Chapter (2):The Morning Rush
The next morning, Aedica woke to the feeling of Julius' soft lips pressing against her chest, his hands exploring her body, his morning erection pressing against her thigh. She smiled, her eyes still closed, her body already responding to his touch.
"Good morning," she murmured, her voice husky with sleep.
Julius looked up at her, his eyes filled with desire. "Morning," he replied, his voice thick with need.
And with that, they began their day, their bodies entwined, their hearts beating in time.
Aedica had insisted on feeding her new man before he left.
She may have had the day off, but Julius wouldn't have that luxury. As one of the only proper healers in town, his services would be needed constantly. Keeping him overnight had almost felt indulgent—as if she had snatched up a rare treasure before anyone else could claim him.
She wasn't naïve, though. She knew others would try.
She watched him eat, the oversized shirt she had given him draped loosely over his shoulders, far too large but comfortable enough that he didn't seem to mind. It was an old garment, well-worn and softened from years of use. The sight of him in it sent a strange warmth through her chest.
He was hers, at least for now.
When Julius finally stood to leave, she felt the pull—that instinctual need to keep him close just a little longer. But he promised to see her again soon, and she let him go, watching as he hurried toward the door.It was very, very early when Julius stepped outside.
The town was waking slowly, lanterns flickering as stalls were set up, merchants began unpacking their wares, and the streets filled with soft murmurs of the morning crowd.
Every single person he passed was a woman.
And every single one of them noticed him.
There was no mistaking it—the surprise, the intrigue, the immediate flood of thoughts that flickered behind their eyes as they spotted him.
A young man walking the streets without a guardian?
That wasn't normal.
Julius saw the reactions, felt the shift in the air as heads turned, whispers exchanged. He did not slow down.
By the time anyone had truly processed the sight of him, he had already hurried past, weaving through the cobbled streets toward his shop.
He arrived only to find several women waiting outside.
They were already gathered, patient but clearly eager.
Julius winced, suddenly very aware that he had technically not set a proper schedule—he was his own boss now, for better or worse, and apparently that meant people would just show up whenever they pleased.
He apologized quickly, unlocking the door and stepping aside to let them enter.
And then he made a terrible mistake—he promised them all that whatever they needed today would be free.
—The Morning Healing Rush—
As expected, half the visits were for actual ailments—and the other half were shameless excuses to flirt with him.
Still, he got into the groove, handling each case with ease, especially as he met even more unique fantasy races throughout the morning.
1. Lemurian Noblewoman
The first visitor was a towering woman, her skin a shimmering blend of golden and deep red hues, shifting slightly as the light struck her.
Julius had never seen a Lemurian before, but she carried herself with an air of regal authority, her long, fluid robes draping elegantly over her elongated limbs.
She examined him with careful intrigue, holding out a delicate hand—scarred at the fingertips.
"I require treatment," she said smoothly, voice like flowing silk. "And possibly conversation, if you are willing."
Julius quickly focused, carefully treating the minor wounds on her fingers, though he suspected she had come more for interaction than for healing.
2. Aarakocra Messenger
The next visitor was a bird-like humanoid, feathers sleek and storm-gray, her talons clicking softly against the wooden floor.
An Aarakocra—something straight out of a tabletop fantasy game back on Earth.
She was dressed in practical flight gear, a satchel slung across her side, and her wings tucked carefully at her back.
"I need something for wing strain," she admitted, rolling her shoulder. "Long flights wear me down."
Julius nodded, pulling a muscle relief ointment from the shelf—though the entire time, he was desperately trying not to stare too much at her sharp, striking features.
3. Tengu Duelist
A Tengu, clad in flowing garments adorned with subtle golden embroidery, stepped in next.
She had piercing crimson eyes, a sharp, bird-like nose, and the air of someone used to both combat and discipline.
"I need something for a bruised rib," she said simply, lifting her arm to reveal a deep purple bruise hidden beneath her attire.
Julius healed it instantly with a snap of his fingers.
