《Congratulations, You're Dead!》


 Prologue

    "Congratulations, You''re Dead!" A voice boomed out over a shapeless void. "Looks like Truck-kun strikes again. Good on you for trying to get in shape, but maybe you shouldn''t have picked the busiest street in town to jog down. Hmm? Oh well, it''s not like she would''ve gone for you, even if you lost the weight. Daddy issues, that one."


    ''what? wait, why can''t i talk?''


    "You''re dead, Truck-kun, Daddy-issues, we''ve been over this, try to keep up." The voice replies to my unspoken questions. "Now, aside from some... ''questionable'' choices in pornography, you were a decent enough person. So, back into the wheel for you, good luck, and maybe watch out for cars this time."


    ''...''


    ***


    Darkness, warmth, pressure, then light, and... ''are those teeth?''


    ***


    "Congratulations¡¯... Wait, you again, that was quick. What, wolves? In this day and age? Seriously? You got eaten by fucking wolves? Eh, whatever. Take two."


    ***


    Darkness, warmth...


    ***


    "Con... Oh, fucking hell, you didn''t even get born that time. Take three."


    ***


    "What? Wolves again, that''s like three times now, whatever... Take twelve."


    ***


    "HAHAHAHAHAHAH Take HAHAH fortyHAHAfour HAAHAHAHHAH."


    ***


    "Wolves again... Seriously? I hope they fire the idiot who thought up the whole "Birthing in Nature" idea. Take eighty-seven. No, you know what? Just no. It was funny the first few dozen times, especially take forty-three. I mean, who in their right mind decides to give birth while skydiving? Put that shit up on GodTube and it''s already got like a million hits. But, this is getting old now. So, let''s see just what is going on with you... Oof, how''d I miss that? Guess the porn distracted me. Hah. But, wow, you really pissed Him off, a few life-times pre Truck-kun, that is. What an ass, making all this extra work for me. Hmm..." The voice trailed off. "Yeah, that could work. I got a deal for you dude. See, the Gods in the next pantheon over. Well... they''re dicks, to put it bluntly. Sure, we all kinda are, especially Him, but seriously, fuck those guys."


    ''...''


    "Okay, okay, I''m getting to it, I''m getting to it. So, normally I''m not allowed to mess with them, but seeing as you''ve got His mark. Well, they''ll just blame Him for what ever trouble you cause. So, I''m gonna hook you up, man. The full Isekai treatment. They got the whole sword and sorcery thing going on anyways. So, it''s perfect. I''ll even start you out as an adult so you don''t have to deal with that grown mind in a baby''s body B.S. Though, you will miss out on sucking on some titty whenever you want. Well, until you get your own girl, or girls, or guys. I don''t judge... well, not for who you''re fucking, at least. And hell, since forty-three was so funny, 1.2 million views bee-tee-dub, I''ll even let you pick you species and powers and shit."


    The formless void shifts and shapes into...


    ''is this...''


    "The character screen from a Korean MMO? You know it. Though, I did add a few extra sliders. But please, don''t make your dick ridiculously huge or anything stupid like that. What you had pre Truck-kun would make any woman happy. Well, maybe not Daddy-issues... But never mind her. Take your time, get something you''ll be happy spending the rest of your life in. I got other shit to do for now, so let me know when you''re done. Already at 1.3 and still climbing"


    ''okay...''


    ***


    ''and done. want to take a look?''


    "Just broke 6.5 mil, dude."


    ''...''


    So, what¡¯cha got for me? Plantkin, eh? Tired of the wolves? Don''t blame you, though watch your berries. Hah! Now, let''s see... Shape-shifting and extra appendages... Why am I not surprised? Just remember ''consenticles are besticles'', alright.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ''...no comment.''


    "Hah. Moving on. Nature magic, duh, don''t want to waste that racial bonus. And the full Magical suite is unlocked but you only selected a handful of utility spells and abilities. You should still have a ton of points left. Oh, you dumped them all into growth. Playing the long game, huh? Everything looks good, though if you''re planning to disguise yourself as the other races, you''re missing Red Sap. Ah, screw it, have it on the house, your video just jumped up to 6.9 million hits and I''ve gotten nearly a million subs just from it. The wolf compilation is doing pretty well too."


    ''thanks, i think.''


    "More than welcome, now get your ass outta here! And if anyone asks, He sent you. Oh, and say hi to system-chan for me, she''s a doll."


    The void returns, now with a sense of motion to it. A speck of green in the distance rapidly swells until...


    Spoiler: Spoiler<input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


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    Spoilers:


    No real spoilers here. Just a quick map</a> made using Inkarnate, and a bit of world building for the area Sorrel starts out in. The map is just a general overview of the country. I made it mainly just to have a basic visualisation of what was in my head.


    Kingdom Of Larendath Bordered by Cendassa on the east, mountains to the north, and oceans to the east and south. The south shore is mostly innacessible due to high, trecherous cliffs. It has been peaceful for centuries, mostly due to low ambient magic levels, and lack of resources that their neighbors might want.


    Northwood: Founded by two brothers from Westwood. The brother''s 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.


    Southwood: 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.


    Westwood: Formerly the most western town in The Great Forest. The residents can get quite upset when travelers from Riverton call their town Eastwood by mistake.


    Riverton: A small trade city on the banks of a river. Upon hearing of Northwood''s potential. The City Lord used his own funds to carve out a road to Southwood. This city actually has a name full of meaning and deep sentiment to it''s founders. Unfortunately for them, everyone else just called it Riverton. Now the original name is only remembered by the City Lord''s family.


    -----------------------------------------------------------


    Yes, I know I''m ripping on my own naming sense. But, seriously, I''m shit with names. I was going to call the Capital Enuma for about a week before I realised it was one letter off from Enema. </img> Now, it''s just the Capital, or Larendath. Seriously, if it wasn''t for sites like https://www.namegenerator.biz/</a> I probably would have quit writing just out of shame.


    =====================================

 # 01

    AAAAAAAAHHRRRRROOOOOOOOOH!


    "No! Not the wolves again!"  I drop my new body to the ground and curl into a ball, while instinctively activating bark-skin.


    [HAHAHAHAH  Sorry mate, couldn''t resist.  Don''t worry, this is the last you''ll hear from me, hopefully.  The nearest town is that way, and I pre-loaded your Polyglot skill with the local language.  Have fun, wreck some shit, make life interesting!  Oh, and look out behind you.]


    Slowly uncurling, I peek over my shoulder to spot a mangy, half-starved, runt of a wolf sneaking up on me.  "Easy there, boy.  I don''t want any trouble here."  Panic coursing through me, I struggle to stay calm as I regain my footing.  The mutt shows his displeasure at my actions with a low growl.


    "Fuck it!  I''m a cat person anyways.  Bind!  Piercing Thorns!  Drain!"


    Reaching out my hand; Magic, the very essence of the universe, flows through me as roots erupt from the forest floor, holding the wolf in place.  Vines quickly sprout, wrapping around the beast, sinking in several, inch long, dagger-like thorns.  And... I fall on my ass, almost fainting before Drain kicks in, transferring the wolf''s vital essence to my mana-drained self.


    "Oof.  Note to self, make sure you have enough mana before casting spells in the future."


    *Ding*


    -You have defeated Lvl. 1 Mangy Wolf.  Congratulations, you are now level 1.-


    "Uh, System-chan?  Is that you?"


    *Ding*


    "Okay, cool.  Uh... Voice guy? says hi, sorry I never actually got his name.  I guess you can search GodTube for the skydiving birth vid."  I mumble out that last bit.


    *Ding*


    A pause, then *Ding* *Ding* *Ding* *Ding* *Ding* *Ding* A series of laugh like bells ring out.


    "Yeah, haha.  Come on, he said you were cool."


    *Ding* A more apologetic tone this time.


    "Thanks.  So, I guess I just say, or think Status?"  I say questioningly.


    *Ding*


    A transparent blue screen overlays my vision.  A holographic copy of my new body slowly rotates on the left hand side.  190 cm tall, skinny, with vine-like muscles, covered by velvety, light-green skin that darkens at my extremities.  Glancing down at my real 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, and multi-colored flowers 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.  Settling the vine back in place, I focus on my hologram and zoom in on the head.  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.


    Returning to the status screen, I quickly browse through the other tabs.  Inventory, ten empty slots.  Map, a green dot in the middle of darkness that''s only broken by a waypoint to the southeast.  And a Skills page with everything as it should be, including the new Red Sap, which lets my sap mimic blood.  ''Thanks Voice guy.''  Closing the screen with a thought, I continue my self-examination.


    Feet and lower legs covered by a dark green, bark-like substance instead of the vines on my arms.  Moving up 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.


    Unwrapping my new ''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 half as strong.  Wrapping ''things'' back up, I finally stand again and go to inspect the, now desiccated, corpse of my enemy.


    The previously conjured vines and roots having since faded away, I don''t see much worth taking, but decide to try out one of my utility spells.  Fortunately, they don''t require nearly as much mana as the more combat oriented ones.


    "Disassemble!"  I call out and, with a simple gesture, green lights flow from my hand to envelope the remains.  After a moment, the light fades leaving behind a poorly skinned pelt, two fangs, and a pile of claws.  "Need to practice with that a bit, I guess."  Leaving behind the pelt I shift the fangs and claws into my inventory.


    "Time to try out shape-shifting, then head for town... after I make some pants"


    Deciding to try for Human since I used to be one, I focus on my Skill and...  Well, it''s hard to describe, almost feels like I''m pulling in my guts, only all over my body.  I''ve softened my features, and lost a goodten centimeters.  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 ones on my arms have turned into a rather eye-catching tattoo.  A quick look at my status show that I now look much like I wish I had as a teenager.


    "Looking good."  I say to myself.  "Let''s head into town, and hopefully find some plants I can shape into clothes on the way."


    Moving towards the beacon while keeping an eye out for any more wolves, I soon Identify some fibrous plants that, with a judicious use of Disassemble and Plantshape, I am able to weave into some serviceable, if rough, trousers.  After being notified by System-chan that I leveled both skills, I''m just starting on a vest when I hear a scream some distance to the east.


    "Probably some bandits attacking someone on the road into town."  I muse aloud at the clich¨¦d scenario.  "Eh, what the hell?  Time to play hero."


    Stuffing the remaining fibers into my Inventory, I set off at a jog towards the commotion.


    Arriving at the scene of the crime, I see exactly what I thought I''d see.  A dazed women sits tied up by the side of the road, tears leaking from her eyes as she stares at her dead... husband?  No, they look too similar, must be her brother.  Creeping closer behind a tree, I can make out a hushed argument between two bandits.


    "What''d you have to go and shoot the damned horse for?"  Bandit A says as he tries to shift a pair of saddle bags out from under it''s dead weight.


    "Well, I didn''t exactly plan to, but somebody went and spooked it into rearing up just as I was firing."  Bandit B replied as he bent over the man''s body to loot it.


    "Fine, fine.  Tell you what, you can have first dibs on blondie over there, just hurry up over there and help me with this.  We''re too close to town and anyone could''ve heard her scream."


    "We are not too close to town, they''re all inside the walls this late in the day.  Too afraid of some mangy mutts to wander far from shelter.  So, you don''t have to worry about anyone having heard us, you damn baby."


    Seeing my cue laid out in front of me, I speak up.  "Well, I wouldn''t be too sure about that.  Bind!  Bind!"  I quickly cast as the bandits turn towards my voice causing both to trip up and fall to the ground, giving my conjured roots a chance to grab their arms as well.  "Ooh, careful there, you should always watch where your stepping."


    "Fuck!"  Bandit A spits out.  "It''s a Mage, bro.  What the hell''s a mage doing out here?"


    "Shut up, you idiot!"  Bandit B hisses at his bro.  "Look, Ser Mage, this here ain''t what it seems like..."  Seeing my disbelieving face he trails off.  "Yeah, didn''t think you''d buy that.  Maybe we could make a deal?  We''ve got a fair bit of goods stashed back at our hideout...  Not buying that either?  Shit, looks like we''re going to the mines, bro."  He says with an apologetic look at his brother, who was now crying and looking as dazed as the woman.


    "Plantshape!"  I detach a stout branch from the tree I was just hiding behind and use it to bind their hands and feet together.  From a distance, just in case they tried anything, before using my leftover fibers to gag their mouths.  "You know, if you weren''t planning to rape her, I might have just killed you outright.  Now, I hope you rot."  Walking over to the woman, I try to soothe her as I approach, but get no response.


    "She hip her heb."  Came a muffled call from Bandit B.  Already resigned ot his fate, and probably trying to earn some leniency.


    "Damn, let''s hope this works.  Healing Sap!"  I cast a spell that drains my own vitality to create a healing tonic.  Placing a few drops directly onto her head wound before sticking a finger in her mouth to feed it to her.  I fumble, one-handed, with her binds which luckily weren''t tied very well.  All the while pumping nearly half my own health into her before the fog in her eyes finally cleared.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    "Take it easy, you hit your head pretty hard."  I say soothingly, backing up to give her some space, while also trying to block her view of her dead brother.


    "Oh, Gods no!  Rodrick!  No, please no..."  She trails off into tears before falling unconscious, I jump forward and grab her as she begins to tip over, gently guiding her to the ground.


    "Great.  Now I have to carry her ass into town.  Should leave you two for the wolves."  Bandit A freaks out at my proclamation, but B just sighs through his gag.  "Don''t worry you''ll just have to spend a few hours up a tree.  Plantshape!"  I cast my most used spell, yet again.  This time to have a tree pick the brothers up and settle them into it''s branches.  Locking their binds into place, of course.


    *Ding*


    -Plantshape is now Level. 3-


    "Thank you system-chan, also... Woof, almost over did it there.  Give me a few minutes to recover, Princess, then we can head into town."  I say to the unconscious girl lying next to me.  Gathering up her and her brother''s belongings, I eye the horse.  "Can''t leave you here, you''ll just attract wolves.  Disassemble!"  After the magic fades, I''m left with a pile of horse meat sitting on top of a poorly skinned hide.  Luckily it all fit into my inventory, though I did have to chuck the claws and stick the wolf fangs into my trousers.  "Too bad you won''t fit in there."  I say to the Deceased Rodrick.  "Hate to leave you out here, but I should have enough mana for this now.  Plantshape!"


    Opening a cavity large enough for his body in a nearby tree, I then drag him over before and stuff him in before sealing it back up.  "I''ll come back with a wagon for you, so she can give you a proper burial."  Slinging their saddle bags over my shoulders, I move over to the girl and use both pairs of arms to lift her into a princess carry.


    Half an hour later, the Sun has fully set, and the lights of the walls are in sight.  Hiding my vines, I call out.  "Hello the gate!  Have you got any healers in town?"


    "Aye, what happened?"  Came the reply from the wall.  "Open the small gate, and run to fetch Maddie."  The man on the wall called down to someone inside before coming down to meet me at the gate.  "Come on in boy, you can lay her down on a cot in here.  Now tell me what happened out there."


    "Thanks, been carrying her for about half an hour."  I said while straightening out my back after setting her down and dumping the saddlebags on the ground next to her cot.  "Her and her brother ran into a couple bandits up the road..."  I proceeded to tell him an abridged version of events.


    "No offence lad, but I don''t see you taking down two bandits on your own."


    "None taken.  Light!"  I lift my hand and conjured a small, warm globe of light over our heads.


    "Awakened."  The gate guard spoke in an awed whisper.


    "Of course he''s an awakened, Leonard.  Do you really think a boy, without even a shirt on his back, could be living out in the woods if he wasn''t Awakened?  Bet there''s a story there."  A woman''s voice says from the doorway.  As a plump, middle-aged, redhead steps inside.


    "Maddie?  I''m Sorrel by the way."  At her nod I filled her in on what happened to the girl.  "And as for the shirt, I was actually in the middle of weaving a new one when I heard the scream.  Ended up using the fiber to gag the bandits.  speaking of which."  I turn to face Leonard.  "Did you want to go get them now, or let ''em stew ''til morning?  Oh, and I''ve got an inventory full of horse meat to clear out, couldn''t leave it there to draw out predators."


    "If you don''t mind lighting the way."  He says with a look at the spell.  "Me and the lads will be happy to bring them in.  You can drop the meat off at the butcher, we gotta head that way to round up the rest of my crew anyways."


    Maddie chimes in.  "I''ll look after the girl, sounds like your spell took care of the injury and she just passed out from the shock and exhaustion, but head wounds can be tricky."


    After a quick trip through town, Leonard and three of his crew had hitched up a couple carts and fifteen minutes later all five were back where the ambush happened.


    "That''s where I left their weapons and the horses tack."  I point out a pile of stuff under the tree I trapped the bandits in.  "You want them down, or Rodrick''s body first?  Either way, I''ll need to rest for a minute inbetween."


    "Let''s deal with the fallen first lad, he deserves more respect than those two."  Their mumbling can be heard drifting down from the tree top.  "Georgie, grab their weapons.  Sam, Paul, get the tarp ready, please."


    After the two guards, who looked like they could be brothers and were likely related to Maddie had gotten the tarp in place.  I cast the spell.  "Plantshape!"  Releasing Rodrick''s body and gently lowering it onto the tarp, before restoring the tree.  The guards eyes shone at the display, but the solemn duty quickly dampened their excitement.


    "Just a minute and I can get them down."  At Leonard''s nod I sat down to recover while the guards dealt with the body.  After just a moment, I stood again.  "Ready?  Plantshape!"  The tree bent over and unceremoniously dumped the bandits onto the road.


    "Cor!"  Georgie gawped.  "Wish I could do something like that."


    "Not sure you''d care to pay the price I did."  I said, with a thousand yard stare.  Letting the enormity of the past day catch up to me.  Thinking of all the times I died before getting a chance in this new world.  Thinking of my old life.  Of how I lost everything.  I died.  I may have gotten a second chance, but I still died.


    "Like Maddie said, there''s a story there.  Care to share it?"  Leonard asked with an understanding look in his eyes as he glanced at my tattoos.


    Snapping out of my fugue at his words.  I sit back down to recover my strength while his crew settle the prisoners and turn the carts about.


    I nod at the guardsman.  "I don''t want to get into details, but I''ve lived my whole life in the woods."  Technically true.  "Mother was killed by wolves."  Several of them were, in fact.  "The markings came with the magic and I''ve been wandering the woods ever since, killing every wolf I''ve seen."  I''ve only seen the one.  "I can''t go back home."  Also true.  Hell, not a single word was false, but it''s still one whopper of a lie.


    "Sorry about your mother lad...Sorrel.  Let''s get back to town, I''ll set you up at the inn for tonight, and there''ll be a nice reward for capturing those two."  Leonard says, offering me a hand up.


    "Thanks Leonard, I''d like that.  Feels like several lifetimes since I''ve had a hot meal and a soft bed."  There I go, telling the truth again.


    A short, uneventful trip later finds us back at the town, as the gates opens, I see, propped in the doorway of the guard shack, the young woman I saved earlier.  Silent tears start leaking from her eyes as she spots the linen wrapped body in the rear cart.


    "Oh Rodrick, I''m so sorry."  She breathes out, barely louder than a whisper.  "You said we should wait for morning, but I was impatient to start off for the Capital."  Maddie steps closer trying to comfort her, but the blonde waves her off.  Staring at the trussed up bandits, her tears dry up, only to be replaced by a fiery look.  Shifting her glare to me, she hisses out.  "Why aren''t they dead?"


    Meeting her gaze, I reply.  "They would have been, had I not heard their plans for you.  Thought rotting in the mines would be a more suitable punishment than a quick death."  Seeing a bit of fire in my own eyes, hers begin to cool.  "I''m sorry for your loss and truly wish I could have gotten there in time to save him."  At the mention of her brother the heat in her eyes fades entirely, seemingly taking her strength with it.  Maddie closes in once more, supporting the girl before her legs give out.


    "Come on lass, let''s get you set down.  Leonard and the boys will take care of everything."  Maddie speaks gently while leading her charge back into the shack.


    "Bad business this, but the lass is alive and free, and she''ll recover given time.  Thank the Gods that you were able to intervene."


    ''I would Leonard, I would.  But, I never actually got his name.''  I think to myself while giving the guard captain a nod.


    "Come on Sorrel, the lock up is this way.  If you could remove the bindings from those two after we get them behind bars, then I''ll take you over to the inn and get you a room for the night.  Maybe a spare shirt too."  Leonard says that last bit with a smile.

 # 02

    The next morning I rise with the sun in my eyes. Quickly washing up at the provided basin, I don my new, to me, linen shirt and head down stairs.


    "Ah lad, You''re up." Leonard calls out, spotting me as he turns away from a conversation with the innkeeper. "Good, good, I just ordered breakfast for the two of us and was about to come wake you." Gesturing to a nearby table, he sits down once I join him. "I''ve got your reward here, a full gold for each of those bastards." He passes over a small pouch which holds more than just two coins. "Took the liberty of breaking that into some small change for you, not many around here will be able to break a full gold."


    "Thanks." I say with a nod as the innkeeper arrives with two plates full of sausage, eggs and hash. He''s followed by a young girl of about ten carrying a pitcher of water and two wooden mugs. "Ah, looks fantastic. Thank you, and thank you, little one." I say to the innkeep and his daughter, as she hides behind his legs after delivering her load.


    "Thanks Fred, thanks Annie. No need to hide girl, Sorrel here''s a friend."


    "Can you really do magic, mister?" She asks shyly while peeking out from behind her father.


    "Light!" With a nod to her, I conjure a soft, glowing orb above the table .


    "Wow, you really are a mage." Annie said, now pressed up against the table staring at the light. "Lisa didn''t believe it when I told her we had a real mage staying here. Were you really living in the woods hunting wolves, without even a shirt?"


    "Hahaha" Fred laughed. "Sorry lad, it''s a small town and we don''t get a lot of excitement here. You and the lass are all everyone''s been talking about."


    "That''s alright, it''s understandable. Yes Annie, I was living in the woods hunting wolves. I was actually making a new shirt when that whole mess happened last night. Speaking of the girl, How is she doing?" I asked Leonard.


    "She''s doing alright, physically at least, seems everything was just too much for her last night. Maddie took her home and has been keeping an eye on her."


    "If that fire I saw in her eyes was any indication of her usual self, then she should snap out of it soon."


    "Hopefully." Leonard concurs. "After we finish up here, we can head over and see if she''s awake. Then, I can show you around town."


    "Sounds good." I replied before turning to the little girl that was still staring at the light in fascination. "Here you go Annie, it''ll only last a couple hours, but you can show it around to your friends in the mean time." I Send the warm globe into her hand with a gesture.


    "Wow! It''s like holding nothing at all. Can I go show it off, Da? Can I? Please."


    "Sure thing, just play nice with Lisa." Fred tries to tell his daughter, but she''s running out the door before he can even finish the sentence. Shaking his head, he returns behind the bar as we tuck in.


    On our way to Maddie''s place we''re waylaid by a group of children and I''m forced to make lights for each of them. Stretching my magic muscles I play around with the spell and create a rainbow of lights in all different shades, earning a skill level from System-chan for my efforts.


    At Maddie''s we find the girl still asleep so Leonard continues the tour, familiarizing me with the town, which is somewhat larger than I initially thought. Telling me it''s name is Southwood, and a little of it''s history while introducing me to the local merchants.


    "So lad, any idea what you''re going to do from here on?" Leonard asks as we return to the inn. "That coin is more than enough to live comfortable for a while, and with your skills you''ll have no trouble making more."


    "Well, I suppose I can''t stay in the forest for the rest of my life." I shrug. "The girl mentioned the Capital last night and I thought I might head there, maybe find someone to teach me some more about my magic."


    "I hear the mages guild is always looking for new members, and I''m sure they''d love to have someone so strong in nature magic." Rubbing his chin for a moment before continuing, he then says. "If you head east and follow the vilages then the Capital is several months away by foot, you may be able to find a free horse to buy, but not likely until you leave the woods. Though if you''re in a rush, you could head south. There''s a city on the river about a week away, and from there you should be able to buy a horse and head East across the grasslands. Or, if you''re willing to wait for a merchant caravan to show up, you could join one of them for a much easier trip across the grasslands. I''d recommend this option as it''s a desolate area."


    "That could work. I''m comfortable in the woods, but not too sure about travelling across country. At least, not on my own, not all the way to the Capital."


    "You''re heading to the Capital?" The young woman I saved yesterday asks from the door of the inn, her stuffed saddlebags loaded over one shoulder. "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to eavesdrop. I came over to thank you for saving me yesterday. The healer, Maddie, said your name was Sorrel, is that right?"


    "Sorrel Rumex. And there''s no need to thank me, I''m just sorry I wasn''t able to get there sooner. Are you..." Even I''m not fool enough to ask someone that just lost a brother to violence if they''re ''okay''. "Is your head feeling alright? No headaches? Nausea? Double vision?"


    "Amelia Rialta" She introduces herself. "My head''s fine and you sound just like the healer, she wouldn''t let me out the door without a battery of tests. And..." She takes a deep breath. "You don''t need to dance around what happened yesterday. I''m... no, I can''t say I''m dealing with it, but I''m holding together..." She trails off.


    "I was thinking about heading to the Capital." I say, shifting the conversation back to her initial question. "I''ve never left the woods before, though... I have little holding me here now. I take it you wish to accompany me?"


    "Yes." She says with a nod of gratitude, as much for me offering, as for me changing the subject. "I need to inform our parents." Her breath hitches for a moment. "Father''s a merchant, he had a big opportunity in the Capital and went ahead while Rodrick." Another hitch. "and I stayed with his sister in Northwood. We finally got word from a messenger around noon yesterday that everything went better than planned and we could join them Capital. I was so excited that I grabbed the bags I''ve kept prepared ever since they left and practically dragged Roddy..." She trails off as tears start to leak from her eyes.


    "Stop!" She jumps at my tone. "You had nothing to do with what happened to your brother. Those scum were waiting in the woods and would have attacked no matter when you left."


    "He''s right lass." Leonard interjects. "You''ll only tear yourself apart if you keep thinking that way. If you need someone to blame, blame me. I''m in charge of the patrols to scare the beasts away from the road, but those two legged wolves snuck past me."


    "Thank you." She says to me before turning to the guard captain. "I don''t blame you sir, Actually I would like to ask you a favor. I need to send word to my Aunt about... What happened. Could you please deliver a letter for me? I don''t think I can face her, least of all, right now. We''ve never really gotten along, you see. Part of the reason I was so eager to leave yesterday." Barely a hitch that time. "I''ve asked Miss Maddie to arrange a ceremony... for tonight." A bigger hitch that time. Turning back to me, she says. "I hate to ask you, after all you''ve already done for me... But, could we leave tomorrow? I... I just can''t sit around, I need to do something."


    "I understand that." I nod. "Dealing with loss is not easy, but having a goal helps while you''re learning to handle with it." ''Says the guy who lost his entire life'' I think, sardonically. ''Should probably take some time to deal with that.'' Dying over, and over, and over again for a day gave me some time to think, but I know there''s some landmines just waiting to be uncovered.


    "I''ll need to pick up some supplies for the road first." I continue. "While I do that you can get started on the letter and maybe consult with Leonard about what route to take, he had some good ideas." I say with a nod towards the man.


    "Aye, if you''re sure lad." He says to me. "Having a goal can help a lot, though eventually, you will need to stop and let yourselves grieve." His comment is directed at both of us this time.


    I nod again before standing up and heading out the door, pausing a moment as I hear Amelia ask. "Is what Maddie said about him true?" Starting off again, as he replies. "Aye lass, seems he and his ma were living in the deep woods when..."If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ''Good.'' I think to myself. Seems like he bought my back story, there was a reason I didn''t tell him any outright lies. First, I had a feeling that he would know if I had lied to him. He may be a small town guard, but he definitely did not feel like one, and chances are he could have kicked my ass, magic or no. "Not that he even took that risk." I muse softly to myself with a wry smile, thinking about how the man had waited until I was exhausted from shaping the tree, and surrounded by his men, before asking for my story. I''m probably just being paranoid, but I was just thrown into a whole new world with no support structure, and nothing to rely upon but my own wits and newly gained powers. So, better paranoid, than dead, again.


    I can easily use my magic to survive on the road, so most of what I''m picking up is actually just going to be used as social camouflage. No need to walk into a new town wearing nothing but a pair of rough trousers again, after all. Deciding to head for the blacksmith first for one of the few non-camouflage pieces of equipment.


    I quickly head to the far side of town where it stands within it''s own thick walls. Presumably there to reduce noise, and prevent any fires from spreading the rest of the mostly wooden buildings in town. Heading in, I greet the smith''s wife sitting at the counter.


    "Hello again" I greet the rather lovely woman, still mildly surprised to see a woman like that married to a smith. "Looks like I''ll be heading out sooner than I thought, I''ll need a good knife for day to day use on the road, a small cook pot. And, I was hoping it would be alright if I could take a closer look at those staves."


    "That''s no problem at all sweetie, I''ve got the perfect dagger for you, just one and a half silver, sheath included, and another five copper for the pot. And, you came to the right person for staves, I actually do all the woodwork here. Though, I suppose, being a nature mage and all you''ll be wanting to fashion your own."


    "Ah, yeah." I laugh awkwardly as I hand over the coins. Freakin'' small town gossip, I''m surprised she doesn''t already know about Amelia''s plans to leave tomorrow. "I may be a nature mage now, 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 core 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 it''s 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 obviously amused twinkle in her eyes. ''Geez, I''m only supposed to look like a teenager, not act like one.'' I think to my self, with a chuckle, as I rush away from the most dangerous woman I''ve met in this world so far.


    Grabbing boots next, thankfully they had a pair in my size... well, close enough that I barely had to Shape-shift. One belt, water skin, and backpack later, I leave the leather worker''s, then proceed around the market and stock up on various fruits, vegetables, and any seed grain I can find. Growth magic combined with my previous botany studies makes getting fresh foodstuffs much easier, though I do grab a couple pounds of jerky just to snack on later. Lastly, I make my way to the seamstress.


    "Ah lad, come in, come in." The kindly, old shopkeep calls out after looking up from her embroidery work. "Heard you''re leaving us already, boy. Well, don''t you worry, I''ve already got my girls taking in a couple outfits for you. They''ll be ready tonight, I''ll send little Lisa over to the inn with them later. You should have heard her going on about those lights you gave her and her friends."


    "Oh, thank you. How much do I owe for that and could I get a decent blanket..." I trail off spotting a dusty bundle of familiar white fibers that I must have missed on my earlier trip with the guard captain. "Is that cotton?"


    "Hmm?" She asks, glancing behind her to where I''m looking. "Oh, that? Yeah, picked up a big bale from a trader years back. Lovely fibers, but those seeds are a nightmare to pick out. Got to the point where I used to use it as a punishment when the young''uns where acting up." She says with a bark of laughter. "You interested? that bit hasn''t been picked clean yet." Seeing my nod, she continues. "It''s just been sitting there, so I''ll give it to you for a half copper, bringing you up to 5 total, including the blanket. If... you promise to make some more of those lights for the kids again before you leave, that is."


    "Haha. I''d be happy to." I laugh before exchanging some coins for my purchases before saying my goodbyes and leaving the shop. ''Wasn''t expecting to find cotton here. Need to remember that this is a different world and not just some pseudo-Europe like in the books I used to read.'' I think after putting the bundle into my new pack and heading back to the inn. ''Might be able to re-invent the cotton gin if I ever need a big influx of cash. Though, I''d better check the views on slaves first. I already know they send criminals to the mines and there''s no need to repeat America''s mistakes.''


    Returning to the inn, I enter and spot Amelia alternately drinking from a steaming mug and chewing on what looks like a fountain pen while staring down at a piece of paper. With a final nod, she sands the paper to dry the ink before folding it in thirds. Taking off my bag and shifting it into my inventory, only takes up one slot, even with all the stuff in it. I give the blonde a nod as she looks up at me, before walking over to Fred to ask for a snack and my own mug of whatever Amelia''s drinking. After he heads into the back fix my late-afternoon snack, I go to join my new companion at her table.


    "All done?" I open with a motion of my chin towards the folded letter. After she answers with a nod, I continue. "Good, you should probably pick up a pack before the leatherworker closes up for the day, that and anything else you might need. I can store your saddlebags in my inventory, but it''ll look strange if we''re travelling around without any bags."


    "Ah, thank you. I didn''t even think of that." She replies.


    "No problem, you''ve got a lot on your mind right now. I''ve never traveled before." ''Not even back on Earth.'' "So, I''m mostly going off of common sense here, that and some stuff I''ve read before. I picked up a small cook pot, a knife, a blanket, and I''ll be using magic to handle food, water, and shelter. If you''ve got any idea what else we''ll need, or if you just want to load up on your favorite snacks, now''s the time to do so." I''m a bit brusque, but she looks like she needs something to focus on.


    "Ah. Okay." She replies, a look in her eyes like she''s going over a list. "Yeah, I can think of a couple things. But, uh, I don''t know my way around town." She finishes a bit shyly.


    I''m about to speak up when the innkeeper walks up carrying my plate and mug. "Ah Fred, perfect timing. Is Annie around?"


    "Should be around somewhere, never strays too far." He replies, setting my food in front of me.


    "Think she could show Amelia around town for a bit?" I ask. "I''d be happy to make her some more lights to play with. I wanted to run into the woods for a bit and craft a walking stick before it gets dark. Had a talk with the smith''s wife and she gave me a few pointers on what goes into a good staff."


    Seeing my involuntary shudder when mentioning her, Fred laughs. "Hah. Don''t worry about her boy, she just likes to tease. Never seen a happier couple than those two. Now, just gimme a few minutes to round Annie up and she''ll be happy to show you around lass." He says, turning to my table mate.


    "Thanks, I''d be happy to give her a copper for her time as well."


    "She''ll appreciate that lass." Fred says with a smile. "She''s got a bit of a sweet tooth, but I only let her get candy when she''s saved up enough to buy it herself."


    A few minutes later finds us parting ways, Amelia led by Annie, and probably half the girls in town. This time I set the lights to orbiting around their heads while they slowly change colors, earning myself another level for the skill. Meanwhile, I head off to the gate.


    "Hey, there. Paul, right?" I call out to the guard I recognize from last night.


    "Hi there Sorrel, did you need the captain?"


    "No, I was just hoping to pop into the woods for a bit, wanted to try my hand at making a quarterstaff."


    "Gonna use your magic? Would you mind if I tag along to watch? I ain''t never seen anything like what you did with that tree last night."


    I shrug and say. "Sure, probably won''t be all that exciting though, just gonna try and pull one from inside a tree."


    "Still fascinating to me." Paul replies before calling out to the guard shack. "Hey Sam, watch the gate for a minute."


    "What¡¯cha up to?" Came the reply as the other guard walked from the shack. "Oh, hi Sorrel. You need something?"


    "He''s gonna use his magic to make a staff from one of the trees out there." Paul speaks up for me.


    "Well, you know..." Sam starts, with a twinkle in his eyes. "Anything could happen while he''s focused on his magic, it''s for the best, really, if we both go and guard him."


    "Hahaha" I can''t help but laughing. "Sure, sure, I just need to reach the tree line. That way you two can ''guard'' me while still keeping an eye on the gate."


    A minute later and I find myself drawn toward a large oak just inside the tree line. Reaching my hand up to it''s bark, and I can just sense that it''s the right one. I don''t know if it''s my nature magic, my Plantkin species, or both, but I just Know, capital ''K''. Without even having to cast a spell, I sink my arm into the tree. Like pushing into water, the wood flows around me, until after I''m in up to nearly my shoulder when I feel it. A smooth hardness in the very center of the tree, it pulses with energy as I grab hold. Slowly pulling my new weapon free, the tree not only surrenders it, but freely offers it up to me.


    "Thank you, Friend. Growth!" I say, offering a small gift of magic to the majestic tree.


    *Ding*


    -Using your racial skill, you have crafted a Livingwood Staff-


    *Ding*


    -You have leveled up, you are now level 2-


    A rushing sensation flows into me, nearly bowling me over.


    "You alright there Sorrel? That was amazing, by the way." Says Paul with a giddy look on his face.


    "I''m fine, more than fine. I just leveled up."


    "Congratulations man, but you''re still looking a bit wobbly there." Sam says with a smile. "Let''s get you back to the gate and you can have a sit on the bench there."


    "Good idea." I say distractedly. Using my new staff like I''ve had it my whole life, we make our way back to town. "Thanks guys, I''m feeling better now." I say as we reach the gate. "I''m going to head back to the inn and wait for Amelia to finish her shopping. Will you be at the service tonight?"


    "Yeah." Paul says, finally losing his dopey look. "Cap arranged for some of the other guards to cover us." Sam nods along.


    "I''ll see you there, then." I nod to the guards before leaving for a quiet place to look over my Status Screen.

 # 03

    Back in my room at the inn, I sit on the bed with my staff laying on my thighs. "System-chan, please display my Status." *Ding* "Wow, all those points I spent on growth were more than worth it. Please distribute my ability points evenly, with any leftovers going into the mental stats first. I''ll save my skill points for now." Plantkin typically have low growth potential, but make up for it by being extremely long lived. While I may not be over powered right out the gate. With my growth potential and the bonuses I picked for skill growth and learning, I''ll get there soon enough, and keep going.


    "Now, for you my new friend.  Identify!"


    *Ding*


    -Livingwood Staff. This staff is bonded to you as it''s creator, it will grow as you do and gain new abilities over time. Note: Only Plantkin will be able to correctly Identify Livingwood weapons, to all others it shall appear as a well made, yet otherwise unexceptional staff.-


    "A growth weapon, and I''m level 2, not bad for someone who was born yesterday." I chuckle at my own joke. "Let''s see, I''ve got a few hours to kill before the services tonight and, while I''d love to just sit here polishing my staff-"


    *Ding!* System-chan rings out in what sounds suspiciously like a bark of laughter for a bell chime.


    "Glad to know someone appreciates my sense of humor." I say with a smile. "But, I should be practicing my magic while I''ve got the chance. Oh, I know. I''ll need to pay off Lisa with some more lights when she drops off my clothes later." Setting my staff to the side, I lie down on the bed and start conjuring lights. At first it''s hard going, trying to make anything but round lights. But, after about thirty minutes of making lumpy blobs. Something clicks in my head and I''m able to create simple shapes with ease.


    *Ding*


    -You have learned Mana Manipulation, it is now Level. 1-


    "Yes! That''s exactly what I was hoping for. Now, it''s time to see if I can''t get a little artistic." Ten minutes later, I unlock the Sculpting Skill. Rapidly improving from that point, I spend the next hour or so immersed in my magic. Only stopping when I noticed the color of the sky was starting to change through the window. Proud of what I had created, and the Skill gains I had wrought, I looked over the room full of floating sculptures. The plant shapes and flowers had come easiest, animal shapes somewhat less so, and artificial man-made items looked cartoonish at best.


    Picking up my staff and heading out the door, I can hear the chatter of children drifting up from the stairs. "I hope the girls were able to keep Amelia distracted from what''s happening tonight." I say to myself as I start heading down to the common room.


    "Mister Sorrel! Mister Sorrel. Over here, I''ve got your clothes! Gramma said you''d make me some more lights if I delivered them to you." Young Lisa shouts out as soon as she sees me coming down the stairs.


    ""Us too! Us Too!"" The other kids bellow out.


    "Yes, yes." I call back from the foot of the stairs, raising a hand, trying to calm the horde. "Everyone will get lights, but you have to settle down first. Annie, Lisa, since you two were my helpers today, you get to go first."


    "Aww." A few of the kids groaned in back.


    "Don''t worry, I''ve got something special for all of you." I hold my staff out, wondering why I didn''t think to use it for this before, and cast.. "Light!" The magic almost rips through me as, with a thought, I conjure elaborate flower crowns for the two girls standing in front of me. Then, with a small wave, the room is suddenly filled with dozens of different flowers, gently floating down to the waiting hands of the awed children.


    Using the staff to hold myself up as a wave of exhaustion flows over me, I speak out to the now hushed room. "I put more magic in these so they''ll last longer than the lights from before. But, like all flowers, they will fade eventually. Now, it''s getting dark. I want you all to run home before your parents get worried about you. Okay."


    ""Yes, mister Sorrel."" They chime out, almost as one. Carrying their new prizes out the door, chatting with their friends and comparing the different blooms. As soon as they''re out the door Fred comes up and helps me to the nearest chair. Annie is showing her crown to a woman I haven''t met before, but judging by their resemblance, must be her mother.


    "That was one hell of a show Lad." He says once I''m settled. "You didn''t have to exhaust yourself like that though." A look of concern in his eyes.


    "Thanks Fred. I wanted to do something special for them and was practicing for most of the afternoon. Probably should have thought to practice casting with the staff first though." I chuckle. "I''ll be fine, it just pulled the magic out a bit faster than I was expecting. Though, I wouldn''t say no to another cup of that tea."


    "Sure lad, coming right up." He walks off and Amelia joins me at the table.


    "That was a nice thing you did. And I''m not just talking about the flowers."


    "Guess you caught me." I admit with a rueful smile. "I know tonight isn''t going to be easy, and wanted to do what I could to distract you from thinking about it too much."


    "Thank you." She says with a sad smile.


    Fred returns with my mug, and we sit in silence for a few moments, waiting for Maddie or Leonard to show up. Maddie shows up before I can finish my tea, and ends up leading us out the gate and around the wall to the west. After a short walk we come upon a small graveyard ringed with wrought-iron fencing. The grave markers are small, polished squares of stone. The yard itself is tidy and well kept, with some fresh flowers on a handful of the graves. We meet up with Leonard, his guards, and an older gentleman in dark robes. The man turns out to be the local priest, and leads us through a short, solemn ceremony. Silent tears fall down Amelia''s cheeks from the time we entered the cemetery, until we return to Fred''s inn, where he settles her in next to the fire with a mug of, what I suspect is, something much stronger than tea.


    Not in the mood for small talk with the others, I make my way upstairs hoping that Amelia won''t be too hung-over in the morning for an early start. Casting Cleanse on myself and my clothes before striping down, and slipping into bed. I''m out cold within minutes of my head hitting the pillow. Only to be awoken in what feels like the middle of the night.


    "...Sorrel." The voice and the gentle flickering of candlelight is coming from the door of my room.


    "Huh, Amelia." I start out of sleep. "Is everything alright?"


    "M''mm shorry." She slurs. "I cahn''t shleep. Please" She starts crying. "I don''t want to be alone."


    "Oh geez, this is a bad idea." I say before pulling some pants out of my inventory and pulling them on under the covers. Dressed, I get up and walk over to the drunk girl. "Come on, let''s sit you down and get some water into you, otherwise you''re gonna be useless come morning." I exchange her candle for a cup of water poured from the pitcher left on the room''s table. "Drink up, it''ll help. That''s a girl. Now lie down and rest your eyes, I''m right here, I''ll sit next to you and keep talking until you can fall asleep." I try telling her, only to find she''s already passed out.


    "Thank goodness for that." I say softly while placing the basin next to the bed, just incase the alcohol comes back up on her. "I''m no good with emotions at the best of times, and crying drunk girl is far from the best of times." Retrieving the bundle of cotton from my inventory, a muttered Plantshape later and I''m left with a serviceable mattress and a pile of fuzzy seeds. Blowing out the candle, I lie down at the foot of the bed and cover up, hoping to drift back off to sleep. It takes a while, but eventually her soft snores gentle me back into dreamland.


    Waking to some unknown sound, I look around just in time to see the door close. "Guess it''s time to get up." I say peering out the window at the slowly brightening sky. Casting Cleanse on myself again before pulling on a new shirt, I go about sorting out my pack. Mostly by turning my old pants into a sack and tossing almost everything I bought yesterday into it before shoving it all back into my inventory. Learning in the process that foodstuffs either, don''t spoil, or spoil at a much slower rate while in my inventory.


    Fashioning a second sack from my makeshift mattress, incase Amelia has stuff that won''t fit into her bags, and a pair of socks, because even perfectly fit boots need a pair of socks in them. To make the pack look filled out, I then shove some of the cotton in there with some fruit and jerky, for snacks, before tying the cook pot and freshly filled water skin to it''s sides. Pack ready, I sheathe the dagger onto my left hip and head downstairs, the sun not even peaking over the horizon yet.


    "Mornin'' Sorrel" The innkeep greets me with a chipper smile. "You look all ready to go, how''s the young lass?"


    "I heard her get up, but.. Well, if that slurring I heard last night was any indication, she''ll be needing a headache remedy."


    "And some strong tea, please. Maybe some dry toast." The person in question says from the stairs. Her overstuffed saddlebags slung over one shoulder, and equally filled backpack over the other.


    I choke back a laugh before rushing over to help with her luggage. "Here, let me take these. I know I said I''d keep everything in my Inventory, but just how much stuff did you get? Never mind, here." I hand her the cotton sack. "While Fred''s getting breakfast ready. -I''ll just take some juice, by the way, thanks.-" I give him my order before returning to the hung-over merchant girl. "You can put the overflow from the saddlebags and anything you don''t need while walking from your pack into this. Then I''ll fill the pack out with some extra cotton."


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "Yes, yes, anything, just quit shouting." She says with a wince.


    "Sorry." I whisper. "Just be glad I got you to drink some water before you passed out. You''d likely be worse off if I hadn''t."


    "It get''s worse than this?" The incredulous look on her face is enough to make me start chuckling.


    "Aye, lass." Leonard interjects from the door, lowering his tone after seeing her wince again. "Fred started watering it down for you after the second cup. If you''d actually drunk as much as you tried to last night, you''d have been lucky to get on the road by noon. Ah, here''s the hero himself, and it looks like he has a dose of his miracle hangover cure for you."


    "Willow bark tea is hardly a miracle." The Heroic innkeeper counters. "You just need some fluids in you, and you''ll be right as rain in no time. Now what''s all this mess?" He gestures to her bags.


    "I''ll be carrying everything in my inventory." I answer for her as she takes a sip of her miracle cure. After explaining my reasoning behind the bags, both men nod.


    "Smart lad, you won''t have to worry about thieves that way, and traveling light while still being able to carry everything you want... That just makes me jealous. Hah!" Leonard barks out, and surprisingly enough, it doesn''t cause Amelia to wince again. "Feeling better lass? Told you it was a miracle cure."


    "Thank you Fred." She says with an immense look of gratitude on her face. "I''ll get this mess cleared up in just a second." Quickly emptying her pack of anything she deems unnecessary.


    Storing the extra bags to sort out later, I fill her pack with cotton, then finish my juice and stand up. "Looks like this is it, Fred. Thank you for taking care of us. And, tell Annie I said goodbye. Maybe next time I stop by, I''ll have learned how to make the light spells permanent." Waiting while Amelia gives her own thanks, I shoulder my bag once again and turn to the guard captain. "If you would lead the way."


    Then before I knew it, with little more than a few words of advice from Leonard. We were on the road south. I let Amelia set the pace while I dance around behind her, checking out and collecting samples from any interesting plants. The siblings'' plans had been similar to what Leonard recommended I do. So, we''ll be heading to Riverton and joining a trade caravan to the Capital, provided nothing goes wrong of course.


    Stopping by a small creek for lunch. The merchant''s daughter asks me to bring out her bags and starts rummaging on them while I use Magic to fill our water skins. More for the practice than because I doubt the creek''s cleanliness. "So, you never did say. What is all this stuff you bought?"


    "Ah ha! Here it is." She exclaims. Pulling a small jar of paste from the bottom of the bag and applying some to her lips with a smack. "Most of this is stuff I had planned to get in Riverton for the caravan ride. But, I knew I''d be able to get it cheaper in Southwood, and since you''re doing all the heavy lifting..." She trails off, looking somewhat embarrassed. Before bouncing right back. "Oh, and when we stop for the night, can you please make me some more bags, or at least add some pouches so I can organize this mess."


    "Sure, I''ve got enough cotton left to make a few bags. I want to experiment with Plantshaping anyways; right now I''m just fusing the fibers together. I''d like to try some actually weaving, maybe see if it gets me some skill levels. At the very least, it''ll help me improve my control."


    "What''s it like?" She asks, a bit of awe in her voice.


    "Magic?" I raise an eyebrow at her sudden inquisitiveness. "The plant stuff comes natural to me, I almost don''t even have to think about it. It just does what I want. The other elements each have their own... ''feel'' to them, I suppose. I could say that Air is flighty, and Earth is solid, that Water flows, and Fire consumes. You might understand these statements, but each one is only a tiny sliver of the whole. Earth for example, it feels as much like a fragile egg, as it does a solid stone. And Water, yes it flows down, but it also drifts up to the clouds. Take this spell I used to fill the water skins, I''m not pulling the water from the creek, I''m pulling it straight from the air."


    She gives me a disbelieving look. "I don''t get it. Aren''t things just the way they are?"


    "Yes, exactly! And magic shows you all they are, and all they can be, and if one know how, let''s you change them." I nearly shout with excitement. "Come here, give me your hands, I want to try something."


    "Uh, okay... Do you know what you''re doing?"


    "Not a clue!" I say, happily. "Just because I read some stuff when I was younger, doesn''t mean I know anything about magic. I''m just going on guesswork and instinct, really." Seeing her hesitate, I reach out and clasp her hands. "Just relax, close your eyes, and feel inside yourself." She closes her eyes, but doesn''t relax. "I''m just going to send some mana through one hand, into your chest, and then back out the other. I''m not changing anything, it''s more like I''m holding ear against your chest to hear your heartbeat. Only, more so." Seeing her nod, clearly a bit afraid, but still willing to trust me. I move my magic forwards and send a trickle of mana, ever so slowly through her. It wants to fight me and break free, but not wanting to hurt her, I fight it under control and guide it back out. "Did, you feel anything?" I question, somewhat fatigued by the unexpected exertion.


    "Maybe, I think... It''s kinda like... I''m not sure..." She trails off looking pensive.


    "See? Now you know how I feel. I think there is something there, but that tiny trickle of mana took a lot more out of me than I expected. Let''s get back on the road, and we can try again after we stop for the night."


    "Really? Do you think there''s really a chance I could learn magic? Become an awakened like you?" Hope shines in her eyes.


    "I think there''s a strong possibility. The magic clearly reacted to you, and you felt... something. I''ll try a more focused probe later, maybe you''re connected to just one or two elements. And having everything go through at once just made it all confused."


    "Well, what are you waiting for?" She barks. "Pick up those bags, and lets get going. The sooner we get to the campground Leonard told us about, the sooner we can rest."


    "Yes, Ma''am!" I walk over and nudge the bags with a toe to shift them into my Inventory. Summoning my staff from the same System-chan generated space, I gesture down the road with an. "After you Ma''am."


    "Damned lazy recruits, can''t even bend over to pick up a bag anymore." She teases me with a worried smile at the staff that I haven''t needed all morning. Starting down the road without commenting on it, she turns her head back to say. "Well, get a move on, recruit."


    Her worry fades as soon as the effect of the mana drain does and soon we''re back to our routine. Though, she seems to have almost as much bounce in her step as I do. The day soon fades away in a companionable silence. When the sun is still a few hands above the tree-filled horizon we reach what must be the campgrounds that we were told about.


    Dropping off the bags, and making a few new ones, I head into the forest to collect firewood. Passing through the thicket that must have been cultivated to provide this safe space in the middle of the woods. Earning a grumble from Amelia about "Stupid mages doing the stupid impossible, like walking through a wall of thorns. Just wait until I Awaken."


    Ignoring my faux-grumpy friend. I circle the thicket, checking and occasionally bolstering its integrity, while tossing any nearby deadfall into the clearing. "Okay, now you''re just showing off." She speaks up again after seeing whole branches sail trough the thorns, without even a single snag.


    Finding no flaws in our night''s defenses I head back inside. And, after collecting the firewood I build up a proper fire, but hold off on lighting it just yet. "How goes it? Will those bags be enough?" I ask my companion, as it seem she''s nearly done.


    "Yeah, this is good. Uh, before we start on the whole magic thing, could I ask a favor?" Pointing off to the right. "Can you please do something about THAT."


    Looking over I spot a small ditch in the back corner of the clearing. Walking closer to what must have been someone''s harebrained idea for a latrine. "Yeah, good idea." I tell her. "I was going to seal the entrance once it get''s full dark, and this is just a joke. Plantshape!" Pounding my staff into the ground I clear the roots from where I want to dig. "Earthshift! Earthshift! Earthshift!" It takes three casts to get the hole deep enough.


    Sprinkling a handful of seeds around the new excavation, I cast two more spells in conjunction. "Growth! Plantshape!" Growing the wall posts and seat of our new outhouse, I send tree roots down the hole''s edge to reinforce it. Dozens of saplings rise up from the ground and begin to weave and grow into each other forming three walls filled with diamond shaped holes. Two thicker trees planted about a foot apart, just in front of the hole, grow up and cross through each other before folding over and rejoining into a smooth oval toilet seat. Sprinkling some more seeds, I cast "Growth!" Once more. Dozens of vines and climbers fill in the walls before flowing over the front to drape down as a living curtain door.


    "..." Amelia tries speaking, but seems to be left speechless.


    "You said something about me showing off?"

 # 04

    "You jackass!" Amelia curses at me. "I thought you''d hurt yourself when you fell over."


    "Sorry, sorry." I apologize while trying not to laugh again. "I only stumbled because I didn''t think your face could turn that shade of red... or be that cute." I mumble out that last part as softly as possible.


    "What was that?"


    "Ahem. I said the Nature magic doesn''t take nearly as much effort for me." I explain trying to cool her anger. "As impressive as this may have looked, the lights I made for the girls last night were much more difficult. I just wasn''t watching where I stepped."


    "Hmph! I''ll let it go." She says. "For now." Turning away, she calls over her shoulder. "Speaking of light''s, why don''t you set some up for us before the sun sets? Then, I''ll get started on dinner and we can try the magic thing again while it cooks."


    I walk around the perimeter of the clearing again, leaving a small orb low to the ground every few meters. Returning to the campfire in the center. I then conjure a larger, brighter orb about 4 meters in the air. Amelia has already lit the fire and setup a folding metal tripod over one side of it. "Good idea with the tripod, there. I would have just set the pot on some rocks. You need help with anything?"


    "Thanks." She says, looking up at me with a smile. "Daddy may have let me behind this time but I''ve gone on more than enough trips with him to know my way around a campsite. I''ve got this covered, it''ll just need to simmer for about an hour. Can you seal the entrance? Then, can we..." She trails off, a hesitant look about her.


    "Try the magic again?" I answer her unasked question. "Sure. I''ve got a better idea of what to expect now, so an hour should be plenty of time."


    Returning from the now blocked opening. I see her stirring in the last ingredients before turning to me with an eager. "Ready? What do you need me to do?"


    "Just let me prepare something real quick." Reaching into the stack of unused firewood, I Plantshape a wide bowl before filling it from one of the water skins. "I want to try something that should help identify of you have one of the basic elements. Sit here in front of the fire." She jumps to obey. "That''s good, just get comfortable." Handing her the bowl, I then kneel behind her and place my hand on the center of her back. "Now, I want you to close your eyes and just breathe. Slowly trail your fingers through the water. That''s it. Nice... slow... even... breathes..." Each word is accompanied by it''s own slow breath.


    Using my gentlest voice I guide her through visualizing the elements. "Feel the Earth beneath you, solid and supportive." I send the barest trickle of earth mana out from my palm. "The fire in front of you." Switching to fire mana now. "It''s almost alive in it''s own way, wanting nothing more than to eat and spread." Pulling back the fire, I send out a wisp of air. "Air surrounds us, it carries the music of the forest to us, tickles through your hair, and curls deep within your chest." No reaction so far, time to try. "Water." I think we''ve got it. "It''s the most mercurial of the elements. Cool and flowing under your fingers now, but it''s just as happy to waft about a clouds." A fog rises from the bowl. "Or freeze so solid that it can crush even the hardest of stones." The fog fades to reveal ice chips swirling around her fingers.


    "Feel how it resonates deep within you. Water is the source of all life. Water flows through your veins. Water makes up your very core. It doesn''t need you to reach out for it, because it''s already there waiting for you. You. ARE. WATER!" My voice rises up into a shout. When, with a pulse of mana. The water in the bowl flows up her arm, quickly coating her entire body before dissolving into a wavery blue light and disappearing inside Amelia''s body.


    *DDDDDIIIIIINNNNNGGGGGG* A sound so loud that I can''t believe it could come from any real bell.


    -You have awakened Amelia Rialta!-


    *Ding*


    -You gave gained the Title: Awakener. Those with this title will be able to sense potential mages they come into contact with.-


    *Ding*


    -You have gained the skill Soothing Voice, it is now level 1.-


    *Ding*


    -You have gained the skill Guided Meditation, it is now level 1-


    Dismissing the notifications for later. I look over to the New Water mage. Sitting there with an astonished smile of her face as tears flow freely down her cheeks. She turns to me and gestures with the small ball of water that''s floating just above her palms. "It worked." She says in a small voice. "Oh.. Oh, thank you. Thank you, so much. Come here." Reaching out, she opens her arms wide, and... Splashes me right in the face. "Oh, gods!" She exclaims, a mortified look washing over her face.


    I fall over and start shaking. "Oh, Gods. Please be alright." She says, rushing to my side. Amelia''s reaching out to grab my shoulders, when I just can''t hold it in any longer.


    "Bwahahahahahahah!" I erupt in laughter. "Oh Gods, the look on your face."


    Her face rapidly morphs from shocked to furious before cracking into laughter. "You jackass!" She hits me. "I thought I really hurt you."


    "Sorry, I couldn''t help it. Heheh." I give a last chuckle before saying. "Let me up woman. Someone need to stir the pot, and I''m sure you want to investigate your menus."


    Stepping back, with one last hit. "Oh, right... Umm, how do I do that?"


    "Just say or think ''Status''. System-chan will handle the rest."


    "System-chan? Oooh, it''s like a book, and that painting of me... It''s moving."


    "It''ll spin around on it''s own but you can move it where you want just by thinking it. Try focusing on your face and it''ll get bigger. And System-chan is her name, at least, it''s the only one I know her by." I can hear the echo of a ding coming from Amelia. "See, that''s her agreeing with me." Tapping the spoon clean, I put the lid back on the pot and turn toward my companion.


    "Oh, hello System-chan." Another echoed ding. "Hahaha, it''s almost like she''s talking to me. Oh, the map is blank. How does the inventory work?" She asks while making gestures in the air, like she''s flipping through a book.


    "You just need to touch something and will it into a slot. System? Any chance we can sync our maps?" *Ding* "Thanks you''re the best!"


    "Thank you." She looks like she''s patting an invisible book. "It shows I''ve got the skill Flow. Do you have that? How does it work?"


    "Flow!" I cast, pulling the leftover water from my clothes. "Is the skill you used to splash me." I send a much reduced water blob back to the bowl she dropped earlier. "Focus on anything in the System and she''ll give you more information on it. Magic itself seems to be half instinct half practice. So far, I''ve been able to figure out a few things by trial and error. But, I know there''s more to learn, That''s why I want to reach the Capital."


    "Flow!" She slowly raises the water from the bowl to her hands.


    "Good job!" I toss a full water skin at her feet, almost making her lose focus and drop the spell. "Dinner looks like it''ll be a bit. Why don''t you practice? See how much water you can lift, move it around, try different shapes. Stuff like that." Seeing her eager nod, I continue. "If you start to feel dizzy, just stop and rest for few minutes. Once you feel comfortable with Flow, I''ll try to teach you Condense. Then you can be responsible for filling the water skins from now on." A smile on my face I walk off to the side of the clearing.


    "Hey, where are you going?"


    "Well... A. I don''t want to get splashed again." Chuckling at the indignant look on her face, I continue. "And, B. I''m almost out of cotton and need to grow some more."


    "Hmph!" She Hmphs at me. "You go play with your plants. Just you wait, and I''ll show you what I can do."


    "Looking forward to it, just don''t let dinner burn... Or flood the fire. Maybe you should put the bags in your inventory too, just in case." She Hmphs again and crosses her arms. I just turn away, but a few seconds later I can hear her walking about the camp, going from bag to bag.


    With a smile on my face at her antics I cast Earthshift to loosen the soil in a 1 meter square. Placing cotton seeds into the ground about 10cm apart. I cast Growth once again. Guiding my magic down the staff, into the soil and waiting seeds. The plants rapidly mature, gaining dozens of pink blossoms. Focusing the magic into the buds, they quickly fall off, leaving oversized bolls of fluffy fiber. *Ding* "Excellent! Pounds of cotton for seconds of work, and Growth leveled up. Plantshape!" The bolls pluck themselves from their branches and fall to the ground, freeing the plants up for another round of Growth.


    Several rounds of this and I''ve already got more cotton that I started with, but I can tell the soil is starting to lag. The magic provides all the energy the plants need, but they still draw nutrients from the earth. So, after Plantshaping all the cotton together and pulling it out of the way. I decide to try out a new Nature spell. Pointing my Heartwood Staff at each plant in turn, I cast. "Decompose!" The cotton plants turn into compost before my very eyes. I then use Earthshift to mix the soil and compost together before firming the ground back to how I found it.


    Returning to the fire with my new bundle, I find Amelia flat on her back. Shaking my head, I say. "I told you to stop and rest if you felt dizzy." Before flopping down next to her.


    "Shaddup. I Finally managed to get three balls to orbit each other. And, I earned a skill level." Her voice fills with pride. "Then, I kinda just fell over." She finishes lamely.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    "Congratulations! I promise the next time won''t be half as hard." I try to pat her on the head but she swats my hand away. "Dinner smells like it''s ready, the food will help you recover."


    "Here." She pulls a bag from her inventory and hands me a couple bowls and spoons from it. "No need to eat from whatever you were going to make out of firewood."


    "Hah!" I bark out. "You already got me figured out, huh?" She just nods.


    Ladling the rather delicious smelling soup into our bowls. I turn to ask the now sitting Amelia. "If I provide all the ingredients, would you be willing to do most of the cooking? I''m sure I won''t be able to make anything half as good as this smells."


    Breaking a loaf of bread in half, she dumps one piece in my bowl before snagging her own. "Not every night." She declares flatly. "But, only if you figure out a way to make some fresh bread. I always miss fresh bread when I''m on the road." She then dips hers into the soup before taking a big bite.


    "Yeah. I think I can manage that. I''m not too good with mushrooms yet..." At her questioning look, I explain. "Yeast. I got the chance to examine some at the market, and it feels just like mushrooms do. Magically speaking, that is." At her shrug, I continue. "But anyways, I should be able to use a mix of Plantshaping and air magic to re-create it''s effects."


    The rest of dinner passes in silence. Once we''re done eating I use Cleanse to wash the dishes. Earning me a jealous glare from Amelia. "You''re teaching me that one too." She states.


    "Sure, it''s not entirely water based but we should be able to make something work." I reply jovially. "So, you ready to learn Condense? Good. I''m gonna need some help from you afterwards too. I figure a merchant''s daughter must know something about fabric. I only know the basic weave, and a bit of knitting my mother forced me to learn after I destroyed one too many socks."


    "That''s easy enough, though I can''t help you with the knitting. My mom banned me from touching her needles after the last knotted monstrosity I tried to make. But Condense first, please."


    "Okay, I''ll use it first, but I won''t pull the water into a ball. I''m just going to increase the moisture in the air. Condense!" Reaching out with my magic as far as I can, I draw all the water molecules in the clearing. Holding them in a rough sphere around the eager mage. I tell her. "Now close your eyes, and just feel for the water in the air."


    Sensing her mana flowing out around her I pull mine back and say. "Good, good. You can feel it, now pull it all together." It starts raining on the girl causing her to lose focus.


    "Ack!" She shouts and jumps away. Not noticing that the impromptu shower stopped as soon as she opened her eyes.


    "Nice first try, but you caused the water to clump together. What you want is for it to all flow into one spot. Now dry off and we can go again." She starts digging in a bag, so I ask her what she''s doing.


    "Getting a towel..." At my quirked eyebrow, she trails off. "Oh, right! Magic. I can do magic." She laughs. "Flow! Oh, that was much easier." A ball of water was quickly pulled from her hair and clothes.


    "Yes. You can do magic. Ready to try again?" At her nod, I cast again. "Condense! Now, just like last time. Reach out with your magic and grab hold of the water. Yeah, just like that. Now pull it all into one spot." As the water coalesces I hear the echo of a ding.


    "I did it. I got the skill and everything." A look crosses her eyes. "Hey, how come you always say the spell out loud, but I was able to do this by just focusing? I even tried just saying Condense when I was working on Flow earlier, but it didn''t work."


    "Good question, but you sorta answered it yourself. Focus." Silently reaching out with my mana. I pull in enough water to make my own ball. "See how that took me a few seconds? Casting the spell out loud acts as a shortcut and gets the magic doing what you want right away."


    "Ahh." She nods her head. "Thank you. I mean it. Thank you for this, for giving me magic, for showing me how to do all this." A shadow falls on her eyes, but quickly passes. "For everything."


    "You''re welcome. But, now it''s time for you to pay up."


    "Hahah." She laughs at the mock stern expression on my face. "Yes, yes. Fabrics are actually pretty easy to understand. I''m not a weaver, or seamstress, but I did learn the basics from Daddy. There''s really just two main parts to any weave. The up and down, Warp. And the left to right, Weft. Plain linen weave is just those crossing over each other. Over, under, over, under. Simple, right? Well the other patterns really just vary how many times the warp and weft cross over and under each other."


    "Ah, thank goodness, that sounds a lot easier than I was expecting."


    "The patterns I know go like this. 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. Basket weave is just like plain weave, but you use two threads as one." She draws a couple examples in the dirt. "See plain weave is one over one, but basket is two over two."


    "Got it." I nod.


    "The last one I know is cross weave. It''s a little different because the weft is actually two thread that cross back and forth through the warp." She draws three vertical lines, and then what looks like a pair of snakes twining through them. One always going over the warp, while the second always goes under the warp, but over the first one. "There''s a lot more weaves out there but I know more about how to sell them, than how to make ''em."


    "Thanks, this helps a lot." I quickly Plantshape some oversized samples to make sure I have the basic concept down.


    "Yeah, you''ve got it. Don''t know why on earth you want to try weaving without a loom, though. The stuff you made for the bags is fine."


    "Heh, it''s more for practicing my fine control than for a need of fabric. Though, having some soft pajamas might be nice." I say with a smile.


    "Crazy man!" She sighs "Oh, who knows. Maybe you''ll end up re-inventing star weave. I''ve never actually seen any, but there''s only one family that makes it and they keep the loom under lock and guard. No one except the head and his heir are even allowed in the room. There''s even rumors that a magical trap will destroy it if anyone else gets close."


    Weaving lesson over, we each begin to practice our respective magics. Somewhat fixated on the idea I threw out as a joke earlier, I focus on mastering the Satin weave. Starting out with a ten centimeter square and threads the size of my pinky.


    *Ding*


    -You have learned the skill Weaving, it is now level 1-


    That makes it a lot easier to hold the pattern, now I can put my whole mind to the magic. Slowly, I decrease the thread size while increasing the area. After about an hour, and several Skill levels, I decide to stop for the night. The threads are larger than what you''d see in modern clothing, and the weave is a bit loose, But I''m happy with it, especially for a first attempt. I swiftly shape the fabric into a pair of loose pants, add a drawstring, and call it done.


    "Not bad. Not perfect, but not bad." I speak to myself while examining the new pajamas.


    "Hmm?" Amelia looks up from a dozen spinning water balls. "Done already? Ahh, it''s getting late." She stretches out her back. "Can you douse the big light, please? We should get to bed soon if we want to be on our way by first light again."


    "Sure, just let me make some mattresses first. I''ve got all this cotton, we might as well use it. Plantshape!" The pile of unused fibers flows out into two fluffy mats. Laying them out at right angles to each other near the fire. I wave away the big light and bank the fire, laying in a few of the larger branches.


    Walking towards the latrine with my new pants I look over my should at Amelia. "I''m going to get changed. Do you need anything else before we bed down for the night?"


    Testing her new mattress with a hand, she replies. "No, thank you. You''ve done more than enough."


    Finishing my business, I leave the latrine wearing my new Pajamas. Returning to the fire I pass by Amelia as she carries a small bag to the outhouse. I try sending her a small smile but I don''t think she saw it, her eyes seemed pretty far off.


    Laying on my back in my new bedroll, I cast my eyes heavenward. The soft night sounds of the forest and the occasional pop of the fire seem to fade away as I stare up at the night sky. ''The stars seem so different from back home, there''s a moon too but even it looks wrong. No! This is home now. I need to accept that.'' I tell myself before being interrupted by a cough.


    "Sorrel, can I sleep next to you?" Amelia asks softly from next to my feet. She seems to be wearing nothing but a thin nightshirt. Standing there, clutching her blanket to her chest. I can see tear tracks glisten down her cheeks in the light from the fire.


    Looking up at crying woman, I beckon her closer. "This is a probably a bad idea, but I can''t think of any good ones right now." Lifting my blanket, I shift over for her to lay down next to me.


    "Thank you." She whispers into my ear as she lays down. Clutching to my side like a drowning woman might grasp a piece of driftwood. "I''m sorry. I Can handle it when I''m moving about, doing something. But when I slow down, when it gets quiet, I..." She trails off, burying her face in my shoulder.


    "I understand completely." I Gently stroke her hair. "I''ve tried not thinking about it, burying myself in the Magic, keeping on the move. Anything to distract me from the fact that I lost everything." Tears of my own start leaking out as the enormity of the past few days threatens to overwhelm me.


    Lifting her head at the change in my breathing. Amelia leans over and, looking me in the eyes as if seeking approval, she slowly presses her lips against mine. What starts out as a tentative, somewhat clumsy kiss quickly deepens. Our tears leak out and mingle together as our two broken souls stare into one another. Hoping to find something to fill the cracks.


    "This is still a bad idea." I tell the young woman clinging to me when she comes up for breath.


    "I don''t care, I just need to feel something beside this empty pain right now." Lifting herself up, Amelia moves to straddle my waist. Her hands reach up and start unbuttoning her shirt. "Take off your pants" She orders me.


    I don''t even bother trying to pull them down, only taking a second to move my vines out of sight. Then Plantshaping the pajamas off as my eyes roam the soft skin that is being slowly revealed to the firelight. The last button finally out of the way she lets her nightshirt slide off her shoulders.


    Settling her weight down onto me. She lets out a small gasp as her heat comes into contact with my shaft. "Ahn. it''s so hard. I''ve nev.. I''m a..." She trails off, lowering her head to hide her face behind a curtain of blonde locks. Her hips slowly grind forward, seemingly of their own accord.


    Reaching up, I stroke the side of her face. Gently raising her head to look in to her eyes once more. "It''s okay." I speak, my voice gone husky with desire. "The first time can hurt, but I may be able to do something about that." I silently cast Healing Sap, coating my swollen member with it. Hoping to use it as lubrication in addition to it''s restorative powers.


    Without taking my eyes from her I use my other hand to guide us together. I slide the tip of myself, slick with sap, between her folds. She gasps out again, and then, before I can stop her she slides herself down onto me, hissing in pain before the sap can do it''s job.


    "Easy, easy" I soothe the beauty sharing herself with me, body and soul. "Just rock back and forth until you get used to it." Moving my hands to her hips to demonstrate. She quickly gets into a rhythm and I start to join her. Matching my movements to hers, my hands roam up her body to find and gently cup her breasts. I send my thumbs to tease lightly over her nipples.


    Her breath catches, and she loses her rhythm for a moment. "Yesss!" She growls out. Resuming her efforts and increasing the pace. She tells me. "More. Please, give me more."


    Not wanting to disappoint, I squeeze tighter, playing my thumbs over her sensitive nubs. Deepening my thrusts, driving into her as she slides down onto me. "Oh Gods." I grunt and almost lose it as I feel her tightening around me. Lost in her orgasm, her motions become jerky and she seems to lose control of her body for a moment. Taking charge. I hold onto her and flip us around so that she''s now the one laying on the mattress.


    Her Climax fading. I hold myself at her opening with just the very tip of myself inside her. Waiting for her eyes to regain focus and once they do I stare into her and slowly, oh so slowly, slide my length deep into her wetness. Our eyes locked together, I pull her to me for another kiss. Tongues intertwined, I start rocking my hips mimicking her earlier movements.


    Pulling my mouth from hers with a wicked smile. I lick my lips and shift my focus to her breasts. "Oh. Oh, no." She breathes out, and I can feel her begin to squeeze me in anticipation.


    "Oh, yes." I breathe back. Leaning down, I flick my tongue out in time with a particularly hard thrust.


    Throwing her head back. She moans out. "Oh gods, yes! Please Sorrel, more."


    Granting her wish. I twirl my tongue around the nipple before latching on to the pink tip of her creamy white breast. Softly sucking on her while teasing the swollen nub with the tip of my tongue. Feeling her inching closer to another orgasm I take my right hand and lightly pinch her nipple. Teasing it between my fingertips is last push needed to send her over the edge once again. Dragging me along with her this time.


    A few jerky thrusts is all I can manage to do before I give up and just bury myself as deep inside of her as I can get. Amelia clenching around my length as I pour everything into her.

 # 05

    The next morning and unfamiliar tickle pulls me from sleep. "Hmm?" I mumble at the odd sensation.


    "Morning sleepy head." Amelia teases me. "Mind letting me up? I need to pee." She laughs and the tickling sensation increases, finally causing me to open my eyes. "About time." She says in mock anger.


    "Oh, sorry" I say. A little confused because she''s sitting up, not trapped in my arms.


    "Down here silly." She says, pointing to my vines before giving them another tickle. "These little guys were playing with my tush and wouldn''t let me get up."


    Eyes widening in shock, I quickly disentangle my errant limbs. "Oh, s-sorry." I stumble. "I honestly forgot I had them." I say truthfully. Taking her not screaming in horror as a good sign.


    "Well, you''re just full of surprises, aren''t you?" Amelia smiles and stands, stretching in the pre-dawn light. "Too bad you didn''t remember about ''em last night, those things seem to know what they''re doing." Seeing the look in my eye. She just laughs and dances away. "Not now loverboy, we''ve still got a lot of ground to cover. Why don''t you make us some breakfast while I get dressed."


    I just sit there for a moment and watch her walk away. Her shapely bottom swaying with each step. Only snapping out of it as she disappears behind the curtain of vines, I hop out of bed and start rummaging in the bags. Grabbing a couple cups, some bread, and a pot of jam from the last bag I checked, because it''s always in the last bag, isn''t it. I then take some fruit from my inventory and use magic to juice it into our cups.


    Trying something new, since the only Fire spell I know conjures a small flame. I instead channel fire based mana into the bread to warm it up. No skill learned from the experiment, but at least I didn''t burn the bread.


    Amelia returns and snatches the bread from my hands like a starving woman. She slathers it in jam before chomping down. Chasing the mouthful with a big gulp of juice. She smacks her lips and says. "Ahh! Warm bread first thing in the morning. Thank you magic."


    "Oh yeah, thank the magic. Not like I had anything to do with it." I say. Trying to pout but failing because the corners of my lips keep curling up.


    "So, were you planning to get dressed?" She says, rolling her eyes. "Or, were you planning to run around nude all day?"


    "Ah. Sorry." I say before grabbing some clean pants and a shirt from a sack before casting a quick Cleanse on myself.


    "Ooh, me too. Do me too." Amelia hops up and down. Almost spilling her juice.


    "Sure. Cleanse!" I oblige the bouncy blonde. Tucking my vines away, I bend over to pull on my pants.


    "It''s no fair." Amelia stomps her foot on the ground playfully. "You''ve got those amazing tattoos, and an extra pair of arms. But I didn''t get anything."


    "Yes you did." I interject into her mock temper tantrum. "There''s one in the middle of your back."


    "Really, I do? What does it look like." She says, trying to twist around and look at her own back. "Why did I only bring the one mirror? Can you do anything?" She begs.


    "Don''t think I can make a mirror, but I can show you what it looks like. Light!" Using my Sculpting skill, I recreate the mark. Floating in the air between us, a simple image forms. Concentric waves spread out from a central splash. A slender pillar of water trying to hold onto a tiny droplet that''s about to fly away.


    "Ooh, pretty. It''s a water droplet." She coos and examines the images from just inches away.


    I can''t help but smile at the look on her face as she traces the image with her finger.


    "Beautiful." I breathe out.


    "It really is." She agrees.


    I smile wider at her misunderstanding. "The sun will be up in a minute, let''s pack up and get going. Your newly Awakened stats should let us make good time. We should have all afternoon to practice magic... And other things." My smile turns more sly as a blush creeps up her face.


    We''re on the road again before the sun has fully cleared the horizon. The next few days follow the same pattern. Up, and on the road by dawn. Reach the next camp in time for a late lunch. The campsites are all just like the first one, though most are in slightly worse repair. But, it''s nothing I can''t fix up in minutes. This leaves us the rest of the afternoon and evening to work on our magic, and other things.


    ***


    "Why is this so hard?" Amelia huffs. Throwing up her arms and sending water flying over the camp. "You figured this out in seconds."


    "Well, I had the advantage of using actual threads." I reply. Shaking some droplets from my head. "You''re doing amazing, as it is. Really. You learned Mana Manipulation by making those ice sculptures yesterday. And, I swear you nailed it faster than I did. Oh, I know!" Turning around I grab a piece of firewood from the pile.


    "What? What is it?" The exasperated girl begs.


    Turning back to her. In my left hand I hold out a small square frame, rows of pegs all along the edge. My right has only a needle, connected by a long thread to one corner of the frame. "Sorry it''s not a proper loom, but this should be more than enough for you to unlock the Weaving skill. I got it right away, and... uh, kinda.. forgot about it. Sorry." I apologize, sheepishly. "Once you have Weaving it''s like you don''t have to focus on the pattern anymore. Though, you''re still gonna have a slightly harder time of it than I did. You are using water streams instead of thread after all."


    "Jackass! why didn''t you tell me sooner." She says snatching the frame from my hand. "And, thank you." She dances back to plant a kiss of my lips. "What are you working on now? I thought you were done playing with fabrics. You''ve already managed to make stuff finer than anything I''ve ever heard about, let alone seen."


    "Oh yes, I figured something interesting out. You remember the honeycomb we found earlier?"


    "..."


    "Oh, come on. It was funny, and it''s not like you got stung, or anything."


    "..."


    "Alright moving on... So anyways, I was looking at a piece and saw how the six sided shape repeats in three direction. And well, I thought. Why not try to make some fabric with that same three way pattern?"


    "So, you found a new way to weave..?" She asks, not quite getting it.


    "Oh, that''s not all I found." A wide smile grows on my face. "See, the plain, round threads worked fine, great even. But I was thinking about what you said that first night. So, I decided to experiment a little, and when I flattened the threads..." Demonstrating as I speak. "Use this pattern. And, dye these threads like so." A small swatch swiftly forms in the air between us causing her eyes go as wide as saucers.


    "Star Weave!" An awed whisper slips from her lips as she reaches out for the piece of fabric. "No wonder no one else has figured it out yet. You''d practically have to be a mage to create it"The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Oh, I''m sure it''s possible with the right loom, it''d have to be fairly complex though. No wonder that one family won''t let anyone near theirs."


    "What do you plan do with it? Just a few dresses could make you rich. Gods, once we get to the capital the nobility will snatch it up at whatever price you set." I can practically see the coins spinning in her eyes.


    "If I do make any dresses you''ll be first to get one." I can barely finish my sentence before she tackles me to the ground with a hug, where our lips meet, starting an impromptu, and rather energetic, love-making session.


    ***


    "I''m going to have my own starweave dress." She says, stars in her eyes. Laying on my chest afterwards. My fingers twirling through her hair as our bodies cool. "That''s been my dream ever since I first learned about it as a little girl." Her eyes darken and begin to fill up with tears. "You''ve given me so much... I have magic now... I-I just can''t help but think about.." She stops with a hitch in her voice.


    "Shh, shh. It''s going to be okay. You''re alright." I hug her close. "I never knew your brother, But I can''t imagine he''d begrudge you a little happiness. It''s alright to cry." A few tears even slip from my own eyes. "And, it''s alright to be happy too." Pulling her to me. I kiss the tears from her cheeks. Starting at the corners of her eyes, working my way, back and forth, down to her lips. Our mouths join together in a salty kiss.


    Pulling back slightly. I stare deep into the windows of her soul, and speak three simple words. Our lips meet again then, and then we spend the rest of the afternoon slowly exploring each other''s bodies. Only stopping once the sun begins to set.


    "Thank you." Her eyes full of emotions for a moment before rapidly switching over as an avaricious look fills her face. "Now when are you going to make my dress?"


    "Hah!" I bark out. "You''ll have to wait until we reach Riverton tomorrow, at the very least. I need something to base the pattern on. Unless, of course, you''d like the boy who''s spent his entire life in the woods to make a dress from scratch?" I laugh again at the wince that crosses her face. "Didn''t think so. Some decent dyes would be nice too. The ones I''ve managed from different plants... Well, they could be better."


    "Riverton will have the dyes..." She seems conflicted. "But unless we''re very lucky... Oh, foo. None of the dresses in town will be suitable for the Capital." She huffs out.


    "I can make you as many dresses as you want. You know? But, seeing as your first Starweave should be special. You''re just gonna have to wait until we reach the Capital..." Seeing her downcast look, I smirk. "And, in the mean time, settle for having all the rest of your clothes be made from it instead."


    Her eyes light back up, but quickly turn fiery. "Meanie!" She playfully smacks my chest. "Don''t play with a girls emotions. Not when it comes to clothing. Now give me some light so I can unlock this weaving skill, that you conviently forgot to mention." She commands, with another smack to my chest.


    "Yes, Ma''am. Right away, Ma''am." I jump up and bring my fist to my chest in salute.


    "You''re out of uniform, soldier." She plays along with my antics.


    "My apologies, Ma''am. I seem to recall a certain commanding officer tearing it off of me.. Ma''am." I try my best to deadpan. But a smile creeps onto my face, and into my voice.


    "Where is he? I''ll have him demoted this instant." We both lose it at that point and start laughing. "But seriously." She says. Wiping tears from her eyes. "Get dressed, and fix my shirt while you''re at it. I wasn''t the only one to do the tearing. Oh, and you''re making dinner tonight, and don''t forget the bread."


    After some magical repairs, we swiftly dress. Amelia quickly unlocks the Weaving skill and gets down to business furthering her craft. Deciding to put all my Plantshaping practice to use, I make pasta from scratch. Not lifting a hand, except to toss a few wheat berries onto the ground. I channel magic to do everything else, from growing the wheat, to grinding, to mixing, to cooking, and creating a sauce. Not forgetting the bread, of course. A full meal for two is ready in moments.


    "Why have I been doing all the cooking, if you can just do that?" Amelia starts in a fake huff, but is interrupted by a call from the road.


    "Hello the camp!" A man guides a wagon full of belongings around the edge of the thicket. Sitting next to him is a pretty brunette woman holding onto a small boy. They all freeze and stare at the scene they just stumbled onto.


    Magical lights fill the clearing. I''m standing next to the fire, levitating the meal I just created into two bowls. While Amelia is trying to use her Water magic to re-create the Starweave I showed her earlier. Our bags are dumped onto the ground next an over-sized fluffy white mattress. Oh, and there''s one of my living outhouses in the background too.


    We all just stand there stunned for a minute, even the horse leading the cart seems a bit flummoxed. "You forgot to close the thicket." Amelia hisses at me.


    "I would have, if somebody hadn''t distracted me." I try to grumble back but she''s already moved to greet the newcomers.


    "Come in, come in." She says. Beckoning to them after dumping her water into a large wooden bowl I made for her. "Sorry about the mess. Sorrel will be happy to clean it up. Won''t you, Sorrel?"


    "Yes dear." I set the bowls down and quickly throw our luggage into my inventory. Noticing some of Amelia¡¯s undergarments strewn about as I do. Likely the reason she made me hide everything.


    The young man let''s out a chuckle at my meek reply. Earning a playful smack from his wife in the process. Likely deciding that, mages or no, we''re still normal people, and that it''s safe for them to finally relax. Setting the horse in motion, he guides the wagon along one wall of the campsite.


    Helping his wife down. The man says. "Sorry to disturb you folks. Wasn''t expecting to meet any mages on the road to Southwood."


    "Not a problem." I state. "You''re welcome to join us. I''m Sorrel, as you heard, and this is Amelia." I introduce us and hand Amelia her bowl. "We actually just had our awakenings recently, and are heading to the Capital."


    "Darrel" The man gestures to his chest. "This is my wife Mina, and my boy Jax. Nice to meet you."


    "Aww, he''s so cute." Amelia coos at the boy. "How old is he?"


    "This is his third summer." Mina answers. The boy in question is now hiding behind his mother''s skirts. "Come on out and say hi, Jax."


    Seeing the boy''s shyness I decide to draw him out. I cast Light and, with a gesture, send a glowing fish swimming through the air towards the boy. I''ve been focusing on Nature magic, but the gains I''ve made to Mana Manipulation allow me to easily animate the construct.


    "Show off." Amelia mutters from next to me. But, I just chuckle.


    "Fishy!" The boy''s eyes light up and he starts chasing after the magical piscine as it makes a slow circuit around his mother and father.


    Seeing his mother''s concern. "Don''t worry. It''s just a fancy light" I re-assure her. Turning to my lover, I lean in and say. "That wasn''t showing off. This is showing off. Light!" I cast with a wicked gleam in my eyes.


    Simultaneously around us four creatures of light begin to form. From the Fire, I call forth a phoenix. Shaking it''s head back and forth, as though to remove some ash, it flaps it''s wings and takes flight. From Amelia''s Water bowl, a shimmering sea serpent flows forth. The Air itself seems to coalesce into an over-sized monarch butterfly. And lastly, a tiny brown fox seems to burrow it''s way up from the Earth. Hopping up, it begins to run on the air itself. Spotting each other, the creatures start circling above the fire pit. They close in and flare briefly before slowly dissolving into sparkles.


    *Ding*


    I gain a level in Light. Then, breathing heavily, I begin to chuckle at the family across from us. Partly at their awed faces, but mostly at the fact that the little boy never looked away from his ''Fishy''.


    "Are you okay?" Amelia ask with worry in her voice. "You didn''t over-tax yourself did you?"


    "I''m fine." I re-assure her. "But now you see why I was so focused on the weaving. I never would have been able to do that without all the gains to Mana Manipulation."


    "Sir. That was..." The man starts. "I''ve never seen anything so amazing."


    "None of that ''Sir'' business, please. I''m younger than you are." I tell him flatly. "It''s just a bit of fireside entertainment."


    "Don''t take him too seriously." Amelia speaks up, swatting me on the shoulder. "He''s always doing stupid stuff, trying to impress people. The last time I called him a show off. He grew the first of those latrines, yes grew. Just tossed down some seeds and poof, a minute later there''s a living outhouse. You''ll find them in all the camps on the way to Southwood."


    "Don''t think too harshly of him, lass" Mina chimes in. "Boys are always doing silly things around pretty girls, especially ones they fancy. Why, some of the things Darrel-"


    "Shouldn''t we get our bed rolls laid out? Mina dear." Darrel cuts her of with a look of panic on his face. "And I need to un-hitch the horse, and I''m sure Jax will be getting hungry soon." He rushes on, hoping to find something to distract his wife.


    She lets out a trill of laughter but doesn''t continue with whatever story she was going to tell. Simply moving to the wagon and pulling down some bundles while her relieved husband deals with the horse. Jax is still trying to catch the light.


    Amelia and I return to our interrupted supper and eat in silence while the family get ready for the night. I offer to help Mina with her dinner preparations, but she just waves me off. The next few hours are quite comfortable. Us adults chatting about this and that while Jax plays with the fish. We even get to hear a couple of stories from Mina, much to her husband''s chagrin.


    The next morning arrives without incident. Amelia and I rise first, but by the time we''re dressed and have had a light breakfast. Darrel and Mina begin to rise.


    "Ah, you two are off already?" Darrel asks. Standing up, he stretches his back, and I swear I can hear it pop from here.


    ''So glad I made this mattress¡¯ I can''t help but think. "Yup, we''re eager reach Riverton. You folks stay safe on the road, okay?" I tell the man. "Oh, and I left a carved ''Fishy'' for Jax by the fire pit, in case he misses his friend." I also left a pile of fresh fruit, but I''ll let him discover that on his own.


    "Thank you, and safe travels to you as well." He replies. And with that, we depart with a wave.

 # 06

    Around mid-morning we crest a rise and finally spot the city in the distance.


    "Yes!" Amelia exclaims. Pointing to the other side of the river. She says. "See that smudge in the distance? That''s a trade convoy, it''ll reach the city by tonight. We can join up when they leave for the Capital in a few days."


    "Good timing." I agree. Wrapping my arm around the excited blonde''s waist. I pull her close. "Glad we took our time getting here then."


    "So am I." She says, hugging me back. "Now come on, I''ve been stuck in Northwood for months tending Auntie''s broken leg. I need a real city. And well, Riverton is the best I''m going to get before we reach the Capital." She separates from the embrace and begins bouncing down the road.


    "I''ve been meaning to ask." I hurry to catch up to her. "What can we expect once we reach the city? This is the first time in my life I''ve left the woods, after all."


    "Not much, really." She answers. "Just a bigger, livelier version of Southwood. We''re near the border here, but the place gets a lot of people passing through. So, there''ll be more of the other races than in Southwood."


    "I don''t remember seeing any while we were there." I say with an interested look.


    "You probably walked right past them without noticing. I''ve noticed that most of them try to blend in with humans, at least in the smaller towns. There''s sure to be a few in the caravan. You''ll get to know everyone before the trip is out."


    "What about other Awakened?" I ask.


    "There might be a few in the city. But, Like I said. We''re on the border here, and Riverton is largest city for leagues in either direction. Mages like their creature comforts. And so, tend to stay in or near the Capitals."


    "Shame, I was hoping to ask a few questions. But they''ll just have to wait until we reach proper civilization." I say with a smirk. "Is there anything we need to do, or buy while we''re in the city."


    "Aside from your dyes, I''ll need to find a good horse." The pain is still there, but she''s been dealing with it a lot better. We both have. "We''re going to need a good wagon too." Amelia says. "It takes about a month to get to the Capital from here. And, we''ll be surrounded by people the whole time... So, no doing whatever we want in the middle of a clearing anymore." A blush creeps up her face at that bit.


    "Easily done." I say with a smile. "Any Idea what you''d like, or should I just experiment."


    "Let me see what you can come up with." A look of curiosity quickly replaces the blush.


    Pulling some wood and cotton from my inventory. I make a few scale models of the standard wagons I''ve seen since coming to this world. Basically just long, low, open boxes on wheels. The first gets simple ribs and a cotton tarp. Making it instantly recognizable to anyone who knows anything about American history. Secondly, I close off the box and stretch it upwards, finishing it off with a door on the side and a few wooden hatches that can be propped open. Next I take the basic box and make a lip to extend the walls over top the wheels. Bringing the walls up at a slight outward angle I cap it off with a round tarp roof. I add a couple small windows to the side, and a Dutch door to let us guide the horse from inside. Giving me what anyone from my Earth would call a Gypsy wagon, or vardo. Lastly, I go for something resembling a stagecoach. Though I make bit longer and taller to give us some room to stretch out. And add a tarp over the driver''s box to help keep them out of the elements.


    Presenting the models to my companion. She examines them briefly before discarding the covered wagon. Telling me. "I like this third one." She holds up the vardo. "Move the door to the back, though. Then put this seat on the front." pointing to the stagecoach. "And add a window behind it. Speaking of windows. I like the big ones from the second model, they''ll help with the heat on the plains. Add those to the sides, and it should be good. With this we''ll be the envy of the whole caravan." She smirks.


    After showing her the finished model. She then asks me to remove the roof so we can design the interior. The rest of the walk into Riverton is spent making minor changes. Her showing me what she wants with water magic, and me shifting the model to fit.


    The wall surprises me. It''s actually much shorter than the pallisade around Southwood. Yes, it''s made of stone. But it seems a flimsy defense.


    "Guess they don''t get a lot of threats around here." I say. Pulling my companion away from playing with the now, fully functional model wagon. She''d made me make all the moving parts function properly. Even down to the tiny door handle.


    "No." She replies. Giving the wheels one more spin. "I don''t think this border has ever been contested. And, the worst of the beasties stay deep in the woods. Though, we may run across some crossing the plains. But, those barely even pose a threat to a handful of caravan guards. The city militia would tear ''em apart before they even got close. The wall is there because. Well, cities have walls. I suppose." She finishes her explanation with a chuckle.


    "Hmm." I muse. And Amelia goes back to toying with the model. We pass through the gate without interest. The guards don''t even stop us. We''re just two travelers on foot from Southwood, after all. I''m guessing they''re just there to tax any shipments that make their way down from the forest.


    "Come on." Grabbing my arm with one hand. Her other still holding her prize. "There''s a decent inn down this way." She pulls me along until we reach a large building. "The Blue Pony always has the best sweets. That''s why I always used to make Daddy stay here when we passed through." Her eyes cloud for a second.


    I put my arm around her waist. "Come on. Let''s get a room. Then you can show me around town. Maybe get a bit of shopping in." My distraction seems to work.


    Lodging for the night settled. We get a late lunch from the kitchens. I''m not feeling very hungry yet, and just order a small sandwich. Amelia, however, orders three different sweet-rolls.


    She''s munching on them happily when my attention is drawn to a little girl sitting with her parents a few tables over. "Daddy, please. Can''t we just ask her where she got it from? It''s so pretty, and did you see the door opens and everything." She''s clinging to his arm. Looking up at him with big, puppy-dog eyes. Her mother looks a bit exasperated. But, the man just chuckles. "They''re eating lunch right now, Pumpkin." He pats her on the head. "Let them finish first. Then we can ask. But." He raises a finger at the look on her face. "Don''t get your hopes up. They look like travelers, and it probably came from a different city." "Okay Daddy." She says. A bit downcast.


    Chuckling to myself at the scene. I stealthily retrieve some material from my inventory. The previous models having been recycled back in the forest. Being a bit selfish, and not wanting anyone to have a copy of our wagon. I make a low-slung carriage, instead. Nothing too fancy, just a rounded box really. A driver''s seat in front and a large trunk above the rear axle, along with a few other small touches. Finishing it up as we finish our meal. I slip it into my pack, which I left sitting next to my chair.


    Seeing that we''re done, the little girl practically drags her father over to our table. But, seeing me look up at her. She''s overcome with a bout of shyness and hides behind his back.


    Laughing at her antics. The man introduces himself. "Hello. I''m sorry to bother you. My name is John Fuller. This is my daughter Emily." He tries to bring out the girl, but she just ducks away again. "She''s become quite enamored of that toy wagon you have there. I was hoping you could tell me where you procured such a detailed model."


    Amelia unconsciously tightens her grip on the model that she hasn''t stopping toying with all throughout lunch. Smiling at her reaction. I speak up. "Oh, that? it''s just something I threw together on our trip down from Southwood. But, I''m sorry to say." I''m quick to interject. "It''s not for sale. See, this wagon is going to be our home for the next few weeks."


    "Nuh uh. You''re to big to fit in it." Emily pipes in. Before seeing us looking at her, and hiding behind the man''s back once again.


    "He means that it''s the model for a full sized wagon they''re going to build." The man explains to his daughter. "They need it to use as measurements for the real one."


    "That we do. But," I start. Seeing the dejected look in the little girls eyes. "I do have this one that I finished earlier." Leaning over to get the carriage from my bag. I catch Amelia mouthing ''showoff'' at me. But, just smile and set the wheeled toy on the table top. Tiny lanterns, one for each corner of the roof, rock back and forth as curtains billow in the windows.


    Emily''s expression does a full reversal. And, suddenly over her shyness is gone. She''s pressed right up against the table, staring at every detail on display.


    "Daddy." She pleads.


    "Alright, you got me." The man chuckles. "How much?"


    "Oh, you''d have to ask Amelia that." I gesture across the table. "I''m just the craftsman. She''s the merchant."


    "Well, she must be rubbing off on you, boy. That was masterfully done."


    I just smile and let them come to an agreement. After a quick haggling session, not helped by his daughter at all. The father and daughter return with their prize to the rueful smile of the mother. Several coins lighter, of course.


    "When did you make that?" Amelia asks as we leave the inn.


    "During lunch. I saw her eyeing yours when we were eating."


    "I''m glad you didn''t just make a copy." Hugging the miniature vardo tight. "You had it right when you said that this is our new home."


    "You''re not the only one that''s a little possessive about it."


    "Good." She nods before saying. "We''ve got to get you some paints, though. I could have gotten us twice as much if that little carriage was finished."


    "Add it to the list." I say. "First, I want to find as many interesting seeds as I can. Southwood had a fair selection of fruits and whatnot, and I found a few useful things on our way here. But, I can''t help but hope that a trade city will have a nice selection of plants from all around."


    "I think I know a place or two that might have what you''re looking for." She says quickening her pace. Exciting about the upcoming shopping.


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    The afternoon passes quickly with visits to dozens of shops. I gain quite a few new samples, mostly herbs and spices that Amelia was very fervent about having an unlimited supply of. But, the real prize for the day for me, was a living tea plant. Southwood only had dried leaves.


