《Take Two!》 # 000 Prologue A voice boomed out over a shapeless void. ''what? wait, why can''t i talk?'' The voice replies to my unspoken questions. ''...'' *** Darkness, warmth, pressure, then light, and... ''are those teeth?'' *** *** Darkness, warmth... *** *** *** *** ''...'' The voice trailed off. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ''...'' The formless void shifts and shapes into... ''is this...'' ''...okay, anything beats dying over and over again. and, i wasn''t just getting into shape because of keira either.'' I add, even though I know it''s not entirely true. Voice guy doesn''t respond, so I just get down to it. And by that, I mean reading everything about everything. How else am I going to min-max the shit outta this? Don''t get me wrong, I''m no munchkin. But, I''d be an idiot not to take advantage of this opportunity. *** ''i think this works.'' I mutter to myself after who knows how long. ''...'' ''...no comment.'' He spends a few minutes checking everything over, but soon I get the impression that he nods in satisfaction. ''thanks... i think. so, what kind of perk are we talking about?'' ''i totally want to ask for an internet connection, but i don''t think that''ll fly. so, hmm? how about my media collection?'' ''cool, thanks.'' The void returns, now with a sense of motion to it. A speck of green in the distance rapidly swells until... *** # 001 AAAAAAAAHHRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOO! "No! Not the wolves again!" I drop my new body to the ground and curl into a ball, while instinctively coating my skin in a rough bark. Fearfully, I lift my head just enough to peer behind me and spot a mangy runt of a wolf mid-leap, its fangs aimed for my neck. My fear is burned away by anger, the bark on my left arm thickens into a club, as the fingers on my right hand elongate into thorn-like daggers. Lacking the leverage to bat it away, the best I can do is block the wolf''s bite with my wooden arm. What happens next is best-left undescribed, it turns out that dying by wolves a few dozen times leads to some anger issues. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!" Coated with my enemy''s blood, I release an inarticulate bellow of rage and triumph. The plants around me somehow pick up and amplify the sound until I''m sure that it''s audible for kilometers in every direction. Panting and dripping with blood, I slowly climb to my feet in the middle of a similarly blood covered clearing. Stumbling over to a nearby brook, I set about scrubbing the viscera from my skin. I''m nearly clean before I remember that I have magic now. Knowledge of mana and how to pull it from where it''s pooled in my body fills my head like I''ve always known it. I also ''know'' that normally I would need to use an incantation and somatic gesture as mnemonic devices to help shape the mana properly, but this is a simple cantrip. That, and it''s like I''ve already practiced the spell to perfection. "Cleanse!" I don''t even need to say that much, but it just feels right. Speaking of feeling right, I''m now as clean as the instant I was created... five whole minutes ago. Stepping out of the brook, I Cleanse the clearing while waiting for the water to smooth out again so I can look at my reflection. Emerald Green eyes set in features sharp enough they almost look as though they were carved from wood, stare back at me from under short, spiky red ''hair''. My head is actually covered in the blood-red petals of my new namesake, the Sorrel plant. Standing up, I''m now 190 cm tall, skinny, with vine-like muscles, covered by velvety, light-green skin that darkens at my extremities. Glancing down at my arms, I focus on the actual vines that grow starting from just above the elbows, wrapping around my forearms and the backs of my hands. Tiny ivy leaves blow back and forth in the wind as, with a huge smile on my face, I isolate one tendril on my finger and cause it to rise up and wave about. Moving down to my waist I can see, starting at my belly button, a garden path made of smaller, even finer sorrel petals. This leads down to, what appears to be, a pair of dark-green bikini briefs covering my ''twig and berries''. But, in fact, is a pair of tentacle-like vines growing from the base of my spine, and the main reason I picked Plantkin. Wrapped around my waist, and tucked between my legs to protect my ''berries'' from any hungry wolves. I focus on the new appendages, unwrapping my ''arms'' with a thought. I stretch them out to their limits, and pick up a small branch with one and a stone with the other. They''re as long as my regular arms, but only about half as strong. Wrapping ''things'' back up, I then check that my feet and lower legs covered by a dark green, bark-like substance instead of the vines on my arms. "Nice, everything''s just like I set in that where-ever that place was." I grin and hop around a bit to get used to my new body. "Okay, magic check, awesome new body check, let''s try the shapeshifting." It sorta tingles as the ability takes effect, and I can feel the transformation using up mana, but that draw slows to a trickle once it''s completed. I''ve softened my features and lost a good 10 cm in height. Going from a skinny, green Plantkin, to a slim, tanned Human. My petals change into actual hair, but my eyes stay the same striking emerald. The Vines at my waist remain, though the tendrils on my arms have turned into a rather eye-catching tattoo. A quick look at my reflection shows that I now look like what I should have if I hadn''t gained all that weight at college.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. "Not bad." I turn my head side to side to study my reflection. "I''ll say." A small feminine voice from behind startles me out of my vanity, making me jump over the brook and spin about before landing in a gross approximation of a fighting stance. "Sorry, didn''t mean to spook you." She flies back a meter. Yes, flies. She''s wearing an almost sheer white dress that barely reaches mid-thigh, and has translucent green moth wings growing from her back. Aside from a round mop of light orange hair, the woman''s features are too small to make out from this distance. "You''re a pixie, yes?" "Yes, name''s Apricot." She flies closer, and I can finally make out her face. It''s a cute one too. An oval face with round lips, and a short, upturned nose. Aside from her eyes, she looks just like any other human, hers are slightly larger than a human''s and the same shade of orange as her hair and namesake fruit. "Sorrel." I hold out a pinkie for her to shake. "Uh, how long were you watching?" "Long enough." She says with a glance at my vine-covered crotch. "Your little shout woke me up. I came over to see what was going on only to find you checking yourself out. I gotta say, you don''t act much like any Plantkin I''ve ever met." "Let''s just say I was raised human." I prevaricate. "This is my first time shapeshifting." "Congrats. You''ve got good taste, by the way." She looks me up and down with more hunger in her eyes than that wolf had. "Uh... thanks." I''m not sure what else to say. If only she was like ten times taller. "Are you out here on your own? I thought pixies lived in big colonies." "Ugh! Thanks for reminding me." She snorts. "They got tired of my pranks and kicked me out, I''ve been drifting around ever since. I tried a few other Fae colonies, but the word spread around the Teeth, and no one would take me in." "The Teeth?" "That''s the big mountain chain to the north." She explains. "It''s where most of the magic in these lands comes from." She looks at me like I''m an idiot for not knowing this. "Ah. I''ve never really left the woods before." I shrug. "Eh... whatever. Mind if I tag with you for a bit? I''ve been bored out of my mind lately." "Okay, there''s a village off that way that I was planning to head towards." I point in the direction that VeeGee implanted in my head. "Not that I want you to, but you should probably put on some pants before you head there." The deep belly laugh she lets out when I blush sounds much too large for her tiny body. "Too bad all the lunkers don''t look like you." "You''re not so bad looking yourself." I return her compliment once I get my embarrassment under control. "Thanks." She says before landing on my head. "Ooh, softer than it looks." I can feel her rolling around in my short hair. "If you follow the stream, there should be some wild flax you can turn into some rough trousers." "Thanks." I almost nod, but stop myself in time. "So, the Fae can see magic, right? Mind helping me improvise a spell?" "What are you trying to do?" She sounds interested. I reach up and pluck a large leaf from a nearby tree and will it into a uniform cone shape. "I''d like to make this vibrate the air to reproduce sounds, and eventually music." I tested and I can listen to my collection in my head, but it''s weird not being able to hear it. "A musician, eh?" "I can strum a guitar." I shrug. "But, I''ve mostly just got a bunch of songs stuck in my head, that I really want to get out." "Well, this would be easier if you knew air magic, but at least you''re on the right track." She then helps me guide the magic to do what I want. We spent the next couple hours working on the spell as I slowly follow the river, the end result was somewhat tinny and flat. But, that''s more from using a leaf as a speaker than anything else. "Hey, here''s the flax," I say as we finally come across it. "I should be able to weave this into a better sounding speaker cone. Clothes would be nice too." I add with a laugh as I catch the pixie checking me out again. "Yeah, clothes are great." She says dismissively. "But, what was that music? When you said you could play the guitar, I wasn''t expecting anything like that." "Oh, I can''t play that well." I wave her admiration off. "I heard that stuff a while ago, and it stuck with me." I start gathering up and processing the flax, luckily it''s nearly ready to harvest so, I only had to add a little magic to push it along. "Yeah, I can see why." She says and starts roasting some flaxseed with magic before somehow eating what must be her whole body weight in them. "If you can make more music like that, then think I''m going to be following you around for a while. Even if you do insist on wearing clothes." "Are you sure you aren''t part nymph?" I tease the perverted little thing. "Ha-ha. Like you haven''t been checking out my ass too." She counters. "Stupid size difference." "Well, I can shapeshift ''every'' part of me," I say with a grin, which only grows wider at her shocked expression. "You''d have to do all the work, because frankly, I''m afraid of breaking you. But-" I don''t even get to say anymore before she''s flying for my vines, trying to peel them away from my crotch. "Please." The longing in her voice is hard to hear. "It''s been so long, like actual... weeks have gone by since the last time." "Hahahah." I can''t help but laugh, but I''m more than happy to give in to her demands. *** # 002 "Ohh, thank you." Apricot expresses her gratitude for a job well done. "Too bad the rest of you wasn''t pixie sized though." "I should be thanking you, that was amazing." I let out a deep laugh that rocks her up and down on my belly. "And, I may be able to do something about that. It''ll take me some effort, but I should be able to shapeshift a little pocket Sorrel down there. Being so passive was fun, but not easy. And, I really do just wanna grab that ass." "Please do." She breathes out. "I''ll start working on it right after I get some clothes." I smile down at my strange new lover and very carefully use my pinky to stroke her hair. The clothes don''t take too long; I didn''t bother weaving the linen, and just fused the neighboring fibers together. The outfit wasn''t anything fancy, but it works for now, and more importantly, frees up my vines from berry guarding duty. "Alright, you''re dressed now." Apricot looks genuinely disappointed. "Can you play some more of that music while you work on mini-you." "Yeah, give me a minute to build a new speaker." I use my vines to gather some deadwood, and use magic to shape it a speaker box. "This should help with it sounding so tinny." I explain and start making a stiff cone from the leftover linen fibers. "Testing, testing." I project my voice through the new speaker once it''s complete. "Oh, that sounds much better." Apricot flies up close and gives it a tap. "You''re pretty clever for a Plantkin, you know?" "Never met any others, so I wouldn''t know." I say and start playing some instrumental guitar music. "Though, I have read that they''re kinda weird." "That''s one word for it, but I guess being treated like a houseplant by your parents is bound to mess you up." She chuckles. I just smile and get a drink of water from the stream before heading off in the direction of town again. Luckily the stream was heading in the same general direction as town, and we ran across a road after only another half hour of walking. Around two hours later, I stop the music because I can hear a couple horses coming up behind us. "...would you slow down?" A man''s voice carries over. "I know you hate Aunt Carmen, but do you have to act like this every time we go see her." "I don''t hate her." A woman replies. "She hates me, you just don''t see it because you''re her favorite. And, it''s going to be dark soon. This road should be safe, but I still don''t want to ride in the dark." I step aside to let them pass when Apricot shouts a warning. "Sorrel!" Turning around, I see two men with bows drawn. "Look out!" I shout my own warning to the riders, causing their mounts to rear up and saving their lives in the process. The woman falls off her horse as it takes an arrow in the throat, the man is less lucky and ends up with one in his shoulder. My body reacts before I can think, and I find myself charging the bastards. They try drawing on me, only to have their bows come to life in their hands and start smacking them. Throwing their useless weapons away, they each draw a wickedly sharp dagger. The glint from their blades is enough to make me think instead of just act. So, I conjure some vines and yank the fuckers off their feet. I''m about to finish the two-legged wolves off when a fearful cry distracts me. "Amelia!" The man is cradling the limp form of his sister. "Fuck!" I spit out the oath and command the vines to bind the men before racing back to the injured woman. "Lay her down, I can heal her." I order the grief-stricken man. Looks like she hit her head when the horse threw her, and her once shiny blonde hair is now matted with blood. She''s bleeding pretty badly, but head wounds do that, and if she''s still bleeding that means she''s still alive. Channeling my vitality into a healing spell, I coat her injury with a slick sap-like substance that swiftly stops the bleeding. "Give him some room to work." Apricot berates the man as he crowds me while I''m checking for internal injuries. "She''s not out of the woods yet, Sorrel is looking inside her brain right now." "No bleeds, but she''s got a bit of a concussion." I can fix her up, but I''m going to be weak afterward. "Please, I''ll do anything, pay anything." The man begs. "Just watch the bandits." I point with my chin to where they''re trying to squirm their way free. I tighten their bonds until they stop wiggling and start cussing, and then add gags so I don''t have to listen to it. "This is going to take me a minute." Placing a finger in the blonde''s slack mouth, I drip feed her more healing sap, and use my nature magic to guide the magic contained inside of it up into her brain. A moment later her eyes start fluttering and she instinctively starts suckling on the sweet substance coming from my finger. "Mmm, more." She whines when I pull my finger away. "Wha, huh, who are you?" She startles and shies away after opening her brilliant blue eyes.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "It''s okay Amelia, he saved your life." Her brother rushes back over at the sound of her voice. "Roddy!" Amelia shouts when she sees the arrow still sticking from his shoulder. "What the hells happened?" "Fucking bandits of all things." He spits down the road towards the trussed up scum, only to wince after agitating his wound. "Mister Sorrel was it? His shouted warning saved us, though your horse took an arrow for you, and mine ran off. He then charged them and tied ''em both up." "Thank Apricot, she noticed them first." I say and try to get to my feet, only to have my pants nearly fall off. Apparently, my shapeshift wore off sometime during the fight, or the healing. "Well, this won''t do." I mutter while holding my pants up as I shift back to a human. "I don''t suppose you two know where I can get my hands on a rubber tree? It''s going to be a bit embarrassing if that happens every time I get in a fight." "Snerk." Amelia snorts and tries to hold back her laughter, but the stress of the moment burbles its way out of her. Roddy lets out a guffaw, only to wince again. "Here, let me see that." I walk over next to him after I finish transforming. "Damn, it''s nicked an artery, and I don''t think I have enough spare vitality to heal you right now. Just leave it in and try not to move it." I pinch the arrow off a few centimeters above his skin and then transform his shirt into a sling to hold the arm steady and a pad to wrap around the wound. "You alright?" Apricot hovers in front of my face as I go a little wobbly. "Used too much magic, gimme a sec." I pant out while firming my stance and spreading my arms wide. Connecting to the late sunshine filtering in through the trees, I draw on it and all the nature around me to replenish my mana. "Neat trick." The pixie flies around examining the mana flows. "It''s only good during the day, and only then if there''s a lot of greenery around." I educate her. "Too bad it doesn''t do anything for my vitality. You guys don''t happen to have any snacks, do you?" "Asking my sister if she has snacks? I''d laugh if it didn''t hurt so much." The humor quickly fades from his face when he looks down at the saddlebags where her snacks must be stored. "Shit. I''m sorry Amy I knew you liked that horse." "Aww, poor Belle. Ugh, there''s blood everywhere." "Cleanse!" I''ve recovered enough magic to clean up all the blood from the horse, and what''s on the three of us. "What should we do with her?" "Can you free my bags." The woman quickly gives up trying to do it herself, so I make the branch of a nearby tree reach down and prop the horse up enough to get all the straps undone. "Thank you, I guess, just push her off to the side, we''ll send someone with a cart to collect her later." "Are we far from town? I''m new to this area." I ask, trying to distract her. "Should be able to walk there by dark." She answers and looks away from Belle, only to spot the two that killed her. "You two!" She snarls, and draws her belt knife. "Before you get blood everywhere again." I interject. "Is there a reward for catching bandits, and are they worth more alive than dead?" "Fuck!" the fiery little blonde spits out, making her brother smile. "They are, in fact, worth more alive. A fact that this little merchant should have recalled." He rubs her head with his good arm. "Can''t I just stab them just a little?" Amelia whines. "Oh, I like you." Apricot says, hovering in front of the merchant. "Sorrel already said my name, but I''m Apricot. Nice to meet you." "Amelia, and this is my brother Rodrick." She nods to her brother who''s starting to look a little pale now that all the excitement is over. "You should sit down, before you fall down." I say and help him to the ground. "Let me build a travois, then we can get you to a proper healer." "Uhh... Yeah, good idea." He blinks a bit. "Is he alright?" Amelia hovers over her brother just like he did when she was wounded. "It''s just pain." He waves her off with his good hand. "He''ll be fine." I reassure the worried woman. "And, I should be recovered enough to heal him fully by morning." "Oh, yeah." She runs over to her saddlebag and pulls out a bag of dried fruits and a couple sweet rolls wrapped in waxed paper. "Thank you." I take the proffered treats and start stuffing my mouth, it''s not enough to recover fully, but it takes the edge off. "That''s much better." I smile at the rather cute blonde and go about fashioning a sled to haul her brother into town. "She''s checking out your butt." Apricot whispers in my ear when I bend over to pick up a branch. "Who knew I''d run into not one, but two hotties in the woods today. Don''t suppose you can shapeshift her too?" She asks with a low chuckle. "Sorry, that only works on me." I laugh along with her and mold the wood into the desired shape. "Oh, well." The tiny woman shakes her head. "Now the excitement is all over can you put the music back on?" "Sure." I pick the speaker up from where I dropped it and check for damage. "Good, it''s not busted." "Is that some sort of enchanted music box?" Amelia looks up from ministering to her brother when the music starts playing. "No, I''m controlling it directly." I hand it to her and explain how it works. "Wow, wish I could do something like that." She turns the speaker over in her hands. "All I''ve ever been able to manage is a couple feeble water spells." "That''s still better than me." Rodrick mutters. "I''m lucky to even make a ripple." "Does water magic run in your family?" I ask, interested in how magic works for those not gifted it by a god. "It''s weak, but yeah... at least on our dad''s side." He answers. "Unfortunately, I seem to have gotten my potential from our mom. She''s lucky if she can even light a match with her fire magic." "It''s rare to see someone as powerful as you, especially around these parts." Amelia continues. "But, I suppose that has to do with... whatever race you are." "Plantkin, but I was raised human." I answer her unasked question. "The magic is all him though." Apricot adds. "I''ve met other Plantkin, and they''re good with plants. But, they can''t throw around mana like he just did, not unless they''re much, much older." "Huh." I just shrug my shoulders to that. "Alright Rodrick, let''s get you onto this, and into town. And, here." I slip my finger under the padding and send a couple drops of sap into his wound. "I can''t heal you yet, but this should help with the pain." "Ahh!" A look of bliss crosses his face when it takes effect. "Thank you." "No problem, now just lie back and we''ll get you fixed up soon." I pick up the handles with my vines after he does as told. "Alright you shits, on your feet." I haul them up by their necks and shift the bindings into fetters that will allow them to walk, but not run. "Try to run off and I''ll just strip you and leave you tied to a tree for the wolves to get." A few muttered curses come through their gags, but I just ignore them and turn to Amelia who''s struggling with her bags. "Just put them on the sled, silly." I tell her and laugh. "Oh, and toss their knives and bows on there too." I point out where the bandits dropped their weapons, having four arms is awesome for stuff like that. *** # 003 "Do you need me to make another one of these for you?" I quietly tease the flagging blonde. Her brother drifted off to sleep a few minutes ago, right after the sun set. "Shut up." She pants out. "We''re almost there, Southwood is just around this bend." "So, it is." I say as a fire lit, wooden palisade comes into view. "I wonder if your brother''s horse made it here, I was hoping someone would have come along to investigate and save us from having to walk the whole way." "Oh, this isn''t the first time Roddy''s horse has thrown him." She laughs at her brother. "They probably just penned it up for us." "Who goes there?" A voice calls out from the wall. "Georgie, that you? It''s me Amelia." She clearly knows the gate guards. "Have Paul run to get Captain Leonard and Maddie. A couple of bandits killed my horse and put an arrow in Roddy''s shoulder." "Are you two from around here?" I got the impression they were just visiting their aunt. "Not really." She answers. "Our parents run a warehouse in Riverton to the south, but Aunt Carmen broke her leg in the spring, so we had to go help her out until she finally healed. We''re always making trips up to Northwood to buy and sell stuff though, that''s why I know the people here." As she''s giving her explanation, Georgie shouts out a few quick commands before stomping down some steps to open the small gate for us. "Ah, shit." The gate guard spits. "Is he alright? We saw the horse earlier, and just thought it was being stubborn again." "Mm fine." Rodrick yawns. "Be better if you''d quit shouting." "Sorry, Roddy." The abashed look he gets makes the guard look younger than his years. "What happened?" A matronly older woman with curly red hair, that''s just starting to go grey, walks up and checks the bandage first thing. "The arrow nicked an artery, and I spent all my healing on Amelia''s concussion. So, I had to leave it in to stop the blood flow." I answer. I would have tried healing him anyways if he was truly in danger, but the arrow was keeping him from bleeding. And, I''m a little leery of using a spell that drains my health, at least until I''ve got a better feel for how it affects me. Just the little I did for Amelia made me feel like I was starving, and I didn''t want to be the one stuck on the travois. "Well, at least you know what you''re doing." The healer nods to me and then turns to Amelia. "You alright girl? No dizziness, or nausea?" "I''m fine Miss Maddie... well, I wouldn''t mind sitting down after that hike." She smiles at the older woman''s protectiveness. "Sorrel here fixed me upright, and he saved our lives from these two scum." The scum in question were trying to sneak off while our attention was diverted. Before a tall, fit, older man with short-cropped hair walked up grabbed them by the necks and pushed them to the ground with a growled: "Sit!" "Evening Captain." Rodrick greets the man with a wave of his good arm. "Sorry to disturb you." "Hah!" The old man snorts. "I''m the one who should be apologizing to you. I had a feeling something was up with your horse, but dismissed it out of hand. Alright boys, take over and get him off to Maddie''s." "Thank you, Sorrel." Rodrick bows his head to me as they carry him off. "Yes, thank you so much." Amelia blushes after giving me a quick hug and following after her brother. "Are you responsible for these two, son?" The captain asks while dragging the bandits back to their feet. "I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time." I was going to give Apricot the credit, but she''s hitching a ride in Amelia''s hair still. "Be that as it may, you still captured them and deserve a reward." He starts guiding them into a small lock-up next to the gate. "The standard rate is half a gold per bandit, but this is the first time we''ve had to deal with any around these parts. Ugh, damned paperwork is going to take me half the night." "Heh." I can''t help but let out a small chuckle at that, it seems that paperwork is truly a universal hassle. "Alright, you can drop their bonds now." He says after shoving them in a cell together. "Thanks, let me get you situated at the inn, and I''ll get your coin to you in the morning. And, thank you. The Rialtas are well liked around here, and it would have been a shame if something were to happen to them." "I''m just glad I was able to help, but I sure won''t say no if you''re willing to spot me a big meal." I say as my belly grumbles. "The healing spell I use draws on my vitality, and I need food to replenish it." "Sure thing lad, sure thing." He chuckles and leads me to a small inn in the middle of town after his guards return. It really was one long day, so after wolfing down the meal I just headed straight to my room. I would have gone right to bed, but a certain pixie came back to check the progress of my shapeshifting. "Cosmetically, it''s fine," I tell her. "but I''m having trouble controlling it, and the senses are weird, like I can almost see and hear through it." "So, I''m taking the lead again?" She bobs in mid-air, in a pixie version of a shrug, before flying over and trying to pull my pants down. "That''s fine by me, just get these damned pants off." "Yes, Ma''am." I laugh and shuck off my pants before hopping into bed. *** "Morning sleepyhead." a voice right next to my ear draws me from sleep. "I would have woken you up a much nicer way, but it looks like your transformation drops when you sleep." "Mhm, I''ll definitely have to work on that then." I let out a big yawn. "That and controlling junior." I chuckle. "Flopping about when all I wanted to do was grab hold, was very frustrating." "You''ll get there." Apricot grins. "You just need practice." We were just about to get that practice when a knock comes from my door. "Sorrel, are you up?" Amelia calls out from the other side of the door. I groan, but Apricot says to invite her to join in. I just smile and shake my head before pulling on my pants. "Just a second." I pull on my shirt and open the door. "Morning Amelia, how''s Rodrick doing?" "He''s good." She answers with a smile. "Maddie got the arrow out and stitched up his wound last night. I came over to treat you to breakfast and see if there''s anything you needed." I do my best to ignore Apricot tugging on my ear when Amelia said that last bit. "Thank you, I''ll never say no to a good meal." I answer her smile with one of my own. "And, I could use someone to show me around town, maybe help me pick up a few of the basics." "Stretch my merchant muscles?" She steps back to lead the way to the dining hall. "I''d be happy to." "Oh, hold on, I almost forgot my speaker." I turn around and speak a short incantation. "...Storage!" Touching the speaker makes it disappear into a pocket dimension. This was the priciest skill I picked up, but totally worth it.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. "You can use storage?" The young merchant gets a hungry look on her face. "Do you know how many times I''ve dreamt of having that spell? All the best merchants have that, or some variation of it. Oh, I''m so jealous." "Mhm, I can try showing you how to use it." I offer. "Nng, I won''t say no, but my uncle Charlie already tried." She heaves out a deep sigh. "It did not go well." "Well, let''s go get breakfast." I change the subject. "And, maybe you fill me on some of the local geography. I know Riverton is to the south, and the Teeth are to the north, but that''s about it." "I wouldn''t mind learning a bit about that too." Apricot says and flies over to Amelia, giving me a thumbs up that the blonde can''t see. I can''t help but smile at the thought of gaining a pixie wingman/fuck buddy after just one day on a new world. Amelia is happy to give us an impromptu lesson. I learn that this is the Kingdom Of Larendath and that it''s bordered by the Deadlands desert to the west, The Wyvern''s teeth to the north, a mountain range that covers almost the entire western coast of the continent of Varecia. Oceans to the east and south mean that Larendath is somewhat isolated, but it''s position on the Circular Gulf, a favored trade route by sailors, means that it''s something of a gateway to the continent and a rather major trade hub for the area. We''re in the Deepwoods to the northwest of the country, and Southwood was built by two brothers from Westwood, which is actually to the east. But, used to be the westernmost town in the area. The residents of which will apparently get quite upset when travelers coming from Riverton call their town Eastwood by mistake. The brothers were hunting deep into the forest when they stumbled upon a naturally defended valley full of valuable resources. Immediately seeing the potential, they claimed the area. And, lacking a better naming sense, dubbed it Northwood. Realizing that Northwood was too far into the forest; the eldest brother spent the earnings from their first few trips to hire a team to build a small fort. The fort quickly grew into a bustling town. Still lacking a naming sense, it was un-imaginatively called Southwood by the brothers. Riverton, about a week''s travel to the south, is one of only two settlements on the Janwick. It''s prime farmland going mostly unused because of the proximity to the magical null zone that is the desert. It''s a small, but important trade city built where the river exits the woods. There''s a road that runs from Riverton to the country of Cendassa in the north-east. This road travels a sort of no man''s land between the woods and the desert. "Wow, I guess you need to know all that to be a good merchant." I say with a laugh once her lecture winds down. "Oh, all that and more." She nods. "I mean, I didn''t even touch on the Grasslands." She laughs when Apricot lets out a snore. "Okay okay, no more lessons." "Thank goodness." The pixie perks right back up. "Heheh." I chortle at the winged woman''s antics. "Alright, let''s go shopping. Oh, thank you very much, Annie." I smile at the inn keeper¡¯s daughter as she comes over to clear the table. "Please tell your parents the meal was delicious." I say and grow a flower to tuck into her hair. "Thank you, Mister Sorrel." A bright smile fills her face. "Daddy said to tell you that mister Leonard has your reward ready at the Townhall." "Thank you very much, Annie." I beam a smile at her. "You lady-killer you." Apricot teases as we walk down the street to Townhall. "But, don''t you think she''s a bit young?" "So, what can I buy with a gold, and do you think I can get anything for their weapons?" I ask Amelia while studiously ignoring the crazy flying woman. "Eh, maybe a few coppers for the blades." She waggles her hand. "I took a look yesterday, and they''re pretty poor quality. As for the gold, it won''t go far in the city, but you should be able to get whatever you need from here." She looks down at my bare feet as we step inside the Building. "I recommend you start with some boots." "Hah!" Apricot barks out a laugh much larger and louder than her body should be able to. "Should have seen him yesterday, he was walking around in the buff. Only made some clothes when I reminded him that it''s generally a good idea to have pants on when you go into town." Seeing the blush that creeps on Amelia''s face is worth the embarrassment Apricot doles out. "Ah, Sorrel." The captain waves us over after spotting us. "I''ve got your coins here, I gave you fifty copper, and five wreaths, along with nine silver and nine laurels." Looks like it''s a simple hundred to one ratio from copper to silver to gold with wreaths, laurels, and presumably crowns being worth ten of their respective metal. "Thank you very much." I put the smaller silver pouch into my storage, and tuck the copper into my pants pocket. "Smart." The lawman nods. "We don''t get a lot of crime here, but it never hurts to be cautious." "Speaking of crime." Amelia snarls. "What''s going to happen to those two." "Banditry and attempted murder are both capital offenses, so they''ll be spending the rest of their days in the mines." He says calmly. "Oh, a magistrate will be by in a few days on his regular rounds to try them, but with your statements, it''s already a foregone conclusion." "Does the kingdom use a lot of slave labor?" I ask, not surprised, but also not-not surprised. "Capital crimes go to the mines." He states. "Lesser criminals are punished appropriately and forced to make amends. If they cannot, then they will have to work off their debt, though rarely in hard labor. No other forms are allowed, and slavery is actually considered a capital crime itself." "Harsh, but fair." "As long as it doesn''t get abused." He finishes the unspoken part of my sentence for me. "Which is what the magistrates are for; they''re impartial and only report to the Queen. They can, and have even taken down the nobility." "Good to hear." I nod to the captain. "Alright, I''m off to buy some boots." "Well, I wasn''t expecting that question." Amelia lets out a nervous laugh as we leave. "Mhm." I make a noncommittal noise. "Where I''m from used to have a problem with slavery." "Ah." She nods. "Mind if I ask where that is, your accent is perfect, but you''re obviously not from anywhere nearby." "Very, very far away." A sad look pastes itself on my face. I''ve been avoiding thinking about what happened as best I can, but I''m gonna have to sit down and just deal sooner or later. "It''s kinda hard to talk about, let''s just say that I had to travel a very hard road before I came here. But, I''m rather happy to be here now." My sadness is replaced by a smile as I look between her and Apricot. "Smooth." Apricot whispers in my ear after Amelia ducks her head to hide her blush behind her shining locks. "...Boots." Amelia coughs. "There''s a good cobbler down this way." The cobbler turned out to be more of an all-purpose leatherworker, so I able to get a belt, waterskin, and a backpack along with the boots. Which thankfully they had a pair in my size... well, close enough that I barely had to Shape-shift at all. "Well, don''t you look like a proper traveler now." Rodrick teases as we check up on him. The leatherworker was close to Maddie''s, so we headed over after getting me kitted out. "Hey, Roddy." Amelia pulls him into a gentle hug. "How are you doing?" "You know for someone who hates having their name shortened, you sure do love giving people nicknames." He says with a dopey smile. "Sorry about him." Maddie says. "I gave him a little poppy tea for the pain, but he''s a bit of a lightweight." "I''ve recovered enough that I can heal him now." I say and try not to laugh as the stoned man''s eyes follow Apricot as she flitters about. "If it''ll clear out my spare bed, then you''re welcome to." I''m unsure how much of her gruff demeanor is for show, so I just get on with it. "Hey Rodrick, can you please quit trying to catch the pixie, and drink this for me." I half-fill the empty glass next to his bed with the healing sap. "That''s an interesting spell, do the effects last?" Maddie asks as Amelia helps her brother to drink his medicine. "Unfortunately no." I shake my head and guide the magic to his shoulder. "The sap stays around, but the healing effect fades away once I quit channeling the spell. And, without me guiding it, the healing would just be spread over the whole body, anyways." "And it draws from your vitality, yes?" I nod to her question while focusing most of my attention on healing Rodrick. "Shame, If not for that it would be a top-class spell." ''True, but after picking storage, I didn''t have a lot of points left for a healing spell. And, this one was cheap because I chose the Plantkin race.'' Is what I don''t say. "Alright, man." I pat Amelia''s brother on his freshly healed shoulder. "You''re all fixed up, let''s get you to the inn so you can sleep off the rest of the poppy juice." "Okay." He says with an even dopier smile and tries to get out of bed, only to get hopelessly tangled in the sheet. "Lie back down boy." Maddie pushes him back onto the mattress. "I''ll watch him until he sobers up." "Thank you, Miss Maddie." Amelia pulls the gruff old woman into a hug. "And, thank you for stitching him up last night." "Yeah, yeah." The old woman blushes slightly. "Just go on already. And you take your weapons and sled with you, the guards left them here last night." "Bye Amy." Roddy waves to his sister who cringes at the nickname. "You really don''t like nicknames? What about Lia?" I say after storing the weapons, the travois I just chopped up and tossed on her firewood pile. "Nng, uncle Charlie calls me that one." She groans. "We''ll just call you Mel then." Apricot says with a titter. "Please don''t." Amelia just shakes her head and changes the subject. "So, where next?" "The blacksmiths." I answer. "I need a decent knife and a cook pot." I checked out the knives, and she was right, they are kinda trash. I guess charging at a sharp pointy thing is going to make it look bigger and badder than it really is. "Oh, this should be fun." She laughs. "Just don''t take anything Zita says seriously. She''s a bit of a flirt, but she and Dolf are happily married." "Just because they''re married doesn''t mean they can''t bring in extra partners." Apricot says. "Maybe she''s just trying to draw people in." "I... did not think of that." Amelia starts blushing. "Well, don''t worry." The pixie lands on her shoulder and whispers just loud enough for me to hear. "I don''t think Sorrel is going to be flirting with any other women anytime soon." This just makes Amelia blush all the harder. *** # 004 The blushing blonde hides her face with her hair again and leads us through town to the blacksmith''s. It''s on the far side of town where it stands within its own thick, stone walls. Presumably there to reduce noise, and prevent any fires from spreading the rest of the mostly wooden buildings in town. "Hello again, dearie." The rather lovely looking older woman greets Amelia. "How can I help you and this strapping young lad today." Amelia starts blushing again, so I step forward. "I need a good knife and a cooking pot. Oh, and I was wondering if you could take this junk off my hands." I materialize the weapons I took from the two bandits and place them before the woman that I''m somewhat surprised is married to a smith. "Don''t handle bows, but I can tell you these are little better than firewood. I take it you pulled these off those bandits?" I nod and curse freakin'' small-town gossip in my head. "The knives aren''t worth much more than scrap either, I''ll take a wreath off your purchase. Say fifteen silver for this beauty and a mid-size cook pot." She sets out a knife, and it looks like a good one. But, what do I know about knives? "Oh, you can do better than that." Amelia interjects in full-on merchant mode. "I know you''ve been trying to get rid of that fancy thing for as long as I''ve been passing through here." "This is high-quality steel here." Zita unsheathes the dagger and rolls it through her fingers like a master. "I can''t just give it away, and I know you don''t want to see your man walking around with some rusty piece of junk on his belt." "I''m not debating its quality." Amelia ignores the ''your man'' comment. "But, we both know nobody else around here can afford it, and the travelers that can already have a good knife. Otherwise, you would have sold it by now. Thirteen silver and you throw in that tripod for the cook pot, a fork, and a spoon." "You''re bleeding me dry here Amy-girl, I can do fourteen with the tripod." She adds the utensils and a folding metal stand with a hook for the pot next to it and the knife. "Thirteen-seventy-five and not a copper more." Amelia counters. "Deal." They''ve both got big grins on their faces, so I have no idea who won that round. "Maybe I should just let you hold onto this." I tease Amelia after handing over one big and four small silver to Zita. "You''d do well to." The smith''s wife says while handing over my change. "She''s a born merchant, this one." "Mhm. You said you don''t handle bows, but I see you''ve got some staves here." I''d glanced over them, but they just didn''t feel right. "Those are my work, I handle all the wood around here." She says, and I just know she meant that to be a double entendre. "Those are fine, but I guess as a nature mage you want to make your own." "Yeah, those look nice, but they just don''t speak to me." I answer. "And, I may be a nature mage, but I don''t know much more about a good staff than that it should be long and straight." "Two excellent qualities in any staff." She says with a slightly wicked smile and a hint of a laugh to her voice. "Go on, give this one a twirl, get a feel for the weight and balance. Most people prefer one that''s just slightly taller than they are, though length isn''t quite as important as girth." She says with an actual laugh this time. ''Damn, I don''t know if I feel sorry for the smith, or wish I was him.'' I think while trying not to blush, before clearing my throat. "Ahem. Is there any secret to the wood itself?" "Not a secret." She replies. "You just want to look for a long straight grain. The best place to find that is the heartwood near the center of the tree. The oaks around here are great, but they may be heavier than some care for. Though, I doubt that''ll be a problem for a strapping young man like you." Returning the quarterstaff to its place in the rack, I thank the smith''s wife for the knife and the instructions. Then, before I start taking her teasing too seriously, I make a hasty exit as she looks on with an amused twinkle in her eyes. "That woman is dangerous." I say once we''re free. "The right kind of dangerous, though." Apricot purrs. "Oh, man." Amelia breathes out. "I used to think her teasing was just that, but now I''m wondering about all the times she complimented me. Uhm, so where next?" "Heheh." The pixie laughs and lands on her head. "Is Zita''s bed an acceptable answer?" "I don''t know, I haven''t seen what Dolf looks like yet." I raise a single eyebrow suggestively. "Snerk." Amelia snorts out a laugh. "You two must be followers of Temmie." "The goddess of bawdy jokes? You know it." "Mhm, I''d heard of her before, but I don''t much follow the gods." "Oh?" Apricot perks up. "I saw a temple a ways back, we should go say hi." "Sure, why not?" I shrug and follow the pixie. "After that, I''d like to check out the bowyer, and maybe see if there''s any place that sells guitar strings around here. The speaker is fun, but I''m out of practice as it is." "Hmm, there''s no instrument makers around here, but Tully in the general store might have something." Amelia says. "Anything else you need?" "Food, and any useful seeds I can find." I answer. "Maybe some extra clothes, or at least premade cloth. I can grow and process my own flax, but why bother if I don''t have to." "I was wondering about your clothes, they don''t look like they''re woven." She fingers my shirt sleeve. "Or, if it is, it''s too fine for me to tell." "Not woven." I admit as we enter one of the few stone buildings in town. "I just fused the fibers to their neighbors, I only know the basic linen weave anyways."Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. "Hmm, I know a bit just from having to sell the stuff, but you should ask old Lacey the weaver about it." "Come on." Apricot flies back over and tries to tug me along by my collar. "Hey, Temmie-chan, this is Sorrel. Sorrel, this is Temmie. Say hi." She introduces me to one statue in a row of others along the back wall, all carved in different styles. "Uh, hi Temmie." I wave at the statue, which while not a naked blue hologram, does kinda remind me of Cortana from the Halo games, mostly in the hair and eyes. *Ding* It''s like a gentle bell goes off in my head that also conveys a greeting, somehow. "Uh..." I look over to Apricot. "Does she always ding?" "Oh, you know never know what you''re going to get from Temmie." She says and lands on the statue, and I swear it looks like she''s having a conversation with the goddess without moving her lips. "Hmm?" ''Can you hear me?'' A *Ding* in the affirmative. ''Oh, cool. Well, I never got his name, but I''ve been calling him Voice Guy. Anyways, he said to say hello. A confused *Ding* responds. ''Nng. Go on GodTube and look up the sky-diving birth vid.'' A pause then *Ding**Ding**Ding**Ding**Ding**Ding* A series of laugh like bells ring out. ''Yes, haha. Come on, he said you were cool.'' *Ding* A more apologetic tone this time. ''It''s alright, I guess. It''s just a bit raw still, ya know?'' *Ding**Ding* ''"That''s what she said?" Really? Oh man, you really are the goddess of bawdy jokes. Alright, it looks like the others are done, I''ll chat with you later.'' *Ding* "Oh, she must like you." Apricot says when I turn away. "I could hear her laughing even though she wasn''t talking directly to me." "She seems alright." I smile at the orange-haired woman. "You ready to go?" Amelia asks. "The weaver and general store are right next to each other on the next block over, but Julius the bowyer is over by the south gate." "Let''s try the weaver first; I think trying to weave with magic might be good practice, or at least a good way to kill time. I know I want to travel around a bit, so a hobby I can do in my spare time and make some coin from might be useful." "Good point, but don''t forget your music box." Amelia says as we cut through an alley. "I can''t think of any inn that wouldn''t pay you to stay there, so long as you played music for them. I know of a few places in Riverton that would pay you quite well." She drops a pretty big hint that she wouldn''t mind me following her to the city. "Ooh, yes." Apricot dances around with a grin on her face. "Let''s go to Riverton." "Mhm, I wouldn''t mind seeing the city." I say while looking straight at Amelia, letting her know that that''s not all I wouldn''t mind seeing. She hides behind her hair again, but not before I can see a happy smile cross her lips. "I''m not going to be able to replace my horse here, so maybe you could travel with Roddy and me?" "I think I would like that very much." I answer and get a double thumbs-up from Apricot. "Lacey, are you in?" Amelia pushes into a store that''s filled nearly to the rafters with bolts of fabric and piles of clothing. "That you Amelia? I''ll be right out." A grandmotherly voice comes from the back of the store. "Oh, Amy-girl. I''m so glad that you''re alright, I was so frightened when I heard you were attacked by bandits." "That''s all thanks to Sorrel here." She pulls me forward to meet the old weaver and doesn''t let go of my hand afterward. "He''s looking for some clothes or fabric, and maybe some tips on weaving. Oh, and are you still punishing your grand-daughters by making them pick seeds out of that big bale of cotton?" "You have cotton?" I perk up, not expecting to find anything but linen or wool. "I''d definitely like to buy some of those seeds." "Heheh. That big bale has gotten quite a bit smaller, but it''s mostly just gathering dust now." Lacey moves a few bolts out of the way to reveal a small bundle of cotton. "Little Lisa threatened to run away if I made her pick out any more seeds. So, you can have it all if you want." "I do, thank you. I''d like a good bedroll, and a few outfits too. Whatever you have on hand will do, I can use my magic to adjust the size to fit." "I''d heard you were a nature mage." She starts bustling around the shop, holding up pants and shirts to check their size against me. "They''re not exactly common, even here in the Deepwoods. I suppose that''s why you want to learn to weave?" "Yes, ma''am. Ooh, that green one looks nice." She adds it to the pile for me. "I only know the basic over-under weave, and a bit of knitting my mother forced me to learn after I destroyed one too many socks." "Well, if you know the basic warp and weft, then the other standard patterns are fairly easy." She explains and starts pulling out samples. "Twill has two over, two under, but the rows are staggered to create a diagonal pattern. Satin is four or five, or more, over and one under. The staggering is more spread out than twill too. Basketweave is just like plain weave, but you use two threads as one." "Well, that''s a lot simpler than I feared." I laugh and rub the swatches between my thumb and forefinger. "Could I get a small bolt of each as reference, in linen please." I add since my skills run more towards the plant side of nature. "Sure, but if you re-invent starweave, or become the next big name in fashion you''ve got to tell everyone that Old Lacey trained you." She smiles and sets the last shirt I picked out on the counter. "Let''s see, a tenth bale of cotton, three outfits, one blanket, and four bolts of fabric in colors nobody else wants." She laughs while tallying up my bill. "Anything else, dear?" "Half a dozen socks." I add. "Alrighty, all together I can let you have everything for a silver. Since you''re Amy''s friend." Amelia startles and drops my hand when the weaver stresses the word friend. "Though, I''m not sure how you''re going to fit everything in that little backpack of yours." "Oh, that won''t be a problem." I hand over the silver and put everything but half the cotton away in storage. The half I kept out goes into my bag so I can play with it while we shop. "Thanks, Lacey." Amelia waves goodbye to the grinning old woman. "Let''s uh... go see what Tully has to offer." She starts walking next door, but I grab her hand and pull her back "No need to be embarrassed, I like holding hands with you." I smile down at the shy little thing. "Nnh." She whimpers and blushes beet-red, but doesn''t let go. Well, not until Apricot ruins the mood. "And, I''m sure he''d love to do more than just hold hands." Her lascivious grin just makes me roll my eyes and let go of Amelia who dashes off into the general store. "I appreciate you trying to help, but that''s not helping." I tell Apricot plainly. "You''ve been pushing me towards Amelia, but are you really okay with me pursuing her? She may not be into the whole sharing thing, and I''m not one to cheat." "Wait!" Amelia comes back out from where she was apparently listening at the door. "You and her are... I mean, how?" "Yes, we are. He can shapeshift ''everything''. And ugh, I forgot you lunkers can''t tell when people have been together." Apricot just sorta drifts there listlessly. "So, you''re like Zita and Dolf?" The blonde tries to make sense of our relationship. "I don''t know what we are yet." I say honestly. "We just met yesterday, she wanted sex, I offered. We seem to get along, but it''s just casual so far." I lift my hand to gently catch the pixie in my palm and raise some tendrils from my hand to hug her. "I was going to tell you before we went beyond the flirting stage, but now''s as good a time as any, if not the best location." I look around at the mostly empty street, thankful that nobody seems to be paying attention. "I uh... I think I need some time to think about this." She then walks off in the direction of the inn. "Shit, I''m sorry Sorrel." Apricot sniffles. "Hey, none of that now." I tap her softly on the head. "I like her, but I''m not looking to settle down, and it''s not the end of the world if she''s not okay with that. Now, come on, let''s see if this Tully person has anything good." "Sniff. Are you sure? I can just fuck off into the woods again, and let you hook up with someone your own size." "Aww, sweetie." I shift part of my arm into mini-me just so I can give her a hug. "And, waste all the effort I put into this before I even get to use it properly." "It''s not a drowning fish anymore." She giggles and hugs ''me'' back. "I know I''m a good fuck, but I still think you''re crazy not to ditch me and go after her. I''m not stupid enough to say no, though. Pixies just aren''t meant to be alone." She disengages to fly up and kiss the real me on the nose. "Alright, let''s finish shopping." *** # 005 Tully didn''t have any guitar strings, but he did have plenty of fruits and vegetables and seed crops. So, I stocked up everything useful, including a pot of yeast, which I can almost control like the plants. Apricot talked me into getting her a sweet roll bigger than she was, but ate the whole thing on our way over to the bowyer. "Hello?" I call out to the empty bow makers shop. "Boy, go see what they want." A bellow rings out from upstairs, swiftly followed by a tow-headed boy of around nine clomping his way downstairs. "Hello sir, how can I help you?" He says perfunctorily. "I''m looking for a good bow and, more importantly, information about what makes a good bow." I answer while Apricot does her usual examination of everything new. "I''m also wondering if your dad makes strings out of anything besides sinew. I need guitar strings, but don''t know how to make them." I know they''re made from intestines and silk, but that''s about all. "Okay, he''ll be right down." He clomps back upstairs without saying anything else. I just look at Apricot and try not to laugh when I see her pantomiming the boy. "I don''t know about the strings, but I can get you a bow and show you the basics." A balding man with a ruddy complexion says while walking down the stairs with much more grace than his boy. "For the right price, that is." "The bow is secondary to the strings truthfully." I sigh. "But, let''s see what you''ve got." "Now, I didn''t say that I couldn''t do the strings." He quickly adds. "I''m just not used to working with gut, so they may not sound just right." "I''m sure whatever you make will be better than my attempts." I tried with some flax, and even the cotton I just got, but they just wouldn''t hold the tension. "And, I''m willing to pay for the effort, even if it doesn''t work out." "Then I think we can do business." He smiles and guides me over to a wall of unstrung bows. "This one should be about right for your height." He plucks one down, seemingly at random, and strings it up faster than I can blink. "Give her a test pull." I do and it''s really easy. "Uh, maybe a higher draw-weight. I''m stronger than I look." "You can say that again." He mutters and replaces the bow before snatching a slightly larger and much thicker bow. This one he actually has to put some effort into stringing. "Here, try this." "That''s nice." I nod while giving it a full draw. "It''s got a good feel to it." "Damn, I keep that one around for beastkin." He snorts. "You really are strong. So, what do you want to know?" "What steps you took to make this beast? I just need the basics, so don''t worry about any trade secrets." I use my magic to unstring it. "You''re that nature mage that caught the bandits, eh?" I can see the calculations run across his face. "Twenty silver for the bow the info and the strings." I just snort and turn around to walk out the door. "Okay, okay. Fifteen." "Throw in a bundle of arrows, and I want a half-dozen strings in a dozen different gauges." I say over my shoulder. "Deal!" He puts out a hand and we shake on it before he explains everything about bow making. "Pleasure doing business with you. I should have those strings ready by morning." "Thanks." I put my new purchases into storage and head out to just wander around the town for a bit. "You know he ripped you off right?" Apricot says after landing on my shoulder. "True, but I''ll never need to buy another bow again." I shrug the shoulder she''s not sitting. "And, I doubt money is going to be a problem in the future." "Are you sure you just weren''t missing a certain merchant, and haggling reminded you of her?" Apricot teases. "It would be nice if she came around." I admit. "But, I did just meet her yesterday..." I shrug again. "Well, she did hear you out earlier instead of just getting angry." I''m not sure if she believes that, or is just trying to cheer me up. "Ooh, look some tea plants." Okay, she''s definitely trying to cheer me up. I was able to charm the owner of the tea plants into giving me a cutting, she was a really sweet old lady who just wanted to chat for a bit. We wandered some more afterward, but aside from buying a couple more snacks for the flying piranha, we didn''t find anything else interesting. "Hi, Fred." I greet the innkeep when we head back at sunset. "Do I smell stew?" "And fresh-baked bread." He answers with a smile. "Two plates please, and give me an ale. You want something to drink, Apricot?" "Juice, if you have any. The sweeter the better." "Coming right up, that''ll be ten copper for the meals and another ten for the room." I pay and we head over to the same table we used this morning. A man in dusty clothing comes in just as we''re sitting down. "Evening, Fred." He sits at the bar and calls into the kitchen. "Are the Rialta''s still here?" "Hey, Shane. Everything alright?" Fred questions while carrying our food out. "Yeah, but their aunt must be the most accident-prone person I''ve ever met." He laughs. "Not one day after they leave and she goes and breaks her wrist. Since I was heading down this way anyways, she asked me to see if they were still here and if they''d head back and help her out again." "Oh, they''re still here, had a bit of business with bandits on the road. Actually, young Sorrel here was the one to save them." Fred says after setting our plates down. "It was mostly luck that I was in the right place at the right time. And, Apricot really deserves the credit for spotting them." I gesture to the tiny woman who''s already tearing into her meal.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. "I''m not the one who healed them, or charged two armed men." She mumbles around a mouth full of bread that she dunked into the stew. "I was just about to bring up their meals." Fred tells Shane. "I''ll let them know you''re here." "You''re a healer?" The man pulls a chair over and sits himself at our table. "Would you be willing to head up there and help her?" "Mhm, that could be a tad difficult." I say and take a drink. "Amelia might be a little mad at me right now." "I''m not mad at you." The person in question speaks up from the hallway. "I was just surprised." She pulls up a seat opposite Shane. "Is Aunt Carmen alright?" "It was a clean break." He nods. "Salem treated her and got it wrapped up right. She''s just in pain right now, and since it was her primary hand, she can''t do much for herself." "Okay, thank you for letting us know." She gives him a perfunctory smile. "Could we have a little privacy." "Sure thing." He gets up to head back to the bar, but not before giving out a bit of unsolicited advice. "Whatever you did lad, just apologize and buy her some sweets." "Thank you, Shane." Amelia glares at his retreating form. "So..." She draws out the word. "I''ll help your aunt if you want." I offer before getting Fred''s attention and signaling for two more drinks. "No... well, yes and thank you. But, that''s not what I wanted to talk about. Thanks, Fred." She takes her mug and hands him a couple coppers, I do the same and we wait for him to retreat. "I know we just met, but I do like you, both of you... I just don''t know how to feel about you two... you know." "Sex." Apricot laughs. "The word is sex." "Not helping." I give the pixie a look. "Amelia I like you too, and I know Apricot does. But, like you said, we just met. Things don''t always work out, and I''m happy to remain friends. Or, just leave you alone from now on, if that''s what you want." "No." Amelia says a little louder than I think she meant to. "I mean..." She drinks half of her beer in one go. "I think I''d like to try." "With just me, or with both of us?" I ask before Apricot can get her hopes up. "I... I mean, would that even work?" The blonde blushes after looking down at the pixie whose eyes are filled with longing. "I guess we can try." She says shyly and downs the rest of her drink. "We''ll take it slow." I say mostly to curb Apricot''s exuberance. "Neither of us will do anything you''re uncomfortable with. And, if you start getting uncomfortable, just speak up." "Okay." She breathes out. "That medicine Maddie gave Rodrick messed him up worse than the arrow." The smile that crosses her lips makes me feel a little giddy. "So, I''m gonna make sure he eats, and then put him back to bed. Afterward... I''d like to stop by your room. I''m not saying we''ll do anything, but I want to get to know the two of you better and anything beats listening to Roddy snore." "I think we can manage that." while trying not to laugh at Apricot who''s just nodding over and over with a giddy smile on her face. "I''ll see you in a little bit." She smiles at the over-excited pixie before walking back to her room. *** "Can, I come inside?" Amelia taps on the door that I left cracked open for her. "Isn''t Sorrel the one that''s supposed to ask that?" Apricot quips, and I swear I hear the echo of a *Ding*. "Hush." I warn the tiny terror. "And yes, please come in." I motion to the seat across from me at the tiny table that came with the room. "Thanks. And, please quit trying to embarrass me, Apricot." Amelia sits down and locks her eyes with Apricot''s. "I''ve never done anything like this, and I''m embarrassed enough." "Never, never?" Apricot stops flying around the room and lands on the table. "Oh, I''ve kissed a couple boys... and girls, but never anything more than kissing." Amelia confesses. "Sorrel, you have to treat her right, you hear?" My orange-haired lover scolds me before I can even react. "A girl''s first is special." "I thought we were just going to get to know each other better tonight." I reply cautiously. "I keep forgetting that you lunkers can''t sense everything I can." Apricot huffs out an exasperated breath. "She wants you. Wants you so badly than I''m surprised she hasn''t thrown you down and torn your clothes off yet." "Didn''t I just say to quit embarrassing me." Amelia mutters through clenched teeth. "But, you''re also not wrong." I almost missed her words, but when she looks at me the heat in her eyes makes her meaning clear. Not saying anything, I stand, take her hand and guide her to the bed. Sitting her on the edge of the mattress, I kneel down and start to slowly remove her clothing. Button by button, I reveal her smooth, creamy-white skin. She''s not wearing a bra, or breastband or whatever they wear here, a fact that I did not miss when she entered the room. Apricot may have better senses than me, but I''d have to be a fool to not know that Amelia came here for one reason tonight. I was just trying to make it a little easier for her. ""So, beautiful"" Apricot and I breath out in sync as I slide Amelia''s top down to reveal her full breasts. "Come here." Amelia beckons Apricot closer. "I''m not just here for Sorrel." "Lie back." I guide the virgin blonde back on the bed so Apricot can land on her breasts. "Mmm." Amelia moans as Apricot starts teasing her nipple by brushing her wings across it. "Your wings are so warm." "And, you might just be heat incarnate." I let my hot breath wash over her other breast before darting my tongue out to lick it. "Oh yes. Please more." Amelia is already panting from just a few light touches, I think we may have found her weakness already Grinning the same grin, Apricot and I nod to each other before sucking Amelia''s nipples into our mouths. Or at least trying to in Apricot''s case, the round nub protruding from Amelia''s breast is just a little too large for her mouth. I don''t know if it''s my light chuckling or Apricot''s desperate struggle to engulf her nipple, but something sets off Amelia. Her breath quickens as shudders rock her slim body. "Yes! Yesssssss. Ahn." She pants and moans as the orgasm washes over and through her. "Oh, we are going to have so much fun with you." Apricot''s throaty purr sends shivers down my spine. "Sorrel, get naked." The pixie shucks her dress off in the same instant as I use magic to tear my clothes off. "So big." Amelia''s eyes lock on my hardness, her hand extends seemingly unconsciously to grasp it. "Aah, so hot." "Are you ready?" I ask as my vines remove her pants. "Can you... together?" She looks from me to Apricot. To answer, I pick up Apricot and lay her down just above Amelia''s downy pubic hair, I''m careful of her wings, but she''s already told me that they''re tougher than they look. Shapeshifting mini-me on a thin umbilical, I position myselves between their thighs at the same time. I try to be slow and gentle, but as soon as the tip goes in Amelia bucks and takes the whole of me in with a hiss. "Silly girl." I smile down at the impatient beauty and use some healing sap to heal up the edges of her torn hymen. "Fuck her Sorrel," Apricot commands with a growl. "I can feel her, feel you in her." ""Fuck us, please."" They plead at the same time. Grabbing their hips with my vines to hold them steady as I slowly pump my length in and out in long teasing strokes. At the same time, I caress and tease their breasts with my hands, paying special attention to the nipples. ""Oh, Sorrel. Yes!"" More of that weird double voice, but I''m too lost in the sensation to care. I didn''t think it would be, but somehow mini-me''s cock is just as sensitive as the real thing Fighting not to lose control, not when we''ve just started, I start upping the speed of my thrusts as they rock their hips in unison to match my every movement. Their breaths start coming in faster and faster, and I can feel them starting to squeeze me tighter. Soon, I give up playing with their breasts and use all four arms to hold on as I pound into them harder and harder, faster and faster, trying my best to make us all cum as one. "Fuck!" - ""Yes!"" I grunt and they moan. """AAAAAHHHHHHHHNNNNNNNNNNN!!!""" And we all lose control at the same time. Collapsing half off of them, but still buried inside, I struggle to catch my breath. "Holy" - "Shit!" "Wow, what the hells was that?" Amelia asks after finishing Apricot''s oath. "I don''t know, but can we do it again, please?" Apricot chuckles and the extra stimulation finally forces me to withdraw. "It''s like..." "Like we were one." Amelia says as an aftershock shudders through her. "I can still sorta feel you, it''s strange, but good strange. Is that going to happen every time we have sex?" "Only one way to find out." I chuckle. "Just uh... gimme a few minutes, and some water. That was intense." "Take your time." Amelia giggles. "I''m good just riding this double orgasm wave. I definitely made the right decision coming here tonight." "Thank you for joining us." Apricot turns over so she can stare Amelia in the eyes. "I''ve never felt anything like this. I didn''t even know it was possible" "Oh, sweetie." Amelia gently strokes her finger down the pixie''s back, right between her wings. "You were so lonely, and I was so... hungry" "And, we just reached out and connected to each other." Apricot finishes her sentence. *** # 006 "Nng, get off Sorrel, you''re all pointy." Amelia groans and tries to disentangle herself from my barely awake form. "M''m sorry." I must have dropped my shift in my sleep again. Pushing myself up, I change back to human. "I still need to work on keeping my form through the night." "You don''t have to transform just for me." Amelia says when I lie back down next to her. "I kinda like your Plantkin face." "Mhm, but I don''t make a very good pillow that way." I smile over at her. "Maybe, but don''t feel that you have to hide what you are." "I''m not, I just feel more comfortable looking like this." I lean over and kiss her on the nose. "Where''d the Insatiable One go?" "Heheh. I think she''s feeding a different hunger right now, I can feel that she''s eating right now." We had a lot of fun exploring their new bond last night, and I''m glad to see that it hasn''t gone away. "I could eat!" The growl from my stomach puts an exclamation point on my statement. "Hehe. Clean me up and find my clothes and I''ll join you." She sits up and looks for wherever I tossed her pants last night. "Yours is so much better than my little Bath sp... Ack!" At the word ''bath'' a torrent of water washes over her body before disappearing just as suddenly as it came. "What the hells was that?" Apricot comes flying in under the gap at the bottom of the door. "I think our bond supercharged my magic." A sparkling clean Amelia looks sheepishly at Apricot. "Are you okay? I didn''t hurt you or anything, did I?" "I''m fine, I just got surprised when I felt the magic flow through me." The pixie lands on Amelia''s knee and stares at her like she''s seeing something that I can''t. "I think your mana pool connected along with everything else, but pixies don''t really have a mana pool, we just draw on the natural magic all around us." "We''ll have to test this, after breakfast." I add when my tummy rumbles again. "And, maybe in someplace where we won''t get charged for flooding the room." "Good point, now go get my pants." She points across the room to where they landed on the table. "And put some on yourself, mister nature boy." "Yeah, yeah." I make sure to point my butt as her while pulling on one of my new outfits. "So, if Amelia is a super mage now, did you get anything Apricot?" "Huh, what?" The pixie shakes herself out of the stupor caused by staring at my ass. "You heard me, you little perv." I shake my head at her antics. "I... don''t know." She looks down at her own body like she looked at Amelia. "Hmm? I don''t see anything, but I can sorta feel something. Eh, I''ll puzzle it out later, my food''s getting cold." "Now, there''s a woman with her priorities straight." I lead the way to the dining room with a laugh. *** "Morning Fred, could we get a couple plates?" I greet the innkeeper. "Hi there, Annie." I beam a smile at and conjure a new bloom for his daughter. "Morning." He nods to me. "Anything to drink?" "Tea, with honey if you have any." I answer. "The tea comes with the meal, but honey will be an extra copper." "That''s fine." I hand over a dozen coppers. "Wait, did Apricot pay?" "Uh, yeah." This is the first time I''ve seen the pixie looking sheepish. "I borrowed a few copper from your purse, sorry." "I was going to treat you anyway, don''t worry about it." I wave off her worry. "And, as far as I''m concerned half that reward belongs to you." "I won''t say no to the food, but keep your coin." She copies my waving away motion. "All I did was shout a warning, you''re the one that actually stopped those two." "Fine, but if there''s anything you want to buy, just tell me." I tousle her hair with a finger. "Speaking of buying things, were you able to get everything you wanted yesterday?" Amelia asks while watching in fascination as Apricot devours her meal. "Mhm, he over-payed for a bow." Apricot mumbles around a mouthful of eggs. "That I did." I say with a laugh as Fred delivers our meal, little Annie carrying a pot of tea, and a jar of honey. "But, I also got the bowyer to make guitar strings for me in a dozen different sizes, so I''m hoping they''ll work." "You play?" Fred asks curiously. "I''m out of practice, and lost my guitar." I shrug. "If you''re half as good as the songs that come out of that little box, then I can''t wait to hear you play for real." Amelia says while sweetening her tea with a good-sized dollop of honey. At Fred''s puzzled look, I bring the speaker out from storage and play While my Guitar Gently Weeps by the Beatles. "I didn''t know you could do voices and other instruments too." Apricot says somewhat accusingly. "What''s he saying? Is that your native language?"The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. "Yeah." I answer her last question first. "The lyrics are kinda random, but the song title is ''While my Guitar Gently Weeps''. This was one of the most popular bands where I came from, and they brought in another famous musician to play lead guitar for this one song." "Ooh, I''ve got shivers now." Amelia gives her body an exaggerated shake. "That was so... haunting. Are all their songs like that?" "Oh, no." I shake my head. "They liked to experiment a lot. Here, this is probably their most famous song." I try and tie my Gift-of-Tongues into Hey Jude, and play it for them. "Hey Jude, don''t make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better..." By the time the song plays out, I''ve got a wicked headache, but just the smile on her face at those opening lines was worth it. "Oof, that. That was more difficult than I thought it would be." I rub my temples with one hand while downing my tea with the other. "I''ll play you more later, but my eggs are getting cold now." I send her a pained smile. "Let me." Fred mutters an incantation and our food is suddenly steaming once more. "That was amazing. How many songs do you have stored up in here?" Apricot flies up and gently pats the top of my head. "Thousands, tens of thousands." I pick up the speaker. "This is just a conduit for my magic, but enchanted music players were very common where I came from. Almost everyone had one of some sort, and they could store as much music as you could listen to, and then some." "Any songs about pixies?" She asks while stealing half my sausage. "Uh, I know one called the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy." I start up Lindsey Stirling''s rendition. "But, the Fae weren''t very common around there." Now, that''s an understatement. "Most of our stories tended to mix up pixies and fairies." The fairies of this world look more insectile than the nearly human pixies. "Those little buttheads always steal the glory." She pouts. "Mhm. So, how far is Northwood?" I ask Amelia? "Will we be able to reach it in a day?" "Not riding doubled up, no." She shakes her head. "But there''s a protected clearing set halfway in for those on foot, or pulling a wagon. We should easily make it before dark, but we should get going soon." We all tuck into our meals after that, though Apricot got a good third of each of our breakfasts. "Alright." Amelia gets up after washing down the last bit of toast with the dregs of her tea. "Let''s check on Roddy, and then get his horse saddled up. Can you ride?" "Eh." I waggle my hand. "I''ve been on a horse before." "I''ll take the reins then, and you can sit behind me." She gives me a flirty wink guides us to her brother''s room. "You awake yet brother?" Her light tap is answered by a groan. "Yeah, just please whisper." He says from under his pillow. "I don''t know what was in that tea Maddie gave me, but this headache is worse than when my friends dared me to drink a whole bottle of wine when I was fourteen." "Sorry." She shrugs even though he can''t see her. "Do you remember me telling you about Aunt Carmen last night?" "Vaguely." His eyes squint as he peers out from under the pillow. "You three going up to heal her? Thank you, and take care of my sister." He gives her un-slept-in bed a pointed look. "Now, go on. I''ll probably head for Riverton tomorrow, so you can just catch me up." "Do you want me to try fixing your headache?" I offer as he hides under the pillow again. "Nnh, I''d rather remember this headache than how good whatever Maddie gave me made me felt." He waves us off. "Just have Fred send in a pot of tea on your way out." "Will do, we''ll see you next week." Amelia pats him on the arm and leads us out of the room, grabbing her saddlebags on the way out. Closing the door, she breathes out a deep sigh. "Oh, thank goodness, I thought he''d make it awkward. I''m pretty sure he was awake when I cast the contraception spell before coming over last night" "Damn! I knew I was forgetting something." I shake my head, thinking that of all the spells I could have picked, I somehow missed that one. "Don''t worry." She giggles. "Mom made sure I mastered that one after my first bleed." "Heh, at least that''s not an issue for me." Apricot gives the blonde''s belly a pat. "At least, I hope it''s not. I mean, I love babies, but I don''t want to raise them without my clan." "Uhh... It shouldn''t physically be possible. But you are mostly made of magic, so I''d rather not take the chance." I gulp audibly. "Amelia, would you show her your spell, please?" "Hahahah. Sure, but uh, let me practice a bit first." I recall her Bath spell when she says that, and quickly nod. "Let''s get Storm saddled up first, it''s probably safer if I practice outside the walls." "Yeah, but let me put these in storage for you." I take the saddlebags from her. "No need to make him carry any more weight than necessary." "Do you think I''ll be able to learn it now?" She looks just like a little kid hoping to get a puppy for Christmas. "I don''t know much outside nature magic, but if your problem was lack of mana then it should be possible." I slowly go through the full incantation, and slightly exaggerate the hand motion. "He may not know much, but he''s a natural caster." Apricot alights on my shoulder. "His mana flows are almost perfect, and his little music trick only took him a couple of hours to work out. Yes, you had my help." She cuts me off before I can do more than open my mouth. "But, you still improvised a brand new spell in no time." "I''m good with plants." I don''t know how else to respond. It''s not like I can just say a god gifted me the power when he transmigrated me to a new world. That''s like, at least, a third date level of confession. "Argh, I want to try it right now, but what if I disappear Fred''s inn?" "Yeah, please don''t do that." The man in question laughs. "Are you off to see your aunt?" "Yeah." Amelia nods with a sheepish smile. "Roddy''s going to rest today, and head for Riverton tomorrow. We''ll be back in a few days, and follow after him then." "Well, stay safe. Leo''s been running extra patrols to make sure there are no more bandits, but keep your eyes open okay." "Thanks, Fred, we will." She pats him on the shoulder and leads us to the stables. "Hey, horse." I go up and introduce myself to the beast. "If I give you an apple, will you be good for us?" I materialize one and hold it in my outstretched palm, I was happily surprised to find some this time of year, but apparently, they''re something of a local oddity. "Who''s a good horse? You are, yes you are." "Wow, he''s never that well behaved." Amelia exclaims. "Didn''t even give me any trouble when I was cinching up the saddle." "Well, I''m better with the plant side of things, but animals are part of nature too." It wasn''t really a spell, I just sorta sent out some good vibes. "He is a beauty, though." I scratch the chestnut stallion on the neck behind his ears. "Say, that when he throws you and runs off." Amelia chuckles and guides him over to a mounting block. "You hop up first, and then just lift me into place." I wrap my arms around her and lift us both into place at the same time. "Or, that." She giggles. "On the road again. I just can''t wait to get on the road again. The life I love is makin'' music with my friends. And, I can''t wait to get on the road again." I translate the Willie Nelson song as he starts off. "Heheh, oh that''s a good one." Amelia chuckles once it ends. "How''s your head?" "Not as bad." I shrug. "But, mostly because it''s a short song with fewer lyrics." "Can you play more of that one band from earlier?" Apricot begs. "You don''t need to translate it." "More of the Beatles, coming right up." I start playing my Beatles playlist in chronological order. "Yes, that''s their name." I laugh at their incredulous looks. "And, if you think that''s bad, know that there''s a band named the Pixies. "No!" Apricot scoffs. "Yes. I''ll play you some of their stuff later, it''s probably a bit different than what you''re used to. These guys are actually a good introduction to popular music where I''m from, they''ve influenced a lot of artists over the years." *** # 007 We travel down the road listening to The Lads from Liverpool. I translate as many songs as I can, mostly just to get used to the mental strain. At first, I can only manage one or two per album, but by the time we stop for the day, I''m up to every third or fourth song. "Can you do that money song again?" Apricot says as I get down from the horse. "I think it''s perfect for our merchant here. Ack, dust." She tries to fly out of the cloud that was stirred up by our passage, but doesn''t quite make it in time. "A-a-a-ACHOO!" Her over-sized sneeze is shortly followed by a thud and a cry of pain. "Well, I think we found out what you got from the bond." I say while staring at the now human-sized, and very naked pixie. "Why do my legs have to be made of jelly right now?" I laugh while hobbling over to her. "What? I... What?" The very confused, and not so little woman stares in confusion at her body. "Are you okay, Sweetie?" Amelia brushes past me, almost knocking me from my feet in the process. "What happened? "I-I don¡¯t know." She sniffles. "My butt hurts." "I''m sorry for laughing Apricot." I kneel next to the pixie and stroke her hair while Amelia hugs her. She still looks the same as she did before, wings and all. Only they''re immaterial now, a fact I discovered when my arm accidentally went through one. "You''re okay. I''m sure you can shift back to normal." "Yeah, I was able to control how much magic I draw and we can control the sensitivity of the bond." Amelia re-assures the crying woman. "You just need to figure out how to turn it on and off." "Thank you, but I''m not worried about that." She sniffles up at us. "It''s just my butt really hurts, I''ve never fallen that hard before." "Hahahah. Sorry, sorry." I try to choke back my laughter, but it keeps sneaking out. My mirth quickly infects Amelia, and even Apricot after a moment. "Sniff. Is this what it''s always like for you? It feels like I''m hauling a mountain around, there''s so much momentum to even the slightest movement." Apricot slowly moves her arms around trying to get used to the sensation. "Yeah, it kinda is, I guess." Amelia says. "Do you want to try standing, let me get a look at that tush. Shut it! You know what I mean." She quickly adds when I get a wicked grin on my face. "Why don''t you make yourself useful, and make a dress for her?" "Is the satin alright?" It''s probably the least ugly of the bunch. I mean it''s still ugly, kinda like they were trying for olive but dropped it in the mud. "It''ll do for now, but you''ve got to practice your weaving tonight." Apricot says when I show her the bolt of fabric. "I''d much rather just wear plain white. Now, help me stand, I''m not very used to using my legs." "Yes, ma''am." I do as she commands, and Amelia stands by to steady her while I prepare the dress. It''s fairly simple, and I''m just copying what she was wearing before, though without the wing holes since she doesn''t need them anymore. "Aww, man." Apricot groans while looking up at Amelia. "You''re still taller than me." "Only a few centimeters, but your boobs are bigger than hers, so it evens out." I try to dodge a swat from Amelia and fall on my ass. "Hahahah. My tushy hurts, will you check it for me? Hahahahah." "I''m really going to make your butt hurt." Amelia tries to sound angry but is soon infected by my giggle fit once more. And, I swear I hear the echoes of Temmie''s dinging laughter again. Meanwhile Apricot is just cupping her breasts, and not-so-subtly comparing them to Amelia''s. "One really ugly dress for one very beautiful woman." I say a couple minutes later, and present Apricot with her new frock. "It''s... lovely." She holds it up and flips it around. "But, you forgot the wing holes." "No. I didn''t." I pull her into a hug and rub my arms up and down her back. "What? But." She pulls back and reaches behind to touch one wing, her hand meeting resistance where mine just phased through. "Oh, that is so weird." She says while bisecting me with a wing. "Just think." I say with a smile. "You can sleep on your back and be little spoon now." I chuckle as Amelia wraps her up from behind. "Alright, you finish learning how to walk, I''m going to collect some firewood." There''s still a few hours before dark, but I don''t see any deadfall anywhere nearby. The protected clearing that Amelia mentioned turns out to be a circle of hedges with a fire pit in the center. There''s enough room for a couple wagons to fit inside, which is more than enough for the three of us and a single horse. "Could you do something about that first?" Amelia points to a ditch that someone scratched into the dirt at the rear of the clearing. "Ugh, seriously?" I wrinkle my nose. "We''re surrounded by the woods, and you couldn''t walk a few meters to take a dump, or even cover it up properly when you did?" I ask whatever lazy asshole left the mess. Tossing out a few seeds, I force some ground cover to grow over and absorb the dried up feces. A few small trees come next, and I use their roots to drill a deep hole into the ground before shaping them into a living outhouse. A couple of smooth-barked trees are bent into a toilet seat before joining up with the wall. The walls themselves are made up of a lattice of interwoven branches, and the door a curtain of vines. "Better?" I ask the blonde who''s just standing there with her mouth hanging open. "What? No toilet paper?" She quips after finally collecting herself. I just roll my eyes and turn some of the cotton into soft butt wipes. "Only the best for you." I stuff the stack into her arms and walk off to collect firewood. It turns out that having four arms makes gathering branches a hell of a lot easier. I just dropped off the first load and was about to head back out when Amelia runs up from where she''s guiding Apricot around like a mother teaching her toddler how to walk. "I''m sorry." She grabs my arm. "I could have used my magic to clean that up, but didn''t even think of it." "It''s alright." I take her hand with a smile. "And, this way we don''t have to squat in the woods later." I grew plenty of mint and other aromatic herbs around the latrine, but our cleaning magics will be more than enough for any smell. "Still, thank you." She gives me a quick peck on the lips. "And, thank you for those wipes, they''re the softest thing I''ve ever used." "Don''t worry about it." I return her kiss. "Now, it''s been a while since I went camping, but I know we''re going to need more wood than this." "Okay, you go be manly." She shoos me away. "And you stay here and teach the toddler how to walk." I giggle at the indignant look Apricot shoots me. "Oh, you''re lucky she can''t chase you." Amelia hides her smile. I wave goodbye to Apricot and head out again, this time I circle around behind the hedges, hoping that direction won''t have had as much traffic. And, my supposition pays off when I find a tree that looks like it got hit by lightning a few years ago. There''s a single branch that''s still alive, but everything else is dead. A judicious use of magic frees the deadwood while sparing the lone branch that refuses to give up the ghost. The tree is much shorter now but looks whole once more. Smoothing out the dead section by fusing the branches into the trunk, I then draw out four hand-holds and start dragging it back to camp. "Is this manly enough for you?" I say with a smirk and drop the entire tree half in and half out of the clearing.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. "Oh. Sorrel, baby." Apricot walks -yes walks- over with a sad smile on her face. "Didn''t anyone ever tell you that it''s not the size that matters, but how you use it?" This time I''m sure I hear Temmie''s *Ding*. "Oh, I''ll show you how I use it." I shape some of the wood into a wide paddle, and heft it menacingly. "Eeep!" She covers her butt with both hands. "Amelia, save me from this brute." "Sorry, sweetie." Amelia says with a simpering smile. "Butt, you ''walked'' right into that one." ""Ugh!"" *Ding* A collective groan rolls out from both of us and Temmie after that double pun. "What? You guys can joke, but I can''t?" The blonde huffs after seeing our reactions. "Apparently not." I laugh nervously as she gives me the stink-eye. "I mean, you got a goddess of jokes to groan at that one." "I''m sorry Amelia, butt that was a particularly bad one. Heheheh." Apricot breaks up laughing when she spots me trying to hold back my giggles. "No fair!" Amelia stamps her foot. "You used the same damned joke, and now Sorrel looks like he''s having a fit." "S-stop, please." I pant out. "I -haah- can''t -haah- breathe." I don''t know what it is, but the fiery glare she''s shooting me is just the funniest thing ever. "Oh, that''s it! Give me that paddle." She stomps over and tries to take it out of my hand, butt I just hold it up out of her reach. Tears stream down my cheeks as she resorts to wailing on my chest. "Y-you, you little butthead. Hahahah." I toss the paddle away and pull her into a hug when she collapses against me with a laugh of her own. "I''m sorry baby, I''ve just got a bad case of the giggles today." I stroke her shiny locks. "How about I make it up to you by helping you learn the storage spell." She tried on the horse, but it was kinda hard to practice. "Fine." She mutters and squeezes me back. "But do something with the log first." "But, Apricot''s standing right there watching us." I whisper into her ear just to watch her blush. "You know what I meant, you butthead." She smacks me lightly on the chest again. "I know, but you''re so cute when you''re flustered." I steal a kiss before handing her off to the pixie who steals her own. "Leave Sorrel to play with his ''log'' all on his lonesome, I''ll show you some real magic." Apricot pulls her off to the other side of the clearing, and I can''t help but play ''I Kissed a Girl'' by Katy Perry. Apricot shoots me a thumbs up when the eponymous line is sung making Amelia blush beet-red. Laughing at her reaction, I quickly separate the tree into logs that I stack up next to the latrine. I separate a few slices of the trunk and turn them into stools to go around the fire pit since it looks like it used to have some, but they were probably burned up by the same asshole that couldn''t walk a few meters into the woods. "Storage now?" Amelia begs. "Before that." Apricot interjects. "What is chapstick?" "Hah!" I bark out a laugh. "It''s a type of lip balm, it comes in a little tube that you can twist the bottom of to bring more to the top." I fashion an over-sized model out of firewood. "Like this, only this big so you can tuck it into a pocket." "Let me see that." Amelia snatches the model from my hand and swiftly extends it all the way out to see how it works. "It''s just a threaded rod that goes through a little cup to push up the balm? Can you make this in the smaller size too? You could rake in a ton of copper selling these." "Sure." I shrug. "It just takes a bit more effort to work on smaller stuff. But, I thought you wanted to talk magic, not merchanting." "Yeah, yeah." She nods, but I can see coins rolling in her eyes. "...Storage!" I touch the model, making it disappear from her hands. "Oh, sorry." She blushes up at me. "Can you do that again, I promise to pay attention this time." I walk her through it again, and it only takes her a few tries before she manages to make her test log vanish. But, then she got over excited and couldn''t retrieve it until she calmed back down. I''m not sure, but I get the feeling that Apricot is able to help her shape the mana properly. Otherwise, I doubt she''d be able to master a spell like that in under an hour. "Well, done." I smile at her vanishing and reappearing her bags over and over again. "You''re now one step closer to taking over the mercantile world." "Heheheheh." She giggles joyously. "Thank you so much, and thank you too Apricot." She hugs the pixie. "I know this wouldn''t be possible without you." "You are most welcome." The orange-haired terror licks her lips. "But, I''m sure you''ll find some way to pay me back." "Well, you heard her." I say with a wink. "Get started cooking dinner. Heheheh." I laugh when Apricot blows a raspberry at me. "Why don''t you cook dinner?" Amelia sticks her tongue out at me too. "Because I want to grow some cotton to make a nice fluffy mattress for the three of us. But, if you''d rather ''sleep'' on the hard ground?" I shrug and pull out my cook pot. "Hah!" Apricot barks out. "He''s got you there." "Oh, shut up and give me the food." Amelia huffs and snatches away the pot. "Here you go." I put the packages I got from the store down next to her. "Just tell me if you need any more ingredients, and I''ll grow them." "This is more than enough." She nods and starts dicing vegetables before tossing them into the pot with some of the jerky I bought. "Can you play some music while you''re growing that stuff?" "Ooh, yes." Apricot hops up and down. "More like that last one, please." "Like Katy Perry? Sure." I start my [Girly Pop] playlist on random; my music tastes are many and varied, and I am not ashamed to admit that I like so-called girly music. "I won''t be able to translate while I''m working on this though." "That''s fine." Apricot starts bouncing around to an Avril Lavigne song. She''s too uncoordinated to dance properly, but she doesn''t let that stop her from trying. While the girls are occupied, I lay out a row of seeds to one side of the clearing and start pushing magic into them while pulling mana from nature at the same time. Forcing them to grow in minutes what should have taken months. I soon lose myself to the magic, holding onto just enough consciousness to keep the music going. Fluffy white bolls of pure cellulose grow on the plants only to fall to the ground and be replaced by new ones seconds later. Grow, drop, roll away. Grow, drop, roll away. Grow, drop, roll away. It becomes a mantra that dances around the music in my head. "...Sorrel!" A shout and a shake from Amelia wakes me from my fugue. "Dinner''s ready, and I think you have enough cotton already." I blink my eyes and look around to see that over half the clearing looks to have been covered in a snowbank. The ''snow'' is over a meter deep right under the cotton plants, which are now good-sized trees. Fortunately, I had the foresight to roll everything away from the fire otherwise, that would have been bad. "You back with us?" Apricot laughs and flops into the cotton just like a kid jumping into a pile of leaves. It doesn''t look like this is the first time she''s done so either. "Yeah, hahaha." I laugh and get to my feet. "So, I think we might have just barely enough here for a mattress. Probably not enough for your new dress though, but it''s probably better if you just walk around nude anyways." "Better than going out in public wearing green mud." She holds up the corner of her dress and stares down at it in distaste. "If it didn''t feel good against my skin, I would have ditched it already." "I''ll work on the satin weave first then." I promise. "But, first food. Mmm, that smells delicious Amelia." "Thank you. And, I hope you can cook just as well, because I''m not going to do this every time." She fills her bowl while smiling at me. "I think you forgot to buy something." "I did not. And, don''t worry; I may just know a recipe or two." Grabbing a piece of firewood I split it into two bowls and a wooden spoon. I then return Amelia''s smile and hand Apricot a bowl and my metal utensils. "Ooh, bannock." I snag some of the pan bread she made on a skillet that must have been in her saddlebag. "Show off." She mutters under her breath. "And, I''d love to make a proper loaf, but it takes forever, and is kinda hard without a good oven. That''s the thing I hate most about camping... well, pooping in the woods is number one. But, no bread is still pretty high up there." "I don''t know about making a stove, but there''s got to be a way to cheat with magic." I take out the pot of yeast from storage. "Yeast is harder to control than plants, but I should still be able to manage. And, I may only know a simple fire starter spell, but if we could deconstruct that into a general heat spell..." "Would that even work?" Amelia peers into her bread like it holds all the secrets. "I''m better at the nature stuff, but heat is heat. Just need to spread it out from a point to a sphere, and up the power." I try on the leftover firewood. "Nnh, more like this." I can feel Apricot twisting the mana flow, and work to follow along. "You saw me use something similar to roast those seeds." It takes a few moments but I''m able to spread the focus of the spell out to heat a volume of air. "It''s a bit of a mana drain to keep it up, but since it''ll cook evenly inside and out, it shouldn''t take too long to bake a loaf." I drop the spell before I run out of mana. "That, or you could just use your super pixie powers." I smile at her and draw on nature to refill my mana before the last rays of sunlight fade away. "I''m better at manipulating what''s already there." Apricot states while sopping up the last of her stew. "Amelia is actually able to draw more mana through me than I can pull for myself. I''d be jealous, but like you said my boobs are bigger." She confesses, and blows a raspberry at Amelia. "Very funny." Amelia rolls her eyes. "See if I cook for you again. But, seriously, are you okay with this bond?" "I get to play around as a lunker." The pixie gestures to her super-sized body. "What''s not to like. But seriously." She looks Amelia in the eyes. "I ''am'' magic, I don''t need to ''do'' magic. That, and now that I''m big enough to do so, I really want to fuck you." She lets out a low, throaty laugh at the blush that covers Amelia''s face. "Speaking of, I really should get working on that mattress. But, first... Glow!" The hedges and cotton plants start emitting a gentle light. "Can''t work in the dark after all, and I really want to watch." Shifting the music to my [Female Vocalists - Sexy Times] playlist, starting with "I Put a Spell on You" by Nina Simone. I take my time making the mattress while Apricot gets closer to Amelia. I really am happy to just watch, and not just because lesbians are fun to watch. But, because I could hear the longing in Apricot''s voice just now. I think she''s been all alone in these woods for more than just a few weeks. "Bed''s done." I say after a few minutes when things seem to be heating up between them. "Now, you two have fun, I''m going to work on that satin weave for your dress." I beg off when Apricot tries to pull me onto the mattress with Amelia. "Are you sure?" Amelia asks, her breathing speeds up as she stares up at me from her prone position. Something makes me think she''s getting off on the idea of being watched. "I''ll join in later if you want." I shoot her a grin. "For now, I think I''ll just watch." Oh, she is definitely getting off on the idea of being watched, so I stuff an oversized cushion to sit on and do just that. *** # 008 "No! Please, please, no more." A nightmare about wolves startles me awake, tears run down my face as I tear the blanket apart in my struggle to get free. "Sorrel?" Amelia''s voice startles me and I jump around, crouched low ready to fight. "Sorrel, what''s wrong?" "I-I... sorry, -hah- nightmare. -haaah- -haaah-" I pant out a few deep breaths and start shaking as the adrenaline -or whatever the Plantkin version of adrenaline is- works its way through my system. "It''s okay, you''re okay." Apricot flies out of bed before shifting to human-size and hugging me, she must have dropped her transformation in her sleep like I do. "Just breathe, that''s it. In and out, in... and out. Good, good." She reaches up with one hand to smooth down the short petals growing in place of hair on my head. I want to hug her back, but my hands are claws and they just won''t change back. "It''s okay Sorrel." Amelia takes my hand and starts massaging it with her thumbs. "You''re safe here, nothing is going to get you." It takes another minute of them talking me down before the shakes finally fade away, and I can fix my hands. I start shifting back into human when Apricot stops me. "Can you leave the petals, they look good and they''re even softer than your hair." "Yeah." I breathe out. "I can do that." I leave the tendrils on my arms out too, mainly because they''re playing with Amelia''s hands right now. "Thank you, thank you both. That... that was a bad one. I didn''t scratch you, did I?" I ask the woman holding my hands right now. "I''m fine." She moves closer and joins Apricot in hugging me. "The bedding not so much, but that shouldn''t be an issue for you. Do you often have nightmares?" "No, but I''m surprised I haven''t before now. I went through... some fucked up shit right before I met you two." How do you tell someone that you went through a literal hell? I have no other words that even come close to what I went through. "Do you think you can come back to bed? It''s kinda cold out." I can feel Amelia''s hard nipples poking into my side. "Yeah, I''m sorry for bothering you." I wave a hand and the torn bedding stitches itself back together. "Don''t be silly." Apricot squeezes my butt. "This just means we can have a bit more fun before the sun comes up." Without a clock, I have no idea how early or late it actually is, just that it''s dark. "You''re welcome to try, but I''m not sure I can get it up right now." I look fearfully over my shoulder at the gap in the hedges, wondering just how many wolves are wandering around out there. "Can, I?..." I point at the opening and will the plants on each side to grow together. "Whatever you need." She breathes into my ear and slowly draws me onto the restored mattress. "But, you just gave me a challenge, and I''m always up for a challenge." She slides down my body, and... let''s just say that she was up for that challenge, and soon I was too. ... "Morning." I pull Apricot into a hug first thing after the early morning sun wakes us. It seems that we were both able to hold our transformations through sleep this time. "Thank you. I''m not sure I could have gotten back to sleep after that without you being so... insistent." "Oh, I was happy to help." She licks her lips. "...an...yo...me...do...at?" Amelia squeaks out a question so low that I don''t think Apricot was able to hear it even with her enhanced senses. Seeing us just looking at her, she takes a deep steadying breath. "Apricot... would you please teach me how to do what you did last night?" A loud gulp comes from her throat before she adds. "Both to him... and what you did for me?" "Oh. Of course." Apricot gloms onto the blushing blonde. "You''re such a natural, that I forgot that you''re new to all this. And, I''m sure that Sorrel won''t mind being your training dummy." "Well, it''s a tough job, but somebody''s got to do it." I smirk when the blonde blushes again. "But, you should start on the second part of your lessons first. I''m going to borrow your skillet and make us some pancakes." "Well, you be sure to pay attention to the lesson too." Apricot admonishes me. "You''re decent for a boy, but there''s always room for improvement." "Hahah." I can''t help but chuckle. "Yes, Ma''am." I play Gia''s "Only a Girl" for them and mix together a [Lesbian Love Songs] playlist while mixing up the pancake batter. ''Temmie, I don''t know if you can hear me, but could you thank VeeGee for me? He really outdid himself with this media player in my head, it''s even better than what I had setup back home.''Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. *Ding**Ding**Ding* I get the distinct impression that she''s chiding me for not paying attention. But, luckily I''ve made pancakes so many times that I could do it in my sleep, even over a campfire, even while watching two girls make love. I chuckle in my head, and re-assure the goddess. ''Trust me, I am.'' "Food''s ready, girls." I say after a while, once they take a break. "I''ve got a bit of honey, but I want a taste of this sweetness first." I pull Amelia in for a kiss and make sure to get every last drop of dew from her lips. "Mmm, even sweeter than honey." I purr while staring Apricot in the eyes. Amelia giggled and nods. "She really is a little sweetie." "Is that why you two keep calling me that?" The sweetie in question mumbles around half a flap-jack that she shoved in her mouth. "Swallow before speaking, sweetie." Amelia smiles at the pixie and proceeds to pour half my honey over her stack of pancakes. "Mmm. I would, but that''s more of an intermediate lesson with Sorrel." Apricot says and then starts cracking up when Amelia chokes on her food. "Snerk." I snort out a laugh. "Maybe we should add some remedial lessons? You know, make sure she can handle food before asking her to try swallowing that." This sets Apricot and Temmie laughing again, while Amelia just glares at me. "Just for that, I''m stealing both your bacon." Amelia says and does just that. "Hey, I was only able to get a small rasher." I protest, but let her take it. Apricot on the other hand fights her for it, and ends up eating half before she can take it. "I''m guessing my portion of the lessons got postponed, so we might as well get on the road." I toss my empty plate on the fire and start to clean up the clearing. "Too bad we don''t have a wagon or something." Apricot follows my example after licking hers clean. "Then she could practice on the move." "That is a very good idea." I cast cleanse the mattress before stuffing it into storage. The amount of mana needed to store stuff seems to be based more on its mass than its volume, thankfully. "I could probably make one, but I don''t think the axles would hold up. I wonder if I can compress the wood down to make it tougher." "Finish working on my dress first." She shrinks down and pulls a new one out of somewhere, it''s not storage, but something similar. "I''m hoping you can get good enough to replace some of these for me before I have to go collecting spider webs." "Oh yeah, we should probably get dressed too." I take out my clothes. "But, do you guys just collect the webs, or have your people managed to somehow farm spiders?" "Nope!" Amelia erupts. "You are not farming spiders! Ever! Under any circumstances! I like you Sorrel, a lot, but that is a deal-breaker if I ever heard one." "Uhh. Yes dear. No spiders. Ever!" I reply with a sheepish smile. "Under any circumstances!" She stamps her foot. "Under any circumstances." I repeat. "Heheheheh" Apricot erupts into laughter. "We just collect the cobwebs, silly. Spiders are too territorial to farm." "Okay, okay. Moving on." I say with my hands up in surrender as Amelia glares at me like I''m hiding a spider somewhere. "I''m getting better at manipulating finer and finer thread, but I didn''t really get a lot of practice in last night." I grin at Amelia to let her know that I very much enjoyed the show they put on for me. "Well, you''ve got all day to practice." Apricot says, ignoring Amelia''s blush. "I''m expecting a new dress tonight, even if you have to buy one. Because I will not wear that mud-colored monstrosity again." "I should be able to manage a human-sized outfit by tonight." I nod and walk over to the cotton trees. "It might be a bit coarse, but the cotton is soft enough that it shouldn''t be an issue. Now, what to do about you guys? I suppose I can just chop you up and leave you as firewood." I do just that, and stack the wood on the other side of the outhouse. "Can you do something about the stumps?" Amelia asks after coming out of said toilet. "And then, help me saddle up Storm again, he likes you." "Can do." I wave my hand over the remains sticking out of the ground, and they start decomposing in real-time. Soon, there''s nothing but a small pile of loose dark soil which I then tamp down. "Come here, Stormie." I retrieve another apple for him from my storage. "Did you like that grass I grew for you, hmm? It''s not as good as these, though. Is it?" I stroke the horse''s mane while Amelia saddles him up with motions born from long practice. "Got everything?" Amelia looks around the clearing. "The camp is better than we found it, much better, in this case; I think we''re good to go. Well, almost." She looks at where the opening should be with a wry smile. "I got it." I say and decompose the passage while lifting her into the saddle, before stretching my leg out to mount easily. "Magic is awesome." "Yes, it is." She agrees before swatting my roaming hands. "But, did you really need to pick me up by my ass?" "Oh, I think you know the answer to that, Amelia." Apricot laughs before coming to a rest in The blonde''s cleavage. "As for you Sorrel, you can play around later. I really do want a new dress... please." She adds after a moment. "Sure." I lean over Amelia''s shoulder to stare down at her breasts. -I mean ''the pixie''- "Just think of it as payment for the lessons you''re giving Amelia." I chuckle when her whole chest flushes red. "I''m especially looking forward to the hours and hours of practice she''s going to have to put in." "Well, you know what they say." Apricot licks her lips and grins up at us. "It takes a lifetime of practice to truly master a skill. Now, quit staring at her boobs and get to work. And, put on some music." "Music, I can do." I pretend to struggle to do as the little woman ordered. "Not staring at Amelia''s breasts though, that''s going to be difficult. Hahahahah." I can''t help but laugh as the beet-red merchant starts feebly swatting at me. "Okay." I breathe into her ear. "I won''t stare anymore... for now." Oh, her reactions are so much fun; I almost dread the day she gets used to our teasing. Starting up my [Videogame BGM] playlist, since it''s perfect for this kind of monotonous task, we head up the road to Northwood. *** # 009 It''s early afternoon when something draws my attention away from the textile arts. "Amelia, can you stop the horse?" I ask while staring at the woods to the west. My eyes are drawn that way even though I have no idea what''s calling out to me. "What''s up?" She slows Storm to a stop. "I... don''t know." I slide off the horse and walk un-erringly into the woods, the undergrowth parting to clear a path for me. "Sorrel!?" Amelia calls out in alarm. "Apricot! Wake up! Something''s wrong with Sorrel." I know I should go back and reassure her, but the draw of whatever it is, is just too strong. "Hmm? Oh, what is that?" I can just hear Apricot''s voice go from sleepy to shocked. "Not you too." Amelia''s panicked cry snap me out of it. "I''m... okay." I shout and try to head back, but find that my feet won''t obey me, my body wants what''s out there too much to listen to my commands. "There''s something... some sort of power out there that''s drawing me to it." I explain as the catch me up. "It''s nature magic." Apricot Confirms. "Strong nature magic." It seems Amelia''s cry worked on her too, and that this... whatever it is doesn''t have as strong a pull on her. "I''m sorry for scaring you, but my body just moved on its own." I struggle just to look at the water mage instead of off into the woods. "Even now my legs won''t listen to me." "Are you okay?" She''s gotten her panic under control, but she''s still clearly worried. "Is it dangerous? Some type of magical monster that preys on Plantkin?" "No." Apricot shakes her head and strokes Amelia''s cheek. "I think I''ve seen this before, though never quite this strong. It should be safe, but let me fly ahead. Can you do that Sorrel?" She asks when my attention gets drawn to the west again. "Yeah... I think." I wrench my attention back to Amelia. "Can you keep me distracted?" She answers with a smirk and opens another button on her top. "Mmm. Not what I was going for, but that definitely works." I lick my lips and find that I can actually take a step towards her. Apricot meanwhile, just rolls her eyes and flies off to investigate. I force my eyes not to follow her, afraid that Amelia will get upset and button back up if I look away. "It''s safe." Apricot says with a laugh when she rejoins us a moment later to see Amelia leading me by the ''nose''. She''s pushing up her breasts and giggling as I track her every movement. Keeping just out of reach while I fight to chase after her. "You''re going to like this Sorrel, though maybe not as much as these." Apricot lands in Amelia''s cleavage again. "Nnh, boobies." I cry when the blonde buttons back up. "You can play with them later." She laughs. "Now, that Apricot says it''s safe, I want to see what this thing is." "Promise?" I call over my shoulder as my feet resume their trek. "Yes, you goof." She smiles and follows in my wake. "And would you quit squirming around in there, your wings are ticklish" I try to keep my focus on the two beauties, but the pull gets stronger with every step. Soon, I can''t even look back anymore, and it''s everything I can do not to just break into a run. Fortunately, the source of this strange magnetism soon shows itself. A majestic oak towers over its neighbors as waves of mana pour off of it. It looks to have been thunderstruck in a recent storm, but unlike the miserable example I found yesterday that was barely clinging to life. This one seems to have been energized by the attack from the heavens. My body, moving on its own, places a hand over the charred scar. The tree seems to shudder as I slide my hand down its wound. Then, I''m sure of it, the oak does shudder. And, not just that; it starts to shrink in on itself, its bark smoothing out as I run my hands and vines over its rough exterior. Soon, or at least what feels like soon for me, I''m holding a pale wooden staff in my hands. A jagged black scar runs the whole of its two-meter length but is as smoothly polished as the rest of the surface. And, where the tree used to stand, there is now only a small sapling.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "Thank you, friend." I plant the butt of my new staff in the ground and channel nature mana into the sapling. It quickly grows up to half of its former glory, but I can tell that it will soon tower over not just its neighbors but the whole woods. Checking the suns position in the sky, I see that an hour or two have gone by while I was communing with nature. Looking around, I spot Amelia napping in the shade with a book clutched protectively in her hands. "You know? If you wanted to play with your staff, all you had to do was say something." Apricot''s joke gets a barking *Ding* of a laugh from the goddess of bawdy jokes. "But seriously, what was that?" "You think I know?" I snort. "Best guess is that it''s some sort of Plantkin thing that I never learned about because I was raised by humans." I notice then that I''ve shifted back into my natural form, and that my pants are barely clinging to me. Shifting back to human, but leaving my petal-like ''hair'' and the tendrils on my arms, I find that my staff shifts with me. Its length and diameter fitting me perfectly. "Neat trick." The pixie alights on the tip of the living wood. "I didn''t even feel any mana fluctuations from it." "You can''t feel this?" My eyes widen. "What do you mean?" She tilts her head quizzically. "This... this..." It really needs a name. "Blackthorne! It contains all the power the tree once held." I run a finger along the blemish that makes it all the more beautiful. "I can feel it coursing into me." "Really?" Her eyes seem to sparkle and glow as she peers at my new partner. "I can''t see anything, it just looks like any other stick to me." "Mhm?" Amelia''s murmur interrupts us. "You all done?" She asks and wipes a bit of drool from her chin. "Yeah." I smile down at the sleepy little cutie. "Sorry to make you wait." I sling Blackthorne onto my back and morph my clothing to hold it in place. "But, you know how it is? Sometimes you just can''t keep your hands off your wood." *Ding* "Snerk." Temmie and Apricot laugh, but Amelia just rolls her eyes and stretches out a hand for me to help her up. "Well, if you''re done playing with your... ''wood'', can we get going?" She starts heading back down the path I made on our way here. "Aunt Carmen and I may not get along very well, but I''d rather not see her suffer any longer than necessary." "Of course." I quickly catch her up and wrap my arms, all four of them, around her from behind. "And, thank you for being understanding about this, it was some weird Plantkin nature mage thing that I''d never experienced before." "It''s alright." She pats my arm. "You clearly didn''t have much control over it, not if these could barely distract you." She sticks out her chest only to have a pixie dive-bomb her cleavage again. "Would you quit that, I already told you it tickles." "Mhm. But it''s so much fun making you squirm." Apricot counters, but settles down. "Hey, Stormie." I greet the horse that''s stretching out his lead trying to eat the rest of a shrub that he mostly devoured after Amelia tied him to a tree. "Oh, you poor baby. Do you want an apple?" He quickly forgets about the bush and nuzzles against me after eating the treat. "I know it''s just your nature magic, but I''m totally jealous of you right now." Amelia confesses. "He''s never been that sweet for anyone." "Oh, he''s just a big ol'' baby, he is." I baby talk at the horse while scratching that one spot behind his ears that he loves to have scratched. Mounting up, we head back up the road for the last stretch to Northwood. I start back in on Apricot''s dress, and can instantly feel the difference that Blackthorne makes. I''m able to tighten up the weave and go much faster. So, by the time we can see the walls of Northwood, I''ve got more than enough fabric to make Apricot a new dress. "Well, I don''t know how your aunt will feel, but I''m more than happy we took that little detour." Apricot shifts to human size and dons her new dress. She''s about to proceed on foot when I hop off the horse and lift her into my spot. "You''ll tear up your feet walking around barefoot like that." I warn her. "Let me turn the rest of this fabric into some slippers for you, and we''ll get you something sturdier in town." "Thanks, I didn''t even think of that." She smiles down at me as I shape her new footwear. "You lunkers sure do have it rough sometimes. Eee, that tickles." She squirms as I brush the dirt off her feet. "Sorry." I apologize and give her toes a quick kiss before slipping on her new slippers. "And yes, I''ll make you some clothes too." I tell Amelia when I catch her fingering the soft fabric with a look of longing on her face. "Thank you, I just wish we had some dyes. Bright white everything is a little too eye-catching for my tastes." She sets Storm to moving again but keeps one hand playing with the hem of Apricot''s skirt. "We won''t be able to get our hands on any until we reach Riverton." "Maybe not." I dodge into the woods and cut a salmon-colored growth from a fir tree. "I''m pretty sure that this is velvet-top fungus, so I just need some ammonia, iron and copper pots, and I can get orange, deep green, and rust-red dyes. Or, yellow if I use saltwater, but yellow is easy to get elsewhere. In fact, we''ve gone past pretty much a whole rainbow of mushroom dyes." "Any blue?" She asks hopefully. "There should be." I hedge. There''s a large variety in these wood, but a lot of mushrooms look the same. "But, even if I can''t find the right mushroom. I think I saw some woad near the brook where I met Apricot, and I''ll just need a little soda ash for that." "Where you a dyer before you came here?" She asks with a giddy smile at the thought of a walking clothes factory, a.k.a. me. "No, I studied plants." I laugh and wave the tendrils on my arm about. "I had a strong interest in fungi too since they''re closely linked." I gesture at a tree covered in bracket fungi. *** # 010 "Amelia is that you?" The lone gate guard calls out once we enter the small clearing set around the walls. "Leo sent a bird about what happened, you didn''t have any more trouble on the way up?" He eyes me suspiciously. "Hi, George." She waves to him and gets off the horse. "No, we didn''t have any trouble. This is Sorrel and Apricot, the ones who saved us. Sorrel''s a healer and came with me to fix Aunt Carmen''s wrist. How''s she doing?" "Drunk off her ass, last I heard." He chuckles. "For someone who gets injured so often, you''d think she''d be better at dealing with pain. Nice to meet you Sorrel, Apricot, thank you for saving Amelia and her brother. And, thank you for taking care of Carmen before she drinks the town dry." "Uh... Nice to meet you, but weren''t you..." "That''s Georgie, I''m George." He laughs again, likely used to being mixed up. "We''re cousins named for the same grandfather." "You could be twins." If it weren''t for George''s longer hair, I would have sworn they were the same person. "Yeah, we get that a lot." He says with a rueful smile. "Used to drive us nuts, but we''ve gotten used to it over the years." "Nice seeing you again George, but we should go take care of Carmen." Amelia''s worry for her aunt is evident. "Of course, of course." He waves us through. The town is much smaller than Southwood, but the walls only cover the front. While the back is open onto a beautiful enclosed valley that''s filled with rich mana. "Mmm, I smell mana stones." Apricot licks her lips like she''s just been presented with her favorite treat. "You think they would notice if a few went missing? These are common, but they should still be tasty." "You eat them?" Amelia looks up incredulously at the pixie who''s still sitting on storm. "Oh, yeah, they''re like candy to us." Apricot explains. "A clan of Fae could scour a valley like this clean in a week." "Nnh, please don''t." The blonde looks worried. "These may only be the lowest grade, but the town relies on them, and regulates the harvest carefully." "Sorrel." Apricot gives me the puppy-dog eyes. "Could you buy me some? Just a couple is fine, I''ll make it worth your while." "How much can I get for half a gold?" I immediately ask the blonde merchant. "They''re usually ten silver a piece if you aren''t buying bulk." She grins up at Apricot. "But, I can probably get you a discount. If, it''s worth my while, that is." "Oh, it will be." Apricot purrs back. "I''ll look forward to it, but we''re here." She stops, and ties Storm up to a fence outside a small cottage. "Now, you be a good horse and I''ll give you a bag of oats when I take you to the stables later. No, don''t eat her flowers. Stupid Stormie." "Hahaha." I laugh and pat Storm on the neck after helping Apricot down. "Don''t worry, I''ll grow them back for her later." "Ugh, whatever." She walks up onto the small porch and knocks on the door before opening it. "Aunt Carmen, its Amelia. Are you awake?" I follow her in after leaving my staff at the door.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. "Amy-girl." A slurred voice comes from the left, which looks to be a combined kitchen/dining area. To the right is a small sitting room, and there''s a couple rooms off a short hallway to the rear. "Be a dear and help me find that jug of plum wine your father sent me." "Looks like you already drank it." Amelia bends over and picks up a clay jug that was sitting on its side next to a table leg. "But, I''ve got something even better for you. I brought my friend Sorrel up to heal your wrist." "Did you finally snag yourself a man?" Her aunt blinks at me like she can''t quite focus. "And, he''s a looker too. What are you doing with our little Amy-girl?" I can see ''Amy-girl'' clench her jaw, and fists, so I decide to do something about it. "Helping her aunt... go to Sleep!" I step forward and catch the rude woman before she can fall and hurt herself worse. "Is she always like that, or just when she''s drunk?" "It''s worse when she''s drunk." Amelia heaves out a relieved sigh when her aunt starts snoring. "I don''t know what it is, but she seems to hate me more every time we meet. She didn''t used to be that way either, she even used to be my favorite aunt when I was little." "Isn''t it obvious?" I say while laying Carmen on her couch. "She''s jealous. I bet you''re everything that she wishes she could be." "What? No!" She waves my comment away like its ridiculous. "I wouldn''t be too quick to dismiss him." Apricot says. "Look at her, I mean she''s not unattractive... not unless you compare her to you. Then, there''s just no contest." "Let me guess, she only starting getting mean after you hit puberty?" I give her plump breasts a pointed look, and not just because I wanted to stare at her cleavage again. "No, that''s... Shit, you''re right." She curses and gives her aunt a pitying look. "Can you just fix her wrist? And... maybe keep her asleep until we leave in the morning. I''ll just leave her a note or something." "Sure." I pull up a chair and start trickling healing sap off my finger into the drunk woman''s open mouth. "So, you wanna have sex on her bed to get back at her?" I ask Amelia after making sure her aunt''s wrist was set, and would, therefore heal properly. "You know what? I think I do." Amelia laughs and sits in my lap while I fuse Carmen''s bones back together. "Oh, Aunt Carmen. I always thought you were so pretty too." "Don''t pay her attitude any mind." I wrap my vines and free arm around Amelia. "She''s just a tired old woman... who''s broken a lot of bones." I add after letting my nature magic check on the rest of her body. "I... think I know why too." I focus my attention on her ears after feeling something off. "Yeah, there''s something wrong with her inner ear, it must have been messing with her sense of balance." "She''s always been clumsy, but how is that connected to her ears?" "Oh, umm... the ears have these fluid-filled canals filled with tiny hair-like sensors that move about as that fluid gets jostled about." I take a piece of firewood out of storage and build a cut-away model of the ear. "See, these loops handle balance while this spiral lets you hear. Your aunt''s look to have been damaged slightly, probably by an infection when she was young." "Can you fix her?" I get the feeling that she only asked because she felt she should, rather than because she wanted to. "One way to find out." I don''t really have a lot of control over what the spell does. I just push vitality into it, and guide it into the right area. Luckily this seems to be enough to fix Carmen''s ear. "It''s taking a lot of vitality, but fortunately it''s a small area. Apricot? Mind handing me a couple of those cookies before you eat them all." The orange-haired terror was doing her usual check-out-all-the-things routine when she found a cookie jar. This didn''t stop her routine, but the cookie jar went with her as she snooped. Begrudgingly, she hands some over to me on her way into the back. "All done?" Amelia asks when I pull my hand away from her Aunt. "Thank you. I know she probably doesn''t deserve it, but she''s still family." "It''s alright." I stand us up and turn her around so I can kiss her. "Now, if Apricot''s done snooping? Maybe we can go get her shoes and ''snacks'' before it gets dark." "Yeah, she didn''t have anything interesting anyway. Well, not unless you count this." The pixie comes walking out of Carmen''s room with the cookie jar in one hand and a hand-carved wooden dildo in the other. "Would you put that back?" I cringe and then laugh at the confused look on Amelia''s face. "What? Wait... ewwwwww. Ew ew ew ew ew ew ew." She covers her face with her hands and storms outside. "Hahahah. Oh, she is so precious." Apricot sets both the toy and now empty cookie jar next to the couch. "Ooh, almost forgot the wine." She scoops up the old jug and adds it to the set dressing. "If you''re done goofing around?" I say and follow after Amelia, scooping up Blackthorne on my way out. *** # 011 "Maisie, you in?" Amelia calls out as we enter the only real shop in town. She explained to me on the way over that since Northwood is much smaller than Southwood. The people here just order almost everything they need from the larger town through Maisie, who gets a discount from all the shops thanks to a deal set up by her great-grandfather with the founders of the two towns. "Amelia!" A plump, curly-haired brunette, who looks a few years older than Amelia, charges out from behind the counter. We didn''t see her because she''s a Halfling, they look just like perfectly proportioned humans that just happen to be half the size. Dwarves on the other hand are much stockier, and look like someone squished a human down to around a meter in height. "Hahaha." Amelia laughs and catches her friend in a hug after the shorter woman jumps at her. "Oh, I''m so glad to see you safe. I was so worried when I heard about the bandits. How''s Roddy? Have you seen your aunt yet?" The words flow out of her in a single breath. "I missed you too, and Roddy''s fine thanks to Sorrel." Amelia sets her friend on the counter and introduces us. "He''s a healer, and thanks to Apricot''s warning was able to save us. He already patched up Aunt Carmen, even took care of the root cause of her clumsiness." The blonde wrinkled her nose at the mention of her aunt. "Thank you two so much." She bows her head to us in turn. "It''s not often I see other non-humans around these parts." She says while getting a good look at my plant parts and Apricot''s wings. "Good thing you two happened to be traveling through." "We were just lucky to be in the right place at the right time." I actually think that VeeGee had something to do with it, but it''s kinda hard to say that it was divine intervention. "Nonsense." She negates my attempt at humility. "You two are heroes. My husband, Toby should be home soon, let us treat you to a meal." "That''d be nice." Amelia agrees for us. "But, we came here for a reason. I was hoping that you''d have some sturdier footwear for Apricot or at least some hide we can stitch to the bottom of her slippers." "No shoes." Maisie shakes her head and hops off the counter to walk over to a chest in the corner. "But, I''ve got plenty of hide. This bit should do." She takes out a thick piece of leather that looks to be the leftovers of a much larger hide. "That''s great, thanks." I nod as she climbs up a step ladder sized for her to reach the top of the counter. "Anything else?" "Sorrel promised Apricot a half gold''s worth of mana stones. I was hoping they could use my friend''s discount." Amelia says hopefully. "Well, considering that I wouldn¡¯t have a friend anymore if it weren''t for them, I think I can manage that." The shopkeeper says with a smile. "Say seven for fifty, and I''ll throw in the hide for free." "You''re the best Maisie." Amelia pulls her friend into another hug. "I know." She smirks back before disengaging to unlock a small chest full of glowing blue stones about the size of her fist. "Do you mind if I ask what you want them for? You don''t look like the usual enchanters we get up here." "Snacks!" Apricot seemingly disappears, leaving her clothes behind, only to fly out of them a second later already wearing her spider-silk dress. "Let me pay first, you crazy pixie." I laugh and hand over five laurels to the shocked store keep. Apricot meanwhile is taking big bites out of a stone that must out mass her by several-fold. "Mmm, so good." She moans and pats her very full belly after devouring half of it. "Well, I was wondering what she needed some new shoes for." Maisie muses. "But, why didn''t you get them in Southwood?" "Oh, umm... this is new." Amelia blushes. "Her and I sorta connected magically; my magic is much stronger now, and she can turn human size. Though, we didn''t find that out until we were already on the road." "Must be some connection to make you blush like that." Maisie teases her friend. "It happened when the three of us were having sex for the first time." Apricot blurts out. "Way to be tactful there, Sweetie." I tap, very gently, on her forehead with one of my tendrils. "Stupid lunker hang-ups." the orange-haired terror mutters while rubbing the spot I tapped her at. "You, and him... and her?" Maisie looks at her now, beet-red friend. "Hah! It''s about time you got yourself a man... and a woman." "It''s early days, but we seem to get along alright." I answer for Amelia while wrapping my arms around her from behind. "Well, as long as you two treat her right." She looks us both in the eyes to make sure we understand. "Now, dish girl. I want details. I mean, I thought me and Toby were pushing things, but how does it even work with a pixie? Oh, Toby''s human." She adds after seeing my confusion. "..." Amelia clams up. "Let''s just say that with magic, anything is possible." I bring out the top half of mini-me on the back of my hand, and give her a little wave. "Any more details then that, you''ll have to pry from Amelia herself." The shy little thing is now burying her face in her hands. "Shapeshifting? Oh Amelia, you lucked out with this one." Maisie grins at her friend. "I''ve got a cousin that used to date one, you wouldn''t believe some of the stuff she wrote to me about. Or, maybe you would. Heheh." She takes Amelia''s hand and guides her behind the counter. "Come on back, we can swap stories while you help me cook dinner." "Relax Amelia, its just sex." Apricot says while alighting on her shoulder. "I love seeing your reactions, but you really should loosen up a little about this stuff."Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. "I think it''s cute." I grab the pixies discarded clothing and follow them. "She''s always been easy to get a rise out of." Maisie looks over her shoulder at me. "If you think this blush is bad, you should have seen her when I first told her I was hooking up with Toby. Man, you could feel the heat radiating off her cheeks from across the room." "Maybe if you hadn''t been quite so graphic at the time." Amelia mumbles. "Oh?" Apricot perks up. "Now, I kinda want details." ... "Ok, so then he... Toby." Maisie cuts off her story and tackle-hugs her man much like she jumped at Amelia earlier. "Look, Amelia''s here. And, she''s got herself a man, and a woman." She adds with a sly grin. "Are you teasing the poor girl again?" He chuckles before setting her down. "I guess not." He says after finally registering mine and Apricot''s presence. "Evening." I stand to shake his hand. He''s a bit shorter than me, with lanky brown hair, and looks like a giant compared to his wife. "I''m Sorrel, and this is Apricot." She shifted back to human-size earlier, mainly so she could snatch bits of food while Amelia and Maisie were preparing dinner. "They''re the ones who saved Amelia and Rodrick from the bandits." Maisie adds. "He''s a healer and came up to fix Carmen''s wrist, Amelia said he was even able to fix her clumsiness, but I''ll believe that when I see it." "I fixed an old problem in her balance organ." I don''t want to go through explaining the whole inner ear thing again. "She shouldn''t fall over as easily now, but don''t expect her to become graceful overnight." "Well, you saved me from having to make another run to Southwood for her favorite medication. So, you have my thanks. Just give me a minute to get cleaned up and I''ll join you guys." Amelia told me earlier that when he''s not helping Maisie with the shop he''s something of a general handyman, and it looks like he worked up a sweat today. "No problem." I nod to him and he heads into the back. "Mind if I play some music?" I ask Maisie. "Are you a musician? What do you play?" "Guitar and a bit of piano, but I''m out of practice, and don''t even have a working guitar right now." I pull out my speaker box. "I was just going to use this and a bit of magic." I start up my [Classic Rock - Over 3 Stars] smart playlist on random, with "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac coming up first. "That''s remarkable." She examines the speaker from all sides. "Wherever did you get it?" "Oh, it''s not enchanted, I''m just using it to play the songs stuck in my head." Or wherever VeeGee stored them. ''Seriously dude, if you''re listening, you''re awesome. Would have been more awesome if you let me keep my hentai folder, but you''re still awesome.'' There''s no response from him, but I do get a *Ding* of a laugh from Temmie. "Well, that''s even more remarkable then." "Oh, he''s played hundreds of songs for us over the past couple days." Apricot sings my praises. "Said he''s got thousands of them up there too." "It''s a gift." I tell part of the truth. I just don''t add ''from a god''. "What spell are you using?" Toby asks after rejoining us in a new outfit. "Oh, it''s just a bit of nature magic I improvised with Apricot''s help the other day." I explain. "I lost pretty much everything before coming here." Now, there''s an understatement. "Is that why you were naked when we first met?" Apricot asks. "Yeah, I was sent here by someone very powerful." Yet another understatement. "I don''t know if he sent me here because he took pity on me, or if he just thought it would be funny. But, I wasn''t able to take anything but what''s in my head." "Does that have to do with your nightmare?" Amelia takes my hand. "Yeah, but it''s alright." I transition the music into "Here Comes The Sun" and squeeze her hand. "Ooh, can you translate the rest of their songs for us?" Apricot begs. "Sure." I smile back at her. "I think with a bit more practice, I''ll be able to handle it, if not continuously, then at least for a good stretch at a time." It''s already easier to handle the mental strain than it was yesterday. "You''re translating these too?" Maisie exclaims. "I thought your accent was a little odd, but you speak perfect Varecian." "The one who sent me here helped with that." I admit. "So, what are we having tonight?" Toby changes the subject. I don''t know if it''s because he could tell I was getting uncomfortable, or just because he was hungry and the smells coming from the kitchen were distracting. "You''re favorite, but you''re smelling the dessert that Sorrel put together. He''s got a bunch of recipes that use those weird curly sticks that Tully passed us when they didn''t sell." She''s talking about cinnamon, all I did was make some baked apples. "Well, it smells divine." He walks over to take a peek in the oven and floods the house with more of that savory-sweet smell. They''ve got a fancy enchanted one that works much like what I''m used to. "Mmm, sorry Maisie. I haven''t tasted them yet, but I think I already have a new favorite." "Me too." She agrees and starts plating up dinner after checking that it''s done. "Are you guys sure that you can''t hang around for a few more days?" "Sorry, but Roddy''s already making his way to Riverton... and, I''d rather not deal with Aunt Carmen anymore than I have to." "That cow was particularly rude to her when she introduced Sorrel." Apricot explains. "I don''t know what her problem is." Maisie shakes her head. "You two used to be so close when you were younger." Apricot''s about to open her mouth again when I lock eyes with her and give a warning shake of my head. "This is delicious Maisie, I can see why it''s your favorite Toby." "Oh, yes." He nods, happy to steer the conversation away from the touchy subject. "This is how she won me over actually. I won''t lie, the size difference was a big hurdle, but even my family told me to ''just marry her, already'' after eating her cooking." "Mhm." I just mumble around a bite of food and share a grin with everyone else at the table. "Okay, what am I missing?" Toby asks his wife. "You only get that twinkle in your eyes when there''s a joke or something that went right over my head." "Apricot is a pixie." She laughs at his confused look. "She''s normally shorter than that fork you''re holding. And it took you two... what, a couple hours to hook up? And here, I had to chase you for months. Oh, quit gawping, he can shapeshift." She chuckles when he blushes as brightly as Amelia. "The dessert smells done." I say to save him. "Let me take it out and it should be cooled just enough by the time we''re ready for it." I get up to do just that and have to hold back a laugh as everyone starts plowing through their plates, so they can get to dessert sooner. "Can I have some now?" Apricot, unsurprisingly, was the first to finish. "Just nibble on one of your mana stones while waiting for us." I tell her while setting the apple bake on the stovetop to cool. "Ooh, could you crumble one up for me and mix it in?" I swear she starts drooling at the thought. "I guess, but why don''t you try it without first." I relent and give her a small plate. Seeing that everyone else has already cleared their plates, I get some for them too before sitting down to take my time with the meal Maisie cooked. "Ooh, I know this flavor." Amelia exclaims after taking a bite. "There''s this one shop in Riverton that makes these sweet rolls, and I swear it''s the same taste as this cinnamon stuff." "Mmm, that was good." Apricot moans after devouring her plate. "Now I really want to try it with the crushed mana stone." "Go ahead and get seconds, and bring the mortar and pestle over." I say, still only halfway through the main course. "So, are these things hard to crush?" I question after the pixie does as I asked, and hands me the half-eaten one from earlier. Giving it a test squeeze over the mortar, I can feel a little give. So I use both hands and vines to crumble it up into the stone bowl. "They should be harder than that!" Toby says a little more sharply than I think he intended. "Oh, he''s stronger than he looks." Apricot crows. "You should see the bow he bought, the guy said it was made for beastkin." "That reminds me; I need to practice, it''s been years since I''ve fired one." Archery was about the only part of summer camp that I didn''t hate, so I was able to get pretty damned good with the bow. "Mmm, tingly." I comment after tasting the finely ground mana dust. "If only I had some citrus fruits, this would go great in something like a raspberry limeade." "It''s a good thing you''re a merchant Amelia because I think your new partners have some expensive tastes." Maisie laughs at her own wordplay. "..." Amelia just shakes her head and takes another bite of the dessert. *** # 012 We stayed at Maisie''s for a couple more hours, drinking wine and listening to music. I was up to translating every three out of five songs by the time we left. When we got back to her aunt''s cabin, Amelia took a special kind of joy in seeing that the woman had pissed herself while under the influence of my sleep spell. I was just embarrassed and cast cleanse over her and the sofa. "If it weren''t for the smell, I''d say you should have left her like that." Apricot says after un-pinching her nose. "And, I take it you''re the one responsible for this little tableau?" Amelia gestures at the scene the pixie set earlier. "Nnh, whatever." She waves it off. "I believe you said something about fucking me on her bed?" "That I did." It looks like the wine she drank brought out her aggressive side. I take the tipsy blonde in my arms and start peeling her clothes off, leaving a trail of our discarded clothing into the back room. Once in Carmen''s room, I pick up her now nude niece and set her down on the large and surprisingly comfortable mattress. I''m about to start reviewing my knowledge of Apricot''s morning lesson when I spot a tear sliding down Amelia''s cheek. "Oh, Baby. It''s alright." I crawl up next to her and pull her into a hug; Apricot quickly mirroring me on Amelia''s other side before I will the blanket to cover us all. "She''s just a sad old woman who isn''t happy with what she already has. She can''t hurt you anymore." "Don''t cry, Amelia." Apricot kisses away another tear. "I don''t even know why I am." Amelia sniffles. "Nnh, stupid wine. I''m sorry." "Hey, none of that." I tap her on the nose. "You have nothing to apologize for." "We can still... if you want to." She mumbles. "I think you just need some sleep, Baby." I give Amelia a small smile and we just hold her until she drifts off. ... "Morning." Amelia says shyly. "Thank you for last night." "Don''t worry about it." I give her a tight squeeze. "Do you want me to make breakfast?" "Can we just get going?" She looks from me to Apricot "That''s fine by me." Apricot smiles at her. "I''ve got those stones to snack on, but maybe Sorrel could make those cinnamon sweet rolls when we stop for the day?" I was able to trade some recipes to Maisie for a few sticks, just enough to last us to Riverton where we can restock. "Well, that what are you waiting for? Let¡¯s get on the road." She throws the covers off and jumps out of bed, only to let out a squeak and quickly wrap herself in the blanket when she sees her Aunt standing in the door. "Looks like I should have used more mana on that sleeping spell." I stand up unashamedly and take my last new outfit from storage. "Mind tossing me my belt?" I ask the dumbstruck woman after pulling on my pants. "You? What? Amelia, what the hells is going on here?" She finally sputters out. "Amelia..." I wrap my arms around the blanket burrito that she''s pretending to be. "Brought me up here to heal your wrist. Which I did... after knocking you out for being so rude to her. I even fixed that problem with your balance, so you shouldn''t be so clumsy now." "Is that all that happened?" her fearful look makes me remember Apricot''s little prank. "If you''re referring to your little toy, that was Apricot''s doing. She thought it would be funny for you to wake up like that." I was going to make her clean up the scene before we left, but, oh well. "If you''ll let us get dressed, we''ll get out of your hair." The woman doesn''t say anything, just slinks away. I don''t particularly care whether she did so out of wisdom, embarrassment, or just plain fear that I would knock her rude ass out again. "You can quit hiding now, she''s gone." Apricot teases Amelia after sticking her tongue out at Carmen''s retreating form. "And, nicely done Sorrel. Might have been better if you left the pants off for the whole conversation, but asking her for the belt was a nice touch." "Ack! I can''t believe that just happened." Amelia squeaks out while getting dressed at lightning speed. We gather up our clothes and are almost out the door when Carmen says in a quiet voice. "Amelia, I''m sorry." "..." Amelia opens her mouth for a second before closing it again, and just nodding to her aunt. "Come on Babe, I want to say goodbye to Maisie before we leave." She wraps her arm around my waist and pulls me out the door, I barely have enough time to grab my staff before she drags me through the small yard, and down the street. Only slowing once the cottage is out of sight around the corner. I don''t say anything, because there''s nothing to say in this kind of situation. I just take her hand and let her know I''m there for her, Apricot does the same on her other side. "Morning Stormie. You going to be a good horse for us today?" She gives his chestnut coat a quick brush before saddling him while I feed the stallion his now, customary apple. "I''m going to need to grow a tree of these soon." The bushel I bought is already half gone. "I don''t suppose you know any more recipes like that bake you made last night?" Apricot asks hopefully. "I thought you wanted cinnamon rolls?" I laugh at the devourer of snack foods. "Why can''t I have both?" Her pout finally brings a smile back to Amelia''s lips. "I get the feeling that I''m going to get fat if I hang around you two for much longer." Amelia smiles and pinches her flat belly. "No, don''t leave us." Apricot cries melodramatically. "I''ll show you how to convert the food into magic inside your belly." "I suppose that explains how you can eat as much as me even when you''re small." The blonde laughs and pulls her silly little lover into a hug. "Alright, you teach me that trick, and we can have two desserts with every meal. And, don''t worry. I''m not going anywhere."Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. *** "Are you sure you don''t want to ride?" Amelia asks me after we get outside the gates. "No, I can keep up." I''ve been wanting to see how far I can push this new body of mine. "You girls can ride together. I want to collect mushrooms, and practice my bow." "If you''re sure." She sets Stormie to a slow walk, and I have to fight not to roll my eyes. "How about a quick race? If I can reach that bend before you and Stormie, then you have to ride normally." I point to a spot a bit over a kilometer from here. "If I lose, I''ll make a dozen different pies for you tonight." "You will not throw this race, Amelia." Apricot commands. "I don''t care what it takes, you get us there first." "Hahahahah." I crack up laughing. "Alright, on go. Three. Two. One. Go." I start running at the same time she kicks the horse into gear. "Don''t worry Stormie, I''ll still make a pie just for you." I laugh again as I pass them. "No!" Apricot shouts as I take the lead. "I''m slowing you down." She shrinks back to normal size and when I look back I see her trying to push Amelia from behind. "Sweetie, you dropped your dress." I run back to pick it up, shoving it into storage before breaking into a full-on sprint. "I know I can make another, but there''s no need to be wasteful." I chide the pixie as I pass them yet again. "Arrrrgggghhhh!" Her wordless shout of frustration was so worth it. "I''m sorry, Apricot." I say without sounding it, after winning the race. "Maybe Stormie will share some of his pie with you." "Shut up... and give me my dress back." She snatches it out of my hands when I hold it out. "Okay, you''re fast." Amelia admits with a slight moue. "But, can you keep it up all day? Oh hush Temmie, you don''t need to chime in every time someone uses a double entendre." She talks back to the goddess who *Dinged* out a laugh. "I take it you want another bet?" I cock an eyebrow at the merchant. "Yes. A dozen pies... for each of us." She ups the ante. "Okay, but what do I get when I win?" The smugness just radiates off of me. "Grrr." She actually growls at me. "... I''ll try that intermediate lesson." The blush that creeps up her cheeks turns her from fierce to adorable in an instant. "Hmm? I suppose that''s a good start." I tease and pick up Apricot so I can put her back on the horse, and not just so I can grab her butt. "Maybe Apricot here can help you think of something on the way." "If she doesn''t win me my pies." The pixie states with fire in her eyes. "We''ll stay at the clearing all day tomorrow, and I''ll train her up until she''s at least half as good at it as I am." She pauses for a moment. "But, you can''t just run there. You said you were going to practice your archery, and collect mushrooms. You need at least a hundred kilos from a dozen different species, and I want to see you hit a bull¡¯s-eye from... fifty meters." "Five tries on the bull¡¯s-eye." I counter. "Fine." She nods. "Do, I get any say in this?" "Nope." Apricot tells her flat out. "And, you''d better hope that his healing spell works on sore muscles because your jaw is going to hurt." "Hahahah." I crack up at look that flashes over Amelia''s face. "Tell you what, if you can get her up to three quarters as good, then I''ll make the pies for you anyways." "Nng. I''ll do my best, but this horse better be able to run." Apricot doesn''t sound too hopeful for Amelia''s prospects. "Don''t you go running my buddy into the ground just for some baked goods." I give him a scratch on the neck. "Don''t worry, I know how to take care of a horse." Amelia sounds more than a little affronted. "We''ll see you at the clearing." "Uh-huh." I toss her the speaker and start-up my [Roadtrip!] playlist, starting with Cake''s "The Distance." Dashing into the woods a moment later, I head for a patch of lobster mushroom that I spotted earlier. I plan to get the mushrooms first as that will be easiest, but also the most time consuming since I''ll have to search around. "Sweetie, shrink down again." Amelia orders Apricot around. "Storm can handle the speeds we''ll need, but not with both of us." "Are you sure you don''t want to lose?" The pixie lets out a throaty laugh before doing as the blonde commanded, she even makes sure to store her dress this time. "The experience will be very educational." Amelia doesn''t respond, just brings Storm slowly up to a steady run. "You''d better hurry up Sorrel, she''s serious about this." ... "Yes! The Motherlode." I just spotted a giant fallen log absolutely filled with "Jack O'' Lantern" mushrooms. Variety has been easy, very easy, and I''m finding mushrooms from all over the world too. But getting enough weight has been harder than I thought, and this batch should put me well over the weight limit. It doesn''t hurt that this variety makes some really nice purples either. "Dammit, he''s got all the mushrooms he needs now." I hear my little spy call back. "Seriously? It''s not even been two hours." "Seriously." I smirk up at her as I come alongside Stormie. "You''ll just have to hope that I can''t break all the rust off of my bow skills by the time we reach camp." "How can you outpace a running horse and still sound so smug." Amelia glares down at me. "I think you just answered your own question there." I laugh and pull out my bow. I''m about to string it when I feel Blackthorne on my back. "What''s the matter bud?" I bring the staff around and get the feeling that it''s glaring at the bow. "Are you jealous of the bow? See, it''s not another staff." I hold Blackthorne in one vine and use my free arms and vine to string up the bow. "It does an entirely different job." I nock an arrow and fire it into the woods while still on the run. "Are you arguing with your staff?" Amelia laughs down at me. "I didn''t think he was the jealous type, but I guess the bow looks too much like a staff." I give her an exaggerated shrug, like ''whatcha gonna do?'' "Wait, are you being serious here?" "I think he is." Apricot comes to my rescue. "I swear I saw it twitch when he pulled out the bow." "Look, man. I''ve got a really important bet riding on this." I cajole the Livingwood weapon. "If you don''t want me to use the bow, then can you shift into one for me?" I already know that it can change to match my height, so this doesn''t seem that unlikely. Blackthorne tugs itself closer and starts wrapping around the bow before absorbing, and replacing it. "Well... okay then." I don''t know what else to say about what I just saw. "This thing is so strange." Apricot says while alighting on the tip of the new bow/staff. "I didn''t feel any magic when it did that. Try giving him a test fire." She hops back into the air. "Mhm. The pull is just right." I stop for a moment to pull it all the way and fire at a tree about fifty meters into the woods. I miss, but the arrow rockets out and shatters when it hits the one behind my target. "Oh, me like. Me like lots." "You are so screwed." Apricot tells Amelia when we catch her up. "No." I correct her. "I was aiming for the one to the left; I just really like the power it has now." "So, you missed by ten centimeters after not firing a bow for years. Yup, she''s still screwed. Man, I really wanted those pies too." "Maybe he''ll get tired out after having to play catch up." The blonde says hopefully. "Yeah, because having to dodge around in the woods for two hours really wore him out." I can taste the sarcasm in Apricot''s words. "Don''t worry, Sweetie." I try to cheer up the flagging pixie. "I''m sure Amelia''s a quick learner, she''ll have over twenty-four hours to learn, after all. And, don''t forget who her teacher is." "Yeah? Yeah!" She perks right back up. "We''re getting those pies, one way or another, Amelia." I just chuckle as Apricot starts going over the finer points of fellatio, and sprint out until I''m a good half kilometer ahead of them. Picking my target, I take aim and start loosing arrow after arrow until they catch-up. Once Amelia sees that I''m hitting the same tree over and over again in a wide, but slowly shrinking circle, she gives up on pushing Stormie. "You might as well just hop on." She sighs out a defeated sigh and stops the horse next to me. "I think we already know that you''re going to win." "Since you''re being a good sport about it, I''ll bake you each a pie when we stop." I unstring Blackthorne, and it pops back to its normal staff shape. "That''ll give me a chance to work on some better arrows, anyways." I stretch my leg up and settle in behind her. "All I heard was pie." Apricot lands on my head. "I want something really sweet." "I can do cherry, or I''ve got a good mixed berry one that you should like." I offer. "What about you Amelia?" "Oh, the berry one sounds alright." She sounds wistful. "I just wish pecans were in season, it''s been over half a year since I had one." "I know a good mock-pecan recipe that uses oatmeal." I tell her. "I was actually going to modify it for Stormie. Were there trees around Southwood? I''ve only been outside the north gate." "Westwood has the big orchards, but there are a few small farms near Southwood that have some trees, not just pecans either." "All I need is a cutting or some seeds and I can grow anything you want." I give her a squeeze. "Oh Babe, if I wasn''t already going to, I''d definitely suck you off for some pecan pie." She blushes when she says that, but I get the feeling she meant every word. *** # 013 We settled in for the ride after that, chatting about our favorite desserts. They''d never heard of chocolate, but when I described the pods to her Amelia said that some rich people like to roast the beans and drink it like coffee, another rich person beverage. I told her she has something special coming for her once I get my hands on one of those pods. It''s a pretty intensive process to go from bean to bar, but I should be able to use magic to speed it up. While we chat I''m also working compressing wood to make stronger arrows. I''d very much like an arrow I could fire more than once, and I still have that idea to make a wagon for us. It''s slow going, but I make some decent progress by the time we reach camp. Thanks to our early start, and the pace we set for the first half of the journey, it''s barely past noon when we stop for the day. "Are you ready for your first lesson?" Apricot teases the blonde after she unsaddles the horse. "Should I clean up first?" I may not be human, but my biology mimics them closely, including sweat. "Let her try without first." Apricot decides. "You smell a lot better than most humans would after running through the forest for a couple hours, and then riding a horse for a few more." I just shrug and toss out the mattress, and set the big cushion on it to rest my back against. Amelia is blushing furiously, but she isn''t saying no, so I beckon her closer with a simple order. "Undress me." ... "Not bad for your first time." Apricot pats her on the head. "And, don''t worry, you''ll get used to the taste eventually. You''re lucky, Sorrel is actually fairly sweet tasting as far as guys go." "You did a good job, Amelia." It certainly wasn''t the worst blowjob I''ve ever had. That reward goes to my high school girlfriend, and her braces. "Now, come here." "No, it''s gross." Amelia tries to shy away when I pull her in for a kiss. "Heheh." I chuckle and kiss her anyways. "Baby, it''s just a little cum, and you swallowed most of it anyway." I make her look me in the eyes. "I''ll never ask you to do anything I''m unwilling to do myself." "Aww." Apricot gushes before getting her own kiss from each of us. "Now, do you want me to return the favor, or make some pastries first?" "You bake!" Apricot nearly shouts. "I''ll give Amelia her reward for a job well done." ... "Mmm. This, this is good." Amelia says after taking a bite of the mock-pecan pie. We''re all sitting around naked eating pie. Apricot gave Amelia her reward and then talked her into a second lesson while the pies were baking. That was more of a lesson for me though, as I had to focus very hard to keep the magic going while being distracted. "I''m glad you like, I can''t wait to get some pecans and make it for real." I lean over and lick up a bit that dropped onto her chin. "Delicious." I stare her in the eyes to make sure she knows exactly what I''m talking about. "Dammit!" Apricot curses out of the blue. "There''s a wagon coming up the road." "Nng!" I groan and look around for my pants. "You think if I close up the hedge they''ll just keep going?" "No." Amelia growls while pulling her dress on. "It''s probably a representative of the enchanters guild getting their quarterly shipment. They''ll know this road, and just chop it down thinking it grew together since their last trip." "We''ll just have to postpone your training for later." Apricot teases after donning her clothes. "Cleanse!" I hit us and the mattress with the cleaning spell to get rid of the lingering scent of sex, and then move our stuff off to one side of the campsite. "Good idea, I could still smell us even over the pies." Apricot shoots me a thumbs-up and starts stuffing her face with her two slices of pie. Yes, I made both the cherry, and mixed berry, along with a couple of oatmeal ones. "Here you go Stormie, yours has cooled off enough by now." I hold up the modified oatmeal pie I made for him. I used applesauce instead of eggs and cut way back on the sugar, but it still turned out alright, if his reaction is anything to go by. "Oh, hello." A middle-aged woman, with mousy-brown hair that''s starting to go grey at the temples, guides her half-empty wagon into the free side of the clearing. "You''re... Amelia, right? I remember seeing you when I was up here in spring. How''s your Aunt, has her leg healed up yet?" "Yes." Amelia nods. "She''s all patched up; my friends and I were just heading back to Riverton. Your name is Ferne, yes? See, I told you they were from the enchanting guild." She directs to me after the woman nods in the affirmative. "Yes, yes." I roll my eyes at her. "I''m Sorrel, by the way. And, the gluttonous one is Apricot." She''s already finished half of both pies. "Wha? We skippe. bre..fas." She mumbles out around a mouthful of cherry pie. "How on Earth did you get fresh-baked pie out here?" Ferne asks with an amused smile. "I thought I was losing my mind when I kept smelling it from the road." "Just a little culinary magic." I conjure an apple from storage and walk over to her horse. "Hi there girl, what''s your name?." "That''s honey, though she''s named for her coat rather than her temperament." The enchanter looks a bit astonished that the horse is taking to me so well. "She''s normally as prickly as a thorn bush." "Stormie''s the same way." Amelia says, while helping the woman unhitch her wagon. "Sorrel''s just got a knack for horses." Meanwhile, Honey is licking at my hand trying to get another apple from me. "Sorry girl, that was my last one." I swear she gives me puppy-dog eyes when I say that. "Alright, alright. I''ll grow some more, just give me a few minutes."This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. I walk back over and pick up my staff; taking out the small branch I found stuck to one of the apples, I stick it in the ground and flood it with growth magic. The tree is only half grown by the time I need to take a break and recover my mana. "That''s one hell of a spell." Ferne comments. "I suppose I have you to thank for the upgrades around here. But, why did you use a branch instead of a seed?" "Oh, you never know what apple you''re going to get when you grow from a seed." I explain while refilling my magical tank. "I like the way these taste, so I used the branch. Normally you just graft the branch onto an existing sapling, but magic took care of that." A few minutes later, and a large fully laden apple tree fills one corner of the clearing. I refill the empty bushel and make a couple more to hold the excess, before ''chopping'' it down and adding the wood to the pile in back. "I''m so jealous." She sighs. "I joined the enchanting guild because I have zero potential for magic. But, I''m about as good at enchanting as I am magic, so they stick me with these runs when I''m not doing the most boring paperwork ever." "Well..." I draw out the word a bit awkwardly. "I can''t do anything about your job. But, I can offer some pie, and fix up that rickety mess of a wagon for you." Luckily Apricot left a few slices. "Oh, I couldn''t ask, and I really shouldn''t have said anything." She taps a flask at her waist. "But, it''s such a boring ride..." "You should be a bit more careful." I warn her. "Amelia and her brother were attacked by a couple of bandits just a few days ago. Given the timing, they were likely waiting for you." That sobers her up right quick. "No." She looks to Amelia who just nods. "Is your brother alright?" "He took an arrow to the shoulder, but Sorrel was able to patch him up." Amelia hands the woman a slice of the mixed berry pie and pats her on the knee. "Don''t worry, the bandits were captured, also thanks to Sorrel, and Captain Leonard has upped the patrols in the area. I''ll ask him tomorrow to keep an eye out for you okay?" "T-thanks. And, thank you Sorrel." She bows to me and almost drops her pie. "I''m going to give Dorothy such a chewing out for this. She''s the head of the Riverton branch and has been cutting corners lately. I would normally have a couple guards with me, but her exact words were ''Oh, it''ll be fine, nothing ever happens.''" "Huh." I furrow my brows. "I''m probably just being paranoid here, but umm... Could she have had something to do with the bandits?" "What? No! Dotty would never do anything like that." She waves my suspicion off as silliness. "You may have some crazy ideas but you sure can cook." She takes another bite and closes her eyes in bliss. I let the subject drop, but I''m still going to pass my suspicions on to the guard captain. Amelia''s look tells me that she feels the same way. Apricot, on the other hand, just looks sleepy "Well, I''m going to try out those new arrows I was working on. Do you girls want some music?" "Something mellow, please." The pixie yawns. "I wanna take a nap." "Yeah, eating a pie and a half will tend to make one a bit drowsy." I snark back at her but put on my [Afternoon Nap] playlist. "Come on Blackthorne, I need you to be a bow again." It shifts for me as soon as I pull out the bowstring. "Where did you get that music box?" The enchanter instantly perks up and starts examining the speaker box. "How does it work? I don''t see any Runescript anywhere." "It''s just a conduit for my magic." I give her an apologetic look. "All the songs are in my head, I''m only using that to play them." "Oh." She went from excited to dejected in the blink of an eye. "I should have known I wouldn''t have come across an interesting piece of enchanting. All the guild makes are replacements for basic household spells." "Mhm, I''m actually using this as a replacement for one of the things I lost when I came here." I try to cheer her up. "They were pretty common where I came from, and I''d be very interested in trying to replicate some. Maybe I could pick your brain... Uh, ask some questions about enchanting." I quickly change tracks when she gets a confused look at the unfamiliar expression. "I''m not the one you want to talk to then." She shakes her head. "I already told you I was so bad at it that they just stuck me with the paperwork." "Maybe, maybe not." The way her eyes lit up showed true passion for the craft. "Either way, you still know more about enchanting than I do. Well, just think about it, okay? I''m gonna go up the road a bit so the twanging doesn''t wake Apricot." I tell Amelia after Ferne shuts me down. "Alright." She smiles up at me. "But don''t go too far, she''s already out cold and I doubt the noise would wake her up even if you started firing from right there." "I''ll be safe." I smile at her and walk start walking to the South. I only go about a hundred meters out before picking a target tree and testing the prototype arrow. It''s heavier than a standard arrow, but that hardly matters with the power that this bow has. *Twang. Swish. Crack.* It flew true and didn''t shatter, but still broke after hitting the tree. This means it should probably hold up against a normal target, but I think I can do better. Taking out some of the firewood I kept in storage and fashion it into an over-sized arrow shaft. Last time I just tried to shrink and compress the fibers, but I need something more. So now, I twist and wrap them around each other as they shrink. The first try rips the wood apart because the stress wasn''t equal. I''m on the right track though and try again on a smaller scale. This works much better, so I just start adding more wood onto this seed. I end up using all the bits from the first try and then some, eventually ending up with an arrow that weighs almost three times what it should, but that I don''t think I can break if I tried. I give it a simple point for a tip, and fuse some cotton into stiff vanes to fletch it. I didn''t bother trying to salvage the feathers from this morning''s test shots, as I knew I could do this, and have it turn out better. I nock the arrow and am about to draw it back when Blackthorne starts eating it. "Dude, Seriously? That took me like five minutes to make." Sighing, I go about making another. Now that I know what I''m doing it goes somewhat quicker. "You''ve got the pattern down now, Right? No need to eat this one." I test the shaft against the staff before fletching it just to be sure, and thankfully the stupid thing seems to have gotten it down. Finishing the arrow off, I draw and take aim. *Twang. Swish. Thunk!* "Just what I wanted to hear." I smile and jog over the check it out. "Damn, it came out the other side." Loosening the tree up, I extract the arrow to find it still in perfect shape. I then heal the tree up with magic as a bit of thanks. I start making another as I walk back to the road. Once there, I sit down cross-legged and make as many as I have wood for, unfortunately, this is only a dozen. But, by the time I finish the last one, I''d gotten the time down to just under a minute per arrow. Standing, I put the twelve arrows into storage as I''ve found that it makes for an excellent quiver. The mana used to retrieve items is only a fraction of that used to store them, and I can pull stuff out at any orientation I want. Meaning I can loose an arrow and have another ready to nock almost instantly. I''m not quite at that rapid-fire level yet, but I hope to be soon. Choosing a larger tree this time, I fire all twelve at it, one after another. I took care to aim for the same spot, but while I hit the tree no problem, my grouping is... well, shit. Collecting my arrows, and healing the tree, I look them over to what I can improve. "Hmm, it looks like the balance is a bit off." I muse and add a bit more mass to the heads, extending and widening them from simple target points to more of a rounded bodkin point. "Better." I say after test-firing half of them back towards the road. I then switch from offset to helical fletching, and this helps even more. So, after collecting them once again, I adjust the heads again to add matching spiral grooves. If I was a better archer I wouldn''t need these tricks. But, until I can practice some more, I''m happy to cheat a little bit. *Twang. Swish. Thunk!* A dozen arrows fly out again, and ten of them land in a ten-centimeter circle, with the other two only being a few centimeters outside. Storing them, I fix the poor tree again and unstring Blackthorne. When he shifts back to normal, I can immediately tell by the weight that he incorporated the compression I used on the arrows. "Not bad, Dude. I guess it was worth you eating my arrow. Let''s head back to camp now." The added weight gives the staff a nice heft to it now. *** # 014 "How''d it go?" Amelia looks up from a book that I''m sure I last saw at her aunt''s house. "Good." I smile back at her. "I still need to work on my aim a bit, but at least the arrows don''t explode anymore." I take one out from storage and twirl it around in my fingers. "That''s good, and it would be nice to get some fresh meat." She nods and returns her attention to the book. "Do you think you could catch some game?" "I haven''t seen much, but we''ve been kind of noisy. What''s usually around these parts?" I was thinking more self-defense when I got the bow, but I''ve been hunting before, so that''s not too big a deal for me. "Plenty of fat birds and rabbits and, if you''re lucky, you might spot a deer." She answers distractedly. "But, they''re smart enough to stay away from the road." "We''ve got a couple hours of light left, but I''d rather try in the morning." I walk back to the pile of firewood to start making more arrows. "Ferne, would you like me to make you a mattress? I''ve got plenty of cotton left." I ask after seeing her fish out a rock from under her blanket. "Normally I wouldn''t want to impose, but I hate camping. So, yes please." Her tone brings another smile to my face. "Here, you go." I say a moment later. "And, if you need anything, just ask." I go back to making arrows after that. *** I''ve got well over a hundred arrows done by the time I notice the sky is changing colors. "Pasta okay for dinner?" I ask Amelia after getting up and stretching out my back. "As long as I don''t have to cook." She marks her place with a ribbon and closes the book. "Do you need my pan?" "That would help, yes." I start the fire with a spell and set my pot on it to boil some water. Taking Amelia''s skillet, I use it to make the sauce, then set it aside to simmer while I make the pasta. I go for simple bowtie pasta, I could probably do something fancier, but I''m feeling lazy. For the sides, I make a green salad, some magically roasted veggies, and some cornbread that I was able to ''bake'' in a wooden ''pan''. Once the pasta is cooked, it gets strained out and added to the sauce along with a bunch of shredded cheese. "Well, help yourselves." I fill up my magic in the lasts dregs of sunlight, and then set the hedges to glowing. "I meant you too Ferne." I laugh at her reluctance to join in. "I''m not going to make all this, and then say you can''t have any." "Thank you. Mmm, I don''t eat this well when I''m at home, let alone in the middle of the woods." She quickly fills her plate. "I know you said you had some recipes." Amelia says around a mouthful of the pasta. "But, seriously everything you make is amazing. Where''d you learn to cook like this?" "Oh, our dad wasn''t around." I say while adding some honey butter to my cornbread. "Mom usually had to work late, so I would take care of my little sister. Found out I had a knack for it after finding some old cookbooks." "Ah, sorry about your dad." She looks chagrined. "Don''t be." I squeeze her shoulder. "He was an ass that ran off with another woman. I saw him maybe three times since I turned ten, and the last time he had the gall to ask me for money." I curse him, but there''s no heat in my voice, not anymore. "Shit!" Apricot curses. "He really was an ass." "I''m sorry." Amelia tries to apologize again. "Don''t worry about it." I wipe away a bit of tomato sauce from her chin. "That was a lifetime ago." A funny smile creeps onto my face when I say that. "Mhm, okay." She doesn''t look convinced, but doesn''t say anything else. "So, what''s for dessert?" Apricot asks, I would say to change the subject, but knowing her it''s just because she wants dessert. "Isn''t the cornbread enough? I made it on the sweet side." If her expression is anything to go by, it clearly isn''t. "Fine, it''ll take to long for the rolls to rise, but I know a quick cinnamon blondie recipe. But, I''m going to have to buy or refine some more sugar soon."This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "I''m just glad I told you to buy extra." She laughs as I start mixing up the simple recipe. "Yeah, ha-ha." I''m running low on dairy too, and here I thought I bought enough for at least a week. "You''d better hope I have enough mana to cook this. Because with the sun down, I can''t do that little trick to refill from nature." "Nng. Amelia, I know you''re more of a water mage." The pixie talks to her lover seriously. "But, you really need to learn his cooking spell." "I''d love to, but I don''t think that''s going to happen tonight." She laughs and tousles the pixie''s hair. "Don''t worry." I do the same to Apricot. "The spell is spherical, so if I stack three pans like this... I can shrink the diameter enough to make it through." The wood worked fine for the cornbread, so it should be fine for this too. "If that didn''t smell so good, I''d be so jealous right now." Ferne says with a laugh. "Just wait till you taste them." I test with a toothpick to ensure they''re done, but not too done, and drop the spell before it drains me dry. "Ooh! Gimme, gimme." Apricot tries to take a whole pan for herself. "Hands off." I fend her off with my vines long enough to brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar. "Here, you really should let it cool for a moment, but... you''re already eating it." I just shake my head and morph the other pans into cooling racks after slicing everything up into bars. "Hahahah." Amelia laughs at the pixie''s antics and grabs a bar for herself. "Oh, my goodness. It''s so chewy and gooey. I thought you were making some sort of cake, but this... this." "If you think blondies are good, wait until I get my hands on that cocoa pod, and can make some chocolate brownies. No, they''re related to the Fae." I tell Apricot''s raised eyebrow. "Whoever made them was probably better at baking than naming stuff." "You can make sweets out of those weird beans?" Ferne sprays out a few crumbs. "Dotty swears by that drink made from them, but I can''t stand it." "Yeah, but it''s a lot of work to get something good from them." Cocoa powder is easier to get than chocolate, but still requires a lot of steps. "Speaking of..." I take out my baking supplies and try out my idea for using magic to make the yeast rise faster. It takes a few tries, but I soon figure it out and mix up a batch of dough for cinnamon rolls. I then turn to Amelia with a wide smile plastered on my face. "Could you make some ice? My favorite recipe for the cinnamon rolls has them rise overnight in an icebox." "Yes, but do we have enough water?" She looks from the magically risen dough to our mostly empty water skins. "I don''t want to walk to the brook in the dark." "Just pull it from the air." I demonstrate my last non-nature based spell. "I picked this spell up in case of an emergency, but it draws too much mana for me to use right now." "I did not know that was possible." She stares at the small drops that form in the palm of my hand. "Can you walk me through the incantation again?" It takes her a few more tries, and I nearly drain what little mana I have left demonstrating, but she eventually gets it. After a few minutes of recovery, and watching Amelia play with her new skill. I create a make-shift icebox from firewood with cotton insulation. Amelia provides several large slabs of ice and I seal the rolls inside to rise. "Ferne, do you mind if I seal the opening?" It''s getting pretty late and we should probably go to sleep soon. "I don''t mind, but I''m surprised you have enough mana left to do so." She comments wonderingly. "Oh, I''m fine for a little nature magic, especially if I use Blackthorne here." I pick up my staff and walk over to the opening. "It''s just that when I work outside my domain, I can''t take advantage of my natural Plantkin bonuses." "It''s really fun watching him work too." Apricot''s eyes start to glow as the branches start to grow together. "It''s like all of nature wants to do his bidding, and he just needs to give it a little mana as a catalyst." "I''d heard about races with powers like that, but never met one before, let alone any Plantkin." Ferne''s eyes are glued to the hedges as they weave their branches together to close us off from the outside world. "Even I haven''t met any other Plantkin, but I was raised human, while they tend to stick to deep forests." I chuckle. "And, I am officially out of mana, now." "Can I ask what happened?" Amelia says nervously. "It''s alright, baby." I sit down next to her on our over-sized mattress and wrap an arm around her waist. "It was very early on in my life when I was found alone on the outskirts of civilization after my birth-mother died." I''m actually talking about when Apricot found me a few days ago, and I did lose several mothers during my stint in reincarnation hell. Fucking wolves! "I''m sorry." She hugs me back. "It''s in the past." I give her a smile and stroke her hair. "I grew up well-loved, and that''s all that matters." I feel kinda bad about lying, even if I am technically telling the truth. But, as much as I like her and Apricot, I did only meet them a few days ago. "Well, I''m going to turn in now." Ferne states a little awkwardly since the mood was starting to turn a little rose-colored. "I''ll see you in the morning, and thank you again for the mattress Sorrel." "You''re welcome." I nod to her and a yawn works its way past my lips. "We should get to sleep too, all that running around earlier wore me out. Come here, Sweetie. I bet you never got to be little spoon with those wings of yours." I lift her up from my other side and set her in between Amelia and myself. "You look funny." Amelia giggles. "Her wings are sticking out of your back." "I don''t care how funny it looks." The pixie says, somewhat dreamily. "This... this is nice." She reaches her hand out to Amelia and pulls her closer to complete the Apricot sandwich. "I''ve been cuddled from all sides before, but you''re right. It is different without the wings getting in the way." I''m not sure that she''s even aware that silent tears start running down her cheeks when she says that. Amelia and I look at each other, but we choose to ignore the tears and just hold her until we all drift off. *** # 015 The night passed peacefully after that, the only interruption was from Ferne stirring up the fire slightly in the wee hours so she would have enough light to find the latrine. I''ve seen a moon in the skies before, but it must like to go to bed early because the middle of the night gets dark. The next morning, it''s Amelia''s call of nature that drags us from sleep. "Sorry, but I really gotta pee." She apologizes in a whisper after her attempt at extricating her limbs draws us from slumber. "S''alright." I smile up at her. "The sun''s almost up anyways. How''s cinnamon rolls for breakfast sound?" "Just perfect." Apricot stretches like a cat before cocooning herself in the blanket. I pat her on the head and get up to check on the rolls. They look fine, so I start baking them, and make a mortar and pestle out of compressed firewood to grind up some powdered sugar for the icing. "Mmm, that smells delicious." Ferne says after blinking the sleep from her eyes. "Sorry if I woke you last night." "That''s alright." I wave her concern away and check the rolls with a toothpick. "These go great with a cream cheese frosting, but I don''t have any so we''ll have to settle for sugar icing." "Tully must have loved it when you two entered his store." Amelia laughs and sits down next to me. "Yeah." I nod. "Between that and everything else, I''m pretty much broke now. Fortunately, I know a rather skilled merchant who can help me sell some wares." "Anything to keep you stocked with baking supplies." She moans around a bite of her gooey cinnamon roll. "Oh, these are even better than the ones in Riverton." "That''s it!" Ferne snaps her fingers. "I''ve been trying to figure out what this flavor was since last night. It''s the same as those rolls from that one fancy restaurant, and you''re right. These are better." "Maybe I''ll sell a cookbook in the future." I laugh. "I''ll call it ''A Thousand and One Confections'', or something like that." Luckily when I asked VeeGee for my media collection, he didn''t limit it to music, movies, and tv shows. So, I''ve got my entire library all in my head now, including hundreds of cookbooks, thousands of saved recipes, and tens of thousands of fictions. I may have been something of a digital hoarder, but hard drives are cheap. So, why not save everything? You never know when your favorite show is going to get pulled from Netflix, after all. "I''d buy that." Ferne says right away. "I don''t even bake, and I''d still buy that." "That would definitely sell." Amelia agrees. "But, if you need some quick cash, you could probably sell the recipe for those dyes to Lacey. I know she''d love to be able to make her own." "They can be pretty variable." I hedge. "Collecting them at different times of the year, even different growth stages can vary the colors widely. But... most don''t need expensive fixatives, although stuff like alum and coppernas can brighten or change some colors." "Are you a dyer?" Ferne asks with a surprised look on her face. "I asked him the same thing." Amelia laughs. "I was going to university to study plants, but I''ve always been interested in them. And, spent much of my childhood learning everything I could about them and their uses." I explain. "Your home has a school just for learning about plants?" Apricot says skeptically. "It wasn''t just for plants." I laugh. "They taught a lot of subjects, I just cared most about plants... obviously." I waggle my tendrils about. "Well, I''m glad you cared almost as much about cooking." She laughs back and takes a big bite out of her roll. "Same here." - "And, here." Amelia and Ferne copy her, and we all settle in for our breakfast of sweets. "Hnn." Ferne sighs after the last of the rolls are gone. "I really should be getting up to Northwood." "Oh, let us help." Amelia offers. "Sorrel, you handle Honey." "Hey girl, you want an apple? Yes, you can have one too Stormie." I hold one out for him after he nuzzles my arm. "But, I''m going to have to take your new friend away, she has work to do." I walk Honey over to the wagon where Ferne is waiting. "Are you sure you guys aren''t heading back up to Northwood?" Ferne asks with a laugh. "The pastries are great, but someone who can handle this stubborn beast? That''s priceless." "Oh, you''re not so bad, are you Honey?" I give the horse a scratch behind the ears while Amelia helps Ferne get her hitched up. Once they''re done I go over to re-open the exit, or I start to. But, the side panel falling off of the wagon has me change my direction. "Okay, I''m fixing up this thing whether you want me to or not." Ferne just blushes and nods, so I get started by examining it. "Did you know your axle was cracked? It''s not bad now, but if you hit a bump after it was fully loaded..." I fuse that back together, then go about tightening and smoothing everything else out. "If it weren''t for the weathering, I''d swear this was a brand new wagon." Ferne says while running her hand across the boards. "I''m happy to help." I smile at her after taking care of one last splinter. "Are you sure you don''t want to keep the mattress?" "Oh, I couldn''t." She holds her hands up and shakes her head. "You''ve already been too kind. I''ll feel bad if I take any more advantage of you." "Alright." I don''t try to convince her. "Well, you have a safe trip. And, you be a good horse, okay Honey?" The horse shakes her head until I hold up another apple, then she gives a quick nod. "Good girl." I pat her on the withers. "Thank you again." The enchanter bows her head to me. "And, safe travels to you three as well." She heads up the road after I clear away the hedges. "So, what are our plans for today?" I ask after she''s on her way. "Seeing as someone''s education was interrupted yesterday." Apricot grins. "I think there''s only one thing we can do." She grabs us by the hands and tows us to the bed. "I know we made a bet." I say after the pixie pushes me down onto the mattress. "But, she doesn''t really have to suck me off all day long." I say that, but an erection is already straining my pants. "Oh, shut up and take your pants off." Amelia says before dropping to her knees. "Hahahahah. Yes, Ma''am." I comply. *** "No more, please." I beg after having thoroughly reached my limit. "Alright, you can ease up on him now." Apricot says, and Amelia finally relents. "I suppose our little training dummy deserves a break after that." That being an hour of teasing followed by having two orgasms sucked out of me, one right after the other. "But, it looks like Amelia is not the only one that needs a bit of training." "I''ll do better next time, if I know what to expect beforehand." I say, somewhat affronted. "Ah, but where''s the fun in that?" She smirks at me. "Whatever." I''m not going to be able to win this fight. "You doing alright there Amelia?" "Mhm. A little sore, but it''s not that bad." She says while rubbing her jaw lightly. "I''m just using muscles I''m not used to, you don''t need to heal me." "Maybe not, but I do need to give you a reward. Two actually, since we were interrupted last time." I lick my lips and swap places with her. "We should have just asked her to join in." Apricot grumbles. "She wasn''t bad looking." "I''m not sure Amelia''s ready for another partner." I start turning the tables on the blonde, teasing her like she did to me. "I couldn''t." She pants out under my tender ministrations. "I''m still amazed I went -ah ahh- t-to your room that night. Very, very, glad that I did, but still amazed." "You''re not the only one that''s glad." Apricot, apparently satisfied with my technique, lies next to Amelia and starts kissing her. ... "I think you broke her." Apricot laughs at the quivering mess that I turned Amelia into. "Well done. And, I noticed a few tricks that I didn''t show you."The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "Mhm. I''ll admit to being a little out of practice, at first." I chuckle and wipe my lower lip clean with a finger before licking it clean. "It''s starting to come back to me now." "I''m surprised you know what you''re doing." She starts helping me clean up. "Most boys, even pixie boys, only bother learning enough to not embarrass themselves." "Ah, that goes back to my first girlfriend and my first blowjob. It was... disastrous." I laugh at the shocked look on her face, I bet she thought I was gonna go in a different direction. "It was so bad that we both decided right then and there to learn what the hells we were doing. And, we did... after I healed that is." "No?!" She covers her mouth to keep from laughing. "Yes." I nod, and then shake my head at the memory with a rueful laugh. "How did you learn then?" Amelia lifts her head to ask "Did you have a trainer like Apricot?" She blushes even thinking of it. "No, this is my first time with more than one partner." I admit. "We were too young and shy to do anything like that, anyways. But, my land had an abundance of... let''s call it educational material." "Books on sex? Really?" She looks interested. "Those too, yes." I nod. "But we also had devices that could record moving pictures, and share them to anyone else with a similar device." That''s the simplest description I could think of. "Really?" Apricot purrs. "Now, I want to visit your country." "I''d love to take both of you." My smile turns a bit sad. "But, I don''t think that''s going to be possible." "I''m sorry." Amelia pulls me into a hug. "Don''t be." I stroke her back. "My mom and sister are safe, and I''m happy to be here. Even if the road I took to get here was less than pleasant." "Do you want to talk about it?" Her brilliant blue eyes meet my emerald green orbs. "Someday." I kiss her. "It''s still a bit raw right now." "So, tell me more about these devices of yours." Apricot changes the subject in the best way she knows how. I spent the next hour trying to explain cell phones, the internet, movies, tv shows, and the like to them. Apricot was mostly interested in the porn, but got a kick out of it when I told her that pictures of cats were just as popular. I swear Amelia started drooling when I told her that I''d downloaded tens of thousands of books. She was interested in the ''magical plays'' aka movies, but the books are what really got her attention. I decided then and there that if and when I tell them the truth about me, I''m going to open with a stack of translated books. "I''ve never even heard of a land as rich as yours." Amelia says. "To have so many wonders in the hands of so many people." "It wasn''t all perfect, but it was alright." I forcibly replace the wistful smile on my face with something more cheery. "But, enough talking about the past. I got a good look at Ferne''s wagon, and want to try replicating one." "Did you figure out how to make the wood durable enough for the axles?" Apricot asks, likely excited to watch me throw some mana around. "Oh, that''s right. You were sleeping when I made the arrows yesterday." I take one out and toss it to her. "Ow." She shakes her hand after catching it. "That''s a lot heavier than wood should be." "Yup, and Blackthorne ate the first one to copy the structure. So, he''s that much heavier than before." I reach out for the staff and it flexes before springing to my hand. "You wanna hold it?" I ask suggestively. "But, it''s... so big." She twists shyly and blinks in a kittenish manner. "Are you sure it''s okay?" "Hahaha." - *Ding**Ding**Ding* - "Ugh. Why did I have to fall in with a couple followers of Temmie?" Amelia''s groan just makes us laugh all the harder. "Oh, you love the jokes and you know it." Apricot starts tickling the blonde until she squeals. "See, you even laughed." "Don''t do that!" Amelia huffs and moves away from the pixie to hide behind me. "I do not like being tickled." "But, you''re so cute when you squirm." Apricot creeps closer while moving her fingers in a menacing manner. "Sorrel, she''s picking on me." Amelia sticks her tongue out at the orange-haired terror. "Oh, no!" I bend forward and clutch my hands together melodramatically. "What''s this? Urge... to tickle... rising." I turn slowly around with a wild look in my eyes. "Eeeek!" She tries to jump away, but I grab her and push her down onto the bed beneath me. Holding her down with my vines and one hand, I hold the other above her belly, my tendrils twitching like they can''t wait to attack her tender flesh. And then, I give her a wink that only she can see. "Yes, get her Sorr-Ack!" Apricot shouts when I turn the tables on her, and now she''s the one pressed under me. "Now, wait a minute. We can talk about this. Ahhhhh-hahahahahahh." ... "Hahahahah." I pant out a few minutes later. "Where was I?" "Being mean to a poor defenseless pixie." Apricot gives us the stink-eye while wrapped up in blankets to protect herself. "No." I shake my head with a wicked smile on my face. "Being mean would be me letting you know that this was just a taste of what''s in store for you later. I''ve got plenty of feathers left on those old arrows, and I may know a few rope tricks too." "You really are mean." Amelia chuckles darkly at the fearful look that Apricot shoots me before she hides her face under the covers. "Hahahah." "Meanies." I can hear, if not see, Apricot blowing a raspberry at us. "Yup." I agree. "Now, do you want to see how I made the arrows?" "Ooh, yeah." She tries extricating herself from the blanket, but quickly gives up and just shrinks down to fly over and land on my knee. "That''s a neat little trick, how strong is the wood afterward?" "Strong enough to go straight through a small tree without a blemish." I give it a spin in my fingers after adding the fletching. "Wanna see?" "Hells yes!" She agrees, nodding hard enough to more her whole body up and down. Blackthorne shifts into bow mode as soon as I take out the bowstring. "Hmm, I really need to figure out a way to make a string that can handle this kind of tension. That way you could string yourself, and I wouldn''t have to rely on whatever the bowyer comes up with for guitar strings." "Yeah, yeah. You can do that later." Apricot hurries me on. "I want to see you fire this first. There, go for that big one over there." She points to a large tree about eighty meters back. "A bit further than I''m used to, but okay." I nock the newly made arrow, line up the target, and raise up only slightly more than I would for a closer tree. *Twang. Swish. Thunk.