She raised a brow, considering him with sudden curiosity—and then smirked.
"You are very impressive, healer."
And then she winked before leaving.
4. Tatzelwurm Huntress
One visitor was unlike anything Julius had seen before—a snake-like woman with short feline legs, her scaled body shifting with an eerie smoothness.
A Tatzelwurm, if he remembered correctly.
Her cat-like face bore an amused expression as she presented a clawed hand, where a deep scratch ran along her palm.
"A battle wound," she purred. "Minor, but I figured a healer might be interested in… handling me."
Julius healed her immediately—mostly to end the interaction before it got too flirtatious.
She chuckled. "I'll be back."
Julius sighed internally.
5. Naga Diplomat
Finally, a Naga woman, adorned in ornate jewelry, arrived with a poised presence, her serpentine lower half coiling elegantly beneath her robes.
Her golden eyes studied him, and she smiled faintly.
"I have traveled far," she explained, voice carrying an air of wisdom. "Aches settle in my body."
Julius prepared a blend of salves—partially enchanted, partially herbal—to ease the discomfort.
She accepted it gracefully.
"Thank you, healer," she murmured. "This town will remember you."
And with that, she departed, leaving him to ponder the weight of her words.
The Rest of the Day
More visitors arrived throughout the morning, some needing treatment, some just wanting to talk to him, and a few blatantly flirting.
By noon, Julius was exhausted—but at least he had settled into the rhythm of things.
As he leaned against the counter, catching his breath, he thought back to Aedica—and the promise he had made to see her soon.
His life was going to be very, very busy.
But honestly?
He didn't mind it at all.
-Later in the Day—
The soft jingle of the doorbell was barely noticeable compared to the earlier rush, but for Julius, it might as well have been a fanfare.
He looked up from the stack of parchment notes he'd been pretending to sort, his tired eyes sharpening as they landed on a tall, graceful figure just stepping into the softly lit interior of The Mercy Hold.
Her presence hit him instantly.
Long silver hair shimmered like moonlight down her back, framing a face that was all sharp lines and elegant coldness. Deep green robes trimmed in delicate golden embroidery wrapped around her willowy frame, swaying with each step she took. Her sapphire eyes scanned the room with practiced precision—cool, calm, and unreadable.
But Julius knew that face.
He stood up a bit straighter behind the counter, almost knocking over a glass jar of echinacea tincture in the process. She hadn't even noticed him yet—her gaze roamed over the shelves with a detached sort of interest, as if evaluating whether this visit was worth her time.
His heart thumped in his chest.
It was her.
His very first customer.
The memory returned with crisp clarity: her asking for a poultice for nettle rash, the way his body had moved on instinct to retrieve the salve, how she'd examined him like a curious artifact before silently accepting the medicine and gliding out of the shop without so much as a thank you.
Julius had thought of her often—not in a romantic way (at least, not just romantic)—but as a sort of anchor to the beginning of this bizarre new chapter in his life. She had been the first to test him, even if she hadn't known it.
And now, she was back.
"Hey," Julius called, trying not to sound too eager. "It's you."
The elf woman's gaze snapped toward him, her expression unreadable at first. But a flicker of recognition stirred behind her eyes—followed by something else. Surprise, maybe? Amusement?
She stepped forward, her movements smooth and graceful as ever. "You remember me."
"Of course I do," Julius said, the words tumbling out more warmly than he intended. "You were my first. Uh, I mean—my first customer! Sorry. That came out wrong."
To his shock, she blinked. For a moment, the high, glacial poise of her demeanor faltered ever so slightly. The corners of her mouth twitched. Her cheeks—normally porcelain-pale—gained a barely perceptible pink hue.
"I didn't know that," she said, voice smooth and cultured, but touched with the faintest edge of something more human. "I wasn't aware I was your… first."
Her words hung in the air, filled with unspoken double meanings.
