.
 
 
"I love you, Lily, and would never abuse you," said Nillyna, desperate tears spilling from her eyes. "But that doesn't change what you are. If word got out…I don't even want to imagine…
 
 
"Shadow hurt you for your fruit, Linda hurt me for the same reason."
 
 
Lily didn't even try to rebuttal, Nillyna's logic finally seeping in.
 
 
"We overcame the threat they both posed, yes, but it can't be denied that luck was partially involved with our survival." Nillyna looked away to dry her eyes, then relocked th with Lily's. "We can't rely on luck indefinitely, which is why I have to get stronger."
 
 
Lily was almost trembling with nervousness now. She wasn't well educated, but was far from stupid. If word got out about her presence on Nillyna's property, it would attract an unfathomable amount of trouble. She didn't believe that Nillyna would let the word get out easily, but something could slip out, against all odds.
 
 
And if that happened, they would need more than her vines to defend themselves, for it was more than likely more than one person would come at a time if word of her whereabouts became common knowledge. What if more than one magic user showed up for her at a time? Lily had a huge amount of lethal vines and a plant mouth capable of swallowing a person whole, but what good were they against magic?
 
 
"Do you really think that this is the only solution?" She asked, though more out of doubt in the outcome being what they need, rather than concern for Nillyna's wellbeing.
 
 
Nillyna smiled in understanding. "I know, it sounds sketchy, at best, but it's the only solution I could come up with. I have had proper training in combat already, but Linda still overwhelmed me. I need to see more battles if I am ever going to get better at fighting."
 
 
Lily couldn't argue anymore, bombarded by sound logic to the point of having to agree with Nillyna. They needed to be able to protect themselves.
 
 
Still, there was one flaw with Nillyna's plan. Lily somewhat agreed with most of it now, but in order for it to even remotely work Nillyna would have to leave…and that meant leaving Lily here alone.
 
 
"But, what if something happens here while you are gone?" Lily asked.
 
 
"Don't worry about that," said Nillyna with a supportive smile, her cane appearing in her hands. "I don't intend to leave you unprotected while I am gone. I will erect a nigh impenetrable barrier around my property before I leave.
 
 
Lily gave her a skeptical look, "If you can do that, why even bother with all this? We can just rely on the barrier to protect us."
 
 
"That actually was one of my solutions, but I realized it had too many risks," Nillyna explained, "I can create a powerful protective barrier around my estate, but creating a completely indestructible one is impossible. Bombard any barrier with enough force and eventually it will be breached, no matter how strong.
 
 
"And it would be suspicious if I maintain the powerful barrier at all times, it would attract attention. People would think I have something to hide." She smiled sheepishly at Lily. "Which, I kinda do."
 
 
Lily had no choice but to admit that made sense.
 
 
She even had to admit that Nillyna needed this experience, both protect Lily and herself.
 
 
Eventually, Nillyna had to break their embrace to go get ready to go meet her client, Lily watching her go with trepidation and worry. But, beneath all that, she could not help but admire Nillyna's massive house as said Lepidopteran entered it. She had been looking at it for a while now, curious about how it may look inside.
 
 
And, maybe, if it was possible for her to see Nillyna's house from the inside someday.
 
 
Soon, Nillyna departed to meet those who commissioned her service, her essence bolting across Pangaea at a speed no eye could follow. Far she traveled, farther than she ever had before, even counting her numerous trips to The Meadow of the Tetra. Again, great planes, dense forests, a swampy terrain sped by beneath her as she traveled on her teleportation spell.
 
 
If she had the capability of sight in this state the view would be breathtaking.
 
 
Eventually, Nillyna rematerialized into her physical form, having apparently reached her destination. Her wings were once again morphed into clothes, this time taking the shape of a hiking shirt and shorts, colored a light tan. She had foregone her usual elegant high heels, instead now wore a pair of hiking boots, though she had to stop to buy them, considering all she had available at home were her casual high heels.
 
 
It wasn't her usual look, but it was appropriate, considering where she was now.
 
 
Expansive grasslands extend as fast as the eye could see in every direction, the landscape occasionally dotted with trees. This was the Savannah, a terrain on Pangaea almost completely wild, untouched by civilization. It was notorious for being an elegant, beautiful place, but inhospitable and dangerous. It was also known to be the only place on the whole world of Aquasa where certain species's could be found, such as elephant's, giraffes, and zebras, to name a few.
 
 
And not just the wild variety with four legs.
 
 
No, despite being well known for its elegant landscape, the Savannah was probably mostly known for being the home of one of the most unique varieties of people, the Anthropomorphs. Walking upright like humans, this class of people native to the Savannah each resemble one of the animals roaming the wilds of their country in appearance slightly. Some speculate that the potent rays of the sun gave rise to these people by imbuing a select few of the local animals with magic, while, at the same time, leaving enough of the original versions to roam the land as they had for centuries.
 
 
While, most of the time, the Anthropomorphs have no contact with the outside world, existing as nomadic tribes wandering the Savannah, etching a simple life off the land, occasionally they would reach out to outsiders for assistance, whenever the situation called for it.
 
 
And apparently, something had come up, otherwise Nillyna would not be here.
 
 
Although, truth be told, Nillyna didn't know much about her employer, or whatever they may require of her. All she knew was that she had been contacted anonymously by someone who claimed to be from the Savannah, requesting her services as a newly licensed mercenary. She had responded by requesting a description of the task that would be expected of her if she accepted, and the only response was that an innocent life was at stake and a more detailed description would be given, should she accept the job.
 
