[ - Author's Note - ]

Whelp! We built us an airship!

Now to do something with it.

Honestly I've had the idea for this chapter (And what will be the next one) in mind for sometime now; it's just a lot of hashing out details that I needed to deal with.

As a side note; I originally had in mind that Saxon and Miria would give Enterprise a 'feminine touch' (IE; decorate it) but I felt that'd be a bit much. More over given the speed of rumor I needed the time between the completion of Enterprise and this chapter to be as short as practical. Speaking of... like I said last time, road trip!

This time with more then a few characters along for the ride.

[ - Act IV - Chapter II: Viva La Roxford - ]

My Lord, with the Garanian War now over the High Throne has complied a series of reports on the current status and reactions of our neighbors to the change in situation based on what's been passed on by our ambassadors and spies. Each is available for your reading but the first is a compilation and simplification of the most important points most should know.

(-)

Dominious Empire
The Dominious Civil War has resumed so the exact details are a bit hectic at the moment; however by all accounts all three of the current sides are concerned that Eostia may attempt claims on eastern Dominious. Our ambassador has assured them otherwise and that we've no interest on claiming anything west of the Great Atlas but they seem distrustful. Prince Larion seems to be the least concerned, however. Regardless the bulk of the Black Dogs are marching back to that war as are other mercenary orders. For the time being there is little, real change here.

The Rycall Republic
As expected, Rycall is gladdened by the lack of war on our borders and are hoping this will mean more trade with them. Furthermore they are hoping the lakeside states of Eostia will be move their focus on a naval build up with Nyaru's own reported build up. Beyond that there is little, notable change.

Kingdom of Balanar
By all accounts King Xerander is concerned with the lack of a northern distraction from Garan to us but is, otherwise, not worried or fearful of invasion by Eostia. Likely he knows the High Queen well enough to know she is anything but a warmonger and, as such, there's no worry she would begin a war without significant cause given. Most of the reaction is coming from Balanarian slave traders and their upper classes as the Treaty of Mungale will make the supply of new dark elf flesh harder to acquire. Rumors of a breeding program for new, dark elf slaves coming from nobility seems to be accurate. They are, seemingly, putting pressure on their king to demand changes to the Treaty of Mungale but he seems to think that is a situation that will not change.

Kingdom of Nyaru
An immediate effect of the end of the Garan War in our relations with Nyaru is they've become very silent on claims of Eostian territory. Coupled with Rycall's call to build up a larger navy we can be sure that Nyaru is nervous about what Eostia might do in retaliation of previous wars. They seem to planning the construction of new fortifications near roads deeper into their nation in the event of an Eostian incursion. One wonders if they have anything planned given their own naval build up recently.

Kingdoms of Camafran and Wereagell
By all accounts both seemed to be relaxed of the transition to peace but are, otherwise, unaffected or unconcerned about the war's end beyond the hopes for new trade. Camafran in particular seems to be rather more focused on it's relations with it's western neighbor, Roxford, as well as the ongoing civil war to the north as opposed to anything in regards to Eostian affairs.

Plutocracy of Zenith
There's no understanding of the Primus' private thoughts on the matter but many of the merchants in their leadership are disappointed in the drop of a client for weapons but the bulk seem to be discussing ways to pivot towards less lethal items of trade. Some merchants are, reportedly, curious about trade with Garan and are keen about exploring the seas to their north and making an outpost on one of the islands near the kingdom.

United Elven Kingdoms
While we've no direct contact beyond the United Kingdom's ambassador there is clear and present shock from him. He thought Garan's defeat was impossible and an eventual failure of Eostia was inevitable, if in several centuries. What his report to his superiors will be is, currently, unknown but it is clear that his world view has been shaken by this revelation.

[-]

Elouan City
Capital of the Republic of Roxford
The Palace of Starlight
Quarters of John Mandeville

"I see... I see... A treaty to assist in the management and defense of the Connection Canal..." Arnold von Blitzhaus let off as he leaned back in his seat. The room was highly comfortable; rich blue rugs laid over polished marble tiles with brass set into carvings etched into the stone. The walls were made of the same stone but in smaller tiles with tiles of black marble and brass to make a pattern. The furniture was well made and colored white with brass trim to it all. Tall, ten foot high windows let in light and they were opened to let in a gentle breeze, making light blue curtains wave in the air. Near the middle of the room was a sizable, rounded white table with brass in patterns set to the top. It was large enough to boast room for up to eight people but small enough to be cozy enough for the four seated there upon white painted chairs with blue, gold trimmed cushions. "And as Eostia boasts no ambassador..."

"You will be their man sitting in on the meeting as their voice..." John Mandeville replied with a grin as he set his tea cup down; white with gold trim. The royal palace was mostly spared in the last civil war and the capital was, comparatively, undamaged. When the revolutionaries who fought the previous revolutionaries arrived in Elouan the writing was on the wall with large parts of the army surrendering, defecting or abandoning their posts. What damage done to the palace was repaired, it seemed. "Meaning you can set the terms Eostia lays out..."

Eostia had invested in the Connection Canal back when the Kingdom of Roxford had started it, interrupted only because of the two civil wars and rise of the Republic of Roxford. The current government inherited the debts of the previous kingdom and, as such, owed the Alliance recompensation in one form or another. With the Canal nearly complete they have opted to call forth Eostia and the Canal's other major backers, including Camafran, Rycall, Balanar, Nyaru and others, to come to speak on that matter... and King Xerander learned the messenger for Eostia was also the messenger for Balanar and opted to stop there first, just as he was leaving with John in his entourage...

One trumped up charge to delay him for a couple of weeks would ensure that Celestine wouldn't get the invite until after the meeting was underway at best. Even if she were to learn of it now she would be four to five days out by Cloud Rider... and Arnold was aware the flying wagons were away in Rycall and one further to the east for political tours of various ambassadors. The closest would be James' personal one; last he heard he was somewhere in South Point and over a day's travel to Ken, if he was correct.

This led to John calling for Arnold; Balanar and Nyaru both had interests in trading flesh along the rivers as did other nations and using the new connection from the Snake's Tongue River to the Great Atlas River to reach new, profitable markets. In having his friend, the Traditionalist Arnold von Blitzhaus, acting as the Eostian voice he could provide a... more enlightened view on the subject. Celestine would come down unto him harshly were he to use his voice his support for the flesh trade along the canal... but if he could use the Aegis Accords as an excuse to make the Eostian position neutral or even suggest such trade could be allowed for the customs of a nation... at the bare minimum he could be what tipped the balance to the slavers.

More over Roxford was outside of the range of Eostia's boosters; sure there was some range to the voxlux's themselves and once John was aware Arnold was close enough he called to give him some explanation (And to use the excuse of establishing trade as a reason for visiting). That meant Arnold couldn't contact anyone back in Eostia even if he were inclined to.

It was the perfect storm of events and factors that gave them an opening to further the Traditionalist cause; in Eostia and beyond!

"There, how's that?"

"Much better... Thanks Channer." The older men looked to where Cyrus, son of John Mandeville, pulled his mythril replacement hand from Channer's grip; flexing the fingers before moving to pull a white glove over it. It had been acting up a little and some adjustments from the son of Arnold von Blitzhaus seemed to have cleared that up.

"Honestly; I'm not sure why you boys are here listening to us prattle on." Arnold said with a stern (But somewhat false) frown as he crossed his arms as he looked to the two. "Roxford's women are nearly as open and willing to sex as Eostian woman. Shouldn't you two be enjoying what the locals have to offer?"

"There's plenty of time for that." Channer said with a wave of his hand and a smile. "It's good to hear how things play out politically too. Speaking of which; are you sure you'll be the speaker for Eostia?"

"I think it's fair to say that there's no means for Celestine or any other Eostian lord to arrive on time unless they were already en route I know of none, let alone one equal or surpassing my rank." Arnold assured him. "And I sent a spell paper letter to Victor to ask about anything of note; the letter he sent suggested none known are coming."

"Hmmm, King Xerander said he suspected the messenger is known about by the Eostian ambassador. There's a chance they reached him for a word." John added following. "Even so; they'd know of it at best this morning." He picked up his tea cup and held it out for a moment with a smirk. "Celestine arriving in Roxford in time for this meeting is an impossibility! Even Noxdecus' personal Cloud Riders can't go that fast."

"Yeah... While James is exceptional he can only do so much." Channer said with a grin...

And maybe he should find a nice Roxford lass to enjoy... Maybe a brunette?

[-]

"Ooooohh, it's looks so pretty when you do that."

"Thanks... But it's more work then it looks." I said as I sat at the desk in my room, books open for reference as Miika sat on a nearby chair (Well, less sitting, more kneeling on it) as the stone I was working on glowed softly. To the outside world I just had my hands near the spell stone and it was glowing for some reason; in reality I was using my magic to weave and code the stone's magic to a new form. You weren't putting your magic into it you were turning the magic within to what you wanted it to be. More over the denser the magic the harder it was to weave; grade one stones gave the most bang for your buck but damned if it wasn't a headache to enchant.

Lulu presented me with Alicia's weapon to finish it off and once more she did a bang up job with forging. It was a long, five foot long tube made of orichalcum with diamond shaped etchings along the whole thing to help with gripping it. I could feel the crystal mythril within it and I could only imagine how much it would help the weapon. At one end of the tube was a flanged ball about the size of one fist wrapped about another and holding tightly; perfect for bashing someone as a mace or club. The very butt of it bore a stylized 'A' in the style of the House Arcturus banner. On the other end was a four inch long spike made of a blue toned spell stone; the one I was working on.

The shape alone meant it could be used as a long mace or a short spear before enchanting. My work would make it do so much more. For starters the Arcane Weapon spell would add another one to five feet of shaft attached to the stone as desired to keep the spear on the shorter end or give it more reach for things like jousting. For the end of that shaft was several possible forms; spear head, trident head, halberd head, pike head, mace head, hammer head, scythe head and a plain, ole' spike with a hand cover to act as a lance. On top of that I also included the option for a long, sword blade as opposed to a shaft. In addition to all of that it bore a form with a long spike with wings to act as a winged javelin (With wingless option, of course) to be thrown; with my new 'return to hand' spell added as well.

I also added a Flame Guard spell to help the user deal with the heat of an overcharged Arcane Weapon spell along with adding both Holyblaze, Holyjolt and Blazing Weapon spells on it for extra punch. Lastly I added the Shine Cracker (Fired off either from the weapon or set off on impact when thrown) and Shine Guard spells as an addition for means of both offense and defense. And I still had a bit more I could do with it so as a bonus I added Blessed Waters for some healing.

With all of that done I was willing to call it a job well done. I finished what I needed to do and, after a little more to obscure what was done, ended my work. "Awww..." Miika let off as the stone stopped glowing. I reached over and rubbed her head, about to say something when my voxlux rang. Moving to answer it I saw Celestine; a worried one. "Cele, what's wrong?"

"James, I need you to rush to Skyguard as swiftly as you can." She said sternly as I blinked. "We have a situation in Roxford and I need to get there, quickly."

"What's the situation?"

"Well..."

[-]

Minutes Earlier
Sitting Room in Skyguard Palace
High Kingdom of Ken

"Do you predict any trouble form your former homeland?" In the same sitting room Celestine spoke with her general a few days earlier she was now speaking to Olga with both Maia, Claudia and Klaus joining her as well; the Red Wolf there to bring over documents the High Queen hoped would be useful to the ongoing search for the Black Storm while the loving couple was there due to Claudia's duties.

