Notes before I begin.

Many more thank yous to the people looking up my book on Inkitt. Sorry if I sound like a broken record, but if it gets a certain number of reads, the website might publish it. Like, really publish it. Which would be awesome.

Anyhow. :) Almost done.

Chapter 71

The early morning, five days before the big day, found me in the workshop. After spending a night cuddling with Asuka this time, I woke early, did my morning stretching alone, then hurried to the workshop to continue working. Hestia's dress would need to be just so, and once it was done, it would probably need a little alteration.

Wiene's robe was simpler, yet had some non-fabric materials to account for the scales on her back and shoulders. They were wickedly sharp along the bottom edge, and sadly, I couldn't fix that without hurting her. I'd tried using a file on one of them, and the poor girl said it felt like she had fallen and scraped her knee.

That gave me a few ideas, but sadly, I didn't have time to research them. Like making a mild acid or something to try and 'create' a more natural wear. I told her that the next time, or first time? She shed a scale, to give it to me so I could try a few things.

So for now, I was using some specially treated orc leather as a lining for her back, and light battle cloth for the rest. Just so she would match, it was similar to Lilly's usual robe. It would hide all but the gem on her forehead when it came to her 'monstrous' features.

There was a tap on the door, just as I put two bits of carefully stitched fabric down.

"Kodori-san?" It was Takemikazuchi.

"Perfect timing." I said, "Come in."

"Even when you are on vacation, you are working." He commented, seeing my workbench covered in material and tools. "You said you needed me for something last night?"

"Indeed." I gave him my best 'Mikoto is serious' look, "While I appreciate your usual mode of dress, being both practical and fitting for an Eastern God. It is simply... Too normal, not to mention very well loved."

He looked down at Himself, his tattered Eastern 'priest' robe and simple black belt looking just as worn as the first day I'd met Him. "I suppose it can't be helped. This is my usual mode of dress, yes."

"Well." I picked up a length of rope with little knots in it at regular intervals, "I'm going to fix that."

"I see I'm not the only one, who will be... dressing up for the occasion. Is that for Lady Hestia?" He submitted to my measuring, holding out His arms and the like without me needing to ask. "I do like the colours."

"Speaking of." I grinned, "All I've ever seen you wear is undyed wool."

"I am but a simple God of war. I've never thought to be fancy."

"You don't need to be fancy. Just not plain."

He thought on this a moment, then replied, "As with my Familia, I will trust the Fox's wisdom."

"Very well. As with your Familia, I will do my best."

We bowed to each other, and I sat back down, turning over ideas in my head as my hands rapidly sewed things together.

Thanks to my crafting skill, I had finished the first stage of Hestia's dress by lunch. Using a little trick Aisha had told me about, I had a way for Hestia to look just as 'divine' without risking a concussion if She tried to say, do a jumping jack. I had also used another trick, this one from Haruhime, to make Hestia's dress look like She wasn't wearing underwear. It made getting in and out of the dress a little more difficult, but it prevented 'accidental' exposure.

"What do you think?" I asked, as Hestia looked at herself in the full length mirror I had snagged from the bathroom. Done with in her usual white and pale blue, it was a mix of Chinese dress, or Cheongsam, and a cat suit. The 'cat suit' was under the dress itself. The bust was supported by a double layer of fabric, that kept her divine assets in check, without risking the usual tells of going braless, like say, cold air, or excess friction. The lines of the underlayer were hidden by the pattern of the outer layer, the pale blue stripes hugging her curves without announcing them.

Not that Her curves needed much announcing... But this was done in an effort to encourage Bell to dance with her.

"It's... A little loose... And umm... I'm really not supposed to wear panties?" She commented, twisting this way and that to look at Herself, "It really does look nice though."

"It's a little loose because I wanted to see if I got it to at least fit. I just have to add a couple of extra stitches to tighten it up. And no, no panties. If you need to use the bathroom, you can just undo the little button..."

"Ohhhh, so that's why it's there..."

"Ha-chan isn't supposed to wear panties with her kimono, but she does. She gave me the idea for that."

"You two... It's like you hardly need to talk to understand one another."

I took hold of the dress on the back, and pinched the fabric just a little, "How's this? And yes... I'll tell you a little secret about that..."

