Pyotr leaned back in his chair, alternating between drinking his ice-cold ale and resting the cold tankard on his bruised leg. He sighed, happy to finally rest after all that. What was supposed to be a routine bounty turned into a month-long delve down into a dungeon filled with increasingly more mutated plant creatures.  At least the body of the man they'd been sent to capture was still somewhat recognizable despite the puppeteer vines getting to him first. And at least the worst he got was this nasty bruise. Drossie still had one of those flowers stuck to her, and that's why he was sitting alone right now. Clara was intent on finding someone to cure her before they relaxed, and she'd dragged Maia along with them to see if they had any connections in the church here. So he was quite happy, if surprised, when the lovely auburn-haired lady sat across from him.

The lady smiled sweetly at Pyotr as she sipped her wine, the vintage nearly as deep crimson as her dress. He hastily adjusted to a regular sitting position, trying  to subtly smooth his copper mustache. She chuckled softly as he quickly made himself look presentable, wincing as he bumped his bruise on the table. "Ahem, uh, hello my lady. Wonderful to see you here, er, see someone as lovely as you." The lady laughed kindly. "Thank you for the compliment, kind sir~. And the pleasure is shared, you're quite the treat yourself~." He grinned nervously, thrown off by her forwardness. "Ah, er, thanks!" He struggled to find something to say. "So, uh... Festival's coming up. Sounds like a fun time." The lady raised an eyebrow. "You mean the Shadefall festival?" Pyotr nodded. "Yes, I've been quite looking forward to it. Sounds like a wonderful way to relax after such dangerous work, like I've just finished." The lady suddenly started laughing under her breath. She looked back at him, her beautiful orange eyes full of mirth. "My good sir... The Shadefall festival was last week~" Pyotr choked on his drink, blushing a deep red. Right. Going to the festival had been his plan before they found that the abandoned church had several floors of dungeon beneath it filled with eldritch plants. 

The lady continued to laugh quietly as he muttered his excuses. "Lost track of time... Happens in my line of work... Lot longer than I thought..." The lady sympathetically laid a hand on his shoulder. "I understand, kind sir~. It can be so easy to lose track of time when you're so Focused on your work~... Everything else does tend to Fade from your mind, does it not~?" Pyotr nodded, his head still reeling from embarrassment, and the lady kindly smiled. "You do cut quite a strong figure, kind sir~. What line of work do you pursue~?" Pyotr quickly sat up, trying to subtly adjust his breastplate. "Oh, I work in the Adventuring business! Pyotr Makadim, traveling knight, at your service!" The lady's eyes lit up with interest. "An adventurer, really~? Most intriguing, do tell me more, Poyotair~" His heart fluttered at the way he said his name, and he cleared his throat. "Ahem, yes! Well, my first great adventure was when I recovered the grail of the eighth Merren king..."

Talking of his exploits was something Pyotr was quite adept at, only outstripped by his ability to exaggerate them. This lovely lady didn't need to know he was technically asleep for most of the fight against the Aetherbaku, and she wouldn't be harmed by thinking that he was the one responsible for the killing blow on the Opalescent Queen. Besides, she clearly enjoyed a good story. As he finished regaling her on his latest adventure, conveniently leaving out exactly how he got the bruise, she was gazing at him with an appreciative smile. "Such amazing stories, Poyotair~. I am sure you are in great need of Relaxation after such an ordeal~" Pyotr smirked, stifling a yawn. "Ah, worry not, my fair lady! I'm not one to tire easily! I feel quite energetic, in fact!" The lady sighed. "Ah, a shame~. I would have loved to share my room with such a brave and strong man tonight~" Pyotr dropped his tankard in shock, right on his bruise. He grit his teeth, trying not to yell, as the lady stood up from the table. Hastily, he stood up as well. "*ow* Uh, er, well, uh, actually-" She giggled, smiling. "Oh? Suddenly feeling Sleepy, are we~? Like you need to Relax~?" He rapidly shook his head, emitting the discordant combination of a yawn, a moan, and a cry of pain. " ooouauaaughhh No, no, I just, er... Wish to accompany you! For your own benefit!" The lady covered her mouth as she continued giggling. "Oh, of course~. Then come with me, fair Poyotair~. I have a room just upstairs~" She gently took his rough hand in her smooth, warm one and led him upstairs, into her room. Pyotr couldn't believe his luck.