"In the short term no." Olga said, Chloe by her side as usual. "But in a few years I expect a response. The Pure Council can take... time deciding on things. When the choice to wage war on the humans was made it took six months to decide if my official rank once I establish myself if I would be a princess, a queen or empress in title." Claudia snorted as she shook her head.

"I've heard rumors of how slow the United Elven Kingdoms can be, even in emergencies." She sighed and shook her head slowly. "Even so; once the Black Storm is finished we should at least prepare for them."

"Agreed; although obviously Olga and hers will be taking the lead on that." Celestine said with a nod. "When the time come we will be assisting them."

"That's all good and well..." Maia began with a nod as she leaned back in her seat with her hands behind her head (And both Celestine and Olga noting how Chloe's eyes glanced to her breasts more then once) as she spoke in a relaxed tone. "But they're not a problem now; they'll sit on their hands for half a decade before finally stamping something. The Black Storm ain't gonna take as long to pay us a visit."

"That's true, sadly." Klaus injected with a sigh. "We have some room to breathe but we can't rest on our laurels either. We need to prepare but, more importantly, pry the rusted lid further open to expose the Storm."

"Agreed; and with luck-" A pinging voxlux drew Celestine's attention as she turned to look at it, seeing Andromeda Highreign's face within it's projection as she answered. "Countess Andromeda; can I assist you?"

"The opposite." The lady from the House of the Whip and Collar answered. "I just received a spell letter from our ambassador in Balanar with a message for you that needed no delay; the imprisoned messenger bore one to Balanar and Eostia both in regards to the Connection Canal." Celestine gave her full attention as she gave a nod to keep speaking. "It's nearly done, however the new republic is requesting the canal's investors for an emergency meeting; both on repayment but also to prevent invasion from other nations, namely Dominious... and how the canal is to be used for trade and transport both. Every investor is asked over to have a say in it's use..."

"And King Xerander seeks to silence our voice." Celestine said with a frown. "I thank you. I shall-"

"The meeting starts in two days and is set to last for at least four." Celestine's eyes widened as she flinched. "It seems they did their best to keep the very fact they held him quiet."

"That is distressing... I thank you once more." Celestine said as she frowned harder. Andromeda nodded once as the High Queen hissed. "Dammit!" She let off, slamming the bottom of her fist to the table in a rare show of frustration. "And I sent our Riders out east to make contact with the nations out there once done in Rycall!"

"Guess there's only one left..." Maia let off with a deep sigh and matching frown.

"And it'll take two days to get here..." Celestine said as she looked to her voxlux to make a call. "Regardless, being late is better then not showing up."

[-]

"That is a concern..." I let off with a frown.

"Yours is the only Cloud Rider we have." Celestine said, the seriousness of her tone hitting me. "We need to rush there as soon as we can."

"Of course... But I have made a... small improvement." I told her as I let a reassuring smile out. "Listen, you and whoever is coming; start packing. I'll be there before you know it."

"Thank you." She said as I hung up. I picked up the spear and moved to leave the room, Miika moving to follow on my heels. I knew where everyone was waiting, a sitting room nearby; my family, Lulu, Alicia and Prim. I barged in, opening the door wide.

"Who wants to go to Roxford!" I let off cheerfully.

"WHAT!?" Was the answer I got right away before I explained the situation Celestine laid out to me.

Asses were in motion straight away.

[-]

Sora would be left in charge with Gregory and Aeris backing her up; in addition to Riri and Makoto coming as my bodyguards we had the Shields and their escort, my parents with a small escort for them, Miria, Miika and Mokria. It was a large group maybe, but we had the room on board the Enterprise. We quickly packed (With the maids moving a lot of food onto the Enterprise in a short amount of time), boarded and got set to go; I was packed already as I expected to fly Lulu and her fiber to Ansur so I opted to do a few last touches on the Enterprise, namely adding a spell stone to the very top of the flagpole; it was larger then a baseball and only grade six but it held the booster spell to increase the voxlux's range. We wouldn't reach Eostia from Roxford with it but it would let us contact home earlier as only a few voxluxes were build with good stones, such as my own. I colored it blue and molded it to have most of it into the pole with only a rounded cap at the top.

Soon everyone was on board the ship, with Miika in particular bouncing a bit. I didn't bother with fanfare; I took us into the air, pointed us to Skyguard and powered the Enterprise into the air at half speed. Once I was high enough I grabbed the throttle and hammered it back to full speed.

I had intended to test full speed later despite being fully confident it would work but things happened. Thankfully aside from a slight vibration and a soft, hard to make out glow at the ship's front that was the shield she felt as good as before.

"Hoooooly!" Miika let off, gawking as she looked over the railing at the world below us as it zipped by; and I mean zipped. I think we were approaching the sound barrier but I wasn't sure.

That said; the Enterprise was now speed. "You weren't kidding when you said it was fast... It didn't seem this fast before..." Alicia let off; looking over the back of the ship's stern, hands on the railing as I turned my head to look to her as I set my thumb to the stone on the stick; engaging the (Primitive) auto pilot as I walked over to her.

"We came home at half speed; I wanted to test full speed at a more... controlled time." I replied as I joined her, hand moving to her hip; her hair was blowing over her left shoulder to the back of the ship as some of the wind still made it through the shield... so we could, ya know, breathe. "Like I said, Enterprise is fast and can get you from Blackwell to Blackcut in time for lunch..."

"You could visit Kaguya almost anytime you want..." She said as I nodded, kissing her cheek as she smiled back. "That's amazing..."

"It's expensive, and I don't plan on making another." I said, patting her ass once (And enjoying her blush) as I moved back to the controls. "But if Celestine wants her own I can provide the supplies and enchanting."

I also knew a shipwright who could help with the building.

"I'M KING OF THE WORLD!" Lulu bellowed out while standing on the base of the bowsprit, legs parted and arms spread wide as she cried out into the air. Edda facepalmed nearby as Miika laughed, leaped over her and hopped further down the bowsprit as her father frowned, moving over to get her off before she fell while she sat down. Thankfully she wouldn't fall to the ground if that happened; just the inside of the shield. It would still be painful but I could just go down and get her.

Still, it's a good idea to get her off of it. Soon Miria was moving to fetch Miika, pulling her back as Prim jogged over and clutched my side. She said nothing; she just held me and I moved an arm around her hips as Alicia walked over to join us.

I would make a bench for us to sit on as my mother went below decks to make lunch. We didn't really talk; we just sat and relaxed, watching the world zoom by...

It was nice...

[-]

Outside of Skyguard City
High Kingdom of Ken

James Noxdecus had contacted them only twenty minutes ago; letting them know he would arrive soon. That was a surprise to Celestine; there was rumors he was doing something in South Point with a ship but what hadn't reached her yet. She presumed he must have moved north, somewhat, putting him closer to Ken. A carriage with her travel trunk was waiting, with those of Claudia, Klaus, Maia and the Dawn Templar escort summoned up quickly. Olga's own carriage joined their's, loaded to return north; with Celestine likely gone for an extended time there was little reason to say and, thus, stayed only to see her off as, behind them, merchants and travelers passed on the road, some looking to the Shields and Templars gathered and some stopping to admire them from afar.

"Do you think he improved on his Cloud Rider?" Klaus voiced after a moment, kneeling down to stroke a small wildflower peeking up from the ground, surrounded by snow-free grass. "I have a feeling he didn't mention something."

"I mean he seems the type to tinker like that." Maia said with a shrug, laying on the grass as she turned her head to look at him. "He's like Lulu in that way. Once we got drunk after... something and when I woke up she decided to reforge my blades and sharpen then even more. Said she saw a way to make them a little lighter but just as strong." She said with another shrug.

"It is unfortunate our talks ended so soon." Olga said as she looked to Celestine. "After so long as foes I find I prefer being friends. If only duties didn't burden you so."

"Duties burden everyone to some degree." Celestine said with a smile to her counterpart. "In someways yours bare more weight then mine. But I do agree; we are better friends then enemies." Klaus, having finished looking over the flower stood and took a moment to look about... and did a double take.

To him he thought he saw a bird off in the far distance yet there was no motion of wings. Curious he used a basic Telescopic Vision spell to get a better look... and gasped at what he saw. "My word!" He let off; quickly gathering the attention of all gathered as they looked to the direction he did. Olga, Celestine and those Templars able used their own magic to bolster their vision to zoom in on the odd thing in the sky that seemed to be a bird with no flapping wings. Celestine's eyes was the first to widen as her face turned to a wide smile. "Well, well... That is what he was busy with..."

"What... what did he do this time?" Claudia asked, her hands moving to her hips as she narrowed her eyes to try and get a better view.

"You'll see in a moment, Dearest... You'll see.." Klaus said with a chuckle and a grin. Claudia's own look turned to surprise as it closed in more and more until those without spellcasting could make it out; a mastless ship in the air trailing an Eostian flag with the Noxdecus emblem upon it.

"Hooooly shit, he made a ship fly!" Maia let off , jumped with a grin and an swinging arm in excitement as it went from visible to almost on them before they knew it; the ship lowering down and slowing as it closed in. As it did it would turn and shift to the side slowly before, some hundred feet away, it landed with a small puff of wind blowing away bits of left over snow and loose dirt from the grass as they saw the name 'Enterprise' set to the ship's port side bow; proudly declaring the name of the ship as it settled onto the ground. And on a deck three of her fellow Shields waved to them as James Noxdecus reached the railing with a grin and wave.

"Hey!"

[-]

"Is this fast enough for you, Your Highness!?" I called out, arms spread as I saw the gathered group, including Celestine, Claudia, Maia, Olga and Chloe move at a jog or brisk walk to the side of the ship. You could see the amazement on their faces as we pulled in and I slapped my hand on the stone by the gate; deploying a set of stairs via Arcane Weapon. Celestine was quick to rush up to the deck, Maia hot on her heels followed by Claudia and a few Dawn Templars. Olga, Chloe and Klaus would follow a bit after, clambering aboard and looking about as I smiled to the High Queen as she looked to me to speak.

"I had heard you were involved with a ship in South Point but I didn't think this was your aim... to make a full ship soar..."

"She does more then soar, Cele." I replied with a grin. "Enterprise's speed makes a Cloud Rider look like a butterfly next to a falcon. If I'm right if we leave quickly we could be in Elouan City in time for lunch tomorrow." That made her snap her head to me wide eyed as I shrugged at her. "I mean once we got all our belongings aboard it look less then an hour to get here from Mungale."

"Quickly!" Claudia let off, turning to her Dawn Templars, Auryon Reid among them. "Bring our trunks aboard, swiftly!"

"Bring mine as well." Claudia gave Olga a surprised look as she spoke up. The Dark Queen looked to Celestine as she kept speaking. "If this ship is as fast as claimed we can continue our talks and I can begin forming relations with other, human nations. I do think it is something I will need to do sooner or later." She said before glancing to me. "Assuming that is not an issue."

"By all means, the more the merrier." Chloe gave a salute after I finished speaking... and that reminded me of something to bring up; later but soon. I looked to Celestine and Olga at once next. "We have some guest rooms aboard but space is at a premium; so I hope you guys don't mind sharing space. And no fighting over top bunk."

"Top bunk!" Maia let off before jumping off the ship to the ground to help with the loading. That woman...