She took a deep breath, "Oh, that's perfect. A secret?"

One of my tails, until now forbidden from visiting Hestia while I worked, flopped over Her shoulder, "Our tails kind of talk to each other. It's almost like reading someone's face, which she is also really good at."

"I think your tail is saying... Pet me."

The rest of my tails found places to perch on Her while she played with the fur of the first one. "Close. It was 'pet me first'."

Lunch came and went, with Welf passing through the workshop and locking himself inside the forge. He only paused to look at my work, say 'damn, Bell's a lucky guy', then 'No peeking', before the latch of the forge door closed.

I was curious. But, in the spirit of not ruining a surprise, I didn't do anything to learn what was going on. I mean, I could have opened the door, I did have a key. Or broken the door, it was only made of iron bound wood. Or even sent one of my ghostly foxes into the room, the little gap under the door more than enough space for it. But, instead, I simply got some more potions started, then went back to sewing.

A little later, I did make one of my ghostly foxes, and sent it to find Wiene. She was sitting against Gros's side, who was sort of curled up around her, while she read a book. Upon my interrupting, she said, quite seriously, "It's reading time. I'll be done soon. Boop!." The last being said as she booped my little fox's nose, making me sort of feel it too. I listened in to what she was reading while I worked on the first stages of Takemikazuchi's new outfit.

Just before dinner, probably on purpose, Ganesha showed up with Shakti. Smiling and happy as usual, He dropped the bubbly airheaded act as soon as the door closed behind Him. "Ah, it is good to see you well." He said to me, as a few of the Familia gathered behind me to greet Him. "I bring news, and a decision about your small unhatched guests."

"We were starting to wonder." Hestia said, idly patting one of my tails as it perched on her arm, "Mr. Gros said we might have... a week?"

"Yup!" Weine said, "But, he said that five days ago?"

"When I got back, yeah." I said, "Come in, you're in time for dinner, and tea."

"What did you and Mr. Lido decide?" Bell asked.

"Well..."

"That's an interesting idea..." I mused, a potato puff on the end of my fork. "It deals with two problems at once, kinda sorta..."

"I see you've improved your Chai already." Ganesha replied with a wide smile. "Mr. Lido is a clever person."

Shakti continued, "Tonight, we are going to meet them at one of the unused entrances. By the artificer's quarter. The surrogate mother will come with us to the zoo, and watch over the eggs."

"You mean the Lamia who was there that night? The one you let out?" Bell asked me, "It's good she's still alive..."

Mikoto nodded, "It seems to solve both problems. Where to put them, and who to look after them."

"And they get to be up here in the sun!" Weine said excitedly, "I can visit right?"

"Why yes, little Weine," Ganesha said in his best radio announcer voice, "So long as it is okay with your Familia, you can visit any time!" A pause, "I hear you got something made for you by Lady Hephaestus!"

From her robe, she took out a simple looking hoop of metal. Black and silver with a small indent in the front, it had no visible means to open it. But, with a little tug, Wiene did so, and placed the loop over her head, setting her gemstone firmly in the gap. After a little fiddling with her hair, she touched the two ends together, and it closed without a visible seam.

"See!" She said, "It doesn't even itch or anything!"

It looked good on her, and even when I leaned over a little to get a better look, it really did look like a tiara. Like any number of adventurers I'd seen about the city who wore such a thing. "It looks good on you, Weine-chan." Ouka said, "It's kind of a shame we can't just bring all the Xenos up."

"Doing so would be... Too much." Shakti said, "As well, Lido has several ideas on how to use the dungeon to their advantage. As Miss Kodori suggested."

We finished what was on our plates, as well as our tea, our two guests leaving shortly afterwards. I escorted them out, as was the Captain's duty, stopping by Gros's enclosure to pick up the box of eggs.

"Take care of them, Ganesha." Gros said seriously, using one big clawed hand to carefully deposit the box into Shakti's waiting arms. "What do you plan to do with the mother's stone?"

"Mr. Lido has... a place for it." Ganesha said quietly, "With the rest of the recovered fallen."

"That is like him, yes." Gros nodded to them both, then simply stalked away, heading for his shelter. "Be well."

