Eostia: Harem Quest

by EostianScribe

The Gods have given mortals the power of The Gamer as a pass time. A hobby. A means to compete and relax. One goddess, however, sees it as a means of salvation; starting with one world. As such, she rolls the dice... (Harem, Citrus and Eventual Dark Content Warning)

86. Act III-Ch XII: Assessment & Planning

[ - Author's Note - ]

We are back... and FFDotNet is giving notifications once more but still isn't tracking view numbers, which is annoying. But it is what it is.

So; this chapter?

It's going to be a slower paced one once more. A few things I wanted to add to the last chapter but couldn't because of how long it was, James is asked for advice by a Traditionalist Lord, he checks up on Olga and plans are made to move forwards...

This will be more of a set-up chapter for what I have planned for the next one... which will be the tricky one to work out. Fingers crossed.

So, let's get into it.

[ - Act III - Chapter XIII: Assessment & Planning - ]

To end a war the defeated must acknowledge they are defeated and that they have nothing to gain from the ongoing bloodshed and that they have something to keep in capitulation. So long as the hope of victory seems within reach, no matter how thin a thread of it that's can be touched, they will grasp at them. They will grasp and grasp, even if the threads of victory they grasp at is illusionary.

For a victor they must be willing to extend a degree of mercy to encourage the defeated to understand they will be better off accepting their defeat and that there is more hope in surrender then in resistance. Indeed, denying mercy or only promising horror or punishment for further resistance will, perversely, encourage further resistance then acceptance of a surrender as fighting for a dim hope is more favorable then facing a dire certainty.

To win the defeated must accept the hope in a future after a surrender as opposed to chase the hope of victory.

~Former High General of Geofu, Julius Levantine

[-]

With the war more or less on pause I remained over in Mungale for the rest of the day after I finished the next wagons; my official reason was we'd have a third ready soon, the day after the following even. Celestine likely knew the real reason; I wanted a bit of space after the party that felt a bit... smothering. I got the space needed to relax in Mungale and flew out on wagon number three; meaning we were back up to five Cloud Riders in total. That returned to us a level of logistics we've been enjoying this time around; I'd also gotten my half cape replaced while I was there.

Thankfully once back in Mooncast things had calmed down quite a bit; enough to enjoy some tea on a balcony as I read my books on Hybrid Magic. On my Wish List of Traits was Hybrid Master and I was planning to invest into it; I needed another five TP to get it but I imagined I could get those sooner or later. I haven't been that active in looking for quests because I was busy with a war and normal operations didn't pop up as quests, for some reason. Whatever, I'd work it out sooner or later.

Anyway; the reason for wanting to take Hybrid Master was I wanted to be able to make Hybrid Spells or convert spells to Hybrid variants. There was two main reasons for this; one) winter was coming. No; that wasn't a meme, it was early November now. Snow hadn't arrived yet but the air was becoming chillier and it was a matter of time. Due to that things would shut down for a time; war was made much more difficult in the snow and could even force a pause and it was a dry period for most Adventurer's Guilds as the usual 'go and kill X amount of things' quests handed out dried up as even the Aberrant tried to snuggle up into a cave and some (Orcs, trolls and gargoyles, namely) would outright hibernate. That meant I'd have some time on my hands I didn't before and I'd need to busy myself with something.

Also, two) once winter ended I still had a problem to deal with; the Black Storm. If we were right about Olga being poisoned and who provided it then we likely threw a wrench into the Storm's plans or at least knocked a gear loose. I had a couple of things to do before I was fully ready to really dig into it, but once that changed I'd be able to do a lot more. And a list of powerful, unique Hybrid Spells could tip the balance in my favor.

Of course there was still a downside; how do I go about hunting the Black Storm and it's members and leaders? I mean even if Eostia had a Yellow Pages I doubt they'd be listed; I was, to be frank, trying to chase a group still clad in shadows and I couldn't afford to blindly chase empty shadows. Ironically as annoying as my growing popularity was there was a chance I could use it to my advantage; maybe I could use a little pull here and there to learn a few things? Find a way to gain and use contacts to get ears to the ground and help me out... although with what happened with Alicia's uncle Albert was a hint I had to be careful with who I trusted in this regards... but I already had some contacts in that regard; the Freebirds, Sally Moonbright, the Defiant Wench Pirates, the First Lyran Guard, Edda Greenfield, Sister Claire Flare and Edmund, all for starters. Edmund in particular was already useful in that regards; he had contacts all across Eostia and I had already explained what I could afford to explain to him to ensure anything odd would reach my ears.

Sadly I had to wait for a lead to act upon but once I had one I knew I'd need to act. I had to be as proactive as I could and if I had no leads to act on then I'd be damn sure I could bring all I needed and more to bear once I had a lead. Before I could think too much about it I head footsteps coming towards me; feet dragging a bit to ensure I would hear and, thus, prevent any form of surprise. I moved my book marker into place and shut my tome before looking up to see who was coming; it was a pair. The first of whom was a powerfully built, six foot five man in what seemed like a male version of Mana Armor; a set of black briefs with a gold colored loincloth over it with Greek style, red trim, brass colored shin guards with built in knee pads attached to black colored sandals, matching colored bracers that extended past the elbows by a hint with black, fingerless gloves under them (And you could see a hint of them end at the elbows).

A belt was around his wiast; black lather with gold plates set to it with a larger, round one in the center and square plates going the rest of the way, making it look like a title belt... and the center plate bearing the emblem of House Pugnator with it's red ram's head and red fists. Over his chest was a single strap going from the left side of his waist to left shoulder with a ring set over his breast to which linked another strap that went over his right shoulder. Attached to the strap was a red cape that hung over the front of his shoulders slightly under brass colored, curved pauldrons. A spartan styled helm (With a red plume and carvings of a ram's horns on the sides of it) was on his head and he took it off before stopping before me, tucking it under an arm. A thick, but well groomed, full black beard and mustache greeted me, matching the short, well trimmed black hair set to a strong face with a wide nose.

The other person with him, by contrast, was a woman but huge in size; standing maybe six foot ten and bore abs you could grate cheese on. Unlike the man she bore wild, flowing orange hair to her mid back and purple eyes. She bore armored, thigh high boots and bracers with a plate over the back of the hand colored red and trimmed with gold with red, fingerless gloves. Armored plates were over the hips with a half skirt behind her and a square, short loincloth over the front and a golden front with a large, teardrop sharped green spell stone sat with another two my the armored plates; red with gold trim still. A tube top like top held in a pair of massive (Maybe H-Cup if she was normal sized; I had no idea how the cup measurements scaled) in the same red/gold colors and matching, rounded pauldrons and a necklace of golden plates with another, round green spell stone in the center and one, diamond shaped on her head, set into a hard to see golden tiara obscured by her hair.

Who he was was clear enough, she... less so. "Lord Xander Pugnator, I presume?" I let off as the man nodded and looked down to me.

"Aye, I am he. I apologize if I am disturbing you." He said as I smiled and nodded to him. "Lord Noxdecus, may we join you?"

"You may... although I'm not aware of this... rather towering lady." I said, looking to the woman as Xander sat down, setting his helm on the table as the woman sat next to him.

"This is Flannery." He said, smiling warmly to me as he patted her shoulder firmly. "She was once one of our prized arena slaves and when she won her freedom I adopted her as my own daughter!"

Well... that's a little different.

(-)

Name: Xander Pugnator
Title: Baron of the Gladiators
Class: Brawler
Level: 38
Alignment: Neutral
Reputation: 65
Status: Healthy, Relaxed, Respectful

Known Traits
[Multi-Melee Master - Upgraded - Polearms] Your training includes melee weapons of all kinds! All one handed melee weapons become secondary weapon options for you. Additionally add polearms to your list of primary weapons.

[?]
[Intimidate] To anyone weaker then you you are frightening. -5% to all foes stats under level 20 and at least one level lower then you.
[The Best Defense] Half of the average of your armor's defense resistances is added to your weapon's damage bonus
[Monkey's Grip] You can wield a single, two handed weapon in one hand with no penalty. You may not wield a second two handed weapon along side it, but may wield a single handed weapon, shield or item in your off hand.

The current Baron of Maros he was not expected to take the throne of that realm as he was the third son of his father but his elder brothers opted to find other meanings to their lives leaving Xander to take the position. He is considered a Reformist among his fellow Traditionalist lords and often finds himself at odds with them.

(-)

Name: Flannery Pugnator
Title: Gladiatrix Princess
Class: Brawler
Level: 40
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 71
Status: Healthy, Relaxed, Curious

Romance Rating: 92
Corruption Rating: 22

Known Traits
[Multi-Melee Master - Upgraded - Axes & Hammers] Your training includes melee weapons of all kinds! All one handed melee weapons become secondary weapon options for you. Additionally add Axes & Hammers to your list of primary weapons.

[Secret Romantic] You try and hide it or deny it but you are more interested in romance then you care to admit. Gain Romance Values for someone you desire at a higher rate then normal
[The Best Defense] Half of the average of your armor's defense resistances is added to your weapon's damage bonus
[Monkey's Grip] You can wield a single, two handed weapon in one hand with no penalty. You may not wield a second two handed weapon along side it, but may wield a single handed weapon, shield or item in your off hand.
[?]

A prized slave gladiatrix of Maros' Ironsands Coliseum she won a hundred fights in the arena... and demanded to fight a hundred more in exchange for another hundred slaves to be freed. Impressed by her conviction Baron Xander Pugnator freed the slaves and allowed her free reign to fight in the arena as she pleased, even adopting her to his house as his own daughter. She uses the earnings in her arena battles to buy slaves and free them.

(-)

Compared to other Traditionalist states Maros was a bit odd; mainly by having basic standards of treatment for their slaves... mostly. At the very least while other slave states accept the idea of 'work them until they break' Maros did things like... give slaves days off... and an allowance... and doctors visits... and excessive punishment was frowned on... and you weren't supposed to rape them...

I mean, sure, it's still slavery but comparing slavery in Maros to slavery in Elddale or Anvil is like comparing a paper cut to a missing limb; unpleasant but not that bad... by slavery terms, anyway. Hell, pitting strong slaves in the arena so they could earn freedom was a point of pride to them.. or earning freedom in battle in one of Maros' slave armies or even just by exceptional deeds. It was... respectable, I guess. "I presume you didn't saunter over to just say hi; and I've enough praise for a lifetime right now, so I don't need more." Xander chuckled softly and grinned, leaning a beefy arm on the table as I reached to the tea set, silently offering them tea to which both nodded.

"Ahh, you deserve more praise then you accept." Xander said proudly as I poured him tea. "Ha! You've brought the Dark Queen low, and not long after giving us the key to march directly into Garan. Accept the praise you have earned! But you are right; I am not here for mere introduction, nor to give more praise. Nay, I seek your counsel." He said, banging his hand to the table softly before moving to add honey to his tea; Flannery added some to hers but also added a hint of cream.

