Hello everybody and welcome back to "To Eternity, My Witch". Hope y'all are doing well. I am in the midst of harvesting corn right now for work, so it's been quite busy.
I DO NOT Own any of these as they are and were created by their respective creators. Marvel is owned by the late Stan Lee via Disney. Phantom of the Opera (PotO) is owned by Andrew Llyod Weber. LofZ : TP and OofT by Shigeru Miyamoto. Fire Emblem by Shouzou Kaga. Black Butler by Yana Toboso. And finally, Inuyasha by Rumiko Takahashi.
Chapter 40 After the Storm
Stefan's POV…
I chuckled as I heard James' growl in lust behind the door, Wanda giggling in response, knowing where that was leading, even though I was down the hall already. Ah… young love… always a fun thing to see and hear. I walked down the corridor and towards the throne room. Running into Thor, I asked, "How are the restorations efforts Thor?"
"Good. I have the Frost Giants, under Frostein's command, helping with the city's repairs. Those they could spare from Nidarviller, the Dwarfs, have come to help as well with the repairs just within the last hour. Loki is working with a group of Frost Giants here in the palace to help with repairs with us Asgardians. Your children are helping immensely. I also received news from Trondheim. Pietro arrived just under an hour ago," Thor explained, as he gestured to me to join him in the mess hall.
Two Asgardian maids came over, each with a tray of food for us, before getting back to work. Sif came through and joined us at the table, one of her maids fetching a tray of food for her. She had arrived from the countryside while I was with Amelia. As she sat down, she waved to her other maids, dismissing them for the evening.
Thor, Sif, and I sat there at the table in companionable silence as we ate our food, finally feeling the peace that the victory we Avengers had that afternoon. It was late evening now. We understood that now was the time to rebuild, peace was now upon them. Suddenly, a long, loud howl broke the quiet of the evening, causing everyone to look around in question and fear, mumbling their apprehension to each other.
I smiled and shouted to everyone in the room, "All is well, good people. That is the mating howl when a Laguz wolf marks and makes love to his mate for the first time after their wedding. It will only happen once." Most in the room murmured at the news, most blushing in embarrassment, a select few regarded him and nodded with a knowing look. Thor shifted uncomfortably at the news, embarrassed and mumbling his shock. Sif simply smiled and continued to eat her dinner completely unconcerned about it. Both knew who exactly made that howl. After a few more minutes of companionable silence to allow the embarrassment to fade, I turned to Thor.
I looked Thor in the eye, now filled with good food. "What was Pietro's message?" I asked Thor, though I noticed the young man arriving at the mess hall. I waved him over and had him sit next to me.
Thor addressed him, smiling, "Pietro, what was the message again?" He completely forgot his embarrassment at James' howl.
Pietro smirked, eyeing me for a moment, "The others will be arriving in about two hours from now. All are eager and excited to hear news on Amelia's condition and the story behind Ganon's defeat. That was over an hour ago." He smiled now looking to me. Though by a brief interaction with his mind, I could tell he had heard James' mating howl, and I felt his embarrassment.
I shook my head. I perked up as I saw the other Avengers arrive at the mess hall, standing as Steve noticed me and working his way with the others towards Pietro, Thor, Sif, and I. Thor smiled and waved over a maid, ordering her to have several others with her bring out meals for the returning heroes. I smiled as Steve, with Natasha on his arm, came to sit with the others. Reila was with them as well. Scott, Sam, Peter, MJ, Shuri, Pepper, Tony, Bruce with Reila on his arm, and T'Challa joined us at the table, food soon arriving once they were all seated.
Natasha leaned into me, hugging my waist as I placed a comforting arm around her. Kissing her head, I whispered, "It's good to have you near again, daughter. How are you feeling with the baby? Is Steve taking care of you?"
Natasha blushed, "Ugh, dad you're such an overprotective one."
"Hn… I must be Tasha. You are my daughter. Now tell me and be honest," I pressed again, narrowing my eyes at her, not taking silence for an answer.
Natasha groaned, but gave into my question, "Fine… I am fine. And yes, he's taking very good care of me."