 
Nillyna had been slightly hesitant to accept under such circumstances, for the last time she was involved with someone so secretive she had been fed to a hungry plant. But this had been the only time this new branch of her services had been accepted as of late, most likely due to her still being green at being a sellsword, so had, with a little bit of hesitation, accepted the job. She needed to start somewhere, and she wasn't going to hone her fighting skills by waiting for a specific type of mission.
 
 
And, if this did turn out to be a trap of some kind, it would still mean she could test her mettle in a real confrontation.
 
 
But she had to meet whomever it was that required her services, for whatever reason, first. It hadn't taken long for the reply to her acceptance of the job to come, but it only said to come to this exact location (actually marked on an included map) at this exact time and wait for further instructions. The constant discretion still bothered Nillyna, but, now that she had come this far, all she could do was sit and wait.
 
 
"Nillyna, I presume?"
 
 
Nillyna twirled around at the sudden masculine voice, brandishing her talisman cane in preparation to defend herself.
 
 
"No need to get defensive," said the voice, a tall figure stepping out from the shadows of a nearby cluster of trees. "I was told to meet you here."
 
 
Nillyna calmed when she surmised that this was probably who she was supposed to rendezvous with, lowering her cane and getting a better look at the one before her. It was an Anthropomorphic zebra, and a stallion, judging by his tone, and his bare torso, which, while possessing an extravagant muscular tone, lacked any breasts. He was a good size six in a half feet tall, a good head taller than her, his body covered in a black and white striped coat, his mane a tall mohawk. He stood on two cloven hooves that clopped on the grassy ground as he walked closer to Nillyna, his animal skin loincloth gently swaying with his stride
 
 
As he stopped before her, Nillyna noticed that he wore a necklace made up of what appeared to be lion teeth, but that wasn't the only piece of jewelry he wore. His face was adorned with multiple gold earrings, nose rings, and lip piercings, his forearms wrapped in great bangle's of glistening gold, as well as gold beads dangling on strings attached to his loincloth.
 
 
Nillyna took all this in for a second, her early surprise at his sudden appearance dissipating to be replaced with admiration for his exotic look. It was a unique feeling, meeting someone who's very appearance portrayed a culture completely alien to what you were accustomed to. Nillyna kept these thoughts to herself though, not wanting to appear rude.
 
 
"Ahem," she lightly coughed demurely into her hands and took on a more professional and business-like stance, placing her cane to the ground elegantly. "You are correct, sir. I am the sorceress, Nillyna."
 
 
The zebra smiled, revealing several gold teeth. "Then I thank you for being so diligent and arriving on time."
 
 
Nillyna noticed his words didn't match the way his lips moved and it came as a relief. She was aware that the people in this part of Pangaea didn't speak the same language as her, so had cast a translation spell before she left her house. She had never done it before though, so had been unsure if she had gotten it right till now.
 
 
"So," she began, figuring that now was the time to get to business, "I take it that it was the zebra of the Savannah who commissioned me?"
 
 
"That is correct, Lady Nillyna, my tribe has need of your services," replied the zebra.
 
 
"Please, just Nillyna is fine," said Nillyna in an elegant voice, portraying the poise for which she is known. "And please, what is your name, good sir?"
 
 
The zebra seemed slightly surprised at the polite request, but smiled in appreciation and said, " I see you are as graceful as the extravagant rumors says you are. I am Mandla."
 
 
 "Pleasure to meet you, Mandla," said Nillyna respectfully, before commenting on Mandla's earlier statement, "So, my name is known even out here in the Savannah?"
 
 
"Your reputation indeed precedes you, my lady," said Mandla. Nillyna was surprised. She only thought she was known around here by her new advertisement for work.
 
 
It never ceases to amaze Nillyna how her fame could even extend to regions of the world where her achievements hardly affected anything, but that was how fame was sometimes.
 
 
"So, the zebra have sent for me, and now I am here," began Nillyna, "So what can I do for your people?"
 
 
Mandla's cheerful expression fell to a look of worry, "A dire situation has befallen us, and, I am loath to say, we can't hope to overcome it by ourselves."
 
 
The concern in his voice was palpable to Nillyna, and she began to wonder how serious whatever had happened was. "Well, what can I do to help? The description has been vague so far, all I have been told is that an innocent life is at stake, and that things might get violent if I get involved."
 
 
To her surprise, Mandla actually had a tear in his eye.
 
 
"A most innocent life indeed is at stake," he said in a choking voice. "But, forgive me, I can't go into any further detail than that which you already know. I was merely sent to be your escort, not your informant."
 
 
"Escort?" Inquired Nillyna.
 
 
Mandla nodded in confirmation, "Upon your arrival I am to escort you to my village. There you will be introduced to those who truly have commissioned your services and they are to be the ones to brief you on the situation. No one else may divulge that information."
 
 
Nillyna didn't like the information, or lack thereof, she had to go by at this point. If all this was to be believed, now she was expecting to allow this zebra, whom she just met, to escort her to some zebra settlement to finally be informed what was expected of her. It all looked too sketchy.
 
 
It could easily be a trap.
 
 
Still, Nillyna had come this far, and was reluctant to back down now. Plus, even if things turned out to be the worst case scenario she was confident she could defend herself. She needed the experience, whatever form it may take.
 
 
"Very well, Mandla," she said with a nod of her head, "Lead on."
 
 
Mandla smiled and gestured southeast, "This way, if you please."
 
 
He began heading in that direction, Nillyna following close behind, her cane impacting the grass with her stride.