"As an enchanter? A mage?" I asked, blinking to him.

"As an Abolitionist." He replied as Flannery nodded. Well, this could be an interesting conversation.

"Very well. I'm sure my father would offer better counsel but I am willing to assist as I can." I replied as Xander chuckled.

"Honest and humble. Honestly, you could show more pride and bluster with what you've done... but it's not without it's own charm." He said smiling... before ending it to take on a serious face. "I presume that you are aware of my standing with the other Traditionalist lords?"

"I'm aware only of what I've heard; you and your house are considered the... how do I put this, that you and your house are the 'odd ones out', more or less."

"That is setting it mildly." Flannery let off with a... surprisingly more feminine voice then I expected; it was deeper then most women but not deep. "As an example; when father took me into his house there was no lack of insults directed to my house in general and myself in specific. The 'Piss Stain of the Ram' is my least favorite."

I winced at that as I sighed. "I can relate. When my parents adopted Miria, a catalan, they were very unhappy about it; some still call her the 'pet mongrel'." Flannery winced at that.

"I saw her before, yes. I think she is the one who shot one of Olga's attacks from the air?" She asked as I nodded. "You should introduce us sometime... but we are distracting ourselves from the point."

"Indeed..." Xander said as he nodded. "As more of a... Reformist state we've butt heads with out fellow Traditionalists time and again. They are far too abusive in their treatment of slaves, unlike how many of the records of the Imperium had it post Age of Conflict. More over as we attacked Eight Legs City, Widowtrail's capital, the Slave armies we employed were... more aggressive then usual. I freed the best of the battle and promised to uncollar the rest come war's end; yet even the freed did not return to Maros or leave Eight Legs, rather they remained to do their part."

"My understanding of Maros culture is limited as I only briefly passed through the realm, but isn't that what you celebrate?" I asked, wondering what he was getting at.

"Indeed... Indeed... and more then like soon we'll have no need of slave armies... and overtime I considered what the difference between a Maros with slavery as is and without could be... and I do not see a significant difference... Hells; the arena could be shifted to volunteers, indentured servants or more contract slaves like in Classa... if with a less sexual context." I was a bit surprised by this admittance but I tried to stay cool as he spoke before moving to enjoy some tea as I collected my thoughts before speaking.

"You would know my position and that I would encourage you to uncollar and free the slaves... but I can already see possible troubles there politically... So before anything else I need to ask; how dependent are you on the Traditionalists for non-slave economic trade?"

This was an important question to answer; Eostia bore what was called 'The Great Slave Chain' which was a series of Tradionalist, slave states bridged by limited states that allowed for the transport of slaves but didn't allow for slavery itself. That chain was thinning over the last several centuries and Xenera, once Victoria Daphne assumed command of it, changed to an Abolitionist state. That didn't break the chain but did thin it on it's southern side.

That caused significant worry in the Slavist states and Xenera even lost trade over it... although gained it back from Abolitionist states. Still, rumors of rising banditry (Likely 'subsidized') in the region was causing troubles as Traditionalist political pressure pushed down on the acting countess... Thankfully Victoria held firm. If that caused them to panic then Maros going Abolitionist would cause a heart attack.

The Barony of Maros was north of the Barony of Longroad which bridged the gap between the northern and southern slave states and Maros was Longroad's sole connection to those northern states. If Maros said no to not just slavery but the slave trade passing by it the the Great Slave Chain was cut not in two but in three. There would be no means to trade slaves from the north to the south and, thus, further isolate slaves from their original homes.

That wouldn't be the limits of the damage either; the Duchy of Hol'canna was connected to Maros via the limited state Yerical. That would mean both the two Traditionalist Duchies would be cut off from the Great Chain and unlike Anvil who could get to the chain via Balanar into South Point the Duchy of Hol'canna had no such means. The only means they could get back to the chain would be to enter Garan... but Celestine's plan was to negotiate with Olga and not depose her; I somehow doubt Olga would be okay with humans moving slaves around in her territory. More over even if Olga didn't return to the leadership of Garan then Iryna would be the ruler of the realm and I somehow doubt she'd be okay with it.

Too Long Didn't Read; Maros going Abolitionists equals Traditionalists mad. Fighting mad.

"I have... allies in the Conservatives, yes, but your worries are correct, we have some needs on other Traditionalists that cannot be replaced; at least not swiftly." Xander admitted. "As such I cannot risk fully abandoning them."

"Which means, for Maros, it would be more ideal to downgrade to a limited state." I let off as she leaned on the table as he nodded.

"Indeed... While I cannot fully risk abandoning them they cannot risk the same either; should I opt to bar slavery and the trade of such then the Great Slave Chain breaks." He said as I nodded. "Flannery disagrees."

"I think we should make a clean break of it." She said; she took a sip of her own tea and set it down. "While Maros' slavery is milder then the rest I would still not see people suffer it any longer then needed." She said softly as she looked to me. "You must agree that on moral grounds we must need to end slavery in totality and our position in Maros can force the issue; here and now." She let off; banging her fist down and while her power was obvious she was gentle enough to not overly disturb the table.

"I do have to agree with you on that point, Flannery. It is a moral good to do so... but as the Heir of Mungale I, regrettably, also need to consider politics and my realm's needs." I replied calmly. "To play Devil's Advocate for the moment; there would be an economic fallout for at least the short term that could cause major issues. I don't know the state of your economy or other such affairs but I imagine it would take years to fully replace your reliance on your current trade partners and find new ones; and even then it might take time to have them replaced to the same or better ratios."

"I... I am not... unaware of that." Flannery said, slumping in her seat a bit. "But it's something that must be done..."

"Welcome to the ruler's dilemma... trying to do the morally right thing, the economically right thing and the politically right thing all while serving your people." I replied with a sigh before looking to Xander. "There is a solution I do see. You don't seem like a fool or an idiot so I imagine you see it as well."

"A slow change, yes." Xander said with a nod. "Transition to a limited state and, once things are more stable and assured, assume an abolitionist stance. But I admit, for all of the issues it may cause we've always been traditionalists; even if a different sort to our counterparts..."

"There's an old saying to that." Both looked to me as I sipped my tea then set the empty cup down. "Tradition is a guide for the wise and a rule for fools." I said as Xander crossed his arms and hummed for a moment. "Tradition arises because it fills a need or a purpose when it appears, something that needs be done. Then time moves on, situations change, peoples change and what is needed and required also changes. If you want my position on the matter then it is this; things are changing and it's time to change with them, not by abandoning traditions but adapting them, changing them to fit the new needs. You already said you could swap to a Classa style contract slavery. Or perhaps wealthy patrons sponsoring gladiators and their matches for a cut of the profits."

"Hmmm..." Xander let off as he though as Flannery looked to me.

"The needs of your people comes first, others second... but they still matter." I iterated. "My personal maid was a slave and while she was from Maros it was by kidnapping and being taken to another state." Both of them winced as I said that as I sighed. "I got some of the tales of what happened to her and if she were to write them all down on a scroll it would roll from here to the Dark Citadel at least. If you can't end slavery here and now then shouldn't you, at the very least take the steps to end it tomorrow and thereafter?"

"... I... would prefer to end it all now... but the fall out would truly harm our people, possibly hinder them for overlong..." Flannery said as she crossed her arms and hummed in thought. "...But would doing it slowly be enough?"

"And I must admit changing our traditions to fit the needs is sound." Xander added with a nod. "...And the needs that gave us slavery are passed. This war the slave army has earned the uncollaring of all of Maros. Their efforts shall be recognized."

"Tell me; did you need my counsel or did you just need a push to do what you wanted to do in the first place?" I asked him with a smile as he chuckled.

"A push, yes, but more importantly clarity. My father... he was an unpleasant man at the best of times but gave good advice time to time." He said with a grin. "He said 'Xander, if you think you're being an idiot find a smart man and see if agrees with you or not'. Thanks for the time, Lord Noxdecus."

"Please, James will do when formalities aren't needed." I said as he chuckled as we both stood before shaking hands with one another. I turned to Flannery as she stood for the same but instead she gave he a nice, firm hug. It wasn't painfully firm but it did bury my face into the middle of her tits... Because, ya know, Eostia.

"I am sure we'll meet soon, James." She let off as she let me go with a giggle... and I could finally breathe once more.

What a day...

And I still haven't seen Alicia since she opted to walk in on me...

That'll be a fun meeting...

[-]

Mooncast City
Behind Palace Nightsong
Nightsong Mausoleum

"Why have you brought me here?" Plamya let off as she followed one Campbell Galeraven down the steps into the Mausoleum of her father's family. She frowned, arms chained before her in cuffs and with an escort of what seemed to be two human regulars in addition to the red headed knight. "And why is it so cold?"

"I recalled what you said in our fight and I asked around for information on a Zhenya Nightsong." Campbell replied, looking over her shoulder to the mixed elf. "I came up empty handed but recalled how the Palace was found when we arrived. I asked about the... bodies left behind." Plamya winced as she looked to the knight. "When we arrived everyone except Pasha was dead. We believe the bulk were servants and slaves and we moved them down here in the intern; it's been magically chilled to preserve the bodies for examination and burial. But as I looked through the reports I noticed an oddity; a well dressed, adult, dark elf male was found dead in a room with an adult, high elf female." Plamya stiffed as they reached the bottom of the steps and walked down the hall to a room. "I was... hoping you might be able to identify the bodies."

Plamya sucked in a breath of chilled, frigid aid as Campbell opened the door to the room before walking down lines of tables; clustered together in pairs with only enough room to comfortably walk past before moving to two. She looked to each and shivered and not due to the cold air. Each table bore a body on it, covered in a white sheet... and nearly showed a hint of dark skin through them. Campbell took in a breath before looking to the mixed elf. "I won't force you to look if you don't want to see."

"No. Better I know." The gray skinned woman said as the Galeraven heiress nodded once and reached for one sheet, lifting it up and pulling it away, Plamya sucking in a breath of chilled air. The woman's servant outfit was still on but stained with blood that had spilled from a deep stab wound to the center of the throat. Despite being dead and pale her looks were clearly obvious; fair skin, pastel pink hair and a face as soft and feminine as one could be. Then the sheet over the man was pulled off; a dark elf that was two shades darker then usual, even in death, and bearing short, blood red hair. His chin was wide and strong and his nose wide and flatter then normal. There was no obvious wounds but had one cared to pull the sheet off pulled they'd see how he was literally gutted.

Plamya shut her eyes as tears started to pull to their corners as she nodded. "It's them... These... are my parents..." She let off, her voice quivering and breaking as the tears pulled free of her eyes. Campbell was quick to grab her and pull her into a hug; fearful she might collapse to the floor. "...You claim you found them like this..?"

