In this chapter, we start with Swain, since he left Ken with Diyha, how will this go with the Gnoll queen?
Chapter 34
A Deal with the Gnoll Queen
The Next day...
In the West, the Kulaaniwa desert...
Both Swain and Dihya landed from a crow form in front of a city.
"What a wonderful place..." Dihya said after taking her mask off, "This is something that the princesses need to learn from."
"I do have to acknowledge that they got better from the last time I got to meet a pack of desert Gnolls," Swain stated as Dihya put her mask back.
"How do you think this would end?" Dihya asked.
"I believe that we may put some of them to sleep." Swain answered, "With some luck, we can get their help and even the capacity to trade with them."
"They built the city near the water?" Diyha looked toward a river, "I'm really impressed."
"Whoever controls the water, controls the desert," Swain replied.
"How about meeting the queen now?" Dihya said as she looked at the guards Gnolls who were looking at them.
"Let's hope that things get to the best." Swain sighed before approaching the city with his Dovahkiin.
The Gnolls took out their spears and pointed them at the two human-like beings.
"I guess that it's time for the gift I prepared." Swain waved his arm and a crate of animal organs appeared in front of him, "Take it, as a proof of my good faith."
The Gnolls looked between themselves before taking the crate.
"Now, let's meet this queen of the desert," Swain said as he walked through the city.
"Whoa..." Dihya took her mask off as she began to look at the various shops, the carpets that were hand-made by human and elven slaves, the exchanges with a dark crystal as currency...
"This place shouldn't be ignored." Swain said, "This is a place with so many opportunities that I don't know if we shouldn't get some of our artisans and diplomates to see how we can take advantage of this place."
"Where to go?" Dihya asked as Swain began to guide her.
After going through the various streets, they arrived in front of a staircase between two statues of a Half-Gnoll, leading to some sort of a small castle.
Dihya looked around and noticed that other stairs were heading to the river.
"Sir... I don't think that there's something that can top this city..." Dihya pointed out, "When I was still in Tamriel, I visited my homeland... and now I wish that this city could be there..."
"Let's hope that there could be something that could interest her," Swain said as they headed to the top of the stairs.
The city of Tumaini's palace
Both Swain and Dihya sat on a long chair in front of a table
"This seems to be a sign of intimidation." Swain stated, "Otherwise, we would be in the throne room."
"Why do you think that?" Dihya asked.
"We're deep in this castle, Gnoll guarding us from all sides, this room is set with some good furniture." Swain listed.
The two of them waited until the Half-Gnoll arrived with two Gnolls.
"So, you're the one who wants to talk with me." the Half-Gnoll said as she sat on a chair in front of them, "Give me a reason to let listen to you."
"I know that you had to talk with some people from the east." Swain replied, "I'm somehow from the same side."
the Half-Gnoll raised an eyebrow, "All of this why."
"We are in need of your help to get our lands back from some enemies." Swain explained, "I already spoke with some people in the west such as the emperor of the mountains, the druids in the forest, the Beastmen... all that's left is you, Queen of the Desert Gnolls, Ashar."
The queen said nothing as she was staring at them. After a while, she took a deep breath, "All of this doesn't give me a reason to accept. And I can lose a lot of members of my Pack. What can I gain?"
"Swain took a more relaxed position before replying, "We can begin trades with you. After all, there are things that we have that can interest you. Not to mention that if something was about to happen, you could ask for our help."
"So you want to have me become a part of your group?" Ashar asked.
"Not really," Swain shook his head, "You'll keep everything, the only thing that will change is that this city will become a shining gem. Traders, new technology, new knowledge... so many things that you can offer your people, so many things that can help your people to prosper."
Ashar sighed before saying, "I do wish to see my people change in the eyes of the rest of the world. Gnolls AREN'T savages, but living beings who can show intelligence and solidarity."
"With the right help, it can be done easily." Swain smiled, "Besides, I can get you a meeting with the Goddess Reborn if you wish. With that, you will have a powerful contact in the east."
"Still... with all of that... I feel like you want more." Ashar narrowed her eyes.
Swain nodded and said, "Your art is something that I want to share. However, I want to be the only one who can do it."
