There was just enough time to have a good, old-fashioned Shoot the Goddess Hour! She went out in the yard and rallied what folk were around the hideout to hit her with energy-based blasts so she could absorb them and convert to Pneuma FE.

  Like Champion Cheaters do!

  On short notice, the numbers were perhaps reduced to what they would otherwise be, but over thirty showed up to blast her, in a mix of laughter and embarrassment — Sammy had to encourage one blushing newbie to go through with the act. With a big grin, she called, “You’re just letting magic worship me, lad! You already brought the heat — let it out!” He finally managed to summon the gumption to cast, but did so with his eyes closed.

  Gremlin that she was, Sammy yelped as the blast hit her, which made the young man shoot his eyes open wide in horror, but the riotous laughter from both the goddess and the rest of the men around made it clear he’d been goofed. He got a sheepish look as he rubbed his neck.

  You have absorbed energy damage from multiple sources and gained 31 FE (Pneuma).

  After this fan-favorite act commenced, they all headed for the main building for some ale. Reset dropped as she drank with them.

  She quickly checked her FE total: 23,087.

  Alright, we’re hitting the cap soon for another quest completion, according to Constance’s intel from Redberry. Maybe in the morning when a lot of prayer comes in. Gotta watch for it and start dumping FE elsewhere once it triggers.

  Dax suddenly sat down across from where Sammy was sitting. Before saying anything, she began drinking from a large tankard in a great chug. And then continued… and continued.

  “Whenever you’re ready, Dax,” Sammy muttered, sighing and sipping her own drink.

  Dax held a finger out as if to say, ‘One second.’ It took a few more for her to down the entire tankard, at which point she slammed it down. “Ahhh!”

  A few of the men around clapped for the display. Sammy did a sarcastic slow clap. “The fraternity bros back home would be so proud.”

  After belching loudly, Dax grinned and nodded as if accepting actual praise from her goddess. “So. Before you forget again, do you have time for this perma-buff thingamajig you nagged me about? Might as well get it over with.”

  Sammy glared at her deadpan. “I mentioned it off-hand like once, and that’s nagging you?”

  Dax frowned and chewed her lip. “Well? Do you have time or not, oh Fair Goddess Samantha?”

  “With such sweet words, how could I resist?”

  ‘Indeed. Get it over with.’

  Sammy blinked at the Fortuneteller’s sudden comment. It had actually been a while, and then just to…? “Is it that bad? Or are you saying she’s a wasteful use?”

  ‘You should know by now we cannot answer such a question. Take it at face value. Answer her prayer and complete the work.’

  Meanwhile, Dax nodded along with another grin, sipping at her tankard — then frowning at it because she’d forgotten that she’d completely drained it. Setting it back down and sliding it away, she raised her eyebrows and said, “So, where to, then? A shrine? Meditation chamber?”

  “How about the roof?”

  “Ah, the good ole outdoors from a highly defensible high fortification. I couldn’t ask for a more sentimental scene!”

  Sammy didn’t respond, simply finished her ale and headed up the stairs as Dax followed behind. Twilight persisted outside — something of a footnote to Sammy who always saw details nigh perfectly. They waved at the sentry by the wall and looked out on the relative wilderness beyond the property.

  “Anything I should know, Madam? Any warnings?” Dax asked, betraying a slight nervousness in her voice.

  Sammy turned to face her and studied the newly minted Pantheon member. No longer a direct Follower. It still kind of stung in the ‘Goddess’ side of her. The class, the role, the ID, partially but not completely merged with who she really was. Synthesis from the Rallindin entity didn’t help that. Ralli was as proud and possessive as they came. Ralli was the type that might’ve denied Dax’s request, truthfully. At the least, probably required some sort of quest. Which, come to think, would’ve been good for Dax…

  The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  Damn. Eh, Hindsight is 20/20.

  The redhead knight had on a new hat, red and gold trim with a feather bundle on one side. Her outfit was colorful and tailored, with prominent red, gold, and white. It had runic scrollwork on the borders that was common among her leaders, perhaps taking after the sharp-dressed Zephyr. That was fine… they couldn’t run around identifying themselves with blatant symbols yet.

  Dressed to impress today? Hmm.

  Dax met her gaze evenly, blinking as if oblivious to being studied. She frowned as the look continued. “Do I have a bloody smudge on my nose or something?”

  Samantha crossed her arms. “Why did you come to me and ask? You’re the first one to do that.”

  Dax blew air out and shrugged. “Why not? You’re supercharging everyone. Might as well get in on the action.”

  Samantha simultaneously squinted and raised an eyebrow. “Not good enough, Dame Pimp Hat. First, you’re all kitted out in nice clothes like you’ve never been other than your headwear, and hell, even that looks fancier. Now this. Just who are you trying to impress? It’s certainly not me.”

  Dax’s face was too expressionless, like she’d flipped a switch for ‘poker mode.’ She made a gesture of sublime helplessness. “No one. Myself? I figure it's time to get serious about a lot of neglected things. Turning a new leaf, trying a new style of… life. Aye. A new style of life!”

  “You can just admit it. I know who just got back today.” Sammy leered devilishly and leaned forward. “Canmore. You’ve got the hots for him!”

  Dax did not do a great job maintaining her poker face — she was blatantly caught flat-footed by the comment, and Sammy’s sharp eyes even gleaned a blush. The redhead stammered and barked out sudden, hollow laughter. “Pfft- wha-, no, me-... Canmore?! No! Me? Psh! That’s… silly! Silliness, haha!”

  Sammy grinned even wider and her hands shot out to grab Dax’s, whose eyes widened like a deer in the headlights. “Dax! Tell. Meeee! Did he like your clothes, did he comment on your hat, did he give you any compliments, did he seem to notice you differently?! Tell me, tell me, tell me!”

  Full-on shock painted the redhead’s face at that point, mouth left hanging open. Her eyes slid down to their held hands, then slid to the side. In a breathless near-whisper, she offered, “Oh, Bloody Red Heaven. I really do need to talk about it to someone, don’t I? I-I’m gonna pop if I don’t… I was a bloody stupid little girl the last time I felt this way…”

  Sammy practically hopped up and down as she nodded vigorously. “Yes! I am a stupid girl, too — it’s my specialty! So come out with it, already!”

  A last look like she was a cornered rat, and Dax finally sighed and sagged, shaking her head. Somewhat miserably, she said, “I’m hopeless, aye. Think I’m bloody in love with the guy. Stupid. I’ve got no chance with a stud like that.”

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