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)

91. Act III-Ch XVIII: The Path to Peace

[ - Author's Note - ]

Okay, if I am correct about where we are we should have this chapter plus two more before the end of the Act... Presuming it works out as such... Given how long Act Two was this might mean we're past the half way mark... Oh well...

So, anyway... What do we have here?

Celebrations, party... and politics...

Always politics...

So, let's start.

[ - Act III - Chapter XVIII: The Path to Peace - ]

Oh ye blade, the war is now over and thy task is done.
Oh ye blade, no more need have ye to make blood run.
Oh ye blade, may you rest well for the peace to come.
Oh ye blade, let us hope you no longer hear war's drum.

~Oh Ye Blade, a Short Poem Written by First Princess Zelda Roisage

[-]

The end of the battle against the Abomination had a few thoughts in my head about Bronka, the peace to come and how far I've come... And then I remembered what I exposed, and attempted to stay relaxed as I approached our lines with a small announcement of the end of the war, which was true in effect if not on paper.

Of course I had shown off I was a dragoneborne, slain a massive threat and capped off one hell of war career. So a reaction was warranted...

Having everyone charge in, surround me, lift me over their heads, jump up and down as they loudly cheered and paraded me around like a trophy was not what I had in mind as I asked, repeatedly, be set down with my request either denied or unheard as they just swapped to light tosses in the air as I was paraded about.

I looked to Channer who watched on in disbelief and mouthed 'help'. He shrugged in response.

Dammit man!

Flannery Pugnator would finally mitigate my discomfort, using her size to reach and grab me before setting me to her shoulder, seating me like a child and parading me around further; at least I didn't have to worry about my weapons sheathes poking someone in the face by accident...

Once things had calmed down enough and I ended up back on my feet I found Gregory wrapping an arm around my neck, laughing and saying 'I shoulda known lad!' while leading me back to the Noxdecus area... where my mother stared at me with her jaw hanging open. On one hand she wasn't screaming 'my baby' and shaking me like a rag doll. On the other hand it was out of character for her not to do that which likely showcased how shocked she was at what I was. I would move up and wrap my arms around her in a firm hug and she finally hugged back as she wept softly for a moment as I told her I was both fine and apologized for not bringing that up before. I was also able to hug my sister, shake hands with Mokria and Cress and then my father how gave a smile and knowing wink.

(He would be chewed out by my mother later for knowing I was a dragonborne and never telling her... and making up in bed later...)

Of course Celestine found herself coming over and she would curtsy for a moment before giving me a hug which, considering her position, would be considered a big deal. The whole army would party almost instantly with only the wounded and those tending to them not doing so (Although drinks found themselves to the former quickly and latter soon after) as I was all but made the man of the hour.

Thankfully the Shields, Klaus, Olga and her inner circle opted to leave for Mooncast City via Cloud Rider and offered me a ride as well; honestly, what came after beating the Abomination was worse then facing it. I spent most of the trip leaning back and all but napping as Prim sat to one side of me, Kaguya the other and leaned into me as I relaxed. There was some talking but it was mostly quiet as I took the time to collect myself for the worst.

What was the worst?

The next big victory party... yeah...

Said party in question was set up for three days time; marching time had to accounted for after all. House Galeraven, to my surprise, was selected to manage the celebrations this time and I could only imagine how that would go. She wouldn't have access to Cloud Riders for party supplies however; Garan still had a shattered city in need of relief; one Olga planned to visit once the chance arose.

While riding back I wasn't inactive, even as I physically rested I was pondering something I gained from my newest title (That I didn't equip); One Free Sub Class Trait. I asked Olivia what that meant and when she explained it I took quick notice.

In short I could pick up any basic, non-advanced class not named 'Spell Blade' via a trait that would normally cost two hundred and fifty trait points and add all of their traits and attributes to me; such as getting new primary and secondary stats, weapon possibilities or expand what spells, skills and Combat Arts I could use. There was one issue with that I could see; I was a Mage Knight now which meant I was already highly flexible on the magical side plus I had nabbed a few traits to expand my weapon's list meaning I was flexible on the physical side too. So then... That begged the question... what were my best choices..?

I opted to not bother with Fighter; all I'd get from it was expanding the polearms I can use in addition to hammers and maces; I'd be better off just adding another weapon's trait at some point to cover it. Olivia told me I could also expand my Combat Art list quite a bit, but I wasn't sure that was worth it.

Solider was in the same bucket; more polearms, Combat Arts and nothing else. Wildman was in the same boat, just replace 'polearms' with 'stealth'.

Swordsman? I'd get to use two handed swords... that I didn't use anyway.

Pugilist was the first one I gave some serious consideration to; it gave access to unarmed combat skills and arts I didn't have already. I didn't suck at unarmed combat but I didn't have a great use for it either. Still, on the off chance I was caught unarmed it could be useful.

Archer and Singer I dismissed; I have magic for long range attacks and while Singer's bolstering music was neat I didn't think it was a role I could play, doubly so now.

Rouge was in the same boat for ranged attacks and the stealth aspects didn't appeal to me; if I needed to sneak I had an Illusion spell.

Engineer was the next one I could give serious consideration too but this time it was more so, then Pugilist. Flintlock weapons didn't appeal to me but if I took it (According to Olivia, anyway) the Gunslinger Trait was discounted by half and would let me use any pistol; namely revolvers. More over some talk with Olivia showcased that, yes, it would give me a better knack for building physical items and structures. That said I wouldn't have access to the Gunner's Combat Arts and traits they could have nor Machinist's level of device creation and skills.

(I would find out I was wrong, you could upgrade sub classes... for five hundred Regular Trait Points. Needless to say the price was far too high for me.)

Juggler was out; knife fighting was interesting and useful (And according to Olivia also included a lot of unarmed skills) but my current weapons and spells made it not that useful.

Mage was worth looking at as it would let me use the instant cast Spell Books as equipment abilities and make my spell casting a little better on both Spell Exp generation and creation but otherwise without it's upgrades I was already slinging more powerful spells. Pass.

Priest was also worth looking at; it would bolster my defensive and healing spells a little, include one handed hammers to my weapon's list as well as Spell Books. It would also boost any holy offensive spells I had and expanded the list I could learn, always a bonus.

Arcanist was a mixed bag; plus Spell Books but nothing else in regards to a spell list. That said I would be able to make various summons to help out... but having them out required a level of both multi-tasking and limitations on what the caster could do that I dismissed it.

And finally we had Paladin; plus all polearms, hammers, flails, two handed swords along with a bit of a bolster to defensive and healing magics but not to the point of the Priest as a sub class. It would have a few more Combat Arts I could use, but it wasn't a wide list.

So in the end I concluded what my choices were; Engineer, Priest and Paladin. That begged the question; which of the three gave me the most bang for the buck?

Engineer gave me flintlocks, a discount on the Gunslinger trait, some more constructive skills and made Endurance a Primary Stat. Of course the real prize there would be how I could enchant the guns or bullets which would give me a quick means to deploy powerful attack magics. Of course I could also spend more on Gunslinger to do the same and pick another class as well.

Priest gave me a solid improvement of defensive and healing magics as well as expanding the list of such I could learn, changed Constitution to a Primary Stat and added one handed hammers and spell books to my weapon's list.

Paladin granted me a similar but lesser effect on defensive and healing spell casting, Constitution as a Primary Stat, a lot more weapon selections and a small selection of Combat Arts I couldn't learn otherwise.

So... What did I want? Better construction abilities coupled with fast, prepared spell deployment for a cheaper TP cost? More powerful and flexible defensive magics? Or some improved defensive magics with a wider weapon list and a selection of Combat Arts?

For now I opted to leave the question on the back burner; with the war over I didn't need to be in a rush to make the choice. I had narrowed it down to three choices which was good enough for now. I felt it was a question better posed for down the line.

Once back in Mooncast we were given sometime to relax and decompress but we would be pulled to a meeting for a time. While peace talks would be held post party (With Olga and her entourage invited this time; Gavrilla was the only one to decline citing problems with the Legion) there were a few things that needed to be sorted out now. Question one was the fate of Stasia Highcraft.

"I would opt to say her ultimate fate be left to the decision of Olga; as Queen of Garan the right is hers and this event came about as Stasia refused her orders." Celestine began as we gathered around a round table as Olga turned her head to look at Olesia.

"Do not think your part in this is forgotten." Olesia gulped and shivered in her boots as she squirmed in her seat.

