Lehid felt tired. Very tired. So much had happened in only a couple of days. Most of which she missed due to her handling the Skeith of the kingdom and her egg. But still affected her.
And then this accident happened. At first, she thought she only had to help Alexandra to cope with her new form. Something she felt confident to be able to help. Especially when the others are helping.
So far, no large trouble in her eyes. But the second effect… that was what took so much of her energy as it shocked her quite a lot. And the consequence of it.
She looked at the new nest in the room. Placed a distance to the nest of her own egg for safety reasons, laid one of the dragon eggs. An egg that, until recently, was only a big fossil of a dead species. And now for reasons she won't even try to comprehend, was it no longer stone. Instead, it has the warm surface of an egg, its muster in a white and blue pattern.
"Kuran…" she muttered, "I love you… but I really question your wisdom with this." and folded her arms while the Skeith midwives were busy keeping the eggs warm. She knew that questioning was pure emotional due to fearing that dragon might harm her own unhatched child. That she and the nannies are the only ones who have some sort of qualifications to handle a dragon egg.
Mentally she knows the reasons:
One, the Midwives and her are the only ones who can handle an egg. Naga eggs are of leathery nature and none of those in the tower have any children. Everybody else doesn't lay eggs.
Two, Kuran trusts her to keep good care of the egg until hatching time comes.
And three, he is hoping her motherly instincts might help figure out HOW to handle the egg when hatching comes. And perhaps something regarding the raising.
Sighing deeply, Lehid moves over a table where some fruits rest on a plate and takes one of the fruits to eat. "I really wish you didn't have to go now to deal with the Dwarves." she whispered to herself and looked at the two eggs. "And I wish I would finally stop having the same thoughts over and over again since then."
She finished her fruit and walked over her own egg and felt its surface, "I wonder when he would be back." she added to herself. He only left a day ago and given what she heard… it will properly take time.
Overlord: Kingdoms Rise
Bloodthorn stares at the letter in her hand. It was a sealed envelope and the seal bears a symbol of merchant. Of course she knew the letter was in truth from the Overlord.
Why she knows it?
First the merchant is a front. Just a guy they agreed upon to communicate so the other dwarf clans don't realize too soon the two are having talks.
The second and bigger reason... she cannot think of anybody else who could have the means to let a letter appear on her office table. An office that at the time was one of the highest rooms in the pyramid. The windows and the single door locked shut. Two guards in front of said door. A door at the end of long corridor.
Include that she had every corner and crane searched for secret passages and implemented several means against spies. Given how easy she got hers in before taking over.
And as third reason... if any of the other clans had such skilled infiltrators that they could get a letter into her room, then why not killing her instead to remove her from the battle for the crown?
"Well... I have to hand it to him. That is an impressive way of intimidate anybody to play nice," she muttered and took her dagger, cutting the envelope open.
She took out the letter... it looks like an offer for the naked eye. However if one knew how it was constructed, it contains a short and simple sentence.
Well... relative simple. Raising an eyebrow she wondered what the Ruler of the Minions is trying to tell her with it. "Nick and accept the meetings conclusion," she whispered and tried to figure out what meeting he is talking about.
In her role as clan leader she got many meetings. Easily half a dozen a day. Which would be important enough that he refers to it.
A knock was heard on the door and she called "What is it?"
"A message came from Mountainheart." Was the answer as a dwarf enters and brought a letter. It bears the seal of the Old Stone. The one who rules the town and keeps the throne ready until a new king is elected.
She rose an eyebrow to that. At this point are only two reasons why the Old Stone, the oldest living dwarf within those mountains would call for a council. Either to introduce them his successor, or try once again, and utterly fail, to end this civil war and have a new king of the dwarves elected.
Opening that letter she grunted "Of course another try to have the election work out." She muttered and reads the contents some more...
However what she is reading makes little sense. That the Old Stone is calling for a council is something he did before, so far it makes sense. That he is calling in the name of a Clan Head instead of his own initiative makes sense as well. Every Clan head and the king, if they had one right now, can request a call.
The moment any resemblance of sense left her as she reads WHO is requesting it.
Clan Leader Waterrock from the Leaking Cave clan is calling this meeting. The Leaking Cave is one if not THE smallest clans among the dwarves. The onyl reason she knows about them in the first place is because they are one of her coal suppliers. And only because they are relative close to one of her main forges. Cheaper to buy from them instead of having it transported from her own mines.
Waterrock is also known to be not involved much in Dwarf politics. Like many of the small sized clans they stay neutral in this conflict. For both their own survival... and as they had no chance to gather enough influence to get them elected. Alone in the back of her mind, she could think of a dozen middle sized clans that have much better chances. And those don't dare because one of the large houses would come and start sweeping them up.
The only way that this small clean head could archive it is that he somehow got the alliance of the majority of the small and middle sized clans. Clans who have sworn themselves towards the large clans for protection.