Ganesha looked at me, and whispered, "He is sounding much more social."

"It's the sand." I whispered back with a smile, "Take care Lord Ganehsa, Shakti." I bowed to them both, walking with them to the gate and locking it behind them. I was tempted to ask if I could go with them, but I didn't want to get any more angry glares than I was getting every time I mentioned the word 'plan'. Besides, I had work to do.

Four days, and I think it was finally sinking in that I was going to get married. Sounds silly, but with everything going on, planning, putting things together, actually surviving the crazy things that had happened, I was finally realizing it.

"Mornin' sister. Good to see you smile, but your face might stick like that if you aren't careful." Welf mumbled as he entered the workshop. "Smiling like that so early in the morning... urrg."

"Who are you, and what have you done with Welf?" I looked at the light outside, the sun just starting to rise in earnest, "The Welf I know is never out of bed this early. Unless, he didn't actually go to sleep."

In an unusual show of affection, he looped an arm around my shoulders, and ruffled my hair, much like he did with Bell. "Well, someone is in a gawdaweful rush to get hitched, so I gotta work a little more." As rough as he was, he didn't actually touch my ears, so I suffered through a little more hair mussing before I made a token effort to shake him off. "Heh, you really need to get your hair looked at. Wow."

"Says the one with incurable bed head?" I teased, "Chigusa has promised me that would be done today. Along with my dress."

"You in a dress. An actual dress... Who are you? What have you done with my captain?" We both laughed, "I think you'll polish up nice, like a copper coin."

"Hope so. I mean... Honestly? Looking pretty isn't as important to me as just... Making sure it all works." I sighed, "I mean..."

"Oh I get it." Welf grinned, "But seriously? From when I joined, you've done some incredible things. Lived through things that would have killed others. Found, or simply invented what you needed to succeed. And honestly... You got back up, and into the fight... I can't think of a single person, other than MAYBE Bell, who wouldn't just pack it in and retire after that."

We both knew what he was talking about, so I simply nodded, "Yeah, but... This isn't just about me now. I mean, sure, as captain, its never just about me. But this isn't a dungeon thing, its a life thing."

"Doesn't matter sister. We're all here for you. Anyhow, enough of the mushy stuff... Work to do." He turned, yawning so wide his jaw cracked. "Oh, and no peeking still."

"Yeah yeah. Don't burn your eyebrows off." I replied, returning to my sewing.

"If I do, I will dedicate it to you, since you can't get near the forge." He gave me one last grin, then closed and locked the door behind him.

"Hey Welf!" I called through the door.

"Yo!"

"Stay in there until I say. Doing a fitting!"

"Right!"

That taken care of, I turned to Wiene, who was looking at me, then the door, then me again. "Has Welf done something wrong?"

"No." I said with a smile, "Ha-chan has explained 'modesty' before, right?"

"Yes... But I still don't really get it." She scratched her head, then one of her ears. "Hiding your body seems strange."

I sighed. No one except maybe Welf, Ouka and Chigusa might have any idea about talking about sex. Haruhime might have a good idea on modesty, and even what goes on behind closed doors, or... Reasonably secluded places... Aisha was never asked...

"Heehee." Wiene interrupted my train of thought, "Kodori has her thinking face on."

"I suppose I do." I said, lightly ruffling her hair. "Remember when I explained the 'life' of 'instinct'?"

"Yup! Born, eat, find a mate, have children, die." She ticked the points off on her hand, sitting on a stool in front of me.

"Part of the 'find a mate' and 'have children' goes with 'modesty'. An animal has a way to attract a mate. Some birds sing, or have a way to show off feathers. Some lizards have bright scales they can show off. Some wild animals will bring food to a potential mate, to show they can provide for them."

"My scales aren't very bright..." Going against what I was trying to explain, she nudged her robe off her shoulder to expose the scales there, along with one of her palm sized breasts.

"People." I didn't bother trying to redress her, instead taking hold of her hands and standing, prompting her to do the same, "Have more ways to attract a mate. Amazons like strength more than most other things." I helped her out of the rest of her robe, letting her stand there in a pair of boxers that were much like my own. "Some people look for wealth, others look for intelligence, and others still look for beauty." I held up her new robe, and she put her arms over her head, "No no, this one you open here..."