Ashar raised an eyebrow and said, "I hope that you're ready to pay a price."
Swain raised his left hand and a heart appeared in it, "This is the heart of a High Dark Demon. High Dark Demons are known to be faster than light, and they can use shadows to their advantage, not to mention that their strength and speed are further increased in a dark place where there's no light."
Ashar narrowed her eyes, thinking about it.
Meanwhile, back at Feoh...
Reynold was nervous...his task to woo the granddaughters had gotten him only ONE favor...he had yet to gain the other two, one he would have to work even harder to achieve by dueling and the other was a different story...either way, it wasn't looking good for him...
He took a deep breath as he planned this out, wondering how much time he had left, as two Gold knights approached him...
"Is...there something you need?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Lord Ruthven wants to talk with you." one of the knights said.
The young knight sighed, knowing what this meant, nodding, "Very well, take me to him..." he simply said, following them there...
Lord Ruthven's office...
There was a knock at the door...
"Enter." the old man replied.
The door opens with Rey coming and closing it behind him, taking a seat at the desk, "You wanted to see me, lord Ruthven?"
"I heard that you met someone, right?" he asked with a serious tone.
Rey nodded, "All three of your granddaughters, as you instructed me to, my lord...got one approval, but it's a work in progress..."
"That's not what I mean." Ruthven said, "And you know what I mean."
Rey frowned, "Oh...that's not what you're asking, okay, yeah, I was brought before the high inquisitor on my way to the last visit...thought it was weird myself,"
"You tried to hide it the first time. Why betray my trust like that...?" the old man looked at the young knight in the eyes.
"I wasn't trying to, my lord...I had no notion of what you meant at first...but now that I do, yes, I talked to her, was scared out of my mind doing so..." Rey defended with, "Those that have been sent to her, are never seen again...thought the same would've happened to me,"
"And what did you talk about?" Ruthven asked.
He took a deep sigh, "You're not going to believe this, but she wanted to train me and make me into an inquisitor...a high position I wasn't even vying for...I would've been fine as a captain..." rubbing the back of the head, "She also...wanted me to prove myself in a way...I have to hunt down someone by the name of Lorley..."
"And what was your answer..." Ruthven asked.
"I didn't give her an answer on that, I told her I was busy with my current assignment...I don't think I would've come back in one piece if I had flat out said "No" and considering the fact I don't know why this Lorley left...left me with questions and not good ones sir..." Rey answered, eyes going dark, "And there's also the fact that my family is being accused of heresy because of my brother's dabbling in blood magic from the lands in the south...so there's that going on too, and that would've been my way to clear that from them..."
"So you're considering her offer..." the old knight leaned forward.
Rey said nothing for a minute, "I would be lying if I said it didn't cross my mind...but I still wish to be trained by you, my lord...even if I know I probably won't meet your qualifications...after all, one of your granddaughters, has a...justified reason for hating the holy knights..." he admitted.
Ruthven took a deep breath before adding, "I asked you to get their approval and to come back only after getting the three. However, I'm the one who called you. This means that the next time you come here by your choice, it will be with the three approvals."
The young knight sighed and nodded, "Thank you, Lord Ruthven..." standing up, "I'll come back with three, but as for my current skills...I'm...thinking about seeing Niall about that...I'm under his company after all...take care, my lord," before heading to the door.
'You're under his protection, not his training squad.' Ruthven narrowed his eyes, 'I need to warn Swain about this kid... He might destroy our plans.'
Meanwhile At Yamakhroz, Training Academy...
In this massive gym, there were many students attending today's class, all paying attention to a blind shirtless man in front of them...The entire crew this time in the same class, as the monk rose from where he was seated...
"Welcome back, students." he then looked at the way of the crew, "Some new people are here. That's unexpected, I don't remember hearing of recruits in the army. Nevertheless, My name is Lee Sin."
Traysek frowned along with the crew, who glanced at each other before back to him...
'He seems like a decent enough master, but he's also blinded too...starting to notice a trend here...' Inigo mused as the instructor continued...
"How about presenting yourself?" the instructor said.
Traysek nodded, turning to the class, "Hello everyone, I'm Traysek, nice to meet you all, hope we get along," with a grin.