The lady's room was quite spacious for an inn, and quite decorated as well. Beautiful orange swirls lined the room, and on the walls hung paintings depicting warm sunsets, crimson wine, and surreal dreamlike cloudscapes. As the lady locked the door, Pyotr removed his breastplate. No need to wear it now, after all. It made him look quite tough and powerful, but it was NOT comfortable in bed. Especially not for the ladies. He sat down on the bed, happy to have a place to rest his leg, and she smiled down at him. He struggled to say something, finding himself distracted by her eyes. They were pretty in the tavern, but here, in the candlelight, they were downright gorgeous. Bright orange and deep, intense yet soft, her gaze unwavering but relaxing, almost glowing in the dim light. She chuckled modestly. "Ah, my eyes are quite pretty, aren't they~?" Pyotr blushed. "Ah, well, I, I suppose, er-" She laughed. "Oh, worry not Poyotair, I am flattered~. Stare all you like~" It was nice to have permission to do what he already wanted to do, so he stared deep into them as she sat down next to him. Her soft hands caressed his neck, sending blissful tingles throughout his exhausted body. He began to feel lightheaded, the ale clearly catching up to him, and he embraced the lovely lady before him, leaning into her soft, delicate body. His hands began undoing the clasp on her dress, but she gently squeezed his shoulder, clicking her tongue. "No, no, naughty Poyotair~. That's not what we're doing here~" He raised an eyebrow, struggling to comprehend what she meant. "Huh? Then what are we here for?" She chuckled darkly, leaning back. "This~" She clicked her fingers, and suddenly a swirling orb of shimmering orange appeared before his eyes. "Fall for me, Poyotair~"

By the time Pyotr even realized what had happened, it was already far too late. His vision was pulled into the center of the orb, falling into the shimmering vortex of color, a color more vibrant and beautiful than any he had ever seen. Blissful warmth filled his body, like his entire being was being wrapped in a soft, plush embrace. Pleasant tingles spread over his entire body, massaging away all his pain. Every muscle relaxed one by one, his fingers losing their grip, then his hands going limp, then his arms collapsing against the otherworldly beauty working her magic against him. She embraced him, her laughter coursing through his bliss-filled body. Every thought had faded from his mind, and all he wanted to do was stare and snuggle. His head was filled with nothing but a soothing orange hum, a lullaby for his very soul. Even if he wanted to try and form a thought, it was a monumental exertion, akin to climbing a waterfall of warm honey. So he just sat in motionless, mindless bliss, as his Mistress caressed him. Suddenly, she clicked her fingers again, and the orb flew into his eyes. More blissful warmth flooded his body, and the hum began growing stronger. Mistress smiled and caressed him. "You'll be a wonderful toy~"

Pyotr's body lay mindlessly in Mistress's arms as she gently petted it, enjoying his submission. "I am so glad I found you, toy~. I have been looking for a warrior of your talents for quite some time. I have the perfect adventure for you~. Does that not sound wonderful~? Nod for me." Pyotr's body nodded exuberantly, and Mistress laughed in amusement. "I knew you'd like it~. And for an adventurer of your talents, with such a long list of exploits, it should be no problem~. Unless, of course, you were LYING~? But you would never lie to me, would you toy~? Answer honestly, toy~!" Pyotr's mouth opened, the honest answer spilling out in a dreamy monotone. "I lied, Mistress... I exaggerated everything..." Mistress mockingly put a hand over her mouth. "Really~? Well, that is quite terrible~! You may not be cut out for this adventure, then! But, oh, I already chose you, and I cannot change my mind now~! So I suppose you must do, then~!" She giggled sadistically, Pyotr too deep under her spell to feel the fear he really should. "Now, before we go on this horribly dangerous excursion, I do have a few errands for you to run in town, toy~..."