As I helped her put on the new garment, I continued, "Being naked, for people, is kind of like a bird showing off its feathers. Especially to someone of the opposite gender."

The new robe was more like a double layered shirt/cape. She could put it on like a shirt, and it would cover her down to the knees, while the cape could either hang behind her, or double over and hide her down to the ankles. The orc leather on the inside would resist her scales, as well as keep her warm and dry. It had minimal buttons, and as far as I could tell, nothing to irritate her skin. And just like Lilly's robe, it was white with red trim.

"So... A girl showing a boy her body is like... asking to mate?"

"If she does it on purpose." I added, "That little accident at the pool for example wasn't on purpose."

"Ohhh... So... If I want to mate with Bell, I should..." I put a hand on her shoulder just as she started to turn around, one hand going to the buttons on her new robe. "No?"

"That is more of a last step. People usually start with words. And, you are too young I think."

"But..."

"Ask him for a hug. Actually, go do that now. He could probably use a good hug. But until you and him both agree, you can't mate with him." I sighed, "That is another part of being a person."

"Both people must choose together?" She brightened, "Like you and Haruhime!"

"That's right."

"Okay!" She took her hands off the buttons of her robe, did a little twirl in place, then said, "I like this! It's comfortable! And doesn't itch anywhere!"

"Go show it to Bell, ask him for a hug, THEN!" I held up a finger, handing her the old robe, "Put this back on before you go play again. When the wedding happens, you can put the new one on, and wear it from then on."

"Because... You want it clean for that day?"

"That's right." I said, "Can I have a hug before you go?"

"Thank you big sister!" She said, hugging me tightly, then running off.

A moment later, I called through the door again, "Being a big sister is hard!"

"But you're so good at it!" Welf called back. "And I still have my eyebrows, just so you know."

"Showoff!"

"I see you are done." Takemikazuchi said as he entered the workshop, "I must say, Wiene-chan's new robe looks quite fetching on her."

It was a little while before dinner, my day pretty much consumed by sewing and other fire-free artifice. I had sent a little ghost fox to find and get the War God's attention, before letting it play with the orphans in His stead. Even now, they were playing hide and seek with it. I was getting better at keeping my attention split.

"It's also made of battle cloth, because she is going to get it dirty, and roll around, and generally be an energetic child in it." I said, "But yes, your new outfit is done." White with blue trim, it was basically a more fancy version of what he had already. If nothing else, He would look like His Familia was doing well for itself, instead of before they had joined us, and working up the rookie quests like their next meal depended on it. "For some reason, I felt like I had to put your Familia emblem over a catfish."

The only 'decoration' on the robe and loose pants was His Familia emblem on the left breast. A simple double edged sword stuck into the ground point down. I had replaced the ground with an outline of a catfish. All done in silver thread, it wasn't very flashy, but it seemed just right for Him.

"Actually, I think it is perfect." He said, holding the shirt up in front of Himself, "Maybe it is time to retire this for something more befitting our alliance's status." He folded the new outfit up carefully, "With all Mine, and Hestia's children looking so well outfitted..."

"My Lord, you are a humble God. And that is fine. Pride has no place on the battlefield." He nodded, smiling that calm little smile, "But showing a little pride in your family, that's fine. I am sure Mikoto-san will think of something small to add to your new garb. Be sure to take her suggestion seriously."

"The fox is wise, and kind." He said, the two of us bowing, "Ah, Chigusa would like to see you soon, before dinner, if you can."

"Well, yours was the last thing I had to stitch..." I paused, "Wow... It was the last thing... I'm going to have to find something to distract me tomorrow..."

"Yip." I was just about to get to the living room, when I was stopped by our newest member. Jinsoku the fox, seemed to have something to say about his current situation.

The current situation being that Chime was sitting on his head.

"Oh, well, at least you're getting along." I said, prompting the fox to give me that same 'I don't understand' look from before, except he didn't tilt his head as far. "Tomodachi." Friend. I said, picking up Chime.

Not saying anything, the fox brought up a hind paw and vigorously scratched its head and ears, sitting still when he was done. "Yip."