"Hi there, I'm Recorder, nice to meet you," She introduced herself next.
"Hello, I'm Inigo, pleased to be here with you all," The khajiit introduced.
"Names Erik, glad to be here," the Nord added.
"I'm Lucien Flavius, it's a pleasure to be here," The imperial announced.
"Yuriana, nice to meet you all, and you too instructor," She greeted with a smile.
"Now that we all know each other, we can begin." Lee Sin said with a smile, "The first thing that we'll learn today is how to strengthen your fists. Each of you will take a bowl of sand and strike it."
'Sand...? Well, I could see the benefit in that...usually in a bag though...' Recorder thought as the bowls of sand were being brought out.
The trainee put a bowl full of sand in front of them and began to punch the sand.
The Redguard watched as the Trainee punched into the sand, noting the odd color it had, 'It almost looks like iron sand from here...' Walking to fetch one of the bowls, filling it with sand and bringing it back, giving the first punch into it, testing it out, 'I was right...this is denser than normal...hand slows down in no matter how hard I throw the blow.' going into repeated punching.
The rest soon received their bowls full of sand, the rest of the crew now striking into it...some managing to hold out, while a few like Recorder would occasionally shake her hand after jabbing it so many times...
'That starts to hurt after a while...how do monks normally do this?' mentally wincing her sore hand, before giving it another blow.
Lucien frowned at it, before giving it a blow, feeling his hand sink into it, "This is way harder than normal sand...hard to pull my hand out..." he told the others.
Inigo on the other hand was having barely any issues, his claws being the thanks to it, "It feels good to me, I don't know how it's hurting you or Recorder..."
The Redhead woman rolled her eyes, giving the sand repeated punches, easily pulling her fists out, "Don't mock them for it, this sand is harder than usual...feels like a grain of iron in each blow..."
"It just might be that," Erik grumbled, while working his hands into his pot, "Still I can't complain..."
"Do this for 15 minutes." Lee Sin said, after that, we'll move to the wooden puppets.
Back with Swain...
Swain and Dihya walked through the city, taking notes of the various kinds of crafting and arts in the city.
"My lord, what kind of relation would be if one of the Shields was here?" Dihya asked as she took a closer look at a painting.
"A bit primitive, but quite the piece of art." Swain commented before looking at a couple of Gnolls with their cubs, "If Alicia or Claudia was to come here, it wouldn't be an alliance with them, but an open war. For someone like Prim, she would be duped by the queen to make a bad deal. Kaguya would have some luck, but not that much. Maia would try to trick the queen, but it would fail. And Luu-Luu wouldn't be able to do anything since she knows nothing of political games."
"That bad, huh?" Dihya sighed before adding, "Do you believe that she will accept?"
"She knows that I have the cards." Swain answered, "She's very interested in the heart that I showed her, and she knows that my proposition would help her people."
"But you're not sure, right?" Dihya said.
"She still has doubts as I'm someone she never met." Swain replied, "She knows that humans aren't to be trusted."
"If we managed to get her on our side, we'd have a huge power added to our forces," Dihya stated.
"With some luck, a lot might happen." Swain nodded, "But first, we need to show Celestine who the true enemy is." they then continued to walk.
Back with Reynold...
The young knight was once again back at the training field, watching the soldiers run drills, finding Niall instructing a few of them...
'Looks like they're still at it here, I'll have to pick my time to ask him when he's done...' he mused, watching the drills...
"Put your back to it!" Niall yelled, "A Miranda Spout can do better than you now!"
The soldiers began to use various tactics to outdo each other.
Rey watched in amazement, nodding to himself, 'The tactics shown here, go beyond that of the training I know...maybe I could learn something here...but the chances of getting one of them to help me are slim...' spotting one of the human knights glaring at him, before heading off to join his buddies, 'And they still hate me...' before heading towards the main building.
Near the building, Sylla was sparing against ten knights using her Wakizashi and her black katana. Parrying every hit and quickly riposting.
'She's good, and that's against ten men...' He mused, turning his glance to the other men who seemed out of it, 'They're worn down too, I should hang around and see how this ends...' leaning against the wall, watching the fight.