"Yes. Well, our people did, anyway." Campbell let off, a hand moving to the elf's back and rubbing her back. "Given the... relations between nations I'll understand if you have doubts on our sincerity-"

"I don't..." Plamya let off firmly as she shook her head. "Mother was never liked and father... ... Father loved her, more then his wife, but allowing me to be born brought him scorn and ridicule. I'm not surprised House Nightsong would do this... ... May I make a request?"

"Go on." Campbell said as Plamya gently pulled away from the human gently.

"Let them be buried together. If possible find a place in the mausoleum." She asked softly. "They deserve that, at least. They say one's mana remains in your body after death until the body decomposes... If they mingle together then... Please..."

"I can't promise anything beyond my best; but I see no reason you'd be denied."

"Thank you..." Plamya said to the Galeraven's response. "...So what is to become of me?"

"For now; you're a prisoner of war. When this war ends... we'll likely release you with a promise to not act against Eostia." Campbell said with a nod and a smile. "After that... well, that's your choice."

"...I have nowhere to go..." The mixed elf said as Campbell chuckled, arm wrapping around her shoulders as one of the escorts moved to replace the sheets.

"Everyone has somewhere they can go. Some just need to find it..." She said as she led the elf away and out of the room before starting to speak softer. "I know what it is like. I lost my father too. For a time I turned to food in excess to comfort myself... neither that nor time dulled the pain but... finding meaning and becoming the daughter he want has helped... Tell me, Plamya... what would they have wanted for you?"

Plamya frowned in thought; she... wasn't sure of the answer...

[-]

I finally got to see Alicia at a meeting early in the afternoon; we didn't get to speak but Prim assured me she had with her. Still I felt I needed to have that awkward conversation before too long. The Seven Shields were here as were myself and Klaus. General DuLouvenoir was also present as was some select lords; my father, Arnold von Blitzhaus, Jamica Galeraven, Stark Angelus, Xander Pugnator, Arthur Leosol and Tamah Rigald among them, as well as Iryna Syniy. We gathered in a war room and we sat around a large, round table as he went over reports and discussed the situation.

By now we had a better estimate on our total strength; of the seventy thousand odd people we had nearly half were considered casualties after the battle but surprisingly, and thankfully, the bulk of that was wounded as opposed to killed. Indeed it was estimated that some four thousand of the troops bore injuries that would be permanent or crippling enough to never fight again and another odd thousand was dead and while that was tragic in the grand scheme of things... we came out of it mostly intact. More over it was estimated we'd be back up to eighty percent of our former strength in a week or two and with some additional reinforcements due to arrive we'd be back to near, pre-battle strength within three.

By contrast our estimating of the opposing force was a bit questionable. We think they lost a quarter to a third of their attacking force and the forces left to guard the other Garanian capitals ended up clashing with the opposing forces meant to block them; they came out of it even worse, maybe to the point of loosing half of those forces. That said we had no idea how many injured they had. I summarized my thoughts on the matter to the room. "By all accounts Garan's fighting size is close to equal to ours now, or at least once our injured heal, but their leadership is gutted while ours is largely intact. Moreover our morale is soaring and they have to be feeling at their lowest."

"More importantly we've been using Lord Noxdecus' scrying devices to scan their numbers and we've counted less then thirteen trolls." Mallory DuLouvenoir injected. "They seem to be low on Golaiths and Gargoyles as well. Combined with our better logistical abilities and non-magical firepower we should maintain an edge. I would advise an assault on the enemy; if not for the purpose of battle then to lay siege to them."

"I maintain we might not wish to launch such an assault unless we are required to do so." Stark injected. "If soldiers are the coins of war then we are investing heavily here and not the rest of our borders. We cannot forget that every man-at-arms lost here and now is one that cannot defend another front later."

"How go negotiations with Queen Olga?" Tamah asked Celestine as she looked over to her.

"They've yet to truly start." Celestine replied with. "We have her aide, Chloe, with us and are allowing her some freedom to investigate the city on Olga's behalf. She is watched, of course, but I think she'll be more willing to cooperative if she's more attuned to her people's wants and needs; I suspect she's been isolated from the common elf. Once she understands her people's position and why many faced her army in the battle we hope she'll be more reasonable."

Unspoken was another reason that was unknown to most; Olga was recovering from a poisoning (I assumed Doctor Richardson was right) and once she realized what her condition really was Celestine hoped Olga would be more open to talks.

"Why should we bother?" A voice added with a huff. "We could just appoint Iryna Syniy as Queen of Garan and be done with it." The voice came from the lone catalan in the room that I was recently introduced to; Auryon Reid, a Dawn Templar who was, previously, a Lieutenant in Shield Division... and then Olga turned her boss, Keen Dux, to ashes and she was promoted to the rank of Commander in her place.

She bore short, silver hair with a few bangs hanging between her eyes and wrapping about her head like a helm. As a catalan she bore the normal cat ears and tail of her kind, matching her hair in tone, with blue eyes. She was slightly curvy but not overly so and wore the usual Dawn Templar Mana Armor that cupped C-Cup breasts. She bore a hand axe at her left hip with a red spell stones in it's head with Celtic designs carved into sides of the mythril and a shield set to her back; shaped and painted like the Dawn Templar's emblem. Additionally at her back was a doubled headed axe in a matching style as her hand axe with a red spell stone formed into a three inch spike at it's top. The head wasn't overly large but bore hooked blades to grab at someone and a four foot long shaft with a spiked butt.

(-)

Name: Auryon Reid
Title: The Dawn's White Tigress
Class: Warlord
Level: 32
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 71
Status: Healthy, Annoyed, Calm

Romance Rating: 102
Corruption Rating: 12

Known Traits
[?]
[Wildhood] You can survive in the wild with ease; building fires, setting traps for food, foraging for berries and more. -15% hunger and thirst in the wild
[Axe No Questions] You wield axes with greater ability then normal. +2% Str, Agi & Dex when using an axe.

[I Know Kung-Fu] You can learn any unarmed combat technique, Combat Art or skill by watching it being performed. Your only limited in replicating them based on your physical condition and any restrictions on elemental affinities.
[?]

The newly promoted Commander of the Shield Division of the Dawn Templars no one is quite sure how she ended up in an orphanage in Smolborough in Smol. She would become an Adventurer, using her enhanced senses to track and find her targets. She would join Smol's regulars and was brought into the Dawn Templars; first in Helm Division before transferring to Shield division to use those senses to find possible threats.

(-)

"While I agree with you, commander-" Arnold let off, and I could hear him utter mongrel instead of her rank given the tone of his voice. "-we must consider the politics. Any leader we implement will be opposed by Garan's nobility and while we're unsure of what their position will be after this we are aware the people of the realm follow them more out of fear then loyalty but we are unaware of what the overall response will be if we depose Olga."

"We can simply depose of them as well." Auryon let off with a snort as Arnold frowned at her. "It's not like the locals miss them at all." She was right... but nobility tended to be wary of deposing nobility out of hand... out of worries it can be done to them; even if this was a different situation then normal. That said there was a more legitimate reason; that would gut Garan's local leadership meaning we'd need to move a lot of our own minor nobility north to fill the gaps... and between the possible racism (On both sides), and loss of manpower in Eostia proper it wasn't an ideal proposition. The other option would be to train locals and raise them up to minor and local lords... which would take time and we'd still need to send people up to rule in the intern and train them.

"While that's true there's another consideration. We've interrogated Pasha Nightsong on certain things; the Dark Elven City State of Nidavellir sends the occasional investigation to Garan to gain the status of the realm." Claudia added with a frown. "Sadly we've no direct answer to what their military power or capability is; merely rumors and tales. That said they originally sent Olga south to conquer Arbalde and she managed it; we must assume that their military potential is considerable."

"If they opt to come south to see what's going on and someone not named Olga Discordia is in charge then there's a sizable chance they'll send more forces down to try and correct that." I added as I looked to the new Shield Division Commander. "If Olga is in charge then she can, with luck, reason with them and ensure they don't come knocking with an army or two." Auryon frowned but seemed to accept the reasoning. That said there was... other reasons too; one was the Right to Rule.

Right to Rule was an age old concept of who had the, well, right to rule over a realm. For most nations it was based on bloodline; you had the right because you were related to someone else who had it as well. In addition one could gain the Right to Rule by notable or great feats that have been noticed by a ruling royal. That said taking over a realm by force wouldn't grant you it from others; although post-conquest politics might.

Eostia was a little looser in that regards; uplifting promising and able commoners or knights to minor nobility or local lords was rare but not unheard of (As an example, see House Adelle) and was seen as a way to bring fresh blood upwards... but a number of Houses and such had more strict standards. In that regard no one questioned that Olga had the Right to Rule, but the Garanian High Houses also bore it. The question was, then, who had the Right to Rule who would be, if not friendly to Eostia, at least neutral to us. More over while we could raise promising locals to the ranks of nobility questions on the Right to Rule would abound within Eostia; anyone outside would likely reject their claims outright.

There was another possibility to why; Celestine. She was a pacifist by nature but what happened with the Bloody Griffins showed that she could be ruthless if the need demanded it, even if she hated it. If she felt deposing Olga was the best choice she'd do it, and she'd likely do it as well if there was nothing to be gained by Olga being on the throne... but...

"I won't press the question too hard..." I began as I looked to Celestine. "But by chance have you seen Olga in a vision of yours?"

That made the room go quiet for a moment... and it occurred to me after the words left my mouth that I should have asked in private. Dammit James... I think my regret showed as she gave me a look coupled with a light smile. "I cannot give the details, but yes she was a part of one." That made everyone perk up. "What I can say is based on what I've seen Olga as Queen and her aide Chloe by her side benefits us."

That made me wonder about what she saw but I think I over stepped as it was.

"If I may." Iryna said, speaking up for the first time in this meeting. "I agree that Olga remaining as Queen of Garan is for the best but I think my travels through the GOR has given me some more insight of the situation of the people's reactions."

"Very well, elf." Arthur let off, a tad rudely I might add. "What have you to say?"

"Those in Blazecrown are more loyal to the Queen." She began softly. "I think propaganda is stronger there, further from our borders. Some even pray to her. That said the issues with the lowborne are the same. Likewise smaller towns and more isolated locals seem to suffer the tyranny of the nobility less then usual. It is the cities that opinions of her are at their lowest." There was frowning at this but she wasn't done. "It was also there the people were most shook; the Dread Field is gone and all have noticed. Their queen's defeat is undeniable and many seek salvation. I would put them to the path towards the Goddess, of course, but many are despondent. I cannot predict their reactions."

That was... possibly an issue. "We could be looking at a problem then; depending on their reaction they could cause trouble for us, the Garanian nobility or both." Auryon summarized as Iryna nodded.

"Indeed. But I fear a possibly worse response." Iryna let off as I blinked at her with worry. "Absolute anarchy isn't out of the question. More over they may become unable to be governed by anyone aside from Olga."