I smiled, squeezing her shoulders before letting her go. I stayed quiet as this family I had gained speak on the reconstruction of the realms and the peace they would love to have now that the War of Twilight was over. Peter and MJ were sitting close together, Sam and Scott were joking around though Scott did mention he wanted to see his wife and daughter soon once they arrived back from the other Asgardian countryside village. Pepper leaned on Tony quietly talking about their unborn daughter, Peter interjecting a word or so on his new sister.
Thor swung Trygve and Steve held Mjolnir as he held Nat's hand. Reila leaned into Bruce, who looked happy and whispered into her ear, causing her to blush and giggle. Shuri spoke in hushed tones with her brother, T'Challa, about her and Pietro's second wedding in Wakanda, which would be much more extravagant than the small intimate one in Trondheim two weeks prior. Pietro held Shuri close, his now wife, smiling in victory and finishing his meal.
I thought back to Amelia, just relieved and happy to have my mate and love back. James and Wanda were out of the shower by now after their intense love making session and making their way to visit her. Please come back to me, Amelia. Wherever you are, my mate. That is when Peter's voice brought me back to reality.
"Hey Lord Stefan, sir warrior, King Stefan, how is Amelia? Is she recovering?" Peter asked, everyone went quiet, watching me with curiosity and concern.
I hummed in relief, though annoyed at Peter, "My name is Stefan, Peter. Amelia is recovering nicely. She is currently resting in our room. She will, however, be healing for quite a while though. Her imprisonment was harsh on her."
"What type of sleep is she in?" Shuri asked.
Thor cut in, sparing me the explanation, "Like my father back when he was awake and lively, Amelia is in what is called 'Libran Sleep.' It is a type of sleep that dragons and we Asgardians go into to become healthy again. It could take years to overcome Libran Sleep if the dragon or Asgardian was severely harmed. They go in search of a source of energy that they could convert to proteins, amino acids, healthy fats, enzymes, and compounds to get their body back into a healthy status which a normal human or Asgardian diet would never be able to help with."
"What energy source would provide that unless it's from food, Thor, Stefan?" Tony asked interested and curious, the scientist coming from him. He was snaking on a bowl of blazerberries the servants had provided, a berry that was like blueberries on earth.
"Well… Unlike normal humans and other sentient beings, dragons like Amelia and I need a grand designed energy source for such a purpose. Usually it is a star, white dwarf, or nebula. We…" I said, though Tony interrupted again by clearing his throat.
"Stars cannot be destroyed that easily, Stefan. It would take thousands upon millions of years to take the energy of a star into one's body and then metabolize it. How can a person or a dragon get that close without even dying? Even if she could, she would have to metabolize it in such a way to produce such compounds. I…" Tony argued.
Bruce interjected Tony's sentence, something he normally wouldn't do, "Tony, I see where Stefan is going with it."
Tony growled as he looked at Bruce but raised an eyebrow for him to continue. Bruce did so when I nodded, "What Stefan and Thor are trying to say, is that as dragons, they figured out how to absorb a star and its energy all in one within days because their bodies can manage such a rush of power. I was theorizing it is a process in a comparable way to nuclear fusion, except the process is far more advanced. They have the skills to do such crazy acts we humans would not be able to ever understand.
"Plus, if I remember correctly while I was at the modern-day library of Alexandra, I had come across an ancient and legendary book written by an ancient Sumerian intelligencer. The authorities there allowed me to read it via the translator Thor had given me. The intelligencer mentioned in his writings that one of the individuals he worked with was a dragon in disguise and the dragon requested he keep this information be kept private in the intelligencer's personal library.
"This dragon spoke to him how they were able to devour a star in such a manner, even going as far as describing it in detail in his works. The intelligencer did not understand what it all meant as the era he lived in did not know what stars truly were or truly what the dragon was talking about from the few personal notes he left, but he did write how the dragon wanted it archived.
"Not only because of her request to, but for his own curiosity that he asked her to explain so he could write it down and how the process went. It was for him to study later and conjecture on and then to go back to her later. It was interesting to speculate on the subject. He also mentioned this dragon was a close friend, which is why I heavily assume why he was able to write it down. I got from the text that this intelligencer and dragon were remarkably close as he had written quite an extensive line of personal thoughts on the dragon in the margins of his text, many comments which were endearing and loving.