"And given the amount of people we have we'll need to break out some hammocks." I looked out to the carriages; they were driving over to make loading easier. "I'll also warn; she shakes a bit at her top speed but it's still safe. We'll be going a little slower on the way back, still."

"That sounds reasonable. If you're confident then so am I." Celestine replied. Soon things were being loaded as I looked over the side as I waited, chatting for a moment until Chloe carried a trunk up as I gave Riri a quick look.

"Chloe. A moment." I said as I made a gesture to the side of the ship. She blinked to me before giving a soft frown as Riri took the trunk from her. I tried to walk over to the other side of the ship but she grabbed my arm to halt me.

"Is there a problem with me being here?" She asked as I sighed.

"Not what I mean; but it was something worth bringing up. Quietly." I said as she shook her head.

"No; speak it openly. I imagine it would come out sooner or later anyway." Olga and Celestine shot each other worried looks as I sighed.

"Fine. You know King Xerander of Balanar is one of the people at this meeting, right?" Chloe nodded as I held back another sighed. "He'll bring an entourage of aides with him and it's quite possible one of them will be Mandeville." Chloe's eyes went wide and a small quiver came to her. I had gone over the talk with Riri right away. I could all be see the horrors she went through flash past her eyes, much like with Riri. "Exactly."

"Chloe." Olga's face turned to concern; even through her usually neutral demeanor. "If you wish I can dismiss you for this trip. I am aware enough of what he has done to you that I am unwilling to make you face h-"

"No." Chloe let off firmly, even if her voice wavered a bit; Olga flinched in surprise but didn't seem annoyed. "No, I'm going. I won't abandon my queen, but I also... ... The last time my past came back I allowed my fear to get the better of me. No, I'll face my fears head on... I won't flinch this time..." I nodded and smiled to her.

"Good. If you do feel overwhelmed you can take shelter on Enterprise." I told her with a nod. Riri made the same choice when offered. "That said, do what you can to avoid being alone; I don't think he's dumb enough to try something all the way over in Roxford but he might be tempted to do something harmful."

"Agreed." Olga said with a word and a nod.

"I'll be sure to have a Dawn Templar with her." Celestine injected. "I doubt he'll be silly enough to try something with someone else with her. Not in Roxford." The Templars were loading quickly with Auryon staying back to speak to the drivers of the carriages. Soon she would board after the rest of her order had loaded trunks; setting them on the deck for the moment as she saluted.

"We're loaded and ready to depart at your leisure!" She let off proudly. I nodded and excused myself; pausing only to use the gate's stone to end the stairs and raise the railing before moving to the controls.

"Right! Next stop, Roxford!" I let off proudly. Everyone stayed on the deck as I made a chair and gripped the stick; pulling up on it to bring us to the air. Map open I started to turn us and moved us ahead. I noted Olga moved away from the railing and closer to the ship's center as I moved the throttle to a quarter speed as we moved from the city. Once clear and once we were high enough I gently eased the throttle back towards full, rising up higher and higher, before it hit it's limit. The small shudder of the ship was still there but it clearly held as we powered through the air towards the west.

"Now you just need to make it fly itself." Maia chirped as she moved up to the quarterdeck as Celestine followed.

"It can. To a point." I replied as both of them looked to me in surprise. "I included an auto-pilot that will do it's best to steer clear of mountains, birds, harpies and Cloud Riders... and I assume future airships. But all it can do is go from point to point; it can't land, take smart evasive action or the like and it's not fully tested yet." I added with a shrug. "So I want to supervise the thing sometime to be sure it works as it's supposed to before I leave things be."

"That would be wise... I shouldn't be surprised you opted to make such a thing." Celestine let off as she moved to stand by me, taking a moment to gaze over my control panel. "You even placed viewers to cover spots you would normally be blind to."

"Well I don't want to land on someone. Or a deer." I said with a smile as Maia grinned and looked over my shoulder. She looked about to ask something but I cut her off. "I'll teach you to fly when we're not in a rush to get somewhere."

She gave an arm pump and a grin in reply; it was cute.

Eventually Carl (The guard who escorted me when I built the ship) took the controls (I had given him some training at the helm on the trip to South Point on the Cloud Rider and back on the Enterprise) and I led everyone down below decks. Alicia and Prim moved into the captain's quarters with me, Celestine, Olga, Chloe and Maia would share one room, my parents, Claudia and Klaus another, Miria, Miika, Mokria and Lulu another. Everyone one else moved to the other rooms or claimed hammocks to find a place to set them up.

Olga seemed to lose some tension I hadn't noticed before once inside the ship's belly as we went to the mess; it was about time for lunch and my mother was happy to cook. Curious to me was that Celestine followed her; my guess was she didn't have the chance to cook all that often and she wanted to ply her hand at it while out of the public eye. "You two!" I let off, pointing to Maia and Lulu before they snuck off to the stored booze. "Make sure to leave payment for anything past three drinks."

"Oiy, do you really think we can drink it all?" Maia let off, hands moving to her hips.

"I'm half convinced you'd try." I shot back.

"He's not wrong." And that was followed by Maia giving Claudia (Who smiled and giggled) a dirty look as Lulu just pouted at her. "Just be fair with compensation; he is doing us a good service." Maia sighed but it turned to a grin as Lulu brought out two bottles of rum (More then two drinks!) clinked them together and moved to take a seat as I found my own to sit down upon; by the wall opposite of the windows. Olga would move to my seat and sit down, Chloe on her heels and sitting next to her.

"You innovate yet again." She said as I gave a shrug.

"Not really; I just scaled up and improved on the Cloud Rider." I replied with a shrug as I leaned in a bit, lowering my voice. "How okay are you, given the heights?" She clenched her jaw a bit but gave me a passive look.

"I am fine." She replied, a bit of sharpness to her tone as she kept her own a bit low. "Being inside the ship eases me a little." I nodded; I made a note we had to deal with her fear of heights sometime but now wasn't the time.

"Good to hear. On a lighter note; I haven't been to Roxford myself so all I have to go on is my parent's visit and what I've heard."

"Hmmm, can you brief me? Give me an idea what I'm walking into?" She asked as I nodded.

"Traditionally speaking it's like a lot of Post-Imperium nations; a kingdom that pulled together from a handful of smaller territories and fought other likewise nations for a time." I began. "It's almost as open sexually as Eostia but I've been told they're a bit more... haughty, I guess is the right word... at least until recently. About ten or so years ago there was a major revolution against the ruling class; one that succeeded." Olga's eyes widened as I nodded. The First Roxford Revolution bore... a matching feeling to the French one in my old world... and just like the French Revolution...

"The biggest issue was the revolution was not civilized; first once they had won the war they targeted the upper classes that had oppressed them, then some of the middle classes for benefiting from the last regime, then even the lower classes with the excuse being they were believed to be thinking any 'anti-revolutionary' thoughts." Olga blinked at me as Chloe shook her head. "Needless to say they were unpopular and a second revolution, usually called the Golden Revolution, rose up to face down the last one around four years ago. They've, in contrast, been much more mild and moderate in their rule and have been trying to stamp out the old haughtiness and trying to make a stable republic. My father's dealt with them some months ago and by his experience they're rebuilding themselves and trying to get their feet. They have teeth but there's a lot of cracks to patch."

"... In a strange way I can relate; attempting to rebuild and readjust your path in life... Although in this case it's done by new leadership..." Olga said with a hum. "I do not know if this impromptu journey will help Garan in the end but it should expand my horizons and assist in my rule in the future." I gave a nod to her as well as a smile.

"While you'll need to ask my father on more recent conditions; more generally they're very big on cuisine, doubly so their cheese dishes..."

[-]

Later That Evening
Deck of the ETS-MG Enterprise
Over Camafran

It was strange. She didn't want to go to the deck; ever since nearly falling off that cliff as a child heights had... unnerved her and while she was fine within the ship being on it's deck was a constant reminder that she could fall to her demise. Even knowing the Levitation spell was of little comfort to her in that. And yet she also wanted to see the stars that night and the view from her room didn't really provide one. And thus Olga Discordia walked up to the deck of the ship, eyes upwards as she gazed to the stars.

There was one thing to say it was that seeing the stars move gently in the air as the ship sailed along the sky below them was a new sort of sight; faint light in one direction, fainter light in the other as the moon rose upwards on one side of the world, the sun fell towards the other and stars shining between them. Behind her one of the House Noxdecus escorts was minding the controls of the rebuild and reforged craft. There was always a calming effect from seeing the cool night sky and even here that didn't change.

And then her eyes lowered and she noticed something sitting cross-legged before the bowsprit; the male catalan that was living with the Noxdecus'. She wasn't sure what his name was but she was also sure he wasn't introduced to her. Even so she opted to approach him, pulling her cloak around her as she looked down to him. "Come for the stars as well?"

"Mmm." He replied, not turning his head to look at her as he kept looking up. "In my tribe the stars hosts the spirits we worship. To see them in this new manner is... an experience."

"In Nidavellir we always assumed the stars were the lands the giants lived upon." Olga let off with a soft, thoughtful frown as she looked up once more. "Perhaps they are both up there together in a... harmony of sorts."

"So little is known of the Duu'narisa, the Great Heavens, to us who live on the land."

"This is true." Olga replied as she moved to look back at him. "Forgive me; I do not think I know your name."

"Mokria is my name, Queen Olga."

"No family name?"

"No." Mokria said with a shake of his head, finally looking back to her over his shoulder. "On the Savannah your name is preceded by that of your tribe... A tribe I am in exile of."

"My condolences." Olga let off, lowering her head slightly. "Given my last talk with those of my homeland I may be all but exiled from it as well. Speaking to fools too distant to know and too detached to care."

"Or those too blind to see." Mokria said, shutting his eyes for a moment. "Feel free to join me. The night is meant to be enjoyed by all who wish to bask within their splendor."

"Hmm... Indeed it is." After that the two would cease speaking.

Just two strangers enjoying stargazing with one another.

[-]

Late Morning
Elouan City
Capital of the Republic of Roxford
The Palace of Starlight
Rooftop Patio

The Roxford Flag had changed over the last decade more then once; the original bore a trio of golden Fleur-de-Lis set to a crown over a white panel surrounded by vertical stripes in red and blue on both sides. Then the first revolution came and raised a pure red flag with a golden wreath and torch to demonstrate their more forwards thinking ways... until they coated the streets in blood as red as their flag and made people wonder how 'forwards' those ways truly were. And then came the second revolution, the Golden Revolution, and it's flag...

The flag was divided between three, horizontal stripes of equal size; blue on the top and bottom and red in the center. A golden border ran along it's outside, itself trimmed with black. The bulk of the flag was dominated by a golden wreathe outlined in black set around a white Fleur-de-Lis bound with a gold band in it's center, also trimmed in black. The classic colors and emblem of Roxford used in new ways; a fitting symbol for the Roxford Republic that would embrace the best of the old traditions and discard what had failed the people in the past.

That was the flag flying now over the Palais d'Elouan or the Palace of the Starlight; the once home of the Royal House DesCieux, literally 'Of The Heavens', and their seat of power outside of Elouan Castle. With DesCieux removed from power and reduced in number it had been the seat of power of two different governments that followed as both home and office of those trying to rule and stabilize their land. White washed walls and blue tiled roofs stood for four stories at the front; the center flattened and used as a patio. Heavy, golden colored double doors greeted those who came to the front and each window was set to an arch of likewise color.