"Suppressing the whole nation without Olga is going to be a nightmare." Xander said with a frown.

"Indeed; we can't handle that and mind all of our borders at the same time..." Alicia summarized with a frown. "But we still need to focus on a bigger issue; the rest of the Garanian leadership. What are they up to right now?"

"On the last check they seem to be trying to reconstitute." Auryon began as she looked to a report. "But estimations are that they'll have too few people to maintain anything if they draw up significant numbers. It's hard to say but we suspect their food stores are thinning quicker then they'd care for. Moreover we've been using the scrying device to keep an eye on things but also moving Spy Eyes in closer to listen in on conversations; they're starting to have a desertion problem. It's mostly in the ranks of their conscripts but also their enlisted."

"How bad is it?" Maia asked as the new Shield Division commander sighed.

"We're not sure yet; we do see them trickling away from the city." The catalan began. "We can't get a good idea of the numbers but from what we can see the rank and file aren't exactly quick on trying to crack down on it. More over we're noticing some... agitation within the Aberrant ranks. They seem frustrated with the situation and... well, if things carry on as they are something might snap."

"Could the Aberrant turn on them?" Prim asked as silence covered the room as everyone thought for a long moment. After I moment I had enough thoughts collected to speak.

"Based on my encounter with the Demonborne Blood Caller the Aberrant, in general, wants to conquer humanity and don't mind allying with others to do it; even like-minded humans." I began as the room looked to me. "If we assume that is true then they might have seen serving under Garan as a means to an ends; that ends being killing and raping humans. Thus far Garan has been doing poorly this incursion so they're likely dying more then killing and have haven't been able to get their preferred breeding stock. On top of that their patrons are, for the first time, in serious threat of losing the war outright."

"It would be like leaving the army unpaid and without means of entertainment for an extended period..." My father mused as he stroked his beard. "And while we've yet to understand the state of their leadership chances are they've rallied behind someone but their higher level and middle level commanders are likely replaced with less experienced counterparts. Their organization is like as not to be a mess."

"Garan is in a brittle state." Klaus summarized as he mused. "On paper they've still enough military power to be a threat. In reality they've never been so fractured. A hard strike from us could see them crack apart or pull together... but left alone they might fall apart and resort to infighting with no imminent threat marching to them."

"What are the chances we can communicate with them?" Kaguya asked, looking to the High Queen. "Could we ask for a parley to protect the lives of all in the nation as well as our people? Assuming they would bother to listen."

"Sad they say, they likely wouldn't... dummies." Lulu let off with a huff.

"I agree. Olga likely could make them listen, if we can reason with her." Celestine said as she nodded. "Garan's current leaders, whoever they are, are likely overwhelmed by issues but the Aberrant's response... that can be a issue for us as well, depending on what they do..."

"For now, no matter what we want to do we lack the strength until our injured heal." Merlin spelled out. "For now it's best we continue examining them and, if possible, get a man into their city for a more hands-on look and eyes closer to the situation. We cannot act without knowledge on the situation."

"Mmmm... Agreed." Arnold said, and you could hear the reluctance in his voice. "We cannot afford to be blind to the situation; regardless if we opt to go in or hold back. We need details on their numbers, their morale and who's leading them, if anyone."

"Indeed. In addition we'll be using Cloud Riders to bring more units to Mooncast; I want to be sure we have enough troops in the event we are attacked." Celestine said with a nod. "And on that note... let us bore ourselves on the logistics, shall we?"

No one was thrilled about logistics.

Didn't change that it was important.

[-]

One & a Half Hours Later
Nightsong Palace, Mooncast City
Quarters of Arnold von Blitzhaus

"Shit... She had a vision then, did she?"

As a member of the Cloaked Crowns and, more recently, involved with and knowledgeable about the designs of the Black Storm's plans on a deeper level he understood the sort of problems this could pose. To the lords and his allies outside of the Cloaked Crowns it seemed he was content with the way things were going; the end of the war would benefit Elddale in numerous, helpful ways and line his pockets as it's wealth and power grew.

He was also aware that the situation was a wrench in the works for the Storm.

The ideal plan was for the Storm to march north as Olga's powers weakened and, thusly, the Dread Field fell. The extended war would weaken both Garan and Eostia to the point that the Storm's forces, once gathered, could make short work of Garan with much of the nobility of Eostia willingly standing aside and holding back the rest of the forces... allowing power to be consolidated, the Legion to be swayed to join the new management and that army to then be turned back around to march south. The defeat of Olga Discordia, Queen of the Jagged Crown, by the Storm would bolster their image and sow fear in Eostia as it and it's banners was washed away and claimed by the new empire. Knowing more of the details Arnold admitted it was a solid plan, if not without risks.

Was being a key word.

Garan was now at it's weakest point and the Eostian forces were the ones leading the charge and while they were battered they were neither broken nor reduced to the point of such being a threat. The Dread Field was defeated and Olga Discordia not only fell in battle but in single combat. To that orphaned bastard's son, no less. More over the plan wasn't to face Olga until she was maybe at a tenth of her might; by what accounts he had she was at half strength; weakened to be sure but still formidable and more formidable then he was comfortable with.

The story of how James Noxdecus survived the Annihilation Stream and defeated Olga in her moment of shock was now well known and even he was forced to admit that using cold and ice in such a manner was a clever play; the boy was Merlin's son after all. But that little bastard had thrown the Black Storm's plan into disarray; Varro himself was impressed and stated he'd be spending the winter reforming his plans.

Between the loss of Beardsley and the interruption of the Storm's plans the brat proved to be a true thorn in their sides... and one that needed to be removed...

The issue was how to do so; anything not subtle enough would point back to him and his and acting through third parties carried it's own risks as that had been tried twice and failed twice, maybe even thrice given how the tale of the Fall of the Blood Bear went. The problem would require careful consideration and rushing into a solution would backfire.

More over there was another issue to consider; Chloe.

His friend's old slave had reappeared once more. It was a surprising boon five years ago when they were able to capture her as she was poking about Elddale's defenses and he was overjoyed to reunite her with her master... and then all the slaves they caught were freed, including Chloe, and they were back to square one. He of course knew who did it and could name who did it but lacked the proof to make it stand and even if he did he'd have an issue convincing a largely Abolitionist Council of Lords to back him on the matter.

And because of him she was once more in arm's reach but her new position as the Dark Queen's bloody trusted aide meant all he could do was huff, cross his arms and scowl; Celestine already denied anyone taking slaves from Garan and he doubted he'd change her stance on someone who was supposed to be a slave to start with. That being said if something were to happen to her then more then like Olga's attitude to peace would change for the worse... and perhaps, just perhaps the Storm's plan could be salvaged...

But how..?

That was the question, wasn't it?

[-]

After the meeting I had meant to talk to Alicia but she was approached by Celestine about something and, instead, I ended up talking to Iryna who asked a request of me. That request had brought us to Olga's room and me knocking on her door, flanked by two Dawn Templars, with her voice answering after a moment. "Enter." I would open the door and lead Iryna in as I gave a smile to the queen.

"Afternoon Olga. Chloe. How have you been?" I asked as we entered. Olga sat in a seat near the window; on the sill was a pile of books (Given the writing on the spines a mix of local and Eostian ones) with a book in her lap. Chloe was likewise reading but at the table. Olga would set a bookmark in her tome and set it aside. Both had a glass in arms reach with water inside of them and a pitcher of water, half full now and filled with sliced lemons. It was enchanted and would slowly fill with mana made water; perfectly safe to drink and was just, well, water until it evaporated.

"James. I am surprised you paid us a visit." The Dark Queen of Garan said as she looked to me. More over you could see a Battle Fleet game off to the side of the table as well as a Chess Board. "And who is this you have brought?" She asked; eyes slightly narrowing in curiosity at the woman with me.

"I'm sure you've heard of her by now but this is Marquisess Iryna Syniy." I said, gesturing to the Marquisess in question. "She's been the effective governor of what we've occupied thus far."

"While I wish it were under other circumstances it is good to meet you finally, Queen Olga Discrodia." Iryna said as she bowed respectfully. "Blessings of the Goddess be upon you."

"I see." Olga let off as she narrowed her eyes a bit more. "I'm surprised that Church of yours let's a dark elf pray." She let off as Iryna blinked back.

"There are two Larentian Churches." I pointed out. "The Una Vertias, which is simply called 'The Church' is racist to dark elves but the Anima Lux, or 'The Faith' is not. Lady Syniy is of the latter."

"Hmmm... I was not aware of that split... I should look into such thing, I imagine. If nothing else I have the time." Olga let off with a thoughtful frown. "What do you think Ch... Chloe are you okay?" She let off as I looked to her aide who was... looking at Iryna with slightly wide eyes; as if surprised by something.

"Ahhh, y-yes my Queen. I was... just thinking a strange thought is all." She let off. I opted not to press, but I wondered what it was she was thinking.

[-]

Chloe's Thoughts

'That's Iryna? G-giant! They weren't kidding about her beauty! She rivals my queen! Ahhh! Stop thinking about this Chloe! J-just picture her in the normal wear of a Garanian and surely you won't be so distracted!'

In her mind Chloe dressed Iryna in a black, Scale Weave bikini with loincloth, pauldrons, boots and bracers. Something she had seen a hundred times on a hundred different dark elves before... and yet when she finished envisioning such a thing...

'Oh no! She's hoooooooooooooooooot!'

[-]

Eh, I'm sure it was no big deal, whatever it was. Anyway... "Regardless, I was hoping to get an idea of how you're feeling and if you needed anything."

"Honestly; had the shoe been on the other foot I doubt Celestine would have been treated so well." She admitted with a sigh. "More then like she would have been held in a cell and chained to a wall. I feel less like a prisoner and more like an unwilling guest." She said, eyes shut as she reached for her glass and moved to take a sip.

"Nice to hear." I said as she looked to me.

"So, when will you ask if I've kept up on my medication?"

"I'm not going to be condescending on that." I replied to her curtly. "Besides, you're a prideful one, are you not? If you said you would do it then the only reason you wouldn't is if you had been rendered physically incapable of it."

"You are not incorrect." She let off sighing. "He even suggested I drink two glasses of water between meals at least; three preferred. Still the doctor is quick to check up on such things."

"He is a doctor." Iryna pointed out. "In Eostia doctors are sworn to uphold an oath to both do no harm and to help others as best as they can. Were you his sworn enemy he would still do all in his power to see you well."

"No one has the power to end Black Sickness."

"You might be surprised." Iryna replied to Olga with a giggle as she moved to the bed, sitting down on it as I moved to the wall and leaned into it. "Humans are inventive and like to improve on things and often do."

"Except when we don't..." I let off as I sighed. "There's always some idiot picking up a book, seeing an old idea and wonder why we don't do that thing anymore and advise it... only to have that thing fail or be worse then what was found later..."

See: Communism.