"Some comments were sad, and others were contemplative, most endearing and loving. Stefan, may I rightly assume that the dragon was Amelia? And I am guessing that is the reason you can handle the infinity stone, can't you Stefan?" It was the most Bruce had speculated on to date. He had done his research quite extensively.
I smiled, surprised Bruce understood, moreover I was impressed with his insight and research into the subject, "Indeed. Bruce, you are correct. Amelia was that dragon, and the intelligencer was a close friend to the dragon tribe back then; therefore, he was one of a few who were privileged to know her personally and had gained access to her knowledge and her people's existence. And yes, it is the reason we can safely manage all the infinity stones. Well… us older ones anyway. Like Sesshomaru, Amelia, Link, Zelda, myself, and a small selected other individual people.
"It takes mad skills and power and a few specific learned skills at our ages to drain a star so rapidly or even manage the Infinity Stones. It also takes one at least a millennium or two to learn how to get the process down. In a period of less than a day, if necessary, too. But usually, we dragons take a week to do such a job. And different classes of stars take more or less time than other stars.
"Though I suppose Amelia, being so ancient, can do several stars in under a week, if necessary, no matter what type of star she chooses. The star is manipulated to create a gem, usually of a specific mineral drop. Usually, we go with different colored diamonds, rubies, blue sapphires, and emeralds. Sometimes we even form metals, though it is quite rare. Once the gem is fully formed, it contains all the necessary nutrients like healthy fats, proteins, amino acids, etc. that the dragon's body needs to become healthy again. Once their body is healthy again and has all the energy it needs from the gem, the remnant gem appears fully in the hand of the dragon and within a few weeks' time the dragon wakes."
Bruce nodded, "I would like to hear the process in full later Stefan. But let's just focus on relaxing and recouping."
I nodded, "And I agree. So, in simple terms Shuri and Peter, Amelia is doing well enough so far. It will just take her some time to find the necessary star to recuperate." Shuri smiled, as did everyone else, even Tony who rarely smiled.
"How about you all get to bed? The reconstruction efforts are well underway and are on track faster than I thought possible. Though I suppose with Stefan's family helping, moving the necessary materials, brings the final changes much faster than normal." Thor mused, scratching his beard as everyone stood.
I smiled, speaking as I nodded, "Yes. In Reslutia, we usually have repairs on the city and surrounding countryside completed within a month because we dragons and Laguz can do such an excellent job in such a short span of time. I have a feeling that the reconstruction efforts will be done within the next three weeks at the earliest." At that precise moment, a second loud howl broke out into the dining hall, making everyone from the different realms freeze in confusion or embarrassment again except for Stefan and his children who were present in the dining hall, who all either chuckle or laugh hysterically.
"What in God's name was that?!" Steve stuttered, worry and confusion on his face as he looked at Stefan who was laughing hysterically. Natasha leaned into him, trying to find comfort. Everyone in the dining hall looked to the King of Reslutia.
Stefan tried reigning in his laughter as he looked around, explaining between his fits of laughter, "That was James! He was again announcing with his Wolf Laguz ability that he has just mated his female, Wanda. In terms of Laguz and all those who have extraordinary senses and understanding of mating and love, they will understand that Wanda is now only his wife and mate from here on out. She is his for all eternity. I am sure that Wanda will be beyond embarrassed with the news once I tell them both that everyone heard his howls. Normally, a Laguz only howls once, but in rare cases, like James, the male can howl twice, to make sure everyone knows his mate is taken."
Everyone in the dining hall sighed once again in embarrassed relief, most going back to their business and spreading the news as they went to make sure that others knew what the howl was about. The Avengers all had a range of reactions. Scott and Sam snickered, smiling. Pietro sneered, grossed out at hearing about his sister's love life like that. Shure, T'Challa, Pepper, and Natasha were all impassively embarrassed and remained quiet about it.
Thor and Sif shook their heads, unaffected by it. Steve, Tony, and Loki all were blushing like madmen, thinking about the times they made love in the past and not doing such a howl in announcement, though the first and third would do it. As before, Stefan roared with laughter and his children laughed right along with him.