"I... I merely saw possible value in such a-"

"-possible and utter disaster?" I let off, cutting the flinching former Highborne Matron off. "You knew of the Blood Bear. You had to have known how easily this could backfire. Perhaps it's deployment was done in desperation, but not it's continuation."

"Continuation, I would add, you carried on in spite of my orders." Olga let off coldly to her. "I have yet to decide your fate but only previous loyal service had stayed my hand from declaring your execution. Even though you lacked the magical knowledge to know in full what could happen you should have had the wisdom to have an idea of what could go wrong."

(-)

Name: Olesia Reclusia
Title: Fallen Matron
Class: Sorceress
Level: 36
Alignment: Neutral (Unwilling)
Reputation: 77
Status: Healthy, Frightened, Shamed

Romance Rating: 76
Corruption Rating: 98

Known Traits
[Whip It, Whip it Good] You can use whips as a primary or secondary weapon. If you have one equipped then +2 to Str and Mag

[?]
[Armor of Mana] If you are wearing Mage Robes gain +2 to all Physical Resistances. If wearing Arcane Robes gain +6 to all Physical Resistances.

[?]

Former Highborne of House Reclusia made Lowborne she was a child when she arrived in Garan from beyond the Reaches making her one of the oldest leaders still within the Kingdom of the Dark Elves. She bears more experience and wisdom then her counterparts but trends to see value in magical experimentation; sure such will win back benefits despite the risks.

(-)

Yeah... wisdom can have gaps it seems. "We've gotten off topic however." Kaguya injected. "The fate of Stasia; what shall be done with her?"

"Execution is on the table, clearly." Alicia injected as she crossed her arms. "But imprisonment should also be considered."

"Perhaps, if our Queen wished to abolish the Chainborne we can keep one." Rubin hinted at darkly. "This monster she made will be a black mark on our people and us in particular."

"James, you are well versed in what she did." Prim said as she looked to me. "What do you think of her magical skills? Could she be spared and employed still to make use of her mind?"

"I'm willing to admit the woman is a genius and that she can do a lot of good with it-" I began as I shook my head. "-but there are serious issues with her personality. She felt a need to prove her ego, focused so much on what could be done she never stopped to consider the consequences of them and ignored orders to stop by her ruler." I said as I looked to Olga. "I would personally not allow her to carry on any sort of magical craft without constant and ongoing supervision." I said sternly before shaking my head. "I don't think she intends to cause Garan harm but the road to hell is paved with good intentions."

"I agree." Olga said with a nod of her head. "Stasia's intent, setting her ego and pride aside, was meant to better Garan. Her results were beyond the opposite. I do not think executing her for wishing to do good is a reasonable response. Employing her, however, is not an option. Brilliant as she is the damage it caused while unchecked by any means or oversight is beyond horrific. I do not even think that is an option. No; she will be employed to assist in Napreryvnyy City; with both salvage, recovery and rebuilding as a laborer. She will be involved in the reconstruction until it is done no matter how many years it takes, fixing things by hand; what her fate shall be afterwards will depend on if she's learned a thing from her work."

"That is a creative way to go about it. But I agree." Celestine said with a nod. "Having her both see but physically mend the city is more fitting a punishment then merely locking her away... With hope she will understand all of the lives she cannot mend so easily..."

"Speaking of which; I will be required to leave soon." Gavrilla said softly. "We have ongoing conflicts with the Legion that demands attention and I needs over see the fighting; and that we contain the issue with such a setback."

"Before you leave have words with the Ghosts of Arblade; they may have an interest in assisting helping the people." Claudia suggested as I frowned for a moment.

"I realize this could be awkward on our end..." I began. "But shouldn't we offer more support to the situation? If we are to form a peace we need a stable Garan to have it with; the Legion running amok won't help with that." I said... as I saw Celestine sigh deeply. "Politics?"

"Politics." She replied softly. "On our end being seen assisting our former enemy will not be taken well; much of the nobility will see it as too much charity to former foes that have killed members of their houses, the commoners may resent such support not being offered to them and it will tie up our forces away from other borders and possible issues there."

"There are, sadly, issues on our end as well." Olga smoothly injected as Celestine finished. "To throw ourselves upon the alms of our former foe is to wound our pride; even what aid is given to Napreryvnyy will grate on nerves of the low and highborne."

"Given what I've learned, speaking with the laborborne, it will grate on a part of their number as well." Chloe added as Olga nodded before carrying on.

"Indeed. I will admit, in our weakened state to challenge the Legion is a challenge but one we must tackle without the aid of another." She said, keeping her look neutral but I could see the sadness in her eyes. "Much as I wish we had assistance we cannot ask for it."

"So... mercenaries then..." I mused as Olga blinked at me and all but Chloe gave me a look.

"That... is a solution..." Chloe explained as her fellow Garanians save Olga looked at her in shock; Olga looked to her as well but with a raised eyebrow. She looked back to Olga with a serious look. "Rather then ask for aid we can pay for it; sell swords are not an ideal solution compared to regulars but they can add numbers and force and as we are paying for it we are not accepting aid; we are making a fair exchange for it."

"As a mercenary myself-" Maia began with a grin as she leaned back in her seat. "-there's gonna be a lot less work soon and the usual stream of income from the war is about to dry up so a lotta folk will jump at the chance for some extra coin to get through the winter."

"The job will be all the easier, now that the weather has turned." Claudia added in as well. "That said with many of the Aberrant, and Legion in turn, setting up to hibernate they'll likely be more aggressive to find places to hide until the end of the season."

"...That is an option..." Olga said before nodding. "While I imagine the demand for payment will be higher then the usual for troops we do not need them for long, merely long enough." She said before looking over to Maia. "May I gain your assistance in getting the men-at-arms required?"

"You got it!" Maia chirped with a grin and a jaunty salute.

"With that matter settled for the moment there is one last question to go over." Celestine said as she looked to Olga. "Where do we have our talks and sign a treaty?"

"Are there formalities to note with them?" Olga asked as her high elf counterpart nodded.

"The usual is to select a city or place close to a shared border, usually within the victorious nation." Celestine began. "Formalities need not be adhered to strictly beyond tradition. Moreover while it is fair to call Garan the defeated party there has been no formal surrender, or even an informal one."

"And yet if the treaty is not signed in Eostia it will raise eyebrows of yours."

"Not just among mine." Celestine said, giving a nod to Olga's words. "It sends a message to other nations as well; more then an assertive victory or narrow one, but it might behoove you to observe it. You may, in the future, be dealing with other nations in the aftermath. Observing the tradition, while not a requirement, will show a respect to the culture commonly used."

"Very well then..." Olga said as she nodded.

"That said, most of the border states aren't... the best place for that given the amount of slave states there..." I mused with a frown as I crossed my arms. "We would be better off on a free territory behind them."

"So then..." Klaus began, adjusting his glasses. "That would make our choices Feoh, Mungale, Ferra, Alterun, Smol, Erogus, Peerus, Steel Lock, Thorn and Coppic..."

"Hmmm..." The Dark Queen mused, cupping her chin for a moment before looking to me. "Mungale is the home of your House, correct?" She said as I blinked and nodded. She would then look to Celestine once more. "Let it be Mungale then. Given his actions in this war and the prominent role he took in ending our mistake it seems fitting to grant him and his the honor." I blinked once more and felt like I was about to get much more 'honors' then I cared for... again...

"While I can't refute that I will say that Mungale as a barony is a bit more rural and hardly the largest place."

"Indeed, his ancestral home is smaller and more humble and cozy then someplace like here." Celestine said with a nod to my reply. "It is a much smaller place but comfortable. If we are to make it our locale then you'll need to bring a small entourage."

"That is acceptable." Olga quickly said as she looked back at me. "Assuming you and yours will have us."

"We are willing to, if that is your desire." I replied calmly and in a relaxed, friendly tone... while thinking to myself 'Ah shit, here we go again...'

"Excellent." Celestine said, as if to say 'bargained and done' before smiling to her counterpart. "We'll also need to begin working on de-occupation once the treaty is signed but without ensuring that the support structure afforded is replaced by local forces-"

This is the part that things went from the bigger details to more of a nitty-gritty and I would zone out a bit as I felt my eye twitch.

Of course we'd play host to the peace treaty! I should have guessed Celestine would want to lean that way (I knew she was promoting me and had guesses why) and wipe away my concerns when Olga brought it up!

This is my life now!