So I put Chime back on his head, and he wandered off down the hall as if all was well in the world.

"So that's what he wanted..." Chigusa said, her head peeking up from behind her usual spot on the couch. "How did you know?"

"I didn't." I said, "But so long as they are getting along... Now, you wanted to do something with my hair?" I made a show of looking upwards with my eyes, "I suppose 'bed head' isn't good for a wedding?"

"Unless you are Welf-san." She said, "I can't imagine him looking any other way."

"Me either." I admitted, bowing to her, "I submit to your care, Chigusa-san."

For once, she didn't shy away at my sudden switch to formality, and produced a pair of scissors from her simple house kimono.

"Not bad Fox." Aisha said at dinner, "Now you just have to keep away from fire a little while longer."

"You guys won't even let me cook." I said with a sigh, earning a comforting pat from Lilly, "It's even supposed to be pasta night."

Chigusa had done my hair much like it had been when I first arrived. It lacked the length for a braid, or even a small pony tail, but baring that, it was neatly parted down the middle, with the sides thinning out as they got closer to the back of my neck. Not having ears on the side of my head meant that one could touch my cheek and slide their hand towards the back without a problem. Something both Haruhime and I did to each other... a lot...

For being so shy, Chigusa knew some pretty subtle tricks. I wondered if having her forehead rubbed was something she liked, and kept her hair long in the front for Ouka to brush away... I wondered if it would be worth her hiding from me for a week if I tried it out for myself.

Nah... I'd feel bad after.

"Kodori is thinking something naughty." Lilly said.

"Well, I haven't had any time alone with Ha-chan. And I've only gotten three hugs today. Four if you count sleepy Ha-chan hugs."

"Those are the best hugs!" Wiene said brightly, making Haruhime blush and nearly fumble her spoonful of stew.

"Are we missing anything for the big day?" I asked, getting a look from the women, "What? I'm not planning, I'm just making sure."

"We might need to get another table..." Welf said, "I mean, with us and the kids, we fill the chairs, but if we are having a bunch of guests..."

"Right." Marius said, "I am unfamiliar with how things are done with weddings here, but, it wasn't uncommon to simply have a buffet, and lots of plates at formal functions."

"We should send someone to the Hostess and get their thoughts on it." Bell said, making everyone look at him, "I guess I'll do that."

"We'll still need another table or two..." Ouka said, "And more plates. I'm pretty sure the ones we have aren't... fancy enough."

Ideas about how the dinner at the wedding should be served went back and forth, and I simply listened in. At one point, Haruhime and I locked gazes, our hands toying with our rings. Lilly giggled quietly, but didn't draw attention to the fact she noticed, and one of my tails visited her for a hug.

"Oh!" I said, interrupting the topic of food, "How's the dress?"

"It's very nice." Haruhime said, "I think you'll look good in the one I didn't choose."

"Hime has a good sense for these things, Fox." Aisha said, giving Haruhime's hair a little ruffle, "And wow, that dress maker of yours knows her stuff."

"Good. I suppose I'll do that after a bath." I smiled.

I was... in a dress. An actual... Well, not quite... But still close enough. As per my instructions to the dressmaker, both of the dresses were adjustable to fit the two sizes given. The only difference being that which ever one I got, would show my feet and ankles. As for 'not quite' a dress... Well it was basically a fancy kimono. Black and white, with a kind of 'skirt' instead of just the normal wrap for the legs. Half Eastern, half Western. Since people kept telling us we were like night and day, I had drawn up a kind of 'light over dark' and 'dark over light' pattern. Haruhime had chosen the 'dark over light', with the under layer of the kimono being white, and the top being black, then the poofy skirt thing, what ever it was called, being white, with the black under layer. I suppose this matched perfectly with her hair and tails, being gold, then black.

I was the opposite, with my black hair, then white over black top, and black over white poofy skirt thing. I suppose my only clash in style would be the single golden tail I had.

"Yup... Still never going to tease a woman about her clothing." I mumbled in English, getting a raised eyebrow from Aisha who didn't comment, but helped me fit all my tails through the back.

"Curious." Aisha started, earning her a raised eyebrow. "Have any fancy underwear for later?"