    Amelia picked up a few things she wasn''t able to get in Southwood, along with the paints and dyes for my creations. I lost track of how many times she said she wished she had access to an Inventory before. With the sun setting she guided us to a horse trader she was familiar with. Riding her choice back to the inn. We arrive just after dark to find the place bustling.


    "Looks like the caravan got into town." I say as we dismount and Amelia hands the horse off to a stable boy.


    "I was hoping they would stop by here." She replies. "I''ll get us signed on with them. Likely even get us a discount if it''s a friend of my father."


    We step inside to a boisterous atmosphere. All the tables are filled with loud, happy patrons. Some men in the back are cheering each other on at some sort of drinking contest. People bouncing back and forth between tables overflowing with food and drink.


    "Lia?" Calls out an older, pot-bellied man, that''s still dusty from the road. "Lia girl? Is that you?"


    "Lia girl? I thought you didn''t like nicknames." I smirk and raise an eyebrow. Getting an elbow to the ribs in reply.


    "Uncle Charlie!" She rushes forward and embraces the man. "I was hoping it be you. We saw the wagon train on our way into town." Looking over at me hanging back. She beckons me closer. "Charlie, this is Sorrel, he''s travelling with me to the Capital. Sorrel, this is Charlie. He''s been friends with my Father since before I was born."


    "I take it you father''s deal went through? Congratulations. And nice to meet you lad." He eyes me up and down. But, apparently doesn''t find anything to take fault with. Smiling, he turns back to Amelia. "Good to see you got yourself a nice looking man. How''d you two meet. Where''s your brother? I''m surprised Rodrick let him anywhere near you. he was always the over-protective sort."


    Feeling Amelia close up next to me, I slip my arm around her waist and speak up. "Bandits." I say softly. "Just outside Southwood. I heard her scream and came running..."


    "Oh." The merchant raises his hand to cover his mouth. "Oh, Lia girl. Rodrick?"


    I just shake my head and pull Amelia tighter.


    "I''m so sorry girl. I don''t know what to say..." He trails off.


    "So," Amelia sniffles, pushing forward. "We need to reach the capital. To tell Mom and Daddy..." She starts crying and folds herself into my arms.


    "Oh girl. Yes of course." Charlie clears his throat. "You''re welcome to join us, I''ll find you two a spot on one of the wagons."


    "We''ve got a wagon." I speak up. "Or, will have after tomorrow."


    "Good timing that, lad." The merchant says. Unable to deal with the crying girl before him, he falls back into what he knows best. Business. "We''re running a bit behind actually, and I was planning to have the caravan head out again in just a couple days. Just have a few things to deal with here in Riverton. So, you two bring your wagon by the east yard tomorrow, and then we can all head out the next morning."


    "Thank you sir. We''ll be there." I nod to the man. "But for now, I think we''re going to make it an early night."


    "Of course, or course." He nods back. "But wait, here." He quickly fills a plate full of sweet rolls. "You take these with you. I know it hurts girl, but your brother wouldn''t forgive himself if he got between you and your sweets."


    Amelia just clutches me tighter. So, I take the plate and guide her up to our room. Hearing the merchant grumble. "Bandits? And outside of Southwood of all places..." Before we move to far away to hear.


    Returning to our room. Amelia calms down, but remains subdued. Though, she does end up eating the plate full of sweets after a little while. After that we just lay in bed and hold each other ¡®til morning.


    Rising with the sun, as has become our habit, we head down stairs. Amelia seems in better spirits as she polishes off another plate of sweets for breakfast.


    "You need an empty lot or field to grow the wood for the wagon, right?" She asks me after we finish eating. "Let me ask the innkeep if there''s anything nearby. If not, then we can head over to the east yard where Charlie is set up."


    "It''ll draw a bit of spectacle, but it''s probably easiest to just do it in the yard."


    "You''re going to show off again. Aren''t you?"


    "What? I just need to grow a tree."


    "Uh huh." She says disbelievingly. "Well, come on. Let''s grow your tree."


    ***


    "What are you doing now?" Amelia asks. We''re in an un-used corner of the yard. "I thought you were going to make our wagon. Not sit on the ground and play with your staff."


    *Ding*Ding*Ding* System-chan rings out in laughter.


    "Ha. Ha." I deadpan back. "I''m getting the soil ready. I want the best wood possible-"


    "Snerk!" *Ding*


    "Shut it. The both of ya." I shoot the snorting blonde a stink eye. "So, I need the best soil possible. Plants need food just like animals. Remember when I got all excited about that patch of clover I found?"


    "Sweetie." She says exasperatedly. "You get excited over every new plant you find."


    "Okay, that''s fair. But, anyways. Plants need food, and there''s three big ones they seem to need more than others." Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus. "Now, the clover has a way to pull one out of the air itself."


    "Isn''t air just... well, air?"


    "Is earth just earth?" I counter. Picking up a pebble in one hand a some loose soil in the other. "And I''m sure you''ve noticed that the water we pull from the air feels different than well water. Actually." A thought comes to mind. "Just because it''s called Water magic. Doesn''t mean that water is all we can affect with it. You should have no problems with any other liquids, like vinegar, alcohol, or oil. Just like I can affect stones and soil with Earth magic."


    Her eyes widen. "We will be experimenting with that later. But right now... You." She points at me. "Have a wagon to build."


    "Okay, okay." I hold my hands up in mock surrender. "Now where was I? Oh yes, clover. It takes this element from the air, and locks it into the soil. I''m going to copy that, and draw the other foods the tree will need from deeper in the soil."


    "Well. Get on with it, already." She flips her hand in a rushing motion.


    "I would, if someone would let me." I grumble.


    "What was that?"


    "Nothing dear. Just getting into position." A slight smile shows on both our faces.


    Leaning forward. I send the butt of my Livingwood staff into the ground. Driving it several inches deep.


    Closing my eyes. I extend my magic as deep into the earth as I can, feeling out for the nutrients I''ll need. Slowly, painstakingly, I begin to pull them closer. Then, only after several minutes, once I feel I can handle it, I split my focus. Starting the nitrogen locking process. This one quickly catches on, allowing me to split my focus a third and fourth time. I infuse water into the soil while aerating it.


    This spell should be beyond my meager Earth and Air magics. But my excellent Mana Manipulation, and my cheat-like learning bonuses, let me just manage to pull it off. Turning what once was a dry dusty field into rich black soil.


    *Ding*


    -You have learned the Skill Fertilize; it is now level 1.-


    *Ding**Ding**Ding*


    -You have leveled up, you are now level 3-


    The rushing sensation fills me up once again, and if I wasn''t already seated, I likely would be now.


    "What was that?" Concern fills Amelia''s voice. "Are you alright?"


    "I''m fine." I reply. A dopey smile on my face. "Better than fine. I just leveled up again."


    "Again? What level are you now?" She huffs out indignantly.


    "Just three. Don''t worry." I re-assure her. "You should be close to leveling soon."


    "Hmph!" She just Hmphs


    "This is great news, actually." I stand up and dust myself off. "The extra stats will give me the opportunity to try something I didn''t think I''d have the energy for."


    "Going to show off again?" She smiles, catching some of my excitement.


    "Yes!" A manic smile overtakes my face. "But it won''t be very flashy. I''m going to alter the very structure of the wood to increase its strength. System-chan please spread my free points between the mental stats, and put that left over one into dexterity." My manic smile morphs into something a little more wicked, as I say that last part.


    A blush creeps onto her cheeks. "Um..." She bites her lip. "That''s good and all but what does it mean?"


    "Simple. Our new home will look and feel like wood, but it will be stronger than steel."


    "Is that even possible?"


    "Yeah, I''ve already tested a small sample." I explain. "I had planned to only use it where the wheels join. But, now I should be able to reinforce the whole wagon with the same process."


    "Well, get on with it, already." She repeats herself. This time with a cute little stomp on the ground. "I. want. my. wagon." Each word punctuated by its own stomp.


    "Yes, Ma''am." I salute, fist to heart. Then, I pull a single cherry from my pocket.


    "No snacking, recruit. You''ve got a wagon to build."


    I just roll my eyes and toss the little red fruit into the hole left by my staff.


    "You may want to stand back for this... Ma''am." Smirking as I walk passed her. Turning about, I plant my staff once again. Speaking a single word. "Growth!" And the Air seems vibrate but, in actuality, it''s the Earth that has started to rumble. A tiny sapling shoots up from the hole and the ground around it begins to crack.


    "Ack!" Amelia shrieks as she''s tossed from her feet.


    Too busy controlling the magic to go to her aid. I can only stand there, supported by my staff, as I command the very forces of nature itself. Sending the sapling''s roots deep and wide in preparation for what''s to come. I focus on tree''s trunk, guiding it upwards. One meter, five, ten, almost twenty meters in height. The trunk fills out as it shoots upward. I make sure to Keep the growth rings tight together as it swells to nearly two meters in diameter. The whole tree is now filled with a long, straight, tightly compacted grain.


    *Ding*


    -Growth is now level 3.-

 # 07

    Amelia is still on the ground, staring up at the towering cherry tree while absentmindedly rubbing her bottom. "Showoff." Is all she says.


    "Are you alright?" I lean over to help her up.


    "I''ll be fine." She says. Squinting her eyes at me. "But, you won''t be once I get you back for that."


    *Ding* System-chan sends out a chime of laughter.


    "Oh, no." I pretend to shiver in fright. "How will I ever be able to finish the wagon with such a threat hanging over my head."


    "Oh, shut up." She smacks me lightly on the shoulder. "And, you might want to hurry. We seem to be gathering a crowd."


    The people from Charlie''s caravan start filtering over, along with a few yard workers. Though, none seem eager to get too close.


    "Yes Ma''am." I breathe out before giving her a quick kiss on the forehead.


    My newly increased stats allow me to make short work of the next step. Using Plantshape, I remove the top branches, each the size of a regular cherry tree, and lower them to the ground. Peeling away the top bark and a thin layer of sapwood in order to ease them down. Revealing The tree''s smooth interior. Then, using a mix of Water and Nature magics, I remove the excess moisture. Allowing the whole trunk to shrink evenly without warping.


    "Now, for the hard part." I take a deep breath to prepare for the upcoming effort.


    Walking up to the now denuded tree I place my right hand on its side, the staff clenched in my left. Closing my eyes and focusing my magic in on the small part where my palm lies. I talk to the fibers, showing them what I want. ''I need you all to grab onto each other, then pull together just like this. That''s it guys, just. a. little. twist.'' Sensing that it''s starting to work, I push my magic throughout the trunk.


    Beads of sweat start pouring off my skin as I struggle to encompass the whole of the tree. Knowing that if it isn''t all done together, in sync, that there will be weaknesses in the wood. It could even tear itself apart. Finally sensing the entirety of it falling under my control. I squeeze.


    *Ding**Ding**Ding*


    I barely even hear the notifications from System-chan. The process of transforming the wood is my entire world right now. It starts slow, but the wood begins to shrink once more. Groans can be heard from the base as it tears itself from the roots. I drop to one knee as the speed picks up, and. Clang!!! The log suddenly snaps together, it''s height and diameter almost half what they were before I started.


    "Sorrel!" Amelia shouts out as I begin to tip over. "Look out! Flow!" I hear rushing water, a loud thud right next to me. And then, distantly, the echoes of some bells ringing.


    "Oh! Oh my." Amelia breathes out as I lay there panting. "Oh, Sorrel, are you okay? Mmm. Why didn''t you tell me it felt like this."


    "Haaah. Haah." I pant. "I''ll.. Haah. Be fine. Just." A deep breath. "Need a minute. Haa. Take it you leveled?"


    "Yeah, you dummy." She pulls me to her. "Don''t you scare me like that." She squeezes tighter. "Had to take all the water in the area and slam it into that log to stop it from squashing you. You idiot!" She looks like she wants to smack me again, but is afraid to actually hurt me.


    "I''m sorry." My breathing starts to come under control again. "I didn''t mean to scare you. Wasn''t expecting that surge at the end, there it kinda got away from me." Hugging her back, I reach up to wipe away a tear from the corner of her eye.


    "It almost squished you flat, is what it did."


    "Thank you for saving me. Sorry again." I try to soothe her. "And, I''m okay. I''m not going anywhere. Not with you here to save me from my own stupidity. My hero." I say with a big smirk on my face.


    "Jackass." She curses before kissing me, and then pushes me down on the ground again. "I was really worried you know." She looks down at me.


    "I know, and I''m sorry. I promise I''ll be more careful in the future." My gratitude is clear on my face. "But, first I need to know what happened."


    "I think I know." She reaches over to pick up a slim piece of wood, about the size of a cane. "When you dropped to one knee your staff touched the tree..." She trails off. Holding out my, now much smaller staff.


    "Oh... Oh!" I exclaim. "It incorporated the spell and must have set up some sort of amplifying resonance." I say inspecting the staff in my hands.


    "If you say so."


    "Hah." I rub the back of my head sheepishly. "Probably should have expected something like that."


    "So, you''re saying that you''re not a jackass. Just a dumbass."


    "Yeah. But, I''m your dumbass." I smile up at her. "Now help me up, please. I want to check the lumber."


    "It better be fine." She tells me. "If you screwed up my wagon, I''ll drop that on you again, and make sure it squishes you flat this time."


    Then, from the far side of the yard, a loud shout rings out. "What in the blazes was that noise? I heard it from way down the street." The merchant, Charlie, comes charging forwards. "What are you all looking at over there? Lia?" The man pauses. "Lia girl? Are you alright? And what is this mess?" He gestures to the pile of branches and mud splattered log.


    "Hi uncle Charlie." Amelia says a bit sheepishly. "Everything''s okay. And sorry about the mess. Sorrel will take care of it in a minute. And the racket was him being a dumbass."


    "Hey." I grumble under my breath.


    "Well... Okay.. I''m glad you''re okay. But, what exactly is going on?"


    I step forward. "Remember how I said we''d have a wagon by today? Well, what I meant was I''d be making one today. I''m an awakened, sir."


    "And a showoff idiot!" Amelia adds.


    "...And a showoff idiot." I confirm.


    "A mage!" The man''s jaw drops. "I saw your hands last night, but I didn''t realize."


    "Um... He''s not the only one." Amelia interjects. Condensing an orb of water in front of her with a gesture.


    Charlie''s mouth hangs even lower. "Lia? Little Lia, you''ve got magic? When? How?"


    "On our way down from Southwood." She explains. "Sorrel was able to sense the magic in me and Awaken it."


    A light shines in his eyes. "Can you this for anyone Lad?"


    "Haha." I laugh awkwardly. "Sorry. But, no. The person needs to have the magic inside them already. I even gained an ability, after Awakening Amelia, to tell if those around me can be Awakened. But haven''t come across even a single person with the potential."


    "Ah, sorry lad." He chuckles ruefully. "Some boyhood dreams die harder than others. And well, who hasn''t dreamt of having magic." The light in his eyes fades a bit, leaving him with a more wistful expression. "So, you did some magic and made all this mess, then?"


    "Uh, yeah. I needed some wood for the wagon. So, I grew a tree. And then. Well..." I trail off.


    "You decided to be a dumbass and nearly got yourself squished." Amelia chimes in helpfully. *Ding* Followed by System-chan with a disappointed tone.


    "Well, Luckily I had my hero here to save me." I try to give her a big hug but she just huffs and blocks my efforts.


    "Hah." Charlie barks out. "I''m glad you''re okay boy, but please tell me you can clean up this mess."


    "Oh, not a problem. Decompose! Earthshift! Flow!" The leftover wood and roots quickly rot away, mixing into the soil before compacting down. While Flow pushes the water deeper into the soil in order to dry out the mud.


    "Thank you for that." He sighs in relief. Likely worried about what the damages might have cost to repair. "But you''ve got still got that giant log sitting there."


    "And I still don''t have my wagon." She huffs again in annoyance. But I can still see the signs of worry one her face.


    "No rest for the weary." I breath out. Walking over to said log, I send my mana inside to check for defects. Thankfully, despite the magical mishap, it is in perfect condition. I send Amelia a smile and a nod. She loosens up a little, but I can tell I really scared her. ''I really need to make this up to her.'' I think to myself. ''She loves the model. So, I''ll just have to make the real thing even better''


    Sitting cross-legged with my foreshortened staff in my lap. I close my eyes and reach out with my magic once more. Plantshaping is my most used spell. So much so, that I don''t even need to verbalize it anymore.


    Slowly, to make sure that everything, down to the last wood fiber, is perfect. I shape our new home. Some ooh''s and ahh''s float over from the crowd behind Charlie as the wood seems to flow like water. Four wheels roll themselves into place, the rear wheels taller by a third. Starting at the hub and running down the spokes are relief carvings of tiny flowering vines. These carvings, modeled after the tattoos on my arms, are just the first hint of what I have planned.


    The axles, and underpinnings come next. Thin poles of the ultra-strong wood fold out of the log and float into place between the wheels. The wheels snug onto these axles. The ends of which, flare out into flower shapes to hold everything in place. Four bow shaped suspension springs then free themselves from the log and fuse onto the axles. A small platform containing the pivot mechanism is added to the front wheels, and the brake rod too the back.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    All the moving parts done. I form the floor of one solid plank and lock it into place on the axles. Then, I begin to shape the walls. Starting with the lip that comes up behind and flows over the wheels. Keeping it hollow to reduce weight, and mirroring the design on both sides. I shape the wall to look like a row of trees, their branches reaching out to form the lip. There''s even a few playful squirrels hopping around between branches.


    For the main part of the wall, I recreate an image of the brook where I first tested Amelia for magic. Incorporating the tops of the lower trees, making them look like bushes in the upper scene. Everything is as detailed, and as real to life as I can make it, and the seams for the big side windows are cleverly hidden by the landscape. The front wall is mostly covered by the driver''s seat and window. So, it only gets a few floral embellishments. And, the rear wall has the door in the middle. So I just add some flowering sorrel to the sides and a copy of Amelia''s water droplet tattoo on the bottom half of the door. Finally, making the eaves of the roof look like grape vines. And, I am done.


    Several notifications pull my focus back into my body. Where the first thing I see is that I haven''t used nearly as much wood as I thought I''d need. Then, I look up to see that the sun is nearly overhead. And, that the small crowd from before has ballooned to nearly fill the yard. Looking around to see Amelia standing slightly behind me with tears leaking from her eyes as she examines the prize I''ve made for her. Reaching up, I take her hand and, after she looks at me, I tell her those three magical words again.


    I then pull her closer, and say. "I''m so sorry, Amelia. I didn''t mean to scare you." She kneels down and, after moving my staff out of the way, I twist around to hug her tight. "I never want to do anything that could hurt you in any way. I hope that this can make up for it, at least a little."


    "Of course I forgive you, you idiot." She clings to me, tears still flowing freely.


    I shift her to sit in my lap and we just stay that way, holding each other, for a few moments. The noise of the crowd barely even registers to us, lost in our own little world, as we are. After an indeterminate amount of time, the crowd begins to thin and Charlie finds his way over to us.


    "I thought you were making a wagon, not a piece of art." The merchant jokes. "That scene on the side... If not for the color, I''d swear it were real."


    "It is based on a real place." I explain before turning back to Amelia. "Do you remember where we stopped for lunch on that first day?"


    "When you first discovered I had magic. Of course I remember." Looking from me to the relief on the wagon. "I don''t remember it being that beautiful though."


    "If you ask me, I left out the most beautiful part."


    "Hah." Charlie barks out. "No need to lay it on so thick boy. I think she''s already impressed." This earns a chuckle from both of us. "Come on, I''ll treat you to lunch while the rest of this lot clears off."


    The gurgle from my stomach agrees whole-heartedly with his plan. "That sounds like a fantastic plan." Amelia nods in agreement. I then try rise, only to flop back down. "Uh. Amelia, dear. Think you could be my hero again, and help me up?"


    In the end it takes both of them to pull me to my feet. I''m unsteady for a couple minutes but steadily firm up as we walk to a nearby restaurant that, he assures Amelia, has excellent sweets. On the way there we hear almost everyone we pass talking about the ''Magic Wagon''. It was kinda funny at first, but now, I''m just glad we''ll be leaving tomorrow.


    After a hearty lunch, and far too many sweets, we return to the yard. Most of the crowd has drifted off, but there''s still a steady trickle of people coming to marvel at the carvings.


    As we approach the vardo Charlie speaks up. "Just what is this wood? I''ve never seen anything like it. The pattern of the grain is so strange."


    "Well, it was cherry when I started." I explain the process I went through to grow and modify the tree.


    "Well, she is a beaut'' lad. But aren''t you worried about the weight? Cherry''s not a light wood to begin with, and all those carvings must add a ton to the walls. Lia seems to have picked out a good solid horse, but even a great horse can be overburdened." Charlie says with a look of concern.


    "Not a problem. I actually made the walls hollow with a honeycomb infill to reinforce them." I tap on the wall to demonstrate. "And while the wood itself may be heavy, it''s strength is several fold higher than regular cherry wood. Allowing me to use much thinner planks."


    We walk up to the back and I Plantshift a ladder from the mostly unused log. Earning a few gasps from the nearby people. Letting Amelia enter first, I continue chatting with Charlie. "Add in the fact that we now have System provided Inventories to hold everything we want. And, we''re likely lighter than whatever burden it''s used to hauling."


    "Ahh. I still can''t believe little Lia got herself magic." He sighs. "She used to be such a terror before. I can''t imagine what she''ll be like now."


    "I''m sensing a good story there." A smile widening my face.


    "Oh? Telling stories, are we?" Amelia interrupts from the doorway. "Why, I remember this one time with a mule-"


    "Ahem." The merchant clears his throat. "No time for stories now. I still haven''t seen the inside of this amazing wagon yet."


    "Well, if somebody..." She sends a pointed look in my direction. "..would finish bragging already. You could. Not that there''s much to see yet. Since he needs to finish the interior and the roof." She teases.


    "I wanted us to decorate together. I''m sure that now we can see it full size there''ll be some changes from the model." I explain. "And, I still need to grow some flax for the tarp."


    "Giving up on cotton already?" Amelia fakes a gasp. "And, after all it''s done for you. How heartless can you be?"


    "Heartless enough to forget about a certain dress." I tease back as Charlie and I enter the wagon.


    "You''d better not, mister. I can still squish you with that log. You know?"


    "No squishing, please." I beg playfully. "I was actually hoping to extract the linseed oil."


    "Like you mentioned this morning?"


    "Yes, I had originally planned to use Nature magic, but it should be possible with just using Water. Though, we may need to press them using ice first."


    "Well, what are you waiting for?" Amelia pushes past me and Charlie and jumps straight to the ground, ignoring the ladder. "Hurry up, I want to try this out."


    "Looks like you''ve got some work to do." Charlie pipes in. "I''ll let you two get to it. You''ve got to give me the grand tour tonight though."


    "Promise." I say, following him down the ladder.


    Tossing down a hand full of seeds after he walks off. I quickly grow a small patch of tall skinny plants. They bud with tiny blue flowers and go to seed in seconds. Harvesting the fibers and seeds, I Decompose the rest before repeating myself. After several rounds of this, the plants cover a good portion of the yard, much to the delight of the spectators. I pump extra magic into the flowers this time to get the biggest seeds possible. Before harvesting everything I want and Decomposing the rest.


    After restoring the ground with Earthshift, Amelia and I get to work extracting the oil. To my surprise, she manages it first. I manage to extract some using only Water magic, earning a Skill level to Flow. But swiftly switch to Nature magic to speed up the process.


    "Cheater." Amelia says.


    "I''ve got a whole month to practice my other magics." I counter. "But, I''ve only got an afternoon to finish our wagon."


    "I''ll allow it. This time." She says. Still pulling oil from her pile of seeds.


    Taking a jug of oil and a bundle of flax fibers. I infuse the fibers before weaving everything into a tight tarp. After attaching it to the roof Amelia makes me watch as she coats the wood of the wagon herself.


    Weatherproofing done. I grab a few planks off the log, and we head inside to decorate. We spend the rest of the afternoon making small changes here and there. And basically, just making the place home.


    Charlie stops by after dark with a box of sweet rolls and we invite him to stay for dinner. Cooked on a small cast iron stove that Amelia picked up yesterday, and whose position in the wagon she had me shift over a dozen times while decorating.


    Charlie is delighted by the way I make bread but declares that it is missing that yeasty flavor. Amelia agrees, and has commented on the same before, but was willing to live with it because we were walking. I vow to work hard until I can master yeast production. I have been relying a bit too much on my Plankin bonuses and neglecting the rest of my magics.


    After eating, we sit and chat for a while before Charlie excuses himself. Leaving Amelia and myself to snuggle closer. One thing leads to another and we wind up christening the new wagon, several times. And, while I''m not thinking about much else during the act, afterwards I am quite glad we''re parked on the far side of the yard. Looks like the first spell I''m gonna have to work on is some kind of magical soundproofing.

 # 08

    The next day finds us rising with the sun like usual. Enhanced stats makes doing so easy, even after a long night. Unfortunately, even if we''re not the only ones awake, we are the only ones ready to go. Amelia explains that is somewhat common on the last day in any city. That all the wagon drivers tend to stay out late as though they''re trying to stockpile as much fun as they can before leaving.


    So, we head to the restaurant that Charlie took us to yesterday, and take our time eating breakfast. The place is mostly empty, but one of the few occupied tables is talking about how the ''Magic Wagon'' is leaving today. I just chuckle when Amelia calls me a show off again, and steals the last piece of sausage from my plate.


    After returning to the yard, I see Charlie going around from cart to cart, handing out large mugs of strong tea to barely awake drivers.


    "Morning." I call out when he nears us. "Is it always like this?"


    "It wouldn''t be so bad if we had more time in the city." He explains. "I''ve got a rush order for the Capital though, and we''ve had a few setbacks already."


    "Well, with us here you won''t have to worry about breaking any axles, or getting the wheels bogged down in mud after a storm."


    "I''d not even thought of that lad. Would it be rude to ask what all you can do?"


    "I''m not sure how secretive other Awakened are, but I don''t particularly mind sharing. Amelia?" She just shrugs. "Well, little Lia here-" I earn a sharp elbow to the ribs. "-controls Water and, as we learned yesterday, that seems to include any liquid. I can do a bit of everything, but have been focusing on the plant side of Nature magics."


    "Amazing!" He exclaims. "If you could give the wagons a looking over. That''d be one less worry on my mind."


    "No problem, it''ll give me a chance to introduce myself to everyone." I pat the man on his shoulder. "I take it this shipment is a big deal for you."


    "More for my reputation in the Capital than for monetary reasons. My regular routes are quite profitable, but getting, and more importantly, keeping a toehold in the capital is vital to any future chances of growth. That''s why Lia''s father is so fortunate to be able to set up there."


    "He''s right." Amelia adds. "Daddy works just as hard as Uncle Charlie here, but it was really just one lucky deal that gave him his connections there. You go say hi to everyone, I want to practice some before we leave. Though, I am a little tired of copying your weaves. It''s good practice, but just doesn''t feel right."


    "I can see that. Fibers and weaving go hand in hand. Water and weaving, not so much. Maybe try some conjuring. It would be useful if you could use that water blast from yesterday without having to have a lot of water nearby first."


    "Conjuring? Why haven''t you showed me how to do that?" She says indignantly.


    "Well, I never really used it. Not for Water at least. Thorndagger!" A wickedly sharp wooden knife appears in my hand. Lasting for a few seconds before fading away. "See, anything you conjure with magic just fades away once it runs out of mana. And water that evaporates as soon as you drink it isn''t very useful, is it."


    A gleam shines in her eyes as I explain how it works. "That. Could be very useful. Yeah, I can see a lot of options."


    "Well, have fun, just watch where you''re aiming." I smile before turning the merchant. "Mind introducing me while Lia figures out how to flood the city?" Another elbow to the ribs, and the shine in her eyes kicks up a notch.


    "Haha, sure thing lad." He says while sending a slightly worried at Amelia''s retreating figure.


    He shows me around the caravan and I fix a few minor issues. Most of the driver''s are young single men, but there''s a few older couples. The guard captain has even brought his wife along. She''s an herbalist with some basic healing knowledge. They''re apparently a well sought after team and Charlie paid a bit of a premium to insure they were on this trip.


    I want to pick her mind on herbalism, see how it lines up with what I learned from my botany classes, but the wagon train is finally ready to head out. So, I return to the vardo and ask Amelia to show me how to guide a horse. She happily agrees and we sit next to each other in the driver''s box.


    The basics of horsemanship come to me quickly, likely due to the influence of my increased stats. I had planned to work on the Soundproofing spell first but Amelia insists that I do something about the dust. And, after choking on it for the past few minutes, I readily agree.


    Rather motivated, it only takes me a couple minutes to figure out Windwall. And we can both breathe easier. The upkeep for the shield is less than my regen. So, I''m quite happy that I can keep it up all the time we''re on the road and, still be able to practice other spells.


    Deciding to make today an ''Air'' day, I move on to the soundproofing spell, while Amelia practices shooting water streams over the passing fields. Slowly increasing both their size and pressure.


    Soundproof takes me longer than I would like, but I get it eventually. The sun is around mid-sky by this point. So, Amelia crawls through the window to go prepare lunch for us. I may, or may not, have pinched her bottom when she did. And she may, or may not, have let out the cutest squeak I''ve ever heard before threatening me with dire consequences if do such a thing ever again.


    Lunch, and the rest of the day pass without incident. Though, Amelia may, or may not have smacked me on the head when she was climbing back out the window. I spend the rest of the ride working on a one way version of Soundproof with Amelia''s help. Causing her to blush beet red when I explained my reasons for the spell.


    We eventually stop the wagons in a large field that seems to have been setup for just this purpose. There''s a meter and a half high circular wall around it, and a deep well across the road. A sea of grass can be seen in the distance, slowly swaying in the light evening breeze.


    Needing to use the facilities, and finding them... lacking, to say the least. I quickly cast Decompose and Earthshift. Then set about growing a row of my, now standard, living latrines. Filling each with a small stack of soft cotton wipes. Yes, I can make paper tissue, but cotton is still softer and it''s not like there''s a sewer system to clog up. The few women in the caravan are especially grateful for the upgrade. The men seem appreciative too, but are less vocal about it. I guess some things are universal. Everybody poops, and everybody gets a bit embarrassed about it.


    Charlie approaches after I finish my business. "Thank you for that Sorrel. That one was... Bad! Normally they''re covered over and a new pit dug a few meters away long before they get to that state. But the last few teams through here must have been too lazy to bother."


    "Good to know they aren''t all like that." I shudder. "I''ll still be replacing any we come across." I state flatly.


    "Thanks in advance then." He chuckles. "Now, about those marvelous wipes. I know you''re with Lia, and likely to go through her and her father for any products you create, but..." He trails off.


    "Hahah." Amelia laughs, walking up behind the man. "Trying to poach him already, uncle Charlie?" She teases him.


    "You caught me." He chuckles while holding his hands up in surrender. "I wouldn''t really steal him away from your dad. But, with him settled down and mostly running a warehouse in the Capital nowadays. Well, I''m sure we could come to some sort of arrangement."


    "Uh huh." She tries to deadpan, but the corners of her lips curl up and a hint of humor tints her voice.


    "I''m sure I''ll need some coin in the future." I interject. "I can make stuff, but I have no idea what will and won''t sell. Luckily, I have a beautiful merchant to guide me." I pull said merchant close. "Not sure about selling the wipes though. Don''t really want to be known as the butt wipe guy."


    "Hahaha, I think I can understand that lad."


    "Oh, I don''t know." Amelia chimes in. "Sorrel Rumex, purveyor of exotic spices, fine woodworking, even finer clothing, and... Butt wipes!" All three of us start laughing.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    "Oh girl, I needed that. Hmm." Charlie says before pausing for a moment. "Wait, did you say even finer clothing? I can''t imagine anything finer than that." He gestures at the wagon. "Not unless..." His voice drops to a whisper.


    "Starweave." Amelia finishes his unvoiced thought. "He figured it out the day before we reached Riverton." Pride fills her voice. "And that''s with only learning how to weave the day we left."


    "Well, I did have a good teacher." I kiss the top of her head.


    "Yeah well, your teacher''s gonna go see if they need any help with dinner. You go make the rounds with Charlie." She gives me a quick hug and wanders over to the central firepit.


    Charlie takes me around and introduces me to the team. Most of them have worked for him for years, so they already know, or at least have met Amelia. They all expressed their awe at the vardo, and I got bombarded by quite a few questions about it, and magic in general. Though, as impressed as they seemed, it still didn''t stop a few of the older drivers from grilling me about my intentions for Amelia.


    I finally get a chance to talk to John''s wife, who''s name I learned was Rose, about herbalism. She agrees to tutor me in exchange for growing some of the rarer herbs. I agree readily, as it lets me add to me ever increasing seed collection.


    The days pass quickly, with Amelia and I practicing our magics while we''re on the road. We spend the evenings helping around the camp and chatting with the group. Then, after dinner Amelia goes of to practice magic some more while I learn what I can from Rose. And, our nights? Well, they''re spent practicing, and learning... other things.


    Until one day just after Amelia had ducked inside the wagon to prepare lunch.


    "Sorrel!" Amelia calls out from inside the vardo.


    "I feel it too." I say. Scanning ahead. "I don''t know what it is. Come take the reigns, I''ll run ahead and warn Charlie."


    "Be careful."


    I nod before hopping down and running forwards to the front of the wagon train. I may not have superhuman strength and speed, yet. But, I''m easily able to outpace a laden wagon. Catching up to the lead wagon. I wave to Charlie, motioning him to make room for me on the seat. Seeing the look of concern in my eyes, her quickly scoots over.


    "What''s wrong lad? Is Lia alright?" The man asks a little worried.


    "She''s fine." I re-assure him after climbing up. "We felt... something. Some sort of magic pulse, I suppose would be the best way to describe it. It''s coming from up ahead, and... slightly to the right." I say focusing on the sensation. "I''ve never felt anything like it before. Do you have any idea what it could be?"


    "Are you sure- No, of course you are." He interrupts himself. "As far as I know there''s nothing out here but grass. Hold on, I''m stopping the caravan." Turning around, he sends out a shrill whistle and flashes a hand signal to the driver behind him.


    The hand signal passes quickly down the line. It seems unnecessary to me since everyone, alerted by my running past, already had their eyes glued to Charlie''s wagon. But, it must be protocol to prevent accidents. The dust we''ve kicked up in our passing threatens to cover us as we stop, before I blow it away with a Gust.


    Before we''re even fully stopped, John, the head guard, comes running up. Amelia, charging in behind him shortly after.


    "John, good." Charlie nods to his guard. "Sorrel and Lia sensed something magic ahead. They don''t know what it is, and as far as I know, there should be nothing but grass out here. Do you have any ideas."


    "Can you tell me exactly what you two felt?" John asks. A frown creasing his forehead.


    "Hmm, it''s a bit like a pulse... maybe a wave." I try to verbalize what I''m feeling.


    "Not really a wave." Amelia adds. "It''s not pushing out, more like it''s-"


    "Pulling in, yeah." I interrupt.


    "But, it''s not really removing anything." Amelia purses her lips before continuing. "I''d almost swear it''s adding to the magic air."


    John''s frown deepens. "This could be bad. Boys!" He barks to his men. "Spread out, and eyes sharp."


    "What is it? What''s wrong?" Amelia questions fearfully.


    "I can only hope I''m wrong." The man says while his eyes scan the tall grass. "But, I''ve heard that description before. Something that seems to draw on the world, only to leave more magic in it''s wake. That''s a dungeon!"


    Gasps rise up from the wagon teams that have gathered up to see what''s going on.


    "Is that what I think it is?" I ask.


    "If you think it''s a pit in the ground that spews out monsters and the occasional treasure, then yes, it''s what you think it is."


    "Shit, and it''s in the middle of nowhere, over a week''s hard ride from the nearest garrison." Charlie spits out.


    "Oh, that is not good." I breathe out. "Okay, let me see if I can find exactly where it''s at."


    "Don''t." Amelia grabs my arm.


    "I''m not going anywhere." I take her hand in mine. "All this grass is connected." I explain. "I just need to look for a big disturbance or hollow area in that connection." Pulling Amelia along with me, I walk to the edge of the road.


    Kneeling down, I thrust my free hand down into the soil until my fingers grip the roots. Questing out with my nature magic, I trail along the interwoven roots. Reaching farther and farther forward, until I pick up a void around two hundred meters ahead, and maybe away fifty from the road. Pulling my consciousness back sense a lot of small ripples disturbing the plants, almost like...


    "Oh fuck! Incoming!" I shout out. "Windblade! Windblade! Wall-of-Thorns!" I knock down the grass for ten meters in front of us, adding a barrier along the new edge.


    "Guards forward!" John Commands his team. They line up in front of me, swords drawn.


    "Amelia. Watch our backs." I push her behind me. "Cut down as much grass as you can, make sure they don''t flank us. Everyone else! On the wagons, now. And, ready any weapons you have. They''re small and fast, and there''s a lot of them."


    Less than a second later the first of the horde hits the barrier and screeches out in pain. They look like kangaroo rats with bodies the size of terriers. Long tails lined with barbs, claws and teeth now several centimeters long and wickedly sharp. The cries of those in the lead alert the ones behind. But, luckily they''re so packed together that the first few rows still get skewered.


    The ones far enough behind to react in time try jumping. But, I was waiting for that and send a pulse of magic into the barrier. Swelling it to over three meters in height, and catching dozens more of the vermin. Hissing in frustration at being stymied, the rest try flowing around the thorn wall.


    "Oh. no you don''t." I shout. Slamming the wall down onto the majority of the rodent army, giving the branches a twist before dismissing the spell.


    "Sorrel" Amelia cries.


    "Bog! Piercing-thorns!" The ground turns to soup before sprouting daggers. "That''ll slow down the stragglers for you." I shout to John while running to Amelia''s side.


    She''s panicking, but still holding her own. Over twenty meters of grassland has been cleared from the other side of the road. Amelia is using two streams of water, like twin fire hoses, to hold off a similar sized horde that keeps trying to get past her.


    "I''m here." I re-assure her. "You''ve got this. They''re already soaked, you know what to do now." I just smile at the beautiful woman that I was lucky enough to find in this world, and let her take care of these pests.


    The panic on her face recedes only to be replaced by that fire I saw in her eyes on that first night we met. "Freeze! You bastards!" She screams out and the entire field turns into a glittering ice sculpture in an instant.


    Panting, she almost drops to her knees before I catch her. Her spell fades a second later, but there''s nothing living on that side of the road, not any more. After a quick glance at John to see that he and his team are doing alright. I carry Amelia in my arms over to Charlie''s wagon and hand her up. Jumping up after her I take a quick look around.


    The wagon teams are fearful, but not panicking. And the guards have finished off the few that came at them after the wall disappeared, and are now mopping up the bleeding bodies I left behind. A couple of the younger ones are decapitating them outright. While the older, and wiser, guards just stab the tip of their swords past the ribs and into the monster''s hearts.


    "Looks like we got them all. For now." I say to Charlie, but keep my eyes scanning the tall grass for any more disturbances. "But we need a plan."


    "That we do son, and unfortunately... You''re it." John says. Joining me on the wagon to scan for threats. "Excellent work, by the way, you''re a born fighter."


    "Thanks, and I was afraid of that." A deep sigh escapes my chest.


    "Don''t be so down, lad." The guard chuckles. "We''re actually quite lucky. The dungeon seems young, and likely sent almost everything it had at us just now. But." He locks eyes with me. "It needs to be contained."


    "So, I.. what? Go in and kill it? Can a dungeon even be killed?"


    "They can." Charlie joins in. "Each dungeon has a core, and if that core is destroyed or stolen it will die. But, you can''t kill this one-"


    "Uncle Charlie!" Amelia joins in, having finally recovered her breath. "You can''t be serious. We can''t leave a dungeon in the middle of the plains."


    "He''s not saying that lass." John corrects her. "I''m surprised you don''t know this. But, this Kingdom has a huge bounty out for new dungeons. There hasn''t been a living dungeon around here in generations. Last I heard the bounty was 10,000 gold or, and this is important since you two are awakened. One percent of everything taken out of it. For life." He drops that on Amelia, shocking her into silence.


    "Look. Money is great and all." I can almost feel Amelia and Charlie''s glares at my dismissive attitude towards coin. "But, we are still in the middle of a field that might contain unknown numbers of monsters. I would like very much to have some solid walls around us right now." John gives me a grunt of approval. "The dungeon opening is about two hundred meters ahead off to the side there. Let''s push ahead and I''ll set up a fortified camp on the other side of the road from it. Once that''s done. Then we can discuss this further." With that said, I hop down and start clearing grass away from the road ahead.


    "Wait for me." Amelia shouts and chases after me. "Charlie, can you have someone bring up our wagon?" She calls back, over her shoulder.


    "You sure you''re up for this?" I ask.


    "Yeah, I leveled up again. The extra stats help a lot."


    "Congrats. I told you, you''d catch up soon." Bending down to give her a quick kiss.


    *Ding*Ding*Ding*


    "You didn''t?" She asks, crestfallen.


    "Hahahah!" I bust out laughing. *DingDingDingDingDing* And system-chan joins me. "Oh, she got you good. Haha. That was just a delayed Skill up for Wall-Of-Thorns. She''s got a wicked sense of humor, our little System-chan does."


    Amelia starts to pout, but I can hear the echoes of System-chan dinging to her, and it''s quickly replaced by a sly smile.


    "So, anyways. You want to take that side? Just ten meters should be fine. I think John is right and it sent everything it could at us. But, I''d still like to have some warning if anything pops out at us."

 # 09

    Amelia hugs me before bouncing over to begin clearing her side of the road. She''s clearly excited, whether it''s because of the potential bounty, her very real gains from the fight, or whatever prank those two are planning to pull on me. Either way, I''m just happy to see her smile.


    Behind us Charlie quickly gets the caravan going again, John and the guards spread out and alert for trouble. Once we''re directly across from the opening, Amelia and I clear a large circle on the north side of the road. While the wagons get situated I walk the circle and start growing trees for a palisade. Taking my time, so as to not leave myself drained, I create a smaller version of Southwood''s defenses.


    While I''m doing that, Amelia is clearing the grass out a couple hundred meters. She uncovered the dungeon opening first, but nothing popped out. So, I grew some thorn bushes around the damned thing, and left John''s guards to watch it.


    The sun was starting to set by the time we finished. After I gave the new camp one last walk around to set some lights Charlie came up to us carrying a couple big bowls of stew. John trailing in his wake.


    "Ah, thanks for this." I say with gratitude. "We kinda skipped lunch."


    "No, thank you Sorrel, without you... I shudder to think what might have happened."


    "I''m glad I was here to help, but you should know that I''m likely responsible for the attack in the first place. It didn''t react until I sent my magic out." I explain.


    "No you''re not lad." John butts in. "It had forces on both sides of the road waiting to ambush us. You spooked it into moving early, and gave us warning. Not to mention what the two of you did during the fight." He says, voice full of gratitude.


    "You sure?" He nods and smiles at my baseless worry. "Okay then, that''s one thing off my mind. Now, I''m sure you want to know what we''ve decided." They both nod. "Amelia and I had plenty of time to talk it over. And, we''ve decided to stay."


    "I''m going to need you to deliver a letter to Daddy for me." Amelia says from beside me, a bit choked up.


    "Oh, Lia girl." Charlie starts, but Amelia cuts him off.


    "I know, and I don''t want to tell them this way.." Her voice hitches briefly. "But they''ll understand, and Rodrick would be spinning in his grave if I passed on a deal like this."


    Pulling her close with a side-hug, I take over. "Speaking of deals. Amelia is going to have her father use his connections to register the dungeon in her name. And, if you''ll let us, we''d like to buy you out for ten thousand. Amelia says her father can provide a tenth of that up front, and I should be able to create enough goods to make up the rest within a few years, easily."


    "Son, that''s.. that''s.." The merchant stutters. "That''s just too much. We would all be dead if it weren''t for you and Lia. I. I just can''t accept it."


    "Tch, dammit." Amelia mutters causing confusion to coat the man''s face.


    "Heheheh, sorry." I chuckle. "I told Amelia that you''d never accept it, and we had a little bet riding on your answer." He starts smiling at her consternation. "That''s why I came up with another deal. Her father will still pay you the thousand gold and instead of coin for the rest. You get to be the sole purveyor of my goods for the next five years. At whatever percentages you deem fair. I''ll even make the wipes if you want." I say with a chuckle. "I even had an idea about those, see I can make a paper that''s almost as soft. And well, growing a tree is faster than a field of cotton. So, maybe cotton for the rich, and paper for the masses? All under your name though, if you don''t mind. Just think, ''Uncle Charlie''s Butt Wipes'' it could be a household name."


    The three of us start chortling at the mixture of emotions that cross the merchant''s face.


    "Hahaha." Charlie gives in and starts laughing too. "Alright lad, that could work. I still think it''s too generous though."


    "Well, you and Amelia can hash it out, this is your caravan after all, you deserve something from the discovery." I tell him, seriously. "We''ll travel with you to the next waypoint tomorrow. Just in case." I send a pointed look south. "Then return here the next day to keep an eye on things."


    "Are you sure? Just the two of you?" Charlie''s laughter turns to concern.


    "You still need John and the guards." I reply. "Amelia and I don''t really need a lot of sleep and can watch each other''s backs, Plus, I''ll be laying tripwires and alarms over every square meter of this place, both physical and magical. That, and it''s not like I can''t provide everything we need to live comfortably." I gesture to the vardo and the walls I put up in just a few hours time.


    "We''re not going to lie." Amelia speaks up again. "This is not at all what we wanted, at all. And, as soon as we get replacements and confirmation of the bounty. We are gone! But, until then." She huffs out. "We''re babysitting a dungeon. It''s too important and too dangerous to leave unguarded." Having said her fill, she returns to her dinner with a decidedly grumpy look.


    Not wanting to risk her ire, The two men leave us shortly after.


    After dinner we retire to the wagon where Amelia spends a tear filled evening, writing and re-writing a letter to her parents. She eventually finishes, and crawls into bed, spent. I just hold her as she sleeps. I stay awake though, keeping my ears and magical senses wide open.


    The next day Charlie has us all on the road as soon as the sky begins to lighten. A bit before really, but that''s what Magic is for. He has to make up for lost time, after all. That, and I don''t think anyone wanted to stay near an untamed dungeon any longer than they have to. Almost half the camp looks like they got as much sleep as I did. So, I brew up a strong batch of tea with a bit of a stimulant, that Rose showed me, mixed in.


    Once we''re on the way I try to sit up front with Amelia but, after one too many yawns, she sends me back to bed. Waking around noon, I make lunch for the two of us. After we eat Amelia joins Charlie on his wagon to work out the deal.


    The rest of the day goes without incident. Though, we do end up needing my Light spells again before we reach the next waypoint. People can''t really camp anywhere they want in the plains, the waypoints that the kingdom set up have the only sources of fresh water around. Each a day¡¯s travel from the last, ringed by low wall, and kept clear of grasses by everyone that uses them. But, the sanitation could be better. A fact everyone in the caravan seems to realize at the same time when I make the last living latrine they''ll see for a while.


    I get more than a few people asking me if we really need stay behind to watch after some silly hole in the ground. They all try to give us a proper send off, but everyone''s still tired from the early start after a poor night¡¯s sleep. So it''s not much of a party. The next morning, Amelia and I leave shortly after everyone else wakes up.


    ***


    "There''s the marker you left." Amelia points out a small tree I grew at the edge of the dungeon''s influence.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    We''ve been able to see the walls I made for a while now, but decided earlier that we would stop once the tree came into view. Thankfully there''s still a couple hours of daylight left. Between packing everything we could into our inventories, and my channeling an Air spell to lighten our load. We were able to make much better time than the caravan did yesterday.


    "I see it." I say. Pulling up on the reigns, and the brake lever at the same time. "I''ll handle the grass, you watch my back. Your attack spells are definitely stronger than mine."


    "Yeah, maybe you''ll remember that the next time you pinch my bottom." She says before pinching mine, and jumping off the wagon.


    Laughing, and rubbing my ass, I follow her. We clear the road back to the fort without incident.


    "Careful." I say, pointing out paw prints leading from a hole in the thorn bushes to the walls.


    "I see it." She echoes my earlier statement. "Close it up tight, and the we can clear the campsite."


    We aren''t taking any risks. Even a baby dungeon with nothing more than oversized mice can still kill us if we aren''t careful. We''ve had plenty of time to plan, and this possibility, that the dungeon had sent out one or more creature while we were away, was at the top of our list.


    "Done." The hole closes, and I double the length of the thorns for good measure. "Watch my back while I check for tunnels. Tremorsense!" I kneel down and send a pulse of magic into the ground. "Clear, no holes but the big one."


    "Good, guess even dungeons don''t like to dig in this rocky soil." Amelia tries to joke, but the tension she''s carrying makes it fall flat.


    "I don''t know much about tracking." I start. Somewhat puzzled by what I''m seeing. "But, it looks like it just came up, chewed on the wall, then retreated back to the hole."


    "You''ve got that look you get, like when you''re working on a tricky spell." Amelia says. Pushing a finger into my furrowed brow.


    "I''ve got an idea, but don''t know enough to confirm it." I grab her finger and give it a kiss. "This is my not knowing something face." My frown transition into a smile.


    "Well, you can figure it out later. Time to start a fire."


    "Heh, how is it that a Water mage can be such a firebug?" I laugh.


    "I''m not a firebug." She stamps her foot. Annoyed because I''ve been calling her that since she came up with the idea. "It''s just that your plans would have taken too long. Not get a move on, we''re burning daylight as we speak."


    "Oh, oh babe, no. That pun was so bad it actually hurt."


    "Just, just shut up and get to work." Her cheeks flush in embarrassment at her accidental wordplay.


    "Yes, Ma''am." I salute her before turning serious again. "It is our best plan, and you''re right we are wasting time. Let''s move." Jogging back to the marking tree. We head south, off road and start cutting a big half-circle around the dungeon''s sphere of influence, lighting fires inside it as we go.


    Amelia does most of the cutting while I use air and fire magic to keep the burn isolated. The wind is blowing gently from the east, so the fire is almost at the far side of the circle by the time we get there.


    "That''s this side done." I say as we reach the road again. "Let''s head back to the start, so we aren''t fighting the wind." Amelia gives the downwind grasses a good soaking and we trek back towards the east.


    "Look at that." Amelia points at the bushes surround the dungeon opening. "See that tuft of fur? Looks like it had something waiting out here that it called back in a hurry."


    "Hah!" I bark out a laugh. "No dungeon dare face the might of my little firebug."


    "Shut up and keep running, plant boy." She says and I just laugh harder at her unknowing reference to my species.


    ''You have no idea how true that is.'' I think to myself. ''I need to tell her, and soon. I think I need to tell her everything. I just hope she will understand.'' Worry ruining my brief humor, I put on a serious face again.


    Swiftly repeating our pyro-maniacal procedure on the north side. The whole of the dungeon''s sphere of influence, a circle nearly a kilometer across, is reduced to ash. The only thing left standing is our fort, and the thorn bushes around the dungeon opening.


    Watching the sunset from our wagon while waiting for the last of the smoke to clear. I turn to Amelia and say. "Well, that''s step one complete."


    "Mmhm." She agrees. "We should head in now. You sure can handle the detection spells until I work out the kinks in that sensory fog."


    "Not a problem. I''ll use Air spells tonight, and plant some low grasses tomorrow to weave their roots into a net." I hug her. "I know that this isn''t what either of us wanted. But, at least we''re together."


    "Yeah, yeah, you sentimental goof." She squeezes me back. "Now come on. Get your lights set up while I park the wagon. Ugh." She groans. "We''re gonna have to put everything back. What happened to us keeping everything in our inventory?"


    "Heheh." I chortle. "Well, if I recall correctly. Someone said it was inconvenient, and that the walls looked too bare."


    "Hmm, nope. I don''t remember anything like that." She shakes her head. Sending her blonde locks bouncing back and forth. "You''re clearly spending too much time with your plants, they''re affecting your mind."


    ***


    "Well, that was a pain." I say, stretching out my back.


    "So much stuff." Amelia flops down onto the bed. "I can''t believe I''m about to say this... But, you need to quit making me new clothes. Even all bagged together they take up three whole inventory slots."


    "Oh fine." I pout. "I''ll just spend my weaving time working on all those wipes Charlie wants."


    Long days on the road get monotonous pretty damned quick and even playing with magic gets old after a while. But weaving just.. does it for me. So basically, anytime I''m not doing anything else. I''m weaving sheets of fabric into clothes, and gifting them to Amelia.


    "I can''t believe he decided to keep the name I joked about though." I add with a laugh. "You mind cooking dinner while I get started on the alarms?"


    "Yeah, go ahead. Want anything in particular tonight?" She asks. Pulling down my old cook pot from were she just hung it up a few minutes ago.


    "Surprise me." I blow her a kiss then climb out the window to sit on the driver''s seat.


    The grasses I''ll plant tomorrow will let me cover the whole circle in a detection net, but that''s only because I''ll be infuse the spell into them as they grow, something I had tested on a potted plant last night. For tonight, though. I chose Air spells because, like the air, they''re diffuse and can cover a greater distance. I can easily cover the dungeon entrance, and beyond from here.


    Settling in, I let my mind and my mana drift on the wind. This spell is similar to Windwall, but instead of blocking objects it alerts me if anything passes through. Getting curious, I try out a spell I haven''t had much use for. Clairaudience. It actually came out of my work on the on the one-way sound barrier. I realized that if I could control sound like that, there was no reason I couldn''t pull it to me from farther away.


    So, with a muttered cast. I sent my mana deeper into the dungeon trying to see if I could count how many monsters there were by the noises they make. It came a great surprise when I heard something I was never expecting to.


    "...What do you mean it''s casting magic again?" A very high-pitched voice squeaked out in concern. "and which it, the boy or the girl?" ... A pause, then a deep breath, like the voice was trying not to lose it''s temper. "The big one or the little one?" ... Another pause.


    "Amelia! listen to this." I expand the spell to cover her.


    "..So, the big one put a detection spell on the entrance. Bloody paranoid lunker." ... "He''s a lunker ''cause he lunks, just like all the other lunkers out there. And he''s paranoid ''cause he hasn''t taken a single chance around you. Seriously, the first thing he did after wiping out every monster we had, was to build a great bloody wall and cut down all the grass around it so nothing could sneak up on it." ... "Yes, I know the little one did most of the..."


    "What''s going on?" Amelia hisses.


    "I don''t know. this is from inside the dungeon, I think she''s talking to it." I reply before falling silent again.


    "...ays later when we think it safe. The gods damned lunker shows back up with his girlfriend, and the first thing they do is burn down the rest of the grass. That''s why he''s bloody paranoid" ... "Ugh." She groans out. "He''s bloody because he has blood inside him. Any other brilliant questions?" ... "No, I don''t know why he''s sending his bloody mana into this room. Wait, what? Cut the connection now!"


    I feel some feedback as my spell is forcefully severed.


    "..." Amelia is speechless.


    "I think dinner is going to have to wait." I say.


    She just nods and sets down the spoon she was holding and starts following me as I head for the dungeon entrance. Once there we can hear the chittering of mice coming from the hole in the ground.


    "Hmm?" I ponder, pulling out my staff. "You know? We could just destroy this place. The Kingdom isn''t going to want some dungeon that''s being controlled by some third party." I start playacting.


    "You''re right." Amelia catches on right away, and agrees with me. "Charlie will understand, and it''s not like the core itself is worthless. We could probably sell it to some rich Awakened for thousands of gold"


    "Why sell it? I''ve got a staff already." I give it a twirl. "I''m sure something as magical as a dungeon core would make the perfect material to build one for you. Here, let me take care of these vermin for you. Then we can grab the core and get out of here. Should only take us a couple days to catch up to the other wagons."


    "Please-" Amelia starts to say before she gets cut off.

 # 10

    "Fine!" A defeated squeak comes from the hole. "Just stop already. You gods damned, great bloody lunkers. You caught me, I''m coming out. Just leave the stupid dungeon alone." A tiny woman, just centimeters tall, flies out from the hole.


    Aside from a round mop of light orange hair, her features are too small to make out. She''s wearing an almost sheer white dress that barely reached mid thigh, and has translucent green moth wings growing from her back.


    She turns around and looks down the hole, like she''s listening to something. "Ugh." She groans. "I''m sorry okay? I didn''t mean to call you stupid. I''m just worried about this bloody idiot here." ... "Oh, come on, please. Look, it was my fault, you''re young, and I should have told you to block any influences from the core room." ... "Fine, just sulk then." She snorts out an exasperated sigh before turning back to us, breaking us from our shock.


    "A pixie!" I exclaim.


    "A pixie?" - "What do you know about pixies?" Amelia and the tiny woman talk over each other.


    "Uhhh." I rub the back of my head a bit embarrassed. "You know how I''ve told you that I read a lot before?"


    "Yeah, and I''m okay with you keeping your secrets." Amelia furrows her brow. "But, I am getting kinda tired of the dodge."


    "I know, and I''m sorry. I''d actually decided just earlier to tell you everything." I send her a nervous smile. "I was just waiting for the-"


    "Look, you lunkers!" The rude little thing cuts me off. "You can deal with your "relationship" later." She does air-quotes when she says the word relationship.


    "Are you sure you''re not the one who needs to deal with their relationship first?" I quip back. Earning a snort from Amelia, a ding from System-chan, and what I''m sure is meant to be a death glare from the pixie.


    "Shut it, you two" The flying woman warns. "And don''t think I didn''t hear that ding Temmie." She stomps in the air.


    "Oh my gods! Temmie. That''s so cute." Amelia gushes. "Can we call you that, please?"


    An approving *Ding* answers her.


    "Argh!!!" The pixie cries out in frustration. "Can we please get back on track? How do you know about pixies?"


    "Well, as I was about to say before I was so rudely cut off." I send her a glare of my own. "I was once given the opportunity to read through a detailed list of all sentient species on the planet."


    "How?" - "Where?" They ask in unison.


    "I''ll tell you everything, later" I say to Amelia. "You." I look back at the pixie. "Don''t need to know, and aren''t going to find out." She sends me another glare, which I ignore. "Anyways, I only skimmed the part on pixies. But, I remember that they''re a magical species with one glaring weakness. They need to be tied to a strong magical force, or they will quickly fade away and die."


    "Yeah, well... You humans are lunkers" The tiny woman says, somewhat lamely. "Still, that''s not that bad of a leak. Somebody''s gonna be in trouble if the rest of them find out, but-"


    "Oh, there was much more." I say. Smirking at the chance to cut her off for once. "All sorts of details, like preferred diet and habitats, what your society is like, where the major populations are. You know? Stuff like that." I laugh at the look of panic that''s she''s giving off. "Oh, and didn''t you just leak your existence a minute ago?"


    "Uhhh. Nooo..? No pixies here." Her movements turn wooden "Just a dumb fairy. Yup, yup yup. I''m just a stupid fairy. So stupid that I forgot I was a fairy... Oh Wind and Water!" Her wings slow as she slumps in on herself.


    "As amusing as this is." Amelia states. "We''d still like to know just what is going on here."


    "Fine, whatever." The dejected creature says. "I''ll tell you whatever you want. Can we go to your wagon, though? You were making dinner, right? I haven''t had anything but grass seeds in weeks." A bit of pleading hope comes over her features.


    "Alright, food for information. but, any funny business and you''re getting squished."


    "What is it with you lunkers and the squishing?" She grumbles under her breath.


    "Oh, and let me do something first." I point my staff at her. "Been trying to figure out a far sight spell. Haven''t got it working yet, but I think I can... Yes! Magnify!" A human sized copy of her head pops into existence just above the real thing.


    "Oh, thank goodness." Amelia exclaims. "Was giving myself a headache squinting so hard."


    "Ack! Rude!" The pixie squeaks out.


    "You tried to kill us a couple days ago." I say flatly. "I''m entitled to be a little rude." I continue my rudeness by turning my back on her and walking off, back to the vardo.


    "That wasn''t me!" She pleads. Flying after me. "I tried to get him to stop when I sensed your magic, but he''s just a newborn and you scared him."


    "You still had an ambush set up for the next caravan to pass through." Amelia counters. "Or, do you want to tell me that a ''newborn'' thought that up for itself?"


    "Well, no... But, we weren''t going to kill everyone.-"


    "Like that makes it any better." Amelia''s getting kinda mad now.


    "I''m sorry. But, it''s what dungeons do. And I was trying to get him discovered." She tries explaining. "He''s out here in the middle of nowhere. There''s nothing for him to eat but mice and some insects. If he wasn''t right next to the road, it could take decades, or even longer, for him to mature."


    "So, you had him try and eat some humans because you were bored? Tired of conversing with an infant?" Amelia snaps at her. The tension that''s been building in her ever since the fight, finally finding an outlet.


    "Oh gods! I''m sorry! I''m so sorry." The tiny woman curls in on herself, sobbing. "I''m sorry. It''s been so hard, you don''t know what it''s like. Pixies aren''t meant to be alone."


    "Why don''t you tell us what it has been like." I say gently. Trying to soothe both women. "Why aren''t pixies meant to be alone? And, why are you? How did you end up out here?"


    "We just aren''t, we''re never alone. From the day we''re born we have others around us. All the babies are raised together by everyone in the colony. We''re all family." Trying to get her sobs under control. She looks up at me with pleading eyes. "I.. I liked to play pranks. I never meant for anyone to..." She breaks out in tears again. "They weren''t supposed to get hurt." It takes her a minute to recover enough to continue. "Afterwards... the ones that were left.. they exiled me. Just gave me a mana stone and made me leave." More sobs. "I just drifted on the winds for days, weeks, I don''t know. Eventually, the mana stone had run dry. I didn''t care. I was ready to just let go." She takes a deep breath. "Then I felt the dungeon''s call. All dungeons put out a call that the wee folk are drawn to. Usually the nearest colony of pixies, wisps, or fairies will splinter and setup a new colony in the dungeon. But these lands have such low mana levels that I''m probably the only pure magic being in over a hundred miles."


    The woman''s crying seems to have cooled some of Amelia''s fire. I can tell she''s still angry but, at least, she isn''t shouting at the pixie anymore.


    "So, you were pulled in by the Dungeon''s call?" I prompt her to finish the story.


    "He took me in. I thought I was ready to d-die." she lets out a sniffle louder than such a tiny person should be able to make. "Even tried to leave again.. a few times. But, I d-don''t want to die. So, I tried helping the little guy along. I didn''t want to hurt anyone else. But, if we could get the humans to discover him they''d set up a dungeon town. And well, the idiots would climb over each other to dive into him, even knowing the risks."


    "But Charlie''s team didn''t know those risks." Amelia barks out. "I didn''t agree to any risks." She clings to me and starts crying.


    I just hold her, rubbing the small of her back. This was her second brush with death in less than a month. Just when she was starting to come to terms with losing her brother. She''s attacked again, her plans derailed, and she''s forced to stay behind and watch over the thing that attacked her. Instead of rejoining her parent like she wanted and grieving with them properly, she had to put it all down in a letter for them.


    "Well, you got your wish... What is your name anyways?" I ask the pixie. "A dungeon town will form here. And thanks to Amelia and myself, no one had to die for it to happen."


    "A-Apricot." She sniffles.


    "Well, Apricot. Thank you for explaining things. But, I think we''d like to be alone right now. Oh, yes, I promised you dinner." I say, more cruelly than I should. Before pulling a bag of fruit from my inventory and using my free hand to toss a large apricot to the ground beneath her.


    I can understand, and even empathize with her. But, she is responsible for an attack on the woman I love. And it will take more than a sob story for me to forgive her.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    We turn our backs on Apricot then, and return to the wagon. Amelia takes the rest of the fruit from me and tears into the remaining apricots with her teeth. I can only imagine what, or who, she''s thinking of as she does so.


    ***


    The next morning has us up with the sun like usual. The only disturbance in the alarm walls last night was Apricot somehow carrying the fruit I gave her back into the cave.


    After a quick meal, I get started growing the surveillance grass. Amelia wanted to practice her attack spells and asked me for some targets. Which, I made them from apricot trees, both to replenish what was eaten. And, because I know she still has a fair bit of anger to still work through. The evil smile on her face tells me I chose correctly.


    I''m using some grass I found at Riverton. It''s much shorter than the local variety, and the spells I''m weaving into the roots will actually draw energy from the plant itself. Leaving it shorter still. Soon the inside of the walls is covered in what looks like a perfectly manicured lawn. Well, the area around Amelia is a bit torn up, but I can fix that later.


    *Ding*Ding*Ding*


    "Was that?" Amelia asks. At my sheepish nod she just grumbles. "More targets." And, I throw up a few more things for her to hit.


    I can sense Apricot watching us from the walls, and even spot her taking a few blades of grass and dropping them into the dungeon opening. But choose to ignore her, at least, until the entire field is covered, road and all. It goes surprisingly quickly after leveling up again, and I finish up shortly after noon.


    Amelia''s targets have long since been reduced to splinters. And I find her in the wagon making a proper meal for lunch. She asks me to make some bread to go with and I happily agree, glad that I worked out to control yeast last week.


    Sensing the pixie coming closer, I warn Amelia. "She''s coming back. Do you want me to get rid of her again?"


    "No, I think I got most of it out of my system. There''s still more to learn about dungeons too." She takes a fortifying breath before calling out. "You might as well come in, we know you''re there."


    The tiny woman is subdued as she drifts onto the window sill. You always read about pixies making some sort of chiming, or magical noise as they fly. But, the real things are eerily silent.


    "Hungry again?" I ask. "Sorry about last night. But we were, rather understandably, upset."


    "Could I please have some bread? I''ll answer any questions you still have." She begs.


    "You don''t mind if I use Magnify again do you?" She shakes her head and I tear a roll in half and place it next to her. "Magnify! ..That''s better. Thank you."


    Aside from her eyes, she looks just like any other human. An oval face with round lips, and a short, upturned nose. Her eyes though, they are just slightly larger than a human''s. And hers are the same shade of orange as her hair, and namesake fruit.


    "No. Thank you. This bread is delicious. I can taste the magic you used to make it." She''s happily munching on handfuls of bread.


    "Well, I suppose my first question is. What''s your dress made of?"


    "Of course that''s your first question." Amelia rolls her eyes, causing me to laugh at her expression.


    "Ah, it''s actually spider silk.. May I ask why?" She says a bit unsure.


    "This is why." Amelia dumps out a bag of clothing from her inventory with a sigh. "He''s obsessed with fabrics and clothing."


    "I''m not obsessed, it''s just my hobby." I try to defend myself. "Besides I never heard you complaining about any of the starweave stuff I made for you."


    "What''s starweave?" Apricot asks.


    "Oh, this is starweave." I lay my handkerchief next to her. "It''s a very rare amongst humans. Now, do you collect cobwebs, or have your people managed to somehow farm spiders?"


    "Nope!" Amelia erupts. "You are not farming spiders! Ever! Under any circumstances!"


    "Uhh. Yes dear. No spiders. Ever!" I reply with a sheepish smile.


    "Under any circumstances!" She stamps her foot.


    "Under any circumstances." I repeat.


    "Hehehehe" Apricot erupts into laughter. "We just collect the cobwebs. Spiders are too territorial to farm." A few more titters leak out. "I think she''s right, you are obsessed."


    "Okay, okay. Moving on." I say with my hands up in surrender. "I noticed a chunk missing from the wall yesterday, and saw you dropping some grass into the cave earlier. Please explain."


    She looks a bit sheepish. "Uh, you noticed that? Well, dungeons can absorb things to learn their properties, and are then able to reproduce them later."


    "I thought as much." I state. "But we''re already in its influence. Why did it take samples?"


    "Oh, that''s because he''s still immature, and can only absorb something that touches the core itself."


    "Interesting. Just don''t take anything from the wagon." I warn her. "If we seed him with examples will he reproduce them for us? Coin for example?" This gets Amelia''s attention.


    "I won''t! I promise. And no, sorry." She shies down, afraid that we''ll be upset with her answer. "The gods enforce certain rules about what loot dungeons can provide. The most he could do is create a miniscule copper vein at the moment."


    "Shame." I say, but with no real sense of loss. "You keep calling it a he. Do dungeons have genders? Does he have a name?"


    "Not really. Dungeons don''t really have an ego, or sense of self, like normal people. Not unless they''re very high level. I call it a he because, he feels like a boy. Sorta stubborn, and doesn''t always listen." This gets a bark of laughter from Amelia. "He doesn''t have a name, and most dungeons just go by whatever the humans call them."


    "How do they grow? Is it just by killing things?"


    "Mostly." She says with an apologetic expression. "They need life energy, and while they can gain some passively from living beings in their sphere of influence..." She trails off.


    "Understood." I nod. "Okay last question... for now. How did it change those mice, and can I examine the process? Preferably without it trying to kill me."


    "That''s a special magic that only dungeons have." She explains. "They can alter and enhance certain aspects of the creatures they create. They can learn the patterns of any dead creature they absorb, and are also granted more patterns from the gods as the grow. The magic cannot be observed, unfortunately. Not even by us pixies." She looks a bit annoyed by this fact. "And we''ve tried. The dungeon won''t, or more likely can''t, create any monsters while a sentient is watching. Pixies have asked, and they just say it''s instinctual. Speaking of instincts." She raises a finger. "They won''t send any creatures above ground while people are living within their influence."


    "Hah!" Amelia barks derisively.


    And I agree, whole-heartedly with her sentiment, saying, "It''s nice if that''s true but I won''t be taking down my alarms just yet."


    "I understand. But, dungeons are placed here by the gods. They have certain rules they have to follow, like the loot I was talking about earlier. And how they have to attack anyone, aside from a few magical races, that enters. But, they have to provide a challenge, they can''t just throw everything at you once you enter the cave."


    "You mean like you guys did when the caravan came through?" I say flatly.


    "I''m sorry." She cringes. "Sorry, that was sorta special circumstances. It only applies to un-occupied dungeons. The gods put them here to test people, and help them grow. But they can''t do that if nobody knows they exist."


    "Sounds more like the gods just like watching greedy people getting eaten by monsters." *Ding* "See, Temmie-chan agrees with me."


    "Uhh.." She looks a bit flummoxed.


    "Don''t worry about it Apricot. It''s not like there''s anything us mortals can do about the gods." I say, but I don''t think the look on my face re-assured her very much. "Did you want anything else?" I gesture to the crumbs that are all that''s left of her roll. Unsure of just where she put it all.


    "Could, I have some more fruit, please?" She asks meekly.


    "Sure." I pull out a couple bags from my inventory. "Take your pick. I was planning to do a bit of gardening while we''re stuck here. Might as well set up and orchard around the perimeter today. Since I finished the grass web quicker than I thought I would."


    She dives straight for the grapes and starts making them disappear into her tiny frame.


    "Care to join me?" I ask Amelia.


    She does, and we walk around the circle planting trees. I alternate between fruit and nut trees. Having amassed quite the collection while in Riverton. I also add berry bushes and a few grape vines between the trees. I''m forced to drive all their roots quite deep in order to reach water. But, it''s better than letting them die after we leave.

 # 11

    Once we''re done, I spot Apricot flying somewhat unsteadily, and occasionally holding her belly like she has a stomach ache from eating too much. She''s been taking samples from each tree and bush, carrying them one at a time to the dungeon hole. Before flying back for the next.


    "Good, that should distract them for a while. Let''s have that talk." I say to Amelia as we return to the vardo.


    I toss up a Soundproof barrier around us. This spell has become part of my nightly routine, whether we need it or not, so it shouldn''t draw any undue attention from the dungeon or Apricot. At worst, she''ll just think we''re having sex.


    "This where you tell me everything?" She asks plainly.


    "Yeah, I just hope you have an open mind."


    "Oh, I think you know I do.. Especially after losing that bet." She smirks at me.


    "I love you." I tell her seriously. "Please remember that, and know that I have never once lied to you." She just nods, so I continue. "Well, it all started when I died..."


    To her credit she stays quiet and listens to my whole story. Only saying two words once I finish. "Show me."


    I release my Shape-shift and my body stretches back out to 190cm. I''m still skinny. But, the mass I''ve put on in the weeks of travel translates over, keeping me from looking like a willowy sprout. I hold the transformation of my face and head for last, afraid of what her reaction will be.


    Thankfully her eyes only widen slightly before she reaches out to play with my petal-like hair. "I was wondering why your hair never seemed to grow." She speaks mostly to herself. "So, skinny.. and those cheekbones look like they could poke someone''s eye out. But, it''s still you."


    "Ah, I tried to tone that down, but this is just how Plantkin look." Thankfully my voice remains the same. "I tried to make my face as human as possible since I still think of myself as one."


    "Can you show me what you used to look like?" Her hands have moved on from my face to examine the tendrils growing from my arms.


    "Ugh! Do, I have too? I was so chubby." I whine. "Oh fine, but I''m not Shapeshifitng into it, you can just deal with a picture.  Light!" The face that forms is not too far off from the one I''ve been walking around with for the past few weeks. A little older, a bit dumpier, with more blemishes and other smaller imperfections. But, aside from the muddy brown eyes, we''re clearly the same person.


    "It''s too close to even call you brothers." Amelia muses while examining the image. "More like you just let yourself go for a few years."


    "I had no drive back then, no reason to take care of myself." I slump, just thinking of my old existence. "If I hadn''t met you on that horrible day... I''d likely just be wandering the woods, slowly making my way to the capital. Probably would have gotten myself eaten by wolves again after getting distracted by an interesting plant."


    "Did all that really happen? With the wolves and all the... everything." She seems afraid to even say ''dying''.


    "Yeah, I-I grew numb to it after a while, and have done my best to block it out since. But System-chan can vouch for it. I''m sure she watched the compilation too."


    An abashed *Ding* rings out.


    "Temmie!" Amelia admonishes her.


    "Don''t be too harsh on her; plenty of humans from my old world would have gotten a laugh out of it too."


    "Still though." She huffs. Then reaches back up and cups my face. "And would you get rid of that fearful look, it''s killing me. I''m not going to leave you just because you didn''t want to talk about something painful from your past."


    I collapse into her in relief, and just hug her tight while tears leak down my face.


    "It''s alright Sorrel, I''m not going anywhere." She holds me until I can get control of my emotions again. "That''s better. Now, I just have one question."


    "Only the one?"


    She chuckles. "The others can wait. Right now." She quickly reaches her hand into my now, very loose pants. "Did you really not change anything down here?" My eyes widen when she grabs hold.


    "Ah! Are you sure? With me..? like this?"


    "You''re still you, silly." She squeezes to confirm her words.


    "Uhn. No. I figured I could just Shapeshift it. if I ever needed to."


    "Oh, that has possibilities." Her eyes widen this time. "But, for right now, for tonight. I just want you."


    ***


    The next day has us lazing in bed well past our usual wake up time. Eventually, though, the calls of nature drag us out. I start shifting back to human when Amelia puts her hand on my chest.


    "You don''t have to hide, you know?" She tells me.


    "I know, and you''re too good to me." I take her hand and kiss it. "When it''s just the two of us I won''t, if you don''t want me too. But, we''re not alone here, and I''m used to walking around like this." I finish my transformation.


    "Ugh, you had to remind me."


    "Heh, kinda hard to forget when there''s a pixie popping over the wall every five minutes to see if we''re up yet."


    She just grunts and heads out. Once we finish our morning ablutions, and get started on breakfast. I sense a certain orange haired pest quit hovering by the wall, and fly closer.


    "Morning, Apricot." I wave.


    "For you maybe. I was up half the night trying to explain sex to a dungeon." She grumbles. "He was convinced you had four arms, took me hours trying to..."


    Amelia starts cracking up; cutting Apricot''s rant off before it can get started. I just stand there for a moment before waving. Which just makes Amelia laugh all the harder. Probably because I don''t use either of my ''arm'' arms.


    "Wha, buh, huh..." The pixie seems to freeze in mid air.


    "I tend to keep them out of the way unless I''m using them." A hint of of a wicked smile appears on my face after I glance at Amelia. "I got them at the same time as my magic."


    Hearing the same half-truth I told her after our first night together causes Amelia to lose it again. Right as she was taking a sip of water too, making for a very epic spit take.


    The tiny woman floats there stunned for another moment before she cocks her head like she''s listening to something. "I''m sorry. You were right, he does have four arms." ... "Well, I thought he was just... Uh, never mind." Apricot seems to realize she still has an audience.


    "You just thought..?" I tease.


    "Oh, I know what she was thinking." Amelia laughs again, using magic to dry off her shirt.


    "Lunkers." The embarrassed pixie shouts before flying off.


    "Well, no breakfast rolls for her." I quip. "So, what are your plans for today?"


    "I want to finish that Sensoryfog spell." She says. Taking a big bite out of her own roll. "The winged pest may be good for a laugh, but I still don''t trust that dungeon. That, and I need to catch up to a certain someone with a growth cheat."


    "You sure didn''t seem to mind my ''growth'' last night." I get her to blush a bit with that one. "I agree with you, though. Apricot seems more pitiable than anything else. But, I''m still going to be laying out tripwires and alarms all over the place."


    The short-lived light mood ruined by the reality of our situation. We finish breakfast in silence before moving onto our respective tasks. The day passes quickly and we both finish what we set out to do. The grass around our fort and the cave entrance now sports several miles worth of alarm wires, and an nearly invisible coating of fog.


    Apricot inevitably returns around supper time, and we let her antics lighten the mood. I know she''s supposed to be pure magic, but I still don''t know how she can put away as much food as Amelia or myself.


    The days settle into a routine. We practice our magics, Amelia driven to beat out my cheat skill, at least where Water magic is concerned. I spend an inordinate amount of time making wipes for Charlie. And when that gets too boring, I try my hand at making a few outfits for Apricot. Working with threads only microns thick is very difficult, but the rewards are very worth it. But, through it all, even when we''re doing something else. We still keep an eye on the dungeon.


    The three of us are getting along better. Amelia even warmed up to her a bit when the pixie helped out with a particularly tricky spell. Our magics are in no ways similar, but being a creature of pure magic gives Apricot a lot of insight into how spells come together.


    Then, one day, a bit over a week and a half later. Said pixie comes flying up to us around lunch time.


    "Hey, Apricot." I greet her, and cast the Magnify spell out of habit. "Lunch''ll be done soon. Though, you''re gonna have to settle for my cooking. Amelia''s focused on that new spell of hers. We think she''s close to hitting Level four."


    "Oh, that''s fine. But, you should know there''s a dust trail heading this way." She points to the west.


    "Oh. From Riverton? Farsight!" My eyes go distant as a vision of the road comes to me. "Hmm. Looks like a carriage and four riders, probably guards. At the pace they''re going they should be here an hour, hour and a half before sunset."


    "Hmm? We''re getting visitors?" Amelia pipes in. Her focus broken. "A single carriage and four guards means they''re rich, whoever they are. But, if they''re headed to the Capital, that doesn''t really mean much. Can you see any insignia on the coach, or riders?"


    "Sorry, no. They''re still too far out for that." I shake my head. "Even my cheat-like powers have their limits." I quip.


    "You two are going to have to explain that one of these days." Apricot says. She''s been wondering how I''m so good at so many different magics.


    "Eh, inside joke." I equivocate. "So, what do we do? Think they''ll be a problem?"


    "Charlie should only be a week out from the Capital by now. So, there''s no way they can steal the claim." Amelia Strokes her chin. "I doubt it''s another Awakened, but even if it is. Between the two of us, and all the preparations we''ve made here... We should be able to handle them, if it comes down to that."


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "Sounds like we only need to worry if the dungeon does something stupid." I send Apricot a pointed look, but she just rolls her eyes. "That, or they try to steal the core. In which case, if the dungeon doesn''t kill them, I might. I will not have wasted weeks here for nothing."


    "I wouldn''t say it was for nothing." Amelia says with a glint in her eye.


    "Ugh! Not again." Apricot groans. "You two go at it like horned rabbits."


    "Heh. Horny rabbits, more like." Amelia smirks. She seems to get a perverse pleasure in rubbing our sex life in Apricots face.


    "Uh.. Moving on." I try to get us back on track. "Apricot, I assume you''ll be hiding." She nods. "Well, then I suppose we should plan for a big dinner. I need to restock some things anyways. Might as well make a bit extra. Yes, you can take samples. Do they even do anything for the dungeon?" I tell the pixie so she''ll stop making puppy dog eyes at me.


    "Not directly. He might be able to use some of them as low tier loot. But mostly, it''s just that every pattern a dungeon gets helps them to grow. And every little bit counts when they''re this young."


    "Whatever, lunch is ready. We''ll deal with the visitors when they get here."


    ***


    "They''re here." I say, looking up from my latest stack of butt wipes, as soon as they cross onto the grass. I''ve taken to quilting different images onto them to break up the monotony. This batch has different little critters chasing each other around a tree in a flip-book style animation.


    "Finally, I haven''t been able to focus on my spellwork all afternoon. Let''s go say hi."


    "Ye... Oh, that''s interesting."


    "What is it." Amelia asks.


    "They''re not a mage, but they have potential."


    "That''s the first one you''ve come across, and it''s out in the middle of nowhere. Hah!"


    "Here''s hoping they aren''t assholes." I say fervently. The world, any world, doesn''t need any more assholes with power.


    We walk out to the open gate and wait for our guests to arrive. They all stop when they see the two of us walk out. Then, after a brief conversation with whoever''s in the carriage. One of the riders comes forward.


    "Hello there?" The rider says hesitantly. He''s a young man in his early twenties, wearing slightly travel stained clothing, and riding a brown mare.


    "Hello." I call back. "Welcome to the Circle Orchard Dungeon."


    "Name pending." Amelia adds. She''s not thrilled with my choice, but hasn''t been able to come up with anything better.


    "Name pending." I humor her. "You might as well call your party up. It''s just us two here, we got stuck on babysitting duty until out claim goes through."


    "A dungeon? Did it do all this?" He asks, more than a little awed.


    "Oh no, it''s a hole in the ground behind those thorn bushes." I point at the opening. "I did all this." I stress the first word.


    "Uh, let me go tell them." His awe turned a bit to fear.


    He rides back and Amelia leans close to me. "Don''t you think you were laying it on a bit thick?"


    "Heh." I chuckle and give her a quick kiss on the forehead. "I''m no merchant. But, even I know it''s better to deal with people from a position of power."


    "Just don''t overdo it." She warns me.


    "I won''t. I just want to make sure they don''t do anything stupid."


    The carriage and riders come forward a minute later. An older man with salt and pepper hair, in the lead.


    "Hello, Ser Mage." He nods his head respectfully. "The lad says you found yourselves a dungeon."


    "Welcome. And, it''s more like it found us." I nod back, slightly shallower. "Riding into the capital with a family friend of Amelia''s, here. When it tried to ambush us with a bunch of over-sized mice. We took care of them, and have been watching it ever since. Name''s Sorrel, by the way."


    "Nice to meet you, Ser, Ma''am. Names Keegan, the lads are Kayden, Andre, And Cas. The driver''s named Carl, he don''t speak much." He points them out in turn. Cas being the one who came forward first. "Our employers in the carriage are Mistress Marta Adeen, and her niece Abigail."


    Amelia gives me a short shake of her head to indicate she doesn''t know the name. "You''re all welcome to join us." The man, Keegan glances south for a second. "Don''t worry about the dungeon, it''s as safe as we can make it, and it''d be nice to have some fresh faces around for a change."


    "Thank you, Ser. Even camping next to a dungeon has to be better than more of that never ending grass."


    "For a night maybe. For weeks? Not so much. But never mind that. Come on in, I''ve set up stables for the horses, and we''ll be getting started on supper soon. Just let me know if you need anything."


    At this point a good-looking older woman climbs out of the carriage. She looks a little travel worn, but still somewhat fetching. Her long brunette hair pinned up in a loose bun to help with the mid-summer heat. White linen shirt unbuttoned just enough to show a hint of cleavage. ''Give her some glasses and she''d be the perfect "sexy librarian".'' I think to myself.


    I glance at Amelia, indicating with my eyes that the girl who follows her out is the potential Awakened. There''s a definite family resemblance between them. She looks to be a bit younger than Amelia, and also has the same long hair as her aunt, but is wearing it loose. ''Her looks are more cute girl next-door, than sexy librarian.'' I think with an inward chuckle.


    "Ah, master Sorrel, mistress Amelia. My niece and I thank you for your hospitality." The woman says as she approaches.


    "No need to be formal, please." I smile. "Come on in, and make yourselves at home."


    "If there''s no need to be formal." Her niece speaks up. "Then please tell me you have a bath."


    "Abigail! Manners." Her aunt snaps. "Please forgive her, this is her first long journey."


    Meanwhile Amelia and I are staring at each other.


    "A bath house." - "How did we not think of that?" We speak at the same time.


    "I''ll build it it you start drawing the water." I say.


    "Ahem." A polite cough comes from our, temporarily forgotten guests.


    "Ah, Sorry." I say rubbing the back of my head. "We''ve been using magic to clean, and didn''t even think about building a bath. Thank you miss Abigail. You''ll have your bath in just a few minutes."


    "Really? Can I watch? and just Abby is fine." Her face lights up. I can see a bit of eagerness in the other''s as well. Whether for the magic show, or a good bath, is anyone''s guess. Couple weeks on a dusty trail and I''d be clamoring for a bath too.


    "Sure, I''ll set it up in back next to the latrines." I start walking in that direction. My excitement for a real bath ruining my manners somewhat.


    Amelia shakes her head at my behavior and apologizes to them. "Ah, sorry about him. When he gets excited about something, he tends to just run ahead and do it. Especially if it gives him a chance to show off."


    "I heard that." I call over my shoulder. "I guess you don''t want the hot showers I was going to build."


    "Hot showers?" She echoes.


    I just smile and keep walking. Reaching the back wall, I take out my staff and toss out a few dozen seeds. Instantly sprouting them into large trees. Stripping away the bark and leaves, and returning them to the soil. Next, I cause all the wood to flow like water and crash together like a wave at the beach.


    This gets a few appreciative ooh''s and ahh''s. Then, I flow the wood together, building it up into the spiral shape of a striped fox conch shell. Sticking out of the ground with its spiky spirals pointed to the sky. It''s about ten meters around at the base, almost fifteen if you count the opening to one side, and towers over twenty meters high. I even use the wood''s natural grain to match the pattern a real shell would have.


    I wave my staff to fix the disturbed grass before moving to the door I placed in the shell''s opening. Once there, I open it and beckon everyone forward. I''ve left the inside walls as smooth wood, and added a non-slip floor that slopes to a central drain. There''s a large oval hot tub to the left of the doorway, a row of shower stalls along the back wall, and a row of shelves to the right. The roof only spirals up one level before I closed it off to use as the hot water tank.


    Instead of decorating the wood, I''ve decided to play with light instead. Making the entire room look like it''s under the sea. Dapples of light play over the walls and floor as schools of bright tropical fish swim about in mid-air.


    "Mind filling the tub while I get the water tank?" I say with a smirk to the blonde beside me.


    Amelia just mutters "Showoff." Before drawing fresh clean water up through the central floor drain, it''s already steaming by the time it reaches the tub..


    I can hear Abigail whisper to Amelia "Is he always like this?" as I raise my staff and use Condense to fill the water tank hidden in the roof. That done, I walk over to a shower stall and open the door. A flip of a lever causes water to stream out of a large round showerhead.


    I test the temperature before turning to the guards. "Alright gentlemen, let''s let the ladies enjoy their bath. I promise it''ll still be here once they''re done. Oh, I almost forgot." I wave my hand and bale of cotton appears and swiftly forms into a stack of fuzzy towels, wash clothes, a dozen robes, and some fuzzy slippers. These fly onto shelves and hooks just inside the door.


    "Oh, and Abby" I call over my shoulder as I''m herding the men out the door. "I''m only like this when she calls me a showoff." I say with a smirk before latching the door behind me.

 # 12

    "Well, damn." Keegan speaks up. "I think your lady might just have a point." A huge grin on his face.


    "Hah!" I bark out a laugh. "Yeah, I guess it''s sort of our thing. She calls me a show off, and I prove her right. Heheh." A few more chuckles escape. "Well, who knows how long they''re going to be in the bath for. You all can see to the horses, I left some feed for them in the stables. There''s snacks and water around the fire pit and, if you need anything else, just ask."


    "Thank you, Ser." Keegan says.


    "Oh, just Sorrel is fine. Now, if you don''t mind, I think I want to try my hand at soap making. I know Amelia bought some in Riverton, but I''m sure I can do better."


    The man just nods before setting his men to work. They still seem a bit blown away by the show I just put on, but snap to at his orders.


    Meanwhile I grow a hickory tree and a bunch of the flowers I know Amelia likes best. Taking the tree, I strip it''s bark and leaves, then fashion a large tub and several smaller trays. Next, I use fire magic to reduce the rest of the wood to a fine white ash, and dump it into the tub.


    "Hmm, wonder which oil will work best." I mumble to myself as I take out a large crate full of wooden bottles. Each holds a different type of oil made while practicing our magics. Setting the bottles aside, I fill the tub with boiling hot water. "Okay, lye is potassium hydroxide, and I already know how to sense potassium from my Fertilize spell. So... Yes, there it is."


    Having found the magic ingredient, I then dump most of the water and everything else into the fire pit. Cooling the water down and starting with small samples to get the ratio right. I mix the concentrated lye water with each type of oil, dumping all the leftovers into it''s one tray. The soaps are very soft, so I end up having to draw out the excess moisture. I''m left with a few dozen tiny soaps, each around the size of my thumbnail.


    "Now to test for lather." I conjure some water and try out each soap on the back of my hand. "Oh, yeah. This one''s good, and Amelia will love what it''s made from." I say to myself. "Oops, almost forgot the flowers."


    Drying said flowers out, I then add them to my chosen oil before mixing in the lye and pouring it into the trays. "They''d be a bit soft if I couldn''t control the moisture content directly." I complain to the air. "Maybe I can figure out how to hydrogenate the oils.. be nice to have some margarine too. Never thought I''d miss dairy this much."


    "Tell me about it." Amelia says peeking over my shoulder. "I''d kill for some real meat though. That stuff you made has the right texture, but even with all the spices we''ve tried it just doesn''t taste right." She''s talking about some seitan I made from some wheat gluten, and used way too much magic to give it the same mouth feel as chicken.


    "Was, I talking to myself again?" I rub my head, embarrassed. "Yeah, well, it''s that or rat steaks. So, how was your bath?" I change the subject and hand her a bar of soap. "Here. You''re gonna love this."


    "Smells nice, much better than what we just used. No grit either, I''m surprised it''s so hard. Did you use that leftover beeswax?"


    "No, I didn''t even think of that, I just used magic to dry it out." I explain. "You''re really gonna love what it''s made of though." I hold up the empty oil bottle and rotate it so she can see the carving.


    "Is that?" She asks before erupting into laughter at my nod. "Oh, that''s perfect. I don''t know if she''ll love it, or hate it, but it''s perfect."


    "I know, right?" I grin. "So, where''s the girls? And, you''re out early. Or did I lose track of time again?" I say looking up to see the sun hasn''t moved very far.


    "Oh, they''re still in there, I just tried out that shower of yours. Thank you for that, by the way. Soooo good!" She hugs me. "I wanted to get started on dinner. That, and I was hoping we could take a bath together later."


    I clean up my mess, mostly just by tossing everything I didn''t want to keep in the firepit, then move to help Amelia with dinner preparations. She tasks me with making the bread, like always. I take my time and knead it by hand while we chat about nothing in particular.


    The sun is barely a hand above the horizon by the time Marta and her niece leave the bath house. The bread is almost finished, and the stew only has a little while more to simmer. So, I tell the guys to take a quick shower, and promise that they can soak to their hearts content later.


    ***


    "Oh, this is delicious, miss Amelia." Keegan says after his first spoonful. "Best we''ve had for weeks. Carl''s probably the best cook amongst us, but that''s not saying much. Sorry Carl." Carl just grunts and continues eating.


    "Keegan''s quite right." Marta speaks up. "You could easily best most of the, so-called, top chefs in the Capital. Don''t suppose you have any wine to go with this?"


    "Ah, sorry no. Sorrel tried once, but it did not turn out very good, at all." Amelia ends flatly


    "Hey, I told you it just needed some time to age... for like a century, or two." I joke. "Seriously though, that stuff could strip paint. We''ve got plenty of juice, though. and, Amelia had me bake up some treats for desert after we learned we''d be having visitors."


    "He can do magic, and he bakes. Why couldn''t my idiot parents have engaged me to someone like him." Abigail sighs.


    "Abigail! My brother may be an idiot, but he''s still your father and deserves your respect." Marta scolds the sullen girl.


    "Sorry, kinda seeing someone right now." I shoot Amelia a smile. "Is that why you''re traveling to the Capital? For her wedding?" I ask, rather repulsed by the whole idea of arranged marriages.


    "Uh, not exactly." Marta starts. "More like the opposite, actually. I do love my brother, but like Abby said. He, and his wife, can be rather boneheaded at times."


    "Boneheaded?" The girl snorts. "Is that what you call them selling me off to some fat, old, baron in exchange for some vague promises? Boneheaded?"


    "Now, dear. You''re safe now. No border baron from Cendassa can get to you here in Larendath, least of all in the capital." Marta tries to soothe her niece.


    "So, you rescued her and are going to shelter her in the Capital?" Amelia asks.


    "I could do no less for my favorite niece.-" Marta says before being interrupted by her Abigail.


    "I''m your only niece."


    "You''re still my favorite." She counters. "I make the trip out there every few years to visit Mother, and Abigail and I have always gotten along. So, when one day I get a letter sent by messenger bird said that she was to be wed to the old baron after her next birthday. Well, I dropped everything and rushed over." She takes a deep breath. "Meeting the creepy old bastard in person told me everything I needed to know. So, I snuck her out of there that night."


    "Wow." Amelia says taken aback. "I know he''s from Cendassa, but aren''t you a little worried? What about her family?"


    "Not at all." Marta state confidently. "My brother can toady his way out of it, and I''ve got quite a few patrons in Larendath."


    "That''s right! Auntie Marta''s one of the best painters in the city. She''s done portraits for all the nobility." Abby gushes.


    "Well, maybe not all of them." Marta says downplaying her achievements, but a hint of pride still leaks into her voice.


    "Oh? Maybe we''ll book an appointment once we get to the Capital. If we ever get there." I let loose an exasperated sigh. "Seriously, I wish I knew teleportation magic, but I don''t even know where to start with something like that. Or, if it''s even possible, for that matter."


    "You''re so powerful, though. I''m sure you could figure it out." Abby says. "I''ve read stories about Awakened who could fly, and just poof in wherever they want. It must be so amazing."


    "I''ve read stories like that too. Somehow, I doubt they were written by the mages themselves." I say with a rueful smile. "And what you saw earlier wasn''t so much power, as skill. Plantshape is my highest leveled spell, and even then, if I hadn''t used my staff, it would have dropped me on my ass trying to be that flashy. Just ask Amelia what happened when I was making our wagon." I give my girl a kiss.


    "Yeah, he can be a dumbass at times." Amelia smirks at me.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    "Oh my gods!" Marta gasps. "How did I miss that work of art? Did you really make that yourself?"


    "Yeah, the whole thing took a few hours. The carvings were a bit of an apology for a pretty big dumbass moment. You''re welcome to look it over later, but for now. Who wants desert?" I pull a half dozen pies, and a few platters of various sweets from my inventory.


    ***


    "That didn''t go too bad." I say to Amelia after we''ve retired to the vardo for the night. "Sorry for showing off earlier."


    "It turned out alright. But, I think somebody''s got a bit of a crush on you."


    "I know! That guy Carl was checking out my ass all night." I huff indignantly.


    "Oh. Ha ha." Amelia deadpans. "I''m serious."


    "Yeah, I know." I give her an understanding smile. "I think we should tell her aunt that she''s a potential Awakened. I don''t think Abby''s ready for the power yet, and who knows who she''ll run into in the Capital. But, I''m sure not going to awaken her though. Last crazy girl I did that to jumped straight into bed with me." I get a swat on the shoulder for that remark.


    "Probably a good idea. Do you know what affinities she has?"


    "Uh-huh, I could practically feel the campfire being drawn towards her after dinner."


    "Really? Now, I''m doubly glad you''re not going to awaken her. Just imagine a flighty teenage girl with fire magic in the middle of the grasslands."


    "Doubly glad, eh?" I cock an eyebrow at the water mage sitting next to me. "Don''t tell me you''re jealous. Oh no. You are. Of that little thing? She may only be a couple years younger than you but she comes off like a little brat half the time."


    "Nnn." She grunts. "Not about her, not really. Just worried about once we get to the City. Everyone''s gonna want a piece of you."


    "Like that''s not true for a certain beautiful blonde water mage? I''m not worried, and neither should you be."


    "But, I am. And, you weren''t exactly truthful about your little show with the bathhouse not being a display of power. I couldn''t handle that volume of water like that, but you did it with wood, and didn''t even get short of breath. You''re only level four, and I''d wager you''re already one of, if not the, strongest mage in this part of the world. And with your growth..." She trails off.