[-]

Needless to say I was a bit... exhausted after the meeting and once done opted to shower, relax and then break out a scry device to locate where the lumber mill I first fought Bronka at was; I told Bronka I'd bury by her sister and I opted to spend some time to locate it, retracing our path from Arafe Castle towards the forest. Soon I founded the burned, abandoned structure and marked it down. Come the morning I would inform Olga and she would ask to join us; bringing Chloe and Rubin with Bronka's body to one Cloud Rider kept in reserve and flew over as the snow fell. Landing was a bit tricky but Aeris pulled it off well. With us was Alicia, Kaguya, Makoto and, of all people, Iryna.

We found the grave (And a mix of bones littered about, mostly Aberrant. We opted to not bury the bodies at the time as it was so far from any town to be worth the time and effort to bury them.); a moss coated, wooden marker over it with 'Branka' carved into it and opted to open a grave next to it with Kaguya using earth magic to dig it out. As she did I looked about and found a stone slab that I think was used for placing wood on to keep it off the dirt. I would use Physical Burst to carry it over with some ease and, with a little earth magic of my own, carved into the stone a simple message.

Here lies the twins
Bronka and Branka
of House Nightsong
May They Rest in Peace
Together, Forever More

Soon Bronka would be set to her grave with Olga and Iryna offering prayers to her and her sister as Rubin assisted me in placing the new grave marker. A little magic would see the foot of it dug into the ground a little to ensure it stood. Finally I set a flower to each grave as stood back and sighed. "Seemed so long ago since we fought here." I mused to Alicia who nodded to me.

"Hmm, it has been, huh?" She said with a nod. "We were just trying to install voxlux boosters and we got sidetracked to help deal with assaults from Garnian forces..." It was a thought, wasn't it?

"We have grown much stronger since then, James-sama." Makoto added as I nodded. Honestly, it felt like I was parted from her more on the battlefield recently then with her, but that's was how things went at times. That said she was right; not just in strength but in equipment too.

"You said she was filled with rage then too." Rubin said as she stood next to me. "Is that true?" She asked as I snorted.

"I tricked her into trying to smash my shield with a rapier." Rubin winced at that. "I only fought her sister for a few moments; she came off as a bit... shy, right until I nearly killed Bronka and she tried to smash my face in. She really was a dangerous opponent."

"She died saving her sister? Honorable." Rubin said as she looked to me. "I will joining the treaty entourage. I hope that's not a problem."

"I don't see why it would be." I replied. I had, of course, already told my father of Olga's desire and both he and my mother agreed it would be for the best; a historic moment for the barony. "Just don't expect a large city."

"Humble, eh?" She said crossing her arms and nodding. "Explains much."

"We have done what we set out to do." Olga said as she looked to us. "They are reunited once more... We should not linger." Olga was... still a bit uneasy about heights and flying; it spoke volumes of how willing she was to come here via a flying wagon. She looked to her hand at the red stone in it; Bronka spell stone eye. She had it removed and wanted to make a piece of jewelry of it as a reminder of what happened and all she learned of Garan's troubles. She shut her hand around it and moved to set it away as I nodded.

"Let's let them have their rest." I said as I moved back to the wagon. I would hop on and move to the back, sitting on the bench and leaning back. Kaguya sat next to me and patted my hand once as I looked over; she smiled up and leaned back as well.

"How do you feel? A lot has happened recently." She said as I gave a soft grunt for a moment as I took a moment to compose my thoughts.

"I'm not fully sure... I'm just glad we can call this war done." I replied softly as everyone else loaded on; Olga, Chloe and Rubin to one side and everyone else on the other. Even so Alicia would start a conversation with Chloe as I looked back to Kaguya. "Honestly I half want to just sleep until tomorrow. Between Bronka's death and what I had to do to bring her and the Abomination down I just feel... done, I guess?"

"This war has been exhausting, hasn't it?" She said as she softly leaned into me. Our engagement wasn't public knowledge by now but I assumed it was a matter of time now... "You have played a larger part and worked harder then most... Whatever rest you claim you've earned."

"If I'm allowed to claim it..." I replied as I moved a hand around her as Aeris took us up into the air, hand to her waist as I held onto her; I didn't even think about it, I just did it. "I'm just glad I'm not on the burial detail." Kaguya winced but nodded with a deep frown.

No, I didn't mean our war dead... I meant the Abomination...

It was made of people... countless, countless, people... Nearly none of the bodies could be identified given it's make up. It was decided that it would be... for lack of a better term, dismantled and the flesh cremated to ashes and buried in a grave by the river. Given the sheer size it was going to take weeks maybe... I could only imagine what it would smell like because when it 'died' it was a big, giant living creature, unnatural as it was, and it would likewise rot. Ick.

The massive spell stone was pulled from it and the bits of the stone found in the body would be rejoined to it. As for what would be done with the stone that was up in the air. I assumed, likewise, the mythril skeleton.

(On the spell stone it would eventually be returned to Olga, although half it's weight in spell stones of at least Grade Five would be given in exchange in reparations. The mythril would be split between the two nations save the white mythril which was given solely to Eostia because it's not easy to use. Lulu would claim it all; planning to smelt it down, extract the calcium (Somehow) and use it as mostly pure mythril.)

"To think such a thing was permitted to arise..." She said with a sigh as she shook her head. "I am aware of their dislike of humans... but to go that far..." She said with a shiver as I nodded.

(As another note; that was something that was made by their people, namely their nobility, was a shock to the Garanian common folk as a whole as information spread. The effect was, I could only assume, like going to sleep in Nazi Germany one moment only to wake up to learn the Holocaust became a kaiju and flattened Munich like it was Tokyo. Disgust and horror were abound and once the truth of the matter came about a lot more hate went to the lowborne and highborne. Once Olga started gutting houses and in some cases rolling heads without their bodies attached the laborborne would just say 'they had it coming'.)

"For better and worse Garan will change." I said as I shook my head. "Mostly for the better, I think. So long as Olga can steer the people right..." In the end it was up to the leader to set policy and have it enforced... as long as she can keep an eye on those enforcing the policy. I stroked her side softly as I sighed. "Well, whatever... What's done is done and won't be undone so we just have to move on..."

"Indeed... There is still darkness on the horizon but we can put much darkness behind us now..." She said as she looked up as the snow fell down. "In the east winter is the season of endings and new beginnings... of death that makes way for new life... The old Garan has died with Bronka... Let us pray for the Garan birthed to take it's place..."

Amen...

[-]

The armies returned to Mooncast eventually; yes armies. The Eostian armies, collected mercenary forces including the Black Dogs and Church Forces were natural enough but the Garanian force arrived as well... well, some of it, anyway. Much of that army was directed to their destroyed city and other problem areas to take care of their problems, quickly. Maia would help Olga hire additional mercenaries to handle said problems (Interestingly Celestine advised against using the Black Dogs. Maia put up a weak argument but even she admitted it wasn't a great idea to let them loose at that point) and would meet with several such organizations who were surprised that Garan was now their client but would shrug and hash out details.

To a sell sword coin is coin and yesterday's foe can be tomorrow's client. Even dark elves.

I would spend some time sparring with Rubin of all people as well as watching her spar with Flannery which she was... overjoyed with. For the record of the twenty five spars for XP I won nineteen of them for four thousand four hundred XP total to convert to eighteen RTP with eight hundred and eighty more XP putting me in spitting distance of another level up.

I now had thirty six RTP in total now which nearly put me in range of some forty TP traits I wanted and let me buy at least one twenty five to thirty trait. Again; Gunslinger was at forty so I had a bit to consider there.

But all things come to an end and in this case; my relaxation... because the time of the party had arrived.

Hoo boy...

I had arrived to the same ballroom, saluted by different guards, opening the same doors as I walked in and tried to look relaxed and casual as I looked about to get the lay of the room to-

"Behold! The Dragon of Eostia!" Baston let off loudly as soon as he noticed me as I sighed.

Yes... a new nickname... one of a few; Celestine's Dragon, the Dragon of War, the Giant Slayer and a few others have cropped up... most with dragon in them. Of course...

The most notable that didn't have dragon in it was the Hero of Eostia. Joy. Much like last time I was the center of attention with much the same groupings as Baston walked briskly to me and, before I knew it, my hand was being shaken vigorously. "M'lord, good to see you once more! By the gods do you seek to outdo yourself all the time?"

"My good man, please... I think if I gain more praise and attention I'd suffer death by drowning." I replied dryly as he laughed, smacking my shoulder and led me to the side. "I do what I must to save me, mine and my country, Batson. I don't need more praise then I deserve."