* "Hah! Hit right where I was aiming too." "Again." The tiny woman pleads. I just shrug and let a dozen arrows fly, one after the other. "My grouping is a bit worse than at fifty, but it''s not that bad." I would have considered myself lucky to have this tight a circle at seventy back when I was practicing every day, so I''m more than happy to do it at eighty on my first try. "Make one for me." Apricot commands. "I want to try." "Oh, this should end well." Amelia laughs and backs away. "Go collect my arrows, and I''ll make you a bow." I want to see if she can even pull them free. She squeals and flies over to the tree before shifting to human size to try with all her might to yank one free. She gives that up quickly and resorts to cheating by just shifting them into her version of storage. Flying back, she drops thirteen arrows at my feet with a smug smile. "Okay. I''ll give you that." I say reluctantly. "But, I want you to show me how you did that trick. I can''t put anything into storage if it''s stuck to something else." "Deal! Now, get to building." She orders me around, so I make her a pixie sized bow. "Very funny. Make one for real, please?" "Since you asked nicely." I nod to her and fashion a proper size bow using one of my spare bowstrings. Two dozen arrows come next; they''re modeled after the ones I created yesterday but made from regular wood. "Here you go. Try not to shoot us... or yourself." She copies my stance and even tries aiming for the same tree. She hits a tree. Sure, it was only about half the distance from, and maybe fifteen degrees off of the one she was aiming at. But, she did hit something. I look back for Amelia and find her hiding so that I''m directly between her and Apricot. I just shake my head and step closer to the pixie after her next shot goes awry. "Your stance is good, but your grip is too tight." I hold my bow up mirroring her. "You don''t want to curl your fingers, just hook the tips on the line and draw back. Yeah, that''s it." "Argh, I still missed." She growls. "You did better, you just need to work on your release a little." I re-assure her. "Instead of popping your fingers off the string, just let them open up as you draw back past your chin." "I hit it." She did, just barely. "And, oww." She shakes out her hand. "That''s a lot harder on the fingers than it looks." "Hmm? Try these finger savers." I compress some wood into two beads over her string, a small one for the forefinger, and a larger one for the middle and ring fingers. "If that doesn''t work, I can try making you a leather finger guard from the leftover hide. Or, maybe work out some sort of release aid." "No, this... this is good." She tries and hits the same tree again, a bit closer to the center this time too. "Yes!" She crows after hitting three in a row. "Good, job." I congratulate her. "A few weeks of daily practice and we''ll make a real archer out of you. "Weeks?" The look she gives me makes me have to fight not to laugh. "Hey, Amelia. You want a bow?" "No, thank you." She does laugh. "Just think of it as a way to kill time." I offer. "And, if you get good enough maybe I''ll make you a crossbow, or something bigger." "Something bigger?" Her eyes light up in excitement. "There''s not much difference between a crossbow and a ballista, after all." I grin at the dreamy look that fills her face. "But, you need to practice. Try hitting the same tree with the rest of your arrows." While Apricot practices her shooting, I try my hand at string making again. But, Amelia stops me almost immediately. "Is that how you tried making strings before? Ugh, no wonder you couldn''t get it to hold any tension. Try doing it like this." She takes two strands of yarn, twists them and folds them over each other. Twist, fold, twist, fold... until she''s got a short length of sturdy looking twine. "That''s much better, thank you." I test it, and her rope is not only stronger than the one I made, but it doesn''t stretch out like mine did. "I thought you were a merchant, not a rope maker." "A good merchant tries to learn a bit about everything she sells." She says, and pulls out the book that she stole from her aunt. "You can do three or four strands too, but that usually needs a jig to spin the lines at one end while a grooved ball keeps them separate at the other." "So, like four cogs around a central gear?" I make a quick model to see if I have the right idea. "Yeah, just like that." She looks up from her book and nods. "Add hooks to the center of those, and tie yarn from those to a central hook however far away you want the string to be. Then use a separator, and twist everything up. When you move the separator down the line, the individual bits will come together into one rope." She goes back to her book, and I start experimenting. Apricot comes back a few minutes later saying that her arms hurt and that she lost all of her arrows. "Can you put on some music?" "Of course." I set aside the string making to give her a massage and start-up my [Lazy Day] playlist. Bruno Mars'' "The Lazy Song" is first up, naturally. "I''m surprised you lasted that long, I guess flying around gives you strong shoulder muscles." "Mhm-hm." She nods. "Now, less talking, more rubbing." She doesn''t want me to talk, so I don''t talk. I just lay her down on the mattress, take out some oil and warm it up with magic. I then straddle her butt and drizzle some over her back. Focusing on her upper back and shoulders with my strong hands, I let my vines handle her lower back and spread more oil as needed. "Umm, me next. Please." Amelia begs in a quiet voice. "I guess you can have him now." Apricot says dreamily. "Any more and I''m likely to melt." "Lie down." Those two words are all I have to say before Amelia''s stretched out on her belly. Switching saddles; I start working over the blonde''s back, her moans guiding my hands as much as experience. "Hmm, your neck is tight. Is that from this earlier? Oh, you should have told me sooner." "Nnh." She grunts as I work on a particularly tight spot. "I would have... if I knew you could do thi-is. Ahn, right there." After turning her muscles into liquid bliss, I go back to string making... Well, I try to, but Apricot decides that it''s my turn for a massage. And, I must admit that she''s quite skilled at that too, even if... or perhaps because she only focused on one area. Using cleanse to take care of the oily mess we made, I finally get back to work. It''s just so hard to get anything done when you''re constantly being distracted. Not that I''m complaining. *** # 016 It takes me a good hour to find a bowstring that could handle the strain that Blackthorne would put on it, and then some. I made a thread from four single strands of linen and fused that together with magic. Then I used four of those to make an even larger thread, and so on until I had the right thickness for the bowstring. "Alright, bud." I pat the staff. "Try eating this and see if you can recreate it when you shift into bow mode." It takes him longer to eat than the arrows I made, but after a minute he shifts into a pre-strung bow. "Well, done Blackthorne. Well done." I walk over to the edge of the road to fire off a couple test shots, and I swear the bow is that much more powerful now. Walking over to retrieve the arrows proves this to be true, as they''ve sunk in even farther than they would have before. Returning Blackthorne to a staff with a thought, I return to camp with a wide smile plastered on my face. "I see that it went well." Amelia smiles back at me. "Are you going to make your guitar now?" "Yeah, I want to see what this compressed wood will sound like." I start making the neck, back, and sides from it. "Normally you want a nice dense hardwood for the back. Rosewood and mahogany are probably the most popular, though maple isn''t without its fans, and would probably be easier to find around here. Now, I just need a bit of spruce for the top." I leave the unfinished guitar with her and dance back across the road to where a mid-sized red spruce is growing. I first pluck out one of Apricot''s stray arrows, and then fell the tree with a pulse of magic. Stripping the bark and branches off, I re-attach the largest one to the base and decompose the rest. After dragging my prize back to camp, I sit down to make the strings while using my draw water spell to dry out the log. "Why didn¡¯t you just do that when we needed firewood before?" Apricot asks. "Habit, I suppose." I shrug. "I''m not used to using a lot of magic. We may have had a lot of fancy devices where I came from, but magic was not common." Now, there''s an understatement. "That, and it''s just easier to collect wood that''s already dry." "For someone who''s strong enough to carry a whole tree back, sure." Amelia laughs. I''ve got a few dozen different gauges of strings ready by the time the tree is dry enough. I used various two, three, and four-strand combinations to get the right sizes. Setting those to one side, I piece together the guitar top. Adding compressed wood for the bridge and pickguard before magically gluing everything together. Adding the strings I think will fit best; I start tuning it, only to remove the smallest string and shift the others over. This sounds right, so I go into a few warm-ups. "Okay." I say after a minute. "The guitar sounds great, but I am rustier than I thought." I wasn''t horrible, but I definitely need to practice. "It wasn''t bad." Amelia tries to cheer me up. "And, if it comes back to you like the bow did, then you''ll have it down in no time." "Hopefully." Though, I''m kinda wishing that I had brought mine to school with me. I just didn''t want to be ''that'' guy. "But, practice can wait, right now I''m hungry. Who wants lunch?"If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "You don''t even have to ask me." Apricot perks up at the mention of food. "I could eat." Amelia nods. "Pasta salad good?" I start making everything when they agree. "I wish I had some chicken or a dry sausage or something to go with it, but it''s still good without." Once everything is ready, I serve it up in bread bowls with some Italian dressing. "Mmm." Amelia moans around a bite of the fresh bread. "I am so glad I met you." "I''m happy to have met you too." I chuckle. "So, I got a good look at Ferne''s wagon when I was fixing it up this morning. I don''t know how Stormie will feel about being hitched up, but I''d much rather sit in a wagon for the rest of the trip." "Mhm, it''s not the first time he''s had to pull a load." She says between bites. "And, it would be a lot quicker, especially once we meet up with Roddy." "Speaking of." I ask a question that''s been bugging me a little bit. "I know he gave his tacit approval, but is he going to be okay with us having sex in the same camp? Or, are we gonna have to sneak off every time we want to fuck?" "Uhh..." She drags the word out. "I don''t know. But, we''re going to need a tent at the very least. And." She gestures down at her nude form. "No more walking around naked all day long. Yes, I''m looking at you Apricot. No teasing my brother, and definitely no fucking him." "Yeah." I speak up. "We should probably set some ground rules. No having sex with family members is probably a good start. Especially considering the bond you two share." "Oh!" Apricot''s eyes widen before her whole face twists up in disgust. "Yeah, eww. Pixie''s may be more open about sex than most of you lunkers, but even we have lines that just aren''t crossed." "Umm... about o-others." Amelia stammers as a blush creeps across her face. "I don''t cheat." I tell her flat out. "So, I won''t pursue anyone else while we''re together, but I''m certainly not going to say no if you want to bring in more partners. And, this may be selfish of me, but I would prefer if they were women. I can deal with it if they aren''t, but it would be easier if they are." "That works for me." Apricot nods. "I usually prefer girls anyways, so you''re all the man I need." She turns to the blushing blonde with a serious look on her face. "And, I really don''t want to break this bond. So, I won''t do anything you''re not comfortable with, Amelia." "I can tell through the bond that this important to you." Amelia fights past her discomfort to speak openly about this. "So, I''ll try. But, they''ll have to be someone I like. I just can''t... not with some stranger." "You two are connected, so I''ll leave all that up to you." I brush back the hair she''s trying to hide her face behind, and give her a gentle kiss. "That''s the big one, but are there any other rules we need to lay out?" "No anal." Apricot raises her finger and has a deadly serious look on her face. "You haven''t tried anything, so I didn''t bring it up. But yeah, I do not like it. But, that''s just me." She adds after seeing something in Amelia''s face. "If you like it, or just want to try, then go ahead." "I... uh... Nnh." She lets out the cutest frustrated groan ever. "It''s really hard to just talk about this stuff." "It''s alright Amelia." I squeeze her knee. "We can explore that later. But, before we go exploring. We should probably have some safe words. That''s a special word that when you use it, everything stops." I explain to her questioning gaze. "It''s for stuff like when you were tickling me earlier." Apricot adds. "I was saying no, and stop even though I didn''t want you to." "Oh, okay." Amelia nods. "That''s probably a good idea. But, uh how do we pick one." "There''s a lot of enchanted vehicles where I''m from." I start with what sounds like a non sequitur. "So, we created a set of traffic signals where green means go, yellow means slow or caution, and red means stop. So, I''m used to using ''Red Stop'', but food names and other colors are popular too. It just needs to be easy to remember and say." "R-red works." Her face blushes a deep red when she says that. "I think I can remember that." Apricot smirks. "Oh, she is just so precious." "I know, right." Amelia is now squirming under our focused attention. "But, we shouldn''t tease her too much, she is still kinda new to all this after all. And, Amelia." I lift her chin until she''s looking me in the eyes. "If anything ever makes you uncomfortable, just say so." "I''m okay. Thank you." She smiles at me, and ducks behind her curtain of hair again. "So precious." Apricot gloms onto her. Their hug soon turns to kissing, and then a lot more. *** # 017 "Have I said before that I''m really glad I met you two?" I breathe out while soaking in the afterglow. "Yes, but it''s still nice to hear." Amelia says and starts playing her fingers across my chest. "Oh, no." I catch her hand and bring it to brush my lips against her knuckles when it begins trailing lower and lower. "I can''t. I''m sorry, but not again. Not yet, at least." "Where''s all that stamina you had while outrunning a horse yesterday." Apricot teases. "It got sucked out of me by a demon pixie and her evil apprentice." I laugh at the wicked grin she gets. "I''m serious. It''s getting to the point where it hurts. I''ll let you abuse me some more later, but I want to get that wagon built before we lose the light." A couple of hours have already passed since our late lunch. "I''ll hold you to that." She says, and slaps me on the ass. "You know, Amelia and I have made our positions clear, butt what about you." You can hear that she stresses the word intentionally. "Eh." I shrug. "It feels alright I guess, butt..." I stick my tongue out at her. "I rarely feel like doing anything down there." "Mhm." She nods. "Have you ever been with another guy?" This casual question sets Amelia blushing cherry-red. "No." I shake my head with a laugh at the blonde''s antics. "Sex is sex, but I''m just not attracted to men." "That''s fine with me, but I think Amelia''s a bit disappointed." Apricot teases her lover. "Hmm? I might be willing to put on a show for her, but it would have to be for a special occasion." Amelia gets a dopey look on her face when I say that, but soon tries to stammer out a negation. "Amelia it''s alright." Apricot rolls her eyes. "Like Sorrel said, ''sex is sex''. There''s nothing wrong with wanting to see him and another boy together. He seems to enjoy watching us together, after all." "B-but, I couldn''t ask that." She squeaks out just loud enough to be heard before hiding under the covers. "Don''t worry about it, Amelia." I bend over and pat her on the back. "It''s fine to have fantasies, it''s even fine to want them to come true. If you ever want yours to, then I''ll try my best to make it happen." My best will probably involve a lot of alcohol, but these two are already making my fantasies come true. So, I''m willing to try, I just hope it doesn''t come up anytime soon. She doesn''t reply, so Apricot and I just share an amused look before I get to work building the wagon. I probably should have started this project while it was fresh in my mind, but I kept getting distracted. Still, it''s a fairly simple design. The part where the axle meets the wheels is just a graduated cylinder. This sits inside the wheel hub which has a couple sets of simple roller bearings. Ferne''s was made from iron, but my compressed wood should hold up nearly as well. I''ve got the first one all fitted together and give it a test spin when I discover I''m missing one key ingredient. "Hey, Babe. You don''t happen to have a pot of tallow on you?" "Hahahahahah." She just cracks up laughing at my oversight. "Okay. I guess I''m building an oil press." I''ve got some bacon grease leftover from breakfast the other day, but I''m saving that to cook with. "Luckily, I''ve got a bunch of cotton seeds." "Is that going to be thick enough?" She asks. "I''ll mix it with some soap." "Do you have soap?" "Nnnnngggg." I growl through my nose before taking a deep breath. "No, but we have ash. I''ll just make some." "You''re a handy guy to have around." She says while her eyes twinkle in mirth. "If it involves plants, yeah. But, you might be a little handier here." I say as a thought comes to me. "If you dissolve salt in conjured water does it disappear with the water?" "It gets left behind as a residue. Why?" She asks, suspiciously. I just smile and scoop some ashes into a large cone with a cloth filter at its tip. "You want me to add water to this?" "Just fill it up with hot water and let it drip into the bucket underneath." I answer. "It would take too long to draw all the water away, which means I''d have to boil it off. And trust me, you don''t want that smell stinking up camp." "Good point." She nods and does as I asked before going back to her book. While the lye is being extracted, I''m using the mortar and pestle I made before along with a bit of magic to pulp the seeds before adding them to a screw press. It doesn''t take long before I''ve got a couple liters of oil, and the lye is ready to go. "Well, it''s a crappy soap." I added too much oil on purpose. "But, should work great as axle grease." "I''m surprised you know how to make it from scratch." Apricot peers at the goop with interest. "Between your cleaning spell, and how rich your homeland sounds. I don''t see you having a need for it." "I didn''t always have this spell. And, while my family wasn''t rich, we could afford soap." I laugh. "I learned this because it has to do with plants. Same as with the mushroom dyes, and a lot of other things. I may not have had a need, but I still tried out as many things as I could." "Well, I''m glad you did." She smiles over at Amelia. "Her boobs are comfy, but there''s just something about lazing around at this size. So, thank you for building me a big rolling bed." "Hahahah." I can''t help but laugh at the look of indignation that crosses Amelia''s face.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. It doesn''t take long to finish building the rest of the wagon''s undercarriage. I only used the modified wood for the wheels and axles, everything else is made from regular wood to save on weight. "I know a few wainwrights that would be extremely jealous of you right now." Amelia jokes after I finish adding the bed to the wagon. It is a bed too, I used the mattress I made for Ferne since it was sized to fit hers if she wanted to keep it. "It''ll do for now." I shrug nonchalantly. "We''ve got plenty of padding, but I''d like to add some sort of suspension. That can wait for later though. I should get started on the tent while I still have the light." "It''s a tent." Amelia tilts her head in confusion. "They aren''t that difficult to make." "Do you know a soundproofing spell?" Her mouth opens up in a big ''O'' when I ask that. "Good idea." Her lips morph from that ''O'' into a sly smile. Now, living in a noisy dorm, I learned a few tricks about sound management. One, mass is your friend when you''re on a budget, but any air gap is an opportunity for sound to get in or out. That''s where things like open-cell foam come in handy because they absorb sound instead of just blocking it. I don''t have any foam, but I can duplicate the same effect by creating short fibers tuned to specific frequencies. To test, I make a pixie sized tent and ask apricot to go inside and start shouting. It''s a simple cabin style tent, that when scaled up will fit around our oversized mattress. The door and mesh windows have double flaps that open in opposite directions. The walls themselves are basically just a canvas quilt with a fuzzy inner layer that looks almost like velvet. Apricot gives it her all and we can barely hear anything from right outside. So, if Rodrick sleeps on the other side of the camp we can still fuck our brains out without worrying. "It''s perfect." Amelia says once Apricot rejoins us. "But, won''t it get a bit hot? It is summer, after all." "That''s where your ice magic comes in." I pull out the makeshift icebox I used to make the cinnamon rolls. "The tent''s insulation will keep the cool inside just like this box." "Oh, yeah." She laughs. "I''m still not used to being able to do much more with magic than keep myself clean. You should add a tarp to the wagon too, that way Roddy can sleep in it." "Are you sure it''s not so you two can nap while I guide the wagon?" I chuckle at the guilty look that fills her face. "You''re so cute." I kiss her on the forehead before pulling out a giant bale of cotton, it''s not the only one I have either. "Luckily, I think I might have just barely enough to make everything." "Yeah, just barely." She smiles at me before sitting back down with her book. "Don''t forget to save enough magic for dinner." "Am I going to be stuck cooking every meal now?" I raise an amused eyebrow at her. "Unless you want the same stew, over and over again." She counters. "Fine, but we really do need to stock up when we hit Southwood." The fabric making is more time consuming than anything, so I decide to get started on some stuff that will take a while even with magic. "And since we''ll be there tomorrow, I might as well use up the last of my dairy. Don''t worry, Apricot. I''ll save enough for breakfast." "You''d better." She throws a mock glare at me. I doubt they''ve ever had pizza, so I figure I''ll try my hand at that. Kneading the dough, and setting it aside to rise first. I then grow some thistle and get interrupted by a curious pixie. "What are the flowers for?" She looks skeptical. "This is for dinner." I grin back at her. "Bread and thistles. It''s a very famous dish where I''m from." "Somehow I doubt that." She shakes her head at me. "What are they really for?" "Substitute for baby cow stomachs." She wrinkles her nose at that, but Amelia perks up. "You''re making cheese? With weeds?" "Yeah, I need a soft white cheese for this recipe." I explain. "So, I¡¯m harvesting the stamens for rennet. Nettle leaves work too, but you need a lot more, and they need to be boiled for a long time. I just wish I had some citric acid or lemon juice. Vinegar will work in a pinch, but it''s not ideal." Half an hour later the Mozzarella is chilling in the icebox. I then get started on the sauce; since I''m making it from scratch, it''s going to take a while to simmer off the extra moisture, but we''ve still got time before it gets dark. I obviously don''t have a food processor, so it''s smashy time. I make a large mortar just for this and quickly mash everything together. "Okay!" Apricot interrupts again. "What on earth are you making?" "Tomato sauce. Duh." I laugh when she growls at my flippant answer. "Sweetie, he''s clearly doing this on purpose." She pulls Apricot back down next to her. "Just let him cook." "It had better be good." "It''s be better if I had some spicy sausage, but I''m sure you''ll like it." Setting the sauce on the edge of the campfire to simmer. I take out a bunch of fruit and start making pie filling. "This one, I know." The pixie smirks at me. "You''re making pie for dessert." "Nope." She growls at me again. If I had some vanilla, I''d make a proper tart, but I don''t, and we''re camping. So, campfire tarts, aka biscuit dough roasted in a cup shape, then filled with whipped cream and pie filling. Once the pie fillings are done, it''s time to punch down and separate the pizza dough, and take the sauce off the heat to cool down. While waiting for the pizza dough to rest, I get started on the biscuit dough so it''ll be ready for dessert. Apricot watching my every move the whole time. It''s almost dark, so I give the pizza dough a little magical push before rolling it out into two large circles. This move gets Amelia''s attention, and I can practically hear her shouting at me in her head for messing up her bread. "Sweetie, he''s clearly doing this on purpose." Apricot parrots Amelia''s earlier words back at the bread obsessed woman. I don''t have a pizza stone, but I don''t have an oven either. So, I transfer the dough onto a couple hardened wood platters, after sprinkling them with some cornmeal. The sauce comes next, followed by the fresh mozzarella, and some herbs. "Okay, what is that?" Amelia breaks down and asks first, leading Apricot to have a smug smile. "It''s called *pizza*, it''s a hot open-faced sandwich." I explain while making a baby greens salad to go with it. "Normally, you cook it on top of a stone that''s been heated up in a hot oven, but let''s see what magic can do." I set the weaving aside and open myself up to nature before pushing out as much heat as I can to cook the first one. Even with the influx of mana, I barely have enough to finish it. "That, that looks good." Apricot licks her lips and moves closer. "Let me slice it up while I recharge for the second one." I make a pizza cutter out of hardened wood and quickly divide the pie into twelve even slices; a skill that took me many tries to master. "Mmm, that''s not bad." I take a slice for myself first, just to annoy Apricot. "Especially for being made from scratch in the middle of the woods, that''s not bad at all." "Nnh, so good." Amelia moans after taking her first bite, gooey cheese stretching from her lips to the slice. "I both love and hate that you can cook better out here than I could back home." Apricot is too busy devouring hers to say anything. Once the first piece is gone, she orders me to "Cook the second one quick, before the sun goes down." I laugh, but comply. And, have just enough time to fill my tank again before it slips over the horizon. "Man, the only thing this meal is missing is a good beer." I eye the crust of the slice in my hand speculatively. "Huh, I can do yeast for bread, I should be able to make alcohol too." "Some wine would be nice." Amelia agrees. "I''ll have to try tomorrow." I mumble around a bite. Amelia only had three slices, but Apricot and I polished off all of the first one, and half of the second. "Oogh!" The pixie pats her full belly. "I didn''t think it was possible, but I ate too much." "No room for dessert then?" I start the storage incantation and make like I''m going to put the stuff for the campfire tarts away. "Hahahahah." I crack up laughing when she jumps up to guard the pie filling. "I want my biscuit pies, or whatever they are." She stares me down. "Campfire tarts." I finally tell her what they are. "You roast the biscuit dough, and then fill it with whipped cream and pie filling." "Ooh, I''m glad I saved room." Amelia says with a smug look at Apricot. "Because that sounds good. And, he made all those fillings too, so we can mix and match." "Oh, I''m going to pop. I just know it." *** # 018 The next morning I decided to try making waffles. The compressed wood pizza platters held up well, so I tried making a waffle iron from the same stuff. I had to pre-heat the wood before pouring the mix, but they came out alright. And, even if they didn''t, I would have just made pancakes. "Hmm." I mumble around a test bite. "The outside is not as crispy as I''d like, but I''ve had worse. I''ll have to find a blacksmith to make a proper one for me when we get to Riverton." "I like it." Apricot declares. "It''s like pancakes, but you have all these pockets to hold syrup." "So, do you mind me running off to look for some game while you drive the wagon?" I ask after a few more bites. "With any luck, I''ll be able to catch you up in just a couple hours." "We should be fine without you for a couple hours." Amelia smiles humorously. "But, put the tarp on the wagon first, please." "Yes, please." Apricot agrees. "That way I can lie back while Amelia drives." "No, it''s so I can lie back while you drive." The blonde counters. "Why do I get the feeling that I''m going to be the one at the reins all the way to Riverton?" I ask the air before getting up to attach the tarp; it''s just a single layer stretched over some wooden ribs, with flaps in front and back that can be tied up. "Anything else before we leave?" "Make me another bundle of arrows." Apricot demands. "We might luck across a fat bird ourselves, and I want to practice shooting from the wagon." "You just want to get good enough that he''ll make you that crossbow." Amelia chuckles. "Nah, I''m holding out for the ballista." Apricot grins back at her. I just shake my head and make her a couple hundred arrows. There''s still a ton of firewood left, so I decide to shove a bunch into my storage while I''m at it. "Good idea." Amelia comes up and starts storing some too. "No need to hunt for deadfalls later on when we''ve got all this just sitting here." By the time we''re done, the pile is about half it''s former size. "Alright, Stormie." I talk to the horse a few minutes later. "You take good care of the girls for me, I''ll be back soon." He nods, but I''m pretty sure he just wants another apple. "You stay safe out there too." Amelia pulls me in for a hug before climbing up into the driver''s seat. "Yeah." Apricot gives me one too, with a squeeze on the ass. "Don''t go shooting yourself in the foot, or anything like that." "Shouldn''t he be the one telling you that?" Amelia smirks down at the pixie. "I''ll be careful." I promise both of them, and then help Apricot up into the wagon, getting my own squeeze in in the process. "See you in a couple hours." I send Amelia a smile before turning around and heading into the woods at a fast lope. I''ve only been running for ten minutes or so when a fat grouse jumps out in front of me. I''ve already got Blackthorne in bow mode, so it takes me less than a second to nock an arrow and send it flying straight through the bird''s breast. Killing it before it even knew what happened. Tossing the body into storage to process later, I collect my arrow and start off again. I''m running at a forty-five-degree angle away from the road, the plan is to head out this way for an hour, then make a ninety-degree turn and return to the road at a slower speed. Hopefully, ending up not too far off from the girls. I manage to bag a couple more game birds and a rabbit, but miss several more along the way. A few minutes after the turn, I''m glad I slowed down when I hear a snorting snuffling sound. ''Amelia didn''t say anything about wild boar, certainly not any this damned big.'' I think to myself while creeping up on it. The porker has got be well over a hundred kilos, maybe even one-twenty. ''Good thing these arrows could probably headshot an elephant, otherwise I wouldn''t even dream of trying this.'' Careful not to make a sound, I draw back the bow and wait for the perfect shot. The beast is digging up some wild tubers with its back to me, so I don''t have a clean shot. I''m standing there stock still for a good minute before something startles the boar. Time seems to slow down as the wild pig''s head raises up to look off to the right. I loose at the perfect moment, taking it right through the eye with a killing shot.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Only after its body has slumped to the ground do I spot what startled the swine. Then, I''m forced to fire a half dozen more arrows in rapid succession as a pack of wolves charge out hoping to steal my kill. These are much healthier looking than that runt I ripped apart on my first day here. Much smarter too, as they scatter after the first two go down. One to a headshot, and the other with an arrow through the heart. The rest of my shots go wide as they scatter. Not wanting to hang around near a pissed off pack of wolves, I scoop the three bodies into storage and start sprinting in the direction of the road. Ten minutes later, and I''m sure that I''ve lost them, if they were even chasing me to begin with. I let myself rest against a tree for a few minutes to catch my breath. Just as I''m about to leave, movement in the woods draws my eye. Afraid that it''s the wolves again; I''ve got an arrow aimed in that direction before I can even make out what I saw. "You gotta be more careful guys, there''s a pack of wolves around here." I tell the doe and her fawn as I ease the tension on the string. I wouldn''t mind some venison, but I''m not gonna shoot a new momma. The deer gets spooked by my words and bounds off deeper into the wood, her baby following along after. Thankfully, they went away from the direction the wolves are in. Shaking my head with a rueful smile, I then start for the road again. I''ve already got a big catch, so I''m neither running, or creeping along. Just strolling casually through the woods. I''ve still got my bow out, but let several birds and this one weird rabbit with a horn go. But, it''s not long before I stumble on another deer. This time it''s a young buck, maybe two years old by the antlers. I decide to go for it, but the deer is a bit outside my range for a sure kill. And, even though he''s just standing there eating, he seems pretty alert, so I''m afraid he''ll spook if I try creeping up on him. I could use my nature magic to call it to me, but that''s kinda fucked up. Instead, I send a pulse of magic through the ground. Roots and vines slowly encircle the buck''s legs before cinching tight. Dashing closer, I try to put an arrow through its head before it can break free. But, it thrashes at the last second, taking the shot through the neck instead. Drawing again, I make sure to get the kill shot before it can suffer anymore. "Sorry mate, I tried to make it quick." I apologize to the buck before adding it to my storage. Just as I''m doing that another of those horned rabbits comes up and starts lapping at the blood the deer just spilled. "Carnivorous bunnies? That''s just fucked up." I take out an arrow and slam the point through the top of its skull, just behind the horn. Tossing the corpse into storage, I decide I''m done with hunting for the day and run straight for the road. Once there I spot the tracks from the wagon and chase along after it. "Hey, I''m back." I call out once the wagon comes into sight. Apricot peeks her head out of the back, and waves to me with a smile. Picking up the pace, I''m able to hop inside next to the pixie before Amelia can do more than tell Storm to slow down. "Hey, babe." She smiles back at me. "You must have had a good trip, I didn''t think you''d be back this soon." "A handful of birds, and two rabbits, one with a horn." "Ooh, those have the softest fur." She coos. "But, I doubt you''d be back if that was all." "Yeah." I nod. "I just hope Southwood has a good butcher, I snagged a wild boar that''s easily a hundred-ten kilos, maybe one-twenty. And, then a freaking pack of wolves tried to steal it from me." "No!" She gasps. "Yes." I grin at her worried reaction. "I was still hiding and was able to get two of them before the rest scattered. And then, after shoving the bodies into storage and sprinting the fuck away, I lucked on a young deer. More than one actually, I let a doe and her fawn go, only to find a two-year-old buck a few minutes later." "Well, aren''t you the lucky hunter." She copies my grin. "I guess we don''t have to worry about meat any time soon. And yes, there is a good butcher in town. He goes by Skinner, -don''t know his real name- I always found him to be a little creepy, but he does good work." "Good. I could probably manage, but I''m more used to dealing with meat after it''s been butchered." Sitting up, I peer past her. "Is that Georgie, and what was his name... Paul!" I snap my fingers as it comes to me. "It is." She twirls around, and Apricot and I climb up to join her on the seat. "Hey guys, everything alright?" She calls out once they come closer. "Hi, Amelia, nice wagon." Georgie stops next to us. "Everything''s fine... well, everything except us having to get up before dawn to run these patrols." He adds after Paul grumbles. "Well, you have my thanks for doing so." She says sincerely. "We, thankfully, haven''t had any more troubles. Not, unless you count Sorrel finding a pack of wolves when he was out hunting earlier." "Wolves?!" Paul perks up. "Where were they? How many?" "Ten that I saw, eight now." I answer. "They were a few hours fast walk southeast from the waypoint. Little fuckers tried to steal a nice fat pig from me, but ran off when I downed a couple of them." "You still have the bodies?" He peers into the wagon, looking disappointed to only find a mattress. "They''re in my storage along with the boar." I hold my hand out over the edge of the wagon and materialize the heart shot one, holding it up by the hind-legs. "Nice shot." Georgie compliments my archery. "Right through the heart and out again. What bow do you use?" Returning the wolf to storage, I reach back into the wagon and grab Blackthorne. "I picked up a longbow in town, but my staff got jealous and ate it." I shift it into bow-mode to their astonished looks. "Hah. Nice trick that." He laughs but eyes me and my staff in a new light. "Alright, I''m sure the road''s clear, but we still have to finish our sweep. I''ll stop by Fred''s later, and say hi. Oh, and I''m sure you know, but Rodrick already left for Riverton a few days ago." "Thanks." Amelia nods to the guard. "And, thanks for watching the roads. I''ll treat you both to a drink tonight." "I won''t say no to that." He nods back before spurring his horse into motion again. "Come on Paul, let''s get this over with." "Mhm, maybe we''ll luck out and find those wolves." The guard follows after his partner. *** # 019 My prediction about being the one at the reins while the girls lounged around in back came true, unsurprisingly. I didn''t mind though, as they promised to make it up to me tonight. I played some music for them, and worked on our tent some. More for the practice, than because we''ll need it any time soon. As it is, we probably won''t catch up to Amelia''s brother until just before Riverton. I''d feel bad, but that just means more time alone for me and the girls. Since we got a late start, it''s a couple hours after mid-day by the time we reach town. But, we still made slightly better time than we would have if Stormie was carrying the both of us. "We should head for Skinner''s first." Amelia decides. "That way he can have the meat ready for us by morning. He''ll offer to buy the wolf pelts, but I can get you a better price in the city." "Does he take a percentage, or ask for coin?" "Both." She answers. "But, I''ll pay and we can trade the pork belly and wolf meat for some cured bacon. We had a dog growing up, and I just can''t..." "That''s fine." I nod, relieved that she didn''t want to eat the wolves. "I hate wolves, but yeah they''re too close to dogs, and you just don''t eat pets." "Mhm, I noticed you tend to snarl whenever they get brought up." She ventures cautiously. "Nng. I-I can''t really talk about it." I''ve been doing my best to block out what happened, and really don''t want to go into it. "Let''s just say they''re the cause for my nightmares, and leave it at that." "It''s okay, you don''t have to say anything." She wraps her arms around me, and I can feel a bit of the tension leave my body. "This is the place, just let me handle the negotiations." "Thank you." I give her one last squeeze before letting her go. Apricot immediately takes her place though. "And, thank you too." I did my best to clean it up, but I know she saw the aftermath of that first wolf. And, she never said a word about it. Amelia got a really good deal; apparently, wolf meat is something of a local favorite, which is probably why the guard Paul got so excited. So, she only had to hand over a few coppers, and that was mostly for him to handle the small game. Nobody likes plucking feathers, after all. "Should we talk to Lacey next?" I''ve got enough coin for a night at the inn, but that''s about it. "Or, should I mix up some samples first?" "Let''s go to Lacey''s." Amelia starts towing us in that direction. "She''ll be ecstatic at the thought of new dyes practically right outside her door. She''s going to want to see the process anyways, and should have everything you need." ... "Amelia!" The old weaver greets her with a smile. "What brings you back so soon? And, who''s this?" She looks at Apricot, but mostly at the dress I made for her. "Did you find another friend that needs some new clothes?" "We already met." Apricot laughs. "I was just a bit smaller last time. Name''s Apricot." "The pixie." Lacey exclaims. "I should have realized from the hair, but..." She just gestures at Apricot''s body. "Magic is strange sometimes." I shrug in a ''Whatcha gonna do?'' gesture. "We''re good for clothes." Amelia tries to get us back on track, only to derail the conversation again. "Unless there''s something you want Apricot? Then just speak up, and I''ll buy it for you." "I''m good, thanks." She shakes her head with a smile. "If you''re sure." Amelia turns back to lacey. "We''re actually here to sell something. Sorrel, here knows how to make a whole rainbow of dyes out of material that''s easily collected from the surrounding woods." "Heheheh. No need to play the merchant girlie." Lacey''s eyes spark up with interest. "If it means I don''t have to order any more expensive dyes from the city, then I''ll definitely pay, and pay well." "Aww, look at her deflate." Apricot teases our little merchant. "Don''t worry baby, you''ll still get to haggle when we get baking supplies later." "Nnh, fine." Amelia grumbles. "Sorrel, go ahead and show her what you''ve got." "I''m not sure my old heart could take it if he did that." The old woman jokes, getting a groan from Amelia but a laugh out of Apricot, Temmie, and me. "I''m sure you could take it." I say and then, looking straight at Lacey, I reach down like I''m going to unbutton my fly and materialize a particularly phallic looking shroom.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. "Ugh, why did I have to hook up with followers of Temmie?" Amelia groans while the rest of us laugh our heads off. After we recover our breath, I make a large wooden bowl and fill it with one of each mushroom I was able to find. "Easy to overlook, aren''t they? But, they make some wonderful dyes, and most don''t require anything more expensive than ammonia." "Mushrooms?" Her eyebrows go straight up. "I thought you were just joking when you pulled that one out." "Lichens work well too, but I didn''t feel like scraping every tree and rock we passed." I explain. "This one is actually called the dyer''s mushroom where I come from, you can get anywhere from green, to yellow, to orange, even a rusty red just from this one mushroom." "How colorfast are they?" She doesn''t want the stuff she sells to fade after washing or bleach out in the sun. "Most are very." I answer. "Though, some of the blues tend to fade." "Mhm, hard to get a good blue." She nods. "Come on around back, and we can talk recipes." We did just that for a few hours. Apricot and Amelia quickly got bored and went off shopping. But, I was having a ball, I''d only done this a couple times before, and only recognized a few of the mushrooms I picked. So, we got to experiment together to see how they would turn out. Lacey really liked the purple that came from the "Jack O'' Lantern" mushrooms and agreed to buy all I had for the same price she would have spent on the carmine and indigo needed for a similar effect. And, that was on top of the already quite handsome fee she gave me for selling her the recipes. The girls came back to get me when the sun started going down. Lacey only let me go reluctantly, and made me promise to stop by next time I''m in the area. "Did you get your haggling fix in?" I tease Amelia as we''re walking back to the inn. "Yeah, she did." Apricot must have gotten tired of walking, she shrunk down and is sitting on the blonde''s shoulder. "And, you seriously got ripped off last time. We picked up your guitar strings too, not that you need them anymore." "I''ll still try them out, they might have a good sound." I say take the small -to me- pouch from the pixie, who doesn''t seem to have any trouble holding something several times larger than she is. "Hey, Fred." I greet the innkeep as we enter the main room that''s now filled with happy people and an enticing scent. "What''s for dinner? It smells great." "That''s my specialty." He beams. "Skinner got his hands on a couple wolves, and came straight to me because he knows I make the best wolf stew around." "..." "Don''t worry." Amelia laughs at my dumbstruck expression. "We ran into Annie earlier, she gave us a heads up, so we stopped by Skinner''s before coming to get you. Luckily, he''d already finished carving everything up for us." "Thank you." I give her a sincere nod. "Sorry Fred, but we''re gonna have to pass on that." "Heh. You don''t know what you''re missing." The innkeeper replies with an amused smile. "But, that just means more for the rest of us." The man pauses for a moment. "You know, it''s going to get pretty packed in here soon, and we could use some music..." He trails off hopefully. "We stay and drink for free." Amelia''s mercantile instincts come to the fore. "And, you let Sorrel use whatever he needs in your kitchen to make dinner for us." "Deal!" Fred agrees immediately. "Come on back." I follow him behind the counter, leaving the speaker box on it playing my "Classic Country" playlist. Since I''m doing a bit of cooking, I decided to start with "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash. "Nice kitchen. Is that an enchanted double oven?" I don''t know what I was expecting, but his kitchen could nearly pass for modern. "Thank goodness, I was afraid I''d have to stick to steaks, or try using magic." "Thank you." Fred nods to me. "I wish I could take all the credit, but the founders of the town wanted the best, and were willing to put in the coin to get it." "Well, it''s still a nice kitchen." I nod back. "Now, I should start with the potatoes. Cleanse!" I''m hungry, I don''t got time to waste washing them. "Hah!" Fred barks out a laugh. "Wish I could do that." "It does come in handy." I preheat the oven and then add some beef tallow to a pan before setting it inside to melt. Next, I chop the spuds into large chunks and start parboiling them. "If you boil them just slightly before roasting, they turn out really crispy." I explain to Fred''s inquisitive look. "I''ll have to remember that trick." He gives his stew a quick stir and checks the flavor. "So, what else are you cooking?" "Seared backstrap with blackberry sauce. I''ve got a few venison recipes, but most are slow cooks or long marinades." I test the potatoes and give them another minute before draining them into a colander none-too-gently. "You want to rough them up a bit at this point, then you just add them to the melted tallow with a sprinkling of salt." The grease in the pan pops and sputters as I do just that. "Normally these take about forty-five minutes, but I''m going to speed it up a little with magic since the deer won''t take that long." Once the spuds are roasting, I turn to Amelia and ask. "Could you hand me the backstrap?" I pause to glance at Apricot. "Actually, you''d better make it both of them, the deer wasn''t that big." "Uh..." "Just lay out all the meat, I''ll pick what I need." I smile at her confusion. "Wow, Skinner did a great job, he even peeled all the silverskin off." "Yeah." Fred bobs his head. "He''s not the most sociable person, but he knows his business." "This part''s simple." I state. "Just rub some salt, pepper, and nutmeg onto the meat, and sear it for a minute per side before putting the whole skillet into the oven for seven or eight minutes." "And the sauce?" "Berries, sugar, vinegar, cloves and anise." I reply while adding those to a pot. "The recipe I have calls for the zest, and juice of a lemon, but I''m just adding a bit more vinegar. Boil everything until the deer is done, then smash the berries, and let it simmer while the meat rests." The next dozen or so minutes are spent talking recipes with Fred while fending off a voracious pixie. Once the sauce has thickened, and the potatoes are done. I slice the meat into medallions and plate up everything, including a small sample for Fred. "Mmm." He moans around his first bite. "Oh, that''s good... not as good as my stew, but still good." "Hahaha. Alright, thanks for letting me use your kitchen. Cleanse!" I take care of all the dirty pots and pans with a single word. "Amelia, please tell me you picked up some wine earlier." "Let me." Fred interjects before she can even open her mouth. "I''ve got a nice earthy red that will go great with this. The common room is already packed, so you three can sit over here and eat." "Thanks, we''ll stay out of your way." I bow my head to him, and we all tuck in. *** # 020 Stew night turned into a mini-celebration, but thankfully it didn''t drag on for very long. Which was a good thing, since Amelia was starting to get anxious about leaving her brother all alone. So, the next morning, we got up at first light and were on the road again by dawn. I didn''t remember until we were already at the gates that I wanted to talk to Captain Leonard about that Dorothy at the enchanters guild. But, Amelia said she talked to him about it when they were running around yesterday. "Knowing Roddy, he''s taking his sweet time walking." Amelia sighs once we''re on the open road. "So, we should be able to catch him up in just two, maybe three days. Though, we might have to give Storm a day''s rest afterward." "Relax Amelia." Apricot put her arms around the worried merchant from behind. "Your brother is fine, and Stormie will be fine too. If he gets tired, we can just have Sorrel haul us around." "She''s right. -not about me hauling you around- Rodrick is fine." I squeeze Amelia on the knee. "There''s no need to stress, about him or Stormie. I''ll keep a magical eye on the big guy, and top him up with some healing sap if he needs it." "Thank you, I know I should just enjoy the time we have alone." She places one hand over mine, and the other over Apricot''s. "But it''s hard not to be worried." "You just need something to keep you distracted. -not that, you perverted pixie.-" I pry Apricot''s hands away from Amelia''s chest. "I was thinking more like a game. -not that kind of game, either.-" "You''re no fun." She''s got the cutest little moue on her face right now. "My sister and I had a bunch of board games growing up." "What''s a board game?" Apricot interrupts me, and the look on Amelia''s face tells me she hasn''t heard of them either. "It''s a game played on a board." I have to fight not to add a big ''Duh!'' to the end of that sentence. "The basic ones have you moving your piece or pieces according to a simple set of rules, but some of them can get pretty complex. What kind of games do people play around here?" "Dice, mostly." Amelia answers while looking at me like she heard the unspoken word. "The rich might play cards, or have a shove board in their homes." The name and her sliding gesture makes me think it must be some type of shuffleboard. "Other than that, people might gamble on sports or animal races." "That''s it?" I have trouble keeping the shock out of my voice. "Okay. Well, as I was saying, we had a bunch of games of all different sorts. And my sister''s favorite when we were growing up was called Sorry!" Well, it was once we switched to homebrew rules after I used the backwards four to win one too many games, and she tore up all the cards. Taking some firewood from storage I mold it into a triangular version of the Sorry! board, using different colors of wood to ''paint'' the playfield. I then make four pawns and two dice for each of us. "There''s a lot of different variations of this game, but they''re mostly the same. Just get all four pieces, called pawns, from ''start'' to ''home''. There are a few gimmicks though, like how you need to roll the exact number of spaces to get it into home." "Seems simple enough, but what are the colored spaces." Amelia asks while examining the board closely. "Those are the slides, if you land on the triangle at the beginning of one that''s a different color from you, you slide to the end, knocking any pawns in the way back to their start. The same happens if you land on another''s piece." "And the gimmicks?" She''s nodding along to my description like it''s the most fascinating thing ever. "You need to roll doubles to move a pawn from the start onto the board." I demonstrate. "But, double sixes will let you take one from start and move it to another''s piece, knocking it back to start, unless it''s on the path home. Double ones will let you move, two, or eleven spaces, or swap with an opponent¡¯s pawn. And, if you roll a seven, you can split the dice between two pieces if you want." We kept the basic feel of the game, just simplified things a bit. I used my vines to hold the game-board steady while we play. Apricot delights in shouting Sorry! every time she knocks one of our pawns back to start. I would say she reminds me of my little sister in that regard, but I am physically unable to compare my sister to anyone I''ve put my penis inside of. Amelia won the first match, but Apricot wasn''t far behind her. I, on the other hand, kept getting a bunch of crappy rolls and knocked backed to start. I did better in the second round, but Amelia still won. And, most importantly, my plan to distract her worked perfectly. She lost that worried look and was focused on the game. I, on the other hand, was kinda bored. It may be new to them, but I don''t even know how many games of Sorry! I''ve played before.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. So, while we were playing, I decided to try my hand at ''painting'' with wood again. I was never much of an artist before, but it''s so much easier now that I can just will the image straight from my brain onto the ''canvas''. "Ooh, pretty." Apricot coos at my latest painting. It is mid-morning, and we''ve stopped for a moment to let Stormie get a drink from a nearby creek. I just tried using the mushroom dyes as my pigments, and the effect was rather more than I was expecting. I was able to almost perfectly capture the scene; if anything, it''s just a little yellow because of the wood. So, I infuse the wood behind the pigment with some cotton to brighten it up. "I was never this good of an artist." I laugh nervously at the photographic quality picture of the babbling brook. "But, I never tried using magic to ''paint'' either. I came up with the idea when I made the board game." "Well, as much as I would have preferred my way of distracting her." The pixie smirks at me. "I''m glad we did things your way, especially if you''re willing to make a couple of pictures for me later." "Yeah, I need to grow some more mushrooms, but yeah." I''m too focused on the painting to care that she wants me to be her porn supplier. "So, what other games do you have locked in that pretty little head of yours?" She runs her hand over my soft, flower petal ''hair''. "Oh, a bunch of two-player games, but most of the board games for three or more people have rules that are a bit complicated. So, I''ll need to sit down and make sure I''ve got them remembered correctly." I glance down at the painting again. "But, if I can paint this, I can paint some cards. And, most of the card games I know are pretty simple." I''d like to make a Jenga tower for us, but that''s not going to go too well on a moving wagon. "You made that? It''s beautiful." Amelia says after coming out of the woods, her needing a potty break was the real reason we stopped here. She just used Stormie getting a drink as an excuse. "I was able to draw a bit before, but not very well." I explain again while helping her and Apricot onto the wagon. "Then again, I never used magic to do so. This turning out so well was more than a bit of a surprise. I''ll definitely have to play around some more with this later, but Apricot wants a new game. So, I was going to make some cards for us." "Ah, I thought I''d heard you say cards." Her eyes light up. "Daddy has a set, but I was never allowed to play with them." "Well, chances are the ones you use here are a bit different from the cards I grew up with." I start making some stiff paperboard out of cotton. "Ours have four suits with thirteen cards each, numbered one through ten, though the one, or ace card, can sometimes be worth eleven depending on the game. And, the three face cards which are all worth ten, the Jack, Queen, and King, in that order. Plus some games use special Joker cards, but there''s only two of those in a deck." "Ours are nothing like that." Amelia says with a laugh. "Well, they do share Queen and King cards, but since Larendath is always ruled by a Queen the King is more of a consort and worth less. I don''t even know what a Jack is." "Oh, it used to be a knave." I explain while ''painting'' a simple deck. "But, the word started with the same letter as king, so they changed it to Jack which was sort of an everyman name back when they started adding the initial letter to the corners to avoid confusion." It''s amazing what you learn when you browse through random Wikipedia pages in your spare time. "I was expecting something... fancier." Amelia seems a bit disappointed that each one isn''t a fanciful painting. "I''ll make something nice looking later." I smile at the chagrined look that pops onto her face. "These are modeled after the basic deck that almost anybody would have." "Okay..." Apricot draws the word out. "But, why is there a naked pixie on the back, and what is wrong with his dick?" "Hahahah! He''s riding a bicycle." I''m so used to playing with these cards that I copied the rider back without even thinking about it. "The company that made these goes by the same name." "Uh-huh." She nods in understanding. "So, what''s a bicycle?" "You don''t have bicycles?" I give them each a joker card. "This is a bicycle or bike for short. You push down on the pedals, they move the chain which then moves the rear wheel..." I pause for a moment before muttering to myself as a crazy idea hits. "Actually, I wonder if I could make one. I don''t have any rubber for the tires, and a wooden chain would have to be really thick and need constant maintenance. But, I think I can make it work with what I have." "Sorrel? Baby? You still in there?" Amelia laughs as I finally snap out of it. "Heheh, I thought we lost you to the land of bicycles." "Sorry." Now, I''m the one with the embarrassed look on my face. "I tend to get like that when an idea hits. I''ll build a bike later, I was about to teach you how to play Rummy. It''s perfect for three people, our mom used to play it with us all the time." I tell them the rules, and flip over the Sorry! board to use as a table. "What if I can use all my cards in one go?" Apricot asks and proceeds to do just that. "That''s called going Rummy." I stare at her cards in disbelief. "You get double points from us for that... which means you just won the game in the first hand." We were only playing to one-hundred this time, and Amelia and I had a bunch of face cards. "Remind me to never gamble against her for real." Amelia says while giving the pixie a stink eye. "Yeah." I nod along whole-heartedly. "I''m glad I knew I could win that first bet against her." "Yeah, you are." Apricot smirks, making Amelia blush. "How about we make this game a little more interesting?" "What are you thinking?" I ask intrigued. "We''re playing for points, yeah? So, let''s assign point values to different ''favors''." "That could work." I nod trying to work out. "And, we can keep playing games to one-hundred. The winner keeps all their points, second gets half, and third a third. You can use them then, or save them up for later." "Do I get a say in any of this?" Amelia asks with an amused smile. "Of course." I smile back. "You''re the merchant. We need you to set the prices and limits for all the different ''favors''." "Please Amelia." Apricot begs. "Sorrel''s even worse with money than I am, and I''m a pixie. We won''t be able to do this without you." "Hah!" The blonde barks out a laugh. "Well, I suppose if you need me." We spent the next hour or so coming up with a list of ''favors'' and their associated prices. And then, we threw it all out to just have fun. *** # 021 "Stormie needs a quick break, I think he stepped on a stone." I tell Amelia around mid-afternoon. We passed a clearing just like the one on the way to Northwood a while ago, and Amelia said that we should be able to get to the next by nightfall. So, I don''t want the horse to have to walk on a tenderfoot. "Is he okay?" She asks while reining him in. "His gait seems fine." "He''s fine. Probably doesn''t even need the healing, but he''s doing so much for us." I hop down and prepare a shallow bowl filled with oats, apple slices, and healing sap. "I don''t see any reason for him to walk around on a sore hoof. Huh, big guy?" I guide the sap to take care of the developing bruise, and use the extra to wash away some of his muscle fatigue. "Thank you for keeping an eye on him." She pulls me into a hug. "Since we''re stopped we should give him a bit of water. Could you make a bucket for him?" I do, and she fills it up. A few minutes later we''re back on the road, and I''m back to showing them how to play board games. I''m going through all the classic two-player games with them, and mostly getting my butt kicked. Sure, I''m playing two games at once while they only have to focus on a single game. But, I''ve still got years of experience playing this stuff. I''m especially surprised by Apricot, she seems flighty and care-free most of the time, but she''s got a real head for tactics. Amelia, on the other hand, is more of a long term strategic thinker. And, seems to excel at setting traps, then biding her time until I fall or am forced into them. That, or I just suck. The sun is just about to set when we reach the waypoint, only to find it already occupied. "That can''t be Roddy." Amelia says when Apricot points out the smoke to us. "He''s lazy, but not that lazy." "It''s probably just another traveler, but I''ve got Blackthorne just in case." I shift it to bow-mode and back again. "Let me hop down and walk Stormie in, if things go south, I''ll buy us time to get away by closing the hedges." "I want to say you''re being paranoid, but after what happened..." Amelia trails off. "I think it''s okay." Apricot speaks up once we get a bit closer. "I can hear them, and I''m pretty sure it''s a small family. There''s a man, a woman, and a small boy." "Ugh, I hate feeling this way." Amelia shakes her hands out after noticing how tightly she had them clenched into fists. "Maybe you can learn some offensive magic when we reach Riverton." I put my arm around her shoulders. "It probably says a bit about my state of mind after... but I felt a lot better after getting my bow skills back." "Oh, baby." She squeezes me back, soon followed by Apricot hugging me from behind. "When you''re ready to talk about it, just know that we''re here for you." "Thanks." I tell her with my eyes how much that means to me. "But, we should probably announce ourselves before we get much closer." "Let me." Amelia gives me a quick peck on the lips. "I know, I''d be more relaxed hearing a woman''s voice. Hello, there." She projects her voice out, and a moment later a young steps out of the opening in the hedge. "Hello." He waves and beams a smile at us. "You wouldn''t happen to be Amelia would you? We met your brother yesterday, and said that we might run into you." "Is Roddy okay, how far ahead of us is he?" She perks up immediately at word of her brother. "It should only take us another day, maybe a day and a half to catch him up." "We met him at the camp south of here, so he''d be two camps away by now." "A day and a half then, good." She nods, relieved. "Nice to meet you." I hop down to walk Stormie into camp. "Name''s Sorrel, and that''s Apricot. Rodrick, may or may not have mentioned us." I say with a wry smile. "Darrel" The man gestures to himself, and then his wife and boy in turn. "This is my wife Mina, and my boy Jax. Nice to meet you too, and yes, he mentioned that she would likely be with a man and a pixie. But, he was rather tight-lipped when talking about you." He meets my wry smile with a knowing one of his own. "He''s so cute." Apricot dances over to the toddler that''s peering out from behind his mother''s skirts. "How old is he?" While Apricot is making friends, I try to help Amelia unhitch Storm, but she shoos me away. "I''ve got this, you go make another one of those outhouses, please, and cast that glow spell too." The pleading in her eyes is plain to see.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. The back of the camp is clear, so after lighting things up, I toss down some seeds near the wall, and soon a living latrine is standing there. Amelia ducks inside a second later, and then sticks her hand out demanding some butt wipes. "Here." I hand her a big stack. "Just leave them inside, I''ll make more later." "That was some spell." Darrel approaches as I''m clearing a space for our tent. "Yeah, the campsite on the way to Northwood was a mess, and had someone''s mess in it." I wrinkle my nose in disgust. "So, when I was fixing it up, I added one of these. Because as gross as what they did was, I can definitely understand not wanting to squat in the woods in the middle of the night." "Hah." Darrel barks out a short, sharp laugh. "Rodrick said someone did that in the first waypoint outside of Southwood too. Luckily, we didn''t run into anything like that in the waypoints south of here." "That''s good." I nod. "But, I''m sorry we skipped that one on our way here, so there won''t be another one of these waiting for you." Once all the rocks and twigs are cleared away, I take the tent out of storage and start setting it up. "We''ll survive somehow." He watches as the tent builds itself. "That''s a nice tent, but aren''t the walls a bit thick for summer?" I glance around and then lean in close. "Amelia can create ice to cool us down, so I made it as soundproof as possible." I pull the mattress out of storage and drop it inside the tent. "Hahahahaha." He cracks up laughing. "As a protective older brother myself, I should be angry on his behalf, but that''s just too damn funny." "Darrel." His wife calls him. "The stew is almost ready, it''s your turn to feed Jax." "Coming, Dear." He smiles at his wife and son. "Sorry, I''d offer you some, but we only made enough for the three of us." "Oh, that''s alright." I wave his concern away. "I''ve been slow-cooking some deer shoulder since noon, I just need to simmer the dumplings." I walk over to our wagon and grab my cook pot from the back. "Finally." Apricot sighs. "You''ve been teasing me with that smell all afternoon." "I was hoping it would distract you two, so I could win a game." I laugh back at her, and put the pot roasts onto a platter, I used both shoulders because they were on the small side. That, and Apricot and I eat like pigs. And, with storage, it''s not like we have to worry about leftovers going bad. "Seriously, I show you a game once and you two could already beat me at it." "No! I lost the bet." The pixie whines. "What bet?" I ask suspiciously while speeding up the dumplings. "Hah, I told you he''d start complaining about it before dinner." Amelia smirks at her lover. "Sorry, babe. But, we kinda cheated by using the bond. We found out that when we both concentrate on the same thing, it''s like we can use each other''s brains. So, when you were taking turns playing each of us, we were taking turns making each other smarter." "Hah!" I can''t help but laugh. "Okay, magical shenanigans I can accept. It''s a lot better than thinking I lost out at games I''ve played hundreds of times to complete newbies. Oop, hello Jax." The boy just escaped from his father and ran over to me and grabbed onto one of my vines. "Boy, get over here." Darrel chuckles as he scoops up his son. "Sorry about that, he delights in making dinner time a hassle." "Not a problem." I smile at the boy and wave bye-bye with the same tentacle he grabbed onto as his father takes him back to their side of the fire. "So, I was going to make some strawberry shortcake for dessert, but I''m not sure you deserve it after cheating like that." "It was all Amelia''s idea." Apricot immediately tosses her under the bus. "I tried telling her it was a bad idea, but she''s got this real competitive streak to her." "Hahahahaha." I started laughing so hard that I almost choked on the bite of food I just took. "Selling me out for some cake?" Amelia throws the pixie a mock affronted look. "You little butthead." "But, strawberries!" Apricot says that like that''s all the defense she needs. "You''re just mad that I thought of it first." "I don''t know which one of you has the bigger sweet tooth." I shake my head in faux disappointment at them. "Jax! Get back here." The toddler escapes from Darrel again. "Hahah." He goes straight for my vines again. "Hi again Jax. I should give you their share of dessert." The little boy perks up at that word. "Yes, dessert. But, you know, I was raised with a rule that you had to eat all your dinner before you could get dessert. Hahaha." I laugh again as he runs back to his dad and starts shoveling the food into his mouth. "Thank you." Darrel nods to me. "But, you didn''t have to do that." "Oh, I was going to make enough for everyone anyways." I retrieve my baking supplies and start mixing up the batter. "So, what brings you three up this way?" "My uncle asked me to take over his mill." The man shakes his head ruefully. "His only son ran off to be a dungeon diver a couple years ago, and hasn''t been heard from since. It''s a shame about my cousin, but as a second son this really helps me out." "My condolences." I''m not sure what else to say. "Save them." He shakes his head. "Everyone knows that dungeons kill far more people than they make rich and powerful. Jerome was never that bright though, he was always wasting his time and effort looking for a big payday." "I''ve known a few people like that." I say as I start baking the shortcakes. Slow cooking the roast gave me plenty of time to fiddle with the spell, so I''m able to adjust the cooking field to the shape I want now. This saves me from wasting mana heating an entire sphere. "Had this one roommate when I was in school." I start recounting the tale of my favorite roommate. "I swear he spent more time trying to cheat his way through tests than I did studying for them. Fat lot of did him too, the school brought in extra proctors for the first big test of the year. Idiot tried cheating anyways and got thrown out; his family was not happy, but I sure was. I got the room to myself for the rest of the year, and that definitely made him the best roommate I ever had." "Heh." He snorts out a laugh. "Awl done!" Jax declares loudly. "So you are." I smile at the cute little boy. "I just need to whip up some cream, and dessert will be ready." Only Apricot and the toddler have finished their dinners, but the rest of us are not far off. ""Yay!"" The pixie and the boy cheer at the same time. *** # 022 We chatted for a bit more during dessert, and then made an early night of it. Amelia was happy to receive word of her brother, but is still anxious to catch up to him as soon as possible. I had another nightmare that night, but thankfully my reaction wasn''t nearly as extreme as last time. My thrashing still woke the girls, though. "Sorrel, you''re safe." Amelia''s gentle voice soothes me after I snap upright in bed. "It was just a nightmare Baby, nothing is going to hurt you." I''m panting and darting my head side to side looking for threats, but at least my fingers didn''t shift into claws again. Luckily, I had the foresight to leave a couple of potted plants charged with the glow spell as night lights. Otherwise, I''m not sure how I''d react to waking up in complete darkness. "I''m... I''m alright." I try to get my breathing under control. "I''m sorry for waking you two up again." I was honestly expecting this last night after running into the wolves yesterday. "Don''t be silly." Apricot chides me. "This just gives me another chance to help you relax again." She starts moving down to my waist before I stop her. "Thanks, but could we just cuddle for a bit?" I cast cleanse on myself to get rid of the fear sweat and pull the girls down next to me. "I... want to talk about it. I''m sure you''ve already guessed that it has to do with wolves. They... I..." "Shh." Amelia puts her finger on my lips. "You don''t have to force yourself." "..." I close my eyes and take a steadying breath before continuing. "Thank you, but I need this. I was jogging down the road one day, minding my own business, when bam! I was thrown straight into hell. I was tortured because I somehow offended someone in the past. I have no idea who, or what I could have done to warrant... what happened to me." "Baby..." Amelia tries to say more, but I put my finger on her lips. "Please, I just need to say this." She gives me the tiniest of nods as tears drip from her and Apricot''s eyes. "I... I went through some really bad stuff, but the wolves were the worst. I''d be restored after each time..." "Urp. Oh, gods Sorrel." Apricot looks like she''s about to vomit, while Amelia just has tears streaming down her face. "I''m so sorry." I hug them both tight. "We just met, and I shouldn''t be dumping this on you. But, I just needed... someone to know..." My voice catches, keeping me from saying any more. "Oh, Baby." Amelia hugs me tight. "You had to live through that, the least we can do is hear you out." "Thank you." I didn''t speak anymore after that, just held them as they cried the tears I couldn''t shed. ... "Hi." I whisper to Amelia the next morning. I was only able to get back to sleep by connecting to nature and letting my mind drift away with the sleeping plants. "Are you okay?" "I am. Are you?" She pulls back just enough to see my face clearly. "I''m better. Thank you for listening last night." I stretch up to kiss her. "We should get going soon, the sun is almost up." It''s still dark in the tent, but I can feel the plants waking up outside.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. "Okay." She starts stroking Apricot''s back. "Come on Sweetie, time to get up." "Hmm?" The pixie blinks her eyes tiredly. "Mhm hmm. Oh!" She startles awake and starts checking over my body to make sure I''m okay. "It''s okay, Apricot. I''m okay" I take her hands in mine and lock eyes with her. "Sorry for upsetting you last night, but that''s probably not going to be my last nightmare. And, I thought you should know why I keep waking you up." "You stupid man." She collapses against my chest, pressing her lips onto mine. "You don''t have anything to apologize for. I can''t believe you''ve been holding all that in." "I''ve mostly just been trying not to think about it too hard." I slide my hand down her back and squeeze her tush. "Luckily, I''ve had some good luck at finding distractions. Now, get your butt up, we need to get on the road soon." "Tease." She pouts, but pulls on her dress. "Remind me to make you some more clothes today. You didn''t want anything from Lacey''s, but you need some spare dresses. Maybe some cute underwear too; Of course, I''ll need some very careful measurements for those." I run my hand up her thigh before turning around to pull on my pants. "Nng. Amelia, he''s being mean." She whines to her other lover. "Uh-huh." She rolls her eyes at the pixie. "I''m sure he''ll make it up to you once we''re on the road." "Actually, I want to make a bicycle first." I say just to tease Apricot again. "So, the... measurements will just have to wait." "Amelia." Apricot pleads. "Sorry Sweetie, but I''m kinda interested in how this thing works myself." She opens the door flaps to reveal the pre-dawn sky. "But, right now I''ve got to pee. Why don''t you go brush down and feed Stormie while Sorrel packs up the tent." "Nnh, it''s cold out here." She ducks back in the tent and grabs the blanket to wrap around her shoulders. "No colder than it has been." I toss the mattress into storage and start taking down the tent poles. "You just didn''t notice because we weren''t using the tent before. But, I''ll make a couple warmer outfits too. After my bike, that is." She just growls at me and stomps off to brush the horse, still wrapped in our blanket. "You guys off and running already?" Darrel asks from his bedroll. Mina asleep next to him, with Jax, sandwiched in-between them. "Yeah." I nod. "Sorry for waking you, but Amelia wants to catch up to Rodrick as soon as possible. That means we''ve got another long ride ahead of us today." "No worries, the sun would have woken me soon anyways." He gets up, careful not to jostle his wife or son, and goes to stir the fire back to life. While he''s doing that, I go to check on the wagon. It''s a bit damp from the morning dew, so I draw the water away, and hit it with a cleanse for good measure. The axles and wheel hubs are holding up marvelously, but I give them a bit of extra grease just in case. "I didn''t get a good look last night, but your wagon doesn''t have any metal on it." He says it as half-question half-statement. "No, I built it from some magically modified wood." I explain. "It''s holding up well so far, and the wagon is a damned sight better than riding doubled up all day. Apricot is a pixie, she''s normally only this big." I add to clear up his confused look. "Ahh." He nods and then sighs. "Must be nice to have that kind of magic; I can barely move enough air to dust a table. Jerome couldn''t even do that much, it''s probably one of the reasons he went delving." ''Note to self: dungeons make you more powerful.'' I say in my head. ''And, thank you for that tidbit, Darrel.'' I''m guessing that''s the type of common knowledge that nobody talks about because everybody already knows it. "How''s the wagon holding up?" Amelia leads Storm over to get him hitched up. "Good. Great even." I give the horse a magical once over. "And, so is Stormie. Just one more long day Bud, and then you can take it easy." I feed the big guy an apple and scratch behind his ears. "We all ready to go?" Amelia gives the camp a once over, but doesn''t see anything amiss. "Alright, the sun is up, we should get going. It was nice meeting you Darrel, Mina." Despite us trying to keep quiet, the miller''s wife had just woken up and was still sitting on their blanket with a sleepy look on her face. "Yeah." I nod to the pair. "Good luck in your new life, and good luck getting Jax to eat dinner tonight." "Heheh." Darrel lets out a soft chuckle. "Thanks, and good luck to you, especially when you meet up with her brother." "Safe travels." Mina adds with an amused smile on her face. "Safe travels." I wave and guide Stormie out to the road. *** # 023 "I thought you were going to make your bicycle thing first." Amelia says when I take out some linen. "I am." I start going through the same process I used to make my bowstring. "But, I don''t have any bicycle chain, and doubt I''ll find one lying on the side of the road. Which means I need to make a strong belt." I point out the chain on the joker card. "Ah. I''ve seen mills that use ropes, but never heard of one using a chain." Her eyes go out of focus like she''s trying to imagine it. "It''s a special roller chain." I build a wooden model. "I''m not very mechanically minded, but I knew my bike inside and out growing up. See, the inner links have rollers over bushings that the pins on the outer links go through. These rollers reduce wear on the cogs, making the whole set up more efficient and longer-lasting." "I don''t even know how you''d make that without strong earth magics." Amelia peered at the over-sized wooden links. "I think they used hydraulic stamps for most of it, similar to how coins are minted." I roll a silver over my knuckles. "Your look tells me they do things differently here." "Earth mages make all the coins." She nods. "I''m not sure how water pipes and stamps can cut metal though, but you seem sure of it. So, I''ll just have to believe you." "Oh, that''s easy." I make wooden ''U'' shaped pipe. "Fill this with water for me." She does and I fashion a plunger for one side. "See, liquids can''t be compressed -well, not at the pressures we can generate- So, if I push down on this end with one kilo of pressure, then that one-kilo pressure is pushed out the other end. But, if the other end is larger or smaller, then the force changes proportionally." "It''s like a pulley or lever, but with water." I can feel something on the edges of my senses when she says that, likely her magic as she examines the water in the pipe. "Exactly." I nod, glad that she caught on so quickly. "A small force over a longer distance creates a great force over a short distance, and vice-versa." "I wonder if I can use this with my magic." She pulls the water from the pipe forming it into a sphere. "If I press on it equally, but leave a small opening." A stream of water arcs into the woods, but soon slows to a trickle. "Hmm, I''ll need to keep the pressure up as it shrinks, but still that was amazing, that''s easily the farthest I''ve ever been able to shoot water." "Good job." I congratulate the water mage. "It won''t be long until you can make a water-knife. Then I can use you to make a proper bicycle chain." "Come again?" She looks confused. "Water can cut right through centimeters of hardened steel if the pressure is high enough." I say with a smirk. "Though I think they use a fine grit as an added abrasive, but you could probably do the same with hardened ice shards." "I could cut steel?" Her eyes light up at the idea. "Hahahah." Apricot bursts out laughing. "I think you made a monster Sorrel." "It''s just basic physics." I shrug. "I''m sure a proper water mage would tell you much the same." "Not really." Amelia counters. "I''ve read some magic books before, and they basically just say use more mana if you want more force." "Well, that''s just stupid." I scoff. "You should always use the least amount of force necessary. What if you need that mana you just wasted overcharging a spell?" "Says the guy who turned some tiny cotton plants into trees." She smirks at me. "That was the most efficient way to get all the cotton we''d need for the foreseeable future." I counter. "Or, would you rather we didn''t have a nice cushy mattress and sound-proof tent? Or, the clothes I''m going to make you later?" "He''s got you there." Apricot laughs at the blonde. "Fine, but I still think you were showing off." "Oh, definitely." I steal a kiss before going back to the belt for my bike. "That''s been a bad habit of mine since puberty hit. Especially around pretty girls." This gets a blush out of her and a laugh from Apricot. "Nnh. So, tell me more about these bicycles of yours." She oh-so-deftly changes the subject.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. "Oh, they''re almost as common as dirt." I go along with her, but make sure she sees my amused smile. "Almost every kid has one growing up, though most adults prefer enchanted carriages for transport. But, a lot still have one for exercise or sport, or just to ride around the neighborhood when the weather is nice." "There are several different designs." I continue. "But, fully wooden ones are not common. Most are made from steel, though lighter materials are common if more expensive." "You say that like steel isn''t expensive." She looks intrigued. "It''s not." I shrug. "I don''t know much about metalworking, but I know they use the economy of scale. Just one of the big smelteries likely produces more steel in a day than all of Larendath does in a year." "That... that... I don''t even know what to say to that." "Then don''t say anything, we were talking about bikes anyways." I''ve got the belt done, and get started on the frame. "There''s only so much I can do with wooden parts, so I''m using a basic fixed-gear design. -Fixed-belt, whatever.- Normally, there are several gears stacked together, and the chain is moved between them by a device that also keeps it tensioned. Most bikes also have a ratchet mechanism called a free-wheel that keeps you from having to pedal as you coast along." "Didn''t you say you weren''t mechanically minded?" She asks while examining the diagrams I just used magic to paint. "Oh, this is the limit of my knowledge in that area." I chuckle. "I took a summer job as a junior mechanic at a bike shop when I was younger. It only lasted a few months, but I like puzzles of all kinds, so I learned as much as I could." "Do you think if I introduced you to a blacksmith you could recreate one of these for real?" Her inner merchant comes to the forefront. "Probably." I shrug again. "The only difficulty would probably be finding a really hard steel for the ball bearings. Well, that and the rubber for the tires... Speaking of." I set the half-finished bike frame aside and hop off the wagon to root up a small yellow flower that most people consider to be a weed. "Dandelions? I thought you needed a tree." "It would be a lot easier to get what I need from a rubber tree, but..." I snap the root open and a milky-white substance flows from it. "This will work. Even if it isn''t as efficient." I add with a smirk. "..." She just purses her lips. "I''ll just need to grow..." I do some quick guesstimating. "I don''t know, a few thousand of these, then get my hands on some sulfur and lamp-black. Oh, and I''ll need acid too, vinegar should work. At least, I think it''s in the same group of acids as what they normally use. I kinda wish I hadn''t slept through so many chemistry classes." "Are you some kind of alchemist?" This question comes from the pixie. "Not really." I shake my head. "Like I just said, I tended to sleep through that class. But, I know plants and all sorts of uses for them. Including the way to turn this milky sap into rubber, a substance that''s more versatile and useful than leather." "Now, this I want to see." Amelia''s eyes look like they have coins rolling around in them. "Hahaha. Alright, it''s not as strong without the sulfur, but I can still make some with what I have on hand. Just let me grow a few more dandelions, and maybe scoop up some dirt so I don''t have to hop off the wagon every time I want to grow something." "There''s a big patch of them over there." Apricot points to a break in the trees up ahead, where I can just see a hint of yellow. "Good catch." I bob my head to her before sprinting forward. By the time they catch me up, I''ve harvested more than enough for a demonstration. And, I am just filling a large wooden pot with the above-ground parts, that I then decompose into healthy black soil. "You are fast." Apricot says in a slightly accusing tone. "Not when it counts, I''m not." I waggle my eyebrows at her, earning a *Ding* from Temmie. "Oh, shut up, and get back up here." Amelia rolls her eyes at me. I shove the pot into storage and grab the box of magically cleaned roots before jumping onto the wagon. "The trees are so much easier because you can just slice the bark and stick a cup underneath to collect the sap. These I''m going to have to grind up and then leach the sap out with some of your conjured water. I should have you teach me that one, but it''s more fun to make you do it for me." "Heheheh." Apricot chuckles at the indignant look that crosses Amelia''s face. "Oh, you''d better watch what you say, or you really will be doing all the work yourself." She makes a shaking motion with her cupped hand, getting another ding from the goddess, and a blush from Amelia. "I''ll let her watch me jerk off later." The blonde''s blush turns deep red and starts flowing down her neck. "Right now, I have science that needs doing." "Aww." Apricot pouts. "But you''ve got four arms. Surely you don''t need to use all of them." "Normally, I''d say you have a good point, but I was just about to make a sausage grinder..." Amelia goes from flushed to pale in an instant. "So, that''s a big fat nope. Or, at least a ''wait a few minutes''." The blush starts creeping back. "Hahahah." The pixie lets out a deep belly laugh. "Oh, she is so fun to watch." "I know, right. Just wait until she learns that my people use this same stuff to make condoms, you probably call them something like sheepskins." Amelia gets a confused look on her face. "Magic wasn''t common there, after all, and even here, I doubt everyone can cast the contraceptive spell." Apricot has caught on, but Amelia still seems confused. By now I''ve got a small bowl of ground-up roots. So, I dip a vine in, making sure to get it coated in sap. I then use magic to draw the moisture from the latex, leaving me with a very crude condom. "..." Her blush comes back in full force, and then some. ""Hahahahah."" We just lose it until she gets mad and starts swatting me on the chest. "You guys are mean." She huffs. "I''m sorry Amelia." Apricot apologizes before I can. "But, you are just so cute." "You really are." I agree. "I''m sorry we''re always teasing you, and I''ll try to ease up a bit in the future. But, I really do like watching you get flustered." I lick my lips and move the science experiment from my lap into storage so she can see just how much I like it. "Now, I think I promised to put on a show for you." My little show didn''t stay a solo-act for very long, and it was a good hour before I could get back to experimenting with latex. *** # 024 I made a cheesecloth to wring out the pulp after Amelia rinsed it off with her conjured water. "Okay, I think we''ve gotten everything we can out of this." I toss the bag of pulp into storage to decompose later. "From here it''s pretty much just like making cheese making." I add the vinegar and stir it up watching as the liquid clumps together. "From here it needs to set for a bit, then it''s usually rolled out, dried, and then cured for later processing. But, it can be used as-is, by rolling it into bouncy balls, pressing it into molds, or coating fabric to make it water-proof." "It bounces?" Amelia asks while poking at the mixture with the stirring stick. "Bounces and stretches, but it can easily be stretched too far, and there''s a few other issues too. That''s where the sulfur and other additives come in, though." I explain. "Once it''s been treated, then the rubber won''t get sticky in the heat or brittle in the cold, and lasts a lot longer too. I don''t know all the recipes, but the finished products can have a lot of different properties." "Are you sure you''re not an alchemist?" She asks while rolling a bit of the goop into a ball. "If you take this to their guild, you could easily join as a member in high standing. And, that''s just for this; I cant wait to see what the finished product will look like." "Hmm? I suppose I should start thinking about my future." I admit with a sigh. "Following pretty girls around is an admirable life goal and all. But, unless I want to start selling my services, it''s not going to earn me a lot of coin." "I''d rather if you didn''t do that. Please." Amelia says with a smile. "Oh, very well." I let out a put-upon sigh. "I''ll just have to find some way to make money other than selling my body." "Oh, you poor baby, you." Amelia simpers. "Good thing you just happen to know a promising young merchant. You''ve already shown us half-a-dozen different ways you can make good coin. All you really need to do is decide what interests you most, and whether you want to start your own business, or partner with someone else." "I''ll pick whatever pays the most, so I can do it the least." I laugh, only half-joking. "That way, I can spend the rest of my time having fun." "Now, that is a proper pixie-like attitude." Apricot gives me an approving nod. "...okay." Amelia says after a moment. "I guess I can work with that. This rubber stuff is sure to make an impact, but might take a while to catch on. Your paintings should fetch a high price, but the market is somewhat limited. There''s always a market for woodworking, but to make any real coin, you would need steady long term contracts. The same goes for clothing and food production, even the exotic stuff because the price will drop if you can provide it regularly." "You''ve put a lot of thought into this already, haven''t you?" "Maybe..." She admits before continuing. "As for the mushroom pigments, you''d be better off partnering with an existing dye maker. They should pay well upfront for the recipes, and then would only contact you to occasionally when they needed large amounts of a certain dye. But, Riverton is a trade town, so there''s no big dye makers in town." "...okay." I parrot her earlier hesitation. "My best bet would probably be to set up some sort of partnership with an alchemist for the rubber. That would give me a long-term steady income without a lot of hassle on my end. But, in the meantime, I''ll try selling some paintings for some quick coin. At least, until I see if I can reproduce chocolate. It''s such an involved process that no one is likely to be able to copy it. Meaning I''ll be able to set whatever price I want for the stuff." "Is it really that good?" She seems somewhat skeptical. "It really is." I nod, wishing I had some to share with her right now. "And, that''s just the basic product; it can be crafted into so many different kinds of treats that are each better than the last." "We''ve got to get to town, and get you some of those beans." Apricot says with a hungry look on her face. "Stormie''s doing the best he can." I say. "And, it''s not like you''re going to lack for sweets in the meantime." "Mhm." She grumbles a bit. "Can you make those cinnamon rolls again?" "Sure, I''ll get started on the dough now, and pop it in the icebox to rise for tonight''s dinner." I set the coagulating rubber aside, and pull out my baking supplies. "But, after I get this mixed up. I want to finish my bike, and then make you some cute clothes. I should be able to use the rubber to make some cute undies." Sexy lingerie is great, but I''ve always been a sucker for some cute cotton panties.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. "Umm..." The pixie gives me a weird look. "I neither need nor want water-proof underwear." "Hah!" I bark out a laugh. "It''s stretchy, so you put in the waistband, silly. Actually, I''m going to make them from knit cotton, so the whole thing will be a bit stretchy, and should really show off your tush." "Like that one pair that Amelia keeps wearing for you?" Apricot''s talking about these cute side-tie panties that are made from linen, and really do look nice on Amelia. She also has a few pairs of what are basically drawstring tap pants, which aren''t half bad looking either. "Only more form-fitting." I agree while Amelia blushes. "Don''t worry, I''ll make you some too." I''m no fashion designer, but I''ve looked at enough girls in their undies that I should be able to manage. "Just build your bicycle." She huffs out, embarrassed. "Okay, we''ll talk about underwear later." I mix up the dough, knead it for a few minutes, and then set it aside to rise. It only takes a few minutes to finish the frame, but the moving parts took a bit longer. The wheel hubs are a bit over-sized, and I had to use roller bearings instead of ball bearing, but they spin well enough. "Now, to see if it works." I jump off the wagon and mount my new bike. "How are you not falling over?" Amelia asks as I easily keep pace with the wagon. "Good question?" I take my hands off the handlebar and lift them in an ''I don''t know'' gesture. "It takes a bit to learn how to ride, but once you get used to it, it''s as easy as walking." "I want one." Apricot demands. "Sure, just let me put this one through its paces first." I lean forward to reduce my drag and start pouring on the speed. The bike is heavy, and not nearly as smooth as I''m used to. But, my added strength more than makes up for it. It doesn''t take long before I''m going faster than I''ve gone on a bike before. I feel like I could go faster, but I''m not used to riding a fixie, and the ''gear'' ratio is a bit off. So, I slow down and wait for the girls to catch up. "I definitely need to make friends with a blacksmith or, better yet, learn some earth magic." I say after hopping back up next to Amelia. "But, it worked better than I expected." "I''ll say." She nods. "I don''t think Storm could run that fast, even without a rider." "I really want one." The pixie reiterates. "Let me make you some clothes first, that dress will get caught in the belt. And, don''t say you''ll just ride nude." I cut her off before she can even open her mouth. "You will fall over, likely at speed, and I''d rather you keep your skin intact when you do." "Fine, but it better look cute." "I''ll do my best." I promise. I start by extruding out the rubber into long strings for the waistband and use magic to dry it out. The stuff isn''t as stretchy as I''d like, but it''ll do until we reach Riverton and I can get my hands on some sulfur to vulcanize it properly. While the girls are playing with the thin rubber band, I retrieve some cotton from storage and make a thick yarn from it to practice knitting. It doesn''t take me long to get the hang of it again, and figure out that if I make all the loops at once with magic I can knit a whole row at a time. It''s slowing me down having to go from a row of knit to a row of purl. So, I make a test swatch into a circle and just spiral up it with the knit stitch. I''m pretty sure this is how machines do it, at least I remember seeing circular knitting machines when I googled ''how to knit faster'' when mom forced me to knit my own socks. "That''s amazing." Amelia exclaims as a long tube quickly forms. "I thought watching you make the canvas was interesting, but I''ve never seen knitting go so fast." "I''m glad I got all that practice making the tent." I cut the tube in half, and use some of the extra fabric to add heels and toes. "The stuff I want to make is a bit finer than what''s used in socks." I hand them to Amelia since Apricot doesn''t need any with her slippers. "I''ll add some rib knit to the top of those later, but I want to try making something finer now." "These are nice." She fingers the fabric. "I shouldn''t be jealous, but I really am. I just never could get the hang of knitting." "If past me could see this, he''d be jealous too. I had to learn all this by hand, and I can still remember the hand-cramps." I say while making a much finer, light-weight thread for the panties. Once the thread is done, I make enough fabric for a couple pairs of basic bikini-cut panties. There was a bit of trouble with the elastic sticking inside the waistband, but that was solved by wrapping the rubber in a sheathe of fibers first. "Alright, lift your dress up." Apricot takes the whole thing off. "That works." I grin down at her body before shaping the fabric to fit her perfectly. "Ooh, those are cute." Amelia coos at her lover''s new undies. "Take off the ones you''re wearing and I''ll make you a pair." I hold up the extra fabric with an expectant look. "I don''t even know why she put them back on." Apricot slides her hands up under the blonde''s dress and quickly relieves Amelia of her underwear. "So, one of us could take them off of her." I answer. "Now, hold up her dress." "Okay. Yeah, I can see why you like these." Apricot admits after I finish ''sewing'' everything together. "I know, right." I give Amelia''s butt a good squeeze. "I''ll make some sexier stuff later, but you two could wear nothing but these, and I''d be a very happy man." "Ooh, these are so comfortable." Amelia runs her hands over the fabric, until she realizes what she''s doing, and starts blushing. "I may have been wrong about you making a lot of coin selling clothes. I know, I''d definitely pay for these." "Can you do bras too." I''m surprised to hear this question come from Apricot. "I always wondered why you lunkers used them, but after a few days at human size I''m beginning to understand." "It''ll be more difficult, but I should be able to manage." I slide Amelia''s dress down so I can see hers, though it''s more of a bralette than anything. She also has a couple of lace-up bandeaus. "Yeah, I think I can manage this." I lick my lips as her nipples start to harden. *** # 025 "Are you sure we have to rush to pick up your brother?" I ask after a very lovely diversion from clothes making. "I''m sure he''ll be fine walking for a few more days." "I almost want to delay." She sighs. "But, I know I''d feel bad if we did." "It''s alright." I pull her into a hug. "I''ll just have to carry you off into the woods whenever I want to have my way with you." "Heheh." She laughs. "I think he might start to wonder why we spend more time in the woods than riding in the wagon. But, don''t worry. We won''t be spending the whole day on the road anymore, which means more time in the tent." She blushes a little, but it''s over-written by a sly smile. "Well, when you put it that way." I chuckle. "Now, to make some support for Apricot''s poor wounded soldiers." I use some satin to copy Amelia''s bra, but in a slightly larger cup size. "This''ll hold you for now, and I''ll try my hands at some other forms of support later -puns intended-." "Nng." Amelia groans. "Two bra puns in one sentence? Really?" ""Heheheh."" We just laugh. "We''ll pull you over to Temmie sooner or later." Apricot tells her. "I''ll stick with Marten the god of merchants, thank you very much." "Keep telling yourself that." Apricot smirks. "And, you. Where''s the rest of my clothes? I still want a bicycle." "Alright, alright." I hold up my hands in surrender. "I was just about to get started on your top." Using some slightly thicker thread, I knit her up a baby doll tank top with a scoop neck. I was going to make her a cross front top with spaghetti straps, but her new bra means I needed something that covers a bit more skin. "This is all right." Apricot tries to downplay her interest, but I can still tell she likes the top. I want to make her a denim jacket and pants next. The twill weave is similar to denim, but it''s not quite the same. So, I start experimenting and quickly realize that denim goes two over, one under with a diagonal stagger. Whereas the twill I have is two and two. I take the small sample and try dyeing it blue, but it doesn''t look right. I think denim only dyes the warp or weft threads, leaving the other white. A quick test confirms that the warp threads are the only ones dyed. I want some jeans for myself too, so I take a chunk of firewood and rip it apart into sawdust. I was trying to reverse the process I use to compress the wood, but it just tore itself apart instead of expanding. Luckily, I tried it on a small section first, and only had a small mess to clean up. I then moisten and inoculate the sawdust with the best of the blue dye mushrooms. A bit of magic later and I''ve got all the blue dye I should need for a while. I want her pants to be black though, so I repeat the process with a different mushroom. Finally done, I decompose the leftovers, and cast cleanse on the whole wagon in case some spores took root somewhere. "You know, I would have been happy with all white." Apricot looks up from her checkers game. They''ve been playing all the games I showed them, but keep coming back to that one. "It''s not just for you, and besides, the black pants, white shirt, blue jacket combo always looks good." I picture it in my mind. "Though, I should add some embroidery to your shirt to spice it up a bit." "Okay." Amelia states. "You are making me clothes next." "How about I replenish my dyes first, then I can draw you a bunch of outfits that I remember." I''ll actually just be copying them from the movies and tv shows stored in my head, but whatever. "Okay, that works." She nods and takes three of Apricots pieces in one move, forcing the pixie to crown her piece. "Now, finish up her clothes, so you can get started on mine." "Yes, Ma''am." I start on the jacket first, mainly just so that Apricot''s legs stay bare for that much longer. She looks really cute wearing just a tank top and panties. I make enough denim for her fitted jacket and a pair of jeans for me. I almost forgot the orange stitching, they won''t have copper buttons or rivets, but they still need orange stitching. Jacket and jeans done, and no grumbling from Amelia about working on something else. Not after I put them on that is. As loathe as I am to cover up Apricot''s legs, I''ve delayed long enough and finally make her a pair of black jeans. "Yeah, these will work." She nods after twisting around to check out her own ass. "They''re a bit hard to move in though." "Oh, you just need to break them in." I start running my hands up and down her legs, gently loosening the fibers. "But, a bit of magic should take care of that." "Couldn''t you have done that before she put them on?" Amelia says with a trace of humor in her voice. "Sure, but where''s the fun in that." I counter with a lascivious grin. "Much, much better." She has a dopey look on her face by the time I''m done. "Now where''s my bicycle." "Coming right up." Now, that I''ve made one, the second bike comes together much faster. "Stormie feels like he could use a drink, so let''s stop at the next brook. That way Amelia can watch you fall over." "I''ll watch whatever she wants to do, just so long as she''s wearing those pants." Amelia''s eyes are glued to the pixie''s behind. "We call these jeans where I''m from, and the fabric denim, even though it''s just a variation of twill." I explain, but she''s not listening. I got bored one day and, while wondering why jeans have rivets, I learned that the names come from the French city Nimes, where the fabric was made. And, Genoa in Italy, where it was dyed blue and traded to India under the French name ''bleu de G¨ºnes''. I found that much more interesting than the rivets just being used to strengthen the seams. We find water and the waypoint after just a few minutes. Amelia gives me a pleading look, so I create another living latrine. Meanwhile, Apricot keeps trying and failing to ride her bicycle. "Here, let me hold the seat until you get used to balancing." I walk over and help her stay upright. "Just pedal and try to keep the bars straight. I''ll be right here until you get the hang of it." "You made this look a lot easier than it is." She grumbles, but now that she isn''t tipping over every few seconds, she quickly figures out how to ride. "It''s a bit like flying, I just have to remember that my wings don''t do anything when I''m this size." "You''re doing good." I tell her as she slows enough to turn around. She got a little wobbly during the turn, but recovered on her own. "Mhm, my legs are already sore though." The complaint doesn''t slow her down, and we''re soon back at the clearing. "You want to give it a try Amelia? I need to sit down." "I''ll try it when we stop for the night."Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. "You''ll get used to it." I say while helping Apricot into the wagon. "And, I''ll try to find a blacksmith, or some metalworking spells when we reach the city. It''ll be a lot smoother with proper moving parts." I then lay Apricot down in back and peel her out of her jeans, so I can massage her legs. "Mmm, that''s good." She melts as I work on her calves. "But, you seem distracted." "Sorry, thinking about clothes." I was actually skimming through my media collection for outfits. "I didn''t really pay much attention to fashion before, so I''m trying to sort it all out in my head." "Oh, okay." She yawns. "Nnh, too much exercise for this pixie, I''m going to take a nap. Can you keep working my legs until I fall asleep?" "Heh, sure." She only lasts a few more minutes under my hands before she''s snoozing away. Climbing out onto the driver''s seat next to Amelia, I lift her up and set her in my lap. "I''m glad I met you two." I tell her while massaging more than just her legs. "I doubt I would have even tried half this stuff without your impetus." "I''m -ahn- very glad I met -nng- you too." She twists around to kiss me, so I lift her up again and turn her around so she straddling me. "Mmm, much better." She starts unbuttoning my jeans. A half-hour later and Amelia is snuggling up against Apricot for her own nap. I''m happy to sit back and enjoy the scenery for a bit. But, I want to surprise them with that book of clothes, so I get down to replenishing my pigment supply. Instead of wasting all my firewood growing mushrooms, I try using some of the almost literal ton of cotton seeds sitting in my storage. Ripping them apart the same way I made the sawdust, I then run the resulting pulp through the oil press before hydrating it. A quick cast of cleanse is needed to sterilize the growth medium before it gets inoculated, and used to grow all the dye mushrooms I should need for a while. Some fungi can be particular about what they grow on, but all the ones I have seem to like this stuff. That, or the magic is making up for whatever they don''t like. Once the dyes are ready, I fuse some cotton into sheets of paper. Going through my media collection; I''m more glad than ever that I was a digital hoarder, and that VeeGee let me take it all with me. As a guy whose closet was mostly jeans and t-shirts, the sheer amount of style choices in women''s clothing is just staggering. I try grouping them into categories with a large illustration of what I consider the basic design per page, along with several different variations. But, I quickly end up with several pages that just cover all the different necklines. A few more pages are devoted to commonly seen combos, then I start going through rom-coms and period films looking for evening gowns. It isn''t long before I''ve got a whole book''s worth of (technically) otherworldly fashion. "These are beautiful." Amelia says after I stop, she''s holding up the drawing of Julie Christie''s red dress from Dr. Zhivago. I felt her and Apricot wake up a while ago but, aside from a thread of attention making sure that the horse kept moving, I''ve been focused almost solely on this project. "I don''t deserve the credit for any of this." I stretch out and get myself a cup of water from storage. "I''m just copying stuff that other people made. Oof, I didn''t think I was at it for that long." I just spotted the sun and saw that there''s only about an hour of daylight left. "Even so..." She traces a finger along the lines of the dress. "I have absolutely zero need for a ball gown, but I want this." "Well, as soon as I figure out how to make velvet, it''s yours." I laugh. I made something similar for the tent, so it shouldn''t be too hard. "I''ll take anything that my butt look good in." Apricot says while thumbing through the stack of bottoms. "That, and I''d like to try out all those different undies." "I think you''d look cute in this." Amelia holds up the drawing of a short off-the-shoulder summer dress. While they''re going through the outfits to choose their favorites, I get started on dinner. I''m feeling lazy though, so I just make a simple venison stew and some biscuits. We reach the waypoint just before the sun goes down, only to find that Rodrick left his sister a message scrawled in the dirt. ''Please hurry up Amelia, I''m tired of walking. P.S. Sorrel better be taking good care of you.'' "Well, have I been..." I leer at Amelia. "Taking ''good'' care of you?" "Oh, shut up and go make the outhouse." Her cheeks flame red, and she dashes out the message from her brother. I just chuckle and do as she commands while she un-hitches the wagon. "Hey, buddy." I walk up to Stormie and give him some apple slices coated with healing sap to wash away his fatigue. "You''ve been doing great, and tomorrow should be the last day you have to push yourself. So, I''m gonna make you another one of those oatmeal pies for dessert." "I want pie too." Apricot whines. "Did you already forget about the cinnamon rolls?" I cock an eyebrow at her. "Oh, yeah." She smacks herself lightly on the forehead. "But, can we have pie too?" "I guess..." I pause for a moment and then smack myself on the forehead several times harder than she did. "We completely forgot to get the nuts when we were in Southwood." "No. You completely forgot after getting caught up with Lacey." Amelia says with an imperious tone. "I, on the other hand, went out and got a branch from each one, along with a few other out of season things." She takes out a basket full of different branches. "Babe!" I pull her into a hug and spin her around. "You''re the best. Even if you only did it so I''d make you pecan pie." "Shut up." She swats my shoulder but doesn''t deny the accusation. "Alright, let me add the veggies and put the stew by the fire to finish cooking." I start doing just that. "I should have just enough magic to grow the pecans and bake the pie, you''re lucky I made the biscuits beforehand." Grabbing the branch from the pecan tree, I stick it into the wooden pot I made earlier. Using Blackthorne, I then trickle just enough magic into it for it to take root and grow up a couple feet. After that, I force it to bloom and create just enough nuts for the pie. "Damn." Apricot exclaims. "I thought you were good before, but that was some of the tightest magic I''ve ever seen." "It''s all the practice, making clothes and painting." I say, and then sigh after a beat. "I just wish I was that efficient with my other spells, baking this pie is going drain me." "Oh, poor baby." Amelia says condescendingly. "Can only hold a fire spell for an hour after the sun goes down, and your recharge quits working." "Hahah. Okay, I deserve that." I finish rolling out the pie crust and use her skillet as a pie pan. "But, I''m not the only one with cheat-like powers." "That''s Apricot''s power, I''m... just borrowing it." "I''d say it''s a pretty fair trade." The pixie pulls Amelia into a hug from behind. "Being big is fun, and even discounting the sex. Just having you snuggle me like you were earlier is more than worth it. What do you call it Sorrel? Spooning?" "Yeah, being little spoon is awesome." I nod absentmindedly while focusing on the fire spell. "It must be so fun to fly, but those wings have got to be a pain to sleep with. Do you all sleep on your bellies, or what?" "Pretty much." She shrugs. "Well, I knew a couple fairies that carved grooves in their beds to sleep on their back, but fairy wings fold up like a grasshopper''s. Pixies all have moth or butterfly wings, and wisps are more like dragonflies." "Well, I like your wings, I always thought Luna Moths were pretty." I shoot her a quick smile. "My family went east for a vacation one summer when I was younger, and they were all over the place." "Really? I always thought they were kind of drab." She pulls one around and traces her finger around the eyespot. "The tails are nice, but I''ve only got the four spots and the rest is all the same color." "They''re beautiful, and so are you." I trap her in a hug between Amelia and myself. "And, if anyone says different, they can answer to me." That last part comes out as a near growl that makes her shiver in my arms. "Nng, if you weren''t cooking dessert, I''d be on top of you right now." She breathes out a small laugh. "You''ll have to get in line. I remember Amelia saying she''d suck me off if I made her pecan pie." The blonde blushes when I recall her words from the other day. "But, that''s going to have to wait, I need to focus on this if I want to have enough mana to cook it through." "Speaking of." Amelia looks over to the campfire. "I should stir the stew while you''re working on dessert." "You should use your magic." I say, unwilling to end our hug just yet. "You''ve gotten a lot better, but haven''t been practicing as much as you should be." "Oh, umm..." She pauses to look at her lover. "I didn''t want to annoy my sweetie by pulling magic through her all the time." "You silly." Apricot flicks her on the forehead lightly. "It was only startling the first time because I didn''t know what was going on. You can practice all you want and it won''t bother me at all. And, you really should practice more..." This time Apricot is the one to pause. "I don''t want to say that your magic is sloppy, but it''s probably the best word to describe your casting." "..." Amelia purses her lips for a moment giving me the feeling that she just took that as a challenge. "Okay, I''ll practice. But, since you can see and feel mana, I want you to help me until I''m at least as good as Sorrel." "Looks like someone has a competitive streak." I tease. "I''ll do my best." Apricot says emphatically. "But, stir that stew first, I don''t want dinner to burn." I can feel when Amelia reaches out to do just that. I don''t know if it''s her ''sloppiness'' or if my sensitivity to magic has increased as I''ve gotten more used to it, likely a bit of both. But, I plan to use her practice to hone my senses even more. Apricot can literally see magic, and I''d very much like to be able to do the same. The night went well after that. Amelia dove into her magic practice with a single-minded focus, and by the time dinner was ready I could sense a definite improvement in her casting. I had enough mana to finish the pie, if only just. Stormie had to settle for plain oats and applesauce, but he seemed happy enough. *** # 026 "No!" I bolt upright out of another nightmare, head darting around until I realize where I am. We didn''t bother setting up the tent, and are just sleeping on the mattress on one side of the clearing. The fire has died low, and only embers can be seen. Stormie is lying down, asleep on his side of the campsite. Luckily, my outburst didn''t disturb him, but the same can''t be said for Apricot and Amelia. "Shit. I''m sorry girls. I''d hoped closing the hedge would keep the bad dreams away." I get myself some juice from storage, and cast cleanse to get rid of the night sweat before lying back down. "It''s okay Baby." Amelia reaches over Apricot to stroke my cheek while the pixie clings to me; she very much likes being sandwiched in between us. "You''re safe now, we''ve got you." "And, you''re getting better." Apricot adds in a quiet voice. "You didn''t move around at all." "Were you staying up to watch over me?" My voice gets a little choked up. "No." She shakes her head and smiles at me. "But, I was worried about you, so I set up a ward to wake me if it looked like you were having another nightmare" "Oh, sweetie." I pull her tight against me. ... We woke at first light. Well, Amelia and I did, Apricot just rolled over and went back to sleep. So, while Amelia was carrying out her morning ablutions, I got the wagon ready. After using a bit of magic to warm up the mattress in it, I carried the pixie burrito inside to let her rest while I cleaned up the camp. "Thanks, and sorry again for last night." I wrap my arms around Amelia. "I can''t imagine how bad off I''d be if it weren''t for you two." "You don''t have anything to apologize for." She rests her head against my shoulder. "And, since I have an idea of how bad off I''d be if it weren''t for you, I''m more than happy to give up a little sleep." "Mhm." I nod and stroke her silky hair. "I still can''t wait until I get this under control, I''ve never really had nightmares before. And, going through it once was bad enough." The last sentence slips out of me barely above a whisper. "You''re strong Sorrel, but some things just take time." I can feel my shirt get damp when she presses her face against me. "We''ll be here for you in the meantime." "Thank you." I can taste the salt of her tears when I kiss her. "Now, come on. We''ve got a lazy brother to rescue." "Hah!" She barks out a laugh. "Bet you a laurel he''s waiting for us at the next waypoint and his first words will be something like ''took you long enough''." "Heh, alright." I shrug. "You know him better, but I''ll take your bet. I say he''s walking but taking his sweet time, and his first words will be a complaint about his feet." "Oof, that... that has a high chance of being right." She giggles, and we get on our way. "So, what are you making for breakfast." "Oh, I was feeling like *French* toast. Oops, that doesn''t tell you anything." I''m somewhat surprised it didn''t translate properly, they must have something like it here. "It''s uh... also called lost bread." It took me a moment to remember the French name for it. "You soak stale bread slices in a beaten mixture of eggs and milk before frying it in a lightly greased skillet." "Never heard of it." She shakes her head. "Huh? Well, you''re in for a treat." I make a couple loaves of brioche, and while they''re cooking I create a few jams and jellies, slice up some strawberries, and powder some sugar. "Mmm." A moan of delight comes from inside the wagon. "What is that lovely smell?" "It''s soon going to be breakfast." I laugh. "Though, Amelia looks like she''d rather just eat the bread." "I wouldn''t mind a slice." She admits. "I''ve never seen such a rich bread." "It''s called *brioche* and it''s even better if you make it with a little brandy." I cut a slice for each of them. "I think it''s a bit plain on its own, but it really shines when you add a little jam to it." "Tastes fine to me." Amelia says after a test nibble. "Mhm, I''d be happy just eating this for breakfast, but I want to see what this lost toast of yours is like." "Mhm!" Apricot mumbles in agreement around a mouthful of bread and jam, she slathered on three different types and practically shoved the whole slice in her mouth. "Okay, just give me a minute." I slice up the rest of the loaf and pull the extra moisture out before dipping in the egg mixture. "I like using thick slices, like these. Normally you''d need to finish them in the oven to make sure all the egg is cooked, but a bit of magic takes care of that." While the French toast is cooking, I start frying some bacon to go with it. "We really should have gotten you some more pans." Amelia comments when I use the big stew pot for the bacon. "My brother has another small one, but I''m sure he''ll be happy to let you use it." "I''ve been making do." I nod. "But, yeah. I''ll have to get a complete set once I get settled in the city. Do you think there will be any empty lots or old decrepit buildings I can get on the cheap? I''d rather not stay at an inn the whole time, and building my own house should be fun." "Probably not inside the walls." She shakes her head. "But, you could probably get a small farm next to the river. There''s some sort of blight that''s been affecting grain crops recently, and the extra moisture there seems to make it worse." "Hmm?" I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "That shouldn''t be a problem for me, but I wonder what''s causing it. I can think of a few different diseases that fit that pattern, but who knows if they''re the same as what I''m used to." "Well, if you can find a cure, you''d make a lot of farmers very happy." She says distractedly while I plate up a stack of French toast and bacon for her. "Oh, that looks so good." "I''ll deep fry it next time." I grin at the looks she and Apricot get after taking their first bites. "Normally, you just cut the bread into sticks and fry it up after dipping in the custard. But, my sister came up with this trick where you use a skewer to open up a pocket lengthwise to squeeze jam and cream cheese into it before dipping. You have to be careful not to add too much, but oh, it is so good." "Apricot." Amelia stares straight at the pixie. "You really need to teach me that spell turn food into magic... As soon as possible, please." "Hahahah. Now, that''s probably the best compliment my cooking has ever received." I smile at the cute little glutton. "So, did you girls finish deciding what outfits you want first?" "You''re just intent on spoiling us, aren''t you?" Amelia smiles back at me. Apricot nods but is too busy eating to talk. "Spoiling myself is more like it." I chuckle. "I''m the one who gets to peel you out of them later, after all." We finished up breakfast, and I got started on their clothes while Apricot helped Amelia practice her magic. Her control is getting better, and so is my sensitivity.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. My weaving improved quite a bit as well, I was able to figure out velvet without too much trouble. And, learning that led me to other pile fabrics, meaning that I can make terry cloth now. And, as everyone should know; a towel is about the most massively useful thing an inter-dimensional hitchhiker can have. "What are you giggling about?" Amelia asks. "Oh, I just remembered that a man who knows where his towel is, is a man to be reckoned with." I laugh even harder at the weird look she gives me. "Sorry, it''s a quote from a favorite book of mine. It came to mind after I figured out that making terrycloth is very similar to making velvet.'' I hold up the test swatch for her to see. "Eee!" She snatches it out on my hand. "You got it already?" "Yeah, it''s just a plain weave with an extra weft line that sticks out in loops that you then cut to make the velvet." I explain. "It''s going to take a lot of red dye for your dress though, so you''re going to have to wait until we reach Riverton and I can get more supplies." "Could you dye it a deep blue instead?" She asks while playing with the fuzzy fabric. "It''s your dress." I smile at her and go back to trying out different weaves and patterns. ... "No! He''s not here." Amelia whines after we reach the next waypoint. "I was sure that Roddy would be waiting here. Stupid brother, why aren''t you being lazy like always?" "Heheh, you lost the bet." I trill in a sing-song voice. "Oh, shut up and build the latrine." She stamps her foot. "I have to pee." "Yes, your highness." She''s been squirming in place for the last twenty minutes. "We can''t have our princess peeing in the woods like a commoner, after all." "Did you two bet on how lazy her brother would be?" Apricot laughs after Amelia dashes into the outhouse. "Yup, I just won ten silver." I gloat. "You haven''t won yet." Amelia shouts from inside the outhouse. "You said he''d be taking his sweet time on the road, but if we don''t catch up to him before the next waypoint, then we both lose." "Does that mean, I win ten silver from each of you if he''s there waiting for us?" The pixie asks with a giggle. "Fine by me." I shrug. "But, I still think we''ll meet him on the road." "I''ve already lost." Amelia sighs after leaving the latrine. "So, it doesn''t really matter who gets my coin. I''ll just take it from my stupid brother." "Hahah." ... "Yes, pay up!" I crow as we find him a few hours later. "Dammit!" Amelia spits. "Amelia?" Rodrick turns around and blinks at us. "Where''d you get the wagon? Ah, who cares, my legs are killing me." He climbs up next to his sister after I move into the back next to Apricot. "..." Amelia shifts her glare between me and him. "Hahahah. I called it, now pay up." I hold my hand out until she deposits a laurel into it. "Were you betting on me?" He gives his sister the stink eye. "Let me guess, you said I''d still be waiting at the last clearing." "..." ""Hahahah."" Apricot and I crack up at the look that fills Amelia''s face. "Wait..." He peers at Apricot. "I know the poppy juice messed me up, but you used to be smaller, right?" "Heheh." She nods. "Yeah, I''d shift, but then my clothes would fall off and Amelia says I''m not allowed to be naked around you." ""..."" Both siblings have a similar look on their faces right now. "So, how has your trip been so far?" I blatantly change the subject. "We ran into Darrel and his family a couple days ago." "Boring mostly." He shrugs. "I missed Storm. How has he been?" The horse in question looks back when he heard his name. "He''s great." Amelia answers. "He loves Sorrel, I''ve never seen the butthead act so docile." "Aww, he''s just a big ol'' softie." I coo. "Well, if he can manage to tame you, a horse should be no problem." Amelia blushes at his comment before hitting him on the arm, none-too-gently either. "I missed you too sis." He pulls her into a side hug. "Nnh." She grumbles, but gives him a quick squeeze. "Man, you guys even have a mattress in here." Rodrick exclaims after checking over the wagon. "Did you spend all your coin buying this, or what?" "No, Sorrel made it for us." Apricot says with a twinkle in her eye. "He can do a lot more than just tame wild animals." "Oh, you''d better watch out." Rodrick warns with a laugh. "She''s gonna get you for that one later." "Why did I insist on rushing?" Amelia asks herself. "We could have taken our time, but no. I had to feel bad for my stupid brother." He''s about to reply when we''re cut off by a crashing sound from the woods up ahead to the left. I will the canvas tarp out of the way and jump to my feet with an arrow already knocked. A yearling doe jumps into the road and I loose. Not at the deer, but at the wolves chasing her. I down the lead wolf and one to its left before the other three scatter, one with a hole in its ear where it didn''t quite fast enough. "That''s the same fucking pack from before." I spit. "The hunters must have chased them down here. Gather the bodies for me, I''m going after the other three. I''ll catch you up in a few." I kiss Amelia before leaping from the wagon. "Stay safe." She calls after me in a worried tone. I can run a lot faster than a wolf now, and have no compunctions about using magic to track them down. I can only sense the three of them, otherwise, I wouldn''t be going after them. Tne one with a hole in its ear made a bee-line straight to the east, but the other two went more south. I go after the pair first, just in case they loop back to the road and make trouble for the wagon. They each go down, one right after the other, with an arrow through the skull. I pause only long enough to store their bodies before racing after the last one. He senses me on his trail, and tries juking left and right through the trees, but with Blackthorne as my bow, that''s not much of an issue. I just wait until the beast is about to cross behind a smaller tree and drill an arrow straight through it, and right into the wolf''s temple. "Fucking wolves!" I curse. "Like my fucking nightmares aren''t bad enough, I have to fucking run into you again while minding my own fucking business. Arrrgh!" I punch the tree it''s pinned to, and almost snap the poor thing in half. "Shit! Sorry tree." A pulse of magic frees my arrow from its trunk and repairs all the damage done to it. Storing the corpse, I lope off back to the road. Only to stop a moment later when I hear the heavy droning of bees. Looking up, I spot a massive beehive filling up a large hollow formed when two trees grew together. Coating my skin with a bark-like covering, I shimmy my way up the tree and harvest the two largest cleanest looking honeycombs. The bees aren''t happy, but they don''t know what to make of a walking plant stealing their honey. "Here, have some flowers." I grow a bunch of wildflowers for them as an apology for stealing their hard work. They soon give on getting their revenge and go harvest the nectar-filled flowers. I run back to the road and find the wagon waiting for me where I left it. "Sorrel!" Amelia jumps off and runs to me. "I''m okay." I catch her in my arms. "I''m sorry for running off like that, but I''m fine. See." I pull back just enough that she my smile. "And, hey. I found a big beehive on the way back, I''ll make some honey cakes for dessert tonight." "I told you he''d be okay Amelia." Apricot joins our hug. "Now, let''s get back on the road, otherwise we''ll be eating at midnight." "Yeah, okay." She nods but doesn''t let go of me, so I just pick her up and carry her to the wagon. "You mind taking the reins for a bit?" I ask Rodrick and climb into the back with my girls, fixing the tarp with a thought. "No problem." He says with an awed tone to his voice. "Where''d you learn to shoot like that? You downed two wolves before I even knew they were there." "Oh, we have this tradition called summer camp where I came from." I explain. "Kids who lived mostly in the city would spend a few months in the woods doing arts and crafts, and ''fun summertime activities'', but mainly get out of their parent''s hair for a few months." I chuckle. "I hated the camp because they wouldn''t let me wander off on my own. Which I was used to doing every time my family went actual camping. So, I just stayed at the archery range, firing arrow after arrow for two months straight, and then again the next year." "Hah!" He barks out. "Well, I''m glad you did, and I''m even more glad you three caught up when you did." Both he and his sister shiver at the thought of what might have happened if he ran across the wolves on his own. "Shh." I stroke her back. "We''re all safe now, there''s no more wolves out there. Just think about what we''re going to have for dinner. I feel like celebrating, so how about honey glazed ham. I first ran into those mutts when taking down that pig, after all." "Hmm?" She perks up. "Yeah, I can make some cheesy potatoes, roasted veggies, and I''ve got this good pasta salad recipe that uses roasted pecans." I''m basically just going to make Easter dinner. "And, don''t forget about the honey cakes. I make them with half cornmeal, half wheat flour, and they''re just so yummy." "Okay, okay." She laughs and raises her hands in surrender. "Just try not to run off like that again." "I will, and I''m sorry I did." I kiss her. "But, after those damned nightmares..." "I know." She breathes out before returning my kiss. "Umm. Sorry to interrupt." Rodrick''s stomach growls. "But, how are you going to cook all that?" ""Hahahah."" The three of us start laughing. "Oh, you don''t know what you''re in for brother." Amelia smiles at him, and the shadow that''s been hanging over her finally fades away. "But, before I start cooking. You, come here." I pull Apricot onto my lap. "Thank you for watching after her, I know you were worried too, and probably wanted to fly after me." She tries to deny it, but I cut her off. "I care about you too, and I''m sorry I scared you." "Stupid lunker." She presses her face into my shoulder. "I just wanted to make sure, I got the cinnamon rolls you forgot about yesterday." "I''m sorry, I was going to make them this morning." I say while hugging her tight. "But, I really wanted some lost toast." I adopt Amelia''s name for the breakfast food. "I''ll bake the rolls tonight along with the honey cakes. Okay?" "Okay." A quiet sniffle escapes from her and rubs her eyes against my shirt. *** # 027 "Please tell me that you''re going to marry him." Amelia''s brother moans after taking his first bite of dinner. "Because if you don''t, I might." "Roddy!" She instantly blushes a bright, embarrassed pink. "Uh... it''s a bit early to be talking marriage." I say after a moment. "But, I''m not going anywhere." I add while staring straight at the blonde. "..." She opens her mouth for a moment before closing it again and ducking her head shyly. "Would you just shut up and eat your dinner, Rodrick." She growls at him when he laughs at her. "How about some music?" I stopped playing it when we spotted her brother and with all that happened, I just forgot to start it up again. "You should put on the Beatles, get him used to your music." She takes up the offered distraction. "But, when are you going to practice the guitar? You went through all that effort to get the strings, and haven''t touched it." "Nnh." I grumble. "I''m embarrassed. The stuff coming from my head sounds so much better than what comes off my fingers, and it''s not like I can just slink off to practice." "Heheh." Apricot laughs around a big bite of ham. "You''re shy. That is so cute." "Mhm" I grunt. "Oh, what''s this? I can''t seem to find your cinnamon rolls anywhere in storage, must have dropped them somewhere." I retrieve the speaker box and let it tumble off my fingers only to catch it right before it hit the ground. "Ooh, that''s just plain dirty." She glares at me. "Fine, I won''t say anything else, but you should practice anyways." "I''ll think about it." I nod and start up the music. "Is that enchanted?" Roddy sprays crumbs everywhere when ''A Hard Day''s Night'' starts playing from the speaker. "No, it''s just a focus for a modified ventriloquism spell." Apricot explains for me since I had just taken a big bite. "All the music is in Sorrel''s head, and he''s actually translating this from his language right now." I stop translating for a line to let him hear it in English. "It used to give me such a headache." I admit after swallowing. "But, I can keep it up for hours without a problem now. And, it''s even easier if it''s a song I''ve done before." He just stares at me for a minute before turning to his sister and mouthing ''Marry him.'' "That''s it!" She fumes. "No dessert for you." "Amy!" His mouth falls open. "That''s going too far. Look, I''m sorry. I promise I won''t mention it again." "You''d better not." Amelia growls. "And, you two. Quit grinning like that." "Hahaha." Roddy laughs before buttoning his mouth shut when she glares at him again. Unwilling to anger the fierce lioness of a woman anymore, he focus on his food and the music for the rest of the meal. "Bring out the dessert." Apricot commands as ''Ticket to Ride'' starts playing. "I want to see why you hid the cake pan." I knew we''d get here after dark, so I cooked everything beforehand and put it in storage. "Because it''s a surprise." I take the cake out of storage and flip it upside down onto a platter. Pulling the wooden pan away reveals a honeycomb pull-apart cake with little bees, flowers and smaller hexagonal patterns on each piece. "Ahh! It''s so cute." She takes two pieces and a small pot of warmed honey. "That really is cute." Amelia limits herself to only one and passes another to her brother. "My sister, Lily, saw a pan like this when we were all out shopping." I smile, thinking back to the memory. "She made our mom, Jasmine, buy it. And then, had me make honey cakes at least once a week using it." Thinking back to my family; I take out some paper and do my best to capture their likenesses. I''m not sure how well I did because tears kept streaming from my eyes. But, once I dash them away, I see it''s a perfect copy of my phone''s wallpaper. I set it to their smiling faces after I was feeling lonely in my first week of college and never changed it back. "Its okay, Baby." Amelia hugs me from one side, and Apricot the other. "You''ll see them again, one day."This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. "They''re so far away." I sniffle and have to put the picture away before I start bawling. "I just hope they''re okay." I''ve been trying not to think about what they must be going through. "Come on, you''re letting your cake get cold." "You silly." Apricot squeezes me even tighter. "It''s just cake." Meanwhile, poor Rodrick is staring at the fire with an embarrassed look. "I''ll be okay. Really." I give them each a sad smile. "It just hit me kinda hard, is all. But you really should eat before it cools down." "Okay." Amelia nods. They let me go but stay pressed up against my sides. "Here, Roddy. You should try one of the cinnamon rolls. They''re even better than the sweet rolls from that one restaurant I''m always dragging us to." When she holds the platter out to him, I realize that I let the music drop. I start it up again just as ''Here Comes The Sun'' comes up on random. The girls share a look and each squeeze one of my legs. I''m just about to bite into my cake when the hexagonal pattern sparks a bit of inspiration. Pulling out some thread, I start messing around with a tri-axial weave while eating absentmindedly. "Hey, Amy." I tease her with her nickname. "Does this look like that starweave stuff you mentioned?" I run dye along a few threads to highlight the pattern. "What?!" She snatches it out of my hands, and her jaw drops open. "H-how?" "I take it that''s a yes." I say with a smirk at her gobsmacked expression. "It was the honeycomb that gave me the idea. See how it runs in three directions instead of two, so I started playing around. And, when I saw the star pattern... well, I figured this must be what you were talking about the other day." "Amelia." Rodrick snaps his fingers in front of her face. "I won''t say it again, but you''d be an idiot not to." He then snatches another cinnamon roll before sitting back down. "Shut up." She hisses but doesn''t take her eyes off the fabric. "And, Sorrel. Between this, and all those clothing ideas you have. Well, let''s just say that your only concern about money will be what to do with it all... And, don''t call me Amy!" ""Hahahaha."" We bust up laughing at that. "You can handle all that for us, I''ve just got to figure out if I can make a starweave velvet for your dress." "Goodnight Roddy." She grabs me by the arm and starts dragging me into our tent. "Feel free to sleep in tomorrow." He just laughs nervously and shakes his head before taking another bite of his desert. ... "Good morning." Rodrick''s making a pot of tea at the campfire when I emerge the next day to use the latrine. "And, thank you for making that tent so well. I was wondering why the walls were so thick when you put it up yesterday." I just nod awkwardly and hurry into the outhouse. When I get out, the girls have joined him by the fire. "Can we have lost toast again?" Apricot pleads. "I want to try that deep-fried version you talked about yesterday." "Sure." I shrug and yawn, before pulling out the cottonseed oil I pressed earlier. It''s not the healthiest, but fast-food joints deep-fry with it for a reason. "Can you slice some strawberries for me... without eating all of them?" "Heheheh." She giggles. "Probably not, but you can always grow more." "True." I smile at the cute little pixie. "And, since I''m deep-frying stuff anyways, I''m gonna make some donuts too." "Donuts?" Amelia perks up at the word. "Can you make jelly ones too?" "Oh, definitely." I set out all the extra jams and jellies I made yesterday. "I just wish I had some chocolate for the frosting, and mix it up with some hazelnuts to make some *Nutella*. These ''lost toast'' sticks go so good with some Nutella." I use the term for French toast that Amelia coined yesterday. I get all the ingredients ready and use all four limbs and some magic to turn myself into a one-man donut assembly line. Once the donuts are done and cooling on a rack, safely out of Apricot''s reach, I switch over to the French toast. "What did I just watch?" Amelia''s brother asks once I finish my performance. "The four arms I get, but you weren''t even looking. Your eyes were glued to the oil the whole time." "He didn''t have to look." Apricot answers for me, still trying to get into the donut cage without damaging its contents. "His magic was laced through everything, letting him know where it was. And, all through this cage too, the little shit." She grumbles. "What?" I laugh and stick some stuffed French toast into her mouth. "I couldn''t just put the donuts up high like I did to protect them from my sister, you can fly." "Nnh. You''re lucky this is so good." She snatches up her plate and starts eating in earnest. "Oh, Amelia. You never stood a chance." Rodrick teases his sister after taking a bite of French toast stuffed with blackberry and cream cheese filling. "Shut up." She mumbles around a blueberry jelly donut. I just smirk while eating a maple bar. "So, how much farther is it until we reach the city?" "There''s two more campsites." Amelia answers after swallowing. "So, three more days since we won''t be pushing Storm anymore." "How''s he doing." Her brother looks at his horse that is happily munching away at his feedbag. "I was keeping him exercised while we were at Carmen''s, but not enough for him to be used to pulling a wagon all day. And, speaking of our aunt. How is she doing?" "He''s great." I answer for Amelia when her face goes blank at the mention of Carmen. "I''ve been using my healing spell to wash away his fatigue and making sure he gets plenty of good food. And, your aunt is healed." My words come out somewhat clipped for that part. "Was she that bad?" He can tell from Amelia''s look that things were not very pleasant. "Sorrel knocked the rude cow out within a minute of meeting her." Apricot cackles, spraying crumbs everywhere. "She woke up right before we left and got to see all of us naked in her bed." "Pfft. Hahahah." He tries to keep a straight face, but quickly loses it. "I''m sorry Amy, I wish I knew what she had against you." "Let''s just drop it." She sighs. "Sorrel fixed what was making her clumsy, so she should hopefully be accident-free from now on." "Thank you." He bows his head to me. We finish breakfast in silence after that, though I do keep a vine around Amelia''s waist. After the food is gone, and we''re all groaning from eating too much, we pack up camp and get on our way. *** # 028 "So, what marvel are you going to make next?" Rodrick asks from over his shoulder. He got stuck driving the wagon while we sit in the back. "Oh, I think I''m all marveled out for now." I chuckle. "That starweave stuff was just a lucky accident. But, I want to practice some more with that and the other textiles." I switch my gaze to Apricot. "I''d like to get good enough that I can make clothes that will fit your normal size. I know you''ve been spending your time big just for us, and I want to do something special to thank you." "Aww, Sorrel." Her face takes on a dreamy expression and she wraps her arms around me. "Nnh, now I want to do something special for her too." Amelia half whines. "I wonder if I can shrink like you grow. That way we could have a pixie day." "I... don''t know." Apricot cocks her head to one side. "But, you should probably practice your other magic first, otherwise you might get stuck looking like your friend Maisie." "Good idea." Amelia bobs her head up and down. "Sorrel, would you roll up the tarp for me?" "What the hells!" Her brother sputters when she fires a stream of water off into the trees. "Since when can you do that?" "Since we-" Apricot tries to answer only to get cut off when Amelia clamps her hand over the pixie''s mouth. "They bonded magically." I answer for the flustered blonde. "Amelia''s mana is now connected to Apricot who is connected to the world at large. This is also the reason that Apricot is now human-sized. Unfortunately, we don''t really understand how it works." "Okay..." He doesn''t seem to know what else to say. "I was wondering how you finally got the storage spell to work, but with all the excitement of the wolves. I just forgot to ask. So, are you a proper mage now?" "Oh, gods no." Apricot laughs. "She''s got a long way to go if she wants to be even half as skilled as Sorrel. Sorry Amelia, but you know it''s true." She gives the dejected-looking blonde a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "..." She pouts for a minute before sighing in resignation. "I know. That''s why I want to practice." She goes back to doing just that. The rest of the day passes peacefully. We chat for a bit with Rodrick, catching him up on our recent adventures. Amelia steadily improves her control, and I work with finer and finer threads. While occasionally taking a break to just relax and enjoy the scenery. It''s during one of those breaks that Apricot pulls out the checkers board and wheedles Amelia into a match. "What''s that?" Rodrick looks intrigued. "Oh, Sorrel introduced us to a bunch of games from his homeland." His sister explains distractedly while planning out her next moves. "Baby, can you show them to Roddy while I kick some pixie butt?" "Sure." I give her and the pixie each a kiss on the forehead before climbing up front to sit next to Rodrick. "They''re playing Checkers, and as you can see the rules are fairly simple. The pieces can only move in forward diagonals unless they reach the end where they get crowned and can go backward. This one is called Chess, and even though it uses the same board, the rules are a bit more complex." I walk him through Chess and the other games. I''m just making a proper four-player Sorry! board when we reach the next clearing. We''re not the only ones either, a squad of guards on horseback and a laden wagon comes around the bend just as we''re pulling into the campsite. "Those look like the city guards from Riverton." Amelia says when I point them out to her. "Baron Pepi must be sending them up to Southwood to help with the extra patrols." "Yeah." Her brother nods. "I recognize their leader, shared a drink with him once, but he was just a regular guard then. I don''t know if he''s married or not, but judging by the age of the others, I''m guessing they picked people without families to support." "That makes sense if it''s going to be a long term posting." I agree. "I wonder if they know anything about Ferne''s boss, and if she was involved or not." "Hello, the camp." The lead guardsman call out just as we''re un-hitching Stormie. "Hello. Uh, Sergeant Simms, wasn''t it?" Roddy greets him with a smile. "Ah!" Simms exclaims. "I knew your name sounded familiar during the briefing. Nice to see you again. Hope you haven''t had any more trouble along the way." "Well, I wouldn''t call it trouble, since Sorrel here took them all out in a few minutes." He pats me on the shoulder. "But, we ran into a small wolf pack yesterday." "That reminds me." I turn to Amelia. "Do you want to pass off the bodies you picked up for me." "Yes, please." She dumps them on the ground without touching even a single hair. "They keep startling me every time I looked into storage for something." "Heheh." I chuckle and put them away with the other three. "Hells!" The youngest looking guard breathes out the oath. "What kind of bow do you use that can punch clean through a wolf skull?" "This kind." Blackthorne springs to my hand from the back of the wagon, shifting into bow form mid-air. "Any idea where I can get one of those?" Another guard with a longbow strapped across his back speaks up. "Uh... Find a lightning-struck tree, and use your inborn Plantkin magic to transform it into a Livingwood staff." I give him an embarrassed shrug. "I''ll get right on that." He looks a bit disappointed, but laughs it off. "Names Corey, by the way. This is Butters, Bobbi, and Jo, they''re sisters. And, that''s Ashley up in the wagon." Butters is the youngest, Bobbi and Jo look nothing alike, and Ashley seems to be half asleep. "Nice to meet you all." I nod to each in turn. "And, sorry we''re responsible for dragging you all out here." "Are you kidding?" He laughs. "We''re getting paid extra for this, and it''s pretty much a vacation since we heard right before we left that it was all set up by the head enchanter." "Damn. Poor Ferne." I shake my head. "She was so sure her boss wouldn''t do anything like that to her. Try to break it to her a bit more gently if you run into her later." "We will." Simms gives Corey a look. "Alright everyone, you know what to do. Corey, you''re cooking tonight." A round of groans rises from the others. "I still feel bad that everyone had to come out here." I speak over their grumbling. "Please let me make dinner for all of you. I''ve got most of a big hog sitting in storage, and pork chops don''t take much effort." Simms is about to deny me when he feels the death glares from his soldiers. "Well, if you''re gracious enough to offer, we''ll just have to be gracious enough to accept." His people cheer at that. "Can you set up the latrine first?" Amelia looks like she''s trying not to do the pee-pee dance. "Please."If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "What did you do before I came along." I say with a laugh. "Oh, she''s always hated peeing in the woods." Roddy chuckles. "Says the critters stare at her." "They do!" She stamps her foot and then rushes into the outhouse as soon as I set a large stack of wipes inside. "Please tell me you set these up at the other campsites along the way." Jo says as she and her sister get in line to use it next. "All except the last one." I nod. "We were trying to catch up with Rodrick, and skipped that one." "Good enough for me." She looks relieved. "We didn''t think about the lack of plumbing when we signed up for this." "Alright, I should get started on the potato salad so it has time to chill before dinner." I walk over to the firepit to get it going, and spot Apricot kicking Rodrick''s but at Checkers by the wagon. "Thanks for taking care of dinner." Corey comes up to me with a grateful look on his face. "My mom never let me in the kitchen, so I never really got the hang of cooking. And, uh... can I ask what they''re playing over there." He points over to the Checkers game. "Oh, that''s Checkers. It''s a game from my homeland." I''m building the fire while I talk. "Just let me get this stuff boiling and I''ll show you how to play." The eggs go in Roddy''s pot, and the potatoes get peeled and diced by magic before going into the larger pot. "I don''t suppose you feel like joining the guard?" Simms walks up with Butters a step behind, Ashley is off lying on a blanket reading a book. "Sorry, no." I shake my head and fashion another Checkers set from firewood, and then one more for him and Butters. "Had to ask." He sends me a rueful smile. "So, what''s this?" "A game called Checkers." I talk them through how to play while mixing up some mayonnaise from scratch. Simms catches on pretty quick and is soon destroying Butters as badly as Apricot is destroying Roddy. The young guard begs to switch opponents at the same time the sisters join us. I make a third board and show them how to play while Simms does his best not to lose against me. "Hey, babe." I smile up at Amelia when she drifts over. "Could you re-freeze the icebox for me?" "Sure, you want me to take over your game too?" She laughs at the frustrated look on the sergeant''s face. "I think you might be a bit out of his class." "Yeah, that''ll give me a chance to get everything else ready." Having magic that keeps things in the same state as you store them, makes cooking ahead a lot easier. "Just try to go easy on him." I laugh as Simms'' relieved look turns dejected. "We only cheat when playing against you." She joins in my laughter. "Does anyone else want corn on the cob instead of creamed corn?" Lily and mom loved creamed corn, but I never could stand it. "You don''t have to go through all this trouble." The sergeant smiles as he takes one of Amelia''s pieces, but doesn''t notice that he''s just falling into her trap. "He made a whole ham and all the fixings last night." Amelia has a shit-eating grin as she takes three of his pieces in one move, gets crowned and takes two more. "He was probably going to make this anyways." "Ashley, get over here and play this game with me." He calls over to the bookworm after the rest of his troops start laughing at how badly he just lost, and refuse to switch partners. "No more middle watch for the rest of the trip." She bargains. "... Fine!" He relents. "Well, alright then." She becomes more lively almost instantly. "So, how do you play?" It doesn''t take her long to get the hang of it and, after a few tips from Amelia, she''s soon his equal. "Do you have any more games?" Corey asks after a while. "A few." I start taking them all out of storage, and then run over to the wagon to grab the Sorry board I was making earlier. "I know some more complex board games too, but haven''t had the chance to re-create them yet. I''ve got a handful of dice and card games too, but I mostly played board games with my family." Corey and Butters go for dominoes, and the sisters try backgammon, while Simms and Ashley play chess. Roddy asks for something he won''t get destroyed at, so the four of us play Sorry. He was about to win too before his sister got a lucky roll. I let them play without me after that, and make some cornbread while working on some other games, starting with Jenga which I had almost forgotten about. I also add a few simpler games that I forgot too, like Battleship, Connect Four, and Stratego. I even recreate Kerplunk just for the hell of it. Moving onto the more complex board games, I completely skip monopoly because that game is fucking evil. I did make Risk, but I didn''t want to use the original map in order to avoid awkward questions. So, I used an old DnD map making trick where just roll a bunch of dice, draw some squiggly lines around and between them. And boom, you''ve got a map. Cluedo and Mahjong are next; I only learned Mahjong because my neighbors in sophomore year had a weekly game. But, their fourth was always flaking on them, so they''d pull me in as a replacement. After all the classics done, I move onto more recent games like Settlers, and it''s easier to play cousin Ticket to Ride. I was just finishing up with that when I notice the sky is starting to change color. Putting the games to one side; I pull out the pork loin and, using the lovely knife I got in Southwood, I deftly carve out enough chops for all of us. These get seared, then ''baked'' with garlic, butter, and thyme. While the chops cook, I prep some apple pies. I should have done these earlier, while I had more light. But, it shouldn''t be a problem as long as I top up right before the sun goes down. "Clear a bit of room, and I''ll throw together a table and some chairs for us." It is a bit crowded with two wagons, seven horses, ten humans, and dozens of board games strewn about the clearing. "I''m kinda glad we haven''t put up our tent yet." I chuckle as the guards help Amelia, Apricot, and Rodrick clear some space. "It wasn''t so bad until you brought out all the games." Amelia says while I meld firewood into a big table and chairs. "Though, I do like that one with the boats." "How was I supposed to know you shouldn''t bunch them all up together." Apricot whines. "Heheheh." I must have missed that when I was working on the other games. "Alright, Glow!" I light up the hedges and top off my magic just before the sun dips below the horizon. "Are you sure you don''t want to join the guard." Simms asks again as I set the table. "Sorry, but we''ve got plans for him already." Amelia chuckles and sits down next to me. "Can we at least get some more of those wipes he put in the outhouse?" Bobbi pleads. "Hahaha, sure." I agree while serving the girls and myself. "I''ll give you a box in the morning. Now, dig in." "Thank you." She and her sister give me a grateful nod. "Mmm." Ashley moans around her pork chop. "Please tell me your plans involve starting a restaurant, so I can visit it every day." "Sorry, but I''ll probably be making clothes." I gesture to the girls and myself. "I made everything we''re wearing right now, and Amelia says it''s the best way for me to make coin while leaving plenty of time to focus what really matters. Like her and Apricot." All the women at the table blush a bit at that. "I was wondering about your shirt." The sergeant peers at my t-shirt. "I''ve never seen anything quite like it." "It''s knit cotton." I explain. "I''d give you a demonstration, but I need to make sure I have enough magic to finish the pies. Maybe after dessert." "I still can''t believe you''re making pie in the middle of the woods." Butters sprays cornbread crumbs all over his plate. "Did your mom not teach you to swallow before you speak?" Corey elbows him in the ribs. "You know, if you want to punish his ill manners by oh, say... giving me his slice." He has to dodge a swing by the younger guard at that. "Knock it off, the both of you." The sergeant sighs. "Or, I''ll make sure neither of you get any pie." "Sorry, Sarge." - "Sorry." They clam up and remember their table manners. "Ugh, boys." Ashley says disdainfully, even though she''s the same age. Bobbi and Jo are too busy eating to comment. The rest of us soon follow suit, and it''s not long before everyone''s plates are cleared. "Okay, these just need a couple minutes to cool." I set the pies on the table. "But while we''re waiting for that, I''ll make us some ice cream to go with it. I''m going to need your help with this Amelia, but I think you''ll like it." I pull out a bowl of pecans with a wide grin. "Pecan ice cream? Yes, please." Amelia licks her lips. "I never thought of adding ice cream to apple pie." "Yeah, we usually use plain vanilla where I''m from, but I don''t have any vanilla." And, boy has that made cooking fun, but luckily, maple syrup works well as a replacement. "So, I figure some butter pecan ice cream should work." I''ve been browning the pecans and preparing the custard as I speak. It takes the last of my magic to speed the process up, but I want some ¨¤ la mode. "I just need you to chill this while I stir." She''s able to cool the entire thing at once, so by the time the pie is just cool enough to be eaten, we''ve got the ice cream ready to go with it. I put a big scoop right in the center of my slice, as is the fashion. The others look at me a little weird, but try it out. And, if the moans of enjoyment are anything to go by, they seem to enjoy it. "Are you guys sure you didn''t forget something in Southwood?" Ashley speaks up with a blissful look on her face. "We''d be more than happy to escort you back up there." "Hah!" Corey barks out a laugh. "Sorry, Ash. But, you''re just going to have to put up with our cooking for the rest of the trip." "Don''t even make me think of your so-called cooking while I''m eating something this good." She takes another bite and closes her eyes to savor the taste. "I won''t try to recruit you again." Simms says. "But, if you ever need anything from the guard, feel free to use my name. I may only be a sergeant, but I''ve got a few connections." The twinkle in his people''s eyes makes me suspect that he has more than just a few connections. "Thank you." I bow my head to him. "In return, let me make you copies of all these games, though that might have to wait until morning. Making the ice cream tapped me out." "Well, I''m certainly not going to say no to that." He chuckles and returns his focus to the dessert. *** # 029 "That smells good." Amelia takes a deep sniff after exiting our tent the next morning, Apricot and me right behind her. "You treated us so well last night." Bobbi starts. "That we felt it only fair to try and repay the favor." Jo finishes. They''re cooking up sausage, eggs, and hash. And, Butters is making some pan bread. Someone already brewed a strong pot of tea and set it on the table. "Well, it looks great." I say as Amelia walks over to the outhouse. "I take it Corey got stuck on the middle watch." I glance over to the guard who''s still asleep despite the heavenly aroma filling the camp. "Yeah." Butters laughs. "But, he''s always like that in the morning." "Morning." Simms walks over from checking on the horses and pours himself a cup of tea. "Hi---yawn." A big yawn escapes from me when I go to return his greeting. "Sorry. Mind if I get some of that?" "Help yourselves." He slides the pot forward. "Did you two sleep well?" I think he''s talking to me and Apricot. But, when I look up from pouring myself some tea, I see that he''s looking past us to where Roddy and Ashley are climbing out of the wagon. "Very." She answers with a sly grin. "That has to be one of the best mattresses I''ve ever slept on. Roddy wasn''t half bad either." She chortles when he blushes. "Hehe." Apricot titters. "Amelia turns that same shade of pink when she gets embarrassed." "Are you guys teasing my brother without me?" Rodrick blushes even deeper when his sister walks up. "I thought I saw a little something between you two last night." "They were sitting awfully close by the fire when we went to bed." Apricot agrees. "..." He just purses his lips and sits down at the other end of the table. "The bread''s ready." Butters sets a platter of bannock on the table before walking over to kick his friend in the legs. "Get up! Food''s ready." "Hah!" I snort. "I had a room-mate that I used to have to pour water on to get him up in the mornings. Nothing else would wake him." "Don''t you dare!" Corey glares up at a grinning Butters. ""Hahahaha."" The guards bust up laughing. After breakfast I get started making the board games for Simms, only to get interrupted by a loud tearing sound and a curse from Corey. "Gods dammit. Where''s the sewing kit?" He''s somehow managed to snag his sleeve on their wagon and nearly tore the whole thing off. "Let me." I wave my hand and the torn edges of his shirt ripple and flows back together, the threads fusing to make the shirt as good as new again. I wave again and smooth the rough edges on the wagon out. "Thank you." He gives me a full bow. "You have no idea how much I hate sewing." "Aww man." Butters groans. "We didn''t even get a chance to bet how many times he''d stick himself with the needle this time." "Shut it." The archer glares at the young guard. "Or, I''ll stick you with an arrow." I shake my head at their antics and get back to work. I''m using the modified wood, and plenty of dyes to make things look as nice as possible. I include plenty of extra pieces, and print up a book titled ''Board Games'' with all the rules for everything here, along with some variations, and common house rules. "Here you go." I say after finishing up the last piece. "This wood should hold up well, but you''ll probably want to get everything coated with some boiled linseed, or some beeswax once you get to town." "Will do." He nods absentmindedly while examining the finely carved and painted Catan tiles. "These are lovely. I''ve never seen anyone use magic for something like this." "I just recently discovered that I could do this." I pause for a moment. "Actually, if you could get everyone together, I can do a quick painting for you." "Can we?" Ashley looks up from where she''s chatting with Roddy at the other end of the table. "If it''s not a hassle." Simms hesitates. "Not at all, it''ll just take a moment." I reassure him. "And, I can grow more pigments whenever I need them, so you don''t need to worry about that either." "Well, if you insist." He relents. lining them up in front of the road, the morning sunlight filtering through the trees in the background. I used the finest cotton canvas I could make, and made it a bit on the large size. In the end, it almost took me longer to pose them than it did to paint the picture. "What do you think?" I turn the canvas around and they all crowd close. "I had to use a little creative license for the wrinkled uniforms, and messy hair."If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "And those bags under Corey''s eyes." Butters ribs his friend who grumbles but keeps staring at the picture. "It''s like looking in a mirror." Jo stretches her hand like she''s going to trace her image, only to snatch them back as if she''s afraid to touch it. "Better than a mirror." Her sister nods. "I don''t think I''ve ever looked this good in any mirror." "I only drew what I saw." I shrug. "I don''t even know how many gold crowns that something like this would fetch in the city." Simms breathes out while examining all the fine details. "You could practically name your price." "Well, if you ever want another, I''ll give you a discount." I chuckle while making a tube to store it in. "I may just take you up on that." He stares for a moment longer before shaking his head to clear it. "Alright, everyone we should get on the road soon." "We should too." I release the canvas from its frame and roll it up to fit inside the tube. It takes the four of us a lot less time to pack up than it does the guards, and most of that was just me turning the table and chairs back into firewood. Amelia and Rodrick took care of the horse and wagon, which I may have discreetly cast cleanse on. "You need to make some paintings of us too." Apricot says while ''helping'' me to take down the tent. "With or without clothes?" I smirk, easily seeing through her plans. "Without, of course." She states like it''s the most obvious thing in the world. "But, I suppose we can do a few pictures with me in one of those fancy outfits of yours." "That would be nice." Amelia agrees when we join her at the wagon. "I definitely want one of me in my dress." "I hate to ask." Her brother says hesitantly. "But, I''m feeling decidedly threadbare compared to the three of you. Could make a couple outfits for me too?" "No problem. But, do you mind waiting for a bit? I noticed some different plants around here, and I''ve been trying to collect as many as I can just in case they''re useful. I was going to grab them yesterday, but..." I gesture to the guards. "I''ll go with you." Apricot shrinks down and disappears into her dress, only to fly back out a moment later dressed in her pixie garb. "That way Amelia won''t have to worry." "I thought we were going to leave." Roddy looks confused. "You haven''t seen him run yet, brother." Amelia smiles at his confusion. "Sorrel can outpace Stormie even without the wagon slowing him down. Hells, Sorrel could probably tow the wagon, and still beat him in a race." "Heh. I wouldn''t go quite that far." I say somewhat self-conscious, before turning to the military folks. "Sergeant Simms, everyone. It was a pleasure to meet all of you, and I wish you safe travels." "The pleasure was all ours." Simms replies, causing the others to bob their heads and murmur in agreement. "Safe travels to you as well, and remember." He says seriously. "If you need any help in the city, just mention my name to any guardsman." "I hope to never need that favor, but I will remember it." I bow my head to him. "Thank you." Goodbyes said; I walk the horse out to the road while Apricot rides on my shoulder. Rodrick''s eyes grow wide as I easily keep pace with the horse. "Keep an eye on him, okay Sweetie." Amelia calls to Apricot when I spot a new plant and venture into the woods to collect it. "I''ll be fine." I turn around and tell her with my eyes what I haven''t worked up the nerve to say out loud yet. "I won''t stray far from the road, and will try to keep the wagon in earshot the whole time." "He''ll be okay Amy." Her brother pats Amelia on the knee. "You saw what he did to those wolves, there''s nothing in these woods that can hurt him." "She''s really worried about you." Apricot says once we''re a few trees away from the road. "Like you''re not." I raise a tendril from my hand to gently stroke her cheek. "I''m just collecting some plants. I know my nightmares have been worse these past couple nights, but I kinda expected that. At least, they weren''t as bad as that first one." "Just be careful, okay." She whispers and hugs the tendril to her chest. "I''ve got my nature senses wide open, there''s not a predator around." I pause for a second. "Well, not unless you count those creepy-ass horned rabbits. I''ve still got those two in storage, how do you feel about Fricassee for supper?" "I don''t know what that is, but if you''re cooking, I''ll eat it." She lightens up. "And what''s wrong with the bunnies? They just go around stabbing stuff so they can drink the blood." "Hahahah." My belly laugh startles the rabbit into running away. "Are you sure two rabbits will be enough for all four of us?" The little glutton says pleadingly. "Fine, but we''ll make Roddy skin it though." I send an arrow through the back of the fleeing rabbits skull. "I never got used to field dressing game, it''s much easier to deal with the stuff you get from the butcher." The body goes into storage, and I don''t even bother trying to recover the arrow, it went into the ground like an Olympic diver into water. "Remind me to practice with my bow when we stop for the day." Apricot says while flying over to pick a violet liverwort that I was eyeing. "And, speaking of practice. When are you going to practice the guitar." "Thanks." I put the flower into storage. "And, I''ll do it when we get back to the wagon, but it''s your ears." "You''re being too critical of yourself." She flicks my earlobe. "It sounded fine to me when you played for us." "Can you really blame me for wanting to put my best foot forward?" I counter. "I''ve got two beautiful women to impress, after all." "Oh, Sorrel." Her laugh chimes through the woods. "I think you''ve managed to make a suitably good impression already." "Mhm." I let out a non-committal grunt. "I''m just not used to this, I guess. I mean I did alright before, but either one of you could easily beat out any of my other girlfriends. And, both together..." "That''s sweet, but you''re being silly." She flies backward in front of my face. "You could easily get a dozen of us, and if I''m lucky you will." "Hah." I shake my head with a rueful smile. "You may have to talk to Amelia about that, I caught the protective look she shot Bobbi and Jo when they were eyeing me after dinner last night. I know she said she''s okay with it, but this is her first relationship, and I don''t know if she feels that way any longer. Hells, I''m not sure if I do." "I thought I felt a flare of jealousy from her last night, but I was busy kicking her brother''s butt." She laughs, but I can see the hint of a shadow behind her eyes. "I can deal with it if that''s how she feels. We have the core pixie style relationship already, three or four close partners. Everyone else is just friends you have sex with." "It''s hard for you being away from them isn''t it?" I cup my hands around her and hug her with my tendrils. "Maybe we could find some more Fae to join us. I know the size thing shouldn''t matter, but it''s likely what let her join us in the first place." "I... don''t think that would work." I can feel her close herself off. "It''s okay Apricot." I shift part of my arm into mini-me so I can hug her for real. "We''ll talk this over with Amelia later, make sure we all know where we stand. Then we go from there to find something that works for everyone." "Okay." She says in a quiet voice while clinging to me. "You know." I say with a wicked smile. "It''s been a while since you''ve been your regular size. And, well... let''s just say there''s a reason I told you I could shapeshift ''everything'' right after we first met." "So, you are into little girls." She leers back at me. "You dirty old man you." "Hahahah." I chuckle darkly and lift up her dress. ... # 030 "Did you two have fun out there?" Amelia says with a knowing look. "Find everything you were looking for." "For now." Apricot and I smile back at her. "Found a couple nice bonuses too, like a tree that looks it got knocked over in a storm last winter. We''re not out of firewood yet, but I have been using a lot. Oh, and Roddy. I hope you can dress a rabbit, Apricot said the two I already had in storage wouldn''t be enough for dinner." "Yeah, but why do I have to do it?" He whines. "Because Sorrel doesn''t want to." Apricot answers with a laugh. "He thinks the little blood drinkers are creepy." "Ugh. He''s not wrong." Rodrick shivers. "Had one of those little bastards go after me when I was a kid." "Hahaha. Oh gods, I completely forgot about that." Amelia laughs. "It got you on the butt when you were going poop. You refused to go in the woods for the rest of that trip unless dad went with to protect you." "Shut up." He swats her on the arm and drops the reins in her lap. "Here, you drive, I''m going to lay in the back." He climbs onto the mattress in a huff. "Heheheh." She chuckles when he flips the tarp down. "Ashley probably didn''t let him get much sleep." Seeing how cute Amelia looks at that moment; I can''t help but pull out my painting supplies and capture that mischievous smile, and the twinkle of humor in her brilliant blue eyes. All framed by the light shining on her flaxen hair. "Ooh, can I have that one?" Apricot pleads from my shoulder. "Let me make a copy first." I nod and do so. And then, start on another one showing the embarrassed expression on Amelia''s face right now. "Would you quit it?" Her blush deepens by the second. "For now." I say after giving Apricot a copy of this one too. "But, one of the first things we need to get is a big mirror, so I can make a group portrait with all three of us." I can probably make due using mini-me as a model, but a mirror would be nice to have anyways. "Do me next." Apricot lands on my knee with an impish smile that I barely have enough time to capture before she shucks off her dress. "Apricot." Amelia hisses through her teeth while making sure the tarp is fully closed, and that her brother can''t see her lover naked. "Relax, I can hear his breathing." The pixie waves away Amelia''s concerns. "He''s already fallen asleep. We''ll be fine as long as we don''t make too much noise." "She''s right." I add. "He''s out cold. That girl must have really worked him over last night." "Eww!" A shudder passes through her slender frame. "Please never talk about my brother''s love life." "Speaking of love lives." I turn a bit serious and tell her about what we discussed in the woods. "This started out as a casual thing, but I don''t think any of us feel that way anymore. This is very much still early days, but we need to talk about this stuff. I... care very much for you, and want both of you to be happy." I want to smack myself for chickening out about the ''L'' word. "..." Amelia takes a deep breath and looks straight at Apricot. "I... will try. But, like I said before. It can''t just be with some stranger." "You don''t have to force yourself just for me." Apricot shifts to human size to look Amelia squarely in the eyes. "The two of you are already more than I thought I''d ever have again. I''m not going to do anything to lose you. So, don''t push yourself, please. Not for me." Those last three words come out as a barely audible whimper.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "Shh." Amelia wraps her arms around Apricot, who even though she''s human-sized right now, looks even smaller than her normal form. "We''re not going anywhere." I pull both of them onto my lap. "I love you Apricot. I don''t care about your past, I just want to stay with you. I love you, Amelia. I want to build a future together with all three of us." "Sorrel." - "Baby." ""I love you too."" *** We stayed like that, just holding each other, for a few more minutes. Apricot wasn''t ready to tell her tale, so we didn''t push her on it. The three of us only pulled apart when the wagon went over a large bump that tore a loud snore from Amelia''s brother. "Could you get dressed, Sweetie?" Amelia asks sheepishly. "Just a couple more days until we hit Riverton." I try to cheer her up only to have it backfire. "That means only two more days until I have to explain us to my parents." She has the cutest look of panic on her face. "Relax." Apricot strokes the blonde''s cheek, much like I did to her earlier. "You don''t have to explain anything to anyone, just tell them we''re together and leave it at that. Your parents love you, and will just want you to be happy." "Yeah, and you can always distract them by telling about how Roddy hooked up with a guardswoman last night." I draw a small smile from her. "Hey, I heard that." An aggravated grumble comes from inside the wagon. Her brother sticks his head out and glares at me for a second before turning to Amelia. "Don''t worry about mom and dad, the worst they''ll do is ask when you plan to have kids. Like they do to me every damned time they find out I''m seeing someone." "Hahaha." She giggles at his grumpy look. "Well, we''ve already talked about that, and none of us are ready for children yet." "I don''t know, I think you''d look great with a big round belly." I''m forced to block several blows from her for that remark. "Oh, relax. I''m just teasing." "Nng." She just glares at me. "How about you put on some more of that music?" Rodrick says to change the subject. "Oh, no." Apricot shakes her head with a look of glee plastered on her face. "Sorrel said he''d practice his guitar when we got back to the wagon, and we''re back at the wagon now." "Ugh! Fine." I sigh and retrieve the instrument from storage. After checking that it''s still in tune, I run through some chromatic scales to warm up. "Here, I used to practice this one a lot, so it hopefully won''t be too horrible." Shaking my hands out, I first harden the tips of my fingers -never thought I''d miss those calluses- and then start plucking out the chords to ''While My Guitar Gently Weeps''. "What? You''re not going to sing." The pixie teases me. "If I did, then you''d be the one weeping." I smile at her and focus back on my playing. I flub a few of the trickier notes, but it''s not the worst I''ve ever played. "There, I practiced, are you happy?" "More." Her one-word demand makes Amelia laugh. "Yeah, do some more Beatles songs." I heave out a deep sigh, but acquiesce to their requests. I play through a few of their easier songs until I get into the groove, and start transitioning into some of the more difficult stuff. And, somehow, I actually manage to get through ''Here Comes the Sun'' without screwing it up once, which surprised the hell out of me. I almost always screwed up the fingering on that one. "What is that thing?" Roddy points to the capo. "I''ve never seen a guitarist use one before." "It''s called a capo, it''s used to raise the pitch of the strings." I demonstrate by strumming with it on the first and second frets. "A bunch of songs use it up here on the first three frets, but when you bring it down to the seventh it makes the guitar sound like an entirely different instrument." "You played it perfectly." Amelia compliments me. "I knew you just needed a little practice." "Yeah, you were right." I concede, still a bit embarrassed. "But, right now I need a break, it''s been ages since I played that much, and my hands aren''t used to it." The guitar goes back into storage despite their protests. "Fine, you can rest for now." The orange-haired terror relents. "But, you have to play for us later." "Yeah, yeah." I take out the speaker and put on some musicians that actually know what they''re doing. "You want a sandwich for lunch? There''s still a bunch of that ham left." "Sure, but do we have any sweets left?" She asks hopefully. "Just this." I take out my last maple bar and take a big bite before handing it over. "Though, judging by the look on her face, I think Amelia might have squirreled a few things away." "What? Nooo." She waves her hands in a warding manner. "No, I didn''t." "Sure you didn''t, sis." Roddy knows his sister too well to believe she doesn''t have something sweet stored away. While Amelia tries to defend her stash, I fix up four quick sandwiches for us. "Oh, let her keep her sweets, I¡¯ll make some cookies later." Amelia gives me a relieved look when I hand the pixie her plate. The rest of the ride passes in music and laughter as the siblings tell embarrassing stories about each other. It''s a little bittersweet for Apricot and me, who are separated from our families, but we do our best not to let it show. ... # 031 "You wanted to practice your archery right?" I ask Apricot once we get settled into the clearing. "Give me a few minutes, and I''ll set up some targets for us." "Oh, yeah." She bobs her head with a happy smile on her face. "Thanks for reminding me." She takes out her bow and gives it a test draw. "Nng, slight problem." I turn around to see that this outfit lifts her up a bit more than her first dress did, meaning her left breast is now in the way of the bowstring. "One sec, and I''ll make you a chest guard." I''m already weaving together a thick, roughly triangular pad to protect the left side of her chest. "I should give you an arm guard too." They both get reinforced with a top layer of compressed wood. "Much better, thank you." She does a couple of test shots to get used to it. "Well, I can''t have anything happen to those gorgeous breasts of yours." I give the unpadded one a quick caress before dancing off to set up the targets. I''m not worried about destroying arrows, so I just make basic wooden targets for us. The woods are less dense here, but I can make stands as easily as targets. They get set up every ten meters out to the hundred-twenty meter mark. This would normally be a crazy distance for me, but it''s one I feel I can hit now. Apricot waits for me to get out of the way before firing at the thirty-meter target. Her shot goes a bit wide, but she at least hit the edge, if only by a centimeter. "Uh, any chance I could have a go?" Roddy asks a bit sheepishly. "Yeah, just let me make you a bow... You don''t need a boob guard too do you?" I chuckle. "No, but a bracer would be nice." He shakes his head. I size a longbow for him, along with a quiver to hang from his belt, and a large bundle of arrows to fill it. "You want one too?" I ask Amelia. "No, I''m happy to just watch my brother make a fool of himself." She has to bite back a laugh as the brother in question just missed the ten-meter target. "Shut up." He grouses and lines up another shot, but his form is garbage. "Hold up." I walk over and force him to stand and hold the bow properly. "You''re jerking the string too much when you release. Just let it slip off your fingers." I stand opposite him, and fire with my offhand to demonstrate. "Gah!" He shakes his fingers out after loosing an arrow, but at least he hit the target this time. "Can I get some of those bead things Apricot has?" I add some and he tries a test fire. "That''s much better, thank you." "Did you have to help him out?" Amelia whines half-heartedly. "I wanted to see how many times he would miss." "Oh, be nice to your brother." I say before leaning in close and so only she can hear me. "He''s still really bad. I mean, my little sister did better the first time she picked up a bow, and she wasn''t even ten yet." While she''s failing to hold back her giggle, I plaster an innocent smile on my face and walk over to take aim at the seventy-meter target. It''s the standard Olympic distance, and what I used to practice on, but now I''m using it to warm up. My first shot is a little high and to the right, but the next two hit right outside the bull¡¯s-eye on opposite sides. The fourth and fifth hit inside, but the sixth goes dead center. Smiling at that, I move on to the next target and slowly, but steadily increase my accuracy at longer and longer distances. "I give up." Roddy throws in the towel after failing to hit the thirty-meter target for the umpteenth time. "I don''t think I''m cut out to be an archer." "Normally, I''d say it just takes practice, but... yeah that''s probably for the best." Even Apricot has a decent grouping on the fifty and has no trouble at least hitting the sixty. But, aside from one lucky shot, he hasn''t been able to touch the thirty. "Oh, Roddy, it''s alright." Amelia grins. "You can always get Ashley to protect you." "Oh, shut up." He huffs. "And, gimme your book. You''re not even reading it, you just keep staring at them." Rodrick snatches it from his sister''s hands. "Wait, you stole this from Aunt Carmen, didn''t you? Hahahah." He laughs at her embarrassed look. "I think I''m done too." Apricot says while clutching her hand. "My fingers are starting to cramp." "Let me see." I take her hand and start massaging the meat of her palm. "Here, open your mouth." I produce some healing sap on the tip of my finger and stick it between her waiting lips. "Now, be a good girl and drink it all up. Hahahah." I bust up laughing when Roddy blushes a deep crimson and rushes off back to camp. "That was mean." Amelia says between giggles. "I approve." Temmie even throws in an amused *Ding* as sort of an auditory thumbs up. "Alright, let''s go collect the arrows." I pull my finger from the pixie''s mouth with a ''pop''. "Then I should get started on dinner while we still have the light." "Mmm, you are so sweet." Apricot licks her lips. "I''m going to suck you dry tonight." "I''ll look forward to it, but you still have to pick up your arrows." I turn her around and pat her on the butt to get her moving in the right direction. "You are such a tease." She growls and stalks over to the target, her hips swaying seductively. "Nnh." I have to force myself to look away when she bends over to pick up an arrow, and shows off that she never put her panties back on. "Oh gods, that woman is sex incarnate. Do you think your brother will come looking for us if we disappear for a few hours?" "I wish I could say no." Amelia''s eyes are locked on her lover''s hips. "But, maybe a quickie farther off into the woods?" She barely has enough time to finish her sentence before I lift her into my arms and dash off into the woods, aiming for a more tightly packed copse of tree a few hundred meters away. ... "Took you long enough." Rodrick says without looking up from the book. "Well, you know what they say..." The smile can be heard in my voice. "Practice makes perfect." "And, Sorrel didn''t want to stop until he hit his target." Apricot adds with a shit-eating grin. Meanwhile, poor Amelia is blushing a bright, cherry red. "Okay." Her brother replies distractedly. "Just let me finish this chapter, and I''ll take care of that rabbit for you." Amelia has to clamp her hands on our mouth to keep us from laughing at his cluelessness. "That''s alright, I''ll take care of it." There''s not enough time to drain it properly, so I''ll need to use magic to get rid of the blood anyways.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. "Sorrel." Amelia says my name with a laugh. "You really need to quit hunting small game with that bow of yours." The bunny¡¯s head is pretty much just gone. "Well, if you see some elephants around here, you can point me in their direction." I cast cleanse on the insides of the rabbit to take care of the blood and bowels before skinning and gutting it. "I thought you didn''t know how to do that." Apricot says with a scrunched up nose. "I didn''t say that." I counter. "I said I didn''t like to because it''s gross." It really, really is. Especially if you don''t have magic to clear away the blood and poop. "Yeah, I see why mom always made dad take care of this part back when they were running a caravan." Amelia''s and Apricot''s faces clear up when I magic away the gross parts. "Just think about the pecan Sandies I''m going to make for dessert." I tell her while getting the meat ready to brown. "You know, you don''t have to make pecan everything just for me." She smiles at me. "Heheh." I smile back at her. "Don''t worry, I was planning to make a few other kinds too." Once the meat is done browning, I add boiling water and set it to simmer. While that''s doing its thing, I grow all the nuts I''ll need for the various cookies. Wishing the whole time that I had a proper fully stocked kitchen. I know how to make do without a lot, but some of my favorite treats are locked behind ingredients that I just don''t have. "The first thing I need to do when I find a good-sized lot is to start a freaking orchard." I''ve got dozens of miniature nut and fruit trees growing in wooden pots. "That or make one giant Franken-tree." "Franken?" Amelia tilts her head to one side. "Oh, yeah. You wouldn''t have heard of that story." I look up from picking some actual apricots to use for jam in some thumbprint cookies. "It''s a very famous horror novel where I''m from. In it, a Doctor Frankenstein creates a monster by stitching together various body parts in an attempt to create life." "Couldn''t he just go knock someone up." Apricot laughs. "He probably should have." I chuckle along with her. "Because, despite his creation being intelligent, the doctor becomes filled with revulsion and soon remorse after creating it. The monster, shunned by its creator, wanders off and eventually finds and murders Frankenstein¡¯s brother. And, all this is just the opening, there''s a whole thing where the moster -who is never named, by the way- tracks his creator down and asks for a mate, and that ends about as well as you''d expect." "Nnh, that sounds like such a good book." Amelia whines. "I wish I could read it." "Hmm." I hesitate for a moment; I have the book in my head thanks to VeeGee and would love to share it with her. That, and I do need to tell them about my origins, but now is just not the right time. ''Fuck it!'' I quickly decide to try translating it for her. "I know the story pretty well; it may take some doing, but I might be able to write it down for you." "Oh, please, please, please, please." She begs. "I''ll do my best, but it might take a while." She still lights up at my words. "And, I should warn you the prose tends towards the flowery side." Now there''s an understatement. "So, even though it''s a great story, you might find it a bit of a slog to get through." "It can''t be worse than this." Roddy says after finally closing his book. "It''s engaging, but I wish I could just shake the author and tell them to get to the damned point." "It gets better around the middle." Amelia tells him and snatches up one of the first cookies to finish baking. "But, the last few pages are a real slog, as Sorrel put it." "Do I need to bring out the donut cage again?" I grumble because the three of them have nearly devoured the first batch of cookies. "Sorry, Babe." Amelia''s shy smile is highlighted by the cookie crumbs clinging to her lips. "Here, just take this batch and let me cook in peace." I dump a couple dozen snickerdoodles that just finished cooking into a large bowl and hand it to the sweets obsessed blonde. I''m able to finish the rest of the cookies in peace after that. Well, peaceful if you don''t count the predatory looks the girls kept sending in my direction, or should I say the cookie''s direction. "Here." I say after a few minutes. "Eat your rabbit, then you can make yourself sick on cookies" "Hehehe." Apricot giggles. "Amelia''s already learned the trick to turn food into magic, so we don''t have to worry about that." "Wait, my sister can eat all the sweets she wants now?" Roddy blinks at her before turning to me with a commiserating look on his face. "Oh, you poor bastard, she''s never going to let you leave the kitchen." "Shut up!" She hits him hard enough to make him wince. "I''m not that bad." "Whatever you say, Amy." He dances out of the way before she can smack him again. "Nng." She glares at him, right up until she takes her first bite, then the food gets all of her attention. "So, we''ll be reaching the city tomorrow." I speak up after a moment. "Is there anything I should know beforehand?" "Not really." Amelia shrugs. "Riverton is a trade city, so it''s a pretty eclectic place. I would warn about pick-pockets, but they can''t get into storage." "The docks can be a bit rough after dark, but as long as you don''t go walking down any dark alleys you should be fine." Her brother adds. "Oh, and since it''s on the river, the sewer slimes tend towards the large size, but they haven''t eaten anyone in ages." I''m not sure if he''s joking or not. "Basic city rules, then?" I nod my head. "Watch your wallet, and avoid the rougher areas... including the sewers. Which is such a shame, I was really looking forward to checking them out too." "Hah!" Apricot finds my sarcasm hilarious for some reason. "Any recommendations for an inn while I''m getting situated?" Even if her parents were cool with letting me stay with her, it would just be too awkward for me. "And, speaking of. Who should I speak to about finding some land? Are there housing agents, or what?" "Inside the walls, yes." She nods. "But, if you want a farm, you''ll probably have to speak to the farmers themselves. As for inns... Briar''s may not be the best, but it''s close to our house, and I should be able to get you a discount." "You mean you''re not just going to drag him home like a stray cat." Amelia''s brother teases her. "I''m pretty sure he won''t pee on your bed like the last one that ''followed you home''." I can see that Apricot is just dying to make a dirty joke about that. So, I pull out a handful of thumbprint cookies to distract her. And, I swear I hear the echo of a *boo* coming from Temmie when I do. "Roddy." Amelia growls out his name in warning. "Alright, alright." Her brother raises his hands in surrender. "I''m just teasing. Mom and dad are pretty relaxed, but I don''t think anyone is relaxed enough to let a strange man stay in their daughter''s room." "Do you think they''d be okay with a strange pixie?" I smile at the orange-haired glutton when she pauses mid-chew to look at me. "I''d feel bad about monopolizing Apricot." "I don''t want us to be apart either, but I''m not going to let you sleep alone." My pixie stares me straight in the eyes. "Not with your nightmares." I feel a bit of magic around mine and Amelia''s ears, letting me know that that last sentence was just for us. "I wish we could all just stay at the inn together." Amelia groans. "But, after what happened, I just know mom is not going to let me and Roddy out of her sight." "Ugh. Don''t remind me." This time it''s her brother''s turn to groan. "She was bad enough last time we had to go take care of aunt Carmen, but after us getting attacked. Nnh, she''s going to smother us." "We''ll work something out." Apricot reaches over my lap to take Amelia''s hand. "I know. We can just play up how badly your brother was injured, so you''ll be free to spend the days with us." "Don''t you dare!" He glares at the tempted look on his sister''s face. "No need to sacrifice your brother." I laugh. "I''m sure everything will work out... But, I''m not above bribing my way into her good graces. Maybe she''d like a portrait of the two of you?" "Hmm?" Rodrick strokes his chin as he thinks it over. "I don''t know if that would work, but it certainly won''t hurt." "That is a kind of a good idea." Amelia nods. "But, you need to make Roddy some new clothes first. He''s more of a wrinkled mess than usual." "Oh, yeah." I smack myself lightly on the forehead. "Sorry man, but between the guitar and the archery I just completely forgot about that. I should have enough magic in me right now for at least one outfit, but I can do more in the morning." "Oh. Well, if you could remake these pants, and I''d like one of your shirts." He pauses for a second. "But, maybe with long sleeves." "I can do that." I take out my painting supplies and draw up a shirt for him. "How about something like this? It''s called a Henley, no idea where the name comes from though." "Yeah, that''s not bad." He nods. "I like that light grey too." I nibble on some cookies while knitting and weaving his clothes. The girls chat about our plans after we reach the city, though it''s mostly just Amelia telling Apricot about all the best restaurants and bakeries that she wants to take us to. I finish up the shirt first, and he quickly changes into it. Amelia then pulls him closer to the fire to get a better look. She tries to comb his hair only to be shooed away by Roddy, who snatches up the comb and does it himself. The amused smile on her face and the faux-annoyed look on his as she fixes a loose strand of hair has me put down the weaving and take up the ''paints'' to capture the scene. The two of them are sitting side by side on a log, lit by the firelight. Amelia turned toward Rodrick as she reaches up to fix his hair. "Oh, that''s a good one." Apricot compliments the picture. "Amelia, do you think your mom will like this one?" "Hah! She''ll love it." She smiles at her brother. "He caught your expression perfectly, Roddy." She shows the picture to him, but he just rolls his eyes. "It''s fine, but she''ll probably want a proper portrait too." "That''s fine, but it''ll have to wait until morning. I''ve barely got enough juice left to finish your outfit." *** # 032 We turned in after I finished weaving the pants for Rodrick. Thankfully I didn''t seem to have any nightmares that night either, though the girls making extra sure to wear me out before bed may have had something to do with that. "Good morning." I smile down at the pixie that''s sandwiched between Amelia and myself. "Hi." She smiles back. "Did you sleep well, the ward didn''t go off." "Very well." I lean closer for a kiss. "Thank you for last night, and thanks for watching over me." "You are very welcome." She pulls me back in for another kiss before turning to Amelia to get one from her. Those kisses led to more, and it was nearly an hour before we climbed from the tent. The sun was still barely up, but Rodrick was awake, sipping on some tea as he read his book. Amelia was about to rush off to the latrine, but I held her back long enough to get a candid picture of her brother reading. "That''s great, but gotta pee." Roddy looks up when she runs past him on her way to the outhouse. "Morning sis." "Do you think she''s ever going to figure out that she can use magic to deal with that?" Apricot asks with a laugh. "I hope not." I laugh along with her. "She''s so cute when she does that little pee-pee dance of hers." "I know, right." The pixie''s lips pull into a wide smile. "So, Rodrick. Have you decided what kind of clothes you want?" He''s wearing the outfit I made last night. "Or, should I sketch out some examples? Though, I should warn that the men''s clothing I know isn''t nearly as diverse as women''s. Mostly it just comes down to slight differences in style or cut." "Ooh, show me what you''ve got." This comes not from Rodrick, but his sister who''s returning from relieving her bladder. "Especially the formal stuff, I need to make sure you have an outfit good enough to match my dress." "This is good for now." The man ignores his sister. "I might take a look at your designs though, and I certainly won''t say no to something fancy made out of star weave." "Don''t forget underwear?" Apricot chimes in. "You drew page after page of women''s undies, there has to be more to be more for boys to wear than those trunks you made for yourself." "Yeah, but I like my trunks." I sigh and take out my drawing supplies when I see that neither she nor Amelia look like they''re going to drop this. "There''s like nine or ten basic styles, but I really do just prefer trunks, maybe some loose knit boxers if I''m having a lazy day." I fill a page with everything from g-strings to long-johns. "There. Now, if you''re happy, can I get started on breakfast?" "I suppose." Amelia says without looking up from the sheet. "But, we''re definitely playing dress-up later." "Whatever." I sigh again, and make a light breakfast for the four of us. After the meal, we pack up and get on the road again. The girls start pestering me about men''s fashion again, so I spend most of the morning going through my media collection looking for men''s outfits. I was never really into fashion, so I''m sure I''m missing stuff, but it is what it is. I try to break things down into general groups like athletic, casual, business, formal, military, period, foreign, and a few weird outfits from movies just for laughs. Apricot and Amelia had plenty of fun mixing and matching the different pieces, and teasing me about what they were going to make me wear. We reached the edge of the woods around noon, and the first thing that stood out to me was the size of the city walls. The second being the faint trail of smoke coming from just outside the walls. "Apricot, can you make that out?" Amelia shades her eyes to get a better look, but doesn''t seem to be able to make it out any better than I can. "Someone''s house burned down." The pixie says, her tone somber. "Took most of the field with it too." "Shit, I hope everyone got out okay." I want to rush forward to help, but judging by the smoke this probably happened early in the morning. The rest of the ride into town is subdued after that. Nearing the wall, I spot a dejected-looking woman picking through the remains of what was presumably her home. "Sorrel, look." Apricot points to a couple girls that I missed because they were sitting in the shadow of a small tree One looks around seven, the other is around four or five. "The little one is wearing bandages." I jump off the wagon and start walking towards the gutted farmhouse, the girls following close behind, while Roddy stays with the horse. "Hello!" I announce myself from a ways back. "My name is Sorrel, I''m a healer and I might be able to help." The woman''s eyes light up, only to cloud over again a moment later. "Thank you, but we''ve already seen the best healers in Riverton. They did their best but said that there''s only so much they can do for burns." "May I try anyway?" I stop a few meters out. "My healing spell works a bit differently." "If you think you can." I can tell that she''s trying not to get her hopes up. "Myra, baby. This man is going to look at you." Judging by the girl''s glassy-eyed stare, they dosed her with something for the pain. "Did they give her poppy juice?" I ask while kneeling in front of the little girl. Her left arm and that side of her face are wrapped in bandages, what I can see of her hair has been singed short on that side. "She wouldn''t stop screaming because of the pain." The mother nods, and strokes her daughter''s un-burnt hair; her older sister standing by protectively. Sending my magic into her, I can see that she has second-degree burns covering most of her arm. Her face isn''t quite as bad, unless you count the blistered mess that used to be her ear. "I should be able to help." I say hesitantly. "But, it might take a few days for her to fully recover." I honestly have no idea how much vitality it''s going take out of me to heal her. "Truly?" The woman looks like she''s about to collapse. "Please, please help my baby." "Shh, everything will be alright." Amelia wraps her arms about the sobbing farmwife. "Sorrel will do everything he can to fix your little girl." "I''ll start with her face, but I need to remove these bandages first." The mother just nods, so I make the linen wraps fall away, and cast cleanse to remove the ointment that was put on her burns. Myra''s sister hisses at the sight, but I ignore her and start spreading healing sap over the burns. The wounds visibly fade as I push my strength into the little girl. The ear is the worst, and I find myself having to cast cleanse to clear out the blisters before I can repair it fully. Satisfied that I''ve done what I can for her looks; I move onto her hand. I can feel the remnants of another magic here, it looks like they did what they could, but without a proper healing, she might lose a couple of her fingers. I want to do more, but I have to focus on restoring blood flow and repairing her tendons. ''I can work on the cosmetic stuff later.'' Thinking about it like that is the only way to keep from pushing more and more vitality into the little girl. "I need to eat something, and to rest for a moment." I pant out a few minutes later, sagging in place once I''m sure her hand won''t be crippled. "I won''t be able to cure it all today but give me a bit to recover and I''ll do what I can for the pain. Her hand is still burnt, but I took care of the worst of the damage."This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. The woman and the girl''s sister are just staring at the now flawless skin on Myra''s face. Her mom stroking it gently, as if she doesn''t believe her eyes. "Mind telling us what happened while I catch my breath?" Just as I say that a man with a few bandages of his own comes running up. "Sophia! Is everything alright?" His wife just moves aside so he can see the little girl. "Myra? How?" "Oh, William. Mister Sorrel, here healed her just like that." Sophia is now looking at me like she can''t believe I''m real. "He was just riding past, and oh..." Tears that she must have been holding back start streaming down her face. "I''ll need at least two more days to take care of her arm." I explain while scarfing down the cookies I saved for myself last night. "The spell draws on my strength, and I can only offer up so much at a time. That''s why I''m eating like this... and yes you can have a cookie." I hold the plate up the older girl who''s been eyeing them since I took the snacks from storage. "Willow." The man laughs at his daughter. "Sir, we can''t thank you enough. If we hadn''t just lost everything, I''d give you anything you wanted. As it is, we have to rely on the generosity of our neighbors just to have someplace to sleep tonight." "Well, maybe I can do something about that too" I climb to my feet and start dumping out log after log of firewood from my storage. Calling Blackthorne to my hand, I start shaping the wood into beams and planks for a new home. "I should have more than enough wood to replace your house. Just tell me where you want it?" "Mister Sorrel, please this is too much." William tries to stop me, but I''m going to do whether he wants me to or not. "And, of course, you''ll need the basic necessities." I ignore his protests, turning more firewood into furniture that will go in their new home. A great bale of cotton comes out next, and fashions itself into clothing and bedding for the four of them. "I don''t think he''s going to take no for an answer, dear." Sophia takes her husband¡¯s hand in hers as tears of happiness run down her face. "Listen to your wife." I nod to the woman. "Now, do you want me to build it in the same spot, or somewhere else? Either way, we should clean this up?" I turn to my girls who are both staring at me with proud smiles on their faces. "Amelia, there''s not enough trees around for me to be wasting magic. Can you clear out the ash?" "Yes, but you need to keep eating." She empties her entire stash of sweets onto the table I just made and plonks me down in a chair in front of it. Not even leaving my side, she then casts her bath spell. It takes a few minutes, but all the ashes and debris soon vanish. All that''s behind is bare dirt, a pile of rocks that used to be the fireplace, a few lumpy bits of metal piled together, and surprisingly, a rather nice looking teapot. "My momma''s teapot. How?" Sophia rushes over and scoops up the family heirloom. "It''s not even cracked." "Fire can be a strange beast." Apricot says. "That it can be." I agree, standing from a now empty table. "Now, do you still want the house in the same spot?" William just nods, so I get to work. Wooden beams drill themselves deeply into the ground creating the new outline for the house. It looked like it only had two rooms before, with just a packed earth floor. These were probably a kitchen/living room, and a bedroom they all shared. So, I enlarge everything slightly and add a third room just for the girls. "Sir..." William tries to object again, but I ignore the man''s protests once again. I base the floor off of what I remember from watching home improvement shows. I doubt it''s up to code, but since it''s made with magically reinforced wood that''s been fused into one solid piece. I doubt it''ll be a problem, it won''t squeak either. "Now, I can''t do stone." I turn to his wife. "But, I''ll leave a space for the fireplace, and you can just tell me where want everything else." The furniture starts walking itself into place making Willow giggle in delight. "That... that looks fine." Sophia nods once everything settles into place. The walls and roof come next; I can''t do glass either, so I add tightly fitting shutters with wooden hinges instead. Those, along with a Dutch door makes the place rather bright and airy on the inside. "Alright, the roof still needs coating, and the walls painted, but it''s not going to rain anytime soon. And, I''d rather use the rest of my magic on your daughter than trying to make some. How about we bring her inside?" "Are you sure you can heal again so soon?" Amelia and Apricot come up to me with twin looks of worry. "I''m not going to do a lot." I hug them both to me. "I just want to see if I can do something for her pain. But, I''ll probably be starving again afterward." I take out all my potted fruit trees and push magic into them to make them fruit. "This should help, though. And, I''ve still got all the leftovers from the past week in storage." "Thank you for helping my sister." Willow''s tiny voice speaks up from behind us. "And, thank you for fixing our house too, it''s a lot bigger than our old one." "You''re very welcome Willow." I smile down at the little girl. "And, it''s bigger because I added a room just for you girls." "Sorrel." Rodrick''s voice calls from the road. Looking that way, I see a couple gate guards coming down the road, their eyes glued to the new house. "Willow, can you run inside and get your father?" She does as I ask, bringing him out a moment later. "William... is everything alright here?" One guard steps forward to address the farmer, but he keeps glancing between us and the new house. "Everything''s fine Derby. Better than fine." He gestures over to me. "Mister Sorrel here is healing Myra, in addition to all this. Come on, she''s inside, and her face has already been fixed." He takes the guard''s arm and drags him into the house, the rest of us following along behind. The furniture I made is a bit plain, but everything is sturdy enough to last a lifetime, and they can always paint it or something. At least, all the cushions are nice and fluffy. "Gods." Derby stops in the doorway of the girls'' room. "Her face, it''s perfect again." "I started with that, and the worst of the damage on her hand." I say after slipping past him to sit at the girl''s foot. The poor thing still looks completely out of it. "I''m going to do what I can for the pain next, so they can wean her off the poppy milk. But, the full healing is going to take a couple days." "The Baron is definitely going to want to meet you." "I''d be honored to meet him." I pause. "But I''m going to be pretty drained after this. It''ll probably take me a good hour before I''m up to going anywhere" "You take your time." He just stares at Myra''s face. "The Baron will understand." "I get that you''re upset, but don''t push yourself too hard." Apricot wraps her arms around me. "You won''t be able to heal anyone if you drain yourself dry." "I know." I stroke her hair. "That''s why I paused after fixing her face, it just kills me to see a little kid like this." I gesture to the girl''s glassy-eyed stare. "Sophia, can you get Myra to drink this for me." I create a small wooden cup that quickly gets filled with healing sap. It takes her a bit to get the child to start drinking, but after Myra gets a taste, she soon drinks it all down. I then close my eyes to focus on the magic. Her arm truly is a mess, but whatever salve they used on her is keeping it from getting infected, so it''s not life-threatening. This goes slower than working on her face did, but it doesn''t take quite as much out of me. I still have to give her another cup though, just because of how large an area was damaged. "This." I croak and have to pull some water from the air to moisten my lips. "Ahem. This is as much as I can do for now. Her arm is still in bad shape, but I''ve done what I can for the pain. So, you should be able to lay off the poppy milk. Just make sure she doesn''t jostle the arm." The girls help me up and drag me over to the table. "I told you not to overdo it." The pixie admonishes me. "I''ll be fine in a bit." I fill the table with leftovers and the fruit that I just grew and begin chowing down, starting with some rabbit. "..." She opens her mouth, but just closes it and shakes her head. After a while, I start feeling Plantkin again, and the food on the table is all but gone. "We need to go shopping again." I say while quick roasting one of the birds from my storage. "Not tonight you don''t." Derby speaks up from the door. "I just got word back, and the Baron has invited all of you to his manor for dinner. He''s very interested in Myra''s recovery and would like to have his personal healer to check her over." "But, we haven''t even seen our parents yet." Amelia freaks out a little. "Tell me where to find them, and I''ll go collect them personally." The guard offers. "They''re probably still in the warehouse." Her brother says. "I''ll go with you and explain what''s going on, otherwise mom will just worry." "Okay." Derby nods. "Terrence here will guide the rest of you up to the manor house when you''re ready." "Thank you, I''ll be good to go in a minute." I bow my head to the guards. "Fortunately, there''s enough room in the wagon for all of us. And, there''s a soft mattress in the back, so Myra won''t get jostled." "I''ll go bring it over for you." Terrence offers and follows Derby and Rodrick out of the door. "Thanks." I turn to Amelia after he walks off. "Anything I need to know about meeting nobility?" "Not really. Baron Pepi is known to be fairly easy-going." She pauses to watch me take a big bite of the roast fowl. "Though, you may need to brush up on your table manners." "Mhm." I mumble, but don''t stop eating. "Seriously, where are you putting it all?" She laughs. "Do you have your own version of Apricot''s ''turn food to magic'' spell?" "Not quite." I shake my head. "I''m basically just using a low-level growth spell on my guts to increase the rate at which I absorb the nutrients. I''m still going to need a full night''s rest before I can heal again, but this keeps me from passing out while waiting to digest everything." "You dumbass." She says that, but there''s no heat to her words. "I don''t want to see a little girl in pain either, but you shouldn''t push yourself so far." "I''ll try." I set down what''s left of the bird, and pull her and the still silent pixie into my lap. "I''m sorry for worrying you, but this was my first major healing, and I needed to find out how far I could push myself." "Just be careful, please." Apricot breathes into my ear. "I don''t want to lose you." "I promise." I squeeze her tight. "I love the both of you and don''t want to do anything that would hurt either of you. Now, we probably shouldn''t keep the Baron waiting." "I love you too." She pulls back just enough to smile at me. "Even if you are a dumbass." "I love you too." Amelia sends me a smile of her own. "Even if dinner at the Baron''s wasn''t how I wanted you to meet my parents." "I don''t suppose it''s too late to slink off into the woods, is it?" "Don''t you dare." *** # 033 I stop at the fruit trees to restock while William and his family pile into the back of the wagon. Little Myra already seems more alert, but not enough to move around yet. Not that her doting mother would let her. Once we''re all in, Terrence takes the driver''s seat and guides Stormie through the streets of the city. I removed the tarp from the back so we could see where we were going, but it was pretty much a straight shot to the Barons'' manor from the gate. "Nice place." It''s a large, intricately detailed, three-story building that looks to have been made from magically molded stone. "It''s said they hired the best earth mages on the continent to build it." Amelia tries to sound cool, but I can hear the nervousness in her voice. "Relax Amelia." Apricot squeezes her knee. "He''s just another lunker, even if he does live in a fancy house." "Hehehe." Little Willow giggles at the pixie''s words. "Willow." Sophia hushes her daughter. She didn''t seem afraid though, more that she just wanted her to be respectful. I took that as a good sign that the Baron has a good character. "Are you sure you''re alright Sorrel?" Amelia worries as I bite into a peach, I''ve been slowly snacking on fruit for the whole ride. "I''ll be fine." I wipe up the juice from my chin. "Healing is like doing hard labor all day on an empty stomach. I just need to fuel up and then get a good night''s rest." A carriage rolls up just as we''re getting out of the wagon, Roddy and a middle-aged couple climb out a moment later. "Mommy! Daddy!" Amelia runs over and gets pulled into a hug. The woman, Kaitlyn, looks just like an older version of Amelia. Maybe a few crow¡¯s-feet around her eyes, and laugh lines around her mouth. Her eyes are different though, a sharp hazel color compared to the brilliant blue irises that Amelia shares with her father. The man, Turner, has a receding hairline in the same shade as his son, a cheerful face, and a slight pot-belly, but the biggest distinguishing characteristic about him is the hugely relieved look on his face at seeing his little girl safe and sound. "Oh good, you''re all here." A proud looking man speaks up from the top of the steps leading into the manor house. He looks to be a good decade older than Amelia''s father, but in somewhat better shape. "Yes, they''re here." A woman who looks to be of an age with him brushes past the baron. "Now move so I can see the girl." She doesn''t quite look it, but she is definitely radiating that fiery old grandma vibe. "Baron Pepi, Healer Elise." Farmer William bows to the man and his healer. This leads to a short round of bows and curtseys from the rest of us. Though, Apricot and I shoot each other a quick glance and a minute shrug before following along. "No need to be so formal, please..." While the baron is talking to William and his wife I''m glued to the healer as she performs a magical scan on Myra. "Remarkable, you can''t even tell that her face was burned." The healer speaks to herself. "And, Martin was sure she would lose those fingers..." She pauses for a moment before staring straight. "You, explain what you did here." "I couldn''t heal her all in one go, so I took care of the worst bits." I state, simply too tired to care about her attitude. "Including her pain." I add when she just glares at me. "Explain, please." It sounds like that last word cost her. "A picture is worth a thousand words." Out comes my drawing supplies, and a moment later I''m handing her a before and after picture of the girl''s damaged nerve endings. "You can target your healing that finely?" She sounds impressed. "It takes longer, but yes. I can." I pull out an apricot to snack on, grinning at the pixie as I take the first bite. "My healing sap lets me transfer my strength to the patient. Without my guiding it, the added vitality would just spread even throughout their body." "I would love a demonstration." The healer says eagerly. "Tomorrow." I reply, flatly. "The girls will yell at me if I push myself anymore today." "You''re not wrong about that." Apricot''s voice carries more worry than heat. "Sweetie." I pull her closer with a vine. "I''m sorry for worrying you, but I needed to find out where that line was. So, I''ll know not to cross it in the future." "I suppose I can wait until then." The older woman nods and turns to the baron. "Erick, have them stay the night, I want to be present for the healing tomorrow." Having said her peace, she stalks back inside. "I like her." Apricot chuckles. "Elise has always been a bit of a spitfire." Baron Pepi smiles up at her retreating form. "Ah, Mister and Missus Rialta, lovely to see you again." Amelia''s brother hangs back with a big smirk on his face as she and their parents join us. "Sir, Ma''am." I give them a shallow bow, not bothering to take my vine from Apricot''s waist. Either they''re going to be okay with it, or they aren''t, and it''s better to find out now. "You must be Sorrel and Apricot." Amelia''s mother eyes us up and down, her eyes lingering for a moment on where I''m holding the pixie. "Thank you for bringing my baby home, but if either of you ever hurt her. I''ll make your lives a living hell." "Understood." There is something to be said about being too exhausted to care. "Talk about spitfires." The baron laughs. "Alright, if the traditional threats are done, shall we adjourn inside? The supper won''t be ready for a while yet, but I received a very interesting report via messenger bird from my youngest son. He wrote to me about a rather remarkable young man that he met on the road." "Sergeant Simms? Mhm, I had a feeling that he was more than he seemed." I''m surprised the baron''s son is only a sergeant, but it''s probably some family tradition to start at the bottom or something like that. "Aye, the stubborn boy decided that he had to work his way up on his own merit using his mother''s name." His expression is a mixture of paternal pride and annoyance. "But, I must say that I''m very interested in these games he wrote about." He''s been guiding the six of us to a sitting room while we talk. Myra and her family having been taken away by a servant to their rooms for the night so they can rest up and get changed for the meal. "May I?" I point to the stack of firewood next to an unused fireplace. "I used up what I had on me rebuilding the farmhouse." "Let me have a servant bring in some fine woods for you to work with." He nods to one standing by the door who runs off to do just that.