    "I''m sorry. I can''t do anything about my strength, but I''ll try not to be so flashy in the future."


    "Hah! I''ll believe that when I see it." She barks out.


    I give her a wry smile. "I''ll admit to being somewhat impulsive. But." I cup the side of her face. "If you haven''t noticed. All my showy displays are for you. I''ve still got some hang-ups from.. before. And, I keep trying to impress you because deep down I have trouble believing that someone so beautiful, and so talented, not only wants to be with me. But she accept who.. what I am."


    "You''re Sorrel, that''s all you need to be. I know what those kinds of doubts are like, I was just having some myself. They never really disappear, but I think I know how to get rid of them for a while." She smiles and takes my hand into hers. Standing she pulls me up with her. "Now. Come on. I want to break in that bath."


    ***


    "Ah, Miss Marta, you''re up early. Good." I say to the painter from my seat at the table. "Could we speak for a moment, it''s somewhat important."


    "Is everything alright?" She asks warily.


    "Yes, everything''s fine. But, there''s something you need to know about your niece." I say after casting Soundproof around us.


    "Oh, she''s just a kid with a crush, you don''t need to worry about it." Marta rushes out.


    "Heheh, no not that. What I wanted to talk to you about was your niece¡¯s magic."


    Her face goes still, like she''s having trouble processing what I just said. "But Abigail doesn''t have magic..?" She eventually offers.


    "Not yet." I say plainly. "After I awakened Amelia I gained the ability to sense potential mages around me. Your niece is the first one I''ve met."


    "Wha..? How? Little Abby? Really?" She splutters each question out.


    "Yes really. Yes Abigail. And, I''m afraid I don''t know anything about the how¡¯s or why¡¯s of what makes some people have magic. I tell you this about her now, because I doubt I''m the only one with the ability to sense potential mages. Once you reach the city she may run into someone else that can."


    "So, you won''t be awakening her?" She sounds a little disappointed.


    "Sorry, no. She seems a bit immature to handle the responsibility just yet. That and the middle of the grasslands is not the best spot for a fire mage to awaken to her powers."


    "F-Fire Mage. Oh no!" She covers her mouth to hide a look of shock. "She''d want to play with it all the time, and all that dry grass. Oh no." She repeats herself.


    "Exactly!"


    "This, this is, I don''t even know. S-should I tell her? No! I need to tell her, she''d hate me if she found out I knew for weeks and didn''t tell. Oh, she''s going to be insufferable." After speaking to herself for a bit, Marta gives me a look. "Hey, Sorrel? I know you won''t awaken her, but could you please tell her. She''ll come straight to you with questions anyways..."


    "Yeah, I thought you might ask, but let''s wait ''til after breakfast." I look behind her and drop the Soundproofing. "Mornin'' Abby. Care for some breakfast? I was just about to make waffles, don''t have any dairy but I''ve found a recipe that works pretty good."


    "Mmm, yes please. Uh, what''s a waffle?"


    "It''s like a crispier pancake with little pockets to hold syrup. Earth!" I summon half a dozen polished stone waffle irons onto the table and use fire magic to start heating them. "These are waffle irons. Don''t touch, they''re hot. Normally they''re cast iron, but my earth magic isn''t that good yet."


    "That is so amazing. What I wouldn''t give to have magic." She says and Marta and I just eye each other.


    "Let me focus for a minute here, we don''t have any leavening agents, so I have to do this the hard way." That said. I remove everything I''ll need from my inventory. I first coat the irons with oil, then split off six blobs of premade batter. ''Having an inventory that keep everything fresh is so awesome!'' I think to myself and get a little ''you''re welcome'' *Ding* from Temmie-chan.


    As soon as the batter hits the pans, I close the lids and use air magic to fluff everything up as it cooks. Moving the waffles to a large platter as soon as they''re done, I then repeat the process until there''s more than enough for everyone.


    "Help yourselves everyone." I say after dismissing the conjured cookers. "Sorry there''s no butter, but they go great with fresh fruit, and there''s a bunch of different jams and jellies to try. This bottle has maple syrup, and this one has a concentrated nectar, it''s very sweet."


    "Mmm." - "So fluffy." - "So good." Various appreciative noises fill the table as everyone digs in.


    "Glad you all like it, but you should try some made with buttermilk. I swear, I''m going to fill half my inventory with dairy the next time I have to go anywhere."


    "Then I''ll fill mine with meat." Amelia responds to my grumbling.


    "What is an Inventory? Do all awakened get one?" Abby asks around a mouthful of syrupy waffle.


    "Swallow, then talk, dear." Her aunt chastises the girl.


    "Gulp. Sorry."


    "That''s alright. The system gives Awakened a place to store anything they''d like. whatever''s kept in there doesn''t rot, it even stays the same temperature as when it was first placed inside."


    "That''s amazing, I wish I could be an awakened." Abby says after clearing her plate.


    "Oh? what would you do if you got magic right now." I ask the girl.


    "That''s easy." The girl says. "I''ve always wanted to throw around fireballs like in the stories." Marta''s eyes widen when she hears this.


    "You do know you''re surrounded by wooden walls right now? And outside that, a bunch of trees and bushes. And outside that, nothing but dry grass for leagues."


    "Well yeah, but it''s not it''s all just gonna burst into flames." She tries to counter.


    "And that dismissive attitude is why you will not be getting magic anytime soon." I say flatly. Watching her face go through contortions as she works out what I just said.


    "Wha? huh?" Her face finally settles on confusion. "You say that like I-."


    "Have magic, yes. You have to potential to be a Fire mage, it just hasn''t been unlocked yet, and won''t be until you mature enough to handle it." Her eyes start going wide at my words. "Fire is not the tame little thing you see in your fireplace at home." I make a hologram in my hand showing a kitten made of fire. "It is a ravenous beast that wants nothing more than to devour everything it can." I swiftly morph it into a slavering tiger standing on the table that looks like it''s about to bite the girl''s face off.


    "AAAAAHHHHH!!" She tumbles backwards off her chair and I catch her on a cushion of air so she doesn''t get hurt. Everyone else at the table, aside from Amelia who knew I had planned this little light show, shrank back but was otherwise frozen in place by fear.


    "You''re in no danger." I use Soothing Voice and shift the girl back into her seat and shrink the tiger back down to a kitten and have it prance around her empty plate. "You have magic, Abigail. But, you are not ready for it." I state simply and with a tone of authority.


    "I-I.. But why?" She sniffles.


    "Do you remember the wagon story last night?" I lean forward and play with the illusionary kitten. "I screwed up. I made one simple mistake and nearly died because of it. Would have, if it wasn''t for Amelia." I send the kitten over to nuzzle my hero. "And, that was with a Nature spell. Just making some fancy wood. What would have happened if I was playing around with a fire spell?"


    "..."


    "Miss Marta. You''re a painter, right? Could you please describe your home and studio." Seeing where I''m going, she gives a quick description of her home. And I model it like a dollhouse on the table. Lastly adding a tiny Abigail playing with an even tinier kitten.


    "Please don''t." She breathes.


    "I don''t want to. The last thing I want to do is frighten or hurt you. But, I would be hurting you more if I didn''t show you this." A miniscule spark flies off of the kitten¡¯s tail.


    "Nooo.." Abigail and her miniature cry.


    "Or this." The house fire is replaced by a vast field of grass. Mini-Abby walking along with a kitten beside her as tigers destroy everything in her wake.


    Tears flow down the long haired girls face.


    "Or this." This time the miniature is in a crowded market with the kitten riding on her shoulders. She gets knocked down. A flash of anger on her face, swiftly replaced by horror as the kitten turns into the beast once more. It mauls through the crowd, but instead of blood splashing everywhere. There''s only clouds of ash.


    "Do you understand now Abigail?" The image of destruction fades leaving only the kitten, rolling on it''s back trying to swat at a tiny spark. Before it too fades away. "I didn''t want to teach you this lesson, not like this. But you need to learn it!"


    "No!" She shouts. "I don''t even want magic if that''s all it''s going to be!"


    "Yes, you do." I say simply. My voice still soothing and calm. "Because for all the destruction it can cause if misused. It can create so much more. Now let me give you one more show. This time, pure fire magic instead of just light. Amelia, an Ice-shield, if you would." I ask before standing and walking over to the fire pit.


    Once there I take a few pouches of minerals I''d collected by sifting the soil during these weeks of practice. Taking out my staff, I cast a simple spell. "Flame!" Pushing my Mana Manipulation to the max, I use the flame it self to hold the contents aloft, the pouches themselves having burnt up almost instantly.


    The insides quickly melt and fuse into glass, the larger one clear, the smaller three, red orange and yellow. Taking the colored ones, I bend and stretch and fuse them together, making a tiny teardrop shaped flame. Tongues of flames spiraling around each other giving it the illusion of motion. Next I take the larger clear glass and flow it over and around the tiny flame. Where, it swiftly takes the shape of a kitten, curled up in sleep. Innocent and cute, but with a heart of fire.


    "Fireproof!" The glass sculpture falls into my enspelled hand. Swiftly hardening as I draw the heat away, tempering in seconds instead of hours.

 # 13

    *Ding*


    -Mana Manipulation has evolved into Mana Control-


    ''Thank you Temmie-chan'' I say in my head before speaking aloud. "For you Abigail. May you always know exactly what magic is capable of." I sit back down and place the glass kitten in front of the awed girl. Amelia comes up and hugs me from behind. I''m hiding it well, but she can tell that I''m nearly drained.


    "It''s not even hot." Abby says, gingerly testing it.


    "It''s safe, she''s yours now, you can pick her up.


    She does, turning the kitten about to examine it from all angles. Until she gasps and nearly drops it. See, the kitten isn''t really sleeping, it''s eyes are open just a crack. And, thanks to some fiber-optic trickery, you can only see the flame coming from its eyes when looking at it head on.


    "Her eyes.. how?" She whispers. "It''s glass... The flames should..." She trails off and gently sets the kitten down.


    "Just a little reminder." I say with a sad smile. "Now, you guys are burning daylight." My smile widens into one full of humor as Amelia lets out a little groan at my pun. "You''re going to have to hustle to reach the next waypoint by dark."


    "Thank you.. For everything." Marta says looking up from her own inspection of the kitten.


    "Not a problem. And, sorry I had to get so dramatic." I shrug.


    "Some lessons can only be learned the hard way." The woman says with a loving look at her niece. "Thank you for teaching her this one, and for leaving her with such a.. unique reminder." The girl in question is just staring silently at the glass sculpture.


    "We''ll meet again in the Capital. Once she''s ready, you have but to say the word."


    With that, the painter hands her niece the kitten before shooing her into the carriage. Her men having already started gathering everything after my earlier reminder. I just sat there with Amelia at my back until they rode away.


    "Thank the gods. They''re finally gone." I gasp out slumping onto the table.


    "Dumbass." Amelia says lovingly. "What happened to just giving the girl a bit of a scare? And what did you do to the sculptures eyes? I didn''t get a good look."


    "Oh, that? That''s why I''m so drained right now." I say. Rolling my head to the side so I can see her. "You know how water and glass can bend light? Well, I made it so that when looking at the kitten''s face you can only see the flame from it''s eyes. I felt she still needed something tangible to drive the lesson home."


    "Dumbass showoff." She says. Sitting next to me and wrapping me in a hug.


    "But, I''m your dumbass showoff." Smiling at her before looking up to the wall. "You can come down now, they''re gone."


    "Yay! Waffles!" The pixie dives onto the platter and starts shoveling the confectionary into her face. "Amelia''s right though. You are a dumbass. Doing all that work with just Fire magic when you should save your power for making more treats."


    "Heh, I may be a dumbass for doing it like that, but it paid off big." A smug smile forms on my face. "Mana Manipulation got upgraded into Mana Control."


    "..." The tiny, winged woman just keeps shoveling leftovers into her face. She''s been suspicious about my growth, and we''ve made it a bit of a game to tease her about it.


    Things fall back into a routine again, after that. It takes another week and a half for someone from the kingdom to arrive. But they''re just a small squad from the town closest to the grasslands who''d received orders via messenger bird to secure the dungeon.


    Just having other people there to watch over it is a great relief, and you could practically see the built up stress just flow out of us. But, we can''t leave just yet. The squad sent a bird of their own back with confirmation, but we still need someone from the Capital here to sign off on our claim. So, it''s back to waiting.


    ***


    "I don''t see why you don''t just show yourself. You can claim to be our companion or something." I tell Apricot. She''s been spending most of her time hiding in our wagon ever since the squad got here. So, much so that I built her, her own little home, which she makes me soundproof every night. "What are you going to do when we leave?"


    "Your soundproofing is up, right?" She asks, even though she can see that it is. One of the perks of being a purely magical race. "I was kinda hoping that maybe..."


    "That we''d take you with us?" I finish her sentence.


    "Shh! What if Co hears?" Co being short for Circle Orchard. The name stuck, not surprising since the next best one was The Rat Pit. "I don''t want to hurt his feelings."


    I just smile at her antics. "Look, we already saw this coming. It took a while but we''re friends now, so Amelia and I are happy with you tagging along." I explain to the frazzled little thing. "I''ve been able to make Mana stones ever since I unlocked Control. So, that''s not an issue."


    "Oh, I forgot you could do that." Her wings still.


    "Then how where you going to come with us?" Amelia asks.


    "Umm..." She looks up hopefully. "I was hoping one of you would.. bond with me."


    "Like you are with Co?" I ask.


    "What exactly would that mean for us?" Amelia adds.


    "Yes, but instead of just being a drain, I''d be able to help you." Apricot spurts out. "I can draw in and purify the mana you absorb. You''ll actually be getting more mana overall, even with some siphoning off back to me."


    "Wow, that sounds great." I say. "What are the downsides?" My inner paranoid adds.


    "For you none." She spits out, afraid we won''t accept. "It''s only a risk for my folk, and then only because the people we bond to could die far away from any other mana source."


    "We don''t plan to die anytime soon, but here. Just in case." I toss her a pouch full of mana stones. "Keep that in your inventory, and you won''t have to worry."


    Apricot just bursts into tears at my possibly life-saving generosity.


    "So, you want to do it?" I ask Amelia. "It''s not like I need more power."


    "Oh, sure. Take pity on the poor Water Mage." Amelia jokes.


    "Not pity, just smart planning." I explain seriously. "I feel like I''m right on the cusp of Magical sight, and once I crack it. Then, chances are, I''ll be able to copy whatever she does for you."


    "Argh! Of course you would have thought of something like that." Amelia hits me with a pillow.


    "How can you just say stuff like that?" The pixie finally rejoins the conversation. "Something that should be impossible for anyone else, and you say it like it''s inevitable. Tell me the truth, please. Are you actually a dragon?"


    Amelia and I can''t help it, and just bust up laughing. "Oh gods! You, a dragon?" She gasps out. "Oh, that''s a good one, Apricot."


    "You know?" I say, catching my breath. "I actually thought about it for a second, but the cost was too high." Amelia seems intrigued, and Apricot looks even more lost. "And besides, who wants to sit in a cave hoarding gold all day, or whatever it is dragons do... Though." A wicked glint appears in my eyes. "I do rather enjoy eating maidens." I add, causing Amelia to hit me with her pillow again before hiding her blushing face behind it.


    "Ugh!" Apricot groans. "No sex talk, please. It''s bad enough that you two are going at it all the time as it is. And you!" She points her tiny hand at me. "Quit being totally serious while talking about the impossible. Please just tell me the truth."


    "I will." I let all the humor wash from my face. "After you bond with Amelia, and we are finally away from this place. Then, I promise to tell you everything."


    "You mean it?" She says. Face full of fearful hope. "You''re not just teasing me again?"


    "He means it." Amelia comes to my defense. "I don''t know if you''ve noticed but he doesn''t lie, like ever. If he says he''s going to do something, then it''s as good as done."


    "Well, I know he''s not Fae, and that stupid rumor is about as false as can be." The actual Fae speaks up.


    "He''s just Sorrel."


    "She''s right." I agree. "And if you want to find out, you''ll just have to wait. Unfortunately, even if the delegation arrives tomorrow it''ll probably be a few days before we can get out of here. And, I''m guessing you don''t want to bond with her until after we leave the dungeon."


    "Yeah, It''s not like he''ll care, not really. But, I''ll feel bad." She slumps. "I never wanted to be a dungeon pixie, and I''m no good at it. He barely even talks to me anymore. Do you think, once we leave, we could find someway to contact the clans and let them know about him? It''ll take years for his signal to reach them otherwise."


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    "Of course." Amelia stops herself from reaching out, afraid her gesture of comfort would hurt the tiny creature. "We''ll send missives to the nearest areas with magical sources. Hire a local to give them word. I''m sure daddy knows some contacts that are trustworthy."


    "Thank you." Apricot looks relieved. "Heheheh." She starts laughing. "I can just imagine it now. Some lunker walking up to the nearest dungeon or mana spring and reading off a scroll. "Attention magical creatures, a new dungeon has formed in the middle of bloody nowhere." Hah." She laughs out again.


    "Sounds good, but I think it''s about time for bed." The pixie groans out at this. "And tomorrow you get to meet the squad."


    "No, I don''t wanna." She huffs.


    "He''s right." Amelia adds. "If you''re going to be living with us, you can''t just stay hidden away all the time. The guys are great, maybe a little wimpy about magic stuff, but that''s just mean they''ll give you even more respect."


    "I know right. Haven''t been able to do anything big since they got here. They just stand there gawping at the littlest things. You''d think they''d at least get used to how I make breakfast by now."


    "Sweetie." Amelia coo''s at me. "It''s not really their fault. You do tend to put on a bit of a show."


    "I may not know what you are." Apricot starts. "But, I do know what you aren''t, and that''s subtle."


    "Fine, pick on me." I wag my finger at the tiny woman. "But, guess who''s not getting breakfast if she doesn''t come out to meet the guys."


    "Hmph!" She hmphs, and flies into her house. Only to shout out a second later. "I''ll think about it. And don''t forget the bloody Soundproofing, you great bloo.." I cast it just to cut off her rant.


    Amelia Sidles up closer to me. "Are you sure about telling her.. everything?" She asks leaning her head on my shoulder.


    "Yeah, probably would have eventually. But, with an actual bond between us, she''s tying her life to ours, and the least I can do is repay some of that trust."


    "And that''s why I love you, you bloody lunker."


    "Oh really? I thought it was for some of my more dragon like tendencies."


    ***


    "Huh?" Something snaps me out of my trance. "Damn! I was so close. Oh, hey Apricot. What''s up? Finally decide to interact with the guys? I know Amelia snuck you a plate earlier."


    It''s after noon, and I''m still trying to master Magical sight. Amelia''s deep into her own spell work, out behind the wall to not to scare the guards. And they''re.. Well, they look bored as hell. Being a guard is already boring work, but they''re used to at least being in a town. They found out real quick that being stuck in the middle of bloody nowhere with no one else around sucks. To put it lightly.


    "Yeah, yeah. And sorry for disturbing you. But, it looks like the delegation is almost here." The tiny woman tells me what I''ve been waiting to hear for weeks now.


    "Really? There''s been no dust trail. Ah!" I exclaim. "They must have a mage who''s keeping the dust down."


    "Yeah, I only spotted them by chance when I was flying around. Want me to get Amelia? It looked like we only have half an hour or so until they get here." She says looking both excited and nervous at the prospect of new people, and more importantly, the chance to get out of here.


    "Please do, I''ll warn the guards." She zips over the wall and I go give the guys the good news.


    Thirty minutes later we''re all standing outside the gate, watching a several caravans and over a dozen riders roll up. Most of the riders seem to be military, but I see one well well-dressed rider stiffen for a moment as he crosses into the dungeon''s territory.


    "So, that''s the mage? I thought they''d be in one of the carriages." I lean over and say to Amelia.


    "He was probably excited to see it firsthand. Little does he know just how boring it''ll be after just a few days." She breathes out a sigh before perking up. "Mommy? Daddy?" She shouts and runs forward after spotting a middle aged couple looking out from the window of one the carriages.


    The woman 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, Amelia seems to have gotten those from her father. He''s got a receding hairline, and what looks a normally cheerful face that looks to have been under enormous stress recently.


    I watch her go with sad eyes for what is bound to be a tearful reunion. "Greetings, Sir Mage." I step forward and call out to the well-dressed rider once he dismounts. "Welcome to Circle Orchard Dungeon. And, boy am I glad you guys finaly got here."


    "Gave myself away, did I?" Says the man.


    He''s somewhat taller than me, with light sandy brown hair. Maybe around thirty-five years of age. He not fit, but not fat either, decently good looking. Not that I''m a great judge of that, when it comes to men at least. But, he doesn''t look like he''d have any trouble getting a date.


    "The Aura''s a bit shocking at first." I explain.


    "Ah." He nods. "You must be Sorrel then, right? And that''s obviously Amelia." He looks over at the crying family. "Poor family, they''ve been going through hell this whole trip. Doing their best not to show it, mind you, but it''s hard to hide something like that in such a small group. You have my and the Kingdom''s thanks for catching those bastards."


    I just nod.


    "Name''s Coen, by the way. Earth Mage. I got a quick debrief from uh, Charlie before they practically shoved us on the road. But, would you mind filling me in on things."


    "Not much to fill in. It''s been, thankfully rather boring. Not a peep from the dungeon, not since that first attack." I go on to give him a full run down of the attack and it''s aftermath, and a general outline of events since.


    "And you wove that spell throughout this whole clearing? I thought I felt something, but passed it off as the dungeon''s influence. And, you have been holding it this whole time? Would you mind if I asked your level?"


    "Not the whole time, I do need to sleep after all." I would chuckle, but the sight of Amelia and her family has robbed me of any humor, for the moment. "And the grass actually does all the heavy lifting for me. I grew it with the intent to support and power the spell. That''s what got me to level four. Feels like I''m a hair''s breadth away from five right now."


    "Remarkable! I''d read that Nature mages could do such things, but I thought they''d have to be much higher level. I mean, I''m level fifteen, and I doubt I could cover an area this large with Tremorsense for more than an hour."


    "Eh, I''ve got a knack for plants." I understate my abilities. "That, and most of my practice goes straight into mastering control. Now, if you''ll excuse me." I say turning my attention to Amelia and her parents.


    "Ah, yes. Of course." He follows my gaze to see the family heading this way. "I should confer with the captain, anyways."


    "Tell him if he needs anything. Food, supplies, buildings, whatever. He just needs to ask."


    Thank you, that''ll be a big help. I''ll leave you to it then, Sorrel. Mister, Miss Rialta" He gives them a nod as they arrive, before heading over to where the army guys are setting up.


    "Sir, Ma''am. You have my deepest apologies for not being there in time to save your son." I say solemnly. I don''t really know what else to say.


    "Nonsense!" Kaitlyn, Amelia''s mother says. Her eyes still red from crying. "It''s the Gods'' own blessing that you were there at all. You saved my little Amy."


    "Mom." Amelia whines


    She ignores her daughter''s dislike for nicknames. "You healed her head wound. Caught those bastards!" She snarls. "Protected her all this time. And, you gave her magic. My little girl.. My little Amy has magic, she''s a Mage. All thanks to you." She chokes out before clutching her daughter, fresh tears washing down her face.


    "She''s right, Son." Amelia''s father, Turner says, rubbing his wife''s back. "It''s a miracle that you were there at all."


    "... I still wish I could have done more. To spare you and Amelia from that pain." My voice catches in my throat when I say her name.


    "I know, Son. I know. Why don''t you show us to this wagon Amy told us about. Get us all out of this sunlight."


    "Of course." Taking his offered out, I nod and walk us over.


    The initial awkwardness is over, and seems to have taken most of the tears with it, for now. We reach camp after a short walk, and the couple marvel over the vardo and it''s carvings. Turner, his inner merchant coming out, seems very interested in the wood itself.

 # 14

    We''re about to head over to the bathhouse when Coen comes walking up with two people in tow. A Silver haired, hard looking man, wearing a uniform. His age, makes me think he''s the Captain. The second, a woman of around forty with straight shoulder-length brown hair. She''s got somewhat plain features, but her face is filled with excitement which brings it to life.


    "Sorrel." Coen speaks up. "I''d like to introduce you to Captain Nicholas Brant and Rea Garman, city planner."


    "Pleasure to meet you." I offer each my hand to shake in turn, before turning to Amelia. "Looks like this might take a while, why don''t you show your parents the bath. I''m sure they''d appreciate the chance to get cleaned up before supper." She agrees, and leads them over after her parents get some things from their carriage.


    "A pleasure to meet you as well master Rumex. Larendath owes you a great debt." The captain says after my lover and her family walk away.


    "One percent for life, if what Charlie told me is accurate. And, just Sorrel is fine."


    "Hah! Just so." The military man barks out. "And worth every copper."


    "Sir Orent informed us that you offered to make us some buildings." The city planner speaks up. Her eyes dancing over the wagon behind me. "Might I ask if that is true, and if so. How much aid you''d be willing to offer?"


    "Sure, but only if you relax." I say with a laugh. "I''m still kinda new to the whole mage thing, and aside from this long delayed trip, I''ve spent my entire life in the woods."


    "Hah." This earns a laugh from Amelia as she rejoins us. "You don''t have to worry, he''s not going to take offense to anything you say or ask for. Well, not unless you say that he can''t show off."


    "Hey!" I cry out indignantly.


    "Oh thank goodness. Coen here said you seemed like a decent sort, but you never know when you''re going to run into a touchy mage." The woman says with relief.


    "We''re not all that bad, Rea" The earth mage tries to defend his kind. But, I can tell there must have been some truth to her words.


    "Yeah, yeah. But, better safe then sorry. So, Sorrel, what can you do? I mean I see the wagon, and that amazing bathhouse. But, I still need a good idea what you can do before I can make plans."


    "And, I''d actually like to know why." The captain adds. "You''ve already done more than enough just by finding and securing the dungeon. Nice name by the way."


    "Yeah, it was that or "The Rat Pit.""


    "Hey." This time Amelia is the one getting indignant.


    "Simple return on investment." I continue. "The sooner this place can start making money for us. The sooner I can quit regretting not just blasting it into oblivion. And, to answer your question." I turn to the city planner. "I built these walls in a couple hours, after dealing with an attack. But that was nearly a month ago. I could probably build a small town in the same time now, especially if I don''t have to conserve mana for fear of another attack."


    "Damn!" Coen mutters. "Are you really only level four? It''d take me almost a week to build a town from stone."


    "Plantshaping and Growth are my highest level spells. That, and well, wood''s easier to move around than stone. Isn''t it?" I explain, not really seeing what the big deal is.


    "I think that''s only you dear." Amelia gives an exasperated sigh. "Seriously, he can make wood flow like water, and that was before he unlocked Mana Control." She says to the frazzled looking Earth Mage.


    "Y-you h-have Mana C-Control?" Coen stutters "That''s not possible! I''ve been trying for years to improve my Mana Manipulation to that level..." He trails off looking defeated.


    "Umm, sorry. Have you ever tried weaving? It worked wonders for me." I say, helpfully.


    "As amusing as this is." The captain says with a smile in Coen''s direction. "If it''s true, then it''s a great boon for us. The word was already spreading as we left the Capital and I expect hordes of treasure seekers here any day now."


    "Ugh." I groan. "One more reason for us to get out of here. Look, draw up your plans, Rea. I''ll throw up whatever you want tomorrow, and then I''d like for us to be out of here. We''ve already wasted far too much time here, as it is."


    "Understandable." The Captain says. "If, I might trouble you, before you leave, for some of those supplies you offered?" He asks hopefully.


    "Of course." I let the brief flash of irritation I felt, at being trapped here by hordes of people, wash away. "Safe to assume food is top priority? Yeah? Okay, I''ll go throw up a couple silos and fill them with grain. Make me a list while I''m doing that, anything plant related. Wood in any size shape or form; paper, fabrics, herbs, anything that grow from the ground, really. Or, is made from something that does. My only limitation is whether I have the seeds or not."


    "You can make paper?" Rea asks hopefully.


    I just pull out a large box full from my inventory before grabbing Amelias hand and walking towards the gate. "We''re finally getting out of here." I can''t keep the excitement out of my voice.


    "You''re being rude again Sorrel." She chastises me.


    "I know, and I don''t care. We''re getting out of here. Hahahah!" I burst out laughing at the sheer joy of finally being able to leave. "Hell, I''m really only giving them tomorrow out of respect for your parents. I thought they¡¯d want a day to recover before heading back on the road."


    "Speaking of." Amelia turns serious. "When are you going to ask?"


    "It''s not too soon? I''d thought to let them bring up the idea first. I''m sure it''s on their minds already, even with everything else they''re dealing with." I pause. "Are you doing okay? I know you''ve had more time to deal with it than they have, but this has got to be re-opening the wound for you."


    "It''s hard." She takes a deep breath. "But not as hard and not having them around was."


    I just hug her to my side as we walk behind our little fort.


    "I love you." She gives me a tighter squeeze once we reach the practice field. "Now, are you gonna show off, or what?" She says surprising me.


    "You''re giving me permission?" I ask, incredulous.


    "You said it yourself. We''re finally getting out of here. So, go nuts. Everyone''s followed us to watch, you might as well give ''em a show."


    "I love you." I give her a last squeeze before releasing her. "Time for some theatrics, then." The widest grin I''ve ever had showing on my face.


    "Oh, boy." I hear her mutter, but it''s too late now.


    I take out my staff and give it a twirl before slamming one end into the ground. A ripple spreads outward away from us, the ground moving like water but not making a sound or releasing a tremor. Once the ripple reaches out around twenty meters, it seems to run into something at two spots almost thirty meters apart.


    These two spots seem to suck in the bigger ripple, only to make their own smaller ones. They don''t spread as far, but each one''s amplitude is much higher. They grow, and grow, until a giant oak seems to erupt from each spot fully formed. They reach a good thirty meters in height, with straight trunks over five meters wide.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Lifting my staff from the ground, I raise it high into the air, pointed in between the trees. Slowly, I lower the tip to the ground, the top most branches start peeling off as I do. Rolling their way down the trunk, they take the bark and a layer of wood with them before disappearing into the ground. Left behind are two massively over-sized sheaves, one of wheat and one oats.


    Everyone is watching in awed silence, most with their mouths wide in shock. There are two exceptions, though. The Captain just looks on with a calculating eye, likely inoculated to showy magics during his long time in service. And, Coen. Poor guy looks dejected, and disbelieving. ''Sorry dude, you may have ten levels on me, but our stats are closer than you''d imagine. And, I can''t be beat when it comes to plant magic.'' I think after seeing the look on his face.


    "Thought that was cool, people? Well, watch this." I say so that only Amelia can hear, but she just shakes her head.


    I slam the staff into the ground once more. The ripple flows out again and shakes the silos, causing a few grains to fall from each sheaf. The wooden grains sink into the ground only to be replaced by fully grown plants. The cereal grains spread out in a circle from each silo, growing and dying in ripples. At first where the grains meet everything seems fine, but the ripples soon increase in speed. This increase causes them to smash into each other, their tops whipping against their neighbors. One side takes the advantage for a second only to lose it the next.


    This continues for a moment, until they seem to come to an agreement and leave a thin strip clear in the middle. But, now that they''re not fighting each other, the waves start coming ever faster. Then, finally, one last big wave where plants twice the size of normal flow out from the silos. They stand there trembling for a moment before collapsing in on themselves, leaving the ground around the giant sheaves barren.


    Then, slowly at first, before picking up speed. All the grains I''d stored under ground starts drifting upward, like rain falling in reverse. It looks like they''re going to keep floating off into the sky. But, as soon as the grains reach a certain height they''re jerked to a stop before they start spiraling down to fill the silos. Once the last grain is in, the sheaves give a little shimmy, as though settling themselves.


    Show over, I lower my head and try to look relaxed. Even though my hands on the staff are the only thing keeping me upright. I even secretly palm the Mana stone I''d made this morning to drain it for some much needed energy.


    "Dumbass." Amelia says softly, so only I can hear. Clearly seeing through my exhaustion.


    "I know, but it was a hell of a show." My grin comes back just as wide.


    People are starting to drift closer to the silos, checking the ground in front of them, as if afraid they''ll sink right in. "Don''t!" Amelia scolds me when she sees my thoughts flash on my face. I just shake my head and chuckle. Not having the energy to play pranks even if I really wanted to.


    "Alright I''m good." I say taking a deep breath. "Let''s go back to the wagon and wait for that list. Thank you for letting me do that. I love you." I kiss the beautiful woman next to me and we walk, hand in hand, to the wall. The energy drained from the Mana stone gives me enough strength to will a doorway ahead of us.


    "Oh, good. I thought you were just going to make us walk through the wall." Amelia sighs in relief.


    "Heh, no. That would be rude."


    Amelia''s parents spot us as we''re walking past the bathhouse. "Oh. There you are." Her mother says, relief evident in her voice. "We just got out of the bath and you were missing. Where''d you go? Where is everyone else?"


    "Sorry Mommy. Sorrel decided to show off." Amelia points behind us where the tops of the silos can easily be seen above the walls.


    Her parents walk over and look up. "Y-you made that while we were in the bath?" Turner''s eyes go wide at the sight.


    "Ah, yeah." I rub my head in embarrassment. "I got a little spooked by the idea of being stuck here by the hordes that Captain Nicholas says are on the way. And, well. Amelia actually gave me permission to show off. Sorry you missed the spectacle."


    "Can Amy make stuff like that?" Her mother asks a bit awed.


    "She can." I say over Amelia''s groan at being called by her nickname. "She''s a Water mage, though. So, they''d be made of ice instead of wood, which probably wouldn''t be very good for the grain. But, she can make some stunning ice sculptures."


    "Our little girl can make something beautiful like that?" Turner''s expression of incredulity is mirrored on his wife.


    "Hey!" Amelia huffs indignantly.


    "Sorry sweetie." Her mom soothes her. "And, the things you made out of clay were so lumpy and misshapen that your father and I could never tell what they were supposed to be until you told us."


    Amelia''s just grumbling, so I step in. "The System helps a lot with that actually. Once you get the basics down, it sorta implants the knowledge of how to do it better into your mind. And with magic, you can just will the image in your mind into existence."


    I hold out my hand, condensing the moisture in the air into an ice sculpture. It''s a little Amelia, or what I imagine she looked like as a child. She''s sitting cross-legged while using both hands to hold up a misshapen lump. A look of pride beaming on her face as she presents it to her parents.


    "I was never that bad." She swats me on the arm.


    "I''m afraid you were sweetie. Oh, it looks just like you." Her mother gingerly picks up the statuette to examine it. "Is there any way we can keep it?"


    "I don''t know how to make spells permanent, yet. But, I''ll be happy to remake it in glass for you later. I''m just a bit drained from filling the silos right now."


    "Glass?" Her father''s eyes light up.


    "So, that''s where she gets that look in her eyes from." I laugh.


    "It''s just like a bag of coins being poured out, isn''t it?" Her mother adds.


    "..."


    "..."


    "Oh, don''t be like that." I try to cheer Amelia up. "I''m just teasing. And, it''s not like I didn''t help you make that big list of things we could make money from."


    "Oh, you keep this one Amy girl." Her father chimes in at that.


    We just look at each other and nod at the same time. "Why don''t we go back to the wagon? I''m sure the Captain will be dropping his list of needed supplies of soon. And, there''s some stuff we should talk about."


    We do, and more tears are spilt, mostly happy this time, but there''s still a few sad ones mixed in. Plans are made, Turner and I are happy to let the girls handle that while we chat and get to know each other.


    Brant dropped off a surprisingly extensive list, he either had a lot of help from Rea, or he used to be a quartermaster. I don''t mind though, and happily begin filling crates and barrels full of everything a town needs to get started. I feel kinda bad for his men, having to haul everything around. But, not bad enough to leave my new family and do it myself.


    Eventually dinner comes, and for once we don''t have to cook for ourselves. Coen comes over as we sit down at one of the picnic tables I made for everyone.


    "Mind if I join you?" He asks a bit sheepishly.


    "Sure, the more the merrier." I gesture to a free spot across from me. Our table is mostly free spots, with just the four of us. I suppose the others are a little wary of disturbing us mages.


    "Thank you." He says, sitting down. "I was hoping I could ask you about your magics. See, I felt you controlling the earth earlier, and I saw the lights in the bathhouse. Just how many magics can you control?"


    "Hmm? All of them, I think. And, thanks for reminding me, I almost forgot to light up the field." I turn and call out to the next table over to warn the military man. "Brant, I''m lighting up the field." Meanwhile Coen''s face has gone wooden.


    A wave of my hand, and at first, it seems like nothing happened. But, if you look outside the gate, you can see all the grass start to glow. I was already running a detection spell through it, so I decided a while back to just add a light spell to it too. That way, I don''t have to cast out a thousand light orbs every night.


    "Did you say all of them?" The man sitting across from me asks. His voice as wooden as his face.


    "Sure." I say nonchalantly. "Been focusing on the basic elements, maybe a bit of gravity magic. But, yeah, I can sense the aspects of the others, like you can sense the aspects of Earth, and Amelia Water. Just didn''t want to go messing around with some of the more abstract stuff until I get some actual magical education. Not just what we''ve been able to piece together ourselves. Ya know?"


    "An ArchMage?" He squeaks out.


    "If you say so." I shrug.


    He clears his throat. "Ah, you wouldn''t know, but it''s rare for an Awakened to have even two schools, let alone three or more. True ArchMagi are almost things of legend. As rare amongst Awakened, as Awakened are amongst the general population. Well, at least now I don''t feel bad about being shown up by someone who''s not even level five yet."


    "Well, truthfully, I probably hit five a bit ago, but I think Temmie''s playing a prank by letting Amelia get there first." The system remains suspiciously silent, pretty much confirming what I''d thought.


    "Temmie?" He seems rather confused.


    "You know? System-chan? The display that pops up when you say Status? She''s got a wicked sense of humor, loves dirty jokes."


    "Of course I know about The System, as you call it. Every Awakened does. But you''re talking like it speaks with you."


    "Well, duh." I roll my eyes. "Did you never bother saying hello? Or, maybe thank her for all the stuff she does for us? And what do you guys call her?"


    "Most call ..Uh, her. The book of knowledge. I''ve never heard of anyone speaking directly to it. her, though. Umm, hello miss System?"


    *...*


    "Aww, are you being shy Temmie-chan? I thought you''d like more people to talk to. No? Are you mad I figured out your prank?"


    *Ding* A sullen tone.


    "Don''t be like that, it was a good joke. I''m sorry I messed it up." I try cheering her back up while Coen looks on astonished. Amelia is trying to explain what''s going on to her parents, So I cast a spell to let them hear what we do. "Let me make it up to you. I''ll even let you watch me polish my staff later." I take said staff from my inventory and rub it lovingly.


    a *Ding* that sounds almost like a choked off snicker.


    "What do you mean it''s too small now?" I deliberately misunderstand her. "Don''t you know it''s not the size of a mage''s staff, but how he uses it?" I hug mine to my chest protectively.


    *Ding**Ding**Ding**Ding**Ding**Ding* Temmie finally loses it, quickly followed by Amelia and her parents. I can even hear a couple titters from Apricot, where ever she''s hiding. Meanwhile, Coen''s just sitting there with his mouth hanging open.

 # 15

    "That''s my System-chan. I''m sorry again, I''m sure you''ll get me next time."


    *Ding**Ding* (You bet I will.)


    Coen eventually snaps out of it. He tries asking a million questions but I tell him to just relax and try to get to know Temmie, maybe try some jokes. Soon, the evening devolves into a pun competition. With the most laughs going to just how bad Coen''s attempts at humor are.


    Eventually things settle down and I remember to remake the ice figurine in glass. I''ve improved since Abby was here, and I''m not screwing around with pure Fire magics so I don''t need Amelia to hold an ice shield for me. I don''t even need to get up from my seat, just pull out a pouch of silicon dioxide I separated from the soil, and start heating it.


    Rea comes over with a twinkle in her eye when she sees what I''m doing. But, I cut her off before she can say anything. "Sorry Rea, I''m not making glass for your new town. Plants are easy, glass is not. Little trinkets like this are about my limit." I''m not exactly lying, as a few dozen of these statuettes really would be my limit. I just don''t feel like giving myself any more work than what I''ve already signed up for.


    "Oh." She seems a bit crestfallen. "Can, I at least watch? I can see it glowing from the heat, but I can''t feel a thing."


    "I think you already figured out that I don''t mind an audience." A sly smile forming on my face as the glass starts to take shape. "Mana Control lets me keep the heat exactly where I want it, and I''ve got a barrier of air magic around it just in case. Though, that''s more to keep things out, than in."


    "I''d overheard Coen call you an Archmage, I just didn''t believe it." She shakes her head. "Nature, light, fire, air." She ticks them off on her fingers.


    "Earth too" Coen adds "That''s how he''s holding it up and shaping it. You''re control is amazing, I can barely even feel it from here."


    "I told you to try weaving. Here." I place a large spool of shiny white thread in front of him. "Glass thread I made but don''t really have a use for. Not realy suitable for fabrics, pretty though. Gold would work too, but you can make that yourself." I chuckle.


    "Quit trying to push your textile obsession on every mage you meet." Amelia laughs and picks up the now finished figurine.


    "Yeah, yeah. You may not like it but it''s still effective, and you know it."


    "Did you really unlock Mana Control by doing this?" The earth mage asks. A look of concentration on his face as he struggles with the unfamiliar task.


    "Mostly, the last push was actually making one of these figure with nothing but Fire Magic." I explain. "Here, watch."


    I take a bale of cotton from my inventory and show him how it''s done. Starting with a thick thread, I make examples of the basic weaves. Before halving the thread size and starting again. I keep going like that until I''m down to thread a single fiber thick. I cast Magnify making that single fiber look as large as what I started with. Then, I half it again, and again, and again, until finally, even under magnification it looks as small as that single fiber I''d started with.


    "That''s about where I was before Mana Manipulation evolved into Control." I tell the wide-eyed mage. Dropping the magnification to reveal a table covered by various grades of cloth, from coarser than burlap, to so fine and sheer it''s almost illusory. "Almost every level I got in Manipulation came from this."


    "Remarkable." Rea breathes out. While examining a twill so fine that even apricot thought it was fancy when I first presented her with some. "Can you make Starweave?" She asks, somewhat hesitantly.


    "That didn''t even take him a week to figure out." Amelia says a bit grumpily. But, I can see the pride in her eyes. "Most of our clothes are made from it, actually. I''ve got so many outfits filling up my inventory that I had to make him stop giving me new clothes."


    I hold up my sleeve and cast magnify once more so they can see the detail of the weave. Rea''s eyes open as wide as saucers. And Amelia''s parents start pawing her clothes, until she dumps a large box full next to them.


    "It''s so fine. I had no idea you were walking around in starweave this whole time." Amelia''s mother chimes in. "And you''ve got a whole wardrobe full of this?"


    I can see Rea being drawn to the pile of clothes, but I decide to ask a question first. "So, about your town. Have you got the plans drawn up yet? We''re only going to be here for one more day, after all. I''m happy to help, but even happier to finally be quit of this place."


    "Oh, yes." She gets drawn back into herself. "I had originally planned to go with a simple square grid with a small keep around the dungeon opening. But, that lovely orchard of yours gave me an idea." She pulls out a large sheet of paper. "I turned the square keep into an eight pointed star, and ran the roads out octagonally from each point."


    "Nice." I compliment the plans. "I see more dots around the edge. Take it you would like me to expand the ring of trees? That''s no problem; if you give me plans for the buildings you''d like, I can make models tonight."


    "That would be great, they were originally to be made from stone, but you should be able to adapt them easily. Let me go get them." She runs off to get a satchel from a carriage.


    Coen mutters "Finally." And I notice his performance picks up, likely due to getting the Weaving skill. Amelia and her parents are already deep into a conversation about textiles and clothing, and their markets. Captain Brant sees Rea walking back with her bag full of plans and decides to join her.


    After they arrive we spend the next little while making and adjusting models. There''s only a few basic buildings, so they don''t take long. And. once they''re done, I make a scale model of the town on top of our table. The military man is happy with the changes, the added roads will give his men better lines of sight into more of the town.


    Around this point, all the non-Awakened are starting to yawn and most of the soldiers have long since sacked out. So, we decide to call it a night. I throw up a quick cabin for Amelia¡¯s parents, based on one of the smaller homes. Adding a bed and some basic furnishings for them, before Amelia and I retire to the Vardo. Leaving only Coen sitting there working on some fiberglass cloth.


    The next morning we''re up with the sun. Coen looks like he was up most, if not all night, but he''s got a huge smile on his face. I''m guessing he got at least one level in Mana Manipulation.


    After a quick breakfast, made by a surprisingly good army cook, we get to work. I knock down the palisade and transform part of it into a watch platform for the city planner and guard Captain. The bathhouse only needs shifted a bit, since Rea added a spot for it near the center of town. The Silos, on the other hand, need to be moved to the edge of town. So, I just make them grow legs and walk. Amelia gets a kick out of it, even asks if I can do the same for the wagon. I could, but wouldn''t want to keep it up for the whole trip.


    Once that''s done, Coen starts on the keep while I mark out the roads. Once he''s done, he''ll come back and replace them with stone. I''m a bit sad to see the grass go away, breaking up my detection spell. But, according to all the records Coen and The Captain were able to access. No dungeon will breach the surface once it''s been occupied. I know that''s just what Apricot told me, but I still find it hard to trust something that tried to kill me.


    The day passes quickly, and the town sprouts up like mushrooms after a rainstorm. I''m over half done before Coen finishes with the Keep. Admittedly, it is a large building and he has to draw the stone up, and compress it enough to withstand an attack. But, I still think I could have done it faster.


    We break for lunch then, and Rea comes up gushing about the speed of progress. I just brush it off, but Coen seems quite proud. Apparently he did get some gains during the night, and his speed increased more than he hoped it would.


    There''s about an hour left in the day when I finish the last house, and grow the last tree for the expanded orchard. Coen finished the main road heading to the Capital, and then started on the outer wall. So, I go help him with that until we get called in for dinner. We work rather well together. He''s got a bit more mana, but I''m more skilled. So, he does the heavy lifting of dragging the stone up from beneath the soil. And I the finishing work of compressing and shaping the wall.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Rea is overjoyed, and so is the Guard Captain. Well, as overjoyed as a veteran military man gets. I think he''s mostly happy about the outer wall getting so much progress. If it had just been Coen, before his gains, then the wall would likely have taken all of the next day or two to complete. Now the Earth Mage will be able to finish it and the rest of the roads tomorrow.


    We eat dinner in the new keep, after I make a new table for us, of course. Rea decided to keep the model, and asked me to mount it to the wall in her new office. Apparently, she got upgraded from city planner to Mayor once the town was complete. I made another copy for Brant to keep in his Conference room.


    Afterwards Amelia and I make an early night of it. We''re in our wagon, because it''s what we''re used to. Her parents are in one of the guest rooms at the keep. A good portion of the supplies I made for the Captain were furnishings for the place. I don''t blame him though. If I hadn''t been here, they''d be sleeping on their bed rolls and using stone furniture until the supply train from the Capital arrives.


    "You did good work today, babe." Amelia gives me a kiss. "Kinda freaky though. Usually you like to put on a show, at least, for the big stuff. Today you just walked down the street, trees growing into houses behind you. Where was the flair? The grand gestures?" She teases me.


    "Is making a town in a day not showy enough?" I cock an eyebrow. "Besides, they already got their show with the silos, and all those grand gestures take energy. Today was work; get the town a head start so we can get outta here."


    "Work, huh? Then why did all the houses have carvings on them?" Another kiss. "Don''t those extra gesture cost energy? We spent the whole day walking around exploring, and not a single building was the same."


    "That was for my sanity, would have driven me nuts to do hundreds of the same buildings. Beside I mostly just re-used scenes from the butt wipes I made for Charlie. Figured it''d be worth a laugh once some of it works it''s way here."


    "Oh, that''s perfect." She purrs. "But, I can think of something more perfect." She plays with my short hair. "Now why don''t you Soundproof Apricot''s place so we can get to it."


    "Don''t have to." I start unbuttoning her shirt. "She said she wanted to spend her last night here with Co."


    ***


    The next day we get off to a late start. I make us breakfast in bed, literally. "Magic is fucking awesome!" I can''t help but say, for probably the millionth time.


    "Mmm, and you''re magically awesome at fucking." Amelia lets out a throaty laugh. "Thank the gods for these extra stats. Don''t think I''d be able to walk for a week without them."


    "Maybe once we get to the Capital, we can try our best to stay in bed for a week."


    "Now, that sounds like a ''fucking'' plan." We both laugh at her wordplay. "Now pass me the syrup, I''m starving."


    "You know, we haven''t used food in a while" I tease, threatening to upend the bottle over her naked breasts. "Ooh. Just wait until we get some whipped cream."


    "Quit it." She snatches the bottle away, giggling. "We need to get on the road soon, we can play again later."


    "Yes, Ma''am." I salute, almost knocking over my plate.


    We then quickly devour breakfast, and even go for seconds. "Oh? Better make extra, Apricot''s coming back. You ready for the companion bond?"


    "Yeah. I''m mostly just glad we''re getting out of here. Morning Apricot. How''d your last night with Co go?"


    "Fine, I guess." The tiny woman sighs. "He''s excited about all the new people, knows he''s gonna get to eat soon. I tried telling him that I''m leaving, but her either didn''t understand, or just didn''t care. Stupid dumb dungeon."


    "Aww, poor girl. Here, pancakes make everything better." I set a plate down in front of her.


    "Please don''t try to comfort me when you''re not wearing any pants." She says after making a chunk disappear from the side of her stack of pancakes.


    "What? I''m covered up." I huff. "At least you don''t freak out when you see us naked anymore."


    "I had every right to freak out." She stamps her miniscule foot. "You''d freak out too if you woke up and went outside only to find a couple naked giants passed out, outside your house."


    "Mmm, mountain climbing." I say with a lascivious grin at Amelia''s ''mountains'', earning a giggle from her.


    "Perverts!" Apricot shouts. "Great, bloody, giant, lunker perverts. The both of ya."


    "We love you too, Apricot." Amelia Smiles.


    "We''ll even get dressed for you." I add. "And, it''s definitely not because someone''s parents are headed this way."


    "Ack!" Amelia freaks out and starts fumbling with some clothes.


    "Let me." I say. Willing the clothes into place on us, while trying to hide a smile at her antics. "Speaking of parents, are you at least going to show yourself to them?"


    "M-Maybe." The pixie squeaks out before clearing her plate, and vanishing into her house.


    "She''ll get there." I shake my head before calling out. "Morning guys! We''re just finishing up breakfast, be out in a second."


    "Take your time." Turner calls back. "Our driver''s getting the carriage ready, and we asked him to bring your horse over."


    "Thanks Daddy!" Amelia calls out between bites.


    We end up clearing our plates almost as quickly as our pixie friend did. I''m washing down my last bite with a glass of juice as we walk down the small ladder. It''s actual glass too; I''d long since replaced all our dishes with glassware.


    "Thank you for giving us yesterday to rest." Turner opens. "Been on the road most of my life, and it''s still murder on the backside. Even in a nice carriage." He says, eyeing the vardo''s suspension.


    "Want me to fix up your suspension a bit?" I grin. "Got all the cushions you could ever want too."


    "Oh, you don''t ha-" He starts, only to be cut off by his wife.


    "That would be lovely dear. If it''s not to much trouble that is."


    "Be happy too. Here it comes now." I spot their carriage rolling up, the driver guiding our horse next to it. "And here comes our send off too. Captain. Madam Mayor. Good morning." I nod at each, in turn. "No Coen?"


    "He''s coming." Rea chimes in. "He spilled his breakfast all over his shirt and had to go change. Pretty sure he hasn''t slept since you showed him that glass fiber." Her laugh lights up her face.


    "I''m here, I''m here!" The man in question comes charging out of the keep, still buttoning his shirt. "Good, you haven''t left yet. I wanted to give you a letter of introduction to my master, Devlen. And, to thank you again for showing me that trick with the glass."


    He hands over a folded piece of parchment that''s been sealed with a dollop of brown wax. There''s a hint of magic coming the wax. I can''t tell what it does but it has the same feeling to it as I get from Coen, likely some sort of magical signature.


    "You''re welcome." I say as seriously as I can, given that he''s messed up the buttons on his shirt, leaving a gap in the middle. "It was fun meeting, and working with another mage. You''re the first one we''ve met after all."


    "Master Devlen will be more than able to help you meet the others. He''s well liked in the guild; we''re a small community around these parts, and are always happy to have new Awakened join us."


    "I look forward to meeting everyone, almost as much as I look forward to finally leaving this place."


    "I don''t blame you." Nicholas speaks up. "The guards that got here before us said that, aside from watching you make breakfast, it was the most boring post they''ve ever had. Though, I''d rather have that boredom than the craziness that the next few weeks and months are likely to bring."


    "Don''t remind me." The new mayor almost groans. "I can tell you folks are ready to go, so I won''t keep you with any long goodbyes. I just wanted to thank you, on behalf of myself, our new town, and the entire kingdom for all the aid you''ve provided us."


    "You''re welcome. Just promise to make this place worth the time we spent here." I say with a nod.


    "We will." Rea says, solemnly. "You all take care on the road."


    The Rialta''s driver has almost finished hitching our horse. So, I take a minute to upgrade their carriage, before hopping onto the vardo. The others follow my lead and with a parting "Good luck with the dungeon." We''re on our way.

 # 16

    As soon as we cross the wall Apricot pops out with an angry snort. "That little shit! He didn''t even wait a second before putting out the call for new Fae."


    "It''s alright. You''ve got us now." Amelia comforts the winged woman. "You''ve said it before; they''re little more than instinct, especially when so young."


    "I know. But it''s still annoying." She says flying closer to Amelia. "Ugh, I can already feel the drain. Can we form the bond now, please?" She looks a little pained.


    "Of course. What do I need to do?" Amelia cups her hands to give Apricot a place to land.


    "Just don''t block the connection." She says, settling her wings behind her as she sits down on my lover''s palm.


    I try to activate Magical Sight again, and with a series of *dings* from all three of us. It works. The view is disorienting at first. Enough so, that I''m glad to be sitting down, and that the horse knows what it''s doing. It''s amazing, Magic suffuses everything, from the air we breathe to grasses around us, and the soil under our wheels. The wagon and my various creations glow more than the background environment. "Everything, everything is magic." I breathe out unconsciously.


    The pixie in Amelia''s hands more so than anything else, and I can see mana being pulled through her before passing into Amelia, clearer and brighter than before it started. A thick band of mana connects them, like a flowing river of light. Looking closer, I can see a smaller one spiraling back up and around it.


    "Did we all just level?" Amelia asks, breathing heavy.


    "I did." Apricots confirms.


    "Same here." I add. "Got Magical sight unlocked too... You two are so beautiful." That last just slips out on its own.


    "Can you show me?" The vision sitting next to me begs.


    "I can try. Light!" I conjure an image in front of us, almost like a magical mirror floating in the air. It may be called Magical sight, but I don''t need my eyes to use it. So, I present her with an image of the three of us.


    "Aww, Apricot. You''re like a little rainbow glow bug" Amelia says, causing me to snort.


    "This is amazing." She doesn''t acknowledge the comment or my outburst. "Co always felt so mechanical, even the old Mana spring was just a constant flow. But, you... You''re so... Alive!"


    "That''s one of my top five favorite things about her." I try joking, only to get hushed by Amelia.


    "I can feel you too. The sensation is hard to describe, not like feeling the aspects of water, more like emotions. Like that feeling you get wishing on the first star of a warm summer night when you''re a child. That and so much more. It''s, it''s just.. Magic."


    "..." I''m a bit lost for words after that. So, I just reach my arm around her waist and hold her as the two women work through their bond. We continue on like that until around mid-day, when I hear Amelia''s stomach rumbling.


    "Here, take the reigns I''ll go make us all lunch." I hand her the horse''s lead.


    "Thanks." She says a little dreamily. "Don''t forget to ask mom and dad."


    I nod and hop off the side of the wagon. Her parent''s driver seems alarmed, but calm him down with a smile and a wave. Easily matching the pace of the horses, I knock on the carriage door.


    "Sorrel!" Kaitlyn startles. "Is everything alright? How are you keeping up with the carriage like that?" She looks down at my legs. We''re not racing down the road as that would wear out the horses, but they''re still going at a fair clip. And, I''m just strolling along like it''s nothing.


    "Everything''s fine. I was just about to make lunch, came to see what you guys wanted. And, this is just a perk of being Awakened. We''re both stronger and faster than we were a month ago." I explain.


    "Amazing." Turner joins in. "Amelia can do this too?"


    "Sure, she''s been using all her free stats to boost her magic, but even the baseline boosts from leveling up make it so we could outrun the horses if we wanted too."


    "I''ve only read some stories about Awakened; it''s still hard to wrap my head around stuff like that." He adds. "Could we join you two for lunch and ask a few questions."


    "Yes, maybe something light, though." Kaitlyn interjects.


    "I''ve got just the recipe." I say before looking forward and using magic to communicate with Amelia. "Could you pull over for a second? Your parents want to join us for lunch; I''m going to make a pasta salad."


    "Oooh, make the dressing with the sunflower seeds, I love that one." The spell carries her words back to us as she slows the wagon.


    "Of course." I smile so she can hear it in my voice. "Should I try the ''chicken'' again? I think I figured it out with that last batch."


    "That''s sounds good, and we can always pick it out if the taste is off."


    "Alright." I end the spell and turn back to her parents. "Come on over. Oh, what about your man? Holt, Right?"


    "Thank you sir, but I''m fine." The driver says.


    "Ha-ha, Holt''s been like this since I''ve known him. He''ll only have a cup of tea in the morning and a big meal in the evening." Turner explains.


    "We''ll make you something special tonight then." Luckily I had a few vegan friends back when I was human, and I''ve been able to piece together most of the recipes they showed me. Between that and all the cooking Amelia''s done before, we haven''t any lack in variety.


    Climbing into the vardo we''re met with a little surprise. "Apricot, you finally decided to show yourself?" I''m happily surprised, but Amelia''s parents are puzzled about why I''m talking to what seems to be an odd looking insect. "Oh, sorry. Kaitlyn, Turner, this is Apricot. Magnify!" I create a hologram of her entire body this time, making her about ten times larger than normal. "She''s a pixie that decided to bond with Amelia; thought it''d be weeks before she showed herself to anyone."


    "..." - "..." Amelia''s parents just open their mouths for a moment; Kaitlyn recovers first. "Oh, pardon our rudeness. It''s not every day one meets a Fae. Maybe if our daughter had warned us.." She shoots a look out the front window. "..We wouldn''t have just stood there with our mouths open."


    "Mom!" Amelia whines. "It wasn''t my secret to share."


    "Hah!" Apricot laughs. "Serves you right. Threatening to withhold lunch if I didn''t show myself."


    "Amy girl! You didn''t!" Her mother huffs. They go up front next to the window to chat, and I just shake my head with a smile.


    Pulling out what I''ll need, I quickly throw together our meal. It''s a fairly simple meal just some spiral pasta, a mix of sun-dried (magic-dried) and fresh cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, cucumber slices, red onions, and my latest attempt at pseudo chicken. Mixed up with a blended sunflower seed based dressing and served up in freshly baked bread bowls. The only thing it''s missing is some cheese and maybe some olives. But we''re out of the former, and Amelia doesn''t care for the latter.


    "That looks lovely, and you made it so quickly" Amelia''s mother says with a smile. "I see our Amy girl still hasn''t gotten over her dislike of olives."


    "Mom." Amelia mutters before tucking into her bowl. "Mmm, I think you finally got the chicken right. This is good, just wish we had some cheese."


    "We''ve still got some of that cashew based parmesan." I offer.


    "Nnnh, you gave it a good try with that, but it just didn''t taste quite right." She tries to be polite, but the curling of her nose gives away her true sentiment.


    "Sorry, maybe if I had some coconuts or soy, that and there''s a thickening agent that can be made from sea-weed..." I trail off thinking of the few foodstuffs I wasn''t able to get back in Riverton. "But, I think we''re more likely to run into a cow before spotting a coconut tree."


    "You made cheese without milk?" Kaitlyn tilts her head in confusion.


    "Heheh." Apricot titters. "The lunker made chicken without chicken. Or, did you miss the lack of birds back at the dungeon?"


    "What? How?" Turner says after taking a bite. "There''s no way this isn''t chicken."


    "Magic to get the texture right, and weeks of tinkering to nail down the flavor. Gave up trying other meats a while ago, and I think Amelia''s expression gives you a good idea how my tries at cheese went. Not even Apricot liked them."


    "Hey!" She says indignantly, but she''s already finished her bowl before us, and is trying to sneak bites from Amelia''s.


    "Here, you can have the rest of mine. I know you''re made of magic and all, but I still expect you to pop one of these days." I let out a small chortle while setting my leftovers in front of her. "I''ll be up front; you two can explain Awakened to them."


    "Oh yeah, we''ve been moving this whole time." Turner says in surprise. "I''d forgotten because of how smooth it is. And, here I thought you did a good job on the carriage."


    "Well, I''ve had a bit of time to tweak everything how we like it. That and I''m using a bit of magic to make us lighter." I explain from the driver''s seat. "We''ve been keeping the horse exercised, but there''s no reason to stress her on the first day out."


    The rest of the day goes smoothly. Apricot gets along with Amelia''s parents quite well, even getting a few stories out of Kaitlyn that caused her daughter to writhe in embarrassment. ''I''ll have to make her something special for that.'' I think, wondering what treats to make for the tiny woman. ''Knew she needed more people to interact with. Pixie''s are as much a social animal as humans are.''


    We make camp at the last waypoint we reached with Charlie, oh so many weeks ago. Things are fine through dinner, but afterwards. When we''re all sitting about the fire pit, talks turn to Rodrick, and the water works start coming out.


    Aside from that first outburst, and a few sobs in the night; things were a bit too hectic back at Circle Orchard to really let the dam of emotions flow. Amelia and I grieved together before, but now... I just feel like an outsider; sitting here awkwardly trying to offer what comfort I can. Holt disappeared to "check on the horses" and hasn''t been seen since. Lucky bastard.


    Eventually things wind down and we all end up sleeping out under the stars. Amelia clinging to me all night, like she''s afraid I''ll vanish if she lets go. I just hold her and stroke her hair whenever I feel her tremble from a bad dream.


    ***


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    Apricot Pov: The next night.


    "Oh fuck!" I moan as a wave of heat washes over me from the bond with Amelia. "I didn''t think the connection extended this far. Hng. Oh, wow. No wonder they''re always doing this."


    I can practically feel that lunker inside of me. "What is he doing to her nipples?" I tweak my own trying to copy the sensation, but it soon stops. Only that heat deep inside me remains, it''s not moving anymore though, and just having this sense of fullness is driving me crazy.


    I start reaching for myself with one hand when I sense the Soundproofing around my house drop and Amelia calls out to me. "Apricot, you okay in there? I think the Bond is a little stronger than we imagined."


    "Oh, fuck." I squeak out, and stop my hands. "You can feel it too?" I raise my voice, too embarrased to fly out there. "I''m so sorry, I had no idea it would be like this. Then that heat hit me, and I sorta lost my head. How can you take this every night? I can feel him inside of you, it''s so..." My voice rushes out, too confused and overwhelmed to filter myself.


    "Should I stop?" Sorrel asks my Bond mate, and I can feel him start to pull out of me.. her.. us!


    "Don''t you fucking dare!" I shout without realizing it. "Oh, gods." I slap my hands over my mouth once I come to myself. My face locked in an expression of shock. "How could I say that? I didn''t mean it. I''m so sorry." I mumble.


    "Come out where we can see you, silly. It''s okay, we''re not mad." Amelia tries to calm me down.


    "Well, it would have been nice to know we were starting a threesome..." Sorrel says under his breath.


    "Oh hush." I can hear a light slapping sound, she must have smacked his shoulder again. "Apricot, please come out." She calls to me again.


    I peek out the door of the house Sorrel made for me, only to stop when I feel his giant cock twitch inside of us. The tightening I felt when I spotted her stradling him must have been trasmitted through Amelia, making him react.


    I can''t fucking take it, now she knows just how much I want them. I call them lunkers and insult them, but they look so much like pixies, and they''re so fucking hot. That time I screamed out when I first saw them naked was mostly frustration. Frustration that I''d never have his cock inside of me. Frustration that I''d never feel her soft curves pressed against mine.


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    I started poking holes in his soundproofing every night after that, just barely big enough to slip a tendril of magic through, so I could watch. I regretted it almost instantly, but not enough to stop.


    "Oh, sweetie." Amelia reaches her hand out to me. "You''ve been so lonely. I can feel the the longing. Why didn''t you say anything?" Her eyes start tearing up, and I can feel mine going along for the ride. "Sorrel, baby. Can she join us please? You can''t imagine what it feels like for her."


    He lets out a deep sigh as I look on worried, and hopeful, and so fucking horny that it hurts. I never thought I''d see another pixie, let alone get close to one, so I put if out of my mind. But, feeling him inside of me, even by proxy, it''s just too much. I fucking need it. Now!


    "I only want and need you." He says, and I can feel my heart break. "But, she''s part of you now. It looks like you''re both feeling what the other feels?" His last sentence more question than statement. "Um, just how are we going to do this though?"


    I have my own ideas, and make a bee line straight for her nipple. It''s too big to fit fully in my mouth but I start sucking on what I can and knead the rest with my hands. ""Oh, fuck!"" We both scream out. It''s too much and I have to let go. Slowly drifting down, my body shaking as I land on Sorrel''s taught abdominal muscles.


    "Oh, fucking wow!" Amelia pants out. "Haah, good... Really, fucking good try, but I think we''re going to lose our minds if we go at it like that." We shiver in sync as the aftershocks of the orgasm wash over us. "Sorrel, baby." She pleads. "Can you do something with magic? She.. We need this so much."


    "My focus is good, but I doubt I could manage. Not with you twitching around me like that." He grabs her waist to still her rocking hips. "Okay. Now that I can think... Nnfh, quit that." He smacks her ass with a vine, sending another aftershock through us both. "If you would let me explain. I think I have something that should work, haven''t tried it before though."


    "Anything" I beg. "You have no idea what it feels like to have you inside me, but not really. Please fuck me." I shimmy around on his muscles, one hand firmly planted between my thighs as the other teases my nipple in approximation of what his vines were doing to Amelia earlier.


    "Gods damn!" He swears. "I''m sorry Amelia, but that is too fucking sexy to ignore. Shapeshift!" It sounds like he''s casting a spell, but I don''t sense any magic.


    "Don''t ignore it." The Water Mage becomes my own personal Goddess with that one sentence. But, I still don''t know what''s going on. "Look behind you." Amelia says after sensing my confusion.


    I look up his body and see another Sorrel, only this one is pixie sized and seems to be connected to the big one''s chest. I don''t even question it, just fly over and slam myself down onto his waiting cock.


    "Fuck! Fuck fuck fuck." His whole body clenches up, both of them do. "Damn, I wasn''t expecting it to be that sensitive. Wooo, alright. Hahh. That''s better." His hands and vines grab my ass, holding me in place. "You girls are gonna have to work together here, I can''t really seperate my movements."


    ""We can do that"" We speak together. I look back to see Amelia bound up just like I am when Sorrel starts a slow rocking, snatching my attention back to him. I try to take control, but he doesn''t let me. "Faster, please." I can''t help but beg.


    "Do it Sorrel." My Goddess commands her man. "Fuck her, fuck both of us. I can feel everything you do to her, so make it good."


    "Yes, Ma''am." He says with a smirk that would make me worried if this double sensation of him filling us up wasn''t taking up my whole world.


    He lifts me up until I''m afraid he''s going to slip out of me, then he just holds me there. I''m squirming and wriggling trying to get back onto him, but it isn''t until I let out a whimper of frustration that he finally takes pity on me.


    Slamming me down in one brutal movement, he buries his cock all the way inside of me. Amelia might have been ready for it, but I wasn''t. And the orgasm that rocks through me, then her, proves it. Not that he lets that stop him, he just lifts me up and slams me back down again.


    It''s another minute of that before I stop shaking, and that''s when he starts moving his hips, only to set me off again. "Oh, fuck! Gods damn! Wind and Water! Nng." I groan out as his pace picks up.


    "You wanted fucked, right?" He practically snarls at me. "You two aren''t the only ones getting double sensations right now. So, pixie up and fucking take it!" He growls and starts slamming into me so hard that I''m left a quivering mess. No muscle control at all, I''m sure I''d go flying off if he didn''t have such a strong grip.


    Amelia''s right there with me, we''re both beyond moaning, beyond screams. We''re just panting, trying desperately to suck in enough air to keep from passing out as he fucks us into oblivion. Until... Finally... With a shuddering wrench, he drives into us one last time. Let loose from his manic grip, we both slump forward onto his chest.


    My legs are caught in Amelia''s cleavage, and that just makes it feel even more right. Exhausted, we all just lay there panting. Sorrel''s length occasionaly twitching when one of us moves too much. I drift off into unconsciousness a moment later, too out of it to do anything else.


    ***


    Five days later sees us finally quit of this interminable grass. This is more than twice as fast as it would have taken Charlie and his laden wagons. We passed a steady trickle of people headed for the new town, and every. single. one. asked about the dungeon. We got so tired of it that Amelia gave me permission to make a billboard. It had a picture of the town on one side and a rough map of the dungeon on the other. It read "Circle Orchard Ahead" on top, and "Known Monsters:" underneath with a picture of the kangaroo rats. Apricot says there''s some oversized insects too, but they aren''t even poisonous, so I didn''t bother adding them.


    The floating sign did it, and we didn''t get waved down anymore. Well, my giving everyone the stink eye probably helped a bit too. Nobody wants to mess with a grumpy mage. At least not until we were camped at a waypoint. Then everyone, awed by our magic or not, just had to ask questions.


    If it weren''t for some rather interesting complications to the bond. The least of which being that neither of us really need the Magnify spell to see Apricot anymore, Amelia because of the bond, andme through my magical sight. And, the greatest being that we three are all now much closer friends. And, well. That''s probably the only thing that has kept my grumpiness from switching into outright hostility directed at those around us.


    "You know? I could have probably just flown us to the Capital." I lean over to tell Amelia after telling some passerby everything I knew about Co for what felt like the hundredth time. "Wouldn''t even be dangerous, just a big bag full of hot air attached to the vardo. Like an oversized paper lantern." I quickly fashion one to show her what I mean.


    "You''re a big bag of hot air." She smacks my shoulder. "I''d much rather keep my feet on the ground, thank you very much." But her eyes are following the lantern, so I make a few dozen more and have them waltz through the sky above the camp.


    "So violent." I ham up my non-existent injury.


    "Just like her mother, that one." Turner commiserates with me, nearly earning his own smack.


    We haven''t told her parents my whole story yet and they know I''m keeping some big secrets. I don''t exactly act like someone born and raised in the middle of the woods, after all. But, they trusted Amelia when she told them that she knows all my secrets, and none were bad. They may also have gotten the idea that my father was someone important. Which is not at all true, unless you consider that Voice Guy brought me into this world.


    Speaking of secrets. We finally got around to telling Apricot and she was flabbergasted. Not about the re-incarnation though, that she took in stride. But my being a Plantkin completely threw her. Apparently she knew some Plantkin before and I act nothing like them. So, even with my vines giving me away, she''d totally discarded that as an option.


    She''s been doing great; The bond seems to have really helped her a lot. She even introduced herself to Holt during our first breakfast on the road, but he just gave her a nod and a "Ma''am" before going back to his tea. That gave us all a laugh, Apricot even joined in after a little huff.


    Since then she''s shown herself to some of the people when we camp for the night, just the kids though. I had a hard time believing that anyone would take their kids and move to a dungeon town, but even in a safe and relatively prosperous nation like Larendath. There''s still poverty. And, there will always be people looking to get ahead. I just hope it doesn''t cost them their lives.


    ***


    As we''re entering the first town after the grasslands, I signal for a halt. I''d just seen a kitten hobbling along the side of the road. "Poor thing. Did you hurt your paw?" I speak soothingly to the injured thing, a grey tabby with white paws and a white splotch on it''s mouth and up the right side of it''s nose. It looks too old to still be nursing, but too young to be on its own just yet.


    "No need to be afraid." I reach out with my Nature magic to calm it enough to let me approach. I''ve only had a few horses to practice on, but I was able to manage a simple calming spell. "That''s a good kitty. Can I see your leg?" I lean closer to get a better look at its back right leg. "Looks like its just swollen, there''s no blood and nothing''s crooked. Here, drink this, it''ll make you feel better." I extend a finger with a large drop of healing sap on it to the kitten. "There you go, drink up. Your leg feels better already, huh?" It just purrs and starts suckling on my finger.


    "You big softie." Amelia comes up from behind to give me a big hug. The kitten doesn''t even notice her, too absorbed on what is probably the best meal it''s had since it was weaned.


    "Oh hush, his little paw was hurt. I couldn''t just do nothing."


    "Softie." She reiterates, hugging me tighter.


    Just then a couple boys around eight years old come running around the corner. "See, I told you there was a fancy wagon here." The one in front says to his friend. "Betcha it belongs to a mage or something. Look, I bet that''s him playing with that cat over there. Ain''t that the one you threw a rock at earlier?"


    "Sorrel, don''t." Amelia immediately catches onto my fury.


    "I don''t hurt kids." I tell her, rage heavy in my voice. "But that doesn''t mean I can''t scare the little shit. Grasp!" I reach out with my left hand; the one not occupied by a kitten, and wrap the brat in a layer of wind, lifting him in the air. "Soundproof! No need to scream, I''m not going to hurt you. I just want to know why you would ever think it''s okay to harm a defenseless kitten."


    "P-p-p-please, s-sir mage." His friend begs. "H-he didn''t mean no harm. We was just chucking rocks, and the kitty walked out and got hit." His friend nodding along, tears in his eyes.


    Looking up at Amelia, she nods. We both get the feeling he''s actually telling the truth. "I believe you." I say lowering his friend to the ground. "And you stood up for your friend, even against a mage. That takes guts, boy. What''s your name?"


    "Zak, sir. This here''s Joey." The boy says, beaming with pride at being called brave by a mage.


    "Well, Zak, Joey. Please be more careful in the future, you never know who might get hurt." Joey gulps at the look in my eyes as I say that. "Now, why don''t you two run along." The boy just nods and drags his oblivious friend off.


    "No, light shows? No flaming cat jumping for his throat? That was practically tame for you." Amelia teases me, ruffling my short red hair. "Now what are we going to do with this little thing?" She looks down at the kitten that''s fallen asleep, its mouth still loosely around my finger.


    "I hadn''t planned to do anything, I just hate seeing anyone in pain." I say, Freeing my hand from the greedy little thing. "Why? Did you want to keep him? What about Apricot."


    "Hey! I''m not a pet!" The pixie in question shouts indignantly from inside Amelia''s hair.


    "No." I take a deep breath. "But you might become a cat treat if he catches you."


    "Oh, please." She scoffs. "No cat could lay a paw on me on my worst day."


    "Well, looks like we adopted a kitten." I try to float the little murderfloof into my hand but Amelia scoops him up first. "Make sure to add some extra meat to the shopping list. I''ll make him a bed and put a sand box in the corner. At least magic will make cleaning that less unpleasant. Do you have a name for the little guy?"


    "Oh, he''s got these cute little paws, we have to call him Mittens." She''s playing with said paws while Mittens snoozes away.


    "Seems like that''s a classic everywhere. I like it."

 # 17

    "You want a what?" I say incredulously.


    "I want a saddle for Mittens." Apricot beams up at me.


    "Oh, I heard you. I just don''t understand why. You can fly, after all."


    "Oh, just make her one." Amelia says. "It''ll be cute."


    "Sorry, little man." I reach down to pet the kitten on the floor. "One pixie sized saddle coming right up. What''s next? You gonna have me dress him up in silly little outfits... Oh, I shouldn''t have said that. I should not have said that." I do my best Hagrid impersonation after seeing the gleam in their eyes. "Run little guy! Quick before it''s too late."


    "Don''t you dare!" Amelia scoops him up as I try to shoo the poor soon-to-be fashion victim outside.


    "Ooh, I know!" Apricot lands on Mitten''s head, and starts scratching him behind his ears. "Make him look like a little bunny, with floppy ears, and a fuzzy tail."


    "A bunny, eh?" I snap my fingers. "Like this?" Nothing happens to mittens, but the girls get a bit of a makeover. Holographic ears and nose on Amelia, while Apricot gets the whole bunny girl outfit.


    "What? Nothing happened!" Apricot says before looking up at Amelia who started laughing. "Hah!" She barks out. "Wait... Why are you laughing?" She looks down at herself. "What the hell is this?"


    "What''d you do to me?" Amelia conjures an ice mirror that they both use to examine their new looks. "You forgot the horn." She says with a smile that sets her nose twitching.


    "Sorry, keep forgetting rabbits have horns over here." A pearlescent pink nub grows in the middle of her forehead before swiftly spiraling out to ten centimeters long. "Better?"


    "Much, thank you. And, not all bunnies, just the cutest, fluffiest ones do."


    "You still haven''t answered me." Apricot huffs. "What is this abomination?"


    "It''s called a bunny suit, or bunny-girl outfit." I explain, shifting her suit from polished black to bright pink. "Some nightclubs and bars would make their waitresses wear them to bring in customers."


    "Nightclub? Is that like a brothel?" Amelia tilts her head causing her new ears to flop to the side.


    "Not for the most part, but I''m sure some were, my world had a lot of stupid hang ups and laws about sex. Nightclubs are basically dark taverns where with a big dance floor, too loud music, and too expensive drinks."


    I conjure an image of a stereotypical club. Dozens of people crowded around a bar, dozens more grinding along each other under multicolored strobe lights. Tables line the room with even more people standing around them. All the while, a half-dozen Apricot clones saunter around with trays of drinks.


    "I was never really into the club scene, and this type of place would more likely have their wait staff in mini-skirts, or something similar." I change the Apri-clones. "But there was a place called the Playboy bunny club where they all dressed like that."


    "That''s fascinating. But, would you get me out of this ridiculous outfit already?" Apricot grinds her teeth.


    "Oh, my." I gasp. "But, Amelia''s right here..." A twinkle in my eyes at what I''ve seen and done to the pixie with Amelia right there.


    "Argh!" She blushes before shouting in frustration. "Stupid bloody perverted lunkers!"


    "Would you quit teasing her already?" Amelia says off-handedly while leaning down to examine the dancers.


    "I thought you didn''t want any more clothes." I tease her. Releasing the spells and replacing them with a dress up simulator for her to play with. "Just tap on the piece of clothing you want and it''ll appear on the image of you. Or drag stuff around to mix and match."


    "This is amazing." She gushes. "Why didn''t you do this before? I thought you said you never paid attention to clothes from before."


    "It''s the last level up, I think I must have reached some sort of threshold for my mental stats." I explain. "My memory is so clear now, even on stuff I never paid attention to. So, recreating all these clothes feels like child¡¯s play."


    "I''d be so jealous right now if I didn''t have you to make all this stuff for me. Ooh, those gowns are beautiful."


    "Remember the movies I told you about? The actresses would wear stuff like that to premieres and award ceremonies." I pause for a second. "The white ones you''re looking at now are wedding gowns."


    "Fashion on your world is so fancy." She breathes out. Even Apricot seems fascinated, so I make another dress up game for her.


    "Ooh, do you now. And, Mittens." The tiny woman starts playing around with random combinations of clothing.. "You can make this stuff work with my wings right?"


    "Yeah." I sigh. "Sorry little guy, I tried to distract them." I pet the oblivious feline. "Here''s every animal costume or clothing I''ve ever seen."


    "How are there so many?" The tiny woman gapes at the sheer magnitude of pet costumes I have locked in my mind.


    "Ah, yeah. It''s because of one of my people''s great pastimes. Looking at cute pictures of cats. We didn''t have magic but we could record and share images with anyone in the world. And, we mostly shared pictures of cats... And naked people, lots and lots of naked people." I make their dolls nude for a second.


    ""Hey."" They growl at the same time.


    ***


    Screeee-Thud! "Oh, for fucks sake! Not again." I moan. "How is that cat still alive? It''s like everything wants to kill it, and he''s just running around completely oblivious to it all." This is the fifth attempt on his life, first hawk though. There''s been two horned rabbits, a snake, and some weird fox thing. I put a shield on him after the first rabbit tried to skewer the poor guy, and have had to keep it up since.


    "Damn, I was hoping for another rabbit." Apricot chimes in. "Those first two were tasty."


    "..." Amelia just sighs and puts the remains in her inventory, then picks up the little death magnet from the seat beside me. She was completely freaked out after the first attack, and the second. Since it came seconds after he jumped out of her arms after she tried hugging him too tight. Now, she''s barely got it in her to give out a resigned sigh. "Looks like you''re having poultry for dinner, Mittens. Hope it goes well with the snake you had for lunch." Turning to me after placing him inside with a piece of string to play with, she adds. "Thank you for keeping the shield up. And, if I ever suggest stopping for lunch at "such a beautiful clearing" again. Please, feel free to ignore me."


    "It''s not your fault." I put my arm around her and she slumps into my side. "We both should''ve realized something was up when those boys told us he walked out where they were throwing rocks, instead of running away like any normal cat would."


    "It''s like he doesn''t recognize danger at all."


    "Well, yeah. He doesn''t even raise a fuss when the two of you play dress up with him." I ruffle her hair.


    "Hey." She waves her hand limply, like she wants to swat me but just doesn''t have enough energy.


    "Look, it''s not your fault; something was clearly off about those critters. There''s probably a new predator in the area that messed up the balance. And, just think of it as practice." I take her hand and kiss it. "Babies are pretty much the same way. Everything wants to kill them, and they''re too stupid and weak to do anything about it."


    "Ugh. I don''t even want to think about babies, yet. So glad Temmie lets us turn off reproduction, and the bleeding, if we want. Thank you so much for that, Temmie-chan. You''re the best!"


    *Ding* A self satisfied tone.


    "We''ve got all the time in the world." I tickle her belly with one of my vines. "But, your parents have already started dropping hints"


    "They have?" She looks panicked.


    "It''s been subtle. Mostly some pointed looks and a couple comments when your mom is playing with mittens."


    "Ack. How did I miss that?" She grabs hold of the vine that''s now petting her stomach. "Can we even... you know... with the Plantkin thing?" She''s more worried than panicked now.


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    "The option was on the list I read, but there was no information about them." I stroke her hair back and kiss the top of her head. "Given that Plantkin are all born Awakened, and well... their unique culture, and the places they tend to live. I just don''t think it''s ever happened before."


    "Unique. Hah!" Apricot erupts in laughter. "They''re a bunch of fucking weirdoes, even for walking plants."


    "Hush." Amelia snaps at the tiny woman. "Sorrel''s not like that, and our.. b-baby won''t be either. Right?" She looks up at me, eyes wavering.


    "Don''t worry, I think that''s mostly just how they''re raised. If your parents treated you like a houseplant, you''d be a little weird too." I chuckle at the look of relief that shows on her face. "I am kinda interested in how *DNA* and genetics works here, with all the magic and everything. Will our kids gain some of my extra growth, or get the stats I would have had as a regular Plantkin. Any tips Temmie-chan?" *Ding**Ding* "What do you mean spoilers? Oh, fine."


    "That''s a good question, but what was that stuff you were talking about?" Amelia questions.


    "Oh, spoilers are like when someone ruins the end of a book for you before you finish reading it." She just stares at me. "What? I thought it was funny. Okay, okay. Think of *DNA* as a list of instructions a creature uses to make itself. And genetics as the study of how those instructions pass along. Like how you have your mother''s looks, but your father''s eyes. It''s really complicated, and even with my boosted memory; I still don''t know more than the basics."


    "Your world must have been so amazing; you were able to do so much, even without Magic. I want you to teach me everything."


    "I plan to." I re-assure her. "And, I''ve been thinking about creating a library too, now that I can recall seemingly everything from my past life. I just need to find a good way to secure it. There''s a lot of knowledge that can be very, very, dangerous. For every great thing my world had, there were dozens more that were much worse."


    "I want to know more now, though." The pretty blonde woman whines.


    "Me too." Apricot joins in.


    "Yes, Ma''am... Ma''ams" I joke. "I suppose it all starts with the Scientific Method..."


    ***


    "Mittens." Amelia sighs. "That is not your mamma." She walks over to the kitten that trying to nurse on an old hound dog, a male hound dog. "Sorry about him." She apologizes to the inn keeper.


    "Don''t worry about it Ma''am, old Butch there wouldn''t hurt a fly." The man says from behind the bar. "He don''t do much now, aside from sitting in front of the fire the past year or so."


    "Aww. Sorrel, can you do something?" My girl pleads.


    "Let me take a look." I stand up from our table and walk over.


    "Don''t stop the video; it''s getting to a good part." Apricot says. Her eyes glued to the Tinkerbell movie playing in a virtual movie theater on top of the table. I even popped some corn for her and got some melted butter from the inn''s kitchen.


    She quickly lost interest in my science lecture the other day, so I decided to stretch myself and re-created the old Disney cartoon for her. Translating that in real-time while carrying on a conversation simultaneously was... interesting. A few new skills helped out once they leveled up, but it''s still a bit of a drain. And, I had to be extra careful when changing fairy into pixie. It helps that fairies in this world look more insectile than the human-featured pixies.


    She loved it so much that I had to tell her only one new movie a day, at least until I level up a bit more. I can replay the movie with ease once it''s been translated, so she watched it on repeat until I went to sleep. And, bugged me for a new one as soon as I got up the next morning. Sticking with a theme, I gave her Hook next. She jeered at Tinkerbell''s crush but blushed when she looked up at us.


    Today she''s on the C.G. origin story. Luckily my little sister made me watch all of these with her. Well, I didn''t feel very lucky at the time, but if it keeps a pixie happy now, it was worth it. Not sure what I''m gonna do when I run out, though. Hope she likes the other Disney cartoons, I guess.


    "Don''t worry." I re-assure her. "Playback is easy; it''s translating it the first time that takes focus." She just keeps stuffing her face with popcorn.


    She still hasn''t noticed the small crowd of children behind her, and didn''t even care about showing herself to the inn keeper. I think I may have turned her into a movie addict, but it should be worth it if she can make some new friends.


    "Hey there Butch, how ya doin'', boy?" I kneel down and ruffle his ears. "Mind if I take a look? I might be able to make you feel a bit better." Questing out with my nature magic, I let it flow into and through the old dog. "You''re an old one aren''t ya, boy?"


    "He''ll be fifteen this winter." The inn keeper says, walking up to join us. "Afraid it might be his last." A hitch in his voice. "He''s been a good dog. Can you do anything for him? I''ll pay whatever you want."


    "Age is age, and there''s not much I can do about that. But, fortunately he''s in fairly good shape." I smile at the man. "The big problem is his joints; it just hurts too much for the big guy to walk around much. But, I may be able to help there. Here boy, I''ve got something for you to drink."


    I set a bowl on the floor in front of Butch and fill it with Healing Sap that''s laced through with my nature magic. As the dog drinks, I guide the healing energies into his bones and cartilage. Strengthening and restoring them, respectively.


    "That''s a good boy, just a bit more. You''re already feeling better, aren''t you?" His tail starts wagging as he laps of the tonic.


    Done with what I can do for him orthopedically, I guide the rest of the healing to take care of some minor issues. He''s got cataracts, but I remember that''s not a major issue for dogs, and don''t really want to mess with the eyes incase I make it worse, somehow. So, I left his eyes alone while doing what I could for the rest of his body.


    "There you go Butch, that''s some good stuff, huh?" I turn to his owner. "He shouldn''t be in pain anymore, but he''s still an old dog. Take good care of him and he should last a few more years, at least. And don''t worry about money, it''s not really an issue for us."


    "Oh, Sir Mage. I can''t thank you enough." He drops to his knees and starts hugging and petting Butch. "If you won''t accept coin, then know that you will always have a room here, free of charge whenever you need it."


    "Sounds good." I say and give the dog one last pat on the head before walking back to the table, Amelia in tow. "And what are we going to do about you, little guy?" I address the grey tabby in her arms. "You must really miss your momma, if you were trying to suckle that old guy."


    I take out my trusty bundle of cotton and fashion a stuffed cat based on a Siberian my mom had when I was a kid. Thing was a pain in the ass, but made up for it by curling up on me when it was cold out. "You still need some eyes, luckily I''ve got plenty of silica."


    "Oh, it''s so fluffy." Amelia pets the doll while I''m making marbles. "Look Mittens, this can be your new momma." She puts him down next to the doll just after I insert it''s new glass eyes.


    "Look at him go." I laugh. "Sorry, bud. But, she doesn''t have any milk for you, and you''re a bit old for that now anyways." He doesn''t seem to care though.


    "I''ve never seen a cat with such long hair." She keeps petting it as Mittens kneads and suckles at the belly. I made it as realistic as possible, so even the fur feels just like a real cat.


    "I modeled it after a cat my mom had. The breed is called a *Siberian*, it comes from, and is named after a place with very cold winters." I explain. "Hers was a pain most of the time, but it was good for cuddling with. Seems that Mittens agrees."

 # 18

    "The Capital, Finally." Amelia breathes a sigh of relief.


    "And the line is only a kilometer long." Apricot exaggerates. "We should celebrate! Maybe with a new movie?" She asks hopefully.


    "Hahaha. You know there''s only so many Tinkerbell shows, right? You''re going to run out eventually." I tell the tiny movie addict.


    "But you''ve got other stuff right? I really like these cartoon things. Are there any others with pixies in them?"


    "A few." I nod. "Tinkerbell is the only one with a Fae as a main character, though. The rest usually have pixies as side characters, or plot points at best. Most are made out to be human sized too; we didn''t know any real pixies back there."


    "That''s obvious." She snorts. "But they''re still fun. Can I please get just one more?"


    "Oh fine, how about Pinocchio?" I conjure an image of Gepetto carving the famous marionette while a translucent Blue ''Pixie'' flies over head. "It has an old wood carver, Gepetto, that makes a puppet and wishes it could be a real boy. The Blue Pixie then comes in the night to grant his wish and animate the puppet. Pinocchio must then prove his worth to earn a real body. Sound good?" I would have started with Snow White, but I don''t want to offend any actual dwarves that we might pass by in the city.


    "Looks alright." She shrugs. "Your people may be weird, but they came up with some crazy stories."


    "Oh, you haven''t seen anything yet. Just be glad that I used to watch a lot of cartoons, and that my little sister went through a big pixie phase." I start the film as we join the end of the Queue.


    Amelia''s Parents join us in the vardo while we wait. They''ve seen the movies I''ve made for Apricot and were quite surprised by them. But, I just told them I was practicing my magic by retelling old stories to keep her amused. I even showed them the flip-book butt-wipes I made for Charlie, that got a laugh out of Turner.


    We''re through the line before the movie is even half over, and apparently as Awakened we could have skipped it entirely. I just wave it away as one of the guards start giggling as Pinocchio falls down the steps. Another seems very interested in us, likely having been ordered to keep an eye out for the people who found the dungeon.


    "You feeling okay?" Amelia asks me as we follow her parent''s carriage to their new home. "It''s a bit hectic after being on the road all this time."


    "I''m fine." I nod, my eyes tracking everything they can. "The crowds are not that bad. I''m just feeling a bit claustrophobic I suppose. Got so used to keeping a sensory net up around us at Circle Orchard that I''ve been using one since we left. Pulled it in to pass through the gates, don''t want to trip any magical alarms."


    "Well, let it back out, at least a bit, you''re scaring me right now." She squeezes my leg. "I''m sure they can differentiate between a scanning spell and something more offensive."


    "Yeah, you''re probably right." I take a deep breath. "Maybe just a fifty meter radius." I let out a deep sigh as my various magical senses come back to me. "Ah, that is so much better, I really didn''t think it would affect me that bad. It''s gotten so I barely notice it anymore, but not knowing what''s going on all around me really freaked me out."


    "I don''t know how you kept it going all that time, just using the fog spell for a couple hours drove me nuts." She leans in close as I revel in the return of my senses.


    "That''s one of my least favorite ones too." I nod, my eyes closed as I add it in, then a few more. "It''s good for a lot of detail, but it can get overwhelming."


    "Uh huh, and that''s why I can sense you so clearly not using it right now as we move down a busy city street." Amelia says, her voice laden with sarcasm.


    "Heh, you caught me." I put my arm around this beautiful woman that''s willing to put up with my silliness. "I may still have some unresolved trauma from before. I try not to think about it, but I guess the compulsive need to keep track of everything in a kilometer circle around me... Well, it''s probably a bit of a clue that I''m not over it."


    "Oh, babe." She hugs me back. "You cover this whole damned city if you need to, we''ll deal with anyone that has a problem with it."


    "It''s not that bad." I try to re-assure her. "Now that I''m aware of the problem, I can work to rectify it. It just took me by surprise is all." I sound calm, but my face is stiff as I run all my sensory spells at maximum in this hundred meter circle I''ve given myself. And, even try to work out a couple more.


    "Babe." She breathes out, her voice full of love, but still a bit exasperated.


    "I know, I know." I cut her off. "I''ve got you, and I''m safe. We''re safe..." My eyes start to water. "I really will be okay." Another deep breath, and I start lowering the intensity.


    "I love you, you goof. But, no more closing down like that, please." She begs. "If you have a problem, let me know. That''s good, just keep taking those deep breaths." She helps talk me down from the panic attack. "There you go, just let it flow out of you. There goes the fog, and what was that new one?" She knows I can''t help but be distracted by new magic.


    "Tracking people by heart-rate and blood pressure to see if they were stressed out without showing it. Like if they were planning an attack, or something." I keep taking slow, deep breaths, holding them in and then releasing a different spell as I exhale each one. "Thanks. I''m back down to just the air spells I usually use. I love you too." My breathing goes back to normal.


    "I''m sorry, this whole thing was my fault. I was so caught up with my parents, it can''t have been easy for you to-"


    "Stop!" I snap out harsher than I meant to. "Sorry." I lower my voice. "This is not your fault. You are allowed to grieve with your parents. I didn''t even realize this was an issue until it happened."


    "It''s not yours either." She tells me seriously. "You told me yourself that people don''t just get over trauma, and you went through something that hurt me just to hear about. The fact that you came through it as well as you did is a miracle. So what if you''re a little paranoid? Now that we''re both aware of the problem, we can keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn''t get out of control. Or branch out into other problems."


    "You okay there lunker?" Apricot comes floating over to land on my knee.


    "Shit! Sorry, I dropped the movie." I spurt out.


    "I''m the one that needs to apologize." She holds up a hand, signaling me to stop. "It''s my fault you had to stay there and derail your plans. You wouldn''t be going through this if I hadn''t planned that ambush."


    "Oh, Apricot." Amelia reaches out like she wants to hug the tiny woman. "Babe." She turns to me. "Can you do the thing we were talking about?" She practically begs.


    "Yeah, but I won''t be able to hold it for long." I nod to her before looking back to the pixie, our pixie. "Don''t freak out. But, I think someone needs to give you a hug. Embiggen!" It''s a perfectly cromulent name for a spell.


    I''m not actually making her bigger, but mapping all her senses and movement into a human sized shell which cradles her real body inside. This is actually a lot harder than it sounds, since humans have more than just the five basic senses everyone talks about, and pixies even more so. Made even worse because I''ve only had a couple practice attempts on the cat, and one on Amelia. Though, in her case, I just made her a second body, not a giant.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    I need to use a mixture of all the different magics I''ve mastered, and then some. They swiftly coalesce into a glowing shape before it seems to compress. And with a small "eek" Apricot is now sitting on my lap, she''d be a few centimeters shorter than Amelia if she were standing up. I left her wings immaterial to all but the wind, or they''d just get in the way. And, boy am I glad I did that one test with Amelia, otherwise she would have popped up quite naked.


    Amelia doesn''t waste any time, and while the supersized pixie is still looking around trying to get her bearings, she''s taken up into a tight bear hug. "We''ve long since forgiven you Apricot. We love you."


    "We do." Is all I''m able to get out before losing the spell. "Sorry, pixie senses are a bit harder to remap than humans."


    "What?" That seems to be all she can say as she catches herself mid-air. "Was that real? Is that what you feel like all the time? There was so much weight and momentum to even the smallest movements." Her eyes are so wide, that even without the magnify spell I can clearly see her surprise. "And, that hug... Dammit guys, I''m gonna cry." She flies of into her house, sparkles trailing behind as she goes.


    "We really do love you Apricot" I call after her retreating form. We three had become friends over the weeks spent at Circle Orchard, and the bond they share just brought us that much closer. She''s pretty much family at this point.


    A loud honking sound comes from inside Apricot''s little house, causing Amelia to titter. "And, here I thought I was loud when I blew my nose."


    This gets a muffled "Shut it, you bloody lunker" from the tiny woman, in between sniffles.