"Has anyone ever told you you're too damn humble?" I was being led to a small group of men, among them and speaking to me was Vult, mug in one hand. "Honestly; hear it was those lil' stones of yours that kept people from turnin' into zombies; fuck, saved my skin." He wasn't the only one here, of course, but he was the one that stood out due to sheer size.

"Really?" I let off, a bit of fascination coming to me. "Anything about how it felt I should know about?"

"Felt like I'd puke my guts out for a moment until I got some fresh air." He replied with a shrug before looking to me. "Cleared up right quick and felt right as rain after a couple minutes. Why ya ask?"

"Just curious... I've never heard of a gas like that before." I replied as a maid passed me a glass of white wine before moving on. "Let alone made of a vaporized mana that turned to solid mana."

"I know enough of magic to know that is challenging but not to what point." Another man here was the new business partner of mine, Tantan Kalkan, Count of Blarian. "Any good uses to it?"

"In theory some medical, some in making spell crystals as opposed to mining them." I replied. Spell Crystal was one of the main indigents of making Mana Armor and was found in some, but not all, spell stone veins. In terms of magical potential they were greater then spell stones, even Grade One spell stones but were horribly brittle. Like paper thin paper mache brittle. On top of that it was very, very rare. Powered Spell Crystal was a means to make weapons and armor that was very powerful if you could get a large enough piece. His eyes lit up at the thought before I kept going. "But it'd likely be very low quality for years."

"Tsk. Never that easy." He said with a sigh before looking back up to me. "Regardless we are not here to talk business, this is a celebration! And of a new dragonborne hero of the realm."

"Indeed. Had more of our fair nation had a taste of it I would raise a cup of saki in your honor!" Also with use war the baron of Arrona, Daichi Kabutomushi. In place of saki he just had a mug of mead, which he did raise. "I will send a fine bottle to your home instead; you do not seem the man to wish for grand gestures so I will give you a relaxing drink instead!" He said with a wide smile. "If only Rei could see this day..."

"Well, at least I can brag about sleeping with a dragonborne!" The last member of our little gang let off... and got stared at; Zealand Redhull... and yes, I did sleep with her.

"That doesn't make you special..." I deadpanned dryly as she blushed and rubbed the back of her head as she giggled and... swayed softly. "Zealand, are you drunk?"

"Nope! ... Kinda buzzed..." She said going from holding her glass of red wine up proudly before cradling it in her hands and looking like she'd bury her face into it. "I got a little... nervous so had a glass... and another glass... and a forth..."

"I have no idea where it goes; she could drink some of my guys under the table..." Vult said with a sigh, but looking honestly impressed before leaning into me to whisper. "Fine piece of ass too." My eye twitched as he stood up fully as I decided that... wasn't worth a comment.

"So, what does our humble dragonborne have planned for the winter?" Baston asked, sipping his own mug as he grinned while I shrugged and sipped my drink.

"Well; I plan to have a bit of a rest but I also plan to train a bit, practice my spellcraft, further work on my games industry and so forth." I replied with a shrug. "The snow can get a bit thick in Mungale, after all." In case your wondering; over the course of the day the snowfall in Mooncast had picked up with maybe half an inch of snow on the ground. Most of the mercs Olga hired had marched out with Gavrilla to handle the issues in Garan and reports were already coming in that the Aberrant were getting more aggressive before hibernation set in for some of them. Needless to say; losing their main headquarters and all their leaders needing to flee was not helping matters.

Snowfall had entered Eostia as well; mostly on it's northern territories but Sora had reported it was getting colder in Mungale so snow was expected there soon. I shrugged a bit and looked to Baston. "What about you good sir? What plans for you on the winter?"

"Stocking up on wood, smoking good meat and eating well for the coming Nova Aurora." He replied with a chuckle before sipping his drink. I nodded and sipped my drink as I mused on that.

Nova Aurora, or New Dawn, was also known as Larentimas or, more popularly, Blessmas depending on who you were and what religion or sect you followed. It was, more or less, the Sererian version of Christmas with a few different traditions; one of the largest was the colors for Christmas was, traditionally, red and green with white mixed in. Blessmas' colors were soft gold, cyan and white with greens mixed in.

"Ahhh... One of the rare times the phrase 'the troops will be home in time for Nova Aurora' rang true." Daichi said with a grin and a nod before sipping his own drink.

"Ehhh, most of my boys will be going back to Dominious." Vult said as I looked over at him.

"Really? Is that war picking back up?" I asked; if I recalled correctly the forces remaining were in a ceasefire. Of the ruling Harmon family Salara was dead and Peter was on his death bed with illness. That left Hilda and Larion from the original four way but with Kul Hammerhands joining in. There was a sense there would be another throw down; and soon.

"Only got rumor and intuition but if I'm reading the situation right someone's gonna try and kill someone soon." Vult replied with a grin and a shrug. "They pay almost as good as Eostia... but I'll admit it, Celestine's always less willing to get mercs killed for no reason."

"And Dominious?" Daichi asked him as Vult shrugged.

"Let's just say you learn to fight smart and when you need to be aggressive or conservative with the forces." He replied with a chuckle. "Luckily that's one benefit of Aberrant forces; they chomp at the bit to fight." I shrugged and couldn't argue the point... but it begged the question; what happens when there's nothing to fight?

I mean someone is going to have a problem on their hands.

"Ehhh, I more used to fighting Aberrant then fighting with them..." Zealand said, giving a soft hic. "Honestly, I think I'll killed, like, a dozen that were more concerned with looking to my tits and not my trident." Yeah... that was Aberrant for you...

And Zealand wasn't what one would call stacked either. Also likely drink; she said I'll and not I'd.

"Come, come... We're exiting a war, must we drone on about the topic; even if Sir Vult's job relies upon it?" Baston said with a shrug as Vult chuckled.

"I ain't knighted." Vult replied with a soft grin. "Wouldn't want to be either; sounds like a pain in my ass."

"Least it's a cute ass..." We all turned to look at Zealand who blinked and then blushed as she realized that, yes, she had said that. "Fuck, I am really buzzed..." I rolled my eyes for a bit.

"To bring it back to the last topic, what are you up to on the Nova?" I asked Zealand as she looked back at me. She hummed a bit and bit her lip.

"Hmmm, I'm having a small party on my father's yacht. I plan on doing something to help honor his memory; he always talked about what we'd do when the war was over, even if he never knew it would end..." She said, shaking her head before looking to Daichi. "And you?"

"Hmmm... I am sure Hinata and I will still be mourning Rei... This is our first winter season and holidays without her..." He said sadly as I winced. Given what Shamhaza did to her...

Well, the only sad thing about his death is he couldn't be interrogated. Honestly, some might say he got off light. Daichi looked like he was about to add more but then...

"What is this... Nova..?" There was a slight jerk to everyone as we were surprised by Rubin approaching us. Olga and her Matons were invited to join in the party... but very few were seeking to engage with them which was... understandable, although I could see Tsarina speaking with Jamaica and a few others.

"It's a religious holiday set next month. Each sect has a variant but most call the period Blessmas or Nova Aurora." I explained before turning to the group. "If you don't know this is Rubin Drakpyre, current matron of her house and ruler of Scalefire Highpeaks."

"Mayhaps not much longer." She replied. "It seems one of my aunts once thought dead, Zinaida, was captured instead and signs are she'll be released to us. More like then not I shall pass the title to her; she will wear it better."

"Even so, lass, you'll be a leader in your house and for your people now." Tantan said with a grin. "Honestly, I know some people wanted to explore the northern Yerical and Hol'canna borders for good ore, but the ongoing conflict discouraging them. Obviously; not my territory but I am hoping to claim a stake in the mines once they come up."

"You mine?" Rubin asked as the halfling chuckled.

"Well, my house owns a couple mining industries. Not uncommon a job for halflings." Tantan replied as Rubin nodded.

"Indeed. With changes in Garan we may have need of such miners." She said simply as he chuckled.

"Well, well... Let it never be said that House Kalkan isn't interested in talking about making good coin; and better partners!" He said with a grin.

"Count Tantan, we were enemies not long ago." Daichi said with a stern tone as the halfling chuckled.

"Indeed we were... 'Were' being the keyword!" He said as I opted to chime in.

"If we can get enough trade between the nations then I would argue Garan, even a post-Olga one whenever she finally passes her rule to an heir, whenever that is, would be less likely to pick another fight."

"I mean..." Zealand began, swirling her glass nervously. "...well... 'resentment isn't conductive to peace, so no need more to foster more then you need'... or... so my father would say..." I patted her shoulder with a smile with a chuckle.