"I dunno... I mean, just going to be taking it off later." I said.

"Really? Still going to wear boxers? On your honeymoon?" She sighed, "You're hopeless you know that?"

"What? I just can't stand how panties try and creep around... It is the wrong kind of distracting." Thankfully, it was only her and I in the room. Otherwise we'd probably have scared everyone else off.

"You could just wear garters or something, I mean, aren't these supposed to be worn without underwear?" She countered, adjusting some fabric. "Wow, you look good. Just wait until we do the makeup..."

"If I were to go without, why complicate it?" I chuckled, "Besides, it's not like we are getting married and then instantly running off someplace." I took a few steps in my new outfit, "I am so glad I didn't make the bottoms like a kimono... I have no idea how Haruhime walks so... dainty."

"Have you figured out where you two are going?"

"They forbid me from planning, remember?" I gave her a glare, "So no."

"Well, if that potion you mixed does what the book says, you'll be heh... occupied for at least three days."

"I had half planned to find a cave in the nearby mountains. We're foxes after all."

"A quiet place to make noise?"

"Lots of noise."

"I'm surprised no one has mentioned it around here."

"Actually..."

"Is that why you've lined the walls of your room with blankets?"

"Haven't had a chance to test how well they work yet." Due to, ahem, interference, the layer of felt cloth I had put up all around Haruhime and I's room was simply there to keep in the heat right now.

"Aww, poor fox feeling a little antsy?"

"I'll manage." I gave her a light punch in the shoulder, "So, it seems I fit. And look good. Much to my surprise."

"You always look good. I mean... Well, there was that time you had your hair burnt off. With your ears, it looks... unnatural."

"And chilly. My poor ears. Well, I do have that super hair grow stuff... But I'm sure no one would let me near the forge anyhow."

"I still have rope you know."

"Wait until after you've asked permission."

Kodori 3, Aisha 10003.

Three days left. After waking up, with Lilly between Haruhime and I, I briefly considered closing my eyes again. Being so adorably tiny, Lilly just encouraged cuddles. But, if I did just close my eyes again, I'd have to work a little harder on making more tables. After dinner last night, Marius and Bell volunteered to find the wood needed for the project. But the market didn't open until just after sunrise...

"Ko-san." Haruhime whispered.

"Hm?" I met her eyes over Lilly's head.

"Sleepy Lilly hugs are best hugs."

"Yes love." And with a little wiggle to get closer and hug both of them, I closed my eyes again.

After waking up (again) with Lilly between Haruhime and I, I was greeted by sunlight slowly edging its way into the room. Usually out of the room by now, it was kind of a nice feeling. Aside from the times I was injured, I think this might have been the first time I'd slept in... for a long time.

Old habits seemed to stick, even after coming to this world. Once I was set to a wake up time, I almost never needed my alarm. But, if the sun was rising, then the boys would be at the market by now.

As quietly as I could, I dressed, did the usual morning things, had a quick breakfast, and went to the practise field.

Of all things, I spotted Gros, rolling around on the practise field, the morning dew on the grass spraying around as he wiggled about.

"Morning Gros." I greeted him as I did my stretches.

"Oh!" He sounded surprised, stopping in mid wiggle to tilt his head towards me, "I did not hear you."

I chuckled, "Too busy soaking up the morning?" I teased, "It's no trouble."

"You are out here every morning, but the others are not. Why?" He slowly wiggled and rolled his way towards me. It was kind of funny to watch something the length of a bus roll about like a dog.

"Usually, we are all out here to train. But, I suppose with my wedding, and the dungeon being closed still..." I hmm'ed, "I suppose once I get back, we'll have to return to training like we used to."

"Get back?" He rolled to his feet, then crouched down to watch me as I did some light acrobatics.

"It's tradition, after a wedding, to go someplace with your mate." I explained, "Ideally, one mates for life, and after a wedding..."

"Ah." He nodded, blinking at me slowly with those massive obsidian eyes of his, "We had... Several pairs, before the raid happened. Occasionally they would... distance themselves from the rest, and return later."

"Probably the same idea." I agreed. "The Xenos aren't so different from the rest of us up here." I stopped and put a hand on his 'beak', "Hm, I'll have to send a message to get more sand."