Two wings of quarters, sitting rooms, games rooms and more at three stories high moved from this straight front to wrap back around and join together in a loop; an arch in the first floor at the rear with open gates leading to the rear courtyard. Inside of the ring the building made was a large flower garden with a dance floor at it's heart; an enchanted shield overhead protecting those within from rain, sleet and snow. Enchantments with Aqua Create spell would help keep all of the flowers, a mixture of whites, red, pinks, yellows and blues, watered and hydrated.

Each of the quarters bore a small balcony with tables and chairs to sit at; whites, blues and golds were the usual colors of the palace, an old piece of wealth in new and untested hands. The palace was surrounded by a six foot tall wall; meant more to control crowds then face armies which itself bore some distance from the hundred foot wide canal dug around the land the palace sat on to form an island. A very long canal, likewise wide, connected to the hundred and sixty foot wide Flux Doux River which broke off from the Great Atlas River and drove through the city of Elouan. The canal bore heavy stones in it's bottom close to where it connected to the Flux Doux that would gouge the undersides of all but the smaller ships meant to ferry people, food and supplies to the palace. The outside edge of the island was one, continuous dock to allow as many guests to moor as they wished, designed for multiple small craft.

It was one of these small ferries that had bore Arnold to the palace a day before as he looked over to it the canal and city past it. "It still amazes me the beauty of this historic city." He let off, turning to look at someone. "Say what you want of the deposed royals and their nobles; they did have taste."

"Oui, oui, I must give them that much." The woman at the table replied softly. The patio bore flower boxes along it's border and a railed set of stairs by one end of it with several, blue painted tables set up. Along with Arnold, John and their sons was two others; one being their host, Juno DeLiberte. At five seven she bore blue eyes and golden hued hair in a large bun, behind and above her head. Deep pink, painted lips smiled with simple, pearl earrings on her ears. She bore a white dress that hung to her ankles but with a blue coat over it with brass buttons, large, white, poofy shoulders and gold and cyan stripes over the ends of the sleeves. The dress was low enough to showcase modest, B-Cup breasts. Despite the clothing she was as comfortable in armor as a dress; the current Prime Minister of Roxford was one the major Generals of the Golden Revolution. She opted to retire once victory was taken but despite not putting her name forwards she was elected to the office of the new, unsteady republic. "They were, how do you say, a real pain in the ass, but taste they did have." With her was two women in mana armor; both acting as bodyguards but also aides and advisors.

"Indeed... I will admit my dealings with Roxford Royalty was annoying at best." A soft rumble came from someone Arnold had met before and was forced to admire on sight alone; he towered even over the mighty mercenary Vult; standing at an even seven feet tall and with a strong, wide jaw, firm brown and steeled, gray eyes. His face was clean shaven to showcase his stony visage as regal, long, platinum blonde hair fell straight down to his mid-back with strands falling over his chest on each side and bangs hanging to his chin framing his strong face. A crown of golden mythril sat over his head with three, jutting points sticking upwards, the middle more so with a spell stone half the size of a golf ball set it it's center and colored red.

His weapons were in his quarters but he still wore his armor; a well made breast plate that seemed to be a deep red in tone that was designed with a series of overlapping plates over the abs and a single, solid piece over the chest with a slight, ridged bulge in the center. Pauldrons in shape of the heads of bears, each with a golf ball sized, red spell stone in their mouths, sat on his shoulders with the faces pointed down along the biceps and spikes molded like fur stuck up. The biceps and forearms were covered in plate with chain mail bridging the gaps, made of the same metal. The back of the fingers were sculpted to seem like claws and even bore mythril over them to make them stand out while the back of each hand bore a spell stone twice the size of a large marble.

Over the groin and codpiece and back hung segmented, black belts in a manner not unlike old, Imperium armors. Plates covered the legs and feet with spikes jutting up from the knees. A cape made of the fur of a red bear draped over his back, trimmed with golden fur. Not at his side was his massive, four and a half foot long claymore blade and tower shield, both with their own spell stones within. Indeed, King Xerander was an imposing figure before considering his armor was made of crimson mythril.

Crimson mythril (Not to be confused with red mythril) was yet another alloy of the rare metal that was a deep red in color and was both lighter and stronger then standard mythril with a strength approaching orichalcum and bore excellent magical conductivity. Unlike counterparts like black, red or white mythril it bore no true downsides besides the metal to make it with was even rarer to find in a usable state; one part mythril to one part aluminum. Indeed, while aluminum had value as a rare mineral there was little use for it in most applications at it's current, hard to find rarity. Perhaps if a means to cultivate or process more was found that would change, but for now it was a metal that was more of a luxury then anything else and was more expensive then mythril, gold and orichalcum. What Balanar had was imported and Xerander had spent much coin to forge his armor. Indeed, it and his likewise weapons served him well in the battles with Justical.

The King of the Red Bear could have had a suit of both orichalcum and standard mythril for the same price and it was said he bore one of the twelve, complete suits of crimson mythril armor on the continent. "That said, and I speak with no offense, but I do worry if Roxford is up to the task of managing the canal in it's current state." Juno frowned but didn't deny his words. At the moment Roxford faced two major threats; Dominious and Justical.

Dominious, while distracted in it's civil war, was a consistent threat and one that had, in the past, occupied their sovereign land. The Empire of the Conquerors and it's desire for expansion was a long standing problem for many nations that would likely rear up once someone assumed control over it's crown. The Connection Canal was a threat to Dominious for the simple reason that it would allow Roxford to ship troops northward by boat rapidly, as well as other nations like Camafran; making a rapid conquest more difficult as well as bring other, possible allies to the fight quickly. The fact that trade and wealth would allow the currently broken Republic of Starlight to rebuild anew and thus be better able to repel a new invasion was another reason for Dominious to oppose it. Juno had a letter sent to their navy, one of the only neutral forces in their civil war, to have them send a representative so they would know what would await them if they made a go at the Canal or Roxford...

...although it was a gamble to ensure they gained the needed support at said meeting...

With Justical it was much the same; their reasons for conquest was different but the Canal also represented a means for their potential conquests to fortify and reinforce quickly. The Snake's Tongue River separated Justical and Balanar, but also Justical and other nations such as Qulona which hosted the Durant River. The Connection Canal would connect to Roxford's Gemme Clair Lake, the lake that fed the Durant, to the Flux Doux River and, in doing so, the Snake's Tongue to the Great Atlas. Qulona had been another nation heavily invested in the canal; ships passing through would bring wealth to Qulona and Roxford both and while initially uneasy allies they were still allies; and Roxford could reinforce Qulona quickly if it was invaded and vice versa once the Connection Canal was finished. "That is true; but rest assured, Roxford will return to strength, and soon." She said turning to Arnold with a sad look. "Sadly we've no response from your Queen. I can only assume something had delayed the messenger too much that even these 'Cloud Riders' could not make up for."

Xerander's face stayed stony and Arnold's lip only twitched; neither up nor down. John schooled his look well while his son gave a small smirk and a shrug. "Well, you can't expect miracles from them." He let off as Channer gave him a look, trying to hide his own nervousness.

"Oui, but still I was hoping to gain her wisdom." Juno let off before looking to Arnold. "I am sure you can represent Eostia in these manners adequately enough, given what little I know, but you will hopefully forgive me for wanting her more definitive word on the subject from your ruler."

"I am sure I would be able to deliver a judgment worthy of Eostia." Arnold replied simply. "I have disagreements with Queen Lucross, I will not lie, but I will base all my stances upon the Aegis Alliance Accords by which Eostia is ruled by; as a representative of the Alliance's will should."

King Xerander hid his grin but still gave the man a small nod and smile. Mandeville was correct in his plan and action; if Eostia's voice was absent then it was more then likely the dictates of the Canal's use would lean against the slave trade... yet being able to choose Eostia's voice benefited all involved and cut out possible issues.

For Arnold the benefits were clear as well, aside from the possible extra trade route for flesh he needed to look to the future; come the Black Storm there would be a new Eostia ruled by a new emperor under a new name... and it would be a true, Traditionalist nation, one that would benefit from the trade of flesh along the rivers. That wasn't to say there would be no downsides; Celestine would be displeased with him but the Accord he would abide by would limit her responses in turn. Moreover whatever action she took against him had to be carefully measured lest it come off as petty; unlike a true emperor of power she was shackled by limits to her power written upon paper.

More to the current situation; the flesh trade along the river would bring new markets to him and his allies both as well as uplift his reputation with both his fellow Traditionalists but also the Monetarists as long as he ensured the coming deals was something to their benefit as well. While it would be true the other Council factions would grumble there would be little they could do and it would be a good way to establish his reputation as a Duke of Eostia with foreign diplomacy. Naturally the assistance given to Balanar would lead to boons for Elddale in the short term and the new empire in the long term... and on a more personal note that his long time friend and mentor would reap hefty benefits from it all was the cherry atop the dessert.

And the best thing about it all was there was nothing, absolutely nothing, Celestine, the Liberalists or House Noxdecus could do about-

"Prime Minister! Tu ne le croiras pas!" Someone screamed out as they finished running up the stairs, a butler who seemed to be in his thirties with blonde hair. He panted as he rushed over to their table, Juno standing and turning to him.

"Pierre? Whatever is the matter?" She asked as he stopped before her, the others around the table rising up in worry. "What has you so spooked?"

"A... thing is coming this way... from the east... it's a flying ship!" The butler let off as Juno blinked.

"A... flying ship?" She let off, turning to look east as she walked to the patio's edge... as Xerander frowned while John and Arnold shared concerned looks. Channer seemed to pale as Cyrus blinked in confusion. John and Channer would use Telescopic Vision along with Juno as all on the patio joined her.

"Incroyable! Juste incroyable!" She let off as she gawked, hands moving to the railing. "It is a ship sailing the skies themselves!"

"Channer..." Arnold hissed to his son as Xerander leaned towards them to listen in. "What do you see?"

"She's right..." He whispered back, still paled as he frowned softly. "It is a flying ship... It has three flags raised; I don't know what the center one is but the top and bottom are Eostian and the lower one has a blue emblem." Arnold felt his jaw clench as he bit back a hiss. "I don't know how he does this!" Soon the ship approached enough that Arnold could make it out as it turned to one side before lowering down and starting to curve, clearly aiming towards the canal between the palace and the city. "It's name is on the side. ETS-MG Enterprise..."

ETS-MG...

Eostian Territory Ship-Mungale... If there was a shred of doubt of who's ship it was it was now dashed away. More over he could guess who was aboard; if the Noxdecus emblem was at the bottom then the two flags over it was of those of nobles of a higher rank then the House of the Unicorn. The safe bet was Celestine was aboard... and if Channer didn't notice Rycall colors then the center one must have been Garanian... meaning that there was a good chance Olga Discordia was aboard as well...

"Come! Let us greet them!" Juno let off as she jogged to the stairs. It was clear the ship was coming down to the canal for a landing as King Xerander glared to Mandeville.

"How have we not heard of this!?" He hissed as the merchant flinched. It was Arnold who opted to answer; if only to lessen the ire directed to his friend.

"I know he was in South Point before I left Eostia." He explained as they started to walk to the stairs. "I think that ship is new; otherwise I would have heard of it before now."

"This changes things..." Xerander said before going silent and picking up his pace to follow Juno.