Two knights tried to strike her from the back as she rolled away before planting the katana in the ground, pulling them close before striking their heads with the pommels. One charged lightning and tried to strike her, but she evaded it and parried a thrust before kicking him in the head. Three knights went to attack, but she used her weapon to make them strike each other. Two others tried a coordinated attack, but she blocked them with her weapons before dashing forward, bashing their heads. The last two imbued their weapons with lightning and charged her but they found themselves on the ground.
"You really need to work on how to truly coordinate your attacks," Sylla said as she was helping them to get up.
Rey grinned at that, 'Seems like a good instructor too...maybe I could learn something from her, but, she also doesn't seem to like me too much either...even if she did heal me...' sighing as he stood up from the wall, watching them get up.
"How can you be so strong?" one of the knights asked Sylla.
"Well... I had to turn runes into powers." the Tarnished answered, "Lady Ranni used her powers to turn the runes that I got after being thrown out of the Night Cavalry."
"Runes?" many knights were looking between themselves.
"Think of it as the remnant of a soul of the beings in the Lands Between." Sylla explained, "There are some stones that can contain runes, but they're rare."
'Interesting...no wonder she was able to keep with Niall, but no luck of me getting these...runes...I'm not sure If I could use them or not..." Rey mentally noted, heading into the main building...
The various knights only spoke about the attractive new help of the commander, the commander, or the possibility that Niall is aiming to get a harem despite being old.
He narrowed his eyes upon hearing them, 'The rumors people will come up with...I'm sure the commander's not like that...' heading to his room.
Meanwhile the archive...
After Lee Sin's class, The Redguard left the academy to learn newer spells, currently glossing over what spells he wanted, confused that he didn't see any tomes, only scrolls...he walked up to one of the mages selling them, "Excuse me...? do you guys have spell tomes or something close to them?" he asked.
"You wish to study spells? Or maybe learn how to master a spell by seeing the rituals?" a Felinefolk mage asked.
Traysek raised an eyebrow, "Not really unless that's how I get newer spells, I figured you guys sold tomes to mages looking to add to their magic," he shrugged.
The feline mage's expression turned serious as she said, "Here, we value knowledge, and books are the main and unique source of knowledge. Damaging any book may result in a visit from the Dark Blades." her smile returned as she said, "You're free to rent some grimoires, but it will cost you a bit more than scrolls."
The Captain had a small sweat bead, but retained a smile, "Oh okay, so your research into magic is actual research..alright then, I'll be delicate with them, do you have anything in fire or lightning I could look into?"
"Of course, follow me." she then led him to a section where mages were reading grimoires and taking notes, "You can read them here, or take them home in the condition that you return them after a set time."
"Thank you, I'll take the time to read them here," Traysek concurred with a nod, heading over to the elemental grimoires, choosing both a fire and lightning one before taking them over to a desk, taking a seat, opening the fire grimoire first, getting images on paper, "Okay... let's see..." pulling out paper and ink, jotting something down as he went over the pages, nodding...as the letters glowed an amber color the more notes he copied, 'I see...that's an interesting way to use that...' turning to the next page...
With Yuri...
The Redhead was hanging out after class, while the others left for others, sighing in relief and rubbing her left shoulder, 'Gods...my hands feel sore after that class' memory going back to wooden posts while walking towards the doors.
However, when she entered, she noticed that there was no one else but her, and a one-armed muscular Dark Elf.
The Dark Elf looked at her and said, "You're the one Dargo spoke about?"
She raised an eyebrow, "Dargo...?' Oh, yeah, Recorder's boyfri- eh, friend, what all he say about me?" frowning.
"He said that you're a powerful woman who can hold herself in a hand-to-hand fight." the Dark Elf replied as Earth began to form his missing arm with magma between the openings, "Well, let's begin the presentations. The name's Moiroy, the Melter."
Yuri glanced at his new arm, before grinning, "Indeed, I am Yuriana, it's a pleasure to meet you, but why seek me out?"
"I want to repay my debt to Dargo for a thing he did for me, and he asked me to personally train you to crush bones." Moiroy answered, "Be ready for an intense training."