"I'd like that." He admitted.

"You're not planning are you?" I heard Asuka say from behind me. "That sounded like planning to me."

"Not wedding related." I said, holding up my hands in surrender, "Since you're here, care to spar? We've been kinda lax on morning training for a while now..."

"Go easy on me." She said, "Lots to do today."

My spar with Asuka wasn't really challenging, but, with me at the outer edge of level four, and her maybe mid way to level 3... it was still fun. Neither of us was trying to 'win' really, just 'out skill' the other. Being the only other bare hand fighter in the house, she was pretty good.

"You know, if you ever get the chance, you should go to the Hostess, and ask Luniore for a lesson." I said after we stopped, took a step back from one another and bowed. "And you know... Just because I'm limited to plain old gauntlets, doesn't mean you should be."

"Well, once you are able to use the forge again, we can work on that?" She smiled, the normally quite girl sounding excited, "I mean... Your armour is amazing. Even with everything we've done, I still haven't worn it out."

"Good." I grinned back, "Wonder where the boys are... I have tables to make."

"Would Kodori-dono like to go another round then?" A new voice, this one belonging to Mikoto, asked. "I have been told you must be kept occupied for just a little longer."

"Oh?" I was curious.

"Bell-san and Marius-san have returned, but, Welf requires the workshop for something and requires some level of secrecy." Mikoto explained.

"Well, let's see how you've progressed then?" I assumed a fighting stance, and looked at them both, "Work together."

The two of them bowed to me, then looked at each other and nodded.

It wasn't often I had to get 'acrobatic' while fighting. My technique was simple, efficient, and straightforward. Part of that was from previous training back in my old life. I had an instructor who often said, 'if both feet leave the ground, you've lost'. But, as the two of them alternated between high and low attacks, switching with each other the instant I started to go on the offence, I had to get really creative to gain advantage.

By the end of our match, I was starting to sweat, but the two of them hadn't quite managed to lay a hand on me. I had to give them both full marks for teamwork, as well as tactics. The praise was taken with a humble thank you, but they were both smiling.

"Wow, you guys look worn out." I heard Welf say as the three of us gave each other a bow.

"One day Welf, you are going to join morning practise, and you will learn." I said ominously, "I'd almost bet Asuka could beat you with one arm."

"Almost?" Asuka pouted.

"Welf is still much stronger than you. You wouldn't get a second attempt if you missed." I said, "Mikoto... Same problem. Barehanded, you are actually less skilled than Asuka." I looked to Welf, "But with a sword, you'd stomp him flat."

"Of course she would, I made the sword." Welf grinned, patting my shoulder, "Don't worry, once you guys stop breaking my weapons, I'll be able to join you for the morning spar."

"Well, I could help if..." Asuka and Mikoto glared at me, "Well... After the ban is lifted."

"Yeah. Looking forward to it. Anyhow, workshop is free, wood is here, and the secret project is still secret." Welf grinned, "I even sharpened your wood working tools."

"Excellent."

Tables and chairs are a simple project. Once you know what you're doing, it's one of the simplest things you can do. Flat top, four legs. Smooth, sand, apply finish, done. Chairs? Almost the same. That being said, the boys had fetched the exact wood we needed to match the already existing tables we owned. Not that it really mattered, we'd be covering it with a table cloth and all, but still, any other, less formal, guests we had would see we at least had matching furniture.

Lunch was quick, though I noticed that Marius and Bell had vanished again, along with Ouka. Asking had only gotten me a 'its a secret', so I simply shrugged and went back to making things.

"Hey Fox." Aisha called out to me from the workshop door, "Busy?"

"You're just in time for a test." I said waving her in, "You've got a solid build and a nice butt, sit in this for me?" I motioned to the chair I'd just finished, but hadn't put a finish on.

"You've made a half dozen already, why don't you test it?" She countered, though she sat in the chair anyhow. "No creaking, no groaning, doesn't feel like my ass is going to go numb the instant I sit down..."

"Well, now that you're sitting, what did you need?" I grinned, I'm so glad your rear approves of my crafting."