"The downsides of shorter lives." Iryna let off as she sighed... only for Olga to snort so softly I think I imagined it.

"Not a problem for him; seeing he's dragonborne." Iryna blinked then did a double take to it before looking to me in surpise..

"That's not public knowledge so you know." I told Olga as I sighed.

"It would be... wise to keep it that way." Iryna said as she shut her eyes for a moment, looking to Olga. "The Archbishop of the Church has a dislike for the dragonborne and if he were to know-"

"He knows." Iryna winced as I interrupted. "Last time we met he looked me straight in the eyes and while what he said was harmless how he said it was a warning."

"Of course... The Goddess maybe blessed, but she cannot always make it easy..." Iryna let off as she shook her head.

"What's with this... Archbishop anyway?" Chloe asked as I sighed.

"Long story made short; when the original Larentian Church split to what it is now the line of Archbishops have been... how do I put this?" I began as I frowned in thought. "While they're... not open about it, and are trying to stay secretive on it it's thought they are trying to make Eostia into a Theocracy with Celestine as one of their largest obstacles."

"So... the Church dedicated to the Goddess... wants to overthrow a fragment of the Goddess... to create a Theocracy centered on the Goddess?" Olga let off as she looked to me with her usual stoic gaze but a hint of confusion (Or rather a hint of WTF) in her eyes.

"It's hard to say but bets are a combination of wanting power for themselves, because they seem to be the 'we know better then you' sorts but also there's two texts in the religion; one written by the Sage segment of the Goddess and one by the Knight... They prefer the Knight's teachings and, well, Celestine is the segment of the Sage."

"And I thought those who worshiped me were odd." She let off, shaking her head.

"I'm sure you and Celestine can bond over it." I said with a chuckle as Chloe huffed.

"I'm surprised she hasn't come to start her 'talks' yet." She huffed as I shrugged.

"She wants to be sure Olga's condition improves before starting." I began. "It's not like she's been idle either; we're still trying to ensure our people are taken care of after a hell of a fight." I said as Olga sighed, moving to stand.

"Excuse me a moment." She said walking towards the small bathroom. She said nothing else as she went to use the washroom. She had been drinking a lot of water recently.

"Besides; I've heard it's given you a chance to look into things and give the both of you a better view of things." Chloe winced at what I said. "I don't know enough of your positions to fully judge but if you want to correct the issues in the realm you need an idea of what they even are."

"... I want to argue but you are right..." She said as looked away. "I learned more about Garan's people in forty hours then I have in forty years..." She said with a sigh.

"Yeah; it can be a bit shocking once you realize something you thought was one thing was another." I let off as she gave me a bit of an odd, surprised look. In my case it was 'free slaves, all groovy'; it wasn't until after we first dealt with Mandeville and Riri told me how long it took to think of herself as something other then a slave that I fully realized that it ain't that easy. I think Chloe had a question coming to her lips for me, but before it reached the outside of them-

"Impossible!"

-Olga shouted from the bathroom in shock; in fact it sounded more like a cry then an exclamation. Chloe was, naturally, the first to move and rushed to the bathroom, forcing the door open as I followed with Iryna following me. Olga had backed up from the chamber pot (Her bottoms pulled up thankfully) as she gawked at what was inside of it with her back pressed to the wall as her legs quivered. Chloe looked into the pot and gawked, backing up as well. A moment later I looked to see what was in it.

The water, from Olga's urine I'd say, was now a very dark yellow, nearly a dirty orange with wisps of black floating around; like a couple of drops of food coloring that was unmixed and just set into a bucket of water. "Well, there's your proof." I let off with a sigh as I looked back to Olga who...

Was not taking it well...

"Impossible... Impossible... This means... No... Someone poisoned me..." She let off, starting to pant heavily in panic with wide yet unseeing eyes as she shoved past Chloe, myself and Iryna into the room proper as she started to pant.

"M-my Queen..?"

"My own servants, my own loyal servants! They did this to me!" Olga all but shrieked out, ignoring Chloe's reaction as she started to pace around the room. I... thought this reaction was a bit extreme but I wasn't aware of the details of dark elf culture so a little cracking of the mind in this moment might have been warranted.

It wasn't helpful mind you...

"Calm thyself, Olga." Iryna said, holding a palm up. "Tis a deep wound-"

"And they did it over my failures!"

"-but such hysteria shall not benefit-"

"And what failures they are!"

"-anyone and worsen the-"

"I let those cruel fools ruin it all!"

"... She cannot hear me, I think." Iryna let off as Olga clutched the sides of her head, walking back and forth before the window as she panted hard, a hair away from hyperventilating. Chloe stepped up to her hands before her.

"My queen! Olga!" She let off (The first time I heard Chloe address her by name) as she came closer, trying to keep a calm tone. "Y-you must calm down; you are the Queen of Gar-"

"I am a Queen of Failure!" Olga let off as she shoved Chloe back hard enough she landed on her ass, stepping back as her aide helped and looked liked a kicked puppy as I sighed and stepped forwards.

Time for a new approach.

She really was starting to hyperventilate now as I walked forwards and she looked ready to shove me back but instead I pulled a hand back-

SMACK!

-and made Iryna and Chloe gawk as I gave the Queen of Garan a crisp but rather mild smack across the face with my open, right hand; there would be just enough impact to feel it and turn her head, not enough to do more then sting. I gave her a good, hard look as her face went from panicked to shocked to even a little upset. She even glared at me with more then a little anger!

Fun fact; slapping a face in such a manner is an insult to humans... it's a worse insult to high elves (Akin to spitting in their face, more or less) and I assumed the same for dark elves.

"You hit me!" She let off. "You slapped my face!"

"Yes, I know. I was there." I replied as her eyes narrowed for a moment. "But pissing you off seems to be a good way to make you stop panicking for a minute." Realization of what she was doing a moment ago made her revert to shock as her eyes widened and started to quiver in their sockets. "Start again and I'll spank you instead."

The glare returned. Good. "You would rather I direct my anger at you then myself!?" She let off, stepping in closer, nearly nose to nose.

"I'd rather you not do either and calm your damn tits." I let off in a stern tone. "Let's get this straight; you fucked up. Your nobles fucked up harder. And it bit you in the ass. So let me ask you this; what are you going to do about it?" I said firmly to her, not backing up an inch.

(Iryna would later tell me that the Dawn Templars stuck their heads in to see what all the noise was about, saw me browbeating the scariest woman on the planet and pulled away and shut the door; noping out of the situation.)

"You can run around like a chicken with it's head cut off, you can crawl into that bed and cry yourself to sleep, you can find some wine and drink yourself to death or-" And at this point I moved a finger to poke her chest (Not boobs, chest) in time with my words to enhance my point. "-you can pull up your big girl panties, remember you're the Queen of Fucking Garan, and instead of breaking pull yourself together and come up with a plan of action." I let off, perhaps a tad too firmly but give the stern but not angry look she returned to me means I got the desired response.

"... You are right. I am the Queen of Garan." She said, looking down and to the side for a moment before lifting her hands up and looked to her cuffs. "And these binds may limit that fact they do not change it. I... I need to be the Queen the land needs... No matter how many uncomfortable truths I must face and no matter how much pride I must sacrifice. As Garan becomes something greater only then can my pride be reborn anew."

I let off a breath I didn't know I was holding in; thank god this worked. "All right your highness the question is what's your next move?" I asked as Iryna stepped in and I finally moved to take a step back from her.

"Do remember; Celestine is reasonable as a ruler and is interested in seeing you stay on the throne." The Azure let off with a smile. "She wishes peace. She will be glad to help you help her... and in turn, help yourself."

"Hmmm..." Olga let off, crossing her arms under her bust as she thought it over. "... I do not know enough to give honest parley on Garan's behalf yet. I must learn more of my people's needs and wants first... I'll need to consider what I must do next..." She said before lowering her arms and looking to Chloe sadly. Chloe herself had relaxed and was even smiling softly... and tearing up softly. "...Forgive me Chloe... I... hurt you in my mania... I apologize..."

"I'm not hurt, my Queen..." She let off, shaking her head. "It's just... I'm overjoyed..." Olga blinked at her in confusion. "P-perhaps you were poisoned, yes, but... this means you truly are not sick! You're not dying!"

Olga's jaw opened, as if to respond, but shut it quickly before her shoulders slumped as she gave a tiny, barely there smile. "...I suppose that is one thing to be glad fo-ooff!" And Chloe rushed in with a hug... then blushed let go and jumped back.

"So-sorry, I-I didn't mean to overstep-hey!"

In case your wondering; I pushed Chloe back into Olga and the two grabbed one another in reflex. "I think she's overdue for a hug or two. And likely she'd prefer you do it over me."

"... It is... not unpleasant." The Queen of Garan let off, even giving Chloe a soft squeeze around the middle (Getting a squeak in return) before letting go. "If we may be left be for a time... I must ponder on what my actions will be."

"I'll let Celestine know, then." I replied with a smile as I turned to Iryna. "I guess we best be off and find someone else to pester, eh?"

"That is one way to put it." She replied, giggling before looking to Olga and bowing once more. "Blessing of the Goddess upon you and yours." She said as we moved to the door and left.

With luck things would be on an upswing.

[-]

"There you are." I let off as I saw someone in the gardens; they were nice gardens although the color choice for flowers were purples, blues and darker yellows and oranges. There was nothing in brighter, primary colors really; the gazebo (Well; it was square, bore a flat, slanted roof aimed to the back and had seats in the middle in a diamond shape in addition to the inside of the short walls, so different then a usual gazebo but still a gazebo) as I walked up to it.

Jumping in her seat a bit was Alicia who went full blush which... I didn't blame her about. Things had been busy since she walked in on me, but I felt it was better to clear the air now then later; she was sitting on one of the inner seats as I got there, leaning back and looking off and looking lost in thought on the clear day. "James... I, ahhh, should apologize for storming in like that, those nights ago..." She began as I sat down in the outer wall's corner to face her.

"It's fine. Honestly once I found the two there I should have locked the door to start with." I said, sighing a bit. "I thought it might have been a shock to you; Prim might not be a little girl anymore but I know you're still defensive about her safety."

"Luckily for us both she's grown in strength; more so since what happened at her party... Damned Halbert..." She hissed out as I nodded in reply. Really the only good thing that came from that was the exposure of the Black Storm.

"Yeah... It's strange." I let off as she gave me a confused look. "Sometimes I hate Halbert for all he did, yet when I think of what made him who he was I feel pity more then anything else. His actions are his own, of course, and no matter how unfortunate his life was nothing excuses it... All we can be glad for is he's not going to hurt anyone from here on out."

"Tsk, I just feel frustration about the whole thing; did I do anything back then?"

"Maybe not to Halbert directly but I'm willing to bet knowing you were in the maze made him more sloppy; the moment you showed up he was done no matter what." I replied as she crossed her arms.

"It's a poor substitute... Honestly; he's lucky he died when he did." She said with a huff.