And he didn't just mean Celestine's arrival...

[-]

I took the controls before our landing. My father explained the canal system leading to the palace to me so I opted to land on it and sail over to dock on the palace's island. I slowed the Enterprise well down over Elouan City... and I had to say; it looked like a fantasy Paris with a lot of white washed buildings (Some... could use a new coat) and trimmed with several colors with red, blue and gold being the most notable. You could see some people pause and look at the flying ship as I brought us down, keeping clear of the city. Finally I could land on the canal, pulling back on the speed even more. A spray of water came up as a burst of wind further cushioned our landing before we settled into the water fully. A Ring of Alarm spell set to the ship would warn me of any underwater surprises as we powered forwards at a steady clip. Everyone came up to the deck for the landing save Olga who only rose up once she felt the landing finish.

It was a soft, gentle ride as I kept the speed down as there were other ships in the canal and we took up more room then most; the canal was usually host to rowboats, canal ferries and very small sailing ships. There was still room enough for a second Enterprise to sail side by side with us but I also wanted to avoid rocking boats with our wake or our jet stream which is why I kept the landing as soft as I could.

Roads that paralleled the canal had those passing by pause their travels to stare and watch as we approached the palace as several people came out of it's walls and moved towards the dock system build around the little island it was on. The docks were long, spaced fingers and I realized I could fit Enterprise into one; although I'd block the other side doing so. I had to choose a fully empty gap because of that and, upon seeing one, sailed to it. Looking back to the palace people were coming out and approaching us and there was a few familiar faces among them; the damned Old Man was unsurprising and his son was less expected but understandable. However both Arnold and Channer von Blizhaus were here as well to my surprise. There was also a giant bear of a man in dark red armor with them and a crown on his head; I've seen his portrait before. King Azal Xerander, although almost no one called him Azal. I heard he was big but I didn't know he was around the size of the Shaquille O'Neal and even more buff. Dude reminded me of Varis zos Galvus from the fourteenth Final Fantasy; just with a less ridiculous looking crown.

Soon I slipped us between two fingers of the dock and parked it, deploying the Scorpion Chains to pull us in with the bumpers deploying as well. I dropped the gate and deployed the gangplank before walking over to join everyone in disembarking; with Celestine in the lead with Claudia and Auryon following her then Olga, Chloe and one of her own, Garanian soldiers in heavy armor, Alicia and Prim following, then Lulu, then my parents, myself and Miria. Maia followed on my heels, Mokria and Miika following. It was a large group. A thirties looking woman in a dress that seemed to have been combined with a Napoleonic uniform was in the lead of those coming from the palace and stopped at the dock, looking over the Enterprise with a bit of wonder before looking to us. "High Queen Celestine! I am glad you have arrived; I had assumed you missed our message!" She let off, clasping her hands together.

"Prime Minister Juno DeLiberte, I presume?" Celestine asked as the woman nodded.

"Oui. Welcome, friends, to the Republic of Roxford!"

(-)

Name: Juno DeLiberte
Title: Templar of the Starlight
Class: Templar
Level: 49
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 88
Status: Healthy, Surprised, Joyful

Romance Rating: 91
Corruption Rating: 5

Known Traits
[I Am The Light - Upgrade - Light's Avatar] You embrace the light with all you are! +20% Effect to all Holy based spells and combat arts. +10% Additional Effect to all Shielding and Healing Holy Spells.]

[Aura of Command] You inspire those around you with you presence. +2% to Stats of all allies within thirty feet of you.
[Light of the World] You are well aligned to the Holy element. +5% to Mag and Mnc when using Holy Spells. -5% to Mag and Mnc when using Darkness Spells.

[Lancepoint] Your spear and lance thrusts have a better chance to punch through armor. -7 Piercing Resistance to all targets when thrusting a polearm at them. In addition gain +3 damage to all polearms when equipped

[Shield Maiden] You fight your best with a shield in hand. +4 Damage to any weapon when holding a shield. +5 Damage to all attacks made with a shield.

Daughter of House DeLiberte, literally 'Of Liberty', her house was exiled for opposing the Royal House DesCieux's choices in regards to placing further taxes on the commoners. She would return during the first Revolution as a military Commander but as it turned bloody in how it dealt with the people she denounced the new regime; and was forced to defend herself. She ended up as a leading general in the second, Golden Revolution and despite not putting her name forth was elected to become the new Republic's first Prime Minister.

(-)

She sounded like a real hero... I quickly followed up with an Observe on Arnold. During the war he crawled up from level thirty nine to forty two; matching my father's upgrade over the same time. Now he was level forty seven. Channer likewise jumped up to forty three himself, Old Man John to a thirty six. His son was twenty three last we met and those numbers flipped to thirty two. So I was right, whoever was mucking up the RPG3X system did boost levels of people I could or would have a conflict with. That was significant.

Now, for someone I didn't know... King Xerander.

(-)

Name: King Azal Xerander
Title: Ruler of the Red Bear
Class: Warlord
Level: 55
Alignment: Neutral
Reputation: 65
Status: Healthy, Annoyed, Contemplating

Known Traits
[What's A Paladin? - Upgrade - Magnus Sanctus Bellator] You Are! And more! You gain all the traits, skills and equipment that the Paladin and Templar classes has access to

[?]
[Burning Light] You favor spells designed to awe and destroy. +10% Damage to all offensive spells and Combat Arts that are Holy or Fire in element.
[Unmovable Object - Upgrade - Living Fortress] When holding a shield your shield gains your armor's resistances divided by 3. In addition all damage done to your armor is reduced by 7%.
[Blast & Blade - Upgrade - Sorcerer King] 15% of your Str is added to magical damage. Add 15% of your Mag to physical damage. Add 10% of your End to your mana pool. Add 10% of your Mnc to your stamina.

[?]
[Gorilla's Grip] You can wield a single, two handed weapon in one hand with no penalty. You may also wield a second such weapon in a likewise manner at a 5% damage penalty. If you use a two handed weapon with both hands increase damage of that weapon by 20%

The current, reigning King of Balanar he was initially the fourth son of a notable, noble house. His physical size and magical talents ensured he was trained in martial and magical combat at a young age. By age thirteen he was six foot five in height and entered the military, shortly before a war with Justical broke out. He quickly established himself as a powerful leader and when King Urson Grizlond and his sons Zurza and Oszar fell in an unexpected siege of Verdant Castle he would launch a massive counterattack; saving the kingdom and claiming the crown for himself.

(-)

Damn! I heard he was powerful but I didn't know he was that powerful... and that's on top of his Crimson Mythril Armor... yeah, I wouldn't want to pick a fight with him if I didn't need to.

"Merlin, Saxon, it is good to see you both as well once more... And this..." Juno turned to Olga looking her over. "Queen Olga Discorida of Garan, I presume?"

"You presume correctly." Olga replied with a nod, tapping her staff to the ground twice softly. "Forgive me for coming without any invite but when the chance came yesterday to visit and begin establishing relations I opted to take it."

"Ahhh..." Juno let off as she blinked. "O-of course, you are welcome here... but... you claim you left Eostia yesterday?"

"Yes... It seems your messenger was rather delayed; a noble seemed to have imprisoned him in Balanar. I'm sure it was a misunderstanding." Celestine said with her calm, sweet smile... as Xerander frowned a hint more. "Thankfully our Champion was building something new..."

"Ahhh! Yes I heard of him." She said turning to me before walking over and extending a hand which I took to shake. "James Noxdecus, yes? Your father spoke well of you and your sister both."

"I am. This is my sister, Miria." I said, gesturing to said sister as Juno took a moment to give her a smile and shook her hand. She would give Alicia and Prim greetings and hand shakes as well but she moved towards the ship for a moment with a grin.

"Magnifique! Just magnifique!" There was a childish look as she turned to me and jogged back with a smile. "You must take me up sometime soon! I would love to see the city from above."

"I see no issue with that; once time can be spared." I replied with a smile. And then...

"Celestine."

"Xerander."

There was a very... 'Wrex-Shepard' vibe to it. Turning back about I could see Xerander had walked over to Celestine who craned her neck up to look at him without showing a hint of nervousness. "I will see who is responsible for the messenger's delay. That said, it is good to see you here." He said; possibly a lie through his teeth. By 'possibly' I mean 'almost certainly but we can't prove it in any credible way'. I moved my gaze to see John looking to Chloe with a glare. She spared him her own glare before huffing and looking towards Xerander.

Celestine believed, given the situation, Chloe should acknowledge John's presence but otherwise ignore him as much as possible. Trying to avoid acknowledging him at all could be a show of fear but by letting him know she saw him and then ignoring him otherwise it should showcase that she's rising above him... which would be worse to him then open hatred. At least that was the thought.

"I'm sure you'll sort it out upon your return." Celestine said as she turned her head to look at someone less taller then her. "Arnold. What brings you to Roxford?"

"I merely opted to visit and speak of trade when I was invited to the conference being hosted." He replied simply with a neutral look. "After all I do have a particular shortfall to make up for."

Honestly... I didn't have a real read on him... I am sure the old fart he calls a friend would have summoned him over to be Eostia's voice in this meeting, doubly so as it would benefit Balanar and the Traditionalists both, but it could have been an honest coincidence as he tried to make up for his dark elf breeding programs vanishing; I'd go so far as to call it a coin flip. Sure, I knew which way I'd call it, but I have no proof of it; just my own biases and believes.

"Come, come..." Someone let off; a five seven local knight I assumed; one of two hanging about in Mana Armor. She was in a plated codpiece with twin straps (Strong chance of a padding layer under that), and a matching top with straps connecting to a gorget around the neck with a pointed bit pointing down with a blue spell stone set to it. The left shoulder bore a plate over the bicep with a pauldron and both forearms bore bracers with plates over the back of the hand and black gloves. Plated boots reached over the knees and a pair of spell stones on earrings in place of a tiara or the like for the armor. In terms of herself in the looks department; she looked to be in her thirties but well aged with a very curvy body boasting maybe G Cups? She bore waist long, platinum hair, braids wrapping behind her head and bright, bright blue eyes. (In case your wondering; not dragonborne) She seemed unarmed but her suit could have just held weapons in a holding space built into it. "Perhaps we can get our new guests set to quarters as opposed to standing out here, yes?"

"Ahhh, oui, oui. Let us get them sorted out, yes." Juno said, clasping her hands together. "Allow me to introduce you to one of my best knights; Dame Acadia L'Argentune. She was a commander of mine back in the war. With her is her heir and daughter, Dame Lynette L'Argentune who is, much like your own Champion, a young dragonborne."

Now that was a surprise! Looking to the younger of the pair yes she bore bright blue eyes like her mother but with a scaled pattern. She was taller then her mother at five ten but bore a more slender body that still bore large D-Cups (Although they looked small compared to her mother's) who bore much different armor. Like her mother she bore blue, spell stone earrings for head coverage via spell with her breasts covered in a shiny silver plate held within a golden hued bandeau top that left her midriff bare. Blue, detached sleeves were covered by bracers and pauldrons over the shoulders and biceps with a gorget around the neck which connected to the sleeves in a couple of parts. A few, small spell stones were set to the pauldrons and gorget (It turns out it was the same spell stone split into smaller orbs) with one larger one in the middle of a large, golden belt buckle flanked by two smaller ones. A cloth sash held it and two panels at her hips together with blue, gold trimmed panties covering her groin. Gold trimmed, silver plated boots were over the legs just over the knees. Like her mother she bore no open weapons but a 'Bag of Holding' type spell in her armor might have held them. Her face seemed to be a younger version of Acadia's and she bore slightly darker hair, a golden blonde, with a braid going over the top of her head and waist long locks flowing behind her in a tighter wave with bangs framed her face; thicker on her right. "Greetings, and welcome to Roxford." Lynette said softly.