"Indeed... And, well, even I have no more appetite for war now." Rubin said with a soft frown. "We had never lost a city in such a destructive manner... It makes the anger shown to us more... understandable..."

"No one's asking you to take her hand and skip along the flower fields, Diachi." I told him. "We just need to be polite enough to keep the peace." Daichi grunted in annoyance and sipped his drink but didn't argue as I opted to play peacekeeper with a sigh.

This was going to be a long day...

[-]

For the most the party was... well... the same as last time... down to a good dinner, people dancing, talking, drinking... and me being cornered by floozies but with Celestine too occupied by other nobles to come to my rescue; I'd later learn said floozies had managed to convince their family members to occupy her and avoid me being pulled into a dance by her or the like.

Fuck.

And of course that led to...

"So how long have you known you were a dragonborne?"

"Does it have something to do with how you got your dragonscale?"

"Soooo... defeating Olga then working with her..? That's interesting..."

"That monster was so frightening and you charged it on horseback? How noble and brave! You should be rewarded!"

Yeeaaaaaaaah, this feels familiar... too familiar... And this time, no Celestine to come and save-

"Excuse me." A familiar, collected yet chilled voice said. The floozies around me turned to give the interrupting woman a glare... and then backed up in shock.

"Olga, can I help you?" I asked the person in question. The Queen of the Dark Elves left her staff in her quarters which let her pull her cloak mostly around her; making her look larger and more intimidating then normal. The floozy brigade gulped and moved aside as she stepped in closer.

"I would like to speak with you for the moment, if you may."

"I may." I said, gesturing with a hand as she turned and walked and I followed. Once away from them I sighed softly. "Thanks." I said softly.

"I know how uncomfortable such... hanger-ons can be." She replied softly. "I thought it best to assist. But beyond that I do require words with you." I nodded as she led us away a bit, only stopping to flag a maid for two glasses of red wine and passed one to me before carrying on. "The situation of Garan will be an issue for a time; that much of the Legion has turned is unfortunate and much of the rest currently loyal may as well. But there is a more important thing to speak on; I will be overhauling the entire structure of Ganan soon and I will be upsetting the Highborne and Lowborne houses. Normally I wouldn't worry of this; as the Trueborne Queen my word is law and final... but we know what happened the last time I demanded something be done." I winced as she sipped her drink. Yeah, I did...

I just killed it...

I sighed and nodded. "Yeah, painfully aware..." I said as she nodded and kept speaking.

"As such I need to place trust in my loyal aides, aides I can trust to carry my will out implicitly, to keep an eye on things and ensure that the higher classes do as ordered and do not abuse those under them. Needless to say I cannot repeat the mistakes I made previously. As such I need to be able to stay in contact with these aides easily and at great distances. We lack the spell paper you enjoyed for centuries and even if we had such the Dread Field would not allow it and I am aware of the expenses. As such I have only one, true and viable option."

"The voxlux." I supplied as she nodded.

"Indeed." She said, pausing to sip her drink. "As it's maker and supplier I then, of course, must come to you." She said as she looked right to me. I nodded, sipped my own drink and smiled.

"I have no issues with that." I replied simply. "That said, I had told Celestine I would not sell them to foreign nations without her approval, but I imagine getting her on board with it won't be hard."

"I thank you." She said, nodding once as she smiled softly to me as I saw Chloe move closer to us. I nodded to her as Chloe moved to lean in and whisper something to Olga. She nodded once before looking to me. "Also... an odd amount of your Houses have been attempting to flag me down and asking... questions in regards to trade, product and such..."

"Monetarists, I suspect." I replied with a nod as she blinked at me. "The lords are divided between five separate factions. The Monetarists are, for better and worse, focused on trade and wealth. You'll want to be sure you're not getting an unfair deal with them, of course, but if you are looking to boost trade or make economic contacts then they can be useful to court."

"And the other factions?" Chloe asked as I sighed.

"Well you have the Traditionalists... they used to be called the Slavists and that sums them up fairly well." I replied, Chloe wincing at 'Slavists'. "The Conservatives have a focus on maintaining traditions and are slower to adopt newer things. To be honest aside from the slave thing the Traditionalists and Conservatives are mostly on board with the same things but the Trads keep trying to sway the Tories to slavery and the Tories want the Trads to piss off."

(Yes, like some places back in my old world the term 'Tory' was slang for a conservative. No joke.)

"The Royalists are focused on Eostian unity and cohesion over all else and have decent relations with all other factions, much like the Monetarists." I explained. "And finally there's the faction House Noxdecus is a part of; the Liberalists who prefer a focus on freedoms, rights and responsibilities. As you might have guessed we have a, usually, friendly rivalry with the Conservatives and a... not friendly rivalry with the Traditionalists."

"And yet... you all function?" Olga let off, blinking at me for a long moment. "Eostia functions like this?" She was likely aware of the factions and I know we talked about it for a bit but she might have not had a good idea on just how it was.

"You need to understand; after the Imperial break up and before the Brazen conquests what is now Eostia was once almost two dozen independent kingdoms, empires, republics and such. Each developed it's own cultures, traditions and such." I began to explain to her. "After the Brazen Empire was ended and Joanna of the White Cloth knocked the emerging states and territories into line to stop making smaller wars she pulled them together and opted to bind them under her banner with the Aegis Accords. To make sure everyone wanted to join she created a means that each state is semi-independent and able to manage it's own affairs." She blinked at me before I kept speaking.

"Compared to yourself Celestine's powers are more limited; it's why she just can't say 'no more slavery'. She has options to dismiss lords or enforce her will but she is answerable to the Council of Lords as much as they answer to her. It's... a mutual check on powers, you can say. There are times and circumstances that Celestine can exercise more command and authority but for the most part each state acts to it's own interests and these 'factions' are formed to better advance a state's interests... by aligning with states that share those interests. It's why Eostia is called ' The Seven Shield's Alliance' or 'The Seven Kingdom's Alliance'; because at the end it is an alliance of mutual interests."

"Hmmm... But you cannot enforce changes required so easily..." She mused as I nodded.

"Yes; changes can be encouraged but not demanded." I replied. "Look; there are issues with one ruler held above all and beyond approach. There are issues with a ruler held in check by those under them. But both have benefits as well. The absolute ruler can swiftly direct the full force of their nation's efforts in a direction but without a perfect understanding of the situation and their people's needs they can cause more harm then good in doing so. The checked ruler cannot act as quickly or decisively all the time but they are forced to deal with those with perspectives and understand that they do not. It's... a give and take, you can say."

"... I wish to full argue the idea of being checked but I recall times in Nidavellir that the Pure Council could have used some checks of their own." She said with a huff. "Absolute power allows for absolute change and uplifting... and also the chance for absolute errors of judgment..."

"I'm sure Celestine can give better insight of the strengths and weaknesses of her position." I said with a smile and a shrug. "But I'm sure there are times she wanted to beat various lords with a blunt object or two."

"Or three." I heard as the woman I was referring to found her way over, sighing. "Apologies. I have an idea of the conversation previous given where it went." She said before turning to me fully. "I'm not just coming over to showcase support for the hero of the hour however; we will be relocating to Mungale Manor tomorrow morning. As such it might be an idea to not showcase how the Cloud Riders are made; we both know there are factions we want to keep from getting ideas." She said as I nodded. It wasn't the enchanting end of things that we were worried about; someone like Channer could pull the same thing off if they could get a powerful enough spell stone... which would be expensive as hell. No, it wasn't the enchanting end of things we worried about someone learning about.

My spell fiber allowed me to do the same at a much lower cost while mitigating spell glass' weaknesses. While it's possible someone looked under the hood (So to speak) or examined the resin covered fibers in the downed Riders most wouldn't know what it was they were looking at and, as such, wouldn't have an idea of where to start replicating it.

On the other hand if they figured out that I had made spell glass into long fibers they could put two and two together and start replicating it... and, well, I'm sure the Cloaked Crowns would be very interested in making their own.

"I'll stick to stockpiling material for the time being then." I replied with a nod. After all I still had my big project to work on after winter and I'd need a lot more spell fiber for it... the thought made me a bit giddy really. Celestine nodded back and smiled before clasping her hands together.

"Very good. I don't suppose you've asked Olga to dance yet have you?" She let off as I blinked and flinched slightly as I looked to her.

"Not that I'd mind that, but I doubt Olga was taught basic Eostian dances; uncomplicated as they are." I replied with as Olga looked to her.

"Is there a reason to this suggestion?" She asked as Celestine nodded.