But just as quickly, her posture shifted. She straightened her shoulders, lifting her chin a fraction higher. The softness disappeared behind a wall of polished nobility and elven pride. She cleared her throat, glancing around the shop.
"I'm here on business," she said, as if trying to convince herself of that fact. "Not for… social calls."
"Of course," Julius replied, though he couldn't hide the way his smile grew. "What can I do for you?"
She hesitated. Her eyes flicked toward the windows, then the door.
"…Is there anyone else here?" she asked, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
Julius looked around. "Nope. Just me. Well—maybe one ghost in the basement, but I do my best not to think about that."
She blinked. "Pardon?"
"Yeah," he said, a little too casually. "There's definitely something weird down there. I've heard noises, and I swear the air is colder by ten degrees when I open the door. But hey! As long as it stays down there, we're good."
The elf woman stared at him in silence for a full five seconds before letting out a slow breath and continuing. "Right. Let's… focus."
She clasped her hands behind her back and stepped closer, her voice lower now, tinged with reluctance. "The salve you gave me. It worked. Beautifully, in fact."
"That's great to hear!" Julius beamed, but noticed the subtle shift in her gaze—something awkward, almost sheepish.
"…However," she continued, her eyes now fixed firmly on a spot just over his shoulder, "I was… unable to apply it to my back. And… I didn't have time to seek anyone out for help."
Julius tilted his head. "None of your friends could help you yesterday?"
Her eyes snapped back to his, her tone suddenly defensive. "I have many friends. But they were all otherwise engaged."
He held up both hands, palms forward, grinning. "No judgment. I get it. Everybody's busy. Especially the popular ones."
She blinked again, unsure how to respond. There was something disarming about his tone—like he wasn't mocking her, just… being genuine.
He gestured toward the far end of the shop. "So… do you want me to get your back?"
She paused, considering. Then nodded once. "Yes. But… somewhere private. I would rather not be seen."
Julius nodded. "No problem. I've got a treatment room in the back. Come on."
He led her behind the counter and through a narrow hallway. The room they entered was small but warm, lit with soft yellow light from enchanted lanterns. A padded bed sat against the wall, clean linens folded neatly nearby. A shelf of treatment supplies stood against the opposite side, along with a chair and a small table.
"Here we are," Julius said, stepping aside.
The elf looked around briefly, then turned her back to him and began undoing the fastenings of her robe with careful, practiced fingers. She pulled down just enough to reveal the smooth expanse of her back.
It was pale, flawless—save for the angry pink rash that stretched from her shoulder blades to the small of her back. The sight made Julius wince. That had to be uncomfortable.
She lay down slowly on the padded bed, her long silver hair cascading down one side as she folded her arms beneath her head.
"I won't scream," she said, her tone suddenly lighter. "Probably."
Julius chuckled. "Noted."
He retrieved a fresh jar of the poultice and warmed it gently with a low-powered spell before approaching. The scent of the salve filled the room—minty, herbal, and faintly floral.
Carefully, he began to apply it, fingers moving in small, slow circles over the irritated skin. She inhaled deeply, the tension in her muscles softening ever so slightly as he worked.
The moment was oddly intimate.
Julius found himself hyper-aware of the silence between them, of the way her breath slowed, of how his hands moved across the perfect curve of her spine. Her skin was cool to the touch, and the slight hum that escaped her throat when he reached a sensitive spot made his own pulse quicken.
He added a second layer, as the instructions recommended, moving a bit more firmly now that she had adjusted to his touch.
A soft hum escaped her lips—more content than sensual, but the sound still stirred something in him.
By the time he finished, he was surprised to find her breathing had evened out entirely. She wasn't humming anymore.
She was asleep.
Julius blinked.
Her head was turned to the side, eyes closed, lashes long against her cheeks. Her expression had softened into something truly serene.
He stepped back quietly, wiping his hands on a cloth and glancing around the room. She was clearly exhausted—and given how she'd spoken earlier, likely someone who rarely allowed herself to be vulnerable.
There was no way he was going to wake her now.
