Early Bird: Violets and Roses, Ch. 1

Now fully edited!

In which an inexperienced Toxin Ranger tries his luck against the Brat Baroness... or maybe he'll get seduced by one of her playthings instead. Is Violet overconfident? Or is Gerrim too green for his own good?

This is the first half of the January Bonus Pairing, featuring a cocky enchantress called the Brat Baroness and a reckless, inexperienced Toxin Ranger. Who will triumph? Well, first he has to get to her, and as it turns out, it's harder than you'd think.

This sort of turned into a Valentine's Day story, which is quite fun. :D

As a small spoilery disclaimer, Gerrim might be coming across as Senya-levels of weak-willed in this chapter. Gerrim is a rather trusting type, and really inexperienced talking to cute boys and girls past the "casual flirtation" stage. Don't be too quick to judge.

Note on February: Due to a major private commission I've received, there will only be 3-4 chapters up this month, as I'll be writing the equivalent of two chapters exclusively for my commissioner. I have been getting a lot of commissions lately, which is awesome and has really helped my finances at the start of the new year, but I hope you all can hang in there. We'll get back to Intrepid Pawns eventually!

The chapters for this month will likely be the Bonus Pairing (Larya vs. Lamia), the conclusion of The Prince's Bride, and the conclusion of Violets and Roses.

Possible fourth chapters include:

• An encounter between one of Alrek's old adventuring colleagues, Nico Redhand the Curious, and a seductive mistlemaid whose kisses threaten to lure him further and further off the path...
• Something probably tits-focused, but the details of the commission are yet unknown!
• The Intrepid Pawns crew finally reach the Hive!