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. "Of course." I pull out some paper instead and start re-creating the book I gave to his son. "My family was really into board games, but I know a few card and dice games as well. Though, Amelia has informed that the deck I''m familiar with is somewhat different than what is used around these parts." I retrieve the deck I made for Amelia and hand it over for him to examine. "Interesting style." He isolates the face cards and peers at them like he''s trying to see if he recognizes anyone. "Those are copies of basic, everyday cards." I explain. "There are fancier designs, but these are just what I''m used to playing with." I finish up the book just after the servant arrives with several of his compatriots carrying baskets of rough sawn timber. "My son wrote that there were a lot, but I must admit that I wasn''t expecting all this." Pepi says while thumbing through the book. I know a few more than what''s in there too, but they wouldn''t properly translate thanks to cultural differences. Even something simple like LIFE would be nearly impossible to re-create without knowing more about this world. Let alone a game like trivial pursuit. "This is a good selection of the classics, and the most popular stuff. But, games were very popular back home, and there are many more than these." As we talk, I''m doing my best to utilize the fine woods provided to create the best looking games I can. While I''m chatting with the baron, Amelia and Roddy are getting quizzed by their parents. Apricot is, of course, chiming in with the odd ''helpful'' interjection. "Oh my." Baron Pepi looks up from the book to see a rather large selection of very intricately detailed game boards and pieces. Instead of just painting almost everything like I did for his son, I''ve used all the different colors of wood as my palette. "You are a rather skilled young man aren''t you?" "It''s all thanks to the magic." I say, somewhat embarrassed. "I just need to visualize what I want and let the mana do the hard work." "You should see him working with living plants." Apricot adds in. "Then it''s as if nature itself desires to see his vision out." "I don''t know much about magic, but you truly have a gift." Now, I''m really embarrassed. "I''m not sure about the market for games, but you can easily make a fine living as a craftsman." "Oh, I might do a bit of art on the side." I create a quick statue of the Baron, and ''paint'' it to look as realistic as possible. "But, Amelia has told me I could make the most coin making clothing. Speaking of..." I set a dress shirt I made for myself in front of him. "I''m pretty sure I''ve figured out starweave, but I''ve never actually seen it before. Could you tell me if I got it right?" The Baron and the Rialtas go quiet when I mention starweave, Amelia gets the smuggest smile on her face when her parents crowd close to get a better look. Apricot giggles at their antics, but Rodrick just rolls his eyes. "This..." He fingers the fabric, and peers at it from just centimeters away. "How? This is star weave alright, and it''s even finer than anything I own." "The idea came to me when I was eating some honey cake." I pick up one of the Catan tiles and show him the back so all he can see if the hexagonal shape. "As for the quality; I''ve been practicing with finer and finer weaves, so I can make clothes for Apricot to wear when she''s her normal pixie size." "Rodrick!" His mother turns on the young man. "Why didn''t you say anything about this when you told us your sister had found herself a man?" "What is it that one saying that you and dad keep using?" He strokes his chin with a thoughtful look. "Oh yeah. Always treat the customer like a king, because he might just be one." His father and the baron crack up laughing at the look that comes on her face. "Oh, he got us good, Katey-girl." Turner puts his arm around her shoulders and tows her gobsmacked self back to their chairs. "You''re not though, are you?" Kaitlyn finds her voice after he sits her down. "Oh goodness, no." Now, it''s my turn to laugh. "My mother was basically a clerk, and I''m just a scholar who''s good with plants." Mom worked in an office, and even though she tried explaining her job to us, more than once. I still don''t know what the hell she does, so ''clerk'' is probably the best explanation I could offer. "I''d say you''re good with a bit more than just plants." The baron is still going over the shirt, seemingly wanting to examine every square centimeter. "And, I am definitely going to be one of your first customers." "I know Amelia was going on about this stuff, but is it really such a big deal?" It took me all of an hour to figure it out, so I''m just not seeing what all the fuss is about. "I can''t be the only person to have found the trick to making starweave." "Oh, every weaver worth the name tries their hand at it at some point." The baron explains. "But, only the Yarnhams in the capital are able to produce it in any quantity." "Yeah." Amelia adds. "There are rumors that their many-times great grandfather created an enchanted loom, but now I''m wondering if they aren''t just a family of nature mages." "Hmm?" Thinking it over, I can''t even picture how a three-axis loom would even work. "They aren''t going to be an issue in the future, are they?" "Not with me as your patron they won''t be." The baron states emphatically. "Thank you." I bow in my chair to the man. I then retrieve the sheaf of designs I drew up this morning and hand them over. "These are a few examples of men''s clothing from my homeland, and the surrounding countries. And, I should be able to copy any style you want, provided I get to see an example first." "I would very much like to take a look through these." A servant just made their presence known at the door to the sitting room. "But, it looks as though the meal is ready to be served." He returns my shirt before guiding us to a richly appointed dining room. The first thing I notice is little Myra up and about with her arm in a padded sling. She and her sister are surrounded by three women who, judging by their looks are the baron''s wife and daughters. The girls'' parents are standing nearby looking a bit overwhelmed. The healer Elise is already seated at a table talking with another woman of the same age. The large, round animal ears on top of her head mark her as some form of beastkin, though I''m unsure which. "Sorrel, let me introduce you to my other son." He tows me over to where his son is talking with a silver-haired man wearing a military uniform. "Reinholt, Hollen, I''d like you to meet Sorrel, the man who is healing little Myra. Sorrel, this is my eldest Reinholt, and Colonel Hollen Baca the head of the guard around these parts." "An honor to meet you." I offer up a shallow bow to each in turn. "The honor is ours." Reinholt looks to be about a decade my senior. "It''s not everyday one sees a skilled mage around these parts, let alone one who can heal." "Oh, I just wish I could do more for her." I glance over at the little girl who''s smiling brightly. "My healing sap may be powerful, but it is also very limited in what it can do at one time." "Speaking of the girl." The colonel has a deep, gravelly voice. "My men have tracked down where the slime came from. Turns out a new alchemist in town was trying to save a few coins by dumping his experiments into the sewers." "Is that what caused the fire?" I never did learn what the cause was. "Yes." Baca answers. "The damned thing melted its way straight through the protective grate blocking the river. And, after it ate all the livestock it tried to get into their house. Farmer William was already awake though, and swung a burning branch at it." "Normally this would have worked fine to kill it." Reinholt takes up the story. "But, whatever alchemical concoction it ate made the slime explode. William was only peppered with burning goop, but their house went up before the water mages could even be alerted. But, I hear someone already replaced it for them." The man laughs at my embarrassed expression. "What will happen to the alchemist." "The magistrate will see to him tomorrow, but he''ll likely be making potions -under close supervision- for the guard until he can work off his debt to society." He explains. "And, since that debt includes the services of a top-class healer. He''s probably going to be at it for a while." "Good." I nod, rather liking this system of punishment. "Heh." The colonel snorts. "We should send him down into the sewers to clean up his mess." "Oh, I think Brovkin is on duty tomorrow." The baron smiles a wicked smile. "He''s been known to hand punishments like that. Sorrel, I saw you painting what young Myra''s arm looked like for Elise. Could you draw her face as well?" I look around to make sure the farmers aren''t close enough to see before doing as he asked. "Here. And, here is one showing the damage to her hand from the inside. As you can see, the blood vessels and tendons were so damaged that she, most likely, would have lost these two fingers." "Gods!" Reinholt turns a bit green after seeing the damage. "I''ll be sure that Brovkin sees these." The baron stores the paintings away with magic, his casting about on par with Amelia''s before she started getting tutored by Apricot. "But, for now, let''s sit down to eat. Before the chef decides to yell at me again." Pepi''s joke lightens the mood, but I catch his son staring at the little girl''s restored face. Reinholt then sits down next to a woman and another girl who is maybe a year older than Myra. "Let me introduce you to the rest of my family." The baron says as we all settle down at a long table. "My darling wife, Grace. Our daughters, Lori and Catrina. Reinholt¡¯s wife, Dulcette, and my grand-daughter Rebecca. You already met my cousin Elise, this is her wife Glynda." "Quit jawing so we can eat already." Elise speaks up. "Or, do I need to sick Granville on you again?" Pepi laughs, but gestures for the food to be brought out before she can live up to the threat. *** # 034 The meal passed quickly after that. I did my best to make polite small talk, but my focus was mainly on the food. Thankfully Pepi and his wife were understanding, though his daughters nearly flipped when they learned that I could make starweave. Amelia came to the rescue there and started showing them the drawings of women''s fashion I made for her and Apricot. Though, I think she only did so after catching sight of the look Catrina was giving me. After the table was cleared away, the baron had his servants bring the board games in from the sitting room, as even that over-sized room wasn''t big enough to fit all of us. The girls and Roddy helped me explain how to play. I noticed the three little girls just having fun moving the marbles around on the Chinese Checkers board, or ''star checkers'' as I renamed it. So, I quickly made a Candyland game for them. "Hi girls." The younger two get a bit shy, but Willow looks up at me with a big smile on her face. "I made a special game just for you, it was my sister''s favorite when she was around your age." I set the game down, and show them how to play. "Is that what your sister looks like?" Dulcette asks about my playing piece. I gave each girl one modeled after themselves. "Lily is almost fully grown now." I nod. "But, yeah this is what she used to look like." I start getting choked up just from looking at the little figurine. "Here, could you take over, I think your husband and his father need a bit of help with their chess game." "Of course." She sends me a sad smile as I retreat. "You doing alright?" Apricot intercepts me. "Just tired." I smile at the winged woman. "It''s been a long day, and I never really was one for parties. Even a mild one like this." "You should try a pixie party." She grins. "They''re a lot more fun." "I can imagine." I put my arm around her waist and steer us over to Amelia. "Hey, you having fun?" She''s playing Catan with her parents and the baroness, and kicking their butts. "She is." Her dad grumps. "But, I''m thinking I taught her the trade too well. I don''t think I''ve gotten a good trade out of her yet." "At least she hasn''t been using the robber against you." Kaitlyn grouses as she has to hand over a card to her daughter. "Oh, sorry mom, but that''s the last card I needed for my city." Amelia smirks. "And, with my longest road card, that means I win." "Sorrel." Baron Pepi comes up to us just then. "Care to show us how to play this poker game?" "Let me join you." Turner gets up from the table. "Please." He adds after looking back at the wicked grin on his daughter''s face. "Sure thing baron." "Call me Erick, please." "Erick, then." I nod. "Let''s start with five-card draw, it''s probably the easiest to learn." Seeing me shuffle the cards Colonel Baca joins in, giving us five players. "Ace is high in this game, meaning the one card beats the king which beats the queen, which beats the jack, and so on." I draw up a cheat sheet for each of them with the winning hands. "Oh, that''s going to be difficult to keep straight." Reinholt says. "I''m so used to the queen being the highest card." A murmur of agreement meets his words. "Okay..." I pick out the face cards and change the jacks and kings. "How about merchant, consort, queen?" One of the former jacks now bears a striking resemblance to Amelia''s father. "Hahaha." Turner chuckles. "I think I can remember that." The others nod along. "Alright, we start by anteing up..." I walk them through a few games, pointing out the basic strategy. Erick and Turner have the best poker-faces, but Reinholt is an open book, and Baca is surprisingly not much better. He likes to play with his chips, and I can just by how they clink together how good or bad his hand is. I normally play a bit conservatively, but we''re not playing for coin, so I go for a riskier approach and it''s not long before Reinholt is out of the game. "I feel this is probably a good point to mention the most important rule in poker. It''s not so much about playing the cards as it is about playing the people." I say with a laugh and a pointed look at the colonel''s hand that''s still playing with his chips. "Wait." He stares from his chips to me and back again. "Is that why you''d always fold when I had a good hand?" "Hahahah." The baron cracks up. "I''m sorry old friend, but a blind man could tell what cards you had. Shall we try some of the other games now?"A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. We redistribute the chips and I act as dealer for a few games of blackjack before walking them through the other games I know. The players came and went and, sooner than I realized, it must have been nearly midnight. "I''m sorry." A big yawn escapes from my mouth. "But, I don''t think I can carry on any longer. I still need a full night''s sleep if I''m to do any more healing tomorrow." "Of course, of course." Erick signals a servant to looks like he wants to go to bed too. "Carl here will show you to your rooms. Feel free to sleep in, the kitchens will have food ready whenever you get up." "Thank you." I give him a short bow before collecting my girls from where they''re playing a slow game of chess against each other. "Hey, Baby." Amelia puts her arm around my waist. "You look tired, I''m surprised you lasted this long." "It''s been a while since I had a good poker night, you tend to get caught up in it." Another yawn slips out as Carl guides us upstairs. "And, watching Reinholt try to hide all his tells was funny enough to keep me going." "At least he didn''t just change them randomly like you." Apricot grouses, still upset that she lost against me earlier. "Says the pixie with the biggest tells in the room." I coat my hand in magic and trace a finger lightly across her wing. "These beautiful things would shiver every time you thought you had me." "Eeee. Stop that tickles." She twists her wing away from me. "Wait, how''d you do that?" "Just a thought I had." I shrug and let the magic go. "Glad it works though." "Your rooms." The tired servant bows to us after opening the door to a suite of rooms on the second floor. "Thanks." I nod back. "And, sorry for keeping you up." I have to bite back another yawn as I say that. "That''s quite alright, sir." He backs away as we enter the rooms. ... A delightful smell draws me from sleep the next morning. Cracking my eyes presents me with a delectable vision. And, even better, she''s got breakfast for me. "Morning sleepy head." Amelia smiles down at me and hands me the plate she was just wafting under my nose. "Hey." I smile back. "Sorry I passed out as soon as I touched the bed last night." "Don''t apologize." Her smile slips away. "You needed the rest... and it''d be weird with my parents under the same roof." "Mhm." I mumble around a bite of breakfast. "If you say so." "I do." "Hehehe." Apricot giggles. "You''re so cute when you get hung up about sex." "..." "Oh, be nice to her." I roll my eyes. "I don''t think anyone else is as open about sex as pixies are. And, since we''re speaking about your parents. Do you think we made a good impression? I was a little too out of it to be nervous, so I hope I didn''t come across as cocky, or anything." "You were fine." Amelia sighs. "Dad loves you. Mom grilled me about both of you for a bit, but she seems to be alright with us." "I know she likes me." The pixie crows. "I helped her beat you at Settlers." "That was mean." Amelia glares at her. "But, you''re right. She does like you now." "Well, if her sweet-tooth is even half as big as yours." I grin. "Then, I should be able to win her over without a problem." "Nnh. I should have left you asleep." The blonde grumbles. We chuckle at her and quickly work our way through the meal before getting dressed and heading out to face the day. Elise is standing outside the door when I open it, her hand raised to knock. "Good, you''re up. Are you recovered enough for another healing?" "I am." I answer. "Though, I''ll need a good deal of food afterward." "Easily dealt with." She waves the matter away as inconsequential. "Come with me. Martin, the one who dealt with her before you, is here with his apprentice. We''re very interested to see how your spell works." I just nod silently and follow in her wake. Not that we go far, the farmers were set up just a couple doors down. "You must be Sorrel." A lively older man hops up from the couch when we enter the room. "Since Elise isn''t likely to introduce us; I''m Martin Harding, and this is my apprentice Jana Brissen." "Hello." She rises from the couch in a slightly more dignified manner. The woman is maybe a few years older than us. She has a kind, caring face, and some nice curves. "Nice to meet you." I nod to each of them. "How''s Myra doing?" "I feel okay mister Sorrel." A tiny voice speaks up from the bedroom doorway. "Are you really going to be able to fix my arm?" "I am." I smile at her, and gesture to the couch. "I''m going to start with your hand this morning, and see how far up your arm I can go. Please lie down here and close your eyes." I''m going to have to remove her bindings and don''t want her to see her hand like that. "It''s alright Myra." Willow cheers her on. "He''s a really good healer." "I''m going to start now." The warning is more for the healers than the little girl. Myra''s family are arranged by her head; her mother stroking the child''s hair, likely to keep her from sitting up to look when I reveal the wound. William hugging onto his other daughter, and looking rather worried himself. I kneel in front of her arm, Elise and Martin at either side and Jana looking over my shoulder. The bandages fall away from Myra''s hand, and the salve evaporates away a second later. Healing sap flows from my fingertips before soaking into her cracked flesh and restoring it from the inside out. I hear a few hushed words from the healers, but they just wash over me as I give the repairs my all. Once her hand is restored, I start working my way up her arm. I don''t even make it to the elbow before I feel myself reaching that line I set for myself yesterday. Knowing better than to push any farther, I disengage the spell and come back to myself. "That''s all I can do for now." Amelia and Apricot help me to my feet as I take a juicy apple from storage and bite into it. "Depending on how fast I recover, I may be able to finish tonight. Tomorrow at the latest. But, right now. I need to go empty the good baron''s kitchens." The apple and two others are already gone, cores and all. "Jana, show them the way." Martin orders distractedly as he and Elise continue to plumb the girl with their magical senses. His apprentice rushes forward to open the door and guides us downstairs and into the kitchen. "Mister Granville." She bows to a jovial looking cook. "Mister Sorrel here needs a lot of food, badly." I''ve already gone through half of a small bushel of apples in just the time it took us to get here. "I was warned you might." The chef starts pulling dish after dish from his storage, setting them on a large kitchen table. "Any preference?" "Everything." I grab the first dish and start shoveling it into my mouth. Jana looks astonished, but all I see from the girls is worry. "I''m fine." I say between mouthfuls. "I swear I didn''t push any harder than yesterday." "..." Apricot purses her lips. "We just don''t like seeing you this way." Amelia sighs, and pulls over a chair for me to sit in before addressing the cook. "He''s going to need a little bit more than this, if yesterday was anything to go by." # 035 "Where does it all go?" The apprentice healer is just staring at me slack-jawed as I inhale the food. "Hah." I snort. "If you think I''m bad, you should see these two when I bring out the sweets. Speaking of sweets." I add after spotting a pot of steaming brown liquid with a somewhat familiar scent. "Do you have any unroasted cocoa beans, preferably from an unopened pod." "I do, but that horrid drink is far from sweet." Granville scrunches up his nose in distaste. "That''s just because you don''t know how to prepare it." I explain, still steadily making my way through to proffered food. "It''s a whole ordeal that takes weeks, and quite a bit of labor, but you end up with one of the best sweets in existence. I''m hoping to shorten all that time and effort with a judicious use of magic." "I don''t suppose you''d be willing to share?" He looks hopeful. "Actually, I could use your help." I admit. "I know how it''s done, and have seen all the steps, but I''ve never done it myself." "An experiment then?" The man has a wide smile on his face now. "We''ll need to order some more beans though, I only have a few pods left." "I can take care of that." I reply quickly. "I''ll just need a bit of space to grow the tree." "Ah, there you are." Amelia''s parents and brother enter the kitchen just then. "Your father and I need to get to the warehouse. We''ll see you at home tonight, yes?" She says it like a question, but it''s not a question. "Yes, mommy." Amelia pastes a smile on her face. "Sorrel is going to try and heal the rest of Myra''s arm tonight. So, I may be late, but I will come home tonight." "Does he always eat like that?" Turner asks his son in a whisper that we all hear. "Daddy." Amelia sighs. "He''s only eating like this because he fixed that little girl''s hand." "Yes, he did." Elise speaks up when she and Martin enter the kitchen. "We watched him do it and ran every test we could during and afterward. And, it''s like she was never burned to begin with. I''ve never seen anything like it, his spell or whatever it is completely bypasses the body''s natural resistance to foreign mana." "Well, it doesn''t do so without a cost." I gesture to the stack of empty plates. "I''ve had an idea that might help with that." Martin steps forward, the light of fervor burning in his eyes. "See, I think it very likely that you might be able to use your healing sap as a conduit for other healing spells." "That... would be nice." I set down my knife and fork. "I picked it up just in case of emergencies, but I''ve already had to heal three rather serious injuries in just over a week. And, that''s not even counting Carmen''s break and inner ear. She had scarring from an old infection that was causing balance issues." I add to the healers'' twin raised eyebrows. "You can restore old injuries too?" Elise seems very interested when I mention this. "At a greatly increased cost." I stare her straight in the eye to make sure she understands. "Just healing those three little tubes took more out of me than fixing Roddy''s arrow wound did." "All the more reason to see if my hypothesis is true." Martin beams. "I will keep you in mind." I nod and go back to my food. "But, today I plan to rest, and hopefully make some chocolate." "Enough Martin. The lad''s not going anywhere." Elise speaks up when he opens his mouth again. "So, take your apprentice and go about your day, I''ll send word when he''s feeling up to Healing Myra again." "Yes, yes." He nods and gestures for Jana. "I''m sorry I let my enthusiasm get the better of me." They bow to us and leave. "He''s like a dog with a bone, that one." The remaining healer smiles ruefully. "We should be going too." Turner leans in for a hug from Amelia. "You take care today, alright." "Yes, daddy." I can tell she''s fighting not to roll her eyes. "I''ll see you both tonight." She receives a hug from her mom before they leave with a grinning Roddy in tow. "Is this chocolate of yours going to take long?" Elise says after their footsteps can no longer be heard. "I know you need to rest, but there is another matter I would like to speak with you about." "Well, it''s going to be a bit of an experiment." I hesitate to agree to anything. "See, the roasting of the beans after they''ve been fermented -yes Mister Granville, that''s first step- plays a big role in the final product. And, I''m unsure as to the best temperature and duration for making the best chocolate." "You get me the beans, and I can handle all that for you." The chef offers. "It''ll give me something to do while stocking up for your next healing." He laughs and hands over a cocoa pod.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. "Then I''ll need thirty minutes, a corner of the garden, and some firewood to make a big tub." I still need to stock back up on that after using everything I had for the farmhouse. "Half an hour works for me." Elise nods and turns away to leave. "I''ll meet you back here then." "Mira." Granville calls to a servant that was walking past the kitchen. "Take Sorrel to the firewood pile, and then tell Seymour to give him a spot to grow a tree." "Yes, Sir." She bows sharply to the cook like she''s afraid of him. "This way, please." As we''re heading to a large shed in the back, Mira detours towards a man who looks so much like a gardener that he can only be Seymour. "He wants what?" Seymour''s voice rings out over the yard. "Sir." I raise my voice. "I can easily grow the tree in a pot, I just need enough space for it to grow. And, enough firewood to make the pot." I reach over to nearby flower bush and have it grow two blooms. Which I then pluck and stick behind Apricot and Amelia''s ears. "You should have told me he was a fellow plant mage." He looks me up and down, and I can feel some subtle magical probes directed at my greener parts. Turning to Apricot I ask her a question. "Is that considered rude around these parts, or not?" "Normally I''d say yes, but you are kinda invading his garden." She shrugs and waggles her hand in a ''so-so'' gesture. "I''m sorry, but what are you?" "Okay, now that was rude." Apricot laughs. "Hahah." I laugh along with her, and then drop my shapeshift for the first time in days. "I am Plantkin, but I was raised human which is why I prefer to look like this." I shift back and laugh again at their stunned looks. "I''d almost forgotten you could do that." Amelia giggles nervously. "The extra ten centimeters is kinda nice." "Yeah, but I''m skinny as a twig." She groans at my pun. "And, something tells me I''m going to be doing a lot of healing in the near future. So, the chances of me putting on weight are somewhat slim." "Yeah." Apricot grumbles. "I didn''t like that look Elise got when she learned you could heal scars." "I hope that''s not what she wants." "I''m terribly sorry sir, that was incredibly rude of me." The other two finally snap out of it. "You can grow your tree wherever you want." "I still need some firewood." I ignore his faux pas, and start walking towards the shed again. Mira soon catches up and lets me take whatever I need. The shed is very full, so I don''t feel bad about taking a little extra just in case I need it. Moving back to an open area, I make the pot for the tree only to realize that I don''t have much spare soil. "Mister Sorrel." The rude gardener addresses me. "If you need soil, I would be happy to help." He walks over and materializes a burlap sack of rich loam. "Yes, please." I could grow and decompose a bunch of plants, but that would take a few minutes. "That should be good thank you." Popping open the cocoa pod; I select the seed that feels the strongest and push it into the loose earth. Pushing magic into the seed, it soon sprouts and grows up and up. I know we''re going to need a lot of beans, so I make it a good three meters tall before telling it to bloom. "Is it supposed to be like that?" Seymour stares at the odd placement of the flowers. "I''ve never seen a plant that blooms in the same way." "Yeah, this is normal." He''s referring to how the trunk rather than the branches burst into little pink-and-white constellations of dime-sized starry blooms. I first make a few more tubs and then use the tendrils on my arms to pollinate the flowers. Going from bottom to top, I encourage them to fruit and collect the ripe pods into the largest tub. Once it''s full, I start opening the pods. Popping the beans into a second tub to be fermented, while everything else goes into a third to be decomposed. "Are all Plantkin as good at nature magic as you?" The gardener is looking seriously jealous at how quickly and easily I''m doing this. "From what I''ve read." I nod distractedly. "Never actually met another one before. Now, please let me focus, I haven''t worked as much with yeast." Pulling out the first pod again, I rub one of the pulpy seeds along its exterior. I don''t have much control over something so small, but I know what yeast feels like. So, I home in on that feeling and guide the magic to just grow the wild yeasts. Once my starter is good to go, it gets squeezed over the rest of the tub. Everything then gets stirred up as I drive the fermentation forward. This is a little more complex than making a loaf of bread, so I''m forced to rely on feelings and instinct to tell me when it''s done. "I think they''re good." I pour the liquid off into another tub that gets stored away to kick start the next batch. "Amelia, can you help me dry these out? We''re looking for just under seven percent moisture content." "I can do that." She draws the excess water off while I stir the beans up. "You''re getting better." I compliment her spellcraft. "Those lessons with Apricot seem to be helping quite a bit." "Thank you, but she deserves all the credit." Amelia smiles shyly. "No, you''re the one putting in the effort." Apricot shakes her head. "I''m just nudging you in the right direction." "..." Amelia blushes. "The beans are ready." "Thanks, that would have taken me much longer." I start storing everything, and then take a moment to top off my magic before tackling the tree. Just to be safe, I use the full incantation and somatic gestures. "Hmm? Thought it would be harder, storing that hog was much more difficult than this. Of course, I was in a rush to get away from the wolves at the time." "That reminds me." Amelia speaks up as we start back to the kitchens, leaving Seymour and Mira dumbstruck in our wake. "We still need to sell the ones you caught and those furs." "Hopefully, whatever Elise wants won''t take all day. I know I need to take it easy, but I''d still like to explore the city a bit." I pause for a second and change course around the building. "Hold up for a bit, someone is playing with Blackthorne." We walk around to the stables, but I don''t sense Stormie, or see our wagon anywhere around. Even sending out a pulse of magic looking for a resonance in its planks gives me nothing. What I do see is a young stable hand goofing around with my staff. "Amelia, your brother is a little shit. He stole our wagon." Apricot and I start laughing as she promises to enact a dire retribution on him. I then turn to the kid who still hasn''t noticed us. "Boy! Did no one ever tell you that you should ask permission before playing with another man''s staff?" "Hah!" Apricot barks out and Temmie *Dings* when the kid jumps a mile and drops Blackthorne like it burnt him. "S-s-sir." He drops to his knees. "I''m so sorry sir." "Don''t worry about it kid, I just didn''t want you getting hurt." The staff jumps into my hand. "Blackie here has a bit of a mind of his own." "That was mean." Amelia says, but the smile on her face puts the lie to her words. *** # 036 Even with the little detour to the stables we got back faster than I thought we would. So, I had a chance to talk with Granville about the whole chocolate-making process. He agreed with my methodology of test roasting different batches at different temperatures for different lengths of time to see what tastes best. He''s even going send a message to an earth mage friend to have them build a grinding mill. "Are you good to go now?" Elise asks from the doorway. "I''ve got everything under control for now." Granville answers for me. "Just don''t keep him all day." "Mhm." She gives the cook a non-committal grunt, and gestures for us to follow. "I know you can''t heal again so soon, but I was hoping you could take a look at a patient for me. She''s deaf and I just want to see if you think you might be able to help." "May I ask why you''re so eager to have me look at her?" I say somewhat hesitantly. "I know I''m being selfish here." She lets out a tired sigh. "But, it''s my wife''s daughter from her first marriage. It''s how we met actually, Glynda''s husband died from the same fever that took her Anne''s hearing. It''s been nearly a decade, but..." "I understand." A sad smile slips onto my face. "But, I''m not sure how much help I can offer. If it was caused by a fever the damage might be in her brain, and I''m very leery of messing around in there." "Just have a look, please." She opens the door to what must be her private rooms. Glynda is sitting there with a young woman who, despite having different, more pointed animal ears is clearly related. They seem to be using some rudimentary form of sign language along with what sounds like a normal conversation, though her mother is exaggerating her mouth movements slightly. "Auntie Elise." Anne has a surprisingly lovely voice but sounds quite exasperated. "I understand that you found a new healer, but did you really need to pull me out of work?" "Sorry." The healer looks a bit sheepish after getting dressed-down by her step-daughter. "Hello, Anne." I speak normaly, taking care not to exaggerate my mouth movements. "Sorry you had your day interrupted, but it should only take me a moment to see if I''ll be able to help or not." "You''ve been around deaf people before." Her sentence is a statement, not a question. "When I was younger." I nod. "We weren''t very close, but I learned what annoyed them." "Hahahah." Her laugh comes out as more of a bray, but I kinda like it. "Alright, you can take a look." Stepping closer, I take her head in my hands and close my eyes as the magic quests for the cause of the problem. "The canal and eardrum are fine, as are the ossicles. Hmm? There''s some damage to the cochlea, but I think that was caused by exposure to loud sounds after the illness. The problem is the auditory nerve where it connects to the cochlea." Pulling back, I ignore the blush on her face and write out what I just said in case she couldn''t read my lips from so close. I also included a drawing that details the extent of the damage on each ear. Her right side is worse off, but they''re both pretty bad. "Will you be able to fix her?" I don''t know who''s more nervous-looking, Glynda or Elise. "I won''t know until I try." I shrug, not willing to commit myself. "It should be doable, but she''s going to have to wait until I finish with Myra." "Of course." Anne nods emphatically. "Mom was just telling me what you did... are still doing for her." "I''m hoping to finish up tonight, so I should be able to see you tomorrow. Though, it might be later in the day depending on how much I can do for Myra tonight." "Thank you." Glynda takes my hand as tears well up in her eyes. "Thank me after I''ve actually done something for her." I don''t have any doubts about being able to heal her daughter, but I don''t want to raise any hopes in case I''m wrong. "If there''s nothing else, I''d like to get back to the kitchen, the first batch should be done roasting soon. And, I very much want to make some chocolate." "Actually." Elise speaks up while looking at the drawing I made of Anne''s ears. "Your illustrations are the best I''ve ever seen. And, I would very much like to commission a series of anatomical drawings." "Between you and Erick commissioning clothes, I get the feeling that I''m going to be making a lot more pigments soon." I chuckle softly. "But, if you can arrange the models, I have no problems with that." "I wouldn''t mind being a model." Anne says a little too swiftly. "If I go back to work now, my boss will just yell at me... for all the good it does him." She lets out another one of her donkey laughs. "Well, let''s go down to the kitchens." I want my chocolate. "We can talk about exactly what Elise wants while I work on the first test batch." "You really do want this chocolate of yours." She stumbles over the word slightly, but does fairly well for never having heard it pronounced. "You have no idea." I smile at the beastkin and head out of the room. "Ooh. Somebody''s got a crush." Apricot using her ventriloquism spell to ''talk'' directly into our ears. "I noticed." I use my version of her spell on the flowers in their ears. Amelia doesn''t seem as upset about Anne as she did Catrina, but I still keep my reply short and to the point. "Nnh, I need to learn how to do that with water." Amelia grumps in a hushed voice as we walk back down to the kitchen. "I''ll try to walk you through it later." Apricot smiles up at her. "Might take a while, but you should be able to vibrate the moisture in the air to get the same effect." "Speaking of learning spells. Do you think Martin''s idea of piggybacking spells on my healing sap will work?" I ask our magical expert. "I don''t actually know." Apricot ponders the question for a bit. "But, you''re already really good at slipping past a person''s resistance and getting inside them." *Ding* Temmie laughs at her joke. "There''s a reason Elise hasn''t seen better illustrations, that''s because most people can''t see that well inside someone else." "Sorrel. Good timing." Granville has a guest in the kitchen and they seem to be trying to piece together a mill based on my earlier description. "Edsel was just trying to figure out that grinding mill of yours." He''s a tall, somewhat average looking man, with dirty-blonde hair that looks like he''s let it grow shaggy to hide the fact that it''s starting to fall out.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. "You''re pretty close." I make a wooden model based on what I remember. The grinder is simple, it''s just a cylindrical tub with two large, stone wheels that spin around a central pillar. "All the ones I''ve seen were powered from below, but it would probably be easier to add a belt drive on top, like so. Also, can you work with harder steel, I''ve got a little project that I need a good earth mage, or blacksmith to help me with." "What do you have in mind?" The man seems intrigued. "Oh, my." He exclaims when I bring out my bicycle. "Where did you get this beauty?" "Made it, based on a popular vehicle where I come from." I answer with a hint of pride. "But, there''s only so much I can do with compressed wood. I need hardened steel ball-bearings, a metal chain, and gears. That, and a ratcheting mechanism inside the hub to disengage the pedal while coasting." I bring out wooden examples of each. "Hey!" Granville snaps. "Chocolate first, you work on your toys later." "Sorry Gran." Edsel chuckles when the chef fumes at the nickname. "I told you I hate being called that." The cook speaks through clenched teeth. "I know." he laughs even harder. "Why do you think I keep using it. Alright, alright. I''ll get back to it. Are you sure about these grooves?" He directs that question to me. "I''ve seen older models with plain wheels." I Shrug. "But, all the newer grinders seem to have them." "Hmm?" He strokes his chin. "Might as well try it." "Just what are you making?" Elise interjects. "I see those nasty beans that Holt is always drinking, but they don''t smell nearly as bad." "The lad says he knows how to make a treat from these things that puts that blasted drink to shame." Granville explains. "I''m humoring him in the hopes that I can get that stuff out of my kitchen." "Hah!" Anne brays out another sharp laugh. "Trust me." I turn to face her, so she can see my lips. "It''s a pain to make, but the final product is very much worth it." "Well, the first batch is done." Granville says. "Let''s see what your magic can do." "The shells barely even cracked on these, but that''s easily taken care of." The nibs are freed from their casings and fly into a mixing bowl. "Normally this takes hours or even days of grinding. And then, it''s pressed to remove the cocoa butter, and the leftover cake is ground again into a fine powder. Finally, everything gets mixed up for hours or days again. And, even then after all that work, the chocolate can be ruined if it''s not tempered properly." The beans are being ground and mixed up by magic as I speak, swiftly changing from coarse grains into a thick sludge and finally a silky smooth paste. Dipping a clean stick into the chocolate liquor, I bring it to my lips for a taste. "Hmm, it''s a bit gritty still." I smack my lips as Granville gets his own taste. "I''m glad the Baron has such a nice garden, I would have run out of magic by now if there weren''t a lot of plants around." "I''m glad you like them." The man himself says while stepping into the kitchen. "But, I do hope you''re not hurting Seymour''s plants." "Not at all." I shake my head. "It''s just a little trick to help me draw in mana from sunlight. Any skilled nature mage can learn it, though being Plantkin certainly helps. Oh, this is much better, as it is this would be considered baking chocolate, and tastes fine just a bit of sweetening." I say after testing the chocolate again after a minute more of grinding. "But, I want that cocoa powder, and it''s much better when you go through all the steps." Granville takes a small sample and mixes in some sugar. "It''s still bitter, definitely an acquired taste, but this is already far and above Holt''s drink." While he''s giving everyone test samples, I line my oil press with a thick cloth bag. I''m just starting to twist it down when Anne steps forward. "Let me, I''m stronger than I look." The girls smirk when she flexes her muscles. "I''m sure you are, but so am I." I hand her Blackthorne after shifting him into bow mode. "If you can draw this, I''ll let you help." "Well, you''re just full of surprises, aren''t you?" Pepi laughs as his cousin''s wife''s daughter tries and fails to draw my bow all the way back. "I didn''t see you with that last night." "Oh, I left it in the wagon." I say while squeezing out the cocoa butter as best I can. "One of the stable hands was playing around with it earlier, so I went and took it back before he hurt himself." "I give up." Anne slumps in defeat. "Can you even use this thing?" "I''m still a bit out of practice." I take the bow and easily pull it back. "But, it''s slowly coming back to me. Though, I still need to cheat a bit to keep my grouping tight." I hand her one of my spiral arrows. "May I see that?" The baron asks after moving into Anne''s line of sight. "This is one very nice arrow. Just what kind of grouping are we talking about?" "About the width of this press at over a hundred meters." I start to blush when everyone stares at me. "Well, I think I''ve gotten as much cocoa butter out as I''m going to with this thing." I change the subject. There''s a bowl about half-filled with a creamy yellow liquid at the base of the press. I was only able to get that much out by pushing on the wood with magic. I may need to invent a hydraulic press sooner rather than later. "May I keep this?" Erick asks while still playing with the arrow. "I''d like to show it to Hollen." "Of course." I nod absentmindedly while prying the pressed cake of cocoa out of the machine. "It''s just firewood and a bit of cotton. Now, this is usually ground up again in a high-speed rotary mill." I create a model that looks like an over-size herb grinder. "Though a ball mill would work fine." One of those gets modeled next. "I thought you said you weren''t very mechanical." Amelia teases me. "Heh, spinney round things are about my limit." I smile at her and grind the cocoa into a fine powder with magic. "And, if it wasn''t for working on so many bicycles when I was younger, I never would have been able to recreate one." Setting aside some of the cocoa powder, the rest gets divided between two bowls. These and a third bowl get cocoa butter and sugar added, two of the three get milk powder. While those are mixing, I take some cocoa powder and mix it into some warm milk with some sugar, and a tiny pinch of salt. "This is how we usually drink our chocolate back home." I hand the cup to Granville. "The powder can also be used to make quite a few baked treats." "That... is not bad." He mutters after testing a spoonful. "I''m not sure if Reinholt will drink it, but this. I don''t mind having this in my kitchen." "High praise indeed." Pepi laughs and takes a sip of his own when the chef passes the cup around. "Hmm? That is rather decent." "And, that''s just the first test batch made by an amateur." I interject as the cup makes the rounds. "There are people where I come from that have spent decades perfecting their chocolate. Alright, I''ve sped up the mixing as much as I can here, so I think these are ready for tempering." I always hated this process when making candies, but I can ''see'' the crystals forming now, and that helps quite a bit. "Now, this part I''m interested in." Edsel speaks up. "Does this share a lot with steel making?" "I know very little about blacksmithing." I admit. "But, chocolate forms six crystal types that each melt at a higher temperature. You first need to heat it just enough to melt everything. Next, you pour two-thirds out and agitate it to form crystals again. Once that happens, the mush, as it''s called, gets added back into the still molten chocolate. Then it''s heated again to melt the first four crystals and slowly cooled. For weeks even, if you want the tricky sixth crystals to dominate." "How did anyone even come up with this crazy process?" He scoffs as I pour the three different chocolates into wooden molds. "People love chocolate." I laugh. "Let''s just give these a minute to cool, and you''ll see why." I used fairly shallow molds so they would cool more quickly. "After tasting that drink, I''m certainly interested." Pepi lets loose a chuckle of his own. "The waiting is always the hardest part, isn''t it?" I say while cleaning up the mess I just made. "Alright, the crystals look good now. Amelia could you bring them down to room temperature, so we don''t have to wait forever." "Gladly." She starts doing so while I keep a close eye on the chocolate. "That''s good, thank you." I flip the molds over and flex the wood they are made from to release the tiny chocolate bars. I created nine of each type, one for each of us. "They look good, nice and shiny with a decent snap." I break a tiny piece off of my dark chocolate bar and let it melt on my tongue. "The bar itself turned out great, especially for how much I sped up the steps. The taste isn''t quite there, but hopefully one of the other roasts or a blend will fix that." I''m talking, but no one is paying attention to me. "Sorrel, baby." Amelia sidles up and tries to snag my un-eaten chocolate before Apricot can. "You really need to make some more of this." I just laugh and split my remaining bars between the two of them. "I''m trying to be objective here." Granville says while taking small nibbles of his chocolate, he''s the last one with any left, by the way. "But, she''s right, we definitely need more of this. We need to be thorough in our testing after all." He pushes forward one of the batches he took from the oven while I was working. """Hahahah.""" We all break into laughter at his words. *** # 037 "Alright. Now that I know the process works, it''s just a matter of repetition from here on." I say after I get started on the next batch of cocoa beans. "So, Edsel." I turn to the earth mage. "I''d like to talk more about the bicycle, but Elise wanted to discuss some medical drawings first." "That''s fine." He waves his hand in the air like he just don''t care. "I''d love to see a complete working model, but as long as you''re making more of this chocolate stuff I''m not going anywhere. Please, take your time." "Thank you for being patient." I smile at the healer. "Where would you like to start?" "Not a problem." She smiles back. "It was definitely worth it. And, I suppose we should continue with her head, if that''s alright with Annette, that is." "It''s fine." She nods. "But, are you sure you can paint and cook at the same time?" "Oh, honey." Apricot shakes her head with a laugh. "You haven''t even seen Sorrel cook for real, yet. He gets his magic and all four arms going without even looking at anything, and can still carry on a conversation while making some of the best food you ever tasted." "This I would like to see." Granville snorts out a laugh of his own. "Maybe later." I fight not to roll my eyes at the silly cook. "Shall I start on the outside with the skull and blood vessels, and then work my way in? I''ll paint the arteries in red and the veins in blue for clarity." "That would be fantastic." She sounds genuinely excited. "Eww, that is so weird." Anne squirms as front, side, rear, top and bottom pictures of her skull appear on the page before us. Her blood vessels branching out from largest to smallest as she watches. I don''t bother drawing out all the capillaries, but instead add a zoomed-in version of a small section. Several other close up examples of bone joins, the interior of the bone itself, and the insides of veins soon follow. "You did volunteer for this dear." Her mother grins. "Want to see what your muscles look like next? I''ll use yellow lines to indicate nerves on this one." The five views of her skull show up on another sheet and get coated with flesh. "I''ve never scanned a beastkin before, so this part is rather interesting. Humans have all the same musculature around their ears, but much weaker, and nearly useless." "Could you draw a comparison sheet." Elise leans forward, so I shift my hand to her head and do as she asks. "Oh, you''re right. That is fascinating." She traces out the individual muscle groups on each picture. Since we''re on the ear, I draw out a complete model including one full sheet dedicated to just the cochlea. The interior of the nose and mouth come next, including detailed close-ups of each type of tooth, and the two cavities that are starting to form. "I told you to take better care of your teeth." Glynda growls softly at her daughter. "Nnh." Anne squirms again. "Oh, no. No, I can''t watch this part." She closes the eyes I''m drawing. "See how the nerves bunch up here, that''s what causes your blind spot." Elise looks up at me quizzically, so I draw that ''plus and circle'' test. "Close your right eye, and look here with your left. Then you just need to move in and out until the circle disappears." "Ack!" She startles when she finds the right spot. "You have to try this Glynda." "You think that''s fun, try this one." I make another and surround the circle with vertical lines. Erick takes this one and has a similar reaction as his cousin did. "How? The lines just continue." He moves it in and out a few times just to be sure. "Are everyone''s eyes like this?" "Are you done yet?" Anne peeks open her eyes to see everyone moving pieces of paper back and forth in front of their faces. "What are you guys doing?" I just hand her another copy with printed instructions before answering the baron. "As far as I know everything with vertebrae has the same flaw in their eyes. Cephalopods like squids and cuttlefish are the only creatures I know of that have similar looking eyes, but with the nerve running along the outside meaning no blind spot. And, before you ask, this is somewhat common knowledge where I''m from." "How weird." He laughs it off. "Do you know why the lines fill in though?" "The brain is good at filling in missing information like that." I take a moment to create a quick flip-book animation of a horse running. "See. You''re looking at still pictures, but your brain stitches them together into a moving image." Everyone crowds around him as he flips through the animation. "More common knowledge?" "Yes, paper is fairly cheap there. So most children end up making a flip-book like that at one point or another." I explain. "We even have enchanted devices that use the same principle to playback scenes as they happened." Apricot smirks and Amelia blushes when they remember me last talking about those devices. "Your homeland sounds very interesting." He looks at me rather seriously. "Unfortunately I have no idea how to get there from here." A sigh escapes my lips. "And, I can tell you honestly that it was so far away that I had never heard of Larendath or even this continent of Varecia."If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "My apologies for bringing it up." He gives me a slightly sad look. I just nod back and take a deep breath before turning back to Elise and her step-daughter. "Shall I move onto the brain now?" "..." Anne squeezes her eyes shut again. "Hahahah." Her mother has the same donkey-like laugh. "I''d say that''s a yes." The chocolate has been poured into the molds by the time I finish detailing the gross structures. So, I take a moment to really dive in, but try as I might, I just can''t make out individual neurons. Something about the brain itself was causing interference. "Nng." I grumble at my failure. "Sorry, I tried to get a closer look at individual cells, but I just could not focus in close enough. I''ve seen drawings before that depict them somewhat like this, but I don''t really know very much about the brain." "You likely know more about it than any healer I''ve ever met." Elise stares at the detailed paintings in reverence. "Mhm." This is making me somewhat uncomfortable, but this knowledge could be useful to the healers of this world. "About all I remember is that the different parts of the brain tend to handle different functions, but there is some overlap in some parts. And, sometimes when one part is damaged, other bits may be able to take over for it. But, I really don''t know what does what, even how accurate that description is." "Is the chocolate ready to eat yet?" Apricot comes to my rescue by changing the subject. "It''s cooled down enough, yes." I de-mold the candies, and pass them out. "Mmm, this batch is much better, those last ones just didn''t roast enough." After taking my nibbles, I split the remainder between the girls like before. "This is probably good enough for me to work on a larger batch, that way everybody can get more than just a bite." "Yes, please." Anne nods emphatically, and the others quickly murmur their assent. "Oh, here you all are." Reinholt walks in just then. "What''s going on, why''s everyone in the kitchen?" "Sorrel is showing us how that horrid drink of yours is supposed to be made." Chef Granville takes some leftover cocoa powder and mixes up some hot-cocoa just like I showed him. "Drink." He thrusts the cup at the baron''s son. "Heheh. While you all tell Reinholt what he''s been missing." I say while standing up from the table. "I''m going to go grow enough beans for a decent batch. I''ll be back in a moment." I head for the backyard again, the girls following in my wake. "You doing alright?" Amelia asks once we''re on our own. "I will be." I set out the cocoa tree and force it to flower again. "I understand that Erick is interested in my origins, but it''s barely been a week, and I''ve mostly been trying not to think about it too hard. Then there''s the whole future thing; sure I can make easy coin from clothes and paintings." "And chocolate." Apricot adds. "And chocolate." I smile at the silly pixie. "And, very likely healing, and probably a dozen other things. But, are any of those really what I want to do? Yes, living a hedonistic life with the two of you sounds great, but I need a plan for the future beyond just making as much love and coin as I can." "What were you going to do before?" Amelia says while I pluck pod after pod from the tree. "Do you want to try and find your way home?" She tries to not show her reluctance to ask that question, but she''s not very good at hiding her emotions. "I know what I wanted to do, and even what job I likely would have gotten to work my way into that field. I also had a couple of backups, but none of those jobs exist here." A tired sigh escapes my lips. "As for going back home? Honestly, I don''t think that''s an option. And... I''m not sure I would go, even if I was offered the chance right now." "I''m sure you''ll figure something out." Amelia and Apricot pull me into a hug. "I know." I squeeze them back. "And, I''m sure I''ll feel better after eating a kilo or two of chocolate." I say it as a joke, but I might do just that. "Well, I think you''ve got enough beans and then some." Amelia gestures to the fermentation tub that''s several times larger than the first batch. "And, I''m sure you''ll find your path soon." "Thanks." Just knowing that I have someone to hold onto when I need it helps a lot. "But, speaking of paths. Are you going to follow after your parents, or explore more about magic now? And, what about you Apricot? Surely you must want something more than just food and sex?" "What''s wrong with just food and sex?" Apricot laughs it off. And, I, not wanting to push, just let it go. "I''ve always wanted to be a famous trader, but magic..." Amelia sighs while drying out the beans for me. "Even when I''m doing something like this, I keep forgetting that I could become a real mage now. I really should learn more, but if I want to be serious about it that means moving to the capital at the very least. I... I just don''t know." "Well." I say. "Then it looks like the both of us have some thinking to do." I glance at apricot, but she''s masking her emotions right now. "But, right now, we have chocolate to make." I store everything and head back inside. "Erick had a meeting to attend." Elise greets us when we return. "But, he asked that you save some of the chocolate for him." "Well, hopefully there will be enough." I say with a smile before depositing a large barrel full of fermented and dried beans next to Granville. He''s working with Edsel to grind up a batch of beans. So, I grab one of the others that have come out of the oven and get started on it. "So, Reinholt. How did you like my version of hot chocolate?" "It''s... not the worst drink I''ve ever had." He shrugs, but I see the mug he was handed by the chef has been completely drained. "I''m not a big fan of milk though, or rather it''s not a fan of me. And, I do miss the bitterness a bit." "Oh, you can try using nut milk, or just plain water. Though, I had one friend who couldn''t drink milk either that swore by oat milk. I always thought it was a bit thick for my taste, but to each their own." "Do those plants produce milk where you''re from?" He gives me a strange look. "No." I laugh. "You just blend the stuff up with water and strain out the pulp. It''s not for everyone, but a lot of people like milk, but can''t drink it. And, as for the bitterness, you can try melting some dark or even baking chocolate. That, or just drink coffee, I guess." "Coffee?" He and the chef look at me with interested eyes. "It¡¯s another tropical fruit like cocoa, only they''re small red berries instead of big pods." I draw a picture of what they look like. "The beans can be roasted and ground much like you were doing with the cocoa before. It''s much stronger than tea too, for when you really need a pick me up." "Hmm?" Granville examines the drawing. "It doesn''t look familiar, but I''ll ask my suppliers. Any uses besides as a drink?" "Yeah, mostly in desserts, including one of my favorite ice-creams. But, I''ve also seen it used as part of a dry rub for meat. Yes Apricot, I said rub and meat in the same sentence." I roll my eyes at the tittering pixie. "I like Temmie as much as the next guy, but not everything is a dirty joke. And, don''t you go booing me again either. Or, I won''t let you watch me polish my staff later." *Ding* The goddess barks out a laugh as I trail my fingers down Blackthorne. "Are you followers of Temmie?" Annette asks, her cheeks pink with embarrassment. "Oh, Amelia follows Marten, but we''re trying to win her over." I smile over at the blonde who''s just shaking her head at us. "So, are you still up for being a model? Your step-mom looks like she''s eager to continue." "Uh, yeah. Just, umm... no more eyeballs please." She wrinkles her nose and shivers a bit. # 038 Elise had me start with the skeleton first, before moving onto the cardiovascular, nervous, lymphatic, and muscular systems. Then came individual organs, and a parade of questions to see what else I could remember about biology. Which unfortunately wasn''t much. "I''m sorry, Elise." I can only apologize. "If you wanted to know about plants, I could bore you to tears with the details. But, aside from those few bits of trivia I''ve already given you, I can only relay what I can see." "No, no." She shakes her head. "This is more than enough. Do you have any idea how rare it is for someone to be able to scan the body with such clarity? Let alone be able to paint it in such detail?" "I can only assume that it''s my race''s natural propensity for nature magic." ''That and a bit of a divine bonus to that propensity.'' I add silently. ''Thanks again VeeGee.'' "Even so, I still have to thank you." She pulls out a very fat purse and drops it into my hand. "This is all I have on me right now, but I''ll be sure to have Erick get you the rest soon. I never imagined you could make so many paintings of such high-quality in such a short amount of time." "I''m glad I was able to be of service." I store the gold away with a laugh. "Though, I think Anne might have been a little traumatized by the whole ordeal." "She did volunteer for it." Her mother laughs along with me. "And, I think the extra chocolate you gave her should more than make up for her squeamishness, and her embarrassment." I got through most of the test batches and the big batch based on the second roast while I was painting. I still need to experiment some more with different blends, and growing the cocoa in different types of soil. But, on its own, the number two roast holds up pretty well. I got lucky finding a good one so quick. "..." Anne doesn''t comment. She was distracted by getting a big bar of milk chocolate when I started on the reproductive systems. And, boy did she ever blush a bright pink once she figured out just where my attention was centered. Luckily for her, Holt had just left to deliver a few bars to his father. And, Granville and Edsel were preoccupied with making a batch of their own without my nature magic cheats. "How''s it going over here?" I ask the duo that are still grinding their test batch. "Slowly." Edsel breathes out in frustration. "I tried speeding it up, but Gran told me I was heating the mixture up too much. And, this is only part of what needs to be done? If I hadn''t tasted the stuff myself, I''d never believe anyone would go through all the trouble." "Want to try working on the bicycle for a bit?" I start building an over-sized model of a working chain-drive, along with a second copy of all the mechanisms in regular size. They won''t hold up to much wear and tear, but should give him a base to work from. "They''re not very complex as things go, but if I hadn''t spent a summer working at a repair shop, I''d be completely lost." "Oh, this is marvelous." He goggles as I adjust the derailleur on the big model. "The chain just locks onto the new path, meaning you can change gears on the go." "I went with a basic three-speed model here, but even this is probably overkill in a flat city like Riverton, I just wanted to demonstrate the shifter for you." Derailleur is a bit of a mouth full, so shifter it is. "As you can see on the smaller model, adding a front shifter gives you a lot more options. But, more parts means more hassle." "Do you know how useful this design could be?" He plays around with the gears, changing from one speed to the next. "Very, I suppose." I shrug. "But, I don''t know any earth magic of my own... yet. And, I''ll likely be riding one of these around just to avoid the hassle of stabling a horse. The design is going to get copied sooner or later, so I figured ''why not work with someone known and trusted by the baron''s household''." "I take it you want some sort of partnership, then?" He sends an inquisitive look in my direction. "I was thinking more along the lines of a trade, but a partnership could work. Especially if you want to make a lot of bicycles." I pull a ball of rubber out of storage. "After all, every good bike needs a good tire." "What is that?" His question is repeated several times over when I bounce it off the floor. "It''s called rubber." I hand the ball over. "This is the raw stuff, but it can be treated alchemically to make it much tougher. Tough enough to provide a cushioned wheel that can last for thousands of kilometers."The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. "You''re an alchemist too?" This question comes from Elise. "I know a few tricks when it comes to plants." I''m really wishing I hadn''t slept through so many chemistry classes, or that I had at least added eBook versions of my textbooks to my library. "But, this stuff is dead simple to work with, provided you know how and where to get the raw ingredient." "Which you obviously do." She smiles a wry smile. "Any more surprises hiding under that spiky red hair of yours?" "Oh, there might be one or two more." I grin back at her. "But, the chocolate and rubber are easily the biggest. It can pretty much do everything leather can, and then some. Plus, it''s waterproof and can be molded into almost any shape you want. It has some drawbacks, but they can be mitigated with the right additives." "You know, my cousin has already taken an interest in you. You don''t need to keep selling yourself like this." "Call it nerves." I shrug, not entirely sure why I''m putting myself on display like this. "I''m far from home and looking to start a new life from scratch. Making allies of the local nobles just seems like a good idea." "Hah!" Reinholt snorts out a laugh as he rejoins us in the kitchen. "You''re an honest one, aren''t you?" "I try to be." I laugh back. "It''s just easier to keep things straight that way. And, I feel that you should get a heads up since I will be making this stuff. It''s just too useful not to." I get the rubber ball back from Edsel and bounce it over to the baron''s son. "Well, since we''re being honest." He turns somewhat serious. "Then anything that can bring more money into the city is always welcome. We''re a trade city, so there''s a lot of coin passing through, but not much is actually generated here." "Hmm?" I stroke my chin to give me a second to think. "I had thought about partnering with a local alchemist. Any recommendations for one that''s both trustworthy and ambitious?" "Melanie might be perfect for that." Elise answers for him. "She''s skilled, but came back to help at her masters shop when he became ill. Unfortunately, he died recently, and his son is just going to sell everything off. If you like, I can send a runner to go fetch her. I know she''s probably just moping away her time." "Yeah, I''d like to meet her." I nod. I still don''t know what I want to do with my life, but having some coin sure won''t hurt. And, if rubber takes off here like it did back home, I''m sure to make plenty. "Enough business." Granville harrumphs. "It''s almost lunch, and I want to see if you can cook like this one says you can." He points his chin at Apricot. "Hmm?" I look around at all the people in the kitchen and push my senses out to count the people in the house. "How hot do these ovens get?" "As hot as you need." He answers with a hint of challenge to his voice. "Alright. Get some large baking stones pre-heating." I start issuing orders. If he wants to see me cook, then he''s gonna see me cook. "I''m going to need wheat flour, tomatoes, cow''s milk, lemons, sausage, both spicy and sweet, bacon, ground beef, chicken breasts, any smoked cheeses you have, spinach, button mushrooms, bell peppers, red onions, black olives. You don''t have to eat them if you don''t want to Amelia." I add when she groans at the mention of the Mediterranean fruit. "Yeah, that should cover the basic toppings. Gonna need more milk than that though." "What on earth are you making?" The chef asks while looking from the mountain of food he just provided to me, who''s growing some thistles and a few other herbs I''ll need. ""Bread and thistles!"" The girls start cracking up when they give the same joke answer I once gave them. I just smile at everyone''s confused looks and get to work. Several large batches of dough get mixed up first using magic. My vines start making some cheese, while my hands are working up some bbq sauce for the chicken. "Oh, right." I turn my head to look at the earth mage. "Edsel, do you think you can make a blade just like this?" My wooden pizza cutter materializes in front of him. "Uh, okay." He lets out an amused laugh. "And, you can just call me Ed." "Thank Ed." I turn back to the food. "Not a problem." He chuckles again. "It''s worth it just to see this look on Gran''s face." The bread is kneaded and rising, and the cheese is curdling. So, I start cooking the barbecue chicken, ground beef, bacon, and tomato sauce. While those are going, I test the various sausages and cheeses and find a few that should do alright. But, I''m really going to need to commission some pepperoni. By the time all the meat is done cooking and the toppings have been chopped, the bread has risen. "My sister Lily used to get a kick out of it whenever I did this." I say while twirling some dough over my head and rolling out some more with my vines. Once the dough is rolled out and docked, I cause it to rise again and ladle on the sauce, sprinkle the cheese, and carefully place the toppings. Some spare firewood gets turned into a large paddle, and the pizza gets shoveled into the oven, each one only taking a few minutes to cook. "Well, I''d say he can cook. Wouldn¡¯t you Gran?" Ed laughs at his friend. "Pizza." I finally answer the chef''s question. "With all the most popular toppings, including a no cheese and low cheese version for Reinholt. Typically served with a green salad and beer or a sweet drink." I set out a couple bowls of salad and a few large pitchers of iced tea. "Can you teach me that quick rise spell?" I have to laugh at the first words out of his mouth. "I can try, but it''s nature magic." I shrug. "So, Seymour might have a better chance at learning it. Ed, are you done with the cutter?" "Oh, yeah." He hands it over, and I deftly slice each pizza into twelve perfect slices. "Okay, now you''re just showing off." His joke draws a laugh from the room. "Well, help yourselves. There''s more than enough for everyone." The girls have already grabbed a few slices while everyone else was just staring at the feast. "I think it''s best hot, but it''s just as good after sitting in the icebox overnight." "Let''s store these up and call everyone into the dining room." Granville starts doing just that before anyone else can get a plate. *** # 039 "Ah, Melanie." Elise greets a tall woman of around twenty-five, with straight dark-brown hair pulled into a loose ponytail. "You''re just in time. Sorrel here has made us all a lunch from his homeland." "Oh?" She perks up at the mention of food. "Is he the one your messenger said that you wanted me to meet?" She looks me up and down, but her expression doesn''t give anything away. "Yes, but you can talk while we eat. Granville snatched the food away right before we could get at it." She shoots the chef a dirty look that rolls right off of him like water from a duck''s back. The chef in question waits until everyone is seated before placing the pizza on the table, each sitting on the wooden platter I made for them. Melanie and everyone that wasn''t in the kitchen looks suitably interested, while those that were have already grabbed a slice or two of whatever looked good to them. "This is called pizza." I announce to the room. "These are the most popular toppings where I''m from, but there are nearly as many different variations as there are types of food. Please enjoy." "Hear. Hear." The baron cheers and takes a bite from a slice of meat-lovers. "Oh, what is this sauce you put on the chicken?" Reinholt skipped right over the no cheese and went straight for the barbecue chicken. "Barbecue sauce, it''s a very common condiment used on meat, especially grilled meat." I explain. "So much so that outdoor grilling is generally referred to as barbecuing, even when you aren''t using the sauce." "I can see why." His dad says after taking a bite of a slice for himself. Looks like both of them are big meat-eaters. I went for a slice of supreme, and ''pepperoni'' myself. "This is close, but it''s just not the same without the red color." "I''ll introduce you to my sausagemaker." Granville says. He''s been trying out small bites of each type. "But, I''d like to know more about how you made that cheese." "Stamens from bull thistle." I answer after washing down a bite with some tea. "It''s best with sheep and goats milk, and no good for aged cheeses as it turns bitter after a couple months. But for something like this mozzarella it works fine. Nettle leaves work too, but you need a lot more of them. I typically use some calcium chloride and citric acid, but lemon juice or even vinegar are decent substitutes." "Calcium what?" The alchemist asks, interested now that I''ve touched on her subject. "Oh..." I draw the word out. "I don''t know what the common name is. But, it¡¯s a white powder, heats up when added to water. Uh... I think we covered this in class... Limestone!" I snap my fingers. "It''s extracted from limestone with hydrochloric acid." "..." She just gives me a blank face at the name. "Also called muriatic acid." She shakes her head. "Okay..." I pause for a second to plumb my brain for memories of chemistry class. "You mix it with nitric acid to melt gold." "We call it salt acid." She nods. "And, that calcium stuff, pickle crisp. But, you seem to know something about alchemy." "Oh, I wish." I shake my head with a sigh. "I had a really bad habit of sleeping through anything about that class that didn''t cover plants or the odd explosion. I don''t even know where I pulled that limestone memory from."The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. "You''re some sort of scholar?" She tries to raise an eyebrow, but she needs a bit more work keeping them separate. "But, they let you sleep in class." "Oh, I got in trouble for it -more than a few times- and my professor. Heheh. She''d get that exact same disappointed expression on her face. Especially since I would always rank at or near the top of the class when tested; I just wasn''t interested in anything that didn''t involve plants." "..." She eyes me up and down again before shrugging and going back to her pizza. "Give him a shot Mel." Elise roots for me. "Sorrel clearly knows what he''s doing when it comes to plants. Just wait until you try this chocolate stuff he made. And, Holt. Do you still have that ball?" She holds her hand out for it. "He calls this stuff rubber, and knows how to make it, and make it better with the right compounds." "What is it?" The alchemist examines the ball from all sides while squeezing it. She even goes so far as to sniff and lick it. "I caught the barest whiff of vinegar, but that''s all I can recognize." "Good nose." I rinsed it well, and even cast cleanse on it. "It''s usually made with formic acid -distilled from ants-. But, vinegar is in the same group of acids, and I didn''t want to distill ants." "Eww." Amelia wrinkles her nose. "Please don''t talk about bugs while I''m eating." "Mhm." Melanie grunts. "Fine, I''ll save my questions about that for later, but I want to know more about this now." She bounces the ball on the table. "You said you can make this better. In what way? And what are its properties, besides being stretchy?" "Latex rubber is waterproof and even air-tight." I start listing off its major properties. "Safe against most caustic substances can be melted and molded into nearly any shape. It will rot, especially in its natural form, and in strong sunlight and some oils. But, this can be mitigated with a bit of alchemy. Rather simple alchemy that can drastically change the rubber''s durability, stretchiness, and hardness." "I want to know more." She declares. "And, I want a partner to make it for me." I counter. "Rubber is extremely useful, but I have better prospects to pursue. And, frankly. I''m just not very interested in focusing on it." "If this can do even half what you say it can, then it will make you rich." She looks at me like she just doesn''t understand. "Why would you want to just hand that away?" "Cleanse." I clear the pizza grease from our hands and bring out my dress shirt from storage along with that first painting I did by the creek. "These take me minutes to make, and already have a market. No one knows what rubber is, so it might take years before it catches on." "This..." She peers at the shirt. "This is starweave. You can make starweave?" "Almost as easily as painting your portrait." The sound of Elise''s laughter rings out as I hand Melanie the picture I just made of her startled expression. "I can also make one of the best treats known to man, but that''s a much more involved process. Though, very much worth it." I take back the shirt and replace it with a bar of milk chocolate. "Oh, my." Her eyes dilate and a soft moan escapes her lips as the chocolate melts on her tongue. "Why even bother with this stretchy stuff if you can make all this?" "I told you, it''s extremely useful." I try not to roll my eyes. "Having a business set up to produce it would be better than just running off a batch whenever I need some." "I''m in." She licks her fingers to get every last morsel of chocolate off them. "Even if the rubber is a complete failure. It''s worth it just to be close to the source of this... what did you call it? Chocolate?" "Yes, and we can discuss details later." I nod at her. "I just got into town yesterday, and don''t even have a place to stay yet." "We can help with that." The baron speaks up. "What kind of place are you looking for?" "Oh, I do best with a lot of plants around me." I answer. "So, I was hoping to pick up a small farm, maybe by the river since the blight shouldn''t be an issue for me. And, yes I plan to look into that, though I''m not sure how much, or even if, I can help." "Very well, I''ll have some people make inquiries for you." "If I may?" William says from the other end of the table. "Most of my neighbors are very much willing to sell. If you can offer them a fair price, they''ll make the deal in a heartbeat." "Maybe you can introduce me to them tomorrow." I nod my thanks to the farmer. "At the rate I''m recovering, I should be good to heal Myra again around suppertime. But, there''s still a fair amount to do, so I''ll probably have to do another pass in the morning." "Thank you." He bows to me and then Erick. "And, thank you Baron for letting us stay here." "You''re very welcome." The city lord smiles back at the farmer and his family. "I''m just glad that we were able to help out a little." *** # 040 After lunch, I checked on Myra''s arm, but that was just an excuse to give her and her sister some chocolate. "Alright Willow, you take good care of your sister. I''ll see you again tonight." "Thank you, mister Sorrel. I will." She mumbles around a mouthful of chocolate. "Thank you again for everything." Her mother, Sophia bows low to me. "I''m just doing what I can." I take her by the shoulders and lift her upright. "I''m just sorry it''s taking so long to heal her all the way. Healers Martin and Elise are going to show me some proper healing spells. So, hopefully, I''ll be of more use in the future." "..." She opens her mouth to rebut my statement, but her husband puts his arm around her with a smile and a shake of his head. They then walk away with their girls in tow. "Alright." I turn to Apricot and Amelia. "We''ve got a few hours to kill, do you want to go explore the city for a bit?" "Could we explore the bedroom instead?" The blonde blushes furiously, but her voice doesn''t falter. "I''m not going to be here tonight, and..." "Oh, baby." Apricot and I sandwich her in a hug. "That sounds like a very good plan." "Yeah, the city can always wait." Apricot grins and starts towing us upstairs. After an afternoon of slow lovemaking, I snuggle up against Apricot while Amelia uses the toilet. "You know you don''t have to stay with me just because of some nightmares. I''ll be fine on my own for a night or two." I''m worried about their bond being stretched out, this will be the farthest they''ve been apart from each other. "We''ll be fine Sorrel." She rolls her eyes at my worry. "And besides, if I don''t stay the night, you''ll probably have Annette and Catrina fighting outside your door to see who gets to sneak in first." "Hahaha." Amelia laughs at the pixie''s quip from the bathroom door. "I''d like to see that. I can just imagine Catrina hissing at her while Anne just rolls her eyes. I can''t believe she''s actually deaf, she''s able to follow conversations so well." "Oh, yeah. I''m sure Apricot saw it right away, but when I got close I could tell she was using a bit of air magic. It''s probably not enough to let her hear again, but she could easily tell what direction sound is coming from." "Really?" Amelia''s eyes widen a bit. "Yup, Sorrel is spot on there." She peers at me. "And, his sensitivity to mana is getting eerily good. That girl has probably been casting that spell all day, every day, for years. And, it shows in how smoothly she can do so, but you were able to not only feel it out but decipher what it was doing." "That was mostly an educated guess." I counter. "The spell was split into two parts to triangulate the sound just like our two ears do. And well, it just didn''t ''feel'' complex enough to grant true hearing." I shrug, not sure how to explain it any better than that. "Even so, that was a very good catch." Apricot smiles up at me. "Anne is able to cast that one spell almost as smoothly as you can cast your nature spells. I''ve known actual Fae that might have missed that if they weren''t looking for it." "Well, I think ''if you''re going to do something, do it as best you can''." I grin down at her. "That''s going to have to wait for later." Amelia chides us before we can start the next round. "It''s almost dinner time, and you still have a little girl to heal. I want to make sure you''re okay before I head home." She was worried about me exerting myself the whole time we were having sex, so I got to enjoy having her take charge. "I''ll be fine, I promise not to push myself any farther than I have before." I pull her down on top of us and kiss her on the forehead. "Though it might be worth it if you stayed around to play nurse."Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. "Don''t even think about it." She growls, only to sigh a moment later. "Mom will kill me if I don''t show up tonight. Now, let me up so we can get dressed." "Your mom is just worried about you." I sit all three of us upright. "She hasn''t seen you in months, and then you show up in a relationship with a couple of weirdoes like us." "Speak for yourself plant boy." Apricot playfully swats my shoulder. "I''m perfectly normal for a pixie." ""Hehehehe."" Amelia and I start giggling at her indignant tone. "Oh, shut up and hand me my skirt. And, help me with this damned thing." She''s struggling to put her bra on. This just makes us laugh harder as we help the pixie dress herself. "Quit laughing." She whines. "These things are harder to use than they look." "I put the clasp in front, I don''t know to make it any easier to put on." I don''t think I even fumbled as much when I was taking off my first bra as she does putting one on. "You''ll get used to it Sweetie." Amelia says while making sure Apricot''s breasts are seated properly, for the third time. "I''m not complaining." The pixie raises an eyebrow when Amelia starts playing with them again. "But I thought you said we were running out of time." "Nnh, you''re right." The blonde pouts and pulls away to get dressed herself. "I''m just going to miss our little pixie sandwich later." "You do like cupping her breasts when we sleep." I say while buckling my belt. "Want me to make you a big plush animal to sleep with tonight? It might look a little weird with big boobs, but whatever." "Yes to the stuffed animal, no to the boobs." She rolls her eyes but looks excited for her new toy. "Can you make it a bunny? I used to have a nice one until that stupid cat peed on my bed. I could never get the damned smell out after that." It takes me a couple minutes, but she soon has a giant fuzzy white rabbit. I based the design off of one my sister used to have, but scaled up to a meter in height while sitting. "Ahh, it''s so cute." She picks it up and gives it a big hug before storing it away. "Thank you so much, now let''s go heal up that poor little girl. Oh, you should make one for her and her sister too." "You''re so cute." I dart in and steal a kiss before opening the door to find Elise and Martin just about to knock. "Oh. Hello, we were just about to come look for you." "Good." Martin nods and starts leading us to Myra. "We were hoping to scan you this time to see how the healing affects your body." "That''s fine. It shouldn''t affect the healing any." We enter the room to see his apprentice Jana playing on the floor with the girls as their parents watch with amused smiles. Myra still has her arm in a sling, but doesn''t seem to be in any discomfort. "Hi girls." "Mister Sorrel!" They jump up and run over. "Can we have some more chocklit." They mispronounce the name, adorably. "After dinner." I smile down at the two of them. "I''m here to do another round of healing, so hopefully you don''t have to wear this thing anymore. But, before that." I hold up a finger. "I have a very important question. Which animal do you think looks the cuddliest?" "Chicken!" Myra shouts immediately. "Willow says they''re all grumpy butts, but they look so fluffy, and I just want to hug one. They always run away, though." Her cute little face falls. "Chickens are grumpy butts." Willow asserts. "Our neighbors used to have this big ol'' dog with floppy ears and the softest fur ever. It died though, they got a new one, but it''s a grumpy butt too. It just likes to bark at everybody. won''t even let me close enough to pet it." "A chicken and a fluffy, floppy-eared dog?" They nod. "I think I can do that." Out comes the cotton again and quickly weaves itself into a large dog, and a hen with a clutch of chicks. "I hope you like them, Amelia said I should make you some toys." ""Thank you mister Sorrel, thank you, Miss Amelia."" They hug their new toys to their chests. "Alright Myra, let¡¯s get your arm seen to so you can play with them properly." I guide her over to the couch we used this morning. "Just lie down and relax, okay." She just nods while cuddling the chicken with her free arm. "I shouldn''t be surprised after watching you cook." Elise chimes in. "But, that was a neat bit of magic." "I''ve gotten a lot of practice making clothes lately." I wave my hand at mine and the girls'' outfits. "Alright, I''m going to start now Myra." "Thank you." She whispers while hugging the chicken as tight as she can. The bandages fall away, and the salve evaporates into the aether. And, I can feel the three healers'' magic plumbing my body as the healing sap coats the little girl''s arm. I lose myself in the magic again, focusing on nothing but restoring Myra''s skin to a pristine state. All too soon, I find myself toeing that line again. I''m tempted to keep going, to clear up those last few burns. But, I pull back. Knowing full well that I have a deaf girl to heal tomorrow, and that I can touch up these small marks in the morning. "Okay." I sit back on my heels to catch my breath. "There''s a couple marks left, but I''ll get to them tomorrow. You just need a small bandage to get through the night, no more sling." "Oh! Thank you so much." Sophia drops to her knees and cries while stroking her daughter''s nearly healed arm. The little girl now looks like she only had a few sparks pop out of a fire onto her arm. "Mamma, you''re crying all over Missus Clucky." Myra tries to extricate herself and Missus Clucky from her mother''s grasp. "It''s alright Sophie." William pulls his wife into his arms and lets her cry on his chest. "She''s alright now, Myra''s fine now." Tears start leaking from his eyes as he tries to comfort his wife. # 041 I signal to the girls to help me up, so we can give the family a bit of privacy. The healers following in our wake as we leave the room. "I have so many questions." Martin says as soon as the door closes behind us. "But, they can wait until we get you fed." "How?" Jana can''t seem to wait to ask her questions. "How does that spell even work?" "Don''t even think about trying it for yourself Jana." Martin snaps. "Without his control, and very likely his Plantkin nature, you''d put yourself into a coma trying to heal anything worse than a paper cut." "Gee, thanks, Martin." I say through my teeth as Amelia and Apricot glare at me. "That really helped the girls feel better about me doing this." "..." He looks from me to them with an embarrassed expression. "That''s only for non-Plantkin trying the spell. Sorrel here stops well before any permanent harm would come to him. That''s actually my first question, how do you decide when to stop." "I did a bit of testing when I first saw Myra, but it''s mostly a gut feeling." I shrug distracted by the spread that''s been laid out for me in the dining room. "I just sorta know that it will take a lot longer to recover if I push any further than that. Now, if you''ll excuse me?" I dive into the food, chewing and swallowing as fast as I can. "Gods, where is it all going?" Jana breathes out. "Scan me again." I bite out the words between mouthfuls of food. "Since you three won''t be able to feel his mana." Apricot explains. "He''s using a growth spell to speed up his digestion. The jackass said it''s better than passing out while waiting for his body to absorb the food." "I told you I''m fine." My case is somewhat hampered by the fact that I spoke those words while stripping a chicken to the bone. "I will be, at least." "..." She lets out a tired sigh. "I just don''t want to lose you." Putting the food down, I pull her into my lap. "I am not going anywhere! I didn''t push myself too far for a burned little girl, I''m not going to do it for anyone else. Not unless it''s you or Amelia. No buts!" I cut her off before she can even open her mouth. "Now, if you don''t like seeing me this way, then help me when Martin and Elise teach me their healing spells." "Of course I''m going to help. You big dummy." She sniffles and stuffs a roll into my mouth. "Now, shut up and eat." "He really is in no danger." "Martin." Elise hisses when everyone in the room glares at the clueless healer. "Learn to read the mood. Better yet, why don''t you go put some more salve on Myra''s arm. Sorry about him." She shakes her head after he leaves. "Martin is a great healer, but he''s never been able to cure himself of that foot-in-mouth disease." "Hah!" Martin''s apprentice snorts out a laugh. "Sorry, but that describes him perfectly." "It''s alright." Amelia says while helping Apricot shove food into my mouth. I feel a bit ridiculous, but it seems to make them happy. I''m not sure how I fell so completely for not one but two women so fast. And, I don''t really care either. So, I gladly endure what swiftly turned into a competition between them to see who could feed me the most. "You girls are lucky I can shapeshift." I say once they finally let me breathe. "Otherwise you would have choked me a few times there." ""Sorry."" They sound sheepish, but don''t look it. "All done?" Granville enters the dining room. "Good. Everyone will be coming down for dinner soon. I''ll be serving that chocolate cake that you gave me the recipe for dessert." "Chocolate?" Jana questions, so I hand her a bar. "There''s a cake that tastes like this. Oh, Elise." She hugs the healer. "Thank you for inviting us to dinner." "Thank Sorrel." Elise counters. "He''s the one turned those horrid beans that Holt is always drinking into this." "Seriously?" She looks more impressed now that when she saw me heal for the first time. "Please tell me you''re going to be selling this stuff."Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. "I still need to experiment a bit with blending the different roasts, but yeah." I nod. "I should start selling some soon. That''s if these two don''t eat everything I make. I also showed Granville all the steps, but without my magic to speed things up, it could take a month to produce a single batch." "I feel bad for Seymour." Elise laughs. "Gran was pestering him to try and replicate some of what you did earlier." "That''s not all." The gardener just entered the room. "He wants me to tear out my garden and replace it with a plantation of those cocoa trees. Wouldn''t leave me alone until I agreed to grow one. And, I''m only doing that because I''ve never seen a tree that blossoms from the trunk before." He grumps all the way to his chair. "I don''t know what he''s thinking." Ed laughs. "We''ve been grinding that one batch all day and it''s still not ready. Once it''s done we still need to press it, grind the powder again, and mix everything up for days. I''m willing to help him out, but he''s just being stubborn because you showed him up at lunch." "He''s the one who issued the challenge." I raise my hands in defense. "Sure, I might have showed off a bit, but can you really blame me?" "Oh, not at all." The baron says with good humor in his voice. "In fact, I need to thank you. I heard he went all out on dinner, and plans to keep doing so in the coming days. It''s been a while since he had a decent rival." "Oh?" My lips curl up in amusement. "I might just have to break out some of my fancier recipes then." A round of delighted laughter rings out then, half at my words, and half at Martin who''s been co-opted into carrying the baby chicks for Myra. She and Willow having decided to bring their new toys to dinner. Reinholt''s daughter made a bee-line for the girls as soon as she saw the stuffed animals. "What''s Rebecca''s favorite animal?" I quickly ask Dulcette. "She likes cats." Reinholt answers. "Yes, but she''s been obsessed with that book about lions lately." His wife adds. "She wants one so she can play with its hair, like one of her dollies." "I can do a lion." I nod and whip one up, using linen fibers to give it a long silky mane. Hiding it beneath the table along with my speaker box. I wait for the baron''s grand-daughter to run back over. "Mommy, mommy." The little rushes back over. "Rrrr?" An inquisitive roar comes from under the table before she can continue. "Eeek!" The girl jumps, causing us all to break into laughter. "Ahh! It''s a lion." She scoops it up and starts hugging the life out of it. "Oh, thank you mister Sorrel, thank you, thank you. Mommy, can I go show the girls?" "Just for a moment, they''re about to bring out the food." Her mother tries to pat the lion on the head, but Rebecca''s already halfway across the room. "Oh, that girl." She shakes her head with a rueful smile. "Thank you for that, Sorrel." "Yes, thank you." Holt nods to me. "But, how did you make it roar?" "Modified ventriloquism spell." The speaker answers for me after I set it on the table. "You''re just full of surprises, aren''t you." He smiles while turning the box over in his hands. "Well, if that''s not the perfect set up, I don''t know what is." Apricot laughs. "Make it do the thing." "Well surprise, surprise, surprise. Yeah surprise, surprise, surprise." Reinholt drops the speaker when Bruce Springsteen starts singing. My first thought was John Lennon''s ¡®Surprise Surprise¡¯, and then Radiohead''s ¡®No Surprises¡¯. But the former is a somewhat explicit love song, and the latter says ''bring down the government.'' So, neither of them really fit dinner at the baron''s. "It''s not enchanted, the music is in my head." I answer before he can even ask. "Though, it is based on a standard music player." It''s just a small boxy speaker, but I don''t want to go into phones, mp3 players, and all that. By now the whole room is focused on me and the speaker, and I''m wishing I hadn''t listened to the pixie. "Oh, you love showing off, and you know it." She laughs at the glare I''m shooting her. "You''re a musician too?" The baron doesn''t even seem surprised. "Guitar and a bit of piano." I shrug. "Though, I''m even rustier at the piano than I am the guitar. And, don''t ask me to sing. Not unless you want me to have to heal your ears afterward." "Piano?" His eldest daughter, Lori, perks up. "Could you play us some piano from your home?" "Sure, piano with dinner is almost always a good choice." Switching to the [Chill Piano] playlist, Chopin''s Nocturne In E Flat Major, Op.9 No.2 fills the table. And, aside from the music, the room is silent for the next four minutes. "You can play like that?" She looks at me with an interested glint in her eye. "Oh, no no no. I was never that good." I shake my head vehemently. "I enjoy listening to classical piano, but focused on playing more modern stuff which tended to be somewhat simpler." "You can pester him about music later." Reinholt tells his sister. "Right now, I want to see what Granville has made for us." "Very well." She concedes with a sheepish look at the waiting chef. "It won''t be an issue if we listen to more music as we eat though. Will it?" She continues after the feast has been presented. Clair de Lune begins playing in answer to her question. "I can playback the songs in my head all day long. Music is nearly ubiquitous back home, and I''m not ashamed to admit that one of the first things I did after finding myself here was to work on the speaker box." "Even before getting himself some clothes." Apricot adds with a laugh. "So, you truly found yourself dumped in the middle of the woods with nothing, and the first thing you tried to reclaim was music? Oh, if only I wasn''t already married." She laughs, but has a far off look in her eyes. "Don''t worry dear." Her mother put her hand on Lori''s arm. "You just got the messenger bird from Farley, he should be back from Ciranna soon." Ciranna being the country just north of Cendassa, Larendath''s closest neighbor. "I know, it''s just lonely without him here." When she sighs, I change the playlist to be slightly more upbeat. Starting with Mozart''s Turkish March, aka Rondo alla Turca. She smiles and sends a slight nod in my direction when the peppier music plays. The rest of the meal is filled with polite small talk and plenty of compliments for Granville''s cooking. *** # 042 "I don''t want to go." Amelia whines softly as we board a carriage borrowed from the baron. "We don''t want you to go either, but your mom misses you." Apricot and I sit on either side of the depressed blonde so we can each put an arm around her, two in my case. "And, you miss them too. Go home, re-connect with your family, and we''ll be waiting when you get back." "And, with the bond." Apricot adds. "We''re never more than a thought away." "I know." Amelia sighs. "But, it''s like we''ve been living in our own little world this past week. Now, we''re entering the real world again and won''t be able to spend all our time together." "Maybe that''s not such a bad thing." I say, having seen what happens to couples that spend too much time together. "You''re bound to get tired of us if we spend too much time together. And, if you don''t believe me, then Apricot and I can prove it by having a pun contest." "Please don''t." A tiny smile appears on her lips. "That''s what I want to see." Apricot traces a finger across her lover''s lips. "And, if you get lonely. Just think about what we''re going to do to you next time we''re together." The pixie''s voice comes out as a low purr. "Nnh." Amelia whimpers. "Please don''t get me all worked up right before we reach my parent''s house." "You''re no fun." Apricot drops back into her seat with a smile at having broken Amelia''s funk. Amelia rolls her eyes at the smug pixie, but her smile grows to match. "Thank you, and I know you''re probably right Sorrel. I''ve seen plenty of friends go a bit love crazy with their first relationship, but I''m still going to miss you both." "It''s not like we''re going anywhere." I give her a little squeeze. "We just won''t be glued to each other all day long anymore. And, maybe this way I''ll finally have some time to work on translating Frankenstein for you." I give her a little something extra to look forward to. "Oh, I''d almost forgotten about that." She bounces in her seat a little, making Apricot and I giggle. "Are you really going to be able to write out a whole book from memory?" "It''s in my head, just like all those songs." I prevaricate slightly, still not ready to drop the whole gift from a god thing on them just yet. "The hardest part will just be working through all the flowery language." "So, I can''t tempt you with sex, but he can with books?" Apricot puts on a fake pout. "Oh, I plan to fuck her brains out too." I chortle when my coarse language turns the blonde''s face bright pink. "I just understand that she craves a good read as much as she does a good fuck." "You two are mean." This time Amelia is the one to put on the fake pout while Apricot and I laugh. "Mhm, we love you too." I pull her in for a kiss before handing her off to Apricot. The carriage slows to a stop before we go any farther than that. "We''ve arrived at the Rialta''s home." Amelia''s blush turns beet red when she realizes the driver was able to hear everything we just said. ""Hahahahah."" Apricot and I crack up laughing again. "One of us really needs to learn a sound-proofing spell. Hahahah." "Shut up." Amelia flounces her way out of the carriage. "It''s not funny." "It really was." Apricot says between giggles. "Just blame your brother." I say quietly enough that said brother, who''s waiting at the door with their parents can''t hear. "If it wasn''t for him stealing the wagon, we could have just borrowed a horse. Sir, Ma''am." I speak up once we get a little closer to her parents. "Sorry for getting her back so late, but the Baron''s chef went all out for dinner." "That''s quite alright." Turner says with a smile. "I just hope you were able to finish healing that little girl." "She has a few small patches left, but I''ll get to them in the morning." They look relieved at hearing my words. "And, I''ll be getting trained in proper healing spells soon, so I''ll be able to do better in the future." "I may have been by the road, but I saw Myra''s face when you took those bandages off." Rodrick says with passion. "She may not have been in danger of dying from those burns, but you gave that little girl her life back." I don''t know what to say to that, fortunately, Amelia comes to my rescue. "And, he had to eat a week¡¯s worth of food after that, and every other healing. Sorrel wants to learn the spells so he doesn''t have to drain himself just to help someone." "Not having to wait half a day between major healings would be nice too." I nod and bring out several large chocolate bars. "But, helping a little girl isn''t all I did today. I''m guessing that Amelia must get her sweet tooth from one of you, so I made some extra chocolate for the both of you." "The little wagon thief doesn''t get any." Amelia punches her brother on the arm.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. "Don''t hit your brother." Kaitlyn says perfunctorily, but her eyes don''t leave the platter of treats. "Alright, we should get going." I pull Amelia into a hug. She blushes, but hugs me back. "It''s getting late, and I have to try healing Annette''s ears tomorrow." I pass her off to Apricot, who behaves herself, despite the twinkle in her eye. "Don''t overdo it, okay?" Her eyes still look worried despite my repeated assurances. "I won''t, I swear." One last three-way hug and three soft "I love you''s" that she doesn''t blush over, even though her family does. And, the pixie and I leave. We''re subdued on the ride back, both of us already missing her. Neither of us saying anything, but polite ''good night''s'' to our hosts as we head straight up to our room. "Are you doing okay?" I sit down next to Apricot on the bed. "The bond is fine, I can still feel Amelia just fine." She answers a question I had, just not the one I asked. "That''s good." I slip my arm around her. "But, are ''you'' okay?" "Nnh." She shrugs my arm off and flops back onto the mattress and hides her face with an arm, but not before I see the tears welling up in her eyes. "I don''t know. I can still feel her, and I know she''s not going anywhere. But..." "You miss her." I hug the pixie tight. "I do too. You can go to her if you want, I can survive on my own for one night." "Then, I would just miss you." Apricot hugs me back. "And, we''ve already gone over this. I''m not going to leave you alone tonight." "Fine, fine." I finally relent. "But, I want you to fly to her first thing in the morning. Now, come on." I pull her farther onto the bed. "Amelia keeps hogging big-spoon, and I just want to wrap you up in my arms tonight." ... I wake to find Apricot still wrapped up tight in my embrace. She''s still asleep, so I just lay there, happy that we both seem to have gotten a good night''s sleep. "Morning." She says dreamily, a few minutes later. "You slept well?" "Very, you make a great little-spoon. I can see why Amelia keeps stealing you for herself." I trail a finger along her hip. "Is she awake yet?" "Almost." Her orange mop of hair bobs slightly when she nods. "I''ll go to her soon, but will you please fuck me first?" The cute little thing actually seems somewhat shy when she asks that. "No." I shift our bodies so that instead of hugging her, I''m now leaning over her. "But, I will make love to you." Keeping my eyes locked on hers, I lean down just enough for our lips to meet. "I know this is hardest on you, but I swear it''s just temporary. We''ll all be together again soon." "Thank you." Her lips brush mine again. ... "No Apricot?" Elise asks when I sit down for a late breakfast. Apricot and I took our time earlier, she was having fun pushing the sensations of our lovemaking down the link to tease Amelia. "She was missing Amelia, and flew over to spend some time with her." I answer while filling my plate. "Her mom hasn''t seen her for months and is feeling over-protective. Which I understand, but poor Apricot is caught between cultures here." "I don''t know much about pixies, but I''ve never heard of one being on her own like that." "She says she was kicked out because she played too many pranks." I explain. "But, the way she closes down when talking about it makes me think that one of those pranks must have gone horribly wrong." "That poor girl." Glynda shudders slightly. "Is she going to be okay?" "She''s a tough little thing." I smile just thinking of her. "Speaking of tough little girls. I took care of the last of Myra''s burns on my way down, so I''m ready to have a go at fixing Anne''s ears. Is she still around, or did she have to go back to work?" "She has today off, she just loves to sleep in." Her mom answers. The woman is clearly trying not to get her hopes up, but I can see the hope in her eyes whenever she looks at me. "Once you finish your meal, we can go up and wake her." "That works." I nod. "William said they were planning to head back to the farm in a little bit, and I wanted to tag along and speak with his neighbors." We head back upstairs a moment later. Glynda has me wait in an antechamber while she goes to wake her daughter. Elise sits down next to me with a worried face. "Will you really be able to heal her?" The healer''s comes out as little more than a whisper. "I believe I can." I lower my voice to match. "I healed the old infection scars on Amelia''s Aunt and, while it took more energy than a fresh wound, I didn''t have any problems. At worst, it''ll just take me a few sessions." "Sorrel." Anne''s voice draws my eyes to her bedroom door. She''s standing there in a long satin robe, her hair still messy from sleep. Her eyes holding a mixture of trust and fear, hope and worry. "Nice bed-head." I smile when she blushes. "Heheh, come here and have a seat; I just need you to drink this." A wooden glass quickly fills with healing sap. I''ve mostly recovered what little I used on Myra earlier, but don''t know how much this is going to take. So, I only give her about a third of my maximum. She takes a steadying breath before downing the sap in one go. I close my eyes and guide it to the damaged auditory nerve in her right ear first. That side had the most damage, and will, therefore take the most effort to restore. She squirms at the strange sensation of her nerves growing back together. I hand her another glass without opening my eyes. It looks like I should have just enough to repair the nerves in both ears and touch up the worst of the noise-related damage in her cochlea. Her nerves are much worse off than the small amount of scarring that Carmen had. The third glass goes down just like the first two, and it isn''t long before she can hear. Well, she could if there was anything to hear. Her mom and Elise are holding their breath, and the thick walls of the manor house block out any other noise. My job done, I sit back and nod at Glynda with a smile. "Baby?" Her voice squeaks out. "Momma. Oh, Momma. I can hear you." They cling to each other as tears flow freely down their cheeks. Not wanting to intrude, but mostly wanting to restore my spent energy, I slip out of the room. Elise follows me a second later. "Thank you." She says while a few tears of her own leak out. "She still has some noise-related damage." I create a handkerchief for her. "I''ll take care of it later, but she probably won''t even notice the difference. Now, go back to your family, I can reach the kitchens on my own." "Sorrel, Elise? Where''d you go?" Anne calls from the door. "I need to go eat, she was just thanking me." "We''ll come with you." Her robe slips open when she steps into the hallway, revealing a barely-there slip. "Maybe you should get dressed first." I say while looking at the ceiling. The sight of her tight, toned body. Her soft, round breasts. Those milky-smooth thighs. The barest glimpse of downy hair through the nearly sheer fabric. It''s more than enough to make me forget about food in favor of an entirely different kind of hunger. "Eeek!" She disappears back into the room, her mother''s laughter ringing out when the door slams shut. "Oh, that girl." Elise shakes her head with a sigh. "Thank you again, Sorrel." She bows her head to me before following after Anne. "Fuck me!" I breathe out the oath and just stare at the closed door for a second until a rumble from my stomach reminds me that I''m starving. "I really need to learn those damned healing spells." *** # 043 "Uncle Sorrel." The Farmers and I are riding back to their place in one of the baron''s carriages. And, Willow has apparently decided that I deserve an upgraded title. "What are you doing?" "Oh, I''m trying to make a book for Amelia." The translation is more of a headache than any of the songs were though. But, I think that''s mainly just the flowery prose, and the walls of text. "I promised her that I would work on it today, but getting it all right is making my head hurt." "Mhm." She nods sagely. "Writing is hard. Daddy tried to show me how to write my name but I always mix up the letters." "It can take a bit of practice, but learning to read and write is very much worth it." I set aside Frankenstein and make a copy of ''The Cat in the Hat'' for her. "I used to read this to my sister when she was little." Holding the book so she and Myra can see, I read the title and then open it to the first page. The brother and sister staring out the window of their bright red house as the rain pours down. "The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So, we sat in the house all that cold, cold, wet day." I read aloud in a sing-song voice. "...Should we tell her about it? Now, what should we do? Well... What would you do if your mother asked you?" The carriage had long since stopped outside the farm, but no one interrupted the reading. I even got the feeling that the driver was listening closely. "Did they tell her?" Little Myra is the first one to speak. "What do you think?" I hand the closed book over to their mother since the girls still have arms full of plush. "I don''t think they did." Willow shakes her head. "Yeah, they did." Myra counters. "No need to fight." Their mom smiles at the girls. "But if some funny looking cat messes up our house, I expect you both to tell me." I open the carriage door then and am greeted by Pepi''s smiling face. "Hello Baron, I wasn''t expecting to see you here." "And, I wasn''t expecting to hear the tail end of such an interesting story. And, I told you to call me Erick." He laughs. "I''d like to talk with you more about that later, but right now I have a few surprises of my own." He steps back and gestures to the farm. The burned fields have been re-grown, the livestock replaced, and he even got someone to install the chimney for the house, and tile the roof. And, all that is just what I can see from the outside. "Normally most of the reparations would have gone towards rebuilding the home, but since a kind stranger already took care of that." He winks at me. "We were able to stretch the funds just a bit further. The magistrate was also very upset that such a cute little girl got hurt, and gave me great leeway to reward her healer." He hands over a very heavy pouch of gold, along with a rolled-up sheet of parchment. I don''t actually care about the gold, but I''m not ungrateful or stupid enough to not accept it. "Well..." I draw out the word after unfurling the parchment. "I hope I''ll get along with my new neighbors." Turning to William and Sophia, I wave at them with a smirk. "Hello, neighbors." "Mister Sean and his wife were happy to sell, especially when I offered them a bonus to move out on short notice." Erick explains for the Farmer''s benefit. "The land is free for you to do whatever you wish with." "Thank you... Erick." I catch myself just in time. "No. Thank you." He gives me a full bow. "For Myra, and for Anne. She may not be blood, but she is family." "You already heard?" "Hah." He barks out a laugh. "That she wouldn''t come out of her room after accidentally flashing you, yes. I asked Elise to send me word after you healed her, and she saw fit to include mention of that." "I hope she gets over it soon, I still need to fix up her inner ear a bit." I shrug trying to hide my embarrassment. "She lost a bit of hearing range from exposure to loud sounds over the years." "Oh, she''ll be fine." He nods reassuringly. "But, she''s probably going to need a new job. Her boss is a bit of a yeller. Now, why don''t you tell me about that story you were reading?" "Oh, it''s a very famous children''s book back home." I take a moment to make another copy for him to give to his grand-daughter. "Mom used to read it to me when I was young, and I read it to my sister. So, it was easy to translate a copy." I happen to have quite a few children''s books saved, but even if I didn''t. I probably could have re-created this one from scratch. "What are these kite things?" He traces the picture of Thing One and Thing Two running down the hallway. "They don''t look like any falcons I''ve ever seen." "They just share a name." I stick my finger in my mouth and check the wind. "Hmm, there''s not much breeze. But, I might be able to get a delta kite off the ground." I make the ribs as thin and lightweight as I can, and coat them with an equally fine fabric. "Hopefully there''s more wind higher up." The bright white kite catches everyone''s attention when it lifts off the ground with a tug. I have to run for a bit to get it high enough, but luckily there is more wind higher up. The girls marvel at the kite and quickly run over begging to play with it. "Let me make another one real quick, that way you don''t have to fight over it." They''re already jockeying for position to get it first. "Erick, could you hold this for a moment?" I hand the spool off to an amused looking baron. "Can I run with it please?" Willow breaks out the puppy-dog eyes. "There''s not much wind." I warn. "It''s going to be hard to get it high enough." "Please." I can''t fight the cuteness. "Okay." I sigh out. "But, only if you turn those eyes on the baron and get him to hand the other one over to your sister." "Hahahah." Erick chuckles. "Sorry, I got a bit caught up playing. Now, hold on with both hands Myra." I made a simple one-handed reel, but it''s more than big enough for both of hers. Her sister is already running about with the second kite. "Willow, you need to let more string out so it can catch the wind." She tries, but starts slowing down. The kite almost falling before I scoop her up in my arms. "Alright, I''ll run, you just focus on the string." She just nods and sticks her tongue through her teeth. It takes her a bit longer to get it to stay up than it did me, and we''re halfway to the next farm, my farm before I can stop running.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. "Now that it''s up there, we can walk back." I set her down. "Just make sure the string doesn''t get too loose." By the time we get back, Myra has played her kite out to the full hundred-meter length. She''s also in her dad''s arms while he helps her hold onto the reel. "Be careful Willow, the wind gets a lot stronger near the end of the string." "Yes, Daddy." She walks over to stand by her mom, but her whole attention is on the kite. "Alright, Sorrel." Erick walks up next to me. "I would stay and fly kites all day, but I have baronly things to do. But, if you ever need anything, just ask. And, don''t be a stranger, you''re welcome at the manor anytime you want. I still need to get those clothes from you after all. I''ll try to keep the girls from knocking your door down for theirs, at least until you have a door, that is." He laughs. "No worries there." I smile and clap him on the shoulder. "I already know what I want to build, and should have it up in no time. And, once it is, you and the family are welcome anytime. I''m sure Rebecca will want to stop by and play with her new friends." "And, to see whatever new toys you''ve created." He chuckles. "Well, good luck with the new house, I can''t wait to see it." "Thanks." I nod at the man, and then turn to William. "I''ll be right next door if you need anything." Calling Blackthorne to my hand from the top of the wagon, I walk over to what will soon be my new home. The first thing I do is walk through the field, maturing and harvesting all the crops. All the old plants and the old farmhouse then get decomposed and replaced by a meadow of clover. The potted fruit and nut trees get set along the road, but I don''t bother planting and maturing them just yet. Berry bushes do get planted here and there between the trees. But, everything is pretty spaced out, with plenty of room for later additions. A small grove of lumber trees sprouts near the river side of the property. I have to go slow at first, but the more they grow, the more mana I can draw through them. Most of the building will be made from modified oak wood, so that makes up the majority of the grove. But, there''s plenty of cedar, cherry, walnut, and maple, all of which I know I want to use. Along with those, I''ve also included one of every type of tree I''ve collected so far. The Deepwoods, as they''re called, are very weird... botanically speaking. It''s like someone took plants from all the temperate regions in the world -my old world that is- and smushed them all together into one forest. VeeGee definitely picked the best spot to drop a botanist cum Plantkin. "Sorrel!" Apricot''s shout pulls me out of my tree induced contemplation. "Apricot! Amelia! When did you two get here?" I pull them both into a tight hug. "Wow, it''s already after noon, where did the time go?" "We just got here, silly." Apricot squeezes me back. "But, you were lost in the mana again, and didn''t hear us call out to you." "I''m glad you''re here, I missed you." They each get a kiss. "But, how did you slip away from your mom? I was sure she wasn''t going to let you out of her sight." "She hasn''t." Turner says with a laugh. "But, word started to spread about a crazy nature mage growing a forest outside the north gate, so we decided to take a long lunch to come see." "Heh." I put on a rueful smile. "I needed some lumber for the house, but I think I may have overdone it a bit." The trees are all around twice as tall as I was aiming for. "You do tend to get caught up when growing things." Amelia smiles, remembering the cotton trees. "Well, you came for lunch, and I could eat." My stomach rumbles just then. "Just give me a few minutes and I''ll fix something up for us. I haven''t gone shopping yet, but I should have enough for a quick meal." "No need." Amelia stops me before I can bring out my mobile kitchen. "We grabbed some stuff on the way, all you need to do is provide a table and some chairs." "That I can do." The baron''s firewood falls out of storage and morphs itself into seating for six. "Is Roddy not with you?" I reach out with my magic, but don''t sense him. "He stayed behind to look after the warehouse." Amelia starts loading the table up with a variety of dishes. "So, I''m surprised you got a place already. I thought it would take a couple days at the minimum just for them to move out." "Oh, you can thank the Baron and Magistrate Brovkin for that." I answer. "This is my remuneration for healing Myra." "I''m glad they stuck it to that alchemist." Kaitlyn speaks up for the first time since they got here. "Thankfully you were able to heal the little girl, but just imagine if that slime climbed out of the sewer in the middle of town." She shudders at the thought of it. "The guard is going to be keeping a closer eye on the sewers to make sure that doesn''t happen." Turner comforts her. "But, Myra isn''t the only one you''re healing. Amelia said you were going to restore the hearing of Pepi''s niece this morning. Did it go well?" It''s a pretty blatant change of subject, but it seems to work on his wife. "Well... You could say that." A little heat creeps onto my cheeks when I think about what happened. "I was able to cure her deafness..." "But?" Amelia says somewhat flatly. "But... Her robe fell open when she was about to join me for breakfast." I say and Apricot busts up laughing. "She was wearing a slip... for all the good it did." "Thin?" The pixie salivates. "Damn near see-through." I shake my head and can''t help but laugh along with her. "She ran back into her room, and likely still hasn''t come out." "She didn''t do it on purpose, did she?" Amelia asks, suspiciously. "No." I reply "It was a complete accident, her mom and Elise were standing right there." "Nnh, whatever." Amelia sighs. "Just try not to be alone with her, or that Catrina." Her voice has a bit more heat to it when she mentions Erick''s daughter. "I''d be happy to keep you around as a chaperone." "So, what kind of house are you going to build?" Turner changes the subject again. "Oh, it''s just going to be a cute little cottage." Mom always wanted one, so I''m going to rebuild the one she made in The Sims but I may change the floor plan a bit. Grabbing the extra chair, I mold it into a rough model. "We used to live in an apartment building, but my mom always wanted something like this. I was going to buy, or build her one when I got out of school, but..." "Oh, Sorrel." Amelia pulls me into a hug, Apricot right behind her. "Hey, now." I stroke Amelia''s hair. "There''s no need for you to cry. Mom and Lily are tough, they''re going to be fine without me. This is just my way of remembering them a little better." "Shh, it''ll be alright." Apricot tries to console her. "Come on, you''re going to make me cry. You don''t want to see me cry, I''m hideous when I cry." "Snerk." A laugh snorts out of Amelia''s nose along with a bubble of snot. "Oh, gods." She wipes it away and quickly casts her bath spell. "Why don''t you stay here and help Sorrel build his house?" Kaitlyn speaks up once her daughter calms down. "We need to get back to the warehouse, and I think you''re in good hands here. Just remember to stop by occasionally, okay?" "Mom?" Amelia shares a dumbfounded look with her father, neither of them were expecting anything like this. "Oh, don''t look at me like that." She swats her husband on the arm. "She''s a grown woman, I can''t keep her at home forever." "Yes, dear." Turner has to bite back a laugh at her sudden reversal. "Thank you, Mommy!" Amelia is crying a different kind of tears as she tackle-hugs her mother. "I promise to stop by all the time. Sorrel is going to need our help selling his chocolate, after all." "She''s right." I agree. "I had zero mercantile skills before, and that''s when I knew what the currency was worth." I pull a gold out of storage. "This is what, twenty grams?" "Just over nineteen and a quarter." Amelia answers. "All base coins weigh the same as a cubic centimeter of their respective metal." "Okay..." I think gold was around fifty bucks a gram, so I round it up to a thousand dollars per coin to simplify things. "Back home this could buy you twenty pairs of nice jeans like these, or one fine suit. Rent for a month or two, depending on where you live. Anywhere between ten meals at a high-class restaurant, or food for a year. It could buy a couple of decent bicycles or one-twentieth of a brand new magical carriage. The job I was aiming for would have gotten me fifty or sixty of these a year. Going to university cost me twenty per year, though once you add in the interest for the loans, it turns out to be quite a bit more." "Yeah, but how much chocolate would it buy?" Apricot asks the important question. "Hahah." I chortle at the intense looks everyone gives me. "At this is quality? ...maybe fifty kilos." Doesn''t everyone know the cost of a kilo of chocolate off the top of their head? ""You will be charging more than that."" Amelia and her mom say the exact same thing at the exact same time. "Yes, Ma''ams." I smile at their twin expressions. "You can probably set whatever price you want. Granville knows how to make it now, but he''s still grinding the beans from the one batch. I feel kinda bad for his assistant, the poor guy looked like his arm was going to fall off this morning." "Mhm." Kaitlyn makes a noncommittal noise. "Amelia, try to teach him the value of a gold." She doesn''t look too hopeful for my prospects though. "Probably best that I leave this with you, then." I hand Amelia the fat pouch that Erick gave me earlier. Her mom''s eyes go wide for a moment before she just shakes her head and starts walking for their carriage. "Good luck." I get the feeling that Turner is talking to me as much as his daughter. "So, who wants to help me dehydrate some trees?" I say after the Rialtas drive off. *** # 044 "You''re lucky we came along when we did." Amelia says staring at the mountain of lumber that used to be a copse of trees. She did all the drying after I ''chopped'' everything down. Of course, I harvested all the nuts and fruits first. "I still can''t believe you felled the mother of all chocolate trees." Apricot has been crying over the body of her lost love for some time now. "I told you, I''d never actually seen the wood from a cocoa tree before." I fight not to roll my eyes are her melodrama. "I''ve still got the potted one, and I harvested enough pods for a dozen large batches of chocolate." "I think I can see why you''ve never seen it before." Amelia says while toeing one of the boards. "The grain is nice, but those grey splotches... not so much." "Maybe I can stain it?" I''m not too hopeful, though. "At least Blackie seems to like it." My staff has been eating little bits off of every different type of lumber it can get a hold of. "Yeah... your staff is weird." She eyes Blackthorne as it dips down to take another ''bite'' out of the cocoa lumber. "Blackthorne is a perfectly normal Livingwood staff." I can''t even keep a straight face as I say that. "Sure, I''ve never heard of one before, but still. Perfectly normal." "Uh-huh." For some reason, she has an incredulous look on her face. "Well, I hope he''s not going to eat the house after you build it." "I doubt it, aside from the cocoa he only took a nibble from everything else." I give it a pat, like one would for a good pet. "I wonder if it''s because it''s a tropical tree, or if there''s just some residual magic in the wood. All I can sense is what I used to grow the tree." "There might be." Apricot drops her act. "I can feel a bit of a tingle when I eat chocolate, it feels good." "Huh? I wonder if we can do something with that." Regular chocolate makes people feel good, I can''t help but wonder what magical chocolate would do. "I''ll have to add it to the list, but first. It''s time to build a house." I left the two largest oaks for me to recharge from, and just because they look nice. Much like I did for Myra''s house, I drill compressed wood into the earth sinking it deep for the foundations. I''m using cedar this time, but I''ll still need to learn earth magic and coat the pylons with stone so they don''t rot. The house itself is a fairly simple storybook cottage, with a mostly square outline. The first floor has an open layout, a small covered patio in the center leads into a small foyer. Immediately to the left of the front door are the stairs leading to the second story. Just past those is what was the master bedroom and a full bath in mom''s design. To the right is the breakfast area, past that is the kitchen, and then the dining area. To the left of that is the living room, and the entire back of the house is one large screened off porch. The porch looks out towards the river where I plan to plant some willow trees, once I find some. I may need to build a boat and head upstream into the woods again. The upstairs was originally going to be two bedrooms and a single bath, but I turned it into one giant bedroom. The stairs lead into a small landing that is basically just a door into our room, and a linen closet. The exterior of the first floor is covered in over-sized cedar shingles set in an asymmetric pattern. These were dyed dark green and charred slightly to bring out the grain, and the way the wood twists when I modify it gives it a very interesting grain. The walls of the second story are a pseudo wattle and daub made up of Holly infused with cotton to brighten it even more and Black Walnut stained even darker. The walls, floors, and ceiling are all insulated with cellulose fibers mainly for the sound dampening quality. Smaller shingles set in a wave pattern adorn the roof. These got charred completely black to protect them from the elements, and I will probably treat them with Tung oil. Once I get my hands on some that is.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Cherry hardwood covers the floors throughout, and the kitchen is mostly maple and the cotton/Holly mix, but there are various other woods used as accents throughout the house. Including one wall of the living room which is made from randomly sized wooden tiles made from every type of wood I have access to. This wall will also house the fireplace, once we get someone out here to build one, or I learn to manipulate stone. But, right now it just has a wooden imitation shaped and colored to look like stone. "It''s done." My voice croaks when I speak and my joints ache as I finally start moving again. I''ve been sitting cross-legged in front of the house as it builds itself with magic for almost the entire afternoon. "Well, it''s still empty inside, but I''m done." "It''s beautiful." Amelia is sitting on a blanket next to me with Apricot resting on her lap. "Your mom would have loved it." Her voice starts to crack from emotion rather than a lack of moisture. "Oh, baby." I flop over to her on legs that are full of pins and needles right now. "Don''t start crying again, you haven''t even seen the inside yet. And, I need you to tell me what color to paint the walls." "Sorry, I always get emotional this time of the month, and it''s just so sad." The tears start leaking from her eyes despite my best efforts to calm her. "It''s alright Amelia, just let it out." I rub her back and wait for her to get centered again. "Uhm, quick question." Apricot says looking somewhat confused. "But, what does the time of the month have to do with anything?" "I''m guessing pixies don''t have periods." She just looks even more confused. "Menses? Monthly cycles? Amelia, can you explain this, please?" "Oh, I think you''re doing alright." The blonde laughs at the flustered look on my face. "Hehehe. Sorry babe, she''s just messing with you. We were talking earlier while you were building, and she knows about it, but none of the Fae have to deal with this." "That might change if she stays big long enough." I warn. "She gets her size from you, what''s to say she won''t get anything else?" I put a vine on the pixie and try to scan her, but she''s just too magical, and I can''t really make anything out. "Nnh, you''re too bright, I can''t see anything." "Note to self: shrink back down at least once a week." Apricot laughs and does just that for a second. "Cheater." Amelia scoffs, but is happy to get a good eyeful of the now naked pixie. "I know a trick that will make it so you won''t have to deal with it for nine months." I waggle my eyebrows at them. "Oh no." My cute little merchant shakes her head vehemently. "I am not ready for babies." "...same here." Apricot adds in a quiet voice. I don''t know if she''s just agreeing with Amelia to make her more comfortable, or if this has something to do with her exile. "Well, we''ll just have to keep having worry-free sex thanks to the contraceptive spell." I laugh it off and decide to change the subject. "Now, let''s head inside. I want to show the place off while there''s still some light. I really do need help deciding what to paint the walls. The bare wood looks nice, but I''d like a bit of color." "I vote for apricot." The pixie bounces up and rushes over to the door, not bothering to get dressed. "Remind me to add some privacy hedges." I tell Amelia as we follow after our lover. "I doubt this is the last time we''ll be naked out here." "Amelia!" Apricot''s voice interrupts whatever the blonde was going to say. "You have to see this place, it''s amazing." "It still needs a lot of work." I say as we enter the foyer. "Plumbing, glass for the windows, an actual fireplace, enchanted lights, though my glow spell on some houseplants should help with that. And, don''t even get me started on the kitchen..." "Sorrel, shut up." Amelia smacks me on the arm and then kisses the spot she hit. "The house is wonderful." "Wait until you see the bathroom upstairs." Apricot calls down the stairs. "There''s this massive tub, all three of us could fit and not even touch each other. Hells, you could swim in this thing if you wanted to." "Everyone likes a good bath." I shrug and push Amelia up the stairs ahead of me. "Did you make this entire floor our bedroom?" She pauses in the doorway. "There''s a linen closet over there too." I smirk. "There would have been two rooms up here with the master bedroom downstairs, but this way we can have a giant bathroom and huge closets." "There''s still a lot of room to fill." "We''re going to have a big bed." I smile. "But, yeah. I was planning to put a little reading nook with a bunch of bookcases... Shit, I forgot about Frankenstein again. I don''t suppose you want to read a children''s book." I whip up a third copy of the Seuss book. "What''s this?" She flips it open and smiles at the silly illustrations. "I was working on your book in the carriage and Willow wanted to know what I was doing." I relate the whole tale. "...and then we ended up flying kites for a bit before Erick had to leave. I got caught up with the trees after that and completely forgot." "That''s fine baby." Amelia walks over to a window so she can read easier. "I just wish I had your memory. All those songs, and now these books." "About that." I take a deep breath. "Apricot, you should hear this too." "What''s up?" She quits bouncing around the room, so I set out three big cushions for us to sit on. "You''re acting all serious." "This is Serious. See, I haven''t exactly told you two the whole truth about how I came to be in the middle of the woods..." End Volume One! # 045 The sun had set by the time I finished my tale. Amelia and Apricot were silent throughout, and they still haven''t said anything. I want to give them time, so I pull out some potted plants and cast my glow spell on them. "Sorrel..." Amelia, a beautiful, blonde merchant speaks up first. "I want to believe you..." "But." Apricot, a pixie with hair the same shape and color as her namesake fruit, continues. "It''s a bit much." We''ve barely known each other a week, so I suppose it''s not surprising. I met Apricot shortly after the un-named god reincarnated me into this world with a brand new body and fantastical powers. Then, just a few hours later, after getting to ''know'' each other. We ran into Amelia and her brother and saved them from bandits. Apricot then pushed me towards Amelia, but it almost backfired due to some cultural misunderstandings. Fortunately, things worked out in the end. And, more than that, the two of them magically bonded the first time we three made love. This allows Apricot to grow to human size, and Amelia to draw magic from the world through her. But, the connection they share goes much deeper than that. The two of them are now empathically linked; they can feel each other''s emotions, even physical sensations. And, when they both focus on the same thing, it''s like their brains become linked making them smarter than the sum of their two halves. Of course, they discovered this when I was showing them how to play board games, and promptly used it to kick my ass at them. "Temmie." I speak directly to the goddess of bawdy jokes. "I know this doesn''t involve you, but could you back me up? You don''t want me to have to polish my staff all on my lonesome, do you?" *He''s telling the truth, girls.* "Oh, shit. You can talk." I half-gasp half-laugh in relief. *Ding.* Her voice carries a hint of mirth as she says the word. "I never wanted to lie to either of you." I want to reach out and take their hands, but I''m afraid they''ll reject me. "But, like you said, it''s not exactly the most believable story." "Temmie may be a goddess of jokes." Apricot speaks up. "But, when she tells the truth. She tells the Truth. Now that I think about it, you never really lied; you just smudged the truth a bit. Which I''m not happy about, but it is understandable. So, this doesn''t really change anything for me. Well, I''m kinda mad at this VeeGee for getting rid of all those dirty pictures. But, he''s a god. What''re ya gonna do?" "It''s not all bad, he left the nudity and sex scenes in the movies and tv shows." Because of course, I checked that. "Because of course, you checked that." Amelia snorts. "Look, I can''t say that I''m happy to learn about this either, but I guess Apricot is right. You never really lied." "You should be happy." I finally take her hand. "This means I can tell you that Frankenstein isn''t the only book I can translate for you. It''s just one of tens of thousands." "T-tens of Thousands?" A dreamy look fills her face. "I don''t think even the Capital has a library that large." "Yes, including plenty of racy romance novels that might even interest a certain pixie." VeeGee wiped out my doujin collection, but he left all the bodice rippers alone. "Eh, why read about sex when you can have it instead." Her expression morphs into a wicked grin. "So, why don''t you build a giant bed for this giant bedroom, and let us break it in properly." ... "Sorrel, baby." Amelia nudges my shoulder the next morning. "I''m sorry to wake you, but do you think you could work on the plumbing real quick. " "Nnh, too tired. Cleanse!" I put a hand on her belly and clear out her bladder. "I''ll do the plumbing later, go back to sleep." "What!?" She shouts loud enough to wake me fully. "Why didn''t you tell me you could do that?" "Too loud." Apricot groans and pulls a pillow over her head. "How do you think I ate a week''s worth of food in one sitting?" I blink up at the annoyed look on her face. "Sorry, but we had a little bet going to see how long it would take you to figure it out."The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "..." She glares at me and I swear I can hear her teeth grind. "I could have used that when we were riding around in the wagon all day long." "Yeah, but it was funnier this way." The pixie''s annoyed voice is muffled by the pillow. "Now, please be quiet, it''s barely first light." "You alright Sweetie?" I ask, somewhat concerned since she may be lazy, but never sounds this grumpy. "Ugh, I can''t believe I''m saying this." She sighs and pulls the pillow down enough to see us. "But, I think I ate too much chocolate last night. I''ve heard you lunkers talk about hangovers before, and now I understand why you all hate them so much." "Oh, Sweetie." Amelia turns a doting look on the pixie. "You did get kind of wild after Sorrel broke out the syrup, but I thought that was just you being you." "Try drinking some water." I offer, smiling at the memory of the sticky fun we had last night. "Hmm, conjured water might actually work best since you turn everything into magic anyways." "I''ll do half and half." Amelia takes a cup out of storage and fills it up with magical water. "That... that''s helping. Thank you." Her brows un-furrow as she downs the rest of the glass. "More, please." "Sorry, I don''t have any willow trees, or I''d make you some aspirin." I sit up straighter in bed and start pulling out some stuff for breakfast. "But, a nice greasy breakfast is the next best thing." Two large plates of breakfast and half a pitcher of conjured water later, and the pixie is looking and sounding much better. "So, what''s the plan for today?" Amelia asks while lazily picking at the remains of her plate. "Shopping." I answer right away. "I have a general idea of how I want to decorate, but I wouldn''t mind looking around for inspiration. Though, what I really need is to see what kind of enchanted devices are available." Judging by what I saw in the baron''s manor, I''m not holding out much hope, but I still want to have a look. "Oh, and we should stop by your parents'' later to talk chocolate." "We should look for a horse too." She nods. "I''d say horse and carriage, but you''re you." "If you don''t feel like walking." I place my hand over her belly. "I can turn my bike into a pedicab." I make a quick model to relieve her confusion. "They''re also called rickshaws because they''re modeled on these two-person mini-carriages." Another model appears along with a runner holding onto the poles. "Oh, I saw something just like that the one time we went to the Capital." She picks up the second model. "It really is hard to believe you''re from a whole different world. I want to learn all about it, but we should get a move on if we want to reach the market before all the good produce is taken." "Well, you two get dressed and I''ll work on the bike. Oh, and remind me to grab some sulfur so I can make some proper tires." I start by making a third wheel for the bike before extending the frame. ... "Good morning Mister Sorrel." Derby the gate guard greets me. "That is one interesting carriage you have there." "Morning, Derby." I nod to the man. "The girls were feeling lazy so they turned me into their workhorse." "Oh, shut up and take us to the market already." Amelia blushes. "Well, you''d better get a move on, then." Derby laughs. "Don''t want her to break out the crop, after all." "Please, don''t give her any ideas." His laughter follows us as I pedal away. "Don''t worry Sorrel." Apricot chimes in. "Just remember the safe word and you''ll be fine." "..." Amelia''s blush just keeps getting deeper and deeper. "Hahahaha." ... "So, where to now?" We just finished up at the farmer''s market, and I had a blast. There were plenty of new foods for me to grab, but most of my haul came from a store on the edge of the market. The proprietor used storage to keep out of season, and imported foods fresh. Amelia worked out a deal to get me one of everything in exchange for five bushels of whatever he wanted. The shop owner also promised to contact me with any new produce or exotic plants he gets his hands on. "The crafting district is off that way, but it''s kinda far." She points off to the east. "Your carriage awaits, Madam." I bow with a courtly flourish after pulling the rickshaw from storage. "Let''s go to a leatherworker first, we can get you that riding crop." Apricot chortles when she gets a rise out of Amelia again. ... "Is that a magic shop?" We just turned a corner and came across a fancy shop with a display full of enchanted items. "Yes, but they overcharge." Amelia states. "We''d be better of going to Rozelle''s, it''s just a couple blocks further along." A couple blocks later we roll up to a much more modest store with ''Rozelle''s Rune Shop'' written on its signboard. "Welcome to Rozelle''s." A tired-looking twelve-year-old lifts his head from where he was resting it on the counter when the bell above the door rings. "How can I help you?" "Hi Jared, is your mom in?" The kid looks a bit confused when Amelia greets him by name. "Sorrel here wants to outfit his new house." She gestures to me, but I''ve already wandered off to explore the shop, Apricot right next to me doing the same. "You two are like kids in a candy shop." "More like you in a candy shop." I tease back. "Speaking of candy." The pixie perks up. "Do they sell mana stones here?" "Yes, we do." Jared answers with a yawn. "And, mom''s at the guild right now. Everyone''s been going nuts since the news came out about Dotty. Olivar is trying to take the head office for himself, mom doesn''t want it, but she really doesn''t want him to have it. And, she keeps dragging me to meetings with all the other enchanters that don''t want him to get it either." Another big yawn escapes as he finishes his tale. "Olivar''s was that big shop we passed, right?" Amelia nods in answer to my question. "Mhm, should we come back later? I know you won''t be happy if you can''t get a good haggle in." "Wait, now I know who you are." Jared snaps his fingers. "You''re Amy, the Rialta''s daughter. Weren''t you up in Northwood?" "Yeah." She nods, somewhat subdued. "We actually ran into Ferne on our way back. Sorrel was the one to stop the bandits that Dotty sent." "You''ve got to go to the guild house." This is the most animated he''s been since we entered the store. "I know mom and the others will want to talk to you." "It''s not that far from here." Amelia looks to me. "That''s fine by me." I nod. "Let''s just get Apricot her snack first." "Yay!" ... # 046 "You know. If you save some of those, I could try baking with them." I tell the pixie as we leave the shop behind. I was going to try cooking with one after leaving Northwood, but Apricot ate them all before I got the chance. "But then I wouldn''t be able to eat them right away." She says while sucking on a mana stone like a hard candy. "I still can''t believe you eat mana stones." Amelia shakes her head before stopping suddenly and turning to Apricot with a deadly serious expression. "Keep your hands to yourself when we get there. They''ve got a mana node on display in the lobby. Its the pride of the guild as no one else has ever been able to move one before." "We don''t mess with the nodes." Apricot says just as seriously. "If we did that, then no more stones would grow." "Well, don''t try plucking any stones either, if it even has any." Amelia starts guiding us again. "I hear that it barely produces, which is probably why it''s on display where anyone can get to it." "Not surprising with the Deadlands so close." The pixie nods sagely. "The river helps, but I wouldn''t want to get any closer than this." "Are you okay being so close?" Amelia''s worry mirrors mine. "I''m fine." She skips closer and takes Amelia''s arm in hers. "Being bonded with you has increased how much I can draw on the ambient mana. Between that and Sorrel''s magic rich food, I''m doing great." "Well, you tell us if that changes. Alright." They walk arm in arm into the entrance of a large building. The interior is much more richly appointed than the rather boring outside. But, my eyes skip over all that and lock onto a large dais in the center of the room. Inside a circle of glowing magical script is what looks like a tall cluster of dull crystals, but my magical sense is telling me is... well, not a plant, but not pure stone either. "Oh, I''ve never seen one so dim." Apricot pulls Amelia closer to inspect it. "Yeah, it''s barely getting enough mana. Look at those tiny stones, no Fae would even bother with anything so small." "No enchanter either." A rather smarmy looking man says while walking closer. "It''s a marvel that Greenfield was able to relocate a mana node, but it hasn''t produced more than this since his death over a century ago." "Mister Olivar, nice to meet you again." Amelia puts on a smile that I don''t think anyone who didn''t know her well would be able to tell is fake. "You as well Miss Rialta." He nods his head to her. "Doubly so since I hear you played some part in exposing Dotty''s plot." "I just told Captain Leonard of my suspicions, it was all him and the magistrate." It''s really weird seeing her act so polite to someone I can tell she does not like at all. "And, of course, Apricot and Sorrel were responsible for spotting and stopping the bandits." "Well, then." He offers us the exact same nod of the head. "You have my thanks and the gratitude of the entire enchanters guild. I''m afraid I have business to attend to elsewhere, but feel free to stop by my shop anytime. I''d be happy to give you a discount on anything you need." "Thank you, sir." I mirror his nod back to him. "I may just take you up on that offer." "See that you do." One more smarmy smile plays on his smarmy face before he leaves. Amelia waits until he''s well out the door before giving herself a quick shake. "Ugh! I never liked that guy." "I can see why." I send a sneer in the direction he retreated to. "Guy reminds me of a used car salesman, only worse. Thank you for steering me away from his shop." "Amelia, is that you?" A woman in her mid-thirties call out from the same hallway Olivar came from. She''s somewhat plain-looking, but has a kind smile. Her medium brown hair is held up in a bun by what looks like glowing blue chopsticks. "You didn''t run into Olivar did you." "Hi, Rozelle. And, yeah, he just left." She nods to the door. "Nnh. The little shit probably went to buy himself some more votes." The woman takes a deep breath before letting it go with a sigh. "Sorry, sorry. It''s just so frustrating dealing with that man, he only wants the position so he can line his pockets." "You all should give Ferne the job." Apricot says with a laugh. "I bet Dotty made her do all the work anyway." "You must be Apricot and Sorrel, the guards mentioned the three of you were responsible for spoiling Dotty''s plans." She gives us a much more genuine smile than Olivar did. "And, I''d love to give the job to Ferne. Dotty treated her horribly, but we''re quickly learning that she held this office together. Unfortunately, she''s not here; and even if she was, it''s doubtful anyone would vote for her. I''m having enough trouble getting support myself." "Anything we can do to help?" Amelia says earnestly. "I can''t help but feel somewhat responsible for this mess." "No! Dotty is responsible for all this." Rozelle practically spits. "But, unless you know how to get all the enchanters on my side, there''s not much you can do." "I might have an idea." I speak up for the first time. "But, maybe we could speak somewhere private?" While they''ve been talking, I''ve been plumbing the depths of the mana node with my magic. At first, I thought it might be some of mutated Lithop, but that was way off. The thing is more like an algae that has developed similar to a coral. It seems to feed solely off of mana and somehow developed the crystal to channel it throughout the colony. With the excess being stored as mana stones, most likely because the colony can only take in so much at a time and has to offload the rest. "Uh, sure." The enchanter shrugs her shoulders. "We can borrow one of the empty rooms." "What is it?" Amelia asks once we''re sequestered in a room. Apricot and Rozelle share the same questioning expression as the blonde. "So..." I draw the word out trying to decide how to proceed. "You need something big to draw the other enchanters into your camp, right?" "That would certainly help, yes." She nods. "Okay. What if you were able to bring that lovely mana node in the lobby back to life? And, not only that, but grow as many as you wanted?" Apricot and Amelia instantly get an idea of what I''m talking about. But, poor Rozelle just looks dumbfounded. "That would be great, but people have been trying to get that dumb rock to produce for over a hundred years with no luck." "Well, those people aren''t me." I drop my shapeshift and reveal my Plantkin features. "And, that''s not a rock." "Ooh, it alway gives me the shivers whenever you do that." Apricot licks her lips. "I understand why you prefer to look human, but you really do look nice like this."You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. "She''s not wrong." Amelia agrees. "Mhm." I just shrug and shift back before my pants fall down. "Give me some time, okay. And, before you ask. I''m a Plantkin." I add this because I could tell that the enchanter was dying to ask. "So, you''re saying that mana nodes are actually plants?" She just tilts her head in confusion. "No." I shake my head. "It''s more like an algae, which although it looks and acts like a plant, isn''t one. But, it is close enough for me to affect. Do you know what coral is?" Seeing three blank looks I pull out some paper and draw a few pictures. "It''s a colony creature that lives in the ocean." "Livingstone." Rozelle calls out once she sees the third picture. "It''s a rock that grows like a plant." "It''s actually a bunch of tiny animals, and the ''rock'' is just their shells." I correct her understandable misunderstanding. "This algae has somehow done much the same with its crystal." "So, the stones are its fruit?" Apricot looks confused. "Why didn''t you sense it before now." "I''m not one hundred percent sure, but I think the node actually a victim of its own success." I smile at her. "See, it feeds solely off of mana, but just like how regular plants can be harmed by too much sunlight, it can be harmed by too much mana. And, that crystal draws in mana like crazy." "So, it needed somewhere to put the excess." Her eyes light up when she gets it. "It couldn''t just let it go because the crystal would just draw it back in again." "That''s my best guess, yeah." I nod and turn to Rozelle. "So, do you think discovering the secret to mana nodes is enough to draw people to your side?" "If what you''re saying is true, then yes." She looks a little wide-eyed. "I''d need you to join the guild as my apprentice, but that''s just a formality, you wouldn''t have to do anything. But, we''ve tried everything to make that thing grow, mages of all stripes have tried feeding it mana to no avail." "Yes, but even if they were nature mages they probably specialized in plants, or animals... maybe fungi. And, algae are none of those. It can also be finicky as hell to keep alive which explains why no one else has been able to move a node without killing it." "What do you need?" She finally seems to believe me. "To grow mana stones? Nothing." I answer straight away. "But, if you want another node. Then I''ll need another one of those mana collecting rings like what''s in the lobby. The ambient mana is too low to keep one alive on its own, and I can''t feed it all the time." "Is that all." She looks incredulous. "I''ve got one in my shop. Every enchanter worth the name has tried to re-create that circle to discover what Greenfield did differently." "A small piece of the main colony would be nice." I add. "But, I can probably make do just by drawing some of the algae out onto my finger." "Let''s see if that works first before you go breaking pieces off." Her face has this mixture of nervousness and excitement. "So, if Sorrel is your apprentice, does that mean he gets a discount at your shop." Amelia''s merchant side comes to the fore. "Hahaha." Rozelle cracks up laughing. "If this works, I''ll give him anything he wants for free. I want to see if you can make a stone grow first, it won''t be strange to see another mage trying their hand at making it grow. But, even if it does, I want you to pretend that it didn''t work. Can you do that?" "Shouldn''t be a problem." I nod and head over to the door to hold it open. Once we''re out in the lobby I start our little play. "I just want to thank you again for this opportunity, there''s so many devices from back home that I would love to re-create." "Not a problem." She plays along. "But, before we head to my shop. Do you want to try your hand at making the mana node grow? Everyone tries it at least once, for all the good it does." "Might as well." I shrug. "We were up in Northwood, but I never actually got close to one. Is it alright if I touch it?" At the node itself, I keep my mana focused in a small spot that can''t be seen from the rest of the lobby. "Oh well, maybe next time." The enchanter struggles to keep her voice level as I palm the stone that I just grew. "The gods know I must have tried a hundred different things to get this thing to grow a stone." ... Somehow Rozelle was able to hold it together until we reached her shop. But, as soon as we were inside, she started cackling like a madwoman. "Mom?" Jared snaps upright like he was just woken up from a nap, which he was. "What''s going on? is everything alright?" "Better than alright, baby." She runs behind the counter and pulls him into a big bear hug. "Momma just got herself a brilliant new apprentice who''s going to help her lock down the position of guild head." "Um, I hate to interrupt the celebration." I clear my throat. "But, these are some greedy little buggers, and there''s not nearly enough plant life around for me to recharge my mana from." I hold up my finger with what looks like a tiny grain of salt on it. "It worked?" She rushes back over to me and grabs my hand to hold it steady. "It worked! Hahahaha. Come on, come on." She drags me into the back without letting go. "Now, where did I put that blasted thing." Meanwhile, Jared just looks confused, and the girls are giggle at my predicament. "Is that it up there?" I point to the top of a tall cabinet where I can feel the mana being drawn to. "Yes! How did you spot that?" It was covered in a ton of junk making almost impossible to see. "Never mind. It''s already active, so just put the node in the center." She dumps the contents of a table on the floor and sets the circle on top. I keep a careful eye on the node as it adapts to the new environment. "And... it''s stable. Hungry, but stable. That crystal takes a lot of mana to grow, so if you want more than that tiny grain, I''m going to need to be around a lot of plants." "You can recharge your mana pool?" I don''t think she heard me the first time. "I''ve heard that high tier mages can do the same thing, but mostly with fire." "Yeah, Sorrel is somewhat gifted." Amelia smirks. "He''s a gods send is what he is." Both Amelia and Apricot start cracking up when Rozelle says that. "Did, I say something funny?" "Sorry, it''s a bit of an inside joke." I just shake my head at the two giggling goofballs. "Whatever." She waves it off. "Do you know what this means?" "That I''m not going to go broke trying to keep Apricot stocked up on snacks?" I toss the stone I collected earlier over to the pixie who promptly pops it into her mouth. "Mmm, that''s a good one." She moans while sucking on the stone. "She eats them?" The enchanter''s eyes go wide. "She''s Fae." I get that she''s much larger than usual, but the wings really do give it away. "They survive on ambient mana, but the stones are their favorite treats." "That''s only because most of them have never tried chocolate before." A laugh bubbles out of the pixie''s lips. "Hmm? Now I want to try mixing the two." I think about it for a second before shelving it for later, and turning back to Rozelle. "So, like I was saying. If you want a lot of growth, I''m going to need a lot of plants around. My farm just outside the north gate would be ideal, but I can ask the Baron for a favor if you want to wow the whole guild at the same time without leaving the walls." "I think you broke her, Babe." Amelia holds back a laugh at the stunned look on the enchanter''s face. "Here you go, Ro." She hands her a chocolate bar. "Just take a bite out of this, and you''ll start to understand how he can so casually mention asking for favors from the Baron." Ro just opens her mouth and takes a big bite; her expression shows clear enjoyment, but she doesn''t comment about the treat. "Okay, you go arrange things at the Baron''s. I will talk to my supporters and tell them to spread the word that I have something that will revolutionize enchanting." "Noon tomorrow work for you?" I ask before she can take off. "My recharge trick needs sunlight to work. Oh, and I really am interested in learning about enchanting. I wasn''t just acting before, there are a lot of devices from back home that I''d like to try re-creating." She walks over to a bookshelf and pulls out all the books from one whole shelf. "Enchanting primers." A couple of slim volumes. "And, the runic dictionary." The whole rest of the shelf. "Wow." I laugh nervously and pick up the first primer. "Huh?" It looks like a mix between an electric circuit and one of those drag-and-drop programming languages. "That''s a lot of math, but it seems to be mostly algebra with some geometry. Oop, spoke too soon." I flip through the book until I find what looks a lot like a calculus problem. "Wait... I know this one; you just need to use this formula." I wasn''t sure at first because of the translation, but it clicked after just a moment. "What?" Rozelle snatches the scratch sheet out of my hand, on it is the fully solved problem. "Solve this." She hands me a much thicker volume from one of the higher shelves on the bookcase. "Ugh, why did it have to be math? I was hoping I''d just have to draw some squiggles in magic ink or something." I sigh and work through the problem she hands me. "Here you go." I hand over the completed solution a minute later. "You? But? What? How?" She sputters while goggling at the piece of paper in her hands. "I was a scholar before I came here." I reply. "I may not like maths, but I''m not bad at them. Though, if I do get into enchanting for real, the first thing I''m going to make is freakin'' calculator." "Nnh, do you have any more of that chocolate stuff?" She asks Amelia somewhat pitifully. "Here." I hand over a small box full. "Now, we''ve still got a few stops to make. Do, you mind if I get some lights for the house, everything else can wait for later." "Uh-huh. Jared, get him a basic toolkit and whatever he wants off the shelves. I need to go talk to some people." She cradles the chocolate under one arm and walks out of the store still reading over the differential equation filling the paper in her hand. "Hahahah." Her son starts laughing his head off as soon as the door closes behind her. "Oh, that was amazing. I''ve seen her struggle with the stuff in that book for hours at a time. And you solved it in under a minute." "Nng, you should have seen my last mid-term test." I shudder just thinking about it. "I think half the class was crying by the time it was over and done." ... # 047 "You want to grab lunch?" I ask after we get out of the shop. It''s not quite noon, but by the time we find a place and get our food, it will be. "Do you even have to ask?" Apricot chuckles. "The restaurant that has those cinnamon sweet rolls is just a few blocks up that way." She starts walking down the street before coming up short with a grunt and putting a hand on her abdomen. "Nng, could you bring out your bike?" "Cramps?" I fill a small cup with healing sap. "Here, I don''t know how much good it will do, but it can''t hurt." "Thank you." She downs it without protest. "Oh, that is so much better. I should be good now, the first one is always the worst." "My sister would be so jealous right now." A sad smile slips onto my face when I think about the last time her hot water bottle sprung a leak. "She''d get them so bad that all she could do was curl up into a ball with her hot water bottle." "I''ve had a few days like that." Amelia nods in sympathy before putting her arm around my waist. "Can I see their picture again?" "Of course." I don''t even want to think about what my family is going through right now, but I know they''re both strong and will get through it eventually. "I was thinking about hanging it up when we get home. Maybe start a picture wall along the entryway." "That''d be nice." Apricot hugs me tight from the other side, and I start to feel bad. She still hasn''t told us what happened to get her exiled, but she must be missing her family every bit as much as I am. I don''t know what to say, so I just squeeze her back. After lunch, we head back towards the middle of town to ask Erick''s permission to host the enchanters guild. "Hello Carl, is the Baron available?" I ask the servant at the door. "Good afternoon sir." He gives us a small bow. "I''m afraid he''ll be in a meeting for some time yet, but Reinholt is free if you wish to speak with him." "Yes, that should work, thank you." I nod back and we follow him through the manor house into a richly appointed office. "Sorrel, back so soon?" The baron''s son gets out of his chair to greet us. "Amelia, Apricot." He nods to each in turn with a smile. "I hope you aren''t too upset with my dear cousin." "Are you kidding?" Apricot scoffs. "I just wish I was there to see it happen." "Hah." The laugh erupts out of him. "So, what can I do for you." "I''m sure you''re aware of the fight for leadership at the enchanters guild." He nods. "Well, I''ve decided to side with Rozelle and was hoping we could use the manor for a meeting of the guild. Tomorrow, around noon, if possible." "I don''t see a problem with that." He shrugs. "But, that twinkle in your eye tells me that''s not all of it." "Well, you know that mana node they have in the lobby there?" I hold out my hand with a tiny blue crystal balanced on my fingertip. "Wait? You made another copy?" Amelia leans in close to get a better look. "Yeah, why do you think my mana ran out so fast?" I nod and then laugh as Holt finally figures out what I''m holding. "Is that..." "Yes." I simply nod. "It turns out that while they aren''t plants, they are close enough for me to affect. Rozelle wants to wow the crowd by showing off what her new apprentice can do, but these things take a lot of mana to grow. And, I thought the gardens here would be more suitable than trooping everyone off to my farm." "Oh, I have to tell father about this." A shit-eating grin appears on Holt''s face. "He''s in a meeting with Olivar right now. The greasy cretin has been pestering him to interfere with Guild business. Which just isn''t going to happen, certainly not for someone who keeps staring at my sister''s chest every time he sees her." "Pfft." I almost choke on my laughter. "Yeah." He sighs. "Unfortunately he owns one of the most successful shops in town, so we can''t just dismiss him. We can''t side with Rozelle either, but hosting a meeting for the entire guild. That we can do." "Thank you." I bow in my chair to the man. "No, thank you." His eyes are locked on the mana node which has nearly quadrupled in size since we sat down. "You really are a man full of surprises." "This time was just dumb luck." I shake my head in negation. "I mean, I didn''t even think to get a look at a mana node when we were up in Northwood. And, if Ro was in her shop when we stopped by, I likely never would have found out about this." The node on my finger has grown another size by this time. "Even so." He smiles ruefully. "People have been trying to replicate Greenfield''s success since he died. Alright, I won''t be able to tell father about this until Olivar leaves, which might take hours. So, I can''t ask you to hang around, but I know Aunt Elise wanted to talk to you about learning those healing spells." "Oh, we had some errands to run, but it''s nothing that can''t wait for a bit." I say after looking to the girls for their opinion. "Anything in particular?" He asks. "I can send a servant to fetch it for you." "We need to find someone to install windows and do some stone stonework for the house." I answer. "Other than that, we were just going to wander around furniture shops looking for inspiration." "Well, I don''t know about windows." He ponders for a short moment. "But, Edsel is your man if you need some stonework done. And, he''ll probably know who to talk to about windows too. I''ll send a runner to see if he''s available." "Thank you, but you don''t need to bother him." I try to turn down his offer. "Don''t be silly." He waves my concern away. "I know he''s dying to talk to you more about those bicycle things. This is the perfect opportunity." He goes and calls for a runner before I can stop him. "So." I turn to the girls. "Feel like chatting with Elise for a bit?" "Are we still going to stop by my parents later?" Amelia asks. "Of course." I take her hand in mine. "Hopefully, this won''t take more than a couple hours. Maybe you can raid the Baron''s library while we''re here? If you find something you like, it shouldn''t take me too long to make a copy." "Alright, but I''m still waiting for Frankenstein." She gets a dreamy look on her face while thinking again about all the books stored in my head. "Help yourselves, please." Holt offers. "Our library may not be the largest, but it does cover a wide range of subjects, and a good half of it is devoted to fictions." "Well, if you don''t mind." Her demure words over-written by the hungry look in her eyes. "Not at all." He lets out a soft chuckle. "I''ll show you where it is and then go tell Aunt Elise that you''re is here."The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. ... "Ooh, can I copy that map?" It''s the first one I''ve seen since coming here. "Go ahead." Reinholt nods. "There''s several more rolled up in that drawer there, too." "Thank you." I give him a deep bow and pull out a large sheet of paper and my pigments. The map on the wall covers this country of Larendath. It''s mostly rectangular in shape, bordered on the south and east by the ocean, by tall mountains in the north, and the Janwick River on the west. Riverton sits almost smack dab in the middle of this river. The southwest corner of the map is just marked as the grasslands, it contains no settlements and only has one road cutting through it. The east is filled with rolling hills and many interconnected settlements. The north is filled with woods and is more sparsely populated. "That was fast." Holt laughs when he returns with Elise to find that I''ve copied not only the one on the wall but half of the maps in the drawers as well. The first one I dug out was a map of the continent. Varecia has six countries, Larendath, Cendassa, Ciranna, Alarath, Asauria, and Elialle. It reminds me somewhat of a stretched out Alaska. Only Canada has been replaced by water, and the Aleutian Peninsula is much larger and curls down to the southeast around an oddly circular gulf. And, since the whole of the peninsula is marked as the Deadlands. I''m guessing that the gulf didn''t used to be a gulf and that the peninsula didn''t use to be a peninsula either. The only thing is that Larendath is just to the north of the gulf, and it''s not a manaless desert. "Uh, yeah, I can paint quickly." I say somewhat embarrassed. "I actually would have finished already, but this is my first time getting a look at the lands around here." "You should read this if you want to learn more." He pulls down a slim volume, simply titled ''Varecia''. "Thank again." I bow my head to him and take the book. Speaking of books, Amelia has already gathered a large stack of them. Apricot shrank down to sit in her hair and read along. "Go ahead and finish copying those." Elise says while heading over to a locked cabinet. "It''ll take me a moment to get the books we need." While she''s doing that I quickly finish off the rest of the maps. They''re just from this continent, though. I really wouldn''t mind seeing something of the larger world, but that''s just not in the cards for today. "All done?" Elise beckons me to sit across from her at the other end of the table from Amelia. "Now, healing magic as we perform it is a multi-disciplinary art. You obviously favor nature magic, which is good, but you''ll need all the basic elements to be considered a skilled healer." "Aside from nature magic, I only know storage, cleanse, and a couple of water and fire spells." I say. "But, I''ve got good mana sensitivity, and have always been able to pick things up quickly." "Good to hear." She nods and sets a tome titled ''The Healing Arts: Earth Magics'' in front of me. "Let''s start with earth magic, it''s useful for more than just healing broken bones..." Apricot drifts over once the magic starts flowing. And, with her help, I was able to pick the spells up at a rate that astonished Elise. "Could we hire you to help train apprentices?" The healer practically begs Apricot after she realized what was happening. "Nnh, that sounds like work, and we pixies are allergic to work." Apricot scrunches up her nose in the cutest way. "I''m only doing this so that Sorrel doesn''t drain himself dry healing people anymore. But... if you had some spare mana stones, I might be persuaded to offer them a few pointers." She starts nibbling on one that we picked up earlier. "You little glutton." I chuckle and tousle her hair with a finger. "I''m already growing a node and you still want more stones." The node itself has nearly quadrupled in size again. It might have been able to grow more, but most of my focus has been on the magic lesson. "You can never have too many treats." Her tiny face is filled with an unabashed expression. "We can pay in mana stones if that''s what you want." Elise nods, not caring in the slightest that Apricot is just going to eat them, or that I''m able to grow more. "How goes the lessons?" Erick''s jovial voice calls out from the doorway. "Better than I could have imagined, thanks to Apricot here." Elise answers, her face filled with pride. "Don''t discount Sorrel too much." The pixie rebuts. "I''ve known Fae with worse mana sensitivity than him; I only have to give him the odd nudge here and there." I didn''t pick any increases for it when VeeGee let me design my new body, so it must be something innate to being Plantkin, or perhaps me personally. Either way, I''m happy to have it. I''m still going to need a fair bit of practice to internalize these spells, but at least I won''t be wasting time walking down false paths. "Oh, I don''t think I''m ever going to discount Sorrel." The baron laughs. "May I see the node?" His eyes shine with interest. "Will you be able to train others to do the same? This could revolutionize enchanting." "Call Seymour up, and let''s find out." I shrug, he''s the only other nature mage that I''ve met. "If anyone has a chance of picking it up, it''s him." "I''ll go get him." Holt offers. "This is probably a good spot to finish our lesson for now." Elise says. "You may know the basic spells, but you need to practice them." "May I copy these books? And, those for Amelia." I add after the blonde bibliophile clears her throat. "I was about to give them to you." She laughs. "If it''s alright with Erick, you can copy any book you''d like." "Duplicate the whole library if you want to." He laughs right along with her. "That might take me a while." I add my own chuckle and start copying the first of the healing books while waiting for Seymour. "Ah, Sorrel." The gardener says my name. "I take it you have a challenge for me?" "Mhm." I nod to give myself time to finish the page I''m working on. "What do you know about algae?" "Pond scum? Not much, I don''t do water gardens." I explain to him about algae, and how this pond scum is acting similar to a coral. "So, it''s a plant, only not?" "I''m more surprised that Livingstone is actually an animal, or rather a bunch of tiny ones working together." Reinholt says. "Well, Seymour." The baron looks at the gardener. "Do you think you can replicate what Sorrel is doing?" "I can try." When he starts probing the node with his magic I make what I''m doing a little ''noisier'' for him. And then, a lot noisier when he just looks confused. "Close." I nod at his first attempt. "You''re still treating it a bit too much like a plant though. Don''t focus so much on this part." I send out a pulse of what he did wrong, before correcting it to what he should be doing. "That''s better, yeah." I nod again. "It''s definitely reacting to you now." "Can I stop now?" The man winces when his magic slips back to how it was before. "I''m sorry, but it''s giving me a headache twisting the magic like that." "That''s fine. Here, this will help with the headache." I hand him a shot of healing sap. "You proved that it''s possible, and that''s all we needed. Though, I may ask you to demonstrate again tomorrow." "Have some more of this ready for me, and I''ll be glad to." He looks relieved. "Can I get back to the garden now?" "Yes, and thank you." Erick nods to the man. "How well did he do?" He asks after Seymour leaves. "I''d say he could brighten up the one at the guild house, but would have trouble making it grow a gem." I reply. "But, he''s pretty set in his ways, so it might be better to start with someone younger and train them up." "Mhm, unfortunately, people with nature magic affinities are somewhat rare." He strokes his chin, deep in thought. "Elise, would you care to give it a shot? It''s not your focus, but you at least have some experience from healing." "Show me how you do it again." She is more flexible than Seymour, but her nature magic is more animal-focused. "Nng. Oh! Oh wow." She exclaims when Apricot steps in to help her. "That is remarkable." And, it seems to do the trick, as the healer manages it on her own the very next try. "Why didn''t you help Seymour?" "Eh, he got close enough on his own, but I could see that Elise wasn''t going to." Short, sweet, and to the point. That''s Apricot. "How''s everything going up here?" Edsel asks, stepping into the room. "Ed." I''d completely forgotten about him. "Oh man, I''m sorry. I got caught up in all this." I gesture to the healing book that I still need to finish copying. "No worries, I was just chatting with Gran." He waves away my concern. "You know he''s still working on that chocolate? Says the grind still isn''t fine enough yet." "Hah." I shake my head after a snort of a laugh escapes. "Have a seat, we''re done with the lesson, and I just need to copy some of these books. But, I can do that while we talk. Elise, it''s going to suck you dry if you keep pumping mana in like that." "Hehe." She has a surprisingly girlish laugh. "I guess you''re not the only one that gets caught up in things." "Well, she proved that it works." Erick says with a smile for his cousin. "I''m not sure it''d be worth it for anyone that can''t quickly refill their mana like you. I may not be very sensitive, but even I felt how much mana she was pushing into the node." "Yeah, if she could focus it tightly, that might have gotten her a stone and a half from the one at the guild house." "Closer to two." Apricot interjects. "But, yeah. She''s almost drained now. Not really worth it for not quite two mana stones." "It might be worth it to the enchanters." I counter. "They could contract people, offer to power level them in a dungeon in exchange for enough mana stones to make it profitable." "Good idea." Erick nods. "But the nearest open dungeon is in Ciranna, and they tax access to it very heavily. Oh, don''t get me wrong all this is more than enough to get people onto Rozelle''s side. Especially if her new apprentice offers them a discount on mana stones." "Though, Olivar is sure to raise a stink." Holt adds with a grin. "True." Erick strokes his chin. "It''s probably not needed, but it would help if you were her apprentice in more than just name." "Would wowing them with my math work?" I retrieve the primer from storage and flip to a page near the back at random, and take a few seconds to answer the problem on it. "I''m afraid to even crack open that dictionary just yet. Not with all these new healing spells floating around in my head." "Oh, I can''t wait to see Olivar''s face when you do that in front of him tomorrow." The baron''s son lets out a deep belly laugh. "Yes, that will be quite the treat." Erick agrees. "Alright, we''ve got business to take care of. Just leave the books on the table when you''re done; Carl gets upset when anyone messes up his shelves." *** # 048 "Sorry for making you wait again, Ed." I nod to the earth mage after the baron and his family left. "Hope you don''t mind if I work while we talk." "That''s fine." He laughs. "I already saw you cook, so it''s no surprise that you can talk while doing something like that. So, what do you need for the new house?" "The chimney''s the biggest thing." I might as well start there. "Two stories with fireplaces in the living and bedrooms. A bunch of windows, though all I need is just the glass." "No plumbing?" He lifts an eyebrow. "Mhm, I was going to handle that with wood for now. But, yeah." I nod. "A kitchen sink and some stone features for the two bathrooms might be nice." "Okay, I can give you a decent price." He looks like he''s tallying things up in his head. "I don''t do glass, but I know a guy, normally he''s backed up, but if you can do the frames yourself, I should be able to work something out. I''ll need to see the house first of course." "Not a problem, just give me a few more minutes on these." I''m almost through the medical texts, but Amelia has already added two more books to her stack. "So, how''s it going with the bicycle?" "You tell me." He produces a fully working chain drive on a stand. It''s only a single speed, but it looks good to me. "Those ball bearings gave me some trouble getting them perfectly round, and I''d still like to get a harder alloy, but they should hold up alright for this." "Hmm... I think they used chromium and nickel as the major parts of the steel. And, I want to say silicon, and... I think manganese or magnesium. They sound similar in my language and I always got the two mixed up. Vanadium is also common, from what I remember." I wanted to know what the ''304'' part of ''Stainless Steel 304'' meant on the box of bearings we used at the bike shop. So, I Googled it once and stupid trivia like that was always getting stuck in my head. "I''m not sure what half those are." He laughs. "But, I''ll try finding them. Any idea on percentages?" "Not a clue. Sorry." I''m almost finished with the books when Amelia walks up with another armful. Apricot is with her, and back to human-size. "You know we''re going to be back here tomorrow, right?" "Well, maybe if I had that Frankenstein story to read." She says with a grin. "Fine." I sigh. "But, no more please, or we''ll never get to your parents later." Somehow she manages to hold off from grabbing anymore. "Alright. Now that I''m done. Do you want to go see the house?" "Yeah." Ed nods. "I don''t have everything I''ll need on me, but I can get started and get an idea of what else is needed. Do you have a carriage, or should we hire one?" "Oh, I drove the girls here on my bike, but it only has room for three." I materialize the pedicab to demonstrate once we get outside. "So, we''ll need to get a carriage." "I didn''t even think about using it like that." Edsel starts examining the rickshaw. "There''s quite a few different designs. I''ll make you some models on the way to the house." I''m about to go hail down a carriage when one rolls up from the stables with a young man in the baron''s colors sitting in the driver''s seat. "Sirs, the baron asked that I take you wherever you needed to go." The driver bows to us from his seat. "Ah, thank you, Teddy." Edsel nods back to the man. "We''re just going outside the north gate, but if you could hang around for a few minutes to take me back to my shop, that would be great." "I''m at your disposal for the rest of the afternoon." Teddy bows again. A short ride and a dozen bicycle models later, and we pile out of the carriage in front of the new house. "So, you''re saying that it was common for these bikes to made of aluminum." It takes me a moment to realize why Edsel seems so shocked about that. "Oh, yeah. Aluminum used to be really expensive to produce, or I suppose it still is here." Worth more than its weight in gold, if I remember correctly. "You could say that." He deadpans. "It takes so much energy to smelt that it usually requires a large team of fire mages working in concert to produce any useable amount." "They should try lightning." I offer based on more half-remembered trivia. "I don''t know anything about the process, but I remember that it became economically viable after they switched to smelting with electricity. It still takes a lot of energy, but it''s easier to get the higher temperatures needed when using electricity." "Mhm, Electromancers are rare." He grunts "And, they usually spend most of their time being paid handsomely to stun dungeon monsters for others to kill. But still, I''ll pass the tip onto some of the fire mages I know. Also, nice house." He''s been too caught up with the talk of aluminum to take a look at it before now. "Thank you." I bow my head in acknowledgment of his praise. "I still want to add some fine details here and there and the inside is completely empty, but it''ll do for now. Come on in, have a look around. That''s the kitchen, there''s a bathroom through there, and another one upstairs. I plumbed everything with wooden pipes, but haven''t built the water-tank or septic system yet."Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. "Damn, I may have you come by and redo my kitchen." He traces his hand over the maple island in the center of the kitchen. "I''d be glad t... -Oop, hey buddy." Blackthorne hops down the stairs and straight over to me. "Sorry, we left you behind, but it''s kinda hard to ride a bike with you strapped to my back. And, I''d feel bad sticking you into storage. Hmm? You can change shape, why haven''t I thought of this before." I fashion some of the lumber I grew yesterday into a cane. Its round top is shaped like a rose that has yet to fully open, and flowery vines trail down the slightly tapered length. "Can you copy this for me, Blackie?" He seems to sniff the cane. "It''d be a lot easier to carry you around town if you looked like this. Come on, I''ll give you some more cocoa wood." That did it. The cane got wrapped up by Blackthorne, which then absorbed it and changed to match. "Good boy!" "Your staff is alive?" Ed just looks confused as the now much smaller Blackie ''eats'' a plank of cocoa wood. "Plantkin are weird." Apricot says with a laugh. "And, Sorrel is most definitely unique amongst them." "Mhm." Hard to refute that, so I don''t even bother. "I read everything I could about Plantkin, but never saw anything about Livingwood. We were traveling along when the magic from a lightning-struck tree just called out to me. I don''t even know what happened, but that tree became Blackthorne here." "You know. I think I''m just going to have to take a hint from the Baron and choose not to be surprised by anything you do." "Probably for the best." Amelia agrees with the ghost of a smile on her lips. "Alright." He nods. "Can you show me the pipes... ah, that''s a useful trick." He barely pauses as the walls and cabinets fold themselves out of the way. "You have two incoming water lines?" "Dedicated hot water line." I explain. "Each of us has the magic to heat water in our own way, but I''d like to have hot water on tap. Especially in the upstairs shower." "There''s going to be a heated shower?" Amelia perks her head right up. "Did you even look in the bathroom?" I ask with an amused smile. "Aside from the tub, there''s a walk-in shower, toilet, bidet, and two sinks. That reminds me, where do we get mirrors?" I saw glass mirrors at the baron''s but have no idea how common or expensive they might be. "Oh, I can get you polished metal." Ed answers. "But, if you want those fancy glass ones like the Baron has, you''ll need to talk to someone like Melanie. I have no idea how they does it, I''ve tried and just cannot get silver to stick to glass." "Oh, you need to coat it with tin first." I recall one of the few chemistry classes I was actually awake for. "The stannous chloride gives the silver nitrate something to grab onto." "Uh, I understood tin and silver." He chuckles. "Nnh, I know the translation ability is working properly." I heave out a sigh. "The problem is that I just don''t know all the common names for this stuff. I can tell you how to make them; you just need the metals themselves and a couple of common acids. Salt acid for the tin, and for the silver you guys probably call it spirit of niter or fuming red, or something like that. I''d have to ask Melanie to be sure." "Fuming red sounds familiar, but I''m no alchemist." What he is, is a good plumber. He''s been building and swapping out the pipes as we talk, molding the stone much like I do wood. When we get to the master bath, he just stops and stares for a moment. "That is one big tub." "Yeah, I wanted enough room for all three of us to be able to soak comfortably at the same time." Soak, and other things. "Same for the shower... Speaking of, I think it and the toilets would look better in a light-colored stone." From what I saw at the manor house, indoor plumbing is virtually identical to modern-day earth. A fact which I am truly grateful for, but not too surprising when you consider they have people who can sense diseases with magic. And, others who can mold stone and metal as if it were clay. "I''ve got some nice quartz that would look nice in here." He pulls out a polished cube that if he hadn''t just called it quartz I would have assumed was white marble. "I''ve only got enough on me for the toilets, or the shower though." ""Toilets."" Amelia and I answer at the same time. "Heh, it is the most important seat in the home." It takes him a few minutes to shape the toilet and bidet. The quartz is seemingly more difficult to work with than the stone used for the pipes. I''ve been watching him work this whole time with my magical senses and have noticed some similarities to the earth magic healing spells I learned earlier. Not enough for me to copy what he''s doing, but enough to give me hope that it won''t be too hard to pick up in the future. Nobody likes having to call in the plumber, after all. "And, that''s me done for the day." Ed pants after installing the new toilets. "I always forget how much magic working with quartz takes out of me." "Yeah, you''re much less efficient with it than with whatever you were using for the pipes." Apricot says. "Try tightening up the mana, and adding a bit of a twist to it in this part of the spell." She demonstrates something that feels a bit more difficult than what she just described. "No, like this." She takes control of his mana when he tries to copy her. "Oh wow, that is so much better." The block of stone he first showed us is now moving with more fluidity than the pipes were. "Man, I was already going to give you a discount, but after that tip, I feel like I should be paying you." "At least let us pay for materials." I interject, not entirely comfortable with having him do all this work for nothing. "If you really want to make it up to Apricot, then you can just get her some sweets." "Ooh, yes please." She nods enthusiastically. "Hahaha. Alright, I guess that works." He smiles at her antics. "Just let me get the measurements for the windows to give to Claude, my glass guy." "Oh, that''s easy." I make two shapes with different numbers written on each. "There are just two sizes. Square for the windows, and rectangular for the doors. I wrote down how many I''ll need of each, including a few extra in case any break in the future." "This is perfect." He puts the samples into his storage along with the quartz cube. "It might take him a few days to get this many done, but you''ve got those screens up. So, you don''t have to worry about bugs." "Now that you mention it." Amelia looks at me curiously. "I haven''t seen so much as a single fly since we met." "I was always one to bring along a lot of bug repellent whenever I went camping as a kid." I shrug. "Now, I can just use magic for it. But, I don''t repel everything, just the annoying or destructive ones. I was actually thinking of starting a beehive fairly soon." "Ooh, yes please." Apricot repeats her earlier performance. "I love honey." "Okay." Edsel speaks up when we get outside. "Gran was complaining about having to feed the enchanters, but in a way that meant he was happy to have the chance to show off again. So, I''ll see you tomorrow for lunch." "Oh, I was going to take care of that, but I guess this saves me the effort." I shrug one shoulder. "I''ll just make some chocolate for everyone, I guess." "Ooh, yes please." He mimics Apricot. "Alright, I''ll see you then." He nods to us before climbing into the carriage. *** # 049 "Well." I turn to Amelia and Apricot after Edsel leaves. "That wasn''t as bad of a detour as I''d feared it would be. Do you think we have enough time to stop by Melanie''s before going to your parents? All that talk of alchemy made me remember that I still haven''t made a proper batch of rubber yet." "Yeah, they won''t get home for a couple hours yet." She nods. "But, we should swing by Ro''s shop first, let her know that the Baron gave the okay to hold the meeting there. How''s the node doing, by the way?" I hold the pseudo crystal up in response. What started as a single crystal about the same size, if not shape, as a grain of salt, is now a small cluster. The biggest crystal is now the same height as a nickel, with the next largest approaching dime size, and several others at about half that. "I''ll swap this with Ro when we get to her shop, and try to bring that other one up before the meeting tomorrow." I reply. "I figured this would make a better demonstration than a tiny little crystal that could be anything. You know, a slightly larger one of these would make a nice night light for the bathroom." "Hahahah." The blonde breaks out in nervous giggles. "Only you would think of using a mana node as decoration. But, are you even going to be able to keep that other one alive overnight without one of those circles?" "Yeah, I already tested this." I make the node vanish and reappear. "And, as long as I''m careful when I remove it, I can keep it in storage. Probably wouldn''t work on something as big as the one in the guild. But, for a little baby like this? No problem." ... We stopped by the enchanter''s shop, but she wasn''t in. Her son, Jared, said that she''s been running around all day, and has brought several of her closest enchanter friends to see the new node. According to him, they were nearly as excited about how I solved that math problem as they were for the mana node. "Well, tell your mom that I''ll try to get this one to the same size before the meeting tomorrow." I explain after swapping the nodes. "Oh, and that Granville will be catering. I was going to take care of that too, but he took it upon himself." "Will there be any of that new candy there?" He asks with a hopeful look in his eyes. "I tried to ask mom for some, but she and her friends ate all of it." "Heh." I hand him a bar. "Yes, I will be serving chocolate tomorrow, but here''s a bar just for you. Now, we''ve got to get going, I''ll see you tomorrow." "Mmm, thank you." The boy mumbles around a big bite. ... "Hello! Melanie, are you in?" I call out after knocking on the door of the apartment she told us she lived at. "I did get the right address, didn''t I?" "Yeah." Amelia nods. "This should be the place, but I don''t think she''s in." "Oh well." I shrug and write out a note to slip under her door. "She can catch up with us later. Anything you want to do until your parents get done at the warehouse?" "Mhm, we could just wander around." She shrugs as we walk back out onto the street. "It''s been a while since I''ve been back home, and I like to just walk the streets sometimes. I don''t feel like walking today, but you can drive us around." "That sounds fun. We''ll have to try it some other time." I point behind her to where Melanie just turned the corner carrying what looks just like any other reusable grocery tote I''ve ever seen. "Oh, that''s alright." She shrugs again, apparently not caring too much. "I kinda want to see what this rubber stuff can do. And, Apricot owes me a rematch anyways." "Hey, if you want to lose at chess again, that''s fine by me." The pixie wears a smug smile on her face. "Sorrel?" The alchemist blinks up at me when she finally notices who we are. "I''m sorry, I was just picking up some stuff for dinner. I hope you weren''t waiting long." "No, no." I shake my head. "I''m sorry for stopping by unannounced. We just left a note under your door, and were about to leave when you turned the corner." "Well, come on up." She starts towards the apartment again. "I''m guessing you''re here to talk about rubber." "Yes. Things got a little busy today, but I still want to make some and I was hoping you would have some sulfur. Or, at least be able to point me in the right direction. I could also use some dye-making supplies and a quantity of ammonia." "Sulfur, eh?" She cocks an eyebrow at me before opening the door to her apartment. "I didn''t smell any on that sample you showed me. So, I''m guessing it''s used to treat the raw material?" "Sulfur is the main one, yes." I nod. "But, there are several other agents and fillers used in the final product. I know what the most common ones are, at least by name. But, as we''ve already discovered." "Your people''s naming system is somewhat different." She finishes my sentence. "I hate to interrupt." Amelia interrupts. "But, could I use your bathroom?" "You feeling okay?" She looks a little pale. "Do you need some more healing sap? I''m sorry for dragging you all over when you aren''t feeling well." "I''m fine Sorrel." She laughs. "I think lunch has just caught up with me." "It''s just down there, on the left." Melanie points her down the hallway. "Is she alright? You seem worried." "Oh, I was just afraid her cramps came back." I explain. "My little sister used to get them bad around this time of month." "Just get that book done for her and she''ll be fine." Apricot tells me. "I''ll work on it tonight." I promise. "Right after I make her some chocolate ice-cream. Yes, I''ll make you some too. Uh, where were we." I turn back to an amused looking Melanie. "Translation problems." She answers with a barely concealed smirk. "Nnh, it''s not so much a translation problem, as my just not knowing the common names for stuff." The Gift of Tongues ability feels like it''s working fine, but scientific nomenclature just isn''t common around here. "I don''t suppose you know where I can find a scholar to Varecian dictionary?" "Sorry, no." "Eh, don''t worry about it." I wave the matter away. "Sulfur and lamp-black are the big ones, everything else we can figure out later. But, before we go any further we really should figure out how this arrangement is going to work." "You''re not talking business without me, are you?" Amelia rejoins us. "Wouldn''t dream of it." I smile. "I''m just trying to figure out what Melanie needs, and what she wants." I turn back to the alchemist with a questioning look on my face. "I need supplies and a workspace, or the coin to acquire them. My landlord is very firm about her ''no alchemy on the premises'' rule." Pretty reasonable so far. "What I want is more of that chocolate stuff." She draws a laugh out of me. "That, and for this rubber of yours to be as useful and profitable as you think it will be." "I''ll need to speak to William and Sophia first, but if they don''t object and you don''t mind going outside the north gate. I can set you up with a workshop on a corner of the farm to start off with." I reply. "As for the supplies, I will be providing the main ingredient. But, between your contacts, and Amelia''s mercantile skills, getting the rest shouldn''t be a problem."A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. "I should be able to rent a workroom through the alchemist guild if your neighbors object." Melanie offers. "But, uh... can we talk coin?" "I shouldn''t have a problem bankrolling the business. -including whatever salary you think is fair- But, I don''t particularly care for running it." I certainly wouldn''t mind the coin, but becoming some rubber magnate just doesn''t interest me. "Amelia, would you be interested in handling the business side of things while Melanie takes care of the alchemy?" "What about me?" Apricot chimes in. "Well, I suppose we can put you in charge of the hedonism department. You''ll be working ''directly'' under me, of course." *Ding**Ding**Ding* Temmie and the pixie crack up, but the Amelia and Melanie just groan and share a look. "I think my salary requirements just went up." Melanie says while rubbing her temples. "I''m going to need it for all the headache pills." "Aww, you two are no fun." Apricot blows a raspberry at them. "All jokes aside." I turn serious for a moment. "If you want to do something with this business, or anything else. Just tell us and we''ll do our best to help you make it happen." "..." She clams up under the sudden intensity of my words. "I... I was just going to make a stupid joke, but yours turned out better." "Oh, Sweetie." I walk over and pull her into a hug. "The company still needs a name. How about we call it Apricot Rubbers?" A division of Apricot World Domination Incorporated. "..." This is one of the rare times we get to see her bashful side. "I like it." Amelia says with a wide smile on her face. "I don''t particularly care what it''s called." Melanie breaks the mood. "And, we can work out all the business details later. I''m more interested in finally learning how this stuff is made." "Wasn''t there a no alchemy rule here?" "Dammit." She smacks herself in the thigh. "Do you have time to go to the guild with me?" "We have a few hours until my parents should be done at work." Amelia answers. "It won''t take that long to make some, will it?" Melanie asks hopefully. "No, that should be plenty of time." I allay her fears. "Though I hope it''s not far, otherwise one of you will have to sit on the handlebars." ... "Oh, my bottom is sore now, but that was fun." Apricot rubs her tush after hopping off the handlebars. "You are such a goof." The alchemist guild was only a couple blocks away, but she insisted on taking the rickshaw. "And, it''d be better if the tires were made from rubber. The roads here are pretty smooth, but every little bump was transmitted straight to your butt." "Well, then. What are we waiting for?" Melanie troops into the guild house only to come to a dead stop just inside the door. "...rry Neal, but we can''t help you." A harried-looking clerk is trying to explain something to a slightly pudgy twenty-something man. "That bastard Corey isn''t part of the guild anymore, and even if he was. The most we could do is threaten to kick him out for breaking a deal." "What about sanctioning the rest of your members for trying to rip me off?" Neal huffs. "Dad may have been the alchemist, but I still know what everything is worth, and your guild members..." "Is that your master''s son?" Melanie nods in answer to my question. "I''m guessing he had a deal with that bastard responsible for Myra." Another nod. "What''s the lowest you think he''ll take for everything?" She turns to stare at me and is about to open her mouth when an outburst from the counter draws our attention. "Gods Damn it! You''ve got to do something." The man is just whining now. "I''ve got a buyer lined up for the store, but the guard won''t even let me move anything out. Not unless its to someplace certified safe for alchemical compounds, and only guild alchemists have that certification. They all know this and keep offering me a fraction of what it''s worth." "How much?" I speak up. "What?" He spins around to stare at me. "How much is it worth?" I ask both him and Melanie. "Mel? Is he with you?" He glares at my new business partner, but only for a moment before his face takes on a more conciliatory expression. "Look, I''m sorry about the shop. But, Mister Forrester offered a deal I''d be an idiot to ignore. If you had the coin, you know I''d sell everything to you. Hells, I''d even let it go at half of what it''s worth. That''s still ten times more than what these vultures have offered!" He raises his voice enough to carry throughout the building. "Deal!" I interject. "What?" His mouth opens wide. "I said deal." I grin at his flabbergasted expression. "She''s working with me on a new venture and needs the complete setup. Might as well get her one she''s already familiar with. And, you." I lock eyes with the receptionist and tell him. "There won''t be any problems with me keeping everything in my storage until we can get a certified workshop built." "Uhh. N-no, Sir." He gulps. "Not so long as you prove to be competent with the spell." I make the entire counter vanish from across the room without a word. "T-that''ll do." It reappears as if it was never gone. "You are so fucking hot right now." Apricot breathes into my ear. "You really are." Amelia says into my other ear. "Alright, Melanie." I ignore the twin terrors that are clinging to me right now. "Looks like our little demonstration will have to wait for a bit. I hope you don''t mind." "I-I think I''ll live." A string of nervous giggles escapes from her. "Who are you?" Neal hurries to catch up as we stalk out of the guild house. "Name''s Sorrel. Which way to the shop?" I look between him and Melanie for the answer. "It''s about five blocks that way." She points towards the middle of town. "Let''s get a carriage then." I start walking towards one that''s waiting at the corner. "Is he for real?" I hear Neal talking to Melanie while Amelia negotiates the ride, she just can''t seem to pass up an opportunity to haggle. "The store is packed, and even at half price that''s still a lot of coin." "He''s good for the coin." She replies. They''re both speaking quietly, but I can still hear them quite clearly. "He''s the one who healed the little girl that got burned because of that bastard. So, whatever coin of his that didn''t get spent repairing the farm went straight to him." "..." The man looks pensive after hearing that, but a glance out of the corner of my eye lets him know that I''m not going to put up with any bullshit. A short ride later and we arrive at a shop that looks slightly run down, but is right on the corner of a high-traffic street with lots of fancy shops surrounding it. I can understand why he''s selling it, but I still think he''s a fool to be cashing out everything his father worked hard to build up. "Alright." I clap my hands together after Neal lets us into the shop. "Melanie, you should be familiar with everything here, but I''d like to get a proper list of what I''m buying. So, could you take this, and do a full inventory?" I hand her a clipboard filled with several sheets of paper. "Of course." She rushes off to the storeroom in back, Neal following in her wake. "Are you okay, Babe?" Amelia sends me a worried look. "Yeah... no. I don''t know." I heave out a deep sigh. "I guess I''m a little touchy about family stuff, and this whole thing feels like he''s selling off his father''s legacy. It''s going to Melanie, which helps. But, I don''t know... it just rubs me the wrong way." "Oh, Baby." She pulls me into a tight hug. "Ahem." Melanie clears her throat. "Everything in back matches up to my last inventory, I''ll need to double-check everything here in the front, but it doesn''t look like anything has been moved." She hands me a small sheaf of paper which I promptly pass to Amelia. "Hmm?" She scans through the list while Melanie checks over the storefront. "I''m not familiar with everything here, but the prices she''s marked are in line with around one-half the going market rates. The pouch you gave me yesterday should have enough to cover it and everything out front here." "Here." I toss over the other coin pouch I got from Elise for the anatomical drawings. "I kept some pocket change, but you might as well hold onto this one too." "..." I don''t think I''ve ever seen that mix of desire and exasperation on someone''s face before. "You are so frustratingly sexy right now." She chuckles before blowing a stream of air out of her nose. "It''s just coin, Babe." I say with a grin, knowing that it''s that attitude that is driving her so nuts. "Nng." The blonde''s groan draws laughter from Apricot and me. "Everything matches up out here too." The alchemist gave the clipboard directly to Amelia this time. "We won''t have much use for this premade stuff, but I should be able to use my guild contacts to sell it, and at least get you your money back." "I see a few things I wouldn''t mind keeping." The merchant speaks up. "But, yeah. Selling off the rest is a good idea." She then starts counting out gold into an empty pouch before handing it to Neal who''s been standing in the same doorway that Melanie came out of. With the sale done, I start scooping everything into storage. Bottle after bottle, jar after jar, and pouch after pouch of stuff disappears with a wave of my hand. And, I have no idea what any of it does. Seeing all this reminds me of when my high school girlfriend tried to explain all of her makeup and various beauty products to me. The storeroom was more interesting; aside from neat shelves of boxes, bags, and large jars, one whole side was dedicated to drying-racks full of a variety of plant life. These only disappeared after I secured a seed or two from each flower I could find. The actual workshop was this strange mix of a modern chemistry lab and the arcane. Seeing tools that radiate magic made me finally realize that the alchemy of this world might be more than just the chemistry that I''m used to. A small piece of folded paper gets revealed when I''m about half-way done storing everything. Curious, I flip it open. [Melanie, please don''t be too harsh on my son when he sells this shop. Forrester has been...] I stop reading there and hand it off to the alchemist. "Oh, Keegan." Tears start to leak from her eyes onto the note from her deceased master. "You stupid old man, you." She folds up the letter and deposits it in a pocket before dashing away her tears with a sleeve. "Is there anything we can do?" Amelia hands her a satin handkerchief I made. "You''re already doing it." Melanie dabs away the last of the tears. "I needed a project to take my mind off of everything, and you''re giving me that. But, I wouldn''t say no to some more of that chocolate." "Here." Amelia hands over a good chunk of her stash. "Thanks." She takes a big bite out of one bar, and tucks the rest into a bag I make on the spot for her. "You seem to have everything now. I''m gonna head home, maybe open a bottle of wine. I''ll see you guys tomorrow." "We''ll be at the Baron''s around noon, so feel free to sleep in." I offer up all I can. We just don''t know her well enough to know what else to do. She nods in our direction before leaving. The rest of us give her a moment before following after. "We were never really close." Neal says. "But, I know a few of her friends. I''m going to go ask them to look in on her." He walks off towards the nearest free carriage. *** # 050 A bit subdued after the unexpected emotional moment, the girls and I decided to head for Amelia''s parents, even if it was a little early. "Ooh, make a right here." Amelia says after a few blocks. "There''s a good wine shop up ahead, and I wouldn''t mind grabbing a bottle or two." "Sure thing." I nod and make the turn. "I could use a drink myself." "Welcome to the Wine Cellar, how can I help... Amelia?" A peppy young woman dashes out from behind the counter to wrap the blonde up in a hug. "Why didn''t you tell me you got back in town?" "Helen? When did you start working here?" A smile lights up Amelia''s face as she hugs her friend back. "Sorry, I didn''t get in touch, but it''s just been a few days and things have been kinda busy." "I can see that." She says while looking me up and down. "Who''s your new friend... friends?" She adds after spotting Apricot, though I don''t know how she missed her and her wings. "I''m Sorrel." I introduce myself. "And, this is Apricot. We met Amelia on the road back from Northwood. Nice to meet you." "Nice to meet you too." She gives Amelia a look that makes her blush. Apricot and I wander off into the store, giving Amelia a chance to catch up with her old friend. I''m just walking aimlessly, but the pixie is going around from bottle to bottle sniffing at their corks. "This one." She hands me a bottle before going back to her bloodhound routine. "Here." She hands me another bottle. "Ooh, get two of these." I have to fight back a laugh when she bends over and flashes her lack of panties after homing in on a particularly good smelling wine. "What about the ones on that shelf, down there?" I say with a grin. "Nnh, no." She shakes her head. "But, if you want me to bend over again, all you have to do is ask." She winks at me over her shoulder, and I hear Amelia choke on her words. "Heheheheh." I chuckle wickedly. "I think those four should be enough." Amelia rushes over, blushing madly while her friend hides a smile. "Miss Rialta? Oh, it is you." An older woman walks stately out of a small doorway behind the counter. "I thought I heard a voice I hadn''t for a while now. How''s your aunt doing?" "Thank you for asking Mistress Pru." Amelia dips into a shallow curtsy. "Carmen is quite well thanks to Sorrel here. He was even able to heal the underlying cause of her clumsiness." "A healer, eh?" The woman who is old enough to be my grandmother looks me up and down like a piece of meat. "I see you''ve got good taste too. But, I may just happen to have a bottle of select from the royal Elialle vineyards. It and those are yours if you can do something about this ache in my joints." "Oh?" I tilt my head to one side. "I suppose it would give me a chance to try out those spells that Elise just showed me. Please sit down and let me have a look." I approach the shop owner and set the bottles of wine on the counter next to her. Sending my magic into the woman''s body, I see that she''s in alright shape for a person of her age. Maybe a little too much wine over the years, but aside from that and her arthritis there are no major health issues. "There''s some old scarring on the ligaments of your left knee." I state after a moment. "But, other than that it seems to just be arthritis, the cushioning cartilage between your joints gets worn down as you age. Well, your liver could also be in better shape, but it''s not as bad as it could be for the owner of a wine shop." "Is there nothing you can do then?" She looks as though she expected that answer, but is disappointed nonetheless. "I never said that." I shoot her my most winning smile and manage to bring a slight blush to her cheeks. "I just need you to drink this for me, then it''s just a matter of a few spells. Fire and water to reduce the inflammation, and then light to promote growth. I don''t have anything for scarring yet, so I''ll just have to do that the hard way." "Hard way?" She questions while taking a cautious whiff of the healing sap. "That healing sap you''re so suspicious of transfers my vitality to its recipient." I explain. "I''ll just concentrate it on the scars and let it do its thing." "Are you sure?" She looks at the tumbler with awe. "It''s not going to hurt you is it?" "It doesn''t take anything out of me that a large meal can''t replace." I smile back at the worry in her eyes. "Now, drink up. I promise I haven''t had any complaints about the taste yet." This earns another blush from Pru and Amelia along with a round of titters from Apricot and Helen. Once the older woman finally drinks the healing sap, I send it to the trouble areas while also using it as a conduit to cast the more traditional healing spells. "Elise was right about your sap bypassing the body''s natural resistance." Apricot''s eyes shine as she examines the spells I''m casting. "You could be working magic on a plant right now for all the interference you''re not getting." "Mmm." Pru closes her eyes and lets slip a small moan as the inflammation in all of her joints disappears. "We''re almost done, Ma''am." I say and switch over to the light spell, going from joint to joint until I get the hang of it. "You''ll have the joints of a woman less than half your age after this." "And, you''ll have a discount in my store for as long as it stands." She replies with her eyes still closed. It only takes another moment to finish up. The scarring at her knee didn''t take nearly as much effort to repair as healing Carmen''s and Annette''s ears. This fact combined with my inability to get a clear scan of Annette''s brain, and the knowledge that the simpler an animal is, the easier it is to influence, all lead me to the conclusion that intelligence is responsible for the magical interference. This also makes me think that a drug that affects the brain might make normal healers more effective. I''m sure someone would have noticed by now if alcohol or poppy juice was enough. I lack knowledge of modern anesthetics, but I''ll pass the idea onto Elise and see what she thinks of it. "And... we''re all done." I pat her on the knee and watch as her anticipatory wince of pain turns into a wide smile of relief and joy. "The scarring on your knee didn''t take as much effort as I thought it would so I was able to put a bit more work into your liver. But..." I hold up a finger. "You still need to watch what you drink." "Oh, thank you, dearie." She stands up and pulls me into a deep hug. "You have no idea what it means to be able to stand up and move around without constant pain. And, don''t worry about me drinking too much, my healers have long since warned me about that. Now, just give me a moment to gather that bottle for you. Helen, wrap up these bottles for them." "No need." I wave my hand and place them into storage. To which Pru just nods and practically dances off into the rear of the store. "That was impressive." Helen says while looking at the doorway her boss just disappeared through. "I hear she was a dancer when she was younger, but hasn''t been able to move like that in years. I shouldn''t say anything, but you know you could charge a lot more than a bottle of select for healing like that, right?"Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. "Maybe, but I needed to practice those spells anyways." I shrug. "And, I''m sure the discount will come in handy in the future." "Amelia hooking up with a man that doesn''t care about coin. How on Earth did that happen." Helen laughs at her friend. "That''s easy." I laugh, and then again harder when Amelia blushes, no doubt thinking I''m about to say something naughty. "I just let her handle all the money." I stick my tongue out at her when she breathes a relieved sigh. "So, you''re handsome, talented, and smart." Pru says with a laugh from the doorway. She''s cradling a large wine bottle in her arms, much like a mother would hold her baby. "This is one of the best bottles in my personal collection; you''ve more than earned it." "Thank you." I bow my head to her and take the bottle with the same reverence she showed to it. "I''ll be sure to offer up a toast in your name when we open it." "Oh, if only I was a few years younger." The older woman sighs under her breath before clapping her hands. "Alright, I''ve got friends to go brag to, so don''t be surprised if a few more old folks show up at your door in the coming days. Helen, lock up an hour after dark, like usual." "Yes, Ma''am." She replies and watches with a smile as the now spry old woman walks outside with a spring in her step. "We should get going too." Amelia says. "My parents will be getting home soon, and I''m sure Sorrel will need a snack after that. Helen, it was great seeing you again, I promise we''ll get together soon." "I''ll hold you to that." Her friend wraps Amelia up in a hug and then whispers in her ear just loud enough for me to hear. "And, I expect to hear ''all'' the details." Apricot and I grin while walking the blushing blonde out of the wine shop. ... "So, you and your parents are kind of a big deal." I say as we pull up outside their home. It was dark the last time I was here, so I didn''t notice how nice it was. "Everyone, including the Baron seems to know who you are, even up in Southwood." "Oh, Daddy used to run supplies to and from Southwood, his company does it now." Her voice is filled with pride as she explains. "As for all this, he and mom made a really good deal when we were younger and were then able to leverage it into what you see today." "So, I''m dating a rich girl. Nice." I say with a smug smile. "Oh, shut up." She playfully swats me on the shoulder. "I wish you cared more about money in general, but I like that you don''t actually care about my family''s money. I don''t know what''s worse, the creeps after me for my body, or the ones who just want my parents'' coin." "What''s wrong with lusting after your body?" - "Is wanting both alright?" Apricot and I speak over each other and then start cracking up. Temmie even throws in a few *Dings*. "You two are such butts." Amelia huffs and stalks up to the door. "Oh, Baby." I slide up behind her and pull her into a hug. "You know we''re just teasing, right? I love that big sexy brain of yours just as much as-" *Ahem.* My eyes snap up to see her mother waiting at the now open door. "Missus Rialta." I quickly disengage from her daughter who is now smirking at me while Apricot giggles. "How lovely to see you again. As the source of Amelia''s beauty and intellect, perhaps you can help me convince her." I give her a courtly bow and not so subtly hold out a selection of chocolate. "Oh, get in here you three." She rolls her eyes and moves aside, but makes sure to take the chocolate. "Is he always like this?" She asks Amelia. "Thankfully, no." The blonde shakes her head with a smile. "But, you should have seen him with old Pru from the wine shop. I never thought I''d get to see her blush." "Mhm, speaking of..." I retrieve the bottle the old woman gifted to me. "She gave me this for taking care of her arthritis, but I wasn''t much of a wine drinker back home and am completely unfamiliar with the local varieties." "That..." Amelia''s eyes go wide. "That''s not the Elialle select. That''s from Laruna, one of the best winemakers in this part of the world. You don''t even know how many leagues that had to travel to get here." "It smells good." Apricot gives the bottle an approving sniff. "So..." I draw out the word while peering down at the bottle in my hand. "Save it for a special occasion, then?" "I''ve heard of people buying Titles in Cendassa with lesser bottles than that." Amelia scoffs. "So, yeah. Save it for something special." "You must have made an impression on Pru if she was willing to hand that over." Kaitlyn gives me a reappraising look. "Her joints were a painful mess." I answer honestly. "Amelia''s friend Helen said that Pru used to be a dancer, and she must have danced away almost all of her cartilage. I just replaced what was missing after taking care of the inflammation." "And, you have no idea how rare that is." Amelia says with a gentle smile. "Especially in a place like Riverton where it''s something of a miracle that we have not one, but two high tier healers." "Would you rather I get a big head about stuff like this?" I say with a sigh. "It''s not like I don''t understand, but what am I going to do? Not help a nice old lady whose every movement causes her pain?" "You really are just a big ol'' softie, aren''t you?" Apricot wraps her arms around me. "Which is exactly why I wanted to learn those spells from Elise." I reply while rubbing the small of her back with a vine. "I know I can''t help everyone, but I also can''t just sit by while others suffer." *** I tried to help out in the kitchen but Kaitlyn shooed me out. My attitude towards helping people seems to have won me some points with her, but she made it clear that that is her kitchen. She didn''t have anything planned for dessert though, just a store-bought cake. So I borrowed Amelia''s ice magic to make the chocolate ice cream I promised her earlier. "Just how many recipes do you have for this stuff?" Turner asks after making sure his wife can''t see him sneaking a spoonful. "A few... hundred." More like over a thousand if you include all the duplicates. Everyone seems to have their own spin on chocolate chip cookies, cake, and brownies. "I''ll have to write them all down later, but for now I''m just happy to have a decent stock built up." "Would have had even more if you didn''t chop down that poor tree." Apricot pouts, still upset about the cacao tree. "But, if I didn''t then what would I have to treat Blackie with?" I hold a few wood chips up to my cane which promptly devours them. "But, if it makes you feel better I''ll grow an even bigger one. But, we''re going to need a steady supply of milk if I''m to make enough chocolate to suit your appetite." "Apricot isn''t the only one with an appetite for this chocolate of yours." Turner interjects. "Have you thought about how you''re going to bring it to market?" "Not at all." I say with a smile before wrapping an arm around his daughter. "I thought I''d leave that to someone who actually has a head for business." "Heheheh." The man chuckles at his daughter''s blushing face. "Well, I hope you won''t mind if your business partner''s father asks a few questions. Riverton being a trade city, my first two are. How long can it be stored? And, how well does it travel?" "Quite well." I answer. "Up to a year for milk chocolate and twice that for dark. Cocoa powder will last even longer. Provided everything is kept cool and dry that is. Oh, and away from anything smelly, chocolate soaks up scents like a sponge." "So, you wouldn''t want to ship it during the summer?" He prompts. "You could, but you''d probably get what is called bloom. This is just the sugar and fats separating, but it''s completely recoverable. You just need to melt down and re-temper the chocolate, a process that anyone with a decent thermometer can do." "Daddy." Amelia speaks up. "You have all the foreign contacts, so it would make more sense for you to handle that side of things." They were just starting to get into the details when Kaitlyn announced that dinner was ready. I was able to take the edge off my hunger from healing Pru by raiding the stash of snacks I''ve taken to keeping in storage. But, I still ended up eating two full plates, and nearly a pint of ice-cream. "Good thing I made extra because I already knew you ate a lot." Kaitlyn laughs. "Mmm. Thank you, Ma''am." I nod to her between bites. "It was a delicious meal." "This ice cream isn''t half bad either." She smiles while scooping up the last bite in her bowl. "Roddy will be jealous that he missed it, but he insisted on catching up with his friends tonight." "Speaking of your brother." Turner interjects. "He was complaining all day that he had to do inventory on his own, and barely got anything done. Any chance you could stop by tomorrow and help out?" "That''s fine." She nods after looking at me. "But, Sorrel has a big meeting with the enchanter''s guild at lunch. He''s helping Rozelle to keep Olivar from becoming the guild head." "Oh?" He cocks an eyebrow in my direction. "Planning to bribe them all with chocolate?" "Something better, actually." I lift up the tiny crystal I got from Ro''s shop. "I figured out how mana nodes work, along with how to grow and duplicate them. I also know a few math tricks that Ro seemed excited about." I go on to explain about algae and coral again. We stay for a little while longer after that, though it was mostly just Amelia and her father chatting about business. By the time even Kaitlyn was looking bored, I decided that it had gone on long enough and extricated the three of us. A gently snoring pixie helped my case quite a bit. Only the small gate was open by the time we reached the wall, but I just slipped the rickshaw into storage for the few seconds it took us to walk through. "Mhm, it looks like William is already asleep." I comment as we pass by their farm. "Remind me to talk to him about an alchemy lab in the morning." "Sure, but do you think you have enough magic to finish the plumbing?" Amelia nods. "I could kill for a shower right now. And, umm." She''s blushing bright enough to be seen even in the dark when I look back at her. "I know it''s gross and all, but..." "Period sex?" I ask while trying not to laugh at her bashfulness. "It''s not gross, and all you had to do was ask." It''s not like we don''t have the magic to clean up afterward, either. I quickly build a water tank that Amelia fills with hot water while I hook up the septic system. The rest of the night was spent getting dirty and clean at the same time. *** # 051 "Are you sure you''ll be okay on your own today?" Amelia asks for the N''th time as I drop her and Apricot off at her parents¡¯ warehouse. We got up early and enjoyed a bit more fun in the shower before getting ready for the day. Apricot decided to spend the day with Amelia and while she was talking the blonde into it I went next door and got the okay for the alchemy lab from William. "I''ll be fine, and I promise not to buy anything without you present to haggle for me." She rolls her eyes at that. "Look, I''m just going to be growing the mana node and studying enchanting all morning. I know math is scary and all, but there''s no need to be worried." "He''ll be fine Amelia." Apricot stands up for me. "Sorrel''s a big boy and can take care of himself, at least until we see him again at lunch. Now, are you going to show me how this warehouse works or should I just start opening random crates?" "I love you, have fun." I wave at the already exasperated blonde and ride off. ... "Spinney things, spinney things, where, oh where are my spinney things?" I sing to myself as I flip through the books on enchanting. I''ve been wanting a better way to share my music collection than just playing it. So, I got the idea to recreate a record player, an old-school phonograph to be precise. I should be able to record songs into magically softened wood similar to how Edison used wax in his early models. But, to do that I need to spin the record at a constant rate, and I''m not finding anything in the primers, so I decided to pop open the dictionary. Which is both not as bad and quite a bit worse than I thought it would be. Every two pages cover a single rune, but there are dozens of variations for each one with special rules regarding how and when they should be used. I''ll have to memorize all this crap later, but for now, I just need some simple motion runes. Only they aren''t so simple. Motion affects everything, so the runes covering motion fill an entire volume just on their own. "Looks like there''s nothing to it, but to start reading and hope I find what I need." I grumble to myself and, after checking the position of the sun, set a playlist that will stop half an hour before noon. Not exactly how I imagined using my media player, but if it works, it works. ... "Damn you, quit exploding!" I shout at my latest failure and chuck it into the bomb disposal unit -a.k.a. a trash bin with a lid- before it goes off. I was able to find the runes I needed fairly quickly, but knowing the runes doesn''t mean I know how to use them. So, I went back to the primers and started working through the lessons within. Everything was going fine at first, the math was a breeze, and even inscribing the basic runes wasn''t that hard. But, when it came to putting them all together into a functioning enchantment, that''s where things went off the rails. The first one just fizzled out, and I quickly realized that the lines needed to be exact otherwise the mana would go out of control. So, I paid closer attention to getting everything just right and actually completed the first example on just my second try. The problem is, that as the enchantments get more complex and require more mana to run, the failure state gets more and more energetic. The ''explosions'' can barely even be called such, but that''s for these training examples, I can just imagine what the backlash would be on something with some real power in it. "I''m going to run out of supplies if I keep going like this... And, speaking of running out." My music just stopped playing, signaling that it''s time to head up to the manor house. "Hopefully Ro will have some tips for me." After packing everything up; I make the short ride up to the Baron''s, hoping I''ll have a chance to pick her brain before the meeting. ... "Hi, Carl." I greet Erick''s servant at the door. "Have the people from the guild arrived yet?" "Hello, Sir." He sends me a short bow. "A couple of early birds have arrived, but I believe the majority of them are coming down the street just now." I follow his eyes out the gate to see a line of carriages trundling down the street. "Ah, thank you." I nod back and go sit at the bottom of the steps to wait for everyone. It looks like it''ll take a few minutes, so I start working on the diagram for my phonograph. I think I''ve gotten a good enough of a feeling for how these things work to make a simple spinning platter. "Sorrel!" Apricot tackle-hugs me a moment later. "Hey, I missed you too." I wrap my arms around the pixie. "Did you have fun driving Amelia crazy today?" "Hey!" She pulls back and bops me on the forehead. "I was perfectly behaved." "Uh-huh." I nod. "And, I suppose her looking like she has a migraine is completely unrelated?" I hold out a shot of healing sap which the blonde gratefully takes. "No, she really was great." Amelia defends the pixie after smacking her lips. "The warehouse is just a mess. Business has picked up lately, and without me and Roddy around to help out. The organization took a bit of a hit." "Sorrel!" Rozelle is the one to shout my name this time, though she doesn''t dive into my arms. "Please tell me you brought ''it'' with you. I was afraid to move the one in the shop." "I''ve got it in storage." I reassure her. "I''ve been feeding it all morning while working through those primers. So, it''s even bigger than the one at your shop." "Oh, thank goodness." She sags in relief. "Oh, and speaking of those primers." I change the subject. "I was wondering if you had any tips to keep stuff from exploding? I worked through all the problems without issue, but I''ve only been able to get a fraction of the examples built." I bring out the handful of finished enchantments and the trash bin full of failures. "Practice, mostly." She explains offhandedly while looking through what I''ve done. "You did all this since we last spoke?" "Oh, I just started this morning." I hold out the diagram I was working on. "I had an idea, but need a consistently spinning platter for it to work. So, I started working through the basics to see if I could figure it out." "Hmm? You''ve got the right basic runes, but everything else is way off." Her statement throws me for a loop. "Not surprising since motion magic can be a bit of a pain, but just look at your math. You''ve got the acceleration going in the wrong direction." "No, this is pretty basic physics." I may have liked physics class about as much as math, but this is practically elementary school stuff. "The velocity is tangential to the circle, but the acceleration is always aimed towards the center for uniform circular motion."Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. "Let me see your kit, I''ll build it and prove to you." I pull the beginners kit from storage and hand it over along with a wooden disc to enchant. She takes less than a minute to inscribe the simple enchantment. "See, it..." I think she was going to say ''doesn''t work'', but the disc started spinning as soon as she applied a bit of mana. "What? How?" "Oh. Uh, I''ll write out all the equations later, but I think we''ve gathered a crowd." I motion behind her with my chin. "Everyone." She takes this development in stride. "I''d like you all to meet my new apprentice. Though, I''m not sure how long that designation will last since he already knows more math than I do, and was able to design this in a single morning." She holds up the disc which is spinning on her finger like a top. "I hope you didn''t just call us all here to show off your new apprentice." Olivar sounds grumpy, but I can see him trying to sneak a peek at the diagram I just drew. "Actually, she did." I say with a smile. "But, why don''t we move into the dining hall, from the smell of it, lunch is almost ready. And, Chef Granville doesn''t like to be kept waiting." A few others who have clearly had experiences with the cook nod and start trooping inside. I wait until everyone has been seated and served the first course before taking the mana node from storage. "This is the real reason for today''s meeting." The node is now over twice as large as the one I left in Rozelle''s shop. "I''ve discovered Greenfield''s secret and how to replicate it." I focus the mana I''m feeding it into one tiny spot, and everyone goes quiet as a mana stone rapidly forms. The room erupts in questions to which I just raise a hand and wait for them to quiet down. "I understand that you all have questions, which you will have to direct to my master. But, I can tell you that I have verified with a third party that the method is repeatable by other mages." I hand the node off to Rozelle and go back to my appetizer. At least I try to as most of the room crowd around Ro trying to get a better look at the node. "Who?" Olivar, one of the few to stay back, asks rather insistently. "The Baron''s cousin, Elise." I say flatly. "She''s been teaching me healing magic." "I don''t think I would have gotten the hang of it without Apricot''s help." The healer in question speaks up from the doorway where''s she''s been waiting for her cue. "But, I am somewhat set in my ways, and it shouldn''t be too hard for a younger mage to learn the trick." "Well, I can see when I''m beat." He laughs ruefully, that used-car salesman charm just oozing out of him. "I call for a vote on the next guild head and nominate Rozelle for the position." With Olivar giving up the race, the vote went unanimously to Rozelle. "Thank you all." She stands and bows to the room. "My apprentice will be happy to answer all your questions." "After we eat." I interject. "Granville really outdid himself here, and I refuse to let his efforts go to waste." ""Hear hear."" A few people, mostly the ones who didn''t get up from their plates, cheer out. ... Olivar is one of the first to corner me after the meal. "I just have one question." He asks quietly. "What''s in it for you?" "Oh, I do want to learn enchanting, even if there is more math than I would prefer." I chuckle. "But, honestly, we ran into Ferne on the way down from Northwood. What that Dorothy woman tried to do was beyond heinous. I just want to make sure that Ferne gets a better boss this time around, so I made a deal with Rozelle." "That''s it? A stranger you met on the road?" He laughs to himself and walks away, shaking his head. After he leaves, I find myself inundated by questions from all sides. I end up going over the similarity to coral, and how algae aren¡¯t really plants. And then, the math nerds struck. It seems that Rozelle told a lot more people about my math than she did about the mana node. Apricot and Amelia decide this is the perfect time to head back to the warehouse, the cowards. So, I''m stuck all alone, answering math questions and wishing that I had kept digital copies of all my textbooks. "People, please. I need a break." I break out the chocolate just to give myself some space. "Why don''t you all have some chocolate and let my brain have a rest." "Uh, I have a non-math question, if that''s alright." A lanky young man steps forward as the rest of the enchanters descend on the chocolate after Ro and her friends tell them how good it is. "I''ve been watching the mana node and I swear it''s been growing this whole time. I understand that you''re feeding it so it won''t die without the collector ring. But, how have you not run out of mana yet?" "Oh, that''s actually why we''re having the meeting here." I explain, just happy to be off of math for a while. "You know how some mages can absorb mana from fire and whatnot? Well, I''ve got a similar skill, only it works with sunlight and I need a lot of plants around to make use of it. Without it, that node would be little bigger than a grain of salt." "So, it takes a lot to grow then?" "Yes, the crystal takes at least a couple orders of magnitude more mana to grow than a simple mana stone." I reply. "To put that into context, Elise nearly emptied all her mana into the one now at Rozelle''s shop and it barely grew, but she could have gotten almost two mana stones for the same effort." "That is a lot of mana." His eyes go a little wide. "Healer Elise is one of the strongest mages in the city. That''s not saying much since we''re right next to the Deadlands, but still." "True, but I have a farm just outside the North Gate, and you saw how quickly I was able to grow a stone earlier." I counter. "That, and I''ve got no problem giving guild members a deep discount." "Hah. Oh, that''s going to annoy the alchemists." He laughs. "They don''t use nearly as many as we do, but are always complaining about the cost." "Well, as long as it doesn''t annoy my business partner." I say as I notice Melanie sitting with Edsel at the edge of the room. "Speaking of, I should go talk to her before all the math starts up again." He nods and heads over to the chocolate table to see what all the fuss is about. "Hi guys, sorry I got kinda caught up there." I pull up a chair across from them. "No problem." Ed says with a lazy smile. "We were just talking about rubber production. I''ve got a completed bicycle now and would like to see how these soft tires work." "That''s great." My smile grows wide. "I''ve got everything we need except for a workshop. I can magic one up no problem, but I''m guessing the alchemist guild has somewhat stringent standards for how it''s built." "Not outside the walls they don''t." Melanie speaks up. "At least not as stringent." "That''ll let us get started a bit quicker, but I still want to go with best practices in the end. Safety first, and all that." Making rubber isn''t super dangerous, but we''re still talking about high temperatures and some noxious fumes. "Safety first. I like that." Melanie nods. "Master had a similar, if more long-winded saying." A sad smile crosses her face for a moment. "Alright." I clap my hands. "Have some chocolate, and I''ll try to extricate myself as quickly as possible. Why did it have to be math?" I let out a deep sigh. "Heh, better you than me." Edsel laughs at my pain as I walk over to Rozelle. "Hello, Guild Leader." I nod my head at her. "Would you like to learn how to play Mancala?" I''m hoping to distract everyone with board games so I can slip out. And, what could be better than that age-old counting game to distract a bunch of math nerds. "I''d love to." She smiles at me. "But, if you just want to leave, you can. They''ll keep pestering you about math for as long as you let them. Of course, I as your master will be pestering you about math as soon as I can. But, I see you have other things to do." "Thank you, but I can stay around long enough for a quick game." A plank of lumber turns itself into an intricately carved boat with fourteen shallow depressions. Twelve smaller one in two rows of six, and two larger ones at each end. "This game is really simple..." I quickly walk her through the rules and make a bunch of simpler boards for everyone watching the game. ... "So, I skip your Mancala, but fill mine, right?" Ro asks as she plays enough stones to wrap all the way around back to her side. "Yes." I sigh as she drops her last stone into an empty bowl right across from one of mine filled with over half a dozen. "And, I think that just won the game for you. Yep, that''s more than half the stones for you." "Heheheh." She just chuckles wickedly. "I like this, do you know any other games?" "A few." I take out a copy of my games book and quickly make a few basic game boards. "I would recommend chess, it''s not math-related, but a lot of people who are really into math seem to like it. It can be a bit hard to get the hang of, though. So, you might want to try something like Go which is easy to learn, but hard to master." I walk her through the basics of playing each and then leave her to Elise, who''s pretty decent at both of them. "You go on." She tells me. "I can handle this, but I want to see you again soon to test how you''re doing with those spells." "Mhm." I nod. "Speaking of, how''s Anne doing? I still need to touch up the loss to her hearing range." "She''s good, still embarrassed." The healer lets out a soft chuckle. "But, other than that she seems to be fine. She hasn''t complained or seemed to have any trouble with her hearing range, but beastkin have better hearing than most. And, after a decade of deafness, she''s just happy to be able to hear again." "Well, when she gets over it, I''d like to finish the job." I bow my head to Elise. "Thank you for taking over here, and thank Erick for letting us have the meeting here. I''ll try to drop by again in the next day or two, depending on how busy things get." "That''s fine, you go on and have fun." "I''ll try." From math to chemistry, it feels like I never left school. *** # 052 "It''s a nice place, but don''t you think it''s a little empty?" Melanie quips. After escaping the math nerds, I carried her and Ed over to the house in the pedicab. I was going to get straight into building the workshop, but nature called her. "We''ve been busy." I try to defend myself, but the house really is empty. I''m just going to have to fill it up even if it''s just with placeholder stuff. "As long as the bathroom works." She shrugs and heads into the door I pointed her towards. "Did you finish up the water tank and septic line?" Edsel enquires. "Yeah, I put the water tank up in the crown of one of the oaks, and the septic system under the roots of the other." I plan to add a simple water collection enchantment in the water tank, but for now, it''s easy enough to reach out and fill it with my magic. "I''m surprised you didn''t just make one giant living tree-house." He laughs. "I thought about it." I admit. "But, this design has sentimental value to me." "Mhm." He nods. "Well, I should get started on the fireplaces." "Okay, jut let me move the placeholder out of the way." A gesture with Blackthorne is all it takes to move the two-story chimney away from the house. "It''s clear now, just let me know if you need anything else." "I should be good, thanks." He starts pulling stone from his storage, shaping it to match the mock-up that is now standing on its own a couple meters away from the house. Melanie exits the restroom a moment later and the two of us head back out to the front of the property. "Now, do you have a specific layout in mind, or should I just copy your master''s workshop?" I ask. We''re up near the road at the north end of the field, this will let Melanie access the shop without bothering us. It''s also fairly far from all the neighbors, since they tend to put their homes as far back from the road as possible. "Mhm, that should be fine for now." The mention of her master causes a shadow to cross her face, but only for a moment. "Though, I may need you to adjust things once I have a better feel for how the production flows." I just nod and get to work. Fortunately, I already have an excess of lumber thanks to the forest I grew the other day. The shop itself is fairly modest in size, so it doesn''t take too long to go up. The building is a simple rectangle with a flat roof; I matched the colors and some elements of the house, but the design itself is much more basic. "Alright, this should do for now." I say after I finish. "But, I''d like you to consider this temporary. Once the rubber gets popular enough to support the business, I plan to move everything to it to its own lot." "Well, I suppose when you can throw a building together in a few minutes, it really is just temporary." She says with a nervous laugh. "I just hope that this stuff turns out to be as useful as you seem to think it is." "Trust me." I grin back at her. "If it takes off anything like it did back home, then there won''t be any problems. And, even if it doesn''t, I know a couple of other products that are sure to be popular." "Oh?" She just uses that one word and a raised eyebrow, but I can tell she''s interested. "They''re both the same thing." I explain. "But, the final step decides whether you get a fine thread that is comparable to silk, or a thin, transparent film that is great for food packaging thanks to it being nearly air and watertight. Both of which can be made from wood, though we''ll probably use cotton to save a couple steps." I''m talking about Rayon and Cellophane, of course. "I don''t know about the film, but if you can make something like silk." Her eyes go wide while thinking of the possibilities. "That... that will definitely sell." "Mhm." I nod. "But, that can wait. The rubber is more useful to me than another textile. So, let''s get everything put back where it belongs, and then I can grow the secret ingredient. Which I''m sure you''ve been wondering about."Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. "A little bit, yeah. But, I can understand you not wanting to just give it out... Oh, I wish I could use the storage spell." She sighs as I materialize everything in the same layout it had at her master''s shop. "I even hired a trainer, but the best I could manage was the pocket spell." "Yeah, storage was kinda costly to learn for me too, but that time stop is invaluable. You might want to try bribing Apricot with some sweets, she might be able to help you pick it up." The pixie really could become a great magic coach, if she had any work ethic at all, that is. "Truly?" Melanie looks hopeful. "Do you know what she likes the most?" "Mana stones." I chuckle. "But, anything sweet should work. And, that''s the last of the stuff. Let''s head back to the house, so I can connect the pipes." There were no living spaces at the old shop, but it did have a small break area with a kitchenette and a full bathroom. "And, then the secret ingredient?" "And, then the secret ingredient." I agree "How''s it going?" Edsel asks from the second floor, it looks like he''s just gotten started on the fireplace up there. "Good, I''m just hooking up the plumbing now. And, then I need to do a bit of farming, though I''m guessing most farmers tend to treat what I''m about to grow like a weed." I pull a single potted dandelion from storage. "Seriously?" Melanie scoffs. "I know it has some minor medicinal value, but you can turn it into that bouncy stuff?" "It''s not the best source but the others are either tropical plants or much harder to process." I explain. "That being said, I''m going to try some selective breeding to see if I can''t make this a little more useful." I create four large tables that look more like oversized potting trays with legs. These get filled with loose soil and plenty of water. Each table then gets hundreds of seeds all of which sprout and grow to full-size in less than a minute. Running my nature magic through them; I pick out the sixteen largest, most sap filled plants from each table and pollinate them with each other after decomposing the rest. Those sixteen go to seed, and the whole process repeats, only this time I pick the top eight. It''s not quite a tournament bracket but it works surprisingly well, and in less than five minutes I''ve got four plants that each holds several-fold more sap than the first generation. They get bred together and start my production crop. "That went much better than I thought it would." I comment while harvesting the petals from the first batch. "That was certainly impressive." Melanie says. "But, those flowers don''t look any different than when you started." "Oh, no." I laugh. "This is for wine, it''s been ages since I had a good dandelion wine, and I figure I might as well make some while I''m playing around. What we really need is the sap and these have much more than that first generation." After shedding their seeds, the plants pull themselves out of the ground and walk to the edge of the tables to rinse their roots off in water before jumping into a large tub lined with cheesecloth. I''ll have to try growing these hydroponically to speed up the process, but this works for now. "Now, I pulp everything and rinse it in conjured water." I wish Amelia was here for this, but I''ve managed to pick up the spell just by watching her cast it. "The best source for latex is a tree that you can just collect the sap from like maple syrup. But, this is good enough, especially after the selective breeding." After wringing everything out, I toss it into another tub to decompose back into soil. There''s more than enough latex in the tub for a test batch, but I go ahead and start the growth cycle again while adding some vinegar to the tub. "From here it''s just like making cheese." I say while stirring the curds together. "Once it all goops up, the rubber gets squeezed through rollers and hung up to dry. But, I''m going to skip that last step by pulling the moisture out directly." I picked up this water spell in case of emergencies, but it has proven to be quite useful. "You mentioned something about an acid made from ants." Melanie prompts. "And, that it''s somehow similar to vinegar." "Oh, yes. Formic acid." I nod while pulling up my memories of chemistry class. "It was originally made by distilling wood ants, but I think it''s mostly synthesized from wood alcohol nowadays. Sorry, I either can''t remember or just never learned that process." "That''s fine, I guess." She seems a little disappointed. "But, how is it connected to vinegar?" "Oh, they''re both carboxylic acids. That just means their molecules end with the same arrangement of one carbon, two oxygen, and one hydrogen atoms." I''m about to congratulate myself for actually remembering that when I notice the blank look she''s giving me. "Uh..." She draws out the syllable. "I can tell you''re still speaking Varecian, but I have no idea what you just said. Molecules, atoms? I understood hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. So, I''m guessing that your talking about basic elements, but I haven''t studied much of that." "Yes, atom is just another way of saying basic element." I''m glad she understands at least that much. "A molecule is how those elements are arranged, take water for example." I create a basic stick and ball model. "It''s made up of two hydrogen atoms connected to a single oxygen, like this model." "Really?" She turns the model over in her hands like it holds the secrets of the universe. "Yeah, and that acid group all end like this, with formic acid -if I remember correctly- being the simplest with just one extra hydrogen here. Vinegar, on the other hand, has three hydrogen connected to a carbon, like so. Aside from one other simple one, the rest in the group have carbon chains like this, but in varying lengths." # 053 While I''ve been giving an impromptu chemistry lesson, the harvesting and processing of the dandelions has continued. And, I now have a good-sized barrel of raw latex, and nowhere near enough vinegar to curdle it. "Look." I say, kinda wishing I hadn''t brought this whole thing up in the first place. "I''m happy to answer your questions, but it would probably be better if you gave me a few days to write down the basics. But, for now, I''d like to focus on the rubber." "Nnh, Okay. But." She holds up a finger. "You have to tell me everything you know, please." She begs. "It sounds like your culture has a much deeper understanding of alchemy than I could even imagine." "Mhm, in some ways." I''m not sure how magic plays into this world''s version of chemistry, so I find myself being somewhat hesitant. "Despite a multitude of fantastical devices being commonplace, we didn''t really do magic. So, I''m sure your understanding of that aspect of alchemy completely eclipses anything I could offer." "Maybe so." She nods. "But, it sounds like your understanding of the basic elements and how they interact eclipses anything we know. But, I can be patient. For now, show me what this rubber stuff can do. Uh, one question. Why is it called rubber?" "Oh. Uh, one of the first people to play around with it used some to rub away pencil marks. I guess the name just sorta stuck." I explain. "Alright, the raw liquid is either treated with acid and rolled into sheets like this, or treated with ammonia to keep it from clotting on its own. Either way, they both need sulfur -amongst other additives- and heat to make the finished product into something more useful." "What is made from the liquid used for?" She asks, curious. "Protective gloves, mostly." I answer, not quite willing to tease her about prophylactics. "They dip hand-shaped forms into the liquid latex which forms a film. A quick bake and the glove are then blown off the molds with a puff of air. They then get dusted with cornstarch to keep them from sticking to each other and to make them easier to pull on." "That sounds interesting." Edsel says, rejoining us after finishing the chimney. "But, I want to see these tires you were talking about. I''ve nearly got the first bicycle completed and, after riding on that -what did you call it?- rickshaw of yours, I can see that I''ll want something to smooth out the ride." "I thought it was fine." Melanie interjects. "I mean, I''ve had much worse carriage rides than that." "Yeah, but that''s all thanks to those thick cushions I added." I counter. "Without that, or a rubber tire to cushion the wheel itself, every bump would be transferred straight to your backside. Thankfully for my backside, the streets here are very clean and smooth. Even so, I would still like some rubber tires." "Heh." He chuckles when she looks at my backside. "Unfortunately, I don''t have anywhere near the amount of lampblack I need for even a single tire, so these won''t last very long." I explain while using magic to mix some of the sulfur I pinched from the workshop into the rubber sheet. "Also, these are going to be solid rubber, which means they''ll be a bit on the heavy side, but I''ll work on that later." "Work on it how?" Melanie asks without taking her eyes from the mixing rubber. To explain, I create a diagram of a modern pneumatic tire and inner tube. "This is what I''m used to, but I''ll probably just go with an airless tire like one of these for simplicity''s sake." A couple of the more popular airless designs get added to the page before I hand it to her. "May I?" Ed asks and she hands the drawing over. "Interesting. You use an air-filled inner section to press the tire into the rim?" He looks to me for confirmation. "Yup." I nod. "You see this part here? It''s usually made from steel cable for strength, but my bowstrings should be more than good enough." "The same one that a beastkin wasn''t able to fully draw back?" He laughs. "Yeah, that should do." "That reminds me, I should set up a target range." Meanwhile, the rubber feels like it has mixed enough, so I extrude it into three molds made from the magically modified wood I''m so fond of. The excess going to make simple cubes. "Alright, the dough''s ready and now it''s time to bake." I chuckle at my joke. "What kind of temperatures are we talking?" The alchemist''s interest hasn''t waned, even though she can''t see anything happening right now. "No hotter than a hundred-sixty degrees, they usually use steam for this part." While I, on the other hand, have just repurposed my baking spell. That''s not the only magic I''m using, though. I''ve found that since it started as a natural material, and is already filled with my magic, I''m easily able to keep track of the process. And, I can just feel when the vulcanization process is complete. "Now, I just have to de-mold these and give them a quick bath to cool ''em down." I proceed to do just that. "Hmm? They''re a bit softer than I''d like, but that''s what the lampblack is for. And, they should be fine once they''re stretched onto the wheels." "May I?" Melanie asks, so I hand her and Ed each a tire, and a couple cubes. "Oh, it''s still warm, but it''s much firmer than that sample you showed me the other day, and there''s no tackiness. Though, I am wondering what are the blocks for?" "I plan to save one as a keepsake, but the rest are for testing purposes. Heat, cold, sunlight, tensile and compressive forces; I''d like to have a good baseline for how each formulation holds up. Just because I know how to make rubber doesn''t mean I know all the ins and outs of it." "You remind me of my master." A wan smile crosses Melanie''s face. "He would always take a systematic approach to every new concoction." "Is there any chance I could get a couple of these?" Ed asks while playing around with the tire. "Sure, go ahead and take this one." I pass him the last tire. "I just need a bit more vinegar before I can make some more." "Nnh, there''s a little in the shop, but we didn''t use it much." Melanie offers. "But, I know who makes it and we can easily get a discount." "Oh, I can make the vinegar myself, no problem." I wave her suggestion away. "I need the practice working with bacteria anyways, but you can help me distill the alcohol... Or, better yet, I can try modifying my draw water spell to work on alcohol directly."The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "I wish I had your talent with magic." A soft sigh escapes from Melanie. "You talk of modifying a spell like it''s nothing when most people have trouble just learning one in the first place." "Mhm." I shrug, not sure how to respond. "I had an excellent teacher, but I''ve been told I also have superb mana control. Whether that is innate, or if it''s the result of the path I took to learn magic... That, I couldn''t tell you." It''s hard to beat having a god implant the knowledge directly into your soul. "Magic just wasn''t a part of daily life where I came from, so I don''t really know." "Harsh training?" Edsel must have seen more in my face than I wanted to share. "Never mind, it''s none of my business." "No, it''s alright." I shake my head. "That... just wasn''t the best period in my life." Death? Afterlife? Prelife? Whatever. "Well, I should go finish up your bathrooms." He can obviously tell that it''s not something I want to discuss. "That trick Apricot showed me means I have more than enough mana left to finish that shower and take care of the downstairs bath." "Thank you." I reach out with my magic and remove the fixtures. "I''ve moved everything out of your way. Can you do the downstairs in that white quartz too?" "No problem." He nods and walks back inside. "Want to head back to the workshop?" I ask Melanie. "It''ll probably take me a bit to adjust that spell, and I wouldn''t mind learning more about how your lab equipment works. Most of it looks similar to what I''m used to, but quite a bit was completely unfamiliar to me" "That''s fine." She leads the way back to the outbuilding. "You mentioned dandelion wine, you''re not going to distill that, are you?" "Oh, no." I shake my head with a laugh. "That would be a waste. The chocolate making process requires fermenting the beans in the pulp of their fruit, so I''ve got a bunch of alcohol that isn''t exactly fit for drinking. I figure distilling it to make white vinegar is probably the best use for it." "Well, I suppose since we''re distilling, we should start with the alembic." She shows me a brilliantly polished copper still. "I''m sure you''re used to the basic model, but this one has been enchanted to help with the process." "Oh?" Leaning close, I peer at what I initially took for decorative lines. "I see a couple heat runes, but I''m not sure what this one does." I point to the script circling the base of the cooling neck. The neck itself has one of the heating runes, this likely disperses or redirects the heat away from it. "Good eye." She nods. "That one blocks water from getting through into the neck. It''s not perfect, but with that, we can get a much cleaner distillation in a fraction of the time. You won''t need it for making vinegar, but that''s one of my favorite time savers." "Nice." I pause for a moment. "Actually, do you have some pure, or nearly pure, alcohol? It would probably help me get a better feel for the spell." She hands me a bottle, and I spend the next twenty minutes trying to get a magical handle on the ethanol while she introduces me to the more esoteric elements of her lab. She has a few moments of sadness, clearly remembering moments with her deceased master. But, for the most part, she''s filled with the joy of someone reunited with something she thought lost. By the time the tour is done, I''ve gotten the hang of drawing alcohol instead of water. I don''t know if it''s because I''m in an alchemy lab, or what. But it wasn''t until I started thinking of the molecular structure of ethanol that the spell stuck. This makes me hopeful that I can use the same trick to manipulate other liquids. "Your lab is amazing." I tell her sincerely. "I''m not sure I understood even half of it, but you do, and that''s good enough for me." "Heheh." She laughs. "I shouldn''t be, but I can''t help but feel just a little glad that you don''t know everything." "That''s fine." I smile and laugh along with her. "Though, I hope you won''t be too upset that I''ve already cracked the spell." "Of course you did." She shakes her head with a smile. "I''m only surprised that it took you that long." "Mhm." I don''t have anything to say to that. "I think I can use it for vinegar too, so I''m going to try a small batch. Not sure if it''ll be more efficient this way, but it feels like I''m saving a step." I retrieve one of the smaller barrels of cocoa booze and it almost instantly starts to stink up the lab. Unlike alcohol which tends to rely on a single strain of yeast, vinegar is produced by several types of bacteria, with different ones taking over as the acidity rises. "What is that stench?" Ed asks from just outside the lab. "Don''t tell me that''s the wine you were going to make." "No, leftovers from chocolate making." I answer distractedly while focusing on a single cup of the stuff. I can''t just push a broad-spectrum bacterial growth, or who knows what will happen. Sure, the alcohol probably killed off the worst stuff, but I''m not going to risk it. So, I''m trying to isolate the different bacteria while drawing vinegar out of the cup right to my nose. "Sorry, I was focused on not turning this into poison." I say after casting cleanse on the contents of the cup, just in case. "Good news though, the spell works on vinegar just as well as it does alcohol." "So, you''re going to turn that rotgut into vinegar?" He raises an eyebrow. "That''s the plan." I pull Blackthorne to my hand and aim it at the barrel. All the right bacteria grow and reproduce at a truly insane rate, turning the questionable alcohol into vinegar. I draw the vinegar out almost as fast as it is produced; pure acetic acid goes straight into another slightly smaller barrel I prepared by filling it ninety percent full of water. "I think that''s about all I''m getting from this for now." I say after filling a second and most of a third barrel; that one, I just drew off the extra water to bring it up to ten percent vinegar like the others. "I''ll have to try experimenting some more later, see if I can''t squeeze out a bit more. But this is plenty for now." I cleanse everything, including the smell in the air, after putting the barrels into storage. "You already modified that water spell to work on vinegar?" The earth mage looks impressed. "And alcohol, and theoretically and liquid I know well enough." I tilt my head to one side. "Though, I think I''m going to stick to buying ammonia for the time being." The alchemist and I share a laugh, but Edsel just looks confused. "It''s made from urine." Melanie informs him after a small bout of giggles. "Uh-huh." He shakes his head with a dubious look on his face. "Well, as fun as watching you do alchemy is bound to be, I''m going to head back. Your bathrooms are all done, and I''m running low on magic again." "Oh. Thank you." I bow my head to the man. "But, hold on a moment. Melanie, if it''s alright with you, I was hoping we could swing by the guild house and see about getting this place certified. Or, at least find out what we need to do to bring it up to code." "That works for me." She nods. "You already demonstrated the basic process, and I want to see what difference the lampblack makes. This will give me a chance to source some." "Well, that''ll save me a bit of a walk." Ed leads the way outside. "I was never much of a horse person, so I''m hoping to get this bicycle finished soon." "Just be careful when you first try riding, they aren''t as easy to use as I make it look." I say while mounting the pedicab. "Most people have someone run behind them, holding the seat upright when first learning to ride." "Umm." Melanie interjects. "I know it''s right in view of the gate guards, but is the workshop going to be safe." "Oh, yeah. It''s fine." I reassure her. "I plan to ask Rozelle to help me install some protective enchantments, but for now I''ve fused the door and window shutters into the walls. No one''s getting in there without an axe, and even then it''d probably go dull before they made any real progress." "Really?" Edsel seems interested. "You know, I might just happen to have an axe on me. Mind if I give it a go?" "Knock yourself out. Heh, nice trick." I chuckle when he pulls out a long-handled blacksmith''s hammer and shapes the head into a hatchet. "Gods! What is this wood?" He pants out a minute later after chopping for all he''s worth, but only opening up a small hole. "Oak." I answer with a shit-eating grin as the hole fills itself in as all the wood chips meld back into the wall. "I just twist it in on itself while compressing the fibers together. I had to figure that trick out just to make arrows that wouldn''t shatter after being fired from my bow." I hand him an arrow that weighs a good deal more than it looks like it should. "Huh? I know a couple beastkin that might be interested in this." He says while hefting the arrow. "Keep it." I say when he goes to hand it back. "I''ve got hundreds, and it hardly takes any effort to make more. Beside Amelia would probably shoot me if I passed up a chance to make more coin. I''ll even give you a commission if you drive some sales my way." "Heh." He stores the arrow with a laugh. "No guarantees, but I''ll show it off next time I see them." *** # 054 Waving to William as we leave, I drive the pedicab back into the city. I offered to take Edsel to his shop, but he just had me drop him off near a free carriage. "Wow, I think this is the first time I''ve seen a messy street." I say as we turn in the direction of the guild house only to find several road apples dotting the stone street. "It doesn''t happen often, the Baron likes to keep the streets clean, but not many are willing to work as street sweepers. So, if a couple quit or get sick at the same time, you get streets like this." She pauses for a moment. "That, or someone on the street did something to annoy the sweepers. That''s even more rare, but has been known to happen." "Heh." I snort out a laugh. "You never want to annoy the garbage collector, or the street sweeper, in this case." "Mhm, ain''t that the truth." She chuckles. "Oh, there''s Eliot, he works at the guild and it looks like he''s heading that way too. Can we offer him a ride?" "Sure." I pull up alongside the man after using cleanse to clear the way. "Eliot." Melanie calls out to her fellow alchemist. "You heading to the Guild too? We''ve got room for one more." "Oh. Hey, Mel." He didn''t even notice us until she spoke. "Interesting carriage. And, yeah I wouldn''t mind a ride. Any idea what''s up with the street sweepers?" "No, we were just talking about it. There''s probably just some summer cold going around, it wouldn''t be the first time. Remember a few years ago when half the city was coughing after that big wagon train passed through? Master Keegan went through his whole stock, and then some, of everything that even remotely dealt with coughs and cold." "Ugh! Don''t remind me, I was miserable for two weeks straight." He puts on a show of shuddering. "Mom caught it early, so I gave her my good ginger tea and by the time I got sick I was lucky to even find some thyme." "Sorrel." Melanie brings me into the conversation. "How do your people treat coughs?" "Oh, ginger tea with honey and lemon was my mom¡¯s favorite remedy." I answer over my shoulder. "But, most people use menthol cough drops in a variety of flavors. Cough drops are just cough remedies made into hard candies." I add after sensing their confusion. "Menthol is extracted from distilled corn mint or peppermint oil by freezing it until white crystals form." "Really?" She seems interested. "I know a few alchemists who''ve tried to extract the soothing properties of mint, but I don''t think anyone tried freezing it." "It needs to be a fair bit colder than ice, think mountain top in winter." I explain. "Hmm? That might be difficult, but not impossible. Maybe you could get Amelia to help, she''s a water mage, right?" "I''ll add it to the list of potential money makers." I laugh and pull to a stop in front of the guild. "But, that reminds me, I should refine a big batch of sugar. We bought some at the market, but I could feel Amelia wince when she handed over the coin." "So, you''re the one that bought up Keegan''s lab for Melanie. I''m sorry I mistook you for a coachman." Eliot gives me a shallow bow after we get off the bike. "Thank you for that, the rest of us were none too happy with his son selling everything off like that. Especially not when we found it was meant to go to that bastard that caused that little girl to get hurt." "Sorrel is the one who healed her too." Melanie says after we enter the guild. "That''s how he got the coin to buy everything." "Hah! Serves that bastard right." Eliot''s laugh draws the attention of the receptionist who blanches slightly when he sees me. "You need anything from the guild, you just ask." "Well, actually..." Melanie tells him about the new lab and our quest to get it certified. "Hmm?" He strokes his chin. "If you copied everything from Keegan''s then it should be fine, except that it''s made from wood. But, since it''s outside the walls and not near any other structures, that should be alright." "I guess I can ask Ed to coat the walls in stone." I pause as an idea strikes. "But, what if I mix stone dust directly into the wood? Ooh, baking soda, that might be even better since it''ll help counteract any spilled acids." I retrieve some lumber and baking soda from storage and start mixing them together, compressing it as I go. Extruding out a thin stick, I then test it for strength and fire retardance. "Nnh, Cleanse. I may just need to call in Ed." I clear the smoke from the air, rather dissatisfied with the wood''s performance. "The stuff doesn''t burn, but that''s more smoke than I''d like. And, it''s not very strong either, not for the weight."Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. "Maybe just a thin layer until Edsel can come out again?" Melanie offers. "Yeah, we''re not working with anything too dangerous, so that should be fine." I nod. "May I ask what it is you are working on?" Eliot asks sheepishly. "This." I pull out the last tire I made after getting a nod from Melanie. "I''m working with Edsel to make some more cycles like the one we came here on. It''s called rubber, and bike tires are only one of its many uses." "That one is from the first batch." Melanie already sounds rather proud of our accomplishments. "We just need some lamp black, Sorrel says that will make it tougher and more durable." "Speaking of, how much coin will you need?" I ask. "Amelia has most of it, but I kept a couple gold in small change." "Just a few laurels should be fine." She replies after thinking it over. "But, we''ll have to look into making our own soon. At least, if we''re going to be using a lot of it." "Mhm, that shouldn''t be too hard, I can make all the oil we need." I think over the best way to make some carbon black. "I have a couple of ideas, but I think copying the basic principles from your alembic might work best. I''ll have to talk to Rozelle, but judging by the carriages I saw when we passed the Baron''s, they''re still caught up in the party." "An enchantment to block smoke like an alembic blocks steam?" Eliot sounds interested. "That''s a good idea. Please let me know if you can get that to work, I know a few people that would be interested in buying that." "Well, I''m just an apprentice enchanter, so don''t hold out too much hope." "Alchemy not enough for you?" He chuckles. "I''m not an alchemist, just a scholar that knows a lot about plants. Once we get everything up and running, I plan to have Melanie run the business while I just supply the raw material. Speaking of..." I hand her a coin pouch and a small notepad. "...here''s a gold." "Oh, I don''t need that much." She tries to hand it back. "Keep it." I wrap her hands around the pouch. "Just make sure to get receipts for anything you buy, and consider the rest as an advance on your first payday. We still need to work that out by the way, but I''m happy to pay you whatever''s fair until the business gets going, then you''ll get a share of the profits." "That-th-that''s too much." She swallows like her mouth has gone dry. "Don''t be silly." I fight not to laugh at the look on her face. "This is a side project for me, at best. I''m really only doing it because the rubber is too useful not to have. Giving you a share ensures that you''ll do all the hard work I don''t care for." "Hahaha." Eliot cracks up laughing. "Oh, I like you. Come on Mel, if you need lampblack, I know just the person to talk to." "..." She just nods, still somewhat stunned by my revelation. "Alright, I''m going to swing by the warehouse to see how the girls are doing, but I should be at the farm later if you need me." I wave and leave the guild house, not having gotten farther in than the last time I was here. *** "Sorry, Sorrel. You just missed them." Roddy tells me when I ask after his sister and Apricot. "Things are pretty much settled here, so Amy wanted to go look for a new horse." "Oh." I pout, but just for a second. "Well, please tell them I stopped by; I''m going to go work on her book some more, maybe build some furniture so the place doesn''t look so empty." I hop back on the bike and head back home, feeling somewhat dejected. At least, I try to head back home. I''m only a block away from the warehouse when a crazy girl jumps out in front of me. "Didn''t you see me hailing you?" She sounds a bit frazzled. "Oh, sorry." I shake my head. "I''m not for hire, I was just heading home." "No." She whines. "There''s no other carriages around, and I need to get there soon." "Look, I''m heading for the north gate." I tell her. "If it''s on the way, I guess I can give you a lift." "It''s mostly on the way." She says half-worried, half-hopefully. "But, I''ll pay extra." "Whatever, just get on and give me directions; I''m still new to town." She rattles off a list of directions which isn''t too far off the route I was going to take. "Oh, not this again." I grumble after making the first turn. "Yeah, I haven''t heard anything." My passenger speaks up. "But, there must be a cold going around, this isn''t the first un-swept street I''ve seen today." "Mhm, the street outside the alchemist guild wasn''t this bad though." I pull Blackthorne from my back and use it to decompose everything before blasting a clear path with some conjured water. "Uh..." She draws out the word. "Hahaha, don''t worry about it." I chortle after looking back at the expression on her face. "It''s all part of the service." "Y-you''re not a coachman are you?" "Not even close." I laugh again. "I should have realized when I saw this weird carriage, but I wasn''t thinking. Look, you can just drop me off anywhere." "Like I said, don''t worry about it." I send her a smile over my shoulder. "It was worth it just to see that look on your face just now. This just gives me a chance to learn more about the city." "I-if you''re sure." She sags in relief. "It''s no trouble." I send her another smile before turning around to focus on clearing the road. "So, you native to the city?" Her accent sounds the same, but there was a bit of hesitation when she gave out the directions. "Just over the border, actually." There''s an odd note to her voice when she says that. "But, it''s not my first time in town. I''m just passing through this time, though. Trying to, at least. I''d planned to join a caravan heading to the Capital, but it''s proving harder than I thought to find one willing to take me on that doesn''t want me to pay with my body." "Shit." I don''t know what else to say to that. "Yeah." "Look, my girlfriend''s family owns a warehouse near where I picked you up." I say after a moment. "She told me she has an uncle Charlie that''s a caravan owner. I don''t know if he''s in town or not, but if not I''m sure they can recommend a decent team to ride with." "Is she a Rialta?" "You know her?" "Not personally, but they''ve done business with my family before. I had just asked them for a recommendation right before we met." I can hear the smile in her voice. "They sent me to meet an Uncle Charlie who''s leaving tomorrow." "Well, that''s all good then." I laugh. "The way she talked about him made him seem like a good guy. Well, aside from his tendency to use nicknames she doesn''t like." "Let''s hope so." She takes a deep breath. "Ah, that''s the inn they told me he likes to stay at. Thank you so much for taking me all this way." "Don''t worry about it." I lock eyes with her after she gets off the bike. "Just be sure to recommend Sorrel''s Pedicab Service to all your friends. And, good luck getting to the Capital." "Thanks again." She gives me a nod and a shy smile before ducking into the inn. *** # 055 My little detour done, I make my way back home. This time I manage to avoid picking up any fares. "Sorrel." William calls to me from his field as I''m riding past. "I''m sorry to bother you, but could you take a look at my crops? You looked busy earlier, but I noticed after we talked this morning that the grain is already starting to show signs of that damned blight." "Already?" As surprised as I am by that, I''m even more surprised after examining the plant he points out to me. "Man, this is weird. It looks like four separate diseases, but my magic is telling me it''s all the same fungus. May I take this plant?" "Of course." When he agrees, I transplant the wheat plant into a wooden pot and store it away. "Do you know any ways to combat it?" "Well, my go-to for fungal infections is regular treatments of Neem oil." I rummage through my memories for a moment. "Unfortunately, the Neem tree doesn''t grow in the part of the world, but quite a few oils are just as good. I''ll make those later, but for now, let''s try my second choice of baking soda in soapy water." I mix some up, only to realize that I don''t have a sprayer. It''s not a difficult design, but not one I want to screw around with right now. So, I just turn the wooden bowl I''m using into a sphere with a spray nozzle on one side. Shrinking the sphere causes the liquid to spray out in a mist. "The problem with baking soda is that some plants just don''t like it, and it can cause problems in the future if you use too much." I explain while misting half a dozen plants. "We''ll see how these are doing tomorrow compared to their neighbors, in the meantime, I''ll prepare those other oils, so we can test them." "Thank you." He bows his head to me and then chuckles softly. "I thought for sure you were going to do some grand magic fix the whole field with a wave of your hand." "Heh, it might take a bit more than just a wave." I laugh along with him. "But, even if I use magic to cure this field, how many others are still affected?" I gesture up the river at the farms that stretch for kilometers. "I''m only one man, so I''d much rather find a remedy that doesn''t require me to visit every farm around Riverton." "I suppose that makes sense." He nods. "Yeah, I''ll do it if I need to, I just hope it doesn''t come to that. Everything would be much easier if I can find the right treatment and then distribute it to everyone." That''s not just me being lazy, either. Magic is great and all, but what happens the next time there''s a blight and I''m not around? "But, even if I can find a good treatment, I still recommend that you and everyone along the river switch to non-grain crops for at least a year." "Aye, a lot of us are already planning to." He laughs again. "There''s going to be a lot of beans on the market next year." We chat about farming for a bit more before I head home. I got tired of looking at an empty house, so I took a few minutes to add some basic furniture. Since this is all place holder stuff, I just went for comfort and functionality over looks. Now that I had someplace to sit, I did just that and got to work on Frankenstein again. Cursing every few minutes that I chose this to be the first book I translated for Amelia. But, I somehow manage to get most of it done by the time she and Apricot got home. "Sorrel? You in here?" The sun was starting to go down, and I was so caught up in translating the book that I didn''t bother to turn on any of the lights I got from Ro''s shop. "Oh, we have furniture now." "Hahah, yeah." I sit up, stretch my back out, and pat the cushions on either side for them to sit down. "I''m gonna replace it with something nice soon, but I needed somewhere to sit. Did you have fun at work?" "Oh, it was a mess." She sinks down next to me, and Apricot chooses to lay down on our laps. "Apricot was a great help though." She says while stroking the tired-looking pixie''s hair. "You know how she always has to explore and investigate every new place? She did that to the whole warehouse and then was able to tell us where everything was."This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. "My brain hurts now." The winged woman puts on a show of rubbing her temples. "Yours isn''t the only one." I smile down at her. "I was just working on the book again, almost finished it too." "Ooh, thank you." Amelia snatches up the book. "And, sorry we missed you earlier, Roddy told us you stopped by." "Did you get a good horse?" I ask, thinking that I need to put up a stable now. "She''s no Belle, but I got a good deal for her. Do you mind giving her a looking over, she seems healthy to me, but I can''t see inside like you can." "Of course." I lift Apricot into my arms as I stand up. "But, you''ve got to run a bath for us afterward, please." "Oh. Yes, please." Apricot seconds my motion. "Nice and hot too, I could use a good soak." "Now, that is an excellent idea." Amelia concurs. "So does this girl have a name?" I open the door to see a dappled brown and white mare loosely tied to the porch railing. "I''m leaning toward Flicker because she likes to flick her tail around a lot." "That''s probably because she''s got a tiny patch of ringworm on the tip of it." I say after finding no other ailments. "And... she''s good now. But it''s been a day for fungus, I got my first good look at the blight and it is just weird. If my magic wasn''t telling me different, I''d swear it was four separate strains." "Will you be able to treat it?" She asks while scratching her new horse behind the ears. "Yeah, I''m going to test out a bunch of stuff tomorrow." I answer while walking towards the road so I can throw together a small pen and stable for Flicker. "I''m hoping to find a solution that won''t involve me walking every field to exterminate it manually." "I''m sure you''ll figure it out." She says while trying to keep Flicker from eating Apricots hair. "So, how''d things go with Melanie?" "Great, we got the first batch made." Since my arms are still full of pixie, I use one of my vines to hand her a cube of rubber. "I gave Edsel the first couple tires since he''s close to completing his bicycle. Melanie and I talked to someone at the guild and the shop should be fine, but I''m going to have Ed coat the walls in stone to make them fireproof." The stable only takes a minute to go up; I gave the horse a big stall but left it open so she can play in the pen whenever she wants. A large water trough gets filled by Amelia while I grow and dehydrate some tall grasses to serve as bedding. "Oh, this reminds me. I was able to modify my draw water spell to work with vinegar, and alcohol, and presumably any liquid I know well enough." This gets both of their attention. "Ooh, ooh. Show me, please." Amelia practically bounces in place. "Apricot, you''ll help me learn it, right?" "Yeah, I want to see what he did." The pixie bobs her head but makes no move to get to her own feet. "It wasn''t that hard." I say and set one of the barrels of vinegar on the ground. "You just need to loosen up this part of the spell while focusing on the essence of the liquid you want to draw." I demonstrate and can feel both of their magics focus on the tiny blob of pure vinegar that rises from the barrel. "Oh, that''s clever." Apricot says while pulling her own blob from the barrel. "What kind of visualization are you using? I swear you''re even more efficient with this than you were before." "Ooh, I got it." Amelia cheers as a single droplet forms only to drop back into the barrel. "Aww." "You''ll get there, Babe." I smile over at the pouting blonde. "And, as for my imagery... Well, how much do you know about the basic elements and how matter sticks together?" "Not a lick." The pixie says unabashedly. "Back home we knew a lot about the basic structure of things." I explain. "I''m just using that knowledge of how everything sticks together as my visualization. I promised Melanie I''d write down whatever I could remember about chemistry for her. I''ll make you guys a copy when I do." "So..." Amelia hesitates. "Instead of thinking about how it smells or tastes, you''re imagining its very structure?" "Exactly." I nod and make a model that looks a bit like Mickey Mouse. "I won''t bore you with all the details, but this is basically what water looks like." Two more models join the first. "These are alcohol and vinegar. Each sphere is a different basic element, we call them atoms. The smallest are hydrogen, and these others are oxygen and carbon." "This one looks like a funny dog." Apricot plays with the ethanol molecule. "I don''t think that''s helping." Amelia shakes her head. "Just stick with what works for you then." I stroke her arm with a vine. "I only found that this worked for me after everything else I tried failed. So, you''ve already got me beat being able to draw some out just by thinking of how it tastes or smells." "He''s right." Apricot agrees with me. "We can feel around for the essence of a substance, but Sorrel has to know how it''s built. Even if he is more efficient, he''s also limited by that way of thinking." "I knew I should have slept through more chemistry classes." My joke seems to have brought Amelia out of the funk she was starting to slip into. "Now, let''s go take that bath. I''ll finish your book while we soak." "Yes, please." *** # 056 I get up early the next morning and slip out of bed without waking the girls. I want to go see how the baking soda solution worked against the mildew. So, after getting dressed, I creep downstairs and out into the cool early morning. "Morning, Sorrel." William is already up and spots me as I draw closer. "You anxious to see how the wheat is doing too?" "Yeah, I wanted to see how the baking soda worked before I got started on mixing up the other treatments." I answer as we move up next to the plants I sprayed yesterday. "Hmm? The parts I treated are doing much better, but the blight is still going strong in the roots." "And, you said the baking soda could be bad for the soil." William''s expression is hard to read. "Yeah, it''s basically like adding salt." I reply. "A little isn''t going to matter, but too much and nothing will grow. There are other leaveners that are good for the soil, but that''s only one option. I have a dozen different ideas to test out." "As long as they don''t involve salting my fields." The farmer chuckles. "Don''t worry" I pat him on the shoulder. "I may not have been planning to work on large scale farming like this, but pest treatment was very much a focus of my schooling. I''ll figure this out." "Thank you." He nods. "We''ve dealt with blights before, but nothing like this." "Yeah, it''s an odd little thing." I pause to think for a moment. "Could you ask around, see if anyone has any plants or parts of their fields that don''t seem to be as affected?" I''m mainly asking to give him something to put his mind to. "It might help narrow down my ideas." "A few people have small patches that don''t seem to be having as much trouble, but they''re seemingly random." He answers right away. "I''ll ask around though, maybe talk to some people outside the south wall." "Thanks, you all know your fields better than I or anyone else ever could. So, maybe one of you already has the answer and just doesn''t know it yet." I leave him with that and head back to the house. I can feel that the girls are still asleep, so I sit down on the porch and start growing a large batch of all the plants I want to extract oil from. Luckily most of them are used as herbs, meaning I''ve long since collected samples. Peppermint just happens to be one of them and since it can be turned into menthol, I figure I might as well give it a shot. It might be useful, especially if there is a cold going around. By the time I sense Amelia stirring, I''ve got more than enough of each plant I need. And, far more peppermint than I initially planned to grow, but I started thinking about peppermint candies, and mint chocolate-chip ice cream. So, I just kept growing more and more. "Mmm, why does everything smell like mint?" The blond troops down the stairs, her hair still messed up from sleep. "Because I just grew way too much of it." I pull her in for a kiss. "Did you sleep well?" "Yeah, I''m starting to feel better too." She pats her belly after sitting down at the breakfast nook. "Only another day or two of this annoyance." "Mhm, you want anything special for breakfast?" "I vote for waffles." Apricot says with a yawn from the bottom of the stairs. "That''s fine with me." Amelia pats the chair next to her, beckoning the pixie over. "Thank you again for yesterday, you saved us a lot of time and effort." "Mhm." She nods and snuggles in next to Amelia. "Did you guys get everything done?" I ask over my shoulder. "There are a few small things left, but it''s nothing Roddy can''t handle." She says while playing with Apricot''s hair. "I''m just going to stay home today and read, you know. now that I have somewhere to sit that is." "Hey, it''s been a busy couple of days." I put on a faux-affronted look. "And, it''s probably going to be another busy one." I add with a sigh. "I''ve got to test out a bunch of fungicides to see which works best against this blight. And, Melanie will probably be here soon wanting to play around with the rubber. Then I want to refine the music player I got started on yesterday into something that works properly." "Music player?" Apricot perks up. "Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention that''s what I was making this for yesterday." I take out the spinning enchantment and give it some mana. "The first and probably easiest method to record sound was by etching it into grooves on a spinning disc. I have the spinning disc, now I just have to figure out everything else." "Ooh, do that one first." She practically begs. "I hate having to bother you every time I want to listen to music." "It''s not a bother, Apricot." Finished cooking, I plate everything up and sit down next to her. "You''re never a bother to us. But, if it''ll make you feel better, I can spend the morning working on this. Might need to make a trip to Ro''s later to pick up some more supplies, but I was going to get some enchanted locks for the shop anyways." "Thank you." She gives me a quick kiss before tucking into her meal. "Anything to make my girls happy." I say and then snatch a piece of bacon from her plate. "Hahaha." Amelia cracks up laughing at the look Apricot shoots at me. *** By the time Melanie showed up, I''d just barely gotten the prototype phonograph working. And was looking through the enchanting primer for how to include some sort of battery. Because, as we quickly learned when Amelia tried to use it, not everyone can control their mana the way Apricot and I can. "Is that supposed to be music?" Is the first thing the alchemist asks when I greet her at the door. "It is when a certain pixie isn''t playing it at triple speed." I send a glare at an unapologetic Apricot. "It''s the prototype of a music player I''m trying to build. It still needs a bit of work." I add when Apricot drops the speed down to one quarter.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. "So, it''s not supposed to sound like that?" Wild Cherry''s ''Play That Funky Music'' has definitely sounded better. I probably should have gone with something else, but it just felt right for the first record ever in this world. "Oh, no. She''s doing that on purpose." I breathe a sigh of relief when the song ends, and snatch the record player away before she can start it up again. "Would you like to give it a try, it''s a good test of how skilled your mana control is." I''m sure Amelia would be glaring at me for that line, but she''s sulking upstairs. Try as hard as she might, she just could not keep the speed steady. *Plllllaaaaayyyyyyyythatfunkymusiiiiiiiiiicccccccccccccc tttttilyoudieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee* "See Amelia." Apricot calls up the stairs. "It''s not just you that sucks at using it." A muffled "Not helping!" is her only reply. "Like I said, it needs work." I laugh and put the phonograph in storage so Apricot can''t fuck around with it anymore. "So, you''re here a bit earlier than I thought you''d be." "Mhm, just excited to get to work." She''s practically vibrating in place. "Alright, we can head over to the shop and get started." I turn to the pixie. "You want to come with, or are you going to pester Amelia some more?" "Oh, she''s already caught up in her book." Apricot lets out a put upon sigh. "It''s no fun teasing her when she''s like that. I''ll come bug you guys, but you gotta play some more disco." "Melanie, just let me apologize in advance for what you''re about to be subjected to." I take out my speaker and start up the [Best of the Worst] playlist. ''Stayin'' Alive'' by the Bee Gees is up first. "Oh, it''s not that bad, you big baby." Apricot swats me on the shoulder and steals the speaker box from me. "And, you wouldn''t be able to play this stuff if you didn''t like it at least a little." "It is certainly different." She doesn''t seem to hate it, so that''s good enough for me. "It''ll grow on you." I let us into the lab. "So were you able to get the lampblack?" "Yes, it''s in my pocket." Her hands reach forward only to disappear into nothingness. When she pulls them back, they''re holding a small barrel. "I also got a lead on bulk sulfur, but it was for more coin than I had on me." "Nice, remind me to tell Amelia about that." I take the barrel from her and heft it. "Yeah, this should be enough for now, but we need to produce this ourselves in the future. I''ll ask Rozelle about that idea I had for the smoke catcher. But, first. Apricot, oh mightiest of magic teachers, do you think you can help Melanie with the storage spell?" "Yeah, sure." The pixie shrugs. "If she can handle pocket, she can handle storage." "Really?" Melanie lights up. "Oh, uhm. I, uh brought you these." She reaches into her pocket dimension again and pulls out a tray full of cookies. "Uhm, Sorrel said you like sweets." "Well, at least he''s good for something, the bacon stealing butthead." Apricot snatches the tray away before I get a chance to steal one. "A word of advice: never get between a pixie and her food, they bite." I start laughing when the pixie in question sticks her tongue out at me. "Alright, I''m going to go over there, out of biting range, while she helps you." "What are you doing?" She asks just a moment later when the smell of melting lard distracts her before the magic lesson even started. "Oh, stearic acid is one of the two main activators used in rubber production, along with zinc." I explain distractedly while using the modified draw water spell to extract it from the molten fat. The whole process working even better than I expected. I barely needed to add any lye to break up the ester bonds, separating the fatty acids from the glycerol. Like the magic itself is helping it along and only needed that extra hydrogen atom to fill in the glycerol molecule. "I know I shouldn''t be wasting lard, but I don''t have any tallow and I sure wasn''t going to waste cocoa butter. Most other plant oils aren''t even worth mentioning. Why does all the really good stuff have to come from tropical plants?" "Don''t you just love when he just casually does or says something that changes your entire world view." Apricot laughs at the look on Melanie''s face. "That spell you made yesterday..." The alchemist is staring at me with adoration in her eyes. "That spell can extract anything as long as it''s a liquid?" "Yeah, I suppose." I nod. "As long as you have a clear image of what it is you''re trying to extract. I explained this yesterday, didn''t I?" "Do you know what this means for alchemy? You have to teach me that spell, please." From the look she''s giving me, I''m kinda surprised she didn''t drop to her knees to beg. "Do you know how time and effort this can save alchemists?" "Uh, alright." I go through the full incantation with all the hand gestures and everything. "Just focus on the essence of water for now, and try to pull it from the air. No, you''re too tight there, just relax and let the magic flow. That''s... better, but I think I can see why you had trouble with storage." "Just let me guide you." Apricot steps in with a sigh and forcefully aligns the mana into the proper path. "Quit thinking so hard, it''s bunching up your casting." "That, how, what? Ack!" Melanie starts up a questioning spiral until Apricot shifts the spell to make it rain on her head. "Better, now practice what I just showed you." The pixie goes back to snacking on cookies. "I''ll help you with storage once you get that down." "You know, I almost didn''t learn that base spell." I say while handing Melanie a towel. "But, then I thought ''what if I find myself stuck someplace without water?'' I honestly never imagined I would get so much use out a simple spell that I only picked up in case of an emergency." "Thank you." She takes a steadying breath. "Not just for the towel either, for everything." "Don''t worry about it." I go back to extracting the fatty acid, more than a little embarrassed by her outburst. It only takes me another moment to finish separating the component I want from the lard. "Is that the -what was it?- cow acid?" Apricot pokes at the waxy substance with a fingertip. "Yeah, it was a decent haul too." I nod. "It looks I got nearly a fifth of the total volume. I''ll separate everything else later, just use it to make soap or something. But, I''ve really got to get a contact that can supply me with some tropical plants; Shea nuts would be perfect for this." "Anything that keeps you from wasting chocolate." The pixie says adamantly. "We could still use the cocoa powder, but yeah, it feels like a waste to turn cocoa butter into rubber." Just thinking about it feels wrong. "I might try breeding some oil crops to see if can''t get one that gives a better yield, but that''d be a much bigger undertaking than making dandelions produce more sap. Though it would let us use the extra oil to make the lampblack." "Sorrel." Melanie says my name. "I''m sorry about before, I didn''t mean to make you uncomfortable." "That''s alright." I smile at her. "I understand why you were excited, this little spell is going to be a big thing for alchemists. But, you''ve got to remember that I''m not an alchemist, despite my education covering a fair bit of chemistry knowledge." "I''ll try to keep that in mind." She bows her head to me. "But, I hope you won''t mind if I ask you to demonstrate for the guild." "Yeah, I guess." I fight not to sigh. "I was planning to head into the city for lunch anyways, we can stop by afterward. But, for now. Where''s the zinc powder at? I know I saw some on the inventory." "It''s in the storeroom." She dashes off before I can say anything else. She returns after just a few seconds holding a small jar. "We don''t use it much, so this is all we had in stock." "That should be plenty." I set the jar next to the ''cow'' acid, and place the barrel of carbon black next to them. "These two are the main activators, from what I recall. And, lampblack one of the main fillers. "..." She opens her mouth like she has a question, but closes it a second later and motions for me to continue. "Now, there''s a whole host of accelerators and retardants, most of which are probably outside of our reach. But, playing around with these three and some sulfur compounds should be more than enough to get us started." "How do you want to proceed?" She''s all business. "I think you should keep practicing your magic, but I was hoping that while you do that you could distill some oils for me while I process the raw rubber." I pull out the plants I grew earlier. "I''m trying to find a treatment for the grain blight, and these oils are all known antifungals. Oh, and speaking of that. Are you familiar with any leavening agents like baking soda, but made from ammonia, and what would it be... refined potash?" "Those sound familiar." She tilts her head to one side and looks up at the ceiling. "But, I''d have to ask at the guild to be sure. As for the oils, I''d be happy to help. And, we already have some of those in stock." "Perfect!" I say and then start laughing as ''That''s The Way (I Like It)'' comes up on the playlist. "Alright, you get started on that, and I''ll see if I can''t design some mixers while I''m working on this. Apricot, keep dancing." "Hahahah, can do." *** # 057 The next hour or so was spent stretching what few engineering muscles I have. Fortunately, a roller mill isn''t that big of a challenge. Unfortunately, turning my record player into a high-torque motor is turning out to be a bit of a headache. So, it''s going to be hand-powered until I can figure it out, or set up a water wheel. Even so, I sketch up a few idea ideas for improvements and other tools we''ll need. Stuff like extruders, and steam or enchantment powered ovens. "I''m all done with the oils." Melanie announces. "And, I think I''ve got a decent handle on the spell." "That''s great." I look up from my notepad with a smile. "This stuff is all good to go, I was just trying to calculate the fastest and most efficient way to cure the raw rubber." Well, I was, until I got distracted by the idea of a solar updraft tower. "I can handle it for now, but once we scale up it''s going to get annoying." "Mhm." She nods and starts looking through my notes. "Wow, you''ve got this all planned out." "Not even close, but I''ve got a good idea of what''s needed." I sigh and shake my head. "And, right now, what''s needed is a long round of testing. I''ve only got a rough idea of what percentages are needed, so I need you to work through various combinations." "That''s fine, I''m used to working this way." That sad smile she gets when thinking of her master slips onto her face again. "I take it you want me to test this equipment too." "If that''s not too much trouble." I pause for a moment and look at her arms which lack any sort of definition. "Hold on a moment though, your arms are probably going to fall off after the first batch or two. Give me a minute and I''ll hook up a pedal-powered belt drive. That way I can power it for you while I work on the blight." It doesn''t take long for me to adapt the roller mill to use a bicycle drive. But, I''ve got to find a better solution, including a heated roller to make the rubber easier to work. I decide to work on that one right away, since one of the first examples in the enchanting primer was a simple hand warmer. "I thought you were going to work on the wheat." Apricot says when I pull out my enchanting gear. "Are you going to finish the music player instead?" "Sorry, Sweetie." I send her an apologetic smile. "I promise we''ll stop by Rozelle''s and ask her for some help later today, but right now I''m just making a heated roller for the mixer. It needs one anyways, and it''ll give me one less thing to focus on while testing the wheat." "I wish I could split my attention like you do." Melanie sighs. "I could hardly believe it when I watched you cook, and now you''re enchanting, warming the rubber, and powering the mixer all at the same time... while playing music." "Oh, the music is pretty much second nature by now. Though, I may have to drop the translation when I focus in on the blight." After slogging through Frankenstein, translating a few songs doesn''t even bother me anymore. "And, you didn''t know I was translating." I heave out a sigh. "You''ll get used to him... eventually." Apricot commiserates with the poor alchemist. "I usually remind myself that all Plantkin are weird, and Sorrel just takes it in his own unique direction. But, since you''re waiting, let me show you the storage spell." "Hahahah." I can''t help but laugh at that. I''ve always been one to multi-task, but I guess I have been taking it to the extreme lately. ... After I got the new roller installed; I was about to test the various oils against the fungus when I realized that I have another engineering problem. I have no idea how a regular spray bottle works. But, I do know how to make a bike pump, so a pneumatic sprayer shouldn''t be too hard to create. "Now what are you making?" I think Apricot''s annoyed that I haven''t finished the record player yet. "Oh, this?" A wicked grin splits my face. "You''ll see." I take some of the rubber and fashion some ''o'' rings and valves. Everything flows together quickly, and I''ve soon got a super-soa... pneumatic plant sprayer. "I don''t trust that look on your face." She backs away, but it''s already too late. "Ahhhh!" She screams when I shoot a stream of water at her from across the room. "Oh, I''m going to get you for that." "Wait, wait. Stop!" Melanie shouts. "Not in the lab! Please." "Ah, sorry Mels." I duck my head, feeling chagrined. I know better than to screw around near a bunch of expensive and possible fragile equipment. "And, sorry Apricot, you''ll have to wait to get your revenge."This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. "Nnh." She pouts for a second. "Make one of those for me and I''ll call it even." "I can do that." I do one better and make her a proper super-soaker. "Here, just make sure you close the lid tight after filling it, otherwise it won''t work." "Alright, now that my lab isn''t about to be destroyed." Melanie huffs. "How does that work?" "Air pressure." I draw up a diagram of how the pump works. "I needed a mister to apply the different treatments. And, Apricot, I applaud you for testing the strength of the pressure chamber, but it''s going to break if you keep pumping like that." "Mhm. It should be good enough now." She takes aim and blasts a thick stream of water right at my chest. "Yes, that''ll do." "Happy now?" I laugh and draw the moisture out of my clothes. "Very." She nods while a smug smile plays on her lips. "Now make a few more, I want to go play with the girls next door. "Yeah, they should love em." I set about making a couple of scaled-down models for Myra and Willow along with some full-size ones for their parents. "Would you like one too?" I ask Melanie. "A little bit, yeah." She nods. A handful of squirt guns later and I can finally get started on this blight. The first thing I do is grow several pots full of wheat and other grains to match what''s in the fields right now. Each one gets inoculated with the blight that I grow until it also matches what''s in the fields. Setting aside one of each aside as a control, the rest get spritzed with a different horticultural oil, milk, cornbread, garlic juice, or vinegar solution before getting a week''s worth of growth magic. "Nng. I swear this is four separate strains instead of one like my magic is telling me." I grumble after seeing that the different treatments affect different areas. "I don''t suppose you know somebody that can teach me light magic? I really want to get a good look at this stuff, up close and personal." "Sorry, no." Melanie shakes her head. "But, I''m sure Elise does." "Yeah, I was going to ask her later." I shrug and get back to work. I take the best treatment for each part and mix them together equally in water. This mixture gets tested against a whole new batch of plants, and I make sure to give the roots a little extra since they seem to be the least affected. "Well, that''s a little better." I nod in satisfaction. "But, those damned roots are not nearly as affected as I''d like." "Maybe those leaveners you mentioned will help." The alchemist offers, helpfully. "Yeah, but I''ve also got this feeling like there''s something obvious I''m missing." I raise my hand to decompose the test plants only to use it to facepalm. "I forgot compost tea. I''m an idiot, I should be fighting fire with fire, or fungus with bacteria in this case." "If you''re an idiot, I don''t even want to know what the rest of us are." Melanie laughs at my self-castigation. "Don''t sell yourself short." I tell her seriously. "I''ve got fifteen years of schooling under my belt, along with an entire culture''s worth of discoveries backing me. The only reason it seems like I can see farther is because I''m standing on the shoulders of giants." "Fifteen years?" She''s completely shocked by that. "Did you start while in diapers?" "Public schooling starts at six and goes for twelve years." I explain. "I took a year off before joining university and was in my third out of four years there, though some go for longer." "Sorry, that was uncalled for." She blushes in embarrassment. "You''re not that much younger than I am. But, still fifteen years?" "The first couple years are little more than daycare, but almost every child in my country is literate and able to do basic mathematics well before they turn ten. After that, they start on the sciences and mostly just load us up with facts that most kids only remember long enough to pass a test." "And, this school is open to everyone?" Her eyes are still wide. "Mandatory, actually." If she was shocked before, her mind must be blown now. "There are alternatives, of course. But, since it''s also free, almost everyone goes." "I think I would like to visit your homelands." She says after finally collecting herself. "I''d love to take you, but it was pretty much a one-way trip." I give her a sad shrug. "You don''t mind taking a quick break, do you? I need to go dig around in the neighbor¡¯s trash." My decompose spell only mimics the natural process and I don''t want to mess around with random bacteria hoping to find the right ones. "Pft." She cracks up for second there. "Uh, yeah. Go ahead." "Thanks." I nod to her and head outside. Cutting over to William''s farm, I can''t help but laugh at the sight of Apricot being chased around by two little girls with water guns. "Sorrel, help." She comes running up to me. "These two keep picking on me." She says that, but I can sense her refilling the girl''s squirt guns with magic. "Sorry, Sweetie." I laugh at the melodramatic look of betrayal she puts on. "I need to talk with William about his compost pile." "You might as well shoot me, girls." She moans out. "I''ve been passed over for garbage." "That garbage might stop the blight." I counter. "Truly?" William says that a bit louder than I think he meant to. He and Sophia are standing by their house watching the girls play. "Yes." His eyes light up when I say that. "I''ve found a good mix of oils that help slow it down, but I still need something more. I just remembered that compost tea is one of the most effective fungicides. The bacteria in the compost eat the fungus, and it might be just what we need." "You''re welcome to it." He points to a small pile near the animal pens. "But, if you need a lot, you should talk to Old Baxter just outside the south gate. He has a deal with the Baron''s gardener to produce his potting soil and a lot of people buy from him." "That might help." I thank him for the suggestion. "But, I should be able to grow what I need once I find the right strains." Once we reach the pile, I scoop a small handful from near the middle into a bucket of water. "Is that all you need?" William seems anxious. "Yeah, do you want to watch?" I strain out the solids and add in the oil mix before pouring it into the sprayer. "It took a bit to distill all the oils, but once we had them, it was a fairly simple matter to find out which ones worked best." # 058 After misting one of the test pots, making sure to soak the roots thoroughly. I then give it a week''s worth of a full-spectrum growth spell, and we watch as the blight shrinks before our eyes. "And, it works on the damned roots too." I can''t help but crow. "You, you did it?" He''s wearing the dopiest smile right now. "I still need to isolate the bacteria and make sure they''re not harmful to people." I don''t want to promise too much, just in case it doesn''t work out on a larger scale. "And, then there''s the matter of getting enough of the oils to treat everyone''s fields. May need to talk to that Baxter fellow so I don''t suck the soil dry growing everything." "Do you even need the oils?" Apricot asks. She, Sophia and the girls all crowded around to watch. "This is the weirdest blight I''ve ever seen, so I''m not willing to take any chances." I answer honestly. "I want to hit it, and hit it hard, so it doesn''t even have a chance to get back up. I may even throw in some of that baking soda alternative, if it''s not too hard to make, that is." I think Maxim 37 is a good rule to follow when fighting something that threatens an entire city''s food supply. "Now, that sounds like a plan." William has a wide grin on his face at the thought of fighting back against this blight. "I can''t thank you enough for all that you''ve done for us." "You''re welcome, but think of this as just me saving myself some work in the future." I chuckle. "I''m the strongest nature mage around after all, so if the crops fail I would be the one called on to help feed everyone." "If you say so." He says with a smirk. "I do." I grumble back. "Alright, I should get back to work; I''ve got enough oils for your field, so once I''m sure the bacteria is safe, I''ll make some large sprayers for you." "Thank you again." He nods, but that smirk is still painted on his face. "Mhm." I nod in return and head back to the lab, leaving Apricot to play with the girls. "Did it work?" Melanie asks excitedly. "Yup, pretty well too." I repeat the test so she can watch, and so I can collect scrapings to help isolate the bacteria. "I just need to isolate the right strains and make sure they''re not harmful to people. Even then, I probably should make everyone wear a cloth mask while spraying just to be safe." "You''re going to distribute those sprayers of yours?" She nods to the plant mister I set down on the work table. "After scaling it up, yeah." I nod my assent. "I''ll just need to make some rubber tubing to make it easier to use. Figure it''ll be a good advertisement for what this stuff can do." "That is a good idea." She bobs her head in agreement. "But, we''re going to need more sulfur." "I''m sure the Baron will be more than willing to provide what we need." I sit down and start up the mixer for her again. "It looks like we should be done in about an hour or so, we can head up to the manor house then." She gets back to work, and I focus in on the bacteria that are eating the fungus. Once again, this damned blight presents as four separate infections, with different areas being affected by different strains of bacteria. I isolate each one as best I can without a microscope; luckily I got a good deal of practice doing so when I was making the vinegar. By the time I''m done, I''ve got over a dozen bowls filled with a tea made from dead fungus, each hosting a different colony of bacteria. Melanie is working on the last batch of rubber right now, so I take one of the unused sheets of raw latex and use magic to warm it up and mix in a little sulfur. After that, it gets extruded into a meter long pipe mold lined with braided cotton for strength. I get a handful of rubber hoses just from this one batch. These all get attached to large tanks, whose pump handles can lock in place to double as a carry handle. I then add a long nozzle with a simple squeeze trigger at the end of the hose to finish up the sprayers. Aside from the fact that they''re made from wood, these things are identical to the ones I used back home. I look up from finishing the last sprayer to find Melanie examining the hose of the first. "These are remarkable, but I''m not sure how we''ll be able to produce them without your magic."If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "Eh, that''s just a mechanical problem." I shrug, not at all concerned. "We''ll figure it out, or hire someone to figure it out for us. Until then, there are still plenty of other products that we can make with simple molds." "True." She nods. "And, speaking of mechanical problems, I think of these sprayers might be perfect for making more lamp black. It''d be a lot faster than just burning a pan of oils at least." "Yeah, I''ll have to talk to Ed and Rozelle about that since we used up almost everything you bought." I agree. "For now, let me go round up the girls and see if they want to get an early lunch. I need to make a carriage too, but that shouldn''t take long." "Hahaha, I love how you can say stuff like that." She shakes her head and starts to clean up the lab. We''ll test the different rubbers later this afternoon to see how they hold up, but that''s no reason to leave a messy work area. It looks like Myra and Willow are done chasing Apricot around and are now making her read them the book I made for them. I send her a smile and a wave and make a note to recreate some more children''s books for them. Amelia is still reading upstairs in bed when I find her. "Hey, Baby. You up for an early lunch? I have some things to do in town and thought we all could stop at a restaurant." "Mhm, just gimme a few, I''m almost done with this letter." Frankenstein was written as a series of correspondence rather than traditional chapters. "That''s fine, I''ll be out front making us a carriage." I lean over and kiss her on the forehead before slipping back outside. Once there, I wander over to Flickers pen and start putting together a lightweight, open-top carriage. Only to stop after just a second and dash over to the workshop to make some rubber tires for it. "Hmm, batch five looks like it should be good enough." I muse after a quick check of the rubbers we just made. "And, it looks like we have just enough stuff to make four tires." I grab what I need and head back outside, and amused Melanie following in my wake. Back outside, I start mixing the rubber while shaping the carriage out of wood. The whole process only takes me about ten minutes, and most of that was spent just adding decorations while waiting for the tires to cure. I come out of my short builder''s fugue to find Apricot and the girls investigating the carriage. The girls are tracing their hands over the vines I carved onto it, and arguing about which of the flowers is prettiest. "Well." Amelia says from behind me with a laugh. "I might just have to thank Roddy for stealing our wagon. That is one nice looking carriage." "Mhm." I half nod, half-shrug. "I still need to add a canopy, but I want one that folds back and didn''t want to mess around with the folding mechanism right now. I''ve made too many machines as it is today." "Have you been busy while I was lazing around with a book?" She laughs again. "Let''s see." I start counting things off on my fingers. "A roller mill to mix the rubber, a bicycle pedal attachment to run it, and an enchanted roller to warm the mixture up. An air pump that I used to make a plant sprayer-" "And a water shooter." Apricot interjects while brandishing hers. "And a squirt gun." I add. "Oh, and I found an effective treatment for the grain blight. There also may have been something about my modified water spell changing the face of alchemy, but I did that yesterday, so it doesn''t really count." "So, a pretty boring morning for both of us then?" She says with a smirk. "I take it you want to inform the baron." "Yeah, I''ll need some supplies if I''m to make enough for everybody." I answer. "Probably need your help to distill all the oils they''ll need too. I could probably manage, but you''re better at water magic and will be able to do it much quicker." "More powerful maybe, but I wouldn''t say I''m better." She counters. "I wouldn''t have been able to modify that spell of yours." "That''s only because you lack the education." I counter her counter. "I''ve got all the knowledge of my nature magic to draw on." "True, but not everyone can find a teacher like yours." She counters my counter-counter with a laugh. "Maybe, but I''d say Apricot is a damned fine teacher." I can''t help but add one more counter. "For casting itself, yes." She rebuts. "What I really need is a grounding in the theoreticals and the formulas behind the casting." "Then we''ll get you that foundation." I state with finality. "I''ll use chocolate and starweave to bribe the best tutors into teaching you whatever you need." "Not going to find many of them this near the Deadlands." Melanie interrupts. "Now, as cute as your little argument is to listen to; I would like to get into the guild sometime today." "Good point." I duck my head, embarrassed. "But, is that true? About the tutors?" "Mhm." Amelia grunts in the affirmative. "You probably haven''t realized it yet, but you''ve already met with most of the strongest mages in town. I could probably ask for some pointers from Adriana Struhl, the head of the fire brigade, but I hear she got most of her strength delving dungeons, and isn''t all that skilled." "Nnh." I grumble while thinking it over. "Okay, give me a couple weeks to get everything up and running, and then we can go to the Capital or wherever to find you a proper teacher." "I can''t ask that of you." She waves her hands in negation. "Just the trip alone would take weeks, the Capital is just over a thousand kilometers from here." "I''ll build a bicycle-based carriage and get us there in half a week, maybe less." I say flatly. "Now, help me hitch Flicker before Melanie yells at us again." I tease. "Nnh. You..." Amelia grumbles, but does as I ask. "Are we going on another road trip?" Apricot asks with a lilt to her voice. "Yes!" - "No!" Amelia and I talk over each other. ""Hahahah."" The little girls start giggling at our antics. "Just think about it, okay?" I offer softly. "I don''t need your bond to tell that this means a lot to you." "..." She purses her lips, but nods after a moment. *** # 059 The ride into town was a bit tense, but Amelia soon calmed down after seeing that I wasn''t going to bring up the topic of going to the capital again. "So, is it alright if we stop at the Baron''s first?" I look over my shoulder from the driver''s seat to ask the three women in the carriage. "I''m sure Erick is going to want to hear about the treatment, and I need to ask Elise to round up some test subjects so I can be sure it''s safe for people." "Is it not safe?" Amelia asks, worried. "It should be perfectly harmless, but I''m using bacteria to counter the fungus. So, I want to make sure I''m not going to trade a blight for a plague." "Mhm, I don''t know much about germs and stuff." She grumbles. "So, I''ll just have to trust you and hope you''re right." "Just think of them like animals, most are harmless, beneficial even." I explain. "They can''t even survive outside of the right environment. I''m only taking this precaution because so many people are going to be exposed to it, I just don''t want anyone to get sick because I was lazy." "Mhm, you can test it on me if you need to." She offers. "Thanks, but I don''t know if all the farmers are human." I send her a smile of gratitude. "I''m sure Erick has a census list somewhere, and the wider the sample size the better. Not everybody reacts the same way to the same things." We drive up to the manor house a moment later; the same stable hand that I caught playing with Blackthorne rushes out to take care of the wagon. "Thank you." I toss him a copper wreath, mostly to show that there were no hard feelings from last time. "Good day, Sir, Ladies." A servant whose name I don''t know greets us at the door. "How can I help you." "Hello... I''m sorry I never learned your name." "Jared, Sir." "Hello, Jared." I smile at the man. "I was hoping that the Baron and Elise were free, I''ve made some progress in counteracting the grain blight." "Baron Pepi is free, and I''m sure he''ll be interested in hearing about that." He starts guiding us to Erick¡¯s study. "I''m afraid that Healer Elise is at her clinic though. Apparently, a summer cold is starting to make the rounds; I do believe she is planning to come back for lunch." "Well, that should give us enough time to slip over to the alchemist guild real quick after I update the Baron." I just want to call him Erick, but I get the feeling it would be rude to use his name with one of his servants. "I''ll inform the chef to prepare four more settings." Jared says and knocks on the study door. "Sorrel." Pepi hops up to greet with a smile. "Finally decide to work on our wardrobes? The girls have been driving me mad to ask you about it." "Oh, uh." I pause. "Maybe I could stop by this evening. I''m actually here about the grain blight, I just spent the morning working on it and I think I''ve got an effective treatment." "Now that is good news." His smile morphs into a wide grin. "I''ve been getting reports that it''s starting to spread further from the river." "Well, it looks like I''m just in time then." I return his grin. "I just need to do a bit of testing to make sure it''s safe. It should be, but since so many people are going to be affected by it, I just want to make doubly sure." "Tell me what you need and I''ll make it happen." Erick says earnestly. "I was hoping you or Elise could help me round up some volunteers to get sprayed with the solution." I take out one of my pump sprayers. "And, drink it, I suppose. You just know that someone is going to try drinking it, so I''d better test that as well." "Easy enough." He nods while examining the sprayer. "And, Elise should be back for lunch. But, what is this?" "That''s how we''re going to treat the blight." I grab the small mister that I''ve been using all morning from storage. "This is just filled with water right now." I spray a mist into the air. "But, these will let the farmers coat their fields and attack the fungus directly." "Oh, Seymour is going to want one of these." He chuckles. "He can have that one, and I''d be happy to make a smaller one for him." I offer. "But, I was hoping to slip over to the alchemists¡¯ guild real quick and track down a lead that might make the treatment even more effective." "That''s fine." He nods while waving the nozzle around. "Lunch won''t be ready for over an hour anyways. I''ll see you when you get back; right now I want to see Seymour''s reaction to this." He picks up the sprayer and leads the way back downstairs. "We''ll see you later then." I say when we split apart. *** "I hope that head cold doesn''t spread too far." I comment after turning onto the guild''s street which still hasn''t been swept. "Mhm." Melanie agrees. "I saw you had me distill a lot more peppermint than anything else. Were you planning to make some of those cough drops you were talking about yesterday?" "Amongst other things, yeah." I nod distractedly while using magic to wash the street clean, not wanting to get my new tires all dirty. "Mostly, I just wanted some mint chocolate chip ice-cream." "Hey, when did you steal my water spell?" Amelia grumps lightheartedly. "Also, that''s a big yes from me on the ice-cream." "Just yesterday." I answer while pulling flicker to a stop in front of the guild house. "I needed to process the dandelions, and you were off counting boxes." "There were some bags and barrels too." Apricot adds with a laugh while hopping down from the carriage. "And, that''s another yes from me for the ice-cream." "I''ll make plenty for everybody." It''s not like I wasn''t going to anyway. "Alright Melanie, you know these people. Who do we need to talk to?" "Eliot''s always a good choice, but we should probably go straight to Delainey, the guild leader." She looks a bit nervous now. "But, you may need to demonstrate the spell." I nod, and open the door. Fortunately, Eliot is manning the front desk. "Hello, Melanie, Sorrel." He greets us with a wide smile. "How can I help you today?" "Hopefully you can get us in to see Delainey." Melanie says.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. "Nnh, he''s kinda busy today." He shrugs. "Tell him that I''m working with the baron to stop the grain blight, and need his help to find one of the ingredients." I speak up. "And, that I''ve discovered a spell that can be used to separate any single component from a liquid." "Well, I think that ought to be enough to get him to clear his schedule." He laughs nervously before ducking into the back. "Is that true?" An older man approaches us, but several others are looking on from nearby. "Does that spell really work how you say?" "Hi, Lemmy." Melanie is clearly familiar with him. "Yes, it''s true. I''ve used it myself to separate vinegar and alcohol and I watched Sorrel collect a single component of pig fat." "Show me... Please." He only adds that last bit after a moment. "Alright." I fight back a sigh. "I was going to turn the rest into soap anyways, so I might as well break the last of it apart." The reception area quickly fills with the smell of melted pig fat as I draw out the palmitic and oleic acids. I''m just starting in on the trace fatty acids and leftover glycerol when Eliot returns with a distinguished older man. "I was going to ask why my guild smells like a kitchen." He starts. "But, I''d say that''s a pretty damned effective demonstration. Eliot says you need to find an ingredient and, after seeing that, I''m more than willing to help you find it." "Thank you." I give him a slight bow. "I''m looking for leaveners like baking soda, but made from ammonia or potash." "Hartshorn salt." Delainey speaks up immediately. "Made from antlers and hair it smells strongly of ammonia, also known as baking ammonia but hasn''t been used for baking in ages. As for the other one... it sounds familiar, but I''d have to look through the records." "No need." Lemmy has a wide grin on his face. "That one''s mine. I was boiling some pearl ash in water, and afterward noticed that some of the crystals had changed." "Oh, yes." Delainey snaps his fingers. "I remember now. You were never able to increase the yield though, so it got dropped." "Pearl ash is just kiln-fired potash, right?" They all nod. I close my eyes and start mumbling while trying to work it out. "Let''s see. Firing the potash probably burns off everything but the potassium chloride, so it must be reacting to the trace amounts of co2 dissolved in the water. You just need to pump more carbon dioxide through the boiling pearl ash." "Great." Melanie says with a laugh. "Now could you repeat that in Varecian?" "Collect the gasses released by fermenting alcohol and bubble that through the solution." I say with a sigh. "I''m really getting sick of this language difference. Hmm? I wonder if I can pull it straight from the air with my new spell." I start trying to do just that and quickly find my mana siphoning away. ''It must not be cold enough.'' I think to myself. ''Maybe if I take this part from that spell Elise taught me to help patients breathe?'' I set about modifying my already modified spell. It takes me a couple minutes to mesh them, and I feel like I''ve almost got it when Apricot brings my attention to one part of the spell. Now that she''s pointed it out, I can see that it''s gotten tangled. "Hah! Thank you Apricot." I give her a quick kiss after fixing that part to find that the spell works as intended. "Good news, I''ve got a spell that now works on gasses." "Just like that?" Eliot practically shouts. "You close your eyes for a minute and mumble yourself into a new spell?" "Welcome to my life." Melanie titters. "It took him all of twenty minutes to figure out the first one, and that''s probably just because Apricot wasn''t there to help." "Alright." I grin. "I''m happy to teach the spells, but we''re having lunch at the Baron''s to discuss the blight treatment. So, if I could purchase a quantity of pearl ash; that would be helpful." I say hopefully. "It''s on the guild." Delainey says. "Eliot, go get him the largest jar we have in stock." The younger man runs off to do his bidding. "Okay, now." I start walking everyone through the spells. "The spell itself isn''t that difficult, but you need to have a very clear picture in your mind of just what it is you''re trying to extract." Delainey and Lemmy as the oldest, and most experienced, are able to pick up the spells fairly quickly. But, Apricot ends up stepping in to help the others out, telling them that they can repay her in sweets. ... "Okay!" Amelia says after we leave. "Huh?" I just look at her in confusion. "I said okay." She reiterates. "We can go to the Capital. I want to be able to do what you just did in there. Mom is going to freak out with me leaving again so soon, but I really, really want that." "Alright." I put my arm around her shoulder. "Like I said before, it''ll take a couple weeks before we can leave. But, a Sorrel powered carriage should more than makeup for that in travel time." "Yay, road trip!" Apricot dances over and joins the hug. "Soon." I correct her. "We, or at least I, have a lot of work to do first. Even discounting the blight and the promises to the Rialtas about chocolate. I just started a business with Melanie here and I''m not going to leave her hanging." "Thank you for that." She bows her head to me. "Thank me by working hard and making it successful." I nod back before climbing into the driver''s seat. "I''ll make sure you have everything you need before we leave, but running the business is going to fall onto your shoulders. So, start making lists of anything you think you might need." "Well, first off." She raises a finger. "I need to know more about how rubber is used. You''ve mentioned a few things, but I''ve only seen tires and those flexible pipes. I''m just not sure how big the market for those will be." "Don''t discount tires or hoses just yet." I say over my shoulder. "The whole city is going to learn about the sprayers, and bicycle tires are what made rubber truly popular. But, you''re right, more products means a larger market. And, wipe that silly grin off your face Amelia, I may not be a merchant, but I''m not entirely clueless about economics." "I didn''t say anything." Her grin morphs into a smirk. "Uh-huh." I just roll my eyes and continue. "I was planning to go over the basics when we got back to the shop, but off the top of my head. Pencil rubbers are the obvious first choice, that''s where it got the name from after all. There''s plenty of uses in clothing, both protective and regular. Though, we might need to partner with a seamstress or weaver to make some of those if I''m not around." "Don''t forget about that most important piece of protection." Apricot adds with an evil grin. "What did you call them, condys or something like that? The rubber sheepskins." "Condoms." I correct her, refusing to be embarrassed. "And, yes contraceptives could be a huge market. But I was thinking more along the line of gloves aimed at cleaners, hip waders for fishers, and rubber boots for farmers. The stuff also makes for a good shoe sole; it''s nice and soft and doesn''t make a noise with every step." "Uh..." Melanie and Amelia are both blushing right now. "Let''s uh stick with the clothing for now." "That''s fine." I nod, ignoring the pouting pixie behind me. "And, since rubber is waterproof and moldable into almost any shape, it''s perfect for seals and gaskets. Basically, anything oiled leather is used for now." "Does that mean my sink won''t drip anymore?" She asks hopefully. "Amongst other things, yes." I nod as we pull up to the barons. "This is just scratching the surface really, there''s a lot more that rubber can do. We just need to find out what people need, even if they don''t know they need it yet. And, don''t just think about rubber either, you''re an alchemist and I can grow as much as you want of any plant I have a sample of." The same stable hand comes to take the wagon again and we all troop inside while Melanie looks deep in thought. It looks like we''re just in time for lunch as the dining room is starting to fill. "Sorrel. How did it go at the guild?" Erick beckons us closer. "Seymour is very interested in your treatment, almost as interested as he is in that sprayer of yours." "Good. Very good." I smile at the ebullient baron. "One is made from antlers, but the other, which is the one I was hoping to find, just needs pearl ash." "And, a spell you invented on the spot." Melanie adds. "It doesn''t need the spell." I rebut. "Like I said in the guild, you can just collect the gas from the fermentation process. But, speaking of spells." I turn to Elise who is just joining us. "Please tell me you know a spell to let me see really small things. I''ve been working with bacteria and it''s kinda driving me nuts having to just work by feel." "What?" She blinks at me, clearly not expecting the question. "Heheh" Erick chuckles. "Sorrel has found a way to fight the grain blight. And, speaking of tiny things causing big problems. What''s the word on this cold that''s been going around?" "Good news there." She answers with a relieved sigh. "The workers who were affected are already feeling better, so it doesn''t look to be anything like that one we had a few years ago. But, as for the spell, I''m sorry, but I don''t know it, or even anyone who might." "Nnh." I grumble for a second before a thought strikes me. "What about a far sight spell? I know the principals well enough that I might be able to modify that to do what I want." "Hollen has several scouts that are proficient in far sight." Erick answers. "I can have him bring one of them over tonight. You are still coming over, yes?" He asks with a nervous look at his daughters. "I''ve got a busy afternoon ahead of me, but as long as it''s alright with Amelia and Apricot." The girls nod. "Then yes, I''d be happy to stop by again later." "Excellent." He claps his hands. "Now, let''s sit down and eat before Granville gets angry, and then you can tell us all how this treatment of your works." *** # 060 "Compost tea?" Seymour blinks. "I think I remember my grandfather using that once, but I was just a boy and I''d completely forgotten." "I''ve used it before, and it still almost slipped my mind." I shrug my shoulders in a ''what can you do?'' kind of gesture. "But, between that and the oils, I''ve got a pretty effective treatment, at least in my tests. I still want to add the... I don''t know what to call it... baking ash? Maybe baking pearl? It didn''t have a common name where I''m from, at least not one I''m aware of." "Baking pearl sounds better." Melanie interjects. "And, it''s certainly better than whatever old Lemmy will end up calling it. I''m still amazed you were able to figure it out so easily." "Oh, it''s all in the name. potassium bicarbonate." I explain. "I know potash has potassium carbonate, so it had to be getting the extra carbon from somewhere. And, carbon dioxide was pretty much the only thing it could be getting it from." "So, then baking soda would be..." "Sodium bicarbonate." I answer. "And, the Hartshorn one would be ammonia bicarbonate. Though, that one is probably a mix because ammonia is fairly unstable. Remember that pickle crisp I asking about the other day? That''s calcium chloride, whereas table salt would be sodium chloride." "Your people have a naming scheme based on the basic elements and how they''re put together?" Melanie stares at me like my reputation with her just went up. "That is remarkable. You have to explain how it all works, please." "I already promised I''d write it all down for you." I laugh nervously. "When I have a free minute that is. Man, what happened to my plan to just sell some clothes and chocolate and take it easy?" "I''m not sure you know how to, Babe." Amelia chuckles. "Even when we were on the road, you always had one project or another you were working on." "I guess so." I shrug. Now that I think about it, I guess I''ve been trying to keep myself distracted. "Well, remind me to slow down and take it easy when I can, please." "What are your plans for the next few days?" She asks, not even bothering to hide her smile. "..." I give her the stink eye. "How about just today?" "After we leave here, I want to talk to Ro about the record player and some enchantments for the lab." I give in with a sigh and lay out my plans. "When we get back home I need to test the different rubber batches and build sample products of everything I think will sell. And, then come back here and make some clothes." "Meanwhile I will be sitting back and reading my book." She grins. "Not tomorrow you won''t be." I counter. "Tomorrow I need you to help me distill all the oils we''ll need for the treatment. And, speaking of..." I turn to Erick and Elise. "I need to test the ''tea'' on people to make sure it''s safe. I also need a good deal of compost to grow all those plants, and while I could make the pearl ash myself. It would save a lot of time and effort to just buy it." "I will make sure you have whatever you need." Erick states like it''s already a done thing. "Do you know how much you will need?" "I''ll have a better idea after I spray William¡¯s farm later. And, yes I know I forgot to add that to the list." I shake my head at the grinning blonde. "But, it should only be a few kilograms per hectare." He nods at that and it looks like he''s doing the math in his head. "If you''re coming back tonight." Elise speaks up. "I''ll have some volunteers ready for you. And, thank you for not just going ahead and spraying this without testing. Like you, I understand that just because it should be safe, doesn''t always mean it will be." "No, thank you." I bow to the healer. "I don''t exactly make the best test subject, or I would have just used myself. Amelia offered, but I don''t know how diverse the farming population is." "I had some questions about your biology." She says with a shy smile. "But, you''re a busy man, so they can wait for later." "If you want to drop me off at the lab." Melanie says. "Then, I can get started on the testing while you go talk enchanting."This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. "Yes, please." Amelia says with a smile. "That way I can get back to my book." Her smile turns smug. "Don''t worry Sorrel, I''ll stick with you." Apricot pats me on the arm. "I want to get my music player after all." Her smile matches Amelia''s "Music player?" Lori, Erick''s eldest daughter perks up. "Mhm, yes." I set the prototype on the table. "It''s based on an old design from back home. Right now only Apricot and I have the control needed to use it because I just don''t know enough about enchanting." Her eyes widen when I set the needle to the beginning of the song and start the disc spinning. "How?" That''s all she says before rushing over to get a closer look. "Same principle as my speaker box." I explain. "The needle transmits the little bumps in these grooves up to the cone which amplifies them into sound. I have some upgrades in mind that will improve the sound quality, but as I said, I need to talk to Ro." "Can I come with you, please?" She begs. "I have to have one. You can record other songs, yes?" "Hahahah." I crack up laughing. "Yes, this song was mostly just a goof. And yes, you can come along, there''s enough room in the carriage for one more." We quickly finish the rest of the meal and get on our way. I pretend not to notice the jealous looks that Catrina shot her older sister, even though Apricot kept nudging me. Amelia and Melanie get dropped off at the farm a few minutes later. Apricot, Lori, and I then ride up to Rozelle''s shop, with Lori asking questions about music the whole time. "Welcome to Rozelle''s, how can I help you?" Her son, Jared is still manning the front counter. "Hi, Jared." I give the disinterested kid a nod. "I was hoping your mom was in." "Sorrel?" Ro''s voice rings out from the back. "Is that you? Oh, it is." She breathes out a sigh of relief after seeing that it is in fact me. "Thank goodness, the rest of the guild has been driving me nuts asking about your maths and the mana node." "Oh, that reminds me, can I get one of those collector rings?" I pull out the node I grew. "I haven''t been able to grow this one much more because it''s starting to feel unstable when I use storage on it." "Yes, of course." She bobs her head up and down. "You might as well take this one. Everyone has already seen it, and I kinda need my workbench back." "Thank you." We follow her into the back room. "I''m sorry, but the math will have to wait for a couple days at least. I''m busy working on a solution to the grain blight. But, I need some enchanted locks for my alchemy lab, and I was hoping you could help me with a little project." "Of course, of course." He head bobs even faster. "I doubt they''ll be happy, but I think an impending famine takes priority. But, what is this project? Does it have to do with the blight?" "No." I duck my head, somewhat embarrassed and materialize the prototype. "It''s just a music player. I started it this morning before I got into the blight and I promised Apricot I would get a fully functioning one working. And, then Lori found out about it and wants one of her own." "Oh, Missus Ghosh." Rozelle sketches out a quick curtsy. "I''m sorry I didn''t recognize you." "Please, you know we don''t really care for any of that formality." The baron''s daughter smiles at the enchanter. "Just tell me that you can help Sorrel with his music player." "This is your spinning disc?" She sends some mana into it, and while she''s better at controlling it than Amelia, she''s nowhere near good enough to keep it perfectly steady. "You need mana storage and a regulator." Ro instantly pegs the problem. "I''m guessing you haven''t gotten that far in the primers yet." "Not yet, no." I shake my head. "I also want to add another enchantment that can read the motion of the needle, and then amplify it after sending the signal to something like my speaker box here." The speaker joins the turntable on her workbench. "That would let me shrink everything and fit more than one short song per record" "That... might be a little more difficult." She hedges. "But, if you''re willing to do the math, I''m willing to give it a shot." The next few minutes are a whirlwind of headache-inducing math. Rozelle knows her stuff though. So, between her enchanting know-how and my knowledge of physics and math formulas, we were able to complete the beta version in short order. "It''s a bit loud" I comment after testing the player. "But, once I reduce the grooves in the record it should be fine. I should add a volume control too, but my head hurts enough as it is right now. So, that will just have to be a future project." "That was amazing." Ro says while staring at the new player. "A project like that would have taken me days to work out. And, even then I''m not sure I would have managed without those formulas of yours." "I promise I''ll write down as much of my math knowledge for you as I can, as soon as I can." I say while thinking that I really need to quit stretching myself so thin. "If you can make the parts for a third one of these, I''ll call it even. And, some of those discs, of course." She chuckles. "I''ve just got to show this off." "Gladly." I smile. "It will take a while to create each record, but once I have one I should be able to copy it fairly quickly. I''m sure Apricot and Lori will have me making records all afternoon... and in every free minute I have from now on." I laugh. "So, if it''s alright with her, maybe you could join us at the baron''s tonight." "The head of the enchanter''s guild is always welcome." Lori smiles at the enchanter. "Give me a minute to enchant your player." She starts doing just that. "Though, as his master, I should be the one giving Sorrel work, not the other way around." "Heh, sorry." I duck my head again. "I had planned to work on it today, but then I got caught up with the grain blight. And, well. This is important to Apricot, she never asks for anything... aside from sweets and sex, but those don''t count." "Shut up." The pixie blushes and elbows me in the ribs. *** # 061 After getting the locks for the lab and some more enchanting supplies, the three of us head back to the farm. Apricot pestering me to make records of everything right away. "I can only do one song at a time, Sweetie." I plead. "And, these will only hold a bit over twenty minutes per side. So, you''re going to have to narrow it down a little from ''everything.''" "Mhm. Start with the Beatles again then." She grumbles. "Amelia likes them and they''re probably a good starting point for Lori and Ro. But, then I want some dance music." she demands. "Yes, Ma''am." I laugh and start making a stack of records from modified wood, it''s no vinyl, but it works surprisingly well. "I''m guessing that this isn''t how your people made these record things." Lori ventures. "The actual mastering process, as it''s called, is not that far off." I explain. "They cut the grooves into a soft material like wax, and then use that to make a harder steel stamp to press out as many copies as needed." "Were they made from wood too?" She runs her fingers over the blank I handed her. "No, it was an alchemical substance somewhat similar to, but much stiffer than the rubber I''m making. Unfortunately, it''s not plant-based, so I don''t know how to make it." I could probably manage some bioplastics, but my modified wood is more than good enough for my current needs. "You really are a Plantkin, aren''t you?" Apricot laughs. "There''s nothing wrong with specializing." I say with a laugh of my own. "Even if my specialization is rather broad." "I''m not sure that ''anything made from plants'' really counts as a specialization." She counters. "Well, I could always forget how to make chocolate if that would make you happy." I tease. "Heheh." Lori giggles at the look Apricot shoot me. "You two are cute together." "Oh, that''s all her." I say with a smile as we pull up at the farm. "I''m just reflecting her leftover charisma." "That sounds about right." Apricot sticks her tongue out at me. "Now get working on the music." "Can I check to see how Melanie is doing first?" I ask while unhitching Flicker. "No. Music now." She commands. "Uh-huh." I roll my eyes and set the horse loose in her pen. The animal taken care of, I place a blank record on the new player and use my modified ventriloquism spell to vibrate the needle directly. Using it to carve out the songs of ''Please Please Me'' into the wood. "At least I don''t have to focus on spinning it this time." "If someone played some music for you, could you record it too?" Lori asks. "Yeah." I nod. "And, it should be easy enough to invert the enchantment on the needle. So, you wouldn''t even need me there, just use a wax blank and figure out some way to transfer it into a more durable medium." "That..." She stops in her tracks. "Wow, you just told me that was how your people did it, but I didn''t even think I could do it myself. I understand that you''re busy, but..." "I''ll try to work it in." I offer. "I need to work on my enchanting anyways, but I promised Rozelle and Melanie that I''d write out what I know about maths and chemistry. I''m hoping to get a good start on that tomorrow while growing what I need." "Thank you for that." The alchemist says as we enter the lab. "Things are going well here, but the way. That idea you had for hanging weights from thin strips of rubber is working out great." "That''s good to hear." I send her a smile. "I try to keep my promises... speaking of which, I still owe Amelia a dress. I can''t go making Lori and Catrina a bunch of clothes if I haven''t even done that first." "I''ve got a good handle on the testing." Melanie states. "The lab has everything needed to test heat and cold, so you go make your girl her dress." "Thank you." My smile grows even wider. "I owe you one, so if you want some nice clothing too, just ask." "I might just take you up on that." She returns my smile. We head back outside, since the lab is a bit crowded with all four of us, and the first thing I do is start growing some woad. I haven''t found any true indigo yet, but this should be more than good enough. Especially if I use my new spell to extract the indigo directly from it. "I don''t think I will ever get tired of watching you do magic." Apricot purrs a moment later when I start extracting pure indigo from boiling woad soup. "I''m not a dyer." Lori says with a nervous laugh. "But, I''m pretty sure you''re skipping a few steps there." "Mhm." I shrug. "I''m beginning to see why Melanie was so excited about this spell, it really is a time saver." Fortunately, indigo has a pretty distinctive molecule. But, I may have to find a work-around to my visualization problem if I want to use it on stuff I don''t know the chemical structure of. "Can anyone use that spell?" The baron''s daughter asks while watching the pile of pure indigo grow larger. "Delainey and old Lemmy picked it up right away, but the others at the guild needed Apricot''s help." I reply. "It''s all about how well you can visualize the substance you''re trying to extract. So, a dyer that has spent their life working with indigo has a better chance at making it work than some layperson that just knows that it''s blue. But most people could probably extract vinegar or alcohol."Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Once it looks like I have enough pigment; I bring out the cotton and start spinning it into fine fibers that then get dyed a brilliant blue. These threads fly through the air and form themselves into a tight starweave velvet. "Wow..." Lori breathes out as the fabric grows itself from a tiny swatch into several square meters of smooth cloth. "Mhm, it''s alright." I tilt my head to one side while examining the cloth. "I wish I had some silk, but even if I did I wouldn''t be able to control it as well as I can the cotton. I might just have to step up the production of rayon. It''s close enough to silk and I shouldn''t have any problems weaving it." "You know how to make something like silk?" Her eyes practically drill into me. "Mm-hmm." I nod distractedly while shaping the velvet around an Amelia shaped dress form. "It''s not that hard to make, I just have to find the time to make the reagent. Now, what am I going to do for the beads on the lace section? Polished wood doesn''t shine enough, maybe if I compress a bowstring into a solid chunk." I take a break between songs to focus on doing just that. The final result is not quite as shiny as I would like, but it looks alright. Especially since I plan to remake the dress in rayon. "Sorrel, you did it again." Apricot titters. "Hmm?" I look up from the test bead. "Oh, the silk thing? Yeah, it can be made from cotton, or even lumber if you want to go through a bit of extra work. It might work well for the beads actually, it doesn''t have to be turned into a thread. It can also make a shiny clear sheet. If I can coat that on the beads, or maybe press it into a bead shape..." "Sorry, Lori." Apricot pats the woman on the arm. "You''ll get used to it once you spend enough time around him." "What do you need to make it?" Lori asks with a bit more intensity than I''m comfortable with. "Oh, just a copper compound, ammonia, and lye. It''s pretty basic." I start to grin at my joke until I hear Temmie groan. "Hey, you''re the goddess of bawdy jokes, not chemistry puns." "You have the ear of the goddess Temmie?" Lori''s eyes go wide. "Like I said." Apricot commiserates with the poor noble. "It may take a while to get used to him." "Would you quit picking on me." I huff and start up the music again while making some black thread for the lace and satin gloves. "I still owe you some pixie sized dresses too, and that stuff would be perfect for it." She smirks at me but doesn''t say anything else, so I get back to work. I wish the coat Julie Christie wore over the dress got more screen time, but it looks to be a simple enough design. I also include a more basic shawl in a similar style in case Amelia doesn''t like the high collared overcoat. "That is beautiful." Lori marvels over the dress once I step back finished. "I can see why Amelia wanted you to make it for her." "Thank you." I nod, but can''t help but look at it with a critical eye. "It looks great Sorrel." Apricot swats me on the arm. "She''s going to love it." "Yeah, I just wish I had some jet for the beads." I grumble. "These just don''t shine enough. I know it''s technically made from wood, but I would need a much better grasp of earth, fire, and maybe even time and gravity magics to even hope to recreate it. And, if I''m going through all that effort I might as well just try making black diamonds." "Hahahah." Lori breaks into nervous laughter. "You make a work of art in minutes and then complain that you can''t make precious gems to adorn it. How do you even know how to make them, just what kind of lands do you hail from?" "Pretty similar to here actually." I say, chagrined. "Larendath, or at least Riverton feels very similar to what my homeland was like less than two hundred years ago. I''d say it''s even more advanced in some ways. And, I''m sorry for getting carried away. I just want Apricot and Amelia to have the best." "Sorrel, that''s sweet." Apricot pulls me into a hug before leaning back enough to flick me on the forehead. "But, quit being a dummy. We''re both happy to be with you. You don''t have to show off by making diamonds, you crazy lunker." "But what if I want to make diamonds." I say with a fake pout. "Apricot." Lori turns to the pixie with a serious look on her face. "I think you were wrong about getting used to him." "Hahahah." I can''t help but laugh at the ''whatcha gonna do?'' look that Apricot sends her. "Alright dress done." I put it, the shawl, and overcoat into storage and retrieve the pearlash. "Time to work on the grain blight again, I want to get Williams field sprayed." Decomposing the potassium bicarbonate goes surprisingly well, I only had to heat the water and pearlash to just over boiling while drawing co2 from the air into the solution. Once I have the baking pearl, I just had to mix it and the horticultural oils into the bacterial soup. I went ahead and made more than enough to treat William''s whole field, after the test against some potted wheat was enough to make me chuckle in glee. "With any luck, that''s what all the fields will look like in just a week." The plant still shows signs of the damage done by the blight, but it looks healthy and there is no visible sign of fungus. "I''ll probably recommend a second treatment then and maybe again if it rains, but the grain should be good from here on." "We can''t thank you enough." The baron''s daughter calls on all of her noble bearing to curtsy deeply to me. "My father wouldn''t say anything, but I could tell he was very worried about this. A famine would have been... bad. And, with Riverton being so isolated it''s not like we can just ask our neighbors for help." "Well, I''m your neighbor now, it''s the least I can do." I can feel my cheeks flaming with embarrassment. I mainly saw this as an interesting puzzle without truly thinking about how many people it would have affected. "I can tell you don''t like praise." She says with a sly smile. "But, you should probably get used to it." "Nng." I groan. "Good thing we''re planning a trip to the Capital, then." "Don''t think that will help." Lori laughs. "You can be sure that Father will be writing to the Queen about this. But, I''m surprised you''re leaving us already." "It''s not permanent." I explain. "Amelia wants to get a proper magical education, so we''re going to look for a tutor and some books. I''m hoping it doesn''t take very long, but we''ll be coming back every few weeks just to keep her mother from worrying too much." "But, the trip takes... Nope, I''m not going to say anything." She shakes her head. "Clearly you have something in mind to get you there and back in short order. I''ll just chalk it up to you being you." "Now you''re starting to get the hang of it." Apricot slaps her on the back. "Yeah, yeah, yeah." I let loose an exasperated sigh and start walking over to William''s farm. "Sorrel, you look like you have good news." The man says with a hopeful look on his face. "That I do." I smile at him. "I was able to find the... well, I''m calling it baking pearl because it''s made from pearl ash. And, the treatment is even more effective now. The test I just ran almost completely wiped out the blight. I have enough mixed up to treat your field right now." I plop down one of the sprayers next to him. "Thank you Sorrel, this is twice now that you''ve saved my family." He takes my hand and pulls me into a big bear hug. "What are neighbors for?" I pat him on the back. "Now, let''s get this field treated. I need to know how much I''ll need to make tomorrow." I step back and ignore the tears he dashes from his eyes. I''m just showing him how to use the sprayer when his wife and daughters approach. "We want to help too." Willow says and her sister nods enthusiastically, both of them holding up their squirt guns while their mother looks on with an expression of pride. "Of course you can help." I modify the super soakers to have a spray nozzle and let them go to town. Sophia watches over them and helps to refill and pump up the squirt guns. "Do you have any extra sprayers?" Lori asks while watching the girls with a smile. "Uh-huh." I nod and look to my lover. "How about you, Apricot?" "No need." She levitates a globe of water and starts misting the field two rows at a time. I follow suit by morphing two sprayers into one after showing Lori and William how best to treat the plants. It only takes about an album and a half to spray the whole field, or just over an hour if you don''t measure time in musical lengths. # 062 I ended up adding backpack straps to William''s tank and wheels to Lori''s. Even with those conveniences, the two of them together only covered a bit more than fifteen percent of the field. Apricot on her own did well over half, with me and the little girls taking up the rest. Though they were more enthusiastic than helpful, and it wasn''t long before they begged me to turn their ''squirters'', as they started calling them, back to normal, so they could play. "We''re going to need a lot more sprayers." A tired-looking Lori flops down onto the ground after we finish up. "Even if we call in the fire brigade, I''d wager that only chief Struhl has the power and control needed to match what Apricot just did." "Oh, I can make as many as needed, though I will need a bit more sulfur." I reply. "I''m sure Amelia will help too. She''s just, you know, not feeling so good right now and decided to take the day off to sit in bed and read." "Ah." She nods with a knowing look. "Is there nothing your healing can do for her?" "I''ve been helping with the cramps, but it''s a natural process and just needs to run its course." I say with a shrug. "Maybe once I understand the whole process better, but for now, I''d rather not take the risk." "Understandable, but you should talk to Elise. I''m sure every female healer must have looked into this subject at some point." She adds with a laugh. "Alright, I''m going to head back to the house and take a long bath before dinner. Haven''t been this sweaty since the night before my husband left for Ciranna." She trills. "Let me give you a ride." I offer and then snort at the unintended double entendre when Temmie *Dings* out a laugh. "It will only take a few minutes with the rickshaw." "That''s the odd bicycle you''ve been around town in?" She looks interested. "Maybe just up to the wall, I can borrow one of the guards'' horses from there." "If you''re sure." I help her up to her feet. "Oh, and here are copies of the records I''ve made so far." I made several copies of each and decided to keep the originals in storage to keep them safe. She immediately takes one and tries it out on her player. "It works, oh that is remarkable. Thank you so much for this." "I''ll try to get around to working on a recording version next time I have... well, time." I chuckle before turning to the side and calling over to the pixie who went back to playing with the girls. "I''ll be back in a minute Apricot, I''m just taking Lori up to the wall." ... "Thank you for the lift, and again for the music." Lori dips into a curtsy for me. "I''ll see you at dinner." She heads over to the guard and I turn around to head back to the farm. Apricot was still having fun with the girls while their parents looked on, so I just rode back to the lab to see how Melanie was doing. "How''d it go?" She asks without looking up from her work "Good." I reply and lean against a counter to watch her work. "Took us around an hour to spray the whole field, but that was mostly thanks to Apricot. And, most importantly, no one had an adverse reaction to the bacteria." "That is good." She finally looks up after finishing the latest test. "I know you don''t like praise, but thank you for that, for this, for everything." She chuckles at the look on my face. "Alright, back to business. I''ve nearly finished testing the stretchiness and tensile strength under various temperatures, but I''m not sure how to test compressive strength without a lot more weights or some special equipment." "Nng." I grumble while wishing I could just order a pressure gauge online. "I''ll look into building or enchanting some sort of pressure gauge, but it may just come down to the weights." "Let''s hope not." She laughs. "Mhm." I nod. "Building an abrasion tester should be easier since I already have the turntable to work off of, but I''m going to be somewhat busy for the next couple days. So, what do you want to do?" "Um, can you narrow it down a bit?" "Well, you can try different additives with the rubber and catalog the reactions." I start with the most tedious and, at the same time, the most useful project. "We''re running up against the limits of my rubber knowledge, but I think alkaline compounds containing sulfur or nitrogen should work as accelerants. But you may be able to find an alchemical shortcut because my people didn''t really work with magic." "Your lands must be so strange." She shakes her head.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. "You don''t know the half of it." I agree. "But, that is likely to be more of a long term project. So, since Lori made me think of it again, you can try working on the reagent for the... let''s call it tree silk for now, the other names don''t really make sense in Varecian. For that, you just need the right copper compound, Ammonia, and Lye." "I know a few copper compounds." She sounds as tired of the language barrier as I am. "Yeah." I let out a sigh. "It''s a light blue powder made by mixing lye and another copper compound. That one has really pretty blue crystals." "Bluestone! And, that must mean..." She snaps her finger. "Yes. Okay, I know what you''re talking about now. It''s used as a pigment, and I know just the alchemist to talk with to get us some." "Awesome." A wide grin grows on both of our faces. "You can work on that tomorrow then. I don''t remember the exact recipe, but it shouldn''t be too hard to figure out. Right now, I think I''m going to make some shoes." I''m about to start mixing up the rubber I''ll need, but have to pause for a moment because the record I''m recording is about to run out of space on the A-side. "Apricot, Sweetie." I send through the speaker since I left the record player over at Williams. "Could you flip the record over for me?" "Alright, but I want some dance music after this." She replies with her ventriloquism. And, even though I made sure to speak out loud to prepare her, Melanie is still startled by the voice from nowhere. "That must be useful" The alchemist says after shaking herself. "I always wanted to learn that spell as a kid, so my friends and I could talk to each other after going home for the night." "Hmm?" I pause as a thought comes to me. "I already have a speaker and will have a microphone soon. I might be able to make some sort of communication enchantment. But, that''s a project for another time." I''m not sure how I''d make a walky-talky, let alone a cell phone, but some sort of landline might be doable. "I know there are some air rune based enchantments, but they aren''t very reliable." Melanie comments. "Let me know if you figure it out though, I sure wouldn''t mind having one." "Oh, I''ve got too much on my plate as it is right now." I beg off. "But, if I do ever get around to it, I''ll make sure you get one." We lapse into a comfortable silence, each working on our own projects for the next twenty minutes. Then Apricot comes in and demands her dance music. So, now I''m making Wellies and hip waders to disco beats. "At least I was able to make some sneakers in peace." I mumble under my breath, but still get Apricot sticking her tongue out at me. Over the next couple albums I end up making erasers, bouncy balls, rubber bands, inner tubes, tires, hair ties, balloons, gloves, hoses, belts, gaskets, o-rings, valves, and anything, and everything else I could think of that is made from rubber. "Mhm, I want to experiment with some hard rubbers, but it''s going to get dark soon, so we should probably head up to the Baron''s." "I''ll go get Amelia." Apricot sneaks in a kiss before dancing away. "Thanks for all the music." "You weren''t kidding about there being a lot of uses for rubber." Melanie says while I pick up everything and put it into storage. "This is what I could think of off the top of my head, stuff that I thought would be useful or have a good chance of selling." I lead the way outside and start getting Flicker hitched while waiting for the girls to get back. "I''m sure I missed a lot of stuff." After getting the carriage ready, I send my magical senses over to William''s farm. I''ve become familiar with the feeling of the fungus after working with it all day, so I''m easily able to sense it even from here. And, what I''m sensing makes me smile. "You look happy." Amelia glides up and kisses me on the lips. "I am." I pull her back in for a second round. "The treatment is already working, it''s wiping out the fungus as we speak. And, I''ve got something to make you happy too." "Happier than being able to sit in bed and read all day?" She smirks and lifts an eyebrow. "Hopefully." I return her smile and bring out the dress, still draped on its dress form. "It''s not perfect, but I couldn''t very well go making clothes for other women before making you your dress" "Oh, Baby." Amelia runs her hand over the soft fabric before pulling me into a tight hug and plastering me with a dozen more kisses. "You''re wrong. It is perfect. Thank you." "You''re welcome." I smile down at the cute blonde in my arms. "Tonight is just a business dinner, but I''m sure there will be some sort of celebration fit for your dress once it''s clear the treatment works." If I sound less than thrilled while saying that, it''s because I am. I never intended to make so large of an entrance upon reaching the city. "Are you being bashful?" Amelia smiles. "That''s so sweet. But, I think it''s a bit late for that. You''ve already majorly influenced the top two guilds in town, even if you disregard chocolate, starweave, and your healing. Either one of those would be enough to make people pay attention." "I wasn''t exactly expecting to stay low-profile, but there''s a difference between that and stopping a potential famine before it gets off the ground." I grumble and climb up into the driver''s seat. "You''re so cute." She climbs up behind me and gives me a kiss on the cheek. "Not half as cute as you''ll be in that dress." I counter. "It will almost be worth all the hassle that I''m sure is coming just to see you in it." "Heheheh. Now who''s the bashful one?" Apricot laughs when Amelia blushes and ducks her head away from the heat in my eyes. "Uhm, I hate to interrupt your flirting." Melanie does just that. "But, I''m going to need some more coin to pick up that copper pigment you wanted to experiment with." "We should talk about your salary too, I''ll leave that to Amelia though." I add when the blonde perks up at the talk of coin. "But, if you could pick up some more of that pickle crisp while you''re at it, that would be great. It''s useful for a lot of stuff but, in this case, it keeps the rubber from sticking to itself before it gets vulcanized." "Vulcanized?" Melanie tilts her head to one side. "Ah, because it uses heat and sulfur like a volcano. That''s clever." "Yeah." I nod, not wanting to get into the Roman god of fire. "And, speaking of sulfur, Melanie said she has a lead for a bulk purchase, but we''re going to need to secure regular shipments. I''m hoping that you and your family can help with that." I send the blonde a winsome smile. # 063 The rest of the short trip is spent hammering out the details. Amelia knows that Melanie will be running the company, and so doesn''t hold back on the coin. Even though I can tell it pained her to pass over the hefty pouch she did. When we get to the baron''s, the first thing I spot is Elise talking to a large and very diverse looking group. I can see beastkin of all stripes, elves, dwarves, halflings, even a gnome, and a couple lizardkin. Lizardkin, just like birdkin are actually separate species, and not just beastkin with scales and feathers. "Sorrel." Elise calls out to me with a wide smile. "Perfect timing. The group just got here and I was just telling everyone what they should expect. And, in case you''re wondering how I gathered such a group on short notice. You''re not the only healer that looks to test on non-humans; we have a long-standing agreement." "Thank you all for coming." I bow to the group. "Myself, a pixie, and several humans have already been exposed to the blight treatment, so there shouldn''t be any issues." "You are Plantkin, yes?" The male lizardkin steps forward. "Why do you hide your face?" "I was raised human and prefer to look like this." I didn''t sense any real animosity in his question, so I answered truthfully. "But, if it''ll make a fellow greenskin comfortable." I give a shake and drop the shapeshift, but not my pants. Thank you elastic waistband. "Hah!" He barks out a laugh. "Normally I''d smack you for that, but I suppose I did call you out on it. You can go back to looking human if you want." "Can you stay like this?" Amelia pleads. "Just for tonight?" "You really like ''em tall, don''t you?" I say with a laugh, but don''t shift back. "Alright, shall we get on with the testing? I just need you all to breath in this mist, though if anyone is willing to drink it that would help. You just know that some fool is going to end up sticking the wand in his mouth." "It''s not going to mess up our clothing, is it?" A young woman with cat-like features asks worriedly. "Don''t worry, I''ll cast cleanse on everyone afterward." She lets out a relieved sigh. "But, speaking of clothes." I wave down at my body and my outfit goes from baggy to tailor fit once more. "That''s better." The testing went quickly after that; most of them even tried drinking the brew, but only a few managed not to spit it out. Not surprising given its makeup. "Blech. I don''t think you have to worry about anyone drinking this." Says one of the volunteers who actually swallowed. "You''d have to be damned thirsty to think that oily must with a hint of baking soda? is better than walking a few meters to get some water." "We''re calling it baking pearl since it''s made from pearlash." I answer his lilted mid-sentence question. "It does the same thing, but baking soda contains salt which is no good for the soil." "So, how are they doing?" Elise asks. "I''m not even going to try to compete with your senses." "They are good, mostly." I reply. "There was a minor reaction in a couple of the elves, but it seems to be from only one strain. So, I''ll just leave that one out, it didn''t work on the roots anyways and they were my main concern." "We''re going to be okay though, right?" One of the elves says what they must all be thinking. "Oh, yes. I''ve already killed it off." I say to allay their fears. "And, the worst it would have done was give you a small rash. Thank you, everyone! Cleanse!" I hit the whole group with the spell. "Alright." Elise claps her hands together. "I promised you all dinner and Granville should have it ready soon, so let¡¯s all head inside." "I don''t suppose he can do all the tests from now on, Elise." The one who was complaining about the taste addresses the healer with a laugh. "That was certainly a lot quicker than usual." The woman walking next to him adds. "If I have the free time, I''d be happy to help." I offer. "But, it seems like it''s been one thing after the next since we got to town." "And, I hear from Lori that you''re planning to leave again soon." Erick says from inside the dining hall just as we enter. "Not permanently." I reassure the man. "Amelia''s family lives here after all; she just wants to get a proper foundation built for her magic." "That is good to hear." A relieved smile appears on his face. "We''ve already procured the pearl ash and compost that you asked for, and I''ll get you the sulfur that Lori mentioned you need for the sprayers. How long will it take to produce enough to treat every hectare?" He relates a very large number. "If everything goes perfectly, which it seldom does. A full day." I answer after doing some mental math. "More likely two, and that''s with Amelia helping to distill the oils. The biggest problems will be manpower and logistics." "That''s where I and my men come in." Colonel Baca speaks up. "I can help too." Apricot chimes in, eager to do her part. "It will be a lot faster and easier if I fly everything to where it''s needed. That way you can use the men who would be wasted carting barrels around to spray more fields." "That would be an immeasurable help." He bows to her. "..." He''s about to continue when the chef clears his throat from the doorway. Even the volunteers are familiar with Granville''s reputation. So, all chatter ceases and everyone who hasn''t already taken a seat does so. The meal itself is another masterpiece, the man is clearly taking this rival thing seriously. I''m going to have to break out the big guns next time I cook for him. ... After the meal, Catrina is the first one to speak up. "Now that you have a plan for the blight, can we talk about what''s really important? Lori told me you have a way to make silk, or something very like silk, at least." ""Hahahah."" Half the room cracks up at her statement, the other half seem as interested in it as she is. "Melanie will be working on that tomorrow." The alchemist sinks into her seat when the whole room stares at her after I say that. "But, I have plenty of cotton and linen to work with in the meantime." "But, still." She sighs. "Not only starweave, but silk starweave."The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. "You''re drooling, dear sister." Lori chuckles at her sibling. "Like you weren''t over that music box he made you." Catrina snaps back. "Girls." Their mother warns. ""Sorry mom."" They duck their heads at the same time. "Shall we start with your outfit first, Ma''am?" I offer by way of thanks. "Well, I suppose I could use a new dress." She says with a sly smile. The night passed in a wash of clothing. Most of the volunteers staying for the free show, with several of the more affluent looking individuals approaching to ask about my services. The sneakers drew quite a bit of attention when I brought them out after Lanie, Erick''s wife, asked if I could also make footwear. Amelia had a ball dealing with everyone and was in a good mood throughout the night, even despite Catrina practically hanging off of me for most of the evening. I think my little merchant was half hoping the baron''s daughter would be turned off by my Plantkin features. Apricot joined an impromptu poker game with the baron but ended up bowing out after only a couple rounds when it became clear she could read all their tells far too easily. She then went on to play settlers with Dulcette and some of the volunteers, one of which was the catgirl who was concerned about her clothing. I ended up bringing out the record player after a little bit and making a few piano records for Lori. This again garnered a lot of attention, but I had to tell everyone that it wasn''t quite ready to sell yet, but would be available at Rozelle''s shop when it was. Annette was there too, but she kept her distance and the few times out eyes met she would look away and start blushing. I thought that would be all, but she actually approached me when I got up to use the restroom. I didn''t really need to go, magic and all, but I did need to get up and stretch my legs for a bit. "Finally decide to let me finish healing your ears?" She jumps a little when I say that. "I don''t like leaving a job half done." "I came to say thank you..." I can''t help but notice her breasts lift as she takes a steadying breath. "And, to apologize for... what happened with my robe." "Trust me, you have nothing to apologize for." I chuckle darkly when she blushes. "Oh, relax I''m just teasing you. I understand that you might be interested in me, but I also get the feeling that you''re not into girls. And, well, the girls and I are a set." "Surely they wouldn''t begrudge me giving you a proper thank you." She practically purrs before her mind catches up with her mouth and slaps a hand over it. "I can''t believe I just said that." "If it were just Apricot I''m sure she''d be fine... as long as she got to watch." Anne''s blush starts to spread. "But, this is Amelia''s first real relationship, so even if I were the type to cheat, which I''m not. I wouldn''t do anything to ruin it." "But she''s okay with bringing others in?" The beastkin tries and fails to raise a single eyebrow. "You should practice that in a mirror." I smile when her raised eyebrows turn into a pouting glare. "And, so she says. But, I''m not too sure." I add with a sigh. "I''m a stupid, idiot, man, so I''m not going to say no to more sex. But, I don''t know how much of her attitude is just her trying to make me and Apricot happy." "Uh..." She draws out the syllable. "Thank you for the explanation, but..." "Why am I telling you all this?" I finish her sentence. "Well, I''m not exactly saying it for your benefit. Am I, Amelia?" "Eeep!" The blonde squeaks and steps out from around the corner, shamefaced. "You''re so cute when you''re jealous." I walk over and wrap my arms around her. "I know we talked about this before, but I need you to know that I don''t want to do anything that would ever hurt you." "I''ll uh... leave you guys to talk." Annette starts slinking off. "Drink first." I block her way with a cup of healing sap. "It really has been bothering me that I never got to finish the job." The beastkin grabs the cup and downs it before beating a hasty retreat. "I know you just want to make us happy." I lift Amelia''s chin so I can look her in the eyes. "But, your happiness is more important to me." "And, me." Apricot chimes in from her Settlers game via ventriloquism. "And, if I really do want it?" She huffs. "Then, there won''t be that tightness and fear in your eyes like I''ve seen all night whenever Catrina got too close to me." "Nnh, stupid big boobs." She grumbles under her breath. "It''s hard not to be worried about them." "Is that why you seemed more okay about Anne? Because her breasts are smaller than yours?" I look down at Amelia''s chest and let the heat in my eyes tell her better than any words could just how perfect her breasts are. "Wait, this isn''t about that stupid joke I made when Apricot first got big, is it?" "No." She shakes her head. "Well, maybe a little. It''s just a girl thing, you know." "Oh, baby. I''m sorry." I pull her back in for another hug. "Please recall my earlier statement about being a stupid, idiot, man. Your breasts are perfect, but even if they were as big around as your head, they''d still be the least part of you." I kiss her between the eyebrows. "Mmm, what about my butt?" Now she''s just fishing for compliments. "Oh, I think you know how I feel about your tush." I lean lower and give that delectable rump a squeeze. "Now, how about I go and feign mana fatigue so we can ditch this party?" "Don''t be silly." She swats my hand away before pulling me in for a quick kiss. "Do you know how much coin you''re getting for each of those outfits?" "Hahahah." Apricot''s laugh can be heard all the way from the dining hall. "Alright, but I really do only have about an hour''s worth left in me, especially with Catrina asking for countless alterations." "Oh, Sorrel, can you make it more like this?" Amelia mimics her voice almost perfectly before breaking into giggles. We returned to the party in good humor. I was afraid that Anne would be even worse now, but it seems that getting everything out in the open helped her get over it. My mana ended up lasting just a bit over an hour longer. "I''m sorry." I announce to the baron''s daughters. "But, this will have to be the last piece for the evening, I''m almost completely drained" "We should let mom have it then." Lori says right away. "She''s only asked for a couple of things so far." Catrina mouths ''kiss up'' at her sister before agreeing. "Yeah, mom. You''d look good in something floral print like this." "Well, there was that one garden dress." Lanie leafs through the stack of designs and pulls out two sheets. "Could you make this dress, but with this pattern?" "Of course." I send a smile in her direction. "And, Catrina''s right, you would look lovely in a floral print." "That she would." Erick puts his arms around his wife from behind. "Remember that one dress you wore when we went to the Capital for the first time? I almost got into a duel with that foreign duke that couldn''t keep his eyes off of you because of it." "I seem to recall having to warn quite a few ladies off of you myself." She sinks into his embrace with a throaty laugh. "Sorrel''s clothing service holds no liability for any international incidents caused as a result of our outfits." I say with a smile and hold up her new dress. "Well, I''ll just have to make sure she doesn''t wear it around any foreign dukes." Erick replies with a laugh. "Thank you for tonight, Sorrel. I''m sure Cat would have burst if she didn''t get her starweave soon." "Daddy!" Catrina pouts just like a little girl who was just embarrassed by her father. "Oh, like you weren''t pestering him twenty times a day to have Sorrel over." Lori adds with a laugh at her sister''s expense. "And, like you won''t again once he has that new tree silk figured out." "And, you aren''t going to be bothering him for more of those music discs?" Catrina counters with a sneer. The two sisters start bickering as only sisters can, their mother just rolls her eyes and leaves them to it. "Thank you all for having us tonight." I bow to the baron and his wife. "But, if I''m to be up early, we really should be going." "No, we have to thank you." Erick says seriously. "And, not just for the clothes and the music. Riverton would have survived a famine, but it would have weakened us and Cendassa is overdue for its latest push. It hasn''t come down to open hostility in centuries." He adds at my questioning look. "But, they find some pretext to test our defenses every decade or so." "I have to admit, I originally just saw this blight as an interesting puzzle to solve." I speak with solemnity. "It took a while before it sunk in just how many people that annoying fungus would affect." "Well, no matter your motivations, you''ve still done a great service for Riverton and Larendath as a whole." He bends into a full bow for me. "The job''s not done yet." I counter. "But, with any luck, it will be tomorrow." "Luck and hard work." Erick nods. "Which you need your sleep for, so I''ll let you go. Thank you again, for everything." "I won''t keep you long." Anne comes up to us after the baron steps back. "I just want to thank you for insisting about my ears, I didn''t even know what I was missing before." She dashes back off before I can even say ''you''re welcome.'' We go and collect Flicker after that. I lift the girls onto her back after Amelia puts the carriage into storage. A feat she was very proud to accomplish in only one try. I didn''t exactly get to sleep early, but I''m not exactly complaining about that fact either. *** # 064 "Fuck!" I breathe out the oath before first light the next morning. "You okay?" Apricot stirs and looks over at me with a worried expression. "Don''t tell me you still have that ward up?" I want to be angry, but I know she''s just doing it because she cares. "I''m fine. It wasn''t the wolves this time, just a city full of starving people. Because apparently, I don''t have enough weight riding on my shoulders." "Oh, Sorrel." She shifts to lay herself on top of me, her head resting on my chest. "You already know the treatment works; today is just about making enough of it and that''s hardly going to be a problem for you." "I know, I know." I stroke her back with my vines. "But, Like I told Erick. This started out as a puzzle for me, now it''s this huge thing and I''m feeling a bit overwhelmed." "Forget about that huge thing, and think about this huge thing." She reaches a hand between my legs and quickly brings me from flaccid to full mast. "That''s better." She purrs before sliding herself onto me. ... The sky is starting to lighten by the time I finish inside of her, my worries washed away by our gentle love-making. "Mmm, I love watching you two." Amelia says in a throaty voice from beside us. She must have woken up earlier and stayed still to not disturb us. "Morning." I smile over at her in the pre-dawn light as Apricot collapses on top of me. "You feel up to a day of distilling oils?" "Sounds fun." She deadpans. "It''s not difficult is it?" "No, you''ll just need to run steam through the plants after I harvest them." I explain. "I''d like to just draw the oils out directly, but this is one case where my visualization works against me. But, I''d be surprised if you weren''t able to do it after a few batches. "That sounds like a challenge." She smirks. "I have to admit that it would be kind of nice to be able to do something you can''t." "There''s that competitive streak of yours." I slip out from under the pixie and give each of them a kiss before casting cleanse and getting dressed. "I''m going to make a quick breakfast and then get started before the army shows up. I just hope this only takes one day, we never did get a chance to buy that cook set I wanted." "Hahahah." Her trilling laugh follows me downstairs. ... After breakfast, we head outside and the first thing I do is start growing another copse of trees. The extra mana regen they''ll provide will be needed, along with some extra lumber for barrels. I don''t lose myself in the growth this time; I just keep it going with one corner of my mind while I get everything else ready. I''m just getting started growing dandelions to make more rubber for all the sprayers when several wagons come trundling up to the farm. "Sir." The guardsman driving the lead wagon salutes me by pressing his right fist to his chest. "We have all the supplies you requested courtesy of Baron Pepi. I''ve also been instructed to teach you the farsight spell." "Oh, yeah, I forgot about that." I nod to the man before wave Blackthorne at the wagons and vanishing everything stored on them. "Thank you, guardsman..." "Nicholas, Sir." He struggles not to goggle at the casual way I just used magic, or at the trees that are growing at a rate visible to the naked eye. "Nicholas, then." I send him a smile. "Now, let''s get that spell out of the way, so I can show you how the sprayers work. That way you can show the others while I make enough for everyone. And, no need to call me sir; I''m neither military nor noble." "Yes... uh, Mister Sorrel." "Just Sorrel, please." "Alright, then." He nods and walks me through the spell. "Huh?" A slight frown comes over my face. "That''s not exactly what I was expecting." "Sir? Sorry." He ducks his head. "No, it''s alright." I wave his concern away. "It''s just that spell won''t work for me, it works by collecting the light from far away and moving it closer through a mana conduit. What I need is a way to bend the light so I can tweak the spell to look at really small things." "Ah." He nods. "There is another spell that we''re supposed to use when spying on enemy mages, but I''ve never been very good at it." "Show me." Apricot steps forward. "As long as you get close enough, I can fix your casting." He does so and then jumps in surprise when she wrenches his mana into the proper channels. "There, that looks like what you want."The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. "Thanks, Sweetie." I bend over, and then over some more to kiss her because I haven''t shifted back to my pseudo-human look. "You know, it''s alright if you want to shift back." The pixie looks up and up at me with a loving smile. "No, this is my face, I might as well get used to it." I smile back. "And, besides. This way when the attention, which I''m sure is bound to happen, gets too much, I can just shapeshift to hide from it. Though, I still want to bulk up a bit." "You are kinda pointy." She pokes my hip with a laugh. "Mhm." I grumble and rub the spot she just poked. "I''ll have to see if Ed can make me some heavy weights. Putting on muscle with this strength of mine is going to be a pain." "Uh..." Nicholas hesitates to interrupt us until I give him a nod. "If you''re anything like a beastkin, those in the guard have special equipment and a training regime. You may want to ask them." "Ahh, thank you." I bow my head to him. "Now, let''s see if I''ve got this spell down." I aim it across the river and can easily make out individual stalks of grass. "Very nice, thank you again." "I swear your sensitivity is going to be better than mine soon." Apricot huffs. "Have you been infected by Amelia''s competitiveness?" I tease, earning myself a raspberry from her before she stalks off. "Alright." I turn to the guardsman. "The sprayers are pretty easy to use. I don''t have the ingredients mixed up yet, but it''ll be one scoop of powder, one ladle of oil, and then fill it up from the barrel." I proceed to explain how to handle the equipment and spray the plants. "That looks easy enough, though I know a couple of meatheads that are bound to screw it up." He chuckles. "I''ll make extra sprayers in case some break." I say with a sigh. "I''ll leave you to your work then." The guardsman bows to me again. "I was told to ask if you have an estimate for when the first batch will be ready." "I have to build the sprayers and barrels first, so at least an hour." I hand him the four sprayers I have right now and get down to work. The next hour was likely the most exciting part of what is bound to be a tedious day. Wash the sap from the dandelions, turn it into rubber parts for the sprayers. All while converting the pearlash into baking pearl and growing the first of many, many crops. Then came making barrels and growing a bacterial soup in them after Amelia filled them with river water in-between distilling the horticultural oils with conjured steam. Erick showed up with Colonel Baca just before the one hour mark. "Nice touch." The military man says with a smile for the pictograph instructions I added to each sprayer. "Thanks." I nod to each man in turn. "We''re getting into a good groove on production now that the preliminary steps are taken care of. The first batch will be ready for Apricot to deliver any minute now." "Just topping off the last barrel now." Amelia calls. "Excellent." Erick beams. "Hollen has his men at the southernmost fields right now. They''re going to sweep up the river before spreading out to the east. Do the three of you need anything?" "I''m good." I answer. "But, I''m sure Apricot would appreciate some sweets for her hard work. And, if you could send some water mages to spell Amelia when she needs a break, that would be helpful." "I can go all day." She glares at me. "And, I''m getting closer to being able to draw the oil directly." "I''m sure you can, and that''s great news." I reply in a soothing tone. "But, there''s an entire city of people who I''m sure would love to help. And, didn''t you want to chat with that Struhl woman?" "Well, when you put it that way." She says with the hint of a blush coloring her cheeks. "Then yes, anyone who can conjure steam for more than a minute at a time would be helpful." "I''ll notify the fire brigade." Erick''s smile can be heard in his voice. "And, once again, on behalf of all Riverton, thank you for doing this." "We''re just speeding up the process a little." I am just not comfortable with the look in his eyes right now. "The baking pearl on its own could be made by any alchemist and would likely be enough to treat the fungus by itself. The oils and ''tea'' are mostly just insurance." "Alright, alright." He holds his hands up in surrender. "Anyone could be doing this, but you three are. That deserves some thanks, even if you don''t want to hear it. We''ll leave you to it, but you can send word with the gate guards if you need anything." "Thanks." I nod at him and get back to work. "Sorrel." Melanie comes running up not long after Pepi and Baca leave. "The city is buzzing with the news of what''s happening here. They''ve got the gate guards blocking people from coming over and bothering you, I was only able to bet past because they recognized me." "Nng!" I let out a low growl. "Any chance the excitement will die down soon?" This is exactly what I didn''t want. "Probably not, but it''s not all bad news." She smiles and pulls a large clay jar out of her satchel. "Andy, the alchemist I was talking about, he practically gave this stuff to me when I told him who it was for. Said it was called Breme blue after some overseas city, or something." "Mhm." I can already tell that this is going to be annoying. "Well, that''s something, I guess. Now, I don''t remember the exact formula, but..." I walk her through what I do remember. "Sounds simple enough." She nods along. "I''ll just experiment until I find the right ratio that dissolves the cotton fastest. I''m not sure what to do about the spinneret though." "I''ve got that covered for now." I hold up a syringe. "Since the reagent would just eat through wood, I made this out of hard rubber when I was working on the sprayers earlier. I''ll talk to Edsel about getting us some metal equipment once the process is sorted out." "Alright, but I want the recipe for this too." She peers at the syringe. "Linseed oil and a lot more sulfur." I answer with a smile for her obvious enthusiasm. "I''m hoping it''ll work as a replacement for the music discs. But it tends to be a bit brittle, so we may need to experiment." "Yeah." She nods while still playing with the syringe. "I''ll get to work then." She practically skips over to the lab and uses her key to let herself in. "I''m taking off with the first load now." A tiny voice says from behind my ear. "I''ll be back soon." "Fly safe." I wave to the pixie as she flies off. Now that I can focus on what needs to be done, I find myself bored to tear almost instantly. Try as I might, I can''t seem to slip into that fugue-like when I was growing that first copse of trees or the cotton. Needing something to distract me and figuring that since I''m going to be bored anyway, I might as well write out all that math and chemistry that I promised Rozelle and Melanie. "Can we get some music?" Amelia asks just as I''m breaking out the paper. "You bored out of your mind too?" I laugh and bring out the record player. "Want me to continue recording the Beatles, or would you like something else?" "Beatles are fine." She nods before sighing. "And, gods yes. I just wish I could split my focus like you so I could read while doing this." "You''ll get there, you just need practice." I send her a supporting smile and start up the music. # 065 The rest of the morning goes by in a slog, at least for me. After she got back from the first supply run, Apricot showed Amelia a trick to keep her spell going without conscious thought. The blonde instantly pulled out a book and has been lost in it ever since, only looking up when I swap out the plants for her to distill. I, on the other hand, am bored out of my mind. I thought that switching between growing the herbs, making more bacterial soup, and producing the baking pearl would be enough to keep me occupied. But, even with, or perhaps because I''m writing out everything I can remember about math and chemistry, it''s just not enough. "What¡¯cha doing?" Apricot asks from her miniature lounge chair. She''s happy enough to just sit back and soak up the sun in-between runs. "Trying not to pass out from boredom." I answer while setting up some archery targets. "Hahahah." Her laugh chimes out over the yard. "I''m surprised you''re not already lost in the magic." "Me too." I grumble. "I was actually counting on that, but I just can''t seem to slip into the fugue state like usual. Math and chemistry aren''t helping, so archery." "I should practice, but eh." She shrugs and flops back down. "It''s too nice of a day and I''m working too much as it is." Just as I''m returning from setting up the last target, I feel a strong mage coming down the road. Looking up I spot half a dozen people wearing the same jacket, all riding in the same open-top carriage. "Looks like the fire brigade is here." I announce while loosening up with a few stretches. "Nnh, but I''m just getting to a good part." Amelia whines before setting a bookmark to save her position. "Hello there." The mage I sensed before hops off the carriage. She''s an older woman, but has a muscular frame and seems filled with energy. "I heard you called for the best of the fire brigade." "You''re welcome to help, but even more welcome to help keep me sane." I chuckle. "This is so repetitive and I just can''t seem to zone out like usual. I''m Sorrel, by the way. This is Apricot, and that''s Amelia. You must be Mizz Struhl." "Adriana, please." The boisterous woman turns around to introduce her team. "These are Nickie, Izzie, Maddie, Guthrie, and Bat." "Isabelle." - "Nicole." The first two to be named correct her. "Yeah, that''s what I said." Adriana doesn''t seem to care that the nicknames annoy them. "So, what do you need us to do, besides keep you sane?" "Just copy Amelia, there." I duplicate the simple wooden stills she''s using and fill them with some quickly grown plants. "Pushing steam through the plant draws the oils out, which will then be deposited in the barrel when you cut your mana at the end." "I can see why you''re bored." She starts pumping steam into four of the over-sized stills just like Amelia is but quickly drops down to two. "Damn, I thought I was the strongest water mage around. How are you managing that?" The rest of her team can''t even manage a single one on their own; they go two to a still with Bat sending steam into both. "Oh, it''s all thanks to Apricot." Amelia smiles over at her tiny lover. "So, you really are a pixie." With those giant moth wings, I''m not sure what else the woman thought she could be. "You never find your kind outside the mountains." "Oh, she''s been with me since we first met." I deflect, knowing that this is a touchy subject for Apricot. "I entranced her with my magic... and other things, and she''s been following me ever since." "Hah!" Adriana barks out a laugh. "Shapeshifter, right? I''ve known a couple of shifters in my time and they''ve each been worth following around." "Oh, she''s just after me for my music." I say while changing out a full record for a blank one. "Don''t forget about your cooking." The pixie adds with a grateful look for the distraction I provided. "I''ll make you something special tonight, but it looks like the next batch is ready to go." I quickly swap out the full barrels under Amelia''s stills for empty ones. "Alright, I''ll be back in a minute." She flitters past the barrels, making them vanish with magic before taking off to the south again. I move to get the next batch of ''soup'' and baking pearl ready, making it a double since the fire brigade is helping out. "They may need more sprayers if you guys can keep this up." "I can probably manage for a few hours, but the team won''t even last half that." The fire chief comments. "That will still cut the overall time down quite a bit." I say and go ahead and make a few dozen more sprayers. "Ah, I''ve been wanting to get a look at one of those." She wanders closer while I''m working on the rubber parts. "Do you think they could be useful for firefighting?" "Mhm, possibly." I shrug and start making something else. "But, something like this might work better. Fill the interior with a solution of baking soda and water, and then have a glass bottle full of a strong acid here. You flip it upside down; the stopper falls out, starting a reaction that sprays water out of the hose." I use baking pearl and vinegar to demonstrate.