She nodded with a smirk, "Oh really now? well then, I'm not to refuse that kind of offer, sure, when do we start?"
She didn't get a chance to think as she was grabbed and then thrown to a wall, "Now."
For a second she saw stars, shaking them out, 'Okay then, going to be like that about it, fine...' she mentally growled, before rushing at him with a grab, going for his arm.
"Not going to be enough." the Dark Elf grabbed her by the shirt before using her speed to spin her around him, increasing the speed with each speed before throwing her at a pool of water, "You need control over your strength and how you display you killing intend."
After she splashed into the water, she immediately came back out, dizzy from the spinning before getting out of it, shaking the water out, 'Going aggressive isn't doing me favors...I'll have to be smart about my approach...' taking a grappler's stance, opening both her palms open.
"Don't try to outsmart someone, just control your instincts. Make sure that you're the one in control, and make sure to keep a better stance than that one." Moiroy said as he began to correct her stance by repositioning her legs, extending her right arm, and pulling her left arm close to her, now you can call this a Countering Stance."
Yuri glanced at her position and nodded, "I see, interesting..." before focusing on the man, taking a breath, before opening her eyes, going for another rush, seemingly going for a punch, feinting it, and quickly going for a lock around his neck, 'Got him...' before attempting the move she just learned, taking his legs from him, trying to throw him.
But... he didn't budge, "Lesson two; make sure to have a grip on your center of gravity." the Dark Elf took her from the back of her neck before throwing her away, "You have a lot to learn..."
She flew nearly into the water, rolling and catching herself, exhaling harshly, standing back up, looking back at the magma-armed elf, shaking off the dizziness, 'It's like...he's using my strength against me...just like...' her mind going back to the spar she had with captain' Same method... maybe there is something to learn here...' "I think...you might be right, especially when you're easily turning my force against me like that...not the first it's happened..." taking the same counter stance from earlier, a smile gracing her lips, "I think I found a worthy teacher, I'm ready to keep going!"
"Well, let's continue the lesson with a more... aggressive stance," Moiroy said as he took a strange stance where his left arm was low and his right arm was high.
Meanwhile, At Dargo's house, backyard...
In the Yard, Recorder stood across Dargo, with her white katana as he held his, still in his sheath... "Thank you for offering Dargo, I was surprised by it," She grinned with a nod.
"You're in an unfamiliar world and there may be some enemies that can't be fought like you used to." Dargo pointed, "Besides... THEY also have their special forces."
"Really now? I wouldn't have thought so, so much for this being easy... anyone in particular to be wary of?" She asked with a curious brow.
"They aren't on the level of the Deathbringers, that's the good part." Dargo sighed before adding, "However, their skills are on par with the Kletzkrieg and the Earthen Horns, an elite force composed of Minotaurs and Orcs, blessed by the god Korak. The enemy army developed some training by allowing some of their knights to dabble in magic they call dark, even Blood Magic."
Recorder nodded in acknowledgment, "I think I get it, and that includes other elemental magic like fire and lightning possibly, good to know..." glancing back up at him, "This unit got a name to them?"
"There are three." Dargo answered, "The First Dawn, Knights who modified their bodies to match ours, able to call upon a weak version of the other magics beside the Holy Magic. The Order of Light, assassins who take pleasure in torturing and killing people who are heretics, But they know when to stay away from a place under someone who mustn't be trifled with. And finally, the Silver Axes, a band of mercenaries that take hits to strike where they can find some big games..."
She blinked twice, "Yikes...no wonder the groups here are tight as they are...I thought the Lightbringer boss met was something," bitterly chuckling, "In that case, I'm more than ready for today's lesson," with a determined smile.
Dargo nodded before constructing a golem made of ice, "I want to see how fast your drawing speed is."
Recorder nodded, "Okay, seems easy enough," before taking a stance, drawing the sword out as quick as she could, taking a deep sigh, "How's that?"
"To be honest... slow," Dargo answered before turning to the golem. After taking a stance, there was a gust of wind and the golem was in pieces, "This is what you'll be able to do when we finish your training."
She blinked twice again, this time mouth agape, "I've...got a long way to go before I'm at that point..." she thought out loud, blushing in realization.