    "Sorry, I shouldn''t tease. But, that''s what you do to family, silly." Amelia shares my sentiment with our little winged companion. "And, am I back to lunker now? What happened to goddess?"


    "Be nice." I squeeze the blonde "goddess''" hand. "People say silly stuff when they''re desperate."


    "Stuff like "Pixie up and fucking take it", you mean?" She squeezes back, a glint in her eye.


    "Never gonna live that down. Am I?" I mutter. "Oh look, I think we''re almost there." I change the subject as we turn onto a side street.


    "No, but you can live up to that night any time you want to." She breathes into my ear.


    "Nice place." I say after taking a deep breath. Trying to convince myself that it''s not a good idea to jump her in the middle of a public street, just meters away from her parents. "This street wouldn''t look out of place back where I came from. Remember that *England* place from Peter Pan? a lot of people there live in homes just like this"


    "Spoil-sport." She breaths back before giving me enough space to regain my capability for higher thought. "Yeah, Daddy said it was off one of the main streets, but far enough back that noise wasn''t an issue."


    The street is filled with rows of semi-detached houses that could have come from modern day Britain. They''re made from magically fused stone though, instead of brick. And, instead of garages with rooms over top, there''s just an archway that leads to a shared courtyard. These are mostly filled with container gardens and a few sheds, but there''s a few places with carriages. No horses though. Making me think there must be a nearby stable that houses them.


    "You lunkers are weird." Apricot says, practically daring Amelia to comment, after she rejoins us to look at the neighborhood. "All these giant boxes, each just like the next. At least Sorrel puts some effort into his buildings. Even when his were the same, they were still different. Some decent gardens, though. I guess." She adds that last bit seeming like she felt obligated to say something nice about the street.


    "Look they''re stopping."


    Amelia''s parent''s get out and walk over to us. "There it is, we''re in the left side." Turner gestures to one of the homes on the right half of the street. "I don''t think your wagon is going to fit through the archway though." He adds with an apologetic tone.


    "That''s alright." I say. "I was going to store it in my inventory anyways, just need to pack up all our stuff first."


    "The whole thing?" Kaitlyn''s eyes widen. "Just how big is that inventory thing you all have?"


    "Heheh." I laugh. "It''s not that big. Not right now, at least. Temmie-chan gives us more spaces and makes them able to hold more each time we level. I was going to shrink the vardo down before storing it. It''s mostly empty space, after all."


    "Well, that makes a bit more sense. But still, you''re both practically walking warehouses. Just how much stuff are you carrying around all the time?"


    "I''m about half full with wipes for Charlie, the rest is plants, crafting supplies, and a few odds and ends. Amelia carries most of our food stuffs. Pretty sure she''s got at least two cows worth of meat in there, some pigs, and goats, plus a bunch of birds and game we hunted along the way." I rub my little carnivore on the head.


    "And all my clothes." She adds.


    "And all her clothes."


    "Hah!" Turner barks out a laugh. "Meats and sweets, that''s all she would ever eat as a kid too."


    "I liked bread too." She sulks. Which just makes us all laugh.


    "So, should we check out the house first?" I ask.


    "Oh, I''ll need to air it out first." Amelia''s mother insists. "Why don''t you unhitch the horse so Holt can take them all down to the stables. I''m sure he wants to get home and see his family too."


    "Ma''am.. Kaitlyn." He corrects himself after seeing the look on her face. "The only reason we can afford an apartment in the city is because of you and Turner. You ever need me for anything, you don''t even have to ask." That was the longest speech I''ve heard from the man since we met. After which he just takes the horses and walks off down the street.


    "That man..." Kaitlyn says under her breath before turning to us. "Amy girl, you come help me and your father with the house." She grabs her daughter with one hand and her husband with the other, and starts towing them both into the house.


    "Hey, Apricot. Wanna help me get a little revenge." A wicked smile covers my face as I hold out my hand and will some of my tendril tattoos to life.


    "Oh, you wicked, wicked man." She flies right down to me. "It''d be a pleasure." She says, quite literally.


    Amelia gasps, and almost trips. She then looks back to see what''s going on with her bond only to see me waving back at her with an innocent smile on my face. And, a not-so-innocent pixie held up in my other hand.


    "Mmm, thank you for that. But you know she''s going to pay us back even worse for it later."


    "One can only hope." I say before heading to the back of the wagon to start packing everything up.


    "Mind restarting the movie for me? Just from when he was on the stage is fine." She''s hovering lazily around me as I work.


    "Sure." I agree readily. "I''ll even throw in an extra one since it got interrupted. It''s just a short one, so it won''t be too bad." Figure I''ll stick with the Disney theme and give her Dumbo next.


    "I''m not gonna say no, but it really wasn''t your fault."


    "It''ll make me feel better to do this for you. It''s by the same company that made Pinocchio and Peter Pan too. They made a lot of popular cartoons."


    "Well, if it''ll make you feel better..."


    "I love you, you silly little pixie." I blow a kiss at her and restart the movie.


    "You too, lunker. Now hush, movie''s playing." She tries to downplay it, but she really does care.


    It doesn''t take me long, and Pinocchio''s just getting locked in the cage by the time I''m done. Apricot is so wrapped up in his plight that she doesn''t even notice me moving her, Mittens, and the cushion they''re sitting on outside, so I can shrink the wagon.


    Taking out my staff to help with the complexity of all the carvings. I slowly shift the excess wood to fill the void in the middle, as I bring it down to under half a meter in length. This is the limit of my current inventory space. I have to cheat a little and make the wheels solid and add a bit of thickness to the undercarriage. But it still looks alright, fully functional too.


    Pinocchio''s just grown donkey ears and is diving off the cliff by the time I finish. I could have gone faster, but not while translating a movie. I actually thought it would take me longer, I really should use my staff more often. I''ve gotten too used to just taking it out for the big stuff.


    "It''s so tiny, I love it." Amelia comes running up once she sees I''m done. "Oof!" She tries pushing it, only to find it much heavier than she thought.


    "Careful there, it still weighs as much as before." I walk up and help her get it rolling. "It''s pretty much a solid log now. Let me guess. You want a new model at this size?"


    "Ooh, yes!" She bounces up and down in joy at the idea. "Please." She begs, and pulls out the old one setting it on top of the shrunken vardo.


    "Sure, it won''t take me nearly as long to copy it as to shrink the real thing." I toss out a chunk of the original tree and a bundle of linen. Five minutes later and she''s having me tow her up to the house in her new toy, Mittens in her lap. I offered to animate a wooden horse, but she''d rather have me do it. Likely just the beginning of her revenge.


    The house is very nice, it has everything you''d expect from a modern domicile except for electricity and natural gas. But, city dwellers can buy long term re-usable spells they call Runes, short for Runestones, and use them to create Fire and Light. I''m obviously very interested in these, but they gave theirs to Holt''s family before they left. So, I''ll just have to wait.


    It''s starting to get dark, so I go around lighting the house up for everyone. We''re all trying to decide whether it''s worth the effort to try and find a restaurant, or just make something here. I don''t really want to go anywhere, but don''t care enough to argue against it. Apricot just wants us to make up our minds so she can eat. Turner is staying out of it. So, it''s just down to mother and daughter arguing.

 # 19

    Before their argument can get too heated, I interrupt them while looking towards the door. "That was fast." My non-sequiter stops them in their tracks. "Sorry, but it looks like the decision has been taken out of our hands." I walk over and open the front door just as a page in rather fancy livery is about to knock.


    He takes my unexpected action in stride though, and bows deeply before speaking. "Master Rumex. Her Royal Majesty, Queen Vivian Laren the Third requests that you, Mistress Rialta, and her parents join her for the evening meal." I can hear the capitalization in his speech.


    "We''d be honored, though we do have a fifth with us." I gesture to the pixie peeking out of Amelia''s hair. "She may be small, but she knows how to eat."


    "A Fae?" This actually catches him out. "Of course, of course. The Fae are always welcome anywhere in Larendath."


    "Good. I hope we have time to change. It won''t take long, I swear."


    "Of course, Sir. I''ll be outside with the carriage when you''re ready." He bows again before backing away and returning to the gilded monstrosity I sensed pulling up to the house a moment ago.


    I close the door, and turn to Amelia. "Best break out the good stuff. Kaitlyn, Turner, hope you don''t mind if I dress you, I''d rather not keep the queen waiting."


    ""What?"" They start to say. But, I''m already done dressing all three of them. Their old clothes neatly folded on the table next to them. And a floor length mirror conjured in front of us.


    I gave Kaitlyn Amelia''s second favorite dress. A long-sleeved, high-necked gown with an open back, and cinched waist that flows into a satiny train. The main fabric is seafoam green at the top and flows down into a forest green so dark it''s almost black, with a floral pattern woven throughout.


    Turner get''s my dress suit, it''s a fairly standard three-piece suit in deep forest green. But has a texture that is similar to Kaitlyn''s dress. I hate ties though, so I gave the shirt a mandarin collar.


    Amelia is wearing a sleeveless V-neck with a tight bodice made up of green vines clearly modeled after my tattoos, over a nearly black inner layer. The vines trail down her hips onto a gown made from several sheer layers that get darker as they go down. Each embroidered with part of a natural scene. So that the overall effect is like looking into a magical forest at night.


    And, of course. Everything, on each of them, down to the last detail, is made from starweave.


    "Apricot, you get changed too." I order. "Only get one chance to make a first impression after all. Speaking of..." I trail off and retrieve my remaining linen, some dyes, and my staff.


    Closing my eyes, I take a full minute to re-create my suit, changing the pattern to match Amelia''s dress. I have the vines circle the hems and cuffs, sending tendrils climbing up. I even change my staff slightly to have the same pattern on top.


    Looking us over, I nod. "Hair, and shoes now."


    Turner and I keep ours short, so we don''t need anything besides a shave. But, for Amelia and her mom I go with loose mirrored updo''s held in place by living flowers. I then fuse linen fibers, oil, and charcoal into a shiny fabric which I layer onto our shoes. It''ll only last the night, but that''s all we need.


    "Apricot, you good?" She flies out in a dress similar to Amelia''s, but with a shorter gown, and done up in green, and orange with an apricot theme. "Alright, let''s go. Sorry about being so brusque, by the way. Mittens, guard the house." I tell the sleeping kitten, and open the door again before two minutes have passed.


    Now this shocks the page. Knowing he''s at the door before he knocks? Nothing. A pixie in a low magic country? That gets a rushed sentence. But five people dressed in suits and gowns in under two minutes? That completely throws him. The poor bastard just stands there with his mouth hanging open while we walk up.


    "Sorry it took so long." I can''t help but tease. "I only had the one suit, took me a minute to make a new one." I make a show of smoothing my lapel. He just closes his mouth and nods before silently guiding us into the coach.


    "Showoff." Amelia breathes into my ear as we settle in for the ride. She then turns to her parents and says. "Sorry Mommy. Sorry, Daddy. He gets like that when he''s nervous, knows how to make some good clothes though. This is all star weave too, even if it''s so fine you can''t tell. I can''t believe we''re going to meet the queen. You look so pretty in that dress Mom, and I''m so glad he gave you his suit, Dad. The pattern Matches the dress perfectly." Amelia gushes out to her stunned parents. "Oh, do the mirror so they can see themselves again." She orders me after talking nonstop for a good minute.


    "Sorry, guys. Apparently this is how Amelia gets when she''s nervous." My joke finally breaks through their stupor.


    "What just happened?" - "Oh, this dress is amazing." They talk over each other.


    "Our dinner plans got sorted." I joke. "And, thank you for the compliment. Sorry again for acting rashly, but I thought they''d give us at least one day to settle in. I''m hoping there''s no problem, and that she just wants to get a feel for us while we''re offguard."


    "You think there could be a problem?" Turner asks.


    "I hope I''m just being paranoid." I squeeze Amelia''s knee. "I''m more worried about etiquette, this is my first time dealing with royalty." I''m not really worried about that, but they don''t need to share my actual worries. Amelia''s picked up on it, especially sensitive after my earlier episode. But, her hand covering mine lets me know that she trusts me to handle it.


    "Oh, I know this." Kaitlyn speaks up. "Never thought we''d actually meet The Queen..." She trails off as the realization hits her. "Uh, yes." She comes back to herself after a moment. "There''s not a lot of rules, but the big one is to follow her lead. Don''t speak until she does, don''t eat until she does, don''t approach unless she gives permission, and no touching. Other than that, we will need to rise and give a bow or curtsey when she enters. Address her as ''Your Majesty'' when greeting her and then as ''Ma''am'' when addressing her during conversation."


    "Wow, mom." Amelia looks impressed. "I know you guys have plans, but preparing to meet royalty?" She lifts a shapely eyebrow.


    "Ha-ha. Our plans aren''t quite so grand, at least they weren''t..." A look comes over her for a second, before she shakes her head. "No, this is all stuff I picked up when I was younger. I went through a big phase where I was obsessed with royals and nobility back when I was a few years younger than you."


    "Looking for some charming prince to sweep you off your feet, were you?" Turner teases his wife.


    "In this dress, I might just find one." She teases right back.


    "Looks like we''re almost there." I say, sensing a wall coming up at the edge of my spell''s range. A range which I may have let slip back out to the full kilometer circle and then some as soon as we got in the carriage.


    Amelia peeks out the window for a second before giving me a pointed look. I can only shrug to her unspoken comment, because I really don''t like that we were called in so quickly. I don''t feel any bad vibes about tonight, but I''m not going to limit myself when going into a potentially hostile situation.


    Speaking of. I can sense a handful of people react as they come into range. I can sense them drawing in magic until one of them raises his hand and says something to the others. This one then sends out a probe of air magic to track down the source. I can feel his eyes go wider, and wider as he has to reach out farther and farther to find me. Once he does, I just give him a curt nod.


    "Everything alright?" Amelia asks. A bit of worry in her voice.


    "Yes, everything''s fine." I smile. "The court mages just sensed my Air net. Their sensitivity is quite high, everyone seemed to have noticed it. Though, only the air mage could tell what it was."


    The Air mage is still keeping an eye on us, but it looks like he explained the situation and they''ve calmed down. This actually helps me calm down. If they were planning something, they wouldn''t have their mages go back to lounging around.


    "Really, I can only just barely tell when you use anything that isn''t water. And, even then, you have to be doing something big."


    "Hmm, it''s probably a skill. I''ll help you practice it later." I give her knee another squeeze before conjuring a mirror to give myself a quick once over as the carriage pulls to a stop in a large courtyard.


    The outer walls of the castle are thick and functional. But, the central keep is rather elegant with high walls and higher towers, all made from a smooth, creamy white stone. The entire palace grounds are lit up like mid-day, even though the sun set on the ride over. The most interesting thing about it is that there are some areas that my magic won''t enter. I feel like I could probably force my way through, but that would be rude.


    The page has had enough time to recover from his earlier shock, and announces us as he opens the door to the coach. A butler takes over then and guides us to a small dining room, he informs us that dinner will start in twenty minutes before leaving us alone.


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    "Looks like it''s going to be somewhat informal." I state. "That''s good. I don''t think I''m ready for a full court dinner with all the nobility and what not."


    "We''re still meeting with The Queen, that''s bad enough." Amelia seems to have picked up the stress that was infecting her parents earlier. While they''ve calmed down and are just walking around the room examining everything they can.


    "Relax, she''s just a person, like anyone else. I''m more interested in this building; there''s magic everywhere, even a few spots I can''t sense into. I''d love to poke around, but it''s best to be polite." I say with a nod to our magical watcher.


    "You and your puzzles, always trying to figure everything out." She smiles.


    "Be glad I do, otherwise you wouldn''t have that lovely starweave dress." I smile back, but mostly at the expression of our watcher as he tries to focus his magic in on the fabric.


    "I know that smile." Amelia says accusingly. "You''re showing off again. I take it they have someone watching us?"


    "Wouldn''t you?" I counter simply. "I''m just glad they didn''t raise a fuss over my spell."


    "I told you it would be fine." She smiles lovingly. "You can''t be the first paranoid mage they''ve had to deal with."


    "No, but I still need to work on that. Something that getting called in to meet The Queen on our first night in town isn''t exactly helping with." I say pointedly for our listener.


    "There, now they know better." She laughs.


    I just hmpf before I sense some people come out of one of the blank spots. ''Oh, that''s interesting.'' I say to myself. Amelia raises an eyebrow at my change of expression, but I just smile. "Looks like our dinner companions are on the way." I warn everyone, and then mouth. "You''ll see." to Amelia


    "Thank goodness, I''m starving." Apricot pipes up from Amelia''s hair. Startling our observer and getting a riotous laugh from me. "What? We haven''t eaten since lunch."


    "Not you." I explain. "It''s just that you''re hard to detect with Air magic when you''re sitting still, and I don''t think the page''s memo about you got forwarded to our observer. He''s freaking out trying to figure out where the extra voice came from."


    "Hah, serves him right with those clumsy probes. I could fly right through those and he''d still never see me." She mocks the poor bastard stuck on spy duty.


    "Mhm, you really could use some work on your Mana Manipulation, guy." I add some salt to his wounds. "But, never mind that, they''re here." I turn to face the doorway.


    The same butler who has been waiting just outside, opens the door and introduces The Queen and her small retinue. There''s four people in total. The Queen, Vivian, a woman of about thirty, with thick curly hair worn loose. She''s wearing a two piece dress in cream and red, the top looks almost like a men''s kurta with the asymmetric hem. The bottom a loose flowing gown over red leather boots. Plenty of brocade and embroidery, elegant but not ostentatious.


    Two men follow behind her. One of middle age, with short salt and pepper hair, wearing a fancier version of the local military outfit is introduced as General Sauer. The other, a much older man with long white hair in simple trousers and shirt with a long, thick, fur lined jacket is called Court Mage Long.


    And, the most surprising addition. A young girl of around seven, wearing a simple white gown, who can only be the Queens daughter. She has the same hair and features as her mother, and will likely grow up to look much like her. She is named as Crown Princess Faye. Her eyes dart around the room until they lock onto Amelia, or rather, the tiny woman sitting on top of her head.


    ''Well, that explains why she''s here.'' I think to myself with a smile as I bow to the queen, my hands resting on my staff like a cane.


    "Rise, Please" Her voice rings out. "No need for any formalities. I intend for this to be an informal meeting so that we might get to know each other. Larendath owes you a debt of gratitude for discovering and safe guarding the dungeon."


    "Your Majesty... I feel like we over dressed." This gets a titter from Apricot that causes the Princess'' eyes to sparkle.


    "Ah, yes. We didn''t expect you to have procured such finery quite yet. This was something of a last minute arrangement as it''s the only day The Queen will be free for the next few days." The older man, a mage with more than one aspect, if I''m reading him right, explains as The Queen seats herself at the head of the table with her daughter by her side. "The page said you had to make a new suit?" His voice lilts up into a question as he sits to the Queen''s left. The military man sitting to her right.


    We mimic them, with Amelia and I at the foot, and her parents to our left and right. Apricot choosing to remain perched atop Amelia until the food arrives.


    "Plantshaping is my highest skill." I state simply. "You know, we didn''t have a chance to prepare a gift for her majesty. So, perhaps a demonstration? Maybe a doll for the princess?" I raise an eyebrow.


    The princess is too well behaved to say anything, but her eyes still go wide, and I can see her tugging on her mother''s dress under the table. The Queen gives her a gentle smile before nodding to me.


    I retrieve my ''sewing kit'' from the inventory. It''s a large pouch filled with enough cotton and linen for a few outfits. Also some various buttons and beads, plus all the dyes I might need. Then, after a second''s though I pull out a smaller, but much heavier bag.


    I don''t even have to try to make a show of it, it''s just part of my nature now. So, I open the sewing kit to reveal its contents before sitting back. The cotton transforms into tens, then hundreds, then thousands of tiny white butterflies. While that''s happening, I stealthily lift a few grains from the second bag and begin fashioning them into what I want.


    The butterflies flutter around in a loose column before they begin to change color and coalesce. Slowly, in that it takes me nearly a minute because I''m focused on the extra parts, a doll forms. It''s as realistic as I can make it, straight down to little cotton organs, muscles, and bones. The few remaining white butterflies then all rush it at once, crashing together to become a copy of the princess'' dress. Upgraded to starweave, of course.


    The doll drifts lightly down to the table before standing up and stretching it''s back. This miniature princess looks around, and bows to me, before turning to spot her new owner. Then, with a great jump, she hurls herself straight up into the air, shimmering monarch butterfly wings unfurling from her back. The individual scales made from microscopic glass beads.


    The now pixie princess buzzes past the actual pixie before landing in the middle of the table. There, she walks towards the head of the table nodding to the wizard and general. She gives The Queen a deep curtsey before smiling at the entranced little girl, and sitting down in front of her and going still once more.


    "Your Majesty, may I present Her Highness'' new doll." I smile and put my supplies away with a gesture.


    "Momma, it looks just like me. Did you see her fly? Her wings are so pretty, I''m afraid to touch them." The child finally finds her voice and uses it to gush about her present.


    "They only look fragile." I explain. "She should hold up to you playing with her, just don''t get her wet, she is made from cotton after all." I made it so that It won''t fall apart or anything, but it could stain or begin to smell.


    "Marvelous." The wizard speaks up. "What a wonderful present for a child named after the Fae. May I examine her, Princess?" The Princess looks up at her mother, clearly not wanting to give up such a treasure, even for a moment.


    "Let uncle Oliver take a look dear, he''ll give her right back." The Queen smiles down at her daughter.


    "Remarkable. It doesn''t even feel like cloth." The Mage exclaims. "So heavy too. I swear I can feel bones, even individual muscle groups. And, the eyes. How did you make cotton transparent?" He turns it about in his hands excitedly, and is even about to lift its dress when The Queen clears her throat reproachfully.


    "Ahh, yes." A slight smile tugs up the corner of his mouth. "This doll is a masterwork, young Coen wasn''t exaggerating when he reported that Mage Rumex has unlocked the Mana Control Skill. I could barely follow along with him during the process, and only then because he split his attention to make glass for the wings. There are no hostile spells present. Honestly, I can hardly even sense the remnants of magic used it''s creation. She''s perfectly safe to play with." He Presents the doll to his liege.


    "It does look just like her." She smiles lovingly down at her child. "You have our thanks for such a wonderful gift, Master Mage." She then hands it to the Princess. "Faye, thank mister Rumex for his present."


    "Thank you mister Rumex, Sir. She''s so wonderful." The girl curtseys in her seat. "Is it really okay to touch her wings?"


    "As long as you don''t try to pull them off or anything, they should be fine." I smile when I hear a shocked noise from Apricot.

 # 20

    The Princess cradles the doll as if to protect her. "How could you even tease such a thing?" She asks indignantly. "I would never hurt one of the Fae, not even a doll. Miss." She addresses Apricot. "You come tell me if he''s ever mean to you, and I''ll have him locked up in jail." The little girl says seriously with utmost sincerity. Bringing a smile to all the adult''s faces.


    "I''ll keep that in mind, little miss." Apricot says, humor filling her voice.


    "Oh no." Amelia cries melodramatically. "She''s going to tattle on you any time you don''t make her seconds for breakfast, now."


    "Heheh. But if she does that, I won''t be around to make breakfast at all." I counter. "Then who will make Apricot waffles, just how she likes them?"


    "Curses, my plans have been foiled before they could even hatch." The tiny woman raises her fists to sky, shaking them. "Damn you, and your insidious confectionaries."


    "Don''t worry miss Fae." The Princess calls out. "I don''t know what waffles are. But, we have the best chefs in the country, they can make you any kind of breakfast you want."


    The poor girl is so earnest that she''s got tears beading up in the corner of her eyes. This is too much for us and we all start laughing, even the queen lets out a gentle titter. The Princess looks around for a moment before realizing that we''re laughing at her. Then she lets out a little huff, and slumps back to play with her doll after muttering "meanies".


    Apricot seeing this, flies over to land on her knee. "I''m sorry Princess Faye. Sorrel, Amelia, and I love each other very much. We would never do anything to hurt each other, but we do like to tease. Can you please forgive us?" She asks solemnly.


    "Anything." The child breathes out. Completely in awe at having an actual pixie sitting on her knee. "You''re so pretty. Is your name really Apricot? Are you a pixie? I couldn''t tell before because you were so far away. But, everything I''ve read or been told says that pixies look just like tiny humans. Where did you get your dress? What''s it like to fly? How high up can you go?" The princess quickly pick ups speed again, asking question after question.


    "Faye, dear." The Queen gently chastises her daughter. "Don''t you remember that the Fae are very secretive. Maybe you can think of just one question to ask? But, wait until after we eat, otherwise dinner''s going to get cold." At her words, the servants that have been hovering just outside the door come in bearing a multitude of plates and platters


    A look of shock come on the girls face, and she mouths the words "Sorry Mommy, sorry miss Apricot." This causes apricot to fly up and kiss her on the cheek before returning to our side of the table. The look on her face as she touches her cheek earns another round of laughs from the table.


    Dinner is beyond delicious, easily the best thing I have tasted on either world. Whoever made it must have nearly maxed out their cooking skills. "Maybe, we do have to worry about Apricot jumping ship." I lean over and whisper to Amelia.


    "Mmm, I think you''re forgetting that there''s one meal she can''t get anywhere else." She lets out a low, wicked chuckle. "Now, hush and let me eat, or I''ll be the one jumping ship." The rest of the meal passes quickly after that with only the sounds of silverware clinking against plates.


    "Oh, that was so good." Apricot says after cleaning her plate. "You two are good, but you definitely need to get some tips from whoever made that." She floats over and tries to pick off the last scraps from Amelia''s plate, but is swiftly rebuffed.


    "Here, you can have the last of mine, what''s left is of it." I push my plate forward. "I''ll be sure to mention it up after dinner. I think they''re going to bring up the real reason they asked us here."


    "Hmm?" Amelia looks up after forking the last bite into her mouth. "There''s more?"


    "Don''t speak with your mouth full, dear." Her mother chastises her. "And, I think your young man is correct. Tonight may have just been about feeling him out, but he seems to have made an impression."


    "Quite right." The Queen speaks up. And, after she sets her silverware on her plate, the horde of servants comes in to quickly clear the table. "Master Rumex has indeed left a good impression. Not only tonight, but through his actions at Circle Orchard, and before." She nods to Amelia. "That, and he likely divined the true reason for this visit as soon as we left the royal apartments." I simply nod. Which raises questioning looks from my party.


    "I told you that you''d see." I say to Amelia before focusing on The Queen. "May I approach?" At her nod, I stand. "Have you given any thought to where your mark will be located?" Amelia''s eyes go wide at this rather large hint, but her parents seem even more perplexed.


    "The right wrist is traditional." She explains, and I swear I can almost hear a hint of nervousness in her voice. Not that it shows on her face, which is regal and calm as it has been all evening.


    I pause for a moment and lean down as I pass by the General. "Could you please speak with your men about their trigger discipline? I already had to prevent one accident when I was making the doll. I''d rather not risk being distracted while I''m next to Her Majesty." I cut my eyes to the false panel on the left wall.


    His eyes go wide after following mine, then filling with fury. "My apologies sir, it seems ''someone'' needs a little more training." He stresses the word, and the whole room can hear the ''someone'' in question gulp.


    I just nod and move on. Kneeling in front of The Queen, she raises her hand for me to hold. "Can you tell what kind of magic she has?" Her daughter asks nervously.


    "I can, and it''s the same type as you, so she''ll be able to Awaken you. Once you''re old enough." I smile at the Princess and send a probe of mana into her mother''s wrist. "Does Magical ability often stay in the bloodline like this?" I ask the court wizard.


    "It''s more likely to skip a generation or two." He explains. "The Royal line has always been rather gifted. They are typically elementalists, though. Which left us in a bit of a quandary until you came along. We only knew they had potential because all Royals are tested at birth. Might I ask what type of Magic they have?" I can feel him focusing all his magical attention on us.


    "One that doesn''t like sitting still." I say with a pout before looking down the table to Amelia. "Dear, I hope you don''t mind me dancing with other women." This sends a look of shock over everyone in the room. "She has Motion Magic, and it''s not going to let me Awaken her if she''s stationary."


    "A Kinetomancer, that''s rare! And, you say they share the same Magic?" The grey haired man shoots an excited look between mother and daughter royalty. "Yes, I suppose a dance would work... I''ll send for a musician right away."


    "Better than running laps down the hallway." I joke. "And, no need for the musician." I start an instrumental version of Dancing Queen by Abba. I just couldn''t help myself. "May I have this dance, your Majesty?" I help her to her feet and guide us away from the table.


    Her right hand held in my left, my right slips under her shoulder blade and I guide her through the basic moves of a foxtrot. It''s about the only dance I know, and that''s only because it''s so simple.


    She picks it up quickly, and I get a little more advanced. Swaying back and forth, widening our steps, spinning around a bit. As we cover more and more space I can feel that the magic almost there. So, I pull her in close; only send her back out in a twirl. Her magic takes hold with another of those unbelievably loud rings.


    *DDDDDIIIIIINNNNNGGGGGG*


    -You have awakened Vivian Laren!-


    I let the music fade, release her and step back with a bow. "You are a wonderful dancer, your Majesty."


    "Mommy, did it work?" The Princess comes running up. "What was that sound? It felt like it was so loud, but I could barely hear it at the same time. Oh look, you''ve got a mark on your wrist now." The excitement bubbles out of her, over-riding any and all etiquette training she''s had.


    "Yes it did, Faye. And, yes I do. A little dancer, how appropriate." The mark looks like a watercolor painting of a woman mid twirl. One hand up, her hair flung across her face, her flowing dress wrapped around her legs and spun out at the hem. "That was a very interesting dance, and I''ve never heard music quite like that." She directs to me with a hint of question to her voice.


    A smile breaks over my face. "I hope you''ll forgive me for the song choice. But, it''s uh, actually called Dancing Queen. I thought it fitting." Her face picks up a bit of my smile. "It was a favorite of my mother''s. She''s the one who taught me to dance the foxtrot, by the way. My apologies if I was too forward."


    "I think we can forgive you, this one time." She says with a twinkle in her eye as she traces the Magical tattoo on her wrist. "This is twice now that our Kingdom is indebted to you. If you ever need anything in the future, you have but to ask." She looks up at me seriously.


    "Thank you, your Majesty." I give her another bow. "I will keep that in mind. But, for now, I think we''d like to head home. It has been a long day, and I''m sure you''d like to get more acquainted with System-chan and your Magic."


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    "Heh, it was quite funny reading young Coen''s report on that. A bawdy joke competition, heheheh" The old Mage pipes in with a chuckle. "It''s something of an open secret amongst the older Awakened that The Book of Knowledge has it''s.. Her own personality. And, I had read reports previously that mentioned the Fae calling her The System." He says with a nod to Apricot. "You have my personal thanks as well. I''ll have the butler take you to the carriage."


    The Queen smiles and nods to us as we''re led out of the room. Her daughter at her side making her new doll wave goodbye, mostly to apricot. The General follows us out but heads off in the other direction with an angry look on his face.


    "I can''t believe you danced with The Queen." Amelia squeaks out once we''re settled in the carriage. "And that song. Was it really called Dancing Queen? You''re lucky she liked it. And, why didn''t you tell me you could dance?"


    "Easy there Amelia." I smile at the enthusiastic blonde. "Yes, I did. Yes, it is. Yes, I was. And, I suppose I just never thought of it. Any more questions?" I tease and earn a light smack on the arm.


    "Oh, my heart though. When you pulled her to her feet..." Kaitlyn fans her face with her hand. "I thought I would faint."


    "I don''t know where you get your courage from, son. To just go up and dance with and hold The Queen like that." Turner adds.


    "Well, he''s obviously not the first man to touch her, otherwise there wouldn''t be a Princess. Would there?" Apricot chimes in, getting big howls of laughter out of Amelia and myself, and looks of shock from her parents. "Now where''s that movie you owe me? Don''t forget the popcorn, either."


    "You just ate!" I laugh out. "Oh, fine. How about some kettle corn? It''s sweet. Speaking of sweets, that torte they served... Mmm, heavenly."


    The discussion shifted to the amazing meal we just ate and the funny animals in Dumbo. The Rialtas were all quite interested in the train until they learned how much iron would be needed just to lay down the tracks. Magically compressed stone might work, but would require constant maintenance. And, I''m not sure how much disruptive technology I want to introduce to this world.


    We arrive back home to find Mittens waiting for us. He rushes up and twines himself through mine and Amelia''s legs. "Did you miss us boy? Or are you just hungry?" Amelia asks, getting a *Mew* in reply.


    "I think that was a yes on both counts. Why don''t you guys go finish the movie while I take care of our fuzzy little friend?" I pick him up and carry him to the kitchen while everyone else retires to the sitting room to finish the movie.


    After it''s over, the girls and I decide to make an early night of it. It really has been a long day, between the traveling, The panic attack, getting moved in, dinner with royalty, Awakening The Queen as a mage, and translating three movies in one day. I really am wiped out.


    "What a day!" I gasp out as I flop onto the bed. "I don''t want to leave this bed for a week. At least we figured out why The Queen was so anxious to meet us."


    "Why she wanted to meet you. You mean." Amelia flops down right next to me. Apricot landing on her chest a moment later. "I still can''t believe you danced with her. Argh. I¡¯m so jealous."


    "I may have danced with her, but my eyes were on you the whole time." I roll over and wrap my arm around her waist. "That, and you don''t seem to mind me doing a lot more than just dancing with Apricot here." I extend a tendril to wrap her in a hug too. "Queen Vivian did say I only had to ask if I wanted anything. I doubt she meant a foursome, but who knows." I laugh out loud at the look on her face.


    "She was kinda hot for an older chick." Apricot joins in with the teasing. "Wonder if her nipples are as sensitive as yours?" She rubs her hand atop Amelia''s dress.


    "Quit teasing." She huffs. "Bad enough you two made me cum right in front of my parent''s earlier."


    "Oh? And who tried to jump me while we were riding down the street? Right in view of her parents and the world, hmm?" I use magic to peel our clothes off. "You don''t have to worry about me ''dancing'' with anyone else, but as for teasing..." I extend more tendrils and have them help Apricot in her efforts. "Well, do you really want us to never tease these wonderfully sensitive little things ever again?" I stretch one up as Apricot takes the other into her mouth, eliciting a moan from the gorgeous woman beneath us. "Mmm, that''s what I thought."


    ***


    The next day has us staying in bed to recover, both from our travels, and from a long night of gentle lovemaking. I''d be happy to stay there all day, but it looks like we''re getting visitors.


    "Mmm, babe. Looks like we need to get up. Seems that someone came over for a play date with our little pixie friend." I breathe into Amelia''s ear.


    "Hmm? Tell ''em to go away. It''s still early." She mumbles out still half asleep.


    "It''s a couple hours before noon. But, if you want me to tell the Princess to get lost, I will." This finally get through to her.


    "Ack. Why didn''t you say so?" She jolts up in a start, clutching the sheet to her naked chest. Nervously looking around for something to wear. "Quick dress me."


    "Relax, she hasn''t even gotten out of the carriage yet. She looks nervous." I dress the three of us getting a relieved sigh from Amelia, and an aggrieved groan from Apricot.


    "Tell the little lunker to come back later. I''m too tired from last night." She covers her eyes with an arm. "Mr. slow and deliberate there wrung me out with all that tease and deny stuff."


    "Heheh, sorry. But, I didn''t have the energy for anything more enthusiastic. And don''t tell me you didn''t enjoy every second of it." I send her an air kiss, a little skill I''ve been working on since Embiggening her is so difficult. "She did bring sweets for you though, and..." I don''t even get the chance to finish my sentence before she''s out the window.


    "Hurry up." Amelia grabs my arm and starts dragging me down stairs.


    We''re just reaching the door when a soft knocking starts. "Good morning Princess. Care to join us for a late breakfast?" She standing there with a look of surprise on her face. Her doll in one hand, and a rapidly dwindling box of sweets in the other.


    "H-how did you know it was me?" She''s actually under a fairly decent disguise spell, but Magical sight let''s me see right through it. Not to mention all the other clues that gave her away.


    "Master Long is indeed quite skilled at illusions. But, you''re the only little girl we know in the city. The only one who would be riding in such a fancy coach. Your guard was hiding behind the wall last night. Hope your mate didn''t get in too much trouble, by the way." I give him a nod. "Not to mention all of them, and the magical probes." I look out at the street that''s full of ''normal'' citizens that definitely don''t look like undercover guards. Nope, not at all. No guards here.


    "I thought you reigned in your spell again last night." Amelia whispers to me.


    "I did." I whisper back. "But, look at them, they don''t exactly blend." The guard glances back and looks like he wants to face palm. "Please come in." I say. "I was just going to make us something to eat. I''ve got the perfect movie for you and Apricot to keep busy with while I cook."


    "Thank you Mister Rumex, I''d be honored." She tries to curtsey but her hands are full and she almost spills the box of treats and Apricot. "Uh, what''s a movie?" She asks the guard in an undertone.


    "It''s a moving story show." I explain as I guide them back into the kitchen. "This one is called Sleeping Beauty. It has a princess, three good pixies, and one evil fairy in it. Though, they weren''t written by people who knew anything about the Fae. So, they may seem a little weird." I start the movie as her and her guard sit at the kitchen table with Apricot still stuffing herself on the sweets.


    "Ooh, it''s like how you made the music last night, plus a storybook" She exclaims, and I just stand there smiling at the look on their faces as it transitions from the storybook into the opening celebration. "..."


    "Thought you''d like that. Apricot''s already addicted to these movies." I turn to Amelia. "I want to do something with that vanilla bean I found in the last town. So, I''m thinking and angel food trifle, and vanilla French toast."


    "Can''t believe you spent half a gold on that, you could have gotten it for two silvers here in the capital." Her inner merchant breaks out, but is quickly shutdown by her sweet-tooth. "But, I will admit that ice cream you made was probably worth it. I don''t know what angel food or trifles are but if it''s half as good as that ice cream, I''m in."


    "Angel food is a very sweet, light and fluffy cake. And trifles are layers of cake pieces, pudding and fruit stacked on top of each other." My little foodie''s eyes get wider with every word. "And if you thought the ice cream was good, just wait until I can find some cocoa beans."


    "Thank you for knowing how to make so many sweets, and thank you Temmie-chan for giving me the extra stats that let me eat them every day." She gets a little dinging chuckle from that.


    "You''re welcome. I was always on one diet or another and usually had to settle for just looking at pictures of food. I spent more than one hungry night just reading recipes for stuff I''d never be able to eat."

 # 21

    I''ve been preparing everything as we talk, not that our guests have noticed. Even with the usual show I put on while making breakfast, not even the guardsman has looked up from the movie. By the time the good ''pixies'' are abducting the princess everything is done. Including the glass trifle dish I had to make, because it''s not really a trifle if it''s not in a trifle dish.


    Pausing the movie as it pulls out to book form again. I levitate five plates onto the table, followed by the trifle, a platter of French toast, all the toppings, and a pitcher of ice water. This gets their attention, and the guard looks ashamed that he got so caught up.


    "There''s powdered sugar, various syrups, and jellies, so please, help yourselves. And, just ask if you want something besides water, I have almost every kind of juice." I say sitting down with Amelia. "I may not be quite up to the standard of your chefs, but I do have two sweets obsessed ladies to take care of, so I try my best." I use magic to load up Apricot''s plate for her.


    "Why''d the movie stop?" Faye asks with a pout. "Ooh, that looks yummy." Her face brightens right back up.


    "Oh, thank you sir. You didn''t have to go through the trouble. And, I haven''t even introduced myself yet, either. I am Hilbert Crothers, Commander of the Queen''s Guard. I came to apologize personally for my man''s behavior last night."


    "Nice to meet cha." I say around a mouthful of breakfast, before swallowing. "Don''t worry about it. If the General''s expression was anything to go by, then I''m sure your man has learned his lesson on how to hold a crossbow."


    "Mommy said he''s mucking out the stables all on his own, for a month." The princess adds with a tittering laugh. "Do, you have grape juice, I love grape juice."


    "That''s the least of his punishments." The Commander looks like he wants to spit.


    "It''s in the past now, I was just worried about what might happen if someone who couldn''t protect themselves spooked him." I wave the matter away, and pour the Princess her juice. "Now please, eat, enjoy. I''m used to cooking for five by now anyways, and Amelia''s parents went in to check on things at work already."


    "Thank you, it look delicious." He nods, and lets the matter drop as we all eat our meal.


    "Oh, this cake is so good. No wonder it''s called angel food." Apricot moans out. I was afraid the name wouldn''t translate, but this world has a similar mythological being. The Polyglot skill actually gives me a basic overview of the word I''m using when translating stuff like this.


    "Wait ''til you try devil''s-food cake." I grin at the silly little woman. "Just gotta get those cocoa beans. I haven''t seen a lot of tropical foods so far, but Amelia assures me that The Capital has everything. It''d be nice to pick up some of the more exotic fruits and nuts too."


    "The Crown would be more than willing to provide you with anything you desire. Her majesty even tasked me with finding out what you might be interested in." Hilbert says.


    "Oh. Well, I won''t say no to any interesting seeds or cuttings. Nature Mage and all that." I show off my tattoos to the guardsman. "But, we were looking forward to going shopping. Aside from getting some supplies, we haven''t really had a shopping trip since Riverton, and there''s so much to explore here."


    "I bet Mommy will let you into the Royal Gardens. There''s all sorts of plants from all over the world there." Faye speaks up excitedly with syrup dripping down her chin. "She was really happy to finally Awaken. Do I really have the same magic as her? She was making stuff move around all on it''s own last night. I want to be able to do that too, but now I saw your movie, I really want to be able to make that. Can we finish watching it now? I''m done eating." The words just spill out of her.


    "Of course. And, it looks like Apricot''s done too. Would you like to move to the sitting room. Maybe, get cleaned up first?" I hand her a damp wash cloth. "The Gardens sound lovely, I''d be honored to be granted access. As for making your own movies... That might be possible. Very difficult with just Motion Magic... But yes, I can see a way to make it work."


    "Sorrel, honey. Start the movie before you get lost in thought." Amelia speaks up and I notice we''re already in the sitting room.


    "Oh, sorry Princess." I rub the back of my head in embarrassment.


    "He he, you''re just like Uncle Oliver." She giggles. "Do you really mean it though? I could make my own movies, even without Light and Air magic?"


    "Yes. The sound would be the easy part." I produce some wood and my trusty bundle of cotton, and fashion a simple speaker. "Now, Master Long should be able to help you and your mother with this part." I use the speaker to say, getting an astonished look from the girl and her guard. "I''m using this stiff cone to make noise by moving the Air, when normally I just use air magic directly." I ''speak'' right next to her ear before handing over the speaker.


    "Wow, it''s like a weird drum, but I''ve never heard a drum sound like this. How does it work?" She asks wide-eyed.


    "It is like a drum, you just have to beat it really, really fast." I smile. "Tell The Queen to focus her magic senses on the little cylinder in back while someone talks very loudly into the cone. It''ll be hard at first but she should be able to reproduce the vibrations to mimic the sound. Might not even need the speaker box after a while" I explain. "The actual picture part is going to be a lot harder."


    I retrieve some paint from my inventory and make a mechanical television. It''s basically a large abacus with fifty rows of fifty beads. Half a centimeter each, and painted half white, half black. I test it out by making it switch from one to the other. Then I start with basic swipes and simple patterns. Once I get the hang of it I make a greyscale image of the princess and have it talk using the speaker. "Hello Princess, this is being done with just motion magic."


    "It''s me!" She squeals.


    "This is just what I could think up in the moment, I''m sure there''s a better way to do it. Maybe a board with tiny flags, or a bunch of shutters that let light through, or something like that." I ponder. "But, this is only twenty-five-hundred beads with just two colors. To make a movie look more realistic, you would need hundreds of thousands, or even millions. All moving dozens of times a second, and with a mix of colors too. Though, for that just the primary colors along with white and black should work." I hand over the ''T.V.'' "Either way, these should be good practice for Her Majesty."


    "Thank you sir." The commander says. "I''ll make sure she gets these."


    "No problem." I wave it away as inconsequential. "Back to the movie now?" I direct to the awed princess before starting it up again.


    ***


    "...pretty please. Just one more movie, please." The Princess begs.


    "I''m sorry Princess, but you''ve already been here for almost two hours, I''m sure your mother must be missing you, and wondering where you disappeared to. You don''t want to get me in trouble for kidnapping the Crown Princess. Now, do you?" The guard Commander has actually been checking in via a magical device every twenty minutes or so. So, I''m not really worried, I just want the kid to go home. "Don''t you want to show her the speaker box, and movie screen?"


    "He''s right Princess, it''s time to head back to the castle." Crothers says firmly. "How about I call ahead and have the chefs prepare your favorite lunch?"


    "Okay." She says, chastised. "I''m sorry mister Rumex, I don''t want to get you in trouble. Thank you for the meal, and the movie, and the magical tools, and again for my dolly. Bye Apricot." She says that last with a hangdog face.


    "Don''t worry; I''m sure you''ll get to see her again soon." I can''t help but ruffle her hair. "Here, an extra present just for you. Since you seemed to like breakfast so much, and these are the recipes I used to make everything. I''m sure your chefs can do much better than I did." I give her a sheet of paper and a single serving of trifle in a covered dish I made behind my back while we were talking.


    She gets a little of her energy back at seeing the treat. "Ooh, thank you, thank you."


    "You''re very welcome." I give her a quick bow. "Thank you for gracing us with your presence, it''s been a pleasure spending time with you. You too Commander." I give him a nod.


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    "Thank you for the wonderful meal, and a most interesting experience." He nods back. "Now, come along princess, it''s time too go."


    "Bye princess, you watch out for those evil fairies, you hear?" Apricot says with a chuckle. She got a kick out of Maleficent.


    "Heheheh, bye Apricot. I will, and spinning wheels too." She waves with the hand holding her doll as she gets into her carriage.


    "Oh, thank goodness she''s gone." We all slump after they drive out of sight. "Cute kid, but I did not sign up to be a royal babysitter."


    "It was a bit nerve-wracking." Amelia agrees. "Especially when she was screaming during Prince Phillip''s escape. I thought half the guard was going to crash through the doors."


    "They might have, even despite the Commander''s call. But, they had a Light and an Air Mage with them, who worked together to show everyone what was going on. Well, I say that, but it was more like they just didn''t want the movie to get interrupted. They''d been watching along since the beginning" I chuckle.


    "Hah!" Apricot laughs out. "Bloody lunkers. Oh, man. What was up with that story though? Those pixies were nuts, and a fairy turning into a dragon? Your people just liked to pull stuff out of their asses, didn''t they?"


    "I warned you beforehand. And, well Disney was always a bit weird with how they adapted these old stories. In one of the oldest versions there was no Prince, and Maleficent was actually the Queen who went nuts after the King came back one day with his new mistress and their twins that he pumped into her while she was under the curse."


    "That fucker!" They look shocked and more than a bit pissed off. Not that I blame them, those old fairy tales really are fucked up.


    "The pixies accidently woke Sleeping Beauty from the curse after they heard the newborns crying and tried to get them to nurse. Somehow one of the babies latched onto her finger instead and sucked out the poison flax. Just in time for the king to comeback for seconds, or however manyeths at that point. And, of course she was totally fine with this whole situation, apparently. Newborn babes, and all."


    "No fucking way!" Apricot spits out.


    "I know, I know. My world used to have a lot of messed up ideas on how to treat women." ''Still does.'' "So anyways, The Queen tries to feed the King his babies." They gasp. "And when that fails, because the chef wasn''t fucking evil or stupid enough to feed the King his own children. She then tried to just burn Aurora alive but ended up on the pyre herself. Leaving the King to wed his new mistress and live happily ever after."


    "How did it go from that to what we just watched." Amelia asks.


    "Sorry, but I don''t actually know. The story changed over centuries of telling and retelling. Somewhere along the way it became about a childless royal couple that was finally able to conceive only to have the baby cursed. Either by an old Fae they offended somehow, or by an evil female Mage." ¡®Witch¡¯ doesn''t translate. "She then sleeps for thirty or a hundred years with the thorns fending off countless princes, only letting in her one true love. Who then proceeds to wake her by giving her a bit more than ''true love''s first kiss''."


    "Ugh." Her face scrunches up in disgust. "I think I prefer the movie version. At least, it''s cute, and a lot less rape filled."


    "Yeah. Disney may have taken these old stories in a weird direction, but they did clean them up a lot. They even did a retelling from Maleficent''s view" I tell Apricot. "One where she fell in love with a human, only to be betrayed. Which is what drove her to such extremes."


    "Ooh, I wanna watch that." My Fae lover says excitedly


    "Sure, but maybe later tonight." I smile at her bobbing up and down in the air. "I''m getting better at the translation thing, but it''s still draining. And I should warn you it''s not in the same style, they used real actors like in Hook, instead of an animation."


    "That''s fine." She bobs. "Oh, Mittens. There you are. Were you hiding from that scary princess?" The pixie dive bombs our cat. Clinging to his neck she scratches him behind his ears.


    "He''s been lazing in the courtyard since we got up. Kaitlyn must have fed him before they left." I bend down and scratch his butt. "You hungry again, little guy?"


    "Why don''t you feed him, while I use the toilet." Amelia says while heading down the hallway. "Then we can go check out some of those shops we passed on the way in."


    "Oh, indoor plumbing. How, I''ve missed you." I sing out as I carry the kitten and his rider into the kitchen and set out a plate of warmed up meat for him. And, the last slice of cake for Apricot. "Is there anything you''re looking forward to from the market? Aside from more sweets that is."


    "What more could I want?" She mumbles out between bites.


    "I love you. Embiggen!" I grab her, now human sized form, from behind and pull her into a tight hug. "Thank you for putting up with the princess." I breath into her ear.


    "I know how much getting along with the local powers can mean for you, and she''s really not that bad." My lover turns her head and our lips meet. "There, now let me go. I''ve still got cake left." She says, but she keeps licking her lips, and not because of the cake.


    "Hey, no fair!" Amelia comes running in. "Where''s my kiss?" She tackles the two of us and locks lips with Apricot. "Mmm, you taste so good."


    "Unfortunately, you only get a taste for now." I say as the strain creeps into my voice. "I have to drop the spell now." I give them both a quick peck on the lips before releasing it. "Sorry, that thing is a magic sink. Sucks me dry faster than even Amelia can."


    "Hah!" Apricot barks out as Amelia''s cheeks go bright pink. "Oh, look at her face. She''s a wildcat right up until you catch her off guard like that, then she''s a bigger kitten than Mittens here."


    "Hush." Amelia covers her face trying to hide her embarrassment. "Let''s go shopping already." She changes the subject. "You stay out of trouble while we''re out. Okay kitty?"


    "Mrr?" The cat looks up from his lunch for a second.


    "Aww, you''re so cute." Apricot dive back into his fur, but he just goes back to eating. "Oh, fine I''ll let you eat."


    ***


    "You sure you don''t have any more room in your inventory?" Amelia pleads with me as I carry a dozen bags. "What about you Apricot?"


    "Already told you that pixies and the like get smaller inventory slots. We don''t need to be hauling around cubic meters of junk like you lunkers." The pixie in question drums her heals onto Amelia''s forehead as she replies.


    "We''ll reach your father''s warehouse in a few more blocks, I can unload Charlie''s wipes there, and free up half my inventory." I sigh out. "Weren''t you complaining about my spending habits just this morning? What''s up with this shopping spree?"


    "That was before I saw how much Mana stones sold for." The coins start rolling in her eyes again. "Besides, we''ll need most of this stuff when we get our own place."


    "Uh huh, and all the sweets and candies? And, you know I could have just made all that stuff for us."


    "Ah, but then she wouldn''t have gotten to spend so much coin." Apricot explains. "She loves it almost as much as she does us, and she hasn''t really gotten to play around with it in months."


    "Quit picking on me." Our cute little Water Mage stamps her foot. "You two have been such meanies ever since we got to the Capital."


    "Aww, but it''s so fun seeing your cheeks flame up like that." I levitate the bags off my arms so I can reach up and pinch her cheeks. Before turning my head and looking down the street. "Didn''t expect to run into her so soon."


    "Who?" Amelia snatches onto any chance to change the topic. "Oh, it''s Abby. Hey, Abigail! Over here." She frees herself from my assault and starts waving to the potential Fire Mage.


    The young brunette''s head snaps up when she hears someone calling her name. Her eyes widen when she realizes who we are. Not exactly hard to do, what with my blood red hair, and Amelia''s shining golden locks. There''s also a dozen bags floating in mid-air besides us that might help clue her in.

 # 22

    "M-miss Amelia, M-master Sorrel." She stammers after running over. "When did you get to the city? You were still going to come visit weren''t you?" She looks like a kitten that was left out in the rain when she asks that. "I''ve been working hard on being more mindful and mature, you can ask Aunt Marta. I''ve been keeping the kitten with me everywhere, even if I still get shivers when I look in its eyes." She pulls the figurine from her bag. "Oh, the news of Circle Orchard is everywhere. None of my new friends can believe I actually passed right through it."


    "Relax, girl. Relax." I start laughing. "We just got in yesterday, and this afternoon is the first chance we''ve had to explore."


    "Oh, it''s so pretty. I never got a good look at it before they left." Apricot pipes up, almost causing Abigail to drop the statuette. "Up here girl." She waves from her perch in Amelia''s hair.


    "F-f-fae?" She looks like she''s going to faint.


    "Easy there." Amelia wraps her arms around her shoulders. "You really are an excitable little thing aren''t you?" She chuckles.


    "Oh, be nice. This is decidedly tame compared to some people¡¯s reactions." I say, but start chuckling too. "Abigail, this is Apricot. She was back at the dungeon too, just didn''t like to show herself back then."


    "There you go, just breath. That''s better." Amelia helps the girl get herself under control. "What have you been up to since you came to the Capital? Is it a lot different than what you were used to?"


    "Ah, thank you." The girl blushes. "Aunt Marta has been teaching me how to mix paints, and I''ve made friends with a lot of girls in the neighborhood." She takes a deep breath. "We even went to see a few Fire Mages at the Guild house. Aunt Marta said I was ready, but... I was kinda hoping... That you would." She barely whispers that last bit just loud enough for us to hear.


    "Hahah, I''d be happy to. Maybe we could come over for dinner sometime."


    "You''re not gonna have to dance with this one too, are you?" Amelia teases, getting a titter from our pixie, and a confused look from the girl. "We''ll tell you the story later." She smiles down at Abigail. "If just seeing a pixie almost made you faint, then hearing this tale definitely would."


    "Oh, yes please. Dinner would be great. Is tonight too soon? Aunt Marta just sent me to get some ingredients, I could get extras, and-" Her words rush out before I cut her off.


    "Abby! Breath. We don''t have plans for tonight, but you should ask your aunt before inviting guests over. Here." I hand over a map with the warehouse and Amelia''s parent''s house on it. "We''re headed for the warehouse here, and will probably have a late lunch there. Ask, your aunt, and then you can send us word." I point out the house. "And this is where we''re staying, just in case something comes up and you miss us. Okay?"


    "Thank you, thank you. I''ll go ask her now." She stuff the kitten statue back in her bag and runs off down the street, followed by our laughs.


    "Oh, boy. Now I know what Apricot felt like when dealing with the Princess."


    "That girl makes Faye look tame." The pixie shakes her head. "That light show you put on for her really made an impression."


    "Oh, that''s not the only thing that made an impression." Amelia chuckles darkly before telling the story of a curious little kitten.


    ***


    "Thanks for letting me store this stuff here." I say to Turner as I offload a couple dozen crates of Uncle Charlie''s Butt Wipes. "Any Idea when Charlie will be back in town?"


    "Not a problem, Charlie said he was making a run to the coast, he should be back within a week or two. And, I see our little Amy girl has raided every sweet shop in the Capital. Heh." He snorts out a laugh.


    "I wish." I say softly, looking around to make sure she isn''t in hearing distance. "This stuff is just from the shops in this area. She already filled both our inventories." I hang my head, defeated.


    "Oh, lad." He commiserates. "I overheard her telling her mother how happy she was to be able to eat all the sweets she wanted now. But, I never imagined she''d get this bad. Where''d you even get the coin to pay for it all?"


    "Turns out Mana stones are worth a small fortune, and I can pretty much conjure them from thin air." The coins start rolling in his eyes. "Yeah, that''s the look she got right before she dragged me off to the nearest sweets shop."


    "Hah." He barks out. "Well, at least I''ll never have to worry about my little girl going hungry. Thank you so much for taking care of her." He turns serious. "She didn''t say a lot about it, but she had a lot of trouble dealing with what happened. If it hadn''t been for you..." He trails off.


    "I needed her as much as she needed me. It was a blessing from the Gods that brought us together." One of them, at least. "I lost everything, but I gained her." A sad smile crosses my face as I look across the warehouse to my love. I shake my head to clear the dark thoughts away. "Come on, let''s go get some of those sweets before they eat them all."


    "Sure thing, son. Sure thing." He says with an expression I don''t care to examine.


    "Hah, looks like we''ve got dinner plans, Amelia." I call out as I sense Abigail entering my detection range. "That girl''s practically floating, she''s so excited."


    "This is that Fire Mage that stayed at the dungeon for a night?" Turner asks. "I thought Awakened were supposed to be rare, and here you''ve found three of them, four if you count the Princess."


    "I''d say it''s more like The Queen found me. But yeah, I have run into a few un-Awakened."


    We walk up to the girls, and I can just make out Amelia speaking to Apricot under her breath "...no teasing. She doesn''t know that we know." Before she speaks up and calls out to Abigail. "Abby, over here. I take it your Aunt said yes."


    "Yes, she did." Abby nods. "And I''m sorry for acting so weird earlier. I wasn''t expecting to see you two walking down the street, it threw me off a little bit." She has a self-deprecating smile on her face.


    "Oh, that''s alright. It''s a big city, and.. You never know what sights you might see when you turn a corner." Amelia sends me a look, but Apricot has to cover her mouth with her hands to keep from losing it. Fortunately she''s mostly hidden in Amelia''s hair. So, I just give off an innocent smile and continue. "What time should we arrive?"


    "Is an hour after sunset, okay? Marta likes to paint until she loses the light, then it''ll take her a bit to get cleaned up. Oh, and she marked our house on the map you gave me." She returns the slip of paper I gave her earlier.


    "Thanks. She gave us the address before, but I haven''t had a chance to learn all the street names yet."


    "No. Thank you. I''m finally getting my magic." She looks like she wants to squeal. "I need to run and get everything ready. I''ll see you later, right?" She asks, afraid that we''re going to stand her up.


    "We''ll be there." Amelia re-assure her. "It doesn''t look too far from the shops we were planning on checking out later." She says, looking over the map.


    "Good, good. Thanks again. I''ve gotta run if I want to get everything. Bye." She jogs out the door.


    "Heh, excitable little girl. Reminds me of Amy back when she was little." Kaitlyn comments.


    "You want excitable, you should have seen the Princess during the movie this morning." Amelia sighs out.


    "What? The Princess?" Her mother''s eyes go wide.


    "Sorry, we forgot to mention she stopped by to see Apricot earlier." Amelia explains. "Stayed for breakfast and one of Sorrel''s movies, almost made us go deaf with her squealing at the pivotal scene." She uses her finger to clean out her ear dramatically.


    "Oh, my. We had Royalty in the house, and I wasn''t even there." Kaitlyn looks like she''s going to cry.


    "Oh, Momma." Amelia hugs her mother. "She''s just like a regular little girl and, between Apricot and Sorrel''s movies, I''m sure she''ll come by again sometime. If you want to cry for something, cry that you missed the new cake he made for us." She jokes to lighten up the mood.


    I lean over to Turner and warn him in an undertone. "She was there incognito, but the street was also full of poorly disguised guards. So, don''t be surprised if your neighbors give you a few weird looks." He just shakes his head with a rueful smile and rubs his wife on the back.


    "Katey, we had dinner with the Queen herself just last night." He tries to reason with her. "Our daughter''s bonded to one of the Fae, and our future son-in-law is an Archmage. We''re going to be inundated with all sorts of nobility and royalty in the future. All you really missed was a screaming little girl and, like Amy said, Sorrel''s new dessert." He smiles down at her and wipes away the tears gathered in the corner of her eyes.


    "Well, when you put it like that." She huffs playfully. "Was the cake really that good?" She asks Amelia.


    "It''s called angel food, and it easily lives up to the name." Apricot answers. "And he made this treat called a trifle with it by layering cake bits, pudding, and fruit. Sooo gooood." She moans out getting a laugh from us.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    "She ate the last slice." I motion to the pixie. "But, I''ll be happy to make you some later. Speaking of sweets." I turn to my sweetie. "Why don''t you bring out your haul, so I can organize it; I''ve got plenty of free space now."


    "Thanks babe." She gives me a hug, then drops ten giant bags full of sweets on the ground in front of us, and I add two of my own. "Uhh." She drones out. "I think I may have bought a little too much."


    "Really?" Her mother lets out an exasperated sigh. "Amy girl... Oh, this is so you." She finally breathes out. Only to break into laughter a second later.


    "Mommy, don''t laugh." She pouts. "I didn''t really see it all stacked up like this. We just went from store to store picking up whatever looked good. This is all your fault Sorrel." She tries to shift the blame onto me. "Why''d we have to stop in that magic shop first? Who knew those rocks you make in your free time were so valuable?"


    "I told you learning Mana Control was worth it." I laugh at her antics. "I just didn''t think it''d be worth more than its weight in gold."


    "Oh, ha ha." She deadpans, defeated. "Just get this mess sorted out for me, please. And then, can we never speak of this again?"


    I just smile and get to work making a handful of portmanteau style cases full of racks to keep everything sorted. Levitating the whole lot up, I''m then able to sort everything from over a dozen large bags into less than half that many crates. And, everything is easily accessible now, so she doesn''t have to dig through a bunch of bags to find what she wants.


    "There, that''s not so bad." I pet her on the head. "And, now you can get at everything nice and easy. And, hey. Just think, if Mana control bought you this many sweets. Imagine what you can buy once I unlock Mana Mastery."


    "Oh no, there won''t be a sweet left in the entire kingdom." Her father teases.


    "How are you going to do that?" She ignores her father. "I thought you were reaching a bottleneck in Control. You said Embiggened helped a lot at first, but now?"


    "Remember that movie screen I gave the Princess, and what I said you''d have to do to make it look realistic."


    "Moving millions of beads dozens of times a second?" Her eyes widen as she thinks over just how difficult that would be. "Should only take you about a week, you over-powered thing, you." She teases.


    "If only." I shake my head. "I could handle a fifty by fifty grid okay, but even ten times the number of beads would stretch me. Even if I used Plantshaping on different colored flags, I would still have trouble moving twenty-five-thousand dots. Let alone two-hundred-fifty, or more. This is gonna be a long term goal."


    "I may have to have you make me something I can use with my Water Magic. Might finally push me over into Control, I''m so close I can taste it."


    "You just want to buy even more sweets without being teased don''t you." I kiss her on the forehead. "Speaking of, why don''t you put these away so we can have lunch then go finish our shopping for the day. Oh, and we should pick up a gift for Marta too, I know she likes wine. Know of any good shops for that around here?" I ask Turner.


    "Oh, don''t ask him." Kaitlyn butts in before he can speak. "He may know how to sell the stuff, but he never developed a proper appreciation for a good wine." She snatches up the map. "You want to head over to this street, there''s a few good shops there that should be able to help you pick out something appropriate. There are some better places, but they''re all the way across town, and it''s not long until sundown."


    "Thanks Mom. Do you think you could feed Mittens for us when you guys head back home." Amelia pleads. "I''ll pick you up a couple bottles while we''re out."


    "Of course dear, there''s plenty of meat in the ice box thanks to you, and we can''t be having the cute little guy starving."


    "Oh, that reminds me." I take a small bag out of one of my ''miscellaneous'' boxes from my inventory. "I got these to examine, but there''s no reason you shouldn''t use them."


    "Oh, my." Amelia''s mother exclaims when she opens the bag. "It''s a full set of runes, and not the cheap ones either."


    "Your Amy girl talked the shop owner into throwing those into the deal, in exchange for my coming back next week with another sack of stones." I pet her on the head again as she cringes under my use of her nickname.


    "That''s my girl." Her dad beams with pride.


    "Come on, we''ve still got some shopping to do." She tugs on my arm, embarrassed.


    "I thought we were going to have lunch. You filled up on sweets didn''t you?" I accuse the blushing blonde.


    "Quit teasing me." She whines, dragging me outside to her parents laughter. "You are such a butt?" She swats me on the shoulder before giving the spot she hit a kiss at my melodramatic flinch. "Why did you let me buy so many sweets? Mom''s going to tease me about this for years." She starts laughing at herself.


    "It made you happy." I kiss her on the lips. "That''s all the reason I need. Now, let''s hurry. The wine shops are a bit of a walk, and I still want to check out a few more shops along the way."


    "Fine, but no more sweets." She says adamantly.


    "Yes, Ma''am."


    ***


    "And, here I thought you were bad when you spotted the sweets." I hear Apricot mutter to Amelia as I charge into a shop.


    "Oh, hush. He''s been looking for an exotic foods store all day." Amelia says with amusement clear in her voice. "I know you''re excited babe, but we''re gonna be late to dinner."


    "I know, I know. Just gimme a couple minutes, I think..." I trail off after spotting a familiar looking pod. "Identify! Yes! Shopkeeper, I''ll take this basket of cocoa pods, and oh... Let me get a handful of everything else." I levitate a few of everything in the shop into mesh bags I make on the spot before setting it all in from of the stunned store owner.


    "Yes sir, Master Mage. Happy to be of service." The man snaps out of his shock quickly and tallies up my purchases.


    I pay him and toss in an extra fifty percent for not wasting our time. "Thank you. And if you come across anything interesting, please hold a couple samples aside for me." I nod to the man and start walking out the door just as the girls catch me up.


    "Yes sir. I get new shipments weekly, delivered via mage courier to insure freshness." He calls out excitedly as I leave.


    "That''s the exact same look the store owners had after you got done with them." Apricot says to Amelia. "Though, Sorrel seems to have left the stock more intact."


    "So, is that what you''ve been looking for?" Amelia ignores the jibe to ask about the pod in my hand. "It doesn''t look very edible." She wrinkles her nose as I open it up to expose the beans covered in a translucent white pulp.


    "Not in it''s raw form, no. But, I have read that the pulp tastes like lychee fruit." I pull out another discovery I made at the shop. It looks a bit like a bumpy strawberry, at least until I crack it open to reveal a similar pale flesh as the cocoa. "The real trick is in the processing, it can take weeks to go from bean to bar, as they say. Thank goodness for magic." I grin.


    "Well, get on with it." Amelia flaps her hand. "You''ve been building this up, it had better be worth it. And, don''t think I didn''t see you over pay back there." She fake pouts.


    "Heheh. Trust me, it''ll be worth it." I chuckle and start separating the beans from the pod. "First the beans need to be fermented.. Don''t worry, I learned my lesson after that first horrible attempt at wine. I won''t mess this up." I say quickly after seeing the look on her face.


    "Let''s hope so."


    "After they finish fermenting they''re then dried and roasted." I process the beans as I speak. "Remove the cracked shells and we''re left with the cocoa nibs. These are then either pressed to separate the cocoa powder, that''s used in baking, from the cocoa butter. Or, the nibs are ground together into a paste with extra cocoa butter and sugar for up to three days." I complete the process in under three minutes while we walk.


    "Well, that looks better than that weird pulp, at least." She comments on the shiny, dark brown mixture floating above my hands. "Smells good too, maybe a little bitter, but still good."


    "It can also be mixed with powdered milk to make milk chocolate, or you can just use the cocoa butter, milk, and sugar to make white chocolate." I make samples of both. "Now, we''re almost done; the chocolate just needs to be tempered, like good steel." I control the heat precisely to insure perfect crystallization while molding the three chocolates into bars.


    Snapping a corner off of the dark chocolate, I pop it into my mouth. "Mmm, not bad." I close my eyes as it melts onto my tongue. "I can see some room for improvement, but for a first attempt, that''s pretty good." I take a corner from the other bars before splitting them for the girls. "Go on, try it."

 # 23

    "Oh my gods!" - "Marry me!" They say over each other as the first nibble melts in their mouths.


    "Just wait ''til I start making some cakes with this stuff." I heft a small bag of leftover cocoa powder.


    "You know, we don''t need to go to this dinner. Abigail can always get Awakened at the guild. I''m sure she''ll under stand... Oh, where''d it all go?" Amelia tries to cajole me as she eats bite after bite of chocolate, until it''s all gone. "Apricot, sweetie. Can I have a piece of yours?" She tries looking on top of her head without jostling the pixie.


    "Sorry babe, she ate it all already." The pixie is flopped on her back a look of bliss plastered on her tiny face. "Besides, we''re almost there, and you don''t want to ruin your appetite for dinner. Do you? I promise I''ll make you as much as you want later."


    "You better." She says with a pout before starting to shiver.


    "You okay?" I ask worried.


    "Oh, wow! Haah. Yeah." She pants. "I''m good. Woo. I think Apricot just orgasmed from the thought of eating all she wanted."


    "Oh, yeah?" A wicked gleam enters my eye as I bend over and whisper to the pixie. "Just wait until I melt some down and drizzle it all over Amelia''s naked body." I have to catch Amelia as her knees go weak.


    "Oh fuck!" The tiny woman grunts. "You, you, you wonderful, horrible man, you." She shakes her fist at me. "We are doing that, tonight!" She orders.


    "Please." Amelia adds. Before taking a deep breath to steady herself.


    "Tonight, but right now we''ve got a dinner to get to. We''re almost there, the place should be just around this corner."


    We turn the corner and spot Abigail waiting on the porch of a three story, brick building. It looks almost Victorian, with large bay windows and there''s even a mini-tower on one side. There''s not as much decorative trim as you''d expect, and the roof isn''t quite as steep, but that''s about the only differences. It''s set back a bit on a good sized lot, for the city that is. The yard is filled with flowering bushes and a couple low ornamental trees and bordered by a low brick wall.


    "Damn, she must really be doing well for herself with those paintings, if she can afford a place like this." Amelia says under her breath as Abby spots us and starts waving. "She''s more like an excitable little puppy than a kitten."


    "Very excitable if what you told me is true." Apricot chuckles darkly.


    "Hush, the both of you." She gives me the stink eye for my ''innocent'' comment earlier. "She may be a woman, but she still acts and reacts like a kid. I don''t want you two embarrassing her."


    ""Yes dear."" Apricot and I say at the exact same time in the exact same way causing Amelia to roll her eyes.


    "You guys are here, perfect timing too." Abby rushes out to meet us at the gate. "Dinner will be ready in about twenty minutes. Come on in. Aunt Marta, they''re here." She calls out after ushering us into the house.


    "I know you''re excited, but there''s no need to shout dear." The painter walks out from the back, drying her hands on a towel. "Welcome, welcome. Please come on back into the kitchen, the meal should be ready soon."


    "Thank you, you have a lovely home. I love all the plants in the garden." I say honestly. "Here, I didn''t know what you''d be serving, so I got a small selection." I hold up a wine carrier with three bottles on it. The carrier''s base is shaped and painted to resemble an artist''s pallet with a large paint brush sticking up out of the middle. It''s bristles flopped over to provide the handle, and three hoops attached to its sides to hold the wine in place


    "Oh, thank you. It''s lovely." A smile brightens her face. "Ooh, good tastes too." She adds after checking the labels.


    "Oh, that''s all thanks to a rather... helpful shop clerk." I say after a pause.


    "Helpful? Hah! She was practically ready to jump you, even with Amelia standing right there." Apricot chimes in from her perch on Amelia''s crown.


    "Abigail said you had a Fae companion. It''s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, madam pixie." Marta bows her head. "And, I think I know the place you went to. They''ve got a good selection there, but that girl can be a bit of a handful. Or, at least she wants to be." Her laughter rings out to fill the kitchen.


    "My apologies." Amelia speaks up as we settle down around the kitchen island. "This is Apricot. She was back at the dungeon too, but was a bit more shy of outsiders back then. Sorrel had to resort to bribing and blackmail to get her to start showing herself."


    "Hey, I would¡¯ve... sooner or later." The tiny woman says indignantly,


    "And the threat of losing out on your favorite breakfasts had nothing to do with it?" Amelia counters.


    "So, what''s for dinner? It smells delicious." The pixie changes the subject, eliciting a laugh from Abigail.


    "It''s a rack of lamb, and farro salad, with hassleback beets, braised leeks, roasted carrots, and saut¨¦ed snap peas. And, a lemon blackberry cheesecake for dessert. I just had to repay you for that lovely meal at the dungeon." She says, checking the pans.


    "You didn''t have to go through so much trouble." Amelia states.


    "No trouble at all. The lamb takes almost no time to cook, it just requires a couple hours to marinade, and Abby prepped all the vegetables for me. I can''t even take credit for the dessert. Abby said she had to run around a few different stores before she could even find one. Apparently somebody bought out the stock of several confectioners." Amelia''s face goes wooden at this, while Apricot and I are struggling not to laugh.


    "Yeah, ''somebody'' did alright." The pixie finally loses it and starts chortling at Amelia''s embarrassment.


    "That''s it!" She finally reaches her breaking point for being teased. "Sorrel, no more chocolate for Apricot. And, wipe that smile off your face." She huffs, before slumping in her seat. "Sorry, that was me." She explains to the amused duo. "Turns out Sorrel here can practically mint his own coin, and I may have gone a little crazy with the shopping this morning." She hangs her head in shame.


    "Wow, I thought I had a sweet-tooth." Abigail says under her breath.


    "Don''t fret, dear." Marta says after sending her niece a look. "I was the same way when I got my first big commission. And with that inventory of yours, it''s not like you even have to worry about anything spoiling or going stale. Now, everything is almost ready. Why don''t you go sit at the dining table through there, and I''ll have Abby help me bring everything in." She ushers us into the next room.


    "You''re not really going to take away my chocolate are you? I''m sorry, I won''t tease you anymore." Apricot pleads as soon as we sit down.


    "Heh. Do all pixies has an addictive personality, or is it just you?" I ask.


    "I think it''s more that you just keep coming up with things for her to be addicted to." Amelia starts to lighten up. "And, no I''m not really going to cut you off from chocolate.. Not after what happened on the street earlier." She adds sotto voce.


    "I guess I am pretty bad for pixies." I smile. "First my waffles, then the movies, and now chocolate. I''m sorry Apricot, you never stood a chance."


    Abigail then comes in pushing a small cart full of serving dishes. Her aunt following behind with a large platter of lamb. Everything looks and smells amazing. If she hadn''t gone into painting, Marta could easily have been a chef.


    "Oh, that looks wonderful." Amelia coos.


    "Thank you. Please help yourselves; we don''t stand on any formality here, not during dinner time." Marta seats herself at the head of the table. "Go on, there''s plenty enough for everybody."


    "Auntie really is a great cook." Abby says, loading up her plate. "I have to ask, what is this chocolate you guys are talking about? Poor little apricot looked like she was going to die when you said she couldn''t have it any more."


    "Sorrel''s most recent concoction." Amelia sighs out. "He takes this big pod full of weird beans and turns it into the most wondrous creation."


    "Big pod... Do you mean cocoa?" Marta asks. "I know a few people who make a drink from the roasted beans, but I never liked the taste." Her nose scrunches up. "Can he really make something good from that?"


    "Oh, you have no idea." Apricot adds between mouthfuls.


    "He''s got this process that would take weeks if he didn''t use magic." Her eyes close in remembrance. "He made some for the first time on the way over here." She sighs out at the thought of it.


    "I''ll make some after dessert." I grin at my girls antics. "Mmm, is this the red we brought? It goes great with the lamb."


    "Yes. It''s one of my favorites, I always keep a few bottles around." She tops up her own glass. "I must say you have me intrigued at the idea of a new treat."


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    "Just you wait." Apricot adds in.


    Dinner passes quickly after that, and I go through the process of chocolate making again while we snack on the cheesecake. Amelia and Apricot are practically drooling by the time I form it up into bars.


    "Ooh, I love the milk chocolate." Abby moans.


    "This is so rich." Marta says around a bite of dark. "I don''t know what you did to make money before, but you could bankrupt a kingdom or two by selling this."


    "Seriously." Her niece concurs. "You offer this to The Queen and she''ll make you a Duke on the spot."


    "Hah!" Apricot laughs. "She''s so happy with him; I''m surprised she didn''t at least knight him already." This revelation stills our hosts'' faces.


    "Y-you know The Queen?" Abby squeaks out.


    "Know her? He danced with her last night." She starts flying around mimicking my dance from last night.


    "Apricot, I think we may need to moderate how much chocolate you get in the future. It clearly has a stronger affect on you." I say a bit embarrassed. And get even more so when she ignores me and continues to dance in the air. "Her majesty is now an Awakened with Motion Magic. Kinetomancer''s, as they''re called, are supposedly rare. And well, I''m an even more rare ArchMage with access to all Magic types."


    "And the dance?" Marta asks eyes wide.


    "Had to do with Her Majesty''s type of magic, it didn''t want to be Awakened while she was sitting still. A dance was the best idea I could come up with. Earned her a lovely tattoo." I conjure a copy of it to show them.


    "So pretty." Abby coos


    "Have you thought about where you''d like yours?" I question the girl. "We were told that the right wrist is traditional, but Amelia has hers on her back. And, mine..." I trail off and roll up my shirt sleeves to show they go past the elbows on both arms. Dark green vines full of vibrant, multi-colored flowers. "Well, they might be a special case."


    "Wow." She breaths out. "I had decided to go with the wrist. Will we need to dance?" She asks trying to hide her eagerness.


    "Sorry, no. I already promised Amelia that I wouldn''t dance with any other women." I smile across the table as I take my love''s hand in mine. "I should just be able to hold your hand and talk you through it with a bit of guided meditation."


    "We should adjourn to the back yard then. I hired an Earth Mage to prepare a suitable practice area for Abby here" The girl''s aunt says after giving her niece an understanding look, as though she''s thinking back to her own teenage crushes.


    She leads us back behind the house to discover a small walled in courtyard inside the larger yard. The ground is stone with a small pond of water in the near corner, just large and deep enough for a person to jump in without injuring themselves. Opposite the gate sits a thick walled dome with a hole in the side, presumably for Abigail to launch attacks into.


    I conjure four chairs for us to sit on. Two off to the side for Marta and Amelia, plus one crashed out pixie that''s sprawled in her hair. And, two facing each other for Abby and myself.


    "Just sit down, close your eyes, and listen to my voice." I take the soon-to-be Fire Mage by the hand and guide her to her seat. "The sun is the greatest source of fire, and even though it''s not in the sky right now, it can still be felt. Feel the heat radiating up from the stone beneath our feet. The motion of the wind as it blows across our skin. These are just two aspects of Fire." I summon dozens of flames to surround us. "Fire is life and death, creation and destruction. Fire is there on even the coldest of nights. Fire will burn in everything until the universe itself burns out." I draw the fire in and have it start dancing along her skin, drawing gasps from our observers. "Feel the heat in you. Stoke the flames. Bring it to life. Become Fire!" Her eyes fly open glowing orange, as the now familiar deafening tone of an Awakening rings out.


    *DDDDDIIIIIINNNNNGGGGGG*


    -You have awakened Abigail Adeen!-


    "Haah!" The newly Awakened Mage pants out. "There''s so much." She''s looking down at the flames that still surround her. "I can feel how hungry it is, but you''re not letting it burn me." She twirls the flames around her fingers before spotting her new tattoo. "Aww, it''s the kitty." She starts tearing up at the image of a playful fire kitten sitting on her wrist.


    "I''m not holding the fire back any more, it''s all you now." I smile at Abigail as her tears evaporate before they can even roll down her cheeks. "You understand the lesson I had to teach you now, yes? I''m sorry I had to scare you like that."


    "No. I''m sorry, I was acting so stupid. I had no idea what it was really like." She grabs my hand as I stand up.


    "It''s not entirely your fault. You were almost forced into something you didn''t want and weren''t ready for. Your entire world got flipped upside down, then you were told you had magic but couldn''t get to it yet. Your attitude was somewhat understandable." I trace the kitten on her wrist. "You know to show it the respect it deserves now. But, enough heavy stuff. Why don''t you show us what you can do?" I gesture to the target opposite us.


    "Thank you." Her eyes flare up as she looks down range. "Flame!" She calls out and flings her arm like she''s throwing a ball. Only to have a tiny candle flame slowly drift forward before guttering out halfway there.


    "Snerk!" Marta loses it.


    "Auntie!" Her niece whines. "It was my first try, I can do this." She tries again, and makes it three quarters of the way there this time.


    "Don''t just release it, the fire needs to feed off of your magic. Send your magic with it, or pack enough in that it can last." I advise her.


    "Flame!" The spark flies straight and splashes against the inside of the dome. "I did it!" She bounces up and down.


    "Very good, now try lighting this log on fire." I pull some wood from my inventory and hold it in front of her.


    "Easy." She laughs before casting. "Flame! Come on! Flame! Burn damn you." She focuses everything she has at before flopping into her seat, weak-kneed. "Haah. Why.. Ha.. Won''t it burn?" Her voice comes out between pants.


    "Is that how you light a fire? Just stick a match against a thick log and wait for it to catch?" I use my free hand to gesture from where she was attacking it, to the ragged edge. "Or do you start a small flame and let it grow?" I conjure the same candle sized flame she used, only mine catches onto the dry wood instantly. "Just because you have magic doesn''t mean you can stop using your head."


    "Hahaha." Her Aunt starts laughing whole-heartedly now. "Oh, thank you Abby-girl. I haven''t laughed this hard in years." She says, wiping away tears from her eyes.


    "Auntie." The girl tries to stay serious but her Aunt''s laughter quickly infects her. "Okay, okay. Any more advice? Oh, great ArchMage Sorrel?" She does a courtly bow from her seat.


    "Yes. Work on your Mana Manipulation. I''ve notice that most of the mages I''ve come across in the city seem to disregard it." I shake my head. "Not, that I''m complaining since that only served to raise the price I got for the Mana Stones I sold. But, once you get it high enough you can do things that you wouldn''t think should be possible with just fire magic. Like making a glass kitten in mid air. Or." I think of something, and raise the log above my head. "Amelia, care to demonstrate?"


    "Love to. Steam!" Amelia points a finger at the log and it catches fire. She then smirks and blows on her finger like a smoking gun.


    "Whuh?" Abby''s mouth drops open. "B-b-but s-she¡¯s a water mage, isn''t she?"


    "She is. But, there''s no reason Water can''t be used to start a fire. Just as there''s no reason Fire can''t be used to do this." I suck the heat out of the log so quickly that the very flames themselves become frozen. Giving it a tap with my free hand causes the whole log to shatter into crystals. "Or Air to do this." I compress it all back together into a solid lump. "Or Earth to do this." I have that lump unfurl into a giant butterfly and flap its wings, lifting into the sky. Only to shatter into a flock of smaller butterflies, each a different species.


    "I get it, I get it." She raises her hands in surrender. "I''ll work on Mana Manipulation. Can you really make Mana Stones? I was talking to some people at the guild and they said you need to have Mana Control before you can do that."


    I just start a fireball in my hand and will the Fire Mana to crystallize, leaving a small round stone about the size of a thumbnail. "Here, consider it an extra bit of motivation." I toss it to her and walk over to Amelia.

 # 24

    "You are such a showoff." She looks past me to where the flock is still drifting about.


    "Are you saying you didn''t enjoy showing her up at her own game?" I counter, before calling the flock to me and combining them into a simple sphere of wood as they land in my palm. "You want to head home? Abby''s probably going to be out here half the night practicing." I look back and she''s already shooting more sparks into the target.


    "Thank you so much for doing this." Marta speaks up. "She was so looking forward to this night. If there''s ever anything we can do for you. Please, just ask."


    "Oh, thank you." Amelia says. "Dinner was delicious, and Sorrel loves any chance he can get to show off." She elbows me in the ribs. "We might trouble you for a painting in the future. We''ve got a little ceremony coming up soon." She takes my hand in hers. "And would like to have something special to commemorate it. You two are invited, of course. Though, we still need to make all the arrangements."


    "Congratulations. I''d be honored to create something to mark the day." She smiles wide, and guides us back through the house. "Thank you again for coming over, for the wine, and that lovely carrier. You''re welcome over any time."


    "WAIT! Don''t Leave Yet!" We hear Abigail running to catch us up. "Where''d you go? I didn''t even get to say good bye." She spits out before bending over with her hands on her knees. "I had to take a break, and when I looked around you all disappeared." She looks like she wants to cry.


    "I''m sorry Abby, I thought you''d be pre-occupied with your magic all night" I rub her on the head as she stands there panting. "You''re right, we should have said goodbye first." I admit my wrong.


    "No, I''m sorry. I should have realized, you did just get into town yesterday and haven''t really had a chance to relax and settle in yet. I still can''t believe you met with the Queen." She says under her breath before continuing. "It was selfish of me to drag you here."


    "Nonsense, dinner was lovely, and I was more than happy to help you Awaken." I give her one last pat on the head. "Now, don''t stay up all night. Okay." I smile at her bashful look. "Good night Marta, thank you again for a lovely meal. Good night Abigail." I wave as we walk off the porch.


    "Oh that poor girl." Amelia says under her breath as we walk out the gate. "She''s got it bad for you."


    "Maybe Sorrel should start a collection." Apricot speaks up. "He''s already got Water and Fire, now he just needs Earth and Air."


    "Why stop there?" I tease right back. "I''ve got more than elemental magic after all. I was hoping to head to the Mages guild tomorrow, maybe I''ll spot some cuties when I''m there."


    "Don''t forget, we already know where a couple motion mages are." Amelia joins right in. "The only question is. Do you go for The Queen now? Or, wait for the Princess to grow up."


    "Why should he limit himself? He should obviously go for both."


    "Speaking of limiting myself. We''re completely forgetting about the Fae. I mean, I''ve already got a pixie. It''d be a shame if I didn''t pick up a fairy and a wisp at the very least. And then there''s all the other races..."


    The night rings with our laughter as we walk home planning my future harem.


    ***


    "Not now Mittens, Momma''s not feeling so good." Apricot tries pushing to nosy kitten away. "Ugh. I can''t believe I''m saying this. But, I think you were right about chocolate having a strong affect on me."


    "So, you were listening when I said that." I raise my eyebrow. "And, here I thought you were too lost dancing with the air."


    "Is she seriously hung-over on chocolate? How is that even possible? I thought pixies turned all food into magic." Amelia picks up the cat.


    "Don''t know, don''t care. Just, please whisper." The tiny woman groans and holds her head like it''s about to fall off.


    "Oh, sweetie. I''m sorry." I breathe out, barely audible. "I don''t even know how to treat this. If it was a normal hangover I''d load you up with water. Maybe some conjured water since it''s already magic." I offer up a suggestion.


    "I''ll try anything." She groans again and Amelia takes pity on her and summons a tumbler of ice water. Into which Apricot dunks her whole body before drinking it dry and eating the ice the cup was made from. "More please, I think it''s actually working." She doesn''t look as pained.


    "Anything for my little orange haired beauty." Amelia doubles the size of this glass. Not that it takes Apricot any longer to finish it off.


    "Much better, thank you, both of you."


    "No problem, and I''m sorry. You were having so much fun last night that I didn''t even think to cut you off. We''ll just have to be more careful in the future."


    "I don''t think I would have let you cut her off, I was getting too much good feedback from the bond." Amelia uses a tiny stream of water to caress our pixie. "That and having her lick it all off of me."


    "So, now that you''re feeling better. What do you two want to do today? I was only joking about finding cuties at the guild, but we should probably check in, and I''ve got that letter for Coen''s master."


    "That''s fine with me." Amelia says. "Can we maybe go house hunting afterwards? I thought we''d have to wait to make some coin first, but with your Mana Stones..."


    "I''m good with whatever you guys want." Apricot give her opinion. "But, I''m surprised you want to move out already."


    "I love my parents, but I''m starting to feel like a little kid living with them again. That, and it''d be nice not to have to get dressed just to go pee in the middle of the night."


    "Hehehe." I laugh and put my arm around her. "We could probably call in our favor with The Queen to get an estate anywhere in the city. Maybe sweeten the deal with some chocolate if we need to."


    "Hah! She''ll give you her daughter in exchange for some chocolate." Apricot laughs up from where she''s petting Mittens.


    "Maybe if it affected her like it does you." Amelia adds with her own laugh


    "I can barely keep up with the two of you, I don''t need a harem, least of all with an actual princess in it."


    "Oh? But we already know you''re into little girls." Apricot gestures to herself. "What''s one more?"


    "Eww, too far babe, too far." Amelia starts making fake retching noises.


    "You are one messed up little pixie." I take a deep breath and shake my head. "And with that, I think we should head out. Before anymore strange ideas pop into your head."


    "Oh, fine. You guys are no fun." She says before diving in and giving Mittens a big hug. "Bye bye buddy, sorry for leaving you all alone again."


    "You want to take him with?" I lean over and scratch the tabby on his head. "I''ve been trying to get him to ride on my shoulders, and I can always keep him out of trouble with magic."The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "Can we?" She looks up from his fur, her eyes going wide as saucers.


    "Of course. Can''t have my favorite pixie going without her mighty steed."


    "You don''t even have to ask." Amelia chides the silly little thing. "We love you, and if want or need anything within our power, we will give it to you."


    "Then, the wedding?" She asks nervously.


    "Oh, I guess we haven''t really talked about it. But, I thought it was a given, what with the bond and all." I look to Amelia for confirmation and she nods. "We may have started off on the wrong foot, but you''re ours now Apricot. We''re family."


    "You already fit in with us before the bond, that just added another dimension to our friendship."


    "A sexy dimension." I joke.


    "Hush, I''m being serious." My violent girl smacks me again. "If this was bothering you, why didn''t you say anything sooner?"


    "I don''t know." Apricot mumbles and hides her face in Mittens'' fur. "Just blame the chocolate; it''s got me all emotional." She wipes tears away on the kitten. "Come on you lunkers. Let''s go find the next harem member, I''m hoping for a cute redhead." She flies up, right back to her old self.


    "No, it''s gotta be a sexy elf, maybe with a bit of a domineering vibe."


    "I was hoping for a bunny girl, actually. Just imagine those silky smooth ears trailing up and down your body." I trail my fingers up and down Amelia''s back. "Come on Mittens, it''s rabbit season." I pick him up and head out the door.


    "You gonna let him get away with that?" Apricot lands on Amelia''s shoulder and goads her on. "It is not rabbit season, it is Redhead season."


    "Elf season." Amelia contradicts.


    "Wabbit season." I call back to them. Laughing my ass off that they fell into the gag without ever seeing bugs bunny before.


    ***


    "No! Fucking! Way!" Apricot breathes out emphatically as Amelia and I are stopped stunned in the doorway to the Mages guild. "Quick wish for something else." She orders.


    "I''m kinda afraid to." I say honestly. "Where are you going Mittens?" The kitten, tired of riding on my shoulder, jumps down while we''re distracted.


    "You kept telling him it was wabbit season, I think he believed you. Look he''s going straight for her." Amelia chuckles. I had to play them a few episodes of Bugs Bunny on the way over. Mainly so they''d quit staring at me like a mad man every time I''d mutter ''wabbit season'' and start giggling maniacally.


    Now, we''re standing here blocking the doorway as our kitten stalks up to the bunny eared receptionist. A bunny girl who just happens to be sitting right next to a redhead and an elf.


    "Well, go after him. Ya lunkers. That''s my steed that''s getting away."


    "You just want to steer him to the redhead." Amelia giggles and charges after the kitten, likely so she can steer him towards the elf.


    The place isn''t that crowded, but the little guy has always been a trouble magnet. And I find myself resorting to magic to stop more than one person from accidentally stepping on him. "Sorry, sorry." I have to rush forward and apologize to the people who ran into an unexpected wall. "Amelia would you quit trying to herd him, and just catch the little bugger." I laugh and follow in their wake.


    The commotion draws the receptionists'' eyes and the one with rabbit ears leans over the counter and coos at Mittens. "Aww, and who do we have here?"


    ''Yes! Bunny girl for the win.'' The girls look back at me with identical looks of disgust, almost as though they could read my mind. I just grin and whisper "Wabbit season" when I catch them up.


    "That is Mittens." Apricot explains. "He used to be the finest pixie steed in the kingdom, until he betrayed me, that is." She sighs melodramatically, causing Amelia and me to break out in giggles.


    "You want up on the desk buddy?" Amelia picks him up and sets him before the receptionist.


    "A pixie. Then you must be Mages Rumex and Rialta." I''m surprised, she didn''t pause at the revelation, not even for a beat.


    "I see the gossip mill is hard at work." I tease. "Yes, that''s us. And this poor, broken-hearted thing is Apricot. Don''t worry sweetie, he didn''t betray you. He''s just young, and in need of more training." I very gently ruffle her hair.


    "I suppose." She lets out a long, drawn out sigh. "Maybe I can use some chocolate to bribe him to do what I want."


    "No!" I snap out harsher than I mean to. "Sorry, but it''s very bad for cats and dogs. Makes them very sick, could even kill them. I would have warned you sooner, but you girls eat it as soon as I make a batch."


    "Oh." She holds her hand over her mouth.


    "Don''t worry I wouldn''t have let him get hurt. This little danger magnet has me watching him like a hawk. Speaking of." I let out an exasperated sigh. "Get out of there!" The little pest was mid dive bomb into the receptionist''s cleavage. I had to grab him out of the air with a wind spell before he touched down.


    "Gimme him." Amelia says with a hint of jealousy, before she snatches him out of my hands only to tuck him into her own shirt.


    "Been teaching him bad habits, have we?" I rub the small of her back. "Sorry ''bout that." I direct to the bunny girl.


    "Is there anything I can help you with?" She''s trying to keep a straight face at our antics, and her fellow co-workers are doing their best, and failing, to hide their snickers.


    "Some information would be great." I smile down at the kitten that''s now resting contentedly with just its head poking out of Amelia''s shirt. Turning back to clerk, I continue. "We''re still relatively new to the whole Magic thing, and even newer to the Capital. So, anything you could tell us about the Guild would be lovely. Oh, and I have an introductory letter to a Master Devlen from his student Coen." I hand it over.


    "Of course." She says sharply before turning to the redhead that can''t seem to stop giggling. "Claire. Could you pass me a couple introductory packets, and then go see if Master Devlen is free." The giggling girl does so, but I can just see the corner of her lips mouth ''spoilsport'' when she turns to leave after handing them over.


    "I''m sure you''re wondering." She continues after handing us an envelope with a small booklet and several pamphlets in it. "And, the answer is no. You do not need to join the guild. We do, however, offer many benefits for those who do." She starts in on the sales pitch. "For just a small yearly fee, which can be paid directly or worked off through jobs for the Guild, you gain access to our library, trainers, and apprenticeship programs." The bunny girl points to the relevant pamphlets.


    "The Guild also uses its collective manpower to secure jobs, setup leveling trips, and work out profitable deals for selling Magical goods."


    "Oh, I didn''t even think of that. I hope we weren''t stepping on anyone¡¯s toes when we sold some Mana Stones yesterday." She does a remarkable job controlling her expression, with only her eyes dilating slightly. But, her neighbor isn''t nearly as sanguine, as she nearly gapes at my offhand mention. ''It''s really not that hard to gain Mana Control, people. Seriously!'' I can''t help but think.


    "Sounds like a fairly decent setup. Somewhat similar to the Merchant''s Guild." Amelia speaks up. "I have to ask though. What would be our responsibilities as members?"


    "I can answer this one Damita." An older man radiating a strong sense of Earth Magic comes walking up with the red-haired Claire in his wake. "I''m Welbie Devlen." He shakes our hands in turn, and even offers Apricot his pinkie. Not showing a hint of awkwardness, even though she''s sitting on Mitten''s head which is still poking out of Amelia''s shirt.


    "Please just call me Devlen though. Everyone does." He grins. "And, to answer your question. We typically require our members to work on a certain number of jobs per year. But, I think we can probably waive both the fee and the requirement in this case. It''s not every day we get a Fae Bonded and an ArchMage joining up, after all. Not to mention the discovers of the first dungeon found in this part of the world in centuries.. and, other accolades which have yet to be officially announced." He smirks, obviously in the know about Queen Vivian. "We do ask that all our members help out to the best of their abilities in the case of emergencies. But, those are thankfully rare."


    "That sounds more than agreeable. I''d still like a chance to go over the paperwork, but there shouldn''t be any issues." Amelia nods.


    "Not a problem, there''s a copy of the basic membership form in the booklet. And, no need to sign anything today. Please, take your time." I can see why Coen said everyone likes Devlen. He''s got this easy going attitude that draws you in. "I''ll give you a tour of the facilities. Just let me know if you have any questions." He motions us through a doorway deeper into the building. "Thank you Damita, Claire, Hana." Devlin says that last name with a hint of humor. The elf it belongs to is still sitting there with her mouth slightly open, and a glazed look in her eyes.