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. "If you kept one of those in every home, or even just one on every floor of an apartment..." She trails off thinking of the possibilities. "A larger one built into a wagon might work as well, but I''m sure there''s a better way." I pull out my enchanting books and start thumbing through the air runes. "Yes, that might work. This would act like the pump on the sprayers... But, I''m overthinking things." I smack myself on the forehead and start messing around with rubber and fabric. "Uhm. Amelia was it?" Adriana turns to the smirking blonde. "Is this normal?" "When you give him a puzzle to solve, it is." She answers with a laugh. "The city has plenty of water pressure." I speak up after creating a makeshift fire hose. "You just need to get that water to where it''s needed. Set extra-large faucets in the middle of each block and then, when there''s a fire, you just hook this hose up and you''ve got the water right where you need it." "She gave him a puzzle, didn''t she?" Apricot laughs when she comes back in for a landing. "Shut up." I stick my tongue out at the pixie. "How many of these can you make?" Adriana grabs the hose and starts examining it. I left the layers revealed on one end, there are two layers of rubber with a woven mesh in-between for strength and a tough canvas exterior for protection. "And, how much water can they take?" "We''re still in the testing phase, looking for the strongest, and most durable mixes." I hedge. "But, I can make as many as you want. As for how much water? Enough that even I would probably have trouble holding onto it at full blast." "Uh, no offense, but you look like a stiff breeze could blow you over." She pointedly looks at my slender limbs and emaciated frame. "That''s it; I''m asking the Colonel for a set of the equipment the beastkin use. I need to bulk up." I step back and draw Blackthorne into bow mode, sighting on the farthest target; I fire and just barely hit it. Just barely because I aimed too high and almost overshot it. "I''m stronger than I look." "Damn!" Guthrie swears. "You could hit the other side of the river from here with that bow. I know some beastkin that couldn''t do that with a recurve bow, what is that thing made out of?" "Lightning struck oak." I answer, my pique leaving me as quickly as it came. "And, before you ask, it''s a Plantkin thing. I didn''t even know making Blackie was possible until it happened. Isn''t that right, Buddy." I shift him back into staff mode and feed him a couple of cocoa woodchips. "Uh, sorry about touching on a sore subject." Adriana ducks her head. "But, remind me never to piss off a Plantkin." "It''s mostly the older ones you have to look out for, I''m..." I hesitate while looking for the right words. "...somewhat unique." "I''m beginning to see that." She nods. "But, never mind that. Let''s talk about these hoses, how long do you think it will be before you can produce them?" I''m about to answer when Melanie comes running out of the lab. "Sorrel, I got it. I can hardly believe it, but it worked just like you said." She''s waving around a pencil that''s been turned into an impromptu spindle, a couple centimeters thick of fine thread spooled around its middle. "That''s excellent news." I take the thread with a smile when she holds it out to me. "You didn''t have any problems with the process?" "No, it went fine." She shakes her head, her smile as wide as mine. "In fact, I spotted a few areas where I think I should be able to improve things." "Fantastic." The word comes out slightly distracted because I''m focused on manipulating the new thread. It''s not nearly as malleable as plain cotton is, but much easier than working with wool. It takes a moment of practice before I feel comfortable trying to weave with it, but it''s not long before I''m holding a silken swatch of fabric in my palm. "Did you just make silk?" The fire chief''s eyes are bulging out of her head, and the rest of her team are crowding closer to get a better look. "It''s not actually silk, but it has similar properties." I say while shaping the swatch into a dress for Apricot. "Here you go, Sweetie, the first of many. Sorry it took so long." "I love it, Sorrel. But, it smells funny" She does something with magic, it''s not like my cleanse spell or Amelia''s bath, but seems to get the job done to her satisfaction. "That''s better. And, so soft too." "I made a starweave version of satin." I explain. "So, it''s soft and luxurious. The filament size is still a bit thick, but it''ll do for now." "That... uh, how?" Adriana asks, gobsmacked. The other women on her team are just staring at Apricot''s new dress with poorly concealed envy. "Trade secret, sorry." I say with a smile. "We should be bringing it to market soon though. Now, about the fire hose." I redirect the conversation. "We''ve only tested one aspect of the rubber, but I can take the best of that test and make you a prototype." "We''re already running low on lampblack." Melanie warns me. "Nng. I really need to learn some earth spells." My modified wood is great for a lot of stuff. But, open flame, not so much. "Do you want to go talk to Edsel? See about getting us a burn chamber so we can make our own." "I can do that." She agrees a little too quickly, confirming my suspicions that there might be something blossoming between them. "Thank you... and, good luck getting past the gate." There still seems to be something of a crowd just past the wall. "I doubt it''ll be a problem, and there''s likely a few free carriages hanging around too." She replies. "That''ll keep me from having to walk as far to catch one." "See how the bicycle production is coming along too." I add before she leaves. "I''ll be happy to commission one for you; I know that having the lab here isn''t the most convenient." "Oh, I think it''s worth a little inconvenience." She says over her shoulder with a smile. "So, it looks like that prototype will have to wait a bit." I tell Adriana with a placating smile. "But, that''ll give us a chance to do some durability testing in the meantime." "I can get you that black stuff if you need it." She offers. "Bat, you''re just draining yourself splitting your focus like that. Take this purse and go get as much of that stuff as you can find." "We''ve gone over this before, Adriana." The man named Bat says with a tired sigh. "We work with you, not for you." "You can keep the change." She rolls her eyes. "Well, alright then." He changes his tune an instant after she says that. "Lampblack, was it?" "Yes." I agree. "It''s a paint pigment, so look wherever that stuff is sold." He nods and heads over to the carriage they came in. While he''s doing that, I swap out the plants in Amelia''s still for fresh ones. "Alright." I turn back to Adriana. "I''m still going to want to at least do a pressure test before I send you off with anything. You and Amelia are busy, and my water magic isn''t as strong. So, that means I''m going to need a bigger water tower. Apricot, can you watch the oil while I''m building?" I walk down closer to the riverside after she nods and start shaping wood into support legs. This thing will only be temporary and won''t hold that much water, so they don''t need to be very thick. But, even so, I''m still glad I grew the extra trees to restock my lumber supply. "I''m taking this batch out." Apricot buzzes past me while I''m two-thirds up the tower. "Thanks, Apricot." I smile up at her. "You''ve made this whole ordeal a million times easier than it would have been." "It feels good to help." She flies closer to kiss me on the nose before flittering away. # 066 I finish up the tower and have it mostly filled with water by the time Apricot gets back. In honor of her, I made the tank in the shape of an apricot. The pixie glared at me for a moment for that before laughing it off. Feeling a bit like the monkey king, swinging around up here. I ask Blackthorne to extend to the ground and lower myself down by having him retract back to his normal size. "Hah! Nice trick." Apricot laughs when I touch down. "It was that or try to slide down the water pipe in the middle." I chuckle. "Let''s get back to the front, I can feel Amelia worrying from here." "Heheheh." She snickers. "You aren''t wrong; she nearly jumped out of her skin when you walked off the edge like that." "Ah, Blackie had me. Didn''t you boy?" I hold up a large chunk of the cocoa wood for him to munch on. "Much better than that silly *Jingu Bang* that the Monkey King carried around. And, I''m not going to be mean and shrink you down small enough to tuck behind my ear either." "Huh?" Apricot looks confused. "Oh, sorry, it''s an old, old story from a country far to the east of mine. In it, the Monkey King asks the Dragon King for a weapon that is equal to his strength and receives a magic staff, *Ruyi Jingu Bang*. That staff can change its size shape and weight, but isn''t nearly as cool as Blackie here." "Amelia, he''s talking books." Apricot laughs before flying back to her perch. "I''m not sure you''d like this one." I warn her before she gets her hopes up. "It''s a bit weird even if you understand the culture it came from. I''m not sure how accurate the translation I read was, and to be honest, I skimmed most of it." "I''d still like to hear more about it." I can''t deny that cute look on her face. "Well, it starts with a monkey born from a stone." I laugh at the absurd look everyone gives me. "Look, I told you it was weird..." I go on to give a basic breakdown of Journey to the west, or at least as much of it as I can remember. I read it when I was much younger and solely for its connection to Dragon ball. While I''m telling that very abridged summary, I''m also getting the next batch of blight treatment ready. "So, yeah." I shrug after finishing the synopsis. "I''m hardly doing it justice since all I read was a poor translation over a decade ago. But it''s still kind of a weird story." "You can say that again." Adriana laughs. "I have to agree." Amelia nods. "Even so, I''d still like the chance to read it." I nod letting her know it''s in my library. "It looks like the next batch of oil is almost ready to go. How far along are the spray teams?" I ask Apricot. "Getting pretty close to the wall." She replies. "Another one or two of these double loads and we should be seeing them. They were happy for the extra sprayers, by the way. The farmers have been following along and helping out where they can, and were excited to get more turns with the sprayers." "I should work on my steam then, that way I can try to pick up the slack when the fire brigade starts to flag." Making the baking pearl is taking up most of my mana, but I can spare enough to at least practice my steam conjuration. "We''re not going down just yet." Nicole has a fierce look when she says that. That look gets even fiercer when my trickle of steam starts to match and then outpace her contributions. "How?" That one word seems to escape her lips without conscious volition. "I had a bit of help from a friend." I smile over at the pixie that just shored up my casting. "I''m very much at the limit of what I can do at once, though. I should have asked for some cookstoves or fire mages to heat the baking pearl for me, that''s using up most of my mana." "Erick said to just ask if you needed anything." Apricot hops into the air. "I''ll let them know after dropping off this next batch." "Thanks, Sweetie." I swap out the barrels so she can get on her way. "We couldn''t do this without you." Even as tiny as she is, I can still see her blush before she flies off. It looks like she takes praise about as well as I do. "I''ll focus on drawing the oils out directly, again." Amelia hides behind her hair. "I got kinda caught up in my book and let it slip." "Heheh." I chuckle at her bashfulness. "At least you can manage, I basically have to change the way I think before I can even begin to try." "What are you guys talking about?" Adriana asks, but her whole team looks curious. "Oh, I modified the draw water spell to work on any liquid." I explain. "You just need a strong image of what it is you''re trying to draw out. My visualizations work really well on some things, but not at all on others." I go ahead and show them the spell and set out a barrel of vinegar for them to practice on. Adriana picks it up right away, but the others aren''t far behind. From the feel of their magic, they were already familiar with the draw water spell. "There''s another modification that works on gasses." I add once they''ve all managed to draw some vinegar from the barrel. "But, maintaining a mental picture of something nebulous like that can be difficult, not to mention dangerous. And, unless you''re a skilled air mage, or an alchemist, about all its good for is pranking your friends by sending farts their way." "Please don''t tell Bat about that." Maddie speaks up for the first time, the other women nod their heads in agreement.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "You guys are never going to let him live that down, are you?" Guthrie comes to the man''s defense. "It''s not like he knew you''d get stuck in a carriage together the day after eating a bunch of beans." ""..."" The three of them just glare at him. "They''re sending some people over to help cook the stuff." Apricot declares when she returns. "They should get here before the sprayer teams since those are going around the walls." "Thanks, Sweetie." I blow her a kiss as she settles back down onto her perch. "And, thanks for reminding me to ask for help. This should shave a couple hours off of the whole effort." She smiles back but doesn''t reply, so I start stepping things up a bit to match the soon to be increased workflow. First off, a few more bags of compost get spread around to increase the growing area. Next, I back off the steam production and put everything into the plants and, finally reach that meditative state where I become one with the action. Everything I''m doing speeds up and grows more streamlined. Now, I''m not just keeping up the demand, I''m far surpassing it to create a backlog. At least, until I sense Amelia master drawing the oils directly from the plants. "Adriana." My voice sounds far off even to my ears. "Amelia has the oils, please boil the pearlash now." Her reply was lost to me as I sink further back into the zone, but she and her team do as I ask. They are soon joined by others, some of whom feel familiar, but the rest who do not. Two of which attempt to copy me by drawing co2 from the air into the now numerous pots of boiling pearlash. "Focus on your breath." I surface enough to recognize Lemmy and Delainey from the alchemists¡¯ guild. "Clean air in, stale air out. Now, draw that staleness from the air. Yes, that''s it." Before I sink into the magic once more, Apricot flitters closer. "We need more sprayers before you disappear again." I shape raw magic into a pixified version of myself just long enough to give her a kiss before fulfilling her request with a laugh. "Nng. Stupid, sexy, lunker and your stupid, sexy, magic." Her grumbles just fuel my laughter, but it dies off soon as the stupid, sexy, magic takes hold of me once more. I lose track of time until Amelia shakes me on the shoulder. "Sorrel, Baby. That''s enough for now." She breathes into my ear. "It''s time for lunch, everyone needs a break." Blinking as I come back to myself, I first steal a kiss from her before looking around. The sun has already moved past its zenith, and all around us are exhausted looking people. They may be exhausted but happy, pride-filled smiles adorn their faces. "We already have more than enough oil to spray the fields twice over." She answers my questions before I can even think to ask them. "And, nearly as much baking pearl." That just leaves the bacterial soup, which I''ve been making as needed since it''s best used right away or kept in the stasis of storage. "I didn''t turn any cotton plants into trees this time, did I?" I reply with a laugh. "That was some impressive magic." Delainey approaches when Amelia rolls her eyes. "I''ve read about mages reaching enlightenment during big castings, but I''ve never actually seen it." "Hmm?" I look at him in confusion since I don''t feel particularly enlightened. "Do you mean the meditative state I was in? Anyone can do that." "True." He smiles. "But entering a flow state... well, it''s a bit different when magic is involved." "That''s where it gets the name from." Apricot takes over when his explanation stalls. "You know how nature magic just does what you want? Well, when a mage enters that state, all mana flows with them, responding to their will." "Cool." I bob my head and take a plate from one of the helpers that are handing out food. "I''m just glad we got most of the work done. It''ll be nice to have an afternoon where we can sit and relax." "I''m not sure you even know how to do that." Amelia snorts. "Well, if you want to take over heating the water..." I open. "Then we could finish making enough baking pearl for the next time they have to spray." "Lemmy''s Leavener." The old alchemist interjects. "Don''t listen to him." Melanie adds with a laugh. "I told you he''d call it something stupid." "I don''t care what it''s called." I mumble around a bite of my sandwich. "I just needed something that rolled off the tongue better than potassium bicarbonate." "Then Lemmy''s Leavener it is." The old man crows. "Whatever it¡¯s called." Delainey says in a pacifying tone. "I''m not sure a second spraying will even be needed. Word has been spreading that the first fields to be sprayed are already showing a significant improvement." "Even so, it''s probably best to have it and not need it." I reply. "Especially with all the extra pearlash we were given. And, now that we''re done with the oils, I should be able to write a bit more of my chemistry knowledge down." "See, I told you that you couldn''t just relax." My merchant teases with a smug smile. "The quicker I fulfill these promises." I say while pulling her closer. "The quicker I can fulfill the one I made to get you a tutor." She ducks her head with a blush, but not before I see the happy smile plastered on her lips. "Speaking of..." I take a moment to create several copies of what I wrote out this morning. "Here''s the first installment, it only has the basics of general matter though." I started with the periodic table and everything I could remember about each element, their isotopes, and allotropes. Then came the basics about subatomic structure and the bonds between atoms and molecules. Proton, Neutron, Electron, and Photon translated fine, but the Quarks, Leptons, and Bosons didn''t, making me think that they haven''t been discovered yet. So, I just left them out, but included a note that even the building blocks of the building blocks of matter are made up of even smaller building blocks themselves. I was surprised that most of the elements did translate, including several radioactive elements. This world must have its own version of Madam Curie out there somewhere. And, even more surprising, when I think about stuff like mithril I get a translation from the gift of tongues skill, and it doesn''t feel like some fantasy either. I have no idea how that fits in with regular matter, but I have no idea how conjured matter works either. "This..." Delainey is the first to speak, but that one word is all that he manages to get out. "The periodic table isn''t the only way to group matter, but it''s what my people use and what I was trained in." I explain. "There''s more to it than this too, but I was starting to get a headache. So, I''ll have to update all that later." I don''t know the atomic weights off the top of my head, and sure wasn''t going to try calculating them. "What do you mean?" Melanie ventures. "Well, in my language each element has a one or two letter abbreviation." I explain. "Take hydrogen and oxygen. In my language, they would be shortened to *aitch* and *oh*. So, if you want to write out the composition of water for example, in Varecian it would be something like h2o because there are two hydrogen and one oxygen atoms. But, you all should decide on the abbreviations" "I''m seeing a lot of stuff on metals here." Edsel says while reading over Melanie''s shoulder. "Could I get a copy of this too?" I make another one and hand it to him. "Now, I''m sure all of you have many, many questions." The alchemists look like they''re about to descend on me en masse. "But, like I told Melanie, I need time to sort my thoughts out and get everything down on paper. So, I need to ask you to please be patient." "I think we can do that, right everyone." The way Delainey says that makes it clear that it¡¯s a statement not a question. "Sorrel has already given us much to go over -just the pages on carbon alone are fascinating- and, I think his idea for us to pick the abbreviations is a good one. I want suggestions ready to vote on for the next guild meeting." That did it. The alchemists broke into various groups and almost instantly started arguing about which element would get which abbreviation. "Thank you for that." I give the man a full bow. "No, thank you for this." He brandishes his copy of my notes. "Mhm, just try to remember that when I get to the really complex stuff." I let out a chuckle with just a hint of evil laced into it. "This is just the tip of the iceberg, as my people would say." *** # 067 Almost everyone left after lunch, they had all pretty much worn themselves out trying to keep up with me. The alchemists offered to leave the enchanted stoves behind, but between Amelia and me, we didn''t need them. Melanie got Edsel to stay behind and coat the lab in a layer of stone, but I get the feeling he would be happy to do whatever she asked. Apricot shifted back to human-size after delivering the last barrels. Our production far outstripped the army of sprayers, but the drop locations were already arranged ahead of time. I continued producing Lemmy''s Leavener while Amelia went back to her book. All she had to do was keep the water at a boil while I handled everything else. I wrote some more about chemistry and math until my headache came back. "Time to shoot something." I say to myself and draw out Bowthorne after putting the notes away. I only get a couple shots off before getting interrupted again. "Hey, Ed. What''s up?" "Hey, sorry to bother you, but Mel said that you made an air-filled tire." He pulls a fully working bicycle from his storage. "I don''t think you noticed, but we rode this here. Well, we did after Melanie quit trying to topple us every few seconds." "Hey, I would have been fine with a proper saddle." She growls. "But, you had me on that tiny cushion over the rear wheel." "Not adventurous enough to ride on the handlebars like Apricot?" My teasing earns a glare from the woman. "Alright, here''s the tire and inner tube." I make a wooden wheel and quickly install the tire before pumping it up. Even on the soft, clover covered, field it still bounces when I test it. "This... wow, this is so much better than that first one you gave me." He says while playing around with the wheel. "I need some for my bike." "And, I need more lampblack." I reply. "How much did Bat manage to get for us? And, didn¡¯t Adriana want some fire hoses, why did they leave after lunch?" He returned sometime when I was in the zone, but they didn''t say anything and I kinda forgot about it. "Her team talked her into giving you some space." Amelia says without looking up from her book. "Here''s everything that Bat was able to collect." She retrieves several jars from her storage and sets them on the ground next to her, still without looking up from her book. "Thanks, Amelia." I pull them into my storage from here. "This is enough for a good-sized hose after running a few tests, so we''re still going to need that burn chamber to make our own." I start playing around with an oil lamp and some water vapor to prevent complete combustion. It takes a bit of mental wrangling and another headache, but I manage to start drawing the particulates from the air. It''s a messy group of molecules, but they all share the same basic structure. I just had to lock onto that as my image for the spell. "Alright, let''s keep it simple for now." I tell the earth mage after I work out the basic design. "Can you give us a burn tray with a bent chimney pipe over it that has a hollow double wall after the bend. That way I can run water through to cool down the smoke before it burns completely." I create a wooden model to show him what I want. It''s just an L shaped pipe over a shallow, tray. I already have ideas for a pump sprayed oil burner, but this should be more than good enough for now. "Looks easy enough." Edsel whips up a stone version in just moments, his speed when working with stone has clearly improved since Apricot showed him that trick for molding quartz. "That looks perfect." I compliment his fine work. "I''ll work on the enchantments later, but for now, we need some oil. If I remember correctly, Sunflower seeds have a decent amount of stearic acid. Still less than five percent, but if I pull that out we can burn the oil afterward for all the carbon black we should need." I quickly grow, hull, and then press the oil from a few kilos of sunflower seeds. Then I try drawing the fatty acid out while drawing hydrogen from the air into the oil instead of using lye. This works, but the amount of hydrogen in the atmosphere is so low that it''s not worth the extra effort. ''Maybe after I learn some lightning magic.'' I promise myself. "I''d say just about four percent for this batch." I comment after mixing in just a pinch of lye to help break up the triglycerides. "I should be able to increase that with some selective breeding, but we mostly just need the carbonblack right now." I ignite the burning tray filled with the leftover oil, after pumping the cooling neck full of ice water. Stopping work on the leavening agent to focus on this, a barrel set near the end of the chimney soon starts filling with soot. "I''m starting to get a little jealous of how good you are with magic." Ed says with a laugh. "If it helps." I reply with a smile. "I still don''t know much earth magic, aside from the basic healing spells that is." "And, I''m guessing that will only last until you have the free time to learn some." He shakes his head with a rueful smile. "Mhm." I shrug since it is on my to-do list. "You can try adapting my draw matter spell to work with stone, if you want. I get the feeling that it''s going to be more difficult for me than going from water to air." "And, it''s not like you''ll be unwelcome around here even after Sorrel learns some earth spells." Melanie adds with a teasing look. "Heheh. Alright, show me your spell." I walk him through both variants, emphasizing the part I changed to go from water to air. "Hmm?" He materializes a bowl full of stone marbles, each looking to be made from a different type of stone. "Imagery is the most important part." I offer. "Try something with a high percentage of whatever mineral you''re most familiar with." "Thanks to Apricot that has to be quartz now." He picks out a smoky quartz marble and starts rolling it around in his fingers. "You''re getting a little bunched up here." I draw his attention to one part of his mana flow that just doesn''t feel right to me. "Trying to steal my job now?" Apricot trills out a laugh. "I thought you didn''t want to work." I counter with a teasing smile. "He''s close though, right?"Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. "Yes, it''s likely just his visualization." She answers with glowing eyes. "Think of glass." I prompt. "The soft white sand that makes for the most perfectly clear glass." This seems to do the trick for him as small granules start flaking off of the sphere in his hand. Slowly at first, and then faster and faster until he''s soon left with two separate piles. The large white pile reforms into a flawlessly clear quartz marble, while the smaller one becomes a shiny metallic bead. "How odd." Edsel muses while playing with the bead. "This feels almost like quartz." "It looks like pure silicon." I say with an impressed look. "That must be what gives the smoky quartz its color." "That''s one of the elements you said was used in steel." He peers at the bead even closer. "Yes, plain quartz is a mix of silicon and oxygen." I nod. "I think you can smelt it at very high temperatures, but I was more concerned with what grows in the soil rather than the soil itself. So, I¡¯m not entirely sure." I will the plants to clear a small circle near my foot and scoop up a handful of the soft soil. Silica is almost literally everywhere in the soil, so I should be able to draw it out of this as easily as he did from the quartz. "Come on..." I hold up a hand to stop Apricot from helping me. "Almost..." I close my eyes and sink my senses into the palmful of soil just like a plant sinks its roots into the earth. "Yes!" I grin as that bit of imagery helped me connect properly and pull the pure silica into a separate pile. "Okay, now I am jealous." Edsel chuckles. "Let me make it up to you." My grin becomes just slightly wicked as I reach into his bowl of marbles and grab a small granite one. "Do you have a crucible?" I ask after pulling a different white powder from the rock. "Here." He hands a small one over with a suspicious look. "I''ve never actually done this before, but it should be a lot easier with the pure stuff rather than whatever ores you guys use." Focusing my fire spell onto just the powder, I crank up the heat, and then again, and again until a shiny, grey metal soon melts together. "..." His mouth drops open when he recognizes what it is. "I may not know much about geology." I say with a smug smile. "But, I do remember that granite is composed of ten or fifteen percent aluminum. Congratulations, you''re rich." "Hahahah." Apricot cracks up laughing at the expression on their faces. "I love watching when you do that to people." "This... but... nng." The man whimpers a little while staring at the crucible now in his hands. "Give me some more granite and I''ll make enough powder for you to get a good grasp on it." I tell him. While this has been going on, the oil has burned itself out netting us more than enough carbon to work with. I''ll need to experiment with different designs to get different sized particles, but for just starting out in rubber production, this is good enough. Edsel hands me a large chunk of granite and I hand it back slightly smaller, along with a bowl of pure alumina. While he''s playing around with the powder, I restart the leavener production. Amelia has been so caught up in her book that she didn''t even notice I stopped and has kept the water boiling. I top the large pot back up and begin pushing co2 in and pulling khco3 out. Once that''s up and running again, I take the newly made lampblack and start making some tires with it. And, then while those are curing, I take the stuff Bat bought and make a few test hoses. I''d like to play around with adding the silica to rubber, but it¡¯s not useable as it is and will need a bit of alchemy before we can add it to rubber. Even so, what we have now should be more than good enough to make some hoses for Adriana. "What are you doing?" Melanie asks when she sees that I''m not just trying different formulas, but different ways of making the hoses. "Looking for the best way to make hoses." I answer while vulcanizing the latest of several tests using methods that I think might be reproducible without relying on magic. Magic may be common, but to put it in simple terms; The average person has a double-A to power their magics, stronger mages like Ed have a car battery, and I have a deep cycle marine battery hooked up to solar panels. Amelia and Apricot, on the other hand, are running some crazy zero-point collector that draws in power from the world around them. Wrapping long strips together like a cardboard tube being the first method that came to mind. Then there are several attempts at extrusion and molding, varying whether I cure the first layer separately or not. Along with testing whether wrapping the first layer with the reinforcing fabric works better before or after heat treatment. In the end, I have over a few dozen two-meter lengths of hose, each with a written list of the steps I followed to produce them. "Want to go see which ones burst when trying to hold back water from a great height?" I chuckle at the disparity between the looks on hers and Apricot''s faces. "How''s it going Ed, want to join us?" The man has a manic look on his face as he fills a large stone bowl with alumina powder. "Hehehe. Sorrel, I could kiss you." He looks up from the bowl with a smile practically splitting his face. "While I''m sure a certain blonde might enjoy watching that." I reply with a snort. "I''m not so certain how Melanie would react." This causes both her and Edsel to look at each other and blush. "Now, come on. You can extract metals later, we''ve got some destructive testing to perform." "Blowing stuff up?" He recovers quickly. "I can get behind that." The four of us troop over to the water tower I erected earlier. I mold the water pipe at the bottom to connect to each hose, the ends of which are all sealed with wooden plugs. All except one, the one pointing directly at the river I gave a nozzle. "I always wanted to know what it''s like to hold on to one of these when it''s fully open." I know that there''s little more pressure than a garden hose right now, but I still grab onto the five-centimeter hose with both hands, just to be safe before willing the pipe to open up. "Hahahahahah!" My laughter rings out over the river along with hundreds of liters of water. "Me next, me next." Apricot begs. Sealing the pipe, I pull Apricot forward and brace myself against her, wrapping my vines around her middle. "I''ll start it out slow, but be careful, it''s got a kick to it." "Ahhhh!" I have to grab hold and help her keep it steady before it''s even half-open. "That was insane." The pixie says before breaking into hysterical giggles. "You guys want a shot?" I ask Ed and Melanie after shutting off the water again. "Uhh..." They look at each other and shake their heads at the same time. "I think we''ll pass." "Alright, let''s step back a bit and see if we spring any leaks." I seal up the hose we used and slowly let them all fill up with water. "Nng. Make a note that curing the layers separately doesn''t work as well. Adding the reinforcement after curing helps give the second layer get a better grip, but they''re still not as good." Everything held fine, but I could feel that the ones I mentioned wouldn''t be able to take as much abuse before failing. So, I disconnect the problematic hoses and start feeding the tower some wood. "You''re making it taller?" Melanie seems nervous. "I did say destructive testing, and we didn''t even get a leak from the first round." I explain while bringing it up to fifty meters. "Hmm, it looks like we can rule out batch seven. It''s a little too elastic and is just starting to bulge." None of this is visible, but I can easily feel it through my magic. I remove all the hoses made from that batch of rubber and raise the tower another ten meters. We don''t see another issue until after the hundred-meter mark, then two more batches start giving out, one of the hoses even sprung a leak and would have torn itself apart if I hadn''t shut down the water. "Apricot, can you fill the tank while I raise it up again, it''s getting to be a bit difficult for me." I plead with a sweet smile. "I can do it." Amelia says in a smug tone. "And, it''s good to see that you do have some limits. But, why didn''t you let me know you were playing with water?" "Baby." I pull her into a hug. "You were so wrapped up in your book that I didn''t want to disturb you." "Like the giant water tower and Apricot''s manic laughter wasn''t going to disturb me." She laughs at the chagrined look that crosses my face. "So, just how high are you planning to raise this thing?" "I won''t be happy until it''s at least three-hundred meters." Ed and Melanie''s jaws drop when I say that, but the girls just take it in stride. "But, I''ll probably quit around two, depending on the wind, or just whenever the hoses stop working. Do you want to give it a shot? Apricot couldn''t even handle half pressure at forty meters." She nods and I brace her just like I did Apricot. The tower is three times taller, meaning three times the pressure, but it''s still less than half what a modern fire hydrant can push out. "Hey, you cheater." Apricot complains when Amelia uses her magic to keep the water in the hose under control. "You''re just mad you didn''t think of it yourself." The blonde sticks her tongue out at her lover. # 068 The testing continues without issue until the one-hundred-fifty-meter mark when another batch starts to show signs of failure. I remove those and keep going, reach all the way to two hundred meters before I''m forced to stop. "It looks like that''s as far as I can go." I say with a sigh since the higher winds up there are just putting too much stress on the tower legs. "The good news is that we have three strong contenders that seem to be holding up well regardless of how they were put together." "You know what we have to do now, right." The pixie''s wicked grin matches mine perfectly. Amelia tries to play it cool, but I can tell she''s excited too. I setup the three hoses and with wide grins we let loose, spraying water over halfway across the river. The girls used their magic to control their hoses, but I had no trouble manhandling mine. I could probably have managed with a single hand, but I still used both for safety. My vines I kept free in case the girls needed help. "Heheh, remind me to build a bigger tank next time." I say with a sigh after the water runs out. "That or just run a pipe a few kilometers upriver. This is what, a five percent grade? I''d only need to go four kilometers to match this setup." "Just under." Edsel nods. "The city already has a couple pipes about a kilometer out for those tall apartment buildings." I was kinda surprised to see nine and ten-story buildings when we first got to town, but I figured if the Romans could manage apartments half that tall, then people with magic wouldn''t have any problem going up to forty or fifty meters. Though, I doubt the higher floors are very popular without any elevators. "I''ll let the fire chief and the Baron handle the logistics." I reply with a chuckle. "I just need to make a product that works." Touching Blackthorne to the legs of the water tower, I bring it back down to forty meters. Though with much thicker legs now. "So, what next?" Melanie asks after I detach the remaining hoses. "Next, I test these for durability, and then make full-length models to run one last pressure test against. Just to be safe." Safety first, second, and third. Especially when it comes to life-saving devices. "If you''re done in the lab, you can feel free to take off." "Some of your expressions make me think you were raised by bird kin, not humans." Amelia says with a twinkle of humor in her eyes. "Oh, flying vehicles were pretty common, not really for everyday travel, but it was a big country and the larger cities were kinda spread out." I say with a smile. "I could probably build a pedal-powered aircraft. It wouldn''t be very fast, but I''m more than strong enough to get two or three people off the ground." "..." The blood starts draining from her face. "Oh, baby." I wrap my arms around her. "Are you afraid of heights? It''s alright, you don''t have to go up. But, now that the idea is in my head, I do kinda want to build one. Apricot, you''ll fly with me won''t you?" "Uncle Sorrel." The neighbor girls come running up before she can answer me. "Can we get a squirter that strong?" ""Hahaha."" The five of us laugh at their exuberance and the slightly exasperated look on their mother''s face. "Maybe if you join the fire brigade when you grow up." I tousle both of their hair. "But, I suppose I could let you help me with the next test, if it''s okay with your mom, that is." "Mom, can we?" - "Please, please, please." They immediately rush to her and start begging. "It''ll be perfectly safe." I reassure her. "But, it won''t be ready for a while yet." I take a balloon out of storage and fill it with conjured water. "Hey, Apricot. Catch. Hahahahah. I crack up again when it bursts in her hands, drenching her. Only to evaporate into nothingness a moment later." "Oh, you little..." She just barely manages to censor herself because of the kids. "If you give me a couple minutes, then you girls can play catch with Auntie Apricot too." "You''re lucky she loves kids." Amelia whispers into my ear. "But, she''s still going to get you back for that." "What was that?" Melanie is picking up the burst bits of latex from the ground. "Balloon." I answer and take out the other one I made before quickly blowing it up and batting it towards the girls. "Water balloon, specifically. And, save those pieces; I want to try decomposing the rubber and extracting the sulfur. If it works out, we could set up some sort of trade-in program for worn-out products." She raises an eyebrow at me before smiling at the girls chasing the balloon around. "That''s a good idea." "He''s full of them... usually." Apricot huffs. "I''ll make an extra big one just for you to splash me with, okay?" I''ve already started producing balloons in a bunch of different sizes, so it''s no problem to make an extra big one. "You can even fill it with ice water if you want." "..." She just squints at me. It doesn''t take long before the first batch of balloons are ready to go. I fill about half of them with air for Myra and Willow to chase around and hand the rest to Apricot.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "Nng." She grumbles after filling one too full and having it pop in her hands. The next one she does better with but has trouble tying it off. "Show me." The pixie commands. "Just wrap the end around two fingers, and then tuck it under through the gap between them." I demonstrate with a balloon from the second batch. "Thank you." She says politely, right before dropping it on my head. You''re welcome." I smile up at her through the rivulets of water running off my head. "Now, let''s see if I can remember how to do this." The air is filled with the sound of squeaking as I twist an extra-long balloon into an -only slightly- deformed dog. "What is that supposed to be?" She laughs when I hold up the balloon animal. "It''s a puppy dog." I reply with a pout and pet the poor thing on its head. "It''s not his fault that his limbs don''t match." "Heheh, you are such a goof." She takes the stupid looking dog from me. "But, I think he''s going to need some brothers and sisters." She points with her chin to where the two little girls are looking on with puppy-dog eyes of their own. "I think I can manage that." I make a couple more for them, and then pretend to mistake one of my vines for a balloon and use a bit of shapeshifting to turn it into a ''balloon'' animal much to their shocked expressions. "Uncle Sorrel! Quit being silly." Willow caught on when the adults started laughing at them. "Sorry, Willow." I make the ''dog'' duck its head before walking behind my back to unravel. "..." She purses her lips and looks over to Apricot. "Can I throw one at him too?" ""Hahahahah."" ... After a short, but intense, water battle between six adults and two children everyone was looking a bit worse for wear. Everyone, except William, who was smart enough to just watch from a distance. "You cheat." Amelia huffs after plopping herself down next to me. "I, who for some reason found myself the target of everyone''s balloons, was merely acting defensively." I say while radiating an aura of innocence. Aside from Apricot and the little girl''s attacks which I just let hit me, I was more than happy to catch and send everyone else¡¯s balloons right back at them. And, when Amelia tried using her magic to do the same, I would pop the balloon right before it reached her. Leaving her with a large splash to control rather than a small, contained, blob. "Consider it as a special magic practice." I add when she just snorts at me. "You did get much better at defending yourself from splashes, after all." "I had to." She glares over at Apricot. "Somebody decided to gang up on me with her little helpers after getting tired of you not reacting to their attacks." "Oh, you had fun, and you know it." The pixie sticks her tongue out at her. "That was fun." Edsel laughs when Amelia just pouts. "A bit messy, but fun." "Yeah, and at least magic makes clean up a bit easier." I wave my hand and start sending burst balloons into storage. "Though, it wasn''t quite the same without all the different colors. Melanie, do you think you could add researching viable pigments for rubber and the tree silk to the to-do list? I need to make up a new batch anyway after using so many at the Baron''s" "Ah, yes." She nods. "I was going to bring that up. Shall I get some of the more standard ones too? Not everyone can make their own like you do." "Whatever you feel is best." I shrug. "You''re the one doing all the hard work after all. Speaking of hard work, I should get back to testing the hoses." I notice a problem right away; the spiral-wrapped hoses are tough, but they''re too bulky. I''m aiming for something that folds flat, so it can roll up without taking up a lot of space. Disqualifying those still leaves me with the extruded, molded, and magicked together hoses from three different batches of rubber. The magicked together hoses are clearly superior, but the other two are not far behind and about equal in terms of durability. I was able to single out the best batch of rubber though. This is far from a full round of tests, but it should be good enough to present to Adriana as a prototype. "Do you have a winner?" Melanie asks when I start mixing up some more rubber. "For now." I nod. "Now that I''ve got all the silica we could need, I''d like to try using it in the rubber. But, it still needs a bit of alchemy done to it before we can use it as a filler like the lampblack." "Oh?" She perks up at the mention of new alchemy. "It just needs a couple of steps." Steps I only know because I went down the Wikipedia rabbit-hole when I first became interested in rubber. "First we need to make waterglass from quartz sand, and then precipitate the silica back out with sulfuric acid." ""Water glass?"" She, Ed, and Amelia all ask in concert. "Silica, water, and caustic soda... salt lye." Her brief frown turns into a nod of understanding. "Well, those three will turn into a gel when boiled. That gel will turn into glass when baked. It has a bunch of uses, but we want to precipitate the silica back out to use in rubber-like the lampblack." "Huh?" She tilts her head and peers at the small pile of white powder I just pulled out of the soil. "That''s simple enough that I''m sure someone must have discovered it, but I don''t think anyone around here works with sand." "I don''t know about alchemists." Ed shakes his head. "But, the stuff from the river is no good for glass making, so the few glassmakers in town import what they need from the beaches to the east. And, I need to tell Claude about this spell, he''s going to flip. Too bad he couldn''t do magic if his life was on the line." "Oh, speaking of. Do you know how much longer the windows are going to take?" I ask. "Should be tomorrow or the next day." He replies. "But, I''ll stop by on my way home to see how they''re coming along." "Thanks." I nod to him before looking to Myra and Willow. "Now, who wants to test the world''s biggest squirter?" I roll up the fifteen-meter long hose and start walking over to the water tower. "It is safe, right?" Their mom trusts me but still looks worried. "Don''t worry." I shoot her a smile. "I''m going to anchor the hose to the ground; they''ll be able to move it around with a handle, like the rudder on a ship." Her worries allayed, I get everything set up while Amelia takes the initiative to fill the tank up before I can even ask. Rolling out the hose, I attach one end to the water tower and the other to a nozzle attached to an over-sized ball-joint with a two-meter long handle. "Alright, do you girls want to try it now, or wait until I raise the tower?" They jumped a little when the hose started filling with water. "Now." - "Both." They talk over each other. "Yeah, both." "Well, I guess that settles that, then." I chuckle. "But, you''d better thank Amelia, she''s the one filling up the tank, after all." ""Thank you, Miss Amelia."" I grin when they dip into identical, clumsy curtsies. "Oh, they are just so precious." Apricot coos. I add a T-bar to the handle and motion them to hold on. "I''m turning the water on now." They start giggling and bouncing around to make the water sway back and forth. While they''re having fun, I push magic through my staff into the tower, slowly raising the tower back up to its full height. When they start having trouble lifting the handle, I motion them back and replace the end with a large wheel, so they can still move it side to side. After that, I start playing around with different nozzle shapes. "I think you''re having as much fun as those two are." Amelia snuggles up against my side. "This is purely scientific, I assure you." I can''t even keep a straight face while saying that. "Uh-huh." She shakes her head before leaning into me. *** # 069 "But, Mom." Willow whines five minutes later when Sophie tells them that it''s time to quit playing. "We''re making rainbows." "And, taking up Sorrel and Amelia''s time and magic." Their mother counters. "If you girls are good and listen to your mother." I interject. "I might just have another book for you." Their eyes go wide when I say that. "You''re going to spoil them." Sophie says in an exasperated tone, but with a happy smile on her face. "That''s what uncles -even honorary ones- are for." The baron says with a laugh while walking up to us. "Grandpas too." He steps aside to reveal his granddaughter Rebecca and her mother Dulcette. ""Becca!"" Sophie sighs as her daughters run over to their friend. "Sorrel." He steps forward and pats me on the shoulder. "The last field was just treated, so I came by to thank you again. The crops sprayed this morning are already showing marked improvement." "And, here I was worried we had annoyed some fisherman that sen you to give me a talking to." I joke. A few did swing by while the girls were going at it, but just to smile and wave. "Seriously though, that''s great to hear. We''re still working on everything for next week, if it¡¯s even needed. But, as you can see, we got somewhat distracted." "Yes, I''ve heard that Adriana... how was it put? Gave you a puzzle to work on." He smirks. "She''s already petitioned me to let her install giant faucets throughout the city. They aren''t all going to need something like this, are they?" "Oh, no." I shake my head and wave my hands in negation. "This monstrosity was just to provide a consistent pressure; I''ll be taking it down in a moment. The final system will just need a large pipe run a few kilometers upstream." "Could I give it a go before you take it down?" He asks with a silly grin. "Want to try holding it?" I pluck the hose free from the safety equipment I build for the kids. "You''ll be fine as long as you brace yourself." "This rubber is rather remarkable to be able to hold back the weight of all that water while still being flexible enough to move, all without leaking." He slaps the side of the hose. "There''s a layer of reinforcing fabric in the middle of the rubber." I explain. "But, this is only a prototype, I still need to add the protective canvas to the outside and work out the hardware. And, honestly I''d like to make sure it can handle much higher pressures, but this tower is stretching what I can do, as it is." "Just how much pressure are you talking about." He asks as I slowly open up the nozzle. "Oh, this should be more than enough to work with in the city." I explain. "But?" He chuckles. "But, I probably won''t be happy unless I know it can take three times the working pressure." I hesitate because I know my inner perfectionist is peeking out. "After taking whatever damage a fire team can do to it over the course of a year." "Hahahah." He busts up laughing but doesn''t take his focus from the hose that''s now going full blast. "That might just last a week under Adriana''s care. That woman fights fires like she''s tackling a dungeon. And, she''s had a real burr in her side since... not getting here in time." He adds that in an undertone after a quick glance at Myra. "I understand how she feels." I fight to keep a grimace off of my face. "When I saw that smoke after leaving the woods, the first thing I wanted to do was charge forward. I''m just glad I was able to help when we did arrive." "Well, with any luck these fire hoses will help others in the future. But, uh..." I shut the water off for him, and he drops the hose right away and starts rubbing his arms. "Thank you, that thing is a real workout. The fire brigade might need to start training with the army." "I''m sure that something like this can be attached to a cart." I wave to the setup made for the girls. "And, the full power isn''t always going to be needed. The nozzles back home had a lever that could adjust the flow." I was running a few experiments on that while the girls were playing. "Heh, any more firefighting tips from your homelands?" He says it in a low-key tone, but I can tell that he''s interested. "Well, I already told Adriana about portable fire extinguishers, there are other things they can be filled with, but I only know the simple soda acid model." I say. "But, there are built-in fire systems too." I pull out some paper and start sketching up a diagram of a fire sprinkler. I only know how they work because of that one Slow Mo Guys video, but it''s a simple enough design. "These are rather imaginatively called fire sprinklers." I laugh but he''s closely examining the drawings. "That red thing is a thin glass ampoule filled with liquid that expands and breaks the glass at a set temperature. Once it breaks, the plug falls out, letting the water spray into a room." "Word of advice." He says in a conspiratorial whisper before cracking a smile. "Don''t tell Struhl about this until you have a working device. You have no idea how lucky you are that she hasn''t been pestering you all afternoon."Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. "Mhm." I nod solemnly. "She does have something of an intense vibe to her. I''ll have to work on my earth magics then, maybe give Edsel''s glassmaker friend a visit." "Grandpa." Becca comes running up, wearing a silly smile while holding something behind her back. "Look." She pulls out Apricot''s squirt gun and starts giggling so hard that she can hardly aim at him. "You little rascal." The baron lets out a deep belly laugh and starts chasing after her. "And, thus started the second battle of the great water wars." I say in a professorial voice as the three little girls start picking on the baron. While they''re having fun, I finish taking down the water tower, storing away the lumber again after breaking it into more manageable chunks. "Master Sorrel." Erick pleads. "The Barony is under assault, we need weapons that only you can provide." "Alright." A shit-eating grin fills my face. "Catch." I toss him one of the water balloons I had saved in storage. ""Hahahahaha!"" Everyone cracks up laughing at the look of shock that coats his face right after the water does. "Noooo!" He drops to his knees in an overly-dramatic fashion. "Rebecca, my grandchild, I have been betrayed. You must... avenge me." With one last gasp, he slumps over. "Grandpa!" The little girl shouts in-between giggles for his play-acting. "We''ll revenge you. Right, girls?" She looks to her troops for support. "Yeah!" - "Let''s get him." "Muahahaha! You dare think you can challenge me." I put on my best evil villain routine. "You''ll have to best my flower fiends first." The ground around me erupts into blooms of all kinds, their petals flying off to form three mirror images of the girls. "You can do it, girls." Apricot cheers for them. "He used up all his magic making them and is completely defenseless now. And, he forgot the most important part about flower fiends. They''re weak against water." "W-what? N-no, no they aren''t." My villainous facade crumbles into a nervous expression. "W-water actually makes them stronger, yeah. So, you definitely don''t want to get them wet." "Charge!" Rebecca leads the way, blasting through the fiend blocking her way, sending petals flying. "How can this be?" Now it''s my turn to drop to my knees. "How could the Baron have such a mighty granddaughter with such strong knights?" I don''t even get to finish my monologue before they open fire, sending me to the ground with another explosion of flowers. "You did it!" Apricot starts up a cheer that runs through the adults. "Don''t think you''ve defeated me for good." A small flower fiend made to look just like me climbs out from underneath my body. "I''ll be back, even stronger than before." It morphs into a bird shape and flies away before anyone can react. "Oh, brave Rebecca." I slowly pull myself to a sitting position. "You and your knights, the wise Willow, and mighty Myra have saved me from the influence of that evil flower fiend. As a reward, I shall heal your grandfather from the treacherous wound it inflicted on him." All the flower petals on the ground swirl up into the air before falling down to land on Erick, forming a floral cocoon around him. The cocoon glows for a moment before evaporating into nothing thanks to a clever use of the cleanse spell. "Rebecca!" Erick jumps to his feet. "You did it, you defeated the evil fiend, freed Sorrel from its influence, and saved me." Another round of cheers and laughter ring out when he bows to her before scooping her up into his arms with a wide smile. "Nice trick with the flower fiends." Amelia pulls me to my feet. "I don''t think I''ll be able to look at another flower the same way now." "Oh, they are truly a misunderstood people." I smile over at where the girls are already recounting the tale of their mighty battle. "But, that''s all because of just a few rotten apples that give them a bad name." "You are such a goof." Her words may be teasing but her smile is full of affection. "Yeah, but I''m your goof." I pull her and Apricot close. "Now, what were we doing? I''ve completely lost track." "You were going to finish the hose and turn the rest of the pearlash into leavener." Apricot answers. "Oh, yeah. But, before that." I take out some paper and pigments. "I promised the girls a new book. Might as well stick with Seuss and give them Horton Hears a Who. But, remind me to take the time to copy out all the picture books later." "That''s not all the books you need to copy out." Amelia says in a serious tone. "I know, I know." I squeeze her a little tighter. "I''m just not sure where to start. I was leaning towards the classics, but that means more translation headaches because the language has drifted over the years." "You got over the music headaches pretty quickly." Apricot interjects with a grin. "..." I just glare at her. "Fine, but do you want to help me narrow it down, or should I just start at the oldest and work my way forwards. Most of the books I have are from within my lifetime, but I have a few older ones too." "Just how old are we talking about?" The blonde raises an eyebrow. "A couple around three-thousand years old, but they''re from an entirely different culture." Those epic poems by Homer, known as the Illiad and the Odyssey. "There are a few more that are nearly as old, but books had to be hand-copied until someone invented a machine to do it for them. And, that was only around five or six hundred years ago." "I keep forgetting the whole no magic thing." She smiles. "Well, I guess you can copy those older ones. They might be from a different culture, but they must have some significance to yours, or you wouldn''t have them." "They cover a lot of ancient mythology." I reply. "Something I was interested in when I was younger. Now, I have to wonder if VeeGee was one of the gods mentioned in it." "That is so weird that your gods aren''t known." Apricot shakes her head. She''s about to say something else when Edsel approaches with Melanie. "We were just about to leave." He states. "But, I wanted to thank you again for showing me that spell. And, to let you know that if you ever need anything, all you have to do is ask." "I will likely be taking you up on that soon." I nod while thinking about how to get to and from the Capital in a reasonable time frame. "But, if you could start making some bike parts that would be great, chain especially. I haven''t finalized any plans yet, but I know I''m going to need several meters of it for the vehicle I want to make." "Hah." The man snorts out a laugh while shaking his head. "You show me how to get all the aluminum anyone could want and that''s all you ask for." "Oh, I might bug you to show me some more earth spells, but that''s about all I can think of." I shrug. "What''s this about aluminum?" Amelia''s eyes go wide and I swear I see coins rolling around in them. "Heheheh, I''ll leave that for you to explain." He chuckles at the look on my face before turning around and leaving. "Uh, I kinda showed him how to use the draw matter spell on stone." I shrink back from the intensity in her eyes. "Then I told him that granite is around fifteen percent alumina. It still takes a lot of heat to melt, a good chunk of my mana just for a coin-sized piece. But, I''m sure he''ll figure out how to extract other metals too, and the heat issue isn''t that hard to solve." "I think you broke her again." Apricot chortles. "Don''t think about the money; just think about all the books I''m going to give you." I pull her into a hug until the coins quit rolling in her eyes. "That''s better, now speaking of books, there are three little girls who have been waiting patiently for this." I step back and hold up the now completed picture book. *** # 070 The girls loved Horton and all the little Whos in Whoville. I wish I had some allium seeds, so they could play around in a field of lollipop-shaped flowers. But, I end up doing the next best thing and make each of them plush flowers out of cotton. "Do you know if Seymour has any alliums?" I ask Erick after the girls run off to converse with their flowers. "I''ve collected a bunch of different wildflowers, but haven''t spotted any of them yet." "I''m not sure about the name." He replies. "But, if they look similar to the one from the book, then yes. I''ll ask him to set aside a handful of whatever seeds he has; it''s the least we can do to repay you." "Well, I''m not going to say no to more seeds." I chuckle. "But, I don''t really need a reward. I was just doing what any good neighbor would." "You may not need any rewards, but there are a lot of farmers out there that feel the need to reward you." He counters. "I''ll try to keep it small-ish, but expect some sort of celebration. Everyone loves a good party after all." "Yay." My dead-pan cheer draws a laugh from the man. "Well, I should be getting back." He smoothes down his outfit. I cast cleanse on him earlier, but there are still a few wrinkles from the water fight. "If you do decide on a reward, just let me know and I''ll make it happen." "Actually." I speak up before he can leave. "The scout you sent over this morning, Nicholas, he mentioned that the guard has special equipment that beastkin use to exercise. The girls finally talked me into dropping the shapeshift, but I''m not going to be comfortable until I can bulk up a little bit." "I''ll have a set delivered as soon as possible." The baron says with a smile. "I have to admit that you''re not like most shapeshifters though. Every other one that I''ve met seems to take it to extremes, often changing how they look several times a day. Sometimes even mid-conversation." "Oh, I just wanted to fit in, you know." I say with a sad smile. "My homeland was great in a lot of ways, but not everyone was the most tolerant of even minor differences." "Sadly that tends to be true for much of the world." His expression matches mine. "But, thankfully the Royal family does their best to stamp that attitude out wherever it forms in Larendath. They''ve even been known to block the goods from countries that treat their people poorly." "Economic sanctions against assholery, I like it." Erick starts laughing at my crude words. "It helps that without our ports, goods need to travel a much longer and more dangerous route." He nods. "But, without the Laren''s dedication to an egalitarian society, it wouldn''t be possible." "They sound like truly great leaders." I wish everyone in power was willing to what''s best, even if it is difficult. "They are, which I''m sure that you''ll learn firsthand when you reach the Capital." He smiles. "I just know that Queen Vivian will want to meet you personally." "Yay." He cracks up laughing again at the expression on my face. The man heads over to his horse after that, pausing only long enough to say something to Dulcette and give Rebecca a quick hug. "I''m going to need more dresses." Amelia is more than making up for my lack of enthusiasm. "You too, Apricot. And, Sorrel, you''ll need a nice suit. How long until you can get that silk stuff of yours into production?" "Melanie has the basics down." I smile at the eagerness in her eyes. "We just need to test pigments and fine-tune the process a little. Speaking of pigments, I need to restock. Not just on those either; I''m starting to run low on cotton and, if I''m going to be bulking up, I''ll need a lot of nutritious foods." "Oh, if only you knew a skilled nature mage who could grow it all for you." Apricot teases. "Yes, well." I smile at her. "That hypothetical nature mage needs a beautiful pixie to help him adjust that light spell to see really small things first. Plants are great for most things, but I''m going to need some extra protein if I want to put on muscle fast." "Protein?" Amelia tilts her head to one side in confusion. "Food has three basic parts. Protein, fats, and carbohydrates" I explain. "Protein is basically just meat, fats are self-explanatory, and carbs are sweet stuff like fruit and bread. Fortunately, there''s a tiny algae that is almost two-thirds protein." "One of those not-plants, like the mana stone?" She raises an eyebrow. "Sorta." I shrug. "We call it an algae because it uses chlorophyll -that''s the green part in plants and algae- but, it''s actually a bacteria. I could bore you to death with the details, but I can see you''re already halfway there." "Her eyes were starting to glaze over." Apricot laughs. "Well, show me what you''re trying to do. Chances are you won''t even need my help though." "Hey, I will always need you." I tilt her head up until we lock eyes. "If it wasn''t for you, I''d be off fucking around in the forest right now. Probably doing my best to wipe out wolves from this part of the world." "He''s right." Amelia backs me up. "The way you told it, he didn''t even think about clothes until you reminded him." "I would have remembered eventually... probably." I smirk. "I love you Apricot, not your magic, not your body, not even that thing you do with your tongue. Though, those are all great, really, really, great. But, I. Love. You." "Oh, shut up and do your magic, you stupid, sentimental, lunker." She blushes and tries to pull away, but I hold her in place long enough to brush my lips across hers. "Whatever you say." I materialize a chair and pull her onto my lap before casting the telescope spell. "You see how the spell is focusing the light coming from a large area into a smaller one? I need the opposite of that." I start messing around, and soon have something similar to a magnifying glass. "I see what you''re going for now." With her helping, I''m able to rapidly increase the zoom level until the image becomes too dark to see. "We''re only around thirty or forty times zoom; I''m going to need at least twice that to pick out the spirulina. We need more light." I comment and start to bend more onto the sample, a cloverleaf plucked from the ground. "I can help with that." Dulcette says from over my shoulder making me jump. "Sorry, sorry." She backs off a couple of steps. "That''s alright." I smile and bring out a chair for her and put it next to ours. "You know some light spells." "Just the one." She nods. "I was afraid of the dark as a child, so Mom taught me how to summon a sphere of light." She demonstrates the spell and, compared to bending existing light, it''s a piece of cake to master. "That is perfect, thank you." I use the new spell to summon a bright backlight for the cloverleaf. "See, now that there''s a backlight, you can just make out individual cells." I drill the focus in tighter. "Nnh... just a bit more and we should be able to see individual stoma... Yes, there''s one." They all jump a little as a weird green mouth opens up. "Stomata are how plants breath." I chuckle at their reaction. "They take in the stale air that animals breathe out, and then turn that and sunlight into food before breathing out fresh air." "Uh..." Dulcette hesitates.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. "What about Plantkin? We''re a little weird." With a laugh, I ask and answer the question that is clearly on all of their minds, and then replace the cloverleaf with one of my tendrils. "I have plant cells, including stomata but, aside from the extremities, my cells all mimic an animal¡¯s. I''m pretty much just a human made out of plants." "That is weird." Apricot giggles. "Says the woman made from pure magic." I retort, earning a laugh from Dulcette and Amelia. "Now, this spell is more than good enough to find what I''m looking for, but do you want to see something cool?" I grow one of the nails on my left hand into a sharp thorn and prick my right forefinger with it. "It''s green!" Apricot practically shouts. "Hahaha, yes it is." I smear it out on a sheet of paper and focus on the ''red'' blood cells. "Wish I had some proper glass slides, but this''ll do. See, the molecules that plants and animals -most animals- use to transport oxygen are almost identical." I create models of hemoglobin and chlorophyll. "They look the same to me." The pixie turns them over in her hands looking for the difference. "All except that atom in the middle." I point them out. "Chlorophyll uses magnesium, whereas hemoglobin uses iron. My ''red'' blood cells look and behave like a human''s, but for that one little change." "You are so fucking weird." She breaks into full-on laughter. "But, what was that bit about most animals?" "Oh, there are some creatures with blue blood that uses copper to transport oxygen, but it''s a completely different design." A hemocyanin model joins the other two. "I think there are some with light green or violet blood too, but I''m not sure how those work." I get to my feet then, still holding onto the pixie, and start walking over to the river. "Are you even going to be able to find what you''re looking for?" Amelia asks from my side while teasing Apricot by tickling her feet. "Oh, yeah, this stuff is everywhere in water." I scoop up a cupful of particularly green looking river water. "I''d be very surprised if I don''t find it in here." Draining away the excess water with magic, I then focus the magnification spell on it. There''s a lot of stuff in there, but the spirulina are easy to spot. "See those little spring shapes?" I say after locking onto some. "That''s spirulina." I kill off everything else and send growth magic into the cyanobacteria. "Ugh." Apricot wrinkles her nose. "It smells like old fish." "I know." My nose crinkles a moment later. "And, it tastes about as good as it smells. That''s why you typically dry it out and add the powder into other food. I''m just going to make some everything smoothies though, so this won''t even be noticeable." "Smoothies?" Dulcette tilts her head to one side. "Oh, they''re these amazing blended fruit drinks he makes." Amelia answers. "Normally, yes." I counter after sticking the stinky, green cup into storage. "The one I''m planning to make will have a bit of everything, hence the name, and will be more for nutrition than flavor. I figure they''ll be good to keep around if I need to use a lot of healing sap too." "You''ll make some good ones for us though, right?" Apricot looks up at me with puppy dog eyes. "Yes, I''ll make you something tasty." I give her a quick kiss and walk us back over to where we were sitting. Once there, I start up the nearly forgotten leavener production, but Amelia stops me with a "Let me handle this, you grow what you need to." She was paying attention while I was working earlier and is now able to handle the whole operation on her own. "Thanks, Babe." I pull her in for a kiss, squishing Apricot between us. Now that I don''t have to worry about that, I pull out a tea plant and erect a tarp over it. "What are you doing?" Apricot asks when she feels me focus all my magic on the plant. "And, when are you going to let go of me?" "When you ask me to, and not a moment sooner." I squeeze her tight. "And, I''m trying to make matcha -powdered green tea- but, it needs to be shade-grown for a few weeks before harvest. I''m trying to get a feel for that so I can replicate the effect with magic." I try a few different things on different branches until I get some feedback that just feels right. I then proceed to give the plant a few weeks'' worth of shade growth and harvest just the leaves from the upper branches. Those leaves have their veins and stems removed before being dried out and magically ground into a fine powder. Testing a small pinch on my tongue brings a smile to my face, and I quickly produce a pot of usucha. Usucha, or thin tea, is lighter and slightly more bitter than thick tea, koicha, but I like whisking up the froth. "Mmm, that''s good." I can''t help but let out a pleased moan after my first sip. "This is usually served with a delicate sweet that is meant to be eaten beforehand, but I''ve got nearly as large of a sweet-tooth as my girls, so I just drizzle in some honey." "Sweets?" The pixie perks up as expected. "Yeah, I haven''t cooked many eastern dishes for you yet. I''ll have to break out some of those recipes." "This..." Dulcette closes her eyes to savor the taste. "is really good tea." "Yes, it is." Amelia agrees, and even Apricot seems appreciative. "I know, right." I just breathe in the scent for a moment. "I didn''t drink it often because of the cost, but sometimes it''s the small luxuries that really hit home. And, before you ask, because I know you will." She sticks her tongue out at me. "Tea was cheaper back home, so something like this would be worth several gold, even a crown or more per kilogram compared to the prices I saw in the market. But, that kilo will get you a good five-hundred cups. Less if you make it thick, but that''s usually only for tea ceremonies." "Your people had ceremonies for tea?" Dulcette asks in an amused tone. "A country to the east of mine, actually." I answer. "If I remember correctly it was part of formal dinners, just a ritual they follow to make an everyday activity special." I was always more of a ''hot anime girls'' type of weeb than a Japanophile, so I don''t really know about the whole concept of "Wabi" and "Sabi" or whatever. Not well enough to explain it, at least. "Well, I can certainly see wanting to make a special occasion out of tea this good." She goes back in for another sip. "My thoughts exactly." I agree. "And, even better, the powder can be used in a lot of recipes to give them that green tea taste. Or if you just want to turn it green for whatever reason." I add with a laugh. We finish our tea and I set out a tray of cookies at Apricot''s prompting before slipping back into grow mode. I alternate between regular growth, shade growth, and harvesting on the tea bush until I have several kilos worth of matcha. One of which I boxed up and gifted to Dulcette. I''m not a nutritionist, so I''m sure there''s some ideal mix of foods I''m missing, but I figure mixing a bunch of different so-called superfoods should be good enough. And, that''s what I grow; from dark green veggies, and sprouts, to seeds, nuts, and legumes, to berries of all kinds. Then were the odd choices for a smoothie, stuff like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, beetroots, and a bunch of different mushrooms. The girls gave me some strange looks, Apricot especially when I added ground cocoa, but the final product didn''t turn out that bad. I ended up drying out and powdering the more savory elements. And, once they were mixed into the blended fruits and nuts you could hardly taste it. "Hmm? I''ve had worse smoothies." I comment after taking a sip. "It won''t win any prizes, and could stand to be a bit sweeter, but I can drink it. That''s good enough for me." "I''ll stick with this one, thank you." Apricot looks sideways at the cup in my hand. "I''m going to become spoiled if I hang around you for much longer." Dulcette says with a laugh right before her daughter comes running up. "Do you want some sweetie?" The little girl''s eyes go wide at her first sip and I find myself having to make more for her, Willow, Myra, and their parents. "This is good." William comments. "But, I''m not sure how you''d make one without magic." "I guess blenders don''t exist here." I draw a quick sketch of a generic blender. "I guess you''d need rubber for the gaskets to make it work. But, yeah, it''s just fast-spinning blades in a pitcher. The ones I''m used to were enchanted, but I''ve seen purely mechanical models. I''ll add it to the list of things to reinvent." I''m about to start sketching up some ideas when a wagon and three riders draw my attention to the road. At first, I thought it was whoever Erick sent over with the strength training equipment, but the wagon was heading towards the city. "Is that Ferne?" She''s being escorted by the three female guards that were with the baron''s son. "Ferne! Wait up a second." I hop up and rush over to the road, a squealing pixie still in my arms. "Sorrel? Is that you?" She looks at me askance. "Oh, yeah." I shift back for just a moment to how I looked when we met. "Sorry, shapeshifter; this is what I actualy look like. I was new to the area and wasn''t sure how well I''d be accepted. Hi... Bobbi, Jo, and Ashley, right?" The guardswoman that kept Roddy up that night and the two sisters, all smile and nod. "Hello Sorrel, Apricot, Amelia... Miss Dulcette." Ashley bows to her from the saddle. "I see you''ve settled in already." "Yeah, it''s been a crazy week." I smile before turning serious. "But, are you doing alright, Ferne?" "I''m still not sure what to think of all that happened." She sighs. "I''m sorry." I frown slightly. "But, the reason I stopped you was to tell you that Rozelle is running the guild now." "That''s a bright spot at least." She perks up a little. "I was afraid that Olivar would have taken the office for himself." "Oh, he tried." My frown shifts into a subtle smile. "But, she found an ally that helped her win everyone over. Now, I''m sure you and the guardswomen want nothing but a long, hot, bath, and a good night''s sleep. So, I''ll let you go, but don''t be a stranger, okay." "Thanks, Sorrel." She sends me a smile; it''s a tired smile, but still a smile. "I''ll see you later." "Bye." I watch as she and the guards get moving again before heading back to my seat. "An ally, eh?" Amelia says with a smirk. "Heheheh." I chuckle softly. "I''m sure she''ll learn who it was soon enough. I''m just glad that she''s doing alright. I feel bad for the guards though, they looked a bit worn down." "Bet they weren''t expecting to make the return trip so soon." Amelia nods. "I wonder if we should let Roddy know that Ashley is in town." "She won''t have to leave again, at least not right away." Dulcette offers. "We''ll have to stop by the warehouse tomorrow then." Amelia gets the same look on her face that my sister used to have when she was up to mischief. "I''m sure that Mom and Dad will love to hear about her." And, there it is. "We can finally finish our shopping trip too." I nod along excited. "No more improvising meals with two camp pots and a skillet." "I''m almost afraid to see what you can do with a proper kitchen." She nods and Apricot snickers a bit. *** # 071 We settle back in and chat a bit with Dulcette about which shops we should visit while I replenish my supply of cotton and then use the seeds to grow mushrooms for pigments. I''m about half done by the time Amelia finishes off the last of the leavener. I may be more skilled, but for a simple brute force application, she''s your woman. I''m nearly done when a hefty cart led by two burly beastkin guards rolls up outside the farm. One has bull-like features, including a pair of small horns, the other appears more canine in nature, possibly a fox going by the color of his ears. "Mister Sorrel." The bull steps forward to introduce them. Oddly enough he''s the smaller of the pair, the fox-kin having a good twenty centimeters on him. "The Colonel said that you needed help putting on some muscle. I''m Cobb, and this is Bruce." "Yes, thank you for coming out." I give each a shallow bow. "I know the basics, but lack equipment, and really just didn''t want to be hauling a bunch of tree logs around." "Good thing we left those behind then." Bruce joins in with a laugh. "Why don''t you take off your shirt so we can see exactly what we''re working with. Then you can show us what you do know and we can set a plan to get your body to where you want it." "You could at least offer to buy me a drink first, man." My light chuckle turns into a full-on belly laugh when Amelia starts blushing. "You put on some muscles and I might just do that." He joins in with a few laughs of his own, and Apricot almost shakes herself out of my arms laughing at the now beet-red merchant. "As you can see, I''m pretty much a twig right now." Not that Apricot seems to mind as she snuggles closer to my now shirtless torso. "I don''t want to go too far, but I''d at least like to look something like this when at my full height." I drop ten centimeters without changing my features. "We can do that. But, uh..." He motions to the pixie. "Don''t mind Apricot, she was being silly earlier and I told her I not going to set her down until she makes me." I play with the pixie''s mop of orange hair after releasing the shapeshift. "Well, I suppose the added weight will help." Cobb shrugs. "And, you do have the arms for it. Now, why don''t you put your shirt back on and tell us what you know while we unload the cart." "I can do better than that." I will my shirt back into place and then break out the art supplies and start drawing examples of everything I can remember from gym glass. We actually had a great P.E. teacher back in high-school, not that I ever thought that when he was making us run. But, at least he let us listen to music with headphones on. And, oh, he had the hottest wife, we only met her a couple times, but damn! "What''s with that goofy look." Apricot pokes me in the side. "Just remembering my old gym teacher''s wife." I grin back at her. "All the boys, and at least half the girls in glass were crushing on her bad. We didn''t see her all that often, but I swear she delighted in teasing all us horny little teenagers." "Hahahah." She chortles when I draw her a picture of the woman smirking over her shoulder as she bends over to pick something up from the ground. "Nng. I can''t believe I nearly forgot about that image." I have to shake my head just to clear it of just how many times that spandex-clad booty rescued me from a cold, lonely night. "These are great..." Cobb trails off as his eyes lock on the drawing in Apricot''s hands. "Ahem. Yes, great." He clears his throat and starts blushing much to his partner''s and the women''s amusement. "As I''m sure Cobb meant to say." Bruce takes over, the merriment clear in his voice. "You clearly know how to isolate the muscle groups and what forms to use. Though, I am interested in some of this equipment." I stuck mostly to calisthenics and free-weights in the diagrams, but also including some of the most common exercise machines. On their end, they brought the mother of all dumbbell sets, a pile of copper chainmaille with several pieces of padded clothing, and some battle ropes the width of my thigh. "As you can see we have dumbbells and rope." Cobb gestures to them. "The chainmaille is meant to increase your body weight to make calisthenics more effective." "Why is it copper though?" Amelia asks. "Heavier than iron and cheaper than silver or gold." He answers. "There are a few copper-clad, lead weights too, but he won''t need those. If you''re as strong as a beastkin, you want to try tripling your bodyweight since we''re around three times as strong as humans." "Makes sense." I nod along. "We have stuff similar to the bodyweight hardware and the long bar, though finding one that can hold the weight beastkin use without bending is nearly impossible." Bruce shakes his head, clearly annoyed that he can''t get those lifts. "The rest of these are new, though." "I can''t believe no one thought up a leg press like that before." Cobb chimes in. "Or, the weighted sled. I knew a couple guys that used to plow fields, but this a much better idea." "I like these Machines that seem to use pulleys?" I nod to the lilt at the end of Bruce''s sentence. "Could we keep these drawings? I know a couple smiths that I''d like to show them too." "Sure." I shrug a shoulder. "And, those other two are a rowing machine and stationary cycle." I bring out the rickshaw to demonstrate. "They use wind or magnets to provide resistance. I''m working with Edsel the earth mage to make more cycles, so I''ll show him some models and see if he can''t reproduce them."Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Talking about resistance made me think about resistance bands though. So, I barely hear Apricot laughing and telling them to hold on a moment because I had another idea. While she''s being amused at my expense, I''m mixing up some rubber. I chose a batch with a good mix of strength and flexibility, but I''ll have to do some more testing to see what will work best for this sort of application. The guards marvel as several thick rubber bands come into existence. "Yeah, this isn''t half bad." I nod while pulling on the finished product with all my might. "Might need to braid a few together for you guys, but these should work well for me. Just need to add handles, and maybe work out some way to wear them so they compound the weight of all that chainmaille." "May I?" Bruce holds his hand out respectfully. "Sure." I hand them over. "But, be careful, they might snap." His eyes go wide as the rubber resists his strength. "Let me have a go." Cobb lights up like a little kid that has just found a new toy. "Oh, I like that." He grins while flexing to stretch the bands out. "You''re not the only one." Apricot giggles while staring at his muscles. "Oh, man. You''re as fun to tease as Amelia." The poor guardsman blushes just as deeply as the blonde does. "Oh, be nice." I tousle her hair. "And, just give me a week or two and I''ll have all the muscles you could want." "Sir!" Bruce is startled by my statement, and even Cobb snaps out of his embarrassment. "Don''t worry." I reassure them. "I''m a healer and very skilled with nature magic. Also, I''ve already prepared all the food I should need." "Even so, there are some things that you just can''t rush." The guardsman looks genuinely worried. "Let me prove it to you." I test out the dumbbells until I find a pair that will push me. I make a wooden bench and, holding Apricot out of the way with my vines, I just barely manage six reps on each arm. "Fair to say that this is close to my max right now, yes." I fill my muscles with magic, nature to promote growth, light to increase cell division, wind, water, and earth to increase oxygenation and nutrient flow. Within seconds I''m back to peak and go back for another set of six, and then another, and then seven, and then I switch to a higher weight. "I can see you think I''m faking." I say to his face. "Want me to do the same for you?" I vacate the bench and offer it to him. "I can even take care of that problem with your shoulder." "I''ll try it." Cobb quickly grabs a much heavier pair of weights than I was using and takes my spot on the bench. "I''ve been stuck with these for a while now, if you can get me to the next level, I''ll believe you know what you''re doing." He starts in on his curls, and I start in on the magic. Both he and Bruce look shocked when he performs set after set with no issue. "Here, drink this." I materialize one of my smoothies. "I need to work on the taste, but it has everything your body needs to grow." "Tastes better than eggs or fish for every meal. Now, give me those." He downs the cup and motions for Bruce to hand him the next largest weights. "Lay off the healing, I want to see how I handle these." He struggles to match his first set with the lower weights, but he manages it with a wide grin on his face. Bruce even looks jealous that he didn''t take me up on the offer. When Cobb nods to me, I start healing him again. He goes until he can handle these weights as easily as the first pair. "Hahahah, that was amazing." He crows after setting the dumbbells down. "That drink has a bit of a kick to it too; I feel like I just downed a pot of strong tea." "You''re not far off." I chuckle at his exuberance. "There is a lot of tea in it, I''ll have to remove the part that makes people excited." "You can do that?" Dulcette asks, interested. "Erick loves his tea, but Elise won''t let him drink as much anymore. Says it''s not good for his heart." "I suppose his blood pressure is a little high." I nod. "But, he''s in fine health otherwise, so I didn''t pay it any mind. And, yes, getting rid of the caffeine as it''s called will make it safe for him to drink." I pull one of the boxes of matcha from storage and start drawing a small pile of white powder from it. Adjusting the draw matter spell to work directly on plants was trivial after all the other modifications I''ve done to it. "Apricot." I grab her hand before she can touch the pure caffeine. "Please don''t play with that. I know you turn food directly into magic, but there''s enough caffeine there to kill Bruce and Cobb, both." "Uh, what?" Cobb gulps audibly. "Don''t worry, you''re fine." I fight not to roll my eyes and vanish the powder with a silent cast of cleanse. "There''s a saying where I come from. ''The dose makes the poison.'' As long as you don''t try to eat half a kilogram of dried tea leaves it''s not going to kill you." "Heheheh." Bruce laughs at him. "Oh, the look on your face, man." "Shut up." The bull-kin snaps at his friend but is soon laughing at himself. "Alright." Bruce exhales a sigh. "I have to admit that you seem to know what you''re doing. But, please be careful with your training. I''ve never heard of anyone trying something like this before." He gathers up his friend and they move for the cart they came on. "I will." I nod to the man and then hand him a small glass of healing sap. "And, here. This will take care of your shoulder; it shouldn''t bother you anymore... as long as you don''t overdo it again in the future." "Thank you." He takes the cup after giving me a deep formal bow. "We should be going too." Dulcette says with a smile for where her little girl is still playing with Myra and Willow. "It will be dark soon, and I''m sure Erick and Elise will be interested in this." She pats the box that I just handed her. I can tell that Rebecca wants to complain about having to leave, but a stern look from her mother is enough to silence the protests before they form. "Don''t worry, Dear." Her mother picks the little girl up in her arms. "You''ll get to play again with them later. But, it''s almost supper time, and if we''re late Mister Granville will get upset." Becca turns a little pale at the thought of that. "Bye Willow, bye Myra." She waves to her friends with the plush flower I made for her. ""Bye."" They wave back with theirs. "Make sure to take care of your Whos, okay." Myra declares seriously. After the woman and her child board their carriage and the farmers head back home, I wave a hand and shift all the exercise equipment into storage. I then turn to Amelia and scoop her up with my free arm. "What are you doing, you goof." She squeals a little bit when I manhandle her. "What? I can''t let Apricot have all the fun of being carried around." I pull her in for a kiss. "What did you even need all that equipment for?" Apricot giggles. "You can just carry us around." "Mhm." Amelia purses her lips. "Are you really going to be okay pushing your body like this?" "I promise I will be fine." I stroke her back while holding her in place with a vine. "I''m going to limit my exertions to the equivalent of what a full round of healing would do to me. I already know that I can sustain that level of drain day after day." "Nnh, I still don''t like it." She grumbles. "But, I trust you to know what you''re doing." "That and you really want to see him all sweaty." The pixie chortles. "Will it help if I let Elise examine me regularly?" I ignore Apricot''s remark and the blush it brought to Amelia''s cheeks. "Yes." She nods and snuggles into my shoulder. "Alright, let me finish off the last of the dyes." I return to my seat, now with both of them sitting on my lap. "Then you can watch me get all sweaty." Apricot and I share a chuckle as the blonde starts blushing again. # 072 While I''m finishing up with the dyes, I bring out some of the wood that used to be a water tower and start shaping it into some gym equipment. I start simple with some platforms, benches, and bars for pushups, pull-ups, and legs lifts. Next comes a leg press and a weighted sled, the modified wood is heavy, but I''ll need to add the dumbbells to these to make them usable without being enormous. A three-story set of stairs then builds itself off to one side. The tallest vertical side has a climbing wall with an overhang near the top that a rope hangs down from for rope-climbing, or just a quick way down. "You don''t know how to do things by half, do you?" Amelia laughs and gets up out of my lap to go inspect the equipment. I just smile and follow after her while thinking about how I could have made some crazy ''Ninja Warrior'' style obstacle course. "It could be worse." I say with a smile and start changing into a tank top and gym shorts. "Sorrel!" She squawks when I shuck off my pants. "What? No one is watching and I still have my underwear on." The extra trees I grew this morning have added quite a bit of privacy to the yard. "I''ve got some gym clothes for you too." I was able to make a pseudo-spandex yesterday by mixing very thin elastic strands with cotton to make a stretchy thread. That thread was then knitted into two pairs of gym shorts and sports bras. "I am not wearing that... not in public at, least." Her expression makes me laugh. Meanwhile, Apricot has already ditched her dress and slipped into the new clothes. "You need to wear these, Amelia." The pixie purrs while checking out her own ass. "You can wear one of my tank tops over it." I offer, wanting to see her tight behind in the elastic shorts just as much as Apricot does. "Fine..." I think she''s more commenting on the pixie''s ass than agreeing, but its close enough for me. I magic her current outfit away and replace them with the gym clothes before she can do more than squeak. "Ack! You jackass, I didn''t say yes." She complains, but without any heat in her voice. "Oh, come on." I make puppy dog eyes at her. "The best part about exercising is getting to stare at beautiful women while you do so." "I think he has a point, Amelia." Apricot is practically panting. "You need to let me down now, I see someone else I need to go and climb all over. And, don''t wear yourself out too much either. This isn''t the only workout you''re going to get tonight." She slaps me on the ass before stalking after the blonde. "Eeek! Sorrel help." She runs away from Apricot. "Sorry, Babe." I just laugh. "I''ve got muscles to build. But, if it helps." I wave a hand and a wall of greenery springs up around my little gym. "There, now you don''t have to worry about your modesty, or your screams bothering the neighbors." "Gee, thanks." She deadpans before dodging behind me and slapping the same butt cheek Apricot hit a second ago. I soon learned that it is very hard to focus on your form when two hotties are doing their best to distract you. They wouldn''t even let me join in either. Every time I tried, they would just waggle their fingers at me. ... "You two are evil." I pant out over an hour later. Despite their distractions; I found a good routine where I would isolate and push each muscle group in turn. I''m trying to bulk up right now, so I''m using high weight, low rep sets and it''s already starting to show. But, even when you can heal in between sets, pushing your muscles that much just hurts. "We know." Apricot sticks her tongue out at me. "Are you doing okay?" Amelia is still worried that I''m overdoing it. "I''m good." I smile to reassure her. "But, I think I''m going to switch to more toning and cardio exercises tomorrow. Overloading to bulk up just hurts too much to do it every day. That, and I think I need more sugar in the smoothies." The drinks have more than enough nutrients, but I felt my blood sugar dip pretty hard a couple times. Fortunately, now that I have done so much work on the draw matter spell, refining sugar from beets is simplicity itself. I take it one step further, though. "What are you doing?" Apricot looks at me funny when I start drawing co2 from the air into the mushed up beet soup. "Increasing the acidity of the mixture to aid in the hydrolysis of sucrose into glucose." I answer truthfully and in a way I know will annoy her. Just my small bit of payback. "I think he''s annoyed with us." Amelia laughs at the look of consternation on her lover''s face. "Baby, could you please explain why you''re doing that, and what it means." She bats her eyelashes at me. "Pure sugar has two parts." I sigh and explain myself. "Our bodies only use one of them and have to waste time and a little energy converting the other. I''m just extracting the one I need." "Why didn''t you just say that?" The pixie whines. "Do you have any idea how hard it is to exercise with a steel rod in your shorts?" I drop my shorts with a growl to reveal my still throbbing hard erection. "I think making you two those outfits might have been a mistake." "Oh, my." Her eyes go wide and she gasps involuntarily. I got my second workout in that night and made them pay for every bit of torture they put me through. ... "You''re wrong." Amelia groans the next morning. "We''re just mischievous. What you did to us last night, now that was evil." "No, evil would be making you join me on my run this morning." I chuckle wickedly and sit up in bed after kissing her. "Can you at least heal us before you go?" She pleads. "We are so sore. Good sore, but still sore." "Weren''t you worried about that not being safe?" I tease. "It''s probably for the best that you just take a hot bath. I''m sure the soreness will be gone by the time I get back." "Evil." Apricot cracks open an eye just enough to glare at me and utter that one word. "Love you too, Sweetie." I lean back down to kiss her before climbing out of bed to get dressed in my spiffy new chainmaille jogging suit. The getup is made up of several different layers, each with a bunch of straps and buckles to cinch it tight, but I just use the fabric of the padded undersuit to grip the links tight, making the whole thing fit me like a second skin.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. Heading downstairs to escape their accusing glare, I step out the front door to find Myra and willow playing around on the new gym equipment. "Hello, girls." I laugh when they jump a little at the sound of my voice. "Uncle Sorrel." Willow turns on the charm, likely afraid that they''re going to be in trouble for playing where they shouldn''t be. "What is all this stuff?" "It''s to help me exercise." I smile at the little girl. "I feel like I''m too skinny and want to put on some muscle. But, it''s not very safe for you girls to be playing on. Just give me a minute and I''ll make you two something better." I quickly add before their faces fall any lower. Walking over to the side of the property closest to their house, I build them the playground set I wish I had when I was their age. A meter-high platform that can be reached via a climbing wall, a ramp with a knotted rope, or two ladders, one rope, one wooden. There''s a slide, of course, along with swings, a see-saw, and monkey bars. "Oh, they''ve already got you wrapped around their little fingers." Sophie laughs just as I''m covering the ground with an extra thick layer of clover. "How can anyone resist faces like those?" I chuckle ruefully. "Now, you girls be good and listen to your mother, alright. I need to go for a run, I''ll be back in an hour or so." "Yes, Uncle Sorrel." - "Thank you." They barely pause in their exploration to say that. Waving to them, I head for the front of the property. I''m just loosening up at the road when Flicker whinnies from her pen. "Hey, girl." I walk over and scratch the mare behind her ears. "You want to get some exercise too?" After freeing her from the enclosure, we head north up the road. I let her set the pace while I fiddle around with the music player in my head. At first, I tried [Run Forest, Run] my usual go-to playlist for running, but none of the songs were doing it for me. Looking through my old exercise playlists, I settle on [Get Pumped - Epic Soundtracks] and start it off with the Violin Orchestra from 300 by Jorge Quintero. That does the trick and soon I''m outpacing the horse. Even with all this extra weight, it seems I''m just built for speed. I don''t want to overwork Flicker though, so I add a parachute to the back of my suit, expanding it until I have trouble keeping up with her. I get a few odd looks from the farmers in their fields and the few people on the road, but the low burn in my legs is worth it. "Damn, Flicker. You can run." I set the playlist to switch to [Get Pumped - Metal] with Thunderstruck by AC/DC after the half-hour mark. "Damn, I can run." Looking back, I see that we''ve gone almost fifteen kilometers. "At this pace, I could cut half an hour off the world record for the marathon." Wheeling Flicker around, we head back for home. I''ve been cheating with magic to keep my muscles fresh, but she''s still good to go. I haven''t even had to cool her down thanks to the slight breeze coming off the river. It took us only slightly longer to return home, but that was only because I slowed us down for the last leg of the trip to give Flicker a chance to cool down. She seemed really happy for the run, so this will probably be part of our morning routine from now on. After we get back, I give her a quick brush down before feeding and watering her. Leaving Flicker to her oats; I check in on the lab, sensing that Melanie arrived sometime during our run. "Good, morning." I''m still riding that runner''s high, so I''m a bit peppy. "Hi, Sorrel... what are you wearing?" She goggles at my copper jogging suit. "I borrowed it from the guard." I give her a little twirl to show it off. "I''m as strong as a beastkin, so it takes a bit of extra work for me to add on muscle. I should probably add another layer or two since I was still able to outpace Flicker, but it''s my first time wearing it and I didn''t want to overdo things." "Okay, then." She just shakes her head with a laugh. "Speaking of clothing, the spinnerets that Edsel made are working great, but I''m going to need an assistant or two." "So, go ahead and hire some. Or, have you already spent all that money Amelia forked over?" I tease. "Heh. Not likely." She snorts. "I''m just not sure how to go about it, I''m used to being the help, or just working on my own." "Well, I can''t help you there." My brows pull into a slight frown. "I''m sure Amelia has experience hiring people but, since you''re working with dangerous chemicals, maybe you could ask Delainey or someone else in the guild to recommend someone." "I didn''t even think of that." She laughs at herself this time. "Are you sure you want me running all this? I''m beyond grateful for the opportunity, but there are a dozen better candidates in the guild." "Don''t be silly." I chide her. "You''re perfect for the job, don''t worry about getting everything perfect and just go at your own pace. I''ve already told you that this is just a side-project for me, so I don''t really care if it''s successful or not." "You are so strange." The alchemist sighs but looks relieved. "So, I''ve been told." I smile at her. "But, anyway, here are the dyes I made yesterday. I included a list of instructions with each one, but those are what we worked out for cotton and linen. So, they may need to be adjusted." "Oh, thank you." She starts sorting through the wooden jars. "I was able to acquire several commonly used mordants as well, so they may help out. Mhm, I think I may need that helper sooner rather than later." "Heh." A soft laugh slips loose from me. "We were planning to go shopping later, you''re welcome to catch a ride with us." "Yeah." She nods. "Let me know when you plan to leave and I''ll tag along." With a nod, I turn and leave her to it. Myra and Willow are still playing in their jungle gym and happily wave to me as I walk to the house. "Hey, girls." I greet the two lovelies that look to be just finishing up breakfast. "Are you still alive?" "No thanks to you." Apricot sticks her tongue out at me. "We''re still sore, even after the bath." "You''re welcome." I lick a bead of syrup from the corner of her lips before kissing her properly. "You up for another round before we go shopping?" "How can you be so chipper after running for an hour?" Amelia smiles at the pixie who''s now squirming as I kiss my way down her neck. "Because I just outran a horse even with all this stuff on." Over a hundred kilos of chainmaille starts falling away from me as I manipulate the underlying padding. "You picked a great one by the way. We covered a good thirty kilometers in just over an hour and I didn''t even have to help her." "Mmmnh." A soft moan escapes from Apricot''s lips when I switch from her neck to suckling on her earlobe. "Would you stop that? I''m trying to be angry with you right now." "Oh?" I breathe, ever-so-softly into her ear. "Is that why your hand is wrapped around my cock right now? To punish me for being a bad Plantkin?" "Fuck!" Her head snaps around to see what her hand has been doing without her knowledge. "Amelia, help." "Sorry, Sweetie." The blonde smirks at her. "You got yourself into that one all on your own." "Fine, just make it quick." She pants out when I start sucking on her ear again. I didn''t. I didn''t tarry, but I didn''t rush myself either. Spoiler: Spoiler +++ Apricot''s hand is still stroking me, so I decide to return the favor. Lifting up her skirt, I pull aside her white cotton panties and tease her already damp lips with a vine. "Nnh, please fuck me." Her grip on my shaft tightens when I teasingly probe her depths. "Are you sure?" I ask through teeth lightly clamped onto her earlobe. "I thought you were still sore." "I don''t care." A sudden shiver rocks through her slender frame. "I need you inside me, now!" Lifting her tight body out of the chair, I take her seat and move her to straddle me. The very tip of myself only just poking at her wetness. She struggles to lower herself onto me, but I easily hold her in place. "Beg me." I order, my voice little more than an animalistic growl. "Beg me to fuck you as hard and fast as I want. And, then heal you so I can do it all over again." "Nnh. Nng. Fuuck!" Another orgasm rips away whatever she was going to say when I plunge into her as soon as she opens her mouth. "Oh, fucking hell, Sorrel." Amelia gasps and starts to giggle as the feedback from their connection hits her, almost causing her to fall from the chair. "Do it! Please, fuck her brains out. Fuck our brains out." Grabbing Amelia, I manhandle her onto the kitchen island. Scattering the remains of their breakfast in the process. After ripping her clothes out of the way, I spin Apricot around. Bending her forward, she instantly latches onto the blonde''s dripping wet slit. Pistoning into the pixie as she licks her lover''s pussy, I''m able to bring her over the edge for a third and fourth time before succumbing to my own climax. Burying myself as deeply inside of her as I can before filling her with my seed. "Your turn." I stand and lock eyes with Amelia before laying the quivering mess of a pixie on her belly. She sucks me straight in when I shift from Apricot''s opening to hers. I can''t let the pixie off the hook so easily though, so I send my vines to tease between her legs as my hands knead her luscious breasts. Unfortunately, I don''t last long inside of Amelia. The first time she tightens around my still sensitive member is enough to drive me over the edge again. My wicked little water mage doesn''t seem to mind though, not if the dopey smile and aftershocks running through her body are any indicator. +++ "You..." My pixie rolls over and points at me with a shaky finger. "You are fucking evil." "You''re welcome." I bend forward and slip my tongue between her lips to trickle some healing sap directly into her mouth, Amelia gets the same a moment later. "Also, I think I need to pull the rest of the caffeine from the smoothies. I forgot how horny I get when I drink too much tea." I laugh darkly when she just glares at me. *** # 073 It only took a moment to clean up the mess I made, and get the three of us dressed. My clothes already fit a little tighter than before. Not enough that I need to let them out just yet, but I''m getting there. "Amelia." The pixie gets shakily to her feet. "Sorrel''s being mean." "Mmm. If that was him being mean, I''m not sure we would survive him being nice." She lets out a dark laugh at the pouting expression on Apricot''s face. "I''m still not sure I agree with all this exercise, but if this is one of the side benefits. Well, I think I can get used to it." "Huh?" I tilt my head to one side. "I don''t know if the exercise is responsible. I was a teenager the last time I worked out regularly, so everything made me horny. I wish I hadn''t stopped though, that way I wouldn''t have gotten fat and subsequently wouldn''t have made myself overly skinny when given the chance." "Maybe, but that way we wouldn''t get to enjoy the benefits." Amelia chortles when the pixie''s pout turns into a full-on glare. "You can set the pace next time, okay." I pull the winged woman to me. "But, I still say you deserve it for teasing me last night. Now, come here." I pick her up and start for the horse pen to get Flicker hitched up. "Not this again." She whines, but has a wide smile on her face. "Yes, this again." I stick my tongue out at her. "You only had me set you down for sex, that doesn''t count." "..." Her lips purse, but she doesn''t make me set her down. "Hey, what''s that?" She just caught sight of the little playground I made for the girls. "Oh, Myra and Willow were climbing all over the gym equipment when I went out for my run." I explain. "I didn''t want them to get hurt, so I made something a little safer for them to play in." "Aww." Amelia hugs me on my free side. "You are such a softie." "I know." I let out a deep, put-upon sigh. "And, don''t worry. I''ll make you something fun to play in later." I say to the puppy dog eyes Apricot has focused on me. "How is it that I''m the youngest one here, yet you two constantly act like children?" Amelia lets out a sigh of her own. "I don''t know about Sorrel, but it''s hard to reach a few hundred years of age without realizing that kids usually have the right approach." "I''m just happy to be alive." I prove it by kissing her full on the lips. "I''m not going to waste it by worrying about how I ''should'' act." "Wait, what?" The blonde stops in her tracks. "Sorrel did you know about this?" "Huh? Oh, her age?" I shrug. "Not exactly, but the Fae are magic. Barring accidents or violence, they live as long as they want." I only know this because I read up on them when VeeGee gave me the chance to pick my race. I didn''t check out every race, but pixies and their cousins were right at the top when I sorted by average lifetime. "Wow, I thought you were my age." She looks her lover up and down speculatively. "You''re not bad looking for someone old enough to be my great-however-many-times grandmother." "I am nobody''s grandmother." The winged woman huffs. "I''m not even anyone''s mother. I love kids, but... I don''t know. It just never felt like the right time." "Oh, Sweetie." I kiss away the shadow that covers her expression. "You''ll know when the time is right, and then you''ll tell me and I will pump as many babies into you as you want." I smile and kiss her again when she starts giggling. "Isn''t it a bit early to be talking babies?" The two of us start laughing harder at Amelia''s worried expression. "Don''t worry, Baby." I pull her close and kiss the worry off of her face. "We aren''t going to do anything until all of us are ready." I know I''m over-compensating for losing everything by diving into such a deep relationship so quickly. But, even I know that just two weeks in is a bit fucking early to be thinking about kids. "Good." Her head bobs up and down fervently. "Because I''m not." "Me either, honestly." Apricot agrees. "I know it''s still early." I say with a hint of gravitas. "And, that we need to make sure we all get along in the long term, but I do want a big family. Eventually. But, we have plenty of time for that." "He''s right." Apricot nods. "Since you''re sharing my magic, you''re probably sharing my lifespan too." "Even if you aren''t." My voice turns even more serious. "I have more than enough magic to keep you at whatever age you want for as long as you want." "Is that even possible?" His eyes go wide. "If I want it to be possible, then it will be." My words come out as a growl. "Sorry, that''s my darker side speaking." I take a deep breath and hold it for a moment. "It¡¯s okay, Babe." Her tight hug helps me relax. "I can''t know how it feels to go through what you did, but I think I understand what you''re feeling." "Thank you. I''ll try to work on my issues some more." My words come out in a shuddering breath. "But, I''m also serious about what I said. You''ve seen how skilled I am with nature magic, how I''ve improved over just a couple weeks, and what I can do after just a single lesson on healing magics. I''m not going to lose anyone else, not if it is even remotely within my power to save them." "Is everything alright out here?" Melanie pokes her head out of the workshop.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "Yeah, I''m just being dramatic." I laugh at myself, ignoring the twin looks the girls send my way. "You ready to head into town?" "Uh. Yeah?" She seems hesitant until Amelia smiles at her. "Everything is fine, we just touched on one of those heavy relationship topics." She reassures the alchemist. "I''m sure you and Ed will be having a few conversations like this soon enough... Well, maybe not exactly like this. Heheheh." She then starts giggling at the embarrassed look on Melanie''s face. "Does everyone know?" The poor woman practically whines out her question. "Oh, girl." Apricot tugs on my collar until I move closer so she can hug her. "It''s pretty obvious." "But, he''s almost ten years older than me." She whines again and glares at us when we just start snickering. "Sorry, sorry." I hold up a hand in surrender. "But, Amelia just found out that our little pixie is a few hundred years older than we are." "What, seriously?" Her eyes get so wide that they almost look like they''re going to pop out of her face. "Makes a mere decade seem insignificant." Amelia offers her a ''what can you do?'' type of shrug. "Come on, you can tell me all about him on the ride into town." She takes Mel¡¯s hand and pulls her into the carriage. "Yeah." Melanie nods with a little sigh before leaner closer to her and whispering. "But, uh, why is he carrying her around?" "Because he''s a pest." - "Because I can." Apricot and I talk over each other. "That sounds about right." Amelia smirks back at us. ... We drop Melanie off at the guild a few minutes later, and I''m glad to see that the street sweepers seem to have recovered enough to get back to work. I''ve already gotten into the habit of cleaning up after Flicker, though; no need to make more work for anyone when I can easily take care of it with a bit of magic. "So, where to first?" That simple question led to a whirlwind day of shopping. I lost track of all the shops we visited, especially with Apricot making us stop at every place that even looked like it might have sweets. But, at least I was able to get a complete kitchen set, no more using wooden plates and the same set of utensils for every meal. Amelia also showed me a couple of craft/fabric supply stores where I was able to pick up a bunch of beads and buttons. The stuff I can make now is good, but I can''t do much with metal and stone just yet. "Alright." I say after visiting the N''th furniture maker. "I think I''ve got a good idea of how I want to decorate now. There''s still one place I want to visit, but it''s on the way to your parents. Do you want to head there for dinner, maybe tease your brother about Ashley for a bit?" "Heheheh. Yeah, that sounds good." Amelia and Apricot each found a few knickknacks while we were shopping, though I think Amelia mostly picked hers just so she would have the chance to haggle. "I''m always up for more food." Apricot nods in my arms, I still haven''t set her down. "But, where do you want to go?" "Oh, I saw a temple earlier and I still haven''t thanked Temmie properly for backing me up the other day." I smile at her and Amelia, glad that they understood why I didn''t tell the whole truth right away. "I''d like to do something special for her, but aside from her sense of humor, I don''t really know much about her." "I don''t think any lunker does, not really." The pixie says in a hushed tone. "Let me tell you about the Goddess of Discord and what she did for all the dungeon Fae." "But, there is no goddess of discord." Amelia looks perplexed. "Heh! That''s her biggest joke." Apricot snorts. "She disagreed with her sphere of influence so much that she changed it, made it so that no other god or goddess could embody it either." "Oh, that''s awesome!" I laugh. "She was so discordant that she disagreed with herself." "Pretty much." Apricot''s smiles a fond smile for the goddess. "She couldn''t change herself completely though. That''s why she chose lewd jokes; they annoy as many people as they please." A happy smile gets directed toward Amelia at that. "But, she was able to free the dungeon Fae; pixies, fairies, and wisps, we all owe our lives to her. She gave up control of dungeons to Bill the god of magic, but not before freeing all of us." "Oh, sweetie." I hug her tight when a single tear leaks down her cheek. "I''m alright." She pats me on the arm. "It was long, long before even my time, but it''s sort of a racial memory. We all know deep in our hearts what it was like before our chains were broken." Amelia latches onto her from the other side and we just hold her like that for a moment. I know almost immediately what I want to do for the goddess, but hide the image in my mind behind a wall of funny cat pictures. ''No peeking Temmie. I want it to be a surprise.'' In response, I get the feeling that she''s sticking her tongue out at me. "I really am okay." Apricot laughs and tries, futilely, to squirm out of our grasp. "Fine, don''t let me go. But, I recognize that twinkle in your eyes. You''ve already thought up something good." "Maybe." I grin and start guiding Flicker to the temple I spotted earlier. "You''ll just have to wait and see." Once, there I pull out every bit of chocolate I have in storage out and see that it''s not going to be enough. Fortunately, the sun is still up, so I bring out the potted cacao tree and, as quickly as I can, make hundreds of kilograms of dark chocolate. "Remind me to talk to some dairy farmers." I say while holding the pixie back from the mountain of candy. "We''re going to need a steady source if we want to produce milk chocolate commercially." "Alright." Amelia nods. "But you''d better finish whatever it is you''re doing. Apricot looks like she''s about to snap." "Sorry, Sweetie." I chuckle. "But, all this is for Temmie. I''ll make you some more later." We''ve started to gather a small crowd, so I raise the table I''m working on up, so everyone can see. Not that they can see much just yet, I''m hiding the actual sculpture I''m making under a thin barrier of chocolate. I work as fast as I can; the magic guided by my memories, will, and intent. And, just as the first of the crowd are starting to look bored, I raise my voice, to call out. "An offering for the great goddess Temmie." The thin shell shatters to reveal my work. And, what an offering it is too; a nearly two meter-high, chocolate sculpture. Dark chocolate makes up most of it, but I used the lighter candies to add details and contrast. The first thing to draw the eye is Temmie riding a big black cock. Now, admittedly, the rooster itself does have something of a phallic look to it, but it is clearly just a cock. And sure, she may be stroking its head somewhat suggestively, but that''s just to encourage it. That''s far from the whole of the sculpture, though. In it, she and her mount are shattering a cage to free a flock of other birds. Peacocks, cockatoos, cockatiels, cockerels, cocks of the rock, snowcocks, woodcocks, woodpeckers, dickcissels, nuthatches, sapsuckers, shags, boobies, one mighty looking mustached flowerpiercer, and tits, oh-so-many tits. You know, just normal, every day, birds. No limpkins though, not in this group. The crowd''s reaction is a fairly even split between confusion, groans, and laughter. Though, the goddesses booming laughter makes everyone stand up a bit straighter. *Thank you Sorrel, I love it.* A large bite goes missing from the cock''s head before the whole sculpture vanishes into the aether. "Hahahah!" I can''t help but laugh, though most of the men in the crowd groan and wince at her little joke. "Were those all..." Amelia''s question trails off. "Every single one." I laugh even harder at the look on her face. "Not all of them translate properly, but at least half of them had the word cock in their name." "Why did I have to hook up with followers of Temmie?" She looks to the heavens as though expecting another god to answer her. "How do you even know that many birds? I thought plants were your thing." "Oh, plants would be too easy." I shake my head, just thinking about all the plants that look like or are named after genitals. "But, to answer your question, I was a bored teenager with nearly all the world''s knowledge at my fingertips. What else would I look up?" "Can we just go to my parents now?" She walks back to the carriage, several people in the crowd commiserating with her as she passes. Several more pat me on the back when I follow after her. ... # 74 "A mustached flowerpiercer, really?" Roddy asks incredulously. He became curious about what was up when the first thing Amelia did after arriving at their parents was to pour herself a large glass of wine. "If you think that''s bad, you should hear some of the names we had for marine life." I try not to laugh as his sister refills her glass. "Sure, there are low effort names like the wonderpus and the slippery dick, but the ones like the spiny lumpsucker and the tasseled wobbegong. Well, you just can''t make names like that up." "It''s alright, baby." Kaitlyn rubs her daughter''s back. "No one''s perfect, and there are much worse personality traits than to be a follower of Temmie." This just sets me and Apricot to giggling. "If it helps." I say after catching my breath. "My first thought was to animate a ten-meter tall version of Temmie and her mount, and have it walk through town." Even her family starts to laugh at the look that crosses Amelia''s face when she hears that. "Alright, enough teasing Amelia." Apricot comes to her rescue. "We came here to tease her brother. Did you know that Ashley is back in town?" "What?" - "Ashley?" His head perks up, but then his eyes go wide when his mom focuses on the girl''s name. "She''s a guardswoman that we met on the way back from Southwood." Amelia sets her glass down to twist the knife in her brother''s back. "I''m surprised he hasn''t mentioned her, they seemed to hit it off." "Her squad was heading north because of the bandits." I help fill in the puzzle for his parents. "We only shared the camp for a single night, but those two ''really'' seemed to get along." Turner is biting back his laughter while watching his son squirm as Kaitlyn focuses in on him like a laser. "She helped escort the guild shipment of mana stones back down." Amelia continues oh-so-helpfully. "Since she was on the road so long, they''re bound to give her several days to rest and recover before sending her back. So, there should be plenty of time for you to reconnect, maybe you could even invite her to dinner here. I''m sure Mom would love to meet her." Roddy glared at his sister before turning to their mother with a wide, if somewhat fake smile. "I''m not sure if she''ll be free, but I''ll try looking her up tomorrow." He''s careful to make no promises about bringing her about. Kaitlyn still grills him for a few minutes about Ashley and his love life in general. I end up feeling a bit bad for him, having gone through much the same from my mom. So, I help him out by distracting her. "Kaitlyn." I interject when she pauses the interrogation long enough to take a breath. "I forgot about it last time we were here, but I painted this picture of Rodrick and Amelia when we were on the road." I bring out the image of her fussing over his clothes by the fireside. "I thought you would like it, and perhaps a few more formal portraits." "Oh, it''s wonderful." She starts gushing over the drawing, and Roddy shoots me a grateful look. "You captured them perfectly. Even though she''s the younger child, Amelia would always fuss over her brother." "Would you like a family portrait with all four of you? It will only take a moment." I offer. "I just restocked my art supplies yesterday and I''m feeling a little artistic." "Well, maybe just of the kids." She hedges. "If it''s not too much trouble." "Nonsense." Turner smiles at his suddenly bashful wife. "We need some of you too." I quickly capture him coaxing her hesitant form forward with a beaming smile. "Oh, Mom we need one of you in that dress Daddy got you last fall." Amelia dashes upstairs and returns only a moment later carrying a double armful of clothing. It looks like she grabbed a couple of outfits for each of them.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. "No, that''s too much." The woman shakes her head vehemently. "I don''t even want to be in the picture in the first place, I''m not going to get changed for it." "That''s alright, Ma''am." I take the full-length, shimmery, silver dress from her daughter and hold it up to get a good look. "I can make it look just like you''re wearing it." "Thank you, Babe." Amelia stretches up on her tippy-toes to kiss me on the cheek. "Can you have us all in the formal clothes for this first one?" "Easily." I smile back at her and we all ignore the death-glares that Kaitlyn in filling the room with. At Turner''s prompting, they all stand in front of the fireplace for the first portrait. The parents in the middle with their grown children bracketing them. I doused their enchanted lights and played around a bit with my newly learned light spell to make the scene look like something out of a renaissance portrait. "The resemblance between you two is truly remarkable." I say when Kaitlyn refuses to loosen up. "If I didn''t know any better I would swear you are sisters." It may have been a bit heavy-handed, but the appeal to her vanity did the trick. I do my best to capture her shy smile, Turner''s loving eyes, and their children''s amused expressions. Once I have their faces and body language down, I call them over and will their clothes to take their place. "Eek." Kaitlyn jumps when her dress sits up from where I laid it. "Bloody magic!" "Hehehe. Sorry, Mom." Amelia apologizes for me. "You tend to get used to things moving about on their own when Sorrel''s around. But, look at it this way, now we get to watch him complete the rest of the portrait." She doesn''t look very happy, but Kaitlyn still watches with a hint of anticipation as the rest of the painting fills itself in. "Oh, Katey." Turner wraps his arms around his wife. "It''s perfect." While they stare entranced at the finish work; I stealthily start another drawing of just the two of them holding each other. Their expressions full of love and pride as they look upon what their family has grown into. "I want a copy of that one too, Sorrel. Please." Amelia''s pleading tone draws their attention to the new painting. "Of, course." I smile at the mixed expression on her mother''s face right now. It looks as though she wants to be angry, but is too happy at the moment for it to come out. "Now, why don''t you and Rodrick sit at the small couch with your parents standing behind you?" While they''re getting positioned, I speak so that only Apricot can hear me. "I know it hurts, but please bear with it for a while longer." Her head snaps around to me, a hint of panic in her eyes. "Shh, she hasn''t noticed, but your magic flares slightly when you try to hide your emotions." "Stupid, overly-sensitive, lunker." She rests her head against my shoulder as I paint the happy family. This silly pixie still hasn''t told us her whole story, but it''s not hard to see that she has lost just as much as I have, if not more. So, no matter how well she hides it, her pain is as clear to me as my own. I get one more picture, this time with just Amelia and Roddy before Kaitlyn decides to turn the tables on me. "I would love to have a portrait of the three of you." Her smile turns wicked. "Roddy, go help your father get the big mirror from our bedroom." "That shouldn''t be necessary." I smile back, calmly. "That first scouting spell that Nicholas showed me may not have been what I was looking for at the time, but it''s perfect for something like this." I cast Farsight with the target set as myself and Apricot. "That is perfect." The pixie''s stiff expression smoothes into a genuine smile. "Come on, Amelia. We can all sit together on the couch and make funny expressions while Sorrel tries to paint." "How about we do one silly picture with you in the middle, and one serious one with Amelia there." I counter with a laugh. "Hey, I''m not always serious." The blonde hmphs. "No, but I''m sure that your mother would rather see that than the three of us making faces." I pull her into a hug before settling us together on the couch. Amelia crosses her eyes and puffs out her cheeks, while Apricot puts on a serious face which looks sillier on her than anything else she could have done. I, on the other hand, just stick my tongue out, and out, and out, sending it in a loose spiral over and around my head to poke the top of Apricot''s. "Hey, no fair." Amelia whines. "Shapeshifting is cheating." "I''ll say." Her mother''s words were so unexpected that Amelia''s face just goes blank for a second before filling with shock. Roddy and Turner have matching expressions, but hers is the only one I care about as I lock it into the canvas. "Perfect." I chortle when the blonde''s face goes from shocked to embarrassed in record time as I show her the painting. We never did get the serious version of that painting, but Kaitlyn didn''t seem to mind. The woman kept teasing her daughter for the rest of the evening. So much so, that Amelia dragged us out of there as soon as dinner was finished. When we got back home, I made the executive decision to skip my second day of exercise to focus on my girls. I don''t know how much Amelia picked up on earlier, but she was happy to spend the lion''s share of our attention on Apricot. Not that my blushing beauty was left out though as there may have been some shapeshifting involved. *** # 075 "Mmm. Morning, Sweetie." I wake to find the pixie laying on my chest with Amelia sprawled out next to us, still snoring slightly in the pre-dawn light. "Hey." She shifts her head to look at me, letting me see the languid smile on her lips. "Thank you for last night... and for not asking." "You''ll tell us when you''re ready to." I stroke her hair with a hand while one of my vines traces slowly along her spine. "Don''t worry about it." "Thank you." She snuggles into me, making herself more comfortable. "Aren''t I still too boney?" I ask, worried that I don''t have enough cushion for her. "You''re fine, Sorrel." She snorts. "Well, this bit is a little pointy, but I don''t exactly mind." Her smile turns sly as she reaches between us to guide my length into her. Our gentle lovemaking is soon joined by Amelia, and the sun is fully risen by the time the three of us are satisfied. ... "So, are you joining us for the run too?." I ask Amelia while playing with her flaxen locks. "Uh, when exactly did I agree to go running with you?" Apricot cocks an angry eyebrow at me. "You still haven''t told me to set you down yet." I reply with a smirk, lifting her up so I can get into my chainmaille tracksuit. At the same time, I will fleece jogging clothes to knit themselves around her body; white with apricot-colored accents. "So, are you in? You can choose between me and Flicker as your mount. I can even make you a spiffy tracksuit to match." "Tempting." Amelia snorts. "But, how about I stay behind and get breakfast ready for when you two get back." "No fair." Apricot whines but doesn''t ask me to leave her behind. "Alright." I lean over so we can each kiss the lazy blonde. "I might go for a bit longer today to make up for skipping out last night." "I''ll be waiting." She pulls us back in for a deeper kiss before releasing us, watching us go with a lazy smile. "Okay, you need to step this up." The pixie growls as I carry her downstairs. "The sooner you''re happy with your body, the sooner we can stay in bed with that." "Nnh." That exhaled grunt is all the assent I let myself show, knowing that I''m a hairsbreadth from rushing back upstairs for round two. "..." The sight waiting for us when I open the door drives not just that, but nearly all thought from my head. "Sorrel!" Bruce jogs over, full of energy. He, Cobb, and almost a dozen other beastkin are doing warm-ups while taking turns tackling the climbing wall. "Great idea with the wall, I''m going to see if we can''t get one added to the barracks. And, sorry for just dropping by like this, but Derby told us about that weird sail you were running with yesterday." "Oh, the parachute, yeah." I nod and bring out the one I used yesterday, quickly duplicating it for each of them. "You guys want to join me for my run? I was planning for ninety minutes today." "We were hoping you''d ask." The big Foxman grins. "We aren''t on duty until noon, so ninety minutes is fine." "Alright, just belt these around your waists while I get Flicker." They all fall in line behind me as I go free the horse from her pen. "So, you''re all guardsmen?" "Mal here is retired, but he always joins us to exercise." Cobb answers. "Well, I hope you like running to music, and that you don''t mind a little bass." I hand the speaker box to Apricot and queue up my [Get Pumped - Bass] playlist, starting with The White Stripes ''Seven Nation Army''. Because what else would I start with when running with the army. "Hahaha, nice lyrics." Mal chuckles as we all settle in behind Flicker, letting her set the pace. "The song is actually about the artist dealing with fame and people gossiping about him." I explain. "But, it''s got a great beat and that''s good enough for me." We settle into the groove once Flicker gets warmed up and reaches her top speed. A couple of Gorillaz songs come up next while I''m fine-tuning everyone''s parachutes. Using magic to keep track of a dozen runners pushing their bodies to the max turns out to be a great way to exercise that part of me while working on my own body. I set ''Paint It, Black'' by The Stones to let me know when to turn back, only to have a few of the guardsmen say "What, already?" "Look how far we''ve come already." I chuckle and start handing out smoothies to everyone. "And, drink these. You''re riding that runner''s high right now, but you''ve been pushing yourselves to the max for the better part of an hour now." I''ve been helping out a little with magic, but these guys are just that tough. "Can we run with you every morning?" One of the younger ones, a catkin by the looks of it, pleads. "Yeah, seriously." A couple of others mutter their assent after sipping at the drinks. "For, the next week or two, sure. Though, I''m going to need to make more smoothies." I reply with a laugh after a big gulp of my drink. "We''re heading to the Capital for a bit after that. Now, come on! Or, are you going to let a twig of a Plantkin carrying a pixie on his back beat you to the farm?" I step it up a notch by increasing the surface area of all our chutes by ten percent which earns me a muttered "Gods, he''s worse than Sarge." from one of them. A few struggle to keep up, but a little magic to wash away their fatigue and muscle stress lets them find their second wind. But, even as much as I was pushing them, I was pushing myself that much harder. What they''re feeling now is not even half of what I''ve been putting my body through, though. If not for the magic speeding my growth and restoring the damage as it''s done, I''d be curled up in the middle of the road right now. ... "You know, I think I changed my mind about running with you every morning." The one who commented earlier pants out after we come to a stop. I may have increased the wind resistance and pace again when we were about halfway back. "Want another smoothie?" We all need another one after that. ""Yes, please."" About half the group beg for one, the others are too tired to do more than look pleadingly at me. I hand them out and then start shedding my copper carapace. "Wait, you were wearing the full set?" Cobb gapes when layer after layer vanishes, leaving only the under padding to preserve my modesty. "Not all of it." I shake my head. "Just three times my bodyweight, like I wore yesterday. I felt it was a bit light, but Apricot made up for that today." "Hahahaha." Bruce just cracks up laughing. "You''re supposed to triple your body weight, not add triple, plus a pixie. At least that''s what the rest of us do." Most of them aren''t even wearing that much; it looks like they only wore double today, likely planning to take it easy on me. "Mhm." I just shrug and move my top out of the way. "Triple my bodyweight isn''t exactly much right now. That, and I think I''m just built for running." I''m pretty sure that was a subtle joke on VeeGee''s part based on my fateful encounter with Truck-Kun. "Damn." Bruce swears, an envious look filling his face. "You''ve already filled out this much in just a day and a half?" "Wait! He was skinnier before?" The young guard''s mouth drops open. "Gee, thanks." I laugh and put my shirt back on. "I''ve been sucking down smoothies as fast as I safely can, but I suppose I did skip on last night''s workout. Though I was lifting Apricot all yesterday, so my arms at least got something." Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. "All that is just from what?" Cobb asks. "Two runs and just over an hour of overloading the main muscle groups." I reply with another shrug. "That was less than fun, it paid off, but it just hurts too much to do every day." "Plus using me as a barbell for two days straight." Apricot chimes in with a laugh. "You''re insane." Mal states and the rest nod their agreement. "You do tend to overdo things, Babe." Amelia says while walking over to us from the house. "You look fine as you are, there''s no need to push yourself, not this hard at least." "Maybe." I pull her in for a quick kiss. "But, the faster I get it over with, the faster I can spend lazy mornings in bed with you. I know I''m being silly, but it''s important to me to look the way I feel I should. Don''t worry though, I''ll dial it back to a more reasonable level soon." It turns out that dying because of body image issues doesn''t make them go away. "Alright." She shakes her head with a rueful smile on her lips and an understanding look in her eyes. "Now, why don''t you say goodbye to your friends so we can eat breakfast?" "That''s our cue boys." Bruce claps his hands and hops to his feet. The rest start groaning, but only until they actually move and find that all the pain and soreness they were expecting has vanished without their notice. "Hahahah. And, that is the only reason I''m letting him go forward with his crazy plan. I know some of you noticed that Cobb stepped up his curls a notch, that was all thanks to Sorrel." "You all can pester him later." Amelia laughs at the longing expressions they send my way. "But, we haven''t eaten yet and the two of us are starving." She tousles the pixie''s hair when a rumble escapes from her belly. "Sorry, boys." I say over my shoulder after scooping the blonde up and carrying her and Apricot to the house. "Your gains are just going to have to wait for another day." Bruce''s laughter overriding their collective grumbles. "You should have joined us." Apricot says when I plop us down in the breakfast nook. "It was funny watching Sorrel outpace all those guards who thought they''d have to take it easy on him." "You noticed their chainmaille was a bit light too?" I smirk while grabbing a stack of flapjacks from the platter Amelia just materialized. "Yeah, but I think those wind catchers of yours more than made up for it." She answers in-between bites. "Wind catchers?" Amelia raises an eyebrow and takes a sip of her tea. She really likes that matcha I made. "Parachutes." I reply with the proper name. "Is that Zerassian?" She tilts her head to one side. "Wait, I think I know that. It''s something like falling armor, or protection from falls, something like that." "Okay. So, Gift of Tongues can give me foreign translations for foreign words, but it can''t handle scientific jargon?" I purse my lips in annoyance. "And, the second one is correct." I make a small chute attached to a wooden ball and toss it up to the ceiling so they can see how it works. "Um, why would your people need something like that?" Amelia asks with a nervous gulp. "I think you know why." My lips morph into an amused smile when she blanches at the thought. "The basic idea has been around for centuries, but it didn''t really ''take off'' -hehe- until around a hundred years ago when various aircraft and flying machines started to become common. But, I''m sure some air mage came up with the same idea here ages ago." "And, I''m sure the people of your world are crazy." She shakes her head and starts back in on her meal. "Not everyone is afraid of heights Amelia." Apricot looks like she''s trying not to roll her eyes. "Fears are rarely rational, Sweetie." I rub the small of her back. "I mean, just look at me. If anyone has reason to be afraid of heights, it me but I still want to build an aircraft." "Hmm?" They both look at me in confusion. "Oh, I guess I never mentioned it." I shrug and start telling them about all of my deaths. "I wasn''t just ripped apart by wolves. I also died to clumsy fathers, malicious nurses, one improvised surgery gone horribly wrong, and when one particularly stupid woman who thought it would be a great idea to jump out of an airplane and give birth in mid-air." Their faces get paler and more shocked as I speak. "Oh, Baby." - "Sorrel." They cling to me, twin looks of worry plastered on their faces. "Shhh." I hug them back, gently rubbing my vines up and down their spine. "It''s in the past now." "But..." "No buts." I seal Amelia''s lips with a kiss. "I won''t say its okay, because it''s not. But, I am dealing with it. Now, eat up before your pancakes get all soggy." "You stupid, stubborn, lunker." Apricot swats me on the arm. "Just let us worry about you." "Can I eat while you do that?" I stick my tongue out at her. "I don''t want mine to get soggy either." "You''re insufferable. You know that, right?" Amelia hits me on the other arm. "Not as insufferable as soggy pancakes." I keep my vines wrapped around their waists, but move my hands back to the silverware. Its actual silver too, we have the money and magic makes cleaning a snap, so I figured why not. "Nng." She just growls and starts shoveling the food into her mouth. "So, are you looking forward to catching up with Helen at lunch?" I blatantly change the subject when she pauses to wash down a bite with some tea. The wine shop was one of the many places we stopped at yesterday. Helen was too busy dealing with customers to chat, so they made a lunch date. "..." Amelia glares at me before answering. "Yes, it''s been months since we got together. And, this time, instead of me listening to her complain about her boyfriend, she can listen to me complain about mine." "Hah!" Apricot almost chokes on her juice at the blonde''s remark. "Heheheh." I just chuckle and squeeze her a little tighter. "Well, before you go badmouthing me, do you want to help decorate? I''m already tired of the place-holder furniture I setup." "Mhm." She nods before shaking her head. "I agree, but I want to go through those magic primers we picked up. It will be nice to have the place look a little less plain, though." "What? Isn''t the mana node nightlight classy enough for you?" I joke. "I still can''t believe you were serious about that." She shakes her head and finishes up the last scraps on her plate. "Give me the music box, I''m going to sit in the patio." "Here, you go." I set it on the table and pull her in for a syrupy kiss. "And, thank you for not pushing. Come on, Apricot. I want to go meet Melanie''s new helper before we get started." I sensed she had another person in the lab with her when we got back from the run. Amelia mutters "Stupid, stubborn, man." under her breath and gets up from the table. "Maybe, but I''m your stupid, stubborn, man." I stick my tongue out at her before saying. "I love you." "You too." She rolls her eyes and moves into the patio. "It''s okay to talk about it... when you''re ready, that is." Apricot adds quickly when I raise my eyebrow at her and the story she still hasn''t shared. "When ''I''m'' ready." I nod and head for the door. *** # 076 "Ah, Mister Sorrel." The young-looking guardsman was sitting on one of the benches looking nervous. As soon as he sees me he hops up and rushes closer. "Oh, hello, uh... I''m sorry, I never got your name. I meant to stay behind and chat with everyone, but if you''d ever met a hungry pixie you''d know why I moved to get her fed." "Hey!" The pixie in question bops me on the head, earning herself a kiss in return. "It''s Mark, Sir." The catkin guard clears his throat with an embarrassed flush. "And, it''s alright, we all did stop by unannounced after all. But, the reason I stayed behind was to apologize for my earlier remark. What I said was out of line." "Mhm. Well, I won''t say it''s alright, but it is understandable." I reply. "Honestly, I''ve taken poor care of my body for years now and when I learned shapeshifting, I chose to use that instead of properly shaping my body. The words of a lizardkin made me realize that I need to be comfortable showing my real face. Well, that and Amelia really likes tall guys... not to mention Apricot''s giant fetish." "Snerk." Apricot nearly chokes on the snort of a laugh that erupts from her unexpectedly. "Says the guy with a mini-girl fetish." She shrinks down. The tiny woman disappears inside her tracksuit just long enough to pull on a dress before flying back out to land on my head. Her heels drum on my forehead as Mark stares with a look of shock, intrigue, and even more embarrassment filling his face. "..." His mouth flops open for a moment before he snaps it closed and shakes his head to clear the errant thoughts away. "Thank you for understanding, but I still shouldn''t have said that. Every beastkin knows how difficult it can be to keep your body in decent shape." "Don''t worry about it." I smile and step forward to clap him on the shoulder. "Say, if you''re free for a bit, I could use some help." I bring out the resistance bands I made. "See, I made these but I never really used resistance bands back home. I''m especially interested in finding a better way to work my core than adding weights while doing abdominal and back exercises." "You aren''t the only one." He nods. "The battle ropes are okay if you use the right stance, but I always feel like I''m being crushed when working my abs. And, yeah. I''m free until noon." "Well, alright then." I hand over the over-sized rubber bands and start walking over to the alchemy lab. "I just need to go check in on Melanie and see how her new helper is working out, and if they need anything." "These are amazing." Mark starts playing around with the elastic. "How did you make them?" "Follow me and find out." I laugh when he eagerly falls into step. ... "Hello, Melanie." I greet the alchemist after knocking on the door to the lab. "How''s it going?" "Morning Sorrel." She looks up from showing her new helper how to work one of the magical apparatuses that I didn''t understand. "Allow me to introduce my new apprentice, Catherine." The girl, for that''s what she clearly is -now that I can see more than just a hunched over form- turns around and offers me a shy smile. She looks to be around twelve, a tall twelve, but still twelve. Though, I could be off, if the slightly pointed ears that I just spotted in her curly, shoulder-length, brown hair are indicative of an elven ancestry. "Just Cat, please." She ducks her head. "Welcome aboard, Cat." I send a smile at the shy feline. "This is Apricot." I try to look straight up without tilting my head too far and spilling the pixie off of her perch. "And, Mark, a guardsman who is helping me test the best way to exercise with the resistance bands. Mark, this is Melanie, the alchemist who''s doing all the hard work so I don''t have to." "Actually, Cat will be doing most of it now." Melanie lets out a soft laugh. "Well, once I get her trained up on the basics, that is." "I suppose that is what apprentices are for." I return her laugh with one of my own. "But, I thought you were just going to find a helper." "That was the plan." She nods. "But, Cat just turned thirteen and has been trying to get an apprenticeship for a while now. And, well, Delainey and Elliot talked me into it."The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "Nice to meet you, Ma''am, Miss." Mark bows stiffly earning a titter from the pixie sitting on my head. "Hi, Cat." It feels like she''s waving her arm exaggeratedly. "Welcome to Apricot rubbers. As you can see, I''m the one on top here." "Oh, really?" I rebut. "I seem to recall that you prefer ''working'' underneath me." Apricot and Temmie laugh when Mark and Cat blush matching shades of pink. Melanie just rolls her eyes though, seemingly already inured to my nonsense. "Well, I can see you''re busy here." I motion to whatever it was they were doing. "But, I just wanted to introduce myself and see if you needed anything." "Now that you mention it." Melanie gestures to the rubber mixer. "You said you were going to work on enchanting this, or setting up a water wheel, or something. We''ve both tried and can barely manage ten minutes on it before our legs feel like they''re going to fall off." "Mhm." I frown slightly at the mixer. "I still need to work on my enchanting, but I might be able to manage a waterwheel. We need to hire a proper machinist though." I start playing with some wood, trying to figure out how to build a turbine. "Uh, I might be able to help." Mark speaks up. "My pa works in a mill, and his friend used to build and maintain all the equipment for the place until he retired to be a clockmaker. But, Old Sinclair was complaining about business the last time he was over for dinner." "Not surprising." I exhale a stream of air. "I was looking at some yesterday and the prices were... kinda high." I almost said ''fucking insane'' before I remembered there was a kid in the room. "You still bought one though." Apricot bops my forehead. "Amelia loved the haggle, but even she thought it was a waste of money." "Probably." I shrug one shoulder. "But, Mom always had a clock in her room and that one reminded me of it." I haven''t set it up yet, but I plan for it to go on the mantle in the living room. "Which shop did you buy it from?" The beastkin asks. "Oh, it was just down the road from Melanie''s old shop..." I give him the address. "That wasn''t Sinclair''s, but I''m pretty sure he was complaining about them." He chuckles. "I pretty much quit listening after the first rant. But, anyways his shop is further west, just off the main road out of the docks." "Ah, yeah." I nod. "We passed by there, but I''d already gotten the clock, so we didn''t stop in. I''ll go talk to him after we drop Amelia off later, but I''ll keep working on this in the meantime." I bounce the wood in my hand. "Come on, Mark. Since they''re busy, I''ll show you the flashy way to make rubber." "Actually, could you make a couple barrels of the raw latex for us?" Melanie asks. "I still have enough sheets, but I want to try playing around with the liquid." "No problem, I should restock anyways, I used most of mine making parts for the sprayers." I start heading back outside. "Can we go watch?" Catherine asks in a quiet voice. "Oh, we might as well." Her master answers with a laugh. "The sooner you get used to the way Sorrel does thing, the better." "Hahahaha!" Apricot cracks up and nearly tumbles off of my head from laughing so hard. "Oh, she''s already got you pegged." "..." I don''t say anything and just keep walking outside. Once there, I pull Blackthorne from my waist, where I''ve taken to wearing him like a sword. The clover in a wide area around us decomposes into the soil as soon as I tap the ground with my cane. A single potted dandelion is then pulled from storage. It blooms before our eyes, its seeds fly up to circle around Apricot before spreading evenly out over the newly bare field. Those seeds quickly grow and reproduce, soon filling the entire area in a carpet of yellow flowers. "That reminds me, I still need to make that wine." I go ahead and collect all the petals from all of these too. "I didn''t save the fructose the other night, but if the guards are running with me I need to make more smoothies anyways." I get three blanks looks and a titter rings out from on top of my head. "Don''t look to me for help." Apricot laughs even louder when they stare at her. "His explanation just made me even more confused. And, what were you thinking, wasting sugar like that?" "White sugar is two simple sugars stuck together." I explain while trying not to roll my eyes. "Glucose, which your body uses naturally and fructose- "Which you threw away." Apricot says that like I threw out a bar of gold. "Which needs to be processed by your liver first." I continue. "And, which I discarded because it''s not good for you to eat a lot of. The yeast should handle it just fine though, but I collected more petals so I could experiment. Now, hush, I''m trying to concentrate here." What I''m trying to do is pull the latex directly out of the plants. Unfortunately, unlike carbon black which has a simple basic component. Latex is a bit of a mess, so all I''m getting is a headache. "Want me to go get Amelia?" Apricot teases. "I''m sure she could manage." "Nng." I grumble before letting out a defeated sigh. "No need to bother her while she''s studying, I''ll just do it the hard way." I tap the ground again and all the flowers start pulling themselves from the soil. "Uh, what''s going on?" Catherine barely squeaks out her question. "Sorrel invented an amazing spell." Apricot trills. "But, he can''t use it to the fullest because of the way he thinks." "You were trying to draw the sap directly." Melanie''s eyes light up when she works it out. "Yes." I huff while washing the roots off. "I managed the lampblack and I''ll manage this too... eventually." This statement earns me another round of laughter from the pixie sitting in my hair. "Oh, gods." Breathy laughter escapes from the alchemist''s lips. "You have no idea how good it is to hear that you aren''t perfect at everything." "..." I look crosswise at her and shake my head. "Please, I get enough teasing from her and Amelia as it is." I point my thumb at the pest that is holding onto my hair trying not to fall off of my head as she deals with a giggle fit. # 077 Mark and Cat still seem confused, but I put them out of my mind and focus on straining the sap from the now pulped dandelions. Melanie soon has her two barrels, and I have several more just starting to curdle. "We should probably run this through a centrifuge before making gloves with it." I comment after setting the barrels next to Melanie. "At least until I breakthrough my imagery block. But, eh, the balloons turned out alright. So, it should be good enough for now." "Centrifuge?" Melanie asks while struggling to shift a barrel. "Sorry, let me fix that." I morph each barrel into eight smaller casks which she then slowly starts putting away in her storage. "And, a centrifuge just spins stuff around really fast to separate out its components by weight." "What''s a balloon?" Cat looks between her master and me in confusion. "This is a balloon." Apricot flies up and drops a water balloon right on my head. "Ahh-ah-aah." I start shivering and quickly run the heating spell over my whole body to warm up after being doused in what felt like liquid nitrogen. "Okay, I''ll admit I deserved that. But, I said ice water, that was a lot colder than just ice water." "Heheheh. That''s what you get for trying to prank the queen of pranks." She chortles, but settles back down on my now dry head. "Whatever." I roll my eyes and start wringing the moisture from the now curdled rubber. "And, I''ll try making a centrifuge later, after I figure out a working turbine." "Is it always going to be like this around here?" The apprentice asks as the cured rubber sheets start vanishing. "Pretty much." I tap the ground again and clover rolls in like a wave to cover the bare earth. "And, sorry Mark, it looks like you''ll have to wait a moment for the rest of the show." I turn my attention to a wagon that just pulled to a stop just meters from us. "Oh, that must be Claude." Melanie says. "Ed told me he''d be dropping by personally to deliver your windows as thanks for making it so that he wouldn''t need to import sand anymore." "Right, and right." An energetic middle-aged man hops down from the driver¡¯s seat and rushes forward to shake my hand. "I am Claude and I do have your windows. I have no idea how to thank you properly though; I nearly fainted when Edsel drew out the perfect sand for glass from common soil." "Well, could you teach me the basics of glassmaking?" I ask. "I need to get those sprinklers built before the fire chief finds out about them." I send a look straight up to the prankster pixie. "Gladly, gladly." The man claps his hands together. "Just let me get your windows unloaded, I included enough extra to outfit your workshop too." "No need." I gesture at the wagon with Blackthorne and the crates on it vanish into storage. One reappearing in my vines, where I crack it open and remove the padding to see the glass inside. "Oh, these are perfect, thank you." "Nng." I look over at Melanie when she growls. Her eye is twitching and she still hasn''t finished storing all the casks I gave her. "You know, most people need to be touching something to use that spell." "Why?" I smirk back at her. "All you need to do is permeate the item you want to store with your magic. Sure, being closer helps, but there''s no need to actually touch it." "He''s just so infuriatingly sexy with his attitude towards magic." Apricot sighs. "Even I didn''t think to use my inventory at a distance until I first saw him do it with storage." "Is that what yours is called?" I''ve been curious about it because it feels so similar to storage, yet subtly different. "And, I only figured it out after you showed me that trick with the stuck arrow. So, if you want to whine, whine at yourself." "Hah!" She snorts and slaps the top of my head. "And, yes. Inventory is basically storage, but easier to sort. You can put everything in its own space instead of having it all in one area. I could show you if you want." "Maybe later." I reach a hand up to her and hug the winged woman with the tendrils growing from the back of it. "I have so much crap in there that it would take forever just to shift it over." "I thought Ed was exaggerating your skill at magic, but wow." Claude has expression under better control than Mark or Cat, but more than a bit of his admiration leaks through in his voice. "It''s all thanks to my teachers." I send a tendril up to tousle her hair. "Oh, hush." She swats the tiny vine away. "And, quit messing up my hair." "I''m not sure you could mess up that mop." I tease. "But, if you don''t want me playing with your hair, then I won''t play with your hair." I send the tendril to tickle her instead. "Alright, where were we? Oh, yeah. Rubber and glass. Claude, would you be kind enough to tell me the basics while I mix up what''s needed for what I''m working on." "Of course." He bows slightly. "There are a lot of different recipes for different colors, but basic clear glass is just white sand, salt ash to lower the melting temperature, and lime so that it won''t melt when it gets wet."This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "Oh, yeah." I snap my fingers. "I remember reading about that somewhere. But, say I don''t have or want to waste the fillers, can I use pure silica? Just how hot does it need to be? I can smelt aluminum, but it takes a good chunk of mana to do so." "Yes... and it''s uh..." He swallows his saliva. "Not quite that hot, but not far off." "Mhm." I grumble while kneading the rubber mixture together. "Apricot, would you please ask Amelia if her books have any electric spells?" "There¡¯s a joke spell that lets you zap someone." She answers right away. "We were planning to prank you with it later. Why?" "Lucky me." I deadpan. "But, that should be enough for me to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. They burn more than hot enough to smelt aluminum. Hells, I think it was used for platinum. But, platinum is not a plant, so I''m not really sure." "You''re just not happy unless you break someone''s brain at least once a day, are you?" Apricot flies down to hover in front of my nose. "Oh, come on." I roll my eyes with a huff. "I''m sure that Melanie and even Cat knows not to add iron to acid anywhere near an open flame. Zapping water is just another way of making the same gas." "I haven''t started teaching her about acids yet." Melanie states. "But, you''re right. That gas does burn, usually explosively so. But, I''ve never heard of using electromancy on water to produce it." "I''ll show you later, once I learn that spell and a couple others I''ll need." I smile and then turn to her young apprentice. "And, you. No blowing up the lab while trying to copy one of my stupid stunts. Please." "We should probably make that rule number one." Melanie nods exuberantly while Apricot lands on my shoulder. I think she chose to land there just so I can see the dirty looks she keeps shooting me. "One: No explosions, period. Two: no copying Sorrel, not without proper supervision, at least." "Hey, I always put safety first." I grumble. "True, but you also have the magic to back it up when something goes wrong." She counters. "Like a hydrogen explosion for example." "Fair." I nod, but now all I can think of is filling a balloon with hydrogen and setting it off. "Maybe ''no copying Sorrel'' should be rule one." Apricot says. She knows what that twinkle in my eye means. "Says the woman who wants me to build her a ballista." I counter "I''m still waiting on that, by the way." She smirks. "But, I''m a grown woman, Cat is an impressionable teenager, and you. Well, you do tend to leave an impression." "Point taken." I send her a nod of respect. "I promise not to do anything truly dangerous around the youngsters. I need to learn a sound muffling spell first, anyways. No need to startle all the neighbors just because I want to blow stuff up for fun." "Come on, Catherine." Melanie takes her apprentice by the arm. "Let''s get back to work before he makes any more of an impression." "You are such a butt." Apricot punches my earlobe. "I know." I smile back at her. "But, you know I''m as protective of kids as you are. And, it''s not every day I get the chance to tease you." "You''re still a butt." She humphs. "Love you too." I smirk when she bats my ear again. "So, back to glass. You need to cool it slowly after it¡¯s formed, or it will shatter, right?" I recall that from some half-remembered episode of ''How it''s Made''. "Yes." The glassmaker nods, still looking a bit overwhelmed, but happy to be back in familiar territory. "May I ask what exactly you want to make?" "Of course. Just uh, don''t let Adriana find out until I have a working product." I say nervously. "Apparently, the only reason she isn''t hounding me for fire hoses is because they won''t be of any use until the new several kilometer-long water pipes are built." I feel a little bad for Ed and whoever else she drags into that project. I carve a wooden model of a fire sprinkler. I even simulate the ''glass'' shattering when I light a fire underneath it. "These, on the other hand, could be implemented right now with just some minor plumbing work." I explain. "See, the bit that I broke away will be made from glass filled with liquid that will expand and shatter it when it gets too hot." "That... wow." He looks the model over with increased scrutiny. "What a clever way to fight fires." "Mhm." I shrug the shoulder Apricot isn''t sitting on. "They''re common where I came from, so they came straight to mind when the Baron asked if I had any other ideas like the hoses and extinguishers. He''s the one who recommended I have a working product to show before letting the fire chief know about it." "Hmm, you should probably use regular glass for these ampoules." Claude nods to himself. "Fused quartz is stronger and will, therefore, need the liquid inside to be much warmer before it breaks. What were you planning to fill them with? I feel like I might give it a go myself." "That would be fantastic." My head bobs up and down exuberantly. "Magic makes up for a lot, but glassmaking is just a little bit outside my area of expertise. And, I was probably just going to use alcohol. The tiny amount inside an ampoule isn''t going to make any difference to a fire hot enough to break it. I''d be happy to provide whatever supplies you need." "Thank you, but Edsel has already offered to provide me with all the quartz sand I could ever use." He quits shaking his head and starts smile. "I have everything else I''ll need, including the alcohol. If you don''t mind, I think I''d like to go give it a try." "Of course." I offer him a bow. "And, thank you. Knowing that a master is on the job takes a lot of the weight off of my shoulders. I''ll still give it a go myself, but now I can focus on learning a new skill instead of just worrying about the finished product." "Then let me welcome you in advance to the art of glassmaking." He returns my bow before heading to his wagon. "And, thank you again for showing Edsel that spell." "So..." Mark draws out the work after Claude leaves. "Explosions and Ballista? It''s probably a good thing that you''re friends with the Baron." "They''re meant purely for entertainment purposes, I assure you." Saying this with a straight face earns a snort from both him and Apricot. "Alright, back to the resistance bands?" I mold the batch of rubber into several different lengths and diameters before curing it. Once they''re ready, I add handles and a fabric sheath just in case the rubber snaps. I have a few more ideas to try out later. But, now that the glass is here, I want to install it and finish decorating the house. "Here, I made extras so the rest of the guards can play around with them too." I make a bag to hold them all. "Now, I hope you don''t mind, but I had planned to finish decorating the house this morning." "Of course." He accepts the bag with a bow. "Thank you for this, and sorry again for earlier." "Like I said, don''t worry about it." I say with a smile and then watch as he jogs back to the city. "Oh, boy. What next?" I chuckle ruefully, thinking of how the simple task of checking on Melanie got sidetracked and ended up taking over a good chunk of my morning. "Next you make some furniture for me to nap on. Just watching you work is tiring." My pixie says with a laugh, shifting back to human-size as soon as the door is closed behind us. "And, you don''t need to carry me around anymore. I think you running that race with me on your back proved your point." She adds when I go to scoop her up again. "Aww." I pout until she bops me on the head. "Alright, but I don''t want you thinking that we don''t need you anymore." I pick Apricot up despite her protests and give her a slow, sensuous kiss. "I love you, you crazy little thing and I know that I would be a lot worse off without you." *** # 078 I spent the next couple of hours walking around with a naked pixie in my arms while I updated to look of the house. Everything went from plain to homey, yet stylish, and I finally added some color to the walls. Including quite a bit of apricot in the guest bedroom, much to the pixie''s amusement. "You ready to head into town?" I ask Amelia when the clock on the mantle tells me what my senses connected to the plants already informed me of. "It''s almost time for lunch." "Yes." She answers with a smile and then a laugh when she sees the naked pixie in my arms. "But, you and Apricot might want to get dressed. The house looks amazing, by the way." While Amelia''s taking a quick tour, I quickly change my clothes before setting Apricot on the ground and dress her by hand. "You do know that I can do this myself, right?" She says but doesn''t stop me, she certainly doesn''t complain about the liberties I take while placing every article of clothing on her supple body. "Really?" I ask with a smirk while setting her breasts into a t-shirt bra. "Because I''m pretty sure Amelia still needs to help you with these." My smirk grows into a grin at the look that crosses her face. "Nng, she''s had half her life to get used to these damned contraptions." The pixie''s grumbles draws a laugh from Amelia when she steps back downstairs. "Oh, what a pretty outfit." Amelia coos when I slip Apricot into the rest of her clothes. A scoop-necked white tee with lacy short sleeves over a knee-length floral skirt full of Apricot blossoms. "Don''t you think the skirt is a bit too on the nose though?" Apricot says while giving a twirl to make it flare out. "Oh, don''t even try to pretend you don''t like it when he makes a pun about your name." Amelia wraps her arms around her winged lover. "I can feel what you feel, remember. And, it really is a cute skirt." She kisses the pouting pixie. "Let''s get Flicker hitched up." I take one of Apricot''s hands, leaving the other for Amelia. "One of the guards gave me a lead on a machinist that I want to talk to while you''re catching up with Helen." "You''re still going to see Elise though, right?" The blonde immediately brings out her worried voice. "Yes, dear." I fight not to sigh. "I''ve been wanting to check out her clinic anyways, get a chance to see the spells being used by a professional." "You know I can''t help but worry." She steps in front of me, putting her hand on my chest. "I know." I cover her hand with one of my own. "And I''m sorry for snapping, but it really is safe. And, as you can see, it''s already working; I had to let my jeans out when I put them on and would have with the shirt too if I hadn''t picked a looser one." "You can play with his muscles later." Apricot trills out a laugh. "I''ll make sure that Elise gives him a total checkup, but he''s right. I''ve been watching closely and there doesn''t seem to be any side effects, not for him or any of the guards today." "I know." Amelia parrots my words. "But, I''m still going to worry until he''s finished pushing himself so hard. And, then..." She licks her lips while trailing her hand down my abs. "I think I''m going to enjoy myself." I almost pull her back to me when she turns away, but the knowledge that she hasn''t seen her friend for months keep me from making her very late for their lunch. She looks back over her shoulder with a smirk for the pants that I now wish I had let out a little more. ... It was a very uncomfortable ride into town after that. The two of them took turns teasing me the whole way there. They only stopped when I threatened to take Amelia right there in the middle of the road. Apricot was all for it, but Amelia''s shyness quickly won out causing her to back off. "Fine, you win this round." The blonde humphs. "But, Apricot isn''t going to be relieving you of that frustration. Not without me, and not until tonight... if you''re lucky. Just consider it a little bit of payback." "Now that is playing dirty." My whole body shivers when I wrestle control back from my frustrated sex drive. "But, you should remember that while she can''t help me out, the restriction doesn''t go both ways... unlike your bond. Have a fun lunch." I laugh wickedly and grab the pixie before jumping off of the carriage.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. "Hahahahahaha." Apricot''s laughter fills the streets as I dash away. "Oh, she is going to get you good for that." She comments once I slow down after putting a few blocks between us and Amelia. "Turnabout is just fair play." I say innocently. "Now where was Sinclair''s shop at? I got a little twisted about during the run." I shift apricot into a piggyback carry and start walking generally west based on the position of the sun, hoping to find a familiar landmark on the way. "The street is a few blocks further south from here." Apricot answers. "You''re heading in the right direction, so I''ll tell you when we get closer. Just -aah ah- keep -ah- going." "Don''t worry, I''ll get you there." Both of my hands may be visible, but my vines are currently covered by her skirt. So, this piggyback ride is not quite as innocent as it appears. "Ah-Aaah-oh-oh-ohhh!" Apricot shudders and struggles to control her voice as my tentacles tease her. "Oh, gods. Amelia''s going to kill you, you know that right? But, -Nnh- please don''t stop." "We''re lucky this side-street doesn''t have a lot of traffic on it." I dial back the intensity just enough to keep her, and consequently Amelia, right on the edge. "But, one of us really should learn a soundproofing spell." ... "Hey, Sweetie." I ease up on her a little when I notice the buildings have started to look a bit shabbier than before. "I think we missed our turn." "And, whose fault do you think that is?" Apricot pants out. "Yeah, well." I shrug, not at all apologetic. "The thing is, I think we''re about to get mugged. Do you want to punish them for interrupting your fun, or shall I just make the lot of them go to sleep?" I speak loudly enough for the poorly hidden thugs to hear. "Nng, fucking lunkers!" She spits out the oath and starts berating the would-be thieves who are not only stupid enough not to just run away but actually step out to confront us. "Way to ruin the mood, you assholes. I''d kick all of your asses... if I could walk right now." "Shut the..." The lead thug, a greasy, little, weasel of a character clutches his throat when I seize control of his vocal cords. Preventing whatever garbage he was about to spew from spilling out. "Look, I don''t particularly want to waste my time by dragging you four off to the guards." I say with a sigh. "But, stupidity of this magnitude deserves to be punished." I force their clothes to make them walk behind me as I head for the main street and, hopefully, a guard patrol. We make a strange sight; a Plantkin giving a pixie a piggyback ride as four panicking, yet oddly silent toughs shuffle along behind us. Despite struggling with all their might, they can''t escape their clothing. "Oh, man." I hang my head as a thought hits. "Amelia''s either going to laugh her ass off, or get even more worried when she hears about this." "Oh, she''s laughing her ass off." Apricot adds a few chuckles of her own. "Says you deserve it for trying to ruin her lunch. Look, some guards are coming around the corner over there." She points over my shoulder. "Thank goodness." I heave out a sigh and pick up the pace. "There is not nearly enough plant life around for me to keep this stunt up for much longer. Excuse me, Guardsman. Oh, hey... I''m sorry I didn''t get your name earlier." The guard on my left was one of my running partners this morning. "It''s Leon, this is my partner Ilyssa." The dog-kin named Leon replies with a laugh directed at the street rats. They''ve gone from panicked, to resigned, even grateful to see the guard and be free from this torment. "What uh, seems to be the problem? Heheh." "Attempted mugging." I explain, dropping the four thug''s knives to the ground. They tried to throw them away when I first mentioned the guards, but I just had their shirts grab onto the weapons. "We got lost looking for a shop and these four ''gentlemen'' offered to ''point'' us in the right direction." "What did you do to them, why aren''t they saying anything?" Ilyssa asks with a gulp. "I''ve stopped their voice boxes from working." I explain with a glare over my shoulder at their leader. "I''m going to release it now, but they are going to remain civil, or it might just become permanent." I wait until they all nod before dropping the spells, they don''t even try to run or say anything beyond a simple test to see if they can speak again. The four of them just sag in relief at not being held captive by their own clothing. "I''m sorry to bother you two with this." I say as the guards start tying the thugs¡¯ wrists together behind their backs. "I tried warning these idiots away, but... well, I don''t know what they were thinking, if they even were." This statement earns me a few glares, but not one of them dares even open their mouths. "A common problem with their sort." Leon replies. "I don''t recognize these four, do you, Ilyssa?" "Probably got chased out of Cendassa." She shakes her head. "A pint says they came over the bridge within the week." "Hah! No bet." He snorts. "Let''s drag them over to Bernadette though, see if she''s seen them." "Heh, fine." Ilyssa huffs. "Come on boys, let''s get you away from the big bad Plantkin. Hahahahaha." She cracks up laughing when they jump at the chance to escape from me. "Thank you for grabbing these guys, Sorrel." Leon offers me a shallow bow. "You might need to speak with a Magistrate, but I''m guessing that these fine gentlemen will be happy to confess. Just so long as it means never having to see you again." The thugs all bob their heads along with his words. "No problem." I smile at their antics. "Will I see you for the run tomorrow?" "Unfortunately, I''m on duty." He frowns slightly. "But, a few of the guys who couldn''t make it today will be there. Alright, I''m sure the whole of the docks has learned not to mess with you today. But, you take care, okay?" "Will do." I nod at him and his partner before we part ways. # 079 "You''re clear." I sag in place after Apricot says we''re out of sight. "And, Amelia says to call you a dumbass for showing off to the point where you nearly drained your mana." "I really should have just knocked them out." I pant and start sucking down a smoothie while waiting for my magic to recover. "But, the fuckers annoyed me and I wanted to teach them a lesson." "Or maybe, just use a regular gag next time." Apricot slips off of my back so she can look me in the eyes. "That trick with their voices was as stupidly wasteful as it was sexy. I love watching you do magic, but I like watching you push yourself that hard about as much as Amelia does." She flicks me on the forehead with a finger to prove her point. "Sorry." I rub the spot she just hit. "I''ll try to do better in the future. Feel free to hit me again the next time it looks like I''m doing something stupid." "I don''t want to hit you, dummy." She moves my hand so she can kiss my forehead. "Neither does Amelia; we don''t want to see you hurt at all, least of all by yourself. Now, come on. Let''s go find that clockmaker, the shop is just a few blocks that way." She takes my hand and tries to tow me down the street, but I resist and pull her in for a tight hug instead "Thank you. Both of you." There is a whole world of emotion in those simple words. "And, sorry again for worrying you." I press my lips against hers, less a kiss and more a way to cover up for my lack of words. I know my personality, and I know that it has changed since I died. I''m a lot bolder than before, like ''tease my girlfriend while walking down the street'' bold. But, also ''take on a gang just to show off'' bold. The former is fine as long, as I don''t get too wild. But, the latter, that''s just stupid. The problem is that that aspect of mine comes from a deep-seated fear of losing everything, again. And, even though I know all this about myself, I still find myself doing stupid shit to impress them. Amelia likes tall guys, so I let myself be tall and push my body to catch-up. Apricot likes magic, so I push my magic at nearly every opportunity, even going so far as to improvise a spell to stop someone from talking mid-mugging. I have trouble even thinking about all this clearly, let alone speaking about it. So, I let my kiss do the talking, trying my level best to pour all that emotion into Apricot and, through her, Amelia. "Mmm." Apricot licks her lips. "We''re still going to torture you later, just as much as you were torturing us. But, apology accepted... And, quit worrying so much; neither of us is going anywhere." "Pesky, perceptive, pixies." I faux grumble while my heart leaps in joy. "Yes, we are." She sneaks in another kiss before letting the issue drop. "So, Ilyssa wasn''t my type." I change the subject. "But, since you two are punishing me anyways. Would you mind dressing up like guardswomen? Not in the local uniform, but one like from where I came from?" My mind immediately goes to Karen Gillan in her policewoman outfit from Doctor Who. "Somehow I doubt that whatever you''re going to make for us will be very accurate." Apricot smirks as we walk hand in hand to the clockmakers. "Mostly..." I hedge. "Sure the skirts aren''t really worn anymore, and they were never that short, but... Oh, gods. I hope Melanie has found some good dyes, I need you two in black silk stockings." "Hehehehe." The pixie giggles at my outburst. "You can think about our creamy, smooth, thighs wrapped up in silk later. We''re at the clockmaker''s." "That was a yes though, right?" I practically beg. "Please say that was a yes." She just smirks and opens the door. "Welcome to Sinclair''s." A cheery, older man hops up from his stool behind the counter to greet us. "Please, feel free to look around. If you don''t find anything that speaks to you, I can easily custom make something to your liking."This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. "Thank you." I nod to the man, who is starting to come off as a little desperate. "I''m not looking for a clock right now, but a machinist. Guardsman Mark told me that you used to work with his father at the mill." "Virgil''s boy?" Sinclair''s whole demeanor changes, he drops the overly cheerful shopkeep routine and becomes a little more real. "I''m sure the lad means well, but I''m not in that line of work anymore." "That is a shame." I bring out the turbine I was working on while decorating the house earlier. "Would you be able to recommend one? I''m doing my best with trial and error, but machines just aren''t my thing." I push conjured water through the pipe, spinning the turbine which in turn rotates the bevel gears at the top of the shaft. The only problem is that the damned thing leaks where the shaft sticks out. All the water evaporates into nothingness before it touches the floor, but the shopkeep''s eye''s still go wide. "That is an interesting design." He eyes it like a starving man, and I know I already have him hooked. "But, like I said, I''m not in that line of work any longer. And, besides, even if you packed that full of oiled leather it would still leak." "Rather unfortunate that no one is making a product that is waterproof and can be molded to any shape needed." I pull out a rubber ball and bounce it off the floor on my way out of the shop. "Thank you for your time, I suppose I''ll just have to keep looking elsewhere." "Alright, you son of a thorn bush, let me see that." The man grumbles in a thick accent. "Hmm?" I turn back around with an arched eyebrow. "Oh, this? It''s just a little something that I''ve been working on." He snatches it out of the air when I bounce it over to him. "Any shape you say." He asks while closely examining the ball. "And, with different properties based on the exact formulation." I wave my hand and his counter fills with a sample of rubber products. "I''m tired of mixing everything by hand though, and the alchemist I hired isn''t strong enough to use the machine I built. Not for very long, at least." "Nng. Buy a clock." He says it in a gruff voice, but I can hear the pleading in his tone. "I started this cursed shop to sell clocks, but even though mine are just as good and even cheaper than..." He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath to collect himself. "Look, you want a machinist? Then buy a fucking clock and I''ll take a look at your setup." "Hah!" I bark out a laugh and look around the shop, soon settling on one that looks simple at first, but was elegantly crafted with high-quality materials. "That one will do." A small bag of gold adds itself to the clutter on his countertop and the clock vanishes into storage. "Amelia''s not going to be happy that you didn''t even try to haggle." Apricot has a twinkle in her eye as she whispers in my ear. "If she wasn''t going to punish you before, she definitely is now." "Quit teasing the man and let him tell me what he needs." Sinclair says in a no-nonsense tone. "The mixer is most important for now." I answer after taking a steadying breath of my own. "But, I have quite a few plans that could use a skilled machinist to bring them to life." I recreate the mixing rollers minus the pedal attachment. "I can run a pipe upstream for water, but I need a turbine to power it. One that isn''t going to leak like a sieve, that is." "Alright, it looks like you''ll need a bit of torque, so we''ll need to gear this down." He plays around with the turbine. "After we get your turbine working properly that is. Cut it in half so I can see inside." The next forty-or-so minutes were spent following Sinclair''s directions and answering his questions. He became quite excited at the prospects of rubber belts and roller chains when the topic of bicycles came up after he asked how I was currently powering the mixer. "Thank you very much for your time." I say after we get, not only a fully functioning turbine that didn''t even dribble under high pressure, but a redesigned mixer to go with it. "I''m not in the market for any more clocks, but if you change your mind about doing more machinist work. Feel free to stop by, we''re just outside the north gate." "Wait, you''re the mage that stopped the blight?" He does a double-take. "I just provided a bit of knowledge and... maybe sped things up a little bit." I wave my hand in negation. "Everyone else did all the hard work. Hells, Apricot here must have flown a few hundred kilometers all together while I just sat in the yard." "Uh-huh." He doesn''t seem to buy my story. "Well, I still say I''m just a clockmaker. But, who says a clockmaker can''t have a hobby? I may just stop by the next time I have a bit of free time. At the very least, you''re easier to work with than the mages I''m used to dealing with." "Uh-huh." I parrot his words back at him. "Until later then." I depart with a smile and a wave. "Off to Elise''s clinic, now?" Apricot asks after we step outside. "Yeah." I nod. "Hope you don''t mind taking the rickshaw; I''m not sure I''m going to survive what you two have planned for me as it is. The last thing I need to do is add to my coming punishment with a repeat of our trip here." "Fine, but you have to repeat that trick where you shapeshifted the little mouths on your vines later." She lets out an involuntary shudder just thinking about it. "I cannot wait to experience those latched onto Amelia''s sensitive nipples." "Well, I suppose that all depends on whether the wicked guardswoman is wearing her uniform or not when she decides to punish this poor Plantkin for his harmless pranks." I say with a grin and bring out the pedicab. "You''re just digging the hole deeper, you criminal scum, you." Apricot laughs a wicked laugh. *** # 080 "Please, you have to do something." The first thing I see when we get to Elise''s clinic is a pregnant woman pleading with her. "If I never see another piece of liver it will be too soon." "I''m sorry Marie." Elise replies with a tone of tired resignation. "If you had come to me before the pregnancy, or even just right after you found out, I could have taken care of the ulcers without a problem. But, until the baby comes there''s just too much resistance for me to treat your anemia other than prescribing iron-rich foods." "Is it safe for me to help?" I ask Apricot but Elise looks up at the sound of my voice and her eyes light up when she sees who spoke. "Sorrel! Excellent timing." She beckons me closer, but I only approach after Apricot nods to say it''s safe. "If anyone can help, it''s you. Don''t worry Marie, Sorrel may be new to healing, but he''s one of the best I''ve ever seen. He has a knack for slipping past the body''s natural interference like it''s not even there." "Hello." I give the tired looking Marie a small wave. "May I touch your belly?" "You might as well." She sighs. "Everyone else seems to want to. I don''t see why, it''s not like they''re even kicking yet." "People do that here too? It drove my mom nuts when she was pregnant with my little sister." I say with a smile while gently probing her and the fetus with my magic. "Oh, I can see why you''re having trouble, it''s like the interference is multiplicative between mother and child. I can and... have taken care of the bacteria causing the ulcers, but doing much more than that will be difficult without using the healing sap." "How well can you see?" Elise perks right up. "Can you make out the baby?" "Oh, yeah. He''s fine." The healer and mother-to-be both go wide-eyed when I mention the baby''s sex. "Oh, shit. I''m sorry, were you waiting to find out?" "It''s a boy, really?" Marie starts tearing up a little. "Oh, Cornell is going to be so happy." "Would you like to see him?" I break out my art supplies. "I can''t make out all the fine details like I did with Annette, but the little guy is healthy. A bit funny looking, but all babies are before they''re born... and for a bit afterward." "Is that what he looks like?" Marie tilts her head to one side and looks at the drawing funny. "Don''t worry." I smile. "His body will catch up to the head by the time he''s born. Just be glad he looks human, I''ve seen pictures and up until eight or nine weeks they look like some weird sea creature." "Your bedside manner needs a little work, Sorrel." Elise says with a laugh. "Is she alright otherwise?" "Slightly anemic, her blood sugar could stand to be a little higher, and she has a sore back, and feet. In other words, she''s pregnant." This earns me a dirty look from both of them but it was worth it. I pull some apricots and a few oranges from storage. The oranges get juiced and the apricots get pulped and then dried out into fruit leather. "Dried fruits have a surprising amount of iron, my mom started eating fruit leather when she was pregnant and, to this day, will always keep some in the kitchen." I hand over the snacks. "Prunes, raisins, dates, figs, what have you. They''re all good for a snack when you''re tired of eating meat and green veggies. Nuts and seeds are good too; just make sure you eat them with uh..." "Sorrel?" Elise prompts when I trail off. "Sorry, the word doesn''t translate properly." Neither vitamin C nor ascorbic acid would come across properly. "But, basically any food that you would use to treat scurvy. The same vitamin that cures that also helps the body take in iron. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and oh, potato skins. They''re high in both that vitamin and iron, along with several other nutrients." "Potato skins?" The pregnant woman looks at me like I''m teasing her. "Oh, yeah." I nod, nearly drooling just thinking about them. "You bake the potatoes, scoop out the insides, coat the skins with oil, sprinkle in some crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese. A little salt and pepper, and then bake them again for a few minutes. Add a dollop of sour cream and some chopped green onions and... Mmm, so good. Oh man, we should not have skipped lunch." I pull out a smoothie and start sucking it down. "Okay, you are making those for dinner." Apricot orders. "And, did you save any of those apricots?" "Plain, dried, or fruit leather?" I ask after pulling a few more out of storage. "All three?" I add when she just smiles. "All three." "At least you have him trained well." Marie says with a laugh. "But, what is he drinking?" "An everything smoothie, named so because it has a little bit of everything." I say while handing over Apricot''s apricots. "I''d offer you one, but there''s a lot of tea in it. I removed the bit that makes you excited, but if I remember correctly, all the other stuff in tea is bad for anemia." "I wanted to talk to you about that." Elise speaks up again. "Erick loves the tea you sent him, and both Granville and Seymour want you to show them exactly how you made it. I, on the other hand, want to hear about this crazy plan you have to build months'' worth of muscle in just days." "That''s why I''m here today." I hold up my hands in surrender. "I''m monitoring myself closely the whole time, and it''s perfectly safe. I''m hoping that you''ll see that and tell Amelia so she can quit worrying. Well, that and I was hoping to help out a little and get some healing practice in." "I''ll be happy to look you over, just to see what it is you''re doing to yourself." Her tone is half-chastising half intrigued. "But, Marie here is likely to be the only patient today. The quarterly free healing is in just a couple days, so no one is going to come in unless it''s a real emergency. I was hoping you''d join in too; the crown pays all the healers for the day, but most of us just do it for the experience. We''re all limited by our mana, but with you there we can help a lot more people." "I''d be happy to help." I agree immediately. "Will it be alright if I set up a few trees to keep my mana topped off?" "We take over the market square, so that won''t be a problem." Elise replies with a happy smile. "Am I okay to leave?" Marie asks after finishing her snack. "Unless you want me to use the sap to finish healing the ulcers. I can take care of that soreness too." I offer. "Don''t worry about the baby, the spell just transfers some of my vitality into the recipient, letting me bypass the interference altogether when I do." "It should be safe." Elise nods. "And, healing the ulcers now would help with the anemia." "Anything that keeps me away from another meal of liver." The mother-to-be looks nervous, but she clearly trusts Elise. "But, can you really help with my feet? They were so swollen I could barely lace up my shoes." "Mhm, I can help with the soreness." I screw my face up. "But, even if I drain the swelling it will just come back. I can offer you some compression socks and new shoes though, they might help. Just consider them as payment for letting me train my skills." I add when it looks like she''s going to decline. "Compression socks?" Elise inquires. "Made by adding elastic to the thread." I answer and turn to Apricot. "Can you bring out that stretchy bra I made for you?" I may have irreparably damaged her gym shorts that night; a surprisingly common problem when you have super strength and the ability to make new clothes on a whim. While the women are examining the sports bra, I mix up enough rubber for a few pairs of socks and four sneakers. One pair for when her feet are swollen, and one for when they aren''t. "Speaking of clothing." Elise says. "How is that new silk of yours coming along? Erick''s girls may have dominated your time the other night, but they aren''t the only ones who would like some new clothes. Especially if you can make something like silk." "Good." I reply while knitting up the socks. "Melanie and her new apprentice have been testing different dyes. And, I was hoping to make some hosiery and other intimates when we get home." Apricot rolls her eyes at me. "You can make silk?" Marie''s eyes go wide. "It''s a pretty simple alchemical trick that breaks down cotton before reforming it into something with a similar feel as silk." I explain. "But, you can make silk?" She looks just like Erick''s daughters in that moment. "Yeah, I''m calling it cotton silk, mainly because the names for it in my language sound kinda weird in Varecian. *Rayon*, *Viscose*, *Cupro*, all different names for the same thing, and none of them really work." I shrug while stitching up her new shoes. "The first is completely made up, the second one an intentional mispronunciation of viscous, and the last is just another way of saying copper. At least rubber was easy enough to translate, named for an early use of removing pencil marks." "I don''t think she heard anything beyond silk." Apricot titters. "Yes, I can make silk." It''s my turn to roll my eyes. "Now, drink this so I can finish healing you. I promise the new silk will be on the market soon, we just need to finish a few tests, scale-up production, and then find a weaver and a seamstress or two to work with." The pregnant woman drinks the healing sap mechanically, her thoughts lost on a silk road. I use her distraction to quickly mend the holes in her stomach, soothe her muscles, and increase circulation to lessen the swelling in her legs. "There, all better." My words snap Marie out of whatever daydreams she was having. "I did what I could for the swelling, but it won''t be permanent. So, I suggest using the socks and just try to stay off your feet if you can." "Which spells did you use?" Elise asks while helping her patient into the new socks and shoes. "Nature and light to speed the healing and replace the stomach''s protective lining." I explain. "Water to increase her circulation and soothe the soreness. Plus the same low-level growth spell I use on myself after a big healing combined with a bit of earth magic to spread the iron and other nutrients around." "Well-chosen." She nods and then looks pointedly at Apricot. "I wish all my students were able to learn spells as quickly as you did." "Heheh." The pixie smiles and laughs. "I''ll be there with Sorrel for the free healing day; I might be willing to offer a few tips... if there are some decent snacks, that is. Teaching magic builds a mighty hunger, after all." "Well..." Elise draws out the word with a sly smile plastered on her face. "Every healer in the city is going to be there along with their apprentices. But, I might just happen to have come into possession of a high-grade mana gem." Apricot''s eyes go wide at that statement. "Truly?" The winged woman looks like she''s about to start drooling. "Oh, it''s been over a century since I last tasted a mana gem. You can consider all of your healers... well, not as good as Sorrel, since he''s a bit of a freak." "Gee, thanks." I snort. "I meant it in the nicest possible way." Apricot takes on a simpering tone. "Sure you did." I chuckle and ruffle her hair. "Wait." Marie finally finds her voice again. "She eats mana stones? No wonder you invented a way to make silk." I can''t help but laugh at that. "Thank you for the healing... and the footwear, these are very comfortable by the way. But, I''m not sure I or the baby could take any more revelations like that, so I think I''m going to follow your advice and get off of my feet." Elise walks her out while setting the time for her next appointment. "Probably a good thing I didn''t mention the mana node nightlight in our bathroom." I joke after Elise returns. "So, shall I break out the weights while you give me the once over?" "I was hoping you would show me that spell you made to see bacteria first." She asks. "And, umm... if it''s not too much trouble, could I see your blood too? Dulcette told me that it was green, but I just have to see it for myself." "Heheh, sure." I''m about to smear a drop of blood on paper again when I remember the glass in storage. "These are a bit large for microscope slides, but they''re clear enough that they should work." "Oh, it''s just like in your illustrations. Only... well, green." Elise laughs at herself. "Is what you told Dulcette true, that your biology mimics an animal''s but is made entirely out of plant cells?" If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "Yes." I nod. "Though it might be better to say that my cells are a fusion between plant and animal." "Care to elaborate?" Elise glances from the projection to me. I scrape the inside of my cheek with a toothpick before smearing it between the glass next to a cloverleaf. Then I hand her a fresh stick to provide a comparison. Moving the three different types of cells right next to each other before continuing "As you can see, my cells still have a wall like plant cells do, if somewhat thinner." I point out the barrier made from cellulose and then move onto the other notable differences. "But, they don''t have the large vacuole and only my extremities have chloroplasts. In exchange, they''ve gained the organelles of an animal cell." "This is fascinating." The healer peers at the three cells on display, comparing their differences and similarities. "Could you walk me through the spell again, I need to try this myself." "Sure." I go through the whole incantation and Apricot helps her properly align her mana. "I just wish I knew more about light, we''re missing out on a lot that is just too small to see even with the magnification. Well, you and I are. I''m sure Apricot and her pixie eyes can see everything clearly." A smirk from her proves my suspicion. "What do you mean?" Elise asks while struggling with a ten times zoom. "Our eyes can only see a relatively narrow band of light." I draw out a diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum. "Some of the organelles are so small that the light that you and I can see just slips right past them, too large to bounce off and into our eyes. But, since Apricot can see into the ultraviolet, which has a smaller wavelength, she''s getting a much better image." "Wavelength?" The healer goes from confused to annoyed when the distraction causes her to flub the spell. "Sorry, I shouldn''t be distracting you when you''re learning a new spell." I apologize. "No, thanks to Apricot, I have the spell down." She dismisses my worry with a wave of her hand. "I''m just not used to working with light and need a bit more practice to make it look as easy you do it. I''d like to hear more about this." "Well, I don''t know all that much." I hedge. "Do you remember how the ear has tiny hairs that act like tuning forks? Well, light waves act similarly to sound waves. Some will pass through an object, some will bounce off, and others be absorbed." Now that I''m thinking about it, I remember that the human, and presumably Plantkin, eye has a lens that blocks ultraviolet light that we would otherwise be able to see. I''m almost, but not quite crazy enough to try shapeshifting mine out of the way and manually focus using the cornea. "If I knew more about light magic, I might be able to shift that light into something we could see." I sketch out a quick diagram to demonstrate what I mean. "Actually, dark magic might be better since I''m taking energy away, but the only dark spell I know is cleanse." "There are a couple more advanced healing spells that use that school, but I doubt they''d help much for this." Elise offers. "I''m not sure about dark spells, but when you get to the capital you should speak with the court wizard Oliver Long. He specializes in light, fire, and air magics. If anyone is likely to know how to do what you want it will be him." "I''m sure we''ll meet... thanks to your cousin." I purse my lips for a moment before laughing it off. "With a specialization in air and light, he might be able to help with a diagnostic spell that would be great for you and your pregnant patients. See my people had a device that would use sound to see, much like a bat does. They would use it too ''look'' inside the womb to monitor the baby during pregnancy." "That..." She takes a moment to swallow her saliva. "I''ll make sure to include a letter of introduction to Wizard Long in the packet that Erick is planning to send. So, please work that spell out, it could be a literal lifesaver." "I''ll do my best." I promise. "The basic principle isn''t very complex, it''s just too far outside my expertise for me to cobble something together on my own. But, enough seriousness. How about I take off my shirt and get all sweaty for you?" "Hah!" - "Snerk." - *Ding* Apricot, Elise, and the Goddess Temmie each let out an exclamation at my surprise question. "Mhm." The healer shakes her head. "I heard about your offering to Temmie yesterday, so I suppose I should expect statements like that, but... oh boy. I''m just glad that Glynda isn''t here, she''d tease me for weeks after that reaction." "Don''t worry, Elise. Your wife never has to find out." I have to bite my lip to keep from howling with laughter at the look that crosses her face. "Hahahahahah." Apricot shows no such compunction. "Do you want me to tell Amelia that what you are doing is safe, or not." The healer brings out the big guns. "Fine, fine, I''ll quit." I raise my hands in surrender. "I''m assuming you want a baseline before I start exercising?" "Yes, and thank you." She nods before taking my hand and sending her magic throughout my body. "Could you shapeshift so I can compare to the last time I checked you over?" "Just let me loosen my clothes first." No need to pull a Hulk and tear my pants. Or would that be a reverse Hulk since I''m already green? "Oh, my." Apricot lets out a low whistle and then licks her lips as the t-shirt that I didn''t bother adjusting now clings tightly to my torso. "You show Amelia this and she won''t do any complaining about your workout program." Looking down at myself in this form for the first time in a few days, I see that I''ve gone from slim to athletic. My well-defined muscles now clearly visible through the tight fabric. "I''m not particularly attracted to men." Elise states. "But, even I have to admit that your training regime is rather effective. I can''t sense any issues either, it simply appears as though you''ve been exercising normally for several weeks or months rather than several days." "It''s always good to get verification." I nod to the healer before pulling out a handkerchief for Apricot. "But, I think it best I shift back before one of us slips on the puddle of drool forming beneath the pixie." "Nnh, no." She whimpers as the excess definition fades away as I regain my full height. "I''ll shift back tonight if you want." I offer to mollify her, and not at all because I''m hoping it will buy me some leniency. "For now, Elise needs to see the magic in action and that''s best done when I''m not shapeshifted." I turn to the baron''s cousin. "I planned ahead and brought the dumbbells along, so you can watch what happens." "Aww, you aren''t going to carry her on your back while running through the city?" Apricot teases. "This will be fine, thank you." Elise deadpans. "I''m pushing hard for bulk right now." I explain while struggling to maintain my form while lifting the heavy weights. "But, I will shift to toning exercises soon. Mainly because this hurts too much to do day after day." "I can see that." The healer comments through clenched teeth. "That is an impressive mix of spells you''re running though. I have no idea how you''re managing it while painfully tearing your muscles apart, but it works." "You should have seen him doing the same to a dozen guards this morning during his run." Apricot purrs, as attracted to me flexing my magical muscles as much as the physical one. "I''ve been through worse, and at least this fades quickly." A shadow crosses my eyes as I recall the handful of times where my death was not brutally swift. "Do you want to talk about it?" Elise asks, her tone considerate of my feelings. "Not especially." I sigh and trade the weights out for another smoothie. "Let''s just say that I took a hard path to reach here. I''m dealing with it though, and the girls are aware and helping me work through what happened." "Well, the offer remains open if you ever need someone to talk with." I can tell that she''s not happy with my response, but isn''t willing to push it. "About that or anything else." "Thank you." I give her a terse nod. "But, all I need right now is a clean bill of health so that Amelia won''t worry as much." "As far as I can tell, you are physically fine and will remain so." She replies with a sad look. "I''d still like to monitor your progress, but I don''t see any true risk in what you''re doing. In fact, I''m likely to steal the idea to help patients recover from illness and injury more quickly." "I can make you a batch of smoothies." I offer, needing to make a bunch for my new running buddies anyways. "I wasn''t a nutritionist, so I''m sure there''s a better recipe. But, I crammed in as many nutrient-rich foods as I had access to, and it seems to be working out alright so far." "That would be nice, thank you." She nods, her mood starting to recover. "And, if it wouldn''t be too much trouble. Could you write down what you do know about nutrition? I''m not aware of anyone studying it, at least not around here." "Of course." I smile, always happy to spread a little knowledge. "Some of the vitamin names may be a little arbitrary though. I remember most of the scientific names but they may or may not translate, and their common names were usually just ''vitamin'' plus ''letter of the alphabet''." I hand over most of my smoothie supply since I was planning to make more when we get home. I also include the recipe for it and several other much tastier varieties while I''m writing out what I remember about this field. "Alright, as I feared not everything translated properly." I say and hand over the sheets of paper. "And, please remember that this is all based on human biology, they were very much in the majority where I came from." This earns a little smile from Apricot. "So, there may be different needs between the species." "This is fascinating." The healer comments while poring over the information I just gave her. "I was aware that these diseases were caused by poor diet, but to have it broken down like this is extremely useful. I have a couple of older patients that have trouble seeing at night who will soon be eating a lot more orange food." "I should try breeding some orange carrots." I reply feeling somewhat nostalgic for a tuber. "I haven''t seen any around here, but they were popular back home. So, much so that it was rare to see the purple or white ones." "Orange carrots?" Elise looks at me funny. "Yeah, they were first cultivated in tribute to some political leader named Orange, or maybe he came from a place called Orange." I shrug. "I dunno. I''m good with plants, not history." "Heheh, I''m much the same." She chuckles. "I used to detest my history tutors. I only learned as much as I did because one of them learned to couch it in subjects that I was interested in." "Lucky, my teachers usually just droned on." An involuntary yawn escapes from me just by thinking about them. "Oh, I had a couple like that myself." She bobs her head in agreement. "Alright, I can see you want to get going, so I won''t keep you. But, don''t worry, there will be more than enough people to heal in just a couple days." "Thank you." I send a bow in the healer''s direction. "I do have... more than a few things I need to work on. Why did I think it would be a good idea to start a business again?" "Because you were trying to impress Amelia." Apricot answers with a smirk. "Oh, yeah." I return her smirk with a sly smile. "How''s her lunch going, by the way?" "Great." Her smile grows wider and somewhat sinister. "Helen invited all of their friends and Amelia has been asking them all advice on how to punish you for your little prank earlier. Some of those girls are pretty inventive too, you''re going to be in for it tonight." "Mnh." Despite my best efforts, a small whimper escaped from my lips. "Don''t worry, I''ll talk her into wearing the guardswoman outfit." The pixie laughs. "I have to admit that I want to see her in those black silk stockings you were talking about." "What kind of guard wears silk stockings?" Elise looks like she was just about to kick us out when that question short-circuited her brain. "Wait! Never mind. You''re followers of Temmie, that''s all I need to know. Just get out of my clinic, but... uh, let me know later what colors you can make. Glynda does look good in red." ""Heheheheh."" Our laughter trails us out of her clinic. *** # 081 "Man, I need to clean up this yard." Is the first thing I say when we get home. "Please remind me to tidy up a bit after talking to Melanie." Previously, I just set the exercise equipment in the middle of the yard before enclosing it with a hedge that I then cut wide paths through. The climbing wall is cool and all, but I don''t really need it and it does kinda stand out. "Don''t forget that you promised me a playground of my own." Apricot says while waving to the neighbor girls playing on the swing set. "How do you feel about water slides?" I offer, walking into the shop? "I need to run a pipe upstream for the turbine anyways, no reason I can''t run a second." "You found the machinist?" Melanie looks up from the rubber mixer. Her poor apprentice immediately stops pedaling and starts staring at me with pleading in her eyes. "One self-contained waterwheel ready to hook up to an upgraded mixer." I materialize the new equipment. "It cost me a fair bit of coin, but hey. I got a clock I don''t need out of it too." I set the timepiece on a shelf; I figure the alchemist can use a better timer than her hourglasses. "And, don''t be surprised if a grumpy old clockmaker named Sinclair stops by to have a look at the equipment." "How long will it take you to set everything up?" While Melanie is examining the turbine, her apprentice Cat is staring wide-eyed at the clock. "Don''t tell Amelia I said this." I say to the young girl in a conspiratorial whisper. "But, it''s just money. I''m sure that if you hang around long enough that you''ll earn more than enough to buy your own over-priced timepiece." She sends her master an ''is he for real?'' kind of look, but only receives an eye roll in response. "Quit teasing my apprentice and get this installed already." Melanie demands. "Hold on, I want to copy it first." I dump a bunch of wood on the floor, most of which starts burrowing into the ground to form the pipe going upstream. A bit of it though, separates from the rest and molds itself into a handful of duplicate turbines while I form the needed rubber parts. "Do you want the mixer where it is, or would you prefer a different spot?" "Mhm." She seems to be struggling with an internal dilemma for a moment before closing her eyes with a sigh. "We should expand and re-organize the lab. We don''t need the storefront, but I don''t want people walking straight into the lab. Can you move the break area over there and expand the lab in that direction instead." I just nod in response, knowing that having a copy of her master''s lab meant a lot to her. And, that this decision could not have come easily for her. "Wait. Are you even going to be able to move the stone that Ed put in?" Now that she''s made the decision, it''s clear that she just wants it done. "It may take me a moment, but I got a good look when he was moving stone around before." I''ve been meaning to practice my earth spells anyways. While Melanie is grumbling to Cat about my blas¨¦ attitude towards magic, I finish assembling the turbines. Those taken care of and the pipe sent as far as I can get it from here, I focus on the stone. Thinking about the material coating the lab as clay rather than stone is all it takes for me to start moving it around. Apricot helps guide my casting, but earth magic is so close to nature -at least in my mind- that I find myself wondering why I haven''t tried this before now. "What''s this?" I send Melanie a smirk when the bathroom wall comes down revealing white quartz fixtures. "I don''t remember asking Ed to upgrade this room too." "..." She just purses her lips. Shifting everything from the bathroom and kitchenette into storage, I then move the water and septic lines over and start remodeling the former storefront. The warehouse is also mostly unused thanks to Melanie being able to use storage now. So, it gets folded into a larger, more comfortable break area complete with a nice sitting area that has a couple of large sofas that could double as beds if needed. "Ah..." I pause in the new doorway of the much larger if only half-done laboratory. "I may have forgotten a minor detail." "You don''t have any stone?" Apricot says with a smug smile, the amusement clear in her voice. "There''s, uh... plenty in the river." I counter lamely. "I just need to go swimming for a bit." I hear Catherine asking her master "what just happened?" as I stalk out the door.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. "Sorrel just happened." Melanie''s laughter follows me outside. "Don''t worry, I felt the same way when I watched him build this place. You''ll get used to it... eventually." "Not a word!" I glare at the pixie who is jogging merrily beside me. "What?" She shoots me her most innocent look. "I just want to see you half-naked and dripping wet." "..." I just shake my head and strip down to my underwear. "I just hope the water isn''t too cold." I use my vines to cover up the package her eyes are now glued to. Smiling at her booming laughter, I wade into the river. The bottom is still covered with soil, but it''s a lot thinner than up on the farm. This makes it much easier to separate and collect the underlying stone, even if I have to do so at the bottom of a river. Fortunately, it only took a couple of dives to grab enough to finish up the lab. "Cheater." Apricot grumps when I walk out of the river. The water rolling off of me, leaving me just as dry as when I started. I just smile, not at all ashamed about the warming spell I kept in place. That water was very cold after all. My clothes flow back onto my body and I start back to the workshop. "Uncle Sorrel, Uncle Sorrel." Willow comes running up with her sister in tow as their mother looks on with an amused smile. "Why did you go swimming in your underwear? Did you need a bath?" "Hahaha. No, I just needed some stone." I pat her on the head. "There was less dirt in the way at the bottom of the river." "You''re weird, Uncle Sorrel." The precocious little thing sticks her tongue out at me and smoothes her hair back down. "Who''s that new girl? Why did she turn red and run away right after you came out of the water?" "Snerk." Apricot chokes on dry air at the news that I was being spied on by a thirteen-year-old. "That was Catherine." I say while trying to keep a straight face. "She is Melanie''s new alchemy apprentice. Would you like to meet her? Maybe you can ask her yourself why her face turned red." "Maybe some other time." Their mother steps in with a laugh. "Sorrel has a lot of work to do and you girls have chores of your own." While Sophie tows the disappointed girls away, Apricot is doubled over trying to hold in her laughs. "Remind me to enclose the exercise equipment again when I tidy up the yard." I say while waiting for the pixie to get herself under control. "I remember all too well what it was like to be Cat''s age, so there''s no need to make it any worse for her." "Did creepy little teenage Sorrel go around perving on all the pretty ladies." Apricot teases. "Or did you even need to with your magic picture boxes?" "Internet porn certainly helped." I chuckle. "But, I''m sure I did my fair share of creeping. Teenage hormones are not to be denied." Heading back into the lab, I ignore Catherine''s blush and start coating the expanded walls in stone. The stone I gathered is lighter in color than what Edsel used, so I pull down what he used and spread it along the bottom of the room. The river stone goes on the top with a gradient along the walls blending the colors. "That looks great." Melanie nods to me once I finish up. "I can see why Ed is jealous of your skill." "Mhm. My magic training was somewhat unorthodox." I try to explain. "So, I rely heavily on visualization, feelings, and instinct, I suppose. And, it''s just that the earth feels so connected to nature to me that moving stone comes as naturally as moving plants. Having someone who lives and breathes magic pointing out my missteps doesn''t hurt either." "As a recipient of her tutoring myself, I can''t argue with that." Melanie smiles at the suddenly bashful pixie. "Now, let''s get this place set to order..." The next few minutes were spent shifting the lab equipment around at Melanie''s commands. I did most of the work; though she did have her apprentice move some of the less fragile stuff around. But, I think was more for form than anything else. "Goodness, Cat." Melanie motions the girl to sit down on one of the stools. "You''re not getting sick, are you? Your face is more flushed than when you were running the mixer. Sorrel, you''re studying healing, can you tell if she''s getting ill?" "..." I set down the heavy stone-covered table I was carrying and step in front of a choking Apricot to block her antics from sight. "She''ll be fine, I think she''s just a little... overworked. Why don''t the both of you take a break while I go finish running the waterline?" "Yeah." The alchemist nods after a worried look at her apprentice. "Come on, Cat. Let''s lie you down on one of those new sofas. I can''t be having my first apprentice wearing herself out on me." I swiftly drag Apricot out of the room. I practically had to shove a tentacle down her throat to keep her from giggling and she has been biting it this whole time. "I think I may need to find a new location for the lab sooner rather than later." I say once we''re out of earshot. "That, and maybe quit lifting heavy objects around the poor thing." The pixie titters while I check over my poor, mangled appendage. "I thought her eyes were going to pop out of their sockets when you bent over to lift that table." "..." I just sigh and start walking up the road. The river meanders back and forth, and there is a good section that nears the road about a kilometer from here. That should be more than enough pressure to run the mixer and any other devices I hook up to the turbine. Now that I''m using earth magic to move the soil out of the way instead of just drilling through it with wood, the pipe goes down much more quickly. "Looks like we''re good." I cap the inflow with a stone mesh to keep fish and other river critters out of the pipe. "I don''t want to go back though; this whole situation is just too cringey." "Oh, you poor baby." Apricot pats me on the arm consolingly. "Don''t worry, I''ll protect you from the mean ol'' Kitty Cat." "..." I shake my head with a sigh and start back to the lab. Once we get there Melanie is waiting outside with a serious look on her face. "Sorrel... Uh, Cat just told me..." She can''t seem to finish her sentence. "That she saw me in my underwear?" I finish it for her. "Willow told me already, I just didn''t want to embarrass her by saying anything. It''s alright, I''ll just try to keep my distance from her for a while." "I am so sorry." The alchemist hangs her head. "I can dismiss her if you want." "No need to go that far." I shake my head. "Just, uh... talk to her about acceptable boundaries, please. Now, come on, let''s get the mixer installed so I can tidy up the yard." Poor Cat stays hiding in the break-room the whole time I''m in the lab. # 082 "Alright, I was worried about safety, so I worked with Sinclair to add a couple of features." I point to a pedal on the floor and a tall red lever connected to one side of the rollers. "You have to stand on that just to make the rollers turn, and the lever functions as an emergency stop. It will not only stop the machine but separate the rollers in case someone or something gets stuck." "This is fantastic, thank you." She dips into an awkward curtsy. "Thank me by telling me that the dye tests went well." I reply with a smile directed at Apricot. "And, that you can make me enough silk for oh... let''s say a bedsheet." "That I might need your help with." She admits. "Edsel recreated your plunger device in brass which is working alright, but I''m already noticing some degradation. The thing is fine for running the tests and making small amounts, but if you want a large quantity we''re going to need something better. And, yes the tests went great; for the most part, it handles just like cotton." "Yeah, brass is good, but we would need something less reactive like gold, platinum, or better yet, glass." I pull a coin and a spare glass pane out of storage and start feeling my way around them with magic. "This might take me a while. Just keep working on whatever you were doing before; I should have something for you soon." I walk distractedly out of the workshop, my mind absorbed by a new puzzle. The glass feels like it would be workable if it was molten, but the gold has captured my attention. It is both highly conductive to mana and oddly resistant to it at the same time. Copper and silver felt much the same; there must be some trick to shaping pure metals that I just don''t know. "Having trouble?" Apricot prompts after I give up and store the coin away. "Mhm, it''s like the magic just wanted to pass through instead of affecting the metal directly." I shrug and bring out the leftover stone that didn''t get used on the lab. "I''ll ask Edsel about it later, but I''m going to try working with the glass now." First off, I drew away any and all moisture from the stone while working it in my hands like putty. I''m going to be working with high temperatures here and the last thing I want is to create a steam explosion. "The glass feels like it''ll listen to me if it''s molten." I explain. "But, since this is my first attempt, I''m just going to try for a simple mold." The mold will create what is basically a mason jar with an upside-down U-shaped arm sticking out from the bottom. The spinneret will be at the end of the arm so it can sit inside the acid bath needed to reconstitute the cellulose. I''m also planning to attach an air pump to the lid instead of using an over-sized plunger. "But first, a test." I encase the glass pane in wood before breaking it, I then take a large shard and place it into a makeshift crucible. "Melt and flow, my pretty. Oh, this is so much easier than metal, I wonder why Ed doesn''t work glass himself." "Maybe because he can''t turn his skin to bark to escape the heat?" Apricot says with a laugh. She is sitting as close to the heat as I am, but doesn''t seem to bother her at all. Quite the opposite, she seems to be reveling in the high temperature, or more likely the magic I''m using to create it. "His loss then." I reply off-handedly, most of my attention focused on slowly cooling the glass flower I just made. I can sense the strain that is starting to build up as the exterior cools faster than the interior. This will cause the glass to shatter if it continues, so I turn up the heat a notch. I need to remove the heat from the inside first, but lack the proper fire spells to do so. "Or maybe because annealing it properly is a pain in the butt." I huff out a few minutes later. "And, why haven''t I read through those magic books Amelia bought yet? I''m sure that would have been much easier than improvising a heat transfer spell from one meant to reduce fevers." "Maybe, but not nearly as sexy." The pixie purrs, her motor revved, as usual, by my magical aptitude. "Down girl." I tease. "There are children present." Myra and Willow were attracted by the spectacle, but their mother wisely kept them back from the heat. "Uncle Sorrel, what happened to your face?" Willow blurts out as tactful as ever. "Barkskin spell. It''s good protection against heat, amongst other things." I answer while returning my dermis to its normal state. "Would you like to see? It''s safe to approach now." I hold up the glass flower that is now only slightly warm to the touch. "Pretty." Myra holds her hand out to touch it. "Thank you." I bow from my seat to the little girl. "I suppose it''s not bad for my first attempt. And, If you promise to share with your sister, I''ll let you keep it." The flower is a fairly simple rose shape with thick petals. So, as long as they don''t go smashing it against a rock, it shouldn''t break.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "Really?" Her eyes light up. "Thank you, Mister Sorrel." "You''re just determined to spoil them, aren''t you?" Their mother laughs. "It''s just a trinket." I shrug. "Melanie needed some new equipment and I just didn''t want the first thing I made out of glass to be a piece of labware." "You did the same with the stone earlier." Apricot chuckles. "It didn''t last long, but the first thing you did was mold it into a little tree." "What can I say?" I shrug while smiling a bashful smile at Apricot. "I like plants and pretty things, not necessarily in that order." "You goof." She swats me lightly on the arm but a smile plays on her lips. "Smooth." Sophie adds with a smile of her own for our flirting. "Was that truly the first time you worked with glass?" "Mhm-hmm." I nod. "I seem to have a knack for working with stone and earth, and well, glass is just trickier stone. The stuff doesn''t seem to like being worked cold, so the hardest part is just getting it to cool down properly after shaping the molten material." "Which you were able to figure out on your first attempt." Apricot is back to purring. "Yes, yes, you like it when I do fancy magics." I roll my eyes exaggeratedly. "Speaking of, I should finish this piece for Melanie. Could you girls back up a little?" "What are you making?" Willow asks, pointedly looking between Myra''s rose and me, much to mine and her mother''s amusement. "It''s..." I struggle to put it in terms she might understand. "A fancy jar with tiny holes in it. See, I know a way to melt down cotton and when you squeeze it through those tiny holes you can turn it back into a fine thread that is a lot like silk... I''m making clothes for rich people." I add when she still looks confused. "I thought you just wanted to see me and Amelia in some fancy underwear." Apricot says with a smirk. "Uncle Sorrel!" Willow sends me a disappointed look. "Boys aren''t supposed to look at girls in their undies." "Oh, no." I paste a worried look on my face. "I hope I don''t get in trouble." "Don''t worry Willow. Amelia and I will be sure to punish him." Apricot says in a serious tone while the girl''s mother holds in a snicker. "Ahem. Moving on." I clear my throat and start filling the stone mold with glass. "Oh, my. It looks like I have too much glass for the jar. I wonder what I should do with the extra." Willow''s eyes go wide and a begging look fills her face, but it''s her sister that speaks up. "Uncle Sorrel, can you please make another flower for Willow? She''ll just hog this one if you don''t." Myra''s sister looks like she can''t decide to be angry or happy for what was just said. "I think I can manage that." I reply with a smile and start shaping the now molten glass. The heat is contained in the mold this time, so I don''t need to recast the barkskin spell. Most of the glass flows around the mold, coating its walls in an even layer. But, in the center of the jar a flower blooms, supported by a very thin stalk. I focus on cooling the rose first, so I can pluck it free and smooth over the point where they were connected. After that is taken care of, I make sure that the holes for the spinneret are as small and as even as I can make them. "And... we''re good." Splitting the mold apart reveals a large mason jar with a funny spout coming off of the bottom. "But, I think you''re more interested in this." I hand Willow a mirror copy of her sister''s glass rose. "..." The girl is so entranced by it that all she can manage to do is open her mouth in wonder for the shiny trinket in her hands. "T-thank you, Uncle Sorrel." "You are very welcome Willow." I send a smile her way. "Now, why don''t you and your sister run along and play, I still have a lot of work to do before Amelia gets home." "Thank you, Sorrel." Sophie bows her head to me. "For everything." "I''m just doing what I can to make the world a little brighter." I say with a gentle smile for the sisters who are already fighting over whose flower is prettiest. Sophie just shakes her head and follows after the two of them. "So, when is Amelia getting back? I thought she''d be home by now." I direct towards Apricot. "Oh, it looks like her friends are making a day of it." She replies. "She''s probably not going to be home until dinner, maybe later. She said I have full rein to tease you about Cat though." "Please don''t, I''d rather just forget it happened and move on." Doing just that, I fashion a lid for the jar with a small built-in air pump. Giving it a few pumps produces a slight whistling sound from the holes in the spout. "I don''t suppose you''d be willing to deliver this to Melanie for me?" I ask already knowing the answer. "Sure." She surprises me. "But, you have to make me something sweet. Amelia is having a big dessert right now, and it''s driving me nuts." "Well, we can''t have that, now can we. And, speaking of nuts, I think I have the perfect recipe." I say with a smirk and bring out some pecans. These get chopped up and mixed with butter, sugar, and flour before being pressed into a pan to bake. "Amelia says that whatever you''re making, we had better save some for her." Apricot laughs before dancing into the lab with the glassware for Melanie. By the time she gets back, I''m already whisking the chocolate and vanilla puddings together, each in their own pan. Once the crust is done, it gets coated in a layer of cream cheese before the puddings get added in. Whipped cream comes next, and it all gets topped by a thin layer of shredded chocolate. "Here you go." I proffer up a plate after using my new heat transfer spell to rapidly cool the dessert. "One serving of ''sex in the pan''." "It is not called that." Apricot laughs but digs in right afterward. "Mmm, maybe it is." She moans around her first spoonful. "Six and sex are just a letter apart in my language." I explain after taking a bite myself. "There are six layers in the dessert, so..." "Sex in a pan." She chuckles, but her focus is on the dessert. "Uncle Sorrel?" A tiny voice speaks up from behind me. "What are you eating?" Both Myra and Willow have brought out the puppy dog eyes. "Pudding and pecans." I answer smoothly, knowing that they were bound to come see what we were eating. "If it''s alright with your mother, then I suppose you two can have Amelia''s share since she''s not here." Apricot breaks into giggles as I give Sophie and her girls each a plate. "You''re just bound and determined to spoil them." Sophie shakes her head but doesn''t turn away the treat. "Oh, gods, that is rich." *** # 083 After we finish the whole pan, I turn to start tidying up the yard. As much as I like having them around, most of the trees need to go. I like having all the variety of fruit and nuts at hand though, so I decide that it is finally time for the Franken-trees to rise. First off, all of the citrus fruits get a tree of their own, as do all of the pomes like apple and pear. I plan to cultivate some more of these by growing out the seeds, but the double handful of varieties I have will suffice for now. The stone fruits all go together on a third tree and their ''nutty'' cousins like walnuts and cashews on the fourth. The few true nuts I have all go together on a fifth tree. All five of them -and one cocoa tree for Apricot- get planted in front of the house before being grown to a respectable height. Berry bushes and grape vines start growing around and in between all of them. I had thought to graft these all together as well, forcing the resulting bushes to grow into trees. But, I thought this would look better than just some trees standing on their own. "How did you do that?" Willow asks while staring in wonder at all the different fruits growing on just a handful of trees. "Magic helped speed things up." I reply with a smile. "But, anyone can do the same if they''re patient and know what they''re doing. Well, for most of these at least. I did have to cheat a little with a couple of the stone fruits and pretty much this whole tree." I point to the tree full of true nuts. "But as long as the trees are related they can usually be grafted together." "Will it work with other plants?" William wandered over while the trees were growing. "Yes, but it''s mostly just used to add a high fruiting or sometimes disease-resistant top to hardier rootstock of the same species. That, or to collect the different cultivars of a flower on one bush, I''ve seen several rose bushes like that." I explain. "The only food stocks I know of that are commonly grafted together are the tomato and potato plants. And, even then it''s more just so the person can say they did it than because it''s a good idea." "Or, at least that''s why you did it." Apricot guess hit home. "Maybe." I stick my tongue out at her. "Back before I got into magic, I tried getting several peppers and eggplant to work on the same plant too. But, I only got one of the peppers to take, and the harvest of everything was pretty poor." "You are such a goof." She sticks her tongue right back out at me. "I know." I just smile. "Now, I should probably set the exercise equipment up as far from the shop as possible." My smile turns into a glare for the pixie when she laughs at me. "What am I missing?" William asks his wife, who also has a rather amused look on her face. "Melanie''s new apprentice was rather interested in watching Sorrel swim earlier." She lets out a soft chuckle for my embarrassment. "Oh, really?" He cocks an eyebrow. "You know, that reminds me of a certain farmer''s daughter who used to spend a lot of time at the riverside herself." Sophie blushes slightly at his words. "Eww, no mushy stuff." Willow whines with a scrunched up face when William embraces his wife. "So, how do you girls like your new playhouse?" I change the subject. "Apricot is so jealous that she wants me to build something like it for her too." "It''s the best!" Myra declares loudly. "I love the slide." "The swing is better." Willow interjects, almost as loud. "Nuh-uh." Her sister shakes her head. "You just say that cause you can go higher than me." "Oh, it''s a shame you two can''t get along." I hang my head and put on a disappointed face. "I was thinking about adding something else for you to climb on, but now I''m afraid you''ll just fight about it." Their parents'' amusement is clear when the girls instantly stop bickering. "We''ll be good. Right, Myra?" Willow prompts her sister. "We won''t fight. I promise." The little thing is practically tearing up at the thought of missing out. "Please, Uncle Sorrel." "Heheheh. Alright, alright. You win." I hold my hands up in surrender. "But, the workout equipment will be over there too, so if I build this for you, then you have to promise not to play with any of that stuff. Can you do that for me?" "Yes." - "Uh-huh." Both of their heads bob up and down in agreement. We all walk over to that side of the farm, where I toss out a few tree seeds in a wide circle. These grow up and in, slowly weaving together to form a two-meter tall, half-dome jungle gym. I paid special attention to make the bark smooth but tough enough for rambunctious children to climb on. "I''m not done yet." I have to hold the girls back from charging into it. "Just let me add a little hammock net inside first." A bundle of linen fibers swiftly forms itself into a tightly woven net stretched a half-meter off the ground all across the inside. Once given the go-ahead, Willow climbs straight to the top where the trunks all weave together into a single tree that goes straight up for another two meters before branching out into a canopy to shade the jungle gym from the summer sun. "Wee, it''s so bouncy." Myra, on the other hand, headed for the netting and started bouncing up and down in the middle. "Oh, my." Sophie shakes her head with a rueful smile. "All their little friends are going to be even more jealous." "Oh, they''re welcome to come play." I offer. "Just so long as they stay out of the alchemy lab, that is. I''m going to start looking for a new location starting tomorrow, but then I have to help at the healing fair the day after. And, who knows what properties are available, so it might take a while." "You don''t have to move it on our account." William says. "We spoke with Melanie and she told us how committed you are to safety. I mean look, you even added that net and the thick carpet of clover all around." "Heheheh, he is a bit of a softie." Apricot teases me.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. "I was responsible for watching my sister most of the time when we were younger." I shrug my shoulders. "She had more energy in her than even these two. She never really got hurt, but I still learned quickly to prevent accidents before they could happen." "You big softie." She wraps her arms around my waist. While the girls play on their new jungle gym, I set up my actual gym. The climbing wall/stairs got scrapped not just because of its size. The morning runs are more than enough for my legs and if I feel like climbing, I''ll just scale the oaks. After everything is where I want it, I add a privacy hedge around the are, just in case. "Now, what should I do with the archery range?" The firing line is set right outside of the lab. "I guess I could make floating targets." "Or, you could not worry so much about a thirteen-year-old girl." Apricot pokes me in the side. It''s not like she''s going to jump you, or anything. "Yeah, I guess you''re right." I say while rubbing the spot she poked. "But, I''m still counting on you to protect me when I practice. Which I was hoping to do now." "Fine, but you have to make me a crossbow." She counters. "Since you''re too afraid to give me a proper ballista." "Hah!" I snort out a laugh. "Alright, but it''ll take me a bit to make one, I''ve only seen the ones my archery teacher had in his collection. He only let me fire one of them, and even then it was only in my hands a few times." "As long as you''re working on it." She nods. I bring out a chunk of hickory and start compressing it down to form the staves, stirrup, and the latch mechanism. These parts are typically made from metal, but I already know that magically modified wood can handle the forces involved. "I really need to talk to Ed about metalworking." I comment while testing the bow limbs for strength. "And, oh man. I wonder if I could make a compound bow. Our teacher never even let us touch his, but it''s a simple enough design. I just need some bearings that are good enough to work in the cams." "That''s great, but please focus on this for now." Apricot rolls her eyes, already used to how I tend to get lost in an idea. "Yes, Dear." I stick my tongue out at her while making the rest of the bow out of plain hickory to keep the weight down. "But, if I can figure that out, then I could make you a compound crossbow that would make this one look like a children''s toy." And, that''s saying something, especially when you consider the fact that the crossbow I''m making for her will have as much power behind it as Bowthorne. "Cool." She slowly nods her head. "Just, uh... one question. What is a compound bow?" "Imagine a bow, but the string is attached to a pulley system." I draw her a quick sketch of a round cam. "See, when you pull back this string on the outside, this one on the inside uses the mechanical advantage to draw the staves closer. You get a lot more power for a lot less draw weight." "Well, I understood more power." She chuckles. "So, yes, please." "And, speaking of pulleys. I need to make a few for the windlass." I start doing just that, basing the design on the one I used before. "Alright... Now, could you please step back while I see if this thing is going to shatter or not." "If it will make you happy." She sighs and rolls her eyes. "But, you really are a worrywart sometimes." "I know, but better safe than sorry." I wait until she moves back before winding back the string. "It looks fine so far, just let me fire a couple of test shots." I cut one of my regular arrows short enough to fit the crossbow and take aim at the target fifty meters from here. My aim sucks, but the power is definitely there and the bow seems to handle the force without a problem. It only takes me two more shots to actually hit the target. "Why did you even make that thing if you can just cock it by hand?" Apricot smirks. "Heheheh." I can''t help but chuckle. "It''s your crossbow, Sweetie. If you want a good cock, you''ll just have to use your own hands. Now, if you''ll excuse me, I need to defy gravity." Grabbing a chunk of the climbing wall out of storage, I secure it strongly to the ground before lifting one foot to it. And, then I lift the other and slowly shuffle upwards until my head is on the same level as an incredulous pixie. "What on earth are you doing?" She asks in-between laughs when I shift Blackthorne into bow mode. "I need to exercise anyways, and I figured this would be an excellent workout for my core." My lower legs are held tight by the wood of the wall, but only up to my knees. Keeping myself perpendicular to the vertical wall is taking the use of damn near every muscle I have. "Now, let''s see if I can adjust to arrows falling left instead of down." "You are so fucking weird." My pixie starts laughing so hard that she ends up falling on her ass. "Oh, gods. Amelia''s friends are staring at her because she just started cracking up for no reason. How long can you stay up there for, she wants to bring them to see this, says they''ll never believe her otherwise." "It''s a lot more work than I thought it would be." I hedge, not wanting to be put on show. "But, I guess I can manage for a while, at least until I get used to shooting like this." "Good enough." She nods. "They''re on their way." "Yay." I deadpan and try to focus on my shooting. "Uh, Sorrel." Apricot says in a soft voice a few minutes later. "I kinda messed up the pulleys." Looking over, I see a completely tangled mess that used to be a perfectly functional windlass. "Hahaha. Just give me your crossbow, I''ll cock it for you." I shift my bow to my vines for the few seconds it takes to load her weapon. "I should probably switch sides too; now that I''m finally starting to hit my targets." I will the wood of the wall to rotate me so that I''m now facing the ground instead of the sky. Then, taking the bow up in my offhand, I sight on the target and just barely manage to hit the edge of it on my first try. "I kinda hate that you''re better like that than I am with this." Apricot huffs and hands me the crossbow again. "You''ll get there." I hand it back and pat her on the head. "This isn''t all that hard once you get used to it, but you''re trying to learn a brand new weapon. One that looks to be a bit heavy for you." I say when I see just how wobbly her arms are. "Sorry, I tried to keep the weight down as much as possible. Why don''t you try using a stand?" "Well, that''s a little better." She says after resting the end of the weapon on the tripod I just made for her. "Hah, I hit it." "Good job." I ready the weapon for Apricot again and we go on like that for a while, her taking a single shot for every two of mine. "Hold on a moment, I need a quick break. The muscles of my back are at their limit." The wood holding onto me flows until I get deposited upright on the ground, which now feels weird after being horizontal for so long. "Are you alright?" She drops the thankfully unloaded crossbow and rushes over when I wobble a little. "I''m okay, just a little disoriented." I pull her into a hug and hold her until the world settles down. "I want to say it''s like getting out of bed too fast, but I wasn''t lightheaded, just seeing things crookedly." "You goof." She says that, but gladly sinks into the hug. "So, how long before you can climb back up? Amelia will be here with her friends in a few minutes." "Just let me down a smoothie real quick, refreshing the muscles when they''re held taut like that is a real pain." I bring one out of storage and start gulping it down. "That and I want to move the wall. It''s time to work on my other side, but I need to practice with my offhand more." "How much do you want to bet that the guards are going to want to try this for themselves tomorrow?" She laughs while the wall moves itself to the new location. "I guess that depends on whether Derby was paying attention or not." A quick cast of Farsight shows him on duty, but looking particularly bored. At least until a carriage full of beautiful women rolls up to the gate. "Damn, you didn''t say all of her friends were hot." "I know, right?" Apricot practically pants while staring at the projection. "Don''t let her know I told you, but she''s made out with that redhead beastkin before. And, she used to fantasize about the elf all the time before we met her. She''s already said no to asking them to join us for a night, even if you weren''t being punished. Said it got a little weird for a while after she and Lianna made out and doesn''t want to ruin their friendships." "Oh, you never fuck your girl''s friends, that never ends well." I shake my head and drop the spell... after getting one last good look at them. "Nnh. I know, but did you see them?" The pixie gives herself a shake. "Stupid lunkers and your stupid sexual hang-ups." "Aww, don''t worry, Apricot." I take her hand and we walk forward to wait for them. "Just think about all the fun you''re going to have ''punishing'' me later." "In that case, you''d better make sure to save some stamina." She growls before morphing her face into a smile when the carriage rolls up. "You''re going to need it." # 084 "Hah, you owe me a copper." The elf says to the woman sitting next to Helen, a dark-haired human who looks a little bit like she might be related to Amelia. "I told you she was bullshitting us." "Well, she certainly wasn''t lying about how good they look." Her could-be-cousin replies in a throaty purr that brings a flush to Amelia''s cheeks. "Oh, you are too easy to get a rise out of." The woman giggles at Amelia''s embarrassment. "Oh, quit teasing her." The redhead, Lianna, shoves her friend lightly, almost pushing her out of the carriage. "Oops, sorry." "Hey, Babe. Did you have a good lunch?" I ignore her friend''s antics, and Amelia''s deepening blush, and pull her into a hug. "I was just taking a break when we saw you girls reach the gate, but I''d be happy to get horizontal again now that you''re here." The blonde in my arms turns a bright cherry red when her friends start laughing at my wordplay. It seems that she tends to attract followers of Temmie if their reactions are anything to go by. "Oh, I like this one." The dark-haired one says while wiping tears from her eyes. "I''m Delilah; this is Lianna and Lauren. And, you already met Helen." "A pleasure to meet you." I return her wicked smile. "I have to ask, are you two related, there''s just something about your eyes." "Everyone asks that." She shakes her head and then pulls her hair back to reveal a slightly pointed ear. "Lauren and I are third cousins, despite not looking anything alike. But, as far as we could tell, there''s no connection between Amelia and myself." "You should have seen them this one time when Delilah got this potion from a sketchy alchemist to turn her hair blonde. They looked just like sisters." For some reason, Delilah winces when Lianna shares this story. "Well, right up until Del''s hair started falling out, that is." "I told you to quit telling that story." Del shoves her friend hard, but the redhead barely budges. "Well, let me show you around while Amelia remembers how to speak." I just laugh when she elbows me in the ribs. "I''m glad I tidied up earlier, the place was a bit of a mess before." "What are those trees?" Lauren has been glancing at them since they got out of the carriage. "How did you get so many different fruit to grow in one tree?" "Ah, my Franken-trees." I guide us over to them. "I just made these earlier by grafting the similar species together. I could have put all these nuts with the stone fruit too, but it was getting a bit crowded on that one." "You finally made one?" Amelia finally finds her voice. "Remember that book I showed you guys? Sorrel talking about these trees is why he copied it out for me." "He''s not going to start stitching body parts together next, is he?" Lauren asks with a teasing tone. "Oh, I had enough trouble just getting that handful of true nuts to play nice together." I wave her teasing away. "Oh, sure, it might be doable in a pinch, but why bother. The girls I have now are already perfect." "Don''t even bother trying to tease him." Amelia warns. "The only time he actually gets embarrassed is when someone tries to praise him." "Oh? Then you must know that they''re calling you the savior of the city for stopping that blight?" Lauren arches an eyebrow, looking to get a rise out of me. "I hear the Baron is organizing the celebration for you personally." "Cool." I shrug. "I''m sure Amelia can use that next time she''s haggling with a merchant for me. Erick already told me about the party, but the whole savior thing sounds neat." "Heheheh. I think you''ve met your match, Lauren." Delilah chuckles at her cousin. "Now, who are those little darlings over there, and what are they playing on?" "Myra''s the youngest, her sister is called Willow." The two girls wave when they see us looking over at them. "I made the jungle gym as a little bribe to keep them from climbing all over the exercise equipment that''s hiding behind that hedge." "Speaking of." Helen interjects. "When do we get to see you defy gravity?" "Forget that, I want to see how he''s making silk." Lianna counters. Lauren''s eyes light up and, even though she tries to hide it, her cousin and I still catch it. Sharing a wink with Delilah, I dismiss Lianna''s suggestion. "Oh, we shouldn''t bother Melanie, I''m sure she''s busy." "I''m more interested in seeing the house myself." Delilah plays along. "Why don''t you give us a tour of that first. You can always get horizontal for us later." She nudges Lianna to play along. "A shame about the silk though, some of those designs Amelia showed us would look amazing in silk. I''d love to see some being made." "Oh, the first thing Sorrel is going to make is some silk stockings." Apricot adds, clearly aware that we''re teasing Lauren. "All day, he''s been obsessed with the idea of wrapping our legs in soft, shimmery, fabric. Even went so far as to improvise a new spell just so that he could craft some glassware that Melanie needed to make enough for what he wanted." "Don''t forget about the other intimates." I purr back, watching Lauren practically drool out of the corner of my eyes. "I have a whole set planned, all silk and black lace." A barely audible whimper escapes from Lauren at the mention of lace. "You have to promise not to rip these off this time." Amelia joins in on the fun, glad for the chance to get one over on her friend. "I know you can make as much as you want, but I don''t know if I could stand the thought of you tearing such fine clothes to shreds." "Gods damn you. Stop, please. I surrender." Lauren breaks down. "I''m sorry I tried to tease your man, but that''s just going too far." "Oh, gods." Delilah pants out between laugh. "I think that''s the best you''ve ever gotten her, Amelia. These two are clearly good for you." "You did bring this one on yourself, Lauren." Helen pats her on the back. "And, clothes have always been your biggest weakness." "Does this mean we can go see how it''s made now?" Lianna asks in a hopeful tone that causes the rest of us to start laughing. "Sure." I can''t help but smile at her exuberance. "I''ve been wondering how the new spinneret is working out." ... "Ah, Sorrel. Great timing." Melanie greets me when I lead the way into the lab. "This new jar is working perfectly, we''re almost out stuff to spool the thread on. Oh, hello." She adds when she finally spots the other women behind me. "Hi, Mels." Amelia steps forward. "These are my friends Helen, Lianna, Delilah, and Lauren; they were hoping to see how the silk is being made." "You''re all welcome to." She waves everybody forward. "As you can see, Sorrel reorganized things a bit, so there''s more than enough room for everyone. Cat is just using the Albacator to purify another batch of the reagent." Her apprentice is focused on one of the magical devices I didn''t particularly understand.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it "Is that one of the improvements you found?" I ask, genuinely curious. "Yes." She beams. "It''s somewhat laborious, but running the reagent through the purification process increases its effectiveness by over thirty-five percent. And, that''s only if I don''t run it through the infuser first. When we do that it jumps to nearly fifty percent. I''m still experimenting with the solution itself, but I need to get a good baseline before I can begin to modify it." "That is all excellent news." I beam a smile at the alchemist. "May I examine the finished product?" "Of course." She chuckles and guides us over to a table piled high with makeshift spools. "Oh, this is much better than that first batch." I pick up a spool of silken filaments and begin spinning the loose fiber into thread. "Much smoother and refined, it seems the glass spinneret is doing the trick nicely." "It smells better too." Apricot adds after giving some of the silk a quick sniff. "Yes, I''ve started giving the fibers a quick run through the calcinator to recover as much of the reagent as possible." Melanie replies. "I''ve also tried the spell Sorrel showed me, but the quantities are so small that I''m not having much luck." "Oh, there''s an idea." One by one, I start drawing out all the chemicals involved in the process from the thread I''m playing around with, along with anything they might have broken down into. "Apricot?" "Yeah, that did it." She nods. "It smells just like plain cotton now." "Bit of a hassle to go through all that every time though." I frown slightly at the thread. "I wonder if I might be able to invert the spell. Instead of drawing one substance out, if I could push away everything that isn''t that once substance..." "Sorrel, Baby." Amelia taps me on the arm before I get completely lost in thought. "Invent a brand new spell later, we have guests right now. Guests who would like to see you do more than wave that thread about." "Aww, why''d you interrupt him?" Apricot whines. "It''s always so hot when he bends magic to his will." "I''m with the pixie." Lianna says with a laugh. "No idea what he was doing, but damned if he didn''t look good doing it." "He does have a certain aura about him when he focuses on something." Delilah says while smirking at her cousin who just gulped audibly, though I think most of Lauren''s attention was for the thread rather than the intense look I get when faced with a new puzzle. "Makes you wonder what it would be like if he turned that focus on you." "Down girls." Helen bops all three of them on the head. "Amelia found him first, you''ll just have to settle for the deep discount she''s going to give us when we order clothes from him." "Heheheheh." I chuckle darkly and wrap my arms around my girl, pulling her embarrassed form into a hug from behind. "Amelia offering a discount? I''m not sure we know the same woman." ""Hahahahah."" Her friends crack up laughing at the indignant look that crosses Amelia''s face. "Shut up." She pushes her way out of my arms. "And, if you four keep laughing like that you can forget about getting any clothes from him." "N-no need to go that far, Amelia." Lauren''s stutter is quickly covered over by her smooth facade. "We were just having a little fun." "Yeah." Lianna''s head bobs up and down. "And, you do have to admit that your new man does have our little merchant pegged." "Quit digging the hole deeper, girls." Delilah says out of the corner of her mouth while Helen tries to hold back a snicker for the look on Amelia''s face right now. "So, how is the pump on the jar working out?" I come to their rescue with a question for Melanie. "I saw a rune in my books that should work as a good replacement, but I need to work on my enchanting a bit more before I can implement it." "It''s good." She replies with an amused smile for the looks of relief on Amelia''s girlfriends. "It takes a few pumps before there''s enough pressure to produce a solid thread, but the losses are negligible. Cat, that batch should be done by now, so why don''t you fill-up the jar for us." The young apprentice carefully transfers the blue liquid from the device she''s been running it through into the jar I made. She then weighs out a measure of cotton to dissolve into the solution. All the while, she is careful not to even look in my direction. "This model works well." Melanie continues. "But, I am a little worried about the bubbles that escape from the bend in the pipe. Could you make one with a built-in acid bath? That way the spinneret could just poke straight out." "That shouldn''t be a problem." I say and then chuckle a little bit. "Honestly, I''m surprised you haven''t loaded me up with requests for glassware yet." "Don''t worry, I will be." She returns my laugh. "Just wait until we start production for real, especially if you can enchant it too." "Yeah, I was planning to spend most of tomorrow working through the books Ro gave me." I nod. "I still need to make that music recorder for Lori, and speaking of. Have you had a chance to experiment with the hard rubber yet?" "Sorry, not yet." She shakes her head. "Between Catherine and the silk, I just haven''t had a chance to get to it." "That''s alright." I wave her concerned look away. "Your apprentice should be your focus right now. Feel free to hire some more help if you need it. I don''t know about the Albacator, but surely you don''t need an alchemist to stir stuff or spool thread." "I was thinking about doing just that." She replies seriously. "I''ve been testing the rubber gloves you made and they''re perfect for this. There''s no reaction to either the reagent or the acid bath, so as long as they''re wearing those any regular worker should be fine running this." "I''ll make some goggles too." I add. "I can adapt the enchantment for the music player into a spinning fan to increase ventilation, and I can also add some of that pickle crisp to charcoal to make an excellent air filter." "Of course you can." She laughs. "I know Delainey is going to want to see those along with the gloves. But, it looks like the solution is ready to go now." While we''ve been talking Cat has been stirring in cotton, dissolving it until the mixture resembles honey in consistency. "This is so cool." Lianna says exuberantly. She and the others have been closely following the now nervous-looking apprentices every movement. "You can really turn it back into string?" "If we had some spools for it to go on, sure." Melanie replies with a pointed look in my direction as she seals the lid on the jar. A moment later she has a crate full of empty spools. I even slip all the thread off of the pencils, stirrers, and test tubes she''s been using, freeing them up for their regular duties. "You really outdid yourself here." I compliment her after taking full stock of all the thread while she produces even more. "There''s more than enough here for what I had in mind. If we''re already making this much, I''m going to have to step up looking for a weaver and a seamstress. Too bad I don''t know anyone who seems obsessed with clothes, or I''d ask them for a recommendation." "Heheheheh." Delilah can''t help but snicker at the look on her cousin''s face right now. "Yeah, that''s a real shame; it could even set back the whole release of this new fabric. It could take you weeks or even months to find someone suitable." "I might know a few people in the textile business." Lauren venture coolly. "Oh, I couldn''t impose." I wave my hands in negation. "I mean what''s a month or two, really?" "Damn you, Amelia." The elf''s haughty exterior cracks. "Did you go out of your way to find someone like him just to mess with me?" "Hahahaha." All of her friends crack up laughing at Lauren''s loss of control. "Yeah, yeah laugh it up." She endures their taunting laughter. "I''m still coming back here tomorrow with the best seamstress in town; she has her apprentices do all the weaving for her too." "Well then, I''m sure you''ll need a sample to... entice her." I sidle closer and lower my voice an octave. "There won''t be much leftover, so it will have to be something small, delicate even." She flushes slightly and swallows audibly when I say that. "Ohh?" Her voice catches when I reach up like I''m about to stroke her cheek. "Yes, a scarf!" I say, all bright and cheery while pulling in to view the sheer length of fabric that I wove behind her back. "And, don''t you just love this floral pattern? I thought she''d like to see what some of my dyes can do." "Damn, Amelia. This one is dangerous." Delilah chokes out between howling laughter for her cousin''s bright red face. "Please, tell me that you''re keeping him around." "I''m not sure Ren will survive if I do." Amelia replies with a soft titter of her own. "I don''t think I''ve ever seen her blush, let alone that deeply." "You guys suck." The elf snatches the scarf from my hand before turning away with a pout. "Aww, Ren-Ren." Delilah gloms onto her cousin''s back. "Don''t be like that. At least let us see the scarf first." She laughs and tries to peel it out of Lauren''s grasp. "Hey, hey, hey." I raise my voice when the playful tug-of-war looks like it''s going to turn serious. "No roughhousing in the alchemy lab, please. I''d rather not have to heal any acid burns today, or ever preferably." ""Sorry."" They both hang their heads in the same motion. "It''s alright, this time." I say. "But, we really should get out of Melanie''s hair." I start herding the women out of the lab. "Sorry for bothering you, Mel. And, thank you for all the hard work. I''ll get you that fan and the air filter as soon as I can." "That''s fine." She nods. "Thank you for putting on the show, that was the most entertainment I''ve had in a while. Might have been a little too stimulating for some, though." She laughs while looking at the pink cheeks of her apprentice. # 085 I let Melanie''s laughter chase us out of the workshop. "Oops, I kinda forgot that Cat was there." "Does someone have a crush?" Helen asks in a sing-song voice. "She saw me in my undies earlier." Their eyes all widen when I say that. "I had to dive into the river to collect some stone and she was watching when I got out. Cat ran off before we even noticed her, but Willow saw and asked us why she turned all red before fleeing." "Heheheheh. Oh, that poor girl." Helen chuckles with a twinkle in her eye. "I''m letting Melanie deal with her, but the sooner I move the lab, the better." I sigh. "Especially after that show. And, speaking of shows, I think it''s just about time for another round of Sorrel''s Archery Extravaganza." I step up next to the wall I was using earlier and will it to grab onto my feet before lifting me and turning me about until I''m perpendicular to the women. Holding out a hand, Bowthorne hops up into it and we twirl around with a wink at Amelia. Taking just a moment to reacclimatize to this angle before launching shots at the targets, starting at fifty meters and walking out with each consecutive shot until I''m at max range where I finally miss thanks to a sudden gust of wind. "When did you start practicing air magic?" I accuse Amelia with a smile on my face. "Quit showing off in front of my friends." She sticks her tongue out at me. "I thought you brought them here so I could show off." I smirk before hooking her with my bow and pulling her closer for a quick kiss. "Don''t worry, I may have given Ren-Ren a scarf but only you get me." "Gods, you''ve got him using it now too." Lauren smacks her cousin on the arm. "And, would you please get down from there, I''m getting dizzy just looking at you." "It looks fun, I want to try." Lianna steps forward as I push off the wall, performing a backflip over Amelia''s head before landing. "Are you sure?" I ask the redhead and proceed to wrap her legs up to the knees when she nods. "Just try to keep your legs straight." She wobbles a bit when I turn her sideways, but manages to keep from falling. "Okay." She grunts out as soon as she''s parallel to the ground. "It looks more fun than it is. Let me down now, please." "Well if you insist." I snap my fingers and laugh when she flinches thinking I''m going to drop her. "Sorry, I couldn''t resist." I command the wall to gently set her on the ground. "You asked for that one." Amelia pats her friend on the head when she pouts. "Now, come on, let me show you guys the house, for real this time. Sorrel''s tastes in jokes may be somewhat annoying, but he has a wonderful sense of style." "Of course he does, he picked you." Helen says while getting in some head pats from Lianna''s other side as we walk to the house. Delilah gestures for me to hang back a bit with her, so I arch an eyebrow and ask. "Time for the obligatory warning not to hurt your friend?" "Mhm." She replies with a noncommittal grunt. "I could tell you were just fooling around earlier, so this is more of a plea. Amelia has never been in a serious relationship before and now she''s living with the two of you. It''s clear that she''s fallen hard and I just want what''s best for her." "So do I." We smile and wave at the woman in question when she looks back at us. "I know we rushed things... a lot, but I do love her and Apricot both. I don''t want to do anything that would hurt either of them. The only reason I went as far as I did when teasing Lauren is because Apricot can literally smell desire, so she and therefore Amelia know that I''m just goofing around." "Is what she said about their bond true?" Mollified by my answer, for now, Delilah decides to indulge her curiosity. "Can they really feel what the other one does?" "You tell me." I let out a low laugh. "Did Amelia look particularly flushed when you met her for lunch."Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. "You weren''t?" Her eyes go wide until she joins me in my laughter a moment later. "Oh, gods. You are dangerous." "Mhm." I shrug. "She''s going to get me back for it later, but I think it''ll be worth it. Especially if she wears the outfit I''m going to make for her." "Who knew innocent little Amelia had such a wild side hidden away?" She shakes her head. "She got so embarrassed after that drunken kiss with Lianna that I thought it would be years before she actually found someone." "Are you done threatening him yet?" Amelia pokes her head out of the front door. "I want to show you all the upstairs, this goof is using a mana node as a nightlight for the bathroom." "Oh, I already finished that." Delilah beams a smile at her friend. "I was just asking to see this outfit he''s going to dress you up in later." "It''s mostly based off of a guardswoman outfit from back home." I say with a smirk when Amelia blushes. "With the minor difference of a short skirt and long black stockings." I start knitting the hose together in front of them, almost causing Lauren to trip over her own feet in her rush to get a better look. "How are you doing that?" She asks while peering at the knitting as closely as she can. "Magic." I have to chuckle when she growls at me. "My mom taught me to knit when I ruined one too many pairs of socks. Going in a spiral like this is just easier than switching back and forth between knit and purl; I use the same technique to make these shirts." "Easy there, Ren." Her cousin puts her arms around the elf''s shoulders. "I''m sure that if you ask Amelia nicely she''ll have Sorrel make some for you. Maybe even a cute little garter belt to go with it too." "Nnh?" The elf just looks at Amelia with pleading eyes. "I''ll... think about it." The blonde answers imperiously. "Weren''t you going to show everyone the bedroom?" I make the finished stockings disappear. "I know the bed is big, but I''m not sure it will fit all seven of us. Though, I suppose we won''t know until we try." "Oh, shut up and go exercise some more." Amelia shoves me back out the door, her cheeks bright red. "And, not a word out of you or you''re going with him." She glares at a giggling Apricot. Laughing as she closes the door in my face, I walk over to the trees and berry bushes. I need to replenish my stock of smoothies before I go any further. I''ve barely even gotten started when I hear the door open. "And, stay out!" Amelia tosses a chortling Apricot outside before slamming the door shut. "What''d you do?" I ask while helping her to her feet. "Nothing." She struggles to keep a straight face. "Lianna was asking about my wings, so I just tried to give her a better look at where they join to my back. And, then, for no reason at all, Amelia got upset and threw me out." "So, you tried to flash her friends? Nice." I shoot her a thumbs-up. "Well, you can keep me company; just let me put on some music. I''m feeling in the mood for Bowie." Starting up the [Best of Bowie] playlist, I have to go with Heroes as the first song. "I. I will be king. And, you. You will be queen..." The pervert pixie sings along with me and it''s not long before I notice we have an audience. Amelia''s friends are craning their heads out of the upstairs window, so I transition the song into "Let''s Dance", pulling Apricot into my arms to do just that. When they''re still watching at the end, I switch over to the Bee Gees with "You Should Be Dancing." Amelia is just shaking her head at the lyrics, but her friends seem to like it. So, I keep up the disco music, Apricot and I dancing around the garden as all the food the guards and I will need for the next couple weeks grows up around us. The five of them rejoin us soon after. Apricot and I stalk towards Amelia and pulls her into a three-way dance, much to her embarrassment and her friends'' amusement. After passing her between the two of us for a song, I put on something slower and we sidle up on each side of her. "I love you, Amelia." I breathe into her ear from behind, Apricot pressing into her from the front. "Sorry for teasing you and your friends so much, but I''m sure you''ll find a way to punish me for it later." With that said, I gently scrape my teeth along her earlobe before dancing away. "Bastard." She growls at me while Apricot supports her weight. The fire in her eyes tells me that I may have pushed her just a little too far. "So, are you girls staying for dinner?" I say, but what I''m really asking is whether they''ll protect me from the evil guardswoman. "I don''t have enough silk to go around, but I can do plenty with cotton and linen." I''m not above a little bribery either. "Well, it would be wrong for us to abandon Amelia, leaving her to deal with the two of you on her own." That''s what Lauren''s mouth is saying, but her eyes are practically begging for the clothes. "Fantastic." I beam at the four of them. "I was planning to make some dandelion wine and could use some taste-testers too." Helen and Delilah both perk up at that. "He said the magic word, I''m in." Delilah laughs. "Can you make any other varieties?" "I should be able to work with anything that can be fermented." I reply with a nod. "But, I don''t know any way to speed up the aging process, yet. And, so much about grapes comes from the soil they''re grown in and I haven''t even begun messing around with that yet." "I know a few fruit wines that are still decent without being aged." Helen offers. "Well, let''s start with the dandelions. I want to test with some different sugars and yeast strains." I made sure to save samples from each fruit I got at the imported food store, but haven''t had a good reason to use them yet. # 086 The next couple of hours were a pleasant mix of music, wine, and science. The recipe I''ve used before calls for the dandelion petals to be steeped into a tea for up to a day, so finding a way to speed that up was my first task. I ended up settling on a few different methods to see which one would work best. A quick boil being the first and most obvious way to extract the tea. I also tried shredding the petals with magic before boiling, along with crushing and squeezing them to get the juice out. But, the method I feel most confident about was one thought up by Amelia. She thought it would be a good idea to run hot, but not boiling, conjured water through the petals to extract their juice much like how I extract the sap from the rest of the plants. Those four batches became twelve with the introduction of the sugars since I want to try out fructose, sucrose, and glucose just to see how each one turns out. And, twelve became many when I introduced the yeast. "I work in a wine shop and I had no idea that brewing was so complicated." Helen says while waiting rather impatiently for the actual brewing to finish. "This is nothing, sweetheart." Delilah corrects her. "Sorrel hasn''t even started messing with the recipe yet, he''s just trying to find a good yeast strain. Though I am interested in the different sugars, I never knew that plain white sugar was just two smaller sugars stuck together." "I will be using fructose for the bulk of what I''ll make in the future, just because I have so much extra." I explain. "But, I am curious about how the others will turn out. I only know the basics of brewing, but each strain of yeast has its own properties that will affect the brew to one degree or another. The most notable being how much alcohol they can produce." "Are you adjusting the temperature at all?" Delilah seems just as eager as Helen, if not quite as impatient. "I''m no expert either, but I do know different brews work better at different temperatures." "I have the yeasts all adjusted to their optimal temperatures right now." I nod. "But, I will be experimenting later by pushing them hotter and colder to see how it affects the flavor profile." "They''re starting to clear up already." Helen is practically vibrating at this point. "Yeah, just let me rack them and they should be good to test in about a minute." While pushing the yeast and sediment back with nature magic, I make the brewing vessels pour their contents into wooden pitchers. Each one only holds about half of a liter, but this is more than enough for us all to get a taste. "I suppose that''s one way to do it." Delilah lets out a laugh. "Amelia, would you help me cool them down?" She snorts at me, still a bit annoyed for earlier but does as I ask. "Oh, it looks like Apricot has already sniffed out a winner, the glucose and white grape yeast from the conjured water group." "Some of the others are good too, mostly the ones that used Amelia''s idea, but this one smells the best." She points out a handful of other batches. "A few of them didn''t work out at all though." A double handful gets pointed out this time. "I''ll trust your nose." The bad ones get pushed back while the good brews get pulled forwards. "Now, shall we start with the best, or the worst?" I open the question up to the group, but they''re already crowding around Apricot''s chosen. "This is pretty good." Lauren is the first to comment after taking a sip. "Especially for something made in minutes rather than weeks or months." A round of agreeing murmurs follow her words. "Yeah, I''ve drunk worse." Helen smacks her lips. I like it as much as everyone else does, but I''m more interested in the one fructose wine Apricot pointed out along with the sucrose and boiled petals batch. These both use the yeast I pulled from a fig. I only took the most populous strain from each fruit; otherwise, there would have been hundreds or even thousands of batches to test. "This one''s not bad." I swish a bit of the fructose batch around in my mouth before extracting the ethanol from another small sample. "Looks to be just over ten percent alcohol content." Magical distillation is much easier than figuring out the specific gravity. "Wait, you can just pull the alcohol out? No need for a still or anything?" Lianna''s eyes light up. "Thank the gods, I thought I would have to drink half of these pitchers just to get a little tipsy." "I know beastkin have higher tolerances, but that much? Really?" She and all of her friends nod in answer to my question. "Li-Li has always been like that." Delilah speaks up. "She''s great for dealing with annoying men when we''re out on a girl''s night, but not so great if we want to have any coin left in our purses the next morning." "Shut up." The redhead very gently swats her friend on the shoulder. "Well, I''ll be happy to make something stronger for you while we''re working on the rest of the wines." I offer. "The rejects were just going to get turned into vinegar anyways."Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. "Alright, I''m sold." She beams a smile at Amelia. "You can keep him; any man that can keep me supplied with alcohol is not one I want to see you getting rid of." "Heheh, she can do the same trick." The blonde glares a bit at me when I say that. "And, Apricot could probably teach her to speed up the yeast too." "Well, never mind then. Ditch his ass and keep the pixie." Lianna sticks her tongue out at me. "Fine, I''ll just take my clothes and leave." A melodramatic sigh leaks out of my mouth. "It''s not like any of you wanted bespoke outfits or anything." Helen, Lauren, and Delilah all tackle their friend, pinning her down and pasting their hands over her mouth. Amelia just looks on with a laugh for their antics. "Don''t listen to her." Lauren says with all the seriousness she can while sitting on the beastkin''s chest. "Lianna''s just a lightweight; she gets crazy and says all sorts of stupid stuff when she''s drunk." "Yeah." Helen nods along. "It''s probably for the best that you cut her off entirely." "MHRMRMRMM!!" Lianna tries to shout and throw them off, but they''ve got her pinned tight. This is obviously not the first time they''ve done this. "Oh, let her up, girls." Amelia says with a sigh. "Sorrel isn''t going anywhere, even if he is a bit of a jackass sometimes." "But, I''m your jackass." I simper at her. "Ow, no hitting. At least save it for the bedroom later. Hahahahah." I crack up when she flushes and start walloping me for real. "Go easy on him." Delilah speaks up in my defense. "He still needs to make us some clothes after all." Or maybe not. "Don''t forget about the booze." Lianna adds once they free her mouth. "Heh." I chuckle after Amelia runs out of steam. "I should probably make some charcoal to filter out the different brews. It won''t make up for a proper aging, but it might help. I''d like to make some activated charcoal, but the easy method takes time and the fast methods require strong acids or superheated steam. Two things I should probably not be playing around with in a party atmosphere..." I trail off as a thought strikes me. "What is it?" Amelia has something of a long-suffering look on her face. "I know that look, you''ve thought of some way to make this fancy charcoal of yours." "Oh, it''s nothing really." I wave it off. "I just thought that the inverted draw matter spell might work well for this. It wouldn''t be perfect, but if I can push away everything except the carbon during the charcoal making process. That should get me at least half-way there." "Oh, fine." She rolls her eyes after Apricot sends her a puppy-dog look. "But, make us a batch of Apricot''s favorite first. Some chairs too, we might as well get comfortable while you play around with magic." ""You''re the best!"" Apricot and I say the same thing at the same time before pulling her in for a quick three-way kiss. "We should move around back, I''ll set up a seating area by the river." I add after we separate to the cat-calls of her friends. "Are you really going to invent a new spell?" Delilah steps closer to me as I lead the way around the house. "Oh, I''ve already modified this one spell half-a-dozen times already." I pause for a second. "But, I guess since I''m inverting the basic idea it should count as a new spell on its own. I should give it a new name too since I''m not really drawing matter out anymore, I''ll be moving unwanted stuff away. Maybe push, expel? No, Separate! Yeah, that works." "Wine and chairs first." Amelia reminds me when with a flick to the forehead when I start slipping into spell creation mode. Heeding her request before she decides to beat me up some more; I swiftly craft a dozen seats, each in a different style. All surrounding a depression in the ground that will soon be a fire pit. "What is this?" Apricot giggles when I pick her up and set her in an egg-shaped, wicker basket full of cushions that is hanging from a tall wooden stand by a thick piece of rope. "I saw how you were eyeing the girl''s swing set." I reply with a smirk on my lips. "This isn''t exactly the same, but I thought you would like it. Now, would you be a dear and help me pull up some stone for the fire pit? And, before you say anything. No, I won''t strip down in front of Amelia''s friends; I''ve been pushing her with my teasing enough as it is today." "Fine." She pouts. "But, only because I like the chair." She makes it spin around in a circle before reaching out to pull up stone from the bottom of the river. Amelia''s friends look on with wonder as stone after stone rolls its way up onto dry land and into the depression I made for the fire pit. Once it looks like there''s enough to work with, I take over and start shaping them together into one solid piece. After drawing the moisture out, of course. I don''t want this to explode any more than the glass mold I made earlier. "Nice." Apricot shoots me a thumbs up when she spots the hidden features I added to the carved exterior. At first glance, the outside of the fire pit looks to be made up of a series of stylized flame carvings. But, if one looks closely, the negative space in between the carvings reveals a series of feminine forms. Forms that very much resemble the six women present, and in poses ranging from the sensuous to the downright erotic. "Just wait until the fire is lit after dark." I reply with a smirk while waiting for the rest of them to notice. "I arranged the quartz so that the light of the flames will leak out." "Sorrel, Baby. What is this?" Amelia says in a tight voice while pointing at an image of Lianna arching her back, her bare breasts pointing towards the heavens. "What do you mean?" I put on my most innocent face. "It''s just a fire pit; I thought the carvings would add a little something special to it." "What is it?" Her friends crowd around to see what she''s pointing at, but Delilah is the first to spot it and has to clasp her hand over her mouth to hold back the laughter. "Hahahahaha. Oh, gods. Are we all there?" "You didn''t?" Helen is the next to spot it and then starts hunting around to find the rest. "You did! Hahahah!" Her laughter erupts out when she finds one where Lauren looks like she''s being ''embraced'' by the flames. "What is it?" Lianna stamps her foot on the ground after Lauren''s face pales when she figures out what Helen is laughing about. "I can''t see anything." "Look between the flames." Delilah gasps out between giggles, her laughing fit renewed with every new hidden image she finds. "I don''t... wait. Oh, wow." She traces her hand over the first image that Amelia spotted. "How cool. But, man, I wish my tits were that perky in real life." This sets all of us to laughing, even Amelia who has been fighting to keep up the pout directed at me. "... Fine, you can keep it." The blonde relents after seeing that her friends like it so much. "Just get started on the wine already." She rolls her eyes before flopping onto a chaise lounge. "Yes, Ma''am." I prep a large batch of the wine Apricot picked out and start experimenting with some other fruit wines. # 087 I plan to tweak the recipe for the fructose and fig yeast batch later, but I thought I should work on these fruit wines first. Along with Delilah''s suggestions for the recipes, I try each one with a mix of the yeasts already present on them along with the top handful of yeasts that Apricot picked out. "This wood you''re using isn''t likely to affect the wine over such a short amount of time." Delilah comments. "But, I can''t help but wonder how some of these might handle a proper aging in an oak barrel." "Hmm, the wood I''m using has been compressed so it won''t breathe nearly as much, but some of the flavors might still leach out if it were properly toasted." I say while thinking about the possibilities. "Hard to say which wines would benefit from that or a regular barrel though. I like a decent wine now and then, but I was always more of a beer person. And, aside from a few tries at home brewing, this is all somewhat outside my skill set." "Well, you seem to be doing alright so far." She chuckles in reply. "Mhm." I shrug. "This is just trial and error, really. If it weren''t for a certain pixie''s perfect nose everything would have taken much longer." "Well, if you''re serious about pursuing winemaking." Helen interjects. "Then you should speak with Mistress Pru. She knows just about everything there is to know about wine, and after what you did for her, I know she''d be glad to help." "I may just get in touch with her." I nod. "Accelerating the fermentation is easy enough with my nature magic, but I don''t know anything that could even remotely begin to speed up the aging process." "What about the charcoal filtering you were going to try?" "Oh, that''s only going to remove some of the stronger flavors." I explain. "It''s basically just a cheat to make poor quality spirits more palatable. I was kinda hoping it would give me an approximation of how they might mellow with age so I can see which ones might be worth setting aside for later. But, I''m probably just going to go with Apricot''s nose, something tells me that she''s snuck into more than a few vineyards in her time." "Nobody saw me and they couldn''t prove a thing even if they did." She sticks her tongue out at me. "Hmpf." I snort in reply. "Well, these are almost done. Do you want to put your nose to good use? I''m eager to get started on that spell." "Yeah, go ahead and pour them out for me." She hops out of her basket swing with a laugh and brushes her fingers along Amelia''s arm on her way over to the brewing setup. "I can already pick out a few that should be good enough to drink now, along with some that might be more than decent given enough time to age." Much like before, Apricot picked out her favorite, a strawberry wine, along several other good ones. She then pointed out several more that might be good if given enough time to mellow and, of course, the handful that just didn''t turn out well at all. "A shame none of the apples turned out as more than middling." Lauren comments after a round of samples. "I wouldn''t mind a decent cider." "I plan to crossbreed what I have now and grow some more varieties from seed." I say, just as disappointed. "Luckily, each apple seed tends to grow into a brand new variety, so it shouldn''t be too hard to find some that will make a decent cider." "I''m just upset you didn''t have more honey, I would have loved some good mead." Delilah adds with a cute pout. "I want to get into beekeeping too." I nod. "I should be able to speed up the production of honey, and can''t wait to experiment with different flowers to see what kind of flavors I can get." After saying that, I grab all the ciders, aside from one particularly foul-smelling one, and mix them together before lowering the temperature. I figure that even if the cider is only so-so that it might still make decent applejack. "Ooh, apple brandy. Yes, please." Lianna closes in when I start pouring out the runoff while leaving the ice behind. "This... this one might need a run through the charcoal." I choke out in between coughs after taking a sip. "Yeah, just a little." She concurs with a raspy voice after trying it for herself. "Yay, magic time." Apricot bounces on the balls of her feet just like an over-excited kid. "Yes, magic time." I can''t help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Let''s go over closer to the water so I can use the clay to cover up the wood." She takes the hand I hold out for her and dances along next to me. Once there, I build a large pile of firewood after breaking it down into pieces no more than a few centimeters thick. Making everything this thin isn''t really necessary, but it should help speed things along. Thick river mud then flows over the pile of sticks to form an air-tight shell, with a bit extra piling up next to it. "What''s that second mound of mud for?" Delilah seems to be the most interested in magic, as she''s the only one to follow us away from the alcohol. "Well, normally you light the wood on fire and then smother it so all the charcoal doesn''t burn away. I plan to do things a bit differently." I explain while pointing out the one hole I left in mud covering, a hole that leads directly underneath the extra mud. "I plan to bake the wood directly with magic. All the wood gas will then pour out of that hole and burn to heat the mud. I''ll then be able to transfer that heat back into the wood and save myself a lot of magic in the process."Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. "All while trying to invent a new spell?" She raises an incredulous eyebrow. "Oh, this isn''t just about making a new spell, I could have done that with almost any substance." I say with a smile for Apricot. "This is about showing off for my girl, she does love her magic." My smile grows wider when said girl blushes a bit. "Now, I''ve been mulling it over so I think I know where to start, but this is going to take some concentration to get right." "Don''t mind me." Delilah laughs. "I just want to watch; I''ve always been more interested in magic than the rest of them. Well, until Amelia met you two, that is." I just chuckle and get started heating the wood. Soon a bright jet of flame is shooting out of the large mound and into a tube snaking its way through the smaller one. I''m quickly able to get all of the heat needed to char the wood just from this. Once I have a good handle on that process, I can focus on inverting the draw matter spell. Keeping the image of solid carbon in mind, I then will everything else away from a small piece of newly formed char. This really is just like inverting the previous spell, even the mana flows feel like they''re inside-out for lack of a better term. But, it works. Slowly at first, but with a rapidly increasing pace as I get used to the new spell. Expanding the sphere of influence as I go, I soon feel my mind and body filled with the language of magic. The incantations and somatic gestures for this new spell coming as naturally to me as breathing. "...Separate!" I conclude the chant on a power-filled word that causes the blowtorch to expand into a flame thrower. "Hahahahahaha!" A deep, dark laugh erupts from my throat as the world bends to my will once again. "Oh, gods." Apricot pants out when I reach over to steady her. Her knees having found themselves a little weak from watching the display I just put on for her. "Easy there, Sweetie." I have to grab her hands when she starts pawing at me. "We still have company." "Let them watch." Apricot replies in a feral growl. "If they had any idea how sexy what you just did was, they be begging to join in." "Heh. A shame they can''t see magic like you then." I shake my head and wrap the horny little thing up with all four of my arms. "But, you know the rule. No having sex with Amelia''s friends, or in front of them, for that matter." "Am I missing something?" Delilah asks while looking more than a little embarrassed. "It was an impressive fire and all, but not..." She just gestures at Apricot, who is trying her best to grind against me. "You have no idea." The pixie rolls her eyes at the clueless woman and finally wrenches herself to a stop with a shudder that shakes the whole of her tiny frame. "Well done magic just seems to do the trick for pixies." I try to explain. "You saw a flame, but she experienced, with senses we don''t even have, a choreographed dance of the energies of creation." "A very sexy dance!" Apricot adds with a fierce nod. "A dance that Sorrel let play over my skin because he knows it drives me wild." "Did I take my teasing too far?" I breathe into her ear, a wicked smile playing on my lips. "Well, damn!" Lauren interrupts us with a nervous laugh. "If my magic teachers had explained it like that, I would have paid a hell of a lot more attention. That''s for sure. Just look what you did to poor Amelia, she''s been quivering ever since that flash went off." "You... you two have to quit doing stuff like that to me when I''m around my friends." The blonde refills her glass before downing it one go. "Otherwise no guardswoman outfit... ever." "We''ll behave." I promise immediately, earning myself a round of heckling from her friends. "Speaking of clothes..." Lauren prompts after their laughter dies down, only for it to start up again, this time directed solely at her. "Well, you heard them Sorrel. I guess they just aren''t interested in you making any outfits for them." "I think you might just be right." I laugh when the rest of their faces turn pale, the laughter of just moments ago vanishing as if it never was. "Amelia. He''s not playing fair." Lianna clings to her friend, but the blonde just laughs. "Let him finish playing around with his charcoal." She smirks at all four of them. "And, then I might think about telling him to make you some clothes. But, you four have to wear whatever I pick out for you." Her smirk morphs into a wide grin. I just shake my head at their antics as they plead with Amelia, and turn my attention back to the charcoal pit. It has completely cooled off by now, so I roll the mud off and back into the river. My control was so tight that the outermost layer is still wet and cool to the touch. The wood itself has turned completely black and crackles like glass when I break a piece in half. I try out the magnifier spell, but the pores I''m looking for are too small for even that. I''ll just have to run some tests with some iodine later to see what kind of surface area it has. If I can remember the formula, that is. At the very least, I''ll be able to compare it to regular and activated charcoal. "Let''s see how this works on the applejack." I powder enough to fill a small paper cone and add it to a funnel before pouring the freeze-distilled cider through it. "Damn, it was pretty clear to begin with, but look at that." The alcohol was clear to begin with thanks to my filtering it with nature magic, but it turns a shade lighter after running through the filter "Smells better too." Apricot nods, so I hold up a sample for Lianna to try first. The beastkin eyes the glass of pale spirit dubiously for a second before shrugging and knocking it back. "That... is a lot better." "Hmm?" I smack my lips after taking a sip. "Could probably use a second pass, but I''ve drunk worse." I go ahead and run it through the filter again. The drink doesn''t change color this time, but it does taste a bit smoother afterward. "Clothes now?" Lauren practically begs Amelia who just smiles and walks over to show me the drawing I made just for the hell of it of a particularly ugly outfit "Heheheh. Yeah, these will take me a little bit." They all wince at the wicked laugh coming from my lips. "Why don''t you all decide what you''d like for dinner while I work on these. It won''t be dark for a while yet, but I should probably get started before I drink too much more. Apricot and Amelia and have already picked the appetizers and dessert, so I just need to know what the main course should be." "You''d better not drink too much." Apricot warns me while Amelia blushes when she remembers the name of the dessert I''ll be making. "You still have to pay for teasing us all day." "Heheheh. Don''t worry, I can just speed up my liver, or even draw the alcohol directly out of my blood if it comes to that. And, there''s always shapeshifting as a last resort." My words make Amelia blush even harder, but her friends are too afraid to say anything about it. Not too afraid to smile when she''s not looking though. "Can you do anything for hangovers?" Lianna asks, dead serious, which does get them to laugh. "Water before bed and some juice in the morning, maybe one of my smoothies." I take one out and start sucking on it. "I''d offer some aspirin, but I haven''t run across any willow trees yet. Which is a shame because I want to add some next to the river here." "You can''t just magic it away?" Her face droops a little. "Not really, a hung-over body is just dehydrated and missing some nutrients that were peed out the night before." I suppose I could try to rehydrate someone directly with magic, but water and time would work just as well. "I can tell you some drinks to avoid. Red wine and Brandy along with darker spirits tend to cause worse hangovers because of certain byproducts in them." "We''re always telling you to drink more water." Helen puts her arm around her friend''s slumped shoulders. "Not even magic can fix everything." *** # 088 Amelia''s friends get more and more nervous as her laughter grows along with the outfits I''m making for them. I''m, of course, keeping everything hidden behind a large tarp that only Amelia is allowed behind. "Amelia, you know that this isn''t necessary." Lauren pleads with the vindictive blonde. "We were just playing around. Right, girls?" "So, you don''t want to wear ''any'' of the clothes Sorrel is going to make?" Amelia stresses the word. "..." The poor elf''s face falls. "Give it up Ren-Ren." Delilah pats her cousin on the back. "We''re not getting out of this one." The four of them all blanch a moment later when the big reveal happens. At first glance, it almost looks like I just piled together a bunch of dandelion petals, but no that''s just what the dresses look like. They''re modeled after the bridesmaid dress from that one episode of 2 Broke Girls. Ankle-length ruffled skirts, a feathery, scoop-neck top with mesh over the cleavage. There''s also puffy, mesh sleeves and, of course, the dress comes with a matching choker. Altogether, it is a canary yellow nightmare. "Oh, I almost forgot the headbands." Four bouquets of yellow roses attach themselves to matching veils meant to hang off the back of their heads. "Run for it, girls." Lauren breaks first and tries to run away. "Get ''em, Sorrel." When Amelia gives me the go-ahead, I send the dresses flying off of their stands to chase down the fleeing women. "You girls have one more chance to put them on yourselves." Amelia cackles when they all get wrapped up by the dresses and dragged back. "What did we ever do to deserve this?" Helen cries. "Remember that date you set me up on, and the outfit you all picked out for me?" Oh, if looks could kill. "..." "..." "..." "..." Four identical ''oh, shit'' faces meet Amelia''s words. "You want me to make with the magic, or should we just let Apricot manhandle them into their new clothes?" I don''t know what makes the turn more pale, the fact that their tops started coming undone on their own, or the gleam in the pixie''s eyes. "We''ll change, we''ll change." Lauren tries to hold the side of her blouse together. I materialized our tent for them to change in and had to hold back Apricot from trying to follow the four inside. Amelia even bopped her on the head when she tried casting farsight into the impromptu changing room. "You four are taking an awful long time in there." Amelia says a moment later. "Do I need to send in Apricot to help?" "Not a word." Lauren states in a huff after throwing the flap to the tent open. "But, you''re so pretty now." Amelia dances forward to place the headbands on each of them. "There, perfect." I can''t help but play ''Yellow'' by Coldplay just as Amelia steps back to admire her work. "I hate you. Good song, but I still hate you." Delilah grumps and the other three nod along. "So, you like songs about the color yellow?" I smirk back. "I must know dozens of songs with that in the title, maybe hundreds if you include every song that mentions it in the lyrics." "Amelia, help." Helen looks up at her wide, pleading eyes. "No need to go that far, Babe." I grin, but switch over to my [Generic Party Music] playlist. "I need a drink." Lianna walks over and grabs the pitcher of applejack, the other three quickly follow suit. "Don''t go getting drunk just yet; you still need to pick out what outfits you want me to make. And, what you want for dinner for that matter." I add after a short pause. "Meat." Lianna states after slamming down the now empty pitcher. "Well, that narrows it down." I chuckle. "How about some fried chicken? Y''all look to be in the need of some good ol'' fashioned southern comfort food." I pull off the best drawl I can in Varecian. "As long as there''s a lot of it." The beastkin nods. "I''ll go all out then." I nod right back. "Collard greens, hush puppies, succotash, some pecan fried okra for Amelia, green bean casserole, buttermilk biscuits, fried green tomatoes, bacon baked beans, potato salad, mac and cheese, coleslaw Hmm? I wonder if I can speed up the making of sauerkraut. Probably not, but I should make a batch for later anyways."A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. "I have no idea what half of those were, or even if they''re real words. But, yes please." Her friends laugh when she wipes up a string of drool that was just starting to form at the corner of her lips. "Well, come and pick out the outfits you want; I need to press out some peanut oil for the fryer." I bring out a pre-made planter box and start growing some stuff for tonight''s feast. "Mind distilling some more of this stuff for me too?" She asks. "Sure, I can make some party punch out of the rejects." Her eyes go wide as several liters of pure ethanol gets pulled out of the less palatable wines and into a large pitcher. "It''d be better if I had some proper rum, but I might be able to fake it." I start filling a cheesecloth with some spices to soak in the alcohol. Vanilla, orange peel, cinnamon stick, allspice berries, cloves, black peppercorns, ground nutmeg, ginger, and I''m about to add some anise seed when Apricot crinkles her nose. "Nnh. No anise, please." She goes from crinkling her nose to pinching it shut when I wave the aromatic seeds in her direction. "You don''t like anise?" I make it vanish back into storage. "To sharp for your nose? Wait! Does this mean I can make some black licorice and have myself a candy that you won''t just steal and eat immediately?" It''s not my favorite sweet, but the real homemade stuff is leagues better than the crap you get at the store. Especially the black jellybeans, those things should just be outlawed. "Hahahaha." Amelia busts up laughing when the pixie''s eye starts to twitch. "Don''t worry, Sweetie, you can enjoy it through me." Smiling at their antics, I mix up the pseudo rum until I get something that smells and tastes close enough. The flavor will be buried by the fruit juice anyways; it just wouldn''t have been the same without that little extra spice to counterpoint the sweetness. The other girls look interested in the punch too, so I make another, slightly less alcoholic version for them. Pretty soon they don''t even seem to mind the ugly outfits that Amelia stuffed them into. And, after getting the punch made, I go back to making food and clothes in equal measure. ... "Amelia, you marry this man, and you do it quick." Lianna was too busy stuffing her mouth during dinner to say anything, but started ordering her friend around during the small break before I bring out the dessert. The copious amounts of punch she drank affecting even her beastkin physiology. "And, I haven''t even brought out the star of the evening yet." I add onto the teasing, having had a few sips myself. "Let me present to you Sex in a Pan." Amelia''s cheeks are already pretty pink from the effects of the alcohol, but turn scarlet when she sees the dessert. "Wait, how would you even do that position without something to keep you from falling over?" The drunken beastkin tilts her head to one side trying to make heads or tails of the images -straight out of the Kama-Sutra- that I stenciled in chocolate on top of the whipped cream. "I''d offer to show you later." Apricot replies with a wink. "But, I think I''m going to be busy helping Amelia punish Sorrel." This statement has her blonde lover hiding her flaming face beneath her hands. "Even discounting the artwork." Delilah comments after taking a bite. "This is well-deserving of the name." "Oh, just wait until I make you some proper chocolate desserts." My eyes twinkle with the promise of future treats. "Nng. Li-Li may be drunk, but I think she has the right idea." Helen adds after tasting it for herself. Lauren is too busy savoring the snack to comment, but she throws in a nod of affirmation. "Alright, quit teasing Amelia." I come to her rescue. "We''re together now and that''s good enough. There''s no need to rush any more than we already have." I say that but I have no intention of letting either of my girls go, I''m more than happy to wait until they''re ready. She sends a grateful look my way when I squeeze her knee under the table. The rest of dessert is enjoyed in silence and Delilah proposes they leave shortly after. "We should get out of your hair." The dark-haired beauty says after sipping the last of her strawberry wine. "We wouldn''t want to get in the way of that punishment after all. But, I do hope we get details later." "..." Amelia just purses her lips. "Looks like the main gate is still open." I say after peeking at it with magic. "Why don''t you girls take Flicker and the carriage? Lauren said she''s coming back tomorrow anyways, she can return it then." "Oh, that''s perfect." Helen agrees. "I was afraid we''d have to load up Li-Li just to get our new clothes back home. But, the way she''s looking now, she''s more likely to trip and drop everything in the middle of the road." "Hey!" Lianna points her finger at Helen and then has to blink a few times to focus her eyes. "I''m not that drunk. I''m just pleasantly happy." "Yeah, happy enough that I bet you''ll pass out halfway home." Lauren adds with a snort. "Thank you girls for coming out today, I really was missing you." Amelia pulls them all into a big group hug while I hitch up the carriage to Flicker. "Even if you all are a pain in my butt." "We love you too." Helen messes up Amelia''s hair before climbing into the driver''s seat. "Now, you go be the best guardswoman you can be." I expected Amelia to blush again at that, but she just had a happy little smile on her face. "I''ll be sure to enjoy my new silk while you four ride home wearing that." She howls with laughter as they remember that they''re wearing the eyesores she stuffed them into. "You bitch." Delilah says that, but there''s no heat in her voice. "We''ll get you for this." "You should know that revenge is a slippery slope." I interject with a wicked smile. "If you get back at her, then who knows what she''ll do with this painting she had me make of the four of you." Their faces fall when they see a recreation of the ''oh, shit'' moment from earlier. "Bye girls, have a safe ride home." Amelia waves them off as I coax Flicker into leaving with a bit of magic. "Okay, that almost makes up for the teasing from earlier." She adds after they''re out of hearing range. She was as surprised to see the painting as they were, but hid it well enough that they didn''t notice. "Now, give me that; we need to hang it up in the house." "Yes, Ma''am." I already finished the outfits earlier and cannot wait to see Amelia in hers. *** # 089 "...rel, wake up!" Apricot drags me from sleep''s embrace with a shake to my shoulder. "Finally! Someone is messing around with the workshop." That blows away the lasts bits of drowsiness. "How many?" Stretching out my magic, I can only feel one unknown person within my range. "Just the one." She answers, her voice low so as not to wake Amelia. "He got here a few minutes ago by boat and has been trying to get inside the lab ever since." The pixie, nude save for a pair of black stocking, follows me out of bed and slips into a robe and some fuzzy slippers. "That''s not going to happen anytime soon." I reply while pulling on some pants on my way to the stairs. "Would you mind alerting the guards at the gate while I detain him?" "Already done." She must have used her ventriloquism spell to contact them. "Just... be careful, please." After the stunt I pulled with the gang, she has every right to be worried. "Don''t worry, I learned my lesson yesterday." I take her hand and head for the front door. "I''m just going to encase them in wood and wait for the guards." Reaching out with my magic, I do just that. The window shutter that he''s trying to pry open suddenly comes to life and wraps around his hand. The would-be burglar lets out a high-pitched shriek when this happens, eliciting a round of soft chuckles from Apricot and myself. "Come on, let''s go wait for the guards to collect the daring thief." I open the front door and cast a light spell to illuminate our uninvited guest. A pair of bobbing lights can also be seen running towards us from the gate. "Ugh, why did he have to pick tonight? Between the wine and what you two did to me after the girls left, I need all the rest I can get." "Oh, you poor baby." She laughs merrily as we walk towards the front of the property. "But, it''s not like you weren''t asking for that rough treatment all day." "Mister Sorrel, is everything alright?" I don''t recognize either of the guards, but the older one steps towards us while his partner heads for the now gagged and fully immobilized prisoner. "Just a burglar." I reply with a yawn. "He came by boat a few minutes ago." "Not just a burglar." The younger guard speaks up. "He''s the alchemist responsible for the fire." "He''s supposed to be locked up still." The guard near us snarls. "Little shit paid off most of his debt, but the magistrate was rather upset when he saw the pictures of what happened to little Myra. So, this bastard was ordered to clean the sewers for the next month." "Get him out of here before I do something I''ll regret in the morning." The rage is radiating off of me with visible waves of magic and I have to hold out with every fiber of my being not to just squish the fucking bug where he stands. "Yes, Sir!" The guard slams his fist into his chest in a salute before grabbing the scumbag with his partner and dragging it away at a speed just shy of a full run. "Breathe, Sorrel. Just breathe." Apricot locks eyes with me and puts her hand over my heart. "He''s not worth it." "I-I''m fine." A shuddering breath escapes from my lungs when I finally get myself under control. "I just... need to go exercise or something." What I really want to do is just hit something until my hands bleed. "I can think of a couple exercises that might help you relax." She breathes out while tracing her hand over my bare chest. "Sweetie, I love you, but not right now." I have to shake my head. "Not when I feel like this." "Nnh. This is revenge for last night isn''t it?" She pouts and her body gives out a little involuntary shudder. "First you put on a show like that and now, you''re going to make me just sit and watch as you flex those muscles of yours?" "Oh, come on, you little pervert." Her robe slips open when I lift her into my arms. "Mmm, maybe we can work something out." I say as she presses her naked body against my bare chest. "But, I don''t trust myself right now, so you''re going to have to do all the work." "Ooh, just like our first time." Her mouth latches onto my neck and I rush us back inside the house.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. Amelia joins us in the guest bedroom a few minutes later. She doesn''t ask any questions, just starts helping us to relieve some stress. "Thank you." I breathe out when they both collapse next to me a short while later. "And, I''m sorry we woke you." I smooth the hair out of Amelia''s face. "It''s okay, Baby. Apricot told me what happened." She nuzzles into her favorite little spoon. "And, you know I don''t mind being woken up like that." "Well, you two try to get some more rest." I kiss each of them on the forehead before covering them up with the blanket. "The sun won''t be up for a couple hours yet." "M''kay, Baby." Amelia is already half asleep, but Apricot raises a questioning eyebrow at me. "Just stay here and be a good little spoon, I''m only going to go lift some weights." She doesn''t look happy about my words, but doesn''t try to stop me either. "I love you, Sorrel." Her voice is barely audible. "I love you, Apricot." I lean in for one more kiss before climbing gently off of the bed. *** "I''m behind the hedge in the back." I have the clover out front speak to the group of beastkin that just arrived for our morning run. "I just need to finish out this set and I''ll be right with you." I''ve been going at it as hard as I can since I left the Apricot and Amelia, and I''m still in a shitty mood. But, I did figure out that Blackthorne is strong enough to serve as a barbell even when dealing with the amount of weight I can lift. Good thing too since I''ve somewhat been neglecting my arms and chest. "Hey, man. We heard about what happened. Are you alright?" Bruce steps around the corner of the hedge just as I''m setting Barbellthorne into the holder on the bench press. "Dude, you shouldn''t be doing that without a spot." "Blackie is my spot." My staff flexes and all the weights slide off of the ends. I went for another quick swim earlier and collected several hundred kilos of stone from the riverbed to use as plates. "Now, I hope you guys are ready for a run. I''m still in kind of a shitty mood and since I''m helping the healers, I won''t be able to join you guys tomorrow." "That''s alright; most of us will be on duty to help with the crowd anyways." Cobb steps up next to Bruce. "Leon sends his regards, by the way. Heh, between that slime last night and those street rats yesterday, you''ve been doing all our work for us." "Earning a reputation as someone not to fuck with either." One of the newcomers says from the back of the crowd. "Remind me to make it up to the gate guards later; I shouldn''t have let my temper get the best of me." I start getting dressed in my chainmaille jogging suit. "Oh, and if anyone was hurt when that scum escaped, I''ll be happy to heal them." "No, Kenny is fine, just embarrassed that the little shit hit him some sort of sleeping draught." Bruce waves my concern away. "And, don''t worry about the guys on the gate either, they were just as upset at that piece of crap as you were." "Even so, I should still drop off some cookies or something for them." I roll my shoulders to settle the suit. "Alright, Amelia''s friends borrowed Flicker to get home last night, so I was hoping we could pick up the pace today." A round of whimpers goes up from the handful that ran with me yesterday. "Oh, suck it up." Bruce jeers at them. "Will your passenger be joining us today?" He adds with a chuckle. "Nah, she''s snuggled up in bed still." Apricot sticks her tongue out at me when I cast farsight to check in on her and Amelia. "Now, who wants to see how fast we can reach the woods?" "Oh, gods." Cobb groans but he and the rest all fall in line with me. I start us off with "We Will Rock You" by Queen to get us in the mood. The newbies look startled at first, but quickly get into it. "You all warmed up?" I ask when the song ends. "Good, now let''s run for real." I''m still in the mood for some classic rock, so I switch to AC/DC''s Thunderstruck and slowly increase the pace from there. It''s not until we were nearly back to the farm that I let them cool down with another Queen song, though I did change one of the lines to better suit the audience. "I consider it a challenge before the whole beastkin race." I''m sure it would have gotten a laugh if any of them had the breath left to do so. "Heheheh. What''s the matter, guys? You aren''t tired already are you?" I can''t help but laugh when the lot of them collapse as soon as we''re back at the farm. ""..."" Those that can still hold their heads up just glare at me. "Oh, my. If looks could kill." I chuckle and start handing out smoothies. "What happened to them?" Edsel steps out of the workshop with a bewildered expression on his face. "I don''t know, I was pushing myself twice as hard and I''m fine." I shrug and receive another round of glares from all but one of the guards. "Gods, I thought they were exaggerating when they told me about the run yesterday." The one who didn''t glare speaks up. "I''m Sergeant Bardac, the one who is usually responsible for getting these slobs to run." "Oh, it wasn''t quite that bad yesterday." I reply with a smile. "I just had a bit of extra aggression to run off today. It worked too, I feel great now." "Crazy godsdamned Plantkin." Cobb grumbles but is soon laughing when he climbs back to his feet to find all of the pain and soreness already washed away. "Oh, I wish you could teach us that trick." The other runners start getting off the ground too, only the newbies looking truly surprised. "I know magic and beastkin don''t usually go together." I say, remembering what I once read about their race. "But, if you have any skill at all, then between Apricot and me we can probably show you the basics." "Nope, Lev is probably the most skilled in that area out of all of us." He points to one of the runners that was here yesterday. "But he''s lucky to light a candle one in three times." "Hmm, maybe I could show one of the army medics and you can carry them on your back like I do Apricot." This gets a laugh out of the crowd. "Heheheh." The sergeant laughs the loudest. "I might just try that. Alright, you lot. It looks like the man has business to attend to, let''s leave him to it." His men, a couple of whom are women, start heading back into town at their commander''s word. # 090 After seeing the guardsmen, and women, off with a wave and a hearty "If I run into any more criminals, I''ll be sure to send them your way." I turn to Ed. "Hey, man. What can I do for you?" "Do you always run the guard into the ground like that?" He laughs ruefully at their retreating forms while I send their empty smoothie cups into storage. "And, did you know there was a hole in the shop wall?" "Oh, yeah." I bring out some material and start repairing the wall. "We had a burglar last night; I used the wood to wrap him up for the guard. It completely slipped my mind to fix the wall afterward." "Shit." Ed spits out the oath while looking back at the lab. His worry for Melanie clear in his eyes. "They didn''t get in did they?" "No, Apricot spotted them as soon as they entered the yard." I shake my head and glance over my shoulder to make sure that none of the farmers are close by. "I haven''t told them yet, but it was the same bastard that was responsible for Myra getting burned. I came this fucking close to popping him like a zit." I hold my thumb and forefinger up with barely a millimeter''s distance between them. "Been working off the anger ever since." "Gods." The man covers his mouth with a hand. "I''ve barely even met her and I might not have been able to stop myself if I was in your place." "Yeah." I let out a deep exhalation. "So, what can I do for you? Or did you just come to spend the day with Melanie?" His cheeks pink up just a little bit at the teasing. "Ahh." He hesitates slightly. "Well, you remember how you showed me the aluminum? I''ve been able to do the same for the other metals I''m familiar with, but... I was kinda hoping you could go over my stock of ores and separate out the other metals you wrote about." "No problem." I nod, happy to help. "But, you''ve got to show me the trick to working with metals. I tried gold, silver, and copper yesterday and couldn''t get anywhere." "Heheh. You tried coins, right?" He chuckles when I nod. "Yeah, the royal mages do something with them, it''s more than a spell, but less than an enchantment. There''s a trick to overriding it, but it''s easier just to melt them down." "Huh?" I jingle a handful of pocket change trying to suss out what they did to it. "I thought that was just how metal reacted." "No, they each have their own properties, but those three are probably the easiest to work with." He materializes a small ingot of copper and starts molding it into fanciful shapes. "Without the coinspell in place, you should be able to work them just like stone. Which, if the lab is anything to go by, you have no problems with." "Mhm." I shrug, not sure what to say. "Well, why don''t you show me what you''ve got, I''ll work through the periodic table trying to separate everything I can." I materialize a large table and fill the edges with bowls, leaving the center clear for ores. "You, uh might need a bigger table." He chuckles and starts to bring out rock after rock. "I brought everything with me." "Oh, just chuck it all on the ground then. Have you removed the silica yet?" I ask, getting ready to make a barrel for what''s likely to be the bulk of the stone. "Sorry, no." He shakes his head. "That''s alright, I''ll just pull that out first." I go ahead and make the barrel and start filling it from the samples he''s already produced. "Oh, I almost forgot. But, can you tell me if there''s a mine or a quarry nearby? It''s a little annoying having to jump in the river every time I need a little stone." "If it''s bulk stone you need, then you can just head off into the grasslands and dig up all you need." He gestures off to the west. "You might even luck out and find some ores. There''s a few critters to watch out for, but something tells me they won''t be a problem for you. But, if you want an actual mine, then you pretty much have to head up to the teeth. That, or much farther west." "What about buying ores? I know this is a trade town." The barrel is already full by now, so I compress the powder down into a solid block of quartz. "You might find the odd prospector who''s willing to sell you something, but not many people ship raw ores." He explains. "It''s just a lot easier to smelt them down beforehand. I can give you some contacts with the smiths if you''re looking for metals though." "Yeah, if it''s not too much trouble." He''s still producing stone, and I''m still drawing the silica out of it. "Not at all." He chuckles. "And... that''s the last of my collection." "Okay, I''m almost done with the silica." I have to pack it down into quartz again. "I''ll get the alumina next, there''s bound to be a ton of that too. And, then I can start working my way up the periodic table." It takes a few more moments of work but, by the time I''m done, his collection is just small enough to all fit on the table. "Now, this is far from my area of expertise." There''s an understatement. "But, I do remember that there are very few metals that occur natively. So, I''m mostly looking for oxides or ''rusts'', but I''ll check for stuff bonded to chlorine and carbon too since those should be relatively common." I started with lithium and decided to work my way up to bismuth, since I don''t want to mess around with anything more radioactive than that. I know those ores are mostly safe, but I''d rather not take any chances. Edsel was fascinated by the whole process... well, aside from the few times I was able to extract common metals that he missed. That made him grumble about over-powered Plantkin. "Well, as you can see I wasn''t able to extract everything, but I did find quite a bit more than I was expecting." There is still a good chunk of stone left over, but I was able to find at least a few grains from almost every element. "The way I visualize things does limit me somewhat here, so you may be able to extract more after you get a feel for the different elements." "I both love and hate you right now." Edsel booms out a laugh and slaps me on the back. "I don''t want you hating me, but keep your love for Melanie." I chortle when he full-on blushes this time. "Speaking of, I''m sure she would be interested in some of this stuff." "I''ll go get her." He rushes off into the lab, I think just to give his face a chance to cool down. While he''s inside, I play around with the barrel of quartz. I have to wonder if I can''t just make the labware out of plain quartz and save myself the hassle of making glass. "Hey, Mels." I call out to her when she and Cat reappear with Ed. "Do you know if plain quartz can be used in place if glass? It would sure be a lot easier to make your labware out of this than to go through the hassle of making glass." "Hmm. It should be alright for most stuff." She tilts her head to one side while peering at the chunk of crystal in my hands. "But, I was hoping you could make some pure silica glass, it has much better thermal properties than regular glass or quartz." "Alright, I''ll have to look into electrolysis later." I nod. "Just because I can refill my mana from the sun doesn''t mean it''s not a pain to use that much at a time. Even still I should be able to reuse the trick I did to make charcoal yesterday. Oh, that reminds me I have a new spell for you, and a couple of experiments to run, if you''re up for it." "Did you manage to invert the draw matter spell?" Her eyes light up. "And, I''m always up for a good experiment." "Yeah, I''ve named it Separate because... well, that''s what it does. I used it to make some ultra-pure charcoal, and it''s that what I want you to test." I bring a piece out of storage so she can hear the glass-like crack when I break it up. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. "Did you manage to remove everything but carbon from that?" Ed interjects. "If so, then I know a few smiths who will be very interested." "Yes." I nod and fill a small bag with charcoal for him, and another for Melanie. "And, this is what I want to experiment on. This is in regards to that air filter I was talking about yesterday. I want to see how this holds up to regular charcoal and the activated stuff I''m going to make for the filters. You just need to measure how much it takes to filter out a set amount of iodine." "Easy enough." She agrees right away. "But, I want to know about this activation process." "Basically, it just increases the porosity so that a much smaller amount is needed than regular charcoal." I explain and draw a sponge-like picture, first with a few large holes and then with many smaller ones. "I know three methods, two of which are fast but dangerous, and one safe but time-consuming." "The pickle crisp?" She cocks an eyebrow. "Yup." I confirm with a nod. "The other ones require hot acid, or superheated steam. I''ll try all three just for completeness, but I''m hoping the safer method is just as viable. But, enough about that. You came out to look at all this stuff." I gesture to the table. I answer hers and Eds questions about each element to the best of my abilities while Catherine just takes notes. "...So, anyways, the leftover rock is either the heavier elements that I didn''t want to mess with, or stuff that I just didn''t match my visualization." I say to conclude the impromptu lesson. "Ed or you will probably be able to extract some more of the elements once you get a good feel for them. But, I hope to get over this mental block of mine sooner, rather than later." "Umm..." Catherine raises her hand with a hesitant word. "Go on." I almost added ''I won''t bite'' but I''m sure that would have made her blush.'' "You''re so good at magic, why can''t you do this?" Her voice is barely above a whisper, but she manages to get the whole sentence out. "I don''t know if Melanie has shared with you those papers I wrote for her. But, when I was first messing around with the spell, I only got it to work by thinking about matter along those routes." A rueful smile creeps onto my lips. "And, well, my brain just sorta got stuck thinking that''s how I have to do it." "That''s a good lesson to keep in mind when you''re practicing magic." Melanie takes this as a teaching moment for her apprentice. "One''s mental state while casting can greatly affect their spells. Even the strongest of mages can be worse than useless if they don''t have the right mindset." "She''s right about that." My head bobs up and down. "And, not just about magic either, everything you do can be affected by your mood. For most people that just means they might have a good or bad day at work. But, for strong mages, or people who work with dangerous substances, a bad mood or cloudy mind could be deadly. Learning when to step back and center oneself is vital." "I couldn''t have said it better myself." Melanie agrees with a sharp nod. "Speaking of bad moods..." Edsel prompts. "Do you remember the scum that your master''s son was going to sell the lab to?" The snarl on her face is all the answer I need. "He tried to break into the lab last night, and was very lucky that Apricot and two guards were with me when I discovered his identity." "How?" Melanie looks off in the distance with a pale face. Following her eyes, I see little Myra and her sister playing in the jungle gym. "A sleeping draught and a stolen boat." Which I thought would have been collected by now, but is still sitting in my yard. "A trick that I very much doubt will work twice, and I have to imagine that he will be receiving a much stiffer punishment after this than just cleaning the sewers for a month. Now, if you''ll excuse me, I really should go tell William." Cat looks a little confused as I walk away, but I''ll leave it up to Ed and Melanie to explain this mess. "Morning, Sorrel. Come to check out the fields?" The farmer greets me with a wide smile. "I''ve been keeping a close eye on the crops and haven''t seen even a hint of the blight returning." "That''s great, but I just needed to speak with you about something." He catches onto my sober mood and lets me guide him far enough away that the girls won''t overhear. "The one responsible for what happened to Myra tried to escape from the guard last night, I caught him and handed him back over when he tried to break into the lab." "W-what?" He nearly shouts, but manages to control his voice at the last second. "You don''t have to worry." I try to calm the furious man down. "He''s in custody again and the guard will be keeping a much closer eye on him from now on. I''ll be very surprised if they don''t send him off to the mines for this." "I wish you had just called me over." His voice has skipped right fiery hate, and settled into the cold ice of rage. "They wouldn''t have had to worry about watching him anymore after that." "You don''t want to walk that path, Will." I know exactly what he''s feeling right now. "Your family is safe and healthy, and that scum will never bother any of you again." I don''t add that if I ever see that slime around here again then there won''t even be a body for the guards to find. The family man takes several moments to collect himself before speaking again. "Thank you for being the one to tell me. I don''t know how I would have reacted if I''d overheard the guards or someone else mentioning this." "Don''t thank me." I can''t accept gratitude for something that I''m at least partially responsible for. "The only reason that scum was here is because the lab is here. I have a seamstress coming for a meeting later, but after that, I''m going to find a new spot for it in the city." "You don''t have to do that just for me." There''s a complicated mix of emotions on his face right now. "It was always the plan in the first place." I say to reassure him. "This just moves up the timeframe a bit. But, I''m going to be busy helping at the healing fair tomorrow. So unless I luck out finding a property today, it will probably still take a few days before I can get it moved." "As long as you''re sure." He sounds a little relieved. "I am." I pat him on the shoulder. "Honestly I was going to go look for a new property today anyways. I don''t want Melanie''s new apprentice spying on me in my underwear anymore." "Hah!" That seems to have done the trick and washed away the remaining tension in his features. In fact, he even gets a bit of a twinkle in his eyes a moment later. "Hey, I didn''t want to interrupt your party yesterday, but it looked a lot like you were making wine." "Yeah, I have to grow the dandelions to make the rubber anyways." I explain. "I just felt it would be a waste not to do something with all those petals. And, you know, I could always use another taste tester." I add with a wink. "Well, you''ve already done so much for us, how could we deny such a simple request." He says with a grin. "It just wouldn''t be neighborly." "Alright neighbor, I''ll stop by with a couple casks for you later. I still want to tweak the recipe a bit." I turn to head back home in a better mood than when I arrived. "Maybe more than a couple, I need to test how they age after all." I add over my shoulder and we share matching grins. ... # 091 Edsel, Melanie, and Cat are still playing around with the elements I extracted, so I just wave to them and head into the house to see what the girls are up to. I find them still in bed, but they are anything but asleep. "You girls eaten yet? Well, aside from the obvious." Apricot joins me in laughing when Amelia blushes. Blushes, but doesn''t stop what she''s doing. "Mnh. No, not yet. Why don''t you go -ahh ah- go cook something. We''ll... Uhng!" The pixie never finishes her sentence, so I leave them to their fun and whip up something for the three of us. ... I''m halfway through my plate before the two of them stumble downstairs. They''re both wearing satin robes and the stockings from last night are just visible below the hem and above their slippers. "Good morning." I pull them both in for a kiss. "Mmm, morning." Apricot licks her lips. "You taste like syrup." "And, you taste like heaven." I respond before going in for seconds. "Nnh, sex later." Amelia whines, her eyes locked on my plate. "Food now." "Yes, Ma''am." I chuckle when she blushes again and bring their plates out of storage. "I can''t have my favorite guardswoman going hungry." "You''re awfully chipper for a prisoner who was being punished all night." She mumbles around a mouthful of blueberry pancakes. "Do we need a repeat performance tonight?" "As long as you wear those stockings, you can do whatever you want to me." My hand caresses her thigh as I lean forward to lap up a bead of syrup from the corner of her mouth. When her legs part, inviting me to probe deeper; I abandon my breakfast for another meal entirely. Unfortunately, I''m interrupted by Apricot before I get more than a taste. "I''m as hot for these crazy socks as you are, but we''re about to have company." "Nng!" Amelia shivers when I growl into her wetness. "Your friend has the worst timing, Babe." "Lauren!" The blonde growls when I remove myself from between her legs. "You stupid, clothes-obsessed elf. Why couldn''t you have just stayed in bed for a few more hours?" "It must be revenge for the dress." I kiss her on the lips before going to greet our visitors. "Go ahead and finish your breakfast, I''ll wait to talk business until you''re ready." Apricot must be checking everyone that comes out of the gate because the carriages are only just arriving by the time I get out of the door. Melanie is still outside, so I detour to her first. "Hey, this must be the seamstress Lauren was talking about yesterday." I give her the heads up. "I''m sure she''s going to want a demonstration. Oh, and how much more silk were you able to make yesterday?" "About half of what you took." She replies before gathering up her apprentice and heading inside. "We''ll have a batch ready to go whenever you''re ready." "Thanks, you''re easily my favorite alchemist." She just rolls her eyes to that, so I go to greet Lauren and her guests. "Ah, there you are, Sorrel." The elf greets me with a warm smile. "I''d like you to meet Blanche Wolfsfeld and her chief apprentice Felicia." "Good morning." I give the newcomers each a shallow bow. "I''m afraid you caught us in the middle of breakfast. Amelia will be out in a moment, but I can show you to the lab to see how the silk is made." "You''re the one who made the scarf?" The seamstress raises an artfully plucked eyebrow while looking my chainmaille jogging suit up and down. "Is this how you always dress at home?" I shoot Lauren an ''is she for real?'' look, and get a tight smile in reply. I decide to give this woman the benefit of the doubt because Amelia''s friend brought her, but she is not off to a good start. "I just finished my morning run not too long ago, got a bit distracted afterward and honestly forgot I was wearing it." I snap my fingers and the copper chainmaille vanishes, leaving only the undersuit which swiftly morphs itself into white slacks and a button-up shirt. "Better?" I arch an eyebrow right back at her. Lauren is freaking out and the woman''s apprentice is fighting not to smile as her master looks like she just swallowed a lemon. "Passable." The seamstress nods, but all I can think is ''second strike, one more and you''re out.'' "Well, let me show you where the magic happens." Cane-mode Blackthorne in my hand, I all but strut into the workshop. Edsel shooting me a smirk when I walk past him. "Melanie, Catherine, please let me introduce Seamstress Wolfsfeld and her apprentice Felicia." I gesture to them with a flourish, earning another not-smile from Felicia. "They would like a demonstration of the silk-making process."Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. "Of course, of course." Melanie already has the jar filled with a goopy solution of melted cotton. I also notice that she''s decorated the shelves with random chemicals to keep them from easily guessing the recipe. Smart move, that. "We were just about to extrude another batch, they''re welcome to watch." The seamstress doesn''t say anything, which is probably for the best. She''s opened her mouth twice so far and has managed to annoy me each time. Melanie pumps up the pressure on the jar and swiftly fishes the string out of the acid with a glass rod before attaching it to a spindle. This spindle she passes off to her assistant who takes a couple steps back to give the string a chance to air dry a little before it gets wrapped on the spool. "Remind me to add some rollers so she doesn''t have to stand so far back." I was too busy teasing Lauren yesterday to notice this, but it''s an easily fixable problem. "You''re just collecting the loose fibers at this point?" The apprentice, Felicia, asks this. "If you''re adding rollers, you might as well integrate a spinning wheel too." "True." I nod. "It just hasn''t been necessary so far." A finished spool jumps into my outstretched hand. The fibers on it float up into the air before spinning themselves into thread that wraps itself back around the spool. "It''s a bit harder to control than plain cotton, but I think I''ve gotten the hang of it." "If you can do that, why do you even need a partner?" Felicia speaks again. "Honestly, I only care about dressing my girls." I reply with a smile that makes most of the women in the room blush. "But, there''s obviously a market for this stuff, and until Melanie can build up the rubber market, we might as well make the lab profitable." "So, this is what, a side project for you?" She looks a little shocked. "Technically it''s a side project of a side project." I let out a little chuckle. "I hired Melanie to make rubber because I wasn''t interested enough in doing it myself, and only added the silk production as an afterthought." "Speaking of production." Wolfsfeld finally speaks. "Will you be able to produce enough to meet demand, you weren''t wrong about there being a market." She looks like she''s biting into a lemon when she admits that. "Production won''t be an issue." I materialize a rubber glove. "The rubber we''re also making can be turned into protective equipment that will let even non-alchemist work safely around dangerous substances. You never know when some fool is going to stick their hand in a vat of acid, after all." I proceed to do just that. Melanie just rolls her eyes at my demonstration, but it''s effective enough for everyone else. "Do those gloves work on anything?" Felicia asks when I remove my hand and encourage the acid clinging to it to flow back into the bath. "Because I know a few dyers that would be very interested in getting a pair." "Most things yes." I nod and then turn to Melanie as a thought strikes. "I forget if I mentioned this or not, but don''t use them to handle mercury. The rubber sucks it up like a sponge and will make it more likely to get mercury poisoning." "You did not, but thank you for remembering." She sends me a grateful nod, making me think she might have had plans to do just that. "I can also build and, since I''m apprenticed to the head of the enchanting guild, will soon be able to enchant any needed equipment." I had planned to work on my enchanting today but, with the attempted break-in and everything else, those plans got pushed to the back of the queue. "At this point, it''s just about finding the right people to work with." I look directly at Felicia when I say that last sentence. "Ahem, yes. Well, we might be able to work with you." Blanche clears her throat and speaks in a haughty disinterested tone. "Well, we''ll be sure to keep your interest in mind." I reply in a congenial tone that anyone who has been turned down for a job would recognize in an instant. "There are still a few other people to see, but I''m sure we''ll make our decision soon." And, it won''t be you. "What is there to decide? I''m the best seamstress in the city; no one else even comes close." Does she seriously think that her reputation -one that I had never even heard of before today- can excuse her attitude. "Lauren, talk to your... friend. I took precious time out of my day to come all the way out here." I think she does. "And, I am extremely grateful to you for that." It takes all of my meager acting talent to say that with a straight face. "But, as a successful businesswoman, I''m sure you understand that one shouldn''t just jump into these things. Please, keep the scarf as a thank you for fitting me into your tight schedule. We''ll be in touch." It''s the closest you''re going to get to anything of mine, and don''t contact me. I start ushering the three women out of the workshop at this point. A polite, but disinterested smile plastered on my lips the whole time. "Lauren, talk to him." The old seamstress practically barks at Amelia''s friend one we get outside. "Tell him that he''s making a mistake here. You do want to still be welcome in my shop, don''t you?" And, if I wasn''t going to work with her before, I sure as hell won''t now. "That''s alright, Lauren." I put my arm around her shoulders, as my congenial smile morphs into an evil grin. "I''ll be happy to make you whatever you want from now on, including all the starweave you could ever dream of. There''s no need for you to go to the ''second'' best clothesmaker in town anymore." Felicia takes her now spluttering master by the arm and ushers her into their carriage and away from the farm before the woman can dig herself any deeper. "..." Lauren tries opening her mouth, but no sounds seem to be able to make their way past her lips. "That woman couldn''t even recognize starweave when she saw it being made right in front of her. She''s not worth either of our time." I cast magnify on my shirt to highlight the tri-axial weave. "Now, come on in. Amelia should be done with her breakfast by now." I ignore Ed''s laughter, the amused look on Melanie''s face, and the shocked expression on Cat''s. And, just guide the still stunned Lauren into the house, once inside we''re met by howling laughter. "Oh, that was amazing." Amelia wipes a tear from the corner of her eye. "You have no idea how many times I''ve wanted to tell that cow off." "You saw?" Lauren starts to come back to herself. "The whole thing." Apricot smirks. "I had a feeling that Sorrel wouldn''t be too happy about having his... meal interrupted. So, I cast farsight to let us watch." That pause was definitely intentional. "We knew it was going to end like this as soon as Wolfsfeld opened her mouth." Amelia explains, still trying to fight off the odd giggle. "Oh, but, Sorrel. Heheh. The way you treated her was amazing. I was afraid you''d just throw her out or something, but you destroyed her with a smile instead." "It would have been fine if she just let her apprentice speak for her." I shake my head with a sigh. "Do you think Felicia picked up the hint I dropped about ''working with the right people''?" "She''d have to be blind not to." Lauren joins the conversation again. "I don''t know if she will, or even can, leave Wolfsfeld though. I hope she does, but either way, I''m going to make you keep your word about making me whatever I want. And, you can start with breakfast; I completely forgot to eat in my excitement to get them out here." The kitchen still smells like food and it set her stomach to grumbling. *** # 092 After laughing at the hungry elf, I quickly throw together a plate for her. All while trying to ignore Apricot and Amelia teasing me with their stocking-clad feet, just out of Lauren''s sight. It looks like they want to get a little more payback for all the teasing I did to them yesterday. "I know I wasn''t exactly on board with all this exercise when you first started." Amelia admits and traces a finger over my arm when I sit down next to her. "But, I think I''m starting to come around." "Oh, you should have seen him when he shifted for Elise. Mnh." Apricot bites her lip and lets out the sexiest little moan. I close to close my eyes and take a deep breath just to keep myself from taking the two of them right in front of Lauren. Luckily she''s too caught up with the food to take notice. "Mhm. I-I think that form might be a little too muscular now." I struggle to keep my cool when Amelia moves her hand down my arm and onto my thigh. "I may have overdone things just a bit after what happened this morning." I forgot all about only pushing myself as hard as I would during a big healing, but it definitely paid off. I''m now much closer to feeling comfortable in my own body again. I''m not sure if it''s the smoothies, my already increased mass giving me more of a buffer, or if the healing just takes more out of me than exercise does. Maybe it was just a mix of all three. But, I was able to push myself well past my limits, before the run, and yet I feel fine now. "Did something happen?" Lauren mumbles around a mouthful of syrup coated goodness. "Nng." Amelia nods with a grunt. "You know the little girl that I told you about? Well, the slime of an alchemist responsible for what happened escaped from the guard and tried to break into the lab late last night." "No!" Lauren stops chewing as a shocked look fills her face. "Don''t worry, Apricot spotted him as soon as he stepped foot in the yard. Sorrel, then wrapped him up tight for the guards to pick up." Amelia wraps ''me'' up tight where I''m straining against the fabric of my trousers. I let out a cough to cover up the groan that would otherwise have escaped from my throat. "It was nothing, I''m just glad that no one was hurt this time." Amelia eases up after that, but I have a sinking feeling that I''m in for an entire day of this kind of treatment. "Mhm, thank the gods for that." Lauren nods before returning to her food. "So..." I draw out the word and change the subject. "I still need to find a seamstress to work with and a spot in the city for the lab. Preferably near a guard station or at least on one of their routes." I plan to load it up with as much security as I can, but still, better safe than sorry. "Oh, we should swing by the warehouse." Amelia says. "I''m sure Daddy will know who to talk to about getting the property. They''ll be happy to see us again too." "And, I''d be happy to show you around the clothing district." Lauren offers. "If you make me a copy of anything good that I see." She adds with a sly smile. "Same old Ren-Ren." Amelia chuckles before getting up from the table. "But, before we go anywhere, Apricot and I need to get dressed. Come on, Sweetie." She pulls the pixie along with her on the way to the stairs. "Ooh, let me come too." Lauren shovels in the last few bites on her plate before washing them down with some juice. "I didn''t get the chance to dig through your closet yesterday." "We''ll be here all day if you do that." Amelia teases her friend. "But, yeah, you can keep us company while we get dressed. If Apricot promises to be good, that is." She swats the lecherous pixie on the rump. "What?" Apricot puts on her most innocent face. "It''s not like I was going to slip out of this robe and parade around in front of your friend completely nude. I am wearing stockings after all." She slips out of the robe before Amelia can stop her, revealing that that''s all she''s wearing underneath. "Hahaha." Lauren busts up laughing when Amelia starts chasing the near-naked pixie around the kitchen. "Don''t worry, you and Lianna are the only ones of us into girls. Well, maybe Delilah too, but you know her, she''s always kept her lovers to herself. I''m more interested in those leggings than the body wearing them." "Ugh, whatever." Amelia gives up the chase with a groan. "Just get upstairs, you little pest."Stolen story; please report. I have a feeling they''re going to be a while, so I decide to make that licorice I was teasing Apricot about last night. The recipe is pretty simple, with the most difficult part being the anise oil/licorice root extract. Fortunately, I have plenty of recent experience with steam distillation, so the anise oil is no problem. I want to make a batch from licorice root too, but that needs to soak in alcohol for a few weeks to make a proper extract. I also don''t want to annoy Apricot''s sensitive nose while making this snack, so I pop outside where I spot the alchemists and Ed back to pouring over the table full of extracted elements. "Hey, Melanie, do we have any licorice extract?" I ask when I remember that I bought out an entire alchemist shop. "I want to make some candy." "Nnh, sorry." She shakes her head with a wince. "I sold it off along the rest of the stuff we weren''t using." "No biggie." I reassure her. "I''ll just use anise instead. But, Ed, do you mind if I use some of this quartz? And could I borrow a little iron?" I already made a few rubber gaskets with mason jars in mind, I figure I might as well make one now so the smell doesn''t leak out and bug my sweetie. "A small price to pay for what you''ve shown us today." He hands over an ingot of iron. "Thanks, man." I fashion the quartz into a couple of large jars, one with a matching quartz lid and one with ridges for a screw-top to grab onto. It takes me a moment to get the hang of working iron, but it soon gets drawn out into the standard two-part mason jar lid. And, a thick wire for the hinge type lid. "Why two parts like that?" Ed asks, while curiously examining the mason jar lid. "A mixture of cost savings and food safety." I explain. "After canning the food, you remove the outer ring so you can see right away if the seal fails." "And it''s a lot easier and therefore cheaper to make a simple disc if one gets damaged." The earth mage nods along. "This sure beats using tin and wax to jar foods, but you should probably coat those in something like tin to keep them from rusting." "Oh, yeah." A rueful smile slips onto my face. "I''m so used to everything in the kitchen being made from stainless steel, and even then, the ones I used before had some sort of coating on the inside." "Stainless steel?" Ed cocks an eyebrow. "Any alloy that doesn''t rust, or at least not easily." Pointing to one of the bowls on the table, I add. "I''m pretty sure that chromium is the key ingredient for it." "Really?" His eyes light up and he starts playing around with the powder in the bowl. I leave him to it and get back to my candy making. Aside from the actual licorice root/anise oil, all you need is flour, sugar, molasses, condensed milk, and a little butter to grease the pan. But, I have seen recipes that call for gelatin, and of course, you want to use something less bitter than molasses when making red licorice. Willow and Myra must have sensed that I was making something sweet because they drifted over before I even started mixing everything together. "Uncle Sorrel, what are you doing?" Willow asks, all sweetness and light, but her eyes are locked onto the sugar. "Oh, just something to tease Apricot with." I let a wicked smile play on my lips. "She doesn''t like the smell of anise, and I want a snack that she won''t just steal from me." That sets their mom and Melanie laughing, but the girls seem to have gotten stuck on the word snack. Normally, I''d need a candy thermometer to make this. But, being able to control the temperature directly with magic makes using one unnecessary. It also speeds things up a lot; no need to wait for it to cool after mixing, not when you can pull the heat out with a spell. "It looks like you''re going to have it stolen from you anyways." Sophie says with a smile as the girls close in before I can even cut the pieces out. "Oh, that''s alright, I can always make more." I smile back at her and cut the licorice into rectangular chews. Each girl gets one, and the rest goes into the hinge-top jar that I hand to their mother. "Here, it should keep well in this." "Oh, I couldn''t." She tries to hand the jar back. "Don''t be silly." I just smile and refuse to take it. "I need someone to test out the jar for me anyways. You''d be doing me a favor." "You know." Melanie interjects. "You can never have too many testers, and that is what you hired me for after all." "Hahahah. Fine, I can take a hint." I make another jar for her and get started on a second batch. Sophie gives up trying to return the jar and starts handing out candies to the other adults and Cat instead. Apricot, Amelia, and Lauren exit the house then and the pixie''s eyes light up when she sees we''re eating something, only for her whole face to fall a second later when she smells what it is. "Don''t worry, Sweetie." I bite back a laugh. "I''ll make some for you too; I just need to pick up some fruit extracts when we go into town. That and Ill look into speeding up the process of making my own with magic. And, speaking of extracts." I fill the mason jar with dried licorice roots before covering them with leftover moonshine from last night. "You''d better." She grumbles, and then again, only louder when Amelia takes a piece from the jar I just filled for Melanie. "Oh, that tastes so good too." "You want to try a nibble?" Amelia holds the half-chewed candy up to her lover''s lips. "Nnh. Sorry, it''s just too strong." She pulls away and scrunches up her nose. "There''s just something about anise. I don''t think I''ve ever met a pixie, or any other Fae, for that matter, that could stand it. The same goes for licorice root, it''s just too similar." "That''s a shame." I pull her into a hug and cast cleanse on the air all around us. "Is the jar sealed tightly enough for you? I can bury it underground until it''s ready so it doesn''t bother you." "No need to go that far." She chuckles and stretches up to give me a quick kiss. "Just promise to make me a big batch of the fruit-flavored stuff." "Yes, Ma''am." I lick the taste of her off my lips. "You three ready to head into town?" "Yeah, but we have to stop by the market for those extracts on the way to the warehouse." Everyone with a piece of candy laughs at the envious look Apricot sends them. "I think we can manage that." I sense Amelia cast her version of cleanse on her mouth before pulling the pixie in for a kiss of her own. *** # 093 "Hey, Flicker. Did you miss me?" Amelia goes to greet her horse after we leave everyone with a warning not to eat too many sweets. "Oh, I bet you did. I bet that mean ol'' Ren-Ren didn''t even brush you down properly." "I know how to take care of horses." Lauren snorts in annoyance. "And, that is by paying someone else to do it for me." "Heheh." I chuckle and hop up into the driver''s seat on the carriage. "Don''t worry, Amelia, Flicker is fine. But, I''m not sure we will be if Apricot is kept from her sweets for much longer." The pixie is practically vibrating in her seat in anticipation of the non-yucky licorice I''m going to make for her. "It''s not fair that you guys get candy that I can''t have." She says with a pout. "But, you get to eat mana stones when we can''t." I counter. "How about I grow you a couple when we get home? I know you like how the ones I make taste." "And, here I thought Amelia had expensive tastes." Lauren earns herself a swat on the arm from Amelia as they settle into the carriage. "If you''re done beating on your friend, can I borrow that magic book with the spark spell in it?" I ask after telling Flicker to take us into town. "Mel wants some glassware and that means I need a better fire." "Ooh, we should have used that one on you last night." She hands the book over and laughs when I jump from the shock that hits me when our hands touch. "And, don''t think that a little candy gets you off the hook for all the teasing you did to me yesterday." She conjures a small ball of water that quickly sinks into my pants without a trace only to start massaging my manhood. "You''ve been practicing." I say with a cough. "I barely felt anything before you conjured that spark." As opposed to all that I''m feeling now. "Oh, Apricot''s a great tutor." She replies with a smile that is all ''cat that ate the canary''. "Yes, yes she is." I swallow and open the magic book, knowing that I earned this for going overboard yesterday. Despite trying my best, it took me until after we reached the market to learn the simple spell. With Apricot helping her, Amelia was able to keep me right on the edge for the whole trip. And, it was all I could do not to start groaning while the two of them were chatting with Lauren. "This is the place we want." Amelia finally eases up, but doesn''t stop entirely. fortunately, her control is good enough now, so that it doesn''t look like I''ve wet myself. "They should have everything you need to make the candies." "I don''t see how you two aren''t fat living with him." Lauren laughs as we all disembark from the carriage. Though, I do so rather stiffly while trying to hide my erection. "You nearly ate as much as Lianna did last night." "Just a little trick that Apricot taught me." Amelia replies with a smile. "I can eat all I want now and just turn the excess into magic." "Nnh, that is just not fair." Lauren whimpers. "I don''t suppose you have a brother?" The elf looks at the pixie with hope in her eyes. "Several, but you won''t find them anywhere around here." She replies with a sad smile. "I''m only able to survive this close to the Deadlands thanks to the bond with Amelia. Though all of Sorrel''s magic-filled food certainly doesn''t hurt." "And, we all had to have sex before the bond formed between them." I add only to regret it a second later when Amelia uses her magic to squeeze me tight. "True, so feel free to head up to the teeth and offer yourself to any or all of my brothers." Apricot adds with a low laugh. "I''m sure they would love you." "I think I''ll have to pass on that." Lauren says with a blush on her face. "Would you quit teasing her?" Amelia rolls her eyes. "Or, do we need to leave here without getting the extract?" That shut the pixie up. "Oh, remind me to make some parchment paper when we get home." I tell Apricot while Amelia is haggling for the fruit extracts. "I didn''t feel like messing around with it earlier, but I could use some if I''m going to be making a lot of licorice." "Parchment paper?" Lauren raises an artfully sculpted eyebrow. "Baking paper?" I ask to see if she''s heard of that name for it. "Oh. Well, it''s just like regular paper, but you melt the cellulose with acid a little before forming it into sheets. This makes it nonstick just like waxed paper, but doesn''t require wax, which I only have a little bit of right now." "Weren''t you going to start raising bees?" Apricot asks while the elf mulls over my words. "I want some honey." "Yeah, I need to buy a hive from a local beekeeper." I nod. "It''s that or run all the way up to that one I found in the woods and collect them. Do you think I''ll be able to keep them in storage? I''ve been able to store plants and simple life, but bees are pretty intelligent." "If it were anyone else, I''d say no; it would just cost too much mana." she says after thinking it over for a second. "But, the way you can bypass the body''s natural resistance, combined with the way you recharge from the sun means you shouldn''t have any problem." "Huh. Well, if I have trouble, I can always try feeding them some watered down healing sap." That lets me slip right past the resistance like it doesn''t even exist. "I seriously doubt that you''ll need it." Apricot shakes her head. "Not unless you have to pull in several hives all at once. Hells, I''d be surprised if you needed it for anything short of a mammal. And, even then you could probably handle something small."Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. "Well, I don''t want to mess around with anything more intelligent than insects." Just the idea of keeping a menagerie of living creatures in storage creeps me out. "How would you feel if you were just going about your day and some crazy mage kidnapped you." "Depends on the mage." She purrs. "If you two are done scaring Lauren and the shop clerk with talk of insane magic." Amelia teases. "I''ve got the extracts, and I want to see what you can make out of them just as much as Apricot." "What? It''s not like I could put a person in there." I smirk right up until she starts getting a little rough with the magic water. "Just make the candy already." She rolls her eyes and leads the way out of the shop. "Yes, Ma''am." I follow her back outside and am about to climb back into the driver''s seat when she takes it and points to the back. "I''ll guide us, you make that candy." She reiterates her words with one last squeeze before dropping her devilish spell. "I think you''d better do as she says." Apricot says with a sly smile as tiny sparks dance along her fingers. "Why did I have to take up with the two most sweets obsessed women in the country?" I bemoan my fate all while mixing up a batch of strawberry flavored licorice. "It would seem that you''re just lucky." Lauren answers with a laugh. ... I get a few different batches made by the time we get to the Rialta''s warehouse. Amelia even got me a bottle of licorice extract, but I didn''t want to bother Apricot''s nose again right away, so it just got stored away for later. "Alright, I really do have to get those bees soon; I am officially out of honey." I start putting everything away as we pull up to the warehouse. "I''ll try a few different syrups later, including ones made from the fruit juice itself. Though, I''ll probably have to use less extract in those batches." "Mhm." Apricot tries to reply, but her teeth are stuck together because she just stuck a piece of each different flavor into her mouth at once. "I''m pretty sure that was a ''good idea''." Amelia translates with a laugh before turning around to greet her parents. "Mommy, Daddy." She cries out and rushes her them to pull them both into a big hug. "Hahaha. Amy-girl, what''s the special occasion?" Turner laughs and messes up his little girl''s hair. "What, can I just want to see my family? Look, we even brought snacks." She dances back over to pry the candy out of Apricot''s arms. "Yes, and you definitely don''t have that ''I want something'' look on your face." Roddy teases and snatches up a couple of licorice chews before his sister can pull the tray away. "Speaking of wanting something, I wanted to grease the wheels on that wagon, but for the life of me, I cannot figure out how to get at the hub." "That''s because Sorrel made it as one piece, you little thief." Amelia swats him on the arm. "You told us that she said it was alright to take." Kaitlyn hits him on the other arm. "Don''t worry about it, it gave me the chance to make an upgrade. And... there." I reached out with my magic to reshape the wood of our old wagon; it''s holding up pretty well, but Roddy was right, it does need to be greased. "You can remove the wheels from the wagon now." "Thank you." Amelia''s mom smiles up at me. "But, come on in to the office, you too, Lauren. Oh, these are delicious." She adds after trying a cherry-flavored chew. "Then maybe Amelia will tell us what she really wants." We chuckle a bit at the pout that forms on her daughter''s face. "I think she did just want to see you guys again, but I was hoping you might be able to direct me to a property agent or know of someone who is trying to sell inside the city." I explain as we all head up to their office. "Someone tried to break into the alchemy lab last night and I want to get it off of the farm." "Don''t worry, everyone is fine." Amelia jumps to reassure them. "Apricot spotted him as soon as he got close and Sorrel wrapped him up tight for the guard to drag away." "And, Amelia slept through the whole thing." Apricot, who has just gotten her teeth unstuck, decides to tease her lover. "That sounds like our Amy-girl." Turner laughs it off, but I can still see the worry in his eyes. "I''m sorry, we don''t know anyone who''s selling right now, but I can give you introductory letters for a few middlemen in that field." "Thank you." I nod my head to the man. "It was this, or we just start walking around, looking for ''for sale'' signs." "You could always just ask the Baron." Roddy interjects. "I sure he would be able to point you to the perfect place." "True, but I didn''t want to impose." I shrug. "Erick and his family have already done so much to help me out since I got here. That, and I''m a little afraid that he''d just try to gift it to me like he did the farm." "Heh. That does sound like something he would do." Turner chuckles. "So, how is the rubber business going?" "Good, we should be able to ramp up production soon. Melanie has been running all the tests we need; at least she was until we started branching out into pseudo silk production." I take the spool of thread from earlier and weave it into a simple square of cloth. "That''s why Lauren is with us today, she''s going to show me around the clothing district." "S-silk?" Kaitlyn''s eyes light up as she fingers with the smooth fabric. "I was going to ask about the chocolate, but..." She trails off and just gestures to the cloth. "Oh, I still need to set up a partnership with some dairy farmers before I can expand the chocolate production." It''s been on my to-do list but I just haven''t gotten around to it yet. "And, this isn''t true silk. It''s just made from cotton with a bit of alchemy." "Are you going to trip over a rock and stumble into a gold mine next?" Roddy lets out an exasperated sigh. "You sure do know how to pick them, Amy." "Well, I planning to head into the grasslands to gather up some stone soon, so anything''s possible." I reply with a laugh. "And speaking of picking people, how are things going with Ashley?" "What''s that? Someone''s calling for me on the floor, I''d better go." He ducks out of the office to the sound of our laughter. "Oh, that boy." Kaitlyn shakes her head with a sigh. "But, enough about him. Tell me everything about this." She waves the cloth around like a flag. "Oh, it''s called Rayon back home." I start explaining about the reconstituted fiber. "To make it you just melt down cellulose and force it out of a spinneret. We''re using cotton to simplify things, but you could get the same stuff from wood with some extra steps." "You can melt down trees and turn them into this?" Amelia''s mother looks at me askance. "I know alchemists can do some wild stuff, but that''s a new one for me." "Oh, I''m no alchemist, I just know a few tricks from back home." I smile ruefully. "This is practically child''s play compared to some of the stuff they could do." "And, how long until this child''s play is in full production." Turner asks with coins in his eyes. "Depends how long it takes me to find a new spot for the lab and a weaver and seamstress to partner with." I shrug my shoulders again, not able to give any more concrete of an answer than that. "Then there''s everything that needs to be built and enchanted. Ugh. I just wanted Apricot and Amelia to have some nice clothes, now I have a whole other business to build." "That''s how it works sometimes." Amelia''s father says with a chuckle. "One day you just want to do something nice for your girl and then, before you know it, you''re running a business with them." He puts an arm around his wife. "Mmm." She smiles up at him. "Alright, as much as I want to spend time with my little Amy, but we''ve got a client coming soon and you''ve got a property and partners to find... Just, uh, leave a few of these candies behind." "I thought you''d say that." I bring out a hinge top jar I made along the way and fill it with an assortment of different flavors. "Don''t worry, Apricot, I''ll make plenty more for you." I add when she starts to pout. "You''d better." She warns with her most serious face. *** # 094 "So, agents or clothiers first?" I ask once we get back to the carriage. "I think you know my vote." Lauren answers eagerly. "That works." Amelia agrees with her friend. "They''ll probably have space requirements that we should learn about before looking at properties." "I was just going to go for the biggest lot we could get." I admit. "But, this will give me a chance to see what equipment we''ll need." I hop into the driver''s seat and let Flicker know which way we''re heading, only to stiffen a moment later when Amelia conjures her spell again. It would seem that the brief reprieve that the candy bought me is over and done with. The three of them are chatting like this is any other shopping trip while I sit at the reins, straddling the line between heaven and hell. Amelia didn''t just bring back the water to tease me with. No, now she''s added in a gentle electric tingle. Luckily, her control really has gotten better. Still, her payback for yesterday has reminded me that I still need to master electrolysis. So I do my best to ignore this delicious torture and induce a current into a glass of water. Every time I get close though, Amelia ups the ante just long enough to distract me. "What''s the matter, Sorrel?" Apricot asks with a twinkle in her eye. It''s not bad enough that she''s helping Amelia to distract me, now she has to tease me about it. "It doesn''t usually take you this long to master a new spell." "Mhm. I suppose I didn''t get enough sleep last night." I reply in as level of a voice as I can. "For some reason, I just can''t seem to focus today. It''s probably a good thing that I haven''t tried burning it yet." "Wait. I know magic can do a lot, but you''re trying to set water on fire?" Lauren says, incredulously. "The elements that make up water, technically." I reply with a laugh and channel my inner Mark Watney. "Luckily, in the history of humanity, nothing bad has ever happened from lighting hydrogen on fire. Especially not while one is distracted." I add with a cough when Amelia gives me a bigger zap for my sass. "Please, try not to blow us all up." Amelia gives me a squeeze that nearly makes me explode. "N-no worries of that." I reassure her and get right back to it, not willing to lose the war of wills. "I''m not going to play around with anything much bigger than a candle until my head is clear." I say with just the slightest emphasis on the word ''head''. "And, how dangerous is that candle going to be?" Lauren looks worried now. "Oh, it''ll be hot enough to melt stone once I get the magic working properly." I say over my shoulder with a sweet smile. "And, you''re able to do that with a joke spell and a glass of water?" She lets out a little whimper. "I thought you two talking about using the storage spell on small animals was crazy. Amelia, your new boyfriend is starting to look kinda scary." Lauren says half serious, half joking. "You do know that ever since they bonded, she''s stronger than I am, right?" I counter. "I may be slightly more skilled for the moment, but with Apricot''s tutoring, she''s going to catch me up soon." My words seem to mollify the blonde as much as they worry her friend. They don''t mollify Amelia enough to stop her toying with me, but she does lower the intensity a little bit. Just a little, though. "Little Amy is a big bad mage now?" Lauren gulps. "So, you say your brothers are up in the teeth and I have to do is have sex with them?" That nervous question sets us all to laughing. "Hehehe. It might take a bit more than that." The pixie admits with a giggle. "I know a few Fae that have fooled around with lunkers before, but I never heard of anything like what we have." Apricot sends a loving smile at her partner. "We were both in the same mindset, wanting the same thing, feeling the same things." Amelia explains, and the emotion in her voice causes her friend to blush. "And... well, something just opened up between us." Amelia returns the smile in kind. "Wow." Lauren is a bit speechless after that confession. "Oh, uh, it looks like we''re here. We should start at Rem''s, he''s the sec... third-best clothier in town." ... "Lauren... Amelia, it''s been ages. Where have you been girl?" A rather fancy looking, older elf pulls her close and kisses her cheek. "And, when did you start wearing starweave?" That last bit comes out in a hushed whisper. "Since I figured out how to make it for her. Nice to meet you, I''m Sorrel and this is Apricot." I pull the pixie forward with me before she can run off to explore the shop. "Sorrel, Sorrel..." He taps his chin while pondering my name. "Wait, are you the one that has Blanche on a tear today? She sent all of her apprentices and workers out to warn everyone in the district not to work with some jumped up greenskin. No offense." "Ah, what a lovely woman." The venom practically drips from my tongue. "Now, I''m even gladder that I chose not to work with her." "Oh, that gods damned cow!" Amelia lets her anger get the better of her, and unfortunately me since she hasn''t dropped her spell yet. "Eeep, sorry." She dismisses her magic and blushes a deep crimson when I let out a high-pitched squeak.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. "Is everything alright?" Rem and Lauren are looking between the two of us while Apricot starts laughing her head off. "Yeah... Just... uh, Amelia lost uh, control of her magic for a second there." I say in a tight voice while blinking back tears. "I took the brunt of it. I know she wouldn''t want anyone to get hurt." Two unrelated related but true statements. "Oh, gods. Are you alright?" Lauren looks shocked, both at what I told her and at Apricot''s increased laughter. "I''ll be fine." I cough out and send a zap into the pixie''s backside to get her to shut up. "It was just a bit unexpected is all, and I didn''t exactly have time to brace myself." Not that you can brace for having your junk crushed. "Are you sure you''re alright?" The out of control mage asks while looking like she''s about to die from shame. "Yeah, you should let us examine the wound." Apricot giggles and nullifies the second spark I try to send at her. "I''ve had worse and thankfully, there''s no permanent damage." Amelia cringes when I stress ''permanent''. It''s a good thing that I know how to heal. "And, please ignore Apricot; she has a twisted sense of humor." "Uh... if you say so." Rem eyes us a little suspiciously. "Can we get back to the reason for our visit?" I say to change the subject. "Wolfsfeld is only trying to smear my name in the mud because I turned her down as a partner for my new venture. A venture where I''m making this." We left the sample square with Amelia''s mother, so I bring out another spool of pseudo silk and quickly spin and weave it onto a simple handkerchief. "Is that silk? You can make silk?" The clothier starts examining the fabric with a professional eye. "No, it''s not, but it is damned close." "Calling it cotton silk for lack of a better name, and because that''s what it''s made of." I explain. "It''s just a little alchemical trick from my homelands. And, before you ask. Yes, I can do everything myself but, unless it''s for my girls, I don''t particularly care to. That''s why we''re looking for business partners." "This... wow. I think I need to sit down." He guides us over to a sitting area near the back. "To tell the truth, I was going to retire soon; James has been asking me to join him in the capital for a while now. I was planning to leave things to Tidus and Calida, they''ve been doing most of the work recently anyways." "It honestly doesn''t matter to me who I work with. As long as it''s not that cow, that is." His lips curl up at that. "Why don''t you bring them out and see what they think of the idea?" "That I think I can do." He gets up and dashes into the back. "Are you really okay?" Amelia leans closer as soon as the old elf is out of sight. She looks like she wants to pull down my pants and check for herself. "I''m fine." I smile and close the distance between us for a quick kiss. "Just promise to keep working on your control, please." This gets another round of giggles from Apricot. "Though, I may need to apply some of that licorice extract to the affected area. I''m pretty sure I remember reading somewhere that it''s useful for this type of injury." It''s my turn to laugh as Apricot goes pale. "Mmm, it might take days, even weeks of treatment." Amelia joins in, and Lauren just looks even more confused than before. "Nng. That''s low and you know it." Apricot huffs before slumping into her seat with a pout. "Don''t worry, Sweetie." I slip a vine around her waist and pull her closer to whisper in her ear. "I think we all know that pixie kisses are a much more effective treatment. Though, Amelia wasn''t wrong about it taking days or weeks of treatment." The three of us have matching grins and Lauren has gone from confused to embarrassed. Fortunately, Rem comes to her rescue with his apprentices. Tidus, if it weren''t for his flashy clothing could be the very definition of average, from height, to build, to looks, there''s a nothing that stands out about him. Calida might be pretty, but it''s kinda hard to tell under all the makeup she''s wearing. I stand and greet them with a smile. "Hello, thank you for taking the time to speak with us." "Shouldn''t it be us thanking you for this opportunity?" Calida responds with a rather annoying laugh. "Yes." Tidus continues. "Rem showed us this new silk of yours, and we''d have to be fools to turn down this chance." "Excellent." I nod and we all sit down. "As long as your attitude is better than that Wolfsfeld woman''s, then we shouldn''t have any problems working together. Now, production is limited at the moment, but we''re about to find a new property to expand the operation onto. But, I''m new to the textile arts and need to know what you''ll need from me." "Well, we don''t weave our own fabric here." Rem opens. "But, I will be happy to take you over to the weavers we contract with." "That''s fine, but if any of you are friendly with Felicia." I reply with a snake-like smile. "Well, I would very much like to poach her from her master. I already dropped a big hint that I''d be willing to work with her, but a little reinforcement can''t hurt." "Oh, I like the way you think." Tidus'' grin grows to match mine. "She''s one of the best weavers in town, and I''d normally say you wouldn''t have a chance. But, with this..." He waves the handkerchief about. "I''m going to be building the new factory from the ground up, so I can give her anything she wants." I take out a chunk of firewood and start morphing it into fanciful shapes. "I''m also connected to the head of the enchanting guild, and have recently made contact with a rather skilled machinist turned clockmaker. So, as long as the equipment exists, I can probably build it, or at least buy it. That goes for you too, anything from sewing machines to thimbles. If you need it, I can probably make it." "Sewing machines?" All three of their eyes light up. "Oh, gods." I drop my head into my hands. "You''re still doing everything by hand, aren''t you? You don''t have power looms either, right? Oh, this is going to cost me so many clocks. What am I going to do with them all." Apricot and Amelia start cracking up but everyone else just looks beyond confused. "The clockmaker''s business isn''t doing that well." Amelia explains. "He''d only work with Sorrel after making him buy a clock." "And, they had just bought one the day before too." Apricot adds with a titter. "Mnh." I can''t help but whimper. "Okay, the sewing machine shouldn''t be too difficult, though getting all the timings and tensioning just right is going to be a pain. But, I''ve never even seen a power loom, and wouldn''t know where to begin making a regular one." "Well, I''d be happy to take you to meet our weavers." Rem offers, the excitement clear in his voice. "But, could you tell me more about how the machine works?" "Oh, it''s just a simple lockstitch using two threads." I can already feel the headache coming on. "The needle punches through the top of the fabric and then the tension on the first thread loosens so that a small shuttle can wrap around the second thread coming from the bobbin." I make a simplified model to demonstrate. "You know, I could use a new clock." I have to laugh at his enthusiasm. "Heheheh. Alright, I guess we can swing by Sinclair''s, but I still need to get a good look at a loom." As much as I don''t want to. "Well, what are we waiting for? Tidus, Calida, watch the shop." They look crestfallen that they don''t get to come along. # 095 "How did we go from me wanting to see you two in stockings to me revolutionizing the clothing industry?" I ask once the five of us reach the carriage. "Just lucky, I guess." Apricot says and sits next to me so she can play with the short red petals that make up my ''hair''. "I''m almost afraid to ask." Rem opens. "But, do you know of any other devices like this sewing machine? Oh, and make a right, here." He adds when we come up to the intersection. "Only the circular knitting machine comes to mind." I reply after thinking it over. "But, I''ve only ever seen a picture of one of those." "Knitting machine?" The old elf tilts his head to one side with a ''Hmm.'' "Yeah, but all I know about it is that it uses a ton of these little hooks, each with a little flap thingy." I make a few out of wood to demonstrate. "See the hook catches the yarn when it goes past, and then the flap closes to pull it through the last course before popping open again when the hook is pushed back up to accept the yarn once more." "That... wow, it''s so simple." This comes from Lauren who is peering at the needles just as intently as the clothier. "Yeah, but I don''t even know where to begin with the mechanism needed to move the hooks up and down." I say with a wry smile. "And, I''m sure there are more complex models that can do all sorts of things. But, I only know about this because I went looking for easier ways to knit socks after my mom started making me knit my own when she got tired of replacing them all the time." "Hah!" Rem barks out a laugh. "Well, thank goodness for that." "Mhm." I shrug. "I only ever saw the model used for socks, but I''m pretty sure the same type of mechanism is used to make finer fabrics too." I pull a t-shirt for storage and hand it over to Rem. "I did this with magic, but it''s the same basic principle. Going around in a circle means not having to switch from knit to purl every row." "No wonder Blanche is worried about you." There''s a new light in his eyes when he looks at me. "You''re the one who supplied the Baron and his family with those new clothes, aren''t you?" "Yes. I promised them some silk too, and I still need to enchant that record maker for Lori." I add with a sigh. "Hey, Apricot. I don''t suppose you know any magic that can get rid of the need for sleep?" I ask only half-jokingly. "Sorry, no." She responds with a giggle. "And, even if I did, I can think of a few better things to do with that extra time than making gadgets." Her giggle morphs into a low chuckle and is soon joined by mine and Amelia''s. "My apologies for these three." Lauren says to Rem with a sigh. "They''re still in that whole lovey-dovey stage. I''m used to Helen being the one like this, it''s weird seeing it on Amelia." "Hehehe. Oh, that''s alright." The elf chuckles. "I''ve been with James going on forever now, and we''re still in that stage." "Don''t worry, Lauren." A hint of a wicked smile plays on Amelia''s lips. "I''m sure you''ll meet a boy that can excite you as much as clothes do... one day." Lauren looks like she wants to smack her for that. "Ah, we''re here." Rem interrupts while trying to hide his smile. "Let me introduce you all to Cecil." He hops down after the carriage stops and guides us into a large building. "Rem! What''s the special occasion? You never stop by anymore." A tall man who was showing a teenager how to do something on a loom breaks into a wide smile and greet Rem with a hug. "Who are your friends..." He pales slightly when spots me. "Oh, no, Rem. You may have the clout to go against Wolfsfeld, but I''m just a simple weaver." A simple weaver with a dozen looms all in operation by dozens of workers. Along with dozens more carding and spinning fibers. And, there are even a few youngsters picking seeds out of cotton on one side of the room. Plus, I smell dye in the air, so there must be vats in another room. "What are you giggling about?" Amelia elbows me in the ribs while Rem tries to bring his friend around. "Sorry." I whisper back. "It''s just that I prefer this type of greeting rather than the whole ''savior of the city'' thing that starting to go around." I spotted more than a few people pointing at me during the ride around town. "Well, that and imaging what that woman''s face is going look like once she puts two and two together."This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. "Oh, gods!" Amelia covers her mouth to hold back her laughter, but Lauren and Apricot don''t bother. "Uh, is everything alright back here?" Rem rejoins us with a downcast look on his face. "Look, I''m sorry about Cecil, but we can find somebody less pigheaded to work with you." "Don''t worry about it." I pat him on the shoulder. "This little trip hasn''t been an entire waste; it did remind me of another device that can quickly and easily remove all the seeds from cotton." I say just loud enough to carry over the clacking of the looms. "Not that you really need it." Amelia plays along. "You grow tonnes of cotton in one go and just make the seeds fly out likes it''s nothing." "Oh, I don''t know about tonnes." I hedge and materialize all of the cotton in my inventory. "This is what, a quarter-tonne, max." "Are you forgetting about all that you used making clothes for the Baron?" The smile on her face grows as Cecil''s face falls. "And, how many bales did you leave with Melanie to make silk from?" "True, true." I nod and start making the cotton disappear again. "Remind me to make some more when we get home. We''ll weigh it all out to be sure. Well, that and I want to see if I can make a single cotton plant grow as big as an oak tree this time." A small fuzzy seed appears in the palm of my hand along with a handful of soil. This seed quickly grows into a plant over a meter in height. "Alright, I give! Enough already." The weaver breaks down. "It looks like Blanche bit off more than she could chew this time." "Oh, whatever do you mean, Cecil?" Rem asks with a sardonic smile tugging up the corners of his mouth. "Aren''t you just a simple weaver who is too afraid to cross the big bad wolf?" "..." The weaver purses his lips before taking a deep breath and blowing it out through his nose. "I apologize for dismissing you out of hand. I should not have let her reputation scare me like that." After reciting that, his eyes say ''are you happy now?''. "So, you''re saying that you don''t mind showing Sorrel how the loom works?" It seems that Rem can''t help but get one last dig in. "I''d be honored." Cecil replies with a tight smile. "Do you mind if I make a duplicate?" I ask and already have one half done before he can answer. "These are called the heddles, right? Do you have to string them up every time? Wouldn''t it be easier to have a continuous warp and just splice new thread into the old?" I have a complete machine that is already strung up and being run my magic by the time I finish asking my questions. "Uh... yes." Cecil goggles at my "If you look in back, you''ll see that we have a couple looms set up like that for the more common fabrics." The ones he points to have a wall of spindles feeding thread into the warp. "Oh, yes." I nod and start taking notes. "I don''t suppose you need a clock, do you?" While he''s trying to parse that nonsequitur, I''m thinking up and writing down ways to improve the process. ''I''m not sure that wall of spindles will work at speed, but if we use the ball bearings it should be feasible to wind them all together on one large spool. And, the size of the shuttle is a limiting factor too, need to find a way to wind one automatically, or just do away with it altogether. Should make everything out of steel just for durability; talk to Ed about sourcing chromium so we don''t have to worry about rust. What about enchantments? Detect when the warp is running out and maybe fuse the new thread to the old? Stringing the warp itself? Motion magic maybe. What about carding and spinning?'' "Sorrel, Baby. Come back to us." Amelia interrupts my train of thought. "There you are. Come on, Cecil will be joining us for the trip to Sinclair''s." She says with an amused smile. "Sorry, babe." I blink as I come back to myself and then make the sheet of notes in my hand disappear along with the loom I just made a moment ago. "I got kinda caught up there... and, I kinda have to do it again. Would you mind taking the reins so I can get started on the sewing machine?" "Heh, you and your puzzles." She pulls me down to her level for a quick kiss. "Now, to the clockmaker''s." "To the clockmaker''s." Apricot takes up the cry. "To the clockmaker''s." I agree with a laugh. Our trio of followers look at us funny, but pile into the carriage. Apricot and Amelia take the driver''s seat, and the others sit with me in the back. They all look eager to see the sewing machine. "Okay, what do we need here?" I ask myself while looking through my media collection for movies with sewing machines in them. "I''ll leave the driveshaft to Sinclair, but he needs to know what it powers, so needle and tensioning arms, with the shuttle and feed dogs underneath. Not sure how the shuttle is going to work though, so that''s going to take some experimenting." The machine slowly takes form, fortunately, they''re fairly popular as props in movies. I model mine after a mix of old singer style machines, adding in everything I can see. This includes the foot to hold the fabric in place along with a lever to lower it, the thread holder and tensioning plates, along with a bobbin winder. "''Sew'', what do you think?" I demonstrate the model for the Rem, Cecil, and Lauren. "I''m controlling everything magically right now, but I''m hoping Sinclair will be able to work out the innards." "I think the clothing district is going to have a new favorite clockmaker." Rem laughs while Cecil and Lauren just look on in wonder as I stitch together a meter of fabric in just seconds. "Remind me to slap Blanche the next time I see her." Cecil says dead serious. "I can''t believe I almost turned you away just because of that... that word I shouldn''t say." "Heheheh." Apricot starts giggling. "I can think of a few that might fit her. But, it looks like we''re here." ... # 096 "Sinclair." I burst into the shop with a wide smile on my face. "I brought you some customers." "You did?" His face lights up for a moment only to drop into a suspicious glare. "Wait, what do you want?" "Well... you see, I recently branched out into the textile arts." I take out the mockup sewing machine for him to see. "My home has had these for a couple centuries now, at least. And, I can get it to do what it supposed to with magic, but I have no idea about how to make the insides actually work." "I can assure you that we are interested in buying clocks though." Rem and Cecil step up beside me. "The quality you have on display is remarkable, especially for the location. I''m surprised that your business is having trouble, these are easily the equal of if not better than what you can find in the center of town." "Oh, quit kissing my ass and just let me see the damned thing." The old clockmaker grumps and comes out from behind the counter. "I was going to come see your lab later today. I suppose you saved me the trip." "Good man." I demonstrate the sewing machine for him. "I also have a few ideas for a knitting machine and automating the loom, but again, I''m not very good with machines." "Those can wait." He says while glaring at me sideways. "Tell me about this." "Well, this is as close as I could make it to some of the older models." I explain and start walking him through the features. "...So, as you can see there are four moving bits that all need to work in sync with each other. These older models worked off of a treadle, or sometimes a hand crank. But we already have the turbine, so I was thinking we could just use that, though it might need some sort of speed control." "This..." Sinclair trails off and just stares at the machine. "Yes, I know." I smile at the older man and pat him on the shoulder. "I think Sinclair''s Sewing Machines has a nice ring to it too. And, everyone needs clothes after all, so there won''t be any problem selling them." "But-but..." He trails off again. "I could keep it to myself? Heh." I laugh. "Why bother? It''s not like I need another business; I''m mostly just doing this to spite that Wolfsfeld woman. Ooh, you have to name the first model ''The Wolfsbane''." I start giggling and everyone else soon joins in. All except Sinclair, he''s still standing there dumbstruck. "Nnh, my whole shop is set up to work with brass though." Sinclair says as though he''s looking for an excuse not to accept. "This is going to need iron and steel." "I can provide seed money if you need it, just talk to Amelia." Her eyes light up when I offer that. "I can work with metals too, so I can help build the machines you''ll need to build these machines." "What if I just want to make clocks?" The man asks in a defeated tone. "Nothing stopping you." I smile. "And, I''m sure that word about this shop will spread once everyone learns that its owner is responsible for the new sewing machines." "Nng. I hate you." The old man grumbles, but a smile grows wide on his face. "Fine, let''s do this. Open this thing up and start with the main shaft running from this wheel on the side here..." It takes us a bit over an hour to create a fully functioning treadle style sewing machine. Sinclair chose to work on that first since not everyone will be able to install the turbines. "Finally!" Sinclair exclaims after we get the damned shuttle to work like it should. "I was about ready to go back to Cecil''s idea." "About time too, I was almost out of magic." I say with a sigh and sit back in my chair. "Did we really need to make everything out of brass? And, why are there no trees around here?" "You said you could work metal." The crotchety bastard smirks at me. "I''m glad you didn''t go with my idea." Cecil says while examining the completed machine. "You were right, the boat style shuttle would have limited the bobbin size." "Yes." Rem agrees. "This will let people work much longer without having to replace it." "Well, I''m glad you guys like it." I nod at them while rubbing my temples. "But, I need a break. I know I said I''d talk to him about the loom and knitting machine too, but I can''t handle any more machines right now." "That is quite alright." The weaver smiles down at me. "Just watching the two of you work was worth the trip. But, I saw you taking some notes earlier, and I was hoping you could leave those knitting hooks behind." He says hopefully. "Mhm. Not sure how useful my notes will be, but sure. And, here..." I make a few more hooks and a cylindrical holder for them. "If you''re staying here maybe you can watch Sinclair get this to work the hard way." I smirk and demonstrate how they work for the clockmaker before setting everything down next to the sewing machine. "I hate you." Sinclair reiterates and my smirk grows into a grin when his eye starts twitching as he examines what will surely, soon be a knitting machine. "Anyone else staying?" I ask and get up from my chair. "I will." Rem declares. "I still need to buy a clock after all." He adds with a smile. "Could you drop me off at home?" Lauren asks. "But, don''t forget that you still owe me a trip through the clothing district." "Yes, yes. I remember." I nod. "And, sorry that you three got stuck watching us work for the past hour." I apologize to the women. "I''m always happy to watch you do magic." Apricot smiles. "But, you''re right, that did get kind of boring." "Ugh! Especially that bit at the end." Amelia agrees. "''No, try this'' ''Well, that didn''t work but maybe this will.'' ''No, no, no, it''s got to be like this.''" Everyone but Sinclair and I laugh as she imitates what we sounded like while trying to get that damned shuttle and bobbin to work. "Alright let''s get going then, I need some greenery." I head for the door before calling over my shoulder. "Thanks for working with me again, Sinclair. And, uh... Have fun with that." He''s currently lifting each hook in turn while Cecil holds the yarn for him. "..." The man just glares at me until I leave his shop. "Ah, sunlight." I just luxuriate in the bright summer sun for a moment. "Hey, Flicker. I sorry you had to wait out here for us. Do you want a snack?" I conjure a couple of apples for the horse. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. "You''re a good horse, aren''t you?" Amelia scratches her behind the ears. "Of course she is, you picked her out." I smile and pull the blonde in for a kiss that only stops when Lauren coughs. "So, which way to your house?" "Back the way we came from." Lauren points back towards the center of town. "But, you don''t have to take me all the way. Just drop me off at the first open carriage we come across." "Oh, don''t be silly, Lauren." Amelia dances over and pulls her friend into a hug. "You know how long I''ve wanted to get on over on that overly-critical cow. Now, it''s happening because of you. The least we can do is give you a ride home." "Are you really going to make Sinclair sell it as The Wolfsbane?" The elf titters as I get us turned about. "That cow started it first." I use Amelia''s moniker for her rather than the much harsher words that I might have chosen. "I don''t particularly care about my reputation, but that doesn''t mean that I''m just going to stand by while someone drags my name through the mud." "What about Felicia, are you still going to try and steal her away?" Amelia asks. "With Cecil on our side, we don''t actually need her anymore." "Are you kidding? Of course, I''m still going to try." I laugh. "I bet that Felicia is the real force behind Wolfsfeld''s shop. And, even if we don''t need a weaver, we can still use a good manager. Hells, I''ll open up a weaving department just to get her on board if I have to. Cecil will understand, and I can make it up to him if he doesn''t." "I think just introducing him to Sinclair and that knitting machine will more than make up for any disappointment that he might feel." She chuckles. "And, you''re right about needing a good manager. I can handle the money, you the ideas, but we''re going to have workers and will need someone to deal with them." "I can handle you two." Apricot says with a leer. "Yes, but you probably shouldn''t in the middle of the street." I say and peel her hand away from my crotch, Amelia doing the same with the one going after her chest. "Snerk. Are all pixies like this, or is it just you?" Lauren asks with a snort. "Yes." The pixie smirks. "Whatever." The elf rolls her eyes. "Make a left here." We get Lauren to her house after a few minutes, and the place itself is at least equivalent to the Rialta''s home. It''s a different style and somewhat smaller, but also looks to be more richly appointed. "I''ll see you again soon, yeah?" Lauren pulls Amelia in for a hug. "I know you''re caught up with the new romance and trying to take over the city with your new business, but we all missed you while you were up dealing with your aunt." "I missed you girls too." Amelia gives her friend a big squeeze. "I promise not to be a stranger. Not that you''ll let me be, not with Sorrel owing you clothes." "You still owe me a look through your closet too." Lauren smirks. "Drawings are one thing; I want to see some outfits in person." "Mhm, Sorrel''s going to be busy with the healing fair tomorrow." Amelia says after a second''s pause. "I just don''t have his touch for that though, so why don''t you get the girls together again and come over. We can all play dress up like we used to." "Yeah, that sounds fun." Lauren smiles. "Not like there''s much else to do on healing day anyways. Helen and Li-Li will probably have to work in the evening, but we can still make a day of it. Just have Sorrel put aside some that wine for us." "Nnh." Apricot whines. "I have to choose between watching Sorrel throw his magic around and the five of you all getting naked and drunk? Not fair!" "If you pick me, I won''t let you spy on them with magic." I interject when she gets a calculating look on her face. ""Hahahaha."" Amelia and Lauren start laughing when the pixie''s face falls. "And, if you pick me, you have to keep your hands to yourself." Amelia adds making poor little Apricot sag in place. "You two are mean." The pixie pouts and pulls her knees up to her chin. "Don''t worry, Sweetie." I pat her on the head. "You''ve got wings; you can fly back and forth to get frustrated by both of us showing off." The three of us laugh again when her face lights up only to fall again. "Quit picking on me." She swats my hand away. "I thought we were supposed to be picking on you today." Her eyes light up once more and sparks dance on her fingertips. "And, that''s my cue to leave." Lauren starts heading for her house. "I''ll see you tomorrow." "Are you really okay?" Amelia sits down next to me after waving goodbye to Lauren. "I am so sorry for that." "I already told you, I''m fine." I pull her into a side hug and tell Flicker to take us to the nearest property agent. "I''d offer to let you check for yourself, but public road and all that. Remind me to add an enclosed cabin and tinted windows when I build the vehicle to take us to the Capital." "You know, we''re not far from my parent''s house." A shy smile and a light blush play on her features. "No one is likely to be there this time of day." Flicker makes a U-turn before she even finishes her sentence. "Can you please promise not to just tease this time?." The need comes through loud and clear in my voice. "Please?" "Oh, I think you deserve a little treat after that accident earlier." Amelia squeezes my knee, though her eyes are locked on something she wants to squeeze much more. "But, I don''t think we''re done teasing you just yet." "Oh, yes." Apricot purrs. "It was way too much fun watching you struggle to keep your cool." "Promise to be a little more gentle this time?" I kiss Amelia when she cringes at my words. "I don''t mind things getting a little rough, but that was more than just a little." "Shut up." Amelia ducks her head. "I already said I''m sorry." "Mhm, but you haven''t proved it yet." I whisper into her ear before taking her into my arms and hopping out of the wagon right in front of her house. Fortunately, she was right and no one else is here. *** # 097 "So, I hope you''re both satisfied that everything is still in working order." I tease while helping Amelia and Apricot out to the carriage almost an hour later. Though, their current state has as much to do with me as it does with Apricot playing around with that lightning spell again. "Very." Amelia lets out a low laugh. "But, I think we need to add a nighttime only rule for that spell. I think you broke Apricot when you turned it back on her." "Mm fn." I think that was supposed to be ''I''m fine'', but the pixie is still doing her best impression of someone without any motor control. "Vr fn." "Sure you are." I lay her down in the back of the carriage with her head in Amelia''s lap. "And, I might even believe you once you start using vowels again. For now, just lie there and let Amelia feed you some snacks until you recover." "It is almost lunchtime." Amelia comments after checking the sun. "And, I could probably use a few more minutes to recover myself before dealing with the property people." "Just tell me where to go." I say over my shoulder and get the carriage moving. ... "F''d... F''ud... Fo... ood. Nnh." Apricot weakly pounds her fist on the seat. Amelia has been teasing her by making her say actual words before she could have a piece of licorice. "Who knew pixies were weak to lightning." I chuckle darkly after glancing back at the frustrated thing. "I swear I didn''t use any more on her than she did on either of us." "And, she loved every second of it." Amelia joins in on the laughter. "Maybe a little too much. Mhm? She''s telling me that you cheated, used your healing knowledge or something." "Hehehehehe." I start giggling. "What? I would never trace out the nerves down there and stimulate them directly with electricity. But, I bet she won''t be commenting on how long it takes me to learn a spell again anytime soon." "Hahahaha." Amelia''s laughter bounces the poor pixie''s head up and down on her lap. "Oh, sorry, Sweetie." She stops jostling her patient and gives her another chew. "..." What I was about to say is drowned out by a shout and a scream from around the corner a couple of blocks ahead. "Someone''s hurt!" I say before jumping off of the wagon and running ahead much faster than Flicker could carry us. My eyes take in the scene in an instant, confirming what my magic already told me. It looks like some kids were playing around and one of them ran into the street and got clipped by a horseman who took the corner a bit too fast. The child, a ten-year-old boy, broke an arm when he fell. "Oh, gods. I''m so sorry. But, you''ll be fine, you''ll be fine. Healing day is tomorrow. Oh, gods quit screaming." The rider is doing a poor job of trying to comfort the boy but his friends won''t let the man get near. "Sleep!" I command and the boy stops screaming; I catch his limp form and lower him to the ground. "Everything will be fine; I''m a healer and was going to be working tomorrow anyways." I explain while setting the bent arm so I can fuse the bones back together. The kid has a few scrapes too but is otherwise fine. I still give him a small dose of healing sap just to be on the safe side though. I also mend up his clothes where they got torn. "Wake!" It seems that everyone has been holding their breath for the short moment of time it took me to patch up the kid because they all let out a relieved exhalation when the boy opens his eyes and looks around at all the people staring down at him. "W-what happened?" He looks down at his arm like he''s expecting it to still hurt. "I healed you a day early. Try to be more careful about where you''re playing from now on." I tousle his hair before turning to the rider. "And, you! Your time is not worth someone else''s life. You''re damned lucky that it was just a break and even more so that I was nearby." "Y-yes S-s-sir." He stutters and takes a step back from the fury in my eyes. "Dammit, Sorrel! You have got to quit running off like that." Amelia shouts down at me from the driver''s seat. "I almost knocked Apricot to the floor of the carriage when you jumped off the driver''s seat like that." "Sorry." I duck my head and all the little boys say ''ooooh, you''re in trouble.'' or some variation. "But, it was a kid." I gesture the boy with the no longer broken arm. "Mhm. Just get your butt back up here, I''m hungry." She scoots over to make room on the seat for me. I do as she says and look back to check on Apricot who just sends me a thumbs up for taking care of the boy. I give her another piece of licorice as an apology which earns me two thumbs up.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. "Sorry, Baby." I put my arms around Amelia and kiss her on the cheek. "I should have said more than ''someone''s hurt'' and run off. I didn''t mean to scare you." "I know. And, you know that I''m grateful that your first instinct is to help." A complicated look flashes across her face as she thinks of how we met. "But, you move scary fast. Seriously, I blinked and you were halfway down the street." "Mhm. All those morning runs are starting to pay off." I smile down at her. "The rubber shoes help too, they''re really good for traction. But, I think I need to start using a stronger formula on mine." I show her the bottom of my shoe and it''s destroyed sole. "Heheh. Oh, Sorrel." Her laugh turns into a sigh, but she rests her head against my chest and I can feel the tension draining from her. "I promise to use that same speed to run away from anything truly dangerous in the future." I kiss the top of her head. "Now, do you want to carry Apricot into the restaurant, or shall I?" "Mhm, we should probably just leave her here." I can feel more than hear Amelia''s soft laugh. "She''s got plenty of candy to snack on, she''ll be fine." "Dn''t Yuu Dare!" Apricot pushes herself into a sitting position and glares at us. "Well, I suppose now that she can sit up on her own it should be alright to bring her with us." The humor is clear in my voice. "But, you have to feed her, and if she starts making a fuss and crying I''m going to pretend I''m not with you." "Hehehehehe." Amelia starts giggling uncontrollably when Apricot starts hitting me weakly about the head. "Hehe, Fine hehehehe. But, you hehehehe have to hehehe change her later. Hahahahahahah." "I am not baby, yuu jerkss." Apricot carefully enunciates each word all while hitting the both of us. "No, Amelia is Baby, you''re Sweetie." I catch her arms and dart in for a kiss only for her to shock my lips when I do. Not that that stops me. "Mmm, as sweet and tingly as ever." I lick my slightly numb lips. "Mmm, I hope you don''t kiss real babies like that." Amelia jokes before moving in to get her own kiss from our fussy little thing. "Can we eet now?" The pixie asks with a sigh. "Sure." I nod and a wicked smile grows on my face. "Now, do you want Mommy or Daddy to carry you in? Hahahah!" I just laugh when she hits me with an extra-strong zap. "So, Mommy, then. Ow!" That one actually hurt. "Alright, I think that''s enough teasing for now." Amelia says after getting her laughter under control again. "Let''s get inside before the place fills up." I endure one more shock to lift the pixie up and settle her on my hip. We get a few funny looks upon entering the restaurant, but I just don''t care. "Table for three?" The hostess asks before adding in an undertone. "Uhm, is she alright?" "Oh, yes." I chuckle. "She''s just used to flying everywhere; her legs are just a little weak right now." "O-of course." The hostess'' blush makes me think she saw through my clever ruse. "Well, uh, right this way, please." "Oh, gods. The look on her face." Apricot breaks into giggles after the woman leaves us at our table. "You lunkers are so fun to tease about sex." "Are you feeling better now, Sweetie?" Amelia strokes Apricot''s back. They''re both on one side of the table with me on the other. "Yes, but I''m still going to get you both back for that." She says that, but starts playing footsie with us under the table. "I look forward to it." Just then, the door to the kitchen swings open, bringing the delicious scent of cooking food to our noses. "Almost as much as I''m looking forward to whatever that divine smell is." "The seafood special." Amelia informs us. "They have a mage with storage on staff, and a contract with another one working on one the fishing boats down in the gulf, so it''s always as fresh as can be." "Mmm, been a while since I had some good seafood." It looks like it''s been even longer for Apricot, she''s already drooling. "Oh, gods. Sorrel, please tell me that you can steal their recipe." Apricot says as soon as she senses my magic probing around in the kitchen. "Heheh. Yeah, I should be able to, but we need to find us a good fishmonger." I don''t even recognize a couple of the things they''re cooking up in the kitchen, but I was never super big on non-plant sea life. "That, or maybe plan a trip down the river." The waitress comes to our table after that and we order, three specials, of course. While we''re waiting for the food to arrive, and fooling around under the table, a familiar face enters the restaurant. "Sorrel, there you are." It''s the fire chief and she looks excited. "You know, for such a distinctive trio, you''re surprisingly hard to track down." "Chief Struhl, to what do we owe the honor?" I say in a collected manner as Apricot and Amelia choose that moment to up their footsie game to eleven. "The Baron and Edsel finally gave the go-ahead for the giant faucets." She snags a free chair and sits down in the middle of the walkway. Fortunately, we''re near the back so she isn''t in anyone''s way. "Only Edsel says that he isn''t going to be able to do it all himself, and I can''t work stone to save my life." "And, he told you that I can. I guess no good deed goes unpunished." The girls start giggling at that. "I''ll be happy to help after the healing fair, but, as you can see, we''re somewhat busy right now." The waitress appears just then with our plates. "Ooh, get me one of those." Struhl tosses the waitress a gold after seeing our food. "What about after lunch? Surely you can at least get started." "Sorry, no." I shake my head. "We''ve still got to find a property for the business, and aside from a handful of quartz, I don''t have any stone in storage. I was planning a trip out to the grasslands to dig some up soon." "Nng. I can help you find a building, but that''s not going to help with the stone." She grumbles. "Mhm. I wasn''t going to show you this yet..." I bring out the quartz and iron that Ed let me keep and fashion it into a mockup sprinkler head. "This should be made from brass and glass, but these are all I have on me. The liquid inside the glass expands when heated by a fire, causing it to shatter, letting the plug fall out, and water in the pipe behind to spray out." I demonstrate with conjured water that vanishes before it touches anything else. "This!" She snatches the sprinkler head out of my hands, much to Amelia and Apricot''s amusement. "Mhm. Ed''s glass guy, Claude, is working on the ampoules right now." The waitress appears with Adriana''s plate, but the fire chief barely takes the time to stuff it into her storage before rushing back out of the restaurant. "Hahaha. That was mean." Amelia chortles. "Would you rather she stuck around?" I reply and finally start in on lunch. "Mmm, now this is good. Almost as good as what you two are doing." *** # 098 After a very delicious lunch, the three of us head to the first property agent on the list, but they only handled residential stuff and instead directed us to a Pace Biscay. Pace was already on our list, so we decided to head there next. "Good afternoon, and welcome to Biscay Property Services. Please do come in. How can I help you today? Would you like some tea?" I was expecting a small office similar to the first agent we visited, but it seems that Pace works out of his home. It''s a tidy little place, and Mr. Biscay guides us into a small sitting room before we can even answer his questions. "Thank you." I accept the mug with a nod. "My name is Sorrel, and this Amelia and Apricot. We''re looking for a place to house our business." "Oh, I think everyone in the city must know who you are by now Mister Sorrel." The man says with a laugh and sits down across from us. "Now, what kind of space are you looking for? Do you need a storefront, or is it more production based?" "Production. And, the actual building doesn''t really matter since I''ll likely just tear it down and replace it." I explain. "But, I would like something large, and preferably in a safe area." "Mhm. That removes most of the dock area from consideration." The man strokes his hairless chin. "It''s not as bad as most people think, but is it safe to assume that you''ll be working with something valuable? Yes, best not to risk it then. Hmm, give me just a moment and I''ll have a list for you." Biscay moves over to a desk in the corner and starts pulling out files, mumbling to himself while shuffling through them. Soon, he narrows the choices down to just a handful and returns to us with a smile on his face. "Thank you for your patience." He pulls the top sheets from each of the four files and sets them on the table before us. Each sheet contains a drawing of the property along with a map and a basic floor plan. "Each of these three is near a guard post or on a heavily patrolled route. But, I think this one might suit your needs best." He pushes one of the four sheets forward. "Outside the west gate?" Amelia puzzles out the map before I can. "Oh, I know this place. Yeah, that might work. Didn''t know that is was for sale though." The paper shows a large warehouse on the outskirts of several other buildings. "Yes, I thought you might be familiar with it." Pace smiles. "The owner is building a new warehouse on the other side of the caravanserai. He''s looking to expand to try and counter some of your parents'' business." Pace adds with a chuckle. "Hahaha. Greene is going to need more than just a bigger warehouse." Amelia says with a predatory smile. "This is a good choice too; it''s not far from the wall and has all the space we should need." "Won''t this Greene try to rip us off? He is a rival of your parents after all" I offer up my only concern. "Mhm." She nods in agreement. "We''ll probably have to pay a little more than we would otherwise, but if he tries to get too greedy we can just walk away, no one else is likely to buy an old warehouse. And, any of the other properties should still be suitable for us. You''ll just have to add a second or third floor if needed." "Yeah, that won''t be a problem. But, I think that you''re just looking forward to a good haggling session." Her grin widens in response to my accusation. "Alright. Our carriage is outside, would you mind if we swing past the other places first, just so I can get a look?" I ask the real-estate agent? "Not at all." Biscay agrees right away. "This one is in the opposite direction, but the other two are right on the way to the gate." This is going to be an easy sale for him; Amelia''s going to do all the work. "Let''s get going then." I smile and stand up. "I''m guessing, that you''ll want to do all the talking when we get there, but are you going to need me to stand around and look tough?" "Heheh. No, I can probably manage on my own." The look on Amelia''s face says that she isn''t going to have any trouble at all working out this deal. "I''m guessing that you want to run off and collect some stone before the fire chief tracks you down again?" "I might as well, who knows how drained I''m going to be after tomorrow." I''m interested to learn more about healing, but I have a feeling that most of the city is going to be lined up. "That''s fine. Just watch your step when you''re out there, okay." She chuckles. "The critters Ed warned me about?" I ask suspiciously. "Nng, you''ll see." The slight shudder that passes through her frame makes me a little worried. "That bad?" I wrap a vine around her waist. "Not for the mighty nature mage, but ugh!" Another shiver and a look of disgust passes over her features. "I''m glad we only ever made the trip to and from the Capital via the long way around." "You''re going to make me find out on my own aren''t you?" I shake my head with a laugh when she just smiles. ... We only paused at the other three properties long enough for me to make a three-dimensional model of the neighborhood, a trick that greatly impressed Biscay. I did the same when we got to the warehouse while Amelia found out that Greene was supervising the production of the new warehouse. "Little Amelia Rialta. What brings you out my way?" Greene is a large, jovial man, but with shrewd business eyes. "And, do please introduce me to your friends. I''d heard that you''d taken up with some rather interesting company lately." "Afternoon, Augustus." Amelia nods to her family''s rival. "This is Sorrel and Apricot; Mister Biscay is the one bringing us here today. We''re actually interested in that old shack of yours..." She''s already well into her merchant mode and the light in Greene''s eyes shows that he''s as interested in a good haggle as she is. So, while they start hashing it out, I pull Apricot aside. "If you''re coming with, you should probably shrink down, I want to get out there and back well before dark."If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "Oh, yes. I wouldn''t miss this for the world." The pixie grins. "Not only will I get the chance to watch you work, but I can send images of what''s out there back to Amelia for a little revenge." The blonde glances over her shoulder with a quick glare for the pixie. "Alright, do you want to sit in my pocket?" I ask while removing my shoes, no need to ruin two pairs in one day. "Nah, I''ll just perch on your head." She shrinks down and does just that. "You don''t have to worry about the wind blowing me away." I walk over to Amelia and a slightly stunned Greene to kiss her goodbye. "We''re heading out now. Be sure to get us a good deal." "Oh, don''t worry about that." She smirks. Apricot''s little show already put Greene off his stride and what I''m about to do is only going to make it worse for him. "Mmm. Love you, Babe. We''ll be back before full dark." One last kiss and I jog the few meters to the main road before breaking into a full-on sprint for the grasslands. A small cloud of dust gets kicked up behind me as I go from zero to really fucking fast in no time flat. Apricot breaks into laughter, both for the rush of speed and for whatever look she''s seeing on Greene''s face through Amelia''s eyes right now. The two of us are well down the road by the time I sense the first of what has Amelia so leery about the grasslands. "Well, no fucking wonder she hates spiders." I say as we blow past a trapdoor spider large enough to eat a small child. "Heheh. They get even bigger further in." Apricot laughs. "There''s even rumors about some that are big enough to eat cattle deeper to the south. Amelia says they clear out all the nests near the road at least once a year though. So, we aren''t likely to spot any that big." "Well, not unless we go off-road ourselves." I chuckle and angle us to the south, the tall grasses bending out of my way as I run. "I''m sure their thread is too large to work as clothing for you, but remind me to collect some on the way back, it might be useful." "Amelia says to tell you that she hates that idea." Apricot says in a way that means we definitely have to do it, and make sure that she gets a nice close-up look at the spider while we''re at it. "Tell her not to worry. I''m just collecting the thread, not the spiders themselves. Hahahahaha." Apricot joins me in cackling. The wall of the city is barely visible in the distance by the time I come across a large outcropping of stone. Yes, I could have stopped and dug anywhere, but why work harder than I have to. All the grass around me is more than enough to recharge my mana from, but I still grow a large apple tree just for some shade and something to snack on. The next few hours are rather boring, at least for anyone who can''t see magic. Apricot can though, so I put on a nice little show for her while collecting the stone. I also make use of the Draw Matter spell to pull the useful bits from the stone. I even get to put my hydrogen fire to use in smelting down the aluminum and other trace metals. There wasn''t all that much aside from aluminum, but at least I got more than enough of it for any project I might have in the near future. "Isn''t this stuff supposed to be worth its weight in gold?" Apricot asks, probably just to tease Amelia through their link. "Only because people don''t know to combine these spells like this." I counter while adding another aluminum ingot to the step pyramid I''m building. "You mean the spell you invented, and the ones that would need a skilled electomancer, aeromancer, and pyromancer working together to pull off? Those spells?" She smirks. "You don''t need the pyromancer, that''s just me showing off." I smirk right back at her. "Even the air magic could be replaced by feeding the gas through pipes into a furnace." I notice then that we''ve gained a watcher. "So, what''s up with the little green dude, and do you think he knows he''s about to step onto a spider?" "Well, he does now." Apricot chortles when the goblin freezes up. "He''s probably just curious about what we''re doing here. That, or he''s hungry; those apples do look delicious." She plucks one from the tree and takes a big bite. "Aww, we scared him off." I chuckle as the guy who thought he was being so stealthy scampers away. "I''ll leave the tree behind for them, the roots aren''t deep enough for it to survive, but maybe they can use the wood after they eat all the fruit." "You do know that most people consider goblins to be pests, right?" She raises an eyebrow at me. "Yeah, but I read up a little on them." I allude to when VeeGee gave me the chance to pick my own species. "The tribes most people run into are just their young. Imagine if everyone''s perception of your species was based on your teenagers." "Oh, gods. Normal pixies are bad enough." She breaks down into laughter. "Exactly." I nod and get back to work with a smile. Once the sun starts going down, I wrap things up. A few more goblins showed up, but they all kept their distance. "I just have to check this guy out and then we can head back." I say and walk over to the spider that the goblin almost fed himself to. "Oh, wow. You are beautiful. Terrifying, but beautiful." The arachnid that vacates its burrow at my command has a glossy exoskeleton with black extremities and a brown cephalothorax and abdomen. I feel a little bad for messing up its hard work, but not enough to keep me from stealing the web. "Alright, you can go back and fix up your hole now. Maybe you''ll get lucky and another goblin will walk right into you." I only stole the web from the back of the tunnel, so the trapdoor still works fine and once it returns to the ground you can''t even tell that it''s there. "Amelia says she hates us now." Apricot laughs, she was right up next to the spider examining it from all sides while I held it still with my command spell. "She got a good deal on the warehouse though." "Let''s get back then. I''m sure she''s going to torture us when we get home, and I need to get up early for tomorrow." She shrinks back down and lands on my head again. "Later, little green dudes. The tree won''t live long, so do what you want with it." With that said, I break into a run back towards the city. ... "Hey, Baby." I go to pull Amelia into a hug when we get home but she dodges away. "Don''t you ''hey, baby'' me." She growls. "I know you could have taken that web without disturbing that... that thing, but no. You just had to bring it out of the ground so Apricot could get a nice good look at it." "Would it make you feel any better to know that I pulled almost a tonne of aluminum out of those rocks?" Her eyes light up when I bring out an ingot before narrowing again. "Oh, no. You''re not going to be able to bribe your way out of this." She pushes the metal away. "Either of you." Amelia includes Apricot in her glare. "I''m sorry, Amelia." I hang my head; I didn''t think she''d get this mad over it, it''s not like we exposed her to one in person. "Is there anything we can do to make up for it?" "I''m still working on your punishment, but I know exactly what Apricot''s will be." Amelia must have let the pixie know through their link because Apricots face drains of blood. "Noo! Come on, anything but that." Apricot whimpers and whines, but the blonde isn''t hearing any of it. "Yes! I had to face something disgusting, so now you do too." Amelia is really hot when she''s angry. "Sorrel, time to make some more licorice. Apricot has to eat eight pieces, one for every leg on that... uggh." They both do a full-body shake, if for different reasons. "I''m sorry, Sweetie." I pat the poor winged woman on the shoulder before moving to the kitchen. "And, don''t try making it weak for her or anything." Amelia warns when I bring out everything I''ll need. I try to stall as much as I can, but Amelia has already seen me make this snack plenty today and just raises a judgmental eyebrow every time I take longer than I should. Apricot too drags her feet, but eventually holds up a piece in front of her mouth. Then, just as she''s about to bite down, Amelia steals it away and kisses her instead. "Punishment complete, for both of you." She pulls both me and a gratefully sobbing Apricot into a hug. "But, don''t mess with me like that again. I fight dirty." Her smug grin says that we got off light this time. "T-thank you, that stuff is so gross." Apricot sniffs and hugs us both tight. "I''m sorry for teasing you so much." "Yeah, we... I overdid it. Both yesterday and today. I''m sorry." I hug both of my girls tight, hoping that they can feel some of my emotions like they do each other''s. "I know you didn''t mean any harm, but you two do tend to go at overboard at times." Amelia pats us both on the head. "Now why don''t you make something that all three of us can eat?" She says and bites into the chew that she took from Apricot. "New rule: Don''t mess with the blonde!" Apricot says with a nervous laugh. *** # 099 "Thanks for dinner, Babe." Amelia leans back with a contented sigh. "But, what are you working on now?" She asks when I start making some wax paper. "Old tradition from back home." I explain with a smile. "The healers there would keep a jar of lollipops and, if you were a good patient, you''d get to leave with a sucker." "Now there''s a tradition I can get behind." Apricot says with a laugh. "Mhm, just try not to steal them all, please." I already know that I''ll have to make a bunch extra just for her. I should be making cellophane wrappers for these, but Melanie has already gone home and I don''t feel like messing around in her lab. I don''t have much wax, but there is enough for a couple thousand candy wrappers. And, I can always send someone to buy me some more tomorrow if I run out. "So, what flavors should I make? Wait, let me guess. Everything." I add before Apricot can, and then laugh when she sticks her tongue out at me. "Don''t worry, Sweetie. I''ll give you something nice to suck on in just a bit." Of course, the first thing I made was a batch of penis-shaped suckers for Apricot and Amelia. Amelia rolled her eyes but started sucking on one anyways. After that, it didn''t take long to make all of the candies needed to fill the wrappers, but I kept going since we could keep as many as we want in storage without worrying about them sticking together. "There, that should be enough candy to last you at least until tomorrow." I tease the pixie while cleaning up the kitchen. "Now, I really should catch up on my sleep before tomorrow, but I think we both have a bit of teasing to make up for to Amelia." I pull the blonde into my arms and carry her upstairs to our bedroom. ... "Mhm, morning." I wake with a smile as Amelia shifts to snuggle up closer to me. Apricot is playing big-spoon for once so Amelia is sandwiched in between us right now. "Hi." She replies with a sleepy smile. "I can see why Apricot likes this; it''s all snuggly being in the middle." "Mhm, it was a little weird not having her hold onto me all night." I say with a smile for the pixie''s new handholds. "But, it looks like she''s found a decent replacement." "It also looks like the sun is coming up, you should get moving. The crowds are always the worst first thing in the morning." I don''t want to leave, and I can tell that she doesn''t want me to either, but I promised Elise that I''d show up. "Nnh, alright." I whimper, just a little. "Send Apricot over once she gets tired of playing with those. I love you two." I kiss each of them before slipping out of bed. There''s no time for breakfast, but I have plenty of smoothies. So, I just suck on one of those, and will my clothes into place on me while heading for the front door. "Morning, Will." I call out to the farmer and jog over. "Morning, Sorrel." The man greets me with a wide smile. "Amelia told me about the warehouse. You didn''t have to go through all that trouble, especially not that fast, but I thank you for doing so." "Don''t worry about it." I return his smile. "I''ve got to get into town, but I made some suckers last night, and thought I''d leave a jar for the kids." "Heheheh. Those two are going to get spoiled because of you." He shakes his head but accepts the candies. "Thank you, for these, and for volunteering today. The city always needs more healers." "Yeah. I''d better get up there though. You have a good day." I pat him on the shoulder before jogging to the road and into the city. Amelia wasn''t kidding about the crowd, I had an easy time running through the city, but as soon as I got close to the market area the streets became nearly impassable. "Ugh, I''m never going to get through like this." I groan and quit trying to slip through the crowd and make my way to the nearest building instead. A few people were shocked to see me jump nearly two stories straight up, and then grab a window ledge and use it to swing myself the rest of the way onto the roof. But, it was either go over the roofs or under the ground. I certainly wasn''t going to announce that I was a healer and try to get through the crowd that way, I''d have just gotten swamped worse. ... "Sorrel, I was wondering when you''d show up." Elise doesn''t even bat an eye when I drop down off of a building next to her. "Sorry, I kinda slept in." I say with a rueful smile. "I''m just lucky Amelia warned me about the crowds, I was going to take time for a nice breakfast before coming in." "Well, now that you''re here, we could really use your diagnostic skills." The sun has barely risen and she already looks tired. "It usually takes us most of the morning just to filter out the healthy from the sick. I''m hoping that you can cut that down dramatically."You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. "Just tell me where you need me and what to do." I say and she does. I learned quite a lot about how they do medicine here too. I was already somewhat familiar with most of the herbal remedies in use, but not all of their applications. I spent the next hour with the crowd being herded past me by the guards. I scanned everyone as they walk past; the healthy just kept going, while those with minor issues received a prescription, and those that needed actual healing got pulled aside. The healers aren''t the only ones working today though, there are plenty of alchemists, apothecaries, and herbalists here. That and just about every street food vendor in the city is set up nearby filling the air with a mix of scents. "That looks like most of them." I say with a relieved sigh as the rush of people finally slows to a trickle. "I need a few minutes to rest up, is it alright if I put a big tree down over there?" I ask while pointing out an area free of obstructions. "Of course." Jana, Martin''s apprentice, replies with a laugh. "After that, I''m sure they''d let you turn half the market into a forest if you needed to." Jana is in charge of the apprentices here today; Elise handed me off to her and the other apprentices after I got a handle on the basics. It''s normally their duty to handle the diagnostics, but with me doing all the heavy lifting they''ve mostly just been helping to move the crowd around. "Oh, just the one should do." I reply with a smile. "I''ll even keep it in a pot so the ground doesn''t get messed up." I use some of the stone I collected yesterday to craft a pot large enough to hold several thousand liters of soil, which I also collected plenty of yesterday. It''s a little light on the nutrients though, so I mix in the leftover compost that was still sitting in my storage. The market place goes still as a single acorn shoots up into a full-size adult oak in just minutes. "Ah, that''s a little better." I hop up onto the pot and sit down with my back against the trunk and just luxuriate in the feeling of having my mana pool refilled. "Hey, Sweetie." I smile at the pixie when she flutters down to land on my knee a minute later. "Guessing you felt that." "Mm-hmm, I was mostly just waiting for you to get the boring stuff out of the way though." She titters. "That, and for the crowd to clear up a bit." "Tell me about it." I groan. "I never was one for crowds either, and that was like the first day of college meets a water park on the hottest day of the year." "Didn''t you say that you were going to make me a water slide or something?" Apricot cocks a tiny eyebrow at me. "Mhm. Sorry, I keep getting distracted." I bring out mini-me for the first time in a while to give her a kiss. "Too much crap to do lately and it seems like every time I turn around something new has been added to the pile." I turn my head to look at Elise who is walking over to us. "Sorrel, thank you so much for handling that so quickly." The healer bows her head to me. "But, we have a pregnant woman who just showed up that I was hoping you could look at. Jana passed her along to me since you were busy." The healer smirks up at the giant tree. "I can tell that something is wrong, but she''s too far along for me to get a clearer read than that. Have you recovered enough to check her over?" "Of course." I hop down from the over-sized planter and follow her over to the tent she was working out of. Apricot lands on my head a second later to watch the show. "Tasha, this is Sorrel, the one I told you about." Elise introduces me to a rather worried-looking young mother-to-be. "Is my baby going to be alright?" Tasha asks while rubbing her round belly. "May I have a look to find out?" I take a free stool next to the worried woman and hold my hand out towards her stomach. "My connection to nature magic makes it much easier for me to see through the body''s natural interference." "Alright." She nods, reluctantly. "Just please tell me the baby is going to be alright." I place my hand on her stomach and close my eyes for a moment before saying anything. "Oh, I see the issue now." I beam a bored-looking smile at Tasha. "There''s just a minor septal defect, problems in this area are very common with babies. It''ll probably fix itself before birth, but if you want I can take care of it now. Save Elise the hassle of dealing with it later if it doesn''t." "See." Elise lets out a relieved chuckle as matches her smile to mine. "I told you there was nothing to worry about; I just couldn''t make it out well enough to be sure. But, if you''re still worried, then Sorrel can give you a potion that will take care of it right away." "Please." She nods, and then swiftly downs the shot of healing sap I hand her. "There, all better." I flash her my most winning smile. "Would you like to know the baby''s sex?" "You can tell?" Her eyes go wide. "Oh, yes." Elise laughs. "And, at least he didn''t just blurt it out this time." "I want to know." Tasha nods. "She''s going to be a beautiful little girl, just like her mother." My smile widens when she blushes. "Don''t forget the lollipop." Apricot reminds me. "You went to the trouble to make all of them and you almost forgot to give one to your first patient." "Oh, yeah." I bring out a large quartz bowl filled with wax paper wrapped suckers. "There''s an old tradition where I come from that you get a lollipop after seeing the healer. Help yourself, there are all sorts of flavors." "Oh, uh, is this red one cherry?" I tried to color them all as best I could, but I need to work on some food-safe dyes in the future. "Yes." Apricot answers for me after a sniff, and I materialize a pixie-sized mana stone lollipop just for her. "Aww, when did you make these?" She pops it into her mouth with a happy smile. "When you weren''t looking." I tease before turning to Elise. "So does one of these tents have my name on it, or should I make my own?" All of this easy banter is mostly just to help Tasha get rid of the last of her worries. "You''re right next door, just between me and Martin." She answers with a smile and steals a sucker for herself before I leave her tent. "I''ll tell the guards start queuing up patients for you." I head over to the tent and Elise drifts over before the first of my patients arrive. "Thank you for working on your bedside manner. But, how bad was it really?" "There was a small hole in the wall separating the two halves of the heart, like I said." I explain while sucking on my own lollipop. "There was also a much larger hole in between the ventricles, and the pulmonary valve was malformed. Other than that she was fine." "..." The healer just shakes her head. "Thank you. It would have taken both Martin and I to repair that much damage after birth... if she even made it that long." "Don''t worry about it." I send her the same winning smile I used on Tasha. "The healing sap is a bit of a cheat when it comes to babies. Now, I really should get to work. For some reason, my line seems to be the longest." I chuckle when she snags another sucker before leaving. ... # 100 "Sorrel." Apricot flew into the tent while I was in the middle of fixing a nasty old break that wasn''t set properly. "I just passed by an herbalist and caught a whiff of nature magic coming from her wares. I thought you might want to check it out." "Oh, yeah? I guess I could use a short break. Just give me a sec to finish up here and we can check them out." Chronic illnesses and old injuries like this that have a high mana cost to repair properly have been the majority of what I''ve been dealing with so far today. "Alright, sir, you''re good to go. Don''t forget your sucker." While he''s gingerly testing his leg, I get up and follow Apricot out of the tent and let everyone know that there''s going to be a small wait. "I''m going to take a short break now, everyone. I''ll be back in just a few minutes though, so please feel free to have some candy while you wait." I create a pedestal and set another bowl of lollipops on it. "I swear half your line is just here for those candies." The guard outside my tent says with a laugh before popping one into his mouth. "Well, at least no one has actually injured themselves just to get one, yet." I add after a pause and then turn to Apricot who is hovering next to me. "Alright, so where''s this herbalist? And, have you been having fun tutoring the apprentices?" "More fun than watching you mend yet another poorly set bone." She snarks back while leading me to the herbalist. "Word is spreading about that by the way, more and more people with chronic problems are showing up hoping that you''ll be able to help." "Yay." I deadpan, already as bored of seeing the same things over and over again as Apricot. "Do you think they''ll object if I work on my enchanting at the same time? I had hoped to devote most of yesterday to it, but... well, you were there." She flies over to caress my cheek when I sigh. "They''ll be fine with it, you do what you want." My pixie says in a soothing tone. "What I want is to still be in bed with you and Amelia." I grin up at her. "But, I''ll settle for making a few small explosions. Ooh, this must be the place." I can just feel the faintest hint of magic from some of the herbs here. "H-healer Sorrel, h-how can I help you?" A nervous-looking young woman speaks up when I stop at her stall to examine her wares. "Hello, you have some rather quality herbs here, I was just hoping that I could buy a few of the seeds." I reply with a polite smile hoping to put her at ease. "And, if it''s not too much trouble, could I ask what your secret is?" Her magic feels different from that of the plants, so I can already tell that she didn''t do anything to them, not directly at least. "O-of course, s-s-sir." Her stammer seems to be getting worse despite my gentle approach. "Y-you c-can take whatever y-you''d like. And, uh..." She looks positively panicked now. "It''s alright." I put a little more charm into my smile. "Everyone has their secrets, and you''re welcome to keep yours. Getting the seeds is more than enough for me." A couple of seeds fall from each plant that has them and roll into a small pile in front of me; I wave my hand over them, shifting the lot into storage and leaving a gold coin in their place before turning about to return to my waiting patients. "S-sir!" I stop and turn back to her when she calls out. "T-there''s nothing wrong with the plants is there?" "Quite the opposite, most of these have a hint of nature magic in them that should make then slightly more potent than usual." I explain and widen my smile once more when she gets a relieved look on her face. "P-please promise not to spread it around, but I b-b-befriended a G-g-g..." She just can''t seem to get the word out. "Really?" I raise an eyebrow. "We ran into some yesterday, but they didn''t come close enough to communicate with. I didn''t feel any strong magic on them, but I suppose they must know the grasslands like the back of their hands." "I think the fire you were making might have had a little something to do with them not coming any closer." Apricot says with a titter. "You know, the one hot enough to melt stone." "That or it could have been the crazy pixie who was dancing around naked right in front of said fire." I shoot back with a smirk. "Y-you''re not disgusted by them?" The herbalist''s face is filled with surprised. "Everyone seems to hate them, but the one I met seems really nice. She trades me herbs in exchange for sweets." "I can''t say I''ve interacted with them enough to form an opinion one way or another." I reply honestly. "But, I read somewhere that the tribes most people run into are basically just their teenagers. It''s hard to get a good impression for a people if all you''ve ever dealt with are a bunch of annoying thirteen-year-olds." "I suppose so." She responds with a smile and a soft laugh. "Alright, I really should get back to work." I nod my head to the woman. "Thank you for the seeds. And, here. Feel free to share some with your friend the next time you see her." I set a small jar of suckers on her table before leaving. "Hey, is that Ashley?" Apricot asks when we get back to my tent to find that Roddy''s one night stand has replaced the guard that was working there. "Amelia says we have to quiz her." "Heheheh. Poor Rodrick." I shake my head with a laugh. "Hi, Ashley. How''s it going? I can see the suckers didn''t last five minutes." "Sorrel, Apricot, nice seeing you again." She nods to us. "Things are good; me, Bobbi, and Jo only have light duty today because we''ll be heading back to rejoin the squad tomorrow." "Ah. No wonder Roddy was in a bit of a funk yesterday." Apricot breaks into laughter, and I swear I can hear Amelia laughing along with her. "Mhm, he was a bit put off when I told him I had to leave again so soon." Ashley laughs along. "He seems nice enough, I might even look him up again when I get back in a few months." "Wait, you had to look ''him'' up? We told him that we met you on your way into town." That is definitely Amelia speaking through the pixie right now. "Oh, that little coward." "No, no. I heard he was asking around about me and went to find him." The guardswoman clears things up. "Well, good for him then." I smile, and then sigh at the size of the line. "I should get back to work though." I nod to Ashley before motioning for the person at the head of the line to follow me into the tent. ... "Dammit, not again." I toss the failed enchantment into a thick stone trash bin as soon as it starts smoking. "Sorry about that, you''re good to go though. Next!" I apologize to my latest patient and call for the next. "Just have a seat and I''ll..." I trail off when my scan shows the next patient to be in much worse shape than the previous ones have been. "Well, aren''t you a mess. I can fix the bones and joints easy enough, but you have a lot of scarring on your organs. And, everywhere else." "Any help would be appreciated." The man replies in a surprisingly light voice; he looks to be a grizzled old fighter that has seen better days and is covered in scars inside and out. Including a somewhat recent and rather nasty one that looks to have blinded his left eye.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. "Mhm. I''ll do what I can right now." I say while already working on him. "But, I''d like you to come back at the end of the day. I have another technique that should take care of at least the worst of it, but will leave me too drained to help anyone else today." "You should save it for others who might need it more then." The man denies my offer. "I knew what I was getting into when I chose the mercenary life." "That''s why I said come back later." I try not to roll my eyes at his noble nonsense. "But, I can tell you''re not going to. So, you''re a mercenary, eh? I''m guessing that you haven''t been able to get a decent job lately, not as messed as your body is." "..." He just purses his lips. "You know, I just started a business and already had the first attempted break-in just yesterday morning." I see a little light flare to life in the back of his lone eye. "I could probably use someone to handle security." "I''m not looking for any charity." Says the man at the free healing fair. "The stuff I''m working with is quite valuable, I''ll need someone I can trust to look after it. Drink this." I hand him a shot glass of healing sap. "Someone who owes me, even. Now, this might tingle a little." I send all the vitality from the healing sap straight into his ruined eye. Luckily, it''s just the front part of the eye that was damaged. I would have needed to give him much more than a shot glass worth of sap if the nerves and sensory cells at the rear were as messed up as the rest. "I didn''t feel anything." The man sounds confused. "I said it might tingle, not that it would." I counter with an amused smile since he hasn''t even figured out what I did yet. "I''ll see you here tonight, or you can just show up at Greene''s old warehouse outside the west gate when you change your mind. You''re good to go now, send the next one in on your way out. And, don''t forget your Lollipop" The man looks a bit surprised that I''m not trying harder to convince him, and then even more so when he gets up with much more ease than he was expecting. I just smile though, knowing that he''s bound to remove the eye patch sooner or later. The next patient isn''t nearly as interesting, so I just point them to a chair and go back to my enchanting practice. ... "Sorrel." Elise enters my tent with a plump young woman just as I''m finishing up my latest patient. "I could use your help here." "Just. one. second... Yes!" The damned thing didn''t explode this time. "Sorry, this stupid thing has been giving me trouble. You''re all done now, Ma''am, don''t forget your sucker." I say to the older woman I just finished treating before turning to look at the new arrival. "You see it, yes?" Elise speaks up before I can say anything. "She''s obviously not pregnant, but I''ve seen nine-month pregnant women that aren''t as difficult to read as Tess here. "Hello, Tess. What brings you here today?" I''m as fascinated by the puzzle the woman presents as Elise, but the poor thing looks a bit spooked by the older healer''s enthusiasm. "My stomach has been bothering me lately." The woman answers while touching the upper right side of her abdomen, "I''ve always been healthy, so I''ve never needed to see a healer before now. And, I''m certainly not pregnant." "No, but you do have pancreatitis, which is easily taken care of." I say with a smile when she starts looking worried. "But, as you can imagine, we''re rather interested in why you''re so much more resistant to magic than most people. Would you mind if I perform a more thorough examination." "I''m not getting naked!" A snort of a laugh escapes from my nose when she blurts that out. "That won''t be necessary." I say after getting myself under control. "I just need you to drink this, I''d need you to anyways in order to fix your pancreas, but it will give me a much more detailed picture of what''s going on." "Just how detailed are we talking?" She asks suspiciously. "If you''re worried about your modesty, don''t." I reply with a sigh. "Yeah, your clothes don''t matter much to someone who can see straight down to the cells that make up your body." Apricot announces in her usual helpful manner when she arrives, I signaled her with magic a moment ago. "And, did you have to call just now? The girls are all starting to get tipsy." "You can go back to perving on Amelia''s friends in a moment." I shake my head at the horny little thing. "I think I have an idea what''s causing this, but I don''t have the equipment to verify it. So, I''m probably going to need you to check something for me. If Tess here will allow us to continue the examination." "You''re not making me feel better about this." Tess sighs but finally relents. "Fine, just give me the stuff, but you''d better at least fix what''s wrong with me." The suspicious young woman takes the glass from me and downs it in one go after a quick sniff. "Hmm. Even knowing what I''m looking for I still can''t tell the difference, not directly at least." I wish I had a proper lab right now, I''ve run DNA tests before and know the basics of how they work, but I have no idea on how to replicate one from scratch, magic or no. "Alright, Apricot, it looks like this one is all down to that amazing nose of yours. Please sniff the left and right sides of her back." "Uh, okay." Apricot looks at me funny. "But, why did she freak out like that?" Tess instantly stiffened when I mentioned her back. "It''s alright Tess, it''s just a birthmark." I try to calm the panicked woman down, but I''m not sure how well it''s working. "I''ve ''seen'' countless bodies inside and out today, a little discoloration is nothing." "..." Tess just glares at me. But, her focus is on me and not Apricot right now, and the pixie soon verifies my suspicions. "What the?!" Tess jumps and twirls around when Apricot speaks up from behind her. "Even the mana signature is different." The pixie confirms the only difference I was able to detect. "Sorrel, you clearly know what is going on." Elise steps forward to take charge. "Would you please inform the rest of us?" "Yes, sorry." I bow to her and Tess. "But, it''s a very rare condition, and I''ve only ever read about it. See, your eyes first clued me in, Tess; it''s subtle but they are two different shades. And, when you combine that with a birthmark that smells like your sister?" I say that last bit as a question for Apricot, who nods so hard she bobs up and down in the air. "What are you going on about?" Tess is still upset. "I don''t have a sister." "No, you have a condition called chimerism." I say and Elise''s eyes light up as she figures it out from the name. "You started out as fraternal twins, but early on, very early on, the cells that would have formed two different babies fused together to make just one. But, since you started as two, you have two mana signatures which conflict with each other like a mother and child''s do." "What?" The poor woman just looks dumbfounded. "You''ve never been able to do even the smallest of magics, right?" Elise asks her. "This is a common problem in pregnant women, even the strongest of mages have their magic nullified in the later months by the interference of the unborn baby." "Look, you''re perfectly healthy." I say to the overwhelmed woman. "Just think of yourself as two trees that grew so closely together that they are nearly indistinguishable from one. And, none of this is helping, is it? I know it''s early, but do you want a drink?" I bring out an assortment of alcohol. "Gods, yes." Tess grabs a pitcher at random and starts drinking straight from it. "So, what does this all mean for me?" She asks after downing almost half of it. "That you just downed half a pitcher of punch meant for a beastkin? It means you''re going to get really drunk." I answer with a laugh. "But, seriously, not much. I''ll probably be the only one who can heal you if you get injured -which I will always do for free- but, other than that it''s not going to affect your life." "Which life, mine or my sister''s?" She asks with a hiccup. "You''re still the same person you always have been, the whole talk of twins and sisters is just that, talk. You are one person and always have been. And, you are also a lightweight." I laugh and start removing the excess alcohol from her body. "Okay, you need to show me that spell." Elise laughs when Tess starts to sober up. I left her enough to keep her lightly buzzed, but not die from alcohol poisoning. "Sorrel''s right though, Tess. You''re no different than you were before today." "I am a lot more wary of accepting drinks from strange green men." The drunken woman giggles. "Are you sure about all of this? It just seems so... I don''t even know." "I''d love to run a proper DNA sequencing, but honestly, I trust Apricot''s nose more than all of my old lab equipment put together." The pixie beams with pride at my words. "Can I get back to the house now?" Apricot pleads. "Amelia keeps teasing me with little flashes of everyone getting changed." "Heheheh. Oh, go on, you little pervert." I brush my magic against her in a parting gesture before she rockets out of the tent. "And, no more of that for you." I dematerialize the beastkin punch just before Tess grabs it again. "At least stick for something meant for humans, please." "Nnh, spoilsport." She sticks her tongue out at me before snatching up another pitcher at random. "You should probably assign someone to watch over her." I tell Elise who is looking at the woman how I look at one of my puzzles. "Yes, you''re right." Elise says with a sigh. Tess is fascinating from a magical and medical standpoint, but even I couldn''t tell for sure without Apricot. So, the healer must be feeling down that there''s nothing she can do here. "Come on, Tess. Sorrel still has a lot of patients to see to. Let''s find you someplace where you can get drunk in peace." "Fine, but I''m taking these with me." She grabs up a couple more pitchers before being ushered out of the tent. "Bye-bye strange green man, I''ll come find you the next time I stub my sister''s toe." I hope she can get through this alright; it''s got to be a pretty big mindfuck, but I don''t know how I could have explained it better without lying to her. ... # 101 "Nnh!" I grunt and toss yet another failed enchantment into the trash bin. "I almost had it that time too." "Maybe a lunch break will help." Erick pops his head into the tent. "I know I tend to work better after a good meal." "Mhm. Is it already noon? Just let me finish up here and I''ll join you." My poor patient is somewhat dumbstruck that the baron himself came to invite me to lunch. "Alright, you''re good to go, but I recommend going easy when it comes to fatty foods from now on. Try more lean meats, and veggies, less oil, and dairy; stuff like that." "So, how have you been doing?" Erick asks when I follow him out of the tent. "I hear you found a new spot for your little business. I am truly sorry that... person caused you any trouble, and I can assure you that his future punishment will not be so light." His face is a mixture of revulsion and chagrin right now. "Mhm. I had planned to move anyways, that incident yesterday made me move things forward a bit." I say while setting out a bowl of candy for those who have to wait. "Damn, how many people have I seen? I''m going to need more wax for the wrappers." "Enough to make both Elise and Martin jealous. Let alone the rest of the healers." Erick laughs. "I''ll send a guard to get you some more wax, and anything else you need." "Just the wax is good for now... actually, I could use a little information." I add after a moment''s thought. "I treated an older mercenary with an eye patch earlier, and I''d like to hire him to work security. I got a good impression when we spoke, and I figure the guards wouldn''t have let him through if he was a scumbag. But, looking into his background couldn''t hurt." "I''ll have the men look into it. That description should narrow him down, but did you happen to get his name? No? Well, that''s alright." He waves it off and guides us into a large tent set up near the tree I grew earlier. "Mmm, that smells delicious." I let out a small moan as the smell of the food hits my nose. "And, to think I was just going to have some leftovers. Whenever I remembered to eat that is." I add with a chuckle while looking over the tent. It''s filled with all of the healers and their apprentices and they''re all being served by the baron''s staff. "Leftovers?" Granville perks up, likely interested in seeing some more of his ''rival''s'' cooking. "Hahaha. Just some fried chicken and a few of my favorite sides." I left most of the leftovers with Amelia so she and her friends could eat them for lunch, but kept a big plate for myself. "I don''t suppose you''d like to try some?" I materialize the plate when the light in his eyes answers for him. "Hah! Do you think you have enough biscuits there?" Erick laughs at the near mountain of buttermilk biscuits stacked on top of the plate. "You can never have enough biscuits." I snatch a couple off the top before setting the plate in front of Granville. "Or hush puppies." I grab a couple of those too. "I don''t recognize half of these recipes." Granville growls under his breath "That one with the corn, lima beans, and everything else is called succotash." I explain when he starts picking out all the different bits. "Then there''s collard greens, pecan fried okra, and fried green tomatoes." I name all the dishes he seems unfamiliar with. "And, these hush puppies?" He takes a bite out of one. "Oh, deep-fried cornbread. Hmm, is that peanut oil?" "I might just be amenable to trading recipes." I say after taking a bite out of the meal that he prepared. "Mhm." The man just grunts after seeing the look of desire Erick keeps sending the plate of food. "The city might run out of bacon if cooking like that becomes popular." Martin says with a soft chuckle. "It looks like you put some in every dish." "There''s none in the biscuits." I reply around a mouthful of one. "So, how''s the healing been going for you guys today, anything interesting?" "You mean more interesting than that Tess woman?" He counters with a snort. "I was nearly floored when Elise told me about her. Do you know more about her condition?" "Not really." I shake my head. "It''s extremely rare and as far as I know only a handful of cases have ever been found; they tend to make the news when they are found though, which is the only reason I even knew about it in the first place. If her eyes hadn''t tipped me off, I might not have even realized. How is she doing, by the way?"If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "Sleeping off those pitchers she took from you." Elise adds with a sigh. "I''m still interested in learning that sobering spell too." "Heh. It''s just draw matter and cleanse." I bring out one of the leftover pitchers to demonstrate with. "Though speeding up the digestion with a growth spell could provide similar effects." "Clever." She and Martin both look impressed. "I hear you''ve been getting a lot of use out of that little spell of yours." "Yeah, Ed seemed happy when I showed him how it works. Happy enough to sick Struhl on me." I add with an annoyed sigh. "So, I guess as head earth mage around here, he handles all of the infrastructure?" "Yes." Erick nods. "He delegates most stuff, but a big plan like that would need both his and my approval. And, I hear you sent the Chief right back off aimed at poor Claude." He adds with a wicked chuckle. "We had just sat down to lunch." I defend myself, but can''t seem to hide the smile on my face. "Though, I probably should have been a little more circumspect since it looks like I''ll need Ed''s approval to run some pipes to and from the new workshop." "For those new miniature waterwheels of yours?" The baron lights up, clearly knowing a useful invention when he sees it. "Ed told me about the one you have powering a mixer in your shop." "Yeah, I thought about enchanting everything, but we have the river right there and it''d be stupid not to use it." I bring out one of the turbines and show how it works with some conjured water, spooking some of the apprentices who thought they were about to get splashed. "I have Sinclair the Clockmaker to thank for these and the new sewing machines too." "Sewing machines?" Everyone looks interested at that, I guess they hadn''t heard yet. "Yes, I didn''t want to do all the fabric work for the new silk we''re making." I explain. "So, I went looking for some clothiers to partner with, and I ended up taking them to Sinclair''s after finding out that they were still doing everything by hand. The man''s a genius when it comes to machines. A grumpy genius, but still a genius." I add with a laugh. "I''ve never even heard of him." Erick looks a little ashamed of that fact. "He used to be a machinist working near the docks, but retired to open a clock shop recently." I say. "The shop is just outside the docks though, so he''s been having a bit of trouble finding clientele. I have one of your guardsmen, a beastkin named Mark, to thank for letting me know about him. Sinclair is friends with his father and they used to work." "Looks like someone is getting a raise soon." Elise says with a laugh for the look on her cousin''s face. "And, I''d be very surprised if the manor house doesn''t have some new clocks very soon. Now, I''m not much for sewing myself, but I have to know how this machine of yours works." "Like this." I turn my chair around and materialize my wooden copy of the brass prototype. "Don''t ask me to explain all the inner workings, but you spin the wheel here and it sews stuff here using a lockstitch and two different threads." "It''s not even enchanted?" She Erick and Martin all crowd around the machine, with all the other healers and apprentices looking like they want to as well. Only Granville, still picking apart my leftovers, doesn''t seem to care. "This is based on a really old model; the newer ones all have an enchantment powering the moving parts instead of a treadle like this." Enchantment, electric motor, same difference. "And, I''ve heard of some fancy models that can practically sew the whole garment for you, but it''s not my field. Honestly, I was lucky I knew enough about how the basic model worked for Sinclair to be able to figure it all out." "I think I need to pay this Sinclair a visit." Erick states seriously. "I don''t suppose you''d know if he''d be in his shop today?" "Not sure." I shrug. "I told him about a knitting machine before leaving yesterday, so if he hasn''t finished that yet, he''ll probably be there working on it. Or, if he has, then he might be over at Cecil the weaver''s looking to automate the loom." I say with a smirk. "Heheheh." Elise laughs after seeing the look on Erick''s face. "Any other crazy ideas to drop on us?" "Well, if I can ever get those stupid electric runes to work then I''ll be able to make a furnace hot enough to smelt aluminum." Who knew a bit of simple electrolysis would be so damned hard to turn into an enchantment. "You''re doing this on purpose, aren''t you?" The baron accuses me after snapping his wide-open jaw closed. "Maybe a little." I reply with a smile. "I had to smelt a bunch yesterday when I went to collect stone and got to thinking about how electromancers aren''t very common around here because they tend to work in dungeons." "Just how much is a bunch?" He asks in a low tone of voice. "I know you showed Edsel how to extract it from plain granite, but..." He trails off when I start materializing ingot after ingot. "I found enough to play around with for a while." No need to let everyone know that I''m carrying around almost a tonne of the stuff. "And, I should have more than enough stone to run the pipes that the Fire Chief wants. That was my main concern when I went out yesterday. The aluminum was just a bonus." "Hahahaha. Only Adriana could inspire that kind of attitude." Erick chortles at his over the top fire chief before returning to his seat. "Find anything else interesting out there?" "Not really." I shrug again. "We ran across a couple of curious goblins, but they kept their distance. And, I collected some spider web because it was there, but I have no idea what I might do with it if anything." The army uses it to make bowstrings, but I''m not sure what else it''s used for." He returns a similar shrug to me. "There''s an idea." I brighten. "I''ve been thinking about giving Blackie an upgrade, but I''m not sure if he''ll be able to use the spider webs." I try feeding him some, but he doesn''t even sniff at them. I then try some rayon which the staff happily gobbles up. "Well, he likes the silk at least... maybe a little too much." "You are a very strange person, Sorrel." The baron laughs as I play tug and war with the damned staff that is trying to eat all of the silk I have on me. *** # 102 "Hey, Sweetie, did Amelia kick you out?" I ask the dejected-looking pixie when she drifts in after lunch. "Maybe." She settles onto my head with a sigh. "Can I get another of those mana stone suckers?" "Sure, but you have to tell me which of her friends you groped." I hand over the lollipop with a smile. "It wasn''t even on purpose." The tiny thing huffs out. "My wings just got a little close is all." "Hahaha, sure they did." I laugh, and then again, even harder because of the knowing look on my latest patient''s face. "I was going to work on my enchanting some more, but I''m running low on supplies again. So, I thought I might try making one of those powerful bows I told you about the other day. You''re good to go now, sir, have a good day." "Yeah, that might be fun." She perks up a little. "What brought this on?" "Oh, I was talking to Erick about that spider web I collected yesterday." I explain. "He said that the army uses it for bowstrings. I tried feeding Blackie some, but he didn''t want any. The little butthead ended up eating all of my silk instead. All done, send in the next one, please." "Can you make this one a bit lighter? Not everyone is as strong as a beastkin after all." She adds in a teasing tone. "I had actually planned to make the body from aluminum for you." I bring one of the ingots out from storage and start shaping it into a rifle stock fit for her. I also add some place-holder bow limbs to let her see what the finished product will look like. "I was going to try a reverse draw like this, that will put more of the weight towards the middle of the crossbow, making it easier to hold. Your knee shouldn''t bother you anymore, sir, help yourself to a sucker on the way out." "Close the flap for a second, I want to shift so I can play with it." I do and it doesn''t take her more than a second to slip on a dress after becoming human-sized again. "Oh, this is much nicer." "I''m going to integrate a windlass into the stock for you too. You can come on in now, Ma''am, she was just getting changed." I say to the confused looking patient stalled just outside the tent. "I hope you don''t plan to wave the finished product around like that, I have enough healing to do today without you putting holes in people." "I''m just getting a feel for it." Apricot says with the cutest little evil smile. "Now, hurry up, I want to fire the real thing." "It''s going to take me a bit of work to get it to... well, work." I laugh at myself. "It''s a lot more complex than a regular crossbow. All done, send in the next one, please." "I hear you talking, but I don''t see you working, get to it." Apricot orders as the next patient takes a seat. "The sooner you make this, sooner you can get started on that ballista you promised me." I just roll my eyes and start building the bow limbs, everything else factors on getting these right. I think this spider web should work well if I capture it inside some magically modified wood. If not, I can always try to make some fiberglass. "No, Blackie! Argh!" I let out a groan when my stupid staff decides to eat the first one I make. "So, you didn''t like the spider webs before, but now you''re fine with them? Stupid staff!" "You know, my dog is always doing that to me." My current patient speaks up, the humor clear in their voice. "You just need to give it a good bop on the nose." "Yeah, Sorrel, just give it a bop on the nose." Apricot breaks into giggles. "I think I''ll take away his treats instead." I threaten my staff. "Yeah, you heard me, no more cocoa wood for a week if you keep this up." With the staff suitably quelled, I get back to work on the bow staves. The crossbow needs four of these, each about half a meter long. The pulley cams will sit in between them on each side of the bow. "Sir, we have the wax you asked for." Two guards show up at the tent, each carrying a couple large boxes full of beeswax. Much more than I need. "Is there anything else you need? Baron Pepi has said to fulfill any requests you might have." "Oh, I hate to be a bother, but is there any chance I could get a few spider web bowstrings? I''m not sure I have quite enough to finish this." I could probably get away with using something else for the cables, but I''d rather not risk it. "Yes, sir." The man hesitates for a moment after setting his cargo down. "May I ask what you need it for?" He''s been staring at the crossbow in Apricot''s hands, but can''t seem to puzzle it out. "Oh, just a crossbow." I reply off-handedly. "This one wants to be able to out-shoot me, but the last one I made for her was too heavy." "Yes, sir." He nods with a smile playing on his lips. "We''ll get you those strings as soon as possible."Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. I want to reply with ''No rush'' but, they''ve already left. So, I just move on to making the cams. Aside from the aluminum, I was able to pull a couple of dozen kilos of titanium from the stone. It''s lightweight and tough enough that it should be perfect for all of the moving parts. At least until Ed works out the alloys for some high-grade steel, then I will be able to switch out the ball bearing and trigger assembly. "Nng, Edsel wasn''t kidding about these ball-bearings being a pain to create." I grouse. "Next patient, please. And, it doesn''t help that the ones I need for this are even smaller than what''s needed for the bicycles." "Less grousing, more working. I want my bow." Apricot starts giggling when I stick my tongue out at her. "I''m getting there, I''m getting there. Oh, hello Colonel." I greet Hollen Baca when he pops his head into the tent. "I hope my asking for bowstrings wasn''t out of line, or anything." "Not at all, Sorrel." The military man shakes his head with a smile. "I just happened to be walking past the quartermaster when Private Wallace was requisitioning the bowstrings for you. After seeing that arrow you made, I had to get a look at this crossbow." "Well, it'' not quite done yet, but you''re welcome to watch." I seriously doubt that he was just walking past. But, it''s no big deal, the Baron would be a fool not to at least keep an ear out for what I''m up to. "This is a relatively new design from back home; I understand the basic concept, but I''ve never fired, let alone built one before." "It certainly is an interesting design." He sits down across from me and watches as I attach the cams to the end of the bow limbs. "May I ask what materials you''re using?" "Of course..." I nod and explain my choices and motivation for each. "...now, I captured the spider webs directly in the wood, but a laminate should work. Next, please." "Similar to a composite bow then." He nods along. "But, good spring steel should work fine if you aren''t worried about weight." "I suppose." I shrug. "This is only the second crossbow I''ve ever made, so I''m not exactly an expert." I laugh and attach the cables that I just made from the spider webs he brought me. "Well, you know more about this type of bow than anyone around here, so I think that does make you the expert." Hollen counters with a laugh. "Mhm." I just grunt and slowly draw the string back, checking everything with my magic to make sure that nothing is about to break. "Nnh, the timing is off." One of the cams stopped before the other which could affect the aim, but it''s an easy enough fix. I just need to shorten one of the cables by giving it a couple of twists. "That''s better." "That is some impressive travel." Hollen is talking about how the string moves the whole length of the bolt it will fire. This keeps it in contact with the bolt for that much longer, allowing it to impart more momentum into it. "Almost done, Sweetie." I soothe the impatient pixie. She''s so excited for her new bow that she''s practically vibrating. "I just need to assemble the trigger and windlass, this one is easier to draw than the last, but you''ll probably still have trouble." "Just hurry." She begs. I don''t. It''s not like I dawdle, but I don''t want it going off by accident either. So, I make sure that everything gets done properly. "Alright, just let me do a quick test fire, and then you can go put holes in stuff." I say after a moment. "..." The colonel opens his mouth, likely to ask where I''m going to fire it. Only to close it again when I open up a rent into the ground. "That... was fast." "Yeah, it was alright." The bolt was easily traveling as fast as a small-caliber bullet, though with much more force behind it due to the added weight. "I don''t suppose you''d mind letting her use the guards'' archery grounds? I''d rather be there when she''s playing around, but I''m still kinda busy here." "Of course." The man agrees instantly. "And, I don''t suppose I could commission one of those?" "Yeah, sure." I answer while smiling at the pixie who is trying to pry the bow out of my hands. "You''ll probably need Edsel to make the ball-bearings if you want to duplicate it, but any skilled craftsman should be able to handle the rest." I finally let go of the crossbow and Apricot practically vanishes. "Thanks, Sorrel. I love you." Comes her echoing call as she races for the training grounds. ... "Sorrel, it''s starting to break." Apricot runs back in about ten minutes later. "I heard this bit here start to creak after pulling back for the last shot." She points out where the staves attach to the body on the left side. "Nnh. I''m still new to working metal; I probably didn''t harden it properly or something." I give the whole thing a good going over with my magic, but don''t find any other faults. "Alright, I''ll just replace this crossbar with titanium for now. That should give it the strength it needs without adding too much weight." "Thank you, thank you, thank you." She starts plastering me with kisses much to the embarrassment of my latest patient. "I love this thing! It''s so fun to shoot, and all the army guys are jealous of how powerful it is." It only takes me a moment to replace the part, despite Apricot clinging to me the whole time. "Here you go, Sweetie." I make like I''m going to hand the crossbow over only to pull her in close for a kiss when she grabs on. "Have fun, and let me know if any more problems crop up." She just grins widely before disappearing again. Shaking my head at her exuberance, I get back to work on the Colonel''s crossbow. I''m making the body of his out of wood, so the problem Apricot had won''t be an issue here. After finishing that, which I was nearly done with anyways, I move on to making a regular compound bow just to show that it doesn''t need to be in crossbow form. I get a distinctive annoyed feeling from Blackthorne when I start on the new bow, and even more so when I add metal to it. "Heheh, don''t worry Blackie." I pat the staff on its side. "I''m not going to replace you. But, I do want to see if you can put what you ate earlier to use and see if we can''t upgrade your bow mode." The staff shifts into a bow on its own and I can feel it integrating the absorbed rayon and spider webs into its form. He wants more spider webs but, like a picky child, he won''t eat the nasty vegetables unless they''re hidden. So, I sandwich the webs between cocoa wood and let him eat his fill. The finished product doesn''t look any different than his previous incarnation, but I can feel the deadly power held within. A test draw proves difficult even with my newly improved muscles, but that doesn''t stop the grin on my face as I send an Arrow into the ground at a speed that put even Apricot''s new Crossbow to shame. "You''re a bit scarier than the average healer." My next patient stops in the entrance to the tent with a nervous laugh. "Oh, archery is just an old hobby of mine." I send her a reassuring smile. "I just got access to some new materials and wanted to give the bow an upgrade. Now, that pinched nerve must be painful, why don''t you lie down so I can take care of it." *** # 103 A few more patients and the boredom starts to set in again. I wasn''t exactly telling the truth when I told Apricot that I was running low on enchanting supplies, but aside from figuring out the runes for electrolysis, I''ve already accomplished what I wanted to do with that today. I have a bunch of things on my to-do list, but the only ones I can do here would be mechanical in nature. And, making the bows has more than met my daily quota for mechanical nonsense. I start to browse through my mental media collection when I remember all the books that I promised to translate for Amelia. They should be perfect for this, just engaging enough to keep me interested, but not so much so that I can''t focus on the healing. It''s not like the healing itself is not interesting, but after the first few dozen patients, it got very samey. And, honestly, I''m only here because Elise asked me to. Sure, I like helping people, but dealing with an entire city''s worth of chronic diseases is not how I would normally choose to spend my day. I''m just getting started on The Iliad when a little girl dashes into the tent with a kitten in a basket. The poor little thing has a broken tail but seems to be otherwise healthy, as is the girl herself. "M-mister healer, can you fix my kitty''s tail?" She pleads with wide, tear-filled eyes. "I closed the door on him yesterday, and it''s all crooked now, and he cries whenever I touch it." She sniffs after saying that. "What''s your name little one?" I ask after waving off the guard who was about to evict her. "C-Cassie." The girl answers fearfully. "Do your parents know where you are right now, Cassie?" She gives the tiniest shake of her head. "Well, don''t you think that they''re worried about you?" Just then a woman can be heard in the distance calling out her name. I signal for the guard to fetch the woman and hold the, now panicked, girl in place when she tries to bolt. The woman comes running up a moment later and scoops her little girl into her arms with a relieved look on her face. "I am so sorry, sir. I told her not to bother the healers, but she snuck away from me." The woman moves to leave, but I hold her back. "Sir?" "I''m more interested in why you haven''t bothered the healers." She has a slight bump on her forehead and a slight bleed in her brain. "You should always get checked out after a head injury, even the smallest one can be dangerous." "Is mommy alright?" Little Cassie sounds worried. "I''m sorry, Mommy, I promise I''ll never run in the house again. You and Patches got hurt because of me." The poor thing is crying in earnest now. "Your mother is fine, Cassie." I reassure the little girl as much as I do her mother. "She just had a bit of a headache, but it''s all fine now. See, there''s not even a bump anymore." "Th-thank you, Sir." The woman dips into a curtsy. "Mhm, don''t worry about it." I wave the matter off and give the kitten a scratch behind his ears. "Now, I hate to be rude, but I do have quite a few more patients to see today." She curtsies again before rushing off with her daughter in tow. I just smile as they leave, wondering how long it will take them to notice that I also fixed the cat''s tail. ... "Sorrel." Apricot shows up at the tent again, this time with a reluctant look about her. "I, uh... I kinda broke the bow." She holds it up to show me that she forgot to remove the windlass hook before firing. "Yeah, you could say that." I chuckle and take the crossbow from her; the string is fine, but she destroyed the ratcheting mechanism. "Everything else seems to be holding up alright though, so that''s something." "I''m sorry, I was having a race with some of the other crossbow users." She looks so dejected that I can''t help but pull her in and sit her on my lap. "Don''t worry, sweetie. It''s an easy enough fix." More like I have to rebuild that part, nearly from scratch, but that''s easy enough. "There, as good as new. How have the bolts been holding up?" "I might need a few new ones." She admits reluctantly. "It took me a while to get used to the new bow, so the first shots may have hit the wall behind the targets. Oh, you should have seen everyone''s faces at the big chunks that got knocked out though."Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. "Heh. Bet they weren''t expecting plain wood to pack that much of a punch." I laugh along with her. "So, how''s Amelia doing? She''s not still playing dress-up with the girls, is she?" "No, unfortunately." She pouts. "They''re just playing board games, and Amelia keeps getting her butt kicked at them by Delilah. What about you? Finally working on those books for her? She says it''s about time." Apricot adds with a titter. "Heh. It''s not that I''m forgetful. I''m just, you know, easily distracted." I say and only stop myself from nuzzling her neck because there''s a disapproving old woman staring at us right now. "You''re all done, send in the next patient please." "Hah!" Apricot barks out a laugh at the sour-lemons look the woman shoots us before leaving. With a handful of suckers, no less. "Any interesting cases while I was out?" "A little girl snuck her cat in, and ended up saving her mother''s life..." I explain what happened. "...Other than that, it''s been pretty boring." "Aww, poor little kitty." Her concern for the cat makes me smile. "I''m glad you fixed his tail. Mhm, play me some music. I don''t feel like shooting anymore, I think I''ll just hang out here with you for a while. No, not that." She shakes her head when I bring out the speaker. "Can you play something yourself? You haven''t been practicing like you said you would." "Oh, alright." I give in and replace the speaker box with my guitar. "Any preferences?" "Something mellow, and a wider chair so I can still snuggle with you." I create a comfy loveseat for us at her command, and she clings to my shoulder as I work through a list of mellow love songs. ... "Where''s the next patient?" I call out softly when a new one doesn''t appear after I finish my latest lullaby for a softly snoring Apricot. "You''ve seen them all, Sorrel." Elise steps into the tent just then. "The sun isn''t even down yet, and everyone has been dealt with. This has never happened before." "Does that mean I can go home now?" I ask hopefully, while gently strumming the guitar for my sleeping pixie. "No offense, but today has been somewhat on the boring side. I haven''t seen anything interesting since this morning." "Hehehe, of course. And, I suppose I''m somewhat to blame for your boredom." The healer laughs nervously. "Martin and I may have monopolized the less tedious cases, leaving you to deal with the heavy lifting, as it were." "That''s alright; I managed to keep myself occupied." I stroke Apricot''s hair with a vine. "And, I''m glad I was able to help, but I hope it''s not like this every time." "Oh, after what you did today, I doubt we''ll see even a fraction as many people at the next healing fair." She pauses for a moment. "That or we''ll get ten times as many because the word has spread." "Joy." I roll my eyes and pull out the bit of enchanting that I was able to get finished today. "Could you pass this to Lori for me? I managed to invert the runes so that it can record sound to wax plates. The whole thing still needs a bit of work, but I thought she''d like to have something to play around with. And, I don''t know where the Colonel is, but there''s a couple bows here waiting for him." "You really were bored today, weren''t you." Elise laughs as I trade the guitar for a speaker and lift Apricot into my arms. "I''ll make sure they get them. And, thank you. From me and all of the healers. We always end up having to turn people away because there''s not enough magic to go around." "Like I said, I''m happy to help." I smile and lead the way out of the tent. "Now, what am I going to do with you?" I say to the giant oak tree I grew this morning. I can take care of it easily, but the magic needed to do so is likely to wake up Apricot. "Actually, the story got around that the tree was helping you heal everyone." Elise explains. "I know that''s not entirely accurate, but more than a few people are hoping that it will stick around." "Oh." That takes me a bit by surprise, but I suppose people will be people. "Well, even in that giant pot it''s not going to last very long. Is there somewhere I could plant it properly?" "They''ve already set aside a spot right in the middle of the market place." She points out a square marked out by ropes. "Oh, that should work. And, you might as well come forward, I don''t bite." I say to the little boy whose arm I fixed yesterday. He''s here with a woman who can only be his mother, but they were holding back for fear of disturbing us. "We just wanted to thank you, Sir." The woman curtsies and pushes her son into a bow. "I almost didn''t believe my boy when he said his arm was broken only for a mystery healer to show up and fix it, but then word got around about what you were doing today." "Oh, you''re very welcome. And here have a lollipop; sorry I didn''t have any on me yesterday." I smile down at the boy as he quickly snatches one up. "Now, how am I going to move this thing without waking up Apricot?" I say and set the bowl full of candy on the pedestal from earlier for anyone who wants a piece. "Hmm, could I get a few beastkin guards to help push?" "Of course." The guard that was watching my tent snaps to and quickly rounds them up for me. While they''re getting arranged, I use my magic as quietly as possible to shift the giant potted plant onto log rollers. Add in a few poles on the side and a couple of levers to get it moving, and then it''s just a matter of using storage to shift the end log to the front as the guards push the tree into place. Once it is in place, I remove the stone and slowly sink the tree into place, letting its roots stretch out and down to support it properly. After everything is in place, I give it a pat on the bark with a free vine as thanks for its help today. "Thanks for all of your help today, everyone. And, here. Have some more candy, since that other bowl seems to have already vanished." I hand over the suckers before turning to the Healer once more. "Have a good evening, Elise, I''m going to get this one home now." I kiss my sleeping pixie on the forehead and she unconsciously snuggles up closer to me. The trip back home was uneventful, only a lot more people recognized me as I return the way I came this morning. Minus the hopping from roof to roof, of course. *** # 104 "Aww." Amelia coos in delight at seeing Apricot snuggled up in my arms when we get home. "Aren''t you two just the cutest? But, I''m surprised they let you go so early." "No one left to heal." I say with a smile and sit us down next to her. She''s currently losing a game of Risk against Delilah, and it looks like everyone else was already defeated a few rounds ago. "I see Apricot wasn''t lying about you getting your butt kicked." "Shut up." She jostles me with her elbow, but carefully so as not to wake Apricot. "What do you mean no one left to heal?" Helen asks the question that they''re all thinking right now. "The fair usually goes until the healers just can''t anymore." "I can refill my mana from the sun, so they stuck me with the tedious stuff that would have drained their magic." I explain. "Honestly it was mostly just boring stuff that took more magical muscle than skill to deal with, but at least it gave me time to work on a couple of things." "Yes, Apricot showed me her new crossbow." Amelia says while shaking her head. "I can''t believe you made it out of aluminum." "What? The wood one I made was too heavy for her, and it''s not like we''re lacking for the stuff now." I try not to roll my eyes, knowing that she only brought that up to tease her friends with. "Now, the titanium, that I would love to get my hands on some more of. At least until Ed works out some of those steel alloys, anyways." "Who cares about some stupid metal, I just want to know what you''re cooking us for dinner tonight." Lianna interjects, earning a laugh from the group. "How does pork sound? And how are you guys with spicy food?" It''s been a lifetime since I had some good Chinese food, and even though I''m missing a couple ingredients, I should still be able to do a decent job with what I have. "Heh. You just found Li-Li''s weakness." Delilah smirks at her cringing friend. "She can drink a man twice her size under the table no problem, but give her something spicy and she wimps out." "Don''t worry, Lianna, I know plenty of non-spicy recipes too." She''ll just have to miss out on the mapo doufu and the other Szechuan dishes I plan to make. "And, Babe, you might as well just concede at this point, you''re not going to win this one." I say to Amelia who has been debating her next move for a couple of minutes now. "Oh, shut up and get cooking." She grumps back before ending the game. "I already am." What I''m actually doing is collecting molds while looking for a good match for aspergillus oryzae, so I can make some soy sauce and black bean paste. Of course, I''m doing this out of everyone''s sight so they don''t have to see a bunch of fuzzy soybeans and wheat. "Oh, I''m sorry, Sweetie. Did I let my magic get too noisy?" "Hey, when did we get home?" Apricot blinks up at me and then around at everyone else. "Just a few minutes ago." I say while playing with her hair. "Elise let me go early because there was no one else to treat. I was just doing a little preliminary work, so I can make dinner." "Mhm, is that why the kitchen is filled with fuzzy beans?" She tapped into the magic I was using to keep an eye on everything. "Yeah, I need some fermented soybeans for the spare rib marinade I want to make." And, damned near every other Asian dish. "This is basically what I did to make the wines the other day, but with a different type of fungi." "Oh, they look like those flowers you made for the girls." Amelia says when I project a microscopic image of the different aspergillus fungi I''m cultivating right now. "Wait, is that what mold looks like up close?" Delilah leans in closer to peer at the image. "You have to show me that spell. Please." She begs. "This strain, yes." I add a couple more projections. "Most microbes have simple shapes; yeast are round balls and the bacteria that turns milk into yogurt are simple rod shapes. But, there is as much variety on the small side of nature as there is on the larger side." While I explaining that and putting on a show, I''m also accelerating six months'' worth of fermentation in the kitchen. The solids get strained out and then everything is shifted into storage, so I can pull the soy sauce candidates out one at a time for testing. "Hmm, the colors are all lighter than they should be." I muse while eliminating any that don''t smell or taste right. "Oh, duh! I forgot the sunlight. I''ll just add a magic light to the next batch." I ended up with a couple of aspergillus strains that produce something pretty damned close to soy sauce. "Mmm, salty." Apricot comments after tasting the two I picked out. "Never had anything quite like it, but it tastes good. Also, I love how you''re using storage as a teleport spell now." She adds with a giggle. "Here, try it with some of these." I ''teleport'' over some edamame that just finished simmering. "I like to eat the pods whole, but most people just pop the beans into their mouths." I fashion a pair of chopsticks out of wood and do just that after dipping it into some soy sauce.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "Okay. Two questions. Mmm, make that three questions." Lauren holds up two fingers. "What are these, how are they so good, and what are those?" She points to my utensils. "Immature soybeans, the magic of salt, and chopsticks." I clack them together and snag another pod before they all disappear. "Don''t worry, I won''t make fun of you for using a fork to eat *Asian* food." I reply in a teasing manner and then hold back a snicker at the look that crosses her face. "Make me a pair." She orders and then spends a good minute just fumbling with them to everyone''s amusement, not that they''re doing any better with the ones I made for them. "How the hells do you eat with sticks?" "It''s not that hard." Amelia says with a smug look on her face, and a clack from the chopsticks in her hand. She and Apricot have been using their mind-meld brain boost to learn how to handle them. "And, before you say anything. This is the first time I''ve seen, let alone held such a strange utensil." Her smugness goes up a full notch at the sour look on her friend''s face. "Why don''t you show them how they work while I get started for real." I shift Apricot off of my lap so I can go into the kitchen. "Or, you could all follow me." I say with a laugh when they get up to do just that. Both soy sauces came out tasting great, so I just picked one at random and dubbed its fungus aspergillus varecia. I then used that to make black bean sauce which then became hoisin sauce for the marinade. I don''t have the right cinnamon for five-spice powder, but I was able to find a red peppercorn that is a decent match. And, I had to go easy on the star anise because of Apricot''s dislike, but the seasoning came out alright in the end. "That''s almost not gross when mixed in with all the other stuff like this." Apricot comments after I grind it all together in a mortar and pestle. Star anise isn''t quite as strong as regular anise, at least for us non-fae. "I know you hate anise, but this five-spice powder forms one of the cornerstones for this style of cooking. But, I was going to make some without just for you." I get started doing just that when she stops me. "Let me try it how it''s supposed to be first." I pull her in for a hug and kiss when she says that. "Oh, get off! And, start cooking." I prep the spare ribs and coat them in the hoisin sauce before encasing everything in quartz. I then expand the quartz away from the food to pull a partial vacuum and speed up the marinade. "Should I even ask what that was for?" Amelia says looking as confused as everyone else. "I figured you all didn''t want to wait until tomorrow for it to marinate, so I''m cheating." I set the ribs off to one side and pull out everything else I''ll need. I''m going to make a bit of everything, so chicken, beef, and more pork join the meat already on the counter. "Nnh, I wish I had some shrimp. We really need to get that seafood connection." "Gimme a coin purse, I''ll fly into town and get us some." Apricot offers. "I did a bit of exploring after tutoring the apprentices and found a place with a mage on staff." "You don''t have to..." She''s already shrunk back down, so I just toss a small purse her way. It vanishes into her inventory a split-second after leaving my hand. "Grab some good fish sauce while you''re out." I call after her retreating form. ... "Can we eat here every night from now on?" Lianna says with a moan. "Mmm, even the spicy stuff is good." "I have to agree with Li-Li." Delilah says around a mouthful of shrimp fried rice. "I''ve never had anything like this before. And, I can''t help but wonder what other culinary secrets Sorrel is hiding." "Heh, I should send Granville a plate." I grin while thinking about the grumpy chef. "You should have seen the look on his face when I showed him the leftover fried chicken I was going to have for lunch. Though, I should probably work on my recipes first. I don''t cook this style often and I''m missing a few ingredients, so I had to make a few more substitutions than I cared for." "Just send him some of the sauces you made." Amelia says with a laugh. "I can just imagine his face when he tries some of the hoy-eh-zen stuff, or however you pronounce it." "Oh, I wish I had found some tamarind, I could try recreating *Worcestershire* sauce. And, yes that name sounds just as weird in my language." I laugh when they all tilt their heads trying to parse the English name out. "Take some vinegar, add salt-cured anchovies, tamarind paste, a few different sweeteners, a splash of soy sauce, and a whole bunch of different spices. From cloves to peppers to pickled onions and garlic. And, then let it all ferment for several months or years. Makes for a really good steak sauce." "What?!?" Helen sums up what they''re all thinking in one word. "Yeah, that''s most people''s reaction when they learn what all goes into it." I just laugh some more. "Apparently, an old lord found a tamarind sauce he liked while overseas and hired a couple of local apothecaries to try and recreate it for him, they added the fermented fish. Because, why not? The whole thing ended up stinking to high heaven so they just shoved the barrel in a corner and forgot about it for a couple years. By the time they found it again, it had become quite edible. Not sure how they decided to take that first bite though. I''m guessing a lot of alcohol and a dare." "I can''t tell if he''s messing with us or not." Lauren says in a disbelieving tone. "I don''t think he is." Her cousin replies. "He''s not." Apricot states. "I could tell if he was lying, and I almost wish he was. I''m not going to be able to stop thinking about what went through their minds when they were trying to make that sauce. And, what the hell is a tamarind?" "Thank you." Helen looks relieved that someone asked that. "I was too afraid to ask myself." "Oh, it''s a funny little fruit that grows in pods on a tropical tree." I draw a picture for them. "It has a tart flavor, especially after being dried out, but some varieties can be sweet enough to eat fresh." "I think I''ve seen that before." Lauren says while examining the picture. "It was ages ago though, and I didn''t try any." "Well, Amelia tells me that we can find just about anything in the Capital, so I''m hoping to fill in the few blank spots in my pantry when we go." I still need to sit down and build the vehicle we''re going to use. I''m sure Apricot wouldn''t mind being carried while I ran the whole way there, but I doubt Amelia would find it quite as fun. "I still can''t believe you''re leaving us again so soon, and to become a proper mage too." Helen pouts at Amelia. "Have I mentioned how jealous I am of that yet? We were always about even magically, but now you''re probably one of the strongest magic users in the city." "Not one of." I counter. "She beats out even the fire chief in terms of raw power; I''m not even that strong. I can just imagine what these two will be able to do with some proper training." "And, I can just imagine what you''ll be like with some proper training, mister makes up spells on a whim." Amelia sticks her tongue out at me. "Half of that is just to impress Apricot." I say playing my magic along the pixie''s wings in a way I know she loves. "They''re doing it again." Lauren complains to Delilah, earning a round of laughter from the group. *** # 105 "Thanks for another great meal, but I should probably get going." Helen says with a sigh after we finish eating. "Pru has me opening the store tomorrow." "Same here." Lianna nods. "I had to trade shifts to get tonight off." "I told Amelia that she should just hire you." Lauren interjects. "That way we wouldn''t have to worry about making time to get together." "Nnh. It''d be too weird working for her." Helen declines right away. "That and I like working for Pru." "I''m happy where I am too." Lianna adds. "But, I''ll keep it in mind if I ever need a new job." "They''re just saying that." Delilah laughs. "I bet they''re just afraid you''re going to have them scrubbing toilets." "Speaking of employees." I butt in with a laugh for the wicked look on Amelia''s face. "I may have gotten us a head of security. One of my patients was an old mercenary with a lot of old scars that needed more healing than I could offer at the time. He seemed reluctant to sign up, but I''d be very surprised if he wasn''t waiting at the warehouse for me in the morning." "Are you sure about hiring a mercenary?" Amelia asks, concerned. "I have a good feeling about him." I shrug. "But, I asked Erick if he could look into him for me. Just to be safe." "I''ll trust you then." She nods and we walk her friends out. They brought their own carriage this time, and Flicker looks like she''s going to miss her new buddy. "We should get her a friend." Apricot comments before I can. "She does look a little lonely, now." Helen adds while patting Flicker on the neck. "I might go have a look for another horse while Sorrel is busy re-plumbing the city tomorrow." Amelia laughs when I groan. "How much do you want to bet Struhl gets here before the guards do for the morning run?" Apricot giggles when I glare at her. "I''m more interested in how many of those sprinkler thingies she''ll pester him for." Amelia smirks. "There''s no way that Claude fellow will be able to supply everything she wants." "Don''t forget all the rubber hoses." Apricot adds. "Now that she''s getting her faucets she''s going to want to outfit the whole fire brigade." "Good night girls." I ignore my girls'' antics and speak to Amelia''s amused friends. "Thanks for putting up with these two all day. And, try to give the employment offer a second thought; I promise no toilet scrubbing will be required." "We''ll think about it." Helen nods. "Good luck with these two, and the fire chief tomorrow." "Yes, and thanks again for dinner." Delilah adds and the others murmur their agreement. "We''ll see you later." "Bye." Amelia waves them off and watches until they reach the gate. "So, did you have fun getting naked in front of Apricot with your friends today?" I breathe into Amelia''s ear after lifting her into my arms. "The poor little thing positively reeked of frustrated desire when you kicked her out earlier." "You can thank Delilah for most of that; I never knew she was such a tease." She laughs and plays her hand through Apricot''s thick hair. "Helen''s apathy, Li-Li''s obliviousness, and Lauren caring more about clothes than modesty didn''t help much either." "I''m almost wishing I had spied myself now." I chuckle when she bops me on the forehead. "Don''t worry, I intend to make both of you forget all about them very soon." ... "Mmm. You weren''t kidding." Amelia pants out a while later. "I think I forgot my own name for a minute there." "I guess a little jealousy can be a good thing." A thoroughly satisfied Apricot purrs out once she remembers how to talk. "You were jealous?" A dopey little smile fills Amelia''s face after hearing that. "Hard not to be." I shrug. "I know they''re your friends and all, but they''re all so beautiful. And, you got to spend the day in various states of undress with them while I had to deal with bunions and bad knees." "Oh, you poor baby." She traces a finger across my sweaty chest. "And, they may be pretty, but they''re nothing compared to the two of you. I love you and each of you is the most beautiful person I have ever known."Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. "Aww." Apricot melts at her words, and I''m not far behind. "I love you too." "I love you." We kiss her, and then more than kiss. ... "You alright?" Apricot asks in a sleepy tone when I wake up in the middle of the night; I don''t think she''s ever going to drop the ward that she uses to watch me when I''m sleeping. "Nnh. Bad dreams." I mumble back, mindful of waking Amelia. "Not wolves eating my face bad, but still annoying." "Do you want to talk about it?" She strokes her hand through the short petal of my hair. "Is burying myself inside of you until I forget about it an option?" I say that, but I''m not even close to being hard right now. "Always." She smiles up at me. "But, I don''t think that''s what you really want right now." "It''s just stupid shit." I exhale. "My healing not working when it''s needed, the stuff I make falling apart, the plants I try to grow all shriveling up and dying..." "And?" She prompts, one hand in my hair, the other on my chest. "And, losing the two of you to a bunch of beauties." I admit with a sniff. "I know it''s not real, and it''s just my brain being stupid, but seeing you ignore me for a bunch of women really fucking sucked." "Oh, Sorrel. We''re not going anywhere." My tiny little pixie pulls me into a hug and cradles my head. "I know, I know. I told you, it''s just my brain being stupid." I cling to her all the same and then feel worse when Amelia wakes up and moves to sandwich me in between them. "I''m sorry; I didn''t think it was this big of an issue for me." "Hey, you don''t have to apologize." Amelia gives me an extra big squeeze. "Especially not after how I reacted to Annette. Jealousy isn''t rational and dreams less so. Like Apricot said, we''re not going anywhere." "Yeah, no matter how many beautiful women throw themselves at us." Apricot says to lighten the mood. "Just uh, how many were there in the dream?" "Heh." I snort out a laugh. "All of Amelia''s friends to start with, then a few of the cuter women I''ve seen around town. Including Erick''s daughters and Annette, plus a whole bunch of famous actresses from back home. Normally I''d love to have a dream about an orgy like that, but this one just made me sad." "You goof." Amelia kisses the back of my head. "Sexy goof." Apricot adds and kisses my forehead. "But, I don''t suppose you could draw pictures of these actresses, preferably naked pictures." "Oh, man. I really need to reinvent television, and maybe find a way to sweet-talk Temmie into giving me my porn stash back." We all giggle when the Goddess blows a raspberry at me. "What? I''m just trying to spread some interdimensional culture here." "Now, that''s my kind of culture." Apricot titters. "I''m kinda glad that nameless god took all that stuff away." Amelia sighs. "I can just imagine the two of you doing nothing but watching other people have sex all day long. I still can''t believe people put that stuff out there for anyone to watch." "Says the woman that I know gets off on being watched." I counter and shift so that I''m on my back and the two of them are pressed against my sides. "I know it drives you wild that Temmie is always watching us fuck." *How''d you... Oh, you little shit.* ""Hahahahahah"" The three of us bust up laughing at the fact that I just got one over on the Goddess. "It''s alright, Temmie, there''s nothing to be ashamed of." I say with a smug smile. "In fact, why don''t we put on another show for you right now? And, who knows. Maybe one of these days you can even join us." "Nnh!" Amelia whimpers, and not just because of what my hands and vines are doing. "Is it wrong that I find the idea of fucking a goddess extremely hot?" "I bet she''d love to have you top her too." Apricot adds with a moan. "Just imagine her being held down as you do whatever you want to her." I could feel the goddess growing more and more frustrated as we talked about and demonstrated all the things we would do to her. ... "So, are you not allowed to materialize in the real world?" I ask the Goddess when she shows up in my dreams afterward. *There are rules that even gods have to follow.* Temmie replies and holds me back with a finger when I go to slip her out of her dress. *We''ll get to that in a moment. I need to speak with you privately before we bring the girls in.* "I''m going to cause discord with what I''m introducing, I know." History may not have been my favorite subject, but I know what the industrial revolution brought with it. "I also know that it''s going to lead to a higher quality of life for a lot of people. I''ll do my best to learn from my Earth''s mistakes, and I hope that certain Goddess will warn me if I''m about to screw up royally." *And, what makes you think I''ll be able to? Nnh.* She lets out a whimper as I use dream logic to clone myself and have the clone sneak up behind her and start nuzzling her neck. *Mmm. You know, most people don''t -ahn- treat their Goddess like this.* "Now, that is a shame." I say, now pressed into her from in front and behind. "And, if that''s the case, then I suppose I''ll just have to pray that things don''t go awry. If you''ll pardon the pun. Now, get the girls in here so we can do this properly." I growl out and suck on both sides of her neck at once. "No fair, you started without us." Apricot whines when she pops into existence. "Also, there are two of you now. This, I like!" "More than just two." I double myself again and pull my girls and the Goddess onto the bed I will into existence. "How are you doing this?" Amelia asks in wonder. "And, is that Temmie? She''s a lot cuter than her statues make her out to be." *Thank you. Yes, I am. And, this is a dream.* The Goddess answers her questions in reverse order. *S-Sor-ah-rel just happens to -nng- be rather -oh fuck- skilled at mani-A-A-aahhhhnnnnn!* I finally get her to quit talking. ... "Good morning, Temmie." I speak to the ceiling when I wake up. "Thank you for last night." "Wait! That was real?" Amelia snaps upright. "But, the... and we..." "Yes, we did." Apricot grins a wicked grin. "And, she loved every second of it. Also, Sorrel is even more dangerous in dreams than in real life. Seriously, how did you pull off that double thing? Try as I might, I just could not manage the same trick." "It''s not like that was my first time controlling two bodies." I raise a mini-me up to wave at her." And, that wasn''t my first time experiencing a lucid dream either, it sure was the best though. I''d only done it a few times before and always had trouble staying in the dream, but a little divine intervention helped out with that. At least until we wore her out." I get the impression of a tired, but satisfied smile from Temmie at that. "Oh, wow. We had sex with a Goddess. I-I fucked a Goddess!" Amelia breaks into nervous laughter. "You can brag to your friends later." I tease. "For now, let''s have breakfast; I have a feeling that I''ll be too busy to sit down and eat later." *** # 106 I wasn''t wrong about being busy later; Adriana didn''t get here before the guards like Apricot bet last night but right at the same time as them. "Morning, Guys, Gals, Chief." I give everyone a nod. "Care to join us on the run today?" "You run with the guards? I had hoped to get an early start on this." She brandishes a stack of papers that look like diagrams for the new hydrant system. "I''ll look over the plans during the run." She''s the type of person you have to be firm with otherwise they''ll just steamroll right over you. "And, I''ll work on the upstream pipes on my way back." "I''m coming with you then." She pulls a thick stream of water from the river and shapes it into a horse. "I want to talk about those sprinklers, that glassblower you sent me to had barely gotten started on them." "Neat trick." I nod to the water horse as a confused Flicker looks at it funny. "I have a decent foundry spell now, so making the ampoules shouldn''t be a problem. But, the only metal I have to make the heads out of is aluminum. I''d use stone, but I''m afraid someone might break one by accident." "I''ll get you some brass." She nods and mounts up by using a stream of water to lift her into the saddle. "What is that?" She startles when I start up my [Get Pumped - Hip-hop/Rap] playlist. "Music." I reply with a smile and let Flicker set the pace. "Stronger by Kanye West to be precise. Sorry, I''m not translating, but getting the rhymes to work in Varecian is just not worth the headache right now. So, just enjoy the beat." "I''ll try." She looks at the speaker box funny. "I''ve never heard instruments quite like that before. And, how is the chorus doing that with their voice? That is a chorus, right?" "Yes, and enchantments." I give my stock answer for anything electronic or computer related, and translate just one round of the chorus for her. "This song uses a voice modulator for the chorus and a device called a synthesizer for the piano-esque sounds. Now, come on people. Keep up. You act like one day off from running has atrophied all of your muscles." "Why do we choose to run with you again?" Cobb groans when I pick up the pace now that Flicker has warmed up. "Because I can push you harder than anyone else and leave you better off after the run than before." I say with a smirk and increase the size of everyone''s parachutes marginally. ... "Alright, jog in place for a minute and drink your smoothies while I go collect some bees." I drop my chute and disappear into the woods before anyone can react. Anyone, but the fire chief, that is. "Hahaha, I''m not running away on you." I laugh at Adriana when she shifts her horse into a small wave to follow me through the woods. "I''m just interested in how you''re going to collect bees." She replies calmly. She''s been rather amused at everyone''s exertions so far while she just sits back and lets her water carry her. "I was just gonna shove them in storage." I''ve already practiced on other insects, and Apricot was right. They don''t present all that much resistance, not for me at least. I definitely chose right with the whole Plantkin / nature magic combo. "Ah, here we are." Struhl''s eyes go wide as the bees disappear, first in ones and twos, and then dozens and scores. Their whole hive gets stored in just a moment, honeycombs and all. "Coming?" I ask and head back the way I came. "And, if you''re wondering. Plantkin are all skilled in nature magic. That''s how I was able to heal so many people yesterday, keep everyone going on our run here, and send bees into storage." "You can pull mana from plants, that''s how you''re able to do all of this." It''s a statement, not a question. "I can do the same with running water, but it''s not as efficient as what I''ve seen fire mages do." "Try asking Apricot for tips." I offer. "She likes sweet stuff like candy and mana gems. No licorice though. Alright everyone, are we going to beat our time going back, or do I have to bring out the bees to motivate you?" A dozen buzzing bees appear above my outstretched hand, spooking all of the guards and earning a bark of laughter from Adriana. "Oh, I like you." The fire chief reforms her horse and follows along with a smile as everyone takes off for home at double time. ... "Alright, you can all set your own pace from here." I say after we reach the spot where I need to start the pipe. "There''s no way I''m going to be able to do this at a run." "Oh, thank the gods." They all drop to the side of the road and sag in relief. I just roll my eyes at their antics and hand out another round of smoothies. Flicker gets some too, but hers is mixed into some oats. She''s still raring to go though, that horse just loves running. While the guards recover, I first grow a potted tree on wheels. I''m not going to need as much mana as yesterday, so it doesn''t need to be anywhere near as big, but I''m still going to need to recharge inside the city. "I used to know a fire mage that would carry around charcoal and firewood to recharge." Adriana says with a laugh. "I think I like your version better." "I should probably look into learning that version when we go to the Capital." I say while thinking about the foundry spell, it produces a crazy amount of heat. "Most people have trouble absorbing mana outside their inborn affinity." She comments dryly. "But, then again, you''re skilled enough that you will probably be able to learn it. I''m surprised you''d want to bother though, this might be a little inconvenient, but no more so than a bonfire." "Oh, my new foundry spell would make it worthwhile." I explain. "I just use a little lightning magic to split water into flammable gasses. If I compress and store those gasses, I can then burn them for a mana boost when there are no plants around." I demonstrate for her and use the flame to melt a small chip of stone. "What!?" Her shouted question causes all the guards to jump. "Do that again. Not the fire, just the bit where you turn water into air." I shrug and comply, and then soon feel her trying to replicate the feat with pure water magic. "Try warming the water, that can improve the efficiency." It helps and I can feel that she''s close, but still missing something. So, I add some lye to the water, it helps with the electrolysis, so it should help here. "There you go... try giving this bit here a twist, it feels off." I point out a bit of her spell that seems wrong to me. "I see it." She grins and the water starts bubbling like mad. "Stop!" I have to step in and break her fire spell apart with a blast of raw mana before it ignites. "Please don''t blow us up." I disperse the concentration of hydrogen into the sky. "Oops." She says with a giggle. "Nice move that, but there are better ways to destabilize someone else''s spell." She rubs the back of her neck like she got whiplash from what I did. "I don''t know any of them, I just acted on instinct there." I say somewhat chagrined. "And, that was a nice bit of spellcraft yourself, but wouldn''t it just be easier to learn the spark spell?" I add with a laugh while playing electricity across my fingers. "Where''s the fun in that." Her comment and the matching grins on our faces earn us a few mutters from the guard. Stuff like ''crazy fucking mages'' being the most common. "And, with that, I think we should take our leave." Bruce starts rounding up the guards. "But, before I forget again, here''s the report on that mercenary you were asking about. His name is Cyril Crane, he started as a promising officer up north but was kicked out for conduct unbecoming an officer. -Slept with the wrong person.- He then started and ran a clean crew up until a couple of years ago when he got ousted by his lieutenant that got most of them killed just a month later by picking the wrong job." The report he handed me has more detail than that, but he summarized the important parts. I was rather amused to find that instead of sleeping with the general''s daughter as I had guessed. He instead slept with her fiance. The woman was not happy to find out that her husband to be preferred men and had both of them run out of the country as revenge. "Thanks, guys." I tuck the report into storage, along with all of their used cups. "See you tomorrow?" "Hells yeah." Cobb says with a wide grin shared by the rest of the guards. "You may be crazy, but I can feel myself getting stronger every time we run together." I just shake my head with a smile and get back to work as they jog off. The plans that Adriana gave me call for the pipes to be run alongside the road, similar to what I set up for the workshop. Only with a lot more pipes carrying a lot more water, it looks like she wants to be able to drown the whole city at the same time if needed. ... "Hey, Ed. What''s up?" He was waiting at the farm and came over to join us when we got close enough for him to feel the earth magic. "Oh, I''ve got those bicycle parts you asked for the other day." He brings out a length of roller chain with a bashful look on his face. "And, uh... I heard about all the aluminum you were showing off." "You want to learn the foundry spell I used?" I ask with a chuckle. "Alright, just try not to blow us up like this one almost did. Now, the whole thing is based on a joke spell..." I reach out and give him a small zap and then explain how it all works. "...I use air and fire magics here, but you could easily pipe the gas into a proper furnace. In fact, I was trying to make an enchanted furnace since electromancy is somewhat rare, but I just can''t seem to figure it out. So, I''ll need to speak with Rozelle about that later." "Please do, I can barely hold this spell together." Ed loses control of it just then. "Trying to forge while keeping that up is beyond me." He may be the top earth mage around here, but I''ve realized that he''s not all that good. At least, not when compared to the other top mages in the city. "Gladly, but I was hoping you could let me know how the search for alloys is going? I had to waste a bit of titanium yesterday just because I don''t know how to make any good steel." He winces a bit at hearing that. "You do know that titanium is worth even more than aluminum, right?" The man just hangs his head. "Pain in the but to get too." I nod. "I was only able to pull two or three kilos out for every tonne of granite I processed. I got over twice as much magnesium and almost ten times as much iron. Aside from the aluminum, the only other elements of note were calcium, sodium, and potassium, but I didn''t bother extracting more than a sample of those." "Nnh, I need to make time for a dungeon trip." Edsel groans. "I try not to be envious of what you can do, but it''s really hard sometimes. Especially when I think about how you just learned this stuff." "Mhm. If it helps, I''m only this good with earth magic because the earth is so linked to nature in my mind." I offer in the hopes that it will help his mood. "There''s no need to run off to a dungeon just because I''m a freak." "He''s right." Adriana chimes in. "Not about the freak part, I''ve known much stranger mages. But, there is always going to be somebody stronger or more skilled than you. The trick is to just do your best and not to worry about what they can or can''t do." "I know, I know." He huffs. "It''s just a little galling that I had to do his plumbing last week, and now he''s plumbing the whole city." "Hey, if you want to take over..." I trail off and just grin when Adriana glares at me. "That''s quite alright." He shakes his head with a laugh. "I have enough work just coordinating with the smiths to make all of the faucets. Here''s the first batch by the way." We''re back at the farm now, and he points out a large wagon filled with primitive fire hydrants. "Well, those can wait for a minute." I shake my head at all of the work ahead of me. "I''d like to go get changed now, if you don''t mind." I flap my copper chainmaille to make it ring out. "Try not to take forever." Adriana says with a grin. "I''d rather not have to sit out here while you have sex with your women." "I''ll try." I roll my eyes at her. "But, are you going to follow me all day?" "Just for the main trunk, and up to the east gate." The water mage replies. "That area is most at risk from fires because it''s so far from the river." "That works for me." I want to see if Cyril is waiting at the warehouse for me, and this will give me the chance to do so without running off. ... I head inside and rid myself of the jogging suit as soon as the door is closed behind me, replacing it with a pair of jeans and a T-shirt while walking towards the living room to check on the girls. "Hey, babe." Amelia smiles up at me when I find her sits on the couch, reading the Iliad while stroking Apricot''s hair with her free hand as the pixie lays in her lap. "Hey. Are you two having fun?" I sit down on the other end of the couch so I can play with Apricot''s feet. "I have to get back to work soon, but I just wanted to check on you. Are you still okay with what happened, now that you''ve had some time to think about it?" I ask Amelia "I won''t lie, it is a little weird." She closes her book but doesn''t stop petting her pixie. "I think that who it was and the fact that everything happened in a dream helps, a lot. That, and how fucking hot it was." She adds with a giggle. "Just don''t expect it to happen again. Not in the real world, and not anytime soon, at least." "I''m fine with treating it like a dream." Apricot looks up at her with a loving smile. "Just consider the night as a gift from the Goddess. Temmie doesn''t often show herself to her followers, even the Fae." "Wait, does this mean I''m a follower now?" Amelia tilts her head to one side while trying to puzzle that one out. "More like she was following your lead last night." I say with a smirk. "And, I think Apricot has the right idea. Just treat everything like a dream for now. At least until we can get Temmie to show herself in person. And, yes, I caught your little non-answer to that question last night." I blow a raspberry at the ceiling. "When did you ask if she could do that?" Apricot asks first, but I could tell that Amelia was just about to say the same thing. "She pulled me into the dream first to warn me that the stuff I''m introducing is going to cause discord." I explain while rubbing the pixie''s feet. "Industrialization brings a lot of issues with it, but it can also greatly improve a lot of people''s lives. I don''t know if what I''m doing is right, but the ideas are out there now. So, I''m going to continue and hope I can help the people here avoid some of the pitfalls that might be waiting for them." "You really are a big softie, aren''t you?" Apricot rolls her eyes at me and then starts giggling when I kiss her toes. "Nnh, don''t go getting me all worked up right before you leave. I can feel the fire chief pacing impatiently at the door for you." "Ugh, fine." I sigh and get up. "But, before I go..." I show them how Adriana reverse-engineered the electrolysis of water. "Struhl figured that one out after I showed her how the spark spell works in water. Just be careful of fire when you try it out, she almost blew all of us up." "Neat bit of spellwork." Apricot offers her begrudging respect. "Now, get out of here before she barges in." "Yes, Dear. I love you. I love you." I blow them each a kiss and head back out, and I can just hear Amelia trying out the new spell while complaining about how annoying its inventor is. "That was fast." Adriana says with a smirk when I open the door. "I would have thought it''d take a bit longer to please both of them." "Not when you know what you''re doing it doesn''t." I say without missing a beat. "In this case, showing them your new spell." "Hah!" The woman snorts out a laugh. "Not the first time I''ve had someone steal my moves to impress their sweetheart."This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. I nod my head in her direction to concede the point and then start storing all of the hydrants, so we can get going. ... "I know you''d rather be playing with your girls, but do you really miss them so much that you have to carve statues of them?" The fire chief comments when I start sculpting a life-size representation of Temmie while she''s still fresh in my memory. "Oh, she may have visited me for a night, but I doubt I can call this one mine." I smile when I feel the goddess stick her tongue out at me. "Amelia was right; the statue in the temple just doesn''t do her justice. I thought I''d offer them a better likeness. It''ll have to be wood for now, but I''ll redo it once I get my hands on some prettier stone." "Wait, is that Temmie?" Struhl looks up at the statue as I push it along on the tree cart. "She... visited you." "All three of us." I reply with a smug smile. "She''s beautiful, isn''t she? Even more so while pinned under me and my girls, but I''m saving that sculpture for our home altar." I chuckle when Temmie blows a raspberry that makes Struhl jump. "Well, damn! And, here I thought I had some decent conquests." She says with a laugh after recovering from her shock. "Oh, that was no conquest." I shake my head while working on the dress; it clings to the Goddess'' perfect form as though blown back by the wind, revealing more than it conceals. "Temmie offered us a gift and we accepted. This is the least I can offer in return." "..." Adriana opens her mouth for a moment before closing it with a nod as I infuse the wood with oil, giving it a life-like luster. "Some gift." She finally says after an audible swallow. "Hardly a patch on the real thing, but it''s better than what is in the temple right now." I stop the wagon just outside said temple and carry the statue inside. "Hello, I''ve brought the replacement statue for Temmie''s altar." I nod to the priest in passing and walk right in while carrying hundreds of kilos of wooden sculpture. "S-she told us." For a priest, he looks rather surprised to have heard from a God. "You can go ahead and place it on the Altar." He adds unnecessarily. The old statue is already gone. Whether the priest moved it, or Temmie herself doesn''t matter to me. I set the sculpture in place reverently and then hop up to give it a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks for the sweet dreams." I brush my hand along her arm before turning about to leave the temple and a shocked crowd behind when she replies with *You are very welcome.* ... "Mister Crane, sorry if you had a long wait." The old mercenary jumps to attention when I approach him. "The fire chief had me doing a bit of work, or I would have been here sooner. Still does, technically." I grin over at the woman, she wants to see the caravanserai safe before she''ll leave me alone. "That was not a nice trick you pulled." He says while not even bothering to hide his smile. "Thank you. I would have done so last night, but you left before I took the eyepatch off." "So, have you decided to work for me?" I ask and beckon him to follow along as I get back to work. "I was just designing the new building and could use someone with an eye for security to look it over. And, I''m afraid I''m already making your job difficult by insisting on a lot of glass." Adriana was a bit nervous when I started sculpting again after leaving the temple, but soon relaxed when she saw that it was to be a building. The old warehouse is a boxy stone building with only a few small windows up near the offices, and just about the opposite of what I want. I tried out a few different designs before getting inspired by the bees I collected earlier. The model I''ve built is a honeycomb structure, twice as wide as it is deep. The large hexagons at front and back are all offset from each other, and each with a different pattern inset on them. From simple triangles and orthogonal cubes to more complex and interesting geometric patterns. "It''s stunning." He examines the model from all sides. "And, yes. Of course, I''ll work for you. The glass is an issue, but we can work around that. I recommend you start by moving the tighter patterns to the ground floor. That will at least deter crimes of opportunity." "If you think that''s pretty, you should see what else he can make." Adriana says with a laugh. "Now, if you promise to keep working on the pipes and not just stop to create your building, I''ll leave you alone. Just don''t forget to test each faucet like you have been." "No worries there, for either thing. I still need to talk to my people to see what their needs will be." I say with a smile for the overbearing woman; she''s kind of grown on me over the course of the morning. "I just didn''t want to build another big box, you know." She just nods and reforms her water horse before heading back into town. Cyril sticks with me as I trail after her with my tree in tow after setting up the hydrants for each side of the caravanserai. He''s a bit startled to see the crowd waiting just inside the gate when we get there. You''d think people would have better things to do than follow some weirdo as he pulls his tree around and shoots streams of water into the air every block or so, but apparently not. The fire chief and I have just been ignoring them, and I tell my new head of security to do the same. The water pipe and hydrant layout Adriana chose is very robust, but that just means more work for me, so I''m glad to have someone to chat with. The topic is interesting too, and I learn a lot about security and how to protect a building from threats, both magical and mundane. ... "Hello, Felicia." I greet the weaver with a smile when she approaches after we enter the clothing district. The crowd following me has stayed around the same size, with new people joining in for a bit before getting bored and moving on, only for someone else to take their place. There''s a couple of diehards though that refuse to leave, and the odd food cart that follows after until they run out of supplies, or just get too far from home. "Sorrel." She nods and locks step with us as we continue down the road, but doesn''t say anything else. "How''s your master doing?" Her eyes narrow a bit at that not-so-innocent question. "Not so good." She says with a sigh. "Turns out that slinging mud about a man who goes on to heal half the city the very next day is a good way to get a lot of people mad at you. Especially when you throw in these rumors that he''s also responsible for creating machines that can sew for you." "Sinclair the clockmaker deserves all the credit there." I defer to their real creator. "I just showed him what I wanted, he figured out all the hard parts." "I heard you were talking to Rem and Cecil too." She adds, the tiny light of hope in her eyes overshadowed by heaps of worry. "Just talks. So far." I reply, doing my best not to smirk. "You''re not going to make this easy are you?" She exhales a deeper sigh. "Would you please consider taking me on? Wolfsfeld''s ship is sinking even if she won''t admit it yet." "I never wanted that." Now it''s my turn to sigh. "Well, okay, maybe a little. But, not really, and certainly not so much that I''d do anything more than ask Sinclair to name the sewing machine the wolfsbane." She snorts out a laugh at that. "And, yes, of course I''ll take you on." "Thank you. And, don''t worry too much about Blanche." Felicia shakes her head. "She has more than enough money to live comfortably even if she never sells another stitch of clothing. Wolfsbane. Hah! Oh, that''s perfect." Another laugh escapes from her. "I thought so." My laugh isn''t nearly as robust as hers. "Well, let me introduce you to my new head of security, Cyril Crane. And, this is what the new headquarters of Apricot Industries is going to look like." I gesture to the model sitting next to the tree. "Perhaps you can tell me what you''ll need so I can start planning the interior layout." "Nice to meet you, Sir." She nods her head at him. "And, wow!" "Heheh, I had a similar reaction." He says with a smile. "And, nice to meet you as well." "So, in addition to the weaving, I hope you don''t mind taking on some more managerial type duties." I say as she plays with the model. "I can imagine that we''re going to have quite a few employees and, well, I just don''t want to deal with them." "I performed a similar role for Blanche." She nods. "She always preferred dealing with the customers. And, speaking of workers. I''d like to try and bring some of my team on board." "Of course." I nod. "Anyone you trust is fine by me." She catches the double meaning in my words. ''If you don''t trust them, don''t bring them.'' "Thank you." She smiles. "I know you wanted to talk about the layout of the building, but I should go speak with them before word gets back to Blanche about my speaking with you. I only came out now because she''s out of the shop trying to soothe ruffled feathers." "That''s alright; Melanie should probably be here for that talk anyways. You go on and do what you have to." I say, understanding. "I''m hoping to be done with all of this by mid-afternoon, so you can stop by the farm later and we can all talk." "I''ll be there." She dips into a curtsey before slipping off. "And, the company has been nice." I turn to my other new employee of the day. "But, don''t feel that you need to stay with me all day either, Cyril." "I''m rather enjoying the walk, actually." He replies with a smile. The man still has several deep scars in his legs muscles that I''ve been monitoring to see how best to heal them, so I know that''s not entirely true. "That, and I am your new ''head of security'' now; it''s my job to protect you." He adds with a laugh for his title. "If you say so." I just shrug and bring the conversation back around to what we were discussing before Felicia joined us. "So, are you sure you want to live on-site? I''d be happy to provide you housing nearby." "I can''t protect your interests if I''m not present." The stubborn old man counters. "Fine, but I''ll not have you working all the time." I waggle my finger at him in a reproving manner. "Consider finding some help to be your first official duty as head of security. I can offer the same health benefits to them as well; it may take a while, but I should be able to heal most anything short of a missing limb." "Would you still be willing to hire them if they were missing one?" He asks cautiously. "Assuming they can still do the job, of course." "That''s fine by me." I shrug, not particularly caring. "This is your area of expertise, not mine. I''ll trust you to know what you''re doing." "You don''t even know me, yet you''re willing to trust me this far?" The old mercenary asks, somewhat astounded. "I''d be in the same place no matter who I hired, but I have a good feeling about you." I answer honestly. "That, and the report I got from the Guard showed that you ran a successful mercenary company for decades. If anything, you''re overqualified for the job." "Hah!" He barks out a laugh. "I was wondering how you knew my name earlier. Good to know that you didn''t just jump in blind." "Yes, well, it''s good to go with your gut." I say with a smile. "But, better to have some solid reasoning behind that decision. Now, I suppose I should add another floor to this building. That''ll give me enough room for your quarters and a dormitory for any other stubborn old men you hire." He just laughs at my words. ... "Rozelle! I was hoping you''d be in." I greet my enchanting master with a wide smile after ducking into her shop. "How''s the guild presidency treating you?" "Oh, I''d be lost without Ferne." She replies with an equally wide smile. "I think you were right, and we should have just made her president. Are you just taking a break from re-plumbing the city, or did you need something?" "A bit of both." I say with a sigh for all the work I still have to do. "I''m a bit stuck on an enchantment, but we can discuss that in a minute. First, let me introduce you to Cyril Crane, I just hired him to secure my new business." "A pleasure to meet you, Ma''am." He offers her a shallow bow. "Sir." She nods in return. "There have been some interesting rumors going on about that, and about you in general, Sorrel. Especially after yesterday." "Only the flattering ones are true." I say with a grin. "But, I''m assuming you''ve heard about the new silk business. That''s partly why we''re here; the new building is going to need a few enchantments. And, since it''s for my business and not me personally, I expect to pay a fair price." I add when she opens her mouth to give me the same one-hundred percent discount she has been. "Heheh. Fine, I won''t say no to good coin." She replies with a laugh. "So, do you know what you need already?" "Mhm, Cyril has a list of defensive enchantments that he''d like, but I''ll leave him to speak with you about that." I bring out the work I''m doing on the lightning runes for the hydrogen separator I want to build. "I''m having trouble getting this to work; I need to induce a steady flow of electricity into a small body of water, like so." I demonstrate with the spark spell. "Hmm?" She tilts her head to one side and pores over my previous work. "I''ve never seen lightning runes used like this before, they''re mostly just used to deliver a shock. Occasionally on weapons, but typically just as a deterrent on locks. Olivar even has a clever little bug killer that uses the rune, but I''ve never heard of a need for a steady current." "Yeah, I couldn''t find anything in the books you gave me, and my improvisations just didn''t work." I explain. "I''m trying to build a high-temperature furnace using the gasses produced when you send electricity into water like this." A small, but very hot flame appears for just a moment. ""..."" Both of their mouths drop open. "I also need the hydrogen for another project, but that can wait until I get this furnace working." And, boy am I looking forward to re-inventing the Haber process to make all of the ammonia we''re going to need to produce silk in any usable quantity. "I know you must be busy, but I''d consider it a huge favor if you could look into the lightning runes for me. I wouldn''t even know where to start, and I''m just wasting material at this point." "I''m happy to help." She says with a nervous laugh. "But, you have to show me that spell again." "Oh, it''s just a modified joke spell..." I walked her through it, but she wasn''t able to manage more than a few bubbles. Still, I warned her that Hydrogen is very explosive and to only work outside with it. ... After leaving Ro and Cyril to discuss defensive enchantments, and crazy Plantkin, I continued on with my work. Ed caught up with me shortly after with another cart full of hydrants, but he didn''t stay for very long. Despite being surrounded by people, I didn''t have anyone to talk to and quickly found myself bored. Not for the first time, I found myself being a little envious of Apricot and Amelia''s bond. Being able to talk to each other is the least of what it can do, but I''d love to be able to hear their voices right now. ''If only we had phones.'' I think to myself with a sigh, and then almost drench a bunch of people when I get distracted by that thought. ''I already have a speaker, and I made a microphone just yesterday. I have no idea where to even begin making a cellphone, but a landline should be doable, right?'' I rule out electricity right away, if I can''t even make a steady current, there''s no way I''ll be able to modulate one well enough to produce sounds. Sure I could make a telegraph with what I know, but I want a telephone. Fortunately, there are ways to make two runes share information. Unfortunately, the materials needed to do so are prohibitively expensive for any length beyond a few meters. So, I just need to find a way to make some myself. Not bloody likely. Enchanting components may seem common at first, but they all undergo a slow and careful mana infusion that changes their nature at a fundamental level. I haven''t even begun to study the theory behind that, but it''s safe to assume that if there was a way to speed the process up, someone would have found it by now. ''So, I just need to find a different way.'' I say to myself and wish I was already done with these pipes so I could devote myself fully to this new communication puzzle. Given my nature, the first thing that comes to mind when I think about communication is how plants use a network of roots and mycorrhizal symbionts to ''talk'' to each other. That won''t work here, of course, but what if I could modify a plant to work with the enchantment? Then, I would only need to set up a clonal colony between points A and B. ... "This is more difficult than I thought it would be." I grumble to myself after yet another failed experiment. I''m getting close to the docks, so I decide to take a break and see how Sinclair is doing. Quite well, if the shit-eating grin on his face is anything to go by. The man''s shop has been nearly emptied of clocks, and he couldn''t be happier. "Sorrel, my boy." The, previously, grumpy clockmaker greets me warmly. "Do you have any idea how many people have come in to buy clocks just in the hope of catching a glimpse of that sewing machine?" He has it set up behind him covered in a thin tarp that just hides the details. I also see a cylinder next to it that must be the knitting machine. "Looks like quite a few." I reply with a wide grin, happy just to see him happy. "Have you given any thought into producing them? I''m already building a factory, it wouldn''t be a problem to add a section for you. All I ask for is the odd bit of engineering advice in return." "That... that is a very tempting offer." He stops to think about it for a moment. "I''d still be my own man and producing my own goods, just leasing the space in exchange for my expertise?" "Exactly." I nod. "I already said that the sewing machine was yours to do with as you like, I''m not going to go back on that. I''m even willing to help outfit the workshop to your specifications. This ''little'' business of mine is rapidly expanding, and I just know that I''m going to need more machines for it sooner rather than later." "Alright, I''m in." He extends his hand and we shake on it. "Now, I think I''m going to close early and go celebrate." He pauses for a moment and looks at the tarp-covered sewing machine with a frown. "I should not leave that alone though." "Want me to hold it for you?" I ask. "I''ve already hired security for the new building, so you''ll be able to keep it there without worry. Not that you''ll need to, the Baron has several guards discretely watching your store." "Thank you for sending him over, by the way. That was my first time meeting the man." A wry grin plays on his face. "I''d still feel better if you held onto it though. I know it''s silly, but it''s the first of its kind, and I''d hate to lose it." "Not silly at all." I pat him on the shoulder. "And, speaking of first of their kind. I haven''t seen any wrist watches or any timepieces smaller than these clocks. So, I was wondering if you might be able to make one using something like this." "What?..." His eyes go wide when I retrieve a small toothed gear made of titanium from storage, a gear that starts spinning all on its own. "It''s the same enchantment in my music player, and don''t even ask how much of a pain it was to shrink it down this small." He gets right up next to my hand to examine the gear. "I don''t know anything about clocks, so I gave it sixty teeth and enchanted it to spin once a minute. You should be able to do something with that. It can only handle a little torque though, so whatever you put it in will have to be very precise." "..." Sinclair is just standing there with his mouth open right now, so I take his hand and put the gear in it. "Yes, I thought you might react like that." I chuckle. "Take your time with it; I need to get back to work now." I shift the sewing machine into storage, tarp and all, and walk out while he just stares at his hand. ... "Finally!" I crow as the last hydrant gets put into place on the last section of the pipe. "Sorry, everyone, but the show''s over; that was the last of them." A series of disappointed sounds comes from the crowd. I just shake my head with a smile and envelope the tree I''ve been towing around all day in mana and shift the whole thing into storage, cart and all. While they''re marveling at that, I take the opportunity to slip around the corner. By the time the nearest of them thinks to follow me, I''ve already vanished. Running through the streets like a blur gets me home in record time. I had hoped to just sit down and relax for a bit, but Felicia and Cyril are already here and chatting with Melanie about the new building. "Hi. I''ll join you all in a minute, I just need to see my girls first." I wave to them through the door to the workshop but don''t even slow down. Apricot and Amelia are much like I left them this morning, the pixie listening to music with her head in the bookworm''s lap. Amelia looks to have long since finished the Iliad and is now most of the way through the Odyssey. "It may not have taken ten years, but walking the city all day without you two sure felt like it." I collapse next to Amelia and bend over to give Apricot an upside-down kiss. "Sorry, Sorrel." Apricot apologizes and then pulls me back down for another kiss. "And, here I thought what you were doing yesterday got boring. Just watching you from the couch nearly made me pass out." "Hehehe." Amelia starts giggling at her words and the sour expression they put on my face. "I was just caught up in the books, if you want to blame anyone blame yourself for translating them." She laughs again and pulls me in for a kiss. "Yes, well, while you two were lazing away, I got us a couple new employees, and even talked Sinclair into accepting a workshop in the new building in exchange for his technical expertise." "That''s smart." Amelia nods. "It gives him the independence he wants while also keeping him close. But, who did you hire? I''m guessing one is that mercenary you mentioned last night." "Yes, Cyril Crane." I answer. "And, Felicia practically begged me to take her on. Apparently, the Big Bad Wolf''s plan to bad mouth me backfired on her, and Felicia decided to get out while the getting was good." "Hahahahaha!" My blonde starts cracking up. "Oh, that''s perfect. And, you didn''t even have to do anything, she did it all to herself." "I thought you''d like that." I smile at her. "Now, I need to go speak with them about the building layout. Well, not Sinclair, he''s building a miniature clock right now. That or cursing my name for giving him an enchanted gear. It was a pain to shrink down the turntable runes, but the expression on his face was so worth it." "You didn''t?!" Amelia looks shocked. "He did." Now, it''s Apricot''s turn to laugh. "I saw him working on the runes yesterday. Now, give me another kiss before you go off to talk business." The pixie pulls me down to lock lips with me again. "Mmm, you taste like nature magic, have you been playing around with your plants?" "Something like that." I say with a smirk. "I''m not finished yet, but I think I''m getting close to a breakthrough." "Ooh, he''s being vague. It must be good." Amelia teases an annoyed-looking Apricot. "Feel free to come out to the workshop when you finish your book." I kiss Amelia again before heading out to talk business. ... # 107 "Are you sure you want the lab to be in the basement?" I ask Melanie who seems fairly certain about her choice. "I know there''s not much to look at there, but the odd window is nice." "It will be safer to have everything surrounded by solid stone." The alchemist replies. "And, Cyril is right, keeping the more dangerous chemicals entirely separated from the rest of the business will make it harder for them to hurt someone. Whether intentionally or not." "Alright, but I''m going to add some fiber optic cables, so you can at least get some natural light down there." I say emphatically, even if they don''t know what I''m talking about. "You''ll need proper ventilation too; I''ll use a mix of passive and powered just to be safe. Have you finished testing that charcoal yet? I don''t want us to be venting any fumes if we can help it, but I''ll still be filtering the air both coming and going. And, then there''s heating and cooling, but I should be able to add a radiant system to the floor easily enough. That reminds me, I still haven''t made the water heater for the house yet." Felicia and Cyril just stare as I start making a long list of what needs to be done, including detailed drawings and even some models. Melanie, and her apprentice, Catherine, though; they just wait me out patiently, already somewhat used to the way I work. "Then there''s all the safety equipment. Showers, eye-wash stations, fume hoods, protective clothing, goggles, gloves, respirators if needed." The list just keeps growing. "And, of course, fire safety. Water isn''t going to cut it for chemical fires, so... hmm, that might work; I was gonna have to collect nitrogen for the Haber process anyways. But, I''ll need to find a way to compress it down to first, and I should be able to make liquid CO2 that way too. And, ugh, Struhl is going to drive me nuts when she finds out. Cyril, you and your people will need some safety training, as will janitorial once I hire some, at least so they know what not to touch. Melanie, keep a modular design in mind when you''re laying everything out; better to keep each section separate so accidents don''t spread. I can make large parts of the walls out of glass, so it''ll still feel open though. Felicia, your work isn''t as dangerous, but you''ll still be getting a fire suppression system and dust control. Do you have any other needs or wants regarding safety?" "Uh..." The poor weaver looks a little flummoxed. "Don''t worry, Dear." Melanie pats her on the arm. "You''ll get used to him... eventually." "Is he terrorizing the new hires already?" Amelia enters with a laugh. "Babe, you just hired them, try not to scare them off just yet." She rubs the soft petals of my hair before sitting next to me; Apricot taking my other side. "Hah!" A snort of a laugh escapes from Cyril. "Are you kidding? This is the first time I''ve worked with someone this decisive in years. He saw a problem and had a detailed plan for dealing with it within minutes." "A lot of this stuff has been floating around in the back of my head for a while now." I say. "This is just the first time I''m sitting down and getting it all out. And, I may have only been a student in a tangentially related field, but I do have some practical lab experience. So, I already know what safety measures are needed." "If you say so, Sorrel. If you say so." Apricot pats me on the knee. "And, is that the building? It''s so cute." "Yes, I finally got around to collecting those bees on my run this morning." A few of them appear and settle down on the back of my hand before waggling their butts in greeting. "They were still on my mind when I started thinking up building designs. You were right, by the way, no problem at all to store them." "Speaking of cute." She holds out her hand and the fuzzy little things drift over. "I always loved playing around with these girls... and, stealing their honey. Hehehe. It''s weird to see them so small." "He has bees in his storage spell?" Felicia looks even more flat-footed than before. "Try to ignore it when he does something you think should be impossible." Melanie pats Felicia''s arm again. "It''s just easier that way." "Mhm." I roll my eyes at the cheeky alchemist. "Amelia, now that you''re here, you can help us with logistics. We''re going to have supplies and finished product that is going to need someplace to live, and who better than someone with some warehouse experience to tell what works and what doesn''t." In the end, most of the first floor was earmarked for storage and offices. With one corner devoted to Sinclair''s workshop since he''ll be working with a lot of iron and it would just be stupid to have to move that up and down levels. The second floor became the domain of the weavers. Felicia was able to poach enough people to run three looms, four if she works herself. Unfortunately, only a single seamstress was willing to follow her. Blanche spent more time with them and thus had them much more cowed than the weavers that she mostly left to Felicia. But, this works out fine as we likely won''t be sewing much stuff. For now, at least.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. The third floor is the dormitory and Cyril said he was going to speak to some people tonight and will likely have a full crew ready before I have the building put together. "Alright, everything is looking good." I go over the model which has been broken down into separate floors. "We still need a cleaning crew, and Melanie needs some more workers. Felicia, I''d like you to handle the former and help Melanie with the latter. Since the last time I sent her to get workers she came back with an apprentice." "Heh." The alchemist snorts. "Just showing this model of the lab in the guild will have half the alchemists in town scrambling to work for you." I did put the most work into that section of the model. The alchemy floor is broken down into four main sections, the largest, taking up half the floor, and being dedicated to making rubber and rubber products. The second largest being for cotton silk, and cellophane, along with gas collection and ammonia production. The third, a dedicated testing lab. And, the fourth, a personal lab for Melanie and Catherine. "If you can find someone who is willing to work under you, then feel free to hire them." I give her the go-ahead. "Most of these jobs won''t need full alchemists though, so try to limit it to just one or two for the testing lab, unless you can see the need for more." "Mhm, you''re right." She agrees with a nod. "These jobs need skilled workers, not full alchemists. Still, I might need a couple more to work as supervisors once everything takes off, as you like to say." "Still need to build that aircraft one of these days." I laugh when Amelia narrows her eyes at me. "Okay, it''s getting late, so you can all head home. If nothing else comes up, I''ll be working on the building tomorrow. And, I hope to have Apricot industries up and running in its new headquarters the day after." "You don''t mess around, do you?" Cyril laughs. "Decisiveness is an excellent quality in a leader." "Oh, I''m no leader." I wave the notion away. "I just want to get all this crap out of the way, so I can just relax for a bit. I have been way too busy lately, and I really need a break." "Well, at least you have your priorities straight." The man laughs again. ... "Is this what you were working on earlier?" Apricot asks when I go back to my landline experiments after everyone left. "What are you trying to do?" "Just trying to reach out and touch someone." I reply with a stupid grin for the old jingle. "I got lonely earlier and wished I could just talk with you. I already have runes that can listen and speak, so now I just need to make them work over a long distance without spending all of our money on enchanting supplies." "You''re trying to transmit mana over roots?" Apricot tilts her head to one side and her eyes start to sparkle as she examines the long planter box in front of me. "Roots and mycorrhizae." I say and send a test signal for her to follow. "I tried with just roots but didn''t get anywhere until I manipulated both the plant and its fungal symbiont. That slow pulse is the best I''ve gotten so far, but I can just feel that the solution is right around the corner." This whole experiment has been an exercise in listening to my instincts and just letting the magic guide my hand. "Oh, I hate this." Apricot huffs. "I can almost see what you''re trying to do, but you''re on another level when it comes to nature magic. I have no idea how to help you here." "You may just have." The sun is almost down and I''ll need as much mana as I can get, so I dash upstairs and pump as much magic the mana node in the bathroom as I can before the light fades. Collecting the just formed mana stones, I give Apricot her tithe and powder the rest as finely as I can. "Nooo." The pixie lets out a soft whine as I pour some of the powder into the soil. "Oh hush." Amelia tousles her hair. "Mycorrhizae aid plants in the uptake of water and nutrients." I explain to them. "But, there''s no reason they can''t increase the uptake of magic either. Now, the plants themselves don''t need the magic, but the signal does. The power level is too low, that''s why the pulse is so slow; it''s like it has to slog through mud just to get there." Sinking my consciousness into the fungi, I will it to grow and evolve until it can draw in the mana just like any other nutrient. The plants take up that mana, but it just starts leaking out again right away. But, the test pulse I ran when they were full zips across faster than I can trace. With a wide grin on my face, I try out hundreds of different plants to see how they reacted to the excess mana. Several held onto it but started to change in subtle ways, those I set aside to examine later. It ended up taking me a while, but I eventually found several trees that could accept the increase in mana without being affected by it. "Hmm, they still leak a little." I comment after finding something I could work with. "But, I can always line the roots with powdered mana node. Expensive, but I won''t need much to let them replenish their losses." "I think you might have broken Apricot with that last sentence." Amelia laughs at the forlorn look on her lover''s face. "I can grow as much as I want, Sweetie." I somehow manage not to roll my eyes at her dramatics. "Look, I''ll try to breed the trees to leak less, just like I did to make dandelions with more sap. Okay?" "Okay, but you have to give me the rest of that powdered mana stone." She bargains. "Can, I try something with a pinch of it first?" I beg. "Just a pinch." She nods sternly. "Now, let''s see if this works." I collect a scoop of the soil into my hand and mix in the pinch of mana dust before extending a series of fine roots out of my palm. "Mmm, I can see why you like the way these taste. It''s almost like drinking dappled sunlight, much more so than when I refill directly." "Oh, no fair." Amelia huffs. "You can already recharge from the sun. Did you really need another method?" "Says the woman who is connected directly to magic via our little glutton here." I laugh as Apricot mixes the rest of the powder into a drink and slurps it down with a look of bliss. "And, I doubt I''ll be using this method. For one, I have no idea how I''d ever manage to keep a supply of stones safe from Apricot." "Shut up! I''m not that bad." She swats at us when we just start giggling. "Sure you''re not." I pull a full-size mana lollipop from storage and we both laugh again when her eyes lock right onto it. *** # 108 The next morning, after my run, the three of us head over to the build-site. Cyril is already waiting there for us with a handful of people. Their ages range the gambit from mid-twenties to even older than Cyril, and they each have some form of disability. "Well, it looks like you work fast." I greet the ex-merc with a wide smile. "Hello, everyone. I think I recognize some of you from the healing fair, sorry I wasn''t able to do more then." "Don''t be." Cyril waves my apology away. "We all understand that you had to marshal your efforts in order to treat everyone." "Mhm. Well, why don''t you introduce yourselves? This is Amelia and Apricot, by the way. Amelia handles the coin, so be nice to her, and Apricot handles whatever she thinks she can get away with, so watch out for her." I get twin smacks and a round of laughter for my introduction of them. "This is Stan, Toni, Fawne, Gen, and Hughes." Cyril handles their introductions. "Stan is the only one from my old crew, but everyone knows what they''re doing." Stan is older than Cyril, and has a stump in place of his left hand; he also had several poorly set bones, but I dealt with those during the fair. Toni is around thirty and she looks to have taken a blade the same eye that Cyril had. The damage is a lot worse on her though, but it looks like she got to a healer shortly after it happened, so I at least have something to work with. Fawne is a beastkin and just slightly older than Toni. And, as her name suggests, she has deer-like ears. She is also missing her right arm from just above the elbow. Gen is the youngest, and worst off of the group. He must have been nearly bisected by a sword that only stopped when it hit, and shattered, his spine. He is also missing a kidney, part of his liver, and a small chunk of intestine. Hughes is a middle-aged half-elf and is missing a leg from just below the knee. He has quite a few burn scars on that side of his body too. "Welcome aboard everyone." I lock eyes with each in turn. "I hope you don''t mind if I start with Gen. He needs the most work and the sooner we get him on his feet, the sooner he can start rebuilding those wasted muscles. The eye and the scars I can deal with, and I promise to look into limb regrowth soon." I also promise silently to move the elevator to the top of my to-do list. We can''t be having a man missing part of his leg hopping up and down three flights of stairs, after all. I already slotted a space in the building for one, but making one was low priority. While they''re processing my words, I conjure a large cup and fill it with healing sap. "Do you want a sippy straw?" I ask sarcastically when the young man hesitates. "I have a lot of work to do today, patching up your spine is just the start." He takes the cup and downs it while glaring at me the whole time; I fight not to roll my eyes and just get to work. Tracing out the spinal cord and how all the nerves connect isn''t exactly easy, but using myself, and the other security guards as examples helps quite a lot. ... "Oi! Play with yourself later; there are ladies present." I bop the little shit on the head when he grabs his crotch right after I reconnect/rebuild the last of his damaged nerves. I was saving that area for last just in case there were any unwanted ''reactions'' like that. "..." He just looks at me in a way I don''t want anyone looking at me, especially not when they''re holding their junk. "And, get that stupid look off of your face." I bop him again. "I guarantee that you''re going to hate me by the end of the day. Cyril, you''re in charge of his rehabilitation. Push him as hard as you want, I''ll patch him up in between rounds. And, make sure he drinks plenty of this." I bring out a dozen prepared smoothies, including a large one just for me. "My pleasure." Gen pales at the grin that fills the old man''s face, and even more so when I materialize my entire home gym for them to use. While he''s torturing his subordinate, I finally get started tearing down the old warehouse. I can reuse the old stone, but the wood of the roof is starting to rot so that all has to go. "You really don''t like praise, do you?" Amelia sidles up next to me with a smirk on her face. "You do know that there''s probably less than a handful of healers on the entire continent that could do what you just did." "It was more tedious than truly difficult." I grumble. "I suppose that''s one way to describe tracing out the nerve signals of half a dozen people to fill in the missing pieces of his spinal cord." Stupid perceptive pixies. "Mhm." I just grumble and focus on the teardown. ...If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "You didn''t think getting your legs back would be that easy did you?" I ask Gen when he collapses, begging for a break. "Is this pain any worse than what you''ve already lived through? If you want to walk, let alone run again, you have to get up and earn it." "Can''t you just magic the muscle back?" He whines but climbs unsteadily back to his feet with the aid of the parallel bars I set up for him. "Hah! Don''t I fucking wish." I strip down to my underwear with a snap of my fingers and shapeshift all of the muscles I''ve gained recently into my vines. "This is what I looked like a week ago; I''ve had to earn every single muscle the hard way. Made even more so because I have the metabolism of a beastkin." I drop the shapeshift and will my clothes back into place with a thought. "He''s telling the truth." Fawne backs me up. "I have friends in the guard and he runs them into the ground every morning." Seeing that gen is motivated to push himself again, I go back to excavating the basement so I can lay down the foundations. I don''t anything about buildings, but I got a good look at the ''roots'' of the tall apartment buildings when I was laying out the fire hydrants, so I''m just copying what they did. I figure that this place will probably be getting more floors sooner or later, so I might as well be prepared in advance. "That was the shapeshift spell, wasn''t it?" Hughes asks as I make chunks of soil vanish as quickly as I can. My tree on wheels from yesterday made a reappearance along with a couple of friends, but there''s a lot of soil to suck up. "Yes, and yes it could probably do what you''re thinking of." His eyes go wide when I say that, but he wasn''t exactly subtle when staring at his stump after my demonstration. "But, I can only cast it on myself. You feel like you have enough magic to handle it, but you would need to be very, very skilled to use the spell like that. Oh, don''t go getting all down just yet. I meant what I said about looking into limb regrowth, and until then. Let''s get you set up with a better prosthetic than an ill-fitting peg leg." I bring out the materials I was using to make bow limbs a couple of days ago and spend a moment to make a prosthetic runner''s blade. We''re both the same height, so I shapeshift my lower leg to fold up out of the way in the same spot where his ends. This way I can try the prosthetic on myself to get a feel for it, and what needs changing. "Ugh, please warn me when you''re going to do something like that." Amelia groans when she looks up from her book to see my leg bending the wrong way. "And, what is that?" "They''re called running blades." I explain while walking around to work out the kinks in this one. "We had better prosthetics back home, but I don''t know nearly enough about them to be able to recreate one here. Maybe after I get a lot more enchanting experience under my belt, but I hope to have that regrowth spell before then. Alright, Hughes, sit down so I can get this fitted." "I warned you not to be surprised when he does something impossible." Cyril laughs at his peoples'' stunned faces. "The man has already fixed Gen''s legs, what is making a fake one compared to that?" I just roll my eyes and point Hughes to a chair. Once he finally sits down, I remove his old prosthetic and knit a proper liner for his leg before fitting the running blade in place. "Up." I order and take his hands as he gets his feet under him. "Walk as normally as you can." I make another set of parallel bars for him to practice with, but he soon doesn''t need them. "That''s a little better now, isn''t it?" I ask, but the grin on his face is more than enough answer. "Thank you!" The man puts his whole heart and soul into those two words. "Thank Apricot." I say, not at all comfortable getting that kind of look twice in one morning. "If she hadn''t pestered me for a crossbow, I wouldn''t know how to make the wood springy enough for this." "Crossbow?" Cyril asks, but they all perk up at the word. "I''ll issue you some just in case, but I would very much prefer a non-lethal approach whenever possible." I.E. Don''t fucking kill anybody. "You''re security guards now, not mercenaries." "Yes, Sir!" Cyril snaps to attention and salutes, fist to chest. Everyone else following suit right afterward. "But, uh... could we see it?" "Hells yeah, you can see it." Apricot hops up from using Amelia''s lap as a pillow and brings it out of her inventory to show off. "This baby can outshoot even Sorrel himself." "Well..." I fight not to laugh when she glares at me. "What? Did you really think I wasn''t going to give Blackie an upgrade too?" I tap the cane at my waist and he springs out into bow-mode. "I hate you." She pouts, but without any heat to it. "You shoot?" Fawne asks, and the look of longing she has for the bow in my hand makes me think that she must have been an archer before losing her arm. "That''s odd for a mage." "It''s an old hobby that I took up again recently." I reply and let Blackie take his normal staff shape. "And, I haven''t always been a mage; I learned to shoot when I was a kid. Can you shoot left-handed? I can''t give you much functionality with a prosthetic, but I should be able to manage something that can hold onto a bow." "Nnh. I think I''ll wait for you to figure out that spell instead." She shakes head with a complicated look on her face. "After seeing what you did for Gen, I have to hope that it won''t take you that long." "And you, Stan?" I ask the oldest here. "I can''t offer much, but a simple grasper shouldn''t be too difficult." "... Let me think about it." He says after a moment. "Alright." I nod and return to work. The basement is nearly excavated now, so I can start laying the foundations soon. I''m going to need a bit more stone than I have left, but I should be able to convert the dirt I just dug up. "Whatcha doing?" Apricot asks when I scoop up a handful of soil and focus most of my magic on it. "Giving myself a headache." I''ve already bent my draw matter spell to work with a looser image of carbon. Now, I''m trying to do the same, only more so to remove all organic material from the dirt so I can compress it down into stone. "I need to work past this stupid mental block and I understand organic matter the best." Then, with a grunt for the mental effort, I draw the living and once-living component of soil away from the rest. This goes slowly at first, and the pain is most definitely not worth it, but I refuse to stop until I can handle it with ease. "Are you doing alright, Baby?" Amelia says with worry in her voice. "You''re looking a little green... well, greener than usual." She adds with a laugh. "Yeah, I think I''ve got it now, but ugh." My brain feels like it was just pushed through a fine mesh screen before being reformed. "I also think I should have just made the foundation from pure quartz; that was not worth the headache." "Just think." Apricot says with a giggle. "Now that you''ve taken the first step, you just have to keep doing it, over, and over, and over again until your brain finally catches on to how you want it to work." "Definitely should have just gone with pure quartz." I groan. *** # 109 "Not that I''m complaining." Toni says just as I''m finishing up the basement. "But, do you even need a team of guards?" "Of course." I laugh. "The whole point of this is business is to do stuff for me that I''m too lazy to do myself. I have much better things to do with my time, after all." I say while looking directly at my girls. "Hah!" Her bark of laughter almost outshines Temmie''s. "Then what about this building, why not just hire someone to put it together?" "Do you know anyone else that can put one together in a single day?" I counter. "Because I''ll be happy to hire them so I can go back home. I may not look it, but I am exhausted. This is the third day in a row that I''ve had to push my magic to the limit. At least, here, I get to be a little creative with what I''m doing." "Is that what you call those works of art you added downstairs?" Amelia interjects with a snort. "I know you won''t take a break, even if I tell you to. But, at least take it easy. Apricot and I are going to find a friend for Flicker now. Be good." "I''ll try." I pull her in for a tight hug. "Hurry back; I''ll miss you." I kiss her and then pull Apricot in for the same treatment. I watch them leave before getting back to work. Only to be interrupted as Sinclair comes storming up. "Here! I hate you, now make me more." He shoves a tiny clock into my hands with a huff. "Good morning to you too, Sinclair." I say with a laugh and hand the clock back. "You can keep the first model; I was looking for something more like this anyways. And, I just need the working parts; I can make all the rest myself." I craft a basic men''s watch out of wood. It''s not my old smartwatch, but it''ll do. "Have I mentioned that I hate you?" He says with a sigh and snatches the wooden model from my hands. "Make me a chair; I was up most of the night working on that clock. So, is this the place? I''m surprised you haven''t finished it yet." "Big basement." I shrug. "I was just about the start working on the above-ground floors. Here''s the model though; I''ve sectioned off this corner on the first floor here for your workshop." I set the model on a table in front of his chair and remove the top two floors. "I still hate you, but yeah, that''ll do." He nods and then a huge yawn escapes from his mouth. "Would you like some tea?" I start whisking up some matcha. Sinclair looks at the bright green liquid dubiously before shrugging and tossing it back like a shot. "Huh? Not bad." He says, the surprise clear in his voice. "I hope that''s not how you always drink tea." I say with a disapproving frown and refill his mug. "Oh, quit complaining and get to enchanting." The old man orders, but drinks this cup at a more sedate pace. "And, do it in brass this time." "Do you have any idea how difficult it is to enchant something that small?" I scoff. "I''m still a beginner at this after all; just because I know a bit of math doesn''t make me a master enchanter." "No, that would be me." Rozelle says with a laugh. "Even though my apprentice gives me more work than I give him. So, what have you made now?" "This." Sinclair holds up the miniature clock and sends a trickle of mana into it. This was just a prototype so I didn''t bother putting a battery in it. "Or, the motive force behind it at least." "It''s just a variation of the runes in the music player." I explain further. "Only very small. I miss having a timepiece on my wrist." Rozelle''s eye starts twitching at that. "Yup." Sinclair nods at my enchanting master with a wide smile. "I seem to get that feeling every time I talk to him too." "Now, I''m wondering if I should tell her about what I came up with last night." I say with a smirk that gets both of them glaring at me. "By, the way, have you any luck with the lightning runes? I had to create a crazy workaround because I didn''t have that down yet." "Tell me." Ro commands. "And, no. Not yet, at least." She adds with a sigh. "I may need to bounce this one up to the main guild in the Capital." "Mhm, sorry." I wince, knowing full well what not being able to solve a puzzle feels like. "And, it''s just another modification of the music player runes, only to transmit sound this time." I bring out a two-meter-long pot with a sapling in each end, tapping the ''microphone'' at one end causes the sound to reverberate from the other. "I haven''t done any long-distance testing yet, but Apricot tells me that the transmission is nearly instantaneous."Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. "This... But? What? How?" She''s dissolved to single-syllable words. "Nature magic trickery used to transmit mana over the roots." I say with a shrug "And, it''s nowhere near perfected yet. If it even can be. And, honestly, it''s probably more expensive than using proper enchanting gear, but I can grow as much of this stuff as I want. So, that''s not really an issue. But, if you didn''t work out the runes, what brings you here today?" "Were not done with this." She glares at me again. "But, I recently got a very large job for security enchantments. I thought I''d get my apprentice to use his math skills for me." Now it''s her turn to smirk. "Never mess your master, boy." Sinclair says with a smug smile. "They will always find a way to make you pay for it." "Can I finish putting up the building first, at least?" I try to at least delay my math-filled fate. "You need the exact measurements for most of those enchantments anyways, right?" "Oh, fine." She rolls her eyes. "But, I''m surprised you''re not done with it already." "It has a very large basement." I explain again. "And, I may have overdone it a bit with the foundations. But, I didn''t want to redo everything if I need to add a floor or five in the future. Speaking of... Sinclair, I was hoping you could help me figure out a decent lift, or at least the safety and control features for one." "I hate you." He grumbles again, but I can see the light shining in his eyes. "More tea, first, and then show me what you''ve got." I refresh his mug and pour one for Rozelle, who sips at it appreciatively. "Very little, unfortunately." I start building a model based on what I''ve seen in movies and what little I remember from middle-school science class. "It''s a simple rope and pulley system similar to the cranes at the docks, but everything is on vertical tracks and it employs a counterweight. A high-torque motor is used to move the cables, and thus the carriage, up and down." "I know I keep saying this, but I think I really do hate you." He says, but there''s a wide grin on his face right now. "You''re going to owe me a lot of those little gears for this." "That''s fine, as long as at least three of them come back to me as watches." I make a more feminine model watch. "I''d like something like this for the girls. But, like I said before, I just need the moving parts." "You know, your master isn''t above accepting bribes to lessen your workload." Rozelle says with a laugh while staring at the model watch I just handed to Sinclair. "Four then, but you can help enchant them." I counter, and then bring out a large pouch of gold. "No, make that five, but I want you to commission the best jeweler in town to work on the body and band. I want something fit for a queen. The Queen, actually." They both lock up at that. "..." Poor Sinclair tries to speak, but nothing comes out. "What?" I let out an exasperated sigh. "I''m heading to the Capital soon, and I just know that with how Erick and Elise have been talking me up, that I''ll be sucked into a meeting with Her eventually. It is customary to bring royalty a gift, yes? I thought that a functional piece of jewelry built in a collaborative effort by Riverton''s best clockmaker, jeweler, and the head of the enchanting guild should do nicely." "Best clockmaker?" The grumpy old man perks up at that. "Do you really think anyone will say differently after The Queen starts wearing your work?" I ask with a low chuckle. "Now, if you don''t mind my stepping back a bit, I need to make quite a bit of glass." "Oh my, where did that come from?" Rozelle comments when she finally notices the building that has grown itself while we spoke. "Lovely design, by the way." "That''s just the shell, really." Plain floors and walls do not a building make, not for me, at least. "I still have a lot of work to do; it''s just a lot faster when I don''t have to make everything out of tonnes and tonnes of stone. Now, should I work on fiber optics, or tempered glass first? Gen, take five and drink another smoothie, I need to focus on this." "Should we be worried?" Cyril calls back from the impromptu gym area. After Gen was able to walk on his own, Cyril started working his leg muscles on the equipment to build them up. "Just some glassmaking." I explain. "I don''t want to burn down the new building because I got distracted at the wrong time." "I''ve been meaning to ask." Sinclair says. "But, who are they?" "Security." I reply and get the fire going. "I''m working on their disabilities in exchange for guards that I can be sure of. I don''t care about the money; I just don''t want anyone getting hurt because some greedy ass thought this place was an easy target." "You know that some of them are missing limbs, right?" He asks while I create a thick rod of fused quartz. I have all the soda and lime I need to make plain glass, but my fire is hot enough to melt pure silica, so why not. "Mhm, that''s going to be a bit of a challenge." I admit. "But, I have a few ideas on where to start. Now, I think I just need to draw this out into a thread." I focus the heat into one section of the rod near the end and let its own weight draw the glass out into a thin thread. "Do, I even want to know what you''re doing?" Rozelle asks with a laugh as I start collecting it on a spool, using my magic to draw it out smoothly now that I have a feel for how it should go. "Do you know any enchantments that react to light?" I ask a tangentially related question. "I had just meant for this to light up the basement, but it''s flexible enough that it would be perfect to control the lift motor from inside the carriage." "Giving your master more work?" She asks with a wry smile while watching as the spool rapidly fills itself. "You cheeky little apprentice. I''ll look into it." She adds with a sigh. "Anything that works with electricity would be nice too since you''re already looking into that." I add with a grin almost as cheeky as I am. "I''m beginning to see why Sinclair hates you." She says with a laugh. "But, you''re talking about remote activation of runes. That''s a brilliant idea. It''s been tried before, of course, to varying levels of success. But, something tells me that your method will likely put those to shame." "Well, I''m mainly just trying to avoid having to keep a root system alive while it constantly moves up and down a fifteen-meter span." I reply while scaling up the fiber optic production now that I''ve gotten the hang of it. "I just can''t think of any other way to easily send a signal from the carriage itself to its motor." "Even if you can get the signal there." Sinclair interjects. "You''ll still need to find a way to connect your enchantments to the machinery. Wouldn''t it just be easier to hire someone to sit up top and just let people shout up the shaft what floor they want." "Well, shit." I curse at myself for overthinking things. "I''ll mark that down as a short term solution. But, eh. Who wants to do things the easy way?" *** # 110 "Well, I can see why the basement took you so long." Rozelle comments dryly after following me downstairs when I went to make sure that the light from the fiber-optic lines looked good. "I don''t suppose I could get you to spruce up my shop a bit?" Sinclair isn''t with us because he took it on himself to go find a jeweler for the Queen''s watch. I suppose he found that somewhat more important than building an elevator. "I did put a bit of effort into this floor." I reply with a laugh. I made it so that the fiber-optic lines terminate in large crystal clusters on the ceiling that illuminate the whole space. Aside from the clusters, the ceiling itself is probably the least impressive part of the room, being made up of simple white quartz to help spread the light around. The walls though are carved and ''painted'' with various nature scenes. I didn''t use my dyes on the stone, but different concentrations of the minerals present in the rocks and soil I''ve collected so far. The different sections are separated by half walls topped with thick quartz panes so you can see from one end to the other with just a glance. And, even these windows have art displayed inside of them. From simple falling leaves in some, to what could be mistaken as a transparent forest in others. Even the floor, which I kept somewhat subdued, is still filled with hexagonal pixel-art. Each section has a different theme and they all spill out to mix in the hallway. "So what do you think about the lights?" I ask after giving her a moment to take it all in. "Those glass threads I made are piping sunlight into the crystals from the roof. I''ll add some enchanted lights too, of course. But, I just didn''t want my people to feel like they were working in a cave." "They''re nice." She deadpans. "Seriously, Sorrel, I doubt anyone short of nobility in the capital have buildings this nice. And, you''re using it as a factory." "That''s a pity." I shake my head. "We should always strive to surround ourselves in beauty. And, honestly, I just spent the past two days with the most boring and repetitive tasks ever; I ''needed'' to make something nice." "Well, you certainly managed that." My enchanting master responds with a laugh. ... "So, I finally got around to inverting the runes to make the sound recorder that Lori wanted." I explain to Rozelle as she follows me around while I decorate the rest of the building. "And, then I got lonely and wanted to talk to Apricot and Amelia yesterday while I was working on the fire hydrants, so I put the speaker and microphone runes together to make a telephone." "Yes, I understood that." Ro says with a sigh. "I want to know about these roots of yours." "Those are a bit harder to explain since I was working mostly off of instinct, and basically just willed them to do what I wanted." I reply with a shrug. "But, plants can sort of communicate with each other through a symbiotic fungus. I took that basic idea and made it work with magic." That is a gross understatement, but it gets the idea across. "So, you made some new plants that can use mana?" She asks trying to understand. "Not really, they just let the signal flow through their roots." I correct her slight misunderstanding. "The problem was that the signal didn''t have enough mana to flow freely, so I had to find a way to increase the ambient mana in the roots. I was able to accomplish that via powdered mana stones and more nature magic trickery." "Powdered mana stone? Just in the soil?" She gets a pained look on her face. "Oh, it gets worse." I say with a laugh. "See, I then discovered that plants just leak mana like a sieve. And, those that don''t, start changing. -Which is fascinating and I can''t wait to dive into that process.- But, anyways, I found a few trees that leak more slowly, but that''s obviously not good enough. So, I went for the only material I know of that absorbs mana on its own." "No?!" She gasps when I materialize a small mana node from storage. "Now you see why I''d rather work with light or electricity." I nod solemnly. "If I add a small amount of powdered crystal to the soil around the roots, it can reabsorb any lost mana and provide it back to the roots in a never-ending loop. I still need to do a lot of testing and refinement, but I hope that Erick will let me run a few trees from here to the house."Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. "I know you can grow mana nodes at will, but... Nnh." The best she can express herself is through a whimper. "Yes, Apricot reacted much the same." I pat the enchanter on her arm. "Now, let me ask you a question. Did I go overboard with the honeycomb pattern? I really want the ground floor to make an impression, but I don''t want to overdo it." "Uh, wow!" She breathes out after finally taking in the changes that I''ve wrought while we were talking. I gave the above-ground parts more of an art deco feel to them, but heavy on the hexagons. The wainscoting on the lower part of that walls features the Hicks'' hexagon pattern from the carpet in The Shining. Only this version is just thin gold lines on shiny black stone. The top part of the walls features that iconic art deco feature of the overlapping fans set on a rich honey-colored wood. Only again, they''re hexagonal in shape, as is the floor pattern. I had thought to use the starweave pattern down here, but saved it for the weaving floor and went with repeating orthogonal cubes instead. The housing floor will get a more open basket-weave style just to keep that tri-axial look throughout. I did use square panels for the tall ceiling, though there are a lot of six-sided flowers embossed in them. They''re also made out of aluminum; I''m no architect, but I think tin was traditionally used for these types of panels. But, I don''t have any tin, so aluminum it is. "Forget sprucing up my shop." Rozelle laughs. "I''d be surprised if the Baron doesn''t ask you to overhaul his manor after seeing this." "So, it looks alright, then?" I try to see it with a stranger''s eyes, but I''m just not sure. "It''s amazing, Sorrel." One of my two favorite voices speaks up from behind us. "Baby, Sweetie, you''re back." I pull my girls into a tight hug. "I missed you. Did you find a good horse? And, you don''t think it''s too busy? I can remove the fish scale and give the wood a nice burl instead." "Hehehe." Amelia laughs in response to my rapid-fire questions. "We missed you too. Sort of. And, it''s fine. But, did you have to use gold? And, is that aluminum?" She adds after looking at the ceiling panels. "I didn''t have any brass or tin." I explain. "This will be easier for the cleaners anyways, they won''t have to polish the gold like they would brass. And, what do you mean ''sort of''?" "Uh-huh." She shakes her head at me. "And, the horse we got is named Brick because he''s about as smart as one." "But, Flicker loves him." Apricot interjects. "And, finding her a friend was the whole point of getting another horse in the first place." "That''s fine then; I''m sure that between the three of us we can find some way to train him. Now, come on." I tow all three of them to the stairs with a smile. "Aside from the lights, you two have already seen the basement, but I think you''ll like the second floor." The weaving floor is mostly empty space with just a small office for Felicia and some storerooms. The walls of these are covered in art nouveau style reliefs depicting all aspects of clothes making from the harvesting of materials on up. And, there are four large pillars spaced evenly about the floor. Each one is sculpted to look like a tree, with their canopies weaving together to become the ceiling. "Aww, they aren''t naked." Apricot pouts when she sees the sculptures. "Not those ones, no." I reply with a laugh. "But, I may have hidden a few nudes on each floor. You''ll just have to look for them. Here''s a hint, the tapestry that they''re weaving is probably the easiest one to spot." "Heheheh." Amelia chuckles. "She''s going to be combing every square centimeter of this building until she finds them all." "You really are a follower of Temmie, aren''t you?" Rozelle laughs. "I saw your gift to the Goddess, by the way. The new statue on her altar is beautiful." "Aww." Apricot coos. "You made her a new statue, why didn''t you tell us? Is it hot, I bet it''s hot." "It slipped my mind." I shrug. "I did it yesterday morning while Struhl was still following me around; it was funny seeing her speechless. And, of course, it''s hot, it''s Temmie. We can swing by and see it later; I wanted to go to Erick''s for lunch and talk to him about the trees for the telephone. You''re welcome to come too, Ro." I add to my master. "You''ll get to watch the funny faces Granville is going to make when I hand him a plate of our leftovers from the other night." "Hah. I''m not sure about teasing Granville, but yeah, I''ll come with." She smiles. "I still need to get my apprentice to do all that math for me, after all." "I was hoping you''d forget about that." I grumble and lead the way up to the third floor. The dormitory floor continues the art deco theme, only much more subtle than in the lobby. The walls have two parts again, with the wainscoting being much simpler this time. Just plain white painted wood with large panels, only the panels are elongated hexagons instead of the traditional rectangles. The top half is a simple light wood with a rich natural pattern to it, a pattern that happens to hide quite a few nude figures. The floor is a basket weave pattern and the ceiling a checkered triangle pattern with each triangle having smaller ones inside of it. I made ten small, fully-featured apartments, but there is also a small bunkhouse meant for anyone who just needs a place to sleep. And, a large central kitchen and break area meant for the whole company to use. "Oh, I am definitely having you give my place a makeover, Sorrel." Rozelle laughs again. "It''s lovely, Babe." Amelia puts her arm around my waist. "But, I think Apricot is going to go cross-eyed trying to spot everything you hid for her." "Shut up, I already found three." The pixie snaps back. "Mhm, you''ve missed more than that though." I counter and then we all laugh when she glares at me, her eyes glowing with magic. "Come on, let''s leave her to her search and go get Cyril and his people so I can see who is staying where and what they''ll need." I walk over to the elevator and will the doors open. "I thought you were still working on that." My enchanting master says dubiously as I beckon her and Amelia inside the lift. "I''m controlling it directly with magic for now." I explain. "I hope to have it working properly by the end of the day, even without Sinclair''s help. It''s hardly fair to ask Hughes or Gen to climb three flights of stairs right now." *** # 111 "Time to see your new apartments." I announce to the security team. "Those of you who chose to live here -like a certain stubborn old man- that is." I add with a laugh. "Do you really think any of them will turn it down once they see the place?" Ro asks with a wry smile. "Even I might have moved in if I didn''t know that I could get you to fix up my place for me." "Oh, I don''t know if I can." Gen is the first to speak up. "Mom is going to flip as it is when she sees me walking again; I''m not sure she''ll let me move out." "That''s alright; I don''t require any of you to live onsite." I respond with a smile. "And, I expect you to have lives outside the job." I add while looking Cyril straight in the eyes. "Oh, he''s got you pegged already, Cy." Stan slaps his friend on the back. "Now, come on, I''ve been dying to see inside this place." ""Me too!"" Toni and Fawne say at the same time and then start giggling. "Then let me welcome you to Apricot Industries'' world headquarters." I grin and open the doors for them with a flourish. Most of them stop just door to stare, but I can see Cyril and Stan looking everything over with a professional eye. "You all can explore at your leisure later; for now, let''s go straight to the apartments." "Uh..." Hughes hesitates when I gesture for everyone to enter a small room. "I know it''s a bit tight with all eight of us, but we should still all fit into the lift." I move it up and down a few centimeters so they get an idea of what it is for. "I have to control it manually for now, but I hope to have it working properly soon." "..." He looks between his new prosthetic, the stairs, and the elevator before shrugging and getting onboard. The others soon follow in his wake. Somehow I restrained myself here and didn''t add a single honeycomb to the entire lift. Instead, sticking with the more traditional bold shapes and curvilinear lines of the art deco style. "Eek." A small squeak escapes from Stan as the Elevator begins to rise. "Eek?" Gen raises an eyebrow at the older man and I have to bite back my laughter for the look Stan shoots him and everyone else that is now smiling at his little outburst. "Looks like someone just volunteered to climb some stairs as part of his rehabilitation." Cyril states, but he has the widest grin for his friend''s slip up. "Not a word." Stan warns my head of security. "Wouldn''t dream of it." Cyril''s smile grows even wider. "There you are." Apricot tows me out of the elevator as soon as the doors open. "There are thirteen on this side of the hallway and fifteen on the other." She states with absolute certainty in her eyes, right up until I grin that is. "At least that many, yes." I laugh and pull the poor little pixie in for a hug. "Do you want a hint?" "No!" She pauses for half a beat. "Yes... Dammit!" "Don''t worry, Sweetie." I stroke her hair before turning her around to face a section of the wall. "I''m not surprised you missed this one, it was a real pain to make. Now, just stare at this spot and lets your eyes go unfocused." "What the?" Everyone else has gathered around us, wondering what''s up, but Fawne is the first to spot the stereogram. "Is that? Oh, my." Gen is the next to spot it and he starts blushing furiously. Apricot starts getting red in the face too, but more from the frustration of not being able to see anything. "What is it? Oh!" Hughes asks before letting out an exclamation and a string of nervous giggles. Stan and Cyril are the next to get it, and Rozelle right after them; all three of them just roll their eyes though. "I''m sorry, Toni." I apologize when only she, Amelia and Apricot are left puzzling it out. "You won''t be able to see this one until after I fix your eye. But, I should be recovered enough to start working on it this afternoon." "What is it? I can''t see anything." My pixie whines. "Try focusing past the wall." I offer. "Or, just look at one spot and then move closer without changing your focus." "I got it." Amelia crows and then swats me on the arm for making everyone look at a floating naked woman hidden in plain sight. "Do it like this, sweetie." She transmits something over their bond and a big grin fills Apricot''s face a moment later.