"And I will accompany you in every step to make sure you succeed," Dargo stated.
Recorder had a slightly annoyed scowl, but shook it off with a grin, "Okay then, figured I wouldn't get right the first time...again?" she asked.
"This time try to relax your arm." Dargo said, "Tensing your grip only slows it down."
She glanced down at her hand and noticed how tight she was gripping the handle of her sword, before nodding and sheathing it; easing her hand relaxing her arm, and taking a deep breath, trying the quick draw again, managing to whip the blade out even quicker, her face now in slight shock, 'Easing the grip does help, it's nowhere near Dargo's level, but it's a good start...' feeling herself grin.
"There's still some tension, but it's better." Dargo nodded, "Once you master the grip, we can move to the mental part. After all, inner peace can help to increase the drawing speed."
Record thought about it while resheathing the blade, 'Inner peace? like meditation? I could see how it would help...he does look calm when he's ripping enemies apart with this...one thing at a time,' taking a sigh, before trying again...
Ethan walked through the forest until he arrived at a house with a red roof and some vines on the walls.
"Finally home..." Ethan said as he opened the door, showing a place with some dust, "Looks like we're going to clean this place a little."
"I can help you, you know?" the old man looked at the source, finding a red-eyed raven flying, "I can send you some of my maids. They will clean it within an hour."
"I take that you want to know about the place I found this sword." Ethan pointed his sword.
"Indeed," Swain replied, "Especially since I can sense great powers from it... god killing powers."
"A cave not far from Ulak." Ethan stated, "There were stranger things, but I'm still sane."
"So this sword is from there?" Swain asked.
"In the deepest part, there's a giant skeleton, that's where I found it," Ethan answered.
"Maybe that Del can find something." Swain mumbled before adding, "Now, why don't you rest a little and let these maids clean this place?"
A dozen maids appeared, bowed to Ethan, and began to clean the house.
Later back at Feoh...
Rey stood in front of the door to Niall's office, knocking on it after taking a deep breath.
"Who's there?" Niall answered.
"It's Reynold, commander, may I have a moment?" The voice behind it asked.
A feminine sigh and mumbling was heard before Niall replied, "Get in."
The young knight gave a hard frown at the door, before shaking it off, opening the door, "Good day sir," turning to Sylla, "Good to you as well, Sylla," before closing the door behind him.
She simply gave him a flat stare.
"What d'you need?" Niall asked.
He simply smiled, "Nothing too big, just a request really," he nodded, ignoring the flat stare, "I've...seen how you train the others, thought I would personally ask to join the class if that's okay with you,"
"He's not serious, is he?" Sylla asked in a low tone.
"Why asking this out of the blue like that?" Niall was confused.
Rey took a deep breath, "Well, ever since the recent mission, I've been thinking about how I would perform when this war starts...and so far, it's not looking good for me...it was something I was going to ask after the funeral before I was sent off, but now I believe I need to learn something new before that time comes...I tried asking Ruthven, but I need two more approvals for that..." Looking up at them, "In truth, there's a lot I want to accomplish during my career, including that of courting Prim if fate would have it...for now, I'm trying to focus on one thing at a time..."
Niall and Sylla shared a look before the commander said, "Look, kid, there isn't a 'Beginner' class with us. Each one of my boys is trying his best to be ready. And there's a huge difference in level between you."
"Just give him a book with pictures." Sylla sighed, "There are more pressing matters than the golden boy here."
He frowned at that, "Golden boy...?" he muttered, before shaking it off, "I can see that, both in combat and experience...things I aspire to be, if I have to learn new things from a book, I'd be fine with that too,"
"Good, now go get a book, and let us return to our discussion," Sylla said with annoyance.
"Here." Niall handed him a book called [How to Hold a Weapon], "Study this, then Sylla will test you."
He took the book and frowned at it, 'What...the hell is this...? feels like I'm back to days as a squire with this...oh well...' inspecting the book, before giving them both a bow, "Thank you, I will and sorry for the intrusion," before leaving the office...
"Finally." Sylla sighed, "How about continuing where we were?"