Sure, with the take over (Old dwarf) and his city she removed one of the large clans form the picture while removing (even if the Overlord got him first) the one dwarf she has personal beef with.
And while she managed to get most of the small and middle sized clans on her side after the takeover, she was still not realistic of her own chance that such a vote would give the majority vote.
Whose brain fart was it that to become king you need at least half of all clan heads vote for you? Why not going for the one with the biggest support? She huffed loudly. Well, if Waterrock really pulls it off, than she will congratulate him for ending the longest running civil war in their peoples history.
Followed by eating a bowl of nettle salad.
Overlord: Kingdoms Rise
At the border between the Overlords territory and the dwarven territories, Kuran was leaning over a table. Viewing a map of the the Dwarven lands.
The Minions are still running in regards of setting up the temporary camp but made a birth around the Overlord. They have learned by now that disrupting their master in his musings is a quick way to get killed. Grabbing the cup on the table he took a sip from the wine inside.
Then there was a woosh of wind. Taking a chuckle he mused "You love that trick of yours too much." And turns his head, looking at the vixen that has seemingly appeared out of nowhere from normal peoples perspective.
"I have to fullfill the expectations placed on me," countered Lua with an amused smirk and placed a few papers on the table "We can confirm the messages are send towards the dwarven clan heads. And at least three are already on their way. If everything goes according the predictions than they will be gathred within a month."
"And from there its only a matter of days for the next phase" nodded Kuran and licks his lips "And from there... lets hope the reports of your people are correct. Or we got quite the mess in our hands."
"I admit there is a window of error, but I trust their abilities." She replied to him "I don't want to disappoint you." And moved closer. He got up and smiles to her "Yeah. After that heavy investment we both have here" and he put a hand on her back and pulled her close.
A small yip escaped from her in surprise before she smiles to him. They looked into each others eyes. Her arms lift up and wrapped around his neck. Murring towards him, she whispered to him "Well... is here anything my lord required further from me?"
"Now that you are asking... I need some... distractions. It was a long, bothersome but still boring trip. And the rest of our trip will have same levels of bothersome and boredome until we get into position," he explained towards her and leans in slighlty more. She moves in as well and their lips met. Going deep from the go as they learned by now their preferences.
The minions took that as a hint and quickly moved the bed in position. And move out of the tent closing it... but each of them are trying to look through the tiny openings such a tent always have.
The non-minions soldiers, servant and such that are part of the traveling troop is looking amused. They know that is going to come soon.
Just too bad they had a certain succubus in mind of who is paying their lord a visit. And not a vixen most have not seen yet...
Overlord: Kingdoms Rise
Said Succubus was not in the tower... she was in her home. Holding a glass of one of her finest wines. And in front of her on the table a book was open. On a specific page.
Reading through a passage she took a sip of her wine. A smile comes over her face and chuckles "Well well... thats an interesting tibit" she mused and a grin formed on her face "Well... that opens up for... interesting ideas" and rubbed her chin.
The grin widens "In fact... I think I know what to do with that kind of information." She looked at one of her witches, who noticed it and asks "Is here anything I shall do mistress?"
"The job I have for you... requires a good bit of preparations. For your part. And the one I think that will help you fullfillig your task." And chuckles loudly, looking over the white skin of the witch before locking her gaze with the red eyes. The witch moved a little uncomfortable at the gaze... as she is getting a rough feelign what her task will be.
"I think I understand your wishes. I ensure I am ready for when the time comes" promised the witch with a bow.
"That you do my little Fledermaus" smirked the Succubus and laughed slighlty to herself "While I am going to... start a few things to speed up things. The opportunity is just too golden to let it pass." Before she finished her glass and closed the book.
"Wonder with who I should start that little operation" mused the succubus. Then she grinned "Yes... she would be a good start" and moves towards a particular room. She needs "ammunition" to convince her.
Overlord: Kingdoms Rise
Standing at the front end of the Black Eagle, Zhi Mu Ling was checking the position of the ship with the help of a map, compass and of course her instruments to ensure that the course is correct. And she is not sure what she should feel about the results of this checking.
From behind her Siltra moves in and muses "So Zhi. How is our travel doing?"
"Better than estimated" she hisses towards the Torrap. Having deep anger towards the lizard. "We are already much further than the best prediction forecasted. If our wind continues like that, we arrive Seaburn within a few days."
"oh? And in this case we are off your backs sooner than expected." Smirks the mercanery towards the ship captain. "That should be good news for you!"
"It would be, if it doesn't translate directly into me being handed over like a slave to a man whose only interest on me is the fact I can give birth. Not into the person I am." Shot Zhi back with a hiss and her eyes narrowed.
"Let's view it that way: If I didn't pick that job, somebody else would have done it. And given how ruthless some of my colleagues tend do be… you might be no longer a mother. Just out of some sick principle."
Zhi huffed. She is well aware of the fact that the contract the mercenary group only specified that Zhi is brough over alive. "Please. That Tsu Tama is still alive because blackmailing into compliance is easier than subdue me and travel all the way to Seaburn by land or by a ship whose crew are harder to control then mine."