    "Yeah, actually now that you mention it. Damita said something about leveling trips." I recount part of her spiel. "Coen was level fifteen, but we seem to have a hit a plateau after reaching level five."


    "Oh, yes? It''s remarkable that you''ve already reached the first plateau." His head bobs excitedly. "Most Awakened that stay in the cities never go past level five. It is possible to do so through nothing but Feats, and skill leveling. Possible, but extremely difficult."


    "So, how do you get past it?" Amelia questions. Apricot even nods since she''s fairly low level, herself. Not that it means as much for the Fae.


    "Combat, unfortunately." He has a sad look on his face. "The guild arranges regular trips into the mountains up north to fight the beasties that inhabit them. Though, the new dungeon may be added to the roation soon. Now, I understand that fighting isn''t for everyone." He says at the somewhat dissapointed looks on our faces. "But the benefits of leveling far out-weigh the risks, especially on our carefully guarded trips." The Earth Mage explains. "See, we''ve learned that a person¡¯s health, Mana pool, and longevity are tied as much into their level as they are into one''s statistics."


    ''So, that means that I probably had better stats than Coen at the time, and he only had more Mana because of his level. Wow, I really am a cheat.'' A smile creeps onto my face as I think of this.


    "I did hit level four after dealing with the ambush." Amelia adds. "And, some extra Mana would be useful." She glances between me and Apricot, likely thinking of my Embiggen spell.


    "Ah, the eternal lament of the mage. No matter how much you have, or how fast it recovers. You always want more Mana." The man chuckles. "Not that you really need to worry about it." He nods to me. "Though, recharging one''s mana is the least of a Mana Stone''s uses."

 # 25

    "Why Is Mana Control so rare? I mean no offense, but I have been somewhat surprised by the lack of... skill that I''ve seen so far. Aside from Master Long, even the court mages all seemed somewhat lacking. Amelia''s control is better, and she prefers raw power and brute force. Sorry, babe." I smile at the indignant look she gives me.


    "Hah!" Devlen lets out a sharp bark of laughter. "They''re good guys up at the castle, but it is a bit of a cushy job. It''s partly due to talent, but mostly people just aren''t willing to put in the hard work. Sure, everyone dreams of making it rich, but it''s a long road. For the average person, at least." He laughs a bit more. "Your new techniques may be just what are needed to help some people breakthrough. Coen raved about that glass fiber so much that I had to ask a fire mage to help me make some even though I unlocked control years ago. And Oliver showed me that movie board you made for the princess, that''s just ingenious."


    "Yeah, she seemed so excited that I had to come up with something for her..." We pass through a pair of double doors and I stop in my tracks. "Oh, this is exactly what I what I was hoping for." What I thought would be another room is actually a three story library filled with thousands of books.


    "Heheh, it''s not usually the first stop on the tour. But, I had a feeling you''d be interested."


    "Oh boy, I think we lost him." Apricot giggles.


    "He''s got the same look on his face that you get when he makes chocolate." Amelia joins in on the fun, but I''m beyond caring. "Hey, babe. Don''t get too caught up, I still want to look at houses later."


    "Half an hour." I beg. "Gimme just half an hour and I can duplicate every book in here. Hmm, I''ll need more ink." I''m already pulling out my staff and a crate of soil to grow trees for paper before I come back to myself. "Oh, I''m so sorry." I apologize to Devlen with a bow. "I''ve just had so many questions about magic, and there''s only so much I could figure out through experimentation. I got ahead of myself when I saw all this"


    "Did you really mean it? When you said it would only take you half an hour?" He''s got a serious look on his face.


    "Give or take a few minutes, yeah." I nod.


    "Well, damn!" He shakes his head. "We usually task our water mages with reproducing the books and it takes them ages, it''s one of the most hated jobs for the Guild. I''ll need to talk to the Guild leader, and the head librarian, but if you could make us duplicates as well..."


    "Gimme the ink and I''ll do it." I state, eager for the opportunity. "Won''t take me any longer to make two copies than it will to make one."


    "You''ve got a deal." He says before turning to the main desk. "Margrit, be a dear and tell Florence to come down. Tell her we''ve got someone volunteering to copy the entire library. Then send someone to buy as much ink as we''ll need. I''ll authorize the expense." Turning to me, he continues. "I need to run up to Stanwood''s office. Is that for the paper? Good. Go ahead and make what you think you''ll need. I''ll be back as soon as possible. Hope you don''t mind a crowd, because this is going to draw one." He says in parting.


    "He did not just say that to the biggest showoff in the kingdom, did he?" Amelia shakes her head before laughing.


    "Oh you love watching him do stuff like this, and you know it." Apricot counters. "Gods, look at that roll of paper."


    While they''re laughing at me I''m rapidly turning seeds into trees, and trees into paper. Several metric tons worth, in fact. I don''t have enough room to recreate all the books at once, so I went with a large roll. Damn thing is so heavy I have to use my leftover wagon wood to support it.


    "What is going on out here?" A woman with a face that looks neither young nor old comes out of a doorway in the back of the room. She seems nothing like a librarian, more like some high society lady that just had her luncheon interrupted. "Dammit, Devlen. This is my library, you can''t just go making decisions on your own like this."


    "Sorry, Ma''am." I apologize once she rounds the roll of paper. "He went to get the guild leader. Told me to get the paper ready while I waited."


    "Look, young man, you''re sentiment is admirable. But, there''s no way you can copy the entire library in one go."


    "Oh, gods. She made it a challenge." Amelia mutters, causing our pixie to giggle.


    "Hush you two." I hiss softly back at them. "I''m sorry for the disruption Ma''am, but when I say I can do something, I can do it. Now, I hope you have an empty inventory, or someplace to keep the duplicates. Because half an hour after I get the ink, you''re gonna have two libraries." I tell her flatly while examining the books with my magical senses. Fortunately most of them have the same dimensions, so I''ll just have to adjust how many pages each book needs.


    "Good thing we cleaned ours out last night." Amelia says. "How did we end up collecting so much junk so quickly?"


    "It''s fine Florence." A stocky man enters the library with Devlen. "I''m rather interested in what an Archmage can do when he wants to."


    "Oh, fine. But you''d better not damage a single one of these books." She huffs, defeated.


    "I''ve already repaired dozens of tears on this floor alone." I sit down cross-legged with my staff in my lap to continue the scan while waiting for the ink to arrive.


    "Damn." Apricot curses. "His eyes are glowing. He''s really taking this seriously. You lunkers may want to clear the stacks."


    "Uh, that may be a good idea." Devlin concurs.


    "That''s not really necessary." I correct. "Just make sure nobody is blocking any of the shelves. I can work around them but it''ll slow me down a bit." My scan is going well; I''ve repaired every bit of damage there was, and even found a few books that were lost under or behind shelves. I''m just cataloging the size and page number of all the books now.


    "We''ll clear them out anyways." The head librarian signals her aides who begin clearing the aisles. Meanwhile the word seems to have gotten out and the edges of the room are starting to fill with spectators.


    A young man comes running up then, panting he pulls a few large jugs, and a few dozen small pots from his inventory. "I got everything Salvador had and sent Tommy to Benedict''s, he should be here in a few minutes."


    "Thank you." I levitate the ink to me, opening everything and collecting it in the air behind me. Normally, I''d get fancy and make some shapes with it. But this is all about speed, so I just hold it in a simple sphere.


    Ink ready, and my initial scan done, I''m ready to go. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Then, using magic I pull out a book from the top left corner of the nearest shelf. Flipping through the pages it takes me ten seconds to form two near perfect copies. Near, only because I am using specially formed paper instead of leather for the covers.


    Ten seconds to copy a book may seem quick, but even if I do a single book a second, I still won''t have completed the first floor in time. So, I kick things into gear. Ten more seconds, and a shelf is copied. Ten after that, and the first bookcase is cleared.


    I hear gasps but just let them wash over me as I copy case after case of books. Stacking copied books up in half meter cubes, I wrap them in paper before moving them to the side. Amelia comes up to my side and starts storing them in her inventory. I''m halfway through the second floor when she backs away, leaving the rest for me.


    "Gods damn!" Devlen swears, and several people mimic him. "Twenty-three minutes. And, it would have been faster if he hadn''t had to wait for extra ink."


    "I had the chance to catalog the books and make the paper beforehand." I correct while standing up and stretching my back. "Where do you want these ones? They were lost in the stacks" I bob a double handful of books up and down in the air above where they were found.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    "On the desk here, thank you." The head librarian says distractedly as she leafs through a selection of copies, checking them for accuracy. "Perfect!" She finally spits out. "Better than perfect. This one was barely legible before." She retrieves the original from the shelf. "I was going to hand copy it myself this weekend, but look at this. Not a smudge, not a smear, the writing even looks cleaner and look, this droplet was removed. How did you even manage that?"


    "Oh, I could only do that for the few hand-written ones, the magically copied are as I found them, minus smudges of course. I can sense the depth of the ink to determine what is and isn''t an intentional mark."


    "I keep all the originals, could you possibly..?" She trails off.


    "Sure. Uh, some other time though, that pretty much wiped me out. And I promised Amelia we''d go look at houses today." I smile back at my girls. "Sorry for making you wait."


    "Oh, it was worth the show." Apricot answers. "These lunkers don''t know what they''re missing without Magic Sight. All they could see was the books floating out and ruffling a bit."


    "That was still pretty impressive." Stanwood, the Guild leader adds. "Like a wave was washing over the library, and you were the ocean, but not a drop of spray went awry. Just how high is your Mana Control, young man?"


    "Oh, ''bout halfway to Mastery." *Ding* "Exactly halfway." I correct.


    "Ah." He seems overwhelmed. "May I ask how you were able to raise it so high?"


    "Just go as small as you can, as fast as you can, while doing as many things as you can. Then go smaller, faster, and more." I explain as simply as possible to the room at large. "Then you gotta start doing the impossible, or what you think should be impossible. How many here can make lightning?"


    "We don''t have any Electromancers in the guild." Stanwood states.


    I just shake my head and say six words. "Light. Dark. Earth. Air. Fire. Water." Each word accompanied by a ten centimeter spark above my held up palm. "I unlocked Control by making a glass sculpture in mid air using nothing but Fire magic." I then conjure a hologram of the finished product before turning away.


    Putting the wagon wood back into my last free inventory slot, I then walk up to and put my arm around Amelia. "Ready to go? We can come back later to do the paperwork after you''ve had a chance to read through it."


    "Oh, I did that while you were showing off. Devlen even had that one girl, Hana, write it up for us." She says snuggling into my side, wrapping her own arm around me.


    "That''s good then, just show me where to sign. Sorry, Devlin, Master Stanwood. I think we''re gonna postpone the rest of the tour." I say with a yawn. "I need to walk around, get some fresh air to clear my head."


    "Perfectly understandable. I''m a bit surprised you''re even standing right now." Devlin nods while Stanwood and the others crowd around the image of a glass kitten.


    "Oh, it''s not that bad, and I''ve always recovered from Mana drain quickly." I explain to his worried look. "It''s just all the books; I wasn''t really reading them, but a lot still came through. Just needs a bit of time to settle down in my brain, ya know?"


    "Of course..?" He says like he doesn''t understand at all. "I''ll walk you out. Hana, please bring the forms."


    "You really okay, babe?" The blonde at my side asks worried.


    "Yeah, It''s already starting to get better. Just remind me not to skim an entire library again, at least not for a few days." I joke.


    "Dumbass." She may call me names, but she''s hugging me tight and that''s good enough for me.


    "I see somebody got bored and fell asleep though, lucky little guy." Mittens is curled up asleep inside her shirt. "So, how are we doing the whole house hunting thing? We just gonna walk around until we find a place that looks good, and then throw money at the owners until they leave. Or what?"


    "No, silly. And, quit trying to stick your fingers down my shirt, you''ll wake him up." She swats my hand away. "I was going to take us to the person that helped Mom and Dad find their place."


    "I know a couple people that might be able to help." Devlen interjects as we reach the reception area again. "Let me write down the directions for you while Hana shows you where to sign."


    "Thank you." I nod and follow him and the elf over to the desk.


    A few minutes later and we''re walking out the door, paperwork and referrals in hand. As soon as we''re down the street and around the corner I slump, letting Amelia take most of my weight.


    "You dumbass!" She says with more worry than heat. "How bad is it?"


    "Like I stayed up for a week straight cramming as much knowledge as I could into my head for the mother of all tests." I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths. "Kinda surprised my brain isn''t leaking out of my ears right now." I only half joke.


    "Come on there''s a tea shop over here, we can sit down until your brain stops sloshing around." Amelia guides me across the street.


    "Thanks babe, you''re the best." I kiss her on the forehead. "You too Apricot." I give her an Air Magic kiss. "Just don''t look so sad like that, okay? I know you''d help haul my stupid ass around if you could."


    "Quit reading my mind, you stupid lunker." She swipes tears away from her eyes.


    "Don''t give me new ideas for magic, not while I''ve got this mess sloshing around up here, at least." I was going to fake groan but it came out a bit more real than intended. "I promise you I will master the spells to make you big and us small. I don''t care what it takes. There''s no way my girl isn''t going to be able to hug me when she''s feeling worried." I extend some tendrils from my hand to hug her as tight as I dare. Joined a second later by Amelia''s water spell.


    "Stupid lunkers."


    ""We love you too."" Amelia and I say at the same time before all three of us break into giggles.


    Half an hour, a couple pots of tea, and a platter of sweets later has me feeling human again. Or Plantkin, I suppose, if you want to be precise. Not that I got to eat a lot of the sweets, not with these two piranhas at my side.


    "You''re looking better, babe." Amelia says after splitting the last sweet with Apricot.


    "Yeah, he''s not quite as green as usual." Apricot concurs before giggling at her accidental pun. "You know what I meant." She huffs when we just give her a flat stare.


    "Thanks, I''m feeling a lot better. You guys ready to get a move on?" I down the last of my tea.


    "Yeah, but let me hire a carriage." Amelia answers. "We''ve got a bit of ground to cover, and there''s no need for you to stress yourself."


    "I''m not going to fall apart, but go ahead. Since I know you won''t listen to me anyways." I mutter.


    "Well, he may be an idiot but at least he knows when a fight is unwinnable." Apricot flies up and lands on top of my head.


    ***


    The rest of the day was spent riding around and looking at different houses. The person Turner and Kaitlyn used didn''t really have anything more upscale and, at the very least, we want a detached house with a big yard. So, we thanked them for their time before heading to Devlen''s recommendations.


    At the next stop we had pretty much the opposite problem as the first place we went. They seemed to only deal with mansions and large manors. And, while it was nice to walk through a couple of them, they just don''t really suit us.


    The last place, though. They were more our speed, with large but tasteful homes, most on good sized lots. Many were even in a similar style to Marta and Abigail''s home.


    "I liked that last place, but the neighborhood was too far from the markets, we''d have to take a carriage everywhere." Amelia says while we''re in a carriage heading back to her parent''s.


    "You sure you don''t want to go back to my ''throw money at them'' plan?"


    "Oh, hush."


    "I''m serious." I say, seriously. "We keep looking for homes, but why don''t we look for where we want to live? And, just let me build our dream home? I''m gonna want to overhaul any place we get anyways."


    "I got so caught up that I kinda forgot you could do that." She raises her palm to her face before sighing at her own silliness.


    "You really loved that first neighborhood right?" I ask, already knowing the answer.


    "Yeah, but the lots, as big as they were, were still too small for what you wanted..." She starts before trailing off as she catches on. "We could just get two connected lots."


    "All we have to do is ""throw money at them."" We say together. "I know it hurts your merchant sensibilities, but I can literally crystallize money from thin air." I do just that, and toss her the resulting Mana Stone.


    "Fine, fine. At least today let us get a good idea for what we like and what we don''t. Tomorrow, we can ask the housing agent to find us two connected lots that are willing to sell. For a reasonable price." She adds, shaking the Mana Stone at me. "Just because we can basically mint our own coin now. -gods, did I just say that?- Doesn''t mean we need to be stupid about it."


    "Of course not." I agree. "Besides if we flood the market, the price will go down the drain anyways."


    "Yeah, we should talk to Devlen and find a distributor."


    "There''s my little merchant." I lean across the seat and pull her into my lap. "What do you think, Apricot. Did you like that first neighborhood? You''ve been kind of passive about the whole thing." I ask the pixie that''s still hanging out in my hair.


    "Mhm. Told you before I''m good doing whatever you guys want." She says sleepily. "Home is more who you''re with than where you''re at. As long as we''re together, I don''t care if we live on the moon."


    "One day, maybe." I rub my chin between thumb and forefinger. "I don''t think I have enough raw power to get us and all the stuff we''d need into orbit, not yet. Let alone all the way there, and I don''t even want to risk messing around with teleportation until I have a better understanding."


    "Are you serious?" Amelia asks flabbergasted. "What am I saying? Of course you are."


    "Yeah, the people of my world did it without magic. It''s not easy, but it''s not exactly hard either." I explain. "Just make an air tight room, and go up. I can use magic to fix the air so we don''t suffocate. Actually, do I use oxygen, or carbon dioxide? It''s gotta be oxygen, I''m too active. I''ll have to figure out some tests later, just to be sure. Uh, where was I?"


    "Suffocating on the moon." Apricot squeaks out.


    "Oh yeah, the higher you go the less air there is, and the moon is basically in empty space. Ever wonder why there are no plants or water up there, just plain rock? No air means no water, no water means no life. So, once we got there I''d need to make a gigantic glass dome for us to live under." I make a cartoon image of a house in a bubble on the moon. "I''m simplifying things... a lot, but you get the idea."

 # 26

    "Your people lived on the moon?"


    "Oh, no. Not yet at least. It''s far too expensive. We just sent a few people to collect some rocks and plant a flag." I play an abbreviated version of the moon landing video for them. "He was supposed to say ''for a man'', but he flubbed the line. That funny suit is what''s keeping him alive without air."


    "I think I understand you a little better now, if this is the kind of world you come from."


    "That was one of our better points, yeah. We only went there a few times half a century ago, though. Bunch of stupid bullshit kept us away since then, but some people are trying to get back and set up a permanent base."


    "I think I''d like to keep my feet on the ground for the foreseeable future." Amelia shivers a little, and I can feel Apricot nodding along from atop my head.


    "Yeah, I get that. Still it''d be nice to make the trip, if only once. And I would very much like to see this world from orbit." I conjure a globe of the Earth, my old Earth.


    "Is that your home? Aside from your family, and some tidbits about science here and there, you haven''t really talked much about it."


    "This is my home." I hug her tight. "It''s still a little painful, I guess. I''ll tell you both more about it tonight. But, it looks like there''s someone waiting for us, right now."


    When we get home there''s a carriage from the castle waiting for us. The girls groan, thinking it''s the Princess again, or another summons to the Castle. "Don''t worry, it''s just that page again, looks like he has a letter. Hope he hasn''t been waiting too long."


    "Master Rumex, Mistresses Rialta, and Apricot the pixie." The page walks up as I''m paying the driver. "You have been formally invited to the Castle in three days time to attend a celebratory gala, and to honor the services you have provided for the kingdom." He bows and holds out the letter.


    "Thank you." I hand it to Amelia. "It''s our first ball, anything we should know in advance?"


    "Her Majesty took that into consideration and included a list of the evening activities and what is to be expected. A carriage will pick the five of you up at sunset, after arriving at The Palace you will be presented as the guest of honor during a ceremony. There will be a banquet dinner after the ceremony, followed by an evening of socializing, entertainment, and dancing." The page explains.


    "Sounds interesting. Thank you again, and please thank Her Majesty for her consideration."


    "Will do, Sir. Do you have any more questions?"


    I check with the girls, but they just shake their heads, so we let the palace servant go. Amelia skims over the package as we head inside.


    "It doesn''t look too bad." She states with a slight frown. "As the guests of honor we''ll be eating at the Queen''s table, and will probably have to put up with small talk from the nobility after dinner. There''s no mention of just what the ceremony will be though."


    "Oh, it''s probably just a Knighthood. We may have done a lot for the crown, but we''re still newcomers, and even the Queen can''t afford to annoy the nobility by promoting us too much. At least, that''s how it would work back on *Earth*. Oh, that still sounds so weird in this language. I''ll just call it Dirt or Soil instead." I joke to lighten the mood.


    "Oh, just a Knighthood? Well, I guess that''s alright, then." Her voice drips with Sarcasm.


    "I could be wrong. She might name me Archduke, Protector of the Realm right before she announces my betrothal to the Princess." Apricot breaks up laughing at this, Amelia tries to keep a straight face, but she soon follows. "Look, all we really have to worry about is whether you two need new dresses. That and maybe attending a quick dance lesson; all I really know is the foxtrot."


    "Oh, I really want to show off my favorite, but the Queen''s already seen it." Amelia whines.


    "Don''t worry, I can just change it up a bit, adjust the neck and hemlines, alter the pattern a little, it won''t be a problem." I soothe her worries. "I''m just glad I''ll be able to make some proper shoes this time. Can''t believe neither of us thought of that before."


    "Thank you; you''re the best, Babe." She gives me a peck on the cheek. "Oh, you''ll need leather for the soles, and I don''t even know where to find a dance instructor. We''ve only got three days to get ready. Ack." She starts freaking out.


    "Relax. Just breath." I pull her into a hug. "With our stats, the dancing won''t be a problem. And, I''m sure Devlen, or someone at the guild can help us find an instructor. It''s not like we were planning to do anything but spend the week shopping, anyways."


    "Silly lunker, getting so worked up over a little dance." Apricot teases.


    "Don''t think you''re getting out of it, either." I disabuse the pixie of her notion. "I''ve got three days to make Mana Stones and study a Magic Library. I''ll be damned if you aren''t getting Embiggened long enough for a few dances."


    "Uhhh... What? No! No dancing for this pixie, two left wings here. Just save it for the night after." She looks desperate.


    "Sorry sister, but this thing will likely last until dawn." Amelia says with a laugh. "Sorrel, give us some music."


    "Glad to. Embiggen!" I start playing Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy, and cast just as Apricot takes off to fly away. "Go get her; I''ll hold the spell as long as I can."


    "Ack, no! Get your hands off me you stupid lunker." Apricot moans, but doesn''t try to pull away. "I''m used to flying everywhere, I can barely walk, let alone dance on these feet. Certainly not in front of a bunch of strangers."


    "You''re doing great, Apricot." I tell her with only a hint of stress in my voice. The extra level in Control that I got earlier seems to help with the strain, but this spell is still a beast. "Just follow Amelia''s lead. She was able to pick it up just by watching me the other night. You can do this." I''m almost out of magic, so I take out a couple Mana Stones to make it through the rest of the song.


    "See, it''s not hard, you''re a great dancer. There''s no need to start being shy again." Amelia leads her into a few spins as the song comes to an end. Bringing her right next to me so I can kiss her before dropping the spell. "We love you Apricot, and want the world to know. So, no hiding in my hair all night. Please."


    "You guys don''t play fair." Apricot huffs.


    "Speaking of not playing fair. You held that spell and a song for almost three minutes." Amelia says accusingly. "What was the song called, by the way, it was so cute."


    "I needed a couple stones to get through it but yeah, that level in Control from earlier helped a lot." I chuckle. "The song was Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. But, I think it needs to be renamed to "The Apricot Pixie" now."


    "Hahaha, you and song choices. Just how much music did you listen to?"


    "Oh, music was everywhere in my old world, we were able to record music just like we could movies. And I was never picky about what I listened to, so I must have tens of thousands of songs in my head. I almost went with a song called Gigantic, by a band named The Pixies. But, the style is bit different than anything you''ve likely heard before."


    "Tens of thousands?" - "Ooh, I wanna hear it." They say over each other.


    "Yes, at least. And, sure. It''s not like I just drained all my magic or anything." I laugh at Apricot''s excitement for a band named after her species, but start the music anyways.


    "What are those instruments?" Amelia asks after a minute.


    "Electric and bass guitars, along with a drum set with brass cymbals. Dancing queen actually used the same stuff, plus piano and tambourines. A lot of popular music was actually just those three instruments with maybe one or two more." I try to conjure pictures, but almost lose the song. "I''ll show you in a bit. That version of Sugar Plum Fairy was done by my favorite violinist, Lindsey Stirling, but it''s usually played on a *celesta*... Guess that doesn''t translate. It''s like a mix between a xylophone and a piano. Oh good, xylophone does translate."


    "Hah." Apricot erupts when the song finishes. "Gigantic. A big, big love. Oh, that was perfect." She laughs again before turning serious. "But quit pushing yourself, I saw you almost drop the spell when you tried making an illusion."


    "Heh, it''s worth it to make you smile. But, yeah. I need to sit down for a bit. You mind handling dinner Amelia? Your parents should be getting home soon, and I think Mittens is hungry again."


    "Sure, but since you''re telling us more about your *Urth* tonight anyways, I want you to start with music. I want to say that I can''t believe you know that many songs. But, at this point it would probably be more unbelievable if you didn''t." She shakes her head before picking up the kitten.


    Dinner passed quickly and we''d normally all retire to the sitting room for a movie, but I had to beg off. Between the library and holding the Embiggen spell for so long, I just wasn''t up for it. So, I played some classical music for them instead, while I sat reading.


    Amelia''s parents were a bit overwhelmed to also be invited to the ball. They were still a bit shaken just from meeting the Queen and didn''t want to deal with not just her, but all the nobility too, and in a formal setting this time.


    The next morning had us up late, once again, I don''t mind, though. The extra sleep was just what I needed to set my brain back in order. After a quick breakfast we grab the first carriage we find and head for the guild with a quick stop over at the housing agent to let her know what we decided.


    "Mittens! Are you going to do this every time we come here?" The little butthead jumped down and made a bee-line for the receptionist as soon as we enter the Guild building.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "I got him." Apricot lands on his back and tries to reign him in. "Uhh, little help." She cries out when he completely ignores her.


    "Come here, you pest." Amelia scoops him up and tucks him in her shirt again.


    "You know, I have to wonder if that wasn''t his plan in the first place." I say as the kitten snuggles right in, and starts purring. "Just look at him."


    "I think you may be right." She laughs and pets him on the head before guiding us up to the counter. "Hello Hana, thank you for helping us out yesterday."


    "Not a problem. What can I do for your today?" She says with a professional smile.


    "There are a couple things we need advice on." I speak up. "First, we need to know who to talk to about selling some Mana Stones without stepping on anyone''s toes. And speaking of stepping on toes, we were hoping someone here could point us to a good dance instructor.


    "You guys got invited to the Gala?" Claire, the redhead, asks excitedly. "Oh, you''re so lucky."


    "The best person to ask about Mana Stones would be Devlen, but he''s not in today. He will be here tomorrow, though." Hana ignores her workmate''s interruption. "As for the instructor, you''d be best off asking Florence Abner, the Head Librarian. Not only is she very pleased with you right now. But, as a noble, she would know the best dance tutors."


    "Is she in?"


    "She''s always in." Claire speaks up again. "Those stacks are her babies. Just go on back and one of the librarians will tell her that you''re here."


    "Thank you again, both of you." Amelia says. "Let''s head back there babe. I want to get a dance tutor as soon as possible."


    "You don''t have anything to worry about. I told you, you''re a natural dancer, and so are you, miss ''two left wings''." I ruffle their hair, Amelia''s by hand, and Apricot''s by magic.


    "Knock it off." Amelia swats my hand away, and conjures an ice mirror to fix her hair.


    "I''m not going to complain if you want to pet me." Apricot flies over to whisper in my ear. "But there are a few spots that might be more fun than just my hair." She gives my earlobe a tug before dancing away through the air.


    "Whatever happened to our bashful little pixie?" I sigh melodramatically. "You used to shriek at just the sight of our nude bodies. Now you''re asking me to grope you in the middle of the Mages Guild, where anyone with enough magical sensitivity would know exactly what''s going on." I tease her by sending a stream of air along her spine, right between her wings.


    "Oh, damn! Why did I ever tell you about that spot." She shivers in mid air. "And those were screams of frustration, and you know it. You damned lunkers are too sexy for anyone''s good." She huffs.


    "Maybe I just miss hearing you scream." I tease in a low voice. "Lately all we get out of you are panting grunts, and repetitions of ''oh gods, oh gods, oh gods''." I use a spell to playback her voice from last night.


    "It''s not my fault that you two take me straight past screaming, and into just trying to hold on for the ride."


    "Will you two quit it; we''re almost at the library. Dancing first, sex later." Amelia chides us.


    ""Yes, Ma''am."" We reply in sync.


    Walking through the double doors, we spot the same librarian at the desk as yesterday. "Hello, Margrit was it?" Amelia says after stalking up to the desk. "We were hoping that Lady Abner was available to speak with us."


    "Of course I am, and none of that lady business. After the favor young Sorrel did for the library, you get to call me Florence." She leans in and erects a soundproof bubble around us. "I''m only fifth in line for a minor barony anyways, and if the rumors are true... You''ll be outranking me soon." She says with a glint in her eyes.


    "No?" Amelia gasps out. "The invitation said there''d be a ceremony, and Sorrel thought he might get knighted... Won''t this cause havoc in the nobility?"


    "Think about it, babe." I come to a sudden realization. "What newly profitable town is in an area so remote and formerly worthless, that no one could do anything with it? And what would happen if that town were to be handed over to one of the existing nobles?"


    "Oh, you are a quick one." Florence''s smile is so wide that it practically splits her face open. "And, you''re exactly right! It would destroy a fragile balance. Larendath may be a peaceful country, but that is only because of the skilled management of the Larens¡¯."


    "Ugh!" Apricot moans. "I thought we were done with the dungeon."


    "Don''t worry madam pixie." Florence soothes. "There''s more than one Baron that never leaves the capital. The Crown sent three of her best down to manage Circle Orchard, and since the whole of the grasslands are solely under Her control. The only change for you three, unless you wish to get more involved, will be having to sign off on quarterly reports."


    "See, it''s not that bad." I coo to Apricot. "And if I''m the Noble in charge of the area it''ll be a lot easier to arrange for Fae to take up residence in the dungeon. Oh, gods. I''m going to be a noble." I mutter to myself once it finally settles in.


    "Heheheh. It''s not all that bad, deary. Now what did you three come here to talk about?" She drops the spell.


    "Oh, yes. I suppose it''s even more important now." Amelia says after a deep breath. "We need a dance instructor, Hana at the front desk said you''d be the best person to ask for referrals."


    "Oh? And here, I''d heard that you were already quite the skilled dancer." She winks.


    "Ah, just the one dance, unfortunately." I answer with a shake of my head. "Neither of us have any idea what the local dances are like. I''m sure we can pick them up in no time, but Amelia was a bit worried. More so, now." I put my arm around my fretting beauty.


    "I know the perfect tutor for you. Use him myself whenever a new dance makes the rounds." She explains. "Once he learns that you used a new dance with Her Majesty, he''ll beg to teach you just for the chance to watch you perform it." She leans over the counter and writes a letter of introduction for us, then folds it in half and sketches out a quick map. "He''s not too far from here. Tell him I said hi."


    "Thank you so much." Amelia tucks the letter away. "That is one worry of my mind, even if it did get replaced by a much bigger one."


    "Heheh." The librarian''s laughter fills the room. "Don''t you worry about a thing, dear. It''ll all work out. Now, I''m sure you want to rush over there, But Sorrel, I hope you''ll be able to make time to go over the original books soon."


    "Of course." I nod. "It might have to wait until after the gala, but within the week, certainly."


    "Good, good. Now, go take your girls dancing." She waves us off.


    "Thank you again." I give her a small bow before leaving.


    "You''re going to be a B-B-Bar..." Amelia sighs. "I can''t even say it."


    "Here, eat." I holdup a piece of milk chocolate. "It''ll help you relax. Yes, you can have a piece too Apricot."


    "Mmm." She moans. "Oh, that is so good. Thanks, I needed that."


    "Better? Good. Because if I''m going to be a B-B-Bar." I tease by mimicking her stutter. "Then, what does that make my future wives?"


    "Oh gods." She slows to a stop, with her mouth hanging open, so I pop another bite of chocolate in. Meanwhile Apricot''s just laughing her ass off. Either at Amelia''s reaction, or the idea of a pixie Baroness. "What am I going to tell Mom and Dad?"


    "That you can get them some really good deals shipping to and from the dungeon?"


    "I''m serious." She says seriously.


    "Open." I hold up another piece. "Ow! No biting. You heard Florence, aside from some paperwork, nothing''s really going to change. Well, some people might start calling you Lady, but that''s it. And, that''s only if the rumors are true. Now, come on. Let''s go dancing."


    "Mhm.. More chocolate." She opens her mouth again. I pretend to give her a piece, but sneak in for a kiss instead.


    "Mmm, you''re sweeter than any treat." I smack my lips.


    "Thanks for calming me down, but I still want chocolate." She grabs my hand and pops the candy into her mouth, along with a couple of my fingers. Using her tongue to lick the residue from my thumb and forefinger. "You don''t taste so bad yourself, Milord." She grins wickedly and walks away.


    "That woman is going to be the death of me." I say while adjusting my suddenly too tight trousers.


    "But, what a way to go." Apricot chortles.


    We left the Guild with a wave to the receptionists, and headed over to the dance instructor. Once he read the letter, he was practically falling all over himself to get us inside. We demonstrated the foxtrot, and I explained the basic variations and how it can be adapted to most music. He was so over the moon at this that I felt kinda bad for not watching all those talent shows my sister was into.


    After that he walked us through a dozen dances we''d be likely to encounter during the gala. Most were couples dances, but there were a few line and circle dances that he demonstrated with his assistants. And, one for two or four couples to perform together.


    Despite Amelia''s fears, all three of us picked them up so quickly that we surprised the instructor, even though he was already accustomed to Awakened clients. I''ve got my enhanced memory to thank, but the girls are just naturals.


    We were almost done when I asked if there were any dances specifically for three people. There was, and it was actually pretty fun, with lots of flowing movements, twirls and trading the lead. I Embiggened Apricot for it and we had a blast, for all of three minutes.

 # 27

    "Hey look at this." I hold up a book on runes and enchanting. "It''s an Air based device to let people communicate over short distances like what the commander was using. It''s pretty much the Windwhisper spell, only worse. The range is garbage, and there''s a lot of delay, and it doesn''t work on windy days. But, I can fix those issues if I adapt it to use radio waves."


    "Rays? Huh?" Amelia cocks her head to the side. "That''s an old word, what does it have to do with water?"


    "Sorry, polyglot translated that as best it could. Think of it as a type of invisible light." I conjure a glass prism, and shine a white light into it. "There''s more to light than just what we can see..." I give her a quick rundown of the electro-magnetic spectrum.


    "Okaaaayyyy. I think I understand." She doesn''t sound too sure about that. "But, how are you going to use that to communicate."


    "Well, sound is just air waves, I just need to convert from one to the other, and back again." *Ding* A notification pops up as I do just that. "Thanks Temmie It''s always nice to get recognition for one''s hard work. Now I just need to enchant this spell into a hand-held device, and we''ll have a phone." I thank the system for liking the new spell.


    "To speak, right? That''s clever." She smiles at understanding the word. And I retrieve some crafting supplies from my inventory.


    "If I''m going to do this; I should do it right, and build towers to route the signals. Aside from the mana stones, I don''t really have the best supplies for enchanting either, but I should be able to figure out a proof of concept." I start sorting out what I think I''ll need.


    "Sweetie, you''re mumbling." Amelia walks up to look over my shoulder. "I thought you were just building a pair of ''phones''. What''s all this stuff for?"


    "Sorry, babe." I lean back to give her a peck on the cheek. "Why have two, when you can have twenty, or two-hundred, or two thousand, or more? And while the range is much better than what I saw in the book. What happens when the one you''re trying to reach is too far away?" I create a simple cartoon of two people with waves propagating out from them. I move them so they don''t overlap anymore, and put a tower with its own waves in between.


    "With enough towers, you could talk to someone on the other side of the country." Her voice fills with awe.


    "Exactly. Almost everyone had a phone back on Dirt." *Earth* just sounds too weird in this language. "I just need to get these two ''talking'' to each other first, and then I can work out how to relay them along towers."


    "What are you doing in here?" Apricot comes flying up, followed by Mittens. "You don''t use a lot of magnet magic, and never mixed with air before. Ooh, enchantments too. Wait, your line''s a bit crooked there, the magic is fizzling." She points out a flaw in the enchantment.


    "Thanks, I almost missed that." I push the book towards her. "I''m remaking these but, ya know, not garbage."


    "Play the animation again." Amelia prompts. "He wants to make it so you can use these phones to talk to anyone, anywhere."


    "I''ve got to get the basic device working first..." I connect one last symbol. "That look right to you?" I ask apricot.


    "Air to Magnet, and back again." She flies in close and pores over the enchantment. "Looks good. Did you just make that spell, I haven''t seen it before?"


    "Yeah, we had phones that used the same basic principals back on Dirt. So, when I saw the ones in the book, I had to give it a try. I''m just glad enchanting is easier than I thought it would be." I''m duplicating the original as I talk. "There, just need to set the designator, and we''re good."


    "Babe." Amelia lets out an exasperated sigh. "I read through some of those books too, and only someone able to perfectly remember all the rune symbols and combinations would think it''s easy. Not to mention using Magical Sight to spot any conflicts or mistakes."


    "So? We already know he''s over-powered. What''s one more thing?" Apricot says sagely.


    "Wanna test it?" I hold one prototype up for Amelia and float the other across the room. "Just hold the button down and say something."


    "Something." She deadpans. "Hey it works."


    *Ding*


    -You have learned the skill Enchanting; it is now level 1-


    "Yes, it does. And, thanks again Temmie." The phone in her hand says after I use wind whisper to speak into the one across the room. "Try releasing the button."


    "Testing, testing." I check both phones. "Good, prototype one works as expected. Now the fun part of getting them to talk to the tower. Getting the towers to talk to each other. Allowing the phones move between towers during a call. Working around interference so there can be more than two phones, Also adding a way to call which one you want. Making it so they don''t connect automatically, but instead let you know who''s trying to contact you. Adding a way to block devices you don''t ever want to talk to." I pause. "Umm, Why did I think this would be fun, again?" I shake my head at the enormity of the project ahead of me.


    "Don''t forget designing a way to power them, since you''re likely the only Magnet Mage in the region." Apricot adds, oh so helpfully.


    "Ah, thanks. That actually shouldn''t be too hard, thankfully the communication spell is very low power" I reach for another Enchanting book. "I can inscribe one of these collecting runes onto an iron magnet, since Air Mana won''t be a problem. I should be able to squeeze it all into the phone itself. And if it''s too big, I can just make it into a base station the users will have to place their phones in once every so often."


    "The top of the line Runes all have that functionality; the Flame rune we got the other day says to leave it sitting in the sun when not in use." Amelia informs us. "So, get to it already. Just imagine how useful this will be once everyone has them."


    "Don''t forget to make a pixie sized version too." Apricot adds.


    "Sure, I''ll add in a movie player too, while I''m at it." I meant it sarcastically, but the look on her face means I''m gonna have to find a way to make it reality. "Don''t get your hopes up too much. I can probably make a movie player, but combining it with a regular phone, let alone a pixie sized one is beyond me. For now, at least."


    "You said it! No take backs." She stamps her foot, getting a groan from Amelia, who''s head she''s currently standing on. "Sorry, but you heard him say it."


    "Yes, I did. I also heard his voice dripping with sarcasm." Amelia grounds the ruffled pixie. "He''ll make you a movie player and, given enough time, he''ll even be able to shrink it down to fit in your hand. But, you have to realize this was his first enchantment." Amelia points to the phones sitting next to each other on the table. "As over-powered as he is, he still needs to get up to speed with something."


    "I promise, Apricot. You will get your movie player, and more. I just need some time. Here, have some chocolate as an apology for not watching my words better."


    "You''d better." She huffs before finally relenting with a sigh. "You can''t just go getting a girl''s hopes up like that. And, don''t think you can just use chocolate to bribe your way out of trouble in the future."


    "So? You don''t want it?" I pull my hand back for a second, before giving her the candy. "Just kidding. Oh, don''t look like that."


    "..."


    "How about I make brownies for desert. Not the Fae!" Seeing a look of horror on her face, I quickly correct the misunderstanding. "It''s a type of chewy chocolate cake. They''re just called brownies because chocolate is brown. And well, most people are shit at naming things."


    "Hahahah. Gotcha!" She laughs so hard that she ends up falling from Amelia''s head. "Oh, the look on your face. Don''t ever mess with a pixie and her chocolate. Those ''chocolate'' brownies better be good, too." She stresses the word. "Now get back to work! I expect you to have this phone thing figured out by tomorrow, so you can start working on the movie player. I''ll even give you a couple weeks to shrink it down to pixie size."


    "Oh, how magnanimous of you." I give her as courtly a bow as I can from my seat.


    ***


    "Sorrel, Amelia, Apricot." Devlen greets us. "Come in. Please sit, make yourselves at home." He waves us to a couple chairs across from his desk in a large but cluttered office. "So sorry I missed you yesterday. I hear you''re looking for advice on where to sell Mana Stones."


    "Yeah, don''t want to mess up anyone''s business, or flood the market. Or, anything like that." I reply.


    "Just how many can you make?" He looks a bit shocked after I mention flooding the market.


    I drop a bag with dozens of large stones on his desk. "I made these yesterday. Would have done more, but I got caught up with some Enchanting after we went dancing. Speaking of." I pull a phone out of my pocket. "I need a good supplier for my enchanting needs, I already reached the limit of what I can do with what I have, and it''s not nearly good enough for a finished product. And, I was wondering if the Guild would be interesting in helping me test run a batch of long range communication Runes that I''m calling phones."


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "All those, in just one day? And, so large too." He can''t seem to get past the bag of Stones, so I put them back in my inventory.


    "I''m stocking up for the gala; I''ve got a spell to make Apricot human sized so we can all dance together, but it''s a hog."


    "Ahem, yes." He shakes his head to come back to reality. "First off, as one of the only Terramancers with Mana Control. I have to say thank you for not just ''flooding the market'', as you say." He takes a breath. "The Guild would be happy to act as intermediary, our Enchanters would actually be your best bet for that and your new ''phones''."


    He then guides us down a flight of stairs, and into a large room that''s half workshop, half laboratory. Motioning for us to stay in the door way, he walks forward to stand next to a mousy haired woman of around forty years of age. Her straight hair is up in a ponytail with the odd wisp escaping around the band of an odd set of goggles. She''s wearing what looks more than a little like leather armor, while hunched over a table inscribing some runes.


    He''s just standing there, so Apricot gets bored and flies forward. "It''s going to collapse if you connect that, the errors in those two symbols will cause a feedback loop that will make it... Well, do that." She finishes as the Rune Stone starts smoking, causing the woman to slam a metal dome on it and mutter an Air spell. A loud ''whump!'' explains why she took the precaution.


    "Dammit Devlen! I told you before not to bother me when I''m working." She curses at the man while looking around for Apricot. "And who said that, how did you know it was going to explode?"


    "Up here." Apricot giggles from a foot above the woman''s head.


    "A Fae." She looks on in wonder after being startled.


    "Is it safe to approach now?" Amelia calls from the doorway. The explosion startled Mittens awake from his new favorite resting place, and she''s trying to hold him back from exploring.


    Devlen waves us in. "Del, this is Apricot, she''s the companion of Amelia Rialta and Sorrel Rumex, a couple of new mages in town. Guys, this is Deluca Mecatti, the Guild''s lead Enchanter." He introduces us.


    "Nice to meet you." I nod since her hand is still holding some sort of magical tool.


    "Ahh, sorry. Been trying to get this damned design to work, but it keeps exploding." She empties her hand before shaking ours. "First time at that part though, so I guess that''s something." She shakes her head. "So, what can I do for you?"


    "Young Sorrel here has taken up Enchanting, in addition to having a prodigious level of Mana Control." Devlen takes the lead. "He''s got a new device that he wishes to test, and is hoping to make some deals to buy supplies and sell Mana Stones."


    "Well, why didn''t you say so?" She pulls off her goggles and her face lights up. "Show me what you''ve got."


    "I''ve made a long range communicator based.. very loosely off of this design." I hand her the book I was reading yesterday, and pull out my phone again and look down at it. "Damn, no signal. This is why I need better components. Mind if I open that window?" I retrieve a tower and float it up onto the roof of the building when she nods.


    *Ding**Ding**Ding* The phone immediately starts to ring.


    "Is that..?"


    "Yeah, I recorded System-chan saying ''answer the phone'' for me. Calling these phones, by the way." I smile. "It''s your Mom, again."


    Amelia rolls her eyes, but takes the phone from me and taps on the connect button.


    "AMELIA? ARE YOU THERE? IS IT WORKING NOW?" Kaitlyn''s voice roars out of the device.


    "Mom! Quit shouting!" Amelia hisses back. "Sorrel already explained this; you only need to speak normally."


    "Sorry, dear." Her mother sounds a bit abashed. "I just tried it and the call didn''t go through, I thought it might have broken or something."


    "We''re in the Guild building now, Sorrel just had to put up another of those relay towers. We''re in a meeting and I''ve got to go, so I''m ending the call now, bye Mom. I love you." She disconnects as quickly as possible. And mouths "sorry" to us.


    "Sorry, everyone." I call to the room. "Looks like I found another feature it needs. Soundproof bubble for privacy and to not startle a room full of enchanters." I look around for any impending explosions.


    "Don''t worry about them." Deluca waves away my consideration. "You say it''s based off of this clunker, there was no delay, though. Just what is the range on those things?"


    "Right now? Not very far." I project a map of the city. "Her parents are here, with a tower on the roof of their warehouse. There''s another tower at their home, here. And, I had to place two more, here and here. Plus, my last relay tower on the roof of the Guild just now." The map shows five dots in a crooked line with overlapping circles radiating out from them.


    "You call that ''not very far''?" Her mouth hangs wide open. "How did you get from this garbage to that?" She slams the book closed. "I could sense the air Mana being used, but it didn''t go anywhere."


    "Del, I know you rarely leave the lab, but even you must have heard of our new ArchMage." Devlen shakes his head.


    I rub the back of my head in embarrassment. "That design was mostly inspiration, and if I wasn''t using such limited resources." I remove the back cover of the phone to show her what I had to work with. "I theorize that a well built relay on the highest tower of the castle should cover most of the city."


    I adjust the map to show one large circle coming from the Castle, before adding six more in a hexagonal grid near it''s perimeter. "I would prefer to use a pattern like this, in order to insure the best coverage though. Of course this is all theory, and may require many more towers. Depending on the strength of the final product."


    "..."


    "I think you broke her." Apricot titters. "Might as well tell her the rest while she''s still in shock."


    I nod and continue. "The true range is as far as you want to run towers, but what''s the point if you can only have two devices? So..." I retrieve four more phones from my inventory. "I made it work with as many as you want. Only had enough supplies for six though, I had to use most of it building the relays. Just press the green button followed by the number of the phone you want to connect to, and red dismisses the call." I flip them over to show the numbered backsides, this batch is all in order, but I''ll just use random numbers in the future.


    "How long have you been enchanting for?" Deluca finally finds her voice.


    "Yesterday!" Apricot shouts. "The over-powered lunker started yesterday afternoon." She starts cackling.


    "Be nice apricot, or no movie player." Amelia warns. Causing the pixie to clamp her hands over her mouth in a comical manner.


    "Magical Sight helps a lot with finding errors, and I don''t need any tools to craft the devices." Without using my hands I pull one apart, and put it right back together. Test dialing another phone proves that it still works.


    "They show the number of who''s calling?" The Enchanter asks.


    "Yeah, I still need to add a lot more features, but I was able to get that one sorted before bed last night."


    "You want to add more? This is already amazing." Deluca exclaims. "You''ve got three types of magic in one device, doing countless things. No one makes Runes like this, they''re just meant to reproduce simple spells, producing a single result. And half the time can''t even manage that." She scowls down at her desk.


    "But there are all those conditional statements in the runescript?" I say confused. "All you have to do is chain them together to get the results you want."


    "You''ve just got a unique way of looking at the world, babe." Amelia puts her arm around me.


    "Fresh eyes." Deluca says quietly. "He had no idea we thought something like this was impossible. So, he just went ahead and made it."


    "So, can you help me out?" I ask. "I can''t afford many Mana Stones, not until after the gala at least. But, I need supplies to make something for a certain pixie."


    "The gala!" Devlen nearly shouts. "Sorry." He says sheepishly. "But, you need to present this to The Crown."


    "It''s so... incomplete though." I grimace. "And, I still need to design the movie player for Apricot."


    "Quit being a perfectionist." Amelia squeezes me. "You said last night that it had all the basic functions working. And, you even added the number display."


    "I only did that to as a lead into working on the player. And, basic means basic." I sigh exasperatedly. "Would you have been happy with the wagon of it was only a plank on wheels?"


    "You''re being an idiot Sorrel." Apricot lands on my shoulder. "I know this was just a way to pass the evening for you, but your phones will change the world." She says more seriously than I''ve ever heard her. "Beside, you can just take turns between the phones and the player." She grins. "I''ll even give you an extra week."


    "Oh fine." I sigh. "Devlen, I hate to ask. But, could you arrange something through Master Long?" He nods and runs off.

 # 28

    "A masterwork, and he treats it like it''s trash." Deluca looks like she wants to cry.


    "It''s not trash, just... not up to standards." I try to explain. "Amelia, help me out here. You understand, right?"


    "I get it babe." She has a sad smile on her face. "But, I think your control issues are showing through again."


    "Shit!" I curse myself out. "I''m sorry girls, and here I thought I was more on the lookout for this shit since the panic attack. You have my deepest apologies Master Mecatti." I bow deeply to her. "I must look just like a petulant child."


    "One step at a time, babe. One step at a time." Amelia pulls me into a hug and now I feel like I want to cry. "You were so strong on the road, always looking out for us... for me. I think that now we''re safe in the Capital, and you don''t need on guard all the time. Well, all the stuff you were bottling up is leaking out the cracks."


    "She''s right, Sorrel." Apricot adds, hovering next to us. "Combine that with the shock of what you learned yesterday. And we should have realized it last night. Why else would you have been so obsessed with creating some form of long range communication? You''re not exactly one to shirk your responsibilities, after all."


    "Damn, if you''re being serious, then it really is an issue. Now get over here. Embiggen!" I pull her into the hug and hold her there until the spell fades


    "Whoa!" Devlen skids to a halt outside the doorway just in time to see the constructed body fade away. "When you said you had a spell to make her human sized, I didn''t think it would be anything like that. What''d I miss?"


    "Oh, just me realizing what an idiot I''ve been."


    "Being able to do that just means you''ve got a good woman.. or two, besides you." Deluca says and grins at Devlen


    "The best." I agree.


    "Uh, yes." Devlen looks a bit uncomfortable. "I sent a messenger bird to Oliver, and he replied saying that he''s on his way."


    "Okay." I say, drained. "Is there anywhere I can sit down until he gets here?" I ask. I''m only still upright because of Amelia. I usually drop the spell before it takes all my magic, but I needed every last second of that hug.


    "You''re completely empty, aren''t you? How are you still conscious? let alone carrying on a conversation? I got an idea for how much magic you had during the library. How can you have drained it all in just a few minutes? Just what was that spell?" Devlen shoots questions at me in a rapid fire.


    "Give it a rest Dev." Deluca comes to my rescue. "He''s got a damned good reason for training such a spell." She winks at us. "And, I think I understand your viewpoint on the phones, if that is what you consider to be your standard. Now, come on, you can sit in my office."


    "Eh, that spell''s alright." I joke, earning a smack from Amelia. "I just gotta get better at casting it."


    I can hear Devlen mutter something about "Crazy Archmages" and "Ocean sized waterfalls", but just ignore him as Deluca guides us to her office in the back of the lab. He follows us, much more subdued, after a few minutes.


    I take out a chocolate bar and break off a few pieces to hand out before taking a big bite for myself.


    "Oh, my." - "Where did you get this?" The Mages talk over each other.


    "He makes it." Apricot explains for me, as she savors her piece with tiny nibbles. "He may be an idiot lunker, but the boy can cook." I try to retort, but it just comes out as mumbles because my mouth is full.


    "Don''t even try to deny it, babe." Amelia sneaks a bite from my bar.


    "Forget about the phones." Deluca says licking her fingers. "You need to present this to the Queen. She''ll knight you just for that nibble you gave me."


    Seeing the complicated look on our faces causes Devlen to mutter "What? Seriously?"


    "Just some rumors we heard yesterday, nothing concrete." Amelia shakes her head.


    "Dammit Florence!" Oliver Long curses as he walks into the room. "That woman never leaves her library. How does she always find out the juiciest secrets?" He sighs before asking. "Just how much do you know?"


    "Starts with a ''B'', and ends with us in charge of a dungeon town I thought we had quit for good." The Enchanter and Earth mage gasp when the Court Wizard just nods in resignation.


    "If only she would accept the position of Spy Master." He sighs. "Oh, well. So, what was so important that Devlen had to use the emergency bird? And what are you eating?" He cocks an eyebrow at the half-eaten bar in my hand.


    "Chocolate." I take out a bar of each type and split them three ways. "White, milk, and dark. Don''t eat it all at once, you''ll get sick. That, and I''m the only person that knows how to make it. So, good luck finding another source." He eats a piece and tries to keep his face under control with a stern expression, but it quickly devolves into a look of pleasure. "And, these are why you''re here." I levitate the five phones into the room from Deluca''s work table.


    Deluca takes over when she sees that I''m more interested in eating than explaining. "Sorrel here made these ''phones'' last night and, incidentally, changed everything I thought I knew about Enchanting." She takes a deep breath and another bite of chocolate. "Can you make the map again? Thanks. They''re communicators that use these relay towers to talk over any distance. Like from here to Miss Rialta''s parents in their warehouse all the way over there."


    Amelia picks one up and calls her mother. "Hi Mom. Sorry to bug you, but Mage Long from the castle is here, and we need a demonstration."


    "You''re not going to cut me off like you did earlier, are you?" Her mother asks with a hint of humor in her voice.


    "Sorry, Mommy." I can see her trying not to sigh. "Oh, Mage Long would like to speak with you, is that alright?"


    "Call me Oliver, please." He starts looking over the device. "Hello again, Mrs. Rialta."


    "Oh, just Kaitlyn is fine."


    "Remarkable." He breathes. "And, you''re truly in your warehouse right now?"


    "Yep, and we just had a client come in. I''m going to have to call you back, if that''s alright?"


    "Of course, of course. Um, how do I?" He starts.


    "You just push the red button." Amelia says, before quickly adding. "Bye, Mom. Sorry for earlier." Her mother just laughs and disconnects the call herself. "Oh, that''s not good. Sorrel, you''d better make some extra desert tonight."


    "For you or your mom?"


    "Her in the hopes it''ll distract her, and me in case it doesn''t." She hangs her head.


    "Impressive, but you need five towers just to reach a few kilometers." The Mage sounds like he''s looking for flaws.


    "He made those out of components that are worse than what I give my newest trainees. it''s a miracle he got the range he did with such inefficient materials." She nods to me and I switch to the hexagonal map. "This is what he should be able to manage with some decent parts. Apparently he got the subconscious desire to make these after talking to Florence yesterday."


    "All the way to Circle Orchard?" His eyes go wide.


    "All the way across the entire Country." She corrects him.


    "I see why you used the emergency bird now." He gulps and eats another piece of chocolate.


    "Now that I know that''s why I built these" I finally speak up. "I can already think of a couple better ways to talk over longer distances. Neither is quite as convenient or easy to setup as these, but could probably be tied into the phone system as a backup."


    "Let''s stick to these for now. Now, I thought I felt a hint of light magic during use, but it felt off, different somehow." He tilts his head like he''s trying to puzzle it out.


    "Yes, a skilled Electromancer or a Light Mage, such as yourself, should be able to reproduce that part of the spell. But using Magnet Magic is far easier, and cheaper, especially when it comes to Enchanting." I explain. "When you have access to all Magics, you can see just how interconnected everything is." ''That, and having otherworldly knowledge helps a bit too.'' I chuckle inwardly.


    "Yes." He nods sagely. "I feel a hint of that with just Light, Air, and Fire. What it must be like for you, though?"


    "So, where do we go from here? I didn''t have any plan when I was making these. Not consciously, at least." I laugh. "But, it''s been made abundantly clear that this will have far reaching consequences, and needs to go through the Crown."


    "How do you feel about having lunch with the Queen?" He asks.


    "More, and more, like it''s something I need to get used to." I pop the last bit of chocolate in my mouth, causing two of the mages to check their nearly empty hands. "Heh, don''t blame me for the stomach-aches. Oh, and don''t feed any to your pets, it''ll make ''em sick. Or to your pixies, it''ll make ''em drunk." Apricot kicks my arm for that remark.


    "You ate as much as we did." Devlen says looking sadly down at his last piece. "Where did it all go so quickly?"


    "I''ve got a couple of walking and flying sweet-tooths by my side." They both hit me this time. "I''m used to eating junk all the time. Hey, lay off, I''m gonna bruise. Mittens, save me." I laugh as they attack again.


    "Well, I think it was worth any belly pains." Deluca states as she finishes the last of her candy. "Just like this is well worth it, for having you show me what''s truly possible through Enchanting." She sets down a meter cubed crate from her inventory. Pulling open the lid, she continues. "These are my best components. Don''t even think about declining. You earned them!" She says before I can even open my mouth.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    "Then I must graciously accept. Good thing we left the books at home." I sub-divide the crate into eight smaller ones, and store them in my inventory.


    "Only level five." Devlen mutters to himself.


    ''Poor guy.'' I can''t help but think. ''Seems like once he loses his cool, it just doesn''t come back.''


    "Shall we?" I stand, and ask the only Mage who had enough self control not to devour his entire stash. Though, it does seem like he favors the dark chocolate, with only half as much of it left.


    "Yes." He stands and gathers up three of the phones. "Is it alright if we leave these two with Deluca and Devlin? Good. If you build another relay tower at the Castle, do you think these will work over that distance?"


    "Not unless I put a better relay here, the phones are just too weak." I''m already building one as I explain. "Fortunately, the towers are simpler than the phones. I just need to strip out all the workarounds I added... and, look at that. So much better." A wide grin takes over my face.


    "Workarounds?" Deluca queries.


    "The signal could barely make it down the block before, so I set it up to basically have it quad cast the spell." I draw out the designs for the original phones and towers, and then copies with the workarounds. "It''s the only way I could get enough power out of what I had to work with. It''s using up the Mana Stone over four times as fast now, but that''s not exactly an issue for me." I take a few seconds to conjure a replacement for the one I just used on the new relay. "Oh, the power flows and efficiency on this stuff is so much better. I''m getting hundreds of times the output for a fraction of the cost."


    "Could I take a look at the old tower, now that you don''t need it?" She asks as I swap their places.


    "Sure." I shrug and magic open the sides so she can get at the guts without having to cut it open.


    "If you''re ready?" Oliver gestures out the door.


    "Yes, please." I nod. "Thank you again Deluca. Goodbye Devlen." She''s already poring over my designs, and he seems a bit out of it.


    We''re out in the hallway when Wizard Long speaks up again. "Ah, poor Devlen." He shakes his head ruefully. "He''s a good lad, but once he stumbles, he has some trouble finding his feet again."


    ***


    "Apricot!" Faye''s voice rings out as she runs into the sitting room Oliver had us wait in. "Uncle Oliver said you were here." She bounces around the pixie, her doll flopping up and down in one hand, making Amelia and me smile.


    "Hello, your highness." We stand and bow to her, and again to her mother who followed the exuberant Princess through the door a minute later. "Your Majesty."


    "Oh, no need for that. Not while we''re in private at least." She waves the matter away, flashing her new tattoo in the process. "Now, Oliver tells me that Florence has let the cat out of the bag, as it were. But, that seems to have been a good thing, since it lead you to create a wonder that will change the country yet again. And perhaps a third time, if you''re willing to share this remarkable treat." She takes a bite out of a piece of milk chocolate.


    "Sweets?" The Princess nearly shouts. "Uncle Olly, you didn''t say there were sweets too."


    "Well, darling." Her mother starts. "Perhaps if you hadn''t run off as soon as you heard that miss Apricot was here. Then, you might have learned of this amazing ''chocolate'' that young Sorrel has created."


    "I''m sorry Mommy." Her shoulders slump. "I''m sorry Master Long. I should have stayed and listened or, at least, excused myself properly."


    "At least you understand what you did wrong." The Queen walks up and rubs her daughter on the head. "You''re going to be Queen one day, and you need treat your people with the respect they deserve."


    "I know Mommy." She looks so hang dog at disappointing her mother that I can feel my chest tightening for her.


    "It''s alright Faye, just be sure to learn from your mistakes and not repeat them in the future." She breaks off a corner of the bar and hands it to her daughter.


    "Mister Sorrel, you made this?" The girl''s eyes go wide, before closing in delight. "The chefs never made anything this good."


    "I''m very glad you like it." I smile at the Princess. "I was going to prepare a sampler of various chocolate treats tonight as a present for the gala. But I can offer a few bars now." I set a small crate on the table with a light thud. "The ingredients are few but somewhat rare, and the process is rather long and involved. So, I''m afraid your chefs won''t be able to re-create this one anytime soon."


    "Perhaps I should hold onto that." The Queen steps forward after seeing the look on her daughter''s face. "If you would?" She directs to me, and I separate it into boxes no more than ten centimeters on a side. "Thank you." She nods her head towards me


    "You are most welcome." I give her a shallow bow in return. "A word of warning, though. It can make pets deathly ill if they ingest it." I send a look towards Mittens who''s sitting in Amelia''s arms. "And, give little girls who eat too much a very bad stomach ache." I say to the Princess who''s licking her fingers and eyeing her mother like she''s trying to figure out how to break into her inventory.


    "Hahaha." The Queen''s bell like laughter fills the room. "I hope she learned her lesson after having the chefs make her an entire trifle, only to stay up all night groaning." The princess looks quite chagrined at this. "Don''t look so down, dear. I will let you have some more later. For now. Perhaps, Master Sorrel could grace you with a movie while we discuss his new invention."


    "I would be honored." A silly grin comes on my face. "And, I have the perfect one. It is called Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. It is a very silly story filled with very silly ideas, and some very greedy little children." The movie starts with scenes of chocolate being made, causing Apricot and Faye to jump to attention.


    "What a clever spell." Oliver compliments. "The mage guards tried to reproduce it for me, but I can see why they failed. Those are some odd carriages." He tilts his head at the cars parked on the street.


    "Just one of those silly ideas." I dodge with a smile. "Carriages that don''t need horses."


    "We''ll deal with that concept later, let''s stick with your phones for now." He states. "Could you set up the relay?" I take it from my inventory, and the phone in my pocket immediately starts ringing.


    "Uh, it''s your mom again." I tell Amelia who''s sitting down watching the movie.


    "You answer it, please." Her face is bright red.


    "Hello Kaitlyn, I''m sorry we can''t talk right now-" I try to cut her off before she can get started, but she talks over me.


    "Oh, there you are, I''ve been trying to reach you for the last ten minutes. Where''s Amy-girl, is she trying to hide from me?"


    "Mistress Rialta." The Queen speaks, her lips curled into a smile. "Amelia is currently watching a movie with our daughter, the Princess." Amelia''s now trying to hold mittens up to hide her face. "Sorrel was just demonstrating his wonderful new device."


    "The Princess?" We can hear the confusion in her voice. "Then, y-y-you-y-you''re The-the."


    "The Queen, yes." She laughs at this.


    "Your Majesty." The sounds of fabric ruffling come from the phone, like she''s curtseying. "I am so, so sorry. I had no idea. Sorrel, why did you make such an evil device? Oh, Your Majesty, I''m so sorry." She gasps.


    "It is quite alright, this was a very effective demonstration, after all." Amelia is curled up looking like she wants to die, and I''m doing my best not to crack up. "I hate to monopolize your daughter and her young man''s time, but we need to discuss these phones of his."


    "Of course, whatever you say, Your Majesty. I''ll end the call now. I am so sorry, again." There''s a tapping sound followed by Kaitlyn taking a deep breath and muttering. "I''m going to kill that girl when she gets home."


    I disconnect from this end while Amelia whines. "Why me? You''re the one who made it."


    "My apologies, Ma''am." I bow to her again. "Looks like I found the next feature that needs to be added. A way to tell the caller that you are busy. And maybe a silent ringer, as well."


    "You plan to add more to these phones?" Oliver questions.


    "Oh, yeah. You weren''t there when I was talking to Master Mecatti. I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist." Amelia snorts at my remark. "And consider these to be just barely functional. I haven''t even added the recharging function, let alone everything else they need, and just look at the thing." I can''t help but shake my head at the plain, and somewhat clunky design which definitely isn''t modeled after the old Nokia I had growing up. Nope, no way would I do something like that.


    "Hahahah." The Queen laughs again. "Oh, my husband was the same way, he loved to sculpt but would spend weeks ''perfecting'' a piece that anyone else would consider a masterwork." Her smile turns sad. "He was a good man, and he never let that tendency leave his workshop. A lesson you would do well to learn." She sends a significant look towards my girls.


    "Your Majesty." I bow again.

 # 29

    "Now, speaking of Deluca." Oliver says. "We were about to call her to test the phones, but Mistress Rialta''s interruption did that quite well. You can still demonstrate that they connect to multiple devices." He gesture for the phone in my hand. "She had the fourth phone, yes? So, all fours. Why did you make the numbers so large?"


    "I wasn''t really aware of why I was making these, so I suppose I was future-proofing them unconsciously as well." I shrug, embarrassed at not having a better answer. "I don''t know how many people are in the Capital, but seven digits should be enough." ''Definitely not because that''s just what I was used to.''


    "That should be enough for the entire country." He laughs. "Now here''s hoping she hasn''t taken it apart already."


    "Sorrel? Is that you?" Her voice comes out loud and clear.


    "He''s here, along with The Queen and I." Oliver says.


    "Your Majesty." More of those ruffling sounds. "Oh I just curtsied, but you can''t even see me." She laughs at herself. "We may need a whole new protocol for speaking to royalty on the phone."


    "I''m sure Sorrel will come up with something." The Queen chuckles.


    "One curtsy button, coming right up." I make a hologram of a tiny Deluca opening a hatch on the phone, climbing up an ladder and curtsying to the queen before disappearing back into the device.


    "Oh, you''ve got cheek, I like that." She laughs again. "Now, how many of these can you make?" She turns serious.


    "How many do you want?" I counter, a bit worried. "With the supplies Deluca gave me, and even subtracting what''s needed for the five other towers, I could make hundreds. The only bottleneck would be Mana Stone creation which I''m trying to save up on to dance with my girls at the gala." My voice is firm enough to let her know that this is not something I''m willing to forgo. "The Embiggen spell takes a lot out of me."


    "He used it in the lab before you got there, Oliver." Deluca backs me up. "Drained him dry in three minutes flat."


    "Really, are you capable of demonstrating again?" The Court Wizard asks.


    "Oh, just for a minute, I guess." I levitate Mittens over, and scratch him behind the ears. "Hey buddy, wanna get big again? Embiggen!" He turns tiger sized, and I scratch him even harder, his purrs filling the room. I have to release the spell pretty quick, or risk dropping the movie too. "Sorry, started running low there. And, sorry for bugging you Mittens, you wanna go back to momma now?" I float him back over and he snuggles into her shirt.


    "That is one remarkable spell." Oliver gulps involuntarily.


    "And he can hold it for three minutes without falling on his ass." Deluca interjects. "Sorry, Ma''am." She adds after remembering her audience.


    "That''s quite alright." The Queen replies, somewhat awed herself. "Even I felt the power he used, and I have almost no sensitivity yet. I don''t see any problem with waiting a couple days. It''ll be more than worth it to see the rest of the Nobles faces when you pull that off in the middle of the dance floor." The gleam in her eyes makes me glad I haven''t done anything to annoy her. "Should shut the mouths of anyone who might complain."


    "Ah, if I might make a suggestion." I add a bit sheepishly. "I don''t know exactly just what sort of politics I''m getting into here, but would prefer not to be seen as just a threat. So, perhaps a bit of the Carrot and the Stick?" I pull out my last bar of chocolate. "I just need to know how much to make."


    "Oh, I do like you." She chuckles darkly. "We had actually planned to serve your trifle recipe for dessert. Can you make enough for five-hundred?"


    I just smile wickedly. "If you thought angel food cake was good, wait until you try devil''s food." I conjure an image of a single serving death-by-chocolate trifle topped with chocolate shavings, a chocolate covered strawberry, and three bite-sized bars of white, milk, and dark chocolate.


    "The kitchens are at your disposal." Her pupils dilate at the image.


    "After the movie, if that''s alright? It''s just getting to the good parts, and I''d hate to disappoint the Princess." The kids are all lined up outside the gates waiting for Wonka to appear. Plus, I need the chance to recover my strength again.


    "Hey, don''t forget about me." The forgotten Deluca adds. "I don''t know what either of those are, but I want to try some."


    "Heh, I''ll bring you some next time I''m at the Guild. Promise."


    "So, just what is this movie about?" Queen Vivian asks.


    "Well, it''s about this poor boy named Charlie..."


    ***


    "You are such a showoff." Amelia sighs once we''re settled into the carriage on the way back home. "Did you really need to make five-hundred glass dishes, with the royal emblem, in full color, at the same time?"


    "What? Trifle is meant to be served in a glass dish. They were going to use stoneware." I defend my actions.


    "Hah!" Apricot barks. "Ilikeditwhenhemadethechefcry."


    "Heh, that was kinda funny." I agree with the pixie.


    "Hush you." Amelia tries being stern, but her lips are starting to curl up. "Oh, fine. I guess it was a bit funny. I still feel sorry for that poor man though."


    "He''ll be fine. I left him the recipes for what I made, and enough cocoa powder and chocolate to try them out." I wave it away. "I''m more worried about Apricot''s new addiction."


    "I''mnotaddictedtocoffee."


    "Mhm. What was that liqueur you made called, again? *Callwah?*" Her brows furrow. "Tasted weird, but went great drizzled on the bottom layer of the trifle."


    "*Kahlua*, It goes great in that recipe, but I was never really a fan of that, or just plain coffee to be honest. Well, there are these one coffee candies I like, and the ice-cream is good, but I doubt it''s safe to try making them, not now." I let out my own sigh.


    "Guys!IsaidI''mnotaddictedtocoffee."


    "Apricot, sweetie." Amelia sighs again. "You''re talking so fast we can barely understand you, and just look at yourself. You''re literally vibrating."


    "Just wait until she crashes." I shake my head. "Just glad I kept an eye on her, and only let her have a little bit. I feared she might have a reaction, never thought it''d be that bad though."


    "Whatareyoutalkkiiinnnnggggg about... Ooof, my head." She starts rubbing her temples.


    "And there it is." I shake my head. "Try the Conjured water again, hopefully it''ll help."


    "What happened?" Apricot moans. "I remember trying that bitter coffee booze, and then... Oh, no. Dammit Sorrel! Quit making drugs that only affect pixies."


    "Sorry, sweetie." I use an air spell to rub her neck. "But, I did warn you beforehand that it might have an effect. just be glad you didn''t drink more than a thimbles worth."


    "Not for lack of trying." Amelia Mutters under her breath. "At least the Princess got a kick out of watching you blur around trying to catch a blob of liqueur while Sorrel finished up the rest of the deserts. And, luckily you calmed down after he gave you some of that chocolate syrup he made for her trifle."


    "Yeah, that stuff was good." She gets a dopey smile. "Dammit, I''m still mad, quit distracting me. Why did you let him give me that stuff?"


    "I''m sorry Apricot." I apologize again. "You''ve had alcohol and tea before with no problems. I honestly didn''t think it would be a problem. Not with such a small amount, at least." I explain. "My only guess is that coffee and cocoa beans evolved in a Mana rich area to develop a Magical stimulant, as well as a more mundane one."


    "So, it''s the plant''s fault. Is that what you''re trying to say?" She gives me a really tiny stink eye while chewing on some Magical ice.


    "Sorry, that''s all I''ve got." I shrug. "Hey, at least you gave us a good excuse to skip out of there before Faye asked for another movie."


    "Speaking of drugs and movies, what were the people that made that thing taking?" Amelia says with a concerned look on her face. "Please tell me your world didn''t have those strange orange people. And, what the hell is a snozzberry?"


    "I¡¯m sorry, but all questions must be submitted in writing. Okay, okay." I raise my hands at the look she gives me. "I don''t really know what they are, but you can suck them and suck them and suck them, and they¡¯ll never get any smaller. Never!" She starts hitting me while Temmie *Dings* her head off.


    "Don''t just stand there, do something!" I beg Apricot.


    "Help. Police. Murder." Apricot deadpans before she and I break up laughing, causing Amelia to huff. "Amelia, don''t you know? A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men. And pixies!"


    "Impossible, my dear lady! That¡¯s absurd! Unthinkable!"


    "..." Amelia''s sitting there with her arms crossed now.


    "The suspense is terrible... I hope it¡¯ll last." Apricot sets us off again with that one.


    "You two are the real bad eggs." Amelia finally lets out a small smile.


    "That''s our girl." I snuggle up next to her. "You really are the best."


    Apricot lands on her shoulder and says. "Now remember, no messing about. No touching, no tasting, no telling." Even Amelia chuckles at that one.


    ***


    "Your parent''s are here." I warn Amelia from the kitchen, where I''m preparing the Queens gift. "Want me to lead with the trifle?"


    "No, I''ll lead with the trifle; you back me up with a box of chocolates." The front door opens. "Mommy! Look what I had Sorrel make for you."


    "Taking credit for my hard work." I shake my head and mutter under my breath.


    "Don''t you ''Mommy'' me, and don''t think you can distract me with sweets. That does look lovely though, thank you very much Sorrel." She stresses my name, causing apricot to start giggling as a look of consternation crosses Amelia''s face. "First you cut me off and then, when I call back later to see what you were doing for lunch. Do you answer like a good daughter? No! You leave it to poor Sorrel while he''s in a meeting with the Queen. The Queen, for goodness sake. Do you know what that did to my nerves? Are you trying to ruin your mother''s heart?"


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Amelia''s worming in place, trying to shrink in on herself while Kaitlyn berates her. Turner and I catch each other''s eyes, and almost lose it. Apricot''s titters aren''t helping as we stand there trying not to crack up.


    "Katey, dear." Turner tries stroking her arm. "Isn''t that a strawberry covered in chocolate? You do love strawberries?"


    "Yes, it is." I add, trying to help my love before she''s swallowed whole by a dragon. "I was just working on a selection of fruit and chocolate pairings. I plan to present these and a selection of different chocolate treats to the Queen in thanks for raising us to Nobility." I drop the bomb to derail her train, and boy does it work. Kaitlyn''s just standing there, frozen now, with her mouth hanging open mid-castigation. "I wonder. Does the mother of a ''Baroness'' get a special title? I think their children can be called ''The Honorable'', but I''m not sure about the other way around."


    "Baroness? My little baby Amy-girl is a Baroness?" She does a complete one-eighty and rushes over to embrace her daughter. Forcing me to levitate the dessert out of the way when Amelia almost drops it.


    "When did this happen?" Turner walks over and asks me.


    "Technically at the gala tomorrow, but we heard a rumor yesterday, and Her Majesty confirmed it when we met earlier." I offer him a chocolate with some nuts that I know he likes.


    "How?" Is all he says before taking a bite.


    "The grasslands are ruled solely by the crown-" I start.


    "And, instead of upsetting the balance by granting the dungeon to someone else..." He continues


    "She chose us. Exactly!" I finish.


    "I think I''m going to need something stronger than chocolate." He sighs.


    "The trifle has a little bit of coffee liqueur in it, and I still have some of the spirits I used to make it." I offer before turning my attention to a certain pixie that''s been flying closer and closer to the trifle. "Apricot! I am not dealing with a coffee fueled manic pixie twice in one day." My voice is as stern as I can make it. She just ¡®Eeps¡¯ and flies off into the kitchen.


    "Too early for spirits." Turner sighs. "Maybe just some wine. Yes, definitely some wine." He follows the pixie into the kitchen after one glance at his wife and daughter, who are now clutching onto each other with happy tears running down their faces.


    "Hahaha. Oh, Apricot." I can''t help but laugh at the scene that reveals itself once I follow after the two of them. "I didn''t mean to go drown yourself in chocolate, again, either. If you really want some coffee we just need to work out a safe dosage."


    "Umm, what is that?" Turner stares at the display I created earlier.


    "That is a chocolate waterfall-" I try to explain.


    "No other factory in the world mixes its chocolate by waterfall. But it''s the only way if you want it just right." Apricot hiccups after flying through the flow again.


    "Yes, quite." I sigh. Even I''m getting sick of the constant quotes by this point. "I came up with the idea of a ''fountain'' while I was making chocolate trifles for tomorrow''s gala, but we had just watched a movie with a waterfall. And well, Apricot and the Princess said it had to be a waterfall. So, here we are. I''m just test running the runes to heat and pump the chocolate around to make sure they''ll last the whole event."


    It''s a large glass sculpture in three parts. Crafted to look like a natural, three part, multi-tiered waterfall complete with glass trees surrounding them. White on the left, milk in the middle, and dark chocolate on the right. The whole thing is almost a meter tall and almost three times as wide, but only a fraction as deep. In other words, it''s as big as I could make it and still have the pieces fit in my inventory.


    "Sooooo, you said you had some spirits?" Turner asks me with a bit of hope in his eyes.


    "No you don''t." His wife comes up behind the lost looking merchant. "It''s far too early for that. Oh, my." She gasps. "Sorrel, dear. You do not do things by halves, do you?"


    "Only one chance to make a good first impression after all." I shake my head at the thought of it all. "And, we''re going to be stepping on a lot of toes tomorrow. I''d rather they leave with at least, a somewhat favorable impression of us."


    "I don''t know if I''ll be able to make it through this gala." She fans her face with her hand.


    "Mom, just treat it like any other dinner with a prospective client, and you''ll be fine."


    ***


    "Mom, Dad, are you ready to go? The coach will be here any minute now." Amelia calls up stairs as her nerves get the better of her. She''s been getting worse and worse as the day progresses.


    We dropped off the fountain and my gift this morning; after swinging by the housing agent, who still had no leads on any possible sellers. Following that, we stopped by the Guild to hand out treats, since I made far too much last night. But, ever since then she hasn''t had anything to occupy her time, and it started getting to her.


    "Relax." I walk up behind her and massage her neck, careful not to mess up her hair. "We have time, and everything is going to be fine."


    "Relax? How can I relax?" She nearly whines. "I don''t know how you were able to play with your runes all day. I tried to sit and read, but I just couldn''t concentrate. Not even practicing my magic worked. Ooh, right there." She moans as I work on a knot in her muscles.


    "You and your mother are just the same." Turner says from the foot of the stairs. "She was a mess all day at work. You''ll be fine once we get there"


    "He''s right, dear." Kaitlyn joins him. "Even if he could have said it with a bit more tact. And remember, you just need to treat it like any other dinner with a prospective client, and you''ll be fine." She parrots her daughter¡¯s words from the night before back at her.


    "Here comes the carriage." I warn everyone. "You ready Apricot?" She''s rubbing Mitten''s belly. "Don''t worry about the little guy, he''ll be fine on his own for a night. I''m sorry, but cat hair and formal clothes just don''t mix. No matter how many times I cast Cleanse!" I clean us all up, again.


    "I know, I know. He''s just so cute though." She gives him one last scratch before flying to join us. "Alright, let''s do this."


    We walk outside when the coach stops in front of the house, dressed nearly the same as we were on our first night in the Capital. Turner and I didn''t change a thing, because men can wear one suit their entire adult life if they want to. Apricot only had me lengthen the gown of her dress so it would reach the floor when we dance. Kaitlyn wanted the back of her dress closed up, said it was too drafty.


    But, Amelia. Amelia had me go all out and tweak all the hems slightly, change the neckline entirely, and shift the pattern just enough to be recognizable as a new fabric, while still matching my suit.


    A short ride later and Oliver greets us just outside the castle. The courtyard is full of carriages and nobles in their best finery. And every last one of them has their eyes glued to us, eager for any detail they can get. I hear more than a few jealous comments about our clothes, and just manage to catch a shocked gasp of "starweave" from one eagle-eyed observer as the Court Wizard, as I like to think of him, guides us in.


    "Alright, now. Tonight''s fairly simple, despite all the pomp." He informs us as we walk into a large, magnificently decorated room. "Just dinner, dancing, and dealing with idiots all night." He grumps.


    "Not a big fan of parties?" I raise an eyebrow at his attitude.


    "Outgrew them a century ago." He snorts out a laugh. "Much rather stay in my room with a good book, but somebody has to keep the drunken fools from falling off the parapets." He raises his voice as we pass an elderly man. "Alright, Her Majesty will be out in a few moments. Just stay around here until she motions for you. I would say have some chocolate, but look at that line. Hah!" He barks out, before departing.


    After a few minutes the lights dim, and a golden beam highlights an entrance at the rear of the room, not too far from where we are standing. The room stills as The Queen enters. She''s a wearing a flowing, off the shoulder, sleeveless, white and gold gown, with a long train. Her bodice appears to be made from a flock of golden birds that have flown up from lower on the dress.


    "My loving people." She opens her arms wide, as if to encompass all of the room¡¯s occupants. "We have called you all here tonight to introduce this young man." A spotlight hits Amelia, Apricot and I causing her parents to take a quick step back.


    "He is the ArchMage who discovered and named Circle Orchard, and Awakened my own magic." She holds her hand up to highlight the magical tattoo on her wrist. "The man who revolutionized Enchanting overnight when he invented a device that will soon allow us to communicate with anyone, anywhere in the country, instantaneously" She takes a breath and a wicked smile flashes across her face.


    "And last, but certainly not least. And, what many will consider his greatest contribution." She lets out a chiming laugh. "He is responsible for the invention and introduction of chocolate." Oliver casts another spotlight, revealing the triple chocolate waterfall. Just visible on either side are half-empty stacks of dippable treats.


    "The new Count of Circle Orchard, Sorrel Rumex and his brides to be, the Countesses Amelia Rialta, and Apricot the Pixie." She motions us forward, and produces three golden circlets, though one looks too small to even wear as a ring.


    She then uses her own Magic to place them on our heads. Her control is quite good, as they don''t even wobble, and even Apricot''s lands perfectly. She pulls a ceremonial sword to her hand, before stepping forward and clipping it to my belt.


    She then steps back, and we bow and curtsy, while doing our best to keep our faces straight. Meanwhile, the lights come up and the entire room breaks into applause.


    ***End Book One***

 # 30

    "The new Count of Circle Orchard, Sorrel Rumex." Almost the entire rest of the night was a blur, drowned out by that one sentence. That one word, which I was certainly not expecting. Only the Dance the three of us shared truly stood out.


    Not the meals prepared by the best chefs in the kingdom. Not the acclaim I received for the desserts that I made personally. Certainly not the hours of small talk, and countless faces, names or titles. Not all the entertainments provided by the Court.


    Not even the gasps of the Mages in the crowd as I cast my most difficult and draining spell; there was no noble or grand reason for it, but simply so that I could share a few dances with the women I love. Not even the music left an impression, we were moving to the song in our hearts more than anything. I didn''t see or hear the notifications from System-chan about my Control growing until long after our dance ended.


    I close my eyes and visualize it once more, still too overwhelmed to fall asleep. The dance floor to ourselves, a single spotlight catching and glinting off of hundreds of Mana Stones as they float in the air around us. Sending colored sparkles of light around the room until they slowly faded away into nothingness while we twirled and spun the night away. Other couples may have joined us on the ballroom floor, but they were as ephemeral to us as mist.


    Then, after longer than I had dared to hope for, the last of the stones finally disappeared. I pulled my girls in close and whispered those three simple words. Words that have more magic in them than I could conjure in a hundred lifetimes.


    "You still awake, babe?" Amelia says groggily from next to me.


    "How could I sleep after that." I roll over and pull her close.


    "I know, a barony was bad enough-"


    "Not that. The dance." I interrupt her. "Every time I try to close my eyes, it''s all I can see."


    "That was a good dance." Apricot says from the pillow besides us. "You''ve got some moves, but we already knew that." She lets out a low laugh.


    "It was amazing." Amelia agrees. "How long did we dance for? It felt like it went on for hours."


    "That''s actually a good question." I think it over and realize that even with all those stones, I shouldn''t have been able to hold the spell for that long. "Oh, System-chan. You are the best. You ever want or need anything, you just ask." I tell her after I spot what she did.


    *Ding*


    "Chocolate? Take it, I''ve still got kilograms, even after offloading as much as I could at the Guild. And, it''s not like I can''t always make more."


    "What?" - "What did she do?" The girls ask one right after the other.


    "I''m level six now, she even allocated all the free points into mental stats, like I usually do."


    "Temmie!" Amelia starts tearing up. "You really are the best. You want chocolate? Take my whole stash."


    "I''d give you mine too..." Apricot trails off.


    ""But, you already ate it."" We finish for her, giggling.


    ***


    "So, what do you want to do today?" Amelia says while petting Mittens in bed next to me.


    "Stay in bed until tomorrow?" I stretch out to loosen my muscles. "It''s already after noon, so it''s not like we''ll have to wait long."


    "He''s got the right idea." Apricot backs me up from her pillow before flying over to land on my chest. "I wouldn''t have missed our dance for the world, but your parents were smart to head out after dinner was done. That was one long night."


    "Not exactly like we could have cut out early, guests of honor and all that." I rub a finger down her spine, between her wings. "The Queen had to show off Her new Count, and his Countesses, after all."


    "Mmm, yeah. Right there." She moans. "I don''t know who was more surprised. You two. Or the rest of the court."


    "Yeah, where did that come from? And, what was with her talking you up like that?" Amelia shakes her head. "It''s like when you said ''the Carrot and the Stick'' she heard..."


    "Shock and Awe?" I offer up a phrase from my old world.


    "Exactly!"


    "She obviously had her reasons." I groan while thinking of what they might be. "I just hope they aren''t as bad as I imagine. And, I''m sure we''ll find out in due time. But hey, at least she didn''t name me Archduke and announce my betrothal to Princess Faye."


    "Ugh!" Amelia groans. "This better not throw our plans for a small wedding out the window."


    "That probably depends entirely on The Queen, and whether she wants to show us off some more." I groan right along with her. "Wanna run away and go back to live in the woods?" I only half joke.


    "If only." She sighs.


    "Ah, you lunkers worry too much." Our pixie chastises us. "Whatever happens, will happen. And, we will deal with it together. Now, as much as I''d love to stay in bed all day long while Sorrel plays his fingers down my back. We''re obviously forgetting about something vitally important."


    "Hmm?" - "Huh?" We murmur, worriedly.


    "Breakfast!" Her stomach chooses that moment to growl loud enough to startle Mittens.


    ***


    "What''cha working on?" Apricot flies up to peer at my new project. "It''s me sized, but doesn''t look complex enough for a movie player. And what''s this stick for?" She tilts her head trying to decipher it''s function. Small enough to fit in her hands, and has a square base with a button in one corner and a short rod sticking up from the middle.


    "Yeah, I didn''t feel like working on the phones right now. And, the biggest problem with the movie player is actually storing the movies on it. I''ve got half an idea on how to deal with that, but it needs more time took incubate in the back of my head." I explain. "So, I thought I''d work on something a bit more fun, and get some practice miniaturizing runes while I was at it."


    "Okay." She nods. "So what is it?"


    "Well, we had a lot of games back on Dirt." I use my nickname for my old Earth. "There was one called *Tennis*. The Polyglot skill says the nearest translation would be an old word for receive, but ''tennis'' sounds alright. A lot better that *Earth* does, at least." I conjure an movie of a tennis match for her.


    "Yeah, looks great and all. But, what does it have to do with a wiggly stick." She doesn''t seem impressed.


    "I''m getting there." I roll my eyes at the impatient little thing. "So, anyways. People made a table sized version called, rather unimaginatively, table tennis. Or just ''ping pong'' for the noise the balls made." She makes a ''wrap it up already'' gesture. "Fine, fine. So, once technology got better we started making video games. And that wiggly stick will let you play my recreated version of one of the earliest, called simply Pong."


    The original pong was played with a wheel to control the paddle, but I went with an old Atari controller, so I could re-use it to make other simple games.


    "You know, if you wanted me to play with your stick. All you had to do was ask." She titters, and Temmie joins in with a few *Dings*.


    "We get enough practice doing that as it is." I chortle along. "I need practice making smaller, more complex Enchantments. I had a hell of a time just getting the basic controller functions working in that. I had to put all the complex stuff in this box here. Wanna see if it works?" I pick up another controller and push a button on the "console", waiting for an indicator light. "Good, looks like they synced properly. Let''s start it up."


    A black screen appears in mid air, a foot above the box. A dashed vertical line divides it into two equal halves, with a large ''0'' in the top center of each. While a tiny white dot bounces around the screen.


    "Uh, babe. It''s not exactly up to your usual standards." Apricot flies over to pat me on the hand, and gives me a ''you did your best'' look.


    "It''s a classic! You just don''t understand my art." I scoff with pretend outrage, making her giggle.


    "So, how do we play?" She changes tone and asks eagerly.


    "Push the button when you''re ready to play, then use the stick to move your paddle. The first one to get ten balls past the other person wins."


    Two ''bips'' and a ''buzz'' later, and she''s screaming. "No fair, I wasn''t ready!" Bip, buzz. "Dammit, quit cheating." Buzz. "No! I had it that time." She''s jerking her stick up and down making her paddle bounce from the top of the screen to the bottom, not even trying to follow the ball.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    "What is going on in here?" Amelia comes walking in with a smile on her face for Apricot''s antics.


    "Amelia stop him!" The pixie cries. "He''s not playing fair." Buzz. "Noooo! What happened? How did I lose already?"


    "I found Apricot''s next addiction." She flies at my face and kicks me in the jaw with all the force of an anemic kitten. "Hahaha. Here, why don''t you give it a try?" I hand Amelia the controller. "Just move the paddle around to block the ball and try to get it past hers."


    "Hah! I got one." Apricot crows about scoring a point while I wasn''t even holding the controls. "Suck that you lunker!"


    "Playing her first video game ever and she''s already started in with the trash talk." I shake my head in disappointment.


    Bip, bip, buzz. "Oh, this is fun!" Amelia cheers. "It''s called a video game?" Bip, bip, bip, bip. The girls manage to bounce it back and forth a couple times, more by luck than anything else. Bip, buzz. "Yay, I got another point."


    "That''s what they were called back on Dirt, but I think I''ll call them Rune games here."


    "Noo!" Apricot stamps her foot. "There''s something wrong with my paddle. Sorrel screwed something up when he was making it."


    "Oh, really?" I levitate it out of her hands and use it to trounce Amelia via air magic, quickly reversing the point gap. "Seems fine to me." I give it back.


    "Hey, no helping her. I was about to win." Amelia pouts.


    "See, you just have to put the paddle where the ball is going to be, instead of jerking it up and down like crazy." I smirk. "That only works in the bedroom." *Ding**Ding**Ding* "Well Temmie likes my jokes, at least." Now, I''m the one who''s pouting.


    "Hush" Amelia shushes me. "We''re tied up with just one point to go." A long series of bips before a final buzz. "Not fair. Sorrel distracted me."


    "Care to try again? I dare you to match my pixie superiority now that Sorrel fixed my controls." She completely ignores that she just plain sucked at the game before I told her how to play.


    "Oh, you''re on!"


    "What have I created?" I have to shake my head again. "You girls have fun, I''m gonna go get started on dinner."


    "Uh huh. Sure, babe." Amelia says distractedly. "Come on, I had that! That''s it, you''re going down sister."


    ***


    I''m in the kitchen a few minutes later, making dinner by hand. I can prepare and cook everything with magic, but sometimes it''s good to just slow down and do things the hard way.


    ""Sorrel!"" The girls whine in unison while entering the kitchen.


    "We''re too good. Neither of us can score a point anymore." Amelia complains, holding up the console.


    "Hmm? It''s probably your stats, that game wasn''t made for Awakened, after all." I set my knife down next to the cutting board. "Here, let me see it." Amelia tosses it over and I use magic to pull it apart mid-air. "I just need to change this bit here... Might as well add a switch so regular people can still play... And, done." I reconstruct the game and toss it back. "See that knob on the side? Just twist that to whatever speed you like, and let me know if it needs to go higher than five times faster."


    "You''re the best." Amelia blows me a kiss. "Alright, come on Apricot. Time for me to kick your pixie butt again."


    "You wish." She scoffs before flying over to give me a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks for the upgrade. But, it''s time for me to show Amelia who''s boss." She flies after the blonde, back into the sitting room.


    "I''ve lost my girls to the video game menace." A deep sigh escapes my lungs as I pick my knife backup and start half-heartedly chopping vegetables.


    ***


    "So, babe." Amelia says between bites of dinner. "When''s the next one gonna be ready?" She''s got her fork in one hand, and the controller in the other.


    "Amelia. Please put that thing down, and focus on the meal Sorrel prepared for us." Her mother, Kaitlyn scolds her.


    "Sorry mom." She ducks her head.


    "Hate to break it to you." I give her a small smile. "But, that was the simplest game I could think of and it still took me all afternoon. I still need to finalize the phone design. Yes, I know they work, but they really do need a few changes."


    "Like a way to tell your mother that you are in a meeting with The Queen. So, she doesn''t make a fool of herself." Kaitlyn shoots her daughter a look.


    "Sorry mom." She shrinks down even farther.


    "And, once that''s done." I ignore the interruption. "I''ll need to make the rest of the relay towers and however many phones Her Majesty wants. Oh, don''t get that look, you two. I''ve already got all the hard work done for Pong. I can probably repurpose that into another game tonight."


    "You''re the best, babe." - "Thanks Sorrel" They talk over each other.


    "Anything to make my girls happy." I smile at them. "It''ll be a single player game where you use the paddle and ball to clear bricks off of a screen." I display an image of Breakout. "You two will just have to compete to see who can clear the screens the fastest."


    "I''ll still win." Apricot states confidently.


    "And, I can add more features in my free time too, over the next few days." I switch to an image of Arkanoid. Their eyes going wide when they see the effect the different power-ups have on the paddle. "But, that''ll take time." The image poofs out of existence.


    "Any chance we can try out these games?" Turner asks intrigued.


    "Sure, I''ll make you a copy of Pong after dinner. Since I know these two aren''t gonna share." I laugh at the twin affronted looks that they adopt.


    ***


    *Ding**Ding**Ding* The phone goes off.


    "Nng." Amelia groans. "Turn the phone off, it''s too early." She rolls over and covers her head with a pillow.


    "It''s an hour before noon." I say from a bedside chair. "You just stayed up late playing Breakout." I check the display and have to suppress my own groan. "You may want to wake up, it''s from one of the castle phones."


    "Nooo, I don''t wanna." Amelia mumbles into her pillow.


    "Good morning, Sorrel Rumex speaking. How may I help you?" I instantly fall back into the old ''office phone'' voice that I picked up during my first internship.


    "Ah, Sorrel. It''s Oliver. The Queen was hoping that you could join us for lunch. She understands that you may have some questions about the unexpected promotion."


    ''That''s putting it mildly.'' I can''t help but scoff silently.


    "She wishes to take the opportunity to discus things with the three of you." He finishes.


    "That would be lovely. What time should we expect the carriage?" I ask.


    "Good, good. I just now sent it off, it should reach you in a quarter hour. I''ll see you when you arrive." He disconnects the call.


    "Come on Countess, time to get out of bed. The Queen awaits." I yank the covers away.


    "Ugh! Is it too late to accept your plan to go and hide in the woods?" She pulls the pillow down away from her face and squints about the room. "Why doesn''t she have to get up?" Amelia points to the still snoring pixie.


    "Oh, I thought it would be much more fun to surprise her with the Princess." I laugh darkly. Every time I was about to fall asleep last night, Apricot would start shouting and making a racket because of the game. I eventually gave up and just put myself in a soundproof bubble. "Let''s see how she likes having her sleep disturbed by a screaming Princess."


    "Remind me never to get you really angry." Amelia laughs along with me. "Can you please get me dressed, and make some tea. Strong tea." She begs. "Mmm, thanks babe. Where''s Mittens?" She looks around trying to spot the little ball of fluff.


    "He''s sunning himself in the yard, got tired of you ignoring him. It was funny watching him try to climb into your cleavage only to be brushed away with a mumbled "Not now Sorrel, I''m sleeping". But, I think he''s a little miffed at you now."


    "Oh, my poor baby." She rushes down stairs. Tea in one hand and a sweet roll in the other.


    "Let''s go sleeping beauty, you''ve got a play date with a Princess." I levitate the still unconscious pixie and follow Amelia.


    ***

 # 31

    "Apricot!" I may have amplified Faye''s voice, just a little bit.


    "Huh, zuh, whuh?" The pixie in question spins about in mid-air where I was levitating her. "Whut, where? Princess Faye, huh?"


    "That''s for shouting every five minutes when I was trying to sleep, dear." I say with a saccharine sweet smile on my face.