"Now... I know you've been forbidden from planning." She said, looking around, "But, I have to kinda ask, since this is yours and Hime's wedding."

"Hm?" I looked inside the pot with the wood finish, and sighed, "Need to make more I guess..."

"Well, who's going to do the actual ceremony?"

"Oh... Well, let's see... Ganesha would be around others, and probably be acting like an idiot. So hearing 'I am Ganesha, and you may kiss the bride', wouldn't do." Aisha chuckled, but I continued, "Loki would try and fondle us both, and wouldn't remember the words. Freya... Honestly creeps me out, and might not even be there." I paused, "Lord Takemikazuchi might be good, but, I'm honestly not familiar at all with how an Eastern wedding goes, and what I do know, seems very stiff and formal."

"They are kinda dull, honestly." She shrugged as I gave her a questioning look, "I was part of Ishtar Familia, lots of people, and with all the love and sex floating about in the air over there, I've run security for more than a few weddings."

"Ah, suppose that's true. Then there is Lady Hestia, who... Would be appropriate, but is too..."

"Innocent?"

"Sort of. I'd be surprised if She could say the word 'kiss' without blushing. No, I think I know who I'd ask..." I smiled, "I'm not planning! But I'd bet if you went to see Ryuu, and said you wanted to meet 'Her', you'd know who I was talking about."

"You trying to get rid of me?" She leaned forward and gave me a half hearted glare, prompting me to boop her nose, "Hey... My nose is not for booping."

"Tell that to Wiene. But seriously, if I were to ask anyone, I think She would do just fine." I paused, "That, and I'd bet Ryuu would want Her to meet her friends."

"So you're not just trying to get rid of me."

"Well, I can't finish that chair until you get out of it." I said, brandishing a brush and the pot of wood finish. "If She says no, then I'd ask Lady Hestia or Lord Takemikazuchi. Why did you ask me anyhow? Ha-chan would have an idea too."

"She actually told me to very quietly ask you break your 'no planning' ban." She grinned, "Though aside from who ever this is you want me to meet, she agreed with you almost exactly, word for word."

"Well good. I'll have to find her and give her a hug when no one is looking."

"Careful, or the girls might put you in separate rooms."

Two days left, and once again, I was trying to find things to do. The new furniture was done, save for the wood finish curing. I had run out of potions to make, except maybe a few odds and ends that were more 'for fun' instead of 'for work'. I was obviously still banned from anything fire related, and the only thing I could think of that needed doing... Was the actual wedding.

"You seem restless." Gros commented as he watched me stretch near his enclosure.

"I'm out of things to do, and many of my favourite activities have been barred from me for the moment." I replied, touching the back of my head with the flat of my foot and holding it there with both hands. "A few other things come to mind, but... I have too much energy to sit still that long."

"What is Haruhime doing?" He asked, "I am sure not all things involving your mate are barred from you."

"She's sleeping in." I chuckled, "And after... Well, I'm not sure. They have been keeping us apart for all the planning."

"Seems silly to me." Gros said, "Though, much of this seems silly. We don't have... marriage."

"Part of being a people, is ritual." I said, "Be it saying thank you before a meal, or bowing to a sparring partner. This is just another ritual. Honestly? I am doing this for her. All for her. While I admit, the thought of having it all official makes me happy... The thought of giving her something she's always wanted, makes it even better."

"That, I can understand." Gros nodded, swishing a hand over the grass and sprinkling me with morning dew.

"Oh... I wonder..." I rubbed a hand over my hair, pausing to give my ears a little scratch, "Maybe I can talk to Lido, or visit the zoo... With an escort, of course." I sighed.

"I am sure the lamia you saved would have words of thanks for you." Gros said, "And I know many of the others would welcome a visit from you."

"I think that's the best part of being a hero. Being welcome."

"Too much effort." Gros shrugged, curling up hiding his head from the slowly rising sun, though his wings stretched out a little more to capture the warmth, "But, having a home is nice."

Notes!

Okay... I know I know, you're all getting impatient. But my word processor is saying this one is 16 pages long already.

Please don't hate me. x.x See you all soon.

If nothing breaks, the next chapter will be quite long. And, if nothing goes wrong (other than stuff breaking) it will still be five days! :P