"Anyway; he's not the topic of conversation." I replied with a smile. "I wanted to check up on you and make sure you're... not too upset over walking into that."

"It was my fault, I'll be honest, and while I... have reservations about it this is Eostia; Prim engaging in... that to someone she is betrothed to isn't unexpected." She said before looking up at me. "Although I'm also well aware you had sex with Maia as well despite that."

"I'm sure you spoke with Prim over it already. I won't make excuses of the like." I said as I was about to keep speaking before pausing for a moment. "... Although a part of it was because we had to hide that fact; I imagine once this war ends she'll want it made public... I'll need to speak with her on that; see where the boundaries change."

"That might be an idea. I know she's welcomed Kaguya into the arrangement, if nothing else." She added with a soft smile. I have no idea if Alicia is fully aware of just how welcomed Kaguya is as they she didn't see their... initial interactions before I arrived.

Either way any worries I had that the two of us would have an issue was gone as I leaned back and chuckled. "Anyway; enough of that conversation. I don't want to say too much but I think Olga's coming around; at least her poisoning was proven and-" Alicia turned her head quick and sudden to the gazebo's entrance and as I turned my head I could see some one walking over to us. "Gregory. What brings you over?"

He chuckled as he came closer and smiled. "Forgive me if I interrupted you; I was hoping to speak to you on something. I recovered something as spoils." He said as he reached into a pouch and pulled something out; a green spell stone of no small size that made me whistle at it. It was the size of a cell phone if twice as thick, although shaped like an oval and semi flat. He passed it too me and I was impressed; Grade Three... although on the lower end of it; Grade Three Point Two, if you will as opposed to a more standard three point five. Even so that was an impressive stone due to the size and grade.

"I presume you want it attached to something and have me enchant it for you, then?"

"Aye, aye." He said as he chuckled. "I was even able to dig up some mythril for a new weapon. It might take me sometime to find a smith equal to the work I'd like to commission but I was hoping you'd honor me with your enchantments when the time came." He said as I smiled.

"I assume it'll be an axe then?" I asked as he nodded... and I grinned in response and shared a look with Alicia who nodded. "I know a smith greater then the task at hand."

"Hoooo?"

[-]

Late Afternoon
Nightsong Palace, Mooncast City
Office of Celestine Lucross

"Are you feeling any better now?" Celestine asked as she finished pouring the tea between the two cups. She learned the office was meant for the Matron of House Nightsong... but with the palace taken over Celestine opted to use it for her own. There was an 'L' shaped couch in one corner with a square table before it and she sat on one side of it.

"To be honest, a little." On the other side was Olga Discordia. Despite the objections of her bodyguards Celestine opted to have them outside of the room during the talk. "The doctor checked up on me and said the... urine color is standard for recovering from Ashbloom poisoning. Sadly, if he is correct... and at this point, I've no reason to think otherwise, it will be months before my mana system fully recovers."

"That is unfortunate but better then never recovering." Celestine said as she added a bit of cream to her tea. "More over I understand that your... prejudices aren't going to vanish overnight. That you're willing to trust his opinion now speaks well."

"Don't misunderstand..." She said with a huff. "I am willing to admit that despite my expectations I have both been better treated and cared for then I expected... but do not expect me to like humans."

"It still speaks to improvement. And I know of spells to detect poisons I can teach you." Celestine said with a soft giggle. "Understand this; humans are imperfect and bear many saints and sinners in equal numbers... but we elves are much the same in that regards." Olga snorted but looked aside in thought; given the treatment of her Laborbonre she couldn't argue that. "Humans, I find, trend to accept they are imperfect much quicker then elves."

"...I wish to argue but I cannot. I myself have failed in this endeavor." She began as she sighed. "I have failed and need to begin repairing the damaged I allowed to happen. In this case before I can consider any peace talks with you and yours I need two favors from you."

"Name them." Celestine asked as she moved to sip at her drink.

"I wish to hold an open court." Olga began to explain as Celestine moved to set her cup down. "I need to have Laborborne brought from across Garan to me. Those willing to air their grievances and their problems to me; openly and frankly. I need those willing to stand up and question me. I understand that we cannot bring those from Blazecrown here but the rest are open; cities and towns alike."

"The Cloud Riders can transport them and while we lost a number in the last battle we've refreshed the numbers of them somewhat." Celestine replied as Olga moved to sip her own tea; no sugar or cream added. "If you can give me a couple of days I should be able to assemble those you wish for a Court. That begs the question then; what other boon do you ask for?"

"I wish to allow Chloe to visit and tour a city in Eostia." Olga said as her cup was set to the plate. Celestine blinked, surprised at the request. "I ask this for two reasons; the first is I wish to gain an idea of what the state of the Eostian people is at current."

"Something tells me there is another, more subtle reason." The High Queen said to her counterpart who nodded.

"Chloe is... defensive of me, as you may have noticed." Olga said as she looked to Celestine. "Should she be in the Court as I hold it she may become combative or hostile to those speaking to me. I do not need my people being intimidated or becoming hostile in what will surely be a tense and possibly frustrating series of talks and conversations."

"Indeed... There is value in knowing which aide to bring to such an event." Celestine said with a nod. Indeed; bringing Prim, Claudia or Kaguya to such a thing would be more idea for her then the more prideful Alicia, immature Lulu or flippant Maia even if all three of them had their own strengths. "If we were to do this then I would needs give her a sizable enough escort; four at least. I would also set James to go with her."

"I assume that would make sense..." Olga said with a nod. "With his status as the one who finally defeated me I imagine it would be little trouble for him to smooth over any issues."

"Indeed; as you know his strength first hand." Celestine added. "While the trip should be mostly safe there is always a risk no matter where you are."

"You think your people would cause such trouble?" Olga let off, clearly surprised at her.

"You need to understand something here." Celestine said as she looked back at the Dark Queen. "There are various politics pushing and pulling inside and around Eostia and while I doubt the majority of my people would cause any issue there are other factors at play; you are aware Eostia is not the only nation of humans, yes?" After Olga nodded she carried on. "Eostia has rivals at her borders; Dominious and Nyaru desire much of our territory as does Balanar, even if they are no position to do so and currently rely on us against their southern rivals. More over are organizations from the fallen Brazen Empire that are trying to undermine Eostia and reshape it as they see fit. There is yet more, however."

"More?"

"Indeed." Celestine said as she looked Olga in the eye. "You know of my visions? I must share one I've had with you..."

[-]

"Well, it's quality, full mythril, that's for sure!" The source of the mythril Gregory gained, as it turns out, was four mythril swords; likely pulled from Nightsong's vaults. Spoils of War and all of that. One sword was set onto the anvil within the Palace's forge as Lulu finished her inspection of it; the other three standing on their points and leaning into that same anvil. Naturally the halfling opted to spend time here and making it her home-away-from-home. When Gregory asked for an able smith... well, I didn't know a more able one!

"Indeed. Say what you want about the local artisans; they know their craft!" Gregory let off with a chuckle. Indeed; the forge was well stocked with tools... and an oddly shaped anvil; it was flat topped, round and bore two horns for shaping on opposite sides; one rounded and one squared with the square one having a hole set to it like normal anvils.

"Bet they can't make an axe like me though!" She let off, grabbing the anvil and hopping onto it's top where she stood up. "So; how much weight do you want in the head?"

"A goodly amount. Maybe a pound or so heavier then what I have now. Here." He let off, drawing his great axe out and passing it to her. Lulu held it with ease and adjusted it to a grip to fight with and nodded.

"Hmm... Solid weight..." She let off, shouldering it. "As you know mythril is light which is fine for most swords and spears but any blunt weapons usually have lead set into them to add weight back in for impact; usually with axes too." She said before smiling. "Buuuuut I like to smelt a half in half mix of mythril and steel and then wrap pure mythril around it. That means you don't have a gap with a softer metal inside of it so it's more durable overall. If I can dig up enough gold I can make both a golden mythril mix which will have a hint more weight to it. What sort of back end do you want? Double headed, hooked, hammerhead?"

"Hammerhead would be nice; perhaps with a top spike." Gregory asked as she nodded. Lulu nodded and passed his axe back as she cupped her chin and hummed.

"That's more then fine... Yeah... Give me a few days."

"That soon!?" Gregory let off at Lulu's declaration as Alicia sighed.

"She once said she could make three axes faster and better then three master smiths all at once." The Princess Knight of Feoh said as she smiled a bit. "She pulled it off." Gregory's eyes rose up in surprise as I chuckled.

"Well I think that covers that, ne? Which is where I come in regarding your new stone." I began. "What are you hoping to get out of it?" I had taught Gregory both Holyblaze Weapon and Holy Flare but given his preferences he'd likely use the former more then the latter. That being said I could see him getting use out of non-holy spells set to it.

I assumed the usual for a warrior with magical ability; enhanced durability, ever sharpness, magical focus and such. I could see slapping on Tailwind, Regenerate Wounds and Shadowblaze Weapon as they would all be useful to him.

"You know your Shining Gemini?" I nodded as he spoke. "I enjoyed the way that you could throw a half of it and have it return to you. Do you think you can manage that with such a weapon?"

"Hmmmm..." I let off as I thought about it. I used one half to direct the other to where, or more aptly who, it returned to... but it wouldn't be that hard to have it read it's wielder's magical signature and attune to it slightly; enough that it would read a command via the mana system. It would take some work but coupling it with Levitate, Tailwind and Vortex Tunnel could do it; much like Thor's Mjolnir. "It would take some trial and error but I'm sure I could pull it off. Maybe add a Thunder Lance or Fireball spell that triggers on impact? Or even a Holy Flare?"

"Hmmm... What about your father's Shine Cracker spell?" He suggested as I blinked. My father had recently revealed some hybrid magic of his own; one of which was a Holy/Lightning attack spell called Shine Cracker. I wasn't overly fond of the name but it was a potent spell and, more importantly, I was planning on doing research into hybrid magic; I could piggyback off my old man's work as I do my own.

"I'll need to ask him to teach it to me first, but I see no reason he'd refuse." I mused with a nod. Not to mention the spell would be an excellent addition to my own arsenal; in a way it would be a great attack to pair with Dark Flare as it could do a lot that the darkness/fire spell couldn't; such as drain mana reinforced barriers, spells like Earth Wall and Ice Wall, drain enchanted armors or weapons... in theory you could even use it to nail a spell that's in mid-air and drain it, nullifying or reducing it's power.

In short Dark Flare was better against any casted shield, Mana Armor and Armor Weave while Shine Cracker was good against everything else that was magical. "I'm sure he will. I know you've both had your work, but I imagine he'd be more then willing to spend time on that!" Gregory boasted as I nodded.

"Right. Anything else I should add to it? I should be able to jam in a bit." I asked as he grinned.

"I'll trust your judgment on that, Young Lord." He let off, hands on his hips.