---

The sun was going to set soon, yet there was still plenty of activity in the market, particularly around the Botanist's stall, where a small horned woman was almost panicking as she tried to fix everything. "Look, like I said, she's not in her right mind right now, and I know that those flowers were really rare, you said that already, but- Drossie stop touching them!" The hellborn quickly slapped the hand of a giggling half-elf with a large flower in her hair trying to grab even more flowers before continuing on her hurried explanation, "-But like I said we just got back from a really dangerous adventure and we did get a lot of treasure and I know it won't replace those flowers but maybe- Drossie stop! Maia can you please hold her while we're here?" The exhausted angelic cleric pretended not to hear as they continued reading their holy book, leaving the hellborn to try and restrain the much taller half-elf as she barely took a breath before continuing, "-Maybe it'll help make the loss less painful, and you know we're adventurers, so we could try and find that ancient grove to pick you some more flowers and I know you wouldn't have them until next festival but we can get more than just two for next time and that's good right? Please?" The botanist looked down at the hellborn almost about to collapse before their stall and grunted. "Fine. That's 500 gold for each Onyxomnia, and an additional 250 for... general damages. And I'm holding you to your promise, I better have at least 10 of those by next year's festival." The hellborn gulped, but she quickly reached into her bag of holding and pulled out several handfuls of gold and gems. "Here, this should be enough, thanks and sorry and bye and DROSSIE WHERE ARE YOU GOING STOP!" She ran off to stop Drossie from causing more problems, and Maia sighed, slowly closing their book and following behind. 

Barely managing to wrangle Drossie over to a bench, Clara collapsed onto it herself, utterly exhausted. The half-elf giggled dreamily, her eyes the same bright indigo as the flower stuck in her hair, and sleepily patted Clara's horns. The hellborn smiled wearily, the display of affection comforting even if her friend wasn't all there. The Motherbloom withering meant she wasn't under its control, but the euphoric haze its flowers had was still strong as ever. They'd been trying all day to find a way to remove it without hurting her, but apparently nobody here had any experience with this branch of primal magic. Maia kept saying they should just rest, but she really didn't want Drossie to hurt herself during the night! Or to cause any more incidents... As she closed her eyes and tried to think of something else, she heard Maia dryly comment, "Nice of you to join us. Got bored of hoping girls would be impressed by a dented chestplate?" Clara glanced up, seeing Pyotr heading their direction. She expected to hear him retort, but he just walked silently by, not even looking at Maia. The cleric glared at him. "Wow, rude." They went back to reading, but Clara was worried. There was something off with the way he was acting. 

Pyotr was silently purchasing some supplies as Clara walked up. "Hey, is everything okay?" He didn't respond, just passing over payment and grabbing the supplies. "Pyotr, are you okay? Can you hear me?" He didn't respond. She rapidly waved her tail in front of his face. No response, he just kept walking. "Wait, stop!" She tried to grab his arm, and he pulled it away wordlessly. He didn't even glance down at her. Clara worriedly looked over at Maia as she kept up with Pyotr's unceasing march. "C-Can you come over here, Maia! I think something's wrong with Pyotr!" Maia rolled their eyes, muttering “he's probably just tired too..." and slowly walked over to them. "He looks fine enough, except for the bruise." Clara tried and failed to restrain him, the silent knight unintentionally dragging her along. "Yeah but something's wrong with his mind! I don't think he even knows we're here! PYOTR! SAY SOMETHING!" Maia sighed and opened their book, but was distracted by Drossie stumbling up. "Haaiiii, Perry-terry! How do you doing? I feel so floooaty and floweryyy~!" She sleepily rubbed his head, eliciting no response. "Do you still feel floaty tooooo? Pretty floattery fluttery flowery flowers..." Clara's eyes widened. Drossie was right! But no, he wasn't just charmed, it was like he wasn't thinking at all. Which could only mean he was... "Oh, I was wondering what was taking you so long, toy~!" Dominated.