(-)

Name: Acadia L'Argentune
Title: Honored Knight of Roxford
Class: Mage Knight
Level: 42
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 84
Status: Healthy, Curious, Interested

Romance Rating: 89
Corruption Rating: 18

Known Traits
[?]

[Aura of Command] You inspire those around you with you presence. +2% to Stats of all allies within thirty feet of you.
[Battle Standard] The trust your troops have in you lets you inspire them further. When giving a battlefield order that's three words or less all your troops gain +4% to all stats.
[High Fertility] You get pregnant easier then normal and giving birth is less painful. +1 to all Stats of all children you give birth to
[?]

Originally from a merchant's house she was afforded a magical education with the Kingdom of Roxford who was hoping to make her into an asset. She would loyally serve them during the first Revolution despite disagreements with the Royal House but fled to Camafran when House DesCieux was defeated. She would join the Golden Revolution in the hopes of reestablishing Roxford as a stable kingdom but now follows Juno DeLiberte in forming a republic.

(-)

Name: Lynette L'Argentune
Title: Young Heroine of Roxford
Class: Crusader
Level: 40
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 99
Status: Healthy, Amazed, Curious

Romance Rating: 102
Corruption Rating: 4

Known Traits
[Borne of Dragon's Blood] You are a Dragonborne, (Character Name)! Gain the Dragon's Breath Ability. Increase lifespan by up to twelve times. +2 to All Stats

[Speed & Spell] 5% of your Agi is added to casting speed. Add 5% of your Mag to physical accuracy

[?]
[High Fertility - Upgrade - Dragon's Womb] You get pregnant easier then normal and giving birth is less painful. +1 to all Stats of all children you give birth to. Furthermore your dragon's blood is more intense; any child you bear has a 33% chance to be dragonborne. If the father is dragonborne that chance increases to 66%
[?]

Daughter of a noted knight she received magical training at a young age and was found to bear the eyes of the dragon. She was then given martial training with her magical training... and only her young age avoided her draft to the fight the first revolution. She was, however, old enough to fight in the second one and did so bravely with her mother; burning the gates of Chateau de Pierre Noire with her Dragon's Breath which helped bring the Golden Revolution to a victory.

(-)

"Thanks for the welcome." I said as she walked over as I shook her hand. I looked to Prim and Alicia... and noted the former was giving me a look with a plotting grim. "...What are you thinking of..?"

"Nothing." Prim let off in a tone too sweet by half. I gave her a half lidded look of 'yeah right'.

"Your friend, is she?" Lynette asked as she looked to Prim.

"My fiancee." I told her before gesturing to Alicia. "As is Alicia here."

"Oh hooo..." Lynette let off with a giggle. "A popular man, are you not?" The Dawn Templars, it should be noted, were unloading our things and bringing them off the ship while Channer had moved to the front of Enterprise and looking it over; he was likely using his magical senses to scan it to try and see what it was he was looking at on that front.

"Channer, been awhile!" I let off, moving over to him... given his jealous streak I was a bit worried about his reaction but it would be what it would be.

"How did you build a whole ship so fast?" He asked as I shrugged.

"I didn't; it's a refurbished cargo cog and adapted to what I needed." I told him as he looked over the hull. "It was pricey for the material but worth it."

"...You just keep going higher, don't you..?" He said with a sigh as I reached over and patted his back.

"I just keep going forwards. We all do." I replied as I smiled and moved to Celestine as she gave me a smile... then I moved to address the giant before her. "King Xerander, then."

"I am. I have, of course, heard of you, Champion James Noxdecus. Some call you a genius." He spoke; almost in a rumble as I shrugged softly to him.

"I think 'genius' is a bit much but I try to be inventive." A grunt was my answer before he huffed.

"Well met. If you'll excuse me." He said as he turned, walking back to the palace. I looked to Celestine who gave a soft smile and shrug as I turned to look to the Mandeville's. The old fart was now glaring to me but it was his son Cyrus that caught my attention; his face was red with anger and he was quivering with clenched fists (With a prosthetic one under a glove, by the looks of it) with his face speaking of withheld rage that was trying to break free. In fairness he lost his arm last time he came at me.

I mean it was his own damn fault, but I understand why he'd be a bit bitter. I smiled and waved to them as Olga and Chloe moved to join us. "You are provoking them." Olga accused me as I turned to look at her with a shrug.

"No. I'm telling them I'm not going to let myself be bothered by them." I replied. "If they're provoked by me waving at them then it's their problem, not mine." I added before Chloe set a hand to my shoulder.

"Their problem or your bonus?" She asked as I rolled my eyes and looked to her.

"I'm not here to start a fight." I let off, reaching under her cape and giving her ass a pat. It was something Chloe requested to be done in John's view as an FU. Given his sneer it was a good FU. "I will end one if I must, but we're here for talks so I have to put a good foot forwards."

"As should be expected." Celestine added as John turned to leave, Cyrus following on his heels. "Come. Let us go."

[-]

"I don't believe it..." John let off as Cyrus walked with him, Arnold and Channer remaining behind for a moment with the former joining his son in looking over the ship; two Dawn Templars remaining behind to guard it. "Not only did they arrive here on time, not only did they build a flying ship but they brought both of them here... my propertyis here and there's not a damn thing I can do about it..." He hissed out as he tried to calm himself as his eyebrow twitched. He had to keep his emotions in check; given his age the result would strain him more then he cared for.

"There must be something we can do about this..." Cyrus let off as his father snorted.

"Not here... Had we been prepared for the possibility then I might have considered it but remember; we are here as representatives of Balanar." John said sternly. "And as of now they will be considered guests of Roxford; were we to act against them in the manner or reclaiming what is mine King Xerander would be duty bound to behead me... and perhaps not stop there." He took a moment to glance back at the ship; sandwiched between the two Eostian flags barring the Seal of the Alliance and House Noxdecus' emblem was one with Olga's personal emblem upon it; set to a large, gray circle on a dark purple background; bands of gold around the circle and the flag's borders.

"That said..." The elderly man let off with a grin. "There are other ways to remind her of her place... Quickly, let's go speak with the butler." Maybe he couldn't bring Chloe, his most prized slave, home with him once more... but he could give her a reminder of what she truly was..." And best of all it would be seemingly innocent.

[-]

Our things were taken to quarters and I opted to change out of my armor into my Armor Weave outfit. With the meeting set to start tomorrow we had some time to relax and I was asked to join Celestine, Olga, Chloe and the Shields as they had lunch with Juno and the L'Argentunes so I opted to do that. My parents, by contrast, wanted to speak to someone they met on their last trip here. The Mandevilles, Blitzhauses and King Xerander were likewise invited but opted to decline. We went to a rooftop patio and took a seat. We were served a few juices (In wine glasses; a thing in Roxford) and cheese as we awaited our meal with Juno asking about how the flight over was; naturally I was the main one to answer. "I see; she shivers like a cold child when going at her full speed then?" She let off.

"Obviously it's not something I want to do all the time but in an emergency it's more then doable." I was looking over the ship this morning before we had arrived just to see if anything was shaking loose; the Enterprise was holding up however. Wright and his workers did a damn good job on her. "Still; her normal, cruising speed is quite high and I can cross Eostia in a matter of hours."

"I can say she's a lot calmer at those speeds." Riri pipped up slowly working on a bit of cheese.

(As a side note she said she was looking to the old man when he was looking at Chloe; not only did it seem like Riri went unnoticed by him but he was pissed she was now so close to him and he couldn't do a thing about it.)

"I'll likely make little changes here and there is all." I said with a shrug. "But I'm happy with her. I'm more interested in Roxford myself; I lack any real knowledge of the place beyond what we saw over the sides of the ship on the way over."

"We saw a village; burned to a husk." Olga sad; I could hear a tinge of sadness to it. Given what happened to one of her cities she likely had more empathy over the situation then usual. "What had happened to it?"

"Oui..." Juno let off with a sigh. "The civil wars we endured were... brutal... And the first government formed after House DesCieux were ousted was... little better then they were and in some ways worse. Some towns were ruined in the fighting and others the first revolutionaries burned down in a witch hunt for counter-revolutionaries or to deny them to the Golden Revolution... Few settlements beyond the capital was spared... That is one of the reasons I am being mindful of the restructure of our laws and customs; we need to preserve the culture we fought to win but also ensure no more tyrants rule over it."

"A worthy endeavor... Although if Pulca is anything to go by the effective and incompetent will rule in equal measure." Celestine mused with a sigh.

"So... just like nobility then?" I mused... getting an amused snort from the High Queen and Prime Minister both.

"Oui, oui, that is too true. We have much to work out to ensure it is the cream that rises good and proper." Jnuo said as she shook her head. "But as always someone will cheat or crack the system; as people are wont to do."

"Too true." Alicia said as she nodded.

"Let's talk about something a bit more uplifting." Prim said, clasping her hands together. "After all; with the canal almost done there's going to be a lot of opportunity. I have to imagine everyone is excited."

"We are, oui." Juno let off with a nod. "We pulled a lot of magical and normal manpower to finish it. We are, perhaps, forty five feet of earth from connecting the two rivers together. We are overdrawing on a workforce, thinning our forces out a bit more as well, but once it's done it'll be worth it."

"That close to completion? That's good to hear." Claudia added with a smile. Juno nodded a bit with a smile.

"There is a slight slope we need to build barriers onto the sides of to ensure the water doesn't spill into the fields but we've more then enough dug up earth to handle that." The Prime Minister explained. "That is one of the few things holding us up from finishing the canal's digging. That said, once we're finished with it the income from trade and tolls will more then make up the cost of digging the canal. Moreover we can use the wealth to further stabilize and rebuild the nation. I admit, we will need help,"

"Agreed." Celestine said with a nod. "To that end I'll leave one of my Dawn Templars to act as an ambassador until I can have a proper one arrive; that should help with some communication. Speaking of which; a voxlux network leading to Roxford would help on that end." She let off before looking to me.

"Well the obvious solution is to run a series of boosters through Camafran, with their king's permission, of course." I began as I frowned lightly. "The other would be to put the spell on high grade spell stones that are large enough to carry it that distance but the issue there is agreements with voxlux ranges inside of Balanar and we'd need to position things carefully. Of course that's ignoring the expense of that and that such a stone could be used for other things. So a chain of boosters would be the best solution; although with secure locations or enough of them about that the chain couldn't be knocked out with one being destroyed."

"We should, then, seek such diplomacy and, perhaps, start allowing Camafranians access to the voxlux." I gave Celestine a nod as she said that; I would trust her judgment on this. "King Celestia should be amenable to such talks." Yes, Camafran was ruled by House Celestia which made some conversations with Celestine a tad confusing at times; more so as Camafran's First Princess was named after her making her Celestine Celestia.

The real world lacks a 'One Steve Limit'.

"That said I should ask what the current Roxford/Camafran relations are." I asked Juno who smiled.