"And with that I'll have you lot get lost." Lulu let off with a grin. "I'm gonna have fun with this! And when I'm done you owe me drinks, big man." She added pointing to Gregory who chuckled back.

"I'm sure my coin purse can afford it." He let off.

I was... less sure about that...

[-]

Nightsong Palace, Mooncast City
Office of Celestine Lucross

"... And you believe this... Black Storm has had a hand in my poisoning?" Olga let off as she read a strange, black letter with red ink upon it. The tale of Celestine visions (Minus James' part in them) along with a brief lecture on the Cloaked Crowns and what she knew of the Black Storm had finished as Olga drank in the new information and considered it's meaning.

"As the doctor said the poison isn't well known in Eostia; I imagine it's nearly unknown in Garan." Celestine said as Olga frowned in thought. "We know the Storm aims to lay low Garan and then Eostia in turn. They couldn't have known of the advances we made in communications before they began their plan. Moreover we've uncovered some smuggling operations in which Garanians smuggle in various Eostian luxuries." She let off as Olga leaned back into her seat.

"A poison would be not much harder to bring in... But to set it to my food requires they have contact with someone on my staff."

"I doubt the person poisoning your meals is the one in contact with the Storm; more then like there is at least one middle man between that person and the smuggler. Perhaps even two." Celestine explained as Olga frowned deeper. "We are sure that the Storm are in league with the Cloaked Crowns or at least speaking with them."

"And they must know of the Laborborne's troubles and exploited them to their own ends." Olga said with a frown as she set the letter down and picked up her tea cup. Rather then sip upon it she tapped a finger to it's rim for a moment. Finally she pressed it there and held it. "I found an odd report on my desk sometime ago. A hobgoblin in the Legion was spreading rumors of a 'great leader' that was destined to rise from the south and launch a mass conquest with grand rewards for his followers. He was set to the sword, of course, by loyal ogres... But I wonder if he was the only one?"

"When was this?"

"Mayhaps... six or seven months past."

"Hmmm..." Celestine let off, moving to sip her tea as she considered the reply she gained. "This does confirm my fears that Aberrant are in the Storm's numbers... I can only imagine how long they've been moving under our noses. The mastermind behind this has to have been planning this for years if not a decade or more. Maybe a short time to you and me but if this is a human at work-"

"Then he has a patience beyond my own if the lifespan were scaled up." Olga let off, frowning as she nursed her cup. "For such short lived creatures they are ambitious... I'm forced to admit that these past few battles have forced me to respect them more then I considered... and how brittle a defense the Dread Field was..."

"Do remember that your understanding of humans comes from your people's beliefs and they of you due to your reputation. You have never before now met humans save on the battlefield." Celestine replied. "There are many good people if your willing to find them. But back to subject; once this war concludes we should start to ferret out the details of who poisoned you. I would be surprised if things ended with us uncovering everything; but even unveiling a hint of the situation would be helpful. Bit by bit we can uncover the truth of who is behind this all."

"If nothing else I owe them some payback for what was done to me... Even if, in certain ways, this works to unveil uncomfortable truths." Olga let off, sighing. "... Tell me... how deeps does this plot run?"

"The Prime Minister of Feoh was a part of it but killed himself before he could be brought in. More over there's a few others we suspect but can't prove yet." The Eostian Queen replied. "We are certain we've found a pair of merchants in the Strom's employ and are watching them to see what can be found."

"I see. With luck more shall be found..." Olga said as she moved to sip her tea before setting it down. "...Do you think they'd forgive me?" She asked as Celestine tilted her head to have her explain further. "My people. Given the depths of my failure I... do not expect much."

"I will admit; forgiveness is something you need to earn and not all will be willing to part with it." Celestine replied with a soft smile. "But I think if you are honest, upfront and express your remorse I think the bulk will come around and more after them. That said you will need to work for it all."

"I would expect no less."

[-]

Finding my father took little time. Convincing him to teach me his spells was effortless and only cost me teaching him Dark Flare, Holy Flare and Holy Flare Spread. A fair price, all things considered, for what I got in return.

(-)

Shine Cracker [Lvl I] (0/1000)

Magic Type: Lightning/Holy Hybrid

Cool Down: Moderate

Mana Cost: Very High

Direct a blast of soft golden hued lightning at a target, causing damage and can stun or paralyze a foe for a moment. This attack is less effective against properly grounded targets and might strike a metal object between you and your target. This spell will also drain your target's mana (If it has any) and returns a portion of it to you.

Shine Guard [Lvl I] (0/1000)

Magic Type: Lightning/Holy Hybrid

Cool Down: Moderate

Mana Cost: High

This will allow the user to create a physical shield of soft golden mana that blocks physical and magical attacks and crackles with lightning along the surface. This spell will drain the mana of any magical attack or weapon that strikes it returns a portion of it to you.

Arcane Blast [Lvl I] (0/1000)

Magic Type: Arcane

Cool Down: Moderate

Mana Cost: High

Fire one or more spheres of arcane magic (Depending on the Spell's Level) at a target. It will explode on impact causing concussive damage with an arcane blast wave.

Scatter Burst [Lvl I] (0/1000)

Magic Type: Arcane

Cool Down: Moderate

Mana Cost: High

Fire one or more spheres of arcane magic (Depending on the Spell's Level) at a target. You can choose to detonate it into bomb of arcane shards in all directions or a specific arc.

Shine Burst [Lvl I] (0/1000)

Magic Type: Arcane

Cool Down: Low

Mana Cost: Low

Fire a small bolt of magic at a target. On impact or when the caster wishes it will shatter into multiple shards that explodes into flashes of bright, differently colored lights to blind and disorient a foe.

(-)

Shine Cracker and Shine Guard were the real prizes, obviously, but I could see a lot of uses for Scatter Burst and Shine Burst; I could see throwing a Scatter Burst behind someone's cover or shield and shotgunning them with the bolts it made and Shine Burst looked like a Magic Missile and I've relied on blinding foes more then once. Arcane Blast I was less excited about; I had Fireball, Arctic Orb, Dark Flare and Holy Flare already and all filled the 'exploding ball' niche but with different effects. Still, who knows? Could be useful down the line.

I went to the training area and started to grind on Shine Cracker as much as I could. As a target I choose a fist sized, grade eight stone found inside the palace that might have had some use in something moderate (It wasn't weapons grade, to be sure) as a target and I could feel the mana entering my system on each use. I did this for two reasons; one was to get used to the feeling of the draining effect filling my system and the other was this would extend how long I could cast for. Come the next morning I managed to get it up to level two with the help of a couple of mana potions. The higher I got it the better I could use it and enchant it, after all.

More to the point I asked Olivia about gaining TP when I had no quests at hand and I was a bit surprised when she said I could set it to convert my weekly training XP into RTP; every two hundred and fifty earned would turn into one RTP. Well... that's good to know. That meant, if I did that, I was guaranteed ten RTP per week with a chance of up to twenty at the cost of no training XP that week; any overflow would be stored for the next one.

Well I had willing Dawn Templars to spar with and spar I did; of twenty five spars I won twenty one and lost four; that earned me eighteen RTP, a hundred XP in overflow to the next point and nine hundred and twenty XP from my Rising Star title... that wasn't converted. Whatever; I bought the Hybrid Master trait, had thirteen UTP left over and when I tried Shine Cracker next I just had a more... instinctual understanding of it.

And it took less mana to cast. This would be useful.

That being said from here on out I'd need to pick between collecting XP and collecting RTP each week... and RTP might be more useful as time goes on; at current the limits of the training XP I can get per week is fixed but the amount I need to get to the next level will grow as my level grows. Still; it would be useful to top up and reach a level when other means fell short.

Regardless it was mid-afternoon when I was training Shine Cracker once more when Celestine found and approached me in the training room and asked to speak to me. She led me to a small sitting room and had tea brought in as we sat down across a table. "I've been talking with Olga and while nothing is considered formal yet we've made headway. She's made a pair of reasonable requests that I've granted; one being that Chloe is to visit and tour an Eostian city. After some time we choose Riverport City in South Point."

I recalled Riverport; we didn't stay there during the Eostian tour but rather bypassed it to head to Port Saint Carter. As the name suggested it was founded by a river that connected to the Great Sererian Lake which allowed for significant defenses to be set in place for any naval assault. The more central position made it more ideal for administrating the large duchy, the river still gave access to trade by sail and it was well fortified. The place was as safe as any in Eostia but I had two concerns about the choice.

The first was distance; South Point was as far from Mooncast City an Eostian city could be that wasn't in Thorn or eastern Ansur. It seemed like a long way to go to give Chloe a tour of a random city when Stonewall in Ur and Primus in Geofu were, comparatively, closer, as was Ken's Skyguard and Skycrown Cities.

The other was while House Silversail was an Abolitionist House due to treaties with the Traditionalists they were forced to keep South Point as a Limited State. While that meant a no-no on slavery and taking slaves some people won't listen. More over the trade of slave hunting isn't that uncommon over there and Chloe would still be considered by some to be an escaped slave and the rightful property of John Mandeville.

Naturally I voiced both of them. "I understand the worries. I assure you I do, but this choice wasn't made lightly. For the second concern that she is our guest should be protection enough and to ensure such I will deploy members of the Shield Division as well as you to escort her. You'll be playing both guard and guide for her and doing your best to showcase Eostian culture, untainted from previous experiences. That she is a dark elf may cause troubles but as Mungale's Champion I am sure you can smooth things over if it comes to it." She said... as I sighed.

Yet another nickname... "And in regards to the first issue?"

"Olga has asked to hold court with Garanians across the GOR." Celestine said as she took on a more serious look. "She is worried that Chloe might be too aggressive in defending her from criticism and in doing so undermine the point of what Olga wishes; to hear the grievances and wounds of her people. I believe she is a good ruler in what she wishes for her people but a poor one in her understanding and implantation. I am hoping I can act as a guide in this manner. For this Court, however, Olga thinks it's best to busy Chloe elsewhere."

"Better you then me, I guess." I said with a sigh. Not to mention while I was expected to know politics it was from the point of view of a small barony, not a whole, damned kingdom! On that thought, if that was the aim then when we leave I should swing by the manor and pick up Riri; they shared a cage for awhile, after all. "I'd like to stop at the manor for something first; I imagine that won't be too much of a detour."

"Agreed; and with luck perhaps you can guide Chloe through some of her hurts as well on your trip." She said with a smile. "I will have you leave the day after tomorrow so prepare as you need. With luck there will be something that benefits the both of them."

"Here's hoping."

[-]

Nightsong Palace, Mooncast City
Quarters of Arnold von Blitzhaus

"You were able to listen in on this meeting?" Arnold let off, blinking to his youngest son as he nodded. According to his son James had been led away from training and brought to a sitting room by the High Queen Celestine Lucross. Two Dawn Templars minded the door but he was still able to slip into the room behind it. "How? One or both of them would have placed a spell to avoid sounds escaping the room."