"We can't simply go over the fact that Feoh is related to Ur." Niall stated, "Whatever plan is needed, we must take into account that merging the two kingdoms might be the only way."
"Thinking of calling the new kingdom Leyndell?" Sylla joked.
"Why not Raya Lucaria?" Niall added as they both began to laugh.
Later that evening...
House of wings...
The door opened to Traysek walking in with a tired yawn, holding a grimoire he rented from the library, walking and taking a seat at the table, placing the book on it, and taking a deep sigh of relief, as some of the others, Inigo, Lucien and Erik came back, equally tired after today.
"So... how's everyone doing?" He asked, with a raised eyebrow.
"Tired...my hands are singing after the first instructor today, and he's supposed to be coming back tomorrow too..." Lucien groaned, rubbing his knuckles.
Erik chuckled giving a tap on the back, "I'm sure you'll be better off for it, soft hands..."
"Yeah yeah, keep laughing Erik...I saw you rub your knuckles during it," The imperial deadpanned, "And besides, I'm not the one with fuzzy hands...!" nodding towards Inigo, who snickered.
"Fuzzy they may be, they're still harder than yours," The khajiit laughed, getting a groan from the former.
The Redguard sighed with a chuckle, before noticing a couple more people were missing, "Hey...where are the girls? thought they'd be behind us..."
Lucien had a hand on his chin, "For one, I know Yuri stayed to get more workout in, and Recorder said something about going to Dargo's about something, didn't specify what it was..."
"Probably to receive training or something, you never know with her," Erik sighed, "Assuming that's what she's receiving right now..."
"Erik..." Inigo said in a warning tone, "The joke was funny at first but it is starting to wear now...I'm sure wherever they are, they'll be back...regardless of what they're doing...unless you want us to ask about Zephyr,"
The Nord let out a small chuckle, "Well, you wouldn't be the first, as for how Zephyr's doing, she's alright, thanks for asking," sarcastically smug...
"Smart ass..." The khajiit slightly growled.
"Hey now," Traysek snickered, "He at least told us what was happening, can't be mad at that," turning to his book, "So until they get back, I'll be studying this for awhile..."
The imperial frowned at it, finding a frost symbol on the book, "What is that? A grimoire? I thought it was a spell tome, you're just now absorbing it?"
"No, the way to get magic from these is to study them...and because I have a grasp on magic already, makes it even easier..." The Redguard pointed, "I already studied two more back at the archive, took a couple of hours to do...this one I rented for three diamonds...have to give it back by the end of the week..."
"So it's like the imperial library with that, I see, I see..." Lucien nodded to himself, "Think you could let me borrow that when you're done?"
"Sure...Just make sure not to damage it, they take that pretty seriously around here...like dark blade at our door serious..."
"Noted, I'll be gentle with it...when you're done of course..."
Traysek nodded, "That's when though and it'll be awhile, until then, you'll have to wait..." opening the Grimoire, the letters within glowing in a chilling frost.
At Dargo's house...
The ceiling had darkened, with Recorder out of breath, as she attempted the drawing technique again, this time getting it much faster and slicing the dummy but...the cut on it was shallow...
"You need a better weapon." Dargo commented, "If you want... we can go check some weapons... tomorrow..."
Record checked her sword to find more damage on the blade than the ice dummy, "I'm starting to agree, to be fair, I thought this sword would be sharp enough from who it came from, but it seems pretty dull...I'll have problem with that," sheathing the Katana, smiling at him, "Thank you for today~"
"You're welcome." Dargo nodded, "If you need any help, ask."
She sighed, looking up at the mountain wall, "As much as I enjoyed this, I do have to head home, I'll try to be here tomorrow so we can pick that new weapon out, not that I'd miss that," with a genuine smile, and nod.
"I'll be waiting," Dargo stated.
"I'll see you later, D," she winked, before walking out of the backyard...
Back at the academy classroom...
Yuriana was on her knee, out of breath after the last few hours of her trying to get a blow in, to the older elf's instruction...after she caught her breath, she stood back up, "Wasn't...expecting a training session like that...not that I'm complaining,"
"Well, today was a taste of what will come afterward." Moiroy said, "So you'd better be ready."