"Aside as a sign there's no hard feelings between you two it'll be a sign to the other nobles." Celestine began. "One is that you're willing to engage with them; and chances are you'll be engaging with them as equals for a change."

"Hmmm... Most here are not ones seeking equal terms... but I understand your point." She said as she turned to me and looked to me. "That said... I do hope this dance is as simple as you speak that I can learn by doing."

"For the most part it is... as long as you don't have two left feet." I replied and extended a hand to her. She looked to it for a moment before moving to take it and allow me to lead her to the dance floor. Once there I moved to push her cloak back enough, moved her hands to place and then moved my own with some basic instructions. "This dance is just a simple move and sway; watch the other dancers if you need an idea." I told her as she nodded.

"I see..." She said, glancing to the side for a moment before looking to me and nodding before we started to dance. It was the lazy, simple and basic sort; no dips or the like. "I do not understand... Why make a dance with such a lack of skill? Are not dances meant to be for... flare? Entertainment?" She asked as she started to get into the rhythm of it.

"We have those dances as well." I replied with a nod. "But you need to understand; this is meant for a dance between a man and woman to showcase closeness. Mostly couples but friends, family and so on do so as well." I explained as I smiled to her. "As an example if I were to, say, wish to showcase intimacy or make an attempt to seduce you I would try and hold you closer; chest to chest would be highly intimate. Holding each other further apart would be a way of expressing reluctance or even dislike. As we are here it is a friendly, easy going dance between friends, allies or equals; a possibility of more but no promises of such."

"Hmmm... And for people who are not versed in such intricate dances it's simple and easy enough for all but the most infirm to accomplish..." She said as I nodded in reply. "I can... understand that... This is... hardly unpleasant."

"You can admit you're enjoying it." I said, a hint of a smirk coming to my lips.

"I would rather not."

[-]

Once my dance with Olga was done she was called to speak with someone else for a time and I managed to, mostly, duck out of the party and returned to my quarters. There was no Prim and Kaguya playing with one another waiting for me; for better and worse. I changed out of my armor, showered, changed into pants and a tunic and just sighed and laid back onto the bed. What... an exhausting day... Few days, really. And now me and my family had to play host to the biggest treaty signing in Eostia's history!

Needless to be I was a little... stressed. Still, once we pushed through it...

My thoughts were ended with a solid but polite knock on the door, making me stand up and walk over to the door, wondering who it was this time. I expected female and seeking at the very least, given my history... and I was right, there was a woman there...

A whole lot of woman... "Greetings, My Lord." Looking down to me and towering over me was Flannery Pugnator who smiled sweetly, or as sweetly as a six-ten giantess could while wearing a red cocktail dress that stopped mid-thigh and bore a V-neck to the navel. "Mind if I come in?" I blinked but after a moment stepped aside; she smiled wider and moved to step in. Now not in her Mana Armor there was less blocking my view of her arms and legs; they were toned but not bulging with muscle (At least until she flexed) but I knew those abs were ripped.

"Sure. I can guess why you stopped by, but I feel the need to ask regardless." I said as I shut the door behind her as she giggled; her voice still oddly feminine for her size.

"Your pleasure, of course!" She replied with a grin as she spread her arms out... before taking a more serious look to her face and setting her hands to her hips. "I do not joke, mind you. I noticed you tucking tail to leave the party; I do not know you well but I understand enough you would like less attention for your deeds. Therefore... ah, hold still." She said moving to step behind me. I didn't fear her (Although her size made me intimidated a hint, more so that this six-ten woman was wearing three inch heels so it boosted her to seven foot one making her seem even bigger) but I wasn't sure what she had planned... at least until her hands were set my shoulders and started to firmly massage and squeeze at them as I gave a small groan.

"You massage?" I let off in surprised as she chuckled.

"Back in the slave pits of the arena it was something we did to tend to each other and bond..." She replied as she smiled as I looked upwards and met her gaze as she looked down. "And you seem to need one."

"Mmmm... I could..."

"Strip down and lay down... Allow yourself to be taken care of for once..."

[-]

"What a strange era this is becoming..." Olga let off, moving to a balcony in the palace and moving towards the railing. Setting her hands on it she looked up at the stars; specks of light in the now night sky that refused to change unlike the world they sparkled over.

Over so short a time so much had happened... A war that began with her forces stonewalled, her nation invaded, herself defeated and cured of a poisoning mistaken as an illness, finding friends in long time foes, learning of disgraces made by the High and Low Houses, learning of plights her people suffered by those meant to care for them, a horror risen in her name that spun out of control... and now a peace with the humans...

Insects she had called them from afar... worthy only of scorn and death... the blight of the giants... and yet... to engage with them finally, one to one... to not hear of them in books or from the mouths of elders... even on the battlefield they were only targets, enemies, something to be burned away...

And then she was able to speak to them... The Noxdecus heir was, of course, the most notable but her brief time watching the other lords in the meeting... at the party... even at the war camp they seemed... like her own people; bickering, maneuvering, problem solving, discussing... making small talk, sharing thoughts and opinions, looking out for one another, casting scorn to one another...

That's not even referring to those who spoke to her directly; once more Noxdecus was the stand out, but she had also spoken to other lords and notables just as his father, Houses like Galeraven, Angelus, Kalkan, Fiorie and a bizarre man from a House called 'Adelle'... He was pleasant enough, if... odd.

Her pride demanded she treat them as her lessers and yet now that she had spoken with them, interacted with them... they were... they were...

Not so different from her and hers...

That was, in a way, worse then if they had been fully different...

She had been sent to wage the Pure Council's war anew on the humans... not because the Council as a whole demanded the death of all humans (As much as they all wanted it) rather that elements within it saw her as a threat to their power and found a means to be rid of her; sending her on a seven century unwinnable mission to destroy all humans. She had nothing to show for it; nothing to show for all the time, blood and tears shed but guilt and problems that were hidden from her. It was humiliating on so many levels... And yet...

And yet with all that had now happened, now that the war was ending there was a... peace... Not between nations but of herself... She bore problems and more in need of solving but... there was now an inner peace within her that she never knew she needed. Despite her weakness being exposed Chloe did not judge her and was overjoyed when it was found what she bore was curable... She felt closer to her aide then before, as if a wall between them was... not removed but rather lowered...

She endeavored to lower it further...

And then there was speaking with Celestine, Claudia, James and others... finding the talks and... for lack of a better terms, new friendships, to fill a hole she ignored before... and found herself more fulfilled then before... It was...

She had no words for it... She never really had friends since...

Mistioria...

She frowned and thought for a moment... Perhaps... Perhaps Celestine and her agents could help locate her old friend... even rescue her...

She frowned deeper; of course breaking the curse upon her would be... troublesome; cursing another was difficult under the best of times and for what was done to her required a long ritual that took a lot of time to set up... Days to weeks usually...

That it took hours to ready spoke volumes...

Breaking it would take time and effort as well... if it was even possible... Even so before a cure for the curse could be found she needed to locate her...

It was like to take sometime but if she could be found...

She forced the thought from her mind; for now no matter how eager she was to find her old friend she had to repair the damage to Garan first... to give her old friend a place worth coming home to...

"I do not know where you are, old friend... but when the time comes I shall find you... And when I do I shall show you a kingdom worth living in... A kingdom where the laborborne can find joy and happiness..." She said as she turned her gaze to the moon. "Until then... be well..."

[-]

I groaned out deeply as I lay face down, splayed out as I wound up with a... different sort of physical pleasure then usual... Yes, we were naked... both of us... But after that it wasn't sexual (Not yet anyway) but still good as Flanney straddled my thighs and let her hands work up and down my back, over my shoulders, down my arms and back again. She had done my legs before as well as my ass because... well women have sex drives too, ya know?

Crazy, right?

Flannery was... I'll admit it not my first choice for bedroom partners but she wasn't unattractive by any means, she was a looker... but one that would appeal more to certain guys then others.

Gave one hell of a massage though... "Now then..." She let off, moving to the side before lifting me up with ease. I had no idea what she had in mind until she sat on the end of the bed before moving one of her breasts to my face as she laid me on her lap. Getting the idea of what she wanted I opened my mouth and started to suckle on her teat like a babe. I wasn't surprised when her hand gripped my cock to stroke it but I was surprised at how soft it was; a few calluses could be felt but it wasn't unpleasant. Indeed, she was rather gentle and soft with her motions as I groaned into her breast as she kept her arm under my head.

"You do this a lot?" I asked, pausing my suckling for a second before resuming, nipping the nub gently before suckling as she shivered over me.