    "You, you..." She gives me the stink eye and is about to cuss me out until I hold up a controller to remind her just who supplies her games. "You wonderful man, you." She finishes sweetly, making Amelia and me giggle.


    "What''s that?" The princess tilts her head, trying to get a better look.


    "This is a new Rune based game I made last night, one Apricot got very excited about playing while I was trying to sleep." I present the controller to her and retrieve a second console cube from my inventory. "This is called Breakout, the goal is to break all the bricks by bouncing that little ball off of them. And, there''s also a two player mode I call Pong, where you try to get the ball past the other person''s paddle." I flip a switch to toggle the modes.


    "Yet another remarkable device." Queen Vivian says from the doorway.


    "Your Majesty. Mage Long." I bow to her, and nod to the Court Wizard. "It''s just a diversion I thought up while trying to relax yesterday. The Countesses seem to like it, though." I stress the new title.


    "Hah!" The old Mage snorts. "Sorry about that little surprise, lad. We received some troubling news, and Her Majesty decided that the dungeon was too important to leave in the hands of a mere baron. Thankfully your contributions were more than enough to excuse the sudden bump. Truthfully, the chocolate alone was enough to smooth over most ruffled feathers."


    "Well, I suppose "the reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more", isn''t it?" I quote Jonas Salk. "What need have you for us?"


    "Well said." The Queen nods. "Cendassa has learned of the dungeon, and my spies report that they are amassing troops in secret, while publicly making waves about some nobody of a border baron and his run-away fianc¨¦ They will likely use this flimsy pretext as an excuse for an invasion."


    "Abigail." Amelia hisses, causing The Queen to raise her eyebrow.


    "Abigail Adeen. She passed through the dungeon, along with her aunt, while we were waiting for reinforcements. She is a newly Awakened Fire Mage, and her aunt Marta is a painter of some renowned." I elucidate.


    "I know of both of them." Oliver adds. "It is good to learn exactly who the Cendassan''s are after, thank you."


    "Yes, thank you. I knew you would be useful, and you just keep proving that fact. Now, on to the meat of the matter. Larendath, We... I need your phone towers set up between here and Riverton as soon as possible. Cendassa has always been friendly, but that is only because we had nothing they wanted." She looks like she wants to spit.


    "They are also much larger than us." Oliver adds. "Fortunately it''s almost fall, and this winter looks to be a cold one. So, we should have until spring to prepare for war." That final word hits me like a tonne of bricks.


    "I knew I should have destroyed that gods damned dungeon when we first found it." Only the Princess being in the room is keeping me from cursing up a blue streak. "If we destroy it now, will they back off?" I ask the Queen directly.


    "No." Oliver answers flatly. "They''ll want Larendath just in case another one forms here."


    "Fine!" I practically spit out. "One week, and you''ll have your towers. But I need supplies." I start ticking things off on my fingers. "I also need as much information as possible. I haven''t even seen a proper map of Larendath yet. I need that, all the information you have on Cendassa and its forces, and every book on warfare available with a focus on how mages are likely to be used.


    We also need our housing situation sorted. I''m sure your watchers have already reported what we want. You get to make it happen." His eyes widen slightly. "Oh, please. They''re not that good. And last, but not least. We need to get married." I turn to Amelia and grab her hand, and look to Apricot who lands on both of ours a second later. "I''m not putting that off any longer."


    "Done!" The Queen agrees resolutely. "Oliver, send a carriage for the Rialta''s. I will marry the three of you, personally as soon as they get here."


    "Oh, give me the phone Sorrel, I need to call them." Amelia starts pawing at my pockets in a panic.


    "Here." I hand it to her. "And, I''m sorry. I know you had your hopes set on that ceremony."


    "Don''t be foolish." She swats me on the arm before moving away to call her parents.


    "I''m sorry about all this, lad." Oliver apologizes, after using a wind spell to arrange for the coach. "But, will you truly be able to make enough towers in just a week?"


    "You misunderstand." I give him a flat look. "I plan to have them installed in a week, and be back in our new home the day after, and hopefully sleeping for a week after that." I let out an exasperated sigh. "Remember those funny carriages from the movie? I''ve been wanting to try my hands at making one."


    "Movie? Are you going to show another movie" Faye thaws the icy atmosphere that she missed completely while engrossed in playing Breakout.


    "Hahaha. Sure." I chuckle, letting go of my tension. "How about Cinderella? It''s about a girl that is treated like a scullery maid by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters, until the King throws a grand ball and invites every maiden in the entire kingdom in order to find a wife for the Prince." I smile at the look in her eyes.


    "Oh, please. Can we watch it during lunch? Can we mommy?"


    "If Master Rumex says it''s alright." She bows her head to me slightly.


    ***


    "I now pronounce you Husband, and Wife, and Wife." *Ding**Ding**Ding* System-chan rings out once the Queen speaks the finishing line of the ceremony.


    "Oh, Temmie!" Apricot starts crying. "Sizeshift!" She activates and unfamilliar skill, and a second later... She''s human sized and hugging us, while tears run down all our faces. "You know how to give the best wedding gifts."


    "Oh, you are getting so much chocolate after this." I tell her before kissing my brides, tears and all.


    "Ahh! Apricot, you got big." The princess squeaks from where she''s standing with Wizard Long. Everyone cracks up laughing at this. She had already gone to bed before our big dance at the gala, so she hasn''t seen Apricot like this before.


    The girls hadn''t decided on wedding dresses yet. So, we all changed into our clothes from the gala for the ceremony. And, thankfully Apricot''s new skill includes the clothing she''s wearing.


    There''s just the eight of us here in the palace''s chapel,The Queen officiating over the three of us. Her daughter, Faye, and Oliver to one side, with Amelia''s parents to the other.


    The princess was practically bouncing off the walls earlier when she learned we were going to be married today. She even had me stop the movie, and rushed us all over here as soon as Kaitlyn and Turner arrived and she learned about our plans.


    "Yes she did get big." Amelia agrees and kisses her new wife.


    ***A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


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    I toss my human sized pixie down on the bed, and rip the dress off of her with magic. "I''ve been waiting for this since you joined us." My voice comes out in a low growl.


    "You''re not the only one." Amelia purrs. "No more minute long teases, I can finally fuck you." She crawls up onto Apricot as I make her clothes disappear too.


    "Push yourself against her." I order, my cock already as stiff as a board. "I want our first time as husband and wives to be all together."


    "Yes, slide it between us while I grind on her." My wife starts doing just that to her wife.


    "Oh, I''ve got something even better in mind." I chuckle evilly and use Shapeshift to grow a second member.


    "I forgot you could do that." Amelia looks over her shoulder and pants at the sight of what''s to come.


    I just grin and line myself up with both of their openings. "I love you." I say as I slide inside both of them at once.


    "Oh, Sorrel. Nng." Apricot groans. "Fuck me... Fuck us, please."


    Amelia doesn''t even slow down her grinding while I pump into them. And I can feel Apricot starting to tighten around me already. It takes only moments before her first orgasm washes through her and down the bond into Amelia.


    As they both spasm around me, I lean forward to grab Amelia''s breasts with my hands while my vines stretch forward to tease Apricot''s nipples. Hers aren''t as sensitive as our little Water Mage''s, but when the bond is wide open like this. That doesn''t make much difference.


    "Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck..." My orange haired bride pants out over and over as their sensations twine together. "Harder, please. I need more." Her hips start bucking as I comply with her begging.


    "Nng, fuck. I''m already close." I don''t stop, or even slow down, though. I pick up the pace even more instead and give my wives the fucking they deserve.


    ""AAAAHHHHHHH!!!"" They scream out together, and clamp down even harder onto my twinned cocks. It''s too much for me and my movements soon turn jerky as I spasm and spurt inside them.


    Panting, I collapse on top of Amelia. Pressing her even harder onto Apricot''s wetness, and eliciting another small round of shivers.


    "Damn!" I swear. "I don''t know how you girls do that double sensation thing every time." I roll over and let my dicks slide out of them as I try to catch my breath.


    "I don''t know how I did without it before." Amelia giggles.


    "Ain''t that the fucking truth." Apricot agrees.


    "You''d better get used to it too, babe." Amelia pulls herself up and manhandles her wife onto my lap. Grabbing the base of my flagging penis, she squeezes enough to stiffen it and guides it into her lover''s pussy. "Let''s see how long you last getting fucked and sucked at the same time." She drops to her knees and proceeds to lick from the base of my shaft to the tip. "Mmm, you taste just like her."


    "Oh fuck, this is even worse than when I do the mini-me thing." I say as she starts twirling her tongue around my glans. And, just like that, I''m instantly hard again.


    Not to be outdone, Apricot starts rocking her hips. Starting out slow, she spins her hips in a small circle, mimicking the tongue that''s teasing my other cock. Then, working together like they planned it, Amelia lakes me into her mouth while Apricot starts moving up and down on my shaft.


    "Nng." I grunt and grab hold of Apricot''s hips. "Did you two plan this? Oh, this is amazing."


    "Not amazing enough if you can still speak." Apricot laughs and starts bouncing up and down faster. My hips buck up to meet her involuntarily, and cause Amelia to gag on my cock.


    "Easy there babe." She chuckles but doesn''t start sucking again. Instead, she strokes me off while leaning forward to suck on some pixie pussy. "Oh sweetie, I love the way you taste."


    "Yes, yes, yes." Apricot pants out as her wetness clenches around my shaft. "AAAhhhhnnnn..." She shudders and moans.


    "Hahaha." Amelia laughs out. "Sorrel said you were a squirter, I see what he means now."


    "Yeah, she loves making a mess." I smile and twirl the twitching pixie around in my lap, so I can see her face. "Gods, I love that look you get."


    "Sorry, but I''m going to have to block your view." Amelia says with a sly smile before climbing up next to me.


    Turning around, she then straddles my face before bending forward and guiding Apricot onto my lower dick. I let the vines holding Apricot do all the work, so I that don''t accidently gag Amelia again. And, she repays my consideration by taking the whole of my cock into her mouth and down her throat.


    "Nnh." I moan into her sweet little slit. "If you keep doing that, and I''m going to end up cumming down your throat." I warn her.


    "Do it." Apricot begs. "She wants you to." The pixie starts working her hips in time to Amelia''s movements again, and it''s all I can do to keep from thrusting my hips into her.


    My vines quicken their pace, making Apricot bounce up and down even harder. All while my hands knead Amelia''s ass as I suck on her clit. Normally it''s too much for her, but when they''re both a couple orgasms in, she can just about handle it.


    "I''m close." I mumble a warning into Amelia''s pussy. They both start moving even faster, trying to milk the load from all four of my balls. "Nnh. Nng. Ahhnnn. Ohhh, fuuuuuuck." I grunt and groan, and spill my seed deep inside both of them.


    Amelia doesn''t come up for air until she can feel that I''ve spent every last drop. She then takes a quick breath before going back to suck on the tip again, making sure she really did get every last drop.


    "Mmm, delicious." She says after smacking her lips. "Both you and Apricot have the sweetest tastes." Her tongue flicks out to tease her Fae lover, making her and then me shiver. "Let her up, I want to taste the both of you mixed together again."


    I loosen my hold on her waist, and the pixie stands up, sliding off of my cock with a soft plop. Amelia grabs hold of my glistening member and starts licking it clean, and Apricot goes down to her knees to join her wife in her new favorite treat.


    "Save some for me." Apricot whines and starts sucking on the tip.


    "Fuck." I grunt. "Too soon." I try to pull away but she''s got a death grip on me and a gleam in her eyes. "Oh, no!" I pant.


    "Oh yes." Amelia counters and takes my other tip into her mouth.


    They both moan and hum and suck on the tips of my penises while stroking the shafts faster and faster, trying to force me to cum again. I buck and thrash trying to throw them off, but Amelia''s lying on me with her thighs wrapped around my head, and Apricot''s got my legs pinned. So, I have no choice but to endure it as they milk another cumshot from my already drained nuts.


    "FFFFFfffuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuccccccckkkk....." I scream into Amelia''s center as my third orgasm in just a few minutes rips through me. I''m left panting as they squeeze my cocks and suck down my load. "Please, no more." I gasp out as they finally release me.


    "I''ll give you ten minutes and then I want you hard again." Amelia demands with a squeeze of my flagging phallus. "You can just watch us for now." She grabs Apricot and throws her down next to me.


    "Oh, I love it when she takes charge." The pixie giggles and leans over to lick her lover''s stickiness my lips. I just lay there panting, and hoping I''ll be ready for round four in time.


    ***


    The next morning I find myself sandwiched between my wives. We''re in one of the royal guests suites; The Queen let us have the room to ''celebrate'' the wedding, and boy did we. I even had to repair the bed... a couple times. Let''s just say that both Amelia and Apricot were very happy that she was human sized, and they were more than willing to share their enthusiasm.


    Unfortunately, they''re both still fast asleep, while I''m stuck here with images of war keeping me awake. I was able to put it out of my head yesterday, but it''s all I can think about now. The girls don''t really understand what''s coming, I doubt even Queen Vivian does. Not really. But I''ve seen this play out dozens of times in the news, and hundreds of times in books and movies. Country B has something Country A really wants, so Country A does whatever it takes to get it.


    ''I used to like reading history about wars, but it''s a lot different when you''re about to live through it.'' I sigh to myself. ''Fucking hell, a couple machine guns and I could end this war. But what then?'' I decide then and there that I can''t introduce modern weapons, the concepts I''ve already introduced are bad enough.


    I can''t get up, but I can''t sleep either. "Time to get to work, then." I mutter, and send my magical senses out to the castle''s library. I find what I''m looking for on the wall in the back of the room. A map of the kingdom, and it shows enough of Cendassa to let me know that we are very lucky. Geographically speaking.


    Larendath is bordered by the ocean to the East and South, with high cliffs covering much of the coastline. Along with what looks like a nearly impenetrable mountain range to the North. The grasslands look to turn more dessert off to the east, past the Janwick river that Riverton is built on. Leaving a path from the Northwest between the deep woods and the grasslands for them to invade from. "This means that unless they''ve got a sizeable navy, Cendassa pretty much has to go through Riverton."


    "Hmm?" Amelia mumbles from next to me.


    "Just talking to myself again, babe. Go back to sleep."


    "Nnn, can''t. I gotta pee." Her mumble turns into a grumble as she stirs herself. "Oh, gods. My legs are so sore. You didn''t let her get into the coffee again last night, did you? Heheh." She smiles lovingly down at Apricot.


    "Oh, that energy was all me." The pixie in question says in a throaty purr. "Nng, I think I may have over done it though. You''re not the only one that''s sore." She groans before shifting back to her normal size. "That''s a little better, not so much gravity pulling on me now."


    "No fair." Amelia calls over her shoulder while hobbling to the toilet.


    "Why don''t you take a hot bath to loosen up? I''ll arrange for some breakfast to be delivered." I laugh and hop out of bed as spry as ever.


    "Curse you, and your stupid overpowered stats." Amelia says before closing the bathroom door with what would have been a slam, if she had the energy to do so.


    "Hey, wait for me!" Apricot cries, and flies under the door jam.


    "Just you and me Mittens, let''s go ask that maid that''s been cleaning the same spot for the past ten minutes to get us some food."


    I hear the sounds of a tub filling up a minute later, as I open the suite''s door to flag her down.


    "Good morning, Lord. Is there anything I can do for you?" The palace maid comes running up from the corner of the hallway.


    "Morning." I return her greeting. "Could you please arrange for breakfast to be sent up?"


    "Yes, sir. General Sauer was hoping to speak with you before you left. Shall I arrange the meeting for after your meal?"


    "Yes, please." I nod and send her on her way.


    ***

 # 32

    "What do you think our chances are?" The military man opens with a question so blunt that it might as well be a brick.


    "Short term? It all depends on whether you can hold Riverton or not. Long term?" I shrug, looking up from memorizing a table full of maps in the library. "It''s all still up in the air. You want my honest advice? I say send in the best assassins you can buy to wipe out the entire Cendassan royal line. Let their nobles fight each other for the throne and they''ll be too busy to worry about Larendath and it''s lone dungeon."


    "Sorrel!" Amelia gasps from over by a bookshelf.


    "That is a bit cold blooded, babe." Apricot adds.


    "I''ll play you some war movies later, let you know what this country is in for if it isn''t stopped." I say colder than I intended to. "Sorry, but you really have no idea what''s coming, and I would spare you from it if I could."


    "He''s right Ladies." The general hangs his head. "Cendassa is three times our size, with five times the population. And barring something like their entire royal line dying overnight. Or, some miracle weapons appearing." He sounds far too hopeful at that thought.


    "Let me tell you this straight up before that line of thinking goes any further. I. Will. Not. Make. Weapons. Period!" My voice is as hard as I can make it. "I will, however." I raise a hand. "Provide as much logistical support as possible. I am already giving you the ability to communicate with your forces in real time. I will likely soon be providing the means to transport said forces across the country in a matter of hours instead of weeks. And, I can personally feed the entire country while you send it''s men to war. Which skills do you think would be more useful... Your Majesty?" I ask the monarch that''s waiting around the corner.


    "We..." She takes a deep breath after showing herself. "I am grateful that you are on Larendath''s side, and will gladly accept any help you are willing to provide. I will also take your suggestion under advisement, as distasteful as it may be."


    "Just remember that if you''re thinking it, then they will be too." I hold my hand out to the nearest window. "And you don''t need to be an Archmage to bypass palace security." The book she had sitting on her nightstand floats into my hand. "Though it does help." I hand the book to her and watch her eyes go wide.


    "This was on my bedside table..." She visibly pales as the implication hits home.


    "That shouldn''t be possible!" Sauer spits. "The enchantments on the royal apartments-"


    "Are full of holes." I interrupt. "And the Court mages are as sloppy as can be. I''ll look into the enchantments when I have time, but you need to beef up security." I take my own deep breath. "And, I hate to say it. But, take a close look at any Nobles that might cause trouble. There''s always somebody who''s greed outstrips their intelligence, and my appointment to Count may give them all the excuse they need to betray you."


    "I''m beginning to wish you had destroyed the dungeon like you wanted to." Amelia says clinging to me.


    "Well, then we never would have met Apricot." I give her a sad smile and kiss her on the forehead. "What''s a little war compared to finding love?" I joke, but there''s no humor in my voice.


    ***


    "Is it supposed to be so loud?" Amelia Shouts before I shut down my latest experiment.


    We left the castle shortly after speaking with The Queen and her General, and are now back in the courtyard of her parent''s home. I did take the chance to copy the books I wanted along with a few about magic that weren''t in the Guild library, before we left.


    "No. But, at least that one actually worked." I''ve been tooling around with different basic engine designs, mainly working off of what I remember from engine oil ads. I need to re-create what already works before I can improve upon it with magic. "I''m really beginning to wish I was more of a car guy back on Dirt. Having a perfect memory doesn''t help if you never learned something in the first place. I think I know what I''m doing wrong now, but I need more metal. You girls feel like visiting some smiths?"


    "You mean the all powerful Archmage, with his cheat-like existence isn''t perfect? Say it ain''t so." Apricot mocks after unplugging her ears.


    "Shopping''s shopping, I''m in." Amelia ignores the pixie. "We haven''t been to that part of the city yet either. We should get a carriage."


    "I''ve got a better idea." I retrieve some cotton and a chunk of the altered cherry wood left over from when I made the vardo wagon from my inventory. Military matters still on my mind, I choose to make an old Willys Jeep from the wood. There''s nothing under the hood, but that''s what magic is for. "Want to learn how to drive? I''ll be the engine, you just have to turn the wheel and push the pedals."


    "Me first!" Apricot shifts to human size and hops behind the wheel. Luckily System-chan copied my idea of making her wings immaterial when she''s this large, otherwise I would have had to remove the seat back just to accommodate them. "Umm, how do I make it go?"


    "Ha-ha." I laugh and climb in behind her, motioning Amelia to take shotgun. "Gently press down on the right pedal to go forwards, the middle one will make it stop, and the one on the left is for later." No transmission means no clutch. There''s no brakes either, but that''s what magic is for. "Keep the wheel straight until we reach the road."


    "Hey, this is easy."


    "Yep, you''re a natural, now turn the wheel to the right, we can take the side streets until you''re ready to handle traffic. Uhh, a little more to the right, and ease up on the go pedal."


    "I got it, I got it." She don''t got it.


    "Now even the wheel back out. No, too much. Try to keep to one side of the road." We would have crashed into the neighbor''s wall had I not stopped us with an air cushion. "Let me even us out and you can try again."


    "Okay." She squeaks out. While Amelia is doing her best not to laugh.


    I levitate us back and straighten the wheels out. "You''re good to go again. Just ease in on the pedal. That''s it, now try some gentle turns back and forth to get the feel for how it moves."


    "I think I''ve got it this time." She''s doing better, maybe a little jerky still, but not losing control either.


    "Good, now try pushing the pedal down a bit more, and I''ll increase the speed to match. Not that far!" I''ve got it capped out at a fast trot, and thankfully the street is clear, because she took it straight to top speed. "Try about halfway down. There, that''s better. Now try the gentle turns again, but be careful. Please." I beg.


    "Woo, this is a bit nerve wracking." She pants out. "I think it''s Amelia''s turn. I don''t want to hog it the whole time."


    "No? I suppose you were doing enough of that last night." I breathe into her ear, making her twist the wheel so hard she would have crashed us if I hadn''t taken control again.


    "Dammit Sorrel!" She curses at me, but Amelia and I are laughing our heads off at her reaction. "Don''t distract me like that when I''m driving. Stupid Lunker!" She resorts to her favorite insult before shifting back to pixie size.


    "Your turn, babe." I take her seat after she moves over onto the driver''s side. "Just match what you saw Apricot doing, minus trying to crash us into the neighbors. Ow!" Apricot just did a diving kick straight into my forehead. "You''re even worse than Amelia, at least she never goes for the face. Ack! Keep both hands on the wheel, look out for that dog. HAHAHA"


    ***


    "Hey, look. We made it here alive, and in one piece." I say with a wide grin on my face.


    "No thanks to you." Apricot refused to take another turn, so I made Amelia drive us the whole way. And I may have teased her a bit along the way. "Or, you." She points at the pixie who''s sitting on top of my head. "You could have at least taken another turn behind the wheel."


    "I''ve got you to do it for me, why should I drive myself?" The pixie says shamelessly.


    "You did great, Babe." I try to hug Amelia, but she dodges me. "Oh, come on. I said I was sorry for that fake dog. How else were you going to learn to pay attention to the road."


    "Hmpf." She folds her arms across her chest.


    "Aww, I can''t have my favorite merchant mad at me. What if the smiths all take advantage of me?" She just turns her back on me. "Oh, what''s this? A sweet roll that I saved from breakfast? Well, I don''t want it, better just toss it in that bin over there."


    "Oh, fine. But you''re still a jackass." She snatches the roll from my hand.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    "Love you too babe." I go in for my hug again, and this time she lets me. "Just wait until I make a car that you can really let loose in. I should be able to get it up to over two-hundred kilometers an hour on a good straight away."


    "Two-hundred?" She nearly chokes on her snack. "That''s... No, nope, not gonna happen. I could barely handle it when it was going as fast as a horse."


    "Yeah, you say that now, but just wait." I pet her on the head and walk into the nearest smithy.


    "Good day sir." A teenaged boy greets me. "How can the Kernan Smithy help you today?"


    "I need metal." I get right to the point. "All kinds. And, let me take a look at some ores too. Chances are I can pull some trace minerals from them."


    "Sir?" He looks confused.


    "I''m a Mage. I''m working on a big project and need a lot of metals." I explain my needs again. "If you can''t supply me, then please tell me who can."


    "Uh, let me go ask the smith." He runs off.


    "You''re being rude, Sorrel." Amelia chastises me.


    "Sorry. I know, but I''m worried, and want... need to get this done. I know it''s just my control issues acting up again, but I''m not going to be able to rest properly until we''ve got a proper escape method available. If we were by the ocean I''d have built a boat already."


    "Oh, babe." She wraps her arms around me from behind. "You really are worried about this. aren''t you? Was there a lot of war back you came from?"


    "Not where I lived, but yeah there was always fighting somewhere, and we got the news about it daily. So much so that I, and most people, just tuned it out." Feeling safe in her arms, I take a deep breath and let go of some of the tension as I breathe out. "If it comes down to it, I''ll fight. But if there''s no other choice but to run, then we run."


    "It won''t come to that, because I know you won''t let it come to that." She hugs me tighter. "Are you sure about not making weapons? I know you were pretty adamant about it, but if it would help Larendath."


    "It would help. I could probably stop the war in a single day, with just a handful of weapons. But, then what? What if Cendassa gets ahold of them? What if after we win, the word gets out and a truly dangerous country decides they have to have those weapons." I pat her on the arm, and twist about to face her. "I understand that I may not be able to keep my hands clean of blood, but I won''t stain them so freely."


    "I''m sorry." She just hugs me even tighter, Apricot joins her. Sandwiching me between them.


    "I love you, both of you. But I think we should watch some movies about what war where I came from is like in order to give you an idea of what I''m worried about. We should probably start with Iron Man, it''s a bit fantastical but it''ll show exactly why I don''t want to make weapons. Plus, it''s the start of a really good movie series." I lighten my tone.


    "What''s this nonsense?" A gruff voice calls out. "The boy said you wanted to buy some metal, not to cuddle in my damned shop." We separate and turn to look at the newcomer.


    The smith is short. Short enough to make me think dwarf, even though he doesn''t have a beard like in all the stories, just short brown hair. He''s stocky, but no more so than I''d expect from any other smith. Otherwise, he just looks like a short human.


    "Hey, man. Sometimes you just need a hug." I put my arms around both of my girls'' waists.


    "Hah!" He snorts. "Fine, I''ll give you that. But you''re here to do business, so let''s do business."


    "Right down to it, then? That works for me." I materialize a bag of gold. "I need metal, mostly iron and copper, but I''ll take whatever you''ve got. For a reasonable price, of course." I disappear the bag while giving the merchant at my side an extra squeeze. "Ores too, and let me take a look at your slag, chances are you been scooping off something I can separate and use."


    "Well, at least you''re not completely clueless about metalworking." He gestures for us to follow him.


    "Thanks. I had actually dreamt about being a smith as a kid, just could never get used to the smells though. Magic makes things so much easier, and less smelly." I use magic to filter the air around the three of us.


    "You are a strange one, lad." He shakes his head. "Well, here''s my stock. As you can see I mostly work in copper and bronze, but I can spare a few bars of iron. No ores though, cheaper to have it smelted on site at the mines and shipped as ingots. Old Hayes down the street might have some though, he''s always tinkering around with different processes and alloys."


    "I''ll take as much copper and iron as you can spare, at say ten percent over what you paid for it. Fifteen if you give me a good contact at your wholesaler, I''ll need a lot more iron. Do they sell the limestone too?" I ask after silently Identifying a grey stone.


    "Deal." He immediately begins separating out a third of each stack. "I need this much to deal with my existing contracts. I''ll have to boy take you up to see Sig, my wholesaler."


    I pay for the metals and put the iron away but begin making wire from the copper right away. The smith takes it in stride, but his assistant nearly fell over himself when the metal fused into a sphere and levitated over my shoulder.


    "Close your mouth boy, it''s just magic." He hands him a note. "Here, take them to see Sig, and show them Hayes'' smithy while you''re on the way."


    An hour later and I''ve got all the metals I should need for the foreseeable future, but I decide to stop by this Hayes'' place before we leave.


    "Hello? Anyone here?" I call out to the empty front room. "I can hear hammering in the back. Should we just go on through?" I ask Amelia.


    "Fine, but please leave the haggling to me." She sighs. "You know that you over paid at the smithy, right?"


    "I know, but it''s not like we can''t afford it." I shrug while walking through a door behind the counter. "Besides, the prices are going to go through the roof as soon as word spreads about Cendassa. The Crown can foot the bill once I begin making the troop transports, but this is all for personal use. Oh, looks like we found him." I say after spotting an old man at an anvil.


    The old man, presumably Hayes, is busy pounding an ingot into shape. "Be with you in a moment." He calls without looking up. After a minute of hammering, he seems to find the results acceptable and sets the work piece aside. "Name''s Hayes, what can I do for you?"


    "Hello, I''m Sorrel and this is Amelia and Apricot. I''m looking for some ores, and even some slag if it contains what I''m looking for. Kernan said that you like to dabble, and would be my best bet to find such in the city."


    "Heh, slag I''ve got; there''s a small hill of it in the back. Can you really get something useful from it?" His bushy eyebrows raise up.


    "I''m an Awakened, I can break it down and pull out what I want with magic. Been using the same process to pull pure silica from the soil to make glass." I explain. "I''m hoping to find some aluminum. And, unless you have some bauxite, then looking for traces left behind while smelting other ores is my best. At least I''m hoping it''s better than pulling minute traces from the local granite."


    "You know how to process aluminum?" His eyebrows go even higher. "Never heard of bauxite, but I believe most people use alum to get aluminum."


    "I did not know that. Yes Apricot, there are things I don''t know." I say to my bride before she can even open her mouth. "Makes sense though, now that I''m hearing it. But, since I''m already here I''d like to have a look anyways, and at any other interesting ores you might have."


    "I don''t see why not." The man chuckles. "Hell, it''ll be worth it if you can shrink that pile, even a little bit. My ores are through here, please follow me." He leads us off into a side room filled with bins, barrels, and boxes full of different ores.


    "Now, this is what I''m talking about. I can already sense a lot of minerals that I haven''t come across yet. Identify!" I walk up to the nearest bin containing an unknown mineral. "Huh, well that''s a name alright, also somewhat less than useful since I''ve never heard of it before. Hey Temmie would it be better to upgrade Identify, or purchase Analyze?" *Ding* "Analyze, unless I want to waste a bunch of points? Okay, hook me up. Analyze!"


    I can now see what the rock is made of instead of what it is. Normally, I would just separate the individual parts and use identify on them. But, these aren''t my ores, and it''s like like I was using the skill points for anything else anyways.

 # 33

    "Does he often talk to himself?" Hayes leans over to ask Amelia.


    "Sometimes, but in this case he was talking to the Book of Knowledge. We call her System-chan, or Temmie." Amelia explains my seemingly one-sided conversation.


    "Nickel, nice." I start noting down the useful metals. "Magnesium, that could be useful. Ooh, Titanium, yes please. I hope there''s some neodymium, but I doubt I''m that lucky."


    "This is what he''s like when he''s talking to himself." Amelia snorts at my antics.


    "Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up." I shake my head and walk over to a barrel full of green rocks. "Oh, Fuck! Girls, get back." I step back myself and make a lead sheet from some of my new stock to drape over the barrel. "Hayes, please tell me you haven''t been messing with uranium."


    "Never heard of it. I thought that was a new type of copper ore that I hadn''t seen before. I just got it last week, haven''t messed around with it yet. But, what''s with the lead?"


    "Sorrel, baby. You''re scaring us. What is it?" Amelia asks, her voice laced with worry.


    "Sorry, I''m exaggerating the danger a bit, but I was not expecting to find uranium ore. It''s not as deadly until it''s been processed, but even the raw ore can cause cancer just by being near it for prolonged amounts of time. The lead blocks the invisible light that it emits."


    "Like when you described what causes sunburns?" She tilts her head to the side.


    "Yep, only worse." I nod, and turn to the old smith. "Look, Hayes. I''m gonna have to confiscate this; I''ll pay for it of course, but it''s too dangerous to leave in the middle of the city like this. First let me check your health, and I hope the person you bought it from is still in the Capital, because if he''s been hauling it around for weeks, or even months..." I trail off.


    "Cancer? Invisible light from rocks? What is this, some scam? Let me guess it really contains gold right?" He scoffs, disbelievingly.


    "I''m sorry, I didn''t fully introduce myself earlier." I retrieve my golden circlet, and ceremonial sword. "I am Archmage Sorrel Rumex, Newly appointed Count of Circle Orchard. But please don''t take my word for it. Guards!" I use an air spell to speak to our security detail. "Please come into the smithy, it''s a matter of national security."


    Less than a minute later a half dozen guardsmen and women rush into the hallway, each of them looking ready to pounce. "Lord! What is the matter?" The squad leader, a thirty something woman speaks up.


    "Stand down." I hold my hand up. "I apologize for calling you in like this, but I needed to impress on smith Hayes the severity of the situation. Please don''t bow, Sir. I don''t go in for any of that formal nonsense." I reach out and take his hand, pushing my magical senses into his body. "Good news, you''re in remarkable shape for a man of your age. But I still need to find the person you bought from."


    "Lord, may I ask what''s going on?" The squad leader asks hesitantly.


    "Sandra, right?" I''d overheard all their names days ago. "Master Hayes had the misfortune of coming across a very dangerous piece of ore. One that can cause cancer just by being near it. Can you imagine what would have happened if he tried working it, and the smoke and particles from his smelter spread across the city?"


    "There''s a rock that can do that?" Her mouth thins to a line.


    "Yes there is, and I need your men to go buy me some more lead for me. It can block the cancer rays, here." I toss her a small pouch of silver.


    "Right away, Milord." She rushes out along with her team.


    "Damn, Sorrel. You''re sexy when you''re all take charge." Apricot flies up and whispers in my ear.


    "Down girl, we can play later. Ugh, I should probably call this in to the castle." I groan. "It''s just one thing after another lately. I truly am sorry about all this Hayes. I just wanted to build a car, dammit."


    "It''s okay, babe." Amelia takes my hand. "At least you were able to spot it in time. Is it really as bad as you made it out to be?"


    "Not really." I shake my head. "Chances are he would have just contaminated his forge, and made the risk of anyone spending time in there getting sick that much higher."


    "Lord. Um, my granddaughter sometimes plays over here. She doesn''t usually mess with the ores, but..." He trails off with a pale, worried look on his face.


    "Just Sorrel is fine, or Sir if you absolutely must. And please go get her, and anyone else that may have been in here. I''ll check them all out."


    "Oh, thank you, Sir." He rushes out the door.


    "Let him pass." I Windwhisper to the guards outside. "He''s getting his family, in case they became sick." I let out an exasperated breath. "Unless he or the kid ate a piece, or ground it up and breathed in the dust, there''s no chance they got sick." I explain to the girls. "I sorta freaked out there, didn''t I? Should have just thrown gold at him until he gave it up."


    "Hah!" Amelia snorts. "That''s your solution to everything, and I think you deserve a bit of a freak out." She comforts me.


    "Thanks for putting up with my bullshit." I pull her in and kiss her on the forehead. "I should call Oliver now." I sigh and pull my phone out.


    "It''ll work from here?"


    "This one will. I had just enough time to upgrade it yesterday before we got called to the castle. Was it really only yesterday that we got married? Feels like it''s been longer."


    "It has been one long, week. Now, quit procrastinating and make the call." She tells me gently.


    "...Fine." I make the call. "Hello, Oliver?"


    "Ah, Sorrel. I was just about to call you. I''ve got good news about those lots you wanted." He sounds jubilant.


    "That''s great, but I''ve got a bit of bad news, afraid I made a bit of a scene on Smith Street." I explain. "You know the higher energy forms of light? Well, a smith named Hayes recently came into possession of some uranium, a rock that emits some very high energy light."


    "That could be very dangerous." He voice turns grave. "The first thing we tell new Light mages to do is not to mess with that stuff."


    "Exactly. I tried to take it off him, but he thought it was a scam, so I had to invoke my title. I''m sure Sandra sent a runner, but I thought you should hear from me first."


    "Thank you for that, is there anything you need us to do?"


    "I''ve got everything handled here, but we may need to bring the General in on this, depending on where the ore came from. Or, at the very least send a decent Earth Mage to go collapse whatever mine it came out of. Fortunately his supplier is walking up to the smith right now, unless there''s more than one person in town with uranium dust in their lungs."


    "Lord Rumex." The smith calls out as he runs into the front room where we''re waiting. "I brought my family, and Billy the prospector that brought me the ore. Um, Sir? He''s not looking too good. Is there anything you can do for him?"


    "I''ll go let Patrick know, could you stop by the castle once you''re done there?" The Court wizard says.


    "Of course, we''ll be there in about an hour. Goodbye." I disconnect and turn to the newcomer. "Hello Billy, I take it your lungs haven''t been feeling to good lately?" The man looks pale, but I can''t tell if that from fear or possible disease.


    "Yes, Lord. Is what Hayes said really true? I don''t want to die from cancer, had a great uncle go out that way. It was not pleasant." He gulps.


    "I''ll do what I can." I promise the man. "But first, I think I need to deal with this little one, right here. Hello there, what''s your name?" I lean down to put myself on the little girls level.


    She''s a little tomboy of about ten, with dirty blonde hair pulled back to keep it out of her face. She''s covered in dirt and scratches and is wearing coveralls with pockets full of all sorts of things. Things like a tiny pebble of uranium ore. I was following Hayes with a spell, and wrapped it in a light spell to protect her and her family as soon as she came near the old Smith.


    "Her name is Hayley, Lord." The girl''s mother speaks up. "She gets a bit shy around strangers."


    "Nice to meet you Hayley." I sit down on the floor cross-legged i front of her. "Can you answer a few questions for me?" She nods. "Good. Now, first off. Is there anything you''d like to tell your grandpa? Perhaps about something that fell into your pocket, and that your forgot to mention before now?"


    Her family gasps as she slams her hand over her pocket like she''s protecting its contents. I just smile and mouth the words "It''s safe." to them.


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    "No? Okay, let me tell you a story then." I look over my shoulder and let my smile widen as I take in the image of my wives. "Do you see these two beautiful ladies behind me?" Her eyes widen when she notices Apricot waving from atop Amelia''s head. "We love each other so much, that just yesterday we were married."


    "But, she''s so tiny." The girl finally speaks.


    "Yes she is." I chuckle and agree. "But she has a very big heart, and with enough love and magic. Anything is possible." Apricot plays along and shifts to human size.


    "Wow!" She breathes out.


    "Wow indeed. Now, I love them so much that I did something silly earlier. I got so scared of a rock that I went and frightened not only them, but your grandpa, and even my guards." I nod to Sandra as her men come up hauling a cart full of much more lead than they should have been able to buy with that tiny pouch of silver.


    "Why''d you get so scared of a rock?" She looks confused.


    "Well, not all rocks are safe to play with; some could be sharp enough to cut, some could be big enough to break your bones, and some can be poison. Even really pretty green ones that glow in the dark?" I turn the last statement into a question, and her eyes go wide, confirming my suspicions as to why she took it.


    "I-I didn''t know." She starts tearing up.


    "It''s alright, Hayley. Neither did your grandpa, and unless you ate it or breathed in the dust." I give Billy a significant look. "You should be fine. But I''m going to take the rock now and do some magic on you and your family just to be sure. Is that okay?" She nods and I levitate the autunite nugget from her pocket. "Doesn''t look like much does it? How about now?" I put us all under shade and let them see the rock glowing. "Time to join your brothers." I send it into the back and place it in the lead covered barrel.


    "Is she going to be okay, Lord?" Her father asks.


    "Let''s find out shall we?" I hold my hand out for her. "Will you hold my hand please? I need to send some magic into you to see if I need to heal you." She places her hand into mine, and I use a bit of Light magic to show her family what I''m sensing through my nature magic. "I didn''t know one little girl could get so many scratches. Did you walk through a patch of brambles?" I joke to lighten the mood.


    "I''m not sick am I?" Hayley asks in a tiny voice.


    "Not at all." I smile. "But I''m going to give you a Magical bath and make you drink some medicine just to be sure. Cleanse!"


    "Nooo! I hate baths." She screams, making us all laugh.


    "Too late little one, it''s already done." I conjure a small glass tumbler and fill it with Healing Sap. "Here, drink this for me. It''ll take care of all those scratches and even fix up that stubbed toe." She takes it but scrunches up her nose. "Don''t worry, it tastes good. There, that wasn''t so bad, was it?"


    "It''s good." She licks her lips. "My toe feels better too."


    "Good girl, in fact, you were such a good girl I''m going to give you a present." I take out my enchanting gear and whip up a little light generator for the cute little tomboy. "Just push this button here and it''ll make little lights that last about an hour." I press it and several colored lights appear, each a different simple shape.


    "For me? Really." She looks like she wants to grab it, but is too afraid.


    "Yes, really." I put it in her hands. "If it stops working, you just have to set it in the sun for a few hours." I levitate myself upwards and put my feet under me. "Just let me give you guys a quick check and you can go about your day, She''ll be perfectly fine."


    I mouth "don''t be too harsh on her for this" to her parents when I check them out. A minute later and they leave looking relieved.


    "Do you think they noticed you cleansed them as well?" Apricot pipes in once they walk out the door.


    "No, but I''m sure they''ll notice when they get home to the cleanest house they''ve ever seen." I laugh before turning serious. "Sorry for making you wait Billy."


    "That''s quite alright, Lord. Kids come first." He holds his hand out fearfully.


    "Can you tell me where you found the ore at?" I ask to distract him. "And we need to know if you sold it to anyone else."


    "Just to Hayes, he''s always looking for something new." The prospector explains. "I found a small vein of it up in the foothills, to the north. I''ve got a map with my stuff back at the inn."


    "Well, good news and bad. Your lungs are in decent shape, at least they will be once I clear out all that rock dust. But, your kidneys have taken some damage." I prepare a much larger glass for him. "Drink this, and get yourself a good dusk mask, and you''ll be fine."


    "Oh, thank you Lord. Thank you!" He slams the drink back like a frat boy at a party.


    "Now, take a deep breath in, and... out!" I pull several grams of crap from his lungs and guide the magic to repair his body. "All better. Just let me deal with the ore, and we can go get that map."


    "Lord." Sandra takes her cue, and steps forward. "We''ve procured the lead you asked for."


    "I can see that." I have to hold in a laugh at the over loaded cart. "Just how did you get so much with just a small bag of silver?" I levitate the barrel out to where we are and start wrapping each rock in lead, before sealing the whole barrel in the stuff. "Temmie? Will this be safe in the inventory?" A *Ding* in the affirmative. "Thanks girl, you''re a doll. Sandra, could you please have your men return the rest of this?" I take one last ingot to replace the one I used earlier.


    "Yes, Lord." She salutes with her fist to her heart.


    "Oh, yes. Hayes, how much do I owe you? Don''t even think about saying nothing." I raise my hand to forestall him. "Billy, tell me honestly how much did he pay you." He does and I give Hayes double that. "Thank you, and my most sincere apologies for today''s hassle. Thanks for the tip on Alum as well. Now, I need to get that map and head to the castle, but I''d like to stop by again and talk about those other ores, and smithing in general if possible."


    "Of course, Milord, any time you wish." He bows deeply to me.


    ***


    "Ugh!" I groan out as we leave the castle for the second time today. "What next?"


    "Next is you relaxing babe." Amelia walks up behind me and starts massaging my shoulders.


    "She''s right Sorrel." Apricot adds, flying backwards in front of us. "You''ve been walking around with the weight of the country on your shoulders since you heard about this damned war? You are not responsible for it." She tells me flatly. "No matter what you did or didn''t do at the dungeon."


    "Listen to her babe; if you don''t loosen up, you''re going to snap." Amelia''s voice is full of love and worry. "Forget about all that and just do something for you. Please." She begs.


    "Well." I take a deep breath. "I have been wanting to see the gardens, but I keep either forgetting about them, or getting distracted from seeing them."


    "That''s my nature mage." Amelia hugs me from behind. "Let''s go, they''re just around the South side of the Castle. You''re driving this time." She laughs and runs around to hop in the passenger side seat.


    "Well, if I''m driving, then I need some driving music." I try to fix mood by playing something peppy, and "Stickshifts and Safetybelts" by Cake fits perfectly. I even change the seats and get rid of the useless stick shift in time with the lyrics. My only regret is that I don''t know what a Malibu looks like; aside from seeing it listed as a Chevy once upon a time, I don''t know anything about it.


    "Ahh!" Amelia screams as I pull her across the new bench seat. "Hands on the wheel mister."


    "Like this?" I pop it off the steering column and hand it to her.


    "Hahahah!" Apricot breaks up laughing. She then shifts herself to human size, landing in my lap with a soft plop. "Oh, the look on your face." She bends over and kisses Amelia on the lips. "You did tell him to relax, after all. You should have expected something like this."


    "Stupid magic." She grumps.


    "Don''t ever change, Amelia." I give her my own kiss. "Or, do. We''ll still love you." I laugh and transition into "Satan is my Motor" once the song ends.


    Keeping up the Cake theme as we toured the gardens, I was able to relax and just center myself again. Along with collecting hundreds of new seeds and cuttings for my already quite extensive collection. The chief amongst my new discoveries being a rubber tree, something I was very much hoping there would be a sample of. I can make due without, but it''s just not a proper tire without rubber wheels.


    ***

 # 34

    "Are you finally going to tell us why you''re so happy about your new tree? I mean besides you just being you." We''re back home and Apricot is questioning me about the mini-forest I''ve got growing up in the backyard. "Mittens don''t poop in there, you stupid kitty."


    "Ha-ha." I laugh at her trying to chastise a cat. "Don''t worry it''s just fertilizer. Decompose! See? I think he''s just mad we left him alone at home for so long. Did you miss us you silly little floof?"


    "That wasn''t you answering my question." She lands on the kitten and starts scratching behind his ears.


    "Because with this I can finally make a lot of stuff I''ve been wanting to make. Plantshaping can make up for a lot, but sometimes you just need a good rubber." I start extracting sap from the trees. "You can get the same stuff from Dandelions, but why waste my time with them when I''ve got these babies."


    "So is this your new cotton?" Amelia jokes.


    "Maybe." I shrug. "And, the rubber trees might be why I''m in a good mood, but the rubber isn''t the main reason." They look confused at that statement. "Can you honestly tell me when my mood was last this good?"


    "It has been a bit. Hmm, dinner at Abby''s was an uptick, but other than that? Not really since before we reached the city." She thinks it over. "Yeah, probably when we were on the road before hitting the Capital. But with everything that''s been going on, it''s understandable."


    "That''s what I thought too, but that''s not the real reason. Or, at least the whole reason. Care to guess as to what else has been affecting me? I''ll even give you a hint." I smile at her and lift all four arms high. "What am I? And don''t say a dumbass." I cut her off as soon as she opens her mouth. "Or a jackass."


    "You''re Sorrel, our husband, a new Count, a pain in ''my'' ass." She starts ticking things off on her fingers. But she''s not even close, so I give her another hint and wave my vines about. Apricot gets it right away after that, but I tell her with my eyes to let Amelia figure it out.


    "Hey, you''re the one who''s always begging for anal." I laugh and have to dodger her blows. "No hitting, please. Hahaha."


    "You might as well just shift." Apricot huffs. "She''s not going to get it otherwise."


    "Shift? Huh?" She cocks her head for a minute, and then it''s like I can practically see the light bulb turning on above her head. "You''re Plantkin... And, you''ve been in the middle of a bloody city." She slaps her forehead.


    "Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner." I pick her up and twirl her around. "No Plantkin would ever leave the forest, so there was no way to know before that a lack of plants makes their... our mood deteriorate. The city is far from barren, thankfully. But, Marta''s home was still practically an oasis for me."


    "So does this mean no more moody, Serious Sorrel." Apricot asks as she flies up to eye level.


    "I wish." I take a deep breath. "I''ve still got some serious issues to deal with, that aren''t just going to go away. But, this should help even out my mood while I do deal with them. Thank you both so much for standing by me, and thank you for pushing me to relax today. Who knows how long it would''ve taken me to realize this if you hadn''t."


    "Babe..." Amelia''s eyes tear up. "Get over here." She pulls me into a tight bear hug.


    "Me too!" Apricot joins in.


    "I love you, more than words can express." I tell both of them. "Now, let''s do something fun... Not that you pervert pixie." I laugh and dance away from her grabbing hands.


    "Spoilsport." She huffs, causing Amelia to ruffle her mass of orange hair.


    "We can do that later. I meant this." I quickly make three bicycles from my modified cherry wood, and mix a bit of sulfur into the latex to vulcanize some rubber. Plantshaping it into tires. I then hop on and ride out to the street and back. "Hop on, I''ll race you to the stables."


    "How are you not falling over?" Amelia tilts her head to the side again. "There''s only two wheels. Are you cheating with magic again?"


    "Guess you''ve never seen a bicycle before." I hop off and walk over to her. "Apricot, it''s not going to bite you. Look, I''ll teach you two how to ride. Just sit on the seat, and I''ll use air magic to hold you upright until you get used to it."


    "This better not be another prank." She grumps, but still mounts the bike.


    "No joke, no prank, just a fun way to get around." I take her hands and steady them on the handlebar. "Just keep the wheel straight to go straight, and lean a bit to turn. With your stats you two should pick this up by the time you hit the street. Now put your feet on the pedals." I put my hand under the seat and walk her forward.


    "Ack! the pedals are moving." She squeaks as the fixed gear moves in time with the tire.


    "You''re good." I start moving faster and take my hand off the seat. "See, you stay upright just by moving." We hit the street and I show her how to turn. "Isn''t this a lot easier that driving the car."


    "It''s a bit like flying." She starts to laugh. "Okay try letting go now."


    "I already did." My hand has just been hovering over the bar since she came out of the turn. "Try turning around, I''ll catch you if you fall."


    "Please, I got this." She starts slaloming back and forth down the street. "You go help Amelia."


    "No need." She already turned onto the street and is racing to catch up to Apricot. "See you at the stables, loser." The blonde taunts, blowing past me.


    "Oh, it''s on!" I summon my bike and Mittens, chasing after her with him on my shoulder. "Come on Apricot, we got an uppity Water Mage to put in her place."


    We quickly gain on her; Apricot using her natural flight instincts to duck low and reduce her drag, while I just sit up straight and power through.


    "What''s the matter Amelia?" I take my hands off the bars to taunt her. "I thought you were going to meet us at the stables." Mittens paws at the Air bubble I''ve got protecting him, like he wants to jump over to her.


    "Hey, no cheating." She spits.


    "I''m not, ask Apricot. She would see it if I were using magic."


    "He really isn''t." She pulls alongside and copies my move. "See, no magic involved. Hahaha, this really is as close to flying as you can get while still on the ground." She laughs before crouching down and blasting forward again.


    "See you at the finish line, babe." I don''t even bother taking the bar again, just use a bit more of my over powered stats to swiftly catch up to the pixie. Mittens turns to follow Amelia and the way he''s pawing at the bubble makes it looks like he''s waving to her.


    "Argh! Quit cheating you two!" She growls in frustration as our lead widens.


    ***


    "Come here baby." Amelia snatches the kitten from my shoulder once we get back to the house. "Momma will protect you from those filthy cheaters." She holds him to her chest.


    "Oh, really?" I raise an eyebrow. "Who was the one that used a steam blast to propel herself forwards?"


    "And still lost." Apricot adds.


    "..." Her cheeks turn red but she doesn''t say anything, just keeps on petting Mittens.


    "Aww, is somebody a sore loser?" Apricot pull her into a hug from behind. Laying her head on Amelia''s shoulder, one hand wraps about her waist while the other scratches Mittens on the head. "It''s alright babe, we still love you."


    "Yeah, I''ll even add a motor to your bike once I get them working properly." I sneak in a kiss while she''s distracted by Apricot.


    "Fine, but it better go faster than you, and you''ve got to show me that no hands trick." She demands.


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    "Yes, Ma''am. Sorry. Yes, Countess." I laugh and give her another kiss as she blushes again. "it may take me a few tries though; I was studying to be a botanist, not a machinist, after all."


    "Excuses, excuses." She rolls her eyes melodramatically.


    "Wish I had taken a few more chemistry classes though, I can make bio-*diesel* since it''s not much different than making soap. But, I don''t even know where to start when it comes to *gasoline*... might be able to make do with pure ethanol... and then, there''s electric motors..." I trail off as my mind wanders.


    "You''re mumbling again, babe." She laughs and breaks me out of my own head with a kiss. "Why don''t you finish that steam engine first, and then you can explain what those new words mean."


    "Sorry" I blush this time. "They''re just different names of fuels, the last one is just another word for alcohol. I don''t plan to use them in the final design, but figuring out how they work will help me make a pure Magic engine that will work better than me just pushing the wheels forward like I was in the car."


    "Well, put up a Soundproofing before you do, I surprised the neighbors didn''t complain earlier." She rubs me on the head before going back to the book she was reading before our eventful trip to Smith Street.


    I quickly finalize the steam engine, and even build a model train for it to fit in. Two runes make it nearly self sustaining as it follows an oval track in the archway under our bedroom. One to heat the boiler, and another to condense the steam from the air to refill it. I added a couple flat cars for it to pull, and Apricot somehow got Mittens to ride on one of them.


    He''s now snoozing away happily. She tried to join him, but complained that she was starting to get dizzy, and flew over to bug me instead. "So, how''s this one work?" She asks from my shoulder.


    "Do you really want to know, or are you hoping the explanation will bore you to sleep?" Amelia barks out a laugh as I tease the pixie. "Okay, okay. Quit hitting me. This is an internal combustion engine. I spray in a mist of alcohol and use a tiny spark to make it explode, that explosion moves the piston which will then provide force to the wheels just like the steam train."


    "Hmm, yes. Fascinating." She nods her head while rubbing her chin.


    "You just want me to put on a movie, don''t you?" I jerk my shoulder up, tossing her into the air.


    "Oh, yes please." Amelia slams her book closed. "None of these books on Water Magic have anything I haven''t already figured out for myself." Her mood turns serious. "I hate to bring back "Serious Sorrel" but, you mentioned some war movies. You always glossed over that topic when we talked about Dirt." She smiles at my nickname for my old world.


    I let out a big sigh. "Okay, I''ll put on Iron Man. Just try to remember that it''s just a movie, no one was actually hurt. That, and it gets pretty fantastical in some parts."


    AC/DC''s "Back in Black" plays as the convoy travels down a lone desert road. I walk over to sit next to Amelia, and Apricot shifts to human size to cuddle up next to me. Amelia smiles, and Apricot laughs at Stark''s banter with the soldiers. Until...


    "Fuck!" - "Oh, gods!" They both jump.


    "It''s okay." I hug them with my vines and pet their heads. "It''s just a movie, see the scary part is already over."


    "What the fuck was that?" Apricot spits out.


    "That was a glimpse of war." I squeeze them tight and pause the movie. "It gets a bit lighter next, but then deals with some serious stuff again. Are you sure you want to continue?"


    "The whole movie''s not like that is it?" Amelia breathes out, hardly louder than a whisper.


    "No. But, there are a few more scenes that are even worse. I can put on some cartoons instead. Apricot still hasn''t watched all the Tinkerbell stuff."


    "No." She takes a deep, steadying breath. "I need to know this."


    "And you, Apricot? I should be able to manage a replay of another movie while she''s watching this, if you want."


    "Just play the movie, you lunker." She says with a pale face and no heat to her words.


    I give them a sad smile and resume the flashback. They calm down, and even start to laugh again at some of Stark''s antics. Then he demonstrates "The Jericho", and they shrink down beside me. "Please tell me that was one of those fantastical parts you were talking about." Amelia practically begs, but I can only shake my head.


    "Just remember, I can stop this any time either of you want me to." Before being presented with the prospect of having to participate in an actual war, I never realized quite how scary a movie this was. "A really bad scene is coming up, I''ll you know when it''s about to start."


    "Okay." Amelia whispers, while Apricot clings to me as tight as she can. I look at her, but she just nods.


    There''s a few gasps at his treatment in the cave, but they get through it. And, I come up with what is either a really good idea, or a REALLY, REALLY, bad idea when he starts working on the Arc Reactor.


    "This is where it gets bad again." I warn. Apricot closes her eyes and turns her head into my shoulder. I feel her jump when the door explodes, and block the sound from reaching her ears. "It''s okay." I stroke her hair. "I''ll let you know when it''s safe to look again." She nods into me.


    Meanwhile Amelia is leaning forward with a sick look on her face. Like she wants to look away, but is forcing herself to experience everything. Once Tony takes off into the air, I pause it and she flops back into her seat like a puppet with its strings cut. I pat Apricot to let her know it''s safe now.


    "It''s more light-hearted for a good section now, but we can always switch to something else."


    "I''m okay, just let me know when it gets like that again." Apricot looks at the screen and motions for me to continue.


    They get back into the movie after that; getting grossed out when pepper has to reach her hand into his chest. Laughing at his first attempts and by-play with Dummy and the fire extinguisher. They gasp at his first flight. "This is where it gets fantastical." I tell them.


    The dance with Pepper gets some sweet smiles, but the revelation of Obediah''s betrayal has both of them gasping and booing the man. "It''s gonna get a little bad again." I warn.


    Apricot shakes during the whole Gulmira scene, but doesn''t look away again. She even let''s a out a rough. "Hah! That''s what you fuckers get for holding hostages. Cowardly little shits." I just keep my arms, all four of them, around both my girls.


    Their reactions at the rest of the movie were fun to watch. Mostly gasps and ''awws'', and Apricot heckling Obediah every time he was on screen. The pivotal fight scene has both of them at the edges of their seats and Apricot screaming invectives.


    "Icing problem? Hahaha." Apricot mimics Obediah after the movie ends, and breaks into laughter. "Oh, that was fun; I didn''t think a mask could look confused. Thank you for the movie, even if it was scary at times." She gives me a peck on the cheek.


    "I think I understand why you don''t want to make weapons now." Amelia hugs me. "I know I''m not going to like the answer. But, how much of that was real?"


    "The story is complete fiction, as are the Arc Reactor and the suits." I let her fill in the blanks.


    "That means everything else... Even those ''jet'' things are real? And, those weapons everyone was using?"


    "*Guns.*" I supply. "The closest translation would be an old foreign word for war. They''re basically ''magic'' crossbows that can fire dozens of ''bolts'' at a time."


    "I don''t think I like your world very much." She shudders.


    ***

 # 35

    "Mommy, Daddy!" Amelia rushes up and hugs her parents when they enter the house. "Sorry about the mess."


    We moved inside after the movie, and the place quickly filled up with various prototypes. That and a few dozen miniature cars that Apricot had me make for her. Her favorite being the roadster that Stark was working on in the movie. All that, and a small jungle''s worth of plants.


    "Hi guys, I''ll have this cleaned up in a minute." I sweep my hand to encompass everything.


    "You look to have had a productive day." Turner says with a laugh. "What was that thing outside? It looked like that train device from the elephant movie."


    "Oh, today was something alright." Amelia lets loose a long sigh. "We did get some really good news, though. Mage Long from the castle said that the lots we wanted in that neighborhood would be ready by next week. So, we should be able to move out once we get back from setting up the phone towers."


    "That''s not good news." Her mother cries out. "You don''t have to leave, we don''t mind a little mess now and then."


    "Katey." Turner hugs his wife. "I know it hurts, especially after Rodrick. But, you have to let her leave the nest sometime. She''s married now, and wants to start her own home. Not to mention that she''s a Countess. How would it look if the kingdom''s newest Countess still lived at home with her parents?"


    "Argh." She groans into his shoulder. "I know, but she''s my little baby Amy-girl. Nnn. Sorrel sweetie, please tell me you have some chocolate. I think I need some."


    "I''ll whip some up right now." I say after clearing the last of the junk, and most of the plants. "I need to make a big batch for System-chan, a few tonnes, at least." *Ding**Ding* "You earned it." I over-ride her protestations. A bar is in Kaityln''s hands by the time I finish talking.


    "Thank you dear." She mumbles out after taking a big bite.


    "So, what else have you three been up to today?" Turner tries changing the subject.


    "Well, after leaving the castle..." Amelia walks them through our day after snatching her own bar. "And then, when we were leaving the castle again Sorrel looked like he was about to break from strain of everything. So we forced him to relax and go to the Royal Gardens."


    "You do seem.. lighter, I suppose is the best word for it." Kaitlyn says.


    "Yes, well. I consider myself a Nature Mage first and foremost, and I just haven''t been getting enough plant life being in the middle of a city." I try to come up with an explanation.


    "Oh, you might as well tell them already." Amelia comes to stand beside me.


    "You sure? You made a big deal about keeping it a secret. Okay. Well, I suppose I should just come out and say it." I take a deep breath. "I''m not human. I was raised human, and consider myself to be human. But, I am Plantkin." I shapeshift to my true form. "That''s why I really need the plants around."


    "Hmm? Oh, that''s nice dear." Amelia''s mother says nonchalantly.


    "That''s nice dear?" Amelia snaps. "I was so worried about telling you. And, that''s all you have to say? That''s nice dear." She bites off each word.


    "Amy-girl." Kaitlyn rolls her eyes. "Did we say anything, or even bat an eye about Apricot? Who cares what species he is, so long as I can still get me some grandbabies."


    ""Hah!"" Apricot and I bark out laughing at the same time, while Amelia''s mouth just hangs open. "I told you she wanted grandkids." I say to the stunned blonde at my side.


    "At least someone could read the clues I was dropping." She shakes her head at her daughter''s dumbfounded expression. "You Awakened may live an extra long time, but I want to see my grandchildren before I''m too old to play with them."


    "Mom!" Amelia whines and covers up her beet-red face.


    "Don''t you "Mom" me. And don''t make me go behind your back to that System-chan lady." She wags her finger. "I did some reading and learned she can turn off the whole baby making thing. I don''t blame you for wanting to not deal with the bleeding."


    "Mom." Amelia''s nose scrunches up in distaste while Apricot and I are doing our best not to crack up laughing.


    "Oh, hush. And, it''s not just me and your father that want to see some babies. You''re a Countess now. You need to provide an heir."


    "Argh!" She looks like she wants to pull her hair out. "Sorrel, help me."


    "I told you before that I''m happy to wait until you are ready." I put my arm around her. "But, yeah. I would like to start a family, and the sooner the better, as far as I''m concerned."


    "Apricot?" Amelia begs her wife for support.


    "Sorry girl, I''m kinda with Sorrel here. I love kids." She becomes human sized and helps me sandwich Amelia in hugs. "I don''t even know if it''s possible for me though. This skill makes me human sized, but I don''t know everything works with me being Fae." A *Ding* from Temmie rings out. "Spoilers? Huh?"


    "Temmie said the same thing when I asked if my special skills would be passed down. But I think her saying even this much was an answer in itself. I haven''t read anything about Demi-Fae." I allude to when I was re-incarnated and given the option to pick my race. "But without her wedding gift it wouldn''t really have been feasible before now."


    "So, you''re saying we can..." She trails of, too fearful of getting her hopes up.


    "It seems likely." I nod. "But, you may need to stay human size throughout the pregnancy."


    "That might be difficult, but worth it. Definitely worth it." A huge grin covers her face.


    "You two are ganging up on me." Amelia pouts.


    "Aww, babe. I know it''s a big change, but we''ll wait until you are ready." We squeeze her tighter.


    "Grm." She grumbles. "You wouldn''t be so blas¨¦ about it if you had to be the one getting pregnant."


    "You mean like this?" I Shapeshift into a pregnant version of her. My extra mass going straight to the belly and making me look like I''m nine months pregnant.


    "Hahaha" - "Ack! Don''t do that." Apricot laughs while Amelia freaks out.


    "Sorry." I shift back into my human guise with a chuckle. "I know Plantkin are weird, but we''re not that weird."


    "Alright." Turner steps forward. "Let''s quit pressuring her. Amelia-" He stresses her proper name. "-will let us all know when she''s ready to have children. So, no bugging her about it. That goes double for you, Katey." He stares at his wife.


    "But did you see the way she looked with a big belly?" His wife pleads.


    "Don''t make me have Sorrel cut off your supply." He goes straight for the nuclear option.


    "Hmpf. You don''t play fair." Kaitlyn takes a big bit of her remaining chocolate bar.


    ***


    "What are you working on now?" Apricot hovers in front of the projected Runescript I''m trying to get just right.


    "Probably a baby making Rune." Amelia grumps. We''re back in bed now, but she''s been in a bad mood all night.


    "You heard your father, we''re not going to pressure you." I try to soothe her.


    "I know, and I''m sorry for snapping." She apologizes. "It''s just... Mom. She wants grandkids so bad, but I''m not even twenty yet." She sighs.


    "That''s how moms are." I commiserate. "Mine always thought I should be settling down and starting a family, but I was too busy with school to listen. It''s a bit of a regret that I''ve been holding onto, and I''m sorry if I''ve been pushing it onto to you."


    "No, you''ve been fine." she comes over and kisses me. "I''m just not ready yet. Maybe when I actually do turn twenty. I hope that''s okay with you two?" Her voice turns up, making the last statement into a question.


    "Of course." I smile and kiss her back.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation."Yeah, I need practice staying big for long periods anyways." Apricot agrees. "I want to get pregnant at the same time too, we can raise them as twins." She has a goofy grin on her face.


    "Good, we can tell Mom and get her off my back. For another year and a half, at least." She mutters. "Now, I''m curious about what you''re working on too. It''s not like you to diagram everything beforehand. You usually just think about it for a bit, and then tinker until you get it working right."


    "Well, I had an idea during the movie earlier..." I explain my thought process and why I''m taking such precautions.


    "As long you''re sure it''s safe, I''ll trust you." Amelia''s smile warms my heart.


    "I just wanna see you fly like iron man." The orange haired pixie adds.


    "Umm, I can do that with magic already." I levitate out of bed to prove my point. "Maybe not quite as high, or as fast, but still."


    "Eh." She shrugs, unimpressed. "It''s not the same."


    "Fine, I''ll build some rocket motors tomorrow." I grin mischievously. "If you''ll promise to test fly on one, then I''ll build an Iron Man suit."


    "Don''t trust him Apricot. I know that look."


    "Show me a movie of one of these rocket things." Apricot demands and I comply with a model rocket launch. "That''s like The Jericho. I''m not going to let you blow me up." She flies and hides behind Amelia.


    "Hahaha. The Jericho is a missile, rockets don''t explode. Well, not unless something goes wrong." I tease.


    "And you want me to test fly one? Are you nuts?" She scoffs at me.


    "You want me to strap them to my hands and feet." I counter.


    "Oh." She goes flat. "Well, I guess if you don''t want to, you don''t have to."


    "Maybe I''ll find a good alternative with magic, but let''s get my car working first. Then we can start on aircraft, and work our way up to rockets. We''ll probably need one to get to the moon anyways."


    "Are you still on about that?" Amelia sighs in exasperation.


    "It''s just waiting up there for us." I conjure an image of this world''s moon. "Don''t you want to go there, just to say that you did?"


    "Why don''t you master your car first, and I''ll think about it." She rolls her eyes at me.


    "Speaking of." Apricot joins in again. "What kind of car is it going to be?"


    "Well, it''s a summer road trip. So, It''s got to be a classic muscle car with a convertible roof. Maybe a *Camaro* or something like that." I conjure images of a bunch of old cars.


    "Ooh, I like that one, look at that big nose. It looks like it means business." She points and I instantly crack up. "What?"


    "Sorry, but you just picked out a car named the Rocket." I crackup again.


    "Oh, I think we''ve got a winner, sweetie." Amelia says with humor filling her voice.


    "..." The pixie does not seem amused.


    "How about we watch the Cars movie? It has a very similar one to the rocket, in fact this movie is the only reason I know what it''s called. It came out when I was ten, and I spent a few weeks obsessing about all the cars in it." I start the movie up. "Too bad the phase didn''t stick, or I wouldn''t have had to reinvent the internal combustion engine from scratch." I grumble at all the wasted time.


    "Grow some more plants, babe. You''re grumbling again." Amelia laughs at me.


    "Hush, it''s starting." Apricot shushes us. "Ack. Why does it have eyes?"


    ***


    "Mom took the news as well as could be expected, I suppose." Amelia says with a deep sigh after her parents leave for work the next morning.


    "You''re so silly sometimes." I reach my arm around her waist. "But, I wouldn''t have you any other way. So, what are your plans for the day?"


    "Well, since the books were a bust, I was hoping to pick some brains down at the guild." She smiles as Apricot races past in a toy car going "Kachow" every few seconds.


    "I probably shouldn''t have given her a whole mug of hot chocolate with breakfast." I shake my head. "You fine going on your own, or do you want me to come with?"


    "You''re willing to let me out of your sight?" She puts on an overly shocked expression.


    "Yeah, yeah. Ham it up." I roll my eyes. "But, I''m never going to get past my control issues if I don''t even try. Just take your phone with you, please. Oh, and if Mittens is going too, I''ve got a collar for the little danger magnet. It''ll create a safety bubble if... when he gets in trouble."


    "Aww, babe." She hugs me around the neck. "We''ll be fine. What about you? You''re not going to try making that thing are you?"


    "No, I''ll want you here as a back up when I finally get around to messing with that." I re-assure her. "For now, I''ll be working on making magic versions of all the engines I made yesterday. Then I''ll need to test for power and efficiency, while tweaking the designs to get the most out of them."


    "Sounds... thrilling." She deadpans.


    "Oh, like you haven''t spent days on end perfecting one spell or another?"


    "Point." She nods. "But, that''s spell crafting. Enchanting just doesn''t grab my attention like it does for you."


    "What about you, my favorite little chocoholic?" I ask the pixie that just ran into my foot. "You going with Amelia, or staying with me?"


    "What? Nooo!" She flies up to eye level. "You two can''t break up already, we just got married."


    "Ha Ha Ha." We both roll our eyes so hard they look like they''re going to fall out. "Amelia''s going to the guild to talk magic, I''m staying here to build stuff." She opens her mouth, but I cut her off before she says anything. "And, before you make the "He''s letting you out on your own?" joke. Know that she beat you to it."


    "Oh, you''re no fun." She pouts. "I''m going with her, we''re taking Mittens too. So, there." She sticks her tongue out at me.


    "Remind me to only let her have half a mug next time." I tell Amelia while keeping a straight face.


    "Maybe a third, or even a quarter." She plays along with me. "We may even have to stop her chocolate intake completely."


    "Hey, come on guys!" Her eyes go wide. "that''s enough joking."


    "Oh?" I question. "So, you didn''t just crash into my foot."


    "That was on purpose." She starts.


    "And you weren''t chasing Mittens around so much that he had to run upstairs to hide on the bed?" I talk over her.


    "Oh, look at her, Sorrel. She''s wilting, that''s enough teasing babe" Amelia squeezes my arm.


    "Sorry, Apricot. I guess I''m more worried than I thought. I didn''t mean to take it out on you." I apologize.


    "No, I''m sorry. I do tend to go a little overboard when there''s a new treat." She shifts to human size and gives us a hug. "And you''re not the only one who''s worried. I mean, what if you blow yourself up while we''re out having fun?"


    "That''s not going to happen." I rub her back. "I''m just making Enchanted versions of the same engine I created yesterday. I won''t mess with anything dangerous until I have your eyes, and Amelia''s Magic to back me up."


    "Damn straight, you won''t." Amelia states. "I have no intention of being widowed less than a week after getting married."


    "But if you do, well..." Apricot turns serious. "Try to at least save your dick from being destroyed. Losing that would be a real shame."


    "You heard her babe, make a metal codpiece before you do anything that might explode." Amelia nods sagely, like she just solved a great problem.


    "Would you two just go already, so I can freak out and fill the house with plants?" I only partly joke.


    "Bet you a bar of dark that he tracks us with magic the whole way."


    "Bet you two that we get back and the entire street has been turned into a forest."


    "Only the street? Hell, if we stay out long enough he''ll convert the whole Capital."


    ***

 # 36

    I''m in the backyard, surrounded by trees, when I sense a familiar face walking up to the house. It really did take more effort than I care to admit to not stretch my Magic to cover half the city. So, I had to comprimise and make another mini-jungle.


    "Abigail!" I call out. "Back here, through the archway." I make a pathway through the trees for her.


    "Oh, there you are." She comes bouncing up. "I''m not bothering you am I?"


    "Not at all." I wave her concerns away. "I''m just trying to keep myself occupied while the girls are at the Guild. Was supposed to be working on some enchanting, but I can''t seem to get armor out of my head right now."


    "Uhh, I can see that." I look up and she''s staring at a certain red and gold armor with a huge codpiece.


    "Hahah, sorry. That''s a bit of an inside joke." I make Iron Man Mk. "D" vanish into my Inventory. "So, what can I help you with?"


    "Oh, yeah." She shakes her head to get the image of the armor out. "Aunt Marta was hoping you guys could come to dinner again tonight. Please say you can." She begs. "She''s been acting weird since yesterday and said she''d only tell me what it''s about after she talks to you."


    "I''d love to, just let me call Amelia and make sure she hasn''t already made plans."


    "Huh? I thought you said she went to the guild." She looks visibly confused.


    I just take out my phone and ring up the girls. "Hah!" Apricot''s voice rings out. "I told you he''d check up on us before noon. Now, hand over my chocolate."


    "Sorry to disappoint, sweetie. But, I''m just calling to see if either of you made plans for tonight yet. Abby''s here, and apparently her aunt has some really good connections. That, or word about you know what is starting to spread, probably both. Anyways, she was hoping we could come for dinner again." I speak in code in case they''re not in private, and to keep Abigail in the dark until her aunt decides to tell her.


    "Suck it pixie, no chocolate for you." I hear a deep groan after Amelia says that. "Hi Abby, we''d love to come over again. I haven''t made any plans, but Sorrel, you should give her a phone just in case something comes up and we have to decline at the last minute."


    "I was planning to." I look at the girl who''s standing there with her mouth hanging open. "Why don''t you say something Abby?"


    "Oh, umm... Hello?" She finally speaks.


    ""Hi Abby."" My wives say in unison. "Do you like Sorrel''s new toy?" Apricot continues. "Well, not ''new'' new, he''s made a few things since."


    "Oh, quit teasing her Apricot." Amelia chides. "We''ll see you tonight Abby, but I''ve got to go right now. Okay? Bye Sorrel, love you."


    "Love you too." I disconnect the call. "Sorry, she was probably in a meeting."


    "No problem." She shakes her head again. "But um, what is that? How were we able to talk with them from so far away?"


    "This is my first enchanting project... well, the upgraded version." I take out my enchanting gear and build one for her, giving her the number 867-5309. After remembering the music video, I thought the number would be perfect for our little peeping tom-ette. "For you, and here''s one for your Aunt. The numbers are on the back. Just push the green button, then tap out the number you want to call. Red to disconnect." I demonstrate on mine before handing her a slip of paper with mine and Amelia''s phone numbers on it.


    "Was that Temmie?" She stares at the phone in her hand, bewildered.


    "Yep. She thought it was funny idea." I smile, still glad that System-chan played along and let me record her ''saying'' ''Answer the phone.'' "Now, those have built-in recharging runes, but try not to talk for hours on end. They should work anywhere in the Capital, and soon beyond."


    "These must be priceless treasures, I can''t accept them." Her eyes go wide and she tries to hand them back.


    "These are toys." I wave her away. "I barely consider them to be functional, but I have so many other things to do that I haven''t had the time to complete them. So, please take the phones." I plead. "Help me save the time it would take to track you or your Aunt down if I ever need to. Time is the only thing I don''t have enough of, after all."


    "Yes, Sir. Th-thank you." She cradles the phones like they''re precious.


    "None of that ''Sir'' business, just call me Sorrel. Now, I''m sure Marta has plenty of other errands for you to run today." I wrap up our conversation.


    "Ugh." She groans. "Don''t remind me. Even with all the Mage practice I''m doing, she''s still making me be her apprentice. Thank you again, and I''ll see you tonight. Bye." She rushes off.


    ***


    Spoiler: Spoiler<input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <div>


    Abby''s POV:


    "Gods, why did he have to have that stupid armor set up? I was just starting to be able to forget about that night." I mutter to myself and start to think back to that night I spent at the dungeon.


    ***


    Everyone else is already asleep but I''m just laying here, staring at the stars. Sorrel and Amelia went into their wagon a little bit ago, that beautiful creation that he made for her. ''I''m so jealous!'' I can''t help but think. ''She''s got him, she''s got magic, and her tits are bigger than mine! It''s just not fair!'' I breath out a soft sigh, careful not to wake Aunt Marta.


    A minute later I hear a soft sound coming from their wagon. Looking over, I see Amelia leading Sorrel by the hand over to that amazing bathhouse. My jealousy flares as I follow them with my eyes. ''They''re going to... do. it.'' I can''t even think the actual words.


    They enter the bathhouse, and Sorrel kicks the door closed behind him. But, what''s that? It didn''t latch. It''s still open a crack and I can see a hint of light. I quickly glance around to see if anyone else saw, but no, they''re all fast asleep.


    ''Oh, Gods! What am I thinking?'' I give it a minute before carefully walking over, thanking Sorrel in my mind for growing this soft grass. I listen at the door and once I hear the water running, I open it slowly.


    The light is completely different from earlier. Before it was all bright and shimmering. Now though, the room is subdued, the fish are gone now, replaced by glowing green flecks stirred back and forth in a nonexistent surf. ''it''s beautiful!'' I almost gasp out loud. ''Is this what the sea looks like at night? I''ve never read anything that sounded like this.''


    "...please..." I hear Amelia moan over the noise of the shower. Feeling bolder, I carefully creep forward, and peek around the corner. "Please what?" Sorrel asks. His voice low and full of teasing. "Please stop?"


    My breath catches as I see them there. I Thought all his creations were amazing and beautiful. But, these two people truly are the most glorious sight I''ve ever seen. Both naked, with the water flowing over their perfect bodies, standing under these magical lights. ''Beautiful!'' I have to hold my breath to keep from speaking aloud.


    He''s holding her hands up above her head with one of his own. Slowly, he guides her back out of the water stream, pressing her up against the shower wall. His other hand teasing and stroking between the stunning blonde''s thighs the whole time. And... ''is that a spell? Does he have four arms?'' Either way, my own nipples instantly tighten, poking up through the soft fabric of my night shirt, once I see what they''re doing to the dripping blonde''s breasts.


    "Don''t stop!" Amelia groans. "I need it. Please!" She takes in a ragged breath as her body ripples with convulsions. "Put it inside me! Please fuck me." She begs, shivering. Her legs going weak.


    Sorrel bends over and whispers something into her ear that sends another round of shivers up and down her body. ''Gods, let him whisper to me like that.'' My left hand unconsciously rising up to cup my breast. As my right hand drifts lower and lower.


    Pulling back, Sorrel shifts his body and... ''is that another arm? Oh! Oh, my!'' ...drawing his hand back from between the blonde''s legs. It''s coated in a thick fluid, with a long sticky trail leading back to Amelia''s womanhood. Sorrel coats the tip of himself with her fluids before guiding it closer to her opening, teasing around her folds for a moment. Every slight touch seems to drive Amelia wild. Until, finally, he slips it in. His extra arms teasing and pulling at Amelia''s nipples at the same time. She lets out a gasp which he captures in a kiss.


    My hand slips into my pants at the same time, my fingers finding that I''m at least as wet as the water mage in front of me. ''Oh, Gods! What am I doing?'' My breath coming out as soft pants as I slide two fingers inside myself in time with Sorrel''s steady thrusts.


    They''re locked like that for a moment. Amelia''s arms captured by Sorrel''s as he drives into her with a slow, steady, relentless pace. Their mouths joined together as those dexterous appendages of his do wonderful things to Amelia''s supple breasts. Until, it''s finally too much for the stunning woman. She screams out, her legs wrapping around his waist as she wrenches her hand free and grabs onto his back, driving her nails in deep.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    I have to bite my lip as my own orgasm rocks through me, drenching my already soaked panties. I have never felt so good in my entire life and it''s all I can do to keep from screaming out. ''And that was happening to Amelia, over and over?'' I think, stunned.


    Sorrel seems to have been waiting for this from Amelia, though. He moves his arms to her waist, shifts the extra ones from her breasts to that plump, round ass. And, he starts pumping. His tempo changes from slow and steady, to fast and furious in an instant.


    I''d thought I was done but, seeing this, I can''t help but follow along. Using three fingers now, slamming into myself as Sorrel slams into Amelia. The hand on my breast, now clamped in my mouth to keep me from screaming out as the intensity builds. Then, a moment later, all three of us begin to shudder at the same time.


    Sorrel buries himself into her with a groan before collapsing to the floor with Amelia on top, her body wracked by spasms. I nearly follow them, but fear of being caught gives me just enough strength to stay up right.


    I can''t take any more and slowly back away, my knees weak, hoping they''re too distracted to notice me. As I''m closing the door, I hear Sorrel pant out a chuckle. "Haah, hah. So, wanna try it in the bath next?".


    ''Gods. They''re going again?'' I think, flabbergasted. ''I''m completely done in just from watching that.''


    I stumble to the privy to clean up before collapsing back in my bed roll for a very good night''s sleep.


    ***


    ***


    "Hahaha." Apricot cracks up when she sees the Iron Man suit I made. "Oh, that''s awesome. Are you sure there''s enough armor, though?"


    "What is it?" Amelia calls from the kitchen before walking out to join us. "Oh gods, Sorrel. What is that? I thought you were going to be working on Magic engines today. What''s all this stuff?" She looks around at the mass of armor prototypes I''ve created since they left.


    "Yeah..." I rub the back of my head in embarrassment. "See... I found myself having trouble concentrating, and ''someone'' put the idea of armor in my head earlier." I give her a pointed look. "So, I decided to run with it, and put my craziness to work."


    "Sorrel, baby. You. Are. Not. Crazy." She says each word slowly, and deliberately. "There''s nothing crazy about wanting to keep your loved ones safe. So, please put that monstrosity away and show us what you made." She looks askance at the codpiece.


    "Well, I wanted to go straight for carbon nanotubes, but I don''t know how to make them, and I think I''ll need Mana Mastery before I can work directly down on the atomic scale like that. So, I got a little creative instead, and even got myself another step closer to Mastery in the process. I made a few different kinds because I don''t really know what we might be facing." I levitate samples of my three favorites over and pin them to a tree.


    "Not sure about a couple of those words, but please continue."


    "All of these will stop knives and swords, so I won''t bother showing that." I pull out a longbow that I made earlier. "Please move out of the way." They hop behind me faster than I can blink. "Really? It''s not like I would have hit you, I just didn''t want to take any chances."


    "Uh huh." Apricot mumbles unconvinced.


    "Moving on." I sigh. "The top one is basically just a linen gambeson, only better." I loose an arrow at it, and float the hit sample back. "As you can see, it can stop most arrows with the wearer only getting a scratch, if that."


    "But, it''s so thin." Amelia fingers the millimeter thick fabric after I take the arrow out.


    "I did say it was better. That''s basically my smallest finest weaving, stacked into several layers and threaded together." My face shows a smug smile. "Next up is a scalemaille which I know I can make better in the future, but right now it can still stop a crossbow bolt." I take one from my inventory and fire it, the bolt pings off of the armor a split second later.


    "Damn, Sorrel." Apricot curses. "And you want to make that better?"


    "Of course, he does. He''s Sorrel."


    "Oh, you ain''t seen nothing yet." I move a few potted trees aside revealing a ballista I crafted from modified cherry wood.


    "Fucking hell, Sorrel!" Amelia''s the one to lose her cool this time.


    "Yeah, I know." I sigh. "I knew it was too much as soon as I made it... but you still want to watch me fire it. Don''t you?"


    "Damn straight!" Apricot agrees immediately.


    "Oh, honey." Amelia sounds defeated. "Go ahead."


    "This last one is something special. Barrier!" I cast to protect us from any blowback. *WHAM* The projectile hits dead center, but ends up shattering itself. *Crack* The force imparted was enough break the tree behind the armor.


    ""Ahh"" The girls scream out at the sudden violence mere yards from us. "Did it work?" Apricot flies up to get a better view. "All I can see is broken tree."


    "Sorry. Decompose!" I get rid of the destroyed target and float a ten centimeter metal hexagon over to us.


    "How the fuck did that tiny thing stop that oversized beast of arrow... and survive with barely a scratch on it." Apricot''s voice rises as she lets her excitement get the better of her. "What the fuck is that made of?"


    "Steel... technically." I prevaricate with a sly smile on my face. "At least that''s what Identify describes it as. I think that annoyed Temmie, but it is true." A disgruntled *Ding* verifies my words.


    "Calm down Apricot, have some chocolate." Amelia waves a bar at the hyperactive pixie. "And, what is it really?" She asks me.


    "Awesome? Hahaha, no hitting. Haha." I don''t even bother dodging her blows, I deserve it for that. "Okay, okay. Sorry, heheh. I wasn''t able to make those nanotubes, but I did manage some graphite. And, if you''ve got that, you''ve got graphene."


    "No idea what any of those words mean, babe." Amelia says flatly.


    "Sorry, think of it all like different types of coal with special properties. Did you know diamonds and coal are made of the same stuff? They are, and those nanotube things are like diamond threads, and graphene is more like a flat sheet."


    "If you say so." She looks kinda tired. ''Note to self, don''t surprise the wives with siege weaponry anymore.'' I cringe inwardly.


    "Sorry, babe." I kiss her on the forehead and get on with it. "But, if I just used the graphene to make steel it would just turn back into graphite and make regular steel." She makes a move it along gesture with her hand. "But, that''s where Magic comes in to play."


    "So, you made really good steel?" She asks


    "Yes, and that is what the scalemaille is made from." She just stares at me for that. "Sorry, but you know I like to show off. This actually uses a special trick that metals have. See if you freeze molten metal, extremely, extremely fast, then it doesn''t crystallize. And without those crystals to propagate cracks, it''s much harder to damage." I get an idea and create some amorphous ice for her. "See compare this to regular ice."


    "Why didn''t you just show me this in the first place?" I can feel her focusing her all on the sphere of ice I made for her. "Oh, for fucks sake. You show me more about Water Magic in a second than an entire morning at the Guild."


    "Didn''t go that well, I take it?" I move behind her to begin rubbing her shoulders.


    "Oh, the people were great, but they just didn''t have anything new to show me." She takes in a deep breath and holds it for a few seconds before emptying her lungs. "Sorry, for being a grump. You were all excited about your new discoveries and it kinda got to me."


    "You''ve told me not to help you with Water Magic before, and you haven''t really needed it. But, there''s a couple things I could show you based on knowledge from Dirt." I offer gently.


    "Fuck it! Lets do it." She turns to face me with fire in her eyes. "This better be good though, I need a pick me up."


    "You two are going to do it? Right here in the courtyard?" Apricot faux gasps.


    "Oh hush you. Also thanks for putting up with me, and sorry, I know I was as much a grump to you as I was toward Sorrel."


    "Don''t worry about it babe." She flies up and kisses Amelia on the tip of her nose. "Now, put on a good show for me."


    "Keep those magic peepers open, this should be interesting." I whip out my staff and focus my magic through it to create a vacuum surrounded by an Air bubble, and then fill it with liquid helium.


    "That''s one of those rare trace elements in the air right?" Amelia asks having sensed them all in their liquid forms before when I was messing around with Air Magic.


    "Helium, an allotrope of it to be precise." At her questioning look, I explain. "Allotropes are just like how carbon can be coal, diamond, or graphene. This is called, unimaginatively, helium four. Now, I need you to help me make it really, really cold. Colder, give it everything you''ve got. Good, good." I pass her a couple Mana Stones and give the superfluid a spin.


    "Oh, fuck! It doesn''t slow down." She sees it right away, just like I knew she would.


    "There''s still more, if you''re up for it?"


    "Colder?" She asks, already knowing the answer.


    "Colder!" She pours her all into cooling it down while I ramp up the pressure until...


    *Ding* "Oh shit, I finally Mana Control from that. What is it?"


    "It''s not easy to hold, is what it is. I''ve really been slacking on my Water Magic." I squeak out while trying not to drop the magic. "Focus now, explain later." She doesn''t waste anymore words, instead drilling her focus in on the supersolid we just created. I put my all into holding as long as I can while she probes with her magic, but can only last a few minutes. "Sorry, used too much magic earlier, I''m losing it." I warn before it fades away.


    "Oh, babe." She gloms onto me and starts kissing me. "That was amazing, what are those called?"


    "That was pretty cool." Apricot puns.


    "Superfluid and supersolid." I say, ignoring the punning pest of a pixie. "It wasn''t my area of study, so don''t know much about them, but I thought seeing them might help you."


    "Hell, yes they did!" A wide grin breaks over her face. "I''ve got so many ideas now."


    "Good, cuz I need a lie down after that." I chuckle.


    ***

 # 37

    *Ding**Ding**Ding*


    "Snerk! Huh what?" I snap awake. "Oh, shit Marta''s calling, we totally forgot." I reach for the phone while the girls climb groggily out of bed. "Hello Marta."


    "Ah, Sorrel, it works." I can hear the smile in her voice. "Can you three still make it for dinner?"


    "Of course. We''re not late are we? Kinda fell asleep after a big bit of Magic earlier."


    "Magic, eh? I''ve fallen asleep after a bit of noon-time magic myself, a time or two before." She sees right through my lie, making me laugh as I hear Abby groan in the background. "But no, you''re not late at all, the meal should be ready in about an hour."


    "Oh good, we''ll see you soon, then."


    "Until later, magic man." She laughs and disconnects.


    "How could you let us fall asleep?" Amelia accuses while getting dressed.


    "Let you?" I disagree. "I just wanted to rest for a minute, it''s not my fault someone gets her motor revved by watching big magic being performed." I send a look at our orange-haired companion.


    "Mmm, Don''t forget about that ballista, that was pretty fucking hot too." Our pixie temptress adds before slipping into her skirt and shrinking back down to her normal size. Only she left the skirt behind.


    "Well, I guess that answers that question." I laugh at the bottomless pixie.


    "Oops, sorry Apricot." Amelia takes off the pixies skirt and slips into hers.


    "You did it like that on purpose just so this would happen, didn''t you Temmie?" *Ding**Ding**Ding* The systems laugh-like bells ring out.


    "Nice one Temmie." I give the ceiling a thumbs up. "Alright, just give me a minute to clean up downstairs and then we can drive over. You want to leave your parents a note?"


    "No need, I called Mom before we came home."


    We head downstairs where I pack up the armor tests and decompose the extra trees. It takes a minute to turn the ballista into a rocket, an Oldsmobile Rocket 88, that is.


    "Ugh, Sorrel." Apricot groans.


    "Oh, you''re not getting out of this, you little rocket girl." Amelia laughs at her.


    We hop in and I start playing Rocket Man by Elton John, the girls are into it at first. But after a minute in it goes ''Oh no no no I''m a rocket man'', and Apricot groans before shifting to our size just to smack me. Meanwhile Amelia''s clutching her sides from laughing so hard.


    I keep up a rocket themed playlist the whole way there. Surfing on a Rocket by Air, Rocket by En Vogue, Rocket Ride by Kiss, and Def Leppard''s Rocket. Amelia laughing so hard the whole time that she could barely breath. While Apricot just kept beating on me, she even tried to take the wheel once, presumably to crash us just to make me stop. But, I just made it pop off in her hands and kept driving, only to have her start hitting me with it, making Amelia laugh even harder.


    I''m just starting Ride My Rocket by Pantera when we turn the corner onto Marta''s street. When she cries out. "Oh, thank the gods! We''re here, please stop with the music."


    "I guess I can give you a break." I finally relent after just one ''Ride my rocket. Wear me out.'' "Besides, I think Amelia''s about to pass out from not being able to breathe."


    Abigail''s waiting on the porch for us again, and comes running up before we even stop. "You have a magic carriage? How does it work?" She gushes out.


    "It doesn''t. Not yet, at least." I answer. "Right now I just push it with magic. I need to make a proper engine for it still. That''s what I was supposed to be working on today, actually."


    "But, then he built a ballista in the backyard, to test some crazy armor that can stop a ballista bolt like it''s nothing." Apricot sings my praises, having already forgiven me for teasing her. She wasn''t really serious about it, or she would have hit a lot harder. And, she knows all she has to do is ask me to stop, and I will.


    Abby looks at my crotch and her face goes white causing me to crack up laughing. "No, not that one, that was just a gag to tease the girls." I pant out between laughs. "This is what I made." I toss her a plate of metal that''s not even a centimeter thick.


    "Why would you need to stop a ballista bolt for?" She asks, more than a little confused. "And how did this little thing do it?"


    "Oh, I''m sure you''ll find out soon. That''s why your aunt invited us over, after all." I give her a sad smile. "And, I''m sure I could do better than that if I had..." I pause as a thought hits me. "...access to the right metals. Uh, you''ve got some paint on your chin, by the way." A triumphant smile creeps onto my face.


    "Oh, no." She blushes beet red and starts wiping at it with a cloth she pulled from her pocket. "The stuff gets everywhere, I don''t know how Marta stays clean."


    "Here, let me." I magic it up into a tiny drop on my finger tip before silently Analyzing it.


    "Babe, I know you''re not doing it on purpose, but if you don''t quit smiling at her like that, you''re going to need that codpiece for real." Amelia threatens me with more humor in her voice than heat.


    I look from the cobalt blue on my finger to the now flustered girl in front of me, and then to Amelia. "Sorry, but I just remembered that a lot of paint pigments contain metals. Like cobalt." I wipe the droplet onto her nose before she can react.


    "Ack, you jerk." She tries to hit me, but I dance out of the way and hide behind Apricot. "Now, you''re really going to need some armor."


    "Hey, don''t get me in the middle of this." Apricot shrinks and flies over to land on the stunned Fire Mage.


    "What? but, you, big, huh?" Abby sputters.


    "Guys, I think we broke her." The pixie calls as I''m trying to keep the car between myself and Amelia while she chases me with conjured water balls.


    "Oh, there you guys are." Marta''s voice rings out from the porch of her pseudo-victorian home. "What''s going on out here?" She smiles at the hectic scene happening in front of her house.


    "Sorrel broke your niece." Apricot flies up to tattle on me. "He smiled at her and now she''s just standing there kinda blank faced."


    "Hey, I''m not the one who revealed she can go from pixie to human-sized and back." I counter while dodging another attack from Amelia.


    "No, but apparently you showed her your giant codpiece earlier when neither Amelia or I were home." She fires back with a low blow.


    "Oh, that''s it. More rocket songs." I start up Like A Rocket by Reverend Horton Heat


    "Noooo!" Apricot screams making Amelia and I crack up laughing. Marta has an amused smile while Abby just seems to be growing more confused by the second. "Please no more." She finally begs.


    "Okay, sorry for teasing you on the way over." I cut the music. "But, I think you more than got me back just now."


    "No more rocket songs?" She asks suspiciously.


    "No more rocket songs." I promise. "We can even change the car if you really want to."


    "No, I like the Rocket." Amelia cries.


    "Oh, fine. But only because you want it." Apricot relents.


    "Hello Marta." I walk up and hand her a big box of chocolates. "I owe you and your niece an apology. We invited you to our wedding, but then we went and got eloped. I hope this can make up for it just a bit."


    "That''s quite alright." She accepts the gift. "If what I''ve heard is true, then I certainly don''t blame you for stepping up your plans."


    "Are you finally going to tell me what''s got you acting so weird." Abby snaps out of her stupor and rushes up to us.


    "Maybe we should go inside first." Amelia cautions.


    "Yes, please come on back to the kitchen." Marta guides us into her home. "From your attitudes, I take it that my sources aren''t wrong." She pulls a worried looking Abby to her side.


    "I don''t know exactly what you''ve been told." I start. "But, since it involves Abigail directly, I''m just going to lay everything on the line. And, please don''t spread this around, I''m not sure how far the Queen wishes the news to spread."


    "What is it?" The girl asks, suddenly looking even younger than her sixteen years. "You guys are scaring me."


    "Don''t worry Abby, you''re safe and you haven''t done anything wrong." Amelia reassures her. Apricot even takes human size again and reaches out to hold her hand.


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "Cendassa is preparing for war." I say flatly. "They want the dungeon. And, they''re gathering troops in secret to take it and the rest of Larendath. All while using your running away from the baron to make waves publicly."


    "No." She gasps out and would have fallen to the floor if her aunt hadn''t grabbed onto her. "No! Gods Dammit!" She goes from shocked and afraid to furious in a split second. "I thought I was done with that smelly old bastard for good. If he wants me, then he can come and get me. I''ll burn the old bastard to charcoal!" She spits.


    "ABIGAIL!" I roar, waves of power visibly pouring off of me. "Control. Your. Magic!"


    She looks up and sees all the Fire I''m holding in check. If she wasn''t already on the floor she would have fallen again. "Oh, gods." She gasps out, quickly reeling in her out of control Mana. "Aunt Marta, I''m so sorry. I didn''t mean to." She starts crying and pulls the glass kitten I made for her from a deep pocket and hugs it to her chest. "I''m so sorry." She mutters again.


    "Shh. It''s okay Abby. You didn''t do anything wrong." Marta kneels down to hug the overwhelmed girl. "I should have found a better way to tell you than this."


    While this touching scene is happening. Apricot looks at me like she wants to eat me while mouthing "So fucking hot". Almost making me bark out laughing, only Amelia''s elbow to the ribs stops me. Though, she''s got a certain heat in her eyes too.


    "I''m sorry for dropping it on you like that Abby." I crouch down in front of her. "I let my anger at their cowardly actions taint my words. I swear to you that this war will never reach you. Larendath is my home and I will protect it, even if it means I have to show them what Real Fire is." I growl and suddenly I''m hold the heart of a star in my hands. "Look closely little fire kitten, hopefully this is the only time you''ll ever see such a thing."