She nodded, wiping the sweat from her brow, "Gladly, same time tomorrow, I had fun learning from you," with a grin, before turning and making her way out of the gym.
The Dark Elf watched her leave as some flashes appeared in his eyes.
"Don't worry, Daddy, I'll grow big and strong just like you!" it was a young Dark Elf girl with dark hair and smiling.
"If this is my punishment... I'll accept it..." he mumbled under his breath.
Back at the house of wings...
Both women arrived back home, Yuriana holding a bag of something, as Record opened the door, finding it unlocked... She looked around, finding no one in the living room.
"Guys! We're home! guys?" she called out again, as Lucien came around from the kitchen, frowning.
"Oh hey Recorder, Yuri, you guys are late, was about to start dinner without you two," the imperial chuckled.
The wench sighed, "Yeah, sorry about that, my lesson went on longer than expected, but I picked up something on the way back, so if you haven't gotten started yet, that's great," taking the sack to the kitchen.
Record once again looked around, "Glad to know someone was home, but where are the others?"
"The boss is in his room, studying one of the Grimoires he rented, Inigo and Erik are downstairs sparring with one another with the moves they learned today, and I was about to cook until you two came back, so there's that,"
She nodded at that, furrowing her brow, "Okay then, guess we're waiting until Yuri's done...cause I don't think she's letting you back in..."
"No! stay out until I'm done!" She yelled back from the kitchen, making him sigh.
"I guess not, no...she's stubborn like that...I had one accident in the kitchen...ONE!" Lucien groaned.
"One for a mess like that is too many!" She rebutted with a snap.
Record sighed, "Her mind is made up, you already know this...stubborn to the end..." shaking her head, "I still say she had to be a minotaur in past life..."
"I heard that!" The Redhead shouted at her, "And to be fair, that mess was a crime!"
Lucien just shook his head as well, "You know what? Since I know I'm not getting anywhere with that, I'll join the others in sparring, I'll be up when it's ready," before heading to the basement...
With Swain...
Swain and Dihya stood in front of Ashar, sitting on her throne with the chained women at her feet.
"I thought about it for a while... and decided to give your proposition a chance." the Gnoll queen answered, "Although... I desire something else."
"What might that be?" Swain asked as he raised an eyebrow.
"I desire to have another female to breed." Ashar responded, confusing the two, "One that isn't human."
"Is that all...?" Swain had no idea how to go further in this...
"If you give me that heart and a female, I'll accept your terms," Ashar stated.
"I can get you the heart now... but for the female... it's going to be complicated." Swain sighed, "We're trying to remove any kind of supremacy and superiority. So... we can't get you a... female."
"I gave you my conditions, it's up to you to see if you accept," Ashar replied.
"I will see this with a friend." Swain said, "He'll give you an answer soon."
"Fine," Ashar said as both Swain and Dihya left the palace.
To be continued...
So it seems she may or may not have accepted, however what she's proposing may not be possible...only the future can tell with that, as the Training with the Red Dragon's continue, time continues to near as well...with very few days remaining, they'll have to make them count...so far on the Virgin knight's side, it's not looking good in terms of training with Ruthven before the war...especially with only one favor gained... he soon may have to make some choices, but that'll come when it comes... For now, on to answering reviews :)
To JeBathehutt: I didn't know I got recommended on Discord, by any chance could you message me that, I have to see this for myself :) I hope you continue to stay, things get nuts later... ;)
To OniTenshi500: I'm glad you sticking around for this crazy journey, trust me, you won't regret it, honestly, I was worried I would even still have a fanbase after going the way I did, glad to know some people appreciate the work, thank you :)
To Cross: I agree, and I'm still trying to figure that out on Yuriana's case, and Inigo's too...but I think I've got something there, we'll see :)
Well, folks, the next episode might contain an omake if I'm in the mood of making them again, I only stopped because I ran out of material, but if you have any ideas...by all means shoot your shot, it just might make it :) Also, I might start uploading newer chapters in two if we're ahead in the writing, especially if we're about three chapters ahead, so keep an eye out for a dual upload as well from time to time... until then stay tuned and may the gods watch over your stories ;)