"Mmmm, yes... I mean I can't be as cute and cuddly as some women, so I have to be something else... being motherly works better then I thought it would..." She replied as her thumb rubbed on the cock head making me quiver. I don't think I was ever given a nursing handjob before and it was... oddly enjoyable... Mind; I don't think it would work so well if Flannery wasn't so large.

I groaned deeper, taking my lips away and she quickly worked out I was getting close and started to jerk me off quicker and faster as she giggled... Honestly, for a giant, jacked woman she was very... girlish in some ways. I panted quicker and quicker and no matter my opinion on it I rewarded her with a long groan and a rocking of my hips as I came; firing a solid loaded into the air, much of it splashing onto my thighs and her arm and hand She would giggle and let go, letting me relax as she lifted her hand to lick it clean. "So thick..."

"Fuuuck..." I let off, panting for a moment before moving to sit up on her lap finally... only for her to object by lifting me up and gently turning to drop me on the bed before climbing over me. I blinked and blushed a bit as she moved her hands to stroke my chest (With a side effect of her biceps pressing her generous boobs together; yum) as she smiled down at me. "You're not done yet, huh?"

"I said I came here for your pleasure." She said, moving a hand down to double check I was still hard and smiled once she found I was. Giggling she opted to move over my hips and straddle me fully. "So relax... Let me do all the work; consider it the hero's reward if you must." She said before dropping her sex onto my cock as I hissed softly. Still, she was a larger girl in every way and while not loose as someone who had fucked halflings before it was nothing...

Then she squeezed... and I groaned hard... Her pussy went from being just short of snug hole to a velvety vice in a moment... It occurred to me quickly that she would have exceptional muscular control and damned if she wasn't using it...

I ended up groaning harder as she started a routine; relaxing as she pushed down onto my cock then gripping down as she pulled up as my hands slapped to her thighs, holding on for dear life She would rock her hips down gently; not moving fast or at a real pace but with long, deliberate motions. She slapped her pelvis down with some force but still very gentle as her pussy squeezing down made my eyes roll back.

I was glad she was being gentle... At this point death by snu-snu would be embarrassing...

She would finally lean over and set her hands to my shoulders as mine moved to her hips as she took on a lustful face as I rocked up into her, nearing my climax... then she squeezed down hard as she squirted on my cock softly as her pussy tried to milk me for all I had.

It was rewarded as I cried out, moaning and firing a load into her, shivering under her before she hunched over. Thankfully for my constitution she didn't collapse on me but rather fell to the side; if pulling me into a hug with her as we both panted. "Fuck..." I let off.

"M-my thoughts exactly..." She panted out before giggling and rubbing my back. "Was that relaxing..."

"I'd say so..." I replied as she kissed my forehead, draped a leg over my hip and hugged me to her to cuddle.

I let her... I mean... with a woman that size do you tell her no?

[Fucked List]

Flannery Puganator=100xp x 5 First Time Bonus=500XP
+20% Rising Star of Eostia Bonus
Gain 600xp Total

[-]

Come the morning (After I escaped Flannery's grip; woman turned out to be a heavy sleeper) I prepared for travel. Olga's (And other) carriage(s) would ride via the ground overland with some of her servants but she herself and her chosen aides (Chloe, Rubin, Prostoy Earthtone, Pasha Nightsong and one other she had fetched; a man named Viktur Stareye. And yes, it was pronounced like Victor, in spite of the strange spelling) came along via three of the Cloud Riders. That said they didn't travel on the same wagon; Chloe and Rubin did, along with myself, the Shields, my family (Plus Mokria) and a Dawn Templar escort did to obscure her fear of heights from her people.

The rest flew on the other wagons with another escort and member of observing Houses. Due to the fact we were heading out to talk and sign a treaty it was custom for all five factions in the Council of Lords with each having two houses representing them in addition to leaders of the Seven Kingdoms. As the hosts of the signing House Noxdecus had a say as to who we invited to observe so we had to pick carefully and myself and my father agreed we should stack the deck to Celestine's favor as best able.

As House Noxdecus was of the Liberalist faction that meant we could only invite one more; we opted for House Galeraven as they were a key ally to us.

For the Conservatives we opted for Houses Solrex and Hawkeye; Solrex was considered their leader and Hawkeye, what I knew of them from my meeting, was honorable and honest.

For the Monetarists House Kalkan was a shoe in; Tantan was a business partner of mine after all. The other was House Silversail as they often led that faction.

For the Royalists House Triaidola was a shoe in; the reason being leadership once more. At my suggestion we invited House Kabutomushi as the second House; given I defeated his daughter's killer he would be predisposed to us somewhat.

And then there was... the Traditionalists...

Needless to say we had to be very careful here; the rest observing (Including representing members of all seven rulers of the kingdoms) were predisposed to Abolition but the Traditionalists... weren't. That made things a bit tricky.

Thankfully we had one clear choice; House Pugnator. They would be shifted to a limited state soon and, I had to imagine, shifting to the Conservative camp before long. That said the last spot was... less obvious. House Bludhorn, as the faction's leaders, would normally be the obvious choice but we had no reason to trust them in our home and given their... reputation we really didn't want to deal with them if we didn't have to. Needless to say, outside of Channer, that House Blitzhaus was in the same boat.

House Ardon was led by a woman who wanted to see Tiffany dead so that was a hard 'no' there. Stoneshard would be the next choice but I was reluctant on that; Ryan, Alundra and Arnold made something of a Traditionalist power trio and I didn't want him there because of that. My father agreed. I didn't much trust Stolzerlowe as he sat in on a conversation involving people plotting my death and I was unwilling to deal with them if I could avoid it.

That left Houses Zigmund, Angelus and Stonepick. We initially opted for House Zigmund; they ruled Jetra as a limited state and tried to play peacemaker between the Traditionalists and other factions and we imagined they'd lean to us slightly but Celestine nixed the idea, as well as Stonepick. Her reasoning was that if we chose both 'the odd one out' and a limited state among their number that would give the other Traditionalists room to grumble; thus we defaulted to Angelus who was led by Stark. If nothing else she was polite, intelligent and willing to work with other lords so she wasn't the worst choice...

(It was worth noting that while these were the only Houses invited over they weren't the only ones coming over; Houses Onglave, Flotte, Abhainn, Pineforge, Caesarea, Rongera, Highreign, Sunfield, Blitzhaus, Magister, Victor, Rigald, Kiryu, Mignite and Venus were all coming via carriages and all making arrangements to make camp near Mungale Manor or Agron City. The reasons varied; for those who lived in Ur or Foeh (Barring Blitzhaus) they would be passing by anyway on their way home as they sent some of their numbers back. Local Lords would be, likely, heading to Skyguard later but minor lords and some members of the ruling houses would be made to return to take stock of their holdings and get things in order if need be. Others just wanted to be on hand for what would be a historic moment. One exception was Valora Onglave; the First Lyran Guard would march to Mungale as an additional honor guard for the signing... along with Myrddin. Yeah...)

And so nine other Houses packed onto two Cloud Riders and came with us on top of members of the Seven Kingdom's leadership. Needless to say it would be an... experience hosting them all and Sora, Riri and the rest of the staff back home were preparing for everyone as best as possible. Once we were off loaded one Cloud Rider would remain at the manor while the rest would return to Garan on relief efforts for Naprervnyy City.

Indeed that was... a concern; with some distance from the event it was estimated that up to half of the populace died, was turned into a zombie or died then turned into a zombie. Considering this was one the largest and most important cities in Garan (Second largest and Olga's seat of power during wartime) this was devastating. Imagine if Texas was it's own nation and then it suddenly had Austin flattened and half it's populace gone.

If Garan still some fight in it before the Abomination woke up and mimicked Godzilla they sure as shit lost it after it was done. Reports stated they lost ground to the Legion after the city was lost as it's supply trains no longer existed. This is why Gavrilla, still unhappy with the idea of working with humans, let alone the ones she'd just been fighting, let alone mercenaries, was marching with human sell swords at her back; the alternative was to ride out with a third of the previous supplies along with a shattered army and hope for the best. She might have been prejudiced but she wasn't stupid; she had a country to try and save and a situation to salvage.

We would land before the Manor and ride into the walls. Sora was already waiting for our arrival with Riri by her side. The maids were lined up in two flanking lines before the door with a line of guards behind them. Once parked we disembarked and once everyone was together we walked towards the front. "Thank you for the reception, everyone." I let off as the maids bowed at the same time and the guards banged spears to the ground (The maids moved as one, thanks to their training the guards less so. Many of them were rawer recruits.) as we walked up to the front. "Nice to see you once more, Sora, Riri."