    Her tears dry up as she stares at the physical manifestation of my fury. A nuclear inferno chained by my will and fueled by my rage. Her mouth opens a few times, but a quiet "How?" seems to be all she can utter.


    "I was wrong before." Apricot says in a throaty purr. "That.. is really fucking hot!" Amelia groans, but the pixies pun is just what was needed to break the tense atmosphere.


    "Snerk." I snort and cancel my spell. "Dammit, Apricot don''t make me laugh when I''m holding a star in my hands." I chuckle. "And you, fire kitten. I shouldn''t have to say this, but please don''t try to re-create that spell."


    "I wouldn''t even know where to begin." She breathes out, still in awe at the vision I just showed her. "Are you really going to fight?"


    "I already am." I tussle her hair like I used to do to my sister. "I''m fighting so that it never comes to that. I''ve looked death in the face before, and I don''t want to bring that to anyone... Not unless I have to. So, I''m fighting with my phones, with troop transports like the car outside, with new armors. New ideas to strengthen the country. To protect what I care about." I pull my wives close to me.


    "I think if they knew you were here waiting for them, they would be running scared." She sniffles.


    "If only." I sigh. "Here, have some chocolate, it''ll make you feel better." I hand her a bar of milk chocolate.


    "Just don''t spoil your appetite for dinner." Her aunt says lovingly. "Oh, no! Dinner, I completely forgot."


    "Don''t worry, I''ve been keeping an eye on everything." I tell her. "It takes more than a near house fire, or me ''losing my cool''" I wink at Apricot. "to make me let dinner burn."


    "Ugh, you two and your puns." Our blonde bride groans again.


    ***


    "Mmm, Dinner was excellent. Thank you." I lean back and pat my full belly.


    "No. Thank you for saving it." Marta counters. "You''ve already done so much for Abby, and are doing so much for the country. And on top of all that, you made the effort to save dinner. Is they anything we can do to repay you? You mentioned a painting before."


    "Oh, yes. Sorrel, can you show her the wedding?" Amelia pleads.


    "Mhm, sure. That''s probably easier than getting the queen to show up for a sitting." I joke and take a sip of my wine, the light glinting off the rim of the glass. "Ooh, that might work... Why haven''t I thought of this before." I get lost in my own head for a few minutes.


    Pulling out my Enchanting supplies and a sack of silica, I quickly fashion a Rune Stone based around a glass cube. "Why was I complicating this? I''m already working with light..." I mutter as I inscribe a series of images in the glass. "...It''ll only be write once, so it''s not perfect, but for now, yeah..." A few more tweaks and I set the Rune down examining it with my magical sight for any defects.


    "Is that what I think it is?" An excited voice breaks me out of my creative trance.


    "Push the button and find out." I smile at my love.


    "Eeee!" She screams and practically rips the finished device from my hands. "Oh my gods! You did it!" A three dimensional hologram of the wedding ceremony starts playing above the dining table.


    "Hmm? The scale is a bit off from what I was aiming for, and I still need to add sound, but those are trivial problems." I wave the them away. "And, because it''s just light, that means pixie sizing it will also be trivial... Once I get better at miniaturizing Runescript, that is." I try to explain but the pixie isn''t listening to me. Apricot''s caressing the device, lost in her own little world full of movies right now.


    "You really got married by the Queen?" I take notice of Abby after she speaks.


    "Oh, Sorry Marta, Abby." I bow in my seat. "The idea just hit me and I let myself get carried away."


    "Hahaha." Marta''s laugh rings out while her niece sits there gaping at the projected image. "No need to apologize. Or, did you forget that I''m a painter? I know exactly what it''s like to get caught up in a bout of inspiration."


    "Thank you for understanding." I say with a relieved smile. "And, speaking of you being a painter. Is there any chance you could introduce me to your pigment suppliers? A lot of them contain metals, and I''m having trouble finding a good supply. Oh, and let me give you two a health check, some of those metals are kinda poisonous."


    "Poison?" Abby pales.


    "As long as you aren''t eating them you should be fine, but it would make me fell better to make sure that my friends are healthy." I smile at the girl to re-assure her.


    "I told you not to lick the brushes." Marta shakes her head her neice.


    "Hahaha." I can''t help but laugh as her niece goes from pale to ghostly. "Here, drink this." I fill her glass with Healing Sap and place my hand on her shoulder. "There''s some traces in your intestines, but it looks like the added vitality from being Awakened has protected you."


    "Thank you, thank you." She gulps down the sap.


    "Thank Temmie." I say and move on to her aunt. "Hmm, there''s some build up in your soft tissues, but not nearly as much as I would expect from a lifelong painter." I fill up her glass, and guide the magic to clean and restore her organs as she drinks it.


    "My master always stressed cleanliness. That, and I just never wanted to walk around with paint on my chin." She smiles at Abby, having obviously noticed the smudge from earlier. "Thank you for this. I know a lot of older artists that often complain of headaches and fatigue, most blame old age, but it sounds like the paints might also be partly to blame."


    "I''ll try to have a look at them later, but unless they''re gravely ill. It''s just going to have to wait, at least until after we get back from placing phone relays to Riverton."


    "You''re leaving again?" Abigail speaks up. "But, you just got to the City."


    "Once the car is done it should only take a couple days to get there and back." I tussle her hair again on my way back to my seat.


    "But, that''s over a thousand kilometers from here."


    "Abby." Amelia says with humor in her voice. "Haven''t you figured out yet, that Sorrel doesn''t do anything by halves?"


    ***

 # 38

    It''s about an hour before noon, and I''m just finishing up the finalized engine for the car. I went with a V12 for a smooth ride, and high torque. Instead of using fuel, or making explosions with magic. It''s setup to vaporize and condense water in a closed system. So, there''s no valves, no intake or exhaust, and, since it''s recycling the energy by absorbing and redirecting the heat, instead of using more Mana to cool the water. The engine actually gets over eighty percent efficiency.


    "You built that faster than I thought." Apricot comes flying up having just finished watching Hook again. This time on a prototype movie player I whipped together last night after returning from Marta''s.


    "Yeah, may not have worked on it yesterday, but that doesn''t mean I wasn''t thinking about it." I say giving it one last check. "How was the player? Any issues?"


    "None! It worked perfectly. Thank you." She gives me a peck on the cheek. "How''s Amelia doing? She still absorbed with those sphere''s you made for her?"


    "Yeah, she''s still focused on the Helium, think she''s trying to separate the isotropes." I ''look'' over to where Amelia''s playing with the trace gasses I condensed and trapped in metal for her, and pick up something on the periphery of my senses. "You want to go snap her out of it? Looks like we''re gonna have guests."


    "Anything... if you promise to make me a few more of those cubes." She bounces away with a spring in her step after giving me a kiss, on the mouth this time.


    I just smile and lick her taste from my lips before calling out to our visitors. "Devlin, Deluca, we''re back here. Who''s your friend?" I get a good look at him under my Magical sight, and he seems weird. Like there''s more Mana in him than there should be, but he''s not an Awakened, or even a potential.


    "Sorrel, good to see you again." The Earth Mage shakes my hand. "This is Jamie, he''s a friend of my nephew." Devlen doesn''t seem too happy to be introducing him.


    "Lord Rumex, it''s an honor to meet you." He pumps my hand up and down like a politician during an election year. "Devlen was kind enough to bring me with him today-"


    "More like you pestered me until I gave in." Devlen interrupts him with a chuckle. "Young mister Hutchinson claims to have received an inheritance from his grandfather that lets him use Mana despite not being an Awakened. We at the guild haven''t been able to sense anything, but he''s hoping that you can."


    "Interesting." I stroke my chin. "Can I see this inheritance?"


    "Of course!" The exuberant young man reverently retrieves a scroll case from his satchel. "Grandfather left a letter along with this scroll saying that he got this when he was overseas. And, that by following the forms outlined within, one could develop an inner power."


    I open the case to find a yellowed parchment. Carefully unfurling the scroll reveals a line of characters that Polyglot doesn''t translate. And beneath that, a series of drawings that look like a mix between a martial-arts kata and dance instructions. With looping arrows on some poses to indicate when the performer should breathe in and out.


    "Hmm?" I muse to myself. "Hey, Apricot? Ever seen anything like this? I flick my eyes between the scroll and Jamie."


    "Well, that''s different." She shrinks down to fly closer to the scroll. "You''ve been practicing these forms?"


    "Yes, Ma''am. Madam pixie, Countess." He gets flustered.


    "Care to demonstrate for us?" I say with a raised eyebrow.


    "Of course, Milord." He immediately steps into the first form.


    "Your leg is too far forward." Apricot corrects him. We can both see that just the first breathe he took had an effect. "No, you need to wait an extra heartbeat or three before exhaling there." His forms starts slipping worse and worse. "Stop, stop. Please, just stop now."


    "What''s going on babe?" Amelia asks me.


    "Jamie''s grandfather left some sort of inner power cultivation manual to him. And although his form is atrocious -Sorry, no offense meant- it actually works." I pass the scroll back before giving myself enough room to attempt the katas. I step into the first form, and start drawing in a breath.


    "Stop!" Apricot warns but I''ve already sensed the instability and moved out of the form. "It''s reacting to your mana pool, I''m not sure mages can do this."


    "Slippery little bugger, huh?" I stroke my chin for a minute before tilting my head and raising an eyebrow with a sly smile on my lips. Retrieving my Livingwood staff from my inventory, I give it a twirl before slamming the butt into the ground. "Domain!" I cast and take control of all the mana in a sphere around me.


    "That might work." Apricot nods. "But, be careful."


    "What the hell is that?" Looks like Devlen is losing his cool again.


    "It''s called Mana Control for a reason." I say off-handedly as I step back into the first position. "Ah, much better." I dance through the routine, speeding up and slowing down, seemingly at random. But, I''m just following the flow of the Mana as it joins with my body. Nearing the last form, I can feel a pressure building up around my right fist. I finish by stepping into a horse stance and throwing a punch towards a nearby tree.


    *Ding*


    You have learned the Dance of the Cyclone''s Fist Cultivation Technique.


    The notification pops up at the same time the pressure flows off of my fist and slams into the tree, knocking it and the pot it''s in over flat.


    "Dance of the Cyclone''s Fist, huh? Status. Hmm, an air based attack, very minor gains to all stats, but mostly physical, can be repeated but with dimishing returns." I throw out another attack without doing the dance first. The technique is elementally aligned, but also feels incomplete... Deluca, do you have Mana Control, yet?"


    "What, you mean it actually works?" Devlen interrupts just as Deluca opens her mouth to reply.


    "Yes. It''s not very useful for mages, at least not as it is, but for non-Awakened it could be a good way to get stronger. Provided they can get the feel for how the Mana joins their body."


    "And can dance better than Jamie here." Apricot adds.


    "Be nice." Amelia says, but I can tell she''s smiling on the inside.


    "I don''t, but I''m actually not far off." Deluca finally answers.


    "Okay, I''ll make you and Jamie some holograms, but you may have to figure out the timings on your own. The Mana flow isn''t constant, that''s why my speed changed so often." I explain and float some enchanting supplies over from my workbench. "Try separating and compressing the trace gasses in the air, that should push you over into Control." I create a blob of liquid co2 to show her what I mean. "And, the domain spell is in the library, top floor near the back." ''As are most of the spells I spent ages figuring out on my own.'' I grouse to myself.


    "Okay." She says quietly and I can feel her focusing on what I just did..


    I slot a glass cube into each projector and test them out. "Here you go. I''d do more research, but I''ve already got too much on my plate as it is." I hold out the devices as light-based copies of Deluca and Jamie go through the routine next to each other. "What?" Our three guests are standing there slack-jawed while Amelia and Apricot are trying to hold back giggles.


    "Um, how?" Deluca asks in an even quieter voice.


    "It''s just a modified Playback spell." I shrug. "Been working on these for a bit, and the idea for putting the scenes in glass came to me last night at dinner. Saved me a lot of hassle actually, the next best method I could come up with was stupid difficult." I stop the playback and toss them over.


    "Lord Rumex..." The nascent cultivator clutches the projector to his chest like it''s priceless.


    "Don''t worry about it." I wave it away. "So, was that all you came for? Because I''ve got something really cool to show you." I gesture to the car engine.


    "Babe, maybe give them a minute to acclimatize to well... you before you overwhelm them again." Amelia says, not even trying to hide her smile.


    "Ah, yeah." I rub the back of my head. "You guys want a snack or something? It''s a bit early for lunch, but I could whip something up."


    "I wouldn''t say no to some more chocolate." Deluca snaps out of it first.


    "Donuts?" I ask the girls.


    ""Donuts!"" They reply.


    A couple minutes later and everyone''s digging into a big platter full of various donuts. I''m munching away on a bear claw as Mittens comes out to see who the visitors are.


    "Hey, little guy." I scoop him up. "Did you forgive us yet for leaving you at home last night?" He starts purring as I scratch under his chin. "Oh, listen to you purr."


    "Does he get lonely on his own?" Deluca asks after swallowing a bite of an eclair.


    "More like these two are spoiling him." The girls adopt fake innocent looks.


    Devlen takes a deep, steadying breath after finishing off a couple frosted donuts. "I am almost afraid to ask, but what is it that you''ve been working on?" He eyes the engine warily.


    "Hahaha. Oh, you''re going to love this." I pass Mittens off to Amelia and he snuggles right into his favorite spot. Standing next to the engine, I continue. "You''re just in time for the first test run too. Here''s hoping it doesn''t explode." Devlen flinches but all it does is rumble a little and let out a deep hum.


    "Dev, you really need to relax." Deluca pats him on the arm as she walks over to examine the engine. "Mind walking me through whatever this thing is? I can sense a lot of magic, but I have no idea what''s going on."


    I conjure a see-through view of the v12, and explain how everything works. "And you say this only took three days to make?" Deluca asks a bit awed.


    "The engine itself only took a couple hours, but all the design and testing took a bit longer. Would''ve had it done yesterday but I got distracted making armor." I toss the three samples on the work bench. "I''d show you how well they work, but I''m not allowed to fire siege weaponry in the backyard anymore." I say sheepishly.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Devlen pinches the ridge of his nose. "Are you saying these can... What is this?" He picks up the hexagonal plate.


    "That''s the only one that can actually stop a ballista bolt, it''s mostly just steel..." I explain how it''s made and watch his eyes light up. Seeing how excited he is, I add. "You''ll need a good Fire and Water mage to work with you if you want to re-create that. And I''d recommend trying out different alloys, making amorphous steel is actually kinda hard..." I pause as a thought that should have hit me days ago finally catches up and smacks me right between the eyes. "Devlen?"


    "Huh?" He looks up from the plate.


    "You''re an earth mage right? Tell me, does the Guild have any stockpiles of ores and metals? Or, at least know where to get a bunch of different ones?"


    His "Of course." makes me want to face palm. "The vaults are open to you, all you had to do was ask. Also, I have detailed maps of all known mineral deposits in the country that you''re welcome to copy."


    "Nnh" I let out a little whimper.


    "It''s okay babe." Amelia rubs me on the back. "At least you saved that little girl and her grandpa."


    "Speaking of supplies." Deluca chimes in. "We brought everything for the towers." She materializes a few crates next to the workbench.


    "Thank you." I give her a little bow. "I was wondering about that stuff, didn''t think you''d come to deliver it personally, though. Tell you what. Just for that, you can have the first test drive of the car." I build it before their eyes, morphing the work bench that was holding the engine into a wooden Rocket.


    "Eeep." Deluca lets out a cute little scream of panic. "Would you please warn me before making the furniture come to life."


    "Seconded." Devlen says from where he landed after jumping backwards.


    "Sorry, the girls are used to it by now, so I didn''t really think." I apologize with another bow. "But, here. Hop on in, it''s not that hard, once you get used to it."


    "Uhh, maybe I should watch you first." She prevaricates.


    "Remember Apricot''s first drive." Amelia reminds me, and I look over to where the pixie is trying to walk Jamie through the cultivation forms.


    "Good point!" I nod and get in behind the wheel. "This''ll make it a bit easier for me to fine tune the gearbox if I need to. Hey, Apricot, Jamie, want in on the inaugural ride?"


    "Go without us" She waves me off. "He''s starting to almost not suck. Almost." She sighs as he flubs it again.


    "Alright, get in, we''ll just go to the stables and back." They climb into the back seats, Deluca excited, and Devlen somewhat reluctant. I rev the engine and put it in gear, easing us out onto the street. "I still need to work out an automatic transmission, but for now you just take your foot off the go pedal, push in the clutch and shift gears." I demonstrate, quickly bringing us up to second and then third gear.


    "What a clever arrangement." I can feel Devlen examining the gears with his Earth Magic. "You have some way to automate this shifting? Why would you want to?"


    "So some untrained soldier doesn''t jam the gears and destroy the transmission." I demonstrate causing everyone to wince at the grinding sound. "I''m not even close to figuring that out, but I''ve been playing around with planetary gear sets. And, I think that''s the way to go." I conjure an image for him. "Just need to work out the right arrangement, but I''m more into plants than machines. So, it might take a while." Manual wasn''t that hard to figure out, it''s what I learned on and I had previously read up on how it worked. But, all I know about manual transmissions is that they use planetary gear sets, somehow.


    "I''ll ask around for you." Devlen nods at the image. "I know a few people who might be able to help."


    "I''ll put my team on it too." Deluca adds. "We all love problem solving, and this looks right up the alley of a couple of the more mechanically minded enchanters."


    "Thank you, that''s one less thing to worry about." We reach the stables and I stop the car. "Want to try taking us back, Deluca?"


    "Yes, please." She practically jumps into the driver''s seat as soon as Amelia and I get out to switch places with her and Devlen. "I''ve got to ask how do you plan to power these engines of yours? They''re more efficient than I could have imagined, but they still need a mage to run."


    "I can make them even better if I need to." I tell her. "With lighter metals and fewer cylinders I could probably push the efficiency up to ninety percent. So, any decent Fire Mage could keep a handful up and running without problem. Or, you could set up several large charging runes in a fire pit to fill up a giant Mana Stone, and have that fill up the cars. But, I actually have a solution that I hope to implement tonight, to let them run indefinitely."


    "..." She sorta blanks out, and the car starts drifting to the side.


    I look over to Amelia and raise my hands with a questioning look on my face. "Why does everyone keep doing that? My ideas aren''t that far out there, I just follow logical conclusions where they lead." She just rolls her eyes and gives me a hug.


    "Um, Deluca. Deluca!" Devlen starts to panic. "Watch where you''re going!"


    "I don''t think I want to drive anymore." She says in a tiny voice before stopping the car.


    "Deluca..." I hand her a chocolate bar. When in doubt, go for chocolate. "I''m sorry, but I refuse to believe that I''m the first person to have these ideas. The complexity of Runescript alone shows that it can be used for so much more. I just happen to have a set of skills that let me rapidly test mine out." Seeing that she''s still just sitting there, I continue. "If it makes you feel better; the charging device I have in mind requires a rare and limited resource."


    "It''s okay, Sorrel." She finally speaks. "I know that all the good enchanters left centuries ago, and took most of their knowledge with them. It''s just seeing you accomplish so much, so quickly..." The trails off for a minute. "I''m jealous. There, I said it. I had hoped the phones were just a fluke, a flash of inspiration. But look at this." her voice rises as she holds up the hologram projector I gave her earlier. "You made this as a side project while you were working on this car engine. Do you know how many people have tried to make a Playback Rune? None, because we all thought is was impossible. Yet you made one in an evening." Her voice is nearly a shout before she takes a breath trying to calm herself down.


    "I''m sorry-"


    "No!" She cuts me off. "I am. And, I hate that I feel this way, but I do. I''ll get over it soon, but for right now... could you... just not..." She gets out of the car and starts walking down the street towards the carriage they came in.


    "Don''t take it personally, Sorrel." Devlen tries to comfort me. "She''ll be back to her old self soon."


    "I hope so." I say to his back as he follows after her. "FFFFFFUUUCCCCCKKKK!!!!!" I shout into a soundproof bubble. "Gods dammit! I don''t want to alienate the people I''m trying to help. I just don''t have enough fucking time to introduce this shit gradually." Tears start running down my face as the two Guild mages and their friend drive off.


    "I don''t know what to say, Sorrel. I wish I had a way to make it all better, but you''re going to turn over a lot of people''s worlds. And, if you don''t then war certainly will." Amelia holds me as I cry.


    "Am I a coward?" I gasp out between sobs. "Is it so wrong to not want to bloody my hands? I could go and end this war tonight." I look her dead in the eyes. "Even if Cendassa had ten times as many Awakened, even if they were all as skilled as Oliver. I could still walk right over them and wipe out their royals in a heartbeat." I hang my head. "Tell me to do it and I will. Just please don''t hate me afterwards, please."


    "I could never hate you." She hugs me as tight as she can.


    "Neither could I?" Apricot agrees from besides her, I didn''t even notice her approach.


    "It''s not cowardly to not want to kill." Amelia kisses my tears away. "You more than anyone know exactly what death brings. A coward would just run away from a situation like this, but you''re here doing your best to help. And, even though it''s tearing you apart inside, you''re still trying to save those Cendassan fools from themselves by making Larendath so strong that they have no choice but to turn back. I can''t think of anything more brave."


    "What happened?" Apricot asks, sandwiching me in hugs from the other side. Did they get upset that he doesn''t wants to make weapons? Is that why they left like that?"


    "That nothing of an enchanter got jealous that Sorrel figured out more in a day than she could in her entire lifetime." Amelia spits out a venomous answer.


    "Please, don''t." I beg. "She can''t help the way she feels."


    "Sorrel, sweetie." Apricot starts. "We, love you. But, shut the fuck up. That bitch made our man cry." She growls. "And, if she knew even a fraction of what you''re holding back, she''d piss herself before crawling into a hole and never climb back out."


    "Apricot-"


    "No. You listen to me." She puts her finger over my lips. "I know I like to act the fool, but that doesn''t mean I''m stupid. I saw your face during Iron Man, I saw you work out how to re-create every weapon in just seconds. But, you didn''t do that for the Jericho." She takes a deep breath.


    "No, you looked down on it." She shivers. "Like destroying a mountain was nothing. That was the only time I''ve ever actually been afraid of you." Tears well up in her eyes and I try to speak, but she just presses her finger down harder. "I love you Sorrel, I will always love you. No matter what you do or don''t do, but don''t try to defend a twit like that. She doesn''t deserve it." She replaces her finger with her lips.


    ***

 # 39

    "Domain!" Hand on my staff, I take control of the Mana around me. "Are you ready?"


    ""Yes."" They answer at the same time.


    "Do you even need us for this?" Apricot then asks with a smile.


    "I will always need you." I smile back at her. "But, for this test sample, probably not. We already know the Enchantments work, and there shouldn''t be any way for it to get hot enough to be an issue."


    "Then get on with it already, you''ve still got movies to copy." She makes a wrap it up gesture with her hand.


    "Heheh." Amelia laughs. "I hate to say it, but she is right. I know you wouldn''t have us anywhere nearby if you thought there was even a miniscule chance of it going wrong."


    "Fine, I''ll get on with it then. Who knew making a nuclear reactor was simpler than building a car?" I grumble and take out the lead covered pebble of Autunite that Hayley was carrying around.


    "I think that''s because here you can ''see'' what''s happening with your magic. Instead of having to build something from scratch." Amelia offers with a hint of amusement at my attitude.


    I just purse my lips and move on; more than a little annoyed that I can do this, but can''t make an automatic transmission.


    Extracting the uranium and fusing it together leaves me with a tiny grey marble smaller than a pea. The pellet moves through the lead and slots into a hole in the top of a large, leaded glass tank full of conjured water.


    "You said it would glow." Apricot says accusingly.


    "I still need to enrich it. Mirror!" I''m not so much enriching it as using Magic to create a miniature breeder reactor. By moving the u235 to the center and having it bombard the u238 with neutrons to create more fissile materials. While also using Light Magic to reflect any escaping high energy particles back in. "Looking good. It''s converted a fraction of a percent already. Speed is slowly, but steadily increasing..." I keep an eye on it as the reaction grows, moving the fissile elements into the center as it proceeds.


    "I just wanna see it glow, already." My orange haired wife complains again after a minute


    "Coming up on five percent." I answer her. "Pulling back the mirror now... And, there''s your glow." The tiny sphere of grey metal is now surrounded by an eerie blue glow. "Energy generation is low but steady. Everything has stabilized... Well, as stable as radioactive materials get."


    "Oh, that is so weird." Amelia shudders. "I know you explained that faster than light thing already. But why does it feel like that?"


    "Interesting. Hmm." I dial in on my own Water Magic. "That''s what light magic feels like... Seems that since it''s being generated through interaction of high energy particles and water, you can feel it through your Water Magic. Can you try manipulating it? I''ll drop my Domain." I say a bit stunned, I had no idea this could happen.


    "I''ll try." She drills her focus in, trying to grasp hold. But, from here it feels like it''s just slipping through her fingers. "Nng, so close." Amelia groans before Apricot places her hand on Amelia''s back, and I can see their link open up wide. Several echoed *Dings* sound off and each one brings her closer to grasping the Light. Until finally...


    *DDDDDIIIIIINNNNNGGGGGG* The overly loud reverberating tone of an Awakening sounds out.


    "Oh gods. Temmie, is this real?" Amelia''s looking at a notification that only she can see.


    A *Ding* in the affirmative answers her, followed by two more that sound suspiciously like System-chan is saying ''Good job!''.


    "Babe, Sweetie." Amelia starts tearing up. "I just Awakened myself to Light magic. How? How is that even possible?" She pulls us both into a hug.


    "I did not know that it was." I say flabbergasted. "I don''t think anyone did. You know what this means though? If you can get one..." I prompt her.


    "I could learn them all and become an Archmage like you." She gasps at the idea.


    "It certainly bears investigation." I grin and then Apricot and I each kiss one of her cheeks. "You are amazing, you know that?"


    "You really are." Apricot agrees.


    ***


    "Light!" Amelia casts for probably the thousandth time in less than an hour. "Is there anything?"


    "Nothing." I slam closed the last book that even mentioned the Awakening process. "Not a word about it. People with multiple aspects will spontaneously gain access to them all, even if they''re Awakened to just one. Something like this is unprecedented."


    "Any ideas then?" She sends a glowing fish to swim past my head.


    "One." I look at Apricot. "I think your bond was the only thing that made it possible. I tried to control the light with Water Magic just like you did, and I didn''t even get close. Maybe if I had Mastery already." I shake my head, unsure.


    "Sorry, no clue what happened. Never heard about anything like this either." She shrugs.


    "Are there any Fae libraries?" I ask hopefully.


    "Not that I''ve ever heard of, but I''m not much for reading." She looks a bit sad that she doesn''t have anything more to offer.


    "Don''t worry about it." I walk over and give her a hug. "We know it happened once, so chances are it has happened before. Once I feel Larendath can hold it''s own, then we can go around and talk to the Fae on this continent." Seeing the look on her face, I quickly add. "Or not, or just no pixies. Or, whatever your comfortable with."


    "Yeah, sweetie." Amelia backs me up. "Don''t let our enthusiasm worry you. Sorrel loves his puzzles ...as long as they don''t involve gears... and I''m just happy to be with you. Magic or no." Amelia smirks at me when she mentions the transmission.


    "No, it''s alright, just caught me by surprise. I guess." Her face says that she''s not telling the whole truth, but Amelia and I decide to let it go after a quick glance. "Guys, I mean it." She adds with a huff after catching the look we shared.


    "Sorry, but you can''t blame us for wanting to keep you from being hurt anymore." Amelia says and hugs Apricot.


    "Okay, but let''s just drop it for now." She looks at the ground with an embarrassed flush to her cheeks. "How''s the Rune holding up? Any issues?" She changes the subject.


    "None, it''s perfectly stable." I''ve been keeping a magical eye on the prototype this whole time. "Thermal failsafe is working, but hasn''t been needed. The moderator is working just as intended and switched from reflecting light, to absorbing and re-transmitting when the Mana Stone filled a couple minutes ago." I walk her over to look out the window at the green light that''s now coming from the tank.


    "Already?" Amelia says surprised. "Even for a tiny Mana Stone, that was fast."


    "I told you that stuff has a lot of energy inside, but the speed is mostly down to my concentrated heat collectors, they''re actually over powered for the tiny bead that''s in there. And, the whole tank has dropped in temperature by several degrees, despite being in the sun." Pride bleeds through into my voice.


    "Brag, all you want." She laughs. "But, only one of us did the impossible today." She copies my old stunt from the Southwood inn and creates dozens of light flowers.


    "Hah. She''s got you there." Apricot slaps my back.


    ***


    We''re in the middle of dinner when I sense a carriage pull up outside. "Oliver''s here." I say flatly.


    "This better not be about that bitch." Apricot flies up from her plate. She''s been trying to spend more time human sized, but still prefers to eat while she''s smaller.


    "I don''t think so." I say with a frown to match the man outside. "Not from the look on his face at least. Kaitlyn, Turner, please excuse me." I set my cutlery down and stand up.


    "I hope everything''s alright." Amelia''s mother says quietly.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    "It''ll be fine Mom." Amelia re-assures her with a pat on the arm before getting up to follow me. Apricot landing on her shoulder a second later.


    "Good evening Oliver." I open the door just as he reaches the landing. "What brings you out of the castle on this fine evening?"


    "My apologies for intruding on your evening meal, but we might have a situation that your new creation is uniquely suited to solving." The court wizard says gravely.


    "It''s in the back right now, shall we?" I gesture to the archway.


    "I must admit I would like to get a good look at it." We walk into the courtyard. "It certainly looks powerful." He runs a hand over the sleek lines. "Would you be willing to modify it to carry more people?"


    "How many, where, why, and how fast do you need them there?" I sigh deeply.


    "Me, and at least a dozen Mages to Riverton as soon as possible." He pleads. "We just received another messenger bird saying that a small army with a dozen mages was making an early push for the border. Riverton only has one decent mage, and his apprentice."


    "So, you want to take the Capital''s best to counter this threat?" I raise an eyebrow. "Just days after I warned you of the risk of assassins?" My voice is a mix of disbelief and mockery.


    "I know!" He spits. "But we don''t have any other option. If they take the city then the rest of the country won''t be far behind."


    "There''s always another option." I say calmly. "We just take the Queen and her daughter with us. They won''t be expecting it, and I can protect them better than even you."


    "I know you think you''re powerful, but-" The aged Court Wizard lets some of his arrogance leak out.


    "Oh, look it''s the Queen." I cut him off, and conjure a stone statue behind him.


    "What?" He twirls around. "I didn''t-"


    "Feel a thing?" I interrupt him again. "I figured out how to bypass that trick of yours when I was helping Amelia learn how to do it."


    "Fine, you''ve got some skills, but-"


    "What''s this somehow the air is being pulled away from the Queen? And, oh no... There''s a very slow laser firing at her. What''s this? Not an equally slow fireball, too? If only there was someone her that could stop even one of these, let alone all three." I openly mock the man.


    "You want to play games? Fine, I''ll show you how it''s done!" He pulls a wand out from inside his jacket.


    "Better hurry up." I warn him. "She''s gasping for breath now, won''t be long before she loses consciousness."


    "Nng! What the hell?" He groans and sweat starts forming on his forehead. "Time to get serious, then. Domain!" He takes control of the Mana in the area. But, I just look at him pityingly as my spells aren''t even slowed.


    "Anything else? I can give you some Mana Stones if it''ll help." I hold out a pouch with a few hundred Stones inside. "I hate acting like this, but Deluca''s outburst earlier made it clear that I can''t hold back anymore just to spare someone''s feelings. Not while there''s a war on." I let go of my mask and let him see the sadness in my eyes.


    "How?" He gasps out still trying everything he can to stop me. Pulling out dozens of different spells, switching focus to each of my spells in turn, hoping to find a weakness he can exploit. "You''re only level five."


    "Six, actually. I dinged a few days ago." The projectiles are less than a meter away from the statue now, and the air pressure is so low that any human would have died by this point anyways. "Have I proven my point, yet?"


    He finally gives up, and slumps to the ground. So, I lets my spells wink out of existence. "What are you?" He looks up at me with a mixture of fear and awe.


    "Someone who never wanted it to come to this. I''m sorry." I reach down to give him a hand up. "Go gather your people at the castle, I can get you there by morning. And then, I think it''s time to show the Cendassans that they picked the wrong target."


    "Thank you." He bows over my hand. "I know you don''t want to fight, but with you on our side, we can''t lose."


    "There won''t be a fight." I shake my head; exhausted more from the idea of what''s to come, than from overpowering him Magically. "We''re just going to have a nice chat with the enemy general and his mages. This paints a target on me sooner than I would have liked, but it was going to happen eventually."


    "It''s okay Sorrel." Amelia wraps her arms around me as a tired old man, shakily walks back to his carriage.


    "It will be." I hug her back. "Come on, dinner''s getting cold." I pull her back towards the house.


    Apricot shifts and takes my other hand. "Mmm. I know you don''t mean it to be, but is so fucking hot when you do stuff like that." She pulls close, sandwiching my arm between her breasts. "I can''t wait until we get to Riverton."


    "Thanks for bringing a smile back to my face, you perverted little pixie, you." I chuckle and kiss her.


    ***


    "Your Majesty." I get out of the Rocket and bow.


    "Count Rumex." She steps forward with her daughter by her side. "We thank you for your service." She states with a regal nod of the head.


    "Is that really going to take us all to Riverton in just a night?" The princess asks while staring at the car.


    "Yeah, I just need to make a little modification." I smile and take out the last of my modified cherry wood, a few cotton seeds, a jar of latex rubber, and a small crate of silica. "It''s not going to be very pretty, but it''ll get the job done."


    All at once, the wood flows out joining with the rocket and reforming into a large boxy shape. The silica melts into large glass planes, that seat themselves into rubber gaskets around openings in the wood. The cotton turns into fourteen single beds and one double, along with curtains and carpeting and a few seats. All in all, it takes just under a minute for a double-decker sleeper bus to stand where the Rocket once was.


    "Shall we?" I bow again and open the door with magic.


    "You do know how to put on a show." She laughs before boarding the bus.


    "There''s a lounge and Royal compartment upstairs." I explain following her and the Princess in. The rest of the Mages snapping out of their stupor, and trooping forwards a second later to the sound of Apricots giggles. "Everyone, please take a bed, and we can get under way."


    "I was hoping that we could speak." The Queen prompts.


    "Of course." I nod and head up stairs with Amelia while starting the engine with a spell. Once Vivian, Faye and Oliver follow us I begin to turn us about and head for the palace gate.


    "We''re moving!" Princess Faye plasters herself to the window. "Uh, mister Sorrel..." She clutches her doll to her chest while looking nervously at the approaching gate.


    "Don''t worry." Apricot floats next to the little girl. "You just saw him build this in a minute, do you really think a wall is going to stop us?"


    "Apricot!" She squeals, and gets so got up with the pixie that she doesn''t even notice when I make enough room for us to pass through.


    "You know those walls are enchanted to prevent something like that from happening, don''t you?" Oliver shakes his head at my casual disregard for what he thought were secure fortifications.


    "Eh, I''ll add making better ones to my research list." I say tiredly. "What did you wish to speak about?"


    "I was going to chew you a new one, Archmage or not, for presuming to tell me what to do." She snorts. "But, damned if you aren''t right, and I can tell that you really don''t want to be doing this." She drops into a seat, all pretenses gone. She''s not a Queen right now, just a worried woman.


    "Ma''am." I open.


    "Just call me Vivian, please." She interrupts me.


    "Vivian, then." I take a deep breath. "I don''t want any of this, and I am truly sorry for dragging you and your daughter into this. But, if I and my wives are to have any peace then Cendassa needs to fear not just my strength, but your power as well." I start laying out my plan for her and the wizard.


    "Are you sure you can guarantee her safety." Oliver asks after I finish speaking. He get three blanks stares in return, one from me, one from Amelia, and the last from Queen Vivian. Poor Apricot would have given him one too, but she''s stuck on princess duty. "Sorry, had to ask." He raises his hands in surrender.


    "The thirteen of you will be there as backup, just in case." I say to allay his fears. "But even if all the Mages are as good as you, they won''t be needed."


    "Mommy, look!" Faye bounces over to get her mom''s attention. "We''re already at Rosemarrow."


    "I really need to quit underestimating you." Oliver says with a sigh before walking up to the window and peering out. "At this rate we really will get there by dawn."


    "Mhm" I nod. "There''s still a few stragglers on the road, once they clear out, I''ll really be able to open it up."


    "It''s just like we''re flying." Faye holds her arms out like she''s pretending to be a bird.


    "Oh, Amelia won''t let me make any aircraft, I think she''s afraid of heights." I tease both the girl and my wife. "Hey, no hitting. You''re setting a bad example for the princess."


    "Hahaha." Vivian laughs at Faye''s expression.


    "Can you really make one of these that could fly?" Her eyes go wide at the thought.


    "What do you think?" I make her a paper airplane with a simple motion rune to spin an oversized propeller attached to it''s front. It''s light enough to go slow without stalling, but I still need to use a bit of magic to make sure it doesn''t hit anything in the small lounge.


    "I think we are very lucky to have you on our side." Her mother says as the princess follows the plane around the room. "I also think that it''s getting close to your bedtime, little one."


    "Aww, but I was hoping Uncle Sorrel could make another movie for me." She doesn''t quite whine, but get''s pretty close.


    "Upgraded to uncle already?" Her mom smiles. "Well, I suppose you can stay up for one, if..." She raises her finger. "Uncle Sorrel is willing to." She looks at me with amusement in her eyes.


    "Oh, I don''t know." I put on a fake worried face. "I''ve got to pay attention to the road, who knows when a cow might wander away from its farm and get in the way." I conjure a herd of winged bovines to chase after the plane. "If only I had some way to let you watch movies without having to focus my attention on it." I shake my head in faux disappointment.


    "Oh, quit teasing her." Apricot does a roll around the lead cow, making me smile.


    "Hahaha. Oh fine, you spoilsport." I take a wooden case from my inventory and kneel down to present it to the princess. "A certain pixie has been bugging me to make this for her." She gives me the stink eye for my pun. "And, I knew you would love it too, so I made a copy."


    I open the lid to reveal a Rune projector and over a dozen movie cubes. I could have fit them all on one, but this is easier to make and add more movies to in the future. "You should watch this one tonight, it''s only an hour long. That way you don''t stay up too late." I slot Dumbo into the device and press play after setting it next to the window.


    "All those things are movies?" She says, awed. I left out Iron Man for obvious reasons, but other than that, she got a copy of every movie I''ve translated so far, mostly Disney cartoons.


    "Yes, they are." I tousle her hair before turning to the Queen. "If there''s nothing else, I really should be behind the wheel while driving. Need to conserve my magic for tomorrow, after all."


    "Yes, of course. And, thank you for yet another wonderful gift." She smiles as her daughter starts laughing at all the baby animals being delivered by stork.


    Once downstairs, I turn the tiny driver''s seat into a bench big enough for the three of us. "You girls mind if I play some music? It''s not a road trip without some tunes." They just shake their head and snuggle up next to me.


    An infectious bass riff starts up, followed a few seconds later by the drums. Then Jack White''s voice sings "I''m gonna fight ''em all. A seven nation army couldn''t hold me back". The girls give me a look that I pretend not to see. Instead, I just tap my fingers on the steering wheel and nod my head to the beat.


    "Thanks, I needed to get that out of my system." I say once the song ends. Petting Amelia on the head with my free hand when I see some tears welling up in her eyes. "Don''t cry babe, it''s all going to be alright. How about some *Spanish* guitar? It''s just the right mix of relaxing and energizing for a late night drive. And no silly lyrics to get my wife upset." Apricot hugs Amelia with a fierce look on her face.


    ***

 # 40

    It''s just over an hour until dawn when we arrive, and everyone''s still asleep. The girls are spooning on the bench next to me, Apricot loves being little spoon because her wings didn''t allow for it before now. It''s a bit weird seeing her immaterial appendages phase through Amelia and the bench behind. But, what about my life isn''t at least a little weird.


    "Oliver." I Windwhisper to the Mage in his bunk next to the door. "Wakeup. I need you to get us through the gate, unless of course you''d like me to cause a panic while there''s an army camped on the other side of the river."


    "Have they attacked yet?" He asks after snapping awake.


    "No, but it looks like they will at first light. I can see the sentries starting to rouse everyone. Looks like two-thousand troops and thirteen mages, but most of them are between levels five and ten. One is closer to your strength, but not quite there."


    "They can''t sense you probing, can they?" He says worriedly from next to the bench, looking out at the approaching wall.


    "Can you?" I say flatly without even looking at him.


    "Good point." He nods. "Stop here and I''ll get us inside." He then uses a Windwhisper of his own to talk to the guards at the gate.


    I pull over and the lack of vibration causes the girls to wake. "Morning sleepy heads." I use magic to fix their bed heads as they groggily sit up. "We''re here, and just in time too." This takes a minute to filter through their brains before they both seem to catch on at the same time.


    "The Cendassans?" Amelia asks.


    "About two thousand, preparing to attack at dawn." I conjure a hologram of the stirring army.


    "That''s a lot of horses, but those look more like infantry. The leaders must have had them ride doubled up for most of the way to keep the men fresh and still be able to get here this quickly." Oliver says after examining the image. "They''re opening the gates now, pull on in, and stop off to the right. They''ve sent a runner to bring the City Lord and his Captain of the Guard. I''ve also woken Her Majesty, and she will be down in a moment."


    Two horses come racing up a not long later, their riders dismounting and going to one knee when the Queen steps out to greet them. "Baron Pepi, Captain Baca, please rise."


    "Where''s Bradford?" Oliver adds.


    "If he''s a Mage." I interject. "Then he''s not in the city." I project thirteen faces in the air ahead of us, with little elemental symbols above their heads. "These are the only Awakened within my reach, and they''re all on the other side of the river."


    "That bastard ran away as soon as the army came into sight!" Pepi spits, and clutches the knife at his belt. "Sorry your majesty." He bows deeply to her with an embarrassed look on his face.


    "Bradford will be sorry once I get my hands on him." Oliver growls before locking his sight onto one of the enemy mages. "That''s Kimball Palmer, second strongest Mage in Cendassa, and a right bastard. Can you show us who''s in charge?"


    "Yes, it looks like they''re just meeting in the command tent now." I answer.


    Twelve of the faces disappear, while the last one, Palmer, grows a body and steps into a transparent tent. At the table inside are two people, a burly man with a mostly bald head, and bushy mustache. And, a slender long-haired brunette woman, that might be considered pretty if it weren''t for the vicious look in her eyes.


    "General Angelico Lilas, and Lady Cinda Reed." Oliver provides names to go with the faces. "The head of their army, and the King''s only sister." He adds for my benefit after seeing the question on my face.


    "Want to change the plan? I can capture them easily." I offer the Queen.


    "No, I think I like your original idea better." She gets an evil gleam in her eyes.


    "Yes, Your Majesty." A grin plays on my face. "Shall we adjourn to the wall? I believe having the Sun come up behind you would make for a fitting first impression."


    "Oh, you do love putting on a show." Her smile widens to match mine.


    "Your Majesty, it''s not safe." Captain Baca nearly shouts.


    Queen Vivian just raises an eyebrow at the man before returning to the bus. Oliver shakes his head and follows. Amelia does the same, while Apricot lets out an evil chuckle. "Oh, man. You don''t know what you''re in for; better hop on, or you''ll miss the show." She gets on next, and I follow her.


    "Coming?" I question from the door, and they rush after us. I changed the interior to plain, if plush benches while we were talking, with a special seat for the Queen up front. The new comers have to move back several rows and are a bit startled when the vehicle moves forward with a loud purr.


    The streets are still empty, whether from the early hour, or from the people just being too fearful to leave their homes. So, we make excellent time and arrive at the west gate much faster than even a galloping horse could have gotten there.


    Once we stop, I melt the front of the bus away and conjure stairs leading directly to the top of the wall over the gate. Everyone follows as The Queen mounts the steps, leaving only the sleeping princess back on the bus.


    "Think Faye is going to be sad she missed it?" Apricot asks.


    "I''ll make her a playback later." I chuckle. "Censored, of course." I add after a glance from the queen. "Look at them all out there. Who attacks the east at dawn anyways?" I muse more to myself than anything.


    "Fools." The Queen answers. "But fools who would have taken the city if it were not for you."


    "Are you ready? The sun will start rising in just a few minutes." She nods, and I think of something perfect for this situation. Quickly making a high backed throne for her from wood, and coating it with gold. I then melt down some silica and add a few minerals before forming it into a large stained glass rendition of the Royal seal to sit above her head.


    "Nice touch." She compliments before sitting down.


    "Here we go." I levitate her forward to the edge of the wall just as the Sun peeks over the horizon. The golden rays of dawn hitting the seal and bathing the Cendassan army in her colors. Seemingly freezing them all in place.


    "It''s the Queen!" The general shouts, from the rear of course. "A gold to any archer that hits her." But I walk up next to her then, and every archer and crossbowman finds their weapons melt in their hands before they can even aim.


    I go to one knee beside her, and she simply nods to me and says quietly "Bring them." I rise and bow deeply to her before walking down invisible steps to the base of the bridge.


    "General Lilas, Lady Reed, Mage Palmer." My voice covers the enemy forces, despite the fact that I don''t raise my volume above a normal conversational tone. "My Queen wishes to speak with you."


    "What are you fools waiting for?" The general roars. "Kill him, he''s just one man!"


    The soldiers at front rush me but their weapons melt in their hands, just like the archers did. But, it doesn''t stop there; my magic flows out dissolving all of their equipment and clothing, before spreading out in a wave as I slowly walk forward. I even discreetly cast Cleanse on the lot because they all stink.


    The few crazy enough to still charge me just end up bouncing backwards to fall on their asses. The poor mages try casting spell after spell, only to have them fizzle out before they can even form.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    "I said that Her Royal Majesty, Queen Vivian Laren wishes to speak with you." I reach the commanders and by that time, they and their entire army are completely naked. Most huddled over and shaking in the morning cold, or out of fear. Quite a few with tears and snot running down their faces, a couple unfortunates even pissed themselves. "Don''t make me tell you again."


    Ultimatum given, I about face and walk back to the bridge. Three captives floating an inch off the ground behind me. Once at the foot of the bridge, I kneel down and salute with a fist to my heart. The prisoners behind me are forced to their hands and knees with their heads pressed to the rough stones.


    "Your Majesty. I''ve brought the... people you wish to speak to." The inflection I give to ''people'' makes it clear that it was not my first word choice.


    "Thank you Marquis Rumex, you may rise." I do and step aside, not letting the surprise of my promotion show on my face. "Oh, Cinda." The Queen lets out a tired sigh, like that of a mother who''s tired of dealing with a misbehaving child. "Didn''t anyone ever teach you or Berkie not to take that which does not belong to you?"


    "..." The king''s sister just shivers, her mouth flopping open like a fish out of water, while tears and snot coat the grime on her face.


    "Nothing to say for yourself?" Vivian asks mockingly. "Very well, I would like you to take a message back to your brother for me."


    "Y-y-y-yes, anything." The mess of a woman finally speaks, her relief at being told she will be freed palpable.


    "It''s simple really. Larendath is not such an easy nut to crack, and the next time you try." The Queen pauses for dramatic effect. "You will lose more than just your clothes. Now, leave." I make her command reverberate over the army, causing most of them to cover their ears in pain.


    Reed nearly pisses herself before running away, the rest of the army breaks at that point. Fleeing as fast as they can on the rough ground without shoes, or dignity. I let the first of them get close to the horses still picketed at what used to be their campsite, before making them all rear back and gallop in a large circle around the invaders. Opening the gate, I send them all into the city.


    "Ooh, that was wicked." Apricot says after landing on my shoulder. "How you holding up?"


    "I''ll need to sleep until sunrise tomorrow, after this." I say through clenched teeth. "That fuck Palmer never stopped fighting me. Remind me to just put the mages to sleep if I have to do this shit again."


    "Tiny dicked asshole!" Apricot spits at his retreating form. He then looks back, almost as though he heard her. Only to trip over his own feet when he spots The Fae on my shoulder. "Hahahahaha!" She breaks up laughing, and nearly falls over herself. The Mage''s entire body flushes a bright pink. He then starts running off twice as fast as before, his greater level letting him easily outpace everyone else.


    Once he''s out of sight and the rest are well over a kilometer away, I finally turn around and head inside. The rest of the party comes flowing down the regular steps a minute later, I had to drop the conjured ones.


    *Ding**Ding**Ding* A series of delayed notifications pop up in my vision.


    "Don''t tell me you leveled again already." Apricot scoffs.


    "No, just a few delayed skill-ups and couple more steps closer to Mastery." I explain. "Turns out fighting a dozen mages for control like that is really good practice. Maybe I can work out something with Oliver or the guild."


    "Of course, you would think of something like that." She shakes her head before stilling as the Queen approaches.


    "Ma''am" I nod to the Queen. "Forgive me for not bowing again, but I''m afraid that I might fall over if I do." I say without actually letting my fatigue show through.


    "No need. Young man. No need." She replies, her emotions well hidden.


    I use one last precious bit of strength to repair the front of the bus. "Perhaps we could head to the Baron''s Manor? I need a bit of a rest right now, but I should be able to get you back to the Capital by tomorrow."


    "Sorrel!" Amelia runs up and puts her arms around me like she''s hugging me, but is actually helping to hold me up. "You were amazing." She says out loud, but her eyes are full of worry.


    ***


    It''s sunset by the time I drag my ass out of bed. Amelia and Apricot are sitting in the next room, one reading a book, the other playing breakout.


    "Hey, girls." I say from the doorway. "How was your day?"


    "Sorrel!" - "Baby!" The rush me, tackling me back into the room where we collapse on the bed.


    "Hahaha. This isn''t the first time I''ve over drawn, you know? I was mostly just tired from staying up all night." I smile and try to downplay my state as they check me over, ignoring my words.


    "Hush, we''re allowed to be worried about you." Amelia presser her finger to my lips. "You fought off an army earlier, and then held it together long enough to drive us all here. You didn''t slip until the doors were closed, then we had to practically drag you into bed." Her worry gushes out of her. "So, be quiet and let us check you over."


    "What she said." Apricot giggles. "Only you didn''t fight them off, you humiliated the fuckers." Her ministrations turn rather more sensual.


    "Dammit!" I curse just as we were starting to get into it. "Company." I warn the girls.


    "Tell them to fuck off!" Apricot growls.


    "Move your hand and I might be able to." I laugh and try to peel her away from me. Amelia starts helping once knocks sound on the door to our suite. "Hello Baron, how can I help you?" My conjured hologram answers the door.


    "Marquis." He bows. "Good, you''re awake. Her Majesty was hoping you three would be able to join us for the evening meal." I have to block out our collective groans from reaching his ears.


    "Of course, we''ll be right out." I make the hologram nod to him before closing the door. "I really need to work on time magic next, make a bubble where we have all the time we want." I huff out, annoyed.


    "It''s alright babe, we''ve already got all the time in the world." Amelia comforts me.


    "It is not alright." Apricot grouses. "I haven''t had him inside me in nearly two days."


    "If we don''t get a chance before we leave, then I''ll take care of you on the road after everyone''s gone to sleep. " I play my hand up and down her spine as she sits there sulking on the edge of the bed. "But, for now, my beautiful little Marchioness. Duty calls."


    "Fine, but you''d better." She pouts.


    "What she said." Amelia parrots the pixie''s earlier comment with a sly smile.


    After that, it only takes a couple minutes before we''re all cleaned up and dressed. We stalk down the hallways like a trio of lions that just had their kill interrupted. Reaching the door to the over-sized dining room, Amelia and I put on our court faces. It''s surprising just how quickly one develops such habits once they need them. Apricot doesn''t bother and just shrinks down instead, so most that most people can''t even make out her face.


    The room breaks into spontaneous applause once I open the door, freezing me in my steps for a heartbeat. Letting a smile play on my face, I nod to the room before approaching the Queen.


    "Your Majesty." I bow deeply. "Please forgive my rudeness from this morning. I let my exhaustion get the better of me." I''m playing it up a bit, but our allies as well as our enemies need to know that I''m firmly under her thumb. Even if that''s not exactly true.


    "There is nothing to forgive." She says with a twinkle to her eyes, letting me know that she understands what I''m doing. "After all, I set you to such a difficult task in the first place. Without even giving you a chance to rest from personally transporting us here from the Capital in a single night. You have our thanks once again, Sorrel. Now, please sit, enjoy the meal." We bow and curtsy before taking our seats.


    "Smooth." Oliver Windwhispers so only we can hear him, earning a sly smile from me.


    Dinner is served shortly after, and the mood at the table is joyous. Apparently the entire city has been involved in celebration ever since word of my victory spread.


    Plenty of small talk happens during the meal, but most of it is the Baron trying to feel me out. As a Marquis I''m now responsible for protecting the border, which is pretty much just Riverton. And, despite its size and the amount of money it brings in, the city is still in the middle of nowhere. So, it''s only been run by a hereditary barony before now.


    I try to re-assure the man that I really don''t care how the place is run, in polite terms of course. But, he''s still worried. "Is there anything the city needs while I''m here?" I finally ask trying to let him know that I care more about helping out than taking over. "Are the farms doing alright? It''s nearly harvest time, after all."


    "Honestly, some new blight took a hefty toll of our barley during spring. We have more than enough to make it through winter, but if today hasn''t stopped the coming war..." He trails off with a worried look.


    "Hmm, pale green, water-soaked spots that dry out as they expand to cover the leaves? Stopped once the weather warmed up?" I throw out a guess.


    "That''s it exactly." He looks startled. "How did you know?"


    I hold up a hand to show off my tattoos. "I know plants. That''s barley blight, the higher humidity near the river helps it spread. Try rotating those areas to non grain crops, and be sure to bury the crop residue deep. Replant a year later with disease free seed." I tell him how to manage it. "And, don''t worry about feeding the city. If it comes down to it, I can make more than enough food for everyone." ''in the country'' I add silently.


    "Thank you Lord Rumex." He bows in his seat.


    "Just Sorrel is fine, please." I wave away the formality.


    "You prove yourself more valuable every day, Sorrel." The Queen says from the head of the table. "Riverton is not the only place to be affected by this blight recently. I will have word spread that the new lord of the grasslands..." She pauses with a frown on her face. "No, that won''t do. This area has never been given a proper name, so I will leave it up to you. You may call it Rumex if you wish, or think up something more fitting."


    "Hmm." I try out a few names in my head, trying to find one that fits and doesn''t sound weird. It takes me a minute, as I''ve never been good at naming things, but I finally settle on the perfect one. "Arcadia" I nod satisfied with how it sounds in this tongue. "It''s an ancient province famed for its idyllic natural beauty. So, much so that the name became synonymous with paradise."


    "Arcadia, I like it." Amelia says from next to me.


    "As do I." Queen Vivian nods. "But, you certainly do not know how to dream small, do you?" Her laughter fills the room. "Very well, Lord of Arcadia. We can''t wait to see the paradise you bring to the grasslands."


    "What can I say? I''ve always wanted a really big garden." This gets a round of laughs from the table.


    ***

 # 41

    "What is that?" Apricot asks as the ground bulges up next to me. "Is this what you''ve been doing with your magic since we got interrupted earlier?"


    "Yeah, didn''t know if I''d have a chance to run out there and grab this stuff later." The bulge reveals itself to be a large sphere of iron and several smaller balls of various metals. "Good thing I did too. It''d be a shame to waste so much free metal by leaving it to just sit in the ground."


    "So, that''s what you did with it." Amelia laughs. "Watching those soldiers paw at the ground trying to get their weapons back was hilarious. But, not half as hilarious as watching them freak out when their clothes disappeared the same way."


    "You''d think professional soldiers would be in better shape though." Apricot sneers at the memory. "It''s like they were all either scrawny or flabby, with no in-between."


    "Tch. Welcome to my world" I tisk. "There''s a reason I keep my senses pulled in when we''re in the city, and it''s not just because I''m working on my issues."


    "That bad?" Amelia questions.


    "You have no idea." I shake my head. "I could look outwards and tell you exactly how many people are having sex right now. But, at night, in a city this large, during a big celebration no less. I''d be surprised if it''s any less than ten-thousand people right this minute, and that''s just the ones fucking. That doesn''t count all the people in the bath, or on the toilet, or just plain naked for no good reason."


    "Oh, you poor baby." She mocks me. "Having to see naked people all the time."


    "Don''t be too hard on him." Oliver defends me as he walks up. "It sounds great and all, at first. But, it gets old quick, and most just block it out after a few days." He chuckles. "You three ready to go? The Queen will be down soon."


    "Yeah, I got what I wanted." I pat the metal and make it vanish into my inventory. "Just gimme a minute to reconfigure this beast. Don''t really need that top layer anymore, after all."


    I reform the bus since we''re leaving the twelve mages behind. The ''Royal Suite'' as it were gets moved to the bottom, and now only layer. I add a smaller room to one side for Oliver, and a few seats behind the driver''s area. The exterior get a revamp too, it''s now much more sleek and aerodynamic.


    "Oh, that''s much better looking." Amelia sighs as I put the excess materials into my inventory. "I know you wouldn''t let it, but I kept being afraid that big thing would tip over."


    "Heheh. I wasn''t exactly a fan either, but I could hardly let Her Majesty sleep in a tiny bunk. Now, could I?" I shake my head. "Bad enough I had to drag her out here and into my plan because I was afraid of assassins going for her and Faye." Also because I was pissed off about being draged into this war, but probably better not to mention that.


    "A more than reasonable fear, young man." Oliver starts.


    "And an action for which I have already more than forgiven you." The Queen finishes. "If anything, I should thank you for humiliating Cinda like that, never did get along with that little harpy. Not to mention saving Riverton." She smiles like the cat that ate the canary.


    "But, as you once said." She continues with a sigh. "''The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more''. I can only wish that today was enough to deter Cendassa. But, I fear that you will have the opportunity for much more work in the future."


    "Speaking of." Oliver adds. "Are you sure you''ll be able to make and set up the relays in just one night? And, thanks for giving all the mages their own phone, by the way."


    "Larendath gave me the resources, the least I can do is use them to protect her lands. And, I actually made quite a few relays last night." I pull out a crate full of them. "Not enough to reach the whole way, but enough that I should be able to handle the rest on the move. And, still get us there around dawn, since I don''t have to conserve myself for a big fight."


    "I''m mad at you uncle Sorrel." The princess finally speaks up. "Why didn''t you wake me up to watch you scare off all those bad men?" She stamps her foot.


    "Well, I tried to wake you up, we all did." I wave my arm around and smile at everyone, telling them with my eyes to play along. "But, we just couldn''t wake you, no matter what we did. Maybe if you had stopped at just the one movie, instead of waiting for your mother to go to sleep and then sneaking out to watch two more." She pales at the realization that she was caught.


    "Oh, she did, did she?" Vivian hides her smile and looks down at the little girl with a disapproving frown. "And, here I thought you just didn''t sleep well because we were moving all night."


    "I''m sorry mommy, but there was these movies about a pixie named Tinkerbell." She clutches her doll to her chest. "I promise I won''t do it again." She says with a hang-dog look on her face.


    "Very well, but since you watched two movies, then no movies for two days, and you''d better keep to your bed time from here on out."


    "Thank you mommy, I''ll be good. I swear." She hugs her mom, squishing her dress down against her legs.


    "Well, if you''re really good, and your mother says it''s alright. Then maybe I can show you how to drive." I open the bus door.


    The little girls looks up at her mother with hope in her eyes. "Heheh. I must admit, I''m rather interested in learning myself." The Queen says stepping inside.


    "I''m more interested in how you''re keeping that engine of yours full of Fire Mana." Oliver adds following the royals in.


    We troop in after only to already find Faye in the driver''s seat, her mother standing behind her with a loving smile on her face. "I''ll uncloak it for you now, I just didn''t want any of the other mages poking around with it before. It''s rather dangerous if you don''t know what you''re doing. Fortunately you have Light and Fire Mana, so you''ll be able to see exactly what''s going on."


    "Can I drive now, please uncle Sorrel?" The little girl beams up at me.


    I adjust the pedals and steering wheel to something more manageable for her and say. "Just push that button." She does so with a ''yay'' and the engine turns over, smooth as butter. Oliver''s eyes go wide when the ''arc reactor'' kicks in a moment later.


    "How?" his voice is nearly a whisper.


    I make a hologram of it for the Queens benefit while showing Faye how to use the pedals. "Remember that uranium stuff I panicked about the other day? This is what happens when you concentrate it."


    "So much energy from such a tiny thing." He gulps.


    "I''m using the Mirror spell to moderate how much is produced and siphoning off all the heat, but if you aren''t careful it could overheat and become hot enough to melt stone. Well, maybe not a tiny piece like that, but you get the idea."


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "It could meltdown to the groundwater, turn it to steam and spread poison over a large area." He instantly gets it. The girls already know all this, and luckily Faye''s too caught up in driving the bus. But, his and Vivian''s faces pale. "You have to hide this." He says decisively.


    "I already am, you two are the last people who will ever learn how it works, and until, and unless I can devise an absolute failsafe. These will never leave my control." I say with finality.


    "Control issues, babe." Amelia rolls her eyes.


    "Region destroying terror, babe." I counter. "It''s far too useful to just give up on, but far too dangerous to set loose. Fortunately I have some ideas on how to keep it safe while still sharing the mana it generates."


    "How did you even come up with something like this?" Vivian asks.


    "I don''t like being afraid." I answer with a seeming non-sequiter. "I knew it was dangerous, but I didn''t know why. So, I fought my fear and learned everything I could about that little green rock. This is the final result of me controlling my fear, quite literally in this case." I give the hologram a spin before dismissing it.


    "Uncle Sorrel." The princess whines. "This is boring, all I do is go in a straight line down the road, and my arms are getting tired holding this wheel. How did you do this all night?"


    "I''ll make you something more fun once we get back." I tousle her hair. "Why don''t you let your mom have a try? You can show her what to do." I change the controls back to how they were.


    ***


    The night was relatively uneventful. Well, aside from me getting distracted and having to backtrack to place a couple relays that I missed. Hell, I was lucky just to keep us on the road. A sex starved pixie does not make for a safe driving companion.


    The City walls are just coming into sight when the sun crests over the hills in the background. The early morning traffic moves to one side to let us pass when they see the bus rolling up. They may not know who''s inside, but it clearly looks magical.


    The guards just wave us through after getting a good look at who''s driving. Meanwhile my passengers are stirring, woken either by the light, the change in speed, the different road sound, or a mix of all three.


    "Morning babe." Amelia sits up from where she was laying on the bench causing Apricot to groan at the loss of her big spoon. "It''s good to be back home." She says after looking out the window. "I hope Mittens was okay without me."


    I send my vision out to her parents house, and find the little guy. "He''s eating breakfast right now." I project an image for her.


    "Ack! Look at his collar, it''s half drained. What did that little pest get into while we were gone?" She cries out at the state of his protective shield.


    "Just how effective is that Rune you made for him?" Oliver asks while walking forward after letting out a big yawn.


    "Let''s find out. Amelia take the wheel for a sec." She does and I focus in on the prototype ''camera'' I added to his collar before we left. "Let''s see. Two horses, a carriage, over a dozen dogs, and a hawk." I display the holograms that were captured every time the shield went off. "Sorry, about the quality. I threw this together last minute before we left." The images are out of focus, and more than a little grainy.


    "Hah! Look at that one mutt." Apricot laughs. "He shows up five times, think he would''ve learned after the first one or two. And look at Mittens, he just doesn''t care. That stupid cat has zero survival instinct."


    "Remarkable!" The Court Wizard''s eyes light up. "How does it work?"


    "This is the basic model, so it just scans for incoming force. Anything over a certain threshold gets rebuffed with an Air blast. Or, if the force is too great, it moves Mittens out of the way." I explain.


    "Basic model?" Amelia raises an eyebrow. "Is there anything you aren''t telling us, Sorrel?"


    "Amelia, baby." I start, but she''s not having any of it. "Okay, okay. I haven''t actually built them, but when I was working on the armor designs... I may have designed a full suite of protections. Sorry for not telling you." I say sheepishly.


    "Sorrel." She sighs. "You need to tell us these things, we can''t help you if you don''t talk to us." She runs her hand through my short, blood-red hair.


    "I know, and I was going to, but you were already having a bad day. And, then we got distracted by the... Magic." I waggle my eyebrows making her laugh.


    "When you say full suite..." Oliver ignores our obvious byplay.


    "Projectiles, blunt force, slashing, stabbing, fire, and freezing or scalding liquids. Plus all the basic elemental Magics, though it would have trouble doing more than just blunting attacks from anyone too high level. Oh, there''s also an air scrubber, and a rune that detects poisons, but that one needs a bit of work."


    Apricot breaks into laughter as Oliver''s mouth hangs open. But Amelia just asks. "Anything else?"


    "Umm... an emergency alert sent to my phone, and some distress beacons, one of which, if I did my math right, I should be able to sense anywhere within several hundred kilometers." I shrug before adding. "Plus a few ideas for last ditch escape methods, but nothing concrete. That''s all, I swear."


    "Oh, baby." She cradles my head against her chest. "I know you just want to protect us, but you can''t control everything."


    "It''s a good thing I don''t need to see to drive this thing, but I really am setting a horrible example for any future drivers." I joke to lighten the mood. And then, after a minute, I whisper. "I know Amelia. I know. I just can''t imagine what I''d do if either of you got hurt." I hug her tight as we approach the palace gates.


    I can tell that Oliver wants to say something, but he holds back and instead signals the guards to let us in. Vivian and Faye standing silently behind him.


    "Just ask already." Apricot says to them in an annoyed tone. "It''s not like he''s going to say no."


    "Could you please make two sets." Vivian pleads with her hand on her daughter''s head. "And, I hate to ask for anything more, but you mentioned armor."


    "Ooh, you gotta break out the ballista again." Apricot hops up and down excitedly. "Please Amelia, let him play with it again." She begs.


    "Oh, fine." She snorts, still cradling my head. "But, I don''t want to be standing right next to it this time. Barrier or no." She pushes me back and stares in my eyes to make sure I understand.


    "Yes, Ma''am." I nod and stop the bus before turning to the Queen and handing her the three armor samples. "Care for a demonstration?"


    "Patrick is still in the training grounds." Oliver adds. "I''m sure he''d love to see this."


    ***

 # 42

    A few minutes later and we''re at a large oval track that doubles as a training field and archery range. Training stops as our arrival is noticed, and General Sauer comes running over.


    "Your Majesty." He bows. "You''re back already. Were there any issues?"


    "Nothing that the Marquis couldn''t deal with." She nods in my direction. "He has some armor samples we wish to see demonstrated. Could you have the range cleared." The general doesn''t even have to say anything before his men all run to the sidelines. "If you would?"


    I send the armor to three targets at the far end of the range, and fashion a longbow from the material leftover when I freed the Rocket from its bus shaped prison.


    "What''s the draw weight on that beast?" The general asks a bit awed.


    "I dunno, a lot?" I answer while lining up my shot. "I''m no archer, so I just went with what felt comfortable." I loose and hit the fabric sample dead center.


    "Babe, you''re doing it again." Amelia says, and I swear I can hear her roll her eyes.


    "That looked faster than most crossbows." Sauer exclaims, so I hand the bow to him. He tries with all his might, but can barely make the string move.


    "Not faster than mine." I retrieve the old one that''s been sitting in my inventory. Using magic to arm it, I take aim for the scalemaille. The shot hits a bit high and to the right, and pings off just like last time I demonstrated for the girls. "You may want to take a step back now." I look to Amelia.


    Once she runs back a good dozen meters, I shake my head in amusement before rebuilding the ballista. Over a meter high without the stand, and several times that in width and length. I load it up with a bolt that is more oversized javelin than arrow.


    "Can, I fire it? Please, please, please." Apricot gloms onto my arm while the castle dwellers just look a bit stunned.


    "Hahahah. Let me re-enforce the target first." A thick stone wall springs up behind the board holding the glass steel hexagon. "Hmm. Barrier! Just in case." I shrug to the castle dwellers. "Okay, sweetie. She''s all lined up, just pull that lever."


    Wham! The bolt slams into the target, only to splinter just like last time. The barrier catches the shrapnel, and the wall stops the excess force, though it does end up cracking. Clearing the dust away, I levitate all three samples back over for the Queen and her general to examine.


    Meanwhile Apricot is giggling like a madwoman while hopping up and down again. "Again, again." She pleads.


    "Sorry, Apricot it''s already taken three hits." I shake my head. "I don''t think that piece can handle a fourth."


    "What about that hunk of iron you grabbed last night? Just set that up." She cajoles.


    "Oh, fine." I give in. "Just one more shot though. Umm... if it''s alright with Your Majesty, that is?" I remember just where we''re standing.


    "Hahaha." Her laughter rings out. "I suppose we could allow another shot or two." She eyes the siege weapon like a tiger eyes a steak.


    "Perhaps you would care to test it yourself?" I offer, and quickly reload it while a couple tonnes of iron rolls over to replace the target.


    "Me too!" Princess Faye shouts. "Please." She grabs her mother''s skirt.


    "Very well." Vivian leads her daughter over and I make a step-ladder so she can reach the lever.


    "Eeeek!" The little girl shrieks as the bolt blasts forward, making a crater in the iron


    "Gods." Several of the soldiers swear. "Look at the size of that divot. How could that little plate stop that much force?" One of them mutters.


    "Are you sure you won''t reconsider making weapons?" The Queen whispers to me when I go to reload the weapon for her.


    "Sorry, Ma''am." I say equally as quiet. "I care more for saving lives, than taking them."


    Once she takes her shot, enlarging the crater even more. Apricot rushes forward to take hers, leaving a hole almost halfway through the thick metal plate. The general then steps forward and asks. "Is this how you fought off the Cendassans?"


    "There wasn''t a fight, not really." I say with a wry smile. "Just Her Majesty scolding some misbehaving children."


    "Could you display it? Large enough for the men to see?" Oliver asks. "No naughty bits of course." He adds after glancing at the Princess.


    "I thought you might ask." I nod and create a drive-in sized screen to display a movie I edited in my head last night.


    The movie starts with a larger than life view of the Queen sitting in her throne, her face serene as the sounds of the invaders lining up fill the background. The Sun rises behind her, causing the chair to reflect a golden glow onto her skin. The sounds still, and the view pulls out to show the Cendassan army frozen in place, painted by the colored light of her crest.


    A young man with dark red hair kneels beside her as the enemy general finally finds his wits and orders an attack. Only for his face to pale as the archer''s weapons melt in their hands. The ''camera'' zooms back in on her as she nods and says two words.


    After the man rises and bows, the view swings around to watch from over the Queen''s shoulder, as he walks down stairs that don''t exist. Once standing on the bridge he speaks two sentences and starts walking towards the shouting general.


    The enemy troops fall back from him as their weapons, equipment, and clothing vanish. All unmentionables covered by discrete black bars, to protect the Princess'' delicate sensibilities.


    The view swings around to look up at Queen Vivian as three people are brought to grovel in the dirt before her. The young man kneels again, saluting before being commanded to rise. He then walks off frame as the Queen scolds a miserable wretch for reaching beyond her station.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    The scene ends as the wretch is allowed to flee, tears and snot flying off of her face as her army breaks around her.


    The training grounds erupts into cheers at this point; everyone present turns to face the Queen from the movie as she''s covered once again in a golden glow. Then, following the young man''s example, they all kneel and salute her, fist to chest.


    "Mommy! You''re in a movie!" The princess'' exclamation breaks the spell.


    "Hahaha. Yes I was dear heart." She laughs and picks up her daughter. "Thank you, everyone. Please rise. And, thank you Sorrel." She says to me personally. "That was quite well done."


    "Could we-" Oliver starts to say before I hand him a crate with a dozen projectors, each pre-loaded with the movie. "Hah!" he barks out a laugh.


    ***


    We''re just getting in the car, about to leave when Oliver calls and asks us to wait a minute. He comes walking out of the castle with a thick portfolio in his hands. "I just got word. The lots you wanted in that neighborhood have all been cleared out and your can move in any time you want."


    I open the folio to find a bunch of filled out paperwork, and a map on top with four lots circled at the end of a block. They''re all next to each other, side to side and back to back. I raise my eyebrow at the smirking Mage.


    "Consider it a wedding gift from Her Majesty. She couldn''t have her newest Count, now Marquis, living in some tiny home." She chuckles.


    "Well, Please thank Her for the three of us." I nod at him. "The extra space will actually work out well for the design I''ve been toying with."


    "Ooh, show us." "Yeah, show us." The girls plead.


    "Nuh uh. I wag my finger at them. "You gotta wait until we get there. I want it to be a surprise."


    "Then, what are you waiting for? Get in the car already." Apricot jumps behind the wheel, and revs the engine.


    "Hahaha." Oliver laughs again. "You three have fun, I can''t wait to see what you make this time." He waves as Amelia drags me into the car.


    One very short drive later, and we''re parked outside our soon to be home. "How long will it take to build?" Apricot asks. "I wanna see it now!"


    "Oh, it''s kinda big. Might take a while." I tease, causing them both to pout. "Oh, okay. I guess I can show you the model I built." Pulling it from my inventory, I hold it up for them to see.


    Three bonsai apricot trees grown together into one, their thick trunks twist around each other as they curl protectively around a three story house. The first of the three trunks branches off to the left just above the roof of the house. The second goes to the right, a step higher, and the third in the middle peaks at almost three times the height of the house.


    And, while they look like regular branches from the sides and below, they actually contain small ponds. Twin waterfalls flowing from the top branch down to the other two.


    The building is based on Colorado''s Elk Island Ranch, with its wrap around second story patio deck supported by stone pillars. The log walls are made from white pine that I twisted and compressed to modify it just like my favorite cherry wood.


    I had to piece together the floor plan from the few images I once saw online. So, while it''s not exact, I think it''s a decent re-imagining. And, it certainly captures that rustic, yet elegant, natural wood and stone construction.


    "Oh, Sorrel." Amelia clasps her hands in front of her mouth. "It''s beautiful. When did you make this?" She lifts it up to examine what will be our home from all sides.


    "Been working on it here and there." I say with a shrug. "I wanted to surprise you two, and I couldn''t think of anything more suitable for the three of us."


    "It''s perfect." Apricot kisses me before shrinking down to go inside. Of course I made it scaled just for her.


    "Hey, no fair." Amelia pouts. "You gotta wait until he makes the real thing." She looks like she wants to shake Apricot out of it.


    "Oh, you''ve got to see this staircase. This place is awesome!" The pixie teases her wife.


    "Sorrel!" Amelia whines. "Hurry up and build it. Please. Apricot''s cheating."


    "Yes, Ma''am." I whip out my staff, and the old homes melt away with a wave. I then toss out handfulls of pine seeds and three apricot pits into the lot. "Luckily we''re on the North end of the block here, so I don''t have to worry about casting our neighbors in shadow."


    Hundreds of pine trees sprout up next, each getting the same modification to strengthen them as the original cherry wood tree I made for out wagon months ago. They then fall and flow into the shape of our new home as stone drags itself from the ground to coat the first floor exterior, along with the chimneys, patio pillars, kitchens and bathrooms.


    Once the walls, floors, and ceiling are all completed, I infuse the exterior of the house with pitch to darken and protect it. Meanwhile the inside get polished with linseed oil. Tossing out a crate of silica, it is quickly formed into tempered glass windows. While a large chunk of the iron I acquired yesterday becomes blackened steel to coat the roof.


    Easy part done, I sit cross legged with my staff in my lap and spread a circle of Mana Stones around me, my wives waiting eagerly just outside the circle. I push my magic out into the apricot pits, strengthening and re-enforcing the trees as they grow up much higher and wider than they ever could have without magic.


    I compress and twist the heart wood as it grows, and modify the xylem and phloem to more easily move water and nutrients up and down the nearly fifty meter height. I go slowly to make sure I get everything just right, taking just under ten minutes to grow the whole thing.


    "Damn, babe!" Amelia breathes out. "I knew it would be big, but that''s something else. The trunk must be a good ten meters at the base."


    I reach back and take her hand while forming and filling the ponds. The waterfalls start flowing a moment later. The cascade misting out to create rainbows in the morning sun.


    "Ooh, pretty." Amelia coos.


    "Eee!" Apricot squees. "It''s perfect, I love it."


    "You really outdid yourself here." Amelia agrees.


    "Oh, I''m not done yet." I give her a wicked smile. "There''s just one tiny last thing to take care of." I start drawing on the Stones around me, channeling their power into the tree.


    "Uh, babe." Amelia says a little fearfully. "What are you doing?"


    "I''m making a true home for our future family." I look at apricot. "I don''t know if our children will need a mana well or not. So, I''m making one." I say, daring the heavens to stop me.


    "Can you even do that?" Her eyes go wide.


    "I got a real good look at just what Co was doing when we passed through on the road trip." I explain with fire in my eyes. "And, I''m going to use what I learned to turn our little sapling into a Mana Well." I turn back around and start floating upwards, the Mana stones coiling about me.


    ""Oh shit!"" The girls mutter in sync, but I''m already too deep in the Magic to care.


    There''s no way to truly describe what I''m doing, the closest analogy would be like how enchanting uses Runescript to alter mana flows to recreate spell. Instead I am changing the tree to alter reality itself in order to generate mana. By tying those alterations into the tree''s very life-force and essence, the effect will last as long as the tree does.


    Several *Dings* notify me that Control is getting ever closer to Mastery, it''s already gone up faster this week than I had dared hope for. Now, it seems that what I''m attempting may be just enough to push me over the edge.


    This is dangerous and draining work, but if a fucking rock can do this shit. Then. So. Can. I! The underpinnings of reality seem to shudder for a moment before snapping back into place, forever altered.


    *DDDDDIIIIIINNNNNGGGGGG* A shocked tone vibrates the very air around me.


    -You gave gained the Title: Alterer of Reality. Nothing is beyond your grasp.-


    *DDDDDIIIIIINNNNNGGGGGG* It rings out again.


    -You have gained the Title: Impossible Existence. You have done that which only the gods should be able to do.-


    *Ding* A tone more normal in volume, this time. But, seemingly filled with glee.


    -You have learned the skill Sourcemaking. It has no level because you should not have been able to learn it, you crazy fuck! Hahahah! Keep up the good work. -Temmie-


    *Ding*


    -Mana Control has evolved into Mana Mastery-


    *Ding**Ding**Ding*


    -You are now level seven.-


    *Ding**Ding**Ding*


    -You are now level eight.-


    *Ding**Ding**Ding*


    -You are now level nine.-


    *Ding**Ding**Ding*


    -You are now level ten.-


    *Ding**Ding**Ding*


    -You are now level eleven.-


    *Ding**Ding**Ding*


    -You are now level twelve.-


    "Thanks Temmie, you''re a doll." I manage to mutter as I drift back to the ground and promptly fall unconscious.


    ***

 # 43

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH A booming laugh echoes out over a formless void.


    ''oh shit!'' I think to my self.


    "Don''t worry, you''re not dead." Voice Guy says. "Temmie''s letting me piggyback on her connection. I just had to give you props, man. That was pretty fucking awesome." I sense him giving me the ''not bad'' face. "I''m digging the nuclear powered magic too. You''re really going to make some waves."


    ''fucking hell.'' I sigh without breath. ''i just wanted a home for my family. sure as fuck wasn''t expecting those titles, or six fucking levels in one go.''


    *Oh, quit whining* System-chan speaks directly into my mind.


    ''hey temmie, nice to finally hear your voice... sorta.'' I shrug my non-existent shoulders. ''i gotta ask, did this put a target on my back? you know, with the assholes, as veegee calls them?''


    *Nah, you got lucky, this time; just don''t go trying that shit again. Larendath was formed around a dungeon, I just made it look like shards of the old core were already activated by the increased Mana from Co. And you growing that mother of all apricot trees gave them something to latch onto and naturally form into a mana well. The Assholes don''t really pay much attention to that part of the world, so they won''t look into it very closely.*


    ''thanks, i owe you one. seriously, anything i can do for you just ask.''


    *Don''t go thanking me yet. I''m sorry, but I gotta nerf ya. Somebody should never have let you min-max like that.* I feel that she''s giving Voice Guy a nasty look. *You can keep the learning bonuses, but I gotta fix those stats. So, even though you leveled six times, they didn''t raise at all. And, from now on they''ll grow like a normal human, even though you''re not. Best I can do. And, where do you think I got the juice for Apricot''s skill from?*


    ''wow, thank you for that. and hey, i''m still far ahead of where most twelves would be, so i got no complaints. i did still get the boost to my mana pool and stuff, right?''


    *Yeah, no worries there.*


    "Alright dude, you''re gonna wake up soon. Just remember. Anyone asks..."


    ''he sent me, i remember. even though i have no idea who he is, or who you are, for that matter.''


    "Can''t say what you don''t know, man." I feel him smirking at me.


    *Time to wake up Sorrel, your girls are worried about you. If anyone asks about the Mana Well, just give them the core shard excuse. Say it got pulled into the tree''s roots when you were throwing your magic around.*


    ''got it, and thanks again.''


    "Later dude, stay interesting."


    ***


    The void fades away and I feel myself laying on something soft.


    "Sorrel, baby." I hear Amelia''s voice through the pounding in my ears. "Are you okay? you passed out there for a minute."


    "Nng." I groan. "Headache."


    "What happened?" Apricot asks, shocked. "Well, I know what happened, you fucking did it. But, what fucking happened!"


    "Shh." I creak open an eyelid to look at her. "Had a talk with Temmie and Voice Guy during my little nap. What I did was supposed to be impossible, so she said to tell anyone that asks that the tree picked up a shard of the old core under the city and formed a well spontaneously on its own. She also lowered my stat growth to what a normal human would have; said VeeGee screwed up letting me set everything on my own, and that my growth was too high. I''m level twelve now too, but aside from my Mana, inventory and what-not growing, nothing changed. But, doing that was what let her give you your gift."


    "Well, shit. We already knew you were impossible, this just proves it. And, thank you again Temmie. Best gift ever."


    "Mmm, got a Title and everything." I smile as the pain starts to fade. "You are officially married to an Impossible Existence."


    "Snerk!" Amelia snorts. "Oh, that is so you." She bends over and kisses my forehead.


    "Not that I''m not enjoying the lap pillow, but maybe we could take this inside? Our new neighbors are watching." I carefully sit up.


    "Gee, I wonder why." Her voice drips with sarcasm.


    "Oh, you love it when he goes overboard like this, and you know it." Apricot defends me. "I''m all for heading inside, though. The place needs decorating, and I think we should start with the master bedroom." She smirks over her shoulder before flouncing inside.


    ***


    We''re soaking in the tub afterwards when Apricot asks. "So, what''s next?"


    "Not a damned thing." I answer vehemently. "Oh sure, we still need to decorate the house and garden. But, other than that. I don''t want to do anything for at least a week."


    "Now, that sounds like a plan." Amelia burbles from underwater, her head fully submerged. Being a Water Mage has its advantages.


    "Maybe you could work on the games too?" The pixie shrinks down to float on her back in the steamy water. "Getting kinda bored of Breakout."


    "Do something to make my girls happy? Do you even have to ask?" I make her twirl around in the water. "Now that I''m not being run ragged trying to single-handedly save the country, I can finally get back to focusing on what''s important." I cast Ensmallen, the reverse of Embiggen, on myself and swim over to her in my newly conjured body.


    "This is new." She seems happy at the surprise. "How long can you hold it for?"


    "With my new upgrade to Mastery, and sitting just meters from a Mana Well." I smile at her and lick my lips. "As long as you want."


    "You finally got it?" Amelia surfaces and peers down at us. "You look cute with wings. Are those flower petals? What am I saying, of course they are." She laughs. "Can you do me too?"


    "Oh, babe. I can do you anytime you want." I chuckle wickedly and shrink her down to match us. Taking inspiration from mythology and one of my favorite cartoons, I give her angel wings made from water.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    "Ooh, pretty." Apricot coos, and swims over to examine the pixified Water Mage. "I love them. I love you." She looks back at me with tears of happiness in her eyes. "Thank you so much for making this possible."


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    "Anything for you." I join them in a hug. "Now, how about we go mountain climbing?" I turn my gaze to Amelia''s full size body that''s floating on it''s back, her large, perky breasts soaring above the water like twin islands. "Or, perhaps there''s an underwater cave you''d prefer to explore?"


    "Eek!" Amelia squees. "Don''t you dare."


    "Dare what?" I ask, a cherub-like innocence covering my face. "Dare to change the spell so that you can feel sensations from both bodies at once?" Her eyes widen. "Dare to make it so that we don''t need to breathe air, just like real pixies?" A pant of excitement and a just bit of fear escapes her rose colored lips. "Or, did you mean? Dare to distract you while Apricot makes a bee-line for your nipple?" I lean down and start sucking on the same breast as soon as Apricot latches onto its full size swollen nub.


    "Nnh." She moans and grabs my hair. "Oh, gods. Is this what it was like when you shapeshifted part of you into a small copy for her?" She starts shaking in the water and moans escape from her mouth with every breath. "Ahn! Oh, fuck. Ung. I thought the bond was intense. Haah, ohhhhh yes." Her back arches involuntarily as the orgasms slams into her.


    Slowly easing up on her breast as she goes limp, I pull her into a princess carry and use my new found wings to deliver us to an equally spent pixie.


    "Fuck me Sorrel." The foul mouthed thing says as her body shivers in the aftermath of magically shared orgasm. "Next time you have to try the same on my size-shifted self." She grins before licking her lips. "But, right now. I think there''s a cave we need to explore. Come on, Amelia. It''s time for you to go fuck yourself."


    "Oh, gods." The blonde pales at the thought of what''s about to happen as we each grab an arm to carry her under water.


    "Spread her legs open." Apricot commands me.


    I do one better and command my full sized body to pull her onto its lap, towering cock sliding into her. Its hand peeling back her hood in preparation for what the pixie has in mind.


    "Look at that sweet little pink bud, Amelia. Time for you to find out first hand why I like doing this so much." The orange haired beast guides her lover to mount her own clitoris. Pushing her down onto it as my body buries itself deeper into hers.


    "Fffffffffuuuuuuuuccccccccccckkkkkkkkkkkk!!!!!!" Amelia screams as the double sensations overwhelm her. Her violent shaking throwing her out of the pixie''s grasp as the bond-shared climax weakens Apricot''s grip.


    This doesn''t save Amelia though. I grab her and take her from behind, thrusting in counterpoint to my body''s motions. In when it goes out, out when it goes in, never letting up. I use my wings to push us down onto Apricot, holding us there so that Amelia''s thigh grinds against her center with every thrust.


    Both of them are quivering messes by the time I feel my own orgasm build, long past words or deliberate movements. I may have cheated a bit and made it so that only she would have to deal with the double sensations. Pumping faster and faster as I get closer, I feel her tightening around me once more and bury myself deep into her with one last thrust.


    All three of us moaning and gasping as as a we''re rocked by simultaneous orgasms. This last one was finally too much for Amelia and I feel her body go limp as her consciousness fades. I slide out of her and let the spell fade, commanding my body to carry her to bed.


    Eyeing the still barely conscious pixie, I decide to go two for two. Her eyes widen as my still, rock hard cock presses up against her opening. "Oh, fuck." is all she can mutter as I drive my length into her, causing her overly-sensitive frame to shake and shiver once again.


    ***


    "You are fucking evil." I hear a few hours later when Amelia finally comes back to the land of the living. Her head propped up to look at me from where she''s laying on the bed.


    "Don''t ever change." Apricot adds, waking up in her wife''s cleavage, where I laid the pixie after I finished fucking her unconscious.


    "Seriously." Amelia giggles. "That was not fair. Not fair at all." She says, but her smile and the look in her eyes tell me that wouldn''t have it any other way.


    "At least you passed out first." Apricot counters. "He took me twice more after you did, before I finally joined you. Ugh, I''m still sore." She presses her hand between her legs. "But, damn if it wasn''t worth it. He hasn''t been able to fuck me out cold like that since our first night together."


    "Good thing she did too." I laugh. "Doubling up that spell took it out of me, I almost dropped it at the end there. Gonna need some practice and maybe a few more levels before we can make that a regular thing. Woo." I breathe out at the memory of it.


    "Oh, no you don''t." Amelia wags her finger at me. "You''re already at twelve, no leveling until we catch up."


    "Uh huh, and I''m sure that has nothing to do with you not wanting to go insane from sexual overload?" I say, and Apricot barks out a laugh.


    "Laugh it up pixie." Amelia glares at the tiny woman on her chest. "Just you wait until I turn the tables on you."


    "Mmm." She purrs. "I''m counting on it." She pauses for a second. "Just, you know. Maybe wait until I can actually walk again." The pixie groans as she tries to get to her feet. "Fuck. Even flying hurts." She drifts wobbly in my direction.


    "Ha." Amelia lets her scorn out in one short laugh. "Serves you right."


    "No fighting you two, and you stay away from that. It''s not done yet." I try to block her from my latest project.


    "Hey, I know that setup, that''s another game isn''t it?" Apricot forgets about her pain and loops around my hand to get a closer look. "How much longer will it take you to finish?"


    "Not much, I''m actually just finishing up the two player mode now. Or, I would be if a certain naked pixie butt wasn''t getting in my way."


    "Sorry." She flies up and lands on my shoulder. "It''s not just another upgrade to breakout is it?"


    "Nope, it''s called *Tetris* which doesn''t really translate or sound right. So, I''m just calling it Blockout; it sounds like Breakout, and that was the name of a weird *Tetris* copy." I explain while putting the case together. It''s modeled after an original Gameboy, of course. "I made this one handheld as well as regular screen mode." I flip it to projector mode, before flicking the power switch.


    Korobeiniki starts playing and the top of Saint Basil''s Cathedral can be seen against a starry night sky, it''s not just a blurry green mess either. I know how to store images now, so everything looks a bit more polished. Well, as polished as Tetris can get. I only wish I could have kept in those stupid old rocket launches, but I didn''t want Apricot to think I was teasing her.


    "Looks good, didn''t explode. I think it works." I smile and duplicate it with a thought. "Who wants to get their butt kicked first?"


    "You already did enough to us for one day, maybe you could just show us how to play?" Amelia says with a wry smile as she lays naked on the bed.


    I start a one player game, and walk them through how to play. "It''s pretty easy, there''s seven different blocks and you have to make them line up in rows to get points." I complete a single line clear to demonstrate. "More lines cleared at once equals more points. Up rotates the blocks, left and right move it, and down makes it fall faster. Battle mode is a race which also lets you mess with the other person''s well."


    "Can I still use my joystick?" Apricot asks.


    "Of course, and you can use them to do two player on one machine." I toss one to Amelia and set the other down for Apricot. "I should be able to pixie size these things soon too. Mastery seems to come with some very nice bonuses. Like this for example." I levitate up a Mana Gem the size of a poppy seed that can hold more than a large Mana Stone.


    "Yeah, yeah. Quit bragging." She says with a proud smile, showing me that she''s just teasing. "Now get ready to watch me kick some butt."


    Two minutes later and... "Quit cheating." Apricot whines. "Sorrel, your game is broken. I''m clearing lines faster, but she keeps sending stuff to my side making me lose."


    "Have you tried clearing more than one line at a time?" I resist the urge to roll my eyes.


    "What?" Amelia says in mock startlement. "You mean there''s strategy in this game? I never would have figured that out."


    "Better watch yourself Apricot, I think she might still be a little mad." I laugh.


    "Don''t go thinking you''re off the hook either, mister." She says while clearing another four lines, and winning the match.


    "What''s that?" I look off into the distance. "Mittens is being attacked by a hawk, I''d better go save him."


    "He''s not really, is he?" She says worried. "Don''t tease about that, he''s such a danger magnet."


    I actually look into the distance to check on him for real this time. "No, he''s fine. But, it does look like that one dog tried for him a couple more times."


    "Hah! I won." Apricot crows.


    "No fair, Sorrel distracted me." She gives me a stink eye. "Darn it, I miss Mittens now. Let''s go get him."


    "Nnh. No more naked video game time?" I pout. "Should''ve kept my mouth shut."


    ***

 # 44

    "Mittens!" Amelia rushes to scoop him up, completely ignoring her parents.


    "And, straight for the cleavage." I sigh. "What are you going to do when he gets too big to fit in there?"


    "Oh, hush. I missed my little guy." She doesn''t even look up from petting him to talk to me.


    "I thought I was your little guy." I Ensmallen and fly over to land on Mittens'' head, getting a confused look from him and a riotous bark of laughter from Apricot. "Did you miss your mommy, or just her boobies?" I had to dodge a swat from Amelia after that, so I just let the spell fade.


    "New spell?" Turner says with an amused smile.


    "More a modification of the one I used to use on Apricot." I shrug. "Sorry, we''re so late. There were some... complications with the new house, and I ended up passing out for a bit." I decide to start spreading the cover story.


    "You mean the giant tree that everyone would be talking about? That is, if they weren''t too caught up with news about Her Majesty''s victory against Cendassa thanks to a certain Marquis." Kaitlyn gives Amelia one of those disappointed mother looks while stressing my new title. "It seems somebody forgot to mention that part when she called home."


    "Sorry Mom." Her daughter puts on an apologetic face, but doesn''t quit petting the cat. "Honestly, it slipped my mind. Sorrel was still unconscious when I called after the battle, and I guess it hadn''t really set in yet."


    "Never mind that." Turner steps in. "I want to know when we can see the new place."


    "Right now, if you can take the rest of the day off." I answer. "We just need to swing by your place first to pick up all of our junk."


    "Oh, my baby''s moving out." The realization seems hit her mother all at once, causing Amelia to give me a pleading look.


    "There''s more than enough room at the new place, we''d be happy to have you guys stay with us." I offer.


    "We couldn''t intrude..." Kaitlyn says, looking a bit torn.


    "There''s almost a thousand square meters of living space." I laugh. "Please, it will be too empty without more people living in it. I know it''s a bit farther away from here than your house, but I can make you a car or some other form of transport." I say, thinking of a few ideas I''d like to try out now that I''m not in a rush.


    "Please." Amelia begs.


    "Just say yes, Katey. You know you want to." Turner puts his arm around his wife.


    "Yay!" Amelia rushes forward and hugs her parents. Poor Mittens getting squished in the process. "Sorry baby." She coos to the kitten after he meows.


    Her mom gets a glint in her eye at that word, but doesn''t say anything about it. "We can go now." Turner says "There''s no more appointments for the day, and aren''t likely to be any walk-ins with your movie players set up around the city."


    "We''re trying to win a war without having to fight" I shrug again. "If that means spreading a little propaganda, then I''m fine with that."


    "Mind showing us what happened?" He asks. "We haven''t had a chance to go see one yet."


    I startup a playback for them, and seeing the workers stopping to pay attention, I make it large enough for everyone to see. Their reactions are funny to watch, from oohs and ahhs to gasps and giggle, with plenty of cheering for us and jeering at the Cendassans. It seems my editing skills made the grade.


    "Oh my!" Kaitlyn holds her hands in front of her mouth. "I knew you were powerful, but that..."


    "Anything to keep my girls safe." I hug Amelia from behind, my head resting next to Apricot where she''s sitting on top of her head.


    ***


    We''re just leaving the warehouse when a familiar face pops out of a carriage. "Charlie!" Turner calls out to his long-time friend. "Great timing, another minute and you would have missed us."


    "Just got into town and the first thing I saw was Sorrel humiliating an army." He says looking at me in awe. "So, I let my men take care of the wagons, and grabbed the first carriage I could find to bring me here. Just what happened while I was away?"


    "Hop in." I point to the Rocket. "I''ll tell you while we drive. See, it all started with that damned dungeon..." I tell the tale of how I went from political pawn to savior of a city while he sits there with a slack-jawed face. "We got back this morning, and now we''re going to get our stuff, so we can move into the new place." I conclude as we pull onto the Rialta''s street.


    "New place?" He finally manages after a moment. "Let me guess." He looks off at the top of the tree that''s visible in the distance.


    "Got it in one, Uncle Charlie." Amelia laughs. "Just wait ''til you see the house he made."


    "I thought about making it a living tree house." I confess. "But, it would have needed to be even larger than it already is. Maybe when we build a home in Arcadia. Though, I''ll be sure to check the ground for shattered dungeon cores next time."


    "Huh?" He looks confused.


    "Is this that complication you were talking about?" Asks Turner.


    "Yeah, seems that the City was founded around an ancient dungeon, and when I was putting the finishing touches on the tree it somehow turned into a Mana Well." Definitely not because I forced reality to bend to my will, nope not at all. "My magic was connected to the tree at the time and I ended up floating off the ground for a minute before passing out." I say only the truth, but lie all the same.


    "Oh goodness, are you alright?" Kaitlyn says, her voice full of worry.


    "I''m fine, better than fine really." I smile at her. "Going through all that actually gave me some excellent gains. As if living next to a Mana Well wasn''t enough." I chuckle as we pull into the yard.