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "How on earth did you do that?" Gen runs his hand over the wall and then blushes even harder when he realizes what he just did. "It''s an old trick from back home." I explain. "And, let me tell you; it was not easy to recreate without the proper equipment. But, I just had to get one over on little miss magic eyes here." "I hate you." Apricot says with a grin. "Now, please tell me that there are more of them." "Hmm? Hard to say." I shrug. "I guess you''ll just have to keep looking, now won''t you." "Okay, I''m pretty sure I know what it is." Toni says with a roll of her eyes as Apricot and Gen spread out to check the walls. "But, did you really need to hide a dirty picture on the wall? You''re followers of Temmie, aren''t you?" She adds when I just grin. "I suppose that is one way to put it." Apricot and I crack up when the entire group jumps after the Goddess lets out a bark of laughter for my words. "Weren''t you going to show them the apartments, Sorrel?" Amelia says with a tired sigh. "Yes, dear." I smile at her and open the door of the nearest apartment. "I''m afraid they''re a little basic, and nothing but the plumbing is hooked up right now. But, I hope to take care of that this afternoon, and you''re welcome to decorate as you please." "He calls this basic?" Fawne gawps at the sparsely furnished studio apartment. I guess the tall wall of windows does stand out a bit, and the sleeping loft over the entrance is nice. But, honestly, I can''t see this as more than an above-average starter apartment. "I was expecting a shared barracks at best, but this..." "There is a bunk room if you prefer." I tease. "But, I only added that in case someone needed a bed for the night; I don''t expect it to get much use." "Then, you''re probably going to have to add another floor of apartments, Babe." Amelia says with a laugh. "I really can''t see anyone not wanting to stay here, if given the chance." "Yeah." Gen nods. "If it were just a little bigger, I could see my mom trying to move the whole family in." "What do your parents do for a living?" I ask, knowing that we''ll need more workers anyways. "Uh..." He gulps. "M-Mom''s a laundress, and Dad''s a dock-worker." "We happen to have positions open for a laundress and a warehouse worker." I say with a smile. "It won''t be a problem to add some family-sized apartments to the new floor." The floor that I''ve already started working on. "Say yes, Gen." Toni nudges him in the arm. "Y-y-yes?" He turns it into a question. "I... I need to talk to them. Oh, Mom is going to flip." "More than she will at seeing you walk again?" Hughes says in a teasing manner. "We were going to head up to the Baron''s for lunch." I announce. "Why don''t you go talk to them now and then bring them back after lunch so they can speak with me? The rest of you can pick out whichever apartment you like; they all have the same design. Or, wait until I finish with the next floor to choose one there. Unless, of course, you''d all prefer the bunk room?" "You heard the man." Hughes laughs and leads the charge to pick out a room, his new prosthetic not slowing him down in the least. "Do you think two floors of apartments will be enough for now?" I ask Amelia. "And, should I add a daycare center for families with young children? And, why did I ever think that starting a business would make less work for me?" "Yes to the daycare." Apricot says right away. "I want to play with all the kids." "Two floors should do for now." Amelia nods with a smile for Apricot''s enthusiasm. "But, maybe set aside a couple of nice spots for Melanie and Felicia. And, I''m sure that things will settle down soon. You''re having an easier time of it than Daddy did when he opened the warehouse. And, thank you. I know that you''re mostly doing all of this just for me." "Maybe a little." I pull her in for a kiss, ignoring the embarrassed enchanter still in the room with us. "But, a good part of it is just me being lazy. I want access to the rubber, and the silk, and whatnot, but I just don''t want to do everything myself." "Hah!" Rozelle barks out a laugh. "I''ve read plenty of stories about people changing the world for love. Never for laziness though. And, speaking of. Don''t you think it''s about time you got started on the math for all of the enchantments you ordered? I want to get them out of the way so I can focus on that gift you volunteered me for." "What''s this?" Amelia asks as I lead the way upstairs to add the finishing touches. "It must not be for one of us, or she wouldn''t have said anything." "Oh, it''s just a little idea that came to mind when my shameless master here was trying to wheedle a wrist-mounted clock out of me." I laugh at the embarrassed look that appears on Rozelle''s face. "Sinclair was here earlier and I was showing him the watches I want to make for the three of us." "And, why don''t you tell them who it''s for, you cheeky apprentice?" Ro growls back at me. "Oh, just the Queen." I say nonchalantly. "We''re heading to the Capital soon, and it''s more than likely that we''ll get pulled into seeing her. Jewelry is always a good gift, so I told Sinclair to team up with a jeweler for the band while he and my, caring, understanding master work on the internals." "Is she cute?" Apricot asks the important questions. "Just the Queen?!?" Amelia smacks me on the arm again. "And, don''t make me have to add ''no flirting with royalty'' as a rule." She adds for the pixie''s sake. "I think that was a yes." I say in a stage whisper to Apricot. "And, let me see the work; I''m just about done here, so I might as well get started on it." This floor is almost identical to the last, aside from the floor. Which is another tri-axial weave pattern, this one resembles large cubes with smaller cubes stacked on top of them. The layout of the apartments is different too. There is no common space on this floor; I used that space for the larger apartments instead. Two extra-large ones for our managers, four family-sized spaces, and the rest are studio apartments like below. "I''m glad I made some extra glass earlier." I open the door into one of the managerial apartments. It''s a two-story space, thanks to the irregular roofline of the building. It''s not fully furnished yet, but even the placeholder stuff is a step above what''s in the other apartments. "And, that I left plenty of slack in the fiber optic lines." "Here." Rozelle shoves a stack of papers into my hands. "And, you are definitely working on my place after this." "As your loyal apprentice, I''d be honored to do anything my master requires of me." I flash a courtly bow in her direction. "And, don''t bother hunting for hidden images, Apricot. I''m going to wait until you''re distracted to add them to this floor." She''s been watching my magic like a hawk as I put this floor together. "No fair!" She pouts. *** # 112 "Sweetie, I''m sure that Temmie appreciates that." I say as Apricot does her best to polish an already shining statue. "But, I''m also sure the priests are doing an excellent job keeping her well polished." I see the nearest one start to blush when I say that, and then turn beet-red when the Goddess herself giggles. "I''m just doing what any follower of hers would." The pixie shoots back, completely shameless. "Yes, well, you can do your duty to the Goddess when we get home." I pull the silly little thing down off of the statue. "I''ve nearly finished with our personal altar, and we''re all pixie-sized, just for you. That and we''re going to be late for lunch if you keep playing with her." "That''s playing dirty, and you know it." Apricot glares at me before apologizing to Temmie for abandoning her duties. "Are you two done fooling around yet?" Amelia says with a roll of her eyes. "Never!" I reply with a smirk. "But, we can head to Erick''s now." ... "Sorrel, Amelia, Apricot, Guild Master." The Baron greets us with a wide smile. "What a pleasant surprise. What brings you all here today? I thought you would bee busy working on your little hive." He adds with a laugh. His whole family is here for lunch too, aside from Caleb, of course. His eldest daughter, Lori, beckons Rozelle over, likely to talk about the music players. Catrina does the same with Amelia, but to talk about clothes instead. Their mother, Lanie, just smiles fondly and shakes her head at their exuberance. "Oh, there''s still plenty to do." I sigh for all the work still ahead of me. "But, I needed a bit of a break, and I had to talk to you about something anyway. And, this gives me a chance to trade some more leftovers with your chef in exchange for another excellent meal." "Hahahaha!" Erick cracks up laughing at the face Granville pulls. "You''re the one who picked him as a rival, Gran; you can hardly fault him for playing along. Now, what brings you here today? I know it''s not the blight; I just got a report that it has been nearly eradicated. The plans for your celebration are coming along well too." "Yay." I deadpan. I''ve been keeping an eye on the northern fields during my runs, but it''s still good to hear that there haven''t been any issues elsewhere. Even if my tone of voice says differently right now. "No, I''ve just started working on a communication device. But, the details can wait until after this lovely meal. Thank you, Granville. And, here you go, a small selection of *Asian* cuisine." Apricot snatches up some edamame before I can hand the platter over. "Oh boy, he''s got that look on his face again." Reinholt says, earning a titter from his wife, Dulcette, which their daughter, Rebecca, copies. "I must say, I am enjoying this rivalry; we always eat well, but it''s been years since Gran pulled out all the stops." "Yes." Elise and her wife, Glynda, both nod. Glynda''s daughter, Annette, just barely twitches a smile. I think she''s still a bit embarrassed about coming on to me that one time, and certainly wasn''t expecting me to show up for lunch. "You should have seen the feast he put on after the healing fair and the way he looked when you weren''t there to eat it." "Sorry, man." I offer him an apologetic look. "That was one long day and I just couldn''t wait to get home." "Mhm." He nods with a grunt, but most of his attention is on the food I presented to him. "Explain... please." I have to fight not to laugh at that pained addition. "Well, I suppose we should start with fermented soybeans -here''s a starter, by the way- those, along with five-spice powder, form the cornerstones of this style of cooking..." I go on to explain about the dishes and what substitutions I had to make. Seymour, the baron''s gardener, perked up at the talk of exotic plants. "...I''m still hoping to find the missing ingredients when we head to the Capital, but I think everything turned out alright despite the substitutions." "..." "I think you might have broken him." Apricot says with a laugh and steals some more edamame. "I''ve never even heard of dishes like these." The chef finally admits with a sigh. "I both love and hate you for showing it to me." "I''ve been getting that a lot today." I chuckle when Ro gives me the stink-eye. "I''m sure that a professional chef can do a lot more with this stuff than I ever could though. I might be a somewhat skilled amateur, but I''m still an amateur." "True." He nods, coming back to himself. "Some of your substitutions could have been a bit better..." We talk flavor profiles and complementary spices for the rest of the meal. ... "Now that Gran is satisfied." Erick says with a laugh after lunch. "What''s this about a communication device? Did you find some way to improve the far-speakers?"If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "Paired wind-whisper enchantments." Rozelle provides when I look at her questioningly. "Their range is horrible though, and they''re very reliant on clear weather." "Huh? They sound like the walkie-talkies I used to play with as a kid." I smile at the fond memory. "But, no. This is a little different." I step away from the table to materialize the long pot with the prototype telephone. "Testing, testing." I whisper into one end and my voice comes out of the other. "What did you do?" Seymour starts plumbing the plants with his magic. "Found a creative solution to a problem." I shrug. "I''m not even sure what all I did magic-wise; I was letting my instincts guide me for most of it. But, I found a way to transmit a mana signal over the roots and their symbiotic fungus. I was hoping to get permission to run a line of trees between the farm and the hive, so I can do some long-distance testing." "Granted." Erick says immediately. "How far do you think this can reach?" "I have absolutely no idea." I say honestly. "But, if you need long-distance communication, I do have something that might work. Just, uh, give me a moment." I dig out my enchanting gear and quickly work out the runes and math for a high-voltage spark. Only to have it explode when I try to enchant it. "Let me." Rozelle takes my designs and quickly makes a working product. "Thank you, Master." She just rolls her eyes at me. "Now, I just need some copper wire... uh, Babe, do we have any more small change? I can just use silver or gold instead, if not." I say when I find only a single copper in storage. "Here." Erick tosses me a pouch filled with them. I melt a handful of coins down and draw the metal out into a thin wire that gets coated in rubber before being spooled up on a large spindle. One end of the wire gets attached to the enchantment and the other wrapped in a tight coil around an iron nail to form an electromagnet. *dit* "Stupid spring." I grumble and fix my faulty workmanship. *dit dit dit dah dah dah dit dit dit* "Sorry, I don''t know any more of the code used than that emergency signal, but it wouldn''t really work in Varecian anyways. I''m sure you and the Colonel can figure out a working tap code though." "How?" Rozelle is the first to ask, but I can see most of them were about to. "Electricity and magnetism are linked." I say with a shrug, just about at the limit of my knowledge for this subject. "If you make one, you make the other. Wrapping the wire around the nail just concentrates it, or something. I dunno how it all works; I was studying plants, after all. But, running electricity through the wire wrapped around the nail turns it into a magnet." "Could this be used to reach the capital?" There''s a real light in his eyes now. "I... think so." There are a thousand kilometers between here and there, so I''m not sure. I''m not even sure if fiber optics would work over that distance. "You''re going to need a lot more copper to find out though. And... I just signed myself up for even more work, didn''t I?" I add with a sigh. "That looks like a yes to me, Babe." Amelia laughs at my pain. "If it''s not too much to ask." Erick says somewhat sheepishly. "But, I''m not sure where I''m going to get that much copper from." "Oh, don''t worry about that." I wave his concerns away. "Aluminum is a decent enough conductor and I can get as much as I need of that; probably already have more than enough. Theft might be an issue if it''s run on poles though, at least until Rozelle and I can work out the runes for my furnace idea. I suppose we can just bury it underground, but then it will have to be insulated, and I have no idea how the rubber would hold up over time... Oh, sorry. I slipped into puzzle mode, there." I apologize when I look up to see everyone staring at me. "Pretty sure they''re staring because of the whole ''enough aluminum to reach the Capital'' statement." Amelia informs me with a wry smile on her face. "I know it''s as common as dirt for you, but not everyone has caught up to that way of thinking yet." "Ahh." I just nod, not sure what else to say. "I''d heard about your foundry spell from Edsel." Erick admits. "But, I suppose there is a slight difference between hearing about it second hand, and having you casually state that you have that much precious metal." "It''s not precious; it''s just hard to smelt." I counter. "You can get somewhere around a hundred kilos for every tonne of granite you process, and even common soil has a decent amount in it." "And, I have to live with him." Amelia jokes when the baron develops a tick under one eye. "Hah!" The laughter erupts out of him. "I should be used to dealing with powerful mages by now, but you do have a tendency to keep surprising me, Sorrel." "Mhm. I know up here." I tap my forehead. "That aluminum is valuable around here, but less than a month ago I was using aluminum foil to wrap up leftovers. It''s a little hard to get past that mentality, especially when I can get as much as I want from nothing more than dirt and water." "You lunkers and your money." Apricot shakes her head at the lot of us. "Says the woman who can survive off of nothing but mana." I say with a laugh and toss her a mana stone sucker. "Not nothing." She sticks her tongue out at me before popping the magical lollipop into her mouth. "I need sex too." That shatters the small amount of tension built up in the room and soon everyone is laughing. "And, with that, we should probably get going." I announce. "This busy little bee still has a hive to work on after all. Careful not to zap yourself on the telegraph, it should be safe, but I doubt it would feel very pleasant. And, I''ll try to work on the long-distance test as soon as I can. But, a thousand kilometers is a pretty big pie, no matter how you slice it." "Take your time." Erick says in an amused tone while playing with his new toy. "I need to show this to Hollen. Thank you once again for an amazing new invention; it may not be chocolate, but this might be almost as good." "You''re welcome." I offer the man a bow. "I understand that communication must be a vital need for a city as isolated as Riverton. I like this place, and I''m happy to help out where I can. Are you with us, Ro?" I ask when my girls and I get up to leave. "No." She shakes her head with a smile. "If you''ll remember, some crazy mage has me enchanting a bunch of stuff for his new building. That and I think I have a lot of research to do." She adds while staring at the clacking telegraph. "If it helps." I offer. "You can blame the Fire Chief; she''s the reason I got lonely while working on the pipes yesterday and started thinking up ways to talk to my girls. Of course, now I''m probably just going to use it so that I don''t have to go into the office. So, I should probably thank her for that." *** # 113 Tess, the woman with Chimerism, is waiting outside the building when we get back. She is also very inebriated and quite angry at me. "I fucking hate you!" She shouts in a loud slur as soon as she spots me. "You ruined my life." Cyril and his team rush forward to deal with her but I wave them off. "I''m sorry, Sir, she just showed up." Cyril apologizes with a deep bow. "She was just staring at the building like everyone else has been." There have been a large string of lookie-loos throughout the day, so I don''t blame them for not noticing one person amongst the crowd. "It''s alright. I know her." I turn to the woman who is trying to glare at me, at least she would be if her eyes didn''t keep going out of focus. "Tess, I going to sober you up so we can talk." "No! I hate you." When she opens her mouth I flick a bead of healing sap inside and use it to bypass her extra-strong interference, so I can clear the alcohol out of her blood. "Damn you, I don''t want to be sober." "And, I don''t want to deal with a drunk." I say and head inside beckoning for her to follow. "Look, Tess, I''m sorry for the way I explained things; I shouldn''t have used the terms sister or twin to describe your condition. I am not a professional healer, and seeing in-person something that I''d only ever read about threw off my already poor bedside manner." "I don''t want your fucking apology." She spits at me, literally. "Then what do you want?" I turn to face her with a sigh once we get inside, cleansing her spittle away with a thought. "I told you before that you are the same person that you have always been. I can''t change your fate any more than I can go back to explain things in a way that didn''t upset you." "Arrrgh!" She lets out a shout and starts pummeling my chest, making me have to wave Cyril off again. "Damn you! Why did you have to be there that day? Why did I have to see you? Couldn''t you have just healed me without opening your fucking mouth!?!" "I wish I had." I say while enduring her blows. "I could have handled that a lot better, and while I can''t change the past. I can make amends going forward. If you''ll let me, I promise to help you get through this. Whatever it takes." "Can you..." She trails off, still thumping my chest lightly as though she can''t stop herself. "Everyone is saying how powerful you are... So, can''t you..." She can''t quite bring herself to say it, but I know what she wants to ask. "Even if I could. Which I can''t." I lift her chin to stare her straight in the eyes. "It would just be an empty shell. You don''t actually have a twin, so there would be no mind, no soul to inhabit the body." "There has to be something I can do for her though." The poor confused woman sags in place and I have to materialize a chair for her to sit in before she collapses. "I stole her very chance at life." "Do you think that maybe she sacrificed herself to let you live? Maybe the only way for either of you to survive was for your cells to come together and form a single whole body." I''m talking out my ass here, but sometimes people just need a pleasant story they can tell themselves. "If you want to do something for her, then live. Honor that sacrifice." "I hate you." She smacks me again as I kneel down next to her. "I know that you''re just bullshitting me." She sniffs but does start looking a little better. "Maybe I am, maybe I''m not." I counter. "There have only ever been a handful of Chimeric individuals ever discovered, so no one actually knows what causes it. Certainly not me; I''m just some idiot with a few skills in nature magic." "Well, you got the idiot part right, at least." Tess huffs and finally stops hitting me. "He is one, isn''t he?" Amelia grinds her knuckles into the top of my head. "Making a girl cry; what were you thinking? I''m Amelia, by the way, and I''m sorry about Sorrel. He tends to get a little carried away when he discovers something he finds interesting." "Sorry, Babe. Sorry, Tess." Tess snorts when I duck my head meekly. "It''s not your fault." She says to Amelia. "I''ve never met a man who isn''t an idiot in one way or another. And, I''m sorry for coming here like this; I... well, I haven''t exactly been sober since I found out. I just couldn''t deal with any of it. And, I''m blaming you for that too." Tess points an accusing finger at me. " ''Here''s some life-changing news, have a drink.'' " "You didn''t? Sorrel, you jackass!" Amelia smacks me on the arm, hard. "Come on, Tess, let''s get you cleaned up. And, get some real food in you." She adds when the girl''s stomach complains, loudly.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. "Okay." Tess nods and lets Amelia and Apricot tow her off to our office and its private bathroom. "Gods, what is this place?" I hear her breathe out once she finally becomes aware of her surroundings. "And, here I thought he had just gotten her pregnant or something." Toni says, a bit louder than I think she meant to, once my girls and Tess are out of sight. This draws a short round of nervous laughter from the guards. "If only it were that simple." I shake my head with a sigh. "The poor girl started out as twins that somehow fused together in the womb. And, I made a complete mess out of explaining that when she came to the healing fair. It was just a curiosity I''d read about before, I never expected to run into someone with the condition." "I have a feeling that working for you is going to be very interesting." Hughes says with a laugh that the others soon join in on. "Let''s hope not." I sigh. "So, where''s Gen? Did his family rush him off to celebrate right away?" "Oh, his mom is probably still crying." Toni replies with a smile. "She broke down as soon as she saw him walking and kept it up until I snuck away. I''m sure they will come by once she finally gets a hold of herself." "That''s fine." I return her smile. "Now, I should probably get back to work; I have enough of it." I add with a sigh. "Speaking of." The girls walk back out with Tess. "Tess her said that she may have gotten into a shouting match with her old boss yesterday." Amelia says with a disapproving frown for me. "So, meet our new receptionist." "Welcome aboard." I''m fine with hiring Tess as it will give me a chance to keep an eye on her, and we needed a receptionist anyways. "I was planning to turn part of the warehouse in the back into the daycare center and then maybe do a bit of gardening. And, I know it''s probably a bit late to say this, but we should probably look into acquiring the neighboring lots." "Heh!" A smug smile slips onto her lips. "I already bought the lots directly behind and to the right of us in a square. They just need a few more days to move everything." "You''re the best merchant ever." I chortle just thinking about what those poor people must have thought watching this building go up. "Now, I can put in a playground for the kids, a training gym for Cyril''s team, and still have a garden area for our people to just relax in." "Is he always like this?" Tess doesn''t even bother to lower her voice when asking that of Amelia. "I like to make stuff." I reply. "The past couple of days have been rather tedious; it''s nice to use my magic for something creative. Now, what sort of theme should the daycare have? I''m torn between enchanted forest and an undersea playroom." "We already know you can do plants." Apricot snorts. "I want to see the sea." "Alright, I can carry that theme out to the playground too." I nod, already thinking up designs. "I''ll make a bunch of oversized seashells and stick them together into a castle surrounded by a seashell village for the kids to climb over and play in." As for the inside of the daycare, I start by painting the ceiling to give it that dappled sunlight seen through the waves look. I plan to play around with enchantments and fiber-optics to make it look even more realistic, but that will have to wait. The walls go from light to dark in gradient with several golden shafts of sunlight raining down on a tropical coral reef on most of the room. One corner of the room though has a tall kelp forest soaking up the sunlight. In this corner, I build a shipwreck to serve as a nursery/nap room. For the floor, I make a thick, sand-colored carpet. The furniture is all sea-themed too, with small chairs and tables made to resemble everything from shells, and fish, to coral fans, sea stars, jellies, seahorses, and everything else I could think of. Including one large table made from solid quartz to look like waves crashing together. A whole host of toys comes next, mostly plush tropical fish. These all need someplace to live, of course. So, I make and hang several large hammocks meant just for toy storage. Though, I''m sure the kids will play in them too. "Now I think I''m ready to tackle that elevator." I say with an approving nod for the decor. "So..." Stan draws the word out. "You were holding back with the apartments, just a bit." "Man, now I want to have kids just so I bring them here." Fawne laughs while squeezing a plush shark. "Oh, we''re going to need a policy for maternity leaves." And probably a million other things too. "I don''t suppose Larendath already has guidelines?" "Nothing official." Amelia answers. "Most women just tend to quit until the baby is old enough. Some employers will give them time off, but it all depends." "Well, that''s not good enough." I shake my head with a disappointed sigh. "How does twenty weeks at half pay sound? I think that was pretty standard back home. Oh, we really a general manager for all this policy stuff. You''ve got to talk to your friends again, I''d like to have someone we already know and trust in the position." "It sounds like we''re going to have a lot of pregnant women working for us." Amelia laughs. "Mhm." I frown "Let''s say they have to work for us for at least that long before it goes into effect. That should lessen the chance of someone abusing the system. I don''t suppose paid time off is a thing around here, is it? Oh, well, it is now. People will always come before profits, as much as that might pain your cute little merchant heart." I tease. "Oh, shut up." She smacks me on the arm. "Okay, I still don''t like you." Tess announces. "But, I like you a hell of a lot more than my last boss. I don''t suppose any more of those apartments they mentioned are available." "Upstairs." I point straight up. "Just make sure it hasn''t already been claimed. They still need a bit of work, but I''m hoping to get most of that done today. Now, I don''t suppose anyone here knows how to build a lift, do they?" I ask, already knowing the answer. "Worked with gears and pulleys? No? Nothing?" "Sorry boss." Toni laughs. "We''re more of the hit stuff until it stops working type of people." "Oh, well." I sigh again. "I''ll figure something out." *** # 114 "I really hate machines!" I whine out a few minutes later after the guards and Tess went off to explore the building. "Maybe I could figure out how to enchant a teleporter instead, that has to be easier than this." "Hehehehe." Apricot giggles at my frustration while swimming in a sea of plush toys. "I know that you''re worried about Hughes." Amelia starts rubbing my shoulders. "But I saw him tackling the stairs just fine with that new leg you built. I think he''ll understand if you can''t get it working today." "Mhm." I grumble. "He might understand, but I wouldn''t. I should be able to do this, I''m mostly just reusing stuff that Sinclair already built for me. I''m only having a little trouble making the mechanism reverse direction reliably." "Well, maybe if you hadn''t sent him off to make a gift for the Queen." She says in an exasperated tone. "The idea just came to me." I reply with a shrug. "Blame Rozelle, she''s the one who made me think of it in the first place. And, screw this; I''ll just use two motors, one for up, and one for down." "Hah." Amelia pats me on my frustrated head. "It''s a good idea for a gift, by the way. And, you''re right about getting a meeting with Her Majesty sooner rather than later. Especially after that clacker you made at lunch." "Nng. Thanks for reminding me about that." I grumble and sink into the massage she''s giving me. "I need to learn to just keep my mouth shut. It shouldn''t be too hard but, ugh, I just want to be lazy for a few days. Stay in bed reading all day like a certain blonde I know." "I''m not sure you know how to be lazy, Sorrel." Apricot interjects with a laugh. "You''re always doing something, usually one of us." "Nnh, not often enough." I grin back at her. "Want to go fool around in the office? We can each take turns pretending to be the innocent worker getting taken advantage of by their boss. I made sure the room was extra sound-proof, and there''s even a fold-down bed." Apricot was convinced at ''Want to'' so, I''m saying all of this for Amelia''s sake. "Well, I think I need to see you in my office, young man." Amelia leers down at me. "We have to have a serious talk about your future in this company, and your position under me." ... "There you are." Gen says when he catches me walking towards the elevator afterward; the girls decided to go back to the daycare so Apricot could play with the toys some more. "I was afraid you had left already." "Sorry, there are just a lot of things that need doing around here." I reply with a satisfied smile and can sense Temmie''s amusement. "This must be your family. It''s a pleasure to meet you all." It looks like they brought the whole brood out; Gen looks to be the oldest of five siblings of varying ages, and aside from him, they''re all girls too. The oldest looks to be about sixteen, and the youngest around eight. And, given the gap in ages, there''s probably at least one more sibling that doesn''t live at home anymore. "It''s an honor, Sir." Gen''s father bows to me. "I''m called Shea, and this is my wife, Arlene. The girls are Christy, Mira, Robin, and Jolie." He names them in descending order of age. "..." Arlene goes to speak but just tears up instead. "Oh, Ma." Gen lets out an exasperated sigh. "I thought you got all of this out of you before we left." "Go easy on her, Son." His dad pulls her into a hug with a loving smile. "It''s not every day that someone''s biggest wish comes true. Thank you, Sir, for giving my son his legs back, and for giving us this opportunity." The man bows deeply in my direction, all the girls curtsying a moment later. "Oh, I''m never going to get used to stuff like this." I breathe low enough that only Apricot can hear me. "Taking care of my employee''s health is the least I can do." I say plainly and then change the subject. "Has Gen showed you all to the apartment yet? I was just about to head upstairs to work on the lift anyways." "You guys have to see this thing." Gen eagerly heads towards the elevator. "Mister Sorrel has made a room that moves up and down the floors so we don''t have to take the stairs." "It''s not completed just yet, like much of the building''s infrastructure." I add with a laugh. "So, you''ll have to wait a day or two before you can use it on your own." "Is this like the cranes at the dock?" Gen''s dad asks after we all pile in and the floor starts moving. "Same principle." I nod. "But, with a machine powered by a mini-waterwheel to move the ropes. At least there will be once I get it working."A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. I need to work on a better power supply, at least for the elevator. The turbines are great at ground level, but not so much at the top of an elevator shaft. It''s not like I could just run a driveshaft up the entire building. So, I had to run an extra-long pipe up river just to have enough pressure for the elevator mechanism to work. "Any chance I could see it?" He asks. "I just move the crates around, but I''ve always been a little interested in how they work." "Sure." I nod. "But, let''s show you the apartment first." I open the elevator doors by hand, another thing I still need to work on, and lead the way. "It''s a bit sparse right now because I thought everyone would like to decorate for themselves. But, if there''s anything you need, just ask. Oh, and only the plumbing works right now, but I hope to have all the lights enchanted by tonight, tomorrow at the latest." "This... this is too much." His mom breaks down again. "I thought Gen was exaggerating... we can''t accept this, not after what you''ve already done." "It''s not a gift; I will be charging rent." Amelia and I already talked all of this over and, while the housing is of better quality than what''s available, I just didn''t feel comfortable charging my employees more than what a similarly sized space would cost in the city. "For the big apartment, this would work out to roughly two-thirds of either of your salaries, which will be only slightly higher than what you''re getting paid now." "That seems fair." Shea speaks up before his wife can deny me again. "More than." I chuckle when Arlene bites the hand he used to shush her. "But, I want my people to be happy." I know how many times mom worried about making ends meet; I don''t want anyone who works for me to ever go through that. "Speaking of, I assume your daughters work with you, yes?. Well, I won''t be hiring anyone younger than the eldest. But, there is a daycare and will soon be common areas to keep the others occupied. I will likely start a school too, but that is going to take a while to set up." "Does this mean that I can get a place of my own if I wanted?" The eldest girl asks hopefully. "I have no objections, but I believe that is a question for your parents." I try not to laugh when she shrinks down under the glare her mom shoots her. "No one has taken the next-door apartment yet; that would give her the space she needs while still keeping her close to you... I''ll just mark it as reserved until you make up your mind, then." I add when the woman turns her glare on me. "Any chance I could see this lifting mechanism?" Shea can see the fight brewing between his wife and teenage daughter and wisely decides to escape. "Please." He, gen, and I beat a hasty retreat while the younger girls just roll their eyes and go to explore the apartment. "If they''re anything like my mom and little sister, we''re going to be glad I put so much effort into soundproofing." "Mom has been reluctant to let any of us go since after what happened to me." Gen confesses. "It got so bad that my brother just snuck out one night to join a caravan." "That was not a fun time." His dad sighs and then startles when I open the elevator door to reveal its top rather than the insides. "Oh my. I was not expecting that." "Which is why the doors are normally sealed unless the carriage is present." That was one of the first things I worked on in regards to the lift. "There are stairs up to the spot the mechanism will live, but I thought you''d enjoy seeing this." I step on top of the car and wait for them to join me. "We''ll have to take the ladder for the last few feet, but this is still easier than taking the stairs." "It really is just a pulley system." Shea marvels as we start moving. "Yes, and you can''t see it right now because it''s below us, but the ropes are attached to a counterweight." I trace the path of the cables up and over the drum to where they descend again behind the car. "The weight is just slightly heavier than the car itself so the average trip balances out. "And, it all moves when you turn this drum?" Gen asks after we step up into the motor room. "Yep." I send the car down, bringing the counterweight up. "And, it doesn''t take much effort either. Honestly, I could probably just add a large wheel to the drum and hire a beastkin or two. But, I have the water turbine already, no reason not to let it do all the hard work while the operator will just need to push or pull some levers. Hopefully from inside the car once I get the remote enchantments working." "Can I ask why you have so many ropes?" Gen ventures. "Each of these cords looks more than strong enough to hold everything up on its own." "They are, and then some." I agree. "But, having only a single point of failure is beyond unacceptable when lives might be on the line. I still need to get the emergency brakes working, both up here and on the carriage itself. But, I didn''t want to force you and Hughes to walk up all those stairs, so I''m just going to have to keep a careful eye on things with my magic until my machinist finishes up with the other project I accidentally assigned him." "That''s old Sinclair, right?" He asks. "I recognized him from when I used to visit dad at work." "Didn''t he quit to become a clockmaker?" Shea asks. "Yes, but I heard about him from one of my running partners, and got his help to make these turbines." I bring the two motors out and start hooking everything up. "He doesn''t exactly work for me, but I''m leasing him a space on the ground floor in exchange for his technical help. Machines really aren''t my thing." I say while connecting mirrored turbines to the drum that moves the elevator. These turbines have been geared down and have the same activation lever as the rubber mixer. The levers are connected to each other too so that only one motor can be active at a time. I pull that lever and, amazingly, it works as expected. "And, before you say anything this is all stuff that Sinclair designed." I say to their amused expressions. "I''m just repurposing it. Hmm, I''ll need to add a shut-off for when it gets too high. Or, rather, Sinclair will; I couldn''t even figure out a simple reverse for the motor, so I just installed two instead, one for each direction." "Whatever you say, Mister Sorrel." Gen and his father just grin at me. "Uh-huh." I just shake my head. "Well, it looks like the row between Arlene and Christy has settled down, at least for now. Shall we head back down? Oh, sorry. You''re gonna have to go without me, something just came up." I hop on the maintenance ladder and slide all the way down to the ground floor. *** # 115 "Leaving so soon?" I ask a certain Chimeric individual who was just about to walk out the front door; I''ve been keeping an eye on her as she explores the building and just got the distinct feeling that she was about to go get drunk again. "Is that alright with you?" Tess snaps back. "You are your own woman, Tess; you can do whatever you want." I raise my hands in appeasement. "I just want to make sure that you''re going to be okay. Do you have anyone to stay with you tonight? The guards and even Gen''s family were planning to move in tonight, so I was going to cook for everyone and will probably stay here tonight to keep working on everything." "I don''t need a nanny." She grumbles and turns away. "No, but everyone could use some good company sometimes." I say to her retreating form. "We''ll be here if you change your mind. Stay safe out there." ... "Do you think she''ll be alright?" Amelia asks after I went to check up on her and Apricot, and tell them about Tess. "I hope so." I say with a sigh and a shrug. "All I can do is keep trying to help and hope that she''ll let me. Does the temple offer counseling services, or is there an organization that does? Maybe I should ask Cyril; Tess is dealing with a lot of survivor''s guilt right now. So, if anyone would know who to talk to about that, he might." "That''s a good idea." She pulls me into a hug. "And, the priests are always there to talk; it''s up to Tess if she wants to speak with them though." "I know, I know." I squeeze her back. "I just really fucked up with her, and want to make it better. But, it will be what it will be. Mhm, it looks like Melanie and Felicia are here. Want to go say hi, or are you gonna stay here and watch this one swim in a sea of plush?" "Hey, pixies don''t have stuffed animals." Apricot''s voice comes from somewhere in the pile. "So, I''d be doing my race a disservice if I didn''t play with them." "Uh-huh." I roll my eyes before reaching into the pile to pull a grinning pixie out so I can kiss her. "I''ll add a bunch to the bedroom when we get home, whenever that is." "You want to stay over to keep working?" Amelia asks after getting her own kiss from Apricot. "Yes, well." I look at her and lick my lips as we walk out front to greet our managers and their guests. "There''s still a lot that needs doing around here." "Hehehehe." She breaks into giggles. ... "Well, I suppose this is a step up from the workshop in your yard." Melanie says with dry humor when we catch her staring around the lobby. "I didn''t see any of this on the model yesterday." "And, I thought I said hire one or two alchemists, not the whole guild." I tease her stunned entourage. "Heh." Delainey, the guild master chuckles. "She only poached Eliot and a few workers. Just, uh, consider this an inspection; have to make sure that everything is up to standards, of course." He says with a shit-eating grin. "Of course." I grin right back at him before turning to my weaver. "Felicia, I haven''t had a chance to build any of the looms yet, but you and your crew are welcome to look around or join the tour I''m about to give." "Thank you." She nods. "But, we''ll just go take a look around, if that''s alright." "That''s fine." I smile back. "Oh, and I hired a laundress; she and her daughter will be working on your floor, if that''s alright." "That''s perfect." She bobs her head again. "I was going to recommend that we hire one anyway, and there will be more than enough room on the floor." "Alright then." I clap my hands together. "There''s too many of us for the lift, so we''ll have to take the stairs. And, that''s a lift." I add before anyone can ask. Pointing to the elevator, its doors open just in time to see the car come into view. "Everyone else, take the stairs." Delainey commands with a wide grin. "We''ll meet you down there. Come on, Lemmy, I know you hate steps as much as I do." He tows his friend into the car; all of the alchemists either roll their eyes or shoot him a tiny glare. "Well, you heard the man." I usher Melanie, her apprentice, Catherine, Eliot, and Amelia onto the lift after the old men.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. "Oh, what I wouldn''t give for one of these at my place." Lemmy sighs when the elevator starts moving down. "I''ve spent more than one night down in the shop when I was just too tired to make the trek up to bed." "Oh, I''d offer but I have too much work as it is." I say and give him a cursory healing scan. "I can fix that problem with your hip though. Why didn''t you stop by during the fair?" "Oh, it''s been like that forever now." He waves it off. "I hardly even notice anymore." "Shut up and say yes, Lemmy." Delainey berates his friend. "If only so I don''t have to hear you complaining about it again. Oh, my!" Everyone''s eyes go wide when the lift doors open. "Just wait until everything is installed." I say, leading the way into the floor. "I plan to build everything I can with as much of an eye towards form as function. If I didn''t, this whole place would just be a big box." "Are you sure you''re not hiring more alchemists?" Lemmy says in awe and even Delainey looks more than a little envious of Melanie and Elliot. "Maybe if we expand in the future." I answer for Melanie who became a little overwhelmed at seeing her new domain. "Now, take a seat so I can fix you up." I point him to a chair the just popped into existence. Lemmy looks about to refuse again when Delainey pushes him into the chair. "This isn''t necessary." The old man grumps. "I can get around just fine." "Do you really want to live with pain, though?" I counter while already working on him. "And... done. You don''t seem to have any other issues worth noting, but I recommend that you try to get out and move around more now that it''s easier to do so." "You... you did more than just work on my hip." The man accuses after standing up with far less effort than expected. "Mhm." I shrug. "I did what I could for your joints and muscles without using my healing sap, which is already promised to one of my guards for today. Now, come on. Melanie looks like she''s dying to check out her new lab." "Oh, go on, girl." Delainey waves her ahead. "No need to wait for us old men." That''s all it takes for her to speed ahead. "Th-thank you." Lemmy takes my hand after the younger alchemist goes on ahead. "I haven''t felt this good in years." "You''re welcome." I smile back at the older man. "But, you really should have stopped by during the fair. I already owe you for the leavener and would have been happy to take care of you then." "See, old friend." Delainey pats him on the back. "It doesn''t always pay to be a stubborn old man." "Says the most stubborn person I know." Lemmy snorts. ... "Oh, I can''t wait to get everything moved over and start working." Melanie says when we rejoin her a moment later. "I hope you''re ready to make me all that equipment I''ve been wanting, and then some." "Just add it to the list." I reply with a smile. "But, speaking of getting moved, there''s a little surprise for you upstairs. Unless, of course, you prefer your old apartment, that is." "I told Sorrel to set aside a couple of nice apartments for you and Felicia." Amelia provides when the alchemist looks stunned. "And, he certainly did that." "What makes me think that his idea of nice is somewhat more than the average persons?" Eliot says with a smirk. "And, I don''t suppose you have any other apartments open? I like my current place, but who wouldn''t want to live here?" "Two floors of employee housing but, aside from a few large family spots, they all have a fairly basic design. Basic to me, at least." I add that bit when they all send me a doubtful look. "Shall we head up and have a look? Assuming the lab passes inspection before I''ve even added the safety equipment, that is." "I suppose we can give it a provisional write off for now." Delainey''s amused expression matches my own. "Alright, everyone." I call out to the alchemists checking out every nook and cranny of the lab. "We''re going to head upstairs for a bit, but you''re all welcome to explore the building... just watch out for the pixie in the plush; she bites." Apricot''s trilling laughter can be heard even down here after I say that. ... "Felicia." I stopped us on the second floor to collect my new weaver. She and her crew are just walking around the floor, examining the artwork on the walls. "I have a surprise for you on the fourth floor, care to join us?" "Yes, of course." She walks over to join us with a smile. "You girls keep looking around, I''ll be back in a bit. Sorrel, I don''t know what I was expecting, but this is so far beyond it that I have no idea what to say." "Say that you''ll work hard to build the business up." I reply and take us up by remotely manipulating the motors I installed earlier. "I''m just a guy with a few ideas, I have never done anything like this before, so I''ll be relying on you and Melanie. Almost as much as I''ll be relying on Amelia; she knows just how out of touch my sense of value is, but still puts up with me despite that." "Heh." Felicia laughs when Amelia rolls her eyes at me. "I''ll do my best, but our biggest problem will just be meeting demand for this new silk of yours. We had several people come up to us out of the blue today asking about it." "So, you''re saying I need to get to work building everything you two will need?" I reply with a laugh as the elevator opens up onto the fourth floor. "I''m on it; I just need to make sure that all my new tenants'' apartments are ready, especially the ones for our managers." We''re at the end of the hall now and the doors to either side of us open wide, revealing their luxurious interiors. ""..."" I just smile as their mouths drop open. "Sorrel, this..." Even Melanie, who has started to get used to me and the way I do things can''t manage more than that. "You''ll have to decide between yourselves who gets the north view and who the south." I say while they stand there frozen. "But, other than that, the apartments are mirror images of each other." "I know you''re busy and all." Delainey is the first to speak. "But, I don''t suppose there''s any chance I can get you to take a look at my place one of these days?" "Heheheh." I can''t help but chuckle. "Sure, I''ll add you to the list, right after Rozelle." "Damned enchanters always getting the good stuff first." He faux grumbles. "Speaking of, I really should start enchanting some lights before it gets dark." We still have a bit to go before dark, but I''m going to need a lot of lights. "Mhm, I should get cooking too while I have the light. You all are welcome to stay for dinner, by the way, there''s a common area on the next floor down that should be big enough to fit everyone." *** # 116 Leaving my new managers to decide which apartment they want. Eliot went to fetch his fellow workers so they could all look at the studio apartments. Meanwhile, Delainey, Lemmy, Amelia, and I head for the common kitchens, so I can get started on dinner and enchanting. At least we start to when Shea and most of his family exit their new place right in front of us. "Ah, Sorrel." He greets me with a shallow bow. "You disappeared so quickly earlier, I hope everything was alright." "Oh, yes. I just had to speak with someone before they left." I smile back at him. "Are you all heading out?" "Just to pick up a few things for the night." He nods. "All the kids want to get moved in as soon as possible." "How''s Gen doing?" I''ve been keeping a magical eye out for him just to make sure he doesn''t injure himself, but all that tells me is that he''s a little sore right now. "And, squeeze in here with us, we''re getting off at the next floor, but I can send you all the way down." "He''s good, just a little tired." The man says with a grin for the fact that his son can now tire himself out walking. "He said that you and Cyril really put him through his paces earlier." "Mhm, he still needs to build a bit more muscle." I nod. "We''ll be working on that over the next few days though. I think he deserves a little break after pushing so hard this morning. Speaking of, I should start on Toni''s eye now that I''ve recovered myself." "Are you really going to be able to give them their limbs back?" Christy asks wonderingly just as the elevator doors open back up. "I hope to." I state with all the sincerity I have, knowing that several of the guards are within earshot. "It''s not going to be easy but, at least I know where to start looking. And, even if my ideas don''t work out, I can still go millimeter by millimeter using my healing sap." "I hope you can too." She says with a shy smile. "I''ll let you guys down now." I nod at her. "And, don''t worry about food when you go to get your stuff; I''ll be feeding everyone who chooses to stay here tonight." "Now, that''s what I want to hear." Fawne says, peeking out of the room she and Toni chose for themselves. "I tried one of those weird drinks you made for Gen, and it wasn''t half-bad, but I hope dinner has some substance to it." "Well, I was going to just do pizza, but then the entire alchemy guild showed up." I say with a grin aimed at Delainey. "And, I just don''t have enough dairy for that, so it looks like I''m finally going to use up the last of that pig I caught up north." "No idea what pizza is, but I know pork." She says with a wide smile. "Hot, open-faced sandwich with a lot of cheese." I explain pizza as simply as possible. "Why don''t you and Toni join us in the kitchen? So, I can get started on her eye while the pork roasts. And, hi, Sweetie. What took you so long? We started talking about food whole seconds ago." I tease the pixie when she comes flying up. "Hehehe." Amelia laughs when Apricot just blows a tiny raspberry at me before flying into an empty apartment to change. "Uh... alright." A nervous sounding Toni steps out of the apartment. "Relax, babe, you already saw what he did for Gen." Fawne reassures her. "You''re lucky that you got to a healer when you did." I add as we all head to the kitchens. "Honestly, I''m a little surprised that they chose to save what they did. Surprised and glad, I already have to figure out how to re-grow limbs. Something like an eye would just add to the difficulty of that task." "Mhm." She looks a little sheepish. "I may not have given him a choice." "Look, I understand that you all may have come from checkered pasts." I say with a laugh. They are, or were, mercenaries, after all. "But, I expect a gentle approach from here on out. If that''s not to your tastes then you''re free to leave at any time, even after I''ve healed you." "No, I''m done with that life." She states with an emphatic shake of her head. "I think we all are." "Good to hear." I smile at her and start prepping the meal. "Now, I''d prefer a full day-long slow roast for pulled pork sandwiches, but we should have enough just enough time before dinner to get it tender enough." "Pulled pork?" Fawne looks intrigued. "That''s right; you guys don''t have barbeque around here. Well, you''re in for a treat tonight." I grin. "It''s a sweet and tangy sauce that is very popular back where I came from. In this case, mixed with shredded pork and served on a roll with some coleslaw."If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. After all the mixed cuts have had the rub applied, I sear them quickly on all sides before adding beer and putting the lids on the pots; I had to use more than one pot to fit everything. And, instead of just wasting mana by cooking everything directly, I use my foundry spell and redistribute the heat throughout the ovens. "Can you watch all that while I focus on Toni?" I bribe the pixie with a mana stone lollipop. "No worries." She pops it into her mouth and takes control of my spells. "No way am I letting dinner get messed up." "You''re the best." I give her a peck on the cheek before turning to the security guard. "Now, same as with Gen this morning, I need you to drink this for me. You''re a lot worse off than Cyril was so this might take a couple of passes." I bring out an extra-large smoothie and start sucking it down to offset some of the drain from the spell. "Yeah, the uh..." She hesitates. "The healer said I was lucky to be alive." "Yes, I can see the chipping on the bone behind your eye." Any more force behind whatever dagger blinded her and she wouldn''t be here today. "I hate working this close to the brain, it just takes so much more effort. Luckily, the blade just missed the optic nerve itself. But, the back of the eye is basically all nerves, so I''ve still got a hell of a job ahead of me." There''s not a lot that the basic healing spells I know can help with here either, so I''m relying almost entirely on the sap. Still, I have a somewhat greater understanding of healing and how the body works than I did when fixing the balance problem of Amelia''s Aunt Carmen. "Come on, just a little more." I coax myself and what''s left of the sap after restoring her retina. "Nng, you stupid lens, you were all that was left." I sit back with a sigh and materialize a fresh smoothie. "Sorry, Toni, you''re gonna have to wait just a little bit longer." "I-I... I can see." The hardened soldier breaks down crying and Fawne holds her as best she can. "Everything is all just light and blurry colors, but I can see. Fawne, baby, I can see again." Tears stream out of her as she hugs the beastkin tight while looking all over with her nearly functional eye. "Give me until after dinner, at least, and we should be able to do something about that." These smoothies do help with the drawbacks of using that spell, but not nearly as much as they do when I over-exercise myself. "And, quit with that look, Amelia, I know how far I can push myself." I try to ignore the looks the others are giving me. "Mhm-hmm." She purses her lips before shaking her head with a sigh. "I''ll trust you there, but I still don''t like it when you use that spell. Not when you take it right up to the edge like that." "I always leave a little buffer, even when I was working on Myra." I reassure her. "I can''t heal anyone if I hurt myself." "Just how does that spell work?" Delainey questions. "Think of it as a vitality transfer." I explain. "I poured my strength into that liquid you saw her drink before guiding it to restore what regular spells couldn''t. But, never more than some good food and a night''s sleep can recover. Speaking of, I should get started on the sides." He lets the matter drop and no one else picks it up again. Some of the sides from fried-chicken night make a comeback; it just wouldn''t be pulled pork without coleslaw after all. And, biscuits, of course, you can never have too many biscuits. I also add some cheesy jalapeno cornbread, deviled eggs, a veggie-filled pasta salad, fruit salad, macaroni salad, potato salad, even a regular salad salad. "Quit storing stuff away as soon as you make it!" Apricot growls as I hide the food from her. "I''m trying to keep it fresh for when the pork is ready." I smile knowing that she knows that''s not why I keep doing it. "I have plenty of licorice left if you need a snack. Oh, fine. I was just about to start on dessert; I''ll let you sneak some of that if it''ll make you happy." I grill up some peaches to tide her over while the cobbler, lemon meringue, and chocolate brownies bake. Then, I finally get started enchanting some lights. Most of our guest have filtered into the common area by now, drawn by the scent of cooking food, and Amelia has been teaching them how to play all the different board games. "Sorrel, company." Apricot announces and I send my magic questing out and down. "I''d better go greet them, don''t mess with the food." I say after picking up Elise''s mana signature first, and then the rest of the noble family plus Gran, Seymour, and the Colonel. "I bet a copper that this is Gran''s idea. He probably overheard a guard telling Erick about the food smells coming from here." "Hah! No bet." She barks out a laugh. ... "Why, Baron Pepi, what brings you here today?" I say while grinning at his chef who is discreetly trying to sniff the air. "Well, whatever did, I hope you''ll all join us for dinner. It should be ready soon; the whole alchemy guild showed up unexpectedly, so I made more than enough to go around." "Thank you very much." The man nods to me with an equally wide grin. "I was planning to ask for an invite after lunch, but that little invention of yours drove the thought right out of my head. Oh, my!" He and his family react to the lobby just barely better than most people have so far. "It''s not too much, is it? -Apricot, get your ass away from that cobbler!-" They get startled by my shout echoing down the stairs, the tricky pixie thought to sneak a bite while I was distracted, but I left my speaker box behind just in case. "Sorry about that, you have to watch her like a hawk around sweets." "Hahaha!" Erick busts up laughing. "You never fail to surprise me, Sorrel. And, the building is gorgeous, I wouldn''t change a thing." "Well, I''d offer you the tour, but I''m afraid there won''t be any dessert if I don''t get back up there." I walk us over to the elevator. "I''m afraid there''s not enough room in the lift for all of us at once, but it shouldn''t take more than two trips. Don''t worry, it''s perfectly safe." I add when some of them look at the small room questioningly. "Uh, Ladies first." Reinholt gestures for his wife, Dulcette, to enter with their daughter, Rebecca. "Come on, girls." She rolls her eyes at him and motions for his mother and sisters to join her, along with Elise and her family. "Sorry, I don''t have the elevator music installed yet." I smile and send them smoothly upwards without closing the doors. Little Rebecca marvels as the floor starts moving while her older family members panic just slightly. "Oh, gods, she''s going to get me back for that." Holt says with a sigh that quickly turns into a soft, nervous laugh. "Yes, yes she will." His father agrees. *** # 117 "I know the name gives it away." Erick says after we all get off on the third floor. "But, it''s still somewhat startling to experience firsthand." "Well, the doors are normally closed during use." I reply with a smile. "But, I thought you''d all enjoy a little look behind the scenes." "Quite." He nods. "I hope you won''t mind if I send my architect over to look the place over. I can already see some ideas that I want to steal for the manor house." "Of course." I nod with a smile, just glad that he didn''t ask me to work on his place too. "And, I''ll give you a working model and diagram of the lift too, once it''s finished that is. The lifting mechanism works fine, but none of the safeties or controls are installed yet." "I know a couple of apartment owners that might kill to get their hands on that." Holt interjects with a laugh. "Mhm." His dad nods sagely. "I''ve seen similar conveyances in the capital, but they''re all magical in nature and not all that popular." "Well, this is just a simple pulley system." I shrug. "The real trick is in making sure that it won''t just plummet if something goes wrong. A trick that I likely would have solved by now if my machinist hadn''t run off on me when I mentioned an idea that came to me about a gift for the Queen. A small clock worn on the wrist and powered by the same enchantment in the music player." I add when he raises an eyebrow. "Are you still moaning about Sinclair running off?" Amelia teases when we join her and everyone else in the common area. "Nice trick with the speaker, by the way, she jumped nearly to the ceiling." Apricot glares at us when we laugh at her. "Oh, don''t pout, Sweetie." I dart in to steal a kiss. "I made plenty of extra just for you." "You''d better have." She nods sharply in warning. "Mhm, another guest. Rozelle just showed up." "Would it be rude to just shout down to her from the window?" I say with a sigh and head for the elevator again, before stopping in my tracks as an idea strikes. Pulling out a sheet of paper, I fold it into a paper airplane and launch it towards the nearest window. The window opens itself, allowing the plane to drift out and down to the enchanter. "Daddy, look, it flew." Rebecca cries and runs to the window to watch it. "Hello, Master, Jared." The wings of the plane vibrate when it reaches her. "I''d greet you personally, but I''m afraid that dessert might disappear if I left it alone again." I have to dodge a swipe from Apricot at that. "So, please follow this inside." Rozelle just shakes her head at my message, so the plane zooms to the front door which opens itself. The folded sheet of paper does a loop-de-loop before flying inside and circling in front of the open lift. Ro and her son follow it in and it does figure-eights over their heads for the trip up, much to her annoyance and her son''s amusement. "It came back!" Rebecca cheers when the plane flies back into the room and straight to her. "What kind of lazy apprentice doesn''t even greet their master at the door?" Rozelle asks teasingly. "You''re lucky that smells heavenly. And, you''re even luckier to have such an amazing master; I solved your remote activation problem." "Really?" I was not expecting to hear that. "Was it light or electricity." "Neither, not directly, at least." She answers and brings out a copy of my telegraph from earlier, only the clacker is set to hit another rune. "See your demonstration reminded me of this old touch activation rune. It''s seldom used because everyone can just send a pulse of mana into the normal activation rune." "Oh, this is genius." I activate it making a small light appear above the device, another pulse turns it off. "Just for this, I''m giving you Apricot''s share of dessert. Hahaha. Ow!" "Guildmaster." Delainey greets his fellow guild leader. "You certainly picked an interesting apprentice." "That''s one word for him." She exhales through her nose. "Hello again, Baron." She nods to the man as he watches his grand-daughter chase the paper airplane around. "I see you''ve been busy." He smiles at her new invention. "That looks like it could be quite useful." "Extremely." She agrees with a nod. "Enchanters have been looking for a reliable way to remotely activate runes for a while now, and this seems to be it. I''ve already thought up dozens of applications for it, and it looks like sorrel has a few ideas himself." She adds with a laugh. "It means I can make the elevator work at least." I nod while scribbling ideas down on paper. "Might even get rid of the need for an operator; that might take a while though. But, just knowing this rune exists means that I can track the elevator in the shaft and simplify the controls for them." "Of course." Rozelle nods while looking over my notes. "The stop pulse can originate from wherever you want it to, so all you need is for the carriage to trigger one when it reaches the next floor." "Yeah, for now the operator can just pull a lever that will move a rod back and forth, triggering different stops on different floors." I explain. "But, it -hopefully- shouldn''t be too hard to develop a logic system that will let me automate the whole thing. But, that''s a plan for another day, the sun will be going down soon, and I still have a bunch of lights to enchant." I sigh and get back to working on those.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "You don''t already?" Erick asks somewhat perplexed since the whole building is lit by fiber-optics right now. "Glass threads that transmit light." I pull a leftover spool from storage and shine a colored light in one end of the cable. "They''re run from the roof to light fixtures all over the building. I''ll use magic to light the common areas tonight, but I thought my new tenants would enjoy being able to darken their rooms tonight." "So this is why you asked if Rozelle if she solved the problem with light or electricity." He says while waving the free end of the cable about. "Hmm, where was that color-changing formation?" I flip through my enchanting primer and do some quick math to get a rotating rainbow of colors. The enchantment gets inscribed into a cone of polished aluminum with a touch activation on one side, just because I can. "Now, we just need to cut these down and... there we go. The nightlight I had as a kid." "Ooh!" Rebecca runs over to coo at the color-changing light fountain. "Pretty." She looks up at her grandpa with wide eyes until he hands it over with a sigh. "Just don''t bend them too much or they''ll snap." I warn, but she''s already entranced by the colored lights, so I don''t think she heard me. "I don''t suppose I could get a spool or two of that stuff?" Rozelle asks, obviously seeing the potential for some quick coin. "Jared and I can help you with the rest of the lights in exchange." "Deal." I bring out all the extra spools I had saved to play with later. "I don''t suppose you can talk while working on those?" Erick ventures. "Hollen and I were hoping you could tell us more about the code you used with the telegraph, was it? The guard has a few codes that might be adapted, but they''re fairly simplistic. So, anything more that you could remember would help." "Oh, it''s just a simple alphabet cipher." I say without looking up from my work. "The one I used to demonstrate was just the first letters of ''save our ship''" *taptaptap tap tap tap taptaptap* I tap it out with a vine. "See, even that much helps." Hollen says. "Most of our codes are based around keywords. Using an alphabet might take longer, but works a lot better than trying to make a code to encompass the entire dictionary." "True. And, if I remember correctly, the letters were arranged by how common they were, with the more common ones taking fewer taps." I add while plumbing my brain for everything I can remember from those few days when I was really into Morse after getting my first walkie-talkie. "Other than that, all I can recall are the numbers. One short and four long for one, two and three for two, and so on. Until six which is one long and four short, then two and three for seven, until zero is just..." *tap tap tap tap tap* "That''s perfect." Both Erick and Hollen grin widely. "We can reuse the numbers; and, while I doubt a list of most used letters exists, it shouldn''t be hard to compile one from a selection of popular books." "I''ll put the more literate soldiers on it tomorrow." Hollen agrees. "Thank you, Sorrel; this saved us quite a lot of work." "Well, now I just bad for your poor guards." I chuckle. "Here''s a book! Count every letter in it." "Point." He adds his own laugh. "Maybe stick with just the trouble makers for this assignment." "Make it open to volunteers." The baron orders. "I''ll authorize hazard pay, but anyone found to be making up numbers gets punishment detail for a month." "That should work nicely." The Colonel nods. "Alright, Gran." Erick turns to his chef. "Thank you for waiting so patiently; you can ask him about the food now." This earns a small round of laughter from those who know about his rivalry with me. "Mhm. The pork should be done any time now." I say after finishing my latest light. "And, this should be enough lamps for the night." Rozelle, and even her son, far outpaced my production. "But, not enough to make up for the glass you gave me." Rozelle counters. "Jared can keep working on them, while I follow you to the kitchen. I don''t think I''ve had your cooking before, and it certainly smells nice." "Here you go, Jared." I set a brownie before him. "An early treat for all your hard work." He tries to hide the smile that fills his face after taking a bite, but it shows through anyway. "No fair." Apricot whines when she sees someone else getting chocolate before her. "Fine." I roll my eyes and give her one too. "But, just the one, for now, we''re going to eat soon and you can have your fill at dessert. You can wait for dessert too." I add when I spy Granville staring at the snack. Another small round of laughter for the face he pulls after getting caught fills the air as I lead a small group into the kitchens. "Oh, yes, this is good." I took the lids off the pans a while ago when the pork first started getting tender. Now it''s easily able to be shredded with a fork and the drippings have reduced down nicely. "Just need to let these rest while I get the sauce ready." I remove the meat, deglaze the pans, and combine all the drippings so I can make the barbecue sauce. "Beer roasted pork, very tender." Gran prods for more information. "Meant to be pulled apart, coated in sauce, and eaten on a roll. Usually with coleslaw." I explain. "Though you don''t need the roll or coleslaw if you don''t want. It''s more Southern food like the fried chicken from the other day. This style is good for feeding large crowds without too much work. Hey, I don''t suppose you have any tamarind in storage?" "I might have one or two." He admits while carefully examining the barbecue sauce I''m putting together. "Oh, no." Amelia laughs. "He''s going to make that crazy sauce whose name I won''t even try to pronounce." "*Worcestershire* sauce." I provide to the curious crowd. "And, not right now, no; it''s too complex to get right on short notice. But, I''d be willing to trade the recipe for a viable pod or two. It''s used in a lot of my recipes, and makes a good steak sauce all on its own." "Here." The chef hands over a couple of brown pods. "And, you weren''t kidding about this being complex." He eyes the long list of ingredients. "Only one company makes the real stuff." I explain. "And, they guard their recipe tightly, so that list may not be entirely accurate. But it should be close, and with my nature magic I should be able to quickly test out different variations until I get it right." "I would like to help with that." He offers. "You may be the only one who knows what it tastes like, but I should be able to help with fine-tuning the recipe." "I''d be glad for the help." I say immediately. "I''d say we could get started after dinner, but I still need to grow a few tamarind trees and buy the fish." "Mhm." He nods, visibly upset that we cant get started on it right away. "I don''t have any salted anchovies on me either. I can bring them over tomorrow and we can work on it then if that''s alright." "Perfect." I agree. "It''ll be a nice distraction from all the work I still have to do to get this place up to where I want it. Now, this sauce looks good, so it''s time to shred the pork and serve everything." I break out a couple pairs of forks and use all four arms to do just that. *** # 118 "Hey, all." I announce to the crowd. Everyone is already here and hungry, including Gen''s family, and a surprisingly sober Tess. "I don''t feel like plating everything up, so just grab whatever looks good, just remember to save room for dessert." All of the tables fill with food, much to the crowd''s delight. "Oh, and the green pitchers are non-alcoholic, yellow meant for human-level tolerance, and red for beastkin." The few beastkin perk up at that. I sit down and start putting together a plate. Including a large pour from a red pitcher full of watermelon punch. I need it after all the work I did today. And, still have to do. "Mmm, that''s some good barbecue." I compliment my own cooking after biting into an overstuffed sandwich that I slathered with just enough sauce to drip out the edges when I take a bite. "I have to agree with you there." Reinholt mumbles around a mouthful. "Oh, you''re happy as long as it''s meat." His wife, Dulcette, teases. "This is quite nice though, sweet and tangy." "I''m glad you like it." I say with a nod. "If I had known you all were coming, I would have gone with something a little fancier." "Don''t be silly." Erick waves the thought away. "Just the novelty of some new dishes is more than enough. I mean, just look at Gran, you can practically see the new ideas brewing in his head. And, I love these little egg things." "Devilled eggs." I provide the name. "They always do seem to vanish first from the buffet. And, aside from whisking up the mayonnaise, they''re dead simple to make. That reminds me, I wanted to make some sort of powered food processor. Just something else for the ever-expanding to-do list. Oh, Elise." I say her name when the thought of rapidly spinning blades reminds me about missing limbs. "Hmm?" She looks up from her plate. "I was going to ask at lunch, but I suppose Erick isn''t the only one who got distracted." I laugh at myself. "But, I was hoping you could put me in touch with some people who are missing fingers or toes. I promised my guards that I''d look into limb re-growth and thought it would be better to start small." "Oh, is that all?" She says in a deadpan voice before turning to Amelia with an exasperated sigh. "How do you deal with him every day?" "The sex helps." Apricot answers for her, drawing a laugh from the table. "Ha-ha." I roll my eyes at her. "Look, it shouldn''t be all that difficult. Do you remember the stem-cells I described when scanning Annette here? Well, I know the trick lies with those. I just need to capture some salamanders to get a good look at how they re-grow their limbs, and then use magic to replicate that in people. Hopefully" "Colonel." Erick uses his Baron voice. "I know you have a few people that meet his needs, have them report... Is tomorrow fine? And, where would you like them?" He asks me in his normal timbre. "Here, and after the run in the morning should be fine." I nod. "I know I''ve seen some salamanders in the woods north of here. So, I should be able to grab a few to experiment on during the run." "You''re going to hurt the poor little lizards?" Apricot pouts. "You know I don''t want to, Sweetie." I scoot my chair closer to hers. "I swear that nothing I do to them will be permanent and, thanks to the sap I''m going to use to speed up the process, they''ll be better than they were before. I''ll even make sure that they''re asleep for the whole thing, so they won''t feel anything." "...alright..." She sniffs. "I don''t mind killing for food, but just cutting their legs off like that... Nnh." She shivers a little. "Would some dessert make you feel better?" Grilled peaches, cobbler, lemon meringue, and a plate stacked high with brownies appears in front of her. "Maybe a little." I''m pretty sure this is what she was aiming for from the start, but I don''t mind playing along. I kiss her on the cheek before returning to my plate. "Would it be alright if Martin and I observed?" A light fills Elise''s eyes. "You promise not to hurt any lizards?" I tease and rub Apricot''s mop of orange hair. "Of course you''re welcome to come. I''m hoping to do this with as little healing sap as possible, so a couple of extra healers might come in handy. If you''ll pardon the pun." Stan snorts out a bark of laughter from the next table over, he and all of the guards have been listening closely to this conversation. "What is that pie?" Gran interjects when Apricot cuts herself a slice. "Lemon meringue." I dart in and steal a scoop of the custard from Apricot before she can react. "It''s a pain to get right, but oh-so-good when you do." Everyone starts clearing their plates as quickly as they can then, so I''ll bring out dessert as soon as possible. ...If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "You really need to start producing this chocolate stuff." Reinholt moans around a mouthful of brownie. "I know." I nod. "But, between the blight and the business, it just got pushed to the back burner. Do you have enough left? I can make some more if you need it." "I wouldn''t say no to more." He smiles. "What all do you need before you can get that side of the business running?" "Oh, the biggest need is to train up some apprentice chocolate makers." I reply. "Not that I could be considered a master, but I can''t do everything myself. At least, I don''t want to. Then, I''ll need to build the equipment for them to use and contract with some dairy farmers for the milk chocolate." "Well, considering that you''re the only one around these parts that can make it." He chuckles. "I think that makes you a master by default. Still, that sounds like it might take a while." "Yeah. The only reason I was able to get all this up and running so soon was thanks to Melanie, and now Felicia." I send a smile to my two managers. "But, don''t worry, I''ll start selling batches soon-ish. Need to build a market for the new treat, after all." "I think you got a good start on that tonight." Delainey gestures around the room, and nearly everyone has a brownie in their hands. "Speaking of, I should get started on the safety equipment for the lab. But, first." I turn to my guards. "Toni, I''m good to finish up your eye now." "I know you." Colonel Hollen speaks up making the woman blush. "Aside from taking that healer hostage, that was some fine work. She was acting as bait for some bandits, but they found out and tried to flank her group leaving her to deal with three men all on her own. She took them out and went to help her squad rout the rest of them. After taking a dagger to the eye." "I''ve left that life behind." She ducks her head, her cheeks flaming. "Sorrel is not only giving me my eye back, but a second chance at a peaceful life." "Well, right now he''s giving you a cup." I say with a laugh. I''ve been holding up a shot glass full of healing sap for a good minute now. "And... there you go. Do be careful with it this time; all those nerves at the back of the eye are a real pain to rebuild." "..." My security guard just stares at me, and then her hand, then all around the room, and finally at Fawne who pulls her close before towing her away as tears wash down both of their faces. "Now where was I?" I choose to ignore the looks I''m getting right now. "Nnh, I wish I was more skilled with metal; I really want to work on those other fire extinguishers, but they need to hold a lot of pressure and I just don''t trust what I''d make not to have a fault in it." "I can''t see what you''re doing wrong." Apricot knows that I''ve been having trouble with metals like the spring on the telegraph and the crossbar for her bow. "But, I know as much about metal as you do." "More firefighting equipment?" Erick raises an eyebrow. "Better not let Adriana find out." He adds with a laugh. "Mhm." I grunt. "I''m surprised she''s not here demanding more hoses or enough sprinklers for the entire city." "I did hear that she''s been buying up a lot of brass." I drop my head down and pinch the bridge of my nose when Erick says that. "I need to make safety goggles anyway; I might as well get started on the ampoules for those." I start planning out what I want to get done tonight, and what I''m likely to accomplish. "You haven''t seen the lab yet, shall we head down?" "Yes, please." He grins. "Though we should probably get going after that; I can tell that you still have quite a bit to work on." "I can send the rest of this lot off." Delainey speaks up. "But would it be alright if I got a look at this safety equipment? And, I''d like to hear more about these other fire extinguishers; Melanie said that you mean them for the lab itself." "Yeah, the first and easiest will just be compressed nitrogen used to blow something like baking soda onto the fire." I explain. "The second I mostly just want because they''re fun to play around with. Girls, help me out here, my air spells still need some work." Reaching out to the co2 in the air around us, I start drawing it in and compressing it as tightly as I can while keeping it from heating up. I doubt I could get it down to a liquid on my own, but with Apricot and Amelia helping we soon have a small orb of liquid carbon dioxide floating in the air before us. "What is that?" Amelia is the first to speak up. "I know we were drawing on that stale air you used to make the leavener, but this..." She trails off while exploring the brand new liquid with her water magic. "Yeah, all gasses can be liquefied." I respond with a smile for her fascination. "This is probably one of the easiest since it doesn''t need to be supercooled. You can keep playing with it, but do you mind if I borrow a bit for my demonstration." "Yeah, yeah." She says off-handedly and halves the orb, sending one part to me. "Now, like I was saying, it''s fun to play with." I poke a hole in the bubble compressing it and spray a rapidly expanding foam straight up. "Ack! Cold!" Apricot screams when some splashes off the ceiling to hit her. "Yes, things heat up when compressed and cool down when they expand." I explain basic physics to the pixie and earn myself a smack on the arm. "That why it''s good for fighting fires, that and fire can''t breathe stale air any more than people can. Still, the dry powder works a lot better in most cases, especially in a lab." "Does it have any other uses?" The head of the alchemists'' guild is staring at the orb Amelia kept as hard as she is. "It''s a decent solvent for oils." I shrug, only knowing a few of its plant-based uses. "Especially if you bring it to a supercritical state. And, since this can be done at a lower temperature than steam distillation, it''s good if you want to separate a plant''s oils from its waxes." "Really?" He raises an eyebrow at that before getting a sheepish expression on his face. "And, uh... supercritical?" "When you increase the pressure and temperature beyond a certain point, the critical point, a substance stops behaving distinctly like a gas or a liquid." I rush through the explanation after catching Tess in the corner of my eye. "I''ll explain more down in the lab, I see someone I need to speak with real quick." They all take the elevator down, and several others wait outside of it for their chance. "Hi, Tess. I glad you came back." I greet her with a smile. "I hope you enjoyed dinner." "I''ve had worse." She shrugs, but I can see brownie crumbs in the corner of her lips. "You''re welcome to join us down in the lab if you would like." I offer. "It''s mostly going to be boring science stuff, but you and the girls can play cards or something while complaining about what an idiot I am." "Tempting." She smirks. "But, I think I''m going to make an early night of it." "Alright." I smile back. "Just let me know if you need anything. I owe you for fucking up so badly." "Don''t worry about it." She sighs. "Just go do your science stuff. I''ll be fine." "Yes, you will." I agree. *** # 119 "Sorry about that." I apologize after rejoining the group down in the basement. "Tess hasn''t been having a good time of it since I botched that explanation of her condition." "Amelia told us." Elise says with a complicated look on her face. "I should have kept a closer eye on her too. I didn''t think about how she might react to that kind of news." "Her coming back tonight instead of wandering off to get drunk makes me hopeful that she can move past it." I offer up a sad smile. "Now where were we?" "Here." Amelia raises the orb of, now, supercritical carbon dioxide. "This stuff is so weird." "You''re probably sensing the lack of any surface tension..." I go on to explain what little I know about supercritical fluids and even draw up a generic phase diagram for those that are interested. "As fascinating as all that is." Erick fights back a yawn. "I think we should get back to the manor now. Thank you for dinner, and sorry again about dropping in unexpectedly." "No worries." I clap him on the shoulder. "We did the same for lunch. You''ve all helped me out so much since I got here that you''re welcome to stop by any time. And, just ask if you need anything in the future. Though, maybe wait until after I finish that telegraph cable before you drop another big job on me." I add with a laugh. "I''ll do my best." He replies with a smile before leaving. "We should get going too." Rozelle speaks up. "I just came down to get a good look at the basement, and see if there were any other ideas for when you spruce up my place." She chuckles and then guides her son out. "Okay, fire extinguishers are on hold, but we have plenty of sand." I get back on track after they all leave. "So, that''s not a big deal and just leaves us with the basic safety equipment. Safety glasses, lab coats, aprons, rubber gloves, respirators, fume hoods, eyewash stations, emergency showers, first-aid kits, spill kits, fire blankets, and secure chemical storage. Can you think of anything I missed?" I ask after listing off everything a lab should have. "No, but I was wondering why you had showers and those odd fountains in the middle of the labs." Eliot laughs while examining the drawings I made to go along with the list. "I tried one but it didn''t work." "Oh, I left the pipes blocked while everyone running around the place." I use magic to turn the nearest shower on, unleashing a deluge of water. "From now on this floor will be restricted to the public, with only you, Melanie, and Cyril, the head of security having keys. Well, once he and his team get briefed on safety protocols, that is. I''m leaning towards ''Don''t touch anything!'' for them." "Good protocol." Melanie laughs. "But, what if I want to give a key to someone else, say Cat for example?" "Completely up to you." I say right away. "This is your floor to do with as you please. All I ask is that you try to produce enough silk to keep Felicia''s crew busy, and maybe run the odd experiment for me. Manage that and you can do whatever you want." "I do hope that you''ll at least produce those rubber gloves." Delainey says to her. "I can assure you that the guild will be a regular buyer. I''d also like to put in a bulk order for some of the other safety gear. When you can get around to it, that is. I''m even thinking of adding some of this stuff to the guild regulations." "Yeah." Eliot nods with a nervous laugh. "We don''t even require a bucket of sand right now, and how stupid is that? ''Oh, you have a stone room? Well, then it''ll be fine if something catches on fire.'' Hah!" "Point taken." Delainey grimaces. I suppose it must be an eye-opener to see what fifty years of OSHA has wrought when you''ve been handling things the same way forever. "I like the spill bucket too, not everyone knows the cleanse spell after all." "Hey, at least you don''t just let people dump stuff in the sewers." I recall my first day in town. "Okay, Apricot, put on this lab coat and light some water on fire for me; I need to make some glass. Amelia, you should be wearing one too, but you''re too busy playing with your new toy, so it''s alright." She just waves me away and keeps prodding at it. "I''ve been wondering." Melanie ventures. "But, what are the coats for?" "Protection." I answer while shrugging into my own forest green coat. "It''s just an extra layer of clothing to protect you from splashes and spills. They''re bright white to show right away if you do spill something on it. And, before you ask, I''m the boss; I get to wear whatever color I want." "Heheheh." Delainey bobs his head while laughing. "It''s good to be the one in charge sometimes." "Yes, it is." I grin back at him. "Now, like I said, it''s your floor, so I won''t require any of this. But, I strongly recommend that you have those working with anything caustic wear the coat, glasses, and gloves at all times. As the company healer, the less work I get, the better." She nods and I focus on melting pure silica into glass. This then gets molded into several sets of wrap-around lenses. I make them a bit on the thin side because glass is heavy and I actually want people to wear these. "Nnh. Tempering glass this thin is not easy." I grumble and reheat the lens I''m working on to start again. "There that should do." I cool it the rest of the way and tap it with a rock a few times, the most scientific of methods, before hitting it with enough force to break it into countless tiny pieces. "Perfect." "Any chance you can do that for all of the labware?" Melanie asks while rubbing an old scar on the back of her hand. "Yeah, sure, give me more work." I let out an overly dramatic sigh. "Now, how do I look?" I take two completed lenses, fashion a form-fitting frame for them, and put the finished glasses on my face.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "You look like you won''t get acid in your eyes." Eliot replies with a laugh. "And, that''s good enough for me." I make his pair next. "These are a little heavier than I''m used to." I admit. "But, they''ll do for now. Maybe I can make something lighter out of the cellophane later, I''ve been meaning to play around with that." "They don''t seem that bad to me." The guild head says while playing with the pair I made for him. "I don''t know about that cellophane stuff, but I''m not sure you could make glass thinner than this without the risk of it just shattering." "We haven''t made any yet." Melanie answers before I can. "But, Sorrel says that it''s the same as the silk except made into thin transparent sheets instead of threads." "It''s pretty flimsy stuff though." I add. "So, I might need to cheat a little with magic and fuse a few layers into something stiffer." ''And, if that doesn''t work I can always try making sapphire glass.'' I add silently. I tried fusing the alumina powder directly into corundum just like how I made quartz from silica, but it didn''t work. I think it might be the added hardness; quartz is a hard rock, but it''s nothing compared to sapphires which are only a step down from diamonds. Luckily, back when I was smelting all of the aluminum, I remembered a YouTube vid I once saw where some guy used a hydrogen torch and alumina powder to make synthetic sapphires. I was able to copy what he did, and while shaping the tiny gem I made was a lot harder than working with quartz, it was leagues easier than trying to brute force one together from just the powder. "For now, I should get started on the ampoules for the fire sprinklers though." I have a feeling that the fire chief will be back sooner rather than later. "I need to make sure that each one is identical so they all burst at the same temperature too. That''s going to be fun." I can''t just eyeball this, and I have no idea how glass tubes are normally made. So, I create cylindrical molds in a variety of lengths and use the exact same weight of quartz sand turned to glass to coat their walls. I even spin them and use the centrifugal force to spread the glass evenly rather than do it with magic. "Well, that was interesting to watch." Delainey says with a nervous laugh. "And, I love that to make these safety devices you chose to spin molten glass around at high-speed in mid-air." "Mhm." I shrug. "I should be able to copy these in a less dramatic manner, but I needed that perfect example to work from." I go ahead and do just that, giving myself a dozen copies of each one. "Now to seal the ends and fill them with alcohol." This takes more than a few tries to get right, and I end up having to make quite a few more tubes. I also make a glass dome, so everyone can watch the testing phase. "I''ll have to build a test room to set on fire later." I say while setting the first batch under the glass. "But, this will let me know at what temperature they each burst." I slowly bring the temperature up, degree by degree, until the first one pops. I hold it there for a moment to see if any of the others will go off, but none do. A single degree increase takes out over half the remaining ampoules though, and one more does the rest. "Yes! This is exactly what I was hoping to see." As long as all the tubes in a batch break within a couple degrees of each other, they should be good to use. "Now, I just have to repeat that with all the different thicknesses. And then, I get to burn stuff. In a tightly controlled manner, of course." "Of course." Delainey and Eliot grin with me while the women just roll their eyes. "I''m just glad that all that work I put into perfecting my cooking with magic is useful for this." I say while quickly working through all the other batches. "Otherwise I''d need to borrow a fire mage just for this testing." ""No you wouldn''t."" All three alchemists say in unison and start laughing. "Chefs aren''t the only ones who need precise temperature control." Melanie continues. "Each of us could do the same." "I didn''t even think of that." I smack myself lightly on the forehead. "I should probably learn a little more about alchemy, but, eh." I shrug. "That''s what I hired you for. Now, who wants to go set some stuff on fire?" "Me, me!" Apricot raises her hand just like a little kid in school. "How about you, Babe?" I ask Amelia who is still playing around with the supercritical carbon dioxide. "Think you can pull yourself away from that for a bit?" "No." She shakes her head. "But, I''ll come along anyway." The alchemists, my girls, and I take the elevator up to the ground floor and head outside where I build a stone room measuring three meters on each side. The room then gets filled with furniture similar to what''s upstairs, only a bit dryer, and a line of sprinklers on the ceiling. "Hold on a second, you little firebug." I hold the pixie back from igniting the room just yet. "We don''t want these going off just because someone is cooking a big meal, so let''s test that out first." The room grows a fireplace and chimney, which Apricot lights as soon as I fill it with wood. Adding a big pot of boiling water quickly pops several of the thinnest ampoules. "See, this is why we test." I strike those batches off the potential list, along with the next thinnest, just to be safe. "Now, you..." She''s already started the fire. "Um..." Catherine speaks up. "Is it safe to be standing next to this big glass window?" "Oh, it''s not glass." I tap on the window while keeping a close eye on the sprinklers. "I made this part of the wall out of solid quartz, like down in the lab. And, wow look at that stuff go up. I consider anything that hasn''t gone off by this point to be a failure. So, how about we see what the sprinkler can do for this." Letting water flow into the sprinkler head set up in the middle of the room has an immediate effect on the now raging inferno. "I can see why the fire chief wants these." Delainey gulps when the clouds of smoke pouring out the sides of the building are replaced in short order by billowing steam. "Uh, speaking of her." Apricot says while looking towards the city gates. "Oh, Damn! I knew I was forgetting something." I smack myself on the forehead for real this time. "Good evening, Adriana." I send her a deep bow when she arrives on her water horse just a few seconds later. "My apologies for not warning the guard about this test, but that was a very impressive response time." "You made them?" She peers in through the window to see the now extinguished room. "Yes." I nod. "We were just testing which range of temperatures would be suitable for the average fire." I hand her a copy of my list detailing all of the different batches, what temperature they''re tuned to and how long it took before they broke once the fire started. "I''m going to kiss your man." she warns the girls before wrapping me up in a big bear hug and doing just that. "Hahaha. Oh, this is perfect." "Damn, woman." Groan while trying to realign my spine. "Are you part beastkin?" "Heh! Wimp." she snorts before snapping her head around to Amelia. "What on earth is that?" "I know, right?" My water mage giggles. "Sorrel made some for fun and I haven''t been able to stop playing with it since..." Amelia shows her how to create her own. "... and just the tiniest change can affect the balance." "Can you do this with water too?" The fire chief asks while playing with her own ball of supercritical fluid. "Yes, but the pressure and heat needed are several times greater." I answer off-handedly. While they were playing around, I cleaned up the mess from the fire and started making the rest of the safety gear. "Oh, and... be careful when you do that." I have to laugh when she drops the pressure on the co2 making it explode into cold foam. "That... was cold." Adriana comments after conjuring warm water to wash away all the foam. "Yup." I nod and put down the fire blanket I used to shield myself. "Are you okay, Sweetie?" She was standing right next to them and got caught right in the face. "I hate science!" She pouts and surrounds herself with enough heat to make waves in the night air. *** # 120 "Hey, whenever you girls decide to get up." I talk to Apricot and Amelia while getting dressed for my run the next morning. "Would you mind heading to the market? I need a few things, namely eggs and dairy. But, please stop by that seafood vendor that Apricot found too. I''m in the mood for shellfish tonight." The three of us went to bed shortly after the freeze bomb incident last night. It made a good excuse to escape from everyone, especially Adriana before she asked me to make all the sprinklers for the whole city right then and there, or something equally annoying. "Alright." Amelia yawns up at me. "I wanted to check in at the warehouse anyway, and see how Mom and Dad are doing." "Tell them I said hi." I lean down to kiss each of them. Apricot tries to pull me back into bed with them, but I slip out of her grasp with a laugh. "Maybe later, Sweetie, I love you." "Mmm, love you too." With my having escaped her clutches she turns her sights on Amelia instead, and I have to get out of there before I say ''fuck the run'' and fuck them instead. ... "Sir?" Fawne was waiting for me outside of the lobby which Cyril was already manning like a knight guarding the gates of a keep. "I was hoping to join you on the run today, if that''s alright." "Of course, the more the merrier." I smile at her. "Would you like me to make you a set of chainmaille? I only have iron on me, but it''s better than nothing." "I''ve never actually used it before." She admits. "And, I''m a little out of shape too, so maybe later." "That''s fine, and I can enhance your training just like I did for Gen yesterday." I offer. "Oh, sorry, Flicker." I apologize to the horse when she trots up to the edge of her pen eager to join me on the run. "The girls are going to need you today, so just stay and play with Brick. I promise to run with you later." "Brick?" Fawne laughs and falls into step as we jog over to the farm. "Apparently, he''s about as smart as one." I reply with a smile. "The girls went looking to find a companion for Flicker yesterday and he''s the one she chose. I hope you don''t mind running to music." I bring out my speaker box and hold it in a vine. ... "You weren''t kidding about being out of shape." I tease my new guard when we reach the midway point and I stop to give them a rest while I catch some salamanders. Even without the chainmaille, she''s as worn out as all the rest of the runners. "Here, drink up. You all can rest for a minute while I go newt hunting." "How do you guys do this every day?" She asks the rest of the guards who just smile at her. While they''re recovering, I dash off towards the nearest amphibian. The little beastie doesn''t even react as I scoop it up into a wooden pet carrier, all thanks to my nature magic calming it down. A handful more soon join it, and I head back to rejoin my running partners. "Everyone ready to go." They all jump up with a wide grin for Fawne who is surprised to find that she is as refreshed as before we left the office. "That''s why they run with me every day." ... "Just give me a moment to collect the lab and we can head back to the hive." I tell Fawne after she and all the other beastkin drop once we reach the farm again. "..." She''s too busy trying to catch her breath to reply. "We don''t know how he does it either." Bruce laughs from next to her. "His windcatcher is larger than ours and he''s wearing a heavier suit, but he''s always like this right afterward." I just roll my eyes to their good-natured grumbling and send my mana inside the workshop to send everything not part of the structure itself into storage. "Thank you for what you''re trying to do today." Cobb walks up to me just as I''m finishing up with the shop. "All of us are friends with or, at least, know someone who''s missing anything from a finger to a couple of limbs So, even if it doesn''t work, I still wanted to thank you for wanting to help them." The whole group bows to me then before heading off at a jog. "I am never going to get used to stuff like that." I shake my head and collect all the empty smoothie cups. "Come on, Fawne. I still got a lot of shit to do today." "Hah!" She barks out a laugh and follows me back to the office. ... "Is that them?" Elise is waiting outside for me along with Marten, his apprentice, Jana, and a handful of maimed guards. "I don''t know much about animals, but can these guys really regenerate their limbs?" "I sure hope so." I chuckle. "I know Apricot will get pissed at me if I don''t leave them off better than they were before." "I''ll take that as a yes." She rolls her eyes at me. "Follow me, everyone" I push open the door and guide the group inside. "There''s a meeting room big enough to fit all of us just down the hall, here." While walking everyone to the meeting room, I start remotely placing Melanie''s lab equipment downstairs. And, the fact that she, Eliot, and Cat were down there to get startled by this act has nothing to do with my decision to do so. Nothing at all.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. "Anyone care for some snacks?" I set out a plate of leftover brownies from the night before along with a couple pitchers of water and enough cups for everyone. "Shall we jump straight into it then?" Plucking a newt at random from the pet carrier, I feed it a drop of healing sap and knock it out with the sleep spell before placing it on the table. Then, so no one has to jockey for position, I use the microscope spell I developed to project an image of its foreleg for everyone to see. "I''m going to start with a single finger, are you three ready?" They nod and I can sense the diagnostic spell they cast on the animal. Using the belt knife that Amelia bargained for me back in Southwood, I chop off its forefinger. "This would normally take weeks to regrow, but I''m using my healing sap to speed up the process." "Fascinating." Martin breathes while watching the finger re-grow in real-time. "I have no idea what I''m sensing, but it''s still fascinating." "I thought it was just me." Jana laughs. "Sorrel?" Elise prompts knowing that my perception is much higher than theirs. "It is fascinating." I chuckle. "From what I can tell, the macrophages -large white blood cells responsible for eating foreign contaminants and controlling inflammation- arrive and signal the surrounding cells to revert back into undifferentiated cells that then migrate to the end of the wound and begin to re-grow the limb in a process similar to how embryos form in the early days." "We don''t need the detailed description." One of the guards missing a couple fingers says with a laugh. "Just tell us if you think it''ll work or not." "Let me maim a few more lizards before I get back to you." The whole crowd chuckles at that. Feeding subject A some more sap, I take off its whole hand this time, just above the wrist. Dialing my consciousness down deep to unravel the process, and find what magic I''ll need to duplicate the effect in people. Replacing A in the box once its hand grows back, I switch to B and take off the whole arm this time. C, D, E, and F similarly lose limbs in the name of science before I feel confident enough to try on one of the guards. "You''re first." I point to the guard who spoke up before. "I''ll need to remove all scar tissue first, but even if this doesn''t work, you''ll be no worse off than before." "Just do it!" He nods sharply, clearly nervous. "You three, just try to follow along for now." I say to the healers. "If it works, I''ll teach you the spell after. You, drink this, and this." I hand him a shot glass of sap and a smoothie. "Now, Sleep!" I command after he downs both. "You know that''s a little scary, right?" Jana says with a nervous laugh when the guard slumps onto the table. "Would you prefer he stay awake for this part." I say and start using the cleanse spell to eat away the scar tissue covering the stump of one finger. "Now, please let me focus." I let the flow state take me and use the god-given knowledge of nature magic to guide me. I don''t think this task would be possible without that, at least not in the way I''m doing it. I know that there are other spells that can do the same task, but I have zero idea how they work. The skin forms first, not a scar, but proper, healthy skin. The surrounding cells all start reverting into fibroblasts, and just like in the Salamander they migrate to just under the newly formed skin. "Were you able to follow any of that?" I surface enough to ask. "Some." Elise nods. Martin and Jana do also, though each less sure than the last. "I''m going to accelerate the growth now." I announce. "This is where we''ll see if it actually works or not." Carefully monitoring everything, I cast a low-level growth spell on his whole body and a stronger one on the blastema itself. "The joints are forming." I announce, but everyone can see the miniature finger with two tiny knuckles growing out of the stump. "The bone takes a lot of calcium. There''s enough in the smoothie for this, but I''ll need to add extra for larger limbs." No one else says a word as they watch his finger regenerate. It''s slower than the salamander limbs, and I can sense room for improvement in the spell form, but it works. "Oh!" Everyone startles when I say that, thinking that something must have gone wrong. "No, he''s fine." I reassure them. "I just realized that Apricot will be annoyed that she didn''t get to watch me invent a new spell. Her loss, I suppose, she really didn''t like the thought of the salamanders getting hurt." "It worked? There are no issues?" Elise says and all three of them redouble their scans of his finger. "It''s formed properly, and growing just like a baby in the womb." She announces a moment later. "I can still see some room for improvement in the spell but yes, it works." I flood the area with healing sap to speed it up even more. "I''m just speeding thing up right now, I need to see if it will stop once fully grown or not. Okay, easing off... and it looks good." "There''s no malignant growth." Martin announces. "The bone is strong, and all nerves and blood vessels are formed properly. Aside from the baby-like quality of the skin, I''d say he never lost a finger." "One more to go, but let''s see how he feels and get a little more calcium into him first. Wake!" He snaps to in just a second and whips his head around the unfamiliar room, until he spots me. Then, almost as if afraid to, he looks down at his hand. "..." He chokes up when the finger moves at his command. While he''s getting himself under control, I take some lemon juice and dump in some calcium carbonate I pulled from stone the other day. "Do, I even want to ask?" Melanie speaks up from the doorway when she sees me drawing calcium citrate back out. She and pretty much everyone in the building has gathered to watch. "Heh." I let out a soft laugh. "My little sister learned the hard way not to eat too much lime when she mistook a box of flavored antacids for candy." Elise laughs at my words; she''s obviously met someone who did the same thing. "Calcium citrate doesn''t carry that risk, but still gives the bones what they need." "Can... can I please stay awake this time?" The soldier asks with a gulp. "It''s going to hurt." I warn, but hand him another smoothie, this time with a spoonful of calcium in it. "Try not to scream." I use the leftover healing sap to focus the cleanse spell, trying to get this part over with as soon as possible. To give the man credit, he didn''t scream as his flesh was being dissolved by magic. He made a lot of noise, but he did not scream. "Well, that was a fucking stupid idea." He pants out after a fresh layer of skin covers over the wound site. "Couldn''t you have just used a knife or something? I think it would have hurt less." "I warned you." I reply with a shake of my head. "And, this way removes the least amount of tissue, meaning you have less to re-grow after. Now, hush." He squirms in discomfort as the new finger grows, but endures it better than the skinning. "How long is this going to take?" He asks while staring at the tiny nub. "I estimate a good hour without the healing sap before it''s done." I answer more for the healers than him. "And, likely over a day if you can''t stack the growth spells, over a week without any boost at all. But, starting the growth is the hard part, once it''s up you can just loop it like I just did to keep it going. Elise, do you want to try first?" "Someone has to." She nods. "You, Sleep!" She knocks out one of the volunteers. "Sorrel''s not the only one who knows that spell." She and Martin laugh at Jana''s expression. *** # 121 "Alright." I clap my hands together. "I''m no pixie, but I have learned a few tricks from living with one. Just copy me and I''ll correct you if you stray." Embarrassment forgotten, Elise turns all business. We walk through the somatic and verbal components with my nudging her magic into the proper channels. I can only offer a strong guiding hand compared to Apricot who can take control directly, but she catches on fairly quickly. "...Regenerate!" Elise''s magic flows into the patient, and although stymied by his mana, it does the job. "Slower than when you did it, but that''s to be expected. It''s working though, and I doubt anyone will mind that it takes a few hours to re-grow a finger instead of just one. Wake!" "Huh?" The poor guard blinks and then smiles when he spots his finger. "See, that''s what you should have asked for." He ribs his friend who wanted to be awake for the whole thing. I ignore the teasing and hand him a smoothie to drink since Elise put him under before I could give him one. ... "Well done, Jana." Martin compliments his apprentice after her first successful cast. "See, I told you that you could do it." I send her a smile. "Now, you three should practice on the rest of the soldiers, while I get started on my team. Do you still have those smoothies I gave you?" "Yes, but could I get some of that calcium powder for them." I just hand her the jar I made and start on another. "That was just limestone poured into lemon juice, right?" "Yup." I nod and turn to my people. "Hughes, you''re not going to be able to walk for a few days, but I can make you a wheelchair to help you get around." "As long as that lift of your''s works or I can get a bed down here, that should be fine." He agrees. "I slept on the couch last night anyways, so it''s not like I''ll miss the loft bed." "Idiot, Sorrel." I facepalm. "Why didn''t you say something at dinner? I''ll give you a proper bed down where you can reach for tonight. And, I still need to do a bit of enchanting for the elevator, but as long as I''m in the building all you have to do is push the button outside the doors and it will work for you." "Thank you." He bows to me. "So, who''s first?" The three of them look at each other before the older men push Fawne forward. "Cowards!" She shoots back at them, but takes a seat next to me. "And, Toni! No peeking when he does that first bit, I know how you get." "Don''t worry, she''ll be fine." I reassure her partner. "She''s going to be sick of these smoothies by the time we''re done, but she''ll be fine." "Nng. Stupid beastkin appetite." My guard grumbles as I set a whole pitcher full in front of her. "I''ve eaten worse; a lot worse, but please tell me you still have some of those brownies left." "One or two." I materialize another plate and snatch one for myself. "Now, drink up. I''ll make sure Toni doesn''t peek." "Mhm." She grumbles and downs the pitcher as quickly as she can. "Oh, that fishy taste really comes through when you have to drink that much." She shakes her head after setting the pitcher down. "Sorry, but you need that protein to grow muscles." I reply and then twirl my finger at Toni until she turns around. "Nighty night." I put Fawne under and immediately start dissolving the scar tissue of her stump. "Hey!" Toni shouts when she tries to turn around only to find that her clothes are now holding her in place. "Dammit! Freaking crazy-ass mages always doing the impossible." "I promised her that you wouldn''t peek." I reply and move her arm to block her eyes when she tries to turn her head. "I could turn your top into a blindfold if you prefer." I threaten when she tries fighting her clothes to look anyways. "Hahahaha! I think he''s got you out classed Toni." Cyril laughs as she stops her struggling. "It''s alright, baby. You can look now." Fawne says after I wake her up. "There''s not much to see just yet, but I can feel it working." "Any issues with the larger limb?" Martin asks while all three healers probe her arm with their magic. "No, the mana cost and complexity scaled up as expected." I say. "You and Elise should be able to handle anything up to small thigh but might have to work together for anything larger. Jana, you should be able to just handle a small arm like this, but I wouldn''t recommend anything bigger than a woman''s hand. And, only then, after practicing on a lot of fingers." "Hopefully not too many." She giggles nervously at the thought of countless severed fingers. ... "Man, where was one of those when I needed it?" Gen grumbles as Hughes plays around with his new wheelchair. "Just be glad that you don''t need it anymore." Fawne replies distractedly while playing with the tiny hand growing from her stump. "This is so weird."This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. "You keep saying that, dear." Toni rolls her eyes at the beastkin. "Looks like it''s time to take your medicine again." She laughs when I place another pitcher in front of Fawne. "Oh, joy." She sighs, but starts downing it anyways. I roll my eyes at her and turn to the pet carrier. "Alright, Test Subject A." I pluck the first salamander from the cage again and feed it some more sap. "Sorry about this, but you''ve had to regenerate the least out of everyone." I knock it out again and wrap its kidney and part of its liver in my magic. The cleanse spell cuts them off at the same point that Gen is missing his before they get sucked into storage. "Did you?.." Elise looks from me to the newt and back again. "I need to know if this will work." I nod. "And, this way I''ll be able to transplant it back if it doesn''t. Thankfully, it doesn''t seem like I''ll need to do that." I send my healing sap to speed up the process, and the newt soon has perfect replicas of its missing parts. "It worked!" Her eyes light up even more than when she saw the guard''s finger start growing back. "Yes, it did." I heave out a relieved sigh. "And, I have had more than enough of torturing these poor things for today." I set it back in the cage and turn to my people. "Time to torture my poor guards instead. Gen, want to find out what it feels like to re-grow a kidney?" "..." He just gulps. He''s not the only one. "I take it back." Jana says with a nervous laugh. "You being able to put someone to sleep with a word isn''t scary. Stealing organs out of a living body? Now, that''s scary." "What am I going to do with a bunch of organs?" I chuckle at her. "I don''t even know what to do with this salamander kidney. Does anybody want it?" My chuckle turns into full-blown belly laughs at the looks on everyone''s faces. "Not you, Gran, I don''t even want to know what you''d do with it." That does the trick and soon everyone is laughing along with me. "Oh, shut up and heal your man, so we can get started on the sauce." The chef grumps at me. "Drink up, Gen." I hold out a large smoothie to him with a little healing sap in it to speed things up. "And, lie down here." I make a small cot for him. The healers and I gather around him when he does. "Do you three have a good image? Alright, we''ll see you in a few minutes, Gen. Sleep! Cleanse! Regenerate!" "It''s working." Jana breathes out as if fearful to speak any louder than a whisper. "Yes, it is." I agree. "And... that should be a good head-start. Time to wake up, Gen." I smile down at him when he blinks up at me? "How does it feel?" "Alright, I guess." He shrugs. "I can feel that something is happening, but it''s not uncomfortable or anything." "Good." I nod sharply. "Just take it easy for now, maybe play some cards or board games while Granville and I work on the sauce." I fill the conference table with ways to pass the time. "And, think about what scars you all want to keep, if any. Once the big jobs are done, I''ll start in on the more cosmetic stuff." "Thank you." He nods to me, his voice filled with emotion. "Thank me after you get sick of these things." I pull out a smoothie for myself to recover from the sap use. "Now, if you''ll excuse me, I need to go grow some fruit for a crazy steak sauce." Leaving everyone to their own devices, I head outside with Granville in tow to grow some tamarind. ... "Not again." Fawne whines when yet another pitcher appears in front of her. "Damned beastkin physiology." Gran and I are working on the latest of I don''t even know how many batches of Worcestershire sauce. We''re getting close though, and I can''t wait until we nail it. But, while we''ve been working on that, I''ve also been monitoring my patients and feeding them smoothies as needed. Much to a certain beastkin''s lament. "They''re not that bad." Hughes counters. "At least, not when you don''t have to drink a whole pitcher of them at a time. I could do without my bones vibrating every few minutes though." I''d noticed the new bone was growing in weaker than the old. So, knowing that bones need to be stressed to grow strong, I started adding in that stress every so often. "That I can handle." Her arm has been getting the same treatment; beastkin need strong bones to support all that strength, after all. "I''ve just never been a fan of fish, and even the small aftertaste in this gets to me." "If it helps, it''s not actually fish." I offer. "It''s just a fishy-smelling plant." Not really a plant, but close enough. "You need the protein in it to grow your new muscles, but if it bothers you that much, I can replace it with some lentils and soy and roast up a bunch of chickpeas for you to snack on instead. I''d offer you some real meat, but with your appetite, I''d run out in no time." "You could have said that before I downed the pitcher." She gets a light swat from Toni for that. "Sorry, I just really don''t like fish." "That''s alright." I smile over at her in understanding. "I''d love to make some *tofu*, just to mess with Gran some more, but I don''t have any of the coagulants. Hmm?" I send a speaker box down to Melanie who returned to her lab earlier. "Hey, Mels, do we have any gypsum?" "You need to quit doing stuff like this, Sorrel." She huffs at the little box. "And, sorry, no." "What about *Epsom* salt. Argh! Stupid translation." I grouse when the word doesn''t come out right. "I bet we have it too, but I just don''t know the right name. That just leaves calcium chloride... which is a byproduct of the *Solvay* process." "Here we go again." She smirks, knowing that I just thought up something. "Yeah, yeah." I roll my eyes and write down the process and formulas for her before teleporting it over through storage. "Here, this will make soda ash from limestone and brine, but what I want is the byproduct. It''s a bit of a finicky process, if I remember correctly, but you should be able to handle it." "We''ll need more salt... thank you." A twitch develops under her eye when a bag of it materializes next to her. "And, you really need to finish writing down the rest of your alchemy knowledge." "I know, I know." I sigh. "But, I don''t remember what I remember until I remember it. I learned this stuff through rote memorization to pass a class, so most of it just sits in a dark closet at the back of my mind until something jostles it loose. Like just now." "I understand." She copies my sigh. "But, it''s still a little frustrating when you drop tidbits like this on me out of the blue. What triggered this one, by the way? Want some more lingerie for your girls?" "No, just some food." I laugh. "I need it to coagulate some bean curd because a certain beastkin guard of mine is a picky eater." Toni cracks up at the flush that fills her partner''s face. "Heh." Melanie snorts. "Well, Eliot and the new workers seem to be handling the silk production well enough, so I''ll get started on this." "Thanks, Melanie." I fill my voice with sincerity. "You''re the best, and I couldn''t be doing any of this without you." "Yeah, yeah. Just let me work." She waves her hand like she''s trying to shoo away the speaker box. "And, no more making stuff just appear in front of me like this." "Sorry. I''ll just send a paper airplane next time." One pops into existence and circles the room before vanishing again. Seeing the twitch form under her eye again, I pull the speaker back into storage and leave her alone. *** # 122 "Bean curds?" Granville prompts when I finish my conversation with the alchemist. "Yup. Soybeans to be precise." I smile at the chef. "On its own, the stuff is fairly bland, but it soaks up flavor like a sponge. I''ll be using the silken variety for the smoothies but, if you prep it right, the regular stuff makes for a good chicken replacement. It''s one of the staples in the *Asian* cuisine you tried the other day." "I don''t suppose you''d be willing to demonstrate?" It looks like that question cost him something. "Sure." I shrug. "But, Melanie will probably take a while to get that process working, so let''s check on the latest batch while I roast up some chickpeas for Fawne. Mmm, I kinda want some hummus now." distracted by that thought, I start working on food instead. I like garbanzo beans on my salad, so I already have a bunch ready to go in storage. Most of these I start roasting right away, I''ve found that if you roast them for a good ten or fifteen minutes before adding the oil and seasoning they turn out super crunchy. While they''re roasting, I quickly make the dough for the pita bread and let it rest. "Thank you cleanse spell and goodbye skins." I always hated getting all the skins off to make the creamiest hummus. Even with some baking soda to help break them down, it would normally take a good five minutes of stirring and straining and rubbing them together to remove all the husks. But, now I don''t have to worry about it, thanks to some creative magic use. While the chickpeas are simmering, I grind up the sesame seeds and olive oil to make tahini. I then add some garlic flavored lemon juice, mixing it with the tahini until the two runny liquids form a thick paste. Once that happens, I add water to thin it back out again. I saw this trick in a YouTube vid a while ago and it tastes so much better than adding the garlic directly to the hummus itself. "You''ve got that look again." I comment after looking up from my work to see Gran staring at the substance I just made. "Please don''t tell me that you don''t have hummus? Oh, you poor people. It''s alright now, the chickpeas will be soft enough to blend into the rest soon." I oil and season the roasting chickpeas, and roll out the flatbread while waiting for that to happen. The bread will need to rest again before it can be fried, and the chickpeas look like they''ll take at least that long themselves, so I finally turn to the latest batch of Worcestershire sauce. "Oh, that is good. It feels like a lifetime since I last had some." Temmie snickers for my ears alone at that little inside joke. "But, this tastes just like the real stuff, I think we finally have it." "You were sent here to torment me, weren''t you?" Granville peels his eyes away from the tahini mixture focus on the steak sauce. "Quite possibly." I reply with a smirk. "I don''t know much about the one who sent me here, but I got a good feel for his sense of humor and wouldn''t put it past him to include thoughts of tormenting some poor chef when he chose where to deposit me." Temmie breaks into full-on guffaws at that. "Whatever." The man just shakes his head. "And, I think you''re right. I can see this strange sauce adding a lot of complexity to any meal it''s added to. Too bad it is such a pain to make without a skilled nature mage." "I''ll make you as much as you want." I offer right away. "And, since you provided the anchovies and tamarind, all of this is rightfully yours to begin with. Maybe just leave me a bottle, yeah?" "Let me see this hummus and bean curd of yours and I''ll think about it." He sends a teasing smile back at me. "Alright, everything should be ready to go by now." I start frying up the pita and blend the tahini mix into the chickpeas. A drizzle of olive oil and a garnish of seasonings more for looks than taste top it off once everything is as smooth as can be. "You can dip pretty much anything you like in this, but I''ve always been a fan of the classic flatbread." Tearing a hunk off of the bread, I get a big scoop for myself before passing the dip to Granville. While he''s savoring that, I pass a bowl of roasted chickpeas to Fawne and store the rest to keep them fresh.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. "Ooh, these are good." She makes appreciative noises around a mouthful of crunchy goodness. "But, uh... is there any chance I could try some of that." "Hah. You guys are worse than Apricot." Fawne is not the only person looking at the hummus with desire in their eyes. The way the chef keeps grumbling in his ''I really hate that this is so good'' way isn''t helping things either. "Fine, if you can make Gran share then you can all try some." Seeing that my snack is going to disappear, I set out a small planter and start growing some more chickpeas. A lot more chickpeas. Knowing Apricot, she''s going to go nuts when she sees this, so I want to have more than enough stored away. "Oh, and if you''re not a fan of chickpeas, you can substitute roasted eggplant." I thought about making some baba ganoush, but it''s always been hummus or nothing for me. "And, it looks like Melanie has had some luck with that process I sent her." I''m about to send a paper airplane downstairs to ask if it''s alright for me to steal some of the calcium chloride when an awesome idea hits. I send the plane anyway, but make plans to install a pneumatic tube system throughout the building. Even if it''s pointless and stupid, I still want one. "Uh... Master." Catherine spots the paper plane first, so I send it to her hands. "Mister Sorrel asks if it''s alright to steal some of the... calcium chloride." She carefully pronounces the unfamiliar words. "Yes, yes." Melanie waves dismissively at the ceiling, too distracted by the new alchemy to be annoyed with me. "The... the note just changed to read ''thank you''." The apprentice gulps. "How did he even do that?" "Hahaha. You think I know how he works?" My alchemist shakes her head. "The crazy man -who I know is still listening to this- revolutionized healing magic in a single morning, but seems to care more for bean curds and some sauce that''s almost as crazy as he is." "..." Cat chooses to hand the paper to her master after reading the new message I put on it. [What are a few measly limbs compared to some fine cuisine?] "Hah!" The snort of a laugh erupts out of her. "Oh, go make your bean curd and leave me in peace." She crumples up the paper and throws it away, so I snatch up the coagulant and leave her be. "Alright, let''s make some bean curd." I announce and while still growing chickpeas, I start grinding and heating soybeans to separate the meal from the milk. "Now, I''m using this stuff that Melanie made for me, but traditionally this is made using the leftover brine after seawater has been boiled down until the salt crystallizes out. This gives it a bitter flavor that I don''t care for though." "And, even as fast as you run, the ocean isn''t exactly nearby." Fawne adds with a laugh while eating my hummus. "Mhm." I nod and then explain the process for Gran. "There are two basic types of tofu, silken and regular, with each having several levels of firmness. The former starts with a thicker soy milk and requires careful temperature control to let it firm up without letting the curds and whey separate. But, for the latter, you want those curds and just press them together like you''re making cheese." I make both and hand over raw samples to Gran before using the silken tofu to make a simple chocolate mousse and lightly frying some firm tofu coated in corn starch in some sesame oil. "The silken tofu is great for desserts like mousse, sauces, and smoothies, anything you want a nice creamy base for, really. And speaking of smoothies." Sensing that despite eating my hummus and the roasted chickpeas I gave her, Fawne still needs more food. I mix up a fresh, spirulina-free batch of smoothies just for her. "Here you go, no more fishy taste; but, keep eating those chickpeas, you still need the extra protein." I hand her another bowl of them along with the pitcher of smoothie. "Oh, thank you, that is so much better." She bows her head to me after downing the whole thing in one go. "Any chance I could try that though? You said it was like a meat replacement or something." "The firm stuff, yeah." I nod. "But, these were just to show Gran what the basic stuff is like. Give me a few minutes to make something decent out of this." "You can have the rest of these if you like." The chef passes over the fried tofu, but keeps the mousse for himself. "And, could you make a regular mousse out of chocolate, just so I can compare it to this?" "All in the name of science, eh?" I tease. "I''ll need to borrow some eggs, but yeah. Now, for the trick to really good tofu, you need to process it a bit. Press it under a heavy pan for a good thirty minutes to get the extra moisture out, then freeze it, thaw it out, and press it again." I cheat with a bit of magic to speed the process up. "After that, you can treat it basically like a bland chicken breast." Slicing the tofu into think pieces, I coat them in a marinade and then use a vacuum and a bit of water magic to speed up what should take hours. Once that''s done, I just grill it up, using a bit more of the marinade as a basting sauce. "What did you do there?" Granville asks in a tight voice after seeing my improvised vacuum chamber. "I cheated." I smirk. "Removing the air draws the marinade deeper into the food without wasting hours. Now, try some. It''s not chicken, but it''s not bad for a bunch of beans." "I can see some beastkin becoming bean farmers for this." Fawne comments while devouring her share. "And, I swear if I hadn''t just watched you make it, I''d think this was some new meat I''d never had before." "You know." Elise prompts. "It is getting rather close to lunchtime." "Oh, don''t worry." I smile back at her with a little twinkle in my eye. "I have more than enough smoothies for everyone. Heheheh." Laughing at everyone''s expressions, I start making enough tofu to go around. *** # 123 "See, I told you he''d have food ready." Amelia ruffles Apricot''s hair when they join us just after I got everything plated up. "Hey, there. I missed you two." I pull them both in for hugs and kisses, not caring one whit for all the people watching. "How were your folks? Are you two hungry? I made chicken and there''s chocolate mousse for dessert." Not the best pairing, but chocolate''s chocolate. "Talk later, food now." Apricot is clearly starving, so I set out some of the food I had saved for her and Amelia. "Mmm, what is the crust on this?" I just grin, she was so taken by the hummus crust on the ''chicken'' that she didn''t even notice what the meat really was. "So, I see you got the spell to work." Amelia has a laugh for Fawne and Stan, who are both trying to eat with baby-sized hands. "Oh, this is good." "Yeah, and the salamanders are all fine." I say for Apricot''s benefit while trying to keep my expression under control. Not that anyone else is bothering to hide their smirks. "The crust is made from chickpeas, sesame seeds, oil, garlic, and lemon juice. It''s called hummus." I materialize one of the many, many bowls I made after everyone ate my first batch. "Okay, what''s up with all the smiles?" Amelia looks around warily. "I thought they were just because of the kiss, but everyone is acting like they''re in on a joke and are just waiting for us to find out." "Really?" I take a bite of my ''chicken'' to hide my smile. "I wonder why." "What is it?" She glares at me. "You tell me." I make a point out of cutting my tofu into bite-sized pieces. I pressed it into a chicken breast shape before cooking and even used a little plant shaping to make it feel that much more like the real thing. "You didn''t feed us salamander or something like that?" She inspects her meal carefully as several people start giggling. "No." I start laughing too. "But, Granville was oddly interested in the kidney I removed from one of them." "Nnh, poor little lizard." Apricot whimpers, but doesn''t stop eating. "I told you they''re fine." I stretch my vine out to stroke her back. "I wasn''t happy about hurting them either, but look what came out of it." Stan and Fawne wave their baby-hands at the pixie making her laugh. "Then would you please tell me what everyone is so amused about?" Amelia''s hand joins my vine on Apricot''s back. "This." I hold up a palmful of soybeans. "Is the ''meat'' that you''re eating right now. Turns out that Fawne doesn''t like the fishy taste of the spirulina in the smoothies, so I had to get a bit creative. One thing led to the next, and well, this was the result." "No way!" Apricot''s eyes start glowing. "It''s got your plant magic all over it. But... this is chicken." "Heh. I guess not even a pixie''s senses are infallible." I smirk over at her. "I used real chicken broth for the flavor, and a bit of plant-shaping to get the texture right." I recreate the process from scratch right in front of her eyes. "Even without the added magic." Fawne interjects. "It''s still close enough to meat that you might just think that it was something that you hadn''t eaten before. And, just wait until you try the mousse he made for dessert." ... After lunch, I went outside to soak up some sun while working out the enchantments needed for the elevator. "Would you remind me later to go through the children''s books in my head and copy out any that would be good for the daycare?" I ask Amelia as we pass through it to the south side of the building. "And, I seem to recall there being quite a few more plush toys in here yesterday." "I have no idea what you mean." Apricot says with the worst poker face ever. "Uh-huh." I just roll my eyes and start replacing the stolen stuffed animals, which Apricot immediately dives into. "So, how is your family doing?" I asked Amelia earlier, but she got distracted by lunch. "Great. Business is booming, a little too booming actually, and all thanks to you." She laughs. "Word got around that we''re together, so now my parents have more business than they can handle." "Tch." I shake my head at the silliness of people. "Whatever. As long as they''re happy." I put it out of my mind. "Mnh, I wish I had some coconuts, I really want to hang one of those hammocks up between a couple of palm trees." I don''t let that lack stop me though, and just make some fake palms instead. "I thought you were going to work." Amelia teases when I string up a hammock between the fake trees.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. "I am working." I retort and sit down on the hammock, using it like a swing. "I just need the proper environment to work in. That and the playground still needs to be built, so ''two birds, one stone''. Now, we need some nice, soft sand for them to play in." Amelia jumps when the ground starts rippling as I separate out everything that isn''t pure silica from the top thirty centimeters. "Hey, warn a girl first." She hops up next to me. "Sorry." I kiss her on the cheek to apologize. More silica is added to the expanding sandpit to replace the volume lost when I pull everything I don''t want into storage. The seashell palace then forms in the middle with a ring of smaller buildings around it. Two of those buildings are currently beset by giant octopodes. Their bodies are sunk mostly under the sand, and their heads look like wire-frame models to let the kids climb in and on them. Several of their limbs stick up out of the sand to form or hold playground staples like slides, swing-sets, and climbing ropes. "Well, I know where to look for Apricot if we ever lose her." Amelia laughs as I add several more hammocks and fake palm trees around the outside as a finishing touch. "It''s just missing one thing." She mixes some salt into water and disperses it into a light mist, kept constantly flowing around the playground. "Nice." I give her another kiss for the perfect addition and add a speaker playing some beach sounds from my [Ambiance] playlist. "Now, no coconut and no pineapple means no pina colada, and I would love to have some agave to make some tequila for margaritas, but that''s also a no-go. So, mai tais? Enh, maybe just a daiquiri. I don''t feel like brewing up anything right now, and I don''t have any bitter oranges for the liqueur either." "Should you start drinking if you''re going to be enchanting?" She sounds a little worried, but only a little. I may not be able to put the drinks away like her friend, Lianna, but I''m no lightweight either. "Probably not." I admit with a tired sigh. "But, people have been staring at me ever since I started re-growing limbs, so I''m going to say fuck it and have one anyway. Ooh, make some more of that carbon dioxide from last night and mix it into some water." I decide to make mojitos instead since I have my own seltzer producer sitting next to me. "It''s fizzy!" Amelia giggles as the bubbles start to escape from the water. "Yes, it is." I laugh along with her and mix up a small pitcher of mojitos. "Sweetie, do you want one? The bubbles tickle your nose." "Sure, but you have to fix up Myra and Willow''s playground when we get home. Ooh, minty." She smiles after taking a sip. "And, make some room for me up there." I lie back and my girls take up position on either side of me. The three of us just relax there for a moment, sipping on our fizzy drinks in the salty breeze. "This is nice." I breathe out and finally let some of the tension from everyone''s earlier gazes seep out of me. "And, since I have extra arms, I can hug you two and work at the same time." "Just try not to blow us up." Amelia laughs softly and closes her eyes to rest against me while listening to the gentle lapping of waves on our little pretend beach. ... "Uh, Sorrel?" Elise, her fellow healers, and the formerly maimed guards join us a while later. But, they just stop at the edge of the playground and stare. "Over here." I wave a vine to draw her attention, my arms being occupied with holding Apricot and Amelia right now. "But, keep it down, the girls are napping." I''d like to be too, but there''s still a lot of work to be done. I took care of the enchantments for the elevator first and foremost. With almost no explosions. All it took was a bit of linear motion magic to move the lever, and several more spark generators to activate and deactivate it. I still need to install everything along with some call buttons and hire an operator. But, that''s one thing off my list. "Sorry for bothering you." She apologizes. "But, everyone''s fingers and toes have finished growing, we were just hoping that you would give them a last check before we leave." "Of course." I''ve been keeping a loose eye on all of our patients, but mostly just to make sure they have enough to eat. "...Everyone looks good. You''ll all need to keep working the fingers to build up strength, but that shouldn''t be too hard. Just listen to your healers, and don''t try to do too much at once." The guards all bow to me in time with each other and, even with a couple drinks in me, I still can''t stand the looks they send my way. But, I just nod back, knowing that I need to get used to this crap sooner or later. "Thank you, Sorrel." Elise packs a lot of meaning into those three words. "We''ll leave you to your little seaside vacation now." She adds with a smirk. "Heh. Too bad it''s a working vacation." I chuff out a laugh and return to working on the rest of the building infrastructure. This mostly just entails moving heat around and making more lights. A lot more lights. The place isn''t that big as far as buildings go, but you never realize quite how many lights a building needs. Not until you''re the one responsible for supplying them. "I wish I could work like that." One of the guards comments under his breath. "Same here." Another agrees. "But those extra arms are what really make me jealous." An odd glint fills his eye when he looks from his newly restored digit to my vines and back again. "It wouldn''t work." I tell him with an amused smile on my face. "Even if you found someone mad enough to actually try it, the limb would just hang there without a proper connection to the brain." "..." He gulps at being caught out. "If you really want another arm, you''d be better off trying to master the shapeshifting spell." I add with a soft laugh for his expression and the way his friends are grinning at him for getting caught out. "It''s not easy, but that way creates a magical connection to the mind allowing you to control the extra limbs." Mini-me grows from the back of my wrist and waves to him. "How?" Jana breathes out, and I sense all three healers start scanning me. "It took a bit of practice." Mini-me smiles up at her. "Especially to divorce the movements from the rest of my body, but... well, let''s just say that I was very motivated to have a pixie sized avatar." She blushes, but most of the guardsmen grin at my words. "And, with that, we should take our leave." Martin shakes his head and begins to usher his apprentice away, only to stop after a single step. "Thank you, Sorrel. Not only for developing this spell but for sharing it with the three of us." "Of course I shared it." I roll my eyes at him. "The last thing I need is more work; I''m just starting to make a dent in the mountain of stuff I need to do, as it is." The healer just shakes his head at me again and continues on his way. *** # 124 After the healers and guardsmen leave, I decide to take a break from the repetitive enchanting for a bit. I''d like to work on some of the lab stuff, but the glassware would need enough magic to wake Apricot. Same for trying to recreate the Haber process, if I even can on my own; it takes more pressure than making liquid carbon dioxide, after all. I''d like to make a pressure vessel and some sort of air compressor, but I need to work on my metal magics. ''I guess I can start on that now, I do still have kilometers of wire to draw out.'' I nod to myself and bring out one of the many, many ingots of aluminum sitting in my storage. ''Tell me your secrets, metal. Tell me your secrets.'' Sinking my consciousness into the ingot, I mold it into fanciful shapes while peering as closely at its structure as I can. I may not understand what I''m seeing, but this is just another puzzle to solve. Knowing that, I start looking for corners and edge pieces, anything that stands out. It doesn''t take long to find them either, and I want to smack myself for not realizing this before. Even smooth looking metal is full of edges, edges where differently oriented crystals meet up. ''Is this your secret?'' I silently ask the metal. ''I''ve just been molding and shaping you without thinking about you should line up inside.'' I don''t even have to think about this when I''m working with wood, so it never occurred to me. I start simple and make a single giant crystal out of the soft metal. This turns out to be less than simple, and soon becomes a fight against the material as it just wants to align randomly when I move it around. "Oh, no you don''t." I speak out loud without intending to. "I''m onto you now, and you will do what I tell you to." Focusing on a single speck of crystal, I will the surrounding metal to realign to it. The process starts slowly, but the size of the single crystal grows faster and faster as my understanding and control improve. "Pretty." Apricot is speaking about my magic rather than a shiny lump of metal. "Not nearly as pretty as you are." I say without opening my eyes, not until after I finish this one perfect crystal. "Sorry if I woke you." "Don''t be." She kisses me on the cheek. "You know I love watching you work. Did you figure out what you were doing wrong before?" "I think so." I retrieve another ingot of aluminum and mold it into the same shape as the first crystal but don''t order the internal structure at all. "See how random the crystals are? They''re all of different shapes and sizes, and I think those few larger ones must be the problem. The large edges must make it easier for the metal to break at that point." "So, you made the biggest one you could?" She chuckles. "Had to start somewhere." I reply with a smile. "And, now that I know how to control the crystal structure, I should be able to make them stay under a certain size. And, maybe test out different patterns for strength, hardness, and whatnot." "I love that look you get when you solve a puzzle." Amelia, who was woken by our conversation, turns my head to face her and kisses me. "Luckily, this one had a lot of edge pieces." I grin and kiss her again. "Did you have a good nap?" "Very." She purrs and snuggles up even tighter against me. "Did you get everything you need for the lift to work how you want it?" "I still need to install and test everything, but yeah." I nod. "I got a good head start on the other enchantments that are needed too. But, I''m really glad I figured out the problem I was having with metal. Now, once I learn a bit more about steel, I can make those fire extinguishers and some air compressors to let you play around with different gasses like the carbon dioxide." "Ooh. Yes, please." Amelia gets giddy at just the thought of it. "Can you start now? Pretty please?" "Yeah, but you''ll have to let me up." I chuckle when both she and Apricot just cling even tighter to me. "Or, not. It''s not like I''ll be playing around with molten metal or anything." Using magic alone, since the girls won''t let go of me, I create a furnace a safe distance away from us and the building. Cast iron might be fine for cookware, but I want a proper steel for, well, everything that a good steel is used for. In this case, a pressure chamber I have no idea what I''m doing, but I know that I need to add carbon to the iron I extracted from the stone the other day. Fortunately, I already have some high-quality charcoal, so I just light that on fire and use it to melt down the iron. Mixing the metal constantly, I pull small samples out to cool at regular intervals until I find something that feels just like my cast iron skillet. From there I have to look through the other samples and try to gauge their carbon content. All I have to compare them to are my belt knife and the bike parts I got from Edsel, but I find a few that feel close. "Now, to play around with crystals again." I can feel that the crystal grains in my samples are smaller than the stuff I just made, so that''s my goal. "No wonder Ed complained about making this stuff; keeping the grain size small is harder than making that single crystal was."The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. "Why don''t you do it like this instead." Apricot takes over and instead of trying to force countless small crystals to form, she just draws together the ones that do form before they can grow too large. "You are one genius little pixie, you know that." I kiss her full on the mouth and steal my spell back while she''s distracted. I practice using her trick and, while it''s not nearly as easy as just letting the metal reform how it wants, it is a great deal easier than what I was trying. Taking this new technique, I shape the samples into long rods for a strength test. "Any of these ought to work for the pressure chamber." I comment after struggling to bend the metal. "But, I should still talk to Ed or go see a smith to find out what works best for different applications." "Later." Amelia orders. "I want to see this now." "I still need a lot more steel, and to build an air compressor." That shouldn''t be too hard, I just need to build a piston with a couple of one-way valves and hook it up to one of the turbines. "Quit talking and do it then." I have to chuckle at that. "Yes, dear." I pick one of the rods at random and melt it down to get a good feel for its liquid state, and then smelt up a few dozen kilos to match. "Mhm. I''ll need some stiff springs for the compressor valves too." While the steel smelts, I perform another round of testing on the previous samples to find an alloy that works well as a spring. After getting some decent springs, and enough steel for everything, I shape it into the air compressor with a design that is basically a reverse engine. Instead of an explosion generating pressure to move the piston which in turn spins a crankshaft, this has a turbine spinning the crankshaft which pushes the piston to generate pressure. "Let''s go to the basement." I sit up, bringing the girls with me. "I already have a section set aside down there for this." "Finally!" Amelia hops down from the hammock and practically vibrates in place while waiting for me and Apricot. Smiling at her enthusiasm, I pick up Apricot and let Amelia set the pace inside. "The stairs will be faster." She bypasses the waiting elevator and dashes down the stairs. "Hi, Melanie." I call out to her once we step foot onto her floor. "Want to see something cool?" "What do you have for me?" We meet outside the room I set aside for ammonia production. "I should have known that you didn''t intend to deal with pee when you insisted on adding this room." "Just let me hook this up before Amelia has a fit and I''ll explain." After dodging a blow from the over-excited water mage, I set Apricot down and hook the compressor into one of the turbines I previously installed under the foundation. "This is an air compressor, I''m going to use it for the fire extinguishers and hopefully to make some supercritical fluids for Amelia." "That''s nice." She nods. "But, it''s not ammonia." "No, it isn''t." I smile back at her and start up the compressor while drawing the co2 in the air towards the intake valve. "See, there''s a really simple way to make ammonia. You just need to mix one part nitrogen with three parts hydrogen and pass them over an iron catalyst." Her eyes widen when I use magic to do just that and very slowly form a drop of ammonia. "And." She can tell from my smile that that''s not all. "And, unfortunately, it''s a reversible process with the equilibrium heavily favoring the gasses." I explain and let the tiny droplet turn back into mist and then its constituent gasses. "But, as you may or may not know, if you change the concentration, temperature, volume, or pressure of a reaction you can change the point of equilibrium." "So, you built a machine to increase the pressure." She peers at the compressor with interested eyes. "It''s working." Amelia laughs in delight. "The stale air is starting to turn into a liquid." "Yes, but the compressor is starting to struggle." I frown at the machine and wish, not for the first time, that I was more mechanically minded. "Well, it''s just compressing what is already there, right?" Amelia says and brings her magic into play. "What if we give it a hand." "Looks like I''m dating two geniuses." I laugh and pull her in for a kiss. "I just need to add a second or maybe third stage to reach the pressures we need." I disengage the turbine, vent the tank into an exhaust pipe, and start doing just that. "Weren''t you having difficulties with metal?" Melanie says while watching me adjust the machine. "I was going to ask Ed to give you some pointers the next time I saw him." "That''s where genius number one comes in." I wrap an arm around Apricot. "I only helped with that last part and you know it." She bops me lightly on the back of my head. "Mhm." I just shrug. "I could still use some help from Ed though. I may be able to shape metal without faults now, but I still don''t know which alloys are best for which application. I mean, I just picked a random steel for this. I really have no idea what I''m doing here." "You seem to be doing alright to me." Melanie laughs when I test the now three-stage compressor. "This is the same principle as the water sprayers." I explain while making a few tweaks to the piston timings. "But, you know, in metal. Now, let''s see if this baby can get my baby some supercritical water." I half-fill the tank with water and then erect a half-meter thick quartz blast shield between us and the compressor. "Uh..." Melanie swallows. "Just what are you expecting to happen?" "I am hoping that everything will work perfectly." I say with a smirk. "But, I want to be prepared just in case it explodes. I should probably use steel for the shield, but we''ve gathered a crowd, and I thought they''d want to watch what little there is to see." Everyone flinches when the compressor starts up, and I have to fight not to grin at their reactions. I can already tell that heat is going to be an issue for the compressor itself, but I was already planning to make a lot of heat transfer enchantments. So, it won''t be a problem to add a couple to this. "Stopping." I announce, and then slowly vent the tank. "The pipe between the tank and the compressor isn''t thick enough, any more pressure and it would have failed." The walls of that pipe get tripled in thickness, and thinking ''better safe than sorry'' I do the same to the ones between the stages. "And... starting again." "I-I think it''s working." Amelia announces a few moments later. "It feels like it needs more heat though." "Adding heat." I''ve already been dumping the heat from the compressor into the tank, but I have no idea how much heat it takes for water to go supercritical, other than a lot. "And, that is supercritical water." "Eeee!" Amelia squees in excitement and immediately dives in with her magic. "For anyone who is wondering." I address the small crowd. "The water inside that tank is now under the same pressure it would be if it were around two-and-a-half kilometers deep in the ocean, and hotter than a campfire." "This is amazing, Babe." Amelia says dreamily while playing around with the water in the tank. "Thank you so much for showing me this." "I''m always happy to make you happy." I give her a peck on the cheek. "You have fun; I''m going to go work on the lift." *** # 125 "Hey, guys." I greet the guards who are still playing board games in the conference room. "How are you all feeling?" "I never thought I''d say this." Fawne sighs. "But, I think I''m actually tired of eating. Thank you for giving me some variety, but I need a break." I knew she''d get tired of eating bowl after bowl of chickpeas, so I gave her a different style of tofu chicken every other bowl. "Okay." I nod. "I was going to drop the accelerated growth spells after dinner anyway. Your progress is already well ahead of the others thanks to that high metabolism, so breaking early won''t slow you down much." "Thank you." It''s hard not to smile at the relief on her face right now. "Heh." Hughes chuckles. "A beastkin tired of eating? Now, there''s something I never thought I''d see." "Are the rest of you doing alright?" I know how their bodies are doing, but I never would have known about Fawne getting sick of food if I hadn''t talked to her. "Good. I just finished adding controls to the lift, and wanted to show you all how to use it." "That was fast." Hughes looks excited. "Thank you for working on that; I know you must have a thousand other things that need doing around here." "No worries." I smile at him and lead the way over to the elevator. "First off, these are for the six of you." I hand them each a key. "These are override keys, and they will call the lift to whatever floor you''re on when you use them in the slot under the call button. Please don''t abuse them." "That won''t happen." Cyril assures me. "Good." I use a key myself and the doors swish open thanks to a motion magic enchantment. "Now, the controls are simple enough that anyone can use them. Just select what floor you want with the lever and push the up or down button depending on which way you''re going." I pick the third floor, and the doors swish closed before the lift takes us up. "What if we push the wrong button?" Gen asks. "You''ll end up at the basement or top floor." I need to work out a proper control circuit like in a modern elevator, but this works for now. "I''ll be hiring an operator soon, and eventually automating the whole thing. But, I need a lot more enchanting experience before that happens." "Easiest job ever." He laughs. "More like most boring." Toni shakes her head. "Yeah, that''s why I''ll be adding a music player, and they''ll have short shifts." I agree with her whole-heartedly. "Okay, does anyone need anything else while you have me here? Hughes, I already put a bed down in the living room for you." He nods his thanks to me. "I think we''re good for now." Cyril states after exchanging glances with everyone. "Alright." I nod. "I should get back to working on the appliances, then. Oh, hi, Felicia. How are you and your crew settling in?" I say when the elevator doors open up to show her walking down the hallway. "Sorrel." She greets me with a smile. "I was just coming to look for you. I know that Melanie is still working on increasing the production of the silk, but I was hoping that you could still provide the looms. The girls and I are eager to prove ourselves." "Anything to save me from enchanting yet another light." I agree readily. "Squeeze on in and we''ll get off at the next floor. Now, I have a copy of one of Cecil''s looms in storage. Will that be good enough to start with? Just because I can weave with magic doesn''t mean I know anything about doing it for real." "That''s a good start." She nods. "A very good start, but I might have a few minor changes..." We got off on the second floor and spent the next little while setting everything up to her satisfaction. "...That should be enough cotton to keep the girls busy." She says with a nervous laugh after I turn a giant bale of cotton into countless kilometers of fine thread. "Alright." I node with a smile playing at the corner of my lips. "And, I''ll speak with Sinclair, whenever he shows himself again, and ask him to have a look at the spinning wheels for you." Now that I''ve built a working air compressor we should be able to use that to power a multitude of devices. I had already installed some waterlines to run some turbines on this floor, but I''m happy to switch them out for compressed air instead. "Are you sure that we can''t just have you make all the thread for us." She laughs while examining the top-quality thread. "Or, at least have you teach me that trick?" "I would if I could." I say with a rueful expression. "But, I doubt anyone less than another Plantkin or maybe a grandmaster nature mage could manage the same trick. Don''t worry though; I''ll keep you stocked with as much thread as you need. At least, until we have a spinning wheel that can produce something of similar quality and quantity, that is."Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. "Where did you say that Sinclair took off to?" She asks with a dangerous glint in her eyes. "Heheheh." I shake my head at her. "He''s working on a gift for the Queen right now. It''s just a small one, but I''m sure he''s trying to make everything as perfect as he can." "The Q-Queen?" Her eyes go wide. "Mhm." I nod. "I''ll be heading to the Capital soon and, since I''ve made a bit of a splash since arriving here, I''m sure she''s going to want a meeting with me." "A bit of a splash?" She breaks into nervous laughter. "I know Melanie said that I would get used to you, but I''m not sure that''s possible." "Yeah, yeah." I roll my eyes at the weaver. "So, do you or your team need anything else? I think I have all the basics covered, but I don''t know if I''m missing something if no one tells me." "Well, a couple of them were wondering when the ovens will be installed." The ice-boxes and water heaters I can handle with magic for now since those don''t need constant supervision. But, I wasn''t about to run everyone''s ovens for them, so I just left place-holders for those until I could get them built. "Alright, I can work on those next." I really am sick of making lights and looking for any excuse not to do more. "Just let me know if anything else comes up, okay?" "Will do." She nods sharply. ... After checking in on Amelia, and finding her still entranced with the supercritical water. And, Apricot entranced with Amelia''s magical manipulation of that water. I head back outside to my faux vacation spot to build a stove. From what I''ve seen most people use wood-burning stoves or cook straight over their fireplaces. Even Amelia''s family only has a hybrid oven with wood being used for most things, and the enchantments for small stuff like heating a kettle for tea. I like this idea because it saves me the work of enchanting a full oven and finding a way to keep it stocked with enough mana to run. I briefly thought about making a biodigester to produce methane to make it somewhat cleaner, but natural gas is a lot harder to store than something like propane. Sure, I could make charcoal for everyone, or even try to build an alcohol stove, but why give myself more work. "Hmm? That alcohol burner might be a good idea for the boilers and water heaters." My gaze drifts off into the middle-distance as designs form in my head. "If I make one of those old spring-style thermostats and tie it into a touch rune I could control the temperature automatically. Yeah, that should work; I could even use one to control the radiant heating and cooling. Nnh, I need more metals." I know they use two different ones with different thermal expansion rates, but I have no idea which ones were used. "Great another project." Shaking my head to clear it of distracting thoughts, I go back to duplicating the oven I saw at the Rialta''s. I had planned to hire a smith to make these for me, but that''s not needed anymore. And, since they''re made from cast iron, I don''t have to hassle with making tiny crystals like with steel. Only Melanie and Felicia''s apartments get direct copies of the oven. The family apartments and the communal kitchens get a slightly smaller design, and the studio apartments are even smaller. "Now that they have fire, I need to make sure they don''t burn down all my hard work." I laugh and start making fire extinguishers and sprinklers. "Ugh! I''ll need to design some sort of pressure gauge for these." Unfortunately, I have no idea where to even start on that. After making all of that, I go ahead and create a second air compressor since Amelia is still hogging the first. Pulling everything into storage, I head downstairs to hook the compressor up next to the original. "Are you having fun?" I ask Amelia in a teasing manner, she still has the same goofy smile on her face as when I left her earlier. "Yes." She sticks her tongue out at me. I dart in to suck on that tongue, but she pulls back with a laugh. "Maybe later, Babe. I feel like I''m close to something here." "Oh, fine. I need to fill some fire extinguishers anyway." I say with a sigh. "I can just see the disapproving look on Adriana''s face if I installed the ovens without having the fire safety stuff in place first. I''m a little surprised that she hasn''t shown up yet to pester me." "Mhm." Amelia nods distractedly, already focused back on her pressurized water, making me and Apricot laugh. I''m usually the one to get caught up like that. ... "...Conjure Water! Yes!!!" Amelia crows and starts laughing as she finally manages to summon supercritical water at subcritical pressure and temperature. "I told you I could do it." "Oh, I did not doubt that." I smile at her knowing that I likely would never be able to do the same, I just have too many preconceptions that it should be impossible. "You are one amazing mage, and the progress that you''ve made since we met is insane. But, I am glad that you took my advice to practice behind a blast shield first." "Hehehehe." Apricot giggles when our crazy water mage goes from prideful for her accomplishments to sheepish over the destruction she just caused a few minutes ago. "Oh, and before you go playing around with it too much." I materialize a leaf right above her ball of magic water. "I''m sure that it''s less dangerous without the heat and pressure, but supercritical water is only used for one thing that I know of. Decomposition of living matter." She gulps as the leaf slowly starts to dissolve. "You''ve basically turned water into a slow-acting liquid fire." "Seriously?" Melanie asks, startled. She, along with everyone else in the lab was drawn over by Amelia''s first explosive attempt. "Only in the most general sense." I correct. "I know I wrote down a bit about redox reactions for you guys. Technically rust and the way the body uses sugar is the same reaction. I just want to make sure Amelia doesn''t hurt herself on accident, and fire is a good analogy for that." "Wait, wait." She pulls her copy of my notes on chemistry from storage and starts poring over them. "I know this..." "Tch." I shake my head in mock-disappointment at the alchemist. "Complaining that I haven''t written down enough for you when you haven''t even read what I did write down." "Oh, hush." She waves her hand at me in an annoyed manner. "I''m still getting used to all these new terms you introduced." "Sure you are, Mel. Sure you are." Elliot takes the chance to join in teasing his friend. "Every alchemist in the Guild is green with envy at you right now, and here you are squandering the opportunity of a lifetime." "Shut up." She barks at him. "If the rest of them knew what dealing with him on a regular basis was like, then the last thing they would be is envious." "You''re going to give me a reputation if you keep talking like that." I tease and start laughing when she blushes. "You know what I meant." Melanie grumbles but we''re all laughing now. *** # 126 After teasing Melanie, I decided to give her and all the lab techs, as I''ve started to think of them, a quick demonstration on how to use a fire extinguisher. Of course, since this involved setting a fire, I had them follow me outside first. And, we picked up the security team on the way too. "Alright, everyone." I address the crowd. "I want you all to understand that I don''t expect you to fight any fires, ever. I''m only showing you this in case you have to one day. Your lives are not replaceable, so I want you to always be thinking about yours and your fellow''s safety first and foremost." "Just get on with the fun already." Apricot jeers, so I aim one of the fire extinguishers at her menacingly. "Go ahead and try it." She responds threateningly. "Yeah, yeah." I roll my eyes at her and build a simple stone fire pit, my overcharged spark spell has a nice fire going in seconds. "These things are just filled with a powder similar to baking soda. When you pull the safety pin and squeeze the trigger, this powder will spray out like so. You want to sweep the base of the flames to smother the source of the fire." "You''re using... Lemmy''s leavener, aren''t you?" Melanie asks with a tired sigh. "And, compressed nitrogen to propel it." I nod. "That''s the non-burning part of air for you non-alchemists. Now, who wants to try it themselves?" I copy my now extinguished fire pit a dozen times over. Apricot doesn''t even wait for me to light them on fire; she just wills a blazing fire into existence as soon as I add the firewood. Amelia tried using her new water spell on the fire and just made it worse by decomposing the wood into even more flammable hydrocarbons. "I told you that it was like liquid fire, Babe." I say while trying not to laugh. "What did you expect was going to happen?" "Shut up!" She glares at me and engulfs the much-expanded fire in regular water. "I didn''t know what would happen, which is why I tried it." "How scientific." I nod sagely. "And, here comes everyone''s favorite fire chief. I had a feeling this little demonstration would draw her out." At least, she''s not charging in at a full gallop this time. "Sorrel." She dismounts and disperses her water horse construct into mist. "Thank you for notifying the guards first this time." She tosses the paper airplane I sent to them earlier back at me. "Adriana." I nod to her with a smile on my lips. "Care to give it a go?" I draw the powder off of my burnt-out logs and re-ignite them with a thought while holding out a fresh extinguisher. "Or, maybe you would prefer something a little more active." I pull a small glass globe from storage and bounce it in the palm of my hand. "Is that?" - "You didn''t!" - "Gimme!!!" Adriana, Amelia, and Apricot each have a different reaction to my little co2 grenade. "It is, I did, and wait your turn." I laugh and hold the glass globe up out of the pixie''s reach. "That little accident last night made me think of trying the same on purpose. This is just a proof of concept and was a total pain in the ass to make, but I figured they might be fun to play around with." "Gimme, gimme, gimme." Apricot gave up and trying to jump for it and is now climbing me like a tree.'' "Sure... catch." Right before she reaches the grenade, I lob it towards the bonfire and conjure a large dome-shaped air shield around the area to catch any glass that shoots out. "Noo!" She cries out as it sails through the air in a high arc. "Ah! Hahahaha. Again, again. No, let me do it this time. Please, please, please." She cackles after the fire was put out in an explosion of foam. "Alright, Melanie." Eliot says to his fellow alchemist. "I think I understand where you''re coming from now." "Heheheh. Remind me to add a firing range to the gym when I build it." I chuckle wickedly and hand Apricot another grenade. "And, don''t go crazy with these; I only made a handful while testing the second compressor." "I''ll take a dozen... to start with." Adriana is as enamored with the grenades as Apricot. "They''re a bit dangerous for firefighting, but how can I not want some." She adds with a laugh. "Sure, just let the mad grenadier get it out of her system and we can head down to the basement." I hold out another carbon dioxide bomb for Apricot, and another, and another. "Last one, Sweetie."This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "Nnh." Apricot whimpers, but chucks it anyway. "I am so glad we met." She states with a contented sigh after the last explosion goes off. "You goof." I mess up her already messy hair before turning to my people. "Don''t worry, I''ll let you guys play around with some too. If you all help me show everyone how to use the fire extinguishers later, that is. They''re going to be in every apartment, so I want people to know how they work." "I think that''s a fair trade." Cyril and his team all share the same grin. The alchemists are somewhat less enthusiastic, but I can still see the glimmer of excitement in their eyes. "Mind if I call some people over?" Adriana asks. "I''ll definitely be ordering more than a dozen of these. Also... what happened to your guards?" "Trying out a new spell." I shrug. "And, these extinguishers aren''t ready for sale yet, neither are they suited for large fires. But, the more people who know how to use them properly the better, so invite whomever you like." While we''ve been talking, I''ve been reclaiming all the spent leavener. I still have plenty left, but ''waste not, want not'' is always a good policy to follow. ... "..." Adriana reacted exactly how I expected her to when we got to the basement and she felt the supercritical water. "I know the blast shield is there, but it was still really stupid of me to just leave the tank under pressure while unsupervised like that." I chastise myself for getting distracted and leaving a potential bomb in the basement. "Please don''t make the same mistake in the future." I say while looking to the alchemists. "I can assure you that we won''t." Melanie says right away. "Especially not after seeing those glass bombs." "Good because this is a lot more dangerous than those little toys." Orders of magnitude more dangerous. "Now, it looks like Adriana is going to be stuck here at least as long as Amelia was earlier. So, I''m going to go install all the ovens and fire safety stuff. Then, I should probably get started on dinner; this is the last time I''m going to feed everyone though." ... "Hey." I greet Tess when she answers her door. "How are you settling in?" "You don''t need to keep checking up on me." She replies with a small huff. "I''m actually here to install the oven." I say with a smirk. "I was just trying to be polite." "Oh." Her cheeks turn pink, but just for a moment. "About time." Her brash nature takes back over after the short moment of embarrassment fades. "Yes, I probably should have expected everyone to want to move in right away." I shrug and follow her into the kitchen area. "I''ve been asking everyone if there''s anything they need or any changes they''d like to make. I think I have the basics covered, but I don''t know if I''m missing something if no one speaks up." "Uhm, I would like to change the colors a bit." She says almost shyly. "Everything is a bit bland right now." "Of course." I bring out a big stack of paint samples. "Just tell me what you want where." "Uh, this might take a while." She gulps and starts thumbing through the rainbow of colors. "Take your time." I smile at her. "I''m all done here, but let me show you how things work. I didn''t know whether you''d be able to use the enchanted part of the stove, so I used the touch activation rune. I also added an extra-large mana battery and a built-in collector." "You''re putting one of these in every apartment?" She looks between the stove and me incredulously. "I''m starting to think that you turning my life upside-down might be the best thing that ever happened to me." "I want my people to be happy." I reply with another shrug. "That and I know I''d go nuts if I had to start a fire and warm up the oven just to brew a cup of tea or heat up some leftovers. Now, there''s some fire safety stuff too, but I''ll be going over that after dinner. Just don''t play around with it for now." "Thank you." She nods. "I''ll let you know about the colors later." "And, anything else you need, alright." I pat her on the shoulder before leaving. ... "Hello, Arlene, Shea, girls." I smile when Gen''s whole family swarms up to the door when they who it is. "How''s everyone settling in? I''m just going around hooking up the ovens and checking on everyone to see if they need anything else." "My own apartment." Christy grumbles under her breath, earning a glare from her mom. "We have everything we need, thank you, Mister Sorrel." Arlene bows her head to me. Shea, wisely, keeps his silence. "Well, I have something I need from you." I say as she leads me into the kitchen. "See, I have no idea how you do your job, or even what you''ll need to do it. I have some ideas from back home that might help you out, but I haven''t had the chance to work on them just yet." "We just need basins, soap, maybe some washing soda, and water, of course." She answers. "That, and someplace to hang stuff to dry. And, ammonia if you need anything whitened." "Oh, I think I can do a little better than that." I smile at her, thinking of how she''ll react to something like a washing machine or tumble dryer. "And, we will be producing both washing soda and ammonia. No plans for soap, but I''ll make some for you the next chance I get." "If I might ask about the warehouse?" Shea ventures. "You will have wares to house soon." I reply with a grin. "Aside from a few hundred kilos of soap for your wife, I''ll be growing several tonnes of cotton and raw rubber for the weavers and alchemists. And, that''s just the start. Oh! Don''t play with that little one." I snatch the fire extinguisher away from Jolie, the youngest. "I''m sowwy." She ducks behind her mother''s skirt. "It''s alright; I just didn''t want you to make a mess." I crouch down and smile at her until she gets over her nerves. "This is full of a powder meant to stop fires, and if you pushed that lever down it would have sprayed everywhere. I''ll explain more after dinner and let everyone know how they work; maybe even let you try one if you promise not to play with this one, that is." "I pwomise." It''s hard not to just pull the cute little thing into a hug, but I manage to hold myself back to just a head pat. "Good girl." Standing back up, I explain how the enchanted parts of the oven work before taking my leave. "...Oh, and please come to me if there''s anything you need. Anything I can actually help you with, that is." I add with a pitying look for Christy *** # 127 "Sinclair! You''re still alive." I was surprised to sense him walking into the building, so I stopped off at the ground floor instead of heading back to the basement after getting all the ovens and fire safety stuff set up. "Good. I have a lot of work for you. Who''s your friend?" "Nicholas Reynolds, jeweler." The man introduces himself. "It''s an honor to meet you, and I must thank you for this opportunity. Master Sinclair and I have been working almost non-stop to create this." He presents a masterpiece, a somewhat gaudy masterpiece, but still a masterpiece. "Cool, I''m sure she''ll love it." I take the timepiece from him and examine it closely. "You want to join us for dinner? I still have a few things to do, but I was going to start cooking soon." "..." He just stands there flabbergasted. "Look, it''s a great watch." I pat the man on the shoulder. "And, I''m sorry that I''m not more enthused, but I''ve been running myself ragged for the past few days trying to get everything that you see around you up and running. Sinclair, tell him how much of this was here the last time you saw it." "Uh... None." I think they were both so obsessed about the watch that they hadn''t looked around yet. And, now that they do, their eyes go wide. "Uh, wow." "Yeah, that''s what I was going for." I laugh and guide them over to the elevator. "I even got this thing working without you. Even if I did have to use two turbines because I couldn''t figure out a reliable way to reverse the driveshaft." After ushering them inside, I slide the lever to the basement position and press the down button. "W-what?" The jeweler nearly stumbles at the unfamiliar sensation and grabs the hand-rail that lines the walls of the carriage. "How?" His eyes bug out when the doors open to reveal an entirely different floor. "It''s a lift." I explain and walk out onto the floor. "It lifts, or in this case, lowers people between the different floors. I still want to add a few safety mechanisms and automate the operation before I''ll be happy with it, but it works and that''s good enough for now." "Oh, good." Amelia smiles at Sinclair. "You''re back; now he can quit whining about his missing machinist every five minutes. Ah, Master Reynolds, a pleasure. And, my apologies for Sorrel, he can take a little getting used to." "Miss Rialta." The jeweler collects himself, and bows to her. "You''ve certainly found yourself an interesting man." "Hah!" I laugh at his ''compliment'' and hand the watch he and Sinclair made to Amelia. "Here, do you think the Queen will like it? I''m alright with women''s clothes, but judging accessories is somewhat beyond me." "It''s beautiful." She breathes out and examines it closely from all sides. "Oh, you''ve outdone yourself, Nicholas. The Queen is bound to love it even if it wasn''t a timepiece." "Thank you." He dips his head to her, a look of pride filling his features. "So, how''s Adriana doing, is she still entranced?" I ask with a laugh when we reach the compressor room. "Yes!" The woman answers for herself, but her attention never leaves the tank of supercritical water. "And, if I had known you were going to make something like this I would have never left yesterday." "I didn''t even know I was going to build the compressor." I chuckle. "I was just tired of enchanting light, after light, after light. And, these two were napping in my arms, so trying to figure out what was wrong with my metalworking was about all I could do." "Trouble with the crystal grains?" The jeweler says with a knowing grin. "Every magic smith goes through the same thing. It''s something of a rite of passage to discover why your creations are weaker than they should be. Congratulations." "Thank you." I nod my head to him. "I don''t know if I would consider myself a smith though. That''s someone who has dedicated a good portion of their life to learning the material. I''m just some guy who had to move a bit of metal around." "If you say so." He replies with a smirk. "But, that is some very fine steel for someone who doesn''t consider himself a smith." "I basically just copied some samples I had from Edsel and a belt knife I picked up in Southwood." I pat the knife on my hip. "And, Apricot was the one who came up with the method to make the grain-size so small."This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. "In case you haven''t noticed." Apricot wraps her arm around my waist with a laugh. "Sorrel doesn''t like praise." "Unless it''s for my cooking." I smile down at her. "So, tell me what you two picked up at the market while I make some more grenades." I open up the tank of the free compressor and toss some glass inside before sealing it again. "Wait, what did you just do there?" Reynolds was startled by the way I reformed the steel. "Hmm? Oh, that was the trick Apricot thought up." I demonstrate again with one of the leftover metal samples from earlier. "Holding the grains that small while they formed was a hassle, so she just smushed them together before they could grow too large." While he''s marveling over that, I run the compressor until there is enough liquid carbon dioxide to cover what I added to the tank. A small hydrogen flame and a heat transfer spell later and the glass is liquid enough to shape. Now that I understand better how the shape earth spell works, I should be able to modify it to handle noncrystalline solids like glass, but that can be a project for the future. I just know that I''ll want to fool around with metallic glass when I do, and I have too much stuff that still needs doing to mess around right now. "Here you go, Adriana." I hand her a small box filled with the first dozen orbs to come out of the tank. The water mage just shifts them into her storage with a mumbled ''thanks'' while still playing around with the supercritical water. "Is there any way for you to put a window on there?" Eliot asks. "I can barely follow what''s going on with just my magic." "Yeah, I can do that." I nod and melt down some more glass to form a thick pane that gets installed on one side of the tank. "Just don''t use this one for really high-pressure tasks. Nng. I really need to make some sort of pressure gauge; too bad I never opened one up back when I worked at the bike shop. Sinclair, I was going to have you work on some air-powered tools anyway, so maybe you can figure something out." "Moved on from waterwheels to windmills?" He raises an eyebrow and I can already see the gears churning in his brain. "Pretty much." I nod. "I know they can and be made smaller than the turbines, and it will be a lot easier to run air lines throughout the building than water. Oh, and before I forget, what spring quality metals are most and least affected by temperature?" "I''m not sure about most affected, but brass makes for good springs. Or, it would if it didn''t change so much depending on the temperature." He says after a moment of thought. "As for least, I use a blend of iron and nickel called invar for the springs in my clocks." "I''d kiss you, but Amelia might start getting ideas." I chuckle when she swats me on the arm. "Here, start drawing up some ideas for an air motor." I hand him a pad of paper. "We can work on them while I cook dinner. I just need to make a few more batches of these first." ... "Looks like the girls are here." Apricot announces a while later. "And, Adriana''s people are right behind them." "You invited your friends?" I look up from the latest iteration of the air motor. Sinclair became rather excited when he saw how fast the air came out of the compressor, and even more so when I showed him that flexible rubber hoses were able to handle the pressures needed for air tools. "I meant to tell you earlier, but you distracted me at lunch." She sticks her tongue out at me and we head down to greet them. "No problem, I''m making plenty enough food to go around." They got a lot of really good seafood when they were out earlier, so I''m cooking paella, some of my favorite tapas, and a caesar salad, with creme brule for dessert. "Do you think any of them will sign on? You know, now that we aren''t just working out of a shack in the back yard." I add with a laugh. "That''s the idea." A smile brightens her face. "This place should even bring around Delilah and Lauren, and both of their families are even better-off than mine. Though, since we''re not actually making clothes, Lauren might be a bit of a hard sell." "What about shoes?" I ask. "Felicia brought over a seamstress that won''t have much to do, so I was thinking we could make some rubber-soled shoes. They may not be the high-fashion that Ren-Ren is looking for, but it''s a start." "I heard that!" Lauren grumps at the use of her nickname. "I also heard high-fashion." She adds with a gleam in her eyes. "Maybe not just yet." I reply with a grin. "But, who knows what could happen if we hire the right people." My gaze encompasses all four of them when I say that before turning to the firefighters, leaving the girls to Amelia and Apricot. "Hi all, the Chief is down in the basement playing around with some fancy water, but dinner should be ready soon." "Fancy water?" Nicole and Isabelle each raise an eyebrow. "Who cares." Guthrie counters. "I heard dinner and, if those smells are anything to go by, I bet it''s gonna be good." Maddie and Bat nod along with his words. "Yeah." Maddie adds. "Half the reason I''m here is because she mentioned that there would be food." "Well, it should be ready soon." I say. "Which one of you wants to volunteer to drag Adriana away... And, we''ve already lost Isabelle." I sigh when I feel her magic going downstairs to see what the fire chief is doing. "Is every water mage going to act like this?" "What is that?" Nicole asks, and soon they''re all entranced by the novel form of water. "Fancy water." I reply with a smirk. "If you increase the pressure and heat of a substance beyond a certain point it stops behaving like a liquid or a gas, and takes on properties of both. The stairs are over there if you want a closer look, but no food is allowed in the lab, so you''ll have to come upstairs if you want to eat." "Maybe just a quick peek." Guthrie leads the rest of them down to the basement. "And, they were never seen from again." I chuckle to myself. "Alright, let''s head upstairs so Amelia can continue her sales pitch." While I was talking with the water mages she was trying to bring her friends around to joining the business. *** # 128 "What''s this?" Delilah asks when I lead them all to the elevator after letting them get a good look around the lobby. "Climb in and find out." Amelia and I just smile at her. "Trapped in a small room with a pixie and a tentacled shapechanger." Helen laughs and walks in followed by Lianna. "What could go wrong?" "Ooh!" Apricot perks up. "We haven''t done it in here yet." "Food first, we can fool around later." I pat her on the head. "Now, are you two coming, or would you prefer to walk up to the third floor?" Delilah looks interested and tows her cousin along with her into the car. "Just make sure that one watches her wings this time." Lauren shoots Apricot a wary look. "Eep!" A startled squeak escapes from her when the floor starts moving. "I know adding a lift to a building with only four aboveground floors is probably a bit much." I say while ignoring the death glare the elf sends my way. "But, if you all sign-on, I might have to add another level just for executive housing." "Name your price." Delilah says in a dead-serious tone while marveling at the carriage. "My family will give you whatever you want for one of these." "They own one of those big apartment buildings in town." Amelia answers my questioning look. "And, what if we want you?" Delilah gulps at my words and the rest of the girls blush. "Amelia and I need someone we can trust to look after things when we''re out of town." Apricot and I share a grin, knowing exactly what they all thought I meant. "Promise not to say or do anything like that again and we have a deal." She holds out her hand with a nervous look at me. "No teasing the General Manager. Understood." I bow my head to her. "It''s sorta in my nature, but I''ll try my best." "You''d better!" Amelia smacks the back of my head. "Sorry, Babe." I duck my head towards her. "I just couldn''t pass up that opportunity, and we did get her as our manager." "What about us?" Lianna says when the doors open to the third floor. "I promise not to tease you either." I say with a wink that earns me another smack. "Yeah." Helen ignores my antics. "I like working for Mistress Pru, but just look at this place. You did say there was housing available, right?" "I suppose I could use some assistants." Delilah says already getting into her role "Speaking of hiring people." I cut in. "We need some operators for the lift and a cleaning crew for the building. Oh, and include a gardener or two; we''re still waiting for the neighbors to move out but, once they do, I''m going to add a small park for the employees and their families." "Ren-Ren, you like plants right?" Delilah teases her cousin. "Or, maybe you''d prefer to run the lift? It didn''t seem that hard, so you should be able to manage." "I think you meant to say ''Lauren, will you please be our fashion consultant?''" The elf takes on an imperious air. "Well, while you decide who''s doing what." I chuckle at their byplay. "I''m going to go finish cooking dinner. But, first I want to thank you all for helping us out here. This started as a small side project, but it''s grown much larger and faster than I thought it would. If there is ever anything that any of you need, you have but to ask and I''ll make it happen." "What about a tonne of gold?" Lianna jokingly asks, setting the girls to laughing. "That might take me a week or two, but alright." Their laughter dies in the face of my serious reply, so I just pull out a chocolate bar. "How long do you think it would take if I hit every decently sized settlement within a few hundred kilometers of here, one or two each day?" "I know a few gold-filled streams up in the Teeth." Apricot offers. "As fast as you run, you could be there and back in a week. That way you can save all that chocolate for me." "I still don''t know if money doesn''t mean anything to him, or if he just says stuff like this to mess with me." Amelia admits with a sigh. "You saw the lobby, he used gold because he didn''t have any brass and said it would be easier for the cleaners because it wouldn''t tarnish."If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "Of course it means something to me." I wrap my arms around her. "Everything that means anything to you means something to me. I just like teasing my little merchant, is all. And, don''t worry; I''ll give you ten times as much gold as I give to anyone else." "Look at the grin on her face." Helen laughs. Leaving Amelia to her friend''s teasing, I head back into the kitchen to finish dinner. ... "Ow!" A chorus of grumbles ring out from the fire chief and her people when they each get pelted with a paper airplane to the back of the head. "What the? Oh, dinner''s ready." She says after reading the note. "Just a few more minutes..." Guthrie trails off when I materialize a platter of food just long enough for them all to get a good whiff. "You know what? We can come back to this later." He changes his tune quickly and leads the rest of them out of the lab. "In here." Adriana guides them into the waiting elevator. "It''s faster." They look at her skeptically but follow her into the carriage. "Sorrel is just full of tricks." She grins when they all panic a little when the floor moves. By the time they''ve reached the third floor, I''ve remotely vented the pressure tank. I was keeping a loose eye on its structural integrity the whole time and it seemed fine, but I still don''t feel comfortable just leaving it pressurized. "Just in time." I greet them and start filling the tables with food. Most everyone else had already filtered in earlier, so I was just waiting for the firefighters and a couple of stragglers to show before dishing up the food. "Just grab whatever looks good. The red pitchers are meant for beastkin drinkers, and the yellow dishes are for those who don''t like seafood." Fawne sends me a grateful nod for that. "Is this saffron?" Delilah picks up on the expensive spice right away. "Being a nature mage does have some advantages." I pull a couple of the purple crocus flowers from storage and tuck them into my girls'' hair. "Now, eat up. The seafood Amelia and Apricot picked out is amazing." "Now you see what I''m dealing with." Amelia says with a smirk for her flabbergasted friend. "Sorrel, Baby, how long would it take you to grow... oh, let''s say a kilogram of those little red threads?" "I dunno, an hour or so? But, most of that time would just be spent reproducing the plants." I shrug, more interested in eating than Amelia getting back at them for their earlier teasing. "I''m guessing that it''s even more expensive here than back where I came from. I never bought in bulk, but that kilogram would probably be worth somewhere around five or ten gold." "So cheap?" Delilah looks shocked. "Here, I''d think I was getting scammed if someone offered it for even ten times that price." "Well, here. Consider it a signing bonus." I slide a glass jar across the table with the extra that I didn''t use for dinner. "There''s only about ten grams left, but you like it enough to be able to pick it out at a glance, so you might as well take it." "What''s the big deal?" Apricot asks. "It''s just another plant, right?" To answer I pluck the flower from her hair and point out the stigmas. "These three red things are saffron." I explain. "The bulbs only flower for a few weeks every year, and to get a whole kilogram worth you would need hundreds of thousands of them." "You lunkers are weird." She shakes her head and turns back to the food. "It does taste good though." ... "So, who wants to play with fire?" I ask the crowd after everyone finishes with dessert. "Everyone will get to try one of these, and learn how the fire extinguishers work." I open the window behind me and toss a co2 grenade out it before making the thing explode in mid-air. "What in all the hells was that?" Lianna was taking a drink and nearly spit it all over the table when the bomb went off. "The same thing that makes those drinks fizzy." I reply with a smile and start walking towards the stairs, with a quick stop at my guards'' table. "I''ve dropped the increased growth for now, but expect to still be hungry come morning. I left a few smoothies and snacks in your iceboxes to help you out, but let me know if you need anything else." "Will do." Stan says and the rest of them nod along. I smile back at them and continue on my way. "Uh..." Helen hesitates to ask the question I know she must be dying to have answered. "I figured out a regeneration spell based on how salamanders re-grow missing bits this morning." I answer when she clams up. "It would have taken far too long to replace their limbs with just my healing sap otherwise. That, and Amelia always gets worried when I use too much sap." "He had to cut up those poor little lizards too." Apricot pouts. "They''re all fine, and you know it." I tousle her hair. "But, at least you running off like a scaredy-cat gave me the chance to fill the fourth floor with hidden images." "Nng." She grumbles. "Dammit, I wanted to see where you hid them all." "Well, you could still have a chance." I console her. "If all of the girls move in, then I''ll have to add another floor to give them some nice places to live. Maybe move Melanie and Felicia up there too, make the top floor all management." "The apartments get nicer than the one that Amelia showed us?" Lianna''s eyes go wide. "Those are the basic model." I bring out scale models of the other two apartments we have so far. "This is the family model, and this one the managerial suite. Nothing too fancy, but I want my people to have a nice place to live. Oh, quit looking at me like that, these are stylish at best, far from fancy." "If you say so." She replies with a smirk. "Though one of these days, you''ll have to show me what you actually consider to be fancy." "I''d like to see that myself." Delilah agrees and the rest of them murmur similar sentiments. I just roll my eyes and lead the way outside so I can set up the fires for my demonstration. It went fairly well, at least until Apricot decided to blast me with her extinguisher. From there it just dissolved into one giant free for all. *** # 129 "Are you girls going already?" I ask when I see Amelia''s friends preparing to leave while I clean up the mess everyone made. "Li-Li and I have to start packing." Helen answers. "We both want to get moved in as soon as possible." "And, I want to get an early night." Delilah adds. "There''s going to be a lot to get done tomorrow. And, as for Ren-Ren, I think she''s just afraid to be left alone with Apricot." She laughs at the face her cousin pulls. "Well, I still have another day or two of work to do here." I say, ignoring that perfect opening to tease Lauren. "Hopefully only that much, at least. But, I''ll swing by your family''s apartment building after my run tomorrow and start working up some plans." "I''m also interested in those fire sprinklers you showed off earlier." She says with a serious look on her face. "Expect a proposal from my family to have you install, or at least produce enough for the entire property, and likely several others." "Proposal incoming, understood." I reply with as innocent a smile as I can form on my face. "Amelia might have a few things to say about that, but I''m sure that you and she can work it out between yourselves." "You just had to be a follower of Temmie, didn''t you?" My new general manager blows an annoyed stream of air out through her nose. "Good luck with him Amelia. Come on girls." She rounds up the rest of her friends and, ignoring their smirks, bundles them into the carriage they arrived in. "At least you held back a little." Amelia sighs after they leave. "But, don''t think I didn''t see that look in your eyes when she mentioned Laren being afraid of Apricot." "I was just thinking that you would be more than willing to protect her from the depredations of a certain pixie." The pixie and I grin at the lewd look that fills Amelia''s face, even if it only lasts for a second. "I can only imagine how grateful she would be to her rescuer." "I hate you." She growls under her breath as a shiver runs down her spine. "And, we are not having sex with my friends, period! Especially not now that they work for us." "Of course not." I run my hand along her back soothingly. "But, there''s nothing wrong with a little fantasy. It may have been something of a bad dream, but the idea of you buried under a pile of beautiful women is still hot as hell." "Mnh." She whimpers when I breathe that into her ear. "Sorry to interrupt your flirting." Adriana says with a smirk. "But, is it alright if we revisit the water again?" "Of course." I smile over at the fire chief while hugging a blushing Amelia to my side. "I''m repressurizing it now. And, since you''re here, I should probably get those fire hoses and sprinklers done for you." "Thank you." She nods. "But, what about those dust blowers?" "Oh, Sinclair and I still need to work out a pressure gauge for the extinguishers." I explain. "Without that, each one would need to be checked by an air mage regularly just to be sure it was still good. The last thing I want is for someone to grab an extinguisher when they need it only to have the thing not work." "I can understand that." She doesn''t look happy about the delay but doesn''t say anything more. While the water mages get lost in their magic with the supercritical water, I make all the hoses and sprinkler heads that their chief asked for. All while keeping Amelia glued to my side. ... Later that night, I thoroughly made up to Amelia for teasing her and her friends. And, then woke her up early the next morning to do so again before my run. "Mmm. Normally, I''d be mad about getting woken up early." She purrs while I get dressed. "But, that was definitely worth it. Have fun on your run; we''ll just be lying here, bonelessly until you get back." "We are going to set aside a full week where we don''t leave bed at all." My voice comes out in a growl. "Nng! Why did I ever decide to start running?" I peel my eyes away from her and Apricot''s entwined forms. "Because you look really fucking hot with all that lean muscle." Apricot answers and I have to fight not to look back at her, knowing that if I do I''ll be late for my run. "Not half as hot as you do right now." I breathe out and collect the salamanders from the tank I made for them yesterday. "I love you... Be ready for round two when I get back." I allow myself a quick glimpse before fleeing.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. ... "How''s the arm?" I ask Fawne when she hops up to join me on my run as soon as I step outside. "Any trouble sleeping with it?" "It''s fine, the skin is a bit sensitive." She adds with a shrug. "But, you said that it would be. And, the only trouble I had was that Toni wouldn''t let go of it all night." "Have you two been together long?" I ask and start off to join up with the rest of our running partners at the farm. "A couple years, now." She waves her new arm at me. "We met at the mercenary guild after this happened. There''s a small group for people like us to meet and talk with each other." "Lesbians?" I tease. "Any chance I could join that club? I am a shapeshifter, you know." "Snerk." She almost trips over her own feet. "You know what I meant." "I know, but you were looking all serious there." I tell her with an understanding smile. "If you still have friends there, I''m willing to heal them too. I''m sure Cyril had reason for them not to join the team, but that doesn''t mean that I''ll just let someone suffer when I can do something about it." "Some of them aren''t very good people." She warns. "Is anyone, really?" She almost trips again when I ask that simple question. "I know that if it wasn''t for meeting the girls when I did then I would have walked down a very different path. Maybe this will be a chance for them to find a new path." "And, if some of them don''t deserve that chance?" Her eyes bore into mine. "I may be altruistic, but I do have a bottom that I won''t allow to be crossed." I reply in a tone far lighter than the subject matter would suggest. "With all my magic, it''s a trivial matter to find out if someone is lying to me. If they want healed they can answer a few simple questions for me." "Y-you didn''t question us." She gulps audibly. "Do I need to?" I wink over at her. "I had Cyril checked out after offering him the job despite having a good gut feeling for him. I trust him and the good feeling I have for all of you. And, I trust the Baron to keep an eye on me and those around me. But, if you want to tell me all your deepest secrets, feel free. Start with the sexy ones though." "Dammit!" She growls after tripping for the third time. "You just don''t know how to be serious do you?" "Not when I can help it, no." I say with a wide grin. "Look, sometimes you just have to trust someone. I choose to trust you six. Now, do you think you can finish this run without tripping anymore?" ... "Why did I think it was a good idea to do this, again?" Fawne collapses with the rest of the guards after we finish up our run back at the farm. "I''m doing it to look good for my girls." I say while handing out the smoothies. "Maybe you''re hoping that Toni will like seeing you with a nice runner''s body?" "..." She tries to hide her blush by drinking her smoothie. "Hey, that''s the only reason I joined the guard." One of the soldiers speaks up with a laugh. "I know I''m too lazy to work out on my own, and getting a date when you look like an underfed kitten is a pain." "Oh, sweetie." A female guard next to him scratches his cat ears. "Your muscles aren''t why girls don''t want to date you." This starts everyone laughing. I just shake my head at their antics and walk over to say hi to Will. "Sorrel! How goes it?" He greets me with a wide smile. "Everyone''s talking about your new building." "Hey, Will. I''m good. Busy, but good." I add with a chuckle. "How are things here?" "Great." He beams. "No sign of the blight and all the farmers are looking forward to the celebration this weekend." "They set a date?" I had almost, ''almost'' forgotten about that. "Well, I suppose I could use a good party, even if I am the guest of honor to this one." "Heh. It won''t be that bad." He pats me on the shoulder. "It''s not like you cured a blight that threatened the city, and then went on to cure half the city of their lasting ailments just a few days later, or anything." "Mhm." A twitch develops under my left eye, making William laugh. "I wonder if I can learn enough illusion magic by then to send a fake in my stead. Mhm, probably not." I sigh. "Oh, well, I''m sure I''ll survive. Alright, you have a good one, Will; I gotta get back to work." "You too, Sorrel." He sees me off with a grin. ... "Do you want me to lower the growth rate on your arm so you won''t have to eat as much?" I ask Fawne when we stop at Delilah''s apartment building for me to make a model. "Your body can support more growth than the others, so I was pushing it to get this over with as soon as possible." "How long do you think it will take if you do slow down?" She asks hesitantly. "Or rather, how long will I have to endure if you keep going at the current pace?" "With no more breaks?" I calculate her growth so far compared to how much she has left to grow. "Maybe a couple hours after dark. To compare, Gen will probably be done sometime late tomorrow, Stan the next day, and Hughes a couple days after that." "Nng." She groans, conflicted. "Do you want me to just teleport the food directly into your stomach?" I offer. "It''s a bit more work, and I might need you to drink a little sap since I''ll have to be more precise than with the cleanse spell, but I should be able to manage." "You''re kinda scary, you know that right?" The beastkin laughs nervously. "And, cleanse spell?" "You ate a good percentage of your bodyweight yesterday." I chuckle at her confused look. "Did you not wonder where all that food went, or why you didn''t have to spend half the day on the toilet?" "Y-you can do that?" Her eyes go wide. "That was one of the first things I learned how to do with that spell." My words fill her face with a mixture of awe and disgust. "After I use my sap to its limit, I have to eat even more than you''ve had to, and I sure as hell didn''t want to spend half the day indisposed just because I healed someone. Alright, I''m done here; you can decide on the way back to the office." "Uh, yeah." She nods, absent-mindedly. "I mean, yes. Please, if it''s not too much trouble." "No problem." I pat her on the shoulder and head out, the new model of the apartment building safely tucked away in storage. ... Not going to be posting for a while. IRL sucks right now, and I just need some time. I''ll be back soon. filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text filler text The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Im not dropping the book But, (and there is always a but) I am just not in the right head space to continue it at the moment. I just lost the second cat in less than a year; I found out they were sick shortly after the first one died suddenly. And, even though I knew this day was coming, it still fucked me up. A lot.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. I''m still writing, but everything is coming out much darker than I prefer. So, I''ve just been writing random stuff and one-offs while waiting for my mood to settle. I''ll let you all know once that happens.