The adventurers looked in the direction of the voice, seeing a woman who was undeniably the enchantress who had dominated Pyotr. Clara released Pyotr and drew her needle. "What do you want with our friend, enchantress?!" The enchantress chuckled, placing her glittering orange nails over her mouth. "Oh, these are your friends, toy~? Awfully rude of you not to tell me they were here with you~!" Maia glared at her, drawing their mace. "You're not ensorcelling the rest of us, witch." The enchantress laughed brightly. "Oh, you’re quite right, cleric~! I really do not have the time to deal with all of you. Me and my new toy have an important adventure to go on~! Toy~," Pyotr's head snapped to attention, "Knock out your weakest friend, please~" Pyotr nodded, then in a shockingly swift motion drew his shortsword and slammed Drossie's head with the pommel as hard as he could. Drossie immediately collapsed with a thud, the flower knocked off her head from the impact, and the enchantress laughed gaily. "Oh, that was far faster than I thought~! Come quick Toy, your friends need to attend to someone~!" Clara looked rapidly between Pyotr's retreating back and Drossie's unconscious body. She couldn't let Pyotr leave, but Drossie needed help, but Pyotr was in danger too, but Drossie might have been really hurt Pyotr was strong, but that Enchantress was going to do who knows what with Pyotr, but Drossie might be at risk of dying, but Pyotr might be at even greater risk of dying if that enchantress kept using him, but- "Are you going to help or not?" Maia's acerbic voice snapped her out of her decision paralysis. She couldn't even see Pyotr in the distance, so... She'd help Drossie then.

Clara gently laid Drossie on the bench as Maia's light washed over her, the impact from the pommel vanishing in a soft glow. The hellborn gently shook her friend awake, smiling worriedly down at her. "How are you feeling, Drossie?" Drossie groaned, rubbing her head. "Like my brain got made into a cocktail... What happened exactly...? Perry still got flowers on him too?" Clara shook her head sadly. "No... I... There was an Enchantress... She dominated him while... While I..." Drossie interrupted her by quickly jumping up. "Wait, where’s the bastard?!" Clara glanced around nervously. "I-I don't know! They escaped while you-" Drossie shook her head. "No, I meant the flower! Ah, there you are! Taste elven flame!" The sorceress blasted a wave of fire at the wilted flower, incinerating it. "Ahhh, that's better. So, where's Pyotr then?" Clara looked off in the direction he left. "I... I think he's long gone." 

She turned to the others. "We have to go rescue him now!" Maia scoffed, frustrated. "Now? While we're all tired?" Clara responded a bit louder than she intended. "THAT DOESN'T MATTER! HE... He's our friend! Our teammate! We can't just leave him in the clutches of somebody like that!" Drossie put her hand on Clara's head, gently stroking her horn. She glared over at Maia. "Clara's right, we shouldn't leave him just because he's a pain sometimes. And don't forget, he saved all of our asses from that pollen. You can stay behind if you want, but we're going to find him." Maia gave a grumble that turned into a yawn. "...Fine. This better not take too long. We still really need to rest, you know." Clara took a deep breath. "Alright... Let's see... I remember seeing which way they went, so even with the head start, we should be able to follow their... Tracks..." She winced as a raindrop landed on her horn. Followed by several more. "...I-I guess it'll take a bit more than footprints then..." Clara stared into the quickly growing storm as Maia glanced smugly at her. “Looks like we're resting then. Come on, inn's back here.” Clara nodded weakly, downcast. She hoped Pyotr was going to be okay... What was the enchantress planning?