"I made a little device of my own." Channer replied as he pulled out a comb; it was a well made one made from ivory and decorated with the image of a dragon carved into it; a spell stone was set to each corner that was molded over the comb as a corner to act as a grip. Arnold knew that the stones could also act as magical focuses; allowing Channer to use the comb as a wand to grant him a discreet weapon in the case of an emergency. "It took sometime but I created an enchantment that can bypass a silence spell. It's hard to describe but it's pushing mana through the wall in a short, thin line that allows the sound to pass through one stone to the other; but you need to have your ear to one stone to hear it."

"Impressive... How long have you had this spying tool?" Arnold asked as he took the comb and turned it over in his hand.

"A couple of weeks; I've needed to tweak it a bit to perfect it but I got it to work." His son said with a nod. "I thought we might need something to listen in on potential rebels or rabble rousers. Given how easy things have been it wasn't needed but I kept it up anyway; first time I've used it on someone else's spell."

"That Celestine did not catch you in the act is impressive." Arnold let off as he chuckled as he passed the comb back. "So then... Tell me what you learned." After a discussion over tea Channer would explain everything; the headway made with Olga, her plan to hold court as well as Chloe's escorted trip to Riverport City in South Point, drinking in what details he could gleam from his son's eavesdropping. He hummed a bit as the story came to an end, finishing a sip of his tea before setting it down. "So... Celestine's plan goes apace..."

"I guess. I'm still a little annoyed at the favor James is getting but... I'm upset but he's earned it..." Channer admitted, even as he huffed with crossed arms.

"You are calming on the subject. Good." Arnold said with a grin. "Hard as it may be keep your jealousy in check and maintain your friendship with him. Gleam what you can of his secrets and use it to your advantage; someday you may win over him because of it."

"Does this help you in any way?"

"Hmmm... It tells me a bit; namely that Celestine's velvet gloved approach seems to have traction with Olga." Arnold answered as he moved to nurse his tea cup for a moment. "That said there isn't much to it we can use yet; but knowing how much the High Queen is coming to rely on Noxdecus is worth knowing. Let me know what else you learn with your comb and once your sure it's perfected we may find other ways to employ it. You did well."

"Thanks dad..."

"Tell me, what else have you come up with?" Arnold asked, paying attention as Channer explained what he had planned... but in truth he was considering the situation. As the Count and future Duke of Elddale he was satisfied with the situation as it stood.

As a member of the Cloaked Crowns and ally to the Black Storm it represented an opportunity; Chloe was dear and near to Olga, clearly. Should something happen to her then it was clear it would upset Olga, perhaps enough to disrupt any and all peace talks... That could salvage the Storm's plans... That being said he had no significant influence or agents in South Point.

He did have a single option open to him, however; his friend and mentor, as well as Chloe's rightful master, Sir John Mandeville. He knew John had contacts inside of South Point including reputable slave hunters who would reclaim escaped slaves. Thus far Channer was unaware of his relation to the Cloaked Crowns; his more gentle nature made him less of a fit... but someday he would learn...

Learn and stand by his side when the time to rule came...

[-]

An Hour Later
Outside of Rexterra
Eastern Balanar
Mandeville Manor, Office of John Mandeville

"Remember; no matter what happens, as far as anyone must know I said nothing." John Mandeville looked to the projection of his friend, Arnold von Blitzhaus, as he spoke from the voxlux propped up on a book. Both knew there was a risk of James Noxdecus listening in on them but Arnold was willing to gamble he had no desire to invade privacy; even his.

"I appreciate it." John said as he thought about it. "You're sure he's not listening in?"

"Mostly sure." Arnold said as he frowned in thought. "There's a chance that could change but given his and his father's morals I doubt it. If I thought it was too grand a risk I wouldn't have chanced it."

"Thank you. I'll leave you out of the planning then; easier for you to feign ignorance." John said with a nod as he smiled. "I'll see you later."

"Goodbye old friend." Arnold said before the call ended. He would stand and move to his shelf, grabbing a chilled, spell orb glass and a bottle of whiskey, returning to his desk and sitting back down, pouring himself a glass and setting the bottle down as he sipped upon it and considered his actions. It would be impossible for him to reach Riverport in good time; those flying wagons meant they'd more then like arrive in two days and he'd take a week at best. As such he needed someone that was two to three days out; four at most.

He sipped his drink as he mulled over the matter; on top of that they would need to either be strong enough or clever enough (The latter would be preferred) to deal with four Dawn Templar in addition to Chloe and James Noxdecus. Chloe, as she matured, he had trained to be an able bodyguard and assassin. True, she was too treasured to risk on an assassination mission but if the chance came he wanted her to answer his call. Given she took a place at the side of the Queen of Garan he had to assume her skills didn't rust and if anything improved.

And then there was the bastard.

James Noxdecus was a thorn in his side since he tried buying Riri as a slave and recovering Chloe, a bigger thorn when he tried reclaiming Riri and then he took his son's hand. He was an adversary before, now he was a sworn enemy but he would be foolish to under estimate the brat again; by every account and tale he had heard he was a stand out in the war so far and that was before defeating Olga. He trusted Captain Axiom's opinion that the Queen of Garan was weakened from something in that battle but the fact stood even defeating a weakened Olga Discordia was a feat.

Six strong opponents. It would require greater strength to overcome this but even in such a case those who tried would be hunted by Eostia to the ends of the Earth if caught. He would need, then, someone clever and able to out think and out maneuver these forces and avoid capture and notice.

Available, clever and willing to take the job on short notice that he could rely on... That was a short list but there was an old friend he could rely on as he set his finger to the voxlux. "Call, Gwyn Dychryntaan." He let off removing his finger as he watched it ping on his desk as he awaited an answer. It took several seconds but soon he had an answer; an aged face some four years younger then his own looking back. The beard was white with hints of gray on the edges and brown on the furthest of those edges; kept short and neat; merely an inch long. The same could be said about his deep gray eyes set to a weathered and worn face with wrinkles; age and power both in those lines to go with light, long healed over scars. The soft clatter of a helm sounded as Gwyn looked to him.

"John, you old bastard! Good to see you once more!" The man in the image let off.

"Gwyn my old friend, did I get you at a bad time?" John asked him as he looked to the image.

"No, no... We just finished a job, saw her on her way." Gwyn let off with a grin.

"Still have Geir's and Angus' boys with you?" John asked as Gwyn grinned.

"Aye, aye, Gerik and Fergus are here and learning the good'ole trade." The other elder man let off with a chuckle and a grin. "But I guess you didn't call to check up on me?"

"No. I have a task but one very difficult and challenging. I need someone smart and able." The Mandeville man let off as he gave Gwyn a stern look. "Should you decline the task I would not blame you for it nor would I think less of you for it."

"That challenging, eh?" Gwyn let off as a hand same up to stroke his beard. "Well, let's hear it."

"In two day's time James Noxdecus and four Dawn Templars will be escorting the Dark Queen's aide to Riverport City for a tour. Given his new flying wagons he'll arrive in one to two days after he departs." John said as he gave a grim face. "That aide is none other then Chloe."

"Chloe? Ahhh, damn... It's been too long since we enjoyed her..." Gwyn let off as he grinned. "Honestly, I am still surprised that you trained her so well that a ogre's arm managed to fit in both holes. Hmmm... I'm just outside of Riverport; half a day away so time isn't a problem... Working out how to deal with the escort to get her alone is the real challenge."

"Indeed... I don't think I need to tell you what either Noxdecus or the Dawn Templars are able to do." John warned him. "You'll need to find someway to isolate her from them; perhaps you and the boys can handle one of them and capture Chloe, two at most. More over while I have reason to think Olga wasn't at her full strength she was still defeated by James Noxdecus in single combat and he is very dangerous. He might be more dangerous then then any single one of the Templars alone..."

"Indeed... Still, I know of him... He kept you from taking home Chloe, that halfpint and took Cyrus' arm, eh?" Gwyn let off as he stroked under the left side of his lip with a thumb as he thought. "Hmmm... Alright then. I can't promise results given the situation and how little time I have to plan, but against that bastard? I'd like to take a crack at the job if it leaves him with mud on his face."

"Thank you. Whatever comes do not die on me." John said sternly with a slight glare. "Noxdecus is exceptionally more capable then I first expected. Underestimating him cost me dearly. Do not make the same mistake that I did."

"Of course. You'll know the outcome by the end of the week."

[-]

"Is... this thing safe?" Chloe, clad in a black tunic and hooded cloak, let off as she looked at the large wagon as the Dawn Templars loaded their luggage into the back. To my surprise Myna Moonguard, one of the members of Sword Division I met in Geofu, was a part of our escort. Naturally I choose the first one I made, the painted one, as our vehicle of choice.

"It's proven to be; as long as no one's throwing a fireball at it." I replied as I moved to the pilot's seat as our escort loaded into the back. I moved in front of the stick and looked over to Chloe before moving over and extending a hand to help her up but she opted to ignore it and just climb in next to me. Given what I knew of her I opted to not be offended as I activated the wagon. My own things were loaded and Chloe was given what she'd need for a trip as I guided the wagon away from the palace. Soon we were on the main road out of the city and driving towards the gate; like Eostian cities there was a field around the city that prevented entrance and exit via Levitation as it would cut the spell if you tried it.

Of course people saw us as we went along; the self propelled wagons always drew attention and here was no exception. I even had people (Eostian and locals alike) wave to me as I drove by and, of course, I waved back. Once we were outside of the city and on open road I sped her up and with no fanfare took her into the air. Despite knowing what was coming Chloe still yelped next to me; clearly not aware of how it would work. I would reach out and activate the map and set a course to Mungale Manor; my Garanian passenger gawked at the thing before her eyes widened another notch. Clearly she caught onto how we might have been spying their armies now.

I would turn us onto course as I smiled. "Before we go to Riverport I want to stop off at my home; there's someone I want to come with us."

"Who?" Chloe asked with narrowed eyes as I smiled wider.

"I'll let that be a surprise." I let off as I turned up the speed. It'd be a couple days before we arrived in Riverport, but I didn't expect any problems...

[ - Author's Note - ]

Whew. Okay then... That's a wrap for this chapter. And under twenty thousand words! If barely...

So, James meets the Baron of Maros and offers some advice to him and his titaness of an adopted daughter, Plamya and Campbell bond a bit, a big ole' meeting is had, Arnold is plotting, Olga and Chloe meet Iryna before the truth bomb explodes and Olga and Celestine are starting to talk peace... and a threat to making it happen arises in the form of ghosts from Chloe's past.

Welp! Stuff happening next chapter! Clearly...

As always leave a comment about what you liked, didn't like, would like to see and so on. I do hope you enjoyed and with luck the chapter I have planned next will work out.

Until then, have a good day!

~Eostian Scribe