The Avengers remained there for another few minutes before Thor and Sif finished their meals and stood. Thor exclaimed, trying to play off his embarrassment, "Good, well… Sif and I are going to check in with Frostein and Link before we head to bed ourselves. They may have stopped for the evening though."
Thor bade each of them all goodnight, Sif going with him, beaming as she did, blushing with embarrassment. Both disappeared hand in hand out the door. Everything felt normal again, Thor swung his hammer as Sif leaned on his arm as they left. Bruce relaxing with Reila. Sam, Scott, and Pietro all laughed as Shuri, Laura, and Natasha talked amongst themselves as the children played. My children and I softly spoke on Reslutia with Steve, Peter, and MJ as we finished dinner.
The Avengers all decided to head to bed soon after dinner. I was one of the last to leave, only Reila and Bruce remained as Shuri and Pietro disappeared out the door. That was when James and Wanda appeared in the doorway.
"Ah! The amorous duo has finally reared themselves after dinner. Seems that the two distinctive howls that you sounded James made everyone nervous until I calmed their fears," I chuckled as Wanda blushed beet red, and James simply smirked.
Though Wanda suddenly went pale at finally understanding my words, "Wha… What do you mean… were heard?" James froze in shock and embarrassment at understanding.
I chuckled and slapped James on the back in congratulations, "Well, the two howls your husband and mate here made were heard throughout the palace and surrounding fields. It is a very distinctive howl that a male Laguz make when he marks his female and mates with her for the first time after they are married with the dragon tattoo marriage rope. Everyone who hears such howls knows to leave you alone as you are James' mate."
I burst out laughing when Wanda groaned and crumpled in embarrassment and shock. Only when she sent me a glare of death did I go quiet and merely smirked with a hint of laughter in my eyes. James and I heard her speak to our minds; I will never be able to face anyone again now with a straight face. Knowing everyone knows what just happened between James and I earlier. James blushed and scratched his head, shocked embarrassment going through him upon hearing that he had announced to everyone in Asgard that he had just made love to Wanda through and through with his howl.
He knelt to Wanda who was trying her best to appear invisible, with apparent embarrassment on her face. I helped James calm her down for the next few minutes, most if not all others in the dining hall ignored them. Soon James and I had Wanda standing again, still embarrassed, but far less than before. Reila and Bruce had retreated when James and Wanda had come, now they came forwards and joined them again.
"We've come for food and to see if we could see Amelia as well." James explained, holding a still blushing Wanda close.
I shook my head, still humored. I ordered out, "Hey Tharja!" One of Sif's maids from earlier appeared in the doorway to the kitchen. Tharja was of average height, black hair, brown eyes, and very pale skin. She also had a beautiful body for a young Asgardian, often wearing risqué clothing to keep the unwanted attention away from Sif. She had an unhealthy obsession with James that I had been trying to hammer out of her since before the War of Twilight's beginning. Even now she was wearing a risqué outfit. She was exactly like her name's sake, Tharja, from Chrom's world.
"Yes master?" she asked meekly.
I gestured, "Bring up a tray of food to my room for two people. I will be taking James and Wanda there to visit Amelia."
Tharja nodded at his order, smiling with creepy intent, "Yes, master. I will put the tray on the table near the fire." She disappeared behind the door. Neither James, Wanda, nor I missed the look she held in her eyes. Disappointment. Yet… happiness knowing her obsession had a good life.
I turned to Reila and Bruce, saying, "I will speak with you two later. Now get. Have a good evening. As for you two…" Reila huffed where Bruce simply smirked and took Reila's hand and dragged her away and out the door. I turned to the late comers, "The other Avengers are here again. You have time now to relax for the next few months before your twins are born." I paused to see Tharja reappeared with a tray and disappeared. "It'll be nice to be able to tell you stories of Amelia and I as we wait."
They both smiled as I silently led them up to my room. I had changed into my royal grab while I was in my chambers with Amelia and my robes flowed behind me as I led the way to my chambers. It was going to be a long time before Amelia would wake. I sent a prayer to the Father of Lights, and a love message to Amelia as I lead Wanda and James inside the room. Come back to me, Amelia. I love you.
Please like and leave a review if you like this chapter to date. Until next time! WS. Z.