"Improving." She said simply but with a sigh. "There are... frictions as opposed to the status of former Roxford nobility. Some, a bare few, we've allowed to return but many we're reluctant to take back, let alone accept. Moreover much of the nobility's wealth was taken in the first Revolution and spent; beyond ruined homes and battle scarred lands they have nothing remaining to come back to. That said we also cannot allow them to return to power as they had." I hummed a bit in thought as I moved to tap my chin before finally speaking.

"If I can ask; what are their lives like in Camafran?" I asked her as she looked to me.

"Most are comfortable as guests but lack any real power. Some overstayed their welcome and using what wealth they have to fund an increasingly frugal lifestyle." Jnuo began to explain. "Some are with family, having had someone marry into a Camafranian family at one point or another. Some are destitute and some taking up Adventuring professions to make ends meet."

"I have to suspect some have talents at rulership or management, at least? At the very least some have to be able knights?"

"Indeed; although most are more leaned to military skill." She replied to my explanation. She then followed by giving me a curious look. "Why do you ask?"

"Obviously allowing them all back in would be a disaster waiting to happen but some would have skills and talents useful to the Republic as well as contacts you could benefit by." I began. "You could offer them a deal in helping manage affairs in the new trade coming in and task them with expanding the nation's wealth in exchange for a small share in that wealth. Maybe even allow them a title such as 'Lord' while making that same title more honorary then privileged. Establish that there is a new order within Roxford and while it will never match their former position they can build a new one within."

"Obviously you'll need to be careful who you let in, if you make such a choice." Prim added as I looked over to her. "There are those who would accept such an olive branch and use it to stoke a fire under the republic you can ill afford. But if you can start with a small number of those honorable enough to abide by the new government and omit those unwilling to accept changes you may find yourself with a stronger Roxford."

"Oui, letting in too many or the wrong one could be a disaster. Although some do have useful talents we can employ." She let off with a nod. "I have considered the problems of allowing them back in, but not the benefits... If I can manage the risks..."

"That said; you should also mind the other issues that come with that." Chloe injected. "The common folk might not like them returning in any number. Doubly so those with the worst reputations."

"I concur..." Olga added, a soft frown of thought coming to her face. "You need to be sure the ones brought in are reputable enough to be accepted and honorable enough to behave or be ready to showcase their willingness to be a part of the new Republic rather then opposed to it."

"Oui, that is what I was thinking as well. Ahh, lunch is here." Juno let off as we saw butlers, guiding a levitating cart, over with food upon it; salads, soups and a Chicken Dijon. Over all it was good food as conversation would carry on.

Very good.

[-]

Once lunch was done we had free time to do as we pleased. I wanted to visit the city and invited Prim and Alicia to join me; Makoto and Riri would join as bodyguards as did four Dawn Templars. We kept the Cloud Rider in the hold of the Enterprise, just in case, but rather then use it we enjoyed a trip on a canal boat. It was rowed by a strong servant (Who I made sure to tip a silver) to the city proper. The city looked very... French. Or at least how I assumed a fantasy France would look like. White cobblestones, whitewashed buildings, colored tiled roofs and trim along the doors and windows. A massive cathedral to Larentia was present; white with gold trim and a part of the Roxfordian Church which took a neutral stance on the Church versus Faith struggle within Eostia.

They kinda had enough issues on their hands right now...

We took time to visit a few historic places as we all agreed to find something to bring home. Once we visited the merchant's district the first place we went was a weapon's smith (Alicia's idea) to browse. In case your wondering she had her new weapon at her back, opting to nickname it 'The Shining Lance'; what I didn't know was she named it after my Shining Gemini, even with my new Radiant Gemini in hand. Even so she wanted to see all the styles of weapons. A few French style rapiers was on display and I took some time examining them. One thing that did interest me was a mythril buckler; it was functional but decorative with a bulged middle with four, button like points on it in a square pattern and an anchor point in it's center. Given Miika's leanings to the rapier this would make a good pairing and I could see enchanting it to extend the shield to be more defensive. Seven gold was more then a fair price.

Alicia, for her part, found a well made bow with mythril springs with two spell stone anchor points. She wanted me to enchant it (Once she found stones for it) to equip her elder brother with and I was more then happy to help once she had everything she needed. By contrast, and to my surprise, Prim also picked up a weapon in the form of a stave; a mythril one with a golden, mythril cap in the form of a crescent moon with a curved, rounded piece making a full circle. The bottom bore a rounded weight as well, made of golden mythril. This one also had an anchor point in the middle of the crescent for spell stones. It would be more useful a weapon for defense then a simple wand and I highly approved.

And yes, I'd be enchanting that too.

Beyond that we visited other shops as well; I picked up some French (Well, Roxford) blend coffees, picked up some teas for Kaguya (Along with a box of local tea biscuits) while Prim and Alicia pitched in by buying some cookies and other snacks for her. I'd be able to easily deliver them, after all.

We ended up taking a rest in a little seating area in the middle of a crossroads; a small, fenced off, raised flower meadow in the middle of some benches. I would sit up on the fence and break out the flute Prim got me for the holidays and opted to play it, more or less doing a flute solo of a piece I heard more then a few times; Trevor DeMaere's Transform the World. I had intended to play just for the girls and our entourage but I ended up drawing a small crowd of onlookers regardless who all but demanded an encore. I didn't much care for the idea but some prodding from Prim had me playing the Final Fantasy Main Theme (That she named 'Of Hopes and Dreams') once more to her delight.

We would move off and spend some more time shopping. We would finally stop in at a small cafe, enjoying local pastries and chatting when I saw someone wandering over our way; Chloe and with her own two Templar escort. I would have asked her if she wanted to join us be she had a highly agitated look to her; like she went through a field of gropers who all got a hold of her ass. "Chloe... Come sit down... Seems like you have something to get off your chest." She nodded and Makoto and Riri (Who was at the table with myself and my fiancees) as a Templar shifted a chair over for her. She thanked them and sat.

"You're right. I need a favor." She let off, looking to me. "From you, but I imagine you'll want your women to agree." I raised any eyebrow, even as Prim flagged down a waitress and directed a cup of tea be brought to Chloe which was done swiftly. "I ended up with quarters directly below Mandeville's." She hissed out as I groaned and pinched my nose.

"Honestly, being in the same wing is too close for my liking." I let off; Alicia and Prim frowning but it was Makoto and Riri who bore truly sour looks; doubly so in the halfling's case. "We can talk to Juno about moving you to-"

"No." Chloe let off with a surprising amount of firmness. "The reason I found out was I heard two servants gossiping about easy coin made for just placing my quarters in a particular room." I sighed at that; I could see that. A few silver for a seemingly harmless room choice? Most would take that, doubly those not in the know. "He paid for me to be put there and if I ask to be moved it'll be showing him fear. I'm not doing that."

"So... what's your plan then?" Riri asked... and then...

Chloe smirked. It was a strange smirk. It was a seductive smirk yet one carrying a host of nasty implications. "Presuming your fiancees are okay with it... I want you over to my quarters tonight..." She said as her grin widened, showing white teeth. "If he wants to be someplace to listen in on what I'm doing then I'll give him something worth listening in on."

...

That was a devious idea. I liked it. I looked to Prim but she beat me to speaking. "Sounds like a plan to me!" She let off, too cheerfully as I gave her a look.

"You are too happy about this." Alicia let off, taking the words straight from my mouth. "But I agree; it sounds like a good way to stick it in his craw."

"Well then..." I let off, looking to Chloe. "Tonight?"

"Tonight."

[-]

We would return to the palace not too long after Chloe found us; it was a calming boat ride over all and rather enjoyable... and then I saw a familiar face outside of the palace, someone with a small escort of armed, black clad regulars with him. Dominious regulars. Alicia frowned upon seeing him and, honestly, I didn't blame her although I managed to better school my features. "Captain Parus." The man stiffened and turned to look at me; the well groomed and bearded face of the Dominious Naval Captain, Dax Chernyy Parus, looking back at me.

"Lord Noxdecus." He let off with an over dramatic bow to me as we walked over. "Or should I say Champion Noxdecus. How see it is to good you again." I paused and blinked at him for a moment... until a regular patted his shoulder twice. He gave the man a look and realized what he just said as he sighed. "I mean, how good it is to see you again."

"I'm surprised you'd say that given last time we met we crossed blades." I replied; he'd jumped from level twenty one to thirty two which was respectable at least. "It cost you your ship, as I recall."

"Indeed... Indeed..." He said, waving a hand. "Mind you, after your little scuffle with Garan ended the fact I crossed blades with the Champion of Eostia once meant I haven't had to buy my own drinks for awhile." I raised an eyebrow at the as he raised his hands. "And look, I've a good, new ship to my name and while the business with the young lord Brend was... unfortunate I think we can both agree he's better off away from Natasha." That got both my eyebrows to lift. "Of course, I'd rather he'd be back in Dominious but... given the situation... the current conditions are... acceptable."

And he said that without a major gaffe. Good on him.

"You're being awful friendly considering what you did." Alicia let off, crossing her arms as Dax gave a soft smirk and a shrug to her.

"Oh relax, your highness. It was nothing personal, just... political necessities." He said in a calming manner. "I've no reason to hold a grudge; I was under orders and you were acting in the boy's best interests. I see no reason to carry on a fight long since ended." Alicia gave a frown but I moved a hand to her shoulder.

"He's right." I said calmly. "The fight is long since ended and even if it wasn't here isn't the place to renew it. That said..." I moved my hand back as Alicia relaxed; still unhappy with the man but willing to calm down. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh yes, that." He said, running a hand through his hair. "Given the... ongoing problems in my home nation the Navy is being tasked with handling most outwards diplomacy and negotiations. In short Prince Larion is thinking the Canal can benefit the empire while Kul Hammerhands and Hilda are both still opposed to it." That was news; my understanding was Dominious was opposed to it full stop; that Prince Larion von Harmon thought the canal was a good thing was a welcome surprise and as the recognized ruler by most outside nations his word held weight. "Technically speaking my loyalties are towards Hilda but I'm supposed to represent all of the claimants, and that does include Larion's who... may have a point."

Translation; he disagrees with Hilda's stance but knows she's buttering his bread so can't be too open about it.

"Well I can't make statements for Alicia, but I'm able to put the past behind us; provided you start no trouble which, by all appearances, you won't." I said as he nodded and stepped up to extend a hand which I shook; there was no reason to start fights here nor make an embittered enemy if it could be avoided.

"Agreed and likewise. Heirfully there's a fight of imperial thank to lack over here, eh?" He let of in a joking tone... as I blinked at him and he sighed. "I meant, thankfully there's a lack of heirs to fight over here..."

"Indeed." I let off simply... as he smiled.

"And now we're... on speaking terms..." He said, a hand to my shoulder turning me to face where Enterprise was docked in the distance. "...you turned a cargo cog into an airship... Tell me she sails well." I sighed but told him yes it sailed well as he badgered me to talk about it.

Interestingly he didn't want to know anything about the hows I enchanted it or it's offensive of defensive capabilities; just on how fast it could go and turn. Prim (Who hadn't been around for that leg of my Eostian tour) mentioned I'd offered to take the Prime Minister up and he begged to come along.

Hoo booooy...