It was then I caught onto the fact that my parents and sister who were supposed to be walking in line with me slowed down and let me move to the front... Crap. "Welcome back, M'Lord. M'Lords." Sora said before looking over to the rest of the nobility, Olga and her entourage before speaking. "I am Sora Reinclive, head maid of Mungale Manor. I will be serving you for your stay." She said before bowing to them all.

"I wasn't aware you had a dark elf as a head maid..." Stark let off, hands moving to adjust her glasses as I looked to her.

"She has served us well since my grandfather's rule." I told her with a smile. "She's as close to family as she can get."

Nearly literally...

"I see..." Someone next to her let off before she whispered to Stark... and Miria shot her an annoyed look, to my confusion. I'd later learn she was Strider Angelus, Stark's daughter. I will grant her this; she had a damn cool name.

(Miria told me what the girl said later; 'I'm surprised they don't need to collar the heirloom'. I had to resist the urge to find and punch her after. That said I'd wager her reaction was partially over a dark elf willingly serving humans for so long without begin forced to which, to be fair is bizarre to most Houses, Traditionalist or otherwise.)

(-)

Name: Strider Angelus
Title: Heiress of the House of Angels
Class: Wizard
Level: 23
Alignment: Neutral
Reputation: 78
Status: Healthy, Curious, Relaxed

Romance Rating: 101
Corruption Rating: 25

Known Traits
[?]
[Confident] You are always sure about what you'll do and can rapidly plan in event something happens. +2 to Luck
[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
[Bathed in Light] You have a talent for Holy class magic. -5% Mana Cost when using Holy spells. +5% Mag & Str when using Holy spells or combat arts

Considered wise for her age, Strider is a highly educated mage and preparing to be the heiress of Caul. Unlike her mother she believes that slavery should be reformed and while she thinks the example of House Highreign in Classa is foolish that there are things to learn from their approach. She generally dislikes the abuse of slaves, finding it wasteful.

(-)

Not the worst girl anyway.

Sora would clap her hands. "Okay girls, let's get them sorted and into rooms, shall we?" The maids would curtsy and move to gather the guests as the guards moved to help with luggage with the nobility getting ready to settle in... save Olga would walked over to Sora with her normally serious look. Sora took on her own serious look but tried to keep a friendly look... but I could see a hint of discomfort there.

"Sora, was it? May I have a moment?" Olga asked softly. Sora looked down to her (Six three, remember?) as Olga looked back. "I am told you were chainborne, once."

"Once." Sora let off... and I just realized that this is likely the first time Sora addressed or was addressed by someone in charge of Garan... and could be called responsible for the chainborne existing... "Never again. And I owe you no fealty." She said, a chill to her tone.

"You owe me none, indeed." Olga replied calmly. "If anything I owe you an apology." Sora blinked for a moment in confusion. "Mistakes were made and many of mine in ignorance of the situations within my nation. There will be no more chainborne when I am done. I will do what I am able to insure no more suffered as you have."

"I... I see..."

"I do not expect forgiveness, less so instantly." She continued. "So in the meantime kindly treat me as a guest; no better and no worse then the rest."

"...Very well... For your stay, I am at your service, M'lady." Sora replied and you can hear her voice warm as I let off a breath I didn't know I held.

"Thank you. With luck we can speak further another time." Olga would turn to the maid who stopped by her with Chloe carrying a trunk (It seems she insisted on carrying Olga's things herself... of course) before nodding and looking back to Sora. "Until then." She said before being led away as I smiled and, before heading inside the manor, patting her on the shoulder as I passed her before setting foot past the threshold. It was good to be ho-

thud!

-...me... "Hello Miika."

"He he he..."

"Daughter..." She stiffened on my back as she look behind her before being yanked off. As I turned Mokria was there, holding her in one hand. "Do not pounce on our host."

"Sorry..."

I chuckled...

It really was good to be home.

[-]

Once in my room I set things away and changed out of my armor and set it aside. Riri was quick to take my armor for a good, long cleaning. Yes, I enchanted it to stay clean. No, it wasn't enough. I could smell it, even if it wasn't that bad.

Given the situation I dressed in nice, leather pants and a blue great coat with the House Noxdecus emblem on the sides at the shoulders. Coupled with the circlet and the Dragon's Claw I looked rather well, I'd say. I would finally relax a little at home, although not as well as I wished to. Talks would begin, officially, tomorrow. Because of that I opted to do some work that I couldn't while away; starting with Louis Vander, our local glass blower. I already let him know we'd be stockpiling spell fiber for a bit but I also wanted to test a new project... well, old project with a new twist. I commissioned him to made a twenty inch by twenty block of spell glass that was one and a half inches thick with an eight by eight grid set to it with Carl Quill making him a mold for it. Satisfied I chuckled and set it into an enchanting box I made to test things out. The end result?

A chess board that bore a similar enchantment to the one I worked on the road; the difference was it would project the smaller boards to control the pieces (With an option to just tap the glass directly) with several different armies to pick from (Eostian, Garanian, Imperial, Brazen, Dominious, Roxford, Camafran, Rycall, UEK, Balanarian and 'Eastern') and, after some work and testing, 'fields'. Yes, the Illusion would make the chess board, the now glass board to look like one of several battlefields; throne room, grasslands, meadow, forest, wasteland, desert, snowfields, warship and shallow river. Some testing and work got it all to look right on the new board and I brought it out to put it through the paces as I had my old man play against the AI built in.

In case your wondering; to keep a version of the boards cheap enough for commoners meant using crap stones that couldn't play against you on it's own. Kept all the armies though. That said a base wooden board and one stone set to it's center would cost maybe four copper to make. If I could sell it four eight it would be cheap enough for commoners to buy and play with. The glass boards would be more expensive, clearly, but between the auto-enchanting means I gave Louis the spell glass part would be cheaper then usual; down to one gold. Given I aimed to sell it to those with the coin to spend I'd sell it for five gold.

Money to be made...

My father was taken off guard when the board played itself against him as I gave a basic explanation on how it worked. I imagined that Blake von Adelle could help improve it further and I made a note to contact him about it sometime. He was very impressed and once he got used to it found it a good bit of fun. In the end I gave it five settings; beginner, basic, standard, advanced and expert. I couldn't handle expert myself and my father struggled with it, meaning I had done the job well enough.

He was playing until lunch and we were in the dining room at the time so as everyone came in for a meal they took note quickly and gathered around. It became the center of everyone's attention and soon everyone was having a turn; even Rubin and Olga. I watched on because it was the prototype now and I both wanted feedback and to see if there was any bugs or glitches. Olga in particular was surprised there was a Garanian option for armies as the pieces marched on the board, animated with their motions and killing other pieces when they took them.

The game was played on through lunch and after... and I had no end of feedback. Hell, I wouldn't get it back until after dinner! That was pretty good, I'd say. Thankfully my testing before was spot on and I only needed a few, minor changes.

On another side note; the Garanians got to taste ice cream for the first time after dinner. Why it was withheld from Olga and Chloe I wasn't sure; my guess was the cream was being rationed for special occasions. And thus, for dessert, they got a bowl with one scoop of chocolate, one vanilla and one watermelon. Needless to say they had no idea of what they were looking at and only got the idea to start spooning it as everyone else started to eat it.

Olga was the first; scooping up the chocolate part and after looking at it on her spoon finally tried it... and moaned... to the surprise of half the table... The moan reminded me a lot of how Celestine did the first time she tried it; but while hers was low and throaty Olga's was more deep and purring...

Chloe jumped at the response, looked down and tried a scoop... and gave a shocked look before it melted into surprise and then enjoyment. Pasha just squealed a bit as Prostoy and Viktur made less of an audible reaction but clearly enjoyed it.

Once Olga learned where ice cream came from I promised to give her a maker as a gift.

It got an honest smile from her which was almost bright; a rarity from her.

It would be an interesting time for a bit...

[ - Author's Note - ]

Whew... Another chapter done, and closing in on the Act's end... On another bright note; FFDotNet's view counter is finally working once more; after a couple of months of being disabled. That was sorely missed. And hey, under twenty thousand words for a change! Under sixteen thousand, even!

As for this chapter we see the battle's direct aftermath, some of the politics of the situation, another party and some fun with one of the story's largest girls. And now everyone is in Mungale for a chat...

We're on the tail end of the Act and thankfully it didn't balloon like Act Two.

As for next chapter...

Well...

Peace talks...

Until then!

~Eostian Scribe