Gently, he pulled a light blanket over her back, making sure not to disturb her too much, and slipped quietly out of the room.
Back at the front of the shop, Julius settled behind the counter, resting his arms on the dark wood.
His first customer had come back.
She trusted him enough to lie down, to let him help, to fall asleep in his care.
And for the first time all day, Julius didn't feel like a stranger in this world.
He felt like a healer.
A real one.
And he smiled.
The peaceful quiet of the shop was shattered by the sharp cling-cling of the front doorbell.
Julius looked up from his place behind the counter, blinking in surprise. For a brief second, he wondered if his first customer had woken up early—but no, the footsteps were different. Lighter. Sharper.
And then he saw her.
She stepped into The Mercy Hold like she owned the place, her large, expressive eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and unmistakable intent. She was petite—barely over five feet—but there was something commanding about her presence that made her seem larger than life. Her smooth, green-tinged skin glistened faintly, like it had just been kissed by water, and each step she took made her hips sway with confident ease.
Her outfit was… well, eye-catching, to say the least. Tight, waterproof clothing hugged her slim, athletic frame like a second skin. Dark, glossy material wrapped snugly around her torso, emphasizing the bounce of her surprisingly ample breasts with every subtle movement. The curve of her shell pressed out just slightly beneath a sleeveless jacket, its sleek design clearly chosen to both protect and highlight her unique build.
Her long, shaggy hair—a deep mossy green—hung around her shoulders in wild waves, still damp in places, clinging teasingly to her neck and collarbone. Atop her head, the famous sara glistened: a smooth, bowl-like depression filled with a clear pool of water that seemed to ripple softly as she moved, catching the light in small, hypnotic patterns.
Her sharp, beak-like mouth curled into a playful smirk as her gaze swept the room.
And then her eyes landed on him.
Julius froze for a beat, locking eyes with her. There was something… hungry in her stare. Not in a dangerous way (at least, not yet), but unmistakably flirtatious. Her eyes raked over him from head to toe, lingering just a little too long, and then she turned her attention to the shelves, starting a slow, deliberate walk around the shop.
Julius swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry.
She wasn't here to shop.
She was here to hunt.
Each step she took was precise, graceful, predatory in a way that sent a tiny thrill down Julius's spine. Her tight clothes shifted with her movements, her firm chest bouncing lightly, hypnotically, as she traced her webbed fingers along the shelves, pretending to examine the herbs and tinctures.
Her long, green-tinged nails tapped softly on a few glass bottles, pausing now and then as if she were truly considering a purchase. But Julius could see it—every time she glanced his way, her eyes sparkled with mischief. Her smirk deepened every time she caught him looking.
She was playing.
After a few minutes of circling like a shark, she finally plucked a small jar from the shelf—a vial of mint-scented muscle salve—and strutted confidently up to the counter, hips swaying, her shell gleaming under the lantern light.
Julius straightened, trying his best to keep his cool as she placed the jar on the counter with an exaggerated flick of her wrist.
"Good afternoon, healer," she purred, her voice silky and lightly accented, a purr lurking beneath the words. Her large, gleaming eyes locked onto his, unblinking. "I find myself… in need of this."
She leaned forward slightly, her breasts pressing against the counter in a way that was absolutely intentional. The scent of fresh water and wild reeds filled Julius's nose, faintly mingled with something warmer—something mischievous.
Julius cleared his throat, forcing himself to look down at the jar, desperate for some kind of anchor. "Ah, great choice. That's a… uh, top-notch muscle relaxant. Really good for tension."
She tilted her head, eyes glittering. "Mmm. I've been feeling… quite a lot of tension lately."
He could feel his face heating up.
"Right. Uh… that'll be—"
But before he could finish, she patted down her body, pretending to search her tight jacket and snug leggings for something. "Oh… dear me," she said, eyes wide with faux surprise. "It seems… I must have left my purse at home."
She looked up at him then, eyes half-lidded, the corners of her mouth twitching into a teasing smile. "What ever shall I do?"