Turning around Zhi than narrowed the eyes and snarled a little, "and the second I can get my hands on you without repercussion I will ensure that you regret to have ever stepped your foot onto my ship," staring straight into Siltras eyes.
Siltra felt suddenly a bit of coldness run down her spine before laughing it off, "If you sleep better than continue say that to yourself," and left the woman alone.
Heading back to the captain quarters where her right hand was guarding the baby… as it was taken care of by the kobold diplomat. Once inside she leans against the door and gave a deep sight.
Her right hand looked at her with a raised hand "Something wrong?"
"I… am not sure" she admits "Just a feeling that doesn't fit with what I know." And moves over to him and put a finger on her chin. Thinking for a moment about the spine chill she felt at the threat she got and the glance she mused, "I think it just knowing what she could do if she had her blade caused me to be more nervous than I should be."
"She threatened you, didn't she?" asked the Diplomat with an amused smile. Siltra looked at the purple kobold as she was feeding Tsu Tama with a makeshift baby bottle and rose one of her eyebrows "And that made you nervous."
"And how can you do make such a claim" huffed Siltra with crossed arms "Sure, if she had her blade and that child being somewhere safe, than she could do quite the damage on my men before we could subdue her. However since neither is in her favor, why should I feel nervous about her threats?"
The kobold just smiled to Siltra and mused "Because your instincts know more than you realize" was the simple reply
Catching on those words Siltra moves closer and glares down on the smaller female "What do you know?"
"I know nothing." She countered "I just have an assumption. A gut feeling. And if I am correct… well then I might have at least one good report to Lady Jizara."
Rolling her eyes, Siltra wondered why those kobolds insist calling their queen the same name as their goddess. Weighting the options a little, she decided against trying to ask more. Those nutjobs have the tendency to not speak if they make their mind to it. She handled enough of them to know that even torture won't work.
Instead she realized she never asked something else… "Why did you come with this vessel? Because I am sure that your kingdom has enough ships to transport you to the overlord. I don't see why any diplomatic contact is even necessary given the distance between the two kingdoms."
"An excellent question. For why I chose this vessel: It was ready for departure. The diplomat vessel is coming after me and has a second diplomat in case something goes wrong. And for your statement: Our goddess degreed to make contact. As for why? I don't know. But I trust her judgement." Smiles the kobold.
"Of course" muttered Siltra. The Torrad shakes her head and decides to simply grab a drink. As she poured in the glass, she mused "If that woman is correct, we are only a few days away from Seaburn."
"Which brings us close to some interesting territories." Mused her right hand "Think we might get hired by the northern kingdom or by one of the dwarf lords?"
"That depends. Don't forget the best news we have from there are months old. The northern kingdom should be depending how bad their struggle with the orcs are again. But given the tendency they might be too busy with themselves right now. At least if we didn't miss any news about a new Orc King. As for the dwarves: I am pretty sure we should find work with any of them. Thought I was planning to leave as soon as possible actually. The risk that we get involved with the Overlord is a tick too big for me." Explained Siltra.
Her right hand rose his eyebrow "Whats wrong with involving him? We should get a big payout depending how we get involved."
"I can only see it ending it in the following ways: We either get to fight him and his endless hordes of minions. Or we fight for him and can say any chances of anybody trusting us ever again going down the drain. And both options are NOT actually desirable for me."
"huh. Never saw it that way" admits her right hand with nod "That makes me wonder why our client even wanted us to go to meet in his port town."
"Honestly? Not clue, don't care and I just want the job done. Afterwards I try to get us a paid trip to anywhere more desirable but in doubt I pay with my coin our trip to anywhere where we are less inclined to end up in Overlord trouble."
"Yeah. Putting like that I doubt anybody would blame ya. Heard enough stories how entire mercenary companies are wiped out in their attempts to defeat an Overlord. Most are blind to the fact that behind every grand adventure telling of victories against Overlords there are dozens of tragedies."
"The great honours, the claim of riches, and the reputation earned are a blinding light" reasoned Siltra "Hence why many don't see how dangerous the task on hand actually is." And drank some "Still… my gut tells me we should try to keep the stay as short as possible. Once we dock in, we find the client, hand the woman over and disappear after payment."
"Your gut saved our guts too often to ignore" admits her right hand "Alright. I let the rest know in time that we won't be staying."
"Yeah." She nods "Take a break now. I take over watching those two."
He nods "Alright. Then I go and make sure our people are staying in good behavior." And stood up, leaving the room.
Siltra then looks back at the kobold… and the grin the kobold sports is unnerving her.
What in the name of the Abyss is she missing?
Merry Christmas to everybody. Glad I managed to finish that chapter within this year.
I hope in the later half of 2024 I can write more.
First half is already filled with a continuation of the last few montsh... plus Baldurs Gate 3 and Pokemon DLCs XD
(And anything in my christmas presents that might take time to handle)