[-]

Elouan City
Capital of the Republic of Roxford
The Palace of Starlight
Quarters of John Mandeville
Evening

John sipped his tea as he waited in his room, a grin on his lips as he and his son chatted softly to pass the time. The windows were open and they sat near the balcony as they waited for his property to return to her quarters. He took the time to write on a sheet a number of stories he'd tell Cyrus, most that he'd never had before. To ensure he knew when she returned he set something to the floor; a spare cane of his with a spell stone at the top. It wasn't as comfortable as his preferred one but that was one he always took with him; without a stone it would seem harmless.

Seem.

This one bore a few, small functions; a built in Arcane Weapon spell (Standard charge) with a short blade built in to make it into a short spear in addition to a magical focus. A few, minor spells were added with one being a modified Ring of Alarm; when set to the floor the stone would blink if something was moving in the next room the cane's foot was set to. More over it could stand on it's own as it did so; looking into the room below.

It finally blinked it's green hue as he smirked. "Finally." Cyrus let off with a sigh; clearly tired of waiting. He had his glove off and was taking time to shine his mythril hand with a polish.

"Patience my boy." John growled out in an almost feral yet friendly manner as he grinned. "Let's give her a couple of minutes to settle in... and then provide her ample reminder of what's proper..." He chuckled as he looked to the cane... and let off a hum as his grin turned to a thoughtful frown.

"Something wrong, father?" His son asked as the stone blinked rapidly.

"That shouldn't be blinking so quickly... someone is with her..." John mused for a moment. "The Dark Queen, perhaps?"

"It makes sense." Cyrus let off as he stood and moved to the balcony, frowning in thought before stiffening. "...Did I hear a moan..?"

"What!?" John let off as he stood, walking over to the balcony, grabbing his cane to aide him along the way. Why would Chloe be moani-

"Oooooh! Right there James!"

[-]

Minutes Earlier

Chloe opened the door to her room as she held something I had quickly put together; a small spell stone set to a small, metal disk. She threw off her half cape as I shut the door as she set it by the window leading to the balcony. The enchantment would let it stick to the wall but it also directed any sound exiting the room upwards... right where the Old Man could hear it.

He he he he he...

I took off my coat and boots by the door as she took off her own boots as I took a calming breath. I was excited, of course, (And for more then the usual reasons) but wasn't sure how Chloe wanted to start; doubly so given her past. "So how do you-" She was done tearing her 'top' off and tossed the pieces aside as she gave me a hard, fierce kiss with her hands opening up my shirt and all but pulling it off before I could react; I got my arms free and grabbed her firmly by the ass.

Okay then...

Message received. I gave her ass a firm squeeze before pushing her panties down a hint and slipping my hand before her to cup her sex, pressing two fingers up into her already moist womanhood. Once the kiss broke I pecked her lips before chuckling. "Are you eager for the sex or eager to piss off the old man?" She moaned in response as I curled my fingers in her as she shivered and smirked.

"Can't it be both?" She let off in a husky tone as I smiled as her own hands moved to my pants, undoing them and pushing them and my underwear down enough to expose my cock. She took hold of it and grinned as I kissed her once more before moving to gently press a third finger up into her sex, wriggling it about as she broke the kiss to moan out and gasp. "Oooooh! Right there James!"

I think I heard something shift upstairs... That coupled with Chloe's moan got me to press up a little firmer as she mewled right into my ear, stroking my cock and making me groan out deeply. "Fuuuuck you're wet..."

"Ooooh, fuck..." She let off as she rocked her hips to my hand. "Fuuuuuck..." I was surprised how eager she was given her history and that she only tasted the real joys of sex once... but damned if I'd argue with that as I moved my other hand to cup one of her breasts. She moved her legs in short, little steps to get her panties all the way down and pool to her feet.

"Mmmm, I'm not sure who's going to enjoy this more." I let off as I moved my hands to lean over; picking her up and slinging her on my shoulder as she gave a yelp. I'd lightly toss her to the bed and lost my pants as quickly as I could before climbing over her as I smiled and gave her a firm kiss.

"I will." She let off; very quickly pulling my manhood to her sex. I guess she wanted to get onto giving John something to listen in on. Well, I better make her moan then.

After all, old men are notoriously hard of hearing.

I pressed myself to her sex and drove it; I wasn't as gentle as I was with her last time but I wasn't being rough either as set her hands to my shoulders as I started to slam into her with a grin as she groaned out, arching her back under her. I leaned over her, hands on the bed next to her and got to humping while her legs wrapped about my hips, groaning over her as I moved my lips to her neck and started to kiss at her.

"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Go more!" She let off as I endeavored to do as she demanded; my hips picking up speed as I drove into her with a loud, deep groan. She was still tight and as I rammed in deeper into her as I felt my balls clap into her ass.

It didn't take long for her to cum with a howl and I followed with a deep load into her.

[-]

John felt his face pale more and more as he heard something unthinkable.

His Chloe willingly laying with a man.

His Chloe willing laying with a human man.

His Chloe, his property willingly laying with not just a human man but if anyone, HIM!? Of all people HIM!?

He grit his teeth and ground them as the sound of her coming to a loud climax under him filled his ears... It was an insult for that boy to use his property like this but for her to be more enthusiastic then she ever had been under his proper care!?

"That... fucking... bastard..." He hissed out as he started to pant in rage, stepping back until he could grab a chair and collapse onto it, seated down as he shivered and huffed in anger as he felt his heart start to pound the inside of his rib cage as he did his best to contain himself in the face of the grievous insult. "How dare he!"

"Father..." Cyrus let off, shutting the windows as the moans ended before rushing to John's side as the man placed a hand over his chest. "Are you alright?" He let off, more worried as the elderly man started to cast a healing spell upon himself.

"No I'm fucking not... He of all people laid hands on her... Laid hands on my slave... that trespassing thief!" Cyrus grit his teeth and moved to the side of the room where his rapier sat on a rack, hand reaching to- "No." John spoke firmly, lifting his hand; ending his spell as he contained his breathing. "I'm sure surprise would benefit you but if you were to do this Xerander would destroy us and our holdings..."

"But father we should-"

"No." John said as he tapped his cane to the floor once. "No... If we could get away with it I'd kill him myself... but we represent Balanar here... as such we must act in an 'honorable' manner..."

"And how to we resolve this in an 'honorable' manner?" Cyrus asked as John glowered...

And then the moaning under them started once more...

[-]

For round two I rolled Chloe to her hands and knees and plowed into her from behind; hands on her hips as I groaned out; my ass slapping into her pelvis as I panted over her. I was rewarded from her with her own moans, pants and mewls as her very fine ass clapped back into me. "Fuuuuck, that's so good..."

"You're telling me..." I replied to her as I groaned back, shivering a bit. I'd pulled her back, lifting her up so her back was to my chest to move my hands to her tits, squeezing firmly as I slapped my hips up into her. She leaned her head back over my shoulder as I kissed at her neck softly. "Fuuuck, you're tight..." I let off to her pointed her before nipping on it as she whimpered into me, one hand reaching back to grab the back of my head. She pulled our lips together for a kiss and I didn't deny her, kissing her firmly with a long groan as I kept plowing into her.

It didn't take much more for her to cum and clench down onto me as I shivered behind her. I managed to resist the urge to cum in that moment and instead held onto her and instead pulled her to the side; laying us down as I spooned her and rocked up into her sex once more; cupping a thigh with a hand and lifting it up as I fucked her well and good.

I hugged her with my other hand, ramming up into her and catching the point of her ear in my mouth and started to suckle on it as I enjoyed the feel of burying myself in her body; that supple, elven body... I groaned as I rammed in deep and hard into her as I finally came and pushed one more load up into her. She clenched after the second shot of semen splashed into her as I shivered and laid down as she slumped on the bed with me, panting. I slipped my cock free of her as she rolled to face me, kissing my lips. "Think we gave the old man something to listen in on?"

"That and a half." I chuckled softly, stroking her side. Was taunting that old fart a good idea? Possibly not. Was it fun to do?

Oh yeah...

"Hey..." She let off after a moment, rolling me to my back and then atop of me. "One more to keep him up at night?" She said with a grin.

One more became two more.

Two more became three more.

Three more became four more.

I lost count after that.

[Fucked List]
Banged Chloe the Unbroken=100XP
+20% Hero of Eostia Bonus
Gain 120XP Total

[-]

As promised I took Juno, the L'Argentunes and even Dax up in the Enterprise for a flight... and against my better judgment... "Ohhh-Haaaa-Haaaa-HAAAAAAAAAAA!" Dax Chernyy Parus was at the controls of the Enterprise...

And he was loving it. It would occur to me that as a man who had been in the navy for so long, bore such an admiration for ships and sailing, would be overjoyed at sailing the skies. I kept watch on him, of course and wouldn't let him anywhere on the ship unsupervised but the sheer childish glee he got from soaring like this...

I suppose it was worth it. "To be so high up! It is so thrilling!" Lynette let off, looking over the ship's side as she leaned over the railing with her own grin. Juno, by contrast, was by the bowsprit, arms spread and enjoying the sights as Dax guided us around Elouan City and then towards the countryside with Acadia near her, hands on the railing as well.

"THIS IS GLORIOUS!" The Dominious captain screamed out.

...

Okay, I was grinning a bit too...

[-]

Cyrus sneered as he watched the flying ship circle over the city before zooming off and away for a quick countryside tour; his metal hand shutting firmly within it's glove as he lifted it up. "That Bastard..."

In his mind all of his House's current woes stemmed from James Noxdecus. He cost his father one of his prized slaves before he could even start training her... Lost him his prized slave when she was finally recovered... He cost them good guards, men and another prized slave... He cost him his hand and dignity... He cost his father good coin... He killed his father's old friend and two sons of his friends... Two friends of his... And now he was here where he could finally kill him... But they had to play nice because of politics!

It wasn't fair! Not fair at all! It wasn't fair his rage was rendered impotent because a dumb bitch appointed by ignorant peasants wouldn't understand good traditions...

And instead of suffering like such a villain should he's been held up as a hero and champion of his nation... And now he had somehow made a flying ship... Not someone like Channer who deserved such an honor but that fuckingbastard!

Phantom pains of his lost hand shot up his arm as the mythril clenched harder as it shook while he lifted it up higher and higher until white, cotton covering polished knuckles rose into his vision as the Enterprise shrank on the horizon.

"Someone has to teach the bastard a good, proper lesson... a painful one..."

[ - Author's Note - ]

And there we are... James is (Outside of the war) in another nation for the first time, the Mandevilles are back and being a pain, Arnold's chance at being Eostia's voice is gone and we meet the oft mentioned King Xerander finally.

While I don't intend Xerander to be a direct antagonist I still wanted him to be an imposing and powerful figure; someone that old man John wouldn't want to cross. And for the unaware, aluminum was pretty rare for most of history to the point it was, for a time, considered more valuable then gold. There's a thought as you sip pop from a can, eh?

I'll need to make some more character moments next chapter but one that came to me as I was writing was the Olga/Mokria talk; two exiles (One definitively, one effectively) from their homeland needing to grapple with past mistakes and choices. Seemed to be a fitting way to start a friendship.

Oh, and James and Chloe have another night of fun... in part to spite the Old Man, but still...

As always let me know what you liked, didn't like, want to see and thought in the comments. Yes, I do read them. Even the eye rolling dumb ones, but the bulk are good to see and some are even helpful to me in my own writing. Constructive criticism is always a plus.

So leave a comment to let me know what you think and see you next time!

~Eostian Scribe