Julius blinked, caught completely off-guard by how deliberate her performance was. He held up his hands quickly, shaking his head. "It's fine! Honestly. If you need it, just—just take it. No problem at all. Free of charge."
Her smile widened—sultry now, her tongue flicking out briefly to wet her lips. "Oh, healer… that's far too generous. I couldn't possibly accept it without… offering something in return."
She stepped a little closer, eyes locked onto his, the jar of salve sitting between them like an afterthought. Her webbed fingers traced slow, lazy circles on the countertop, her nails clicking softly against the polished wood. The movement made her chest sway just slightly, enough to catch his eye.
"Surely," she murmured, voice dropping low and honey-sweet, "you'll let me… repay you in some way?"
Julius's face turned beet red. His eyes darted to the side, desperately searching for some kind of escape hatch from the simmering tension now boiling over between them.
He coughed awkwardly. "Th—that's amazing, really! But no need to pay me. Seriously. Just—just happy to help!"
Her smile deepened, and for a fleeting second, Julius thought he caught a flash of sharp teeth—playful, but definitely a reminder of her trickster nature. She straightened up slowly, making sure to let him get one last lingering look at her curvy form before she casually scooped up the jar.
"Well then," she said smoothly, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "I suppose I'll just… owe you one."
Julius swallowed hard, nodding quickly. "Sure! Yeah. Anytime."
She chuckled softly, turning on her heel with a teasing swish of her hips. As she stepped toward the door, she paused at the threshold and looked back over her shoulder, her shaggy hair falling slightly over one eye.
"Until next time… healer."
As the Kappa woman reached the door, she paused and looked back at Julius with a mischievous glint in her eye. She seemed to be savoring the moment, enjoying the tension that had built up between them. And then, in a movement that was both sudden and deliberate, she reached down and pulled down the top of her tight body suit.
The fabric clung to her skin, emphasizing the curves of her breasts as they were revealed. Julius's eyes widened as he took in the sight, his mind struggling to process the sheer audacity of her action. The Kappa woman's breasts were unlike anything he had ever seen before. They were smaller than Aedica's, but they had a unique, rounded shape that was both intriguing and enticing.
The skin was a pale green, almost translucent, and it seemed to glow in the soft light of the shop. The nipples were small and delicate, with a subtle ridge of scales around the areola. The overall effect was both fascinating and disturbing, like something from a dream or a fantasy.
Julius felt his face heat up as he stared, his eyes fixed on the Kappa woman's breasts as if mesmerized. He couldn't look away, couldn't tear his gaze from the sight that had been so suddenly and boldly revealed to him. The Kappa woman seemed to be enjoying his reaction, a sly smile spreading across her face as she watched him.
For a moment, they just stood there, the only sound the soft hum of the shop's lanterns and the quiet rustle of the Kappa woman's clothing. And then, with a quick, fluid motion, she pulled the top of her body suit back up, covering her breasts once more.
As she did, she gave Julius a wink, a sly, teasing glance that seemed to say, "until next time." And with that, she slipped out the door, the soft cling-cling of the bell echoing behind her, leaving Julius feeling both stunned and bewildered. He stood there for a moment, his eyes fixed on the door as if trying to process what had just happened.
The Kappa woman's visit had been a whirlwind of sensation and emotion, a sudden and intense encounter that had left him feeling breathless and disoriented. He couldn't help but wonder what had just happened, and what it might mean for their future interactions. As he stood there, trying to make sense of it all, he couldn't shake the feeling that the Kappa woman had just thrown down a challenge, a gauntlet that he would have to pick up if he wanted to see her again.
Julius stood there, frozen, blinking at the empty doorway for a solid ten seconds before exhaling shakily and sinking back into his chair.
He stared at the ceiling, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Okay," he muttered, still flustered. "Yeah… I'm definitely in over my head."
From the back room, there was still no sign of his elf guest stirring.
And for now?
That was probably a good thing.