    It''s only a matter of minutes to pack up the house. My inventory slots doubled in number and, even though they stopped growing larger after reaching one cubic meter in volume, I can now carry almost ten times as much as I could at level six. ''Thank you Temmie-chan.''


    The drive to our new home is filled with the merchants talking shop, speculating on what a potential war might do to the markets. They''re so caught up in their discussion that none of them notice we''ve arrived until I stop the car.


    "Wow!" Kaitlyn is the first one to speak.


    "Just wait until I plant the garden." I say with a smirk. "I plan to stick with the oversized theme, making it look like we''re all pixie sized."


    "Oh, Sorrel." Apricot shifts and tries to crush me in a hug. "I can''t wait."


    "Heh, we should probably unpack first." I rub her back. "The house is kinda barren right now."


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "Fine, but then you gotta do the garden." She pouts.


    "Now you three getting married makes a lot more sense." Charlie says with a chuckle.


    "Charlie!" Kaitlyn elbows him, but he just starts laughing harder.


    I give the three of them the grand tour, and Amelia''s parents pick out a bed room on the other side of the house from ours. I get their room set up for them when Charlie says that he needs to get back to his caravan. Just when I''m using a spell to hail a carriage for him, another much fancier one rolls up outside.


    "Hey, Oliver." I wave to the Court Wizard. "You felt it at the castle already?"


    "How?" He mouths the word but no sound comes out.


    "Let''s just say I would''ve been more careful where the roots went if I knew the City was built on the remains of a dungeon." I shrug and invite him in while Charlie leaves with a smile on his face.


    "Do you know what this means?" The old Mage asks.


    "That I should warn my neighbors that a bunch of mages are going to try to buy their homes?" I joke. "Seriously, though. The dungeon is already bringing magic back to Larendath, something like this was bound to happen sooner or later." I guide us to a sitting room and build some furniture for it. "Come on in, have a seat."


    "Exactly what happened?" He questions after plopping down on a chair, his senses still glued to the tree.


    "Well, I was just finishing up..." I spin the same story for him as I told on the car ride earlier. "So, I had a quick nap and woke up to this. I''m not gonna complain though."


    "Nor will any of the Mages in the Capital, my boy." He lets out a deep belly laugh. "You weren''t wrong about all of them wanting to move next door either. If I didn''t live in the Castle, I would too."


    "This better not mess up the neighborhood." Amelia grumps.


    "It should be fine." I soothe her. "The quality of the shops might improve, but that should be the worst of it."


    "Might be a bit more drastic than that, but I''ll spread word that the Marchioness likes the area as it is." Oliver chuckles. "That should keep the changes to a minimum."


    "Mhm. Thank you." She nods mollified.


    "You''re very welcome. I need to inform her majesty, and talk to Stanwood." He hops up. "Can''t wait to see what you do next Sorrel."


    "That would be the garden." I say while directing a smile towards Apricot.


    "Hah! Spoken like a true Nature Mage. I''ll leave you to it then." He practically skips out the door.


    "You are far too good at lying with the truth." Amelia shakes her head after he leaves.


    "I can''t be the only Mage who''s developed a way to detect when someone is lying." I defend myself. "That, and I just don''t like lying in the first place."


    "Who cares about that, I just want my garden." Apricot says in a pleading tone.


    "Just give me a minute." A puzzled look crosses my face. "Did one of you pick up my staff earlier, I kinda forgot about it."


    "I didn''t see it, I was too focused on you. Did you, Apricot?"


    "No, too worried about Sorrel to notice anything else."


    I send my senses out looking for it. "Huh, it''s in the tree." I tilt my head to one side. "Damned thing has a mind of its own, looks like it''s trying to copy what I did earlier. Just like how it copied what I did to make the wagon wood."


    "Really, do you think it''ll work?" Amelia''s eyes widen.


    "No idea, but I''m happy to let it try. Don''t really need it for this, it''ll just take me a bit longer." I start filling the house with furniture and decorations, keeping it simple but tasteful.


    "Mmm, Garden now." The pixie lands on my head once I finish.


    "Yes, Ma''am." I say and lead us around the left side of the house.


    Looking up, I will the pond on the branch to spill over. Forming a pool on the ground, I extend it to the back corner of the property. There I raise hexagonal columns of stone, reminiscent of the Giant''s Causeway, only made from granite instead of basalt. I bring them up into a small hill, before hollowing it out to make a deep grotto.


    "Oh, baby." Amelia hugs me. "It''s wonderful."


    Cattails then shoot up from behind the pond, towering tens of meters into the air. The pond fills with over-sized water plants, including one massive water lily the size of our bed. Meanwhile a thick carpet of moss spreads out to cover the yard.


    It takes until almost sunset before I''m satisfied with how everything looks. Taking the girls in my arms, I fly us up above the city to look down on the yard. From this angle it looks like a normal tree, and lush flower garden next to a small pond. The area around our house being the only open space, as I made it look like it''s sitting on a flat stone.


    "I love it." Apricot kisses me.


    "It looks so normal from up here, like someone left a dollhouse in their garden." Amelia hugs me tight, her fear of heights mostly, but not completely overcome by the perspective. "Look you can see Mittens." She points to the statue I made of him playing in the flowers, just one of the many hidden secrets I put in.


    "I like the mushroom houses, those were cute." Apricot point to where they''re just barely visible, mushrooms like shade after all. "That, and how the moss glows when you step on it."


    "I still want to add more stuff like that, make the whole place as magical as possible." I explain and bring us down before it gets to much for Amelia. "Even some gigantic insect golems."


    "No spiders!" Amelia says as soon as our feet touch the ground.


    Landing next to the front entrance I guide the car into an underground parking area. The opening of which looks like a massive fallen tree from this angle, but a mere mossy branch half buried in the dirt from above.


    "I was thinking more along the lines of butterflies, moths, ladybugs, and other cute stuff like that." I pause for a moment. "Although, a spider as a guard dog would be pretty badass."


    "No spiders! Period!" She gets right up in my face. "Understood?"


    "Yes, Ma''am!" I kiss her on the nose. "Shall we go make dinner? We kinda skipped lunch."


    "Yes, please" Apricot makes a bee-line for the house. We follow her and are almost at the door when she comes running back out to tackle me with a hug. "Oh you sneaky little shit. I love it." She plasters me with kisses.


    Amelia looks at me questioningly, but I just smile and carry the pixie inside as she molests me. I then take us to the spiral staircase, in front of which sits the bonsai copy of the house and tree. Now, fully updated to match the over-sized real-life version.


    "Oh, Babe." Amelia joins in on the assault.


    ***

 # 45

    "What are you giggling about?" Amelia asks, looking up from her book. "I thought you were working on that thing for the Queen."


    "Some boys just dared each other to explore the yard, it took them all of two minutes to get hopelessly lost." I project an image of four kids huddled together as they try to find their way out. "I''ve been messing with them, lights in the corner of their eyes, sounds that only one of them can hear, stuff like that. I was just about to have them meet a grasshopper." Giggles escape from my lips again.


    "Look, they''re headed towards Mega-Mittens, you gotta do something with that." Apricot dropped her game to fly over and see what was going on.


    "Heheh. You two are so mean." Amelia shakes her head but doesn''t stop watching.


    "They see him. Yeah it''s just a statue guys, you can relax." I taunt their unknowing forms. Then, once their shoulders sag in relief. The statue turns its head to stare at them while licking it''s lips.


    """"AAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!"""" Their screams can be heard from all the way in the house.


    ""Hahahahah!"" Apricot and I laugh our heads off, even Amelia grins while letting out a couple low chuckles.


    "Alright, you''ve had your fun. Time to let them go." She returns to her book, and I open a path for them to escape.


    "Oh, that was good." Apricot sigh in contentment. "Can''t wait until you get those golems set up. Just imagine people¡¯s faces when they see meters long dragonflies buzzing around the cattails."


    "That''s why I want to get these defensive charms out of the way first." I nod at her. "So that I only have to worry about the stuff that I want to worry about."


    "How''s it going? You''ve been working on it for most of the day." She leans over and peers at my worktable. "Well, I see you''ve cracked the miniaturization problem." She shrinks down to get a closer look. "Gods damn Sorrel, this is beautiful work."


    "It''s all thanks to Mana Mastery." I say humbly. "I can now directly adjust a materials Mana conductivity. I can even make due with cheaper materials, and don''t need all that expensive stuff that''s been slowly infused over years or decades, anymore. Though, I did use it in this case because I''m sure Oliver will want have it checked out." I avoid using Deluca''s name, but the pixie still wrinkles her nose in distaste.


    "It looks like you''re almost done." She finishes tracing out all the enchantments, and looks up at me.


    "Yeah, just making a few last adjustments, then I need to mount it all." I project an image of a triple layer necklace in the air. "I''m thinking this for the Queen, and either a broach or charm bracelet for Faye."


    "Shit!" She swears. "Amelia, get over here. Sorrel''s been holding out on us." She beckons our lover over.


    "How beautiful." She leans over to get a better look at the necklace.


    A simple gold chain, the top layer is round with five evenly space Mana Gems made to look like clear diamonds. Each separated by three smaller black ''diamonds''. The second row is pulled to a ''V'' at the collarbone by a copy of the Royal Seal. The last layer is pulled down to settle just inside the cleavage by a teardrop cameo of The Queens'' dancer tattoo. Both the Seal and cameo are also done in Mana Gems.


    "She''ll love it. But, why haven''t you made us any jewelry?" She plays at being offended.


    "Oh shit! I never even gave you wedding bands." I exclaim. And then, at their confused looks. I think back and realize that people don''t seem to follow that particular custom here. "Old tradition from Dirt." I explain. "Couples would give each other matching rings at their weddings, then wear them on the third finger of their left hand. There''s also engagement rings, but those were typically just for women."


    "Me want." Apricot growls.


    "Me too." Amelia adds.


    "Well, I''ve been wanting to push myself down to the atomic scale." I grin. "Time to make some diamonds. This... may take a minute." I pull out some graphite and quickly lose myself to the magic.


    Mastery makes it almost easy to work with single atoms, easy but not fast, it still takes a few attempts to find the right lattice shape. Once I have it down; I make three large, perfectly clear diamonds. This is where it really gets tedious, I need to make thousands of minute changes to the regular lattice in order to produce the colors I''m looking for.


    I have no idea how long it took me, but I finally have a deep ocean blue, a forest green, and an apricot orange. Now, that I know what they look like, I can shape them into the rings I have in mind.


    Starting with their engagement rings, I twist the three diamonds into a tight spiral around each other. Coating them with a clear Mana Gem, I then enchant the rings for durability. Diamond may be hard, but it is also fragile.


    Coming out of the magical zone, I look up to see my lovely wives staring at me with tears in the corner of their eyes. Taking a knee, I hold the rings up and say. "Will you marry me?" When they nod, I use magic to slide them onto their fingers at the same time.


    "Oh, Sorrel. They''re perfect." Amelia manages to say, but Apricot seems to have lost her voice. She''s just sitting on Amelia''s shoulder, staring at her finger.


    "That''s just your engagement ring." I smile up at them, and fashion three gold bands with raised edges.


    Between those edges I lay down a layer of black diamond, one of the many colors that I was able to come up with during my experimentation. On top of that layer I braid our three colors together. I also add copies of their spiraled engagement rings next to my ring''s braid. Before coating all three in Mana Gem, and once again enchanting them for durability.


    Sending the rings to their fingers, I can only say. "I will always love you."


    Apricot shifts to human size before taking Amelia''s hand and working together to place the last ring on my finger. ""We will always love you.""


    ***


    "Oliver." I answer the phone in good cheer. "Good timing, I was just finishing the last round of testing for those defense Runes." A smile can be heard in my voice as I think about why I didn''t get around to it yesterday. "And, was about to call you myself."


    "That is excellent news." His own smile leaks through. "But, I was actually calling to ask you for another favor. Nothing major." He''s quick to add, as I sigh in disappointment. "We were just hoping that Stanwood and some people from the guild could come over to examine the Well."


    "Oh, that''s fine." I breathe out in relief. "Though, could you leave Deluca behind?"


    "Ah, I heard about that, is there any way to change your mind?" he asks, with a hint of trepidation to his voice.


    "I''m already over it." I say flatly. "But, she pissed off the girls. I may be new to the whole marriage thing, but I know enough not to walk into that hornets'' nest. She''s gotta find some way to make it up to them, I''m staying out of the whole mess."


    "Well, damn." He chuckles ruefully. "You''re already wiser than I was during my first... and second marriages. Okay, we''ll leave her behind, and I''ll tell her to find some way to mend broken fences."


    "Alright, I''ll lay in a big lunch for everyone."


    "Thank you. We''ll see you in a little bit." He disconnects.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    About an hour later I sense several carriages come near The Garden. "Oh man, did they bring the whole guild? Good thing I put in that parking area, otherwise no one would be able to get past if they all parked on the street." I open the camouflaged door on the end of the branch and project a series of "Parking this way" signs in mid air.


    "She''s not here is she?" Apricot doesn''t even want to say Deluca''s name.


    "No." I shake my head. "I told Oliver to leave her behind, and it looks like he listened. We do have a couple royal guests, though. Maybe the princess will be too caught up in the garden to pester you." Seeing the look on her face, I offer up, hopeful that Faye will, but knowing that it''s not likely.


    "..."


    "I know, I''ve got the perfect movie to distract her." A smile breaks over my face. "It''s called ''Honey, I Shrunk the Kids''. It''s about a crazy inventor that builds a shrinking ray, and accidently turns his and the neighbor''s children even smaller than pixie size."


    "A crazy inventor that likes to make people change size?" Amelia smirks. "Where have I heard that story before."


    "Hah!" My orange haired love barks out a laugh. "She''s got you there."


    "Yeah, yeah." I rub the back of my head embarrassed at the all too apt description. "Now, come on. Let''s go greet everybody. I really gotta work on those golems, nothing better to keep people away than some giant insectoid terrors." I grumble as the thought of dealing with everyone swiftly become a reality.


    "You''re too young to be a grumpy old man, babe." Amelia pats me on the back before grabbing my hand and pulling me to the door.


    Taking a deep breath to steel myself, I then open the door and offer Vivian a flowing bow. "Good day, Your majesty. Welcome to our home, The Garden."


    "I know that you said you always wanted a big garden." She says with an amused smile. "But, I must admit we weren''t quite expecting this."


    "I love it." Faye chimes in. "It''s like we''re all pixie size." She stares around in wonder.


    "That was my intention." I smile at the little princess as she swoops her doll around like it''s flying. "Please come in. There''s a scale model near the stairs where you can see what it looks like from above. Everyone else too; please come in, make yourselves at home."


    "Thank you Marquis Rumex." Stanwood, the guild leader gives me a small bow. "Sorry for bringing so many, but Oliver let slip that you would be serving lunch. And well, they all came out of the woodwork after that got out. Likely hoping for a taste of that chocolate of yours."


    "That''s quite alright." I nod to the Mage. "There''s plenty of refreshments for everyone, including lots of chocolate." A cheer goes up from the crowd at that.


    ***


    The Queen indicated that she wished to speak with me, so Apricot and I took her and Faye to the theater room while Amelia got to play host. After getting the princess settled in with a bucket of popcorn up front, we sit in the back of the room.


    "Oliver told me that you finished the protection runes." She says hopefully. "I can''t express how grateful I am for everything that you''ve done, not only for me and Faye, but for all of Larendath."


    "Ma''am-" I start only to be interrupted.


    "Vivian, please." She says emphatically. "At least when we''re in private, you''ve more than earned it."


    "Vivian, then." I take a breath. "I just want to start a family, and live in peace. I can''t do that if the country is in chaos. So, if that means I need to smack down some bullies, or offer up a few trinkets, then I am more than glad to." I hold out two velvet lined, cherry wood cases containing her necklace and Faye''s charm bracelet.


    Her face goes slack once I open the cases. "Oh, Sorrel. You''ve out-done yourself." She fingers the cameo. "However did you manage to fit all those protections into such a tiny space?"


    "I''ve been working on Rune miniaturization for a while." I smile lovingly at my pixie as she snags a handful of popcorn from the Princess. "And, I had a breakthrough recently. Everything I talked about before is in there, including a panic button activated by squeezing the Royal Seal. But, the poison detector is still fairly basic. So, I recommend that you pick up the Analyze skill from Temmie."


    "I already have." She says sadly. "My food testers have been tutoring me on which substances are dangerous."


    "Good, I''ve also included a list of all the poisons I know about, and at what dosages they become dangerous." I lift up the tray the necklace is sitting on to reveal a small booklet. I may have had a fascination for deadly plants, and poisons in general, when I was a teenager. "I''ve double checked all names with Temmie, and it''s as complete as I could make it. Though, hopefully you''ll never encounter any of these."


    "That is a lot of poisons." She looks at me inquiringly after flipping through the book only to find page after page of extremely small writing.


    "I''ve been drawn to and studied plants for my entire life." I explain. "They are a lot more vicious in fighting for resources and against pests than people might realize. And, many of the compounds they create can be used to harm humans. Even seemingly beneficial stuff like the caffeine in coffee and tea can be toxic if too much is taken."


    "I do wonder just what your background is, all these things that you know and can make..." She leaves it as an open ended statement.


    "Rather ordinary, to tell the truth. I was just lucky enough to have access to a vast amount of knowledge that I availed myself upon as much as possible." A somewhat sad look crosses my face. "Unfortunately, aside from what is stored in my head, that knowledge is now so far from my grasp that it might as well be considered lost forever. I''ll admit I have a bit of a knack for Runescript, but aside from that I''m actually a rather poor maker."


    "After seeing that car of yours, and the armor samples, I find that very hard to believe." She gives me an incredulous look.


    "If you had seen all the changes and revisions I went through to get there, you wouldn''t. I just have the ability to make those changes at a lightning pace. Anyone could look like a genius if they could cram a few years worth of trial and error into a day." I shrug not sure what else to say.


    "And you say that doesn''t make you a genius." She laughs. "Fine, I can tell it makes you uncomfortable. How about we return to the group and see how things are going?"


    "Thank you, Vivian. That would be lovely." I smile at her as she uses her magic to put the necklace on. "It looks like Oliver and them are congregating in the game room, trying to figure out how to play pool. Apricot doesn''t mind watching Faye, at least when there''s a movie to distract her." I add after getting a look from the pixie in question.


    "She can be a handful" The woman gives her daughter a loving look. "Especially when it comes to anything to do with the Fae." She walks over to her Faye, and hooks the bracelet on to her wrist. "Look what Uncle Sorrel made for you, Dear. You can thank him later, just watch your movie for now, we''re going to go mingle. Just be good and listen to Apricot."


    "Okay, Mommy." Her eyes barely leave the screen. "Thank you Uncle Sorrel."


    Her mother, The Queen, smiles fondly down at her daughter before heading for the door.


    ***

 # 46

    "Sorrel, there you are." Oliver calls out as we enter the large game room. "We can''t seem to find the rules for this one game." They''ve got both the pool and billiard balls on the tables, and I don''t even know what they''re trying to do.


    "Sorry, I left them up by the cue sticks." I hold up a hand and one flies to me, chalking itself, while the balls rack themselves up for a game of nine-ball, the extras flying to the holding trays on the sides of the table. "There''s a few different games that can be played, this is called nine-ball." I break, pocketing the seven ball in the far corner.


    "In this one you have to pocket the balls in order from lowest to highest. Though you can sink them out of order, but only if you hit the lowest ball first." I demonstrate by ricocheting the cue ball off the one, making it knock the five into the side pocket as the cue bounces off two rails to drop the eight in the corner. I was never this good in my last life, but stats really do make all the difference. "Care to give it a shot?" I hold out the stick.


    "I thought those were some sort of ceremonial staves." Stanwood chuckles


    "Nah, just pool sticks." I laugh along with him, levitating one to him along with the booklet of rules. "Here, why don''t you two play while I fill out the room? I left a lot extra room for some ideas I haven''t had the chance to implement yet." Right now there''s only the pool table some dartboards, and a shuffleboard along one wall.


    "Thank you." He nods and starts leafing through the rules.


    I start by making a rectangular table that looks like a triangular prism supported by thick legs attached to the middle of its sides. Recessing the middle slightly before coating it with velvet, I then add shutters like those on a roll top desk.


    Pushing a button on the side causes the table to close up and turn, revealing an air-hockey table that starts up and displays a floating 0-0 scoreboard before spitting out a puck and two paddles. I push another button and step back, watching as air hockey turns itself off and the paddles and puck return to their holding spots.


    The table turns again and the new top rotates and accordions out into a full size ping pong table. A hardlight net appears next, and a tray on each side pops out revealing two paddles, a dozen balls, and a rules sheet. Using magic, I smack the balls back and forth a couple times to make sure they bounce right.


    Nodding in satisfaction, I push a button under the corner of the table causing the paddles to fly back where they belong before the whole thing folds up again. The table rotates and the shutters open to reveal a game of Settlers ready to be played. I will not introduce Monopoly to this world, that game is evil and it destroys friendships.


    Looking up, I see that Oliver''s higher level has turned him into an instant pool shark. Shaking my head ruefully, I turn to the corner and make a dedicated chess set with clear and black glass pieces. I plan to change them to diamond once I don''t have a dozen mages watching me.


    The other corner gets a table that can switch between chess, backgammon, go, and a dozen other games. No Monopoly, though. Never Monopoly! Next, I toss out a foosball table and an arcade machine with all three rune games built-in.


    There''s two more things I want to add, a sit down arcade with Warlords. Which was going to be the next game I had planned before Apricot said she was bored with Breakout and Pong. And, a copy of the Medieval Madness pinball table, but those two projects will take me a couple hours.


    "Looks good, babe." Amelia walks up beside me and hands me a glass of wine. "Are you done, it looks like you saved a few spots."


    "For now, yeah." I take a sip. "There''s a four player Rune game I want to build, and a mechanical pinball game too. And, I will probably add a basement level for some larger games at some point, but that''s for the future. How the party going?"


    "Good." She smiles. "There''s one small group that''s actually here for the tree, but everyone else is just having fun. Most are pigging out on your chocolate, and the other snacks you put out. Though, word of the game room has started spreading, but I also noticed a few couples sneak off to explore the garden. Between all this and the Mana Well, I don''t anyone''s going to want to leave." She shakes her head in amusement. "For someone who wanted giant insects to keep people out, you sure know how to make them welcome."


    "Well, I''m not going to be rude." I faux scoff. "But seriously, I wasn''t always so anti-social. Guess, I got used to it being just us three." I look up to see Apricot flying in.


    "Hey, nice room." She shifts and gives each of us a peck on the cheek. "We''re out of popcorn, can you make another bucket." It''s already done by the time she finishes her sentence. "Thanks babe, you''re the best." She grabs it and runs back to the movie.


    "This is a nice room." A voice says from beside us.


    "Florence." I smile at the Guild''s librarian. "Sorry, I haven''t been by, it''s been a bit... busy. How have you been? I can probably stop by tomorrow to copy those books, that is if everyone has left by then." I chuckle.


    "I''ve been good." She smiles back. "And, I wouldn''t be surprised if you do have a few stragglers. No one else has a game room like this, not even the nobles, and boy are they going to be jealous. Most of them just have a few tables for cards and dice, maybe a shove board, or a favorite table game. But, this..." She gestures at the room. "All this is amazing. Where ever did you get the ideas for these games?"


    I heave out a sigh, and start in on my cover story. Who better to spread it than the biggest gossip in the Capital. "Growing up, I was your average kid, but I did have access to a great wealth of knowledge." Seeing her eyes light up, I''m quick to add. "Unfortunately it was lost to me on the day I gained access to my magic. Not that I wouldn''t trade all that knowledge and more for what I''ve gained since." I slip my arm around Amelia''s waist and pull her close.


    "That is a shame, and I am truly sorry for your loss." She lowers her head.


    "It''s in the past." I shrug. "Right now, I''m trying to recreate and spread that knowledge." I make a book titled simply "Games", and hand it to the librarian. "Here, it''s all the games here, and then some. Feel free to spread it around, I''ve even included the designs for my Rune games." I nod to the arcade cabinet that has two young mages battling in a game of Pong.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    "Thank you." She says sincerely. "Most people are not quite so free with their knowledge."


    "I was given a gift, and I''m not just talking about my beautiful wives." I squeeze Amelia tighter. "And, I believe that the best gifts are ones that you can share. Speaking of." I pull a crate of phones from my inventory. "I was going to hand these out later, but most everyone is in here now, or waiting to get in." I smile and start levitating the phones out to the mages. The castle got a crate like this after we got back from Riverton, but they can''t waste them on a bunch of mages.


    "Sorrel, thank you." She bows to me, starting a chain reaction.


    "It''s nothing, really. I threw them together while making lunch." I wave the attention away. "Stanwood, could you hold the rest? Give them out to whomever I missed, like those who went to ''explore'' in The Garden." A round of laughs follows that, and everyone goes back to what they were doing.


    "And, Florence." I turn back to the librarian. "Could I trouble you for a list of nobles and other notables I should send these to? Probably should have thought of that sooner, but I''ve been a bit preoccupied recently." I shrug and lift my hands in a "What?ha gonna do?" gesture.


    "Hah!" She laughs whole-heartedly. "I''d be happy to, I''ll have it ready for you tomorrow. But, for now, how about you show me your library?"


    "It''s upstairs." I lead the way. "But unfortunately, aside from the copies I made, it''s mostly empty. I''ll have to go book shopping soon, and maybe raid another library or two." I grin.


    ***


    "You doing alright, babe?" Amelia puts her arm around me.


    "I''ll be fine... If the food ever gets here, that is. Can''t believe this was the least crowded restaurant." I grump.


    "Didn''t you already bite off more than you could chew." Apricot mocks my pain.


    "Nng. When Florence offered to let me copy her personal library, I never thought it would be quite that large." The collection in question was even larger than the ones at the Palace and Guild combined. "Oh no!" I groan.


    "What''s wrong." Amelia looks worried.


    "Some idiot knocked over a pot of oil and nearly burned down the kitchen." I sigh. "I stopped the fire before anyone got hurt, but our meal didn''t make it. Fuck this shit, I''m hungry and my head hurts!" I send out my magic to cook the damned thing myself.


    It comes floating out of the kitchen right behind a waitress that''s headed to our table. "I''m terribly sorry sir, but your..." She stops speaking as our plates land in front of us.


    "You''re welcome for stopping the fire, by the way." I am in no mood to deal with this right now, so I just start eating.


    "Sorry, he''s not normally this grumpy." Amelia apologizes for me to the girl who''s standing there gaping. She may have been the one responsible for knocking over the pot in the first place.


    An older man comes running up and bows in front of the table, forcing the waitress to do so as well. "Thank you for saving my daughter, Master Mage. Don''t just stand there gaping Tanny, thank the Man who just saved your life."


    "T-th-th-thank y-you." She looks like she''s going to faint, so I just grunt and wave it off.


    "Thank you again, so much Sir. She''s my only daughter." His face pales at the thought of what almost happened. "Your meal is free, all your meals here will always be free."


    I stop shoveling food into my face long enough to mutter. "Just be more careful in the future, please."


    They bow again and the man drags his daughter away as I go back to eating. Once they leave I start hearing whispers of "Marquis" and "Riverton" fill the restaurant, but ignore it for more important things, like food.


    "You big softie." Amelia hugs me, and I take the opportunity to snatch a few bites from her plate. "Hey, I saw that." She swats me on the shoulder.


    "Nng, had to." I mumble between bites. "Apricot was going to snag it herself. I had to put it in the only place it would be safe."


    ***


    "Marquis." The magic shop owner bows as we enter his store.


    "Yes, sorry it took so long to get back here. Been a busy few days." I smirk and float a pouch of Mana Stones over onto the counter.


    "Thank you, Sir." He bows again before turning to his safe. "I''ll have your gold in just a moment, plus fifty percent over what I paid last time. Due to the demand increasing thanks to your own insights changing Enchanting as a whole." He''s a bit of a kiss ass, but gold don''t grow on trees. Not yet, at least. Who knows what I''ll make in the future.


    "Someone would have thought of it sooner or later." I shrug.


    "I hate to be so bold as to ask this, but is it possible to extend this arrangement into the future?" He pleads, handing over a hefty sack of coins.


    I raise an eyebrow at Amelia, and she nods. We had planned to sell to, and through, Deluca, but that ain''t gonna happen now. "We can do that. But, I don''t know if or when I''ll be called away again. So, regular shipments might be troublesome in the future."


    "I can work with that." He nods. "And I have some contacts that are willing to provide capital should I need to buy a large volume."


    "Hmm, no need for all that." I shake my head. "If I have to leave on short notice, I''ll just leave you a crate of them, and you can give me my percentage when I get back." When I produce an actual crate full of Mana Stone, his eyes go so wide that they nearly fall out of their sockets. "I live on a Mana Well; made these last night while waiting for a party to wind down, and the last stragglers to leave."


    "..." He just gulps.


    "The only proviso being that you do not ruin the market price by selling them all at once." I put the Stones back, and replace them with a phone. "Here, call me when you need more." I place the phone and an instruction booklet on the counter and turn to leave.


    "Thank you Lord Rumex, I won''t disappoint you." He finally finds his voice when the door opens. I just look over my shoulder and nod, without slowing my pace.


    ***


    "Ugh!" Apricot groans. "Who knew there''d be so many book stores in the city. Don''t you have enough yet? There''s no way the ones you already have will fit in the library at home."


    "What are you complaining about?" Amelia huffs at the pixie on her head. "You''ve been sitting up there playing Blockout the whole time."


    "One can never have too many books." I say sagely, getting a nod from Amelia that almost causes Apricot to tumble. "I''ll just store the ones there aren''t room for in the basement, once I build a basement, that is. Besides, I''ve had an idea for a new Rune that I''ve been wanting to make."


    I conjure a book made from tangible light, and flip through it''s pages in my hand. I still need to work on the spell, as subtle details are still a little off. But, it''s pretty close to looking, feeling, sounding, and even smelling like a real book.


    "You want to put all of them on one of your glass cubes?" Amelia''s eye''s go wide, and I swear I see a hint of drool in the corner of her mouth.


    "Yep, and working on that spell made me think of another application for constructs like that." I pull out my Gameboy and conjure a hardlight joystick to control it with. "I know you liked the wheel controllers I put on the Pong machine in the game room. What if you had one device with all your games on it that could create whatever controller you needed or liked best?"


    "Well, why didn''t you say there was something in it for me?" The pixie jokes before flying over to give me a kiss on the nose. "So, how many more stores do we gotta hit?"


    "That was the last one that had anything that wasn''t already in the collection. Though, there are a few private libraries we passed by that I may ''peruse'' at a future time." A sly grin spreads on my face.


    "Why didn''t you just do that for all the places we''ve been to?" Her head tilts to the side, questioningly.


    "Cuz my head still hurts, so it''s easier to just buy them." I shrug. "That, and there''s just something about being in a bookstore."


    "Exactly!" Amelia agrees with me.


    "Right now, I''m hoping to swing by Smith Street, grab some more iron and see how Hayes and Hayley are doing. I feel like I owe him for the Uranium, so the least I can do is clear out his slag pile for him. Probably leave him a phone too. Then we can head home where I''ll work on some new games. Can''t wait to see what you think of pinball."


    "See if you can find a way to make you suck at pool while you''re at it." She''s still grumpy that I kicked her but yesterday.


    "It was fun watching him beat Oliver though." Amelia adds. "His eyes when Sorrel did those trick shots, that was the funniest thing I''ve seen in a while."


    ***

 # 47

    "Hayes, how have you been?" I greet the smith as we enter his shop. He''s sitting out front doing some paperwork with a scowl on his face.


    Jumping at my voice, he quickly stands up and bows. "Lord Marquis."


    "None of that, please." I beg. "We''ve been dealing with that all day. Just call me Sorrel."


    "But, lord... Sorrel." He corrects after seeing the look on my face. "You''ve done so much for Larendath, it''s only natural for people to want to show their gratitude."


    "Mmm, I tried to minimize myself in the movie, but everyone still recognizes me." I rub a hand over my short, spiky, blood-red hear. "Maybe I should change my hair, it seems to be what clues most people in."


    "Don''t you dare!" Amelia says vehemently.


    "I''m with Amelia on this one." Apricot backs her up. "I like your little spikies." She lands in my hair and rolls around in it.


    "Well, there goes that idea." I chuckle and move on. "So, how''s Hayley been. No signs of sickness, I hope. Sorry for scaring you all that day, I was a bit out of sorts and made the whole situation out to be worse than it really was."


    "She''s as healthy as can be." He pauses. "Well, she did fall out of a tree a couple days ago, but other than that, she''s fine. Grouchy because the healer had to wrap her leg up and she can''t go running about like normal."


    "Oh? I''ll be sure to stop by and fix her up when we leave. I owe you for that uranium stuff. I was able to tame it, and use the power it generates to get us to Riverton in time, without having to drain myself along the way."


    "Sir, you don''t owe me anything-" He starts gushing.


    "It''s Sorrel, and if I say I do, then I do. The least I can do is fix your grand daughter''s broken leg." I stretched my senses out to find the girl and see that she''s got a small crack in her tibia. "I came to clear out that slag pile for you too, like I said I would."


    "Just let him do what he wants, Hayes." Amelia says with a laugh. "It''s important to him, and benefits you, so there''s no downside."


    "Or would you rather a little girl suffer." Apricot adds.


    "I see I''m not going to win this argument, so I''ll hold my tongue." He lets out a defeated sigh. "Will you please, at least let me gift you with the ores you were interested in?"


    "Only if you let me gift you with this." I hold up a phone. "This is a new communication Rune I''m spreading around. I want you to have one, and to use it if you ever need anything from me. Anything!" I emphasize. "No matter what it is, I''ll come."


    "Si-Sorrel." He corrects himself mid word. "Thank you. I''ll not use it lightly." It looks like he has to fight himself not to bow again.


    "Don''t be silly." I wave his obeisance off. "I don''t care if you stubbed your toe and need a healing, or are just plain bored and want to talk smithing. Now let''s see those ores."


    Ten minutes later and we''re entering a crowd in the metal market, my inventory holding a new crate full of metals and minerals. I left behind several barrels of pure silica for Hayes, and told him that he could get a good price from any glass maker for it.


    *Ding**Ding**Ding*


    "That was fast. What''s up Hayes?" I answer the phone.


    "It''s Kernan''s disciple." He says in a panicked voice.


    "Shit! I''m on my way." My senses stretched out and I saw that he wouldn''t last long. "Move!" I shout at the people in my way.


    Using air magic to clear a path; I sprint forward, the ground cracking under my feet as I push forward as fast as my body and my magic will let me. "Fuck! No time to go around." I curse and dissolve the wall to Kernan''s smithy in front of me. Revealing two startled smiths, and a ruined mess that can barely be recognized as the gruff man''s apprentice.


    Looks like the poor bastard was carrying a large crucible of molten bronze when it slipped. After it hit the floor, the liquid metal all splashed back up and coated his front side, including most of his face.


    Not wasting anytime, I blast him with a stream of healing sap before I even stop. Pumping nearly half my own vitality into the spell, before falling to my knees next to the young man as it coats his body.


    "Oh, no you don''t!" The shock caused his heart to stop, so I pump it magically while forcing oxygen into his lungs. Lumps of metal peel away from the blistered ruin of his flesh as the Magic forces it to re-grow. "It''s not enough." I mutter and pump half my remaining strength into him, leaving me with only a quarter.


    Several minutes later his vitals have stabilized and his flesh has re-grown, leaving me just one spot left to rebuild. I saved the hardest for last. His left eye had burst when it was hit and molten metal invaded the socket, leaving little more than the optic nerve intact. Fortunately, it is such a small area that it doesn''t require much more vitality from me, but it still takes me as long to repair that one organ as it did to re-grow the rest of his wounds.


    Finally done, I flop over onto my back and release my hold on his consciousness, causing the apprentice to wake with a gasp. "Ahhh! Huh, what?" I can feel him twist about and look around. "Oh gods, what happened?" A cheer rises up from the street startling him.


    I was too busy to notice when the crowd gathered, but knew they would, so the noise didn''t affect me. But, the lad and the two smiths nearly jump out of their skins.


    "Sorrel!" - "Baby!" The girls drop to their knees next to me and start checking me over.


    "I''m fine." I pant out with a smile before wrinkling my nose. "Cleanse! There, now I''m fine." I don''t even want to think about what was coating my body a moment ago. "Had to use a lot of vitality, but I''ll be okay after a snack or three." I take out a crate of food, grab a bag of nearly frozen peanut butter cups, and start munching away.


    "Lord Marquis." Kernan starts.


    "I''m never going to get anyone to call me Sorrel, am I?" I mutter, making the girls laugh. "Don''t worry about it, I''m just glad I was close enough to get here in time. Don''t worry about the walls either, I''ll fix them and the street in a moment." I switch to a box of donuts and down half a maple bar in one bite.


    A few minutes and a couple pounds of junk food later and I''m finally feeling human again... Well, Plantkin again, if you want to get specific. The smiths went out front to disperse the crowd, leaving me to recover with the girls watching over me. When they weren''t stealing my food, that is.


    "Can we not come to Smith street without something crazy happening?" I laugh while rubbing my full belly.


    "You doing okay now?" Amelia says around a mouthful of ¨¦clair. "We only caught the tail end of you healing him, but that was enough to see how much damage was done. You are fucking fast, by the way." She laughs.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "Seriously!" Apricot adds. "I blinked and you were halfway down the street."


    "Had to be, a few more seconds and even I wouldn''t have been able to save him." I shake my head at just how close he was to dying. "Remind me to read those books on healing magic once we get home. I need to be able to do this without draining myself, there''s a reason why that was the cheapest healing spell available. If my level was any lower, he''d be dead."


    I stand and put the much reduced collection of junk food away before walking out front, restoring the shop as we go.


    "Marquis Rumex." Kernan speaks and the three men bow. "You have our eternal thanks. I know it''s not enough to repay you, but Hayes said you were here for iron. So, I paid for it under my account, and here come the carts now." Several times the amount of metal I had come to buy was slowly trundling down the street, dodging the craters left by my foot prints.


    Embarrassed, I wave a hand and restore the street. "I will gladly accept your gratitude, just promise to be more careful in the future." I nod to the smith before addressing his apprentice.


    "T-thank you Lord." He stutters out, pale-faced.


    "I had the ability to act, how could I do any less and still call myself a man?" I shrug, putting the matter behind me before turning to Hayes. "Let''s go take care of Hayley. Then, I am going home and having a lie down."


    "Lord." He bows and I just roll my eyes and walk towards the car, scooping the iron into my inventory as I pass.


    ***


    I wake, sit up, and stretch with a big yawn, feeling much better after a good night''s sleep.


    "Hey baby, you feeling better." Amelia says from her pillow, still spooning a bleary eyed pixie.


    "Very." I purr. "Thank you two for that massage last night, and what came after." A throaty laugh escapes my lips.


    "All three of us, multiple times." Apricot joins the conversation with a chuckle of her own.


    "Mmm." Amelia nods along. "Surprised you had the energy for that, after the mess that was yesterday. What do you have planned for today?"


    "Does nothing count?" I flop back and turn my head to look the in the eyes.


    "I think we all know by now, that you don''t do nothing. You''ve always got something going on, even if it''s just an idea that you''re rolling over in the back of your head."


    "Heh, you know me too well." I roll over and kiss first Amelia, then Apricot on the forehead. "As much as I dread leaving the house again, we should probably get the phones to that courier that Florence recommended. And, the guy at the exotic food shop said he was expecting another shipment last night, so we might as well swing by there again. Did you want to do anything in particular?"


    "No, I''m happy just to tag along and watch you get flustered at everyone bowing and scraping." A sly smile creeps onto her face. "Your left eye started getting this little twitch every time someone said your title."


    "That''s it, that''s the one." Apricot giggles.


    "Oh, laugh it up." My own smile grows to match theirs. "But, guess whose number I''m going to give to all the nobles I''m sending phones to?"


    "You wouldn''t dare!" She abandons her duty as big spoon to tackle me. "No. They''re all going to want to call and set up a thank you lunches and crap like that." She starts throttling me when my smile just grows wider.


    "Yup. Hahahahah." Tears are leaking out of my eyes as my lovely wife does her level best to strangle me. "I need to give them somebody''s number, and I think we both know what''ll happen if I give them Apricot''s."


    "Argh, damn you, and damn your over-powered stats." She finally gives up when it becomes clear that it''s not working. "Thank you so much Temmie for fixing him but couldn''t you have made him a little weaker?"


    *Ding**Ding**Ding* The System just laughs at her.


    "Oh, fine. I guess we should hire a secretary for stuff like that. Actually, now that I think about it, I''m surprised we haven''t been flooded with invitations yet. Probably some pecking order B.S." I grumble, hating that I have to deal with politics now. "They''re likely waiting for us to make the first move since we''re new and all."


    "Sounds about right, stupid lunker politics." Apricot snuggles closer. "That, or they''re just scared of you."


    "Oh, what''s to be scared of?" Dry humor colors my voice. "I only came out of nowhere, found a dungeon, overturned centuries of enchantment know-how, introduced chocolate, became a Count only to get elevated to Marquis a week later because I saved a city and likely the country, and then, when we got home, I made a little garden. Nothing scary about all that." I feel more like crying than laughing now that I''ve said all that.


    "Oh, babe." Amelia leans down and kisses me. "Just wait until they see what you do next."


    "A pinball machine?" I joke.


    "Heh, I doubt a new game is the limit of what you''re capable of." She gives me one more kiss before climbing off of me and getting out of bed.


    "Well..." I draw the word out. "I did have a crazy idea to make The Garden into a flying island, but ''somebody''s'' afraid of heights. Guess, I''ll just have to save that idea for Arcadia."


    "You crazy fucker." Apricot laughs. "Hah. You would do it too. Ooh, look how pale her face is right now." The blonde in question doesn''t say anything, just keeps walking to the bathroom instead.


    "How are we going to get her to the moon if she''s that afraid of a little flying island?" I question, and Amelia closes the door behind her with far more force than necessary.


    ""Hahahahah"" Apricot and I bust up laughing.


    ***


    "Alright, thanks man. I owe you one." I disconnect the call. "Oliver said they had already lined someone up for us, in case we needed one. He''s sending them over now."


    "Oh, good." Amelia sighs in relief. "I was afraid we''d have to interview dozens, or hundreds of people." she wipes non-existent sweat from her brow.


    "Now, we just have to worry about what they look like, and how far we have to keep them from Sorrel." Apricot teases.


    "Well, I am one horny beast of a Plantkin." I put a pensive look on my face. "Oliver didn''t say anything about how they looked, but what if they''re really hot?"


    "Don''t even joke." Amelia scolds.


    "Hey, I''m just saying." I shrug. "What if it''s late at night, I''ve had a few drinks, and then ''he'' puts the moves on me. Anything could happen."


    "Hahahah." - *Ding**Ding**Ding* Apricot and Temmie lose it.


    "Fine, you got me." Amelia smiles and shakes her head at the smug look on my face.


    "Did you really think I''d cheat on you? You had to practically bully me into taking Apricot the first time." I pull her into a hug "I love you. I''m not going to stray... No matter how cute his ass might be." She tries to swat me, but I''ve got her arms locked up in my hug.


    "Jerk." She pouts, but looks up to kiss me.


    ***


    "He''s here." I alert the girls. "Ugh! And no ass at all, not unless you count saggy, old man butt." I dodge a blow from Amelia and shake my head. "Always so violent, you''re going to scare him off if you keep acting like that." I tease with mock sternness.


    "I''ll show you violent." She chases after me, but I run to the front door.


    Opening it, I call out in a cheerful voice. "Mister Bourke. Welcome to the Garden." I greet our new secretary. He''s an older man, a little pudgy, with a full head of silver hair. His face, though. It could almost belong Bill Murray, mostly in the eyes and nose, as his jaw and lips are a bit broader and fuller.


    "Lord, Ladies." He gives a shallow bow. "It is an honor to serve you."


    "Just Sorrel, please." I groan. "If I have to deal with that Lord stuff all the time it''s going to drive me crazy... crazier." I smile at the man. "Do come in, let''s get down to business." I guide him to a sitting room.


    "Thank you Sorrel, please call me Kyle." He nods and follows us in. "I''m sure I''m not what you were expecting." He gives a self-deprecating smile as he sits in a chair across from the three of us. "I''ve recently retired from a life-long career as an administrator. And frankly I was going mad with boredom, even had my wife of forty years threaten to leave me if I didn''t do something." He laughs. "So, when Oliver mentioned that the new Marquis might need some help, I jumped at the chance."


    "Sounds like you''re just who we need then." I lean forward. "Tell me what you need, and I''ll make it happen. An office, assistants, I''ll even build you a small house on the property if you need it. Just please make it so we don''t have to directly deal with what I''m sure will soon be a flood of communication." I chuckle, but I am deadly serious and it shows in my eyes.


    "Heheh. An office and an assistant will be plenty, my home is actually not too far from here." He looks towards the east. "My grandson Bartlett is free and I believe would be quite suitable."


    "Perfect." I hand him three phones, and set a crate full of them on the floor. "For you two, and part of your first assignment. I need to deliver a number of these to the local nobles and what not. We''re sure that everyone is going to be pestering us after that."


    "That, they likely will, yes." He nods, his eyes going slightly wide.


    "Here''s a list we got from Florence Abner, feel free to add to it, if needed. But, I need you to figure out who gets how many and when; I was just going to send each name a handful. I don''t mind giving out my number." My face says differently. "But, do try to find some wording that lets them know that they should call you first, if they need anything."


    "I can do that, but..." He pauses. "What''s the extra device for?"


    "For your wife, man." I say like it''s the most obvious thing in the world. "Tell me if you need more for the rest of your family, or just take them from the crate. Calling them phones, by the way. You''re office is around this way." I head out of the room, the crate levitating to follow in my wake.


    I can hear Amelia telling the man "Don''t worry, you''ll get used to him." with humor in her voice.


    "Well, at least I don''t think I''ll be bored anymore." He replies with good cheer.


    ***

 # 48

    "Argh!" A buzzing sound fills the room as Apricot vents her frustration. "Dammit Sorrel, why''d you have to add a tilt function?" She starts another game as soon as her ball disappears.


    "To stop cheaters like you from cheating." I look up from working on the Warlords Rune game to laugh at the game obsessed pixie. "Seriously, I''m glad I added a durability enchantment to that thing."


    "But, I saw you hitting it." She wines as her ball rolls right between the flippers. "Argh, every damned time."


    "I was nudging it, gently. You''re smacking it like it owes you money." My laughs come out all the harder as she fouls again.


    "I''ll smack you like you owe me money." She draws back the plunger again.


    "Sorry, already got one violent wife, don''t need two of them." My giggling making it impossible to work on the enchantment.


    "I heard that." Amelia shouts from another room, she got tired of all the lights and sounds pretty quickly.


    "Love you baby, please don''t hit me." I laugh again as Apricot snorts and flubs a save.


    "Dammit Sorrel, I had that one."


    "Sorry to interrupt." Kyle interrupts. "But, I just got a call from Count Valli''s secretary."


    "That was fast." I exclaim. "Bartlett just took that batch to the courier a couple hours ago."


    "Yes, they are very interested in setting up a meeting. The secretary kept mentioning Smith Street for some reason." He explains


    "Ahh." I sigh in understanding, and quote Jonas Salk again. "The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more, and I think I''m beginning to hate that saying now. Let me guess, the Count has some old injury?"


    "Not, that I''m aware of." He pauses to think about something. "But his son hasn''t been seen for some time, and there are rumors that he had a bad hunting accident in the spring."


    "Go ahead and setup the meeting, their place is fine if he can''t be moved, but try to let them know that I can only do so much. My healing spell pulls from my own vitality, and it like everything else, has limits. And maybe compile a list of other influential people with health problems that might pester me, if you get the chance."


    "Yes, Sir." He seems impressed that I can heal. "I''ll get right on it."


    "Those books on healing magic had a few useful tricks, but that''s all they were, just tricks. If I combine them with my current spell, I should be able to make them fairly effective. But, if this keeps happening I''m really going to have to re-invent the damned things." I grump and turn back to my enchanting.


    "I take it we''re going to have dinner plans." Amelia says after entering the room and hugging me from behind.


    "Tonight, and probably every night for the foreseeable future. Ugh, we''re probably going to have to throw another party. " I take her hand and kiss her wedding ring. "I know we have to do this stuff, but just seems so... tedious."


    "You always get this way when you know a change is coming, but once it gets here you''re fine." She rests her chin on top of my head. "And, I''m sure it won''t be all tedious, we may even make some new friends."


    "That or lifelong enemies when I run up against something I can''t fix. Oh, damn! I just jinxed myself, didn''t I?" I face palm.


    "It''s going to be fine." She walks around in front of me, and pulls my hand down to stare me in the eyes. "Have you ever backed down from a challenge? Even if there''s nothing you can do for them, I''m sure you''ll find a way to let them down easy."


    "I just hope there''s nothing wrong with his head, can''t do anything about the mind." I sigh.


    "But, you saved me?" Amelia says in a questioning tone.


    "I was lucky enough to get there in time, and I don''t really know how badly you were hurt." I pull her down to kiss the top of her head. "Think of the mind like a diary; yours may have gotten splashed with some water, but I was there to dry it off before the ink could run. But if those pages had been burned, or torn out. Then, even if I put new ones back in they''d just be blank."


    "I see what you mean now." She hugs me tight.


    "Sorrel." Kyle clears his throat from the doorway. "I called back and the Count answered directly, he''s invited you to dinner, but asks that you come over as soon as you can. Apparently his son has taken a turn for the worse recently."


    "Okay, we''ll head over now." I look over at my little pinhead pixie and say. "You coming Apricot, or do you plan to stay here and lose at pinball all night?"


    ***


    "I still don''t see why we couldn''t have brought it along." Our orange haired lover whines.


    "Don''t you think it would have been a little disrespectful?" Amelia chides her. "Just play Blockout for now, you still haven''t beaten my high score." The pixie huffs and pulls out her Gameboy.


    "We''re almost there." I speak up. "Oof, poor guy is a mess, he must have been trampled by his horse or something. He''s awake and alert though, it seems that aside from a broken arm most of the damage was to his abdomen and legs. But, I''ll need to be closer to tell more."


    Pulling into the courtyard, a portly man of around forty, dressed in fine clothes comes rushing forward as soon as the car stops.


    "Marquis Rumex, Ladies. Thank you so much for coming on such short notice." His bald pate shines in the sun as a light of hope shines in his eyes.


    "Sorrel, please." I endure as he pumps my hand effusively.


    "Then you must call me Olson." He smiles. "So sorry for calling you over like this, but I had just received word about the events on Smith street when the courier arrived with your wonderful new Runes. I knew that it just had to be a message from the gods that you could help Marcus."


    "I''ll certainly do what I can, but there are limits to what I can do." I try to bring his hopes down to a more reasonable level as he practically pulls me up the steps into his manor. "Even if I can heal him completely, it may take several sessions. I can sense from here that he was pretty banged up, mind telling me what happened?"


    "He was out riding, on a trail that both he and I have been on hundreds of times." He face flashes with a hint of anger for a split second. "When his horse got its hoof stuck in a hole, he flew off and landed safely only to have the beast topple over onto him."


    "From your look it seems that this was not just happenstance." I prompt.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "The hole was dug by an animal, or at least cleverly made to look like it was, but it was also covered over with leaf litter in a way that didn''t bear up to close scrutiny." His face scowls.


    "Dad. I told you that you are seeing enemies where there are none." A young man says from his bed, his twisted legs covered by a thick blanket. "I saw the fox that dug that hole, and knew to keep an eye out for that spot. I just got distracted chasing the deer that I missed."


    "Hello Marcus, I''m Sorrel." I walk up to shake his hand. "Your father asked me here to have a look at you."


    "Oh, I may be stuck in this bed. But, I''ve still heard about the new Marquis of ''Arcadia'', was it?" He smiles cheerfully before a grimace of pain flashes across his face. "Sorry, just when I was finally starting to get better, this pain started up in my side."


    "Yeah, I''m going to need you to drink something for me." I conjure a large glass and fill it with Healing Sap. "You''ve got a bone shard that''s worked its way around and is scraping against your kidney. There''s been blood in your urine yes?" He nods meekly.


    "Why didn''t you tell me? No, the real question is why didn''t your nurses tell me?" His father''s face turns ruddy.


    "I didn''t want to worry you, Dad." The young man lowers his head. "I begged them not to."


    "Boy..." Olson takes a deep breath, holding it for a second before letting the air escape his lungs all at once. "How am I supposed to help if you don''t tell me what''s wrong?"


    Marcus flings his blanket aside, revealing his ruined lower half. "You can''t help with this Dad. No offense Sorrel, I''m sure you mean well, but just look."


    "Yeah you''re a mess alright." I nod. "Now shut up and drink so I can get started. Unless of course you want all this jostling about to make that bone shard cut the artery it''s next to and put you out of your misery. Slowly and painfully."


    "..." He just looks stunned at my dismissive attitude.


    I project a transparent view of his abdomen so he can see exactly what''s going on. "Oh, babe." I look back at Amelia. "Remind me to make a Rune to do this. I can''t help everyone personally, but if others can see exactly what''s wrong it''ll help their treatments."


    "Do what he says Marcus, please." The Count begs his son.


    The young man doesn''t say anything else, choosing to instead to down the large glass in one go. I dissolve the bone shard and guide the magic to restore his kidney and remove a few minor scars from his other organs.


    "Well, that was the easy part." I smile ruefully as his face clearly shows his relief from pain. "Now I''ve got to pretty much rebuild your lower skeleton from scratch." I change the hologram to show his shattered spine, crushed pelvis, and mangled legs. "The Earth Mage you hired to fuse his bones back together did his best, but this... This is going to take a while."


    "Can you really fix my legs?" He seems fearful of letting himself feel hope.


    "The bones and muscles yes, I can even get rid of those scars." I nod. "But your spinal cord? Enh, maybe, probably, I don''t want you to get your hopes up though. But, hey. With it like that, at least you can''t feel what I''m doing right now." I say cheerfully.


    Starting with his feet and slowly working my way upwards, I use the Sap as a conduit for my other Magic to get in there and fix his breaks one by one. His legs slowly straighten over the course of several minutes.


    "Care for a snack?" I say and produce a box of donuts, after I reshape his pelvis. "You''re looking a little pale there." He actually would have passed out from the shock by now if I wasn''t keeping his blood pressure stable.


    "What?, How?" His face flushes


    "Chocolate frosting, and Magic." I tease, and slap Apricot''s hand away from the box. "These are for the patient. here raid the junk food crate if you can''t wait for dinner." I plop in down next to the bed.


    "I''m serious. How are you able to do this? Oh, gods that''s good." Marcus finally takes a bite of the donut I was floating in front of his face.


    "I must admit, I''m curious myself." His father adds. "When I spoke with Master Devlin about this, he said that a person''s body naturally destabilizes outside mana making minute adjustments impossible. That''s why all he was able to do was pull together the broken bones and lightly fuse them."


    "It does." I nod. "And only a skilled enough Mage can overcome that... with great effort. Fortunately my spell works a bit differently, and bypasses the destabilization by sharing my own vitality with the patient." I snag a donut for myself, giving Apricot a smug look as I do.


    "Normally, I just focus that vitality in one area to restore damage, like I did to the kidney. But, right now I''m using it as a conduit for other healing magics. Nature to promote overall health, Earth to shape the bone, Water to keep his blood pressure up and move the soft tissues about, Dark to dissolve scars, Light to provide energy to replace them, and so on." I work as I speak and his legs regain a close approximation of their previous state.


    "You do good work, Babe." Amelia distracts me with a hug and steals her own donut, before sending Apricot and even more smug look.


    "Grrr." The pixie actually growls at us. Laughing, I take pity on her and produce another box of donuts.


    "Yeah, this is where it gets hard though." The projection zooms in on his still shattered lumbar region, the spinal cord highlighted so they can see the damage. "I''ve got to puzzle this mess back together. And, if I don''t do it right he''ll never walk again."


    "Can you?" Marcus asks hopefully.


    "Maybe." I shrug. "Olson, would you mind drinking this?" I hand him a small glass of Sap. "I need to get a better feel for how a healthy spine works, and since you''re his father, yours should be the most similar." I already checked myself, but I don''t know if my unique biology makes a difference.


    "Anything." He tosses it back like a shot of alcohol.


    "You''re going to feel some strange sensations now. That''s me mapping out where all the nerves go." I gently trace out and memorize the signal flow as I stimulate nerves all across his lower body. "Sorry about all this, I''ll be done in a moment." I apologize as he winces from a wave of pain washing down his legs.


    "I said anything!" He grunts. "And I meant it."


    "Okay, I''m done." I nod and hand Marcus another glass. "I can do this, it''s going to feel weird as I reconnect everything. So, if you need me to stop at any time just say so."


    He drinks the glass down, and says. "Do it, please."


    "Alright, I''m going to work in sections and I need you to tell me what areas you feel sensations coming back too."


    I restore his vertebrae and begin rebuilding and reconnecting his nerves. The whole process takes longer than all the previous healing combined. But, everything goes perfectly... well aside from a bit of embarrassment when a certain set of nerves gets reconnected.


    "Now wiggle your toes, and now your feet. Good, good. Alright, you''re still weak, but one at a time, I want you to try lifting your knees. Everything feel alright? No weird sensations?"


    "It''s all good. Oh, gods. Thank you so much." Tears of joy stream down both his and his father''s faces. "Can I?"


    "Try walking?" I finish for him. "Of, course. You''re still weak, so I''ll support your weight with magic. Oh, I almost forgot your arm." A second later and it''s back to normal. The last of the Sap had since been used up, but he doesn''t need to know that. And, after piecing a spinal cord back together, fixing a mis-aligned bone is child''s play.


    "I''m doing it, I''m walking!" He crows.


    "That''s because you weigh about ten kilograms right now, and how about we get some proper trousers on you." I summon a pair from his wardrobe and dress him before he can blink. "That''s better. I''ll slowly increase your weight, you just try to walk normally. You''ve been in bed since spring, it''s going to take a while to get your muscles back."


    As he walks up and down the hall, laughing at the astonished looks of the servants. I start working on a variable gravity Rune for him, it''s better than crutches. Anything''s better than crutches, as anyone who''s broken a leg before can tell you.


    "Not bad Sorrel. Not bad." Apricot hangs from my back. "Even if you did tease me with donuts, you still did a good thing here today."


    "Yeah, you did." Amelia hugs us from the side. "How long do you think before he''s walking without assistance?"


    "That all depends on him, and how hard he works. He''s struggling at one third his normal weight right now, but it''s not slowing him down. So, I think he''ll get his full strength back in just a few months. As long as he doesn''t over do it and hurt himself that is, but I''m sure they have trainers to help him with that."


    "We do." Marcus says as he re-enters the room, sweat dripping from his face. "I cannot thank you enough. I had resigned myself to slowly dying in that bed. Then, you came and gave me my legs back, my life back."


    "I do what I can." I nod and hold out the device I just made for him. "Here, clip this to your belt." He does so without comment. "That''ll let you walk without crutches until you get your full strength back. Push the down arrow, that number that popped up shows what percentage of your weight you are at right now."


    "Sorrel!" His mouth hangs open. "This, this is too much. I''ve never even heard of a Rune like this."


    "Would you rather walk around on crutches?" I hold out a pair for him.


    "I graciously accept your generosity." He bows and almost tips forward.


    "Maybe turn it down a bit more, just for now?" I cock an eyebrow. "Oh, and it shouldn''t, but if it glows red that means the charge is going to run out. Just call and I''ll fill it back up. And call me directly if you have any health issues. This was the first time I''ve done anything even remotely this complex, healing-wise at least."


    "On that new Rune phone device that dad gave me?" He double-checks.


    "No, just hang your head out the window and shout really loud." I roll my eyes. "Yes, on the phone."


    "Hahaha." He topples onto the bed from laughing so much. "Thank you, I needed that."


    "And I need dinner, I''m starving. Healing really does take it out of me."


    ***

 # 49

    The next day made me feel really, really happy that we got ourselves an administrator. Poor guy was getting so many calls that he had to bring in his wife, Jessa, to help field them. And, the couriers hadn''t even delivered all of the phones yet, meaning that it''s just going to get worse.


    The worst part was that everyone wanted to meet up for lunch or dinner. He''d gotten so many requests yesterday while we were out, and even this morning before he arrived. That I just had him to tell them all that we''d be throwing a party next week. I can handle catering and entertainment personally, but we still need to rent some servants for the night, if only to keep up appearances.


    I was just getting started back on the Warlords game when Marcus called me directly. "I''m never going to get this game done if you guys keep distracting me." I answer to his great confusion.


    "Uh, Sorrel?"


    "Yeah, it''s me. Sorry, I was just working on a tricky part of a new Rune game when your dad called last night, and had just started again a few minutes ago." I explain.


    "No, I''m sorry." He actually sounds truly contrite. "You did so much for me, I was hoping to repay that, at least a little, by taking you to lunch."


    "Oh, I was kinda hoping to work on my enchanting and expand the game room today." I say, honestly not wanting to leave the house again for a while. "Why don''t you just come over and keep me company. We can watch Apricot try to break my pinball machine." I laugh as she smacks the side after losing another ball.


    "Shut it you." She grumbles and pulls back the plunger for another go.


    "Are you sure? I wouldn''t want to impose." He says it politely, but I can tell he''s grateful for the invite.


    "What imposition?" I wave it off before remembering that he can''t see me. ''Really gotta add video calls soon.'' "Amelia''s working on her spellcraft, and like I said, Apricot''s caught up in her latest addiction."


    "Didn''t I tell you to shut it?" She grumbles, and I look up to see her trying and failing to use her immaterial wings to move the ball around.


    "See, I need somebody to talk to that isn''t going to grouch at me because she can''t keep a little ball out of a hole." I say, humor filling my voice.


    "I''ll head right over then." It sounds like he''s trying to hold back a laugh as well. "At least, I won''t need directions. If there''s any place in the city that''s easy to find, it''s your garden." He does laugh at this.


    "Alright, I see you when you get here." I then disconnect the call and get back to making the R.I. (Runic Intelligence) follow the ball well enough to provide a challenge without hitting it every time.


    I thought I could just copy what I used for Pong, but as soon as a second ball showed up it made them lock up. That, and Pong doesn''t have the hold mechanic like this game does. So, I had to add that in, and of course I screwed it up too.


    The Rune controlled shields would just hold onto the ball until their walls faded away. I gave up -really quickly- on them being intelligent about releasing it, and just had them pick a random direction and travel a random distance before letting go. Maybe, if I had played more than a single game of the original, I could have done better. But, I doubt their solution was any better.


    I had just gotten the locking up issue sorted, just had to make them pick the ball that would hit first and follow it, when Marcus showed up with an attendant. So, I headed out front to greet him.


    "Sorrel!" He shouts in excitement. "I thought this place was amazing from afar, but this..." He sweeps his arm around to encompass the entire yard. "This is beyond words."


    "Just wait until giant insect golems are up and running-" I start to say.


    "No Spiders!" A faint shout comes from inside the house.


    "Hah." I laugh. "I don''t know if she''s been putting points into perception, or if it''s just a wife thing, but she is eerily good at that."


    "Must be a wife thing, my mom was the same way with dad before she passed." A dark look flashes across his eyes for a split second when he mentions her.


    "My condolences." I had wondered why she wasn''t at the manor last night, but didn''t want to bring it up.


    "Thank you. It was a few years ago, but it still hurts." He sighs before changing the topic. "So, you said you''ve been working on some games? I don''t know what pinball is, but anything has to be better than another game of shove board."


    "Oh, boy. Have you got a pleasant surprise in store for you." I almost want to fill the room with illusory shuffle boards just to mess with him, but the sounds of Apricot playing can already be heard as we walk down the hall. That is until another buzz indicating a tilt goes off. "Haha. Apricot, it''s called a tilt for a reason." I walk in to see her trying to lift up the end of the machine.


    "I swear you made this thing impossible to beat." She whines, clearly distraught before letting the machine drop. "I haven''t even been able to get the gate down once."


    "Hmm, let me try something." I change the light and sound enchantments on the machine to be less intense. "Okay, try it again, let''s see if this helped."


    "Oh, that is so much better." She coos. "The ball isn''t getting away from me anymore. Oh, Sorrel, thank you." She stops playing to glom onto me.


    "It was my fault in the first place." I rub the small of her back. "I knew pixies had stronger senses, I just didn''t think it would be that distracting for you." I''d spent countless hours playing in my last life, so the lights and racket was more soothing to me than anything else. ''Maybe Amelia will even want to be in the same room with us again.'' I think with a wry smile.


    "You''re still the best." She kisses me one last time before going back to the game.


    Meanwhile, Marcus is standing in the doorway with his mouth open, staring at the lights from Midieval Madness and the two arcade games.


    "So, better than shove board?" I cock an eyebrow at his stunned expression. "Got one of those too, and another that''s a little similar but much more fun." I tele-kinetically switch the game table to air-hockey mode.


    "..." He closes his mouth and wipes the stupid look off of his face. "Nice room." He finally says. "I suppose that after seeing the outside I shouldn''t be surprised that you''ve filled the interior with wonders as well."


    "Eh, I had to host an impromptu party for the Mages Guild the other day. Needed something to keep that lot occupied." I shrug. "Speaking of, we''ll be hosting one next week. I''m sure Kyle''s already got you guys on the list. He''s just working out the final details right now, here''s hoping he doesn''t decide to quit and go back into retirement."


    "Don''t even joke!" Amelia says as she enters the room. "Thank you for lowering that racket too. And, hello again Marcus." She points toward the pinball game with her chin.


    "Why didn''t you say anything. Yeah, I should have realized that you not being around was you saying something." I quickly add at the look on her face. "But, babe. I''m stupid. Gods, it took me this long just to realize why Apricot was so bad at it."


    "Told you your game was broken." Our pixie mutters at me without looking up from the game.


    ""Sorry, Sweetie."" We say at the same time. "Wait why are you apologizing?" I ask Amelia.


    "Because you''re right. Not that you''re stupid." She smiles at my fake hurt look. "I should have said something, at the very least it might have helped you figure out why Apricot was having trouble."


    "Well, never mind all that." I wave it away. "Now that you''re here, can you help me pry her away from that for a minute so we can all test my new game?"


    "It''s done?" Apricot practically flies over to the Warlords game, she didn''t even need to shrink down to her normal size. "Well, what are you waiting for?"


    "Sorry about all that Marc. Come on, grab a seat." I gesture to the table top arcade. "This is a mix of Pong and Breakout." I explain to the girls. "Was going to make it before Blockout, but you said you were getting bored of those two. Don''t worry, I''ll give you a copy of those game, so you''ll know what I''m talking about." I add after seeing Marcus'' confused look.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Hey, how come his shield is so much bigger?" Apricot complains after I change some settings and start the game.


    "Same reason mine is so much smaller, you''re still going to beat him, and still going to beat you, but this makes it a bit more fair." I grab the fire ball and shoot it at her tower before she can react.


    "Quit cheating." She huffs, causing us to laugh. "Hah, I''ve got the ball. Now what are you going to do? Ack, why''s my wall falling apart?"


    "Gee, I wonder if your two questions might be related. Hahaha. The longer you hold on the more damage you take. Ooh, here comes the second ball." I chortle as it hits her unprotected flank as she tries to defend from my assault.


    "Amelia, help!" She whines.


    "Oh, this is amazing!" Marcus shouts after he blocks two shots in a row. "How are you able to block everything with that tiny shield? You haven''t even lost a single brick."


    "Mhm, looks like I need more of a disadvantage." I retrieve some crafting supplies and start duplicating the Midieval Madness pinball machine.


    "Well, now you''re just showing off." He scoffs


    "No, him showing off would be letting you know that he''s been building a basement, or something under the room the whole time we''ve been playing." Apricot says, having clearly seen the threads of magic I was sending out. "This is him being subtle."


    "Sorry." Amelia apologizes to the astonished look on his face. "We normally don''t even bother gaming with him anymore. Hey, babe. Mind showing him the speed we would normally play at?"


    "No problem." I crank it up to five times normal, and even though we try to keep the shots away from his tower. Marcus still falls in seconds. Meanwhile the pinball game and bowling alley are still taking shape.


    "See, now we can at least get some hits on him if we work together." Amelia crows, so I just crank the speed up some more. "No! Too fast, turn it down. Hahaha, dang it." She laughs as her tower explodes.


    "Okay, now you really are cheating." Apricot huffs as she dies a second later.


    "How?" That''s all Marcus can seem to say.


    "Haven''t hung around a lot of awakened, have you?" I say with a twinkle in my eye as I reset the game to normal. "Stats make all the difference. Here, why don''t you two play against the Rune." I set a game for the girls and drag Marc over to a dart board.


    "Now, this room is really too small to demonstrate properly, but." I pick up a dart and turn around. Pointing to a pixie sized dart board that I just made on the other side of the room, I continue. "This should give you a good idea."


    "I could barely even see that from here, and you didn''t even aim, you were looking at me when you threw." He walks over and plucks the projectile from dead-center on the target.


    "Perception and Dexterity." I say simply. "I actually should to add some runes or something to all these skill games to keep people with higher stats from taking advantage of those without. But, that''s why I also added stuff like pinball and some board games that rely on chance or wit."


    "Even if it is just stats, it''s still amazing." He gushes.


    "Yeah, but I still get more out of making these and watching the girls play, than playing myself." I smile at my brides.


    "So, why don''t you get started on the next one?" Apricot says as they finish their game.


    "You have even more planned?" Marcus looks around at everything in the room.


    "Sure, that''s what I made the new basement for. Needed some room for some bigger stuff." I magic away a corner of the floor, and levitate a glass platform over the hole. "Hop on, I''ll show you what I made while we were playing. I would show you some Rune games I have in mind, but a certain pixie would then drive me crazy until I made them all."


    "Just one, please?" Apricot begs as we ride the lift down.


    "Oh, fine." I conjure an image of Lunar Lander and smirk at Amelia. "I call this one Moon Lander."


    "Nope." Amelia makes an X shape by crossing forearms. "I invoke the special wife powers that I just made up to veto that game, forever."


    "Okay, how about this one?" I put up Asteroids. "Here, you''re in a space-" I don''t even get to finish my sentence.


    "Bzzt, try again."


    "Hahaha. Fine, you pick." I give up and display four games Frogger, Q*bert, Pac-Man, and Joust. The three of them each point to a different game, Apricot chose Pac-Man, Amelia Frogger, and Marcus likes Joust. "What, no love for Q*bert?"


    "It''s weird looking, and its name even sounds weird, no thanks." Is all Apricot says.


    "Well, since you won the match against Amelia earlier, I''ll make Pac-Man first, then Frogger, then Joust. Sorry, man."


    "I completely understand." He smiles and then looks out over the room he was too distracted to see before.


    There''s a two lane bowling alley in the middle, with skee-ball and a hoops game off to each side, I even added a claw machine just for kicks. And, I kinda want to enchant a low gravity bounce room, but that would just be for me and the girls.


    "So, what do you think? I still need to add some enchantments to bring them to life." I project a bunch of holographic apricots playing fully functional versions so they can get an idea of what everything does. "I''ll move these upstairs for the party, but they can live down here when not in use. Along with the spare pinball machine and the extra rune games." I explain.


    "I also plan keep the machine in the game room as an all-in-one, but also make separate ones for any festivities." I expand the projection to include a wall of generic arcade cabinets.


    *Ding**Ding**Ding* Amelia''s phone goes off.


    "Hello Abby, what''s up?" She answers.


    "Hi Amelia." Abigail''s bubbly voice sings out from the communication device. "Aunt Marta gave me the day off, and I was kinda hoping..." She trails off, unsure and I hear a couple girls whispering in the background.


    "You want to come over and see the new place?" Amelia finishes for the girl, glancing from Marcus to me with an inquisitive look in her eye. When I shrug and give her a minute bob of the head in a ''why not?'' kinda look, she continues. "We''d love to have you over, I''m sure you can find the place."


    "You can invite your giggling friends too." I add with a laugh of my own. "The more the merrier; it''ll give me a chance to test out some of my new games, see how people like them." I almost said regular people. I guess I am a little upset that I''ve got all these games, but can''t really play them with anyone.


    "We''ll be right over, thank you." She disconnects.


    "Hope you don''t mind." I direct to Marcus. "We met her back when we were guarding the dungeon."


    "Not at all." An unconscious smile tugs up the corners of his mouth before he continues. "She sounded kinda interesting."


    "Hah." Apricot cracks up laughing. "That little kitten is interested, is more like it."


    "She may have a bit of a crush on Sorrel here." Amelia clarifies. "She had just escaped from an arranged marriage to a baron when she ran into him and well, he made an impression."


    "Wait, her name is Abby. Is she that Adeen girl that the Cendassans tried using as an excuse for their invasion?" He may have been bed bound, but he clearly kept up on current events.


    "The one and same." I nod. "She''s cute, but her personality is a bit immature for my tastes." I project an image of the fire mage and his eyes dilate almost instantly, causing the girls and I to smirk.


    "She... seems nice." He tries, and fails to be subtle about his interest.


    "Yeah, she''s great." I agree. "A bit like a kid sister to me... well, she would be if it wasn''t for that crush." I chuckle, thinking that whole sis-con bullshit was thought up by people who either didn''t have real sisters, or were just deeply, deeply disturbed. And, that''s coming from a guy who gave himself tentacles. "But, maybe you could do something about that?" I prompt.


    "You''re welcome to try and get her attention" Amelia adds. "But, she might be a little wary still when it comes to the nobility. So, just don''t get pushy if she''s not interested." She warns. "For your own good as much as hers. She is a fire mage, after all."


    "Am I really that obvious?" He hangs his head low.


    "Marcus, you''re practically drooling." I pat him on the shoulder and take us all back upstairs to wait.


    It doesn''t take them long to arrive, I had my senses stretched out to look for her, and spotted Abigail and two other girls her age in a rented carriage. Unfortunately, I also spot that she''s got some watchers.


    A well organized group too; there''s six of them and they keep taking turns following her, so as not to make her suspicious. Once it''s clear that she''s headed here, they fall back and half of them take up observation posts down the street. While the other''s seem to be circling wide around the Garden in case she heads out that way.


    "They''re almost here." I say. "Why don''t you guys go ahead and greet them, I need to make a quick phone call." Marcus is oblivious, but Amelia and Apricot are instantly on guard. So, I use magic to whisper directly in their ears. "She''s got some watchers, but they''re staying away from here. Making me think that they don''t have the best of intentions."


    Amelia gives me a quick nod while guiding Marcus out front to meet Abigail. So, I call up her aunt just to double check.


    "Hello Sorrel, is Abby already driving you crazy?" Marta''s laughter rings out.


    "She just arrived, actually." I pause before getting straight to business. "But, she''s got some watchers, they''re not from the guard, and I don''t think you set them on her either."


    "I didn''t. Is she okay?" A hint of panic enters her voice.


    "She''s fine." I re-assure the worried woman. "Amelia''s introducing her to Count Valli''s son right now." I chuckle. "I''m more worried about you, are you at home right now? Do you have anyone around that you trust?"


    "I''m at lunch with a friend right now, we''re at the tea house near the Mage''s Guild." She explains.


    "Okay, I know the place." I say. "Just stay there for now, and I''ll make some calls to get you an escort, just in case."


    "I understand. Just please take care of Abby."


    "I will, you stay safe. I''ll call you back once I have things sorted on this end."


    "Thank you." She says, and I hang up.


    I call Stanwood first since Marta''s only a block from the Guild. He agrees to send a few mages over as soon as I explain the situation. Even said he''d go himself, apparently she''s done a portrait for him before.


    I ring up Oliver next. "Hey, sorry to bother you, but we''ve got a situation with Abigail Adeen." I jump right into it, and quickly lay out what''s going on.


    "They''re definitely not ours." He says after I fill him in. "We need to know if this is just Baron Lampe not knowing how to let things go, or if Cendassa is behind it."


    "Or, as unlikely as it may be, if a third party is interested in her." I add. "She is an attractive young fire mage, after all." I don''t believe this to be the case, but it doesn''t pay to overlook possibilities. "I take it, that you wish me to capture them?" I ask already knowing the answer.


    "Please. I''ll have a patrol sent to your place to pick them up." He says before disconnecting.


    "Hi Abby." I wave as she and her friends enter the game room. "I''m sorry to be a poor host, but Mage Long just asked me to take care of something real quick. I hope you can excuse me for a few minutes."


    "Is everything okay?" She tears her eyes away from the room to question me.


    "Should be." I smile at her. "He just needs me to get something for him, won''t even take me ten minutes. You and your friends can try out the games until I get back, I''ll even pay you all in chocolate for letting me know what you think about them."


    "That''s that stuff you''re always going on about." One of her friends eyes light up at the prospect.


    I walk over and give my wives each a kiss, earning some titters from her other friend. "I''ll be right back, I love you."


    "Love you too." - "Stay safe." They reply.


    ***

 # 50

    After slipping out the house, I turn myself invisible and take to the sky. I want to get a closer look at them before I act, and it''s a good thing I did too. As five of them have one of the old style communication runes, while one has six. That''s one for each person I''ve spotted, and one for someone I haven''t.


    Not acting against them just yet, I instead send a trickle of magic into the rune to try and find it''s partner. The cheap air spell heads off back the way the stalkers came from, but fizzles out quickly.


    Flying in that direction, I''m shortly able to spot an unfamiliar fire mage. He''s sitting in a cafe several kilometers away, sipping a cup of tea while casting fearful glances at my over-sized tree. His mana pool sets him around level ten, more than strong enough to suppress Abby, but not even close to being a match for me.


    "Did you really think I would let you kidnap my friend?" I whisper in his ear before knocking him unconscious with a sleep spell. I then cover him with my invisibility and make him float behind me as I go to deal with his comrades.


    Once I have them all knocked out, I strip the bastards and bind their hands and feet together behind their backs with ropes that even good sharpened steel would have trouble cutting through. Noticing that the one woman had a weapon hidden in her hair, I decide to give them all a thorough checking over.


    By sending mana into their bodies, I am able to find that two of them have weapons hidden up where you normally don''t want a weapon hidden. And, one other has a row of false teeth that conceal a length of stiff wire that must be for picking locks.


    "You fuckers really are pros, aren''t you?" I mutter before calling Oliver back. "They''re knocked out inside my parking area, there was a fire mage with them too. Coward was too afraid to even get close to me, but they had communication runes which let me find him."


    "A kidnapping, then." He sighs out. "How strong is the mage?"


    "Feels like he''s around ten, but these guys are professionals." I would even have some respect for them if they hadn''t decided to go after one of mine. "I''m talking hidden weapons and lock picks you wouldn''t find even if you stripped them, which I did. So, he''s probably more skilled than his level suggests."


    "I''ll keep that in mind, but it''s more likely that he was just assigned to, or hired by an elite group." He snorts in disgust. "The guards should be there in a moment, but I''ll need you to keep him suppressed until I arrive. And, if he''s that afraid of you, we should be able to use it to make him talk. I''ll call Stanwood and have him look for anyone carrying those runes, but I think they were just after the girl." He drops the call after that.


    I head back to the house, giving Marta a quick call on the way to let her know what happened. Nine minutes after I left, I return to the game room to find Abby''s two friends trying, and failing, to play ping pong while she cheers them on. Marcus is playing pool with Apricot, but he''s mostly just watching Abby.


    "Hey, babe. You get everything taken care of?" Amelia puts her arm around my waist.


    "Yeah, but Oliver will be stopping by in a bit, so I might have to step back out again for a few minutes." I say out loud, and then using magic so that only Amelia and Apricot can hear me, I add. "They had a fire mage hiding a few kilometers back, I''ve got all seven of them out cold in the parking area."


    "Oh? Well, I''m glad you were able to take care of it." She responds to my hidden statement with a sentence that isn''t out of place as a response for my first words. No need to upset Abigail while she''s having fun.


    The guards arrive soon after, so I go play a game of pinball while projecting a hologram to greet them.


    "Hey, guys." I wave to the dozen troops that roll up in two carriages, followed by a large cage on wheels. "They''re trussed up down there, the mage is off to one side."


    "Thank you lord." Their leader comes forward and salutes, fist to chest. "We''ll get the rest of them bundled up, and Mage Long should be here soon to deal with him."


    I just nod and go lean against a tree to wait. Meanwhile, Apricot seeing that I was distracted, yet still racking up the points, has been trying to make it worse so that I don''t beat her new high score. I just chuckle and unleash a multi-ball making the points come in even faster.


    "Hey, I didn''t know it did that. Why didn''t you tell me it could do that?" She pounds on my shoulder as I get closer and closer to beating her.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "Tch, looks like Oliver is here." I make a show out of being disappointed that I can''t continue. "Looks like your high-score is safe, for now." I let the balls run out and walk away with a score just a hundred points lower than hers Completely intentional, of course.


    "Hah!" She crows. "Suck it lunker. Still number one."


    "Oh, almost forgot. I''ve still got a ball left." I telekinetically pull back the plunger. The ball only hits a couple bumpers before going out of play, but that was more than enough.


    "You used magic, that doesn''t count. Amelia tell him it doesn''t count." She whines to the blonde that just gives me a peck on the cheek as I walk past her.


    "Sorry, Sweetie. All he did was launch the ball; if you want number one again, you gotta work for it." Amelia hugs the pixie from behind, and watches from over her shoulder as she starts a new game. "Of course." She breathes into her lover''s ear. "It won''t count if you aren''t just as distracted as he was."


    I keep an ''eye'' on the scene, and a smile on my face as I rush over to meet Oliver. He nodded to my hologram when he arrived, but didn''t say anything.


    "There you are." He finally speaks up as I get close, causing the guards to do a double take. "You shouldn''t even have to say anything, just stand there looking displeased." He starts walking down the ramp.


    "Been meaning to ask, just how do you deal with criminal mages?" I say after falling into step with the wizened mage. "I get that he''s an enemy agent and that changes things, but what about the average mage?"


    "Depends on the severity of the crime, and the risk they pose." He sighs out. "It''s... difficult to keep them as prisoners, so unless it''s a capital crime they''re usually just forced to make reparations. Even then, they typically just flee the country and we usually let them go." He looks a little defeated after saying that. "Not only is it just too dangerous to confront them, but we''re a small community and most everyone knows each other." He doesn''t say what they do when they don''t run, and I''m guessing that''s when it becomes his job.


    "And in this case?" I prompt.


    "We have a few holding cells deep underground, depending on his actions, he''ll be held there until he can be ransomed off." The Court Wizard looks down at the naked fire mage with disgust in his eyes. "Wake him, please."


    He comes to with a start, and immediately locks onto my scowling face. I don''t think he even registered Oliver. "Oh gods. I''m sorry, I didn''t even want to do this. I''ll tell you everything. Lampe sent us to collect the girl..." He spills everything without even having to be asked a single question.


    ...


    "A gambling debt, seriously? You''re a mage for fucks sake!" I scoff at the man as he tells us the reason he was chosen to go on this mission. "I would ask if you''re stupid, but the fact that you didn''t run for the hills after seeing what I did to the army proves that you are. Hope you like rotting in the ground, because there''s no way anyone would waste a single copper to ransom a waste of magic like you." I spit at the man.


    "Mercy please, anything but that." He grovels.


    "Oh? Then are you ready to tell us what you''ve been holding back?" Oliver asks with derision in his voice, he clearly picked up on the same lie I caught during the would be kidnapper''s tale.


    "I-I can''t." He sobs. "They''ll kill me."


    "There are many things much worse than death." I growl and shoot a large drop of Healing Sap down his throat, before using it as a conduit to stop the nerve signals from passing his c4 vertebrae.


    "What? Why can''t I move? I can''t feel anything, why can''t I feel anything!" His eyes roll around in a wild panic.


    "I had to repair someone''s spine last night, and I learned a lot of very interesting details." I project a see-thru hologram of the fire mage with his skull and neck highlighted in blue. "See, if you sever the spinal cord right here a person will lose all feeling and control below the neck." I release my block and he cries as the sensation comes back.


    "There''s a second team." He gasps out while shimmying against the rough ground just to savor the sensation. "They''re not after the girl, but other than that, I don''t know what their target is."


    "Tell us everything you do know about them, and I might just undo what I did here." The hologram slides down to just above his tail bone. "Damage the nerves there, and... well, it really only affects one spot." I look pitifully down between his legs.


    ...


    "Damn, Sorrel." Oliver laughs after I knock the weeping mage out again. "Remind me never to piss you off. And, thank you for getting that info so quickly. We''ll be able to round up those assassins now, before they can change locations. Oh, and how is young Marcus doing?"


    "Oh, he''s good." I smile and project an image of the game room. "He''s head over heels for Abby, but he''s good. Think she might even be starting to like him back, this is the second game that she''s let him win."


    "Heh." He snorts out a laugh. "Oh, to be young again." He shakes his head before calling up the ramp. "Alright boys, load this one up too."


    "What are you going to do with him?"


    "Unfortunately, you''re more than likely right about no one ransoming him off. So, he probably will rot underground."


    "In that case, why not just send him back?" I offer up a crazy idea. "Spread a little more fear and propaganda, and save yourselves whatever resources it would take to keep him penned up."


    "Are you sure? It''ll just make them more afraid of you."


    "I''m sure I''ve already got a target on my back after Riverton." I shrug. "And, losing your clothes might be one thing, but losing your manhood? How many people would be willing to risk that, let alone control of their limbs. I may not want to kill, but I am no pushover. And, the sooner they learn that, the better for everyone."


    "I''ll talk it over with Her Majesty and Patrick, later." He sighs. "Right now, I''ve got some assassins to round up."


    "Good luck, and stay safe." I pat him on the shoulder as we step out into the sun again. "If any guards get injured, please bring them over for healing. I need to work on refining those spells anyways."


    "I''ll be there with them, so it shouldn''t come to that, but I''ll remember the offer if we need it. Good bye." He hops in his ride and they all leave.


    ***

 # 51

    "Sorrel, help." Apricot pleads as I re-enter the game room. "Amelia''s being mean to me."


    "Oh, really?" I grin. "Because, I''ve been watching and, from my vantage point, she''s been rather the opposite of mean." This gets some more titters from Abby''s one friend.


    "You loved every second, and you know it." Amelia breaths into her lover''s ear before turning to me. "Everything go alright?"


    "Yeah, Oliver picked up what he came for, but had to run off when he heard of another opportunity elsewhere in the city."


    "You know, my father uses that same kind of double speak all the time." Marcus speaks up. "And, you''re about as bad at it as he is." He chuckles when a look of consternation flashes across my face.


    "I didn''t want to ruin the mood." I sigh. "But, it actually involves you Abby, so I might as well spill." The look on her face makes my chest hurt. "Baron Lampe sent a team to kidnap you."


    She loses strength in her legs and has to support herself on the edge of the pool table, but she doesn''t lose control of her magic. Marcus hovers nearby, wanting to help but not wanting to be too forward.


    "I spotted them when you arrived, that''s why I had to make some calls and step out." She seems to recover as I continue, even smiling at Marcus for his concern. "I caught them, and had to wait for Mage Long because they had a Fire mage with them." Fire enters her eyes at the implications of that, but she doesn''t let it get away from her.


    "What did you do with them?" She nearly spits.


    "Turned them over to the Guard to deal with." I shrug as if their fates are no matter to me. "Oliver and I just had a little chat with the mage though, he''ll be rotting in a hole in the ground for the foreseeable future, if it makes you feel better."


    "It does." She snarls.


    And, for some reason, he seemed to be rather afraid of me." I chuckle darkly. "He quickly told us all about his other accomplices, and Oliver ran off to round them up. You''re safe now, as is your Aunt." I allay her fears. "She''s having lunch with the Guild head right now."


    "Thank you." She says after taking a deep breath and holding it for a few seconds. "I need to call her."


    "Tell her to come over, if she wants." I offer, and she nods before sitting down in a corner to make the call, her friends hovering near by while Marcus walks over to the three of us.


    "What didn''t you say?" He ask quietly, so I put up a soundproof wall.


    "The accomplices weren''t sent for her." I say in a normal tone. "They''re assassins sent for another target." I look in the general direction of the castle. "And, the ones sent to grab Abby would have taken her the night we had dinner if I hadn''t awakened her."


    "Those fuckers." Apricot snarls.


    "They sent a messenger bird back, asking for re-enforcements. Cendassa just happened to be sending a separate team, and they brought that waste of magic along with them. They just reached the city last night, and fobbed him off onto the kidnappers this morning."


    "And he just told you everything?" Marcus gulps. "You weren''t gone that long."


    "He didn''t want to talk about the second team, at first. But..." I grin evilly. "Well, let''s just say that I learned a few things from treating you last night."


    "That''s my man." Apricot hugs me from the side, while Amelia nods with a vicious look on her face. My girls may seem nice and innocent... Well, maybe not innocent. But they''ve got a bit of a blood-thirsty streak.


    Marcus just gulps again before muttering to himself. "Never piss off an Archmage."


    "Hah! Oliver said much the same thing." I bark out a laugh. "I didn''t do anything permanent, just scared the sad fuck. The fool was actually chosen for this mission because he had a gambling debt to Lampe. A mage with a gambling debt, for fucks sake." I shake my head before turning my attention to Abby.


    "Thank you again." She bows to me. "Marta said she would head over in a little bit. I hope that''s okay."


    "Of course it is, now cheer up." I order the girl. "You came over to have fun, so have some fun."


    "Mhm." She mumbles.


    "Alright, come on." I take her by the wrist and start dragging her out front. "I was going to save this for the party, but I might as well test it out now."


    Everyone follows us out, and once we''re on the stone outside, I let go of her hand and toss out a few seeds. These go from seed to tree to logs in just seconds, and then those logs take only seconds more to flow into a giant carousel.


    It''s menagerie is made up of dozens of different ''cute'' insects, along with snails, turtles, frogs, lizards, humming birds, and even a kangaroo rat in honor of the dungeon. The whole thing starts turning and the poles go up and down as some organ music starts playing.


    "Oh, babe. It''s wonderful." Amelia hugs me. "There''s no spiders, right? Then, yes it''s wonderful." Her arachnophobia make me laugh.


    "It''ll look better at night." I cast the yard in shade so all the lights can show off.


    "Nice touch with the rat." Apricot chuckles as it spins into view.


    "Thought you might like that."


    "Look, It''s a ladybug, I love ladybugs." Abby''s tittering friend grabs her hand and drags the young Fire Mage forward. Marcus and her other friend following in their wake.


    Instead of taking the girls onto it, I pull them to one side and create a small-ish Ferris-wheel. It has a dozen cars, which are all shaped like different flowers. Apricot and I have to almost drag Amelia onto it, even though the top doesn''t go higher than our house.


    Once we''re on board, I start it up and slowly rise us up to the top. "See, it''s not so bad up here. There''s nothing to be afraid of." I hug Amelia from one side while Apricot snuggles up opposite me and starts running her hand along the blonde''s thigh to distract her.


    "I guess it''s alright." She breathes out. "Mmm. What else did you have planned?"


    "Just a little train ride around the Garden." I say while nuzzling her neck. "Maybe a few surprises for those who go exploring on their own."The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Oooh, right there." She purrs. "You do love putting on a show."


    "Says the lady that has no problem with us groping her in front of guests." Apricot says and teases Amelia''s ear lobe with her teeth.


    "Abby are Marcus are too pre-occupied with each other right now." I mimic Apricot''s move. "And her friends are busy whispering about them."


    "Who cares about them." Her breathing starts coming faster. "Just keep doing that thing with your vines."


    "Yes, Ma''am." I say and do my level best to help Amelia overcome her fear of heights.


    A bit of heavy petting later, and Amelia has a nice rosy flush to her skin. So, I start taking us down before our guests get too suspicious. Fortunately, in the artificial night, they could barely make out the Ferris wheel, let alone us up at the top.


    Abby and Marcus are holding hands now as they sit side by side on the wings of a fuzzy poodle moth. She''s been venting her frustrations about the whole Lampe situation, and he''s doing a fair job of just listening to her, and being supportive.


    I don''t know if she''s really interested in him, or just needs someone, anyone, right now. But, it seems like she could definitely do worse than the son of a Count. And, if it lessens Amelia''s jealousy, I''m all for it.


    The girls and I go sit on an upside down hedge-hog and just snuggle for a bit. Abby''s friends got a little bored of just watching her and marc, and started to investigate the menagerie. I''m feeling a bit puckish, so with a mischievous smile, I move the creatures about when those two are looking away.


    Apricot, with her magical sight, catches on right away and starts giggling. Amelia want to know what''s so funny, so I overlay an enhanced view onto her eyes. Which is much trickier than I thought it would be.


    The two girls, Ashley and Rosa take a few minute to notice anything, but once they do, they start freaking out. At least, until my wives give the game away by giggling too loudly. By this time I can sense Marta arriving in a carriage with Stanwood, so I gradually remove the artificial twilight as I bring the merry-go-round to a stop.


    "Marta''s here." I warn as the painter and her escort start walking down the path.


    "Auntie!" - "Abby!" ""Are you okay?"" The ask at the same time and start running towards each other.


    While they console each other, I get a call from Oliver. "Everything went fine." He opens. "They actually gave up straight away." He chuckles. "Seems your move at Riverton is already paying off; their leader was already half convinced to just abandon the mission, and was talking it over with his team when we surrounded them."


    "That is excellent news." The smile can easily be heard in my voice.


    "Yes, it is. And thank you again. I''ll talk to you later." The court wizard disconnects, as abrupt as ever.


    "He got them?" Amelia asks.


    "Yup, and it looks like they were going to run out on the contract anyways." I grin. "Having the ''fight'' play on a loop outside the gates must be driving the poor guards mad by now, but it does seem to be effective. I''ll have to make some more players so they can spread them throughout the country."


    "Yeah, effective is one word for it." Marcus chuckles. "Dad pulled some strings and had one brought to the house for me to watch, and if I hadn''t already been flat on my ass, I think I would have fallen down."


    "That''s our man." Apricot squeezes my arm. "If anyone knows how to put on a show, it''s him."


    "I just wish he''d quit falling on his ass every time he does." Amelia snorts.


    "Hey, I''m getting better." I rub her back, and look up at the tree. "Last time I gently drifted down onto my ass, and then passed out." I chuckle and kiss her on the forehead.


    "I''ll thank you not to do that again, please." She shivers. "Scared the life out of us."


    "I''m sorry, Amelia." I kiss her for real this time.


    "Enough of that, you two. You''ve got guests." Marta''s laugh fills the yard. "Guests who are dying to know what these wonderful contraptions are."


    "Oh, I call this a carousel, and that''s a... sky wheel." ''Sorry Mr. Ferris'' I think as I start the amusement rides back up. "I would have made it larger, but we''re still working on someone''s fear of heights." I pull Amelia into a side hug as we face the newcomers.


    "Wondrous." Awe fills her voice as I cover us in shade again. "I take it these are for your party?" Her sentence is more statement than question.


    "Word''s already getting around?" I raise an eyebrow. "The invites don''t go out until tomorrow. Why don''t you come inside? I''ll give you a sneak peak at some of the other entertainment I''ve prepared."


    "Oh, yes. Marta, you have to see these games he''s created." Abby grabs her aunt by the wrist and starts pulling her inside. Her friends and Marcus trailing along after.


    "Sorrel." The guild leader nods to me. "How goes it?"


    "Good, Oliver rounded them up without issue." I nod back. "Abby knows there was a second team, but not what they were here for. Though I did fill Marcus in."


    "That''s fine, he''s a good lad." He smiles. "So, make anything else new?" His eyes gleam as we walk down the hallway.


    "There''s a few new things, yeah."


    ***


    "Thank you for such a lovely meal." Marta says as we finish up dessert.


    "No, thank you for putting up with me being such a poor host." I smile self-deprecatingly. "I do tend to get lost in my own world when I''m enchanting."


    "It was fascinating to watch though." She laughs. "Even if I had no idea what was going on, it was still very entertaining to watch not just one, but two new rune games come into existence."


    "I had some idea of what was happening." Stanwood says. "And, I found it even more fascinating. Just how do you manage so many changes with nothing... well, exploding on you."


    "Hmm? Oh, that''s thanks to Magical Sight, I picked it up from observing Apricot." I smile over at my wife, who''s sitting back and petting Mittens after finishing her second bowl of chocolate mousse. "I can see and correct any problems before they have a chance to overload the rune script."


    ''Not that problems really happen anymore.'' I think to myself. I''ve already raised my enchanting skill to the point that I just don''t make mistakes. I''ve even developed a bit of a sixth sense on how to avoid pitfalls and work around finicky runes. So, all those iterations were just me tweaking minor parts of the games to make it run true to memory


    "I didn''t know that was even possible for someone who isn''t Fae." Stanwood''s eyes widen a bit.


    "Oh, Sorrel''s quite good at defying expectations of what''s possible." Amelia laughs from beside me. "You might even say he''s our own impossible existence." She smirks while using my title to tease me.


    "So, what do you have planned next?"


    "I still gotta enchant those rides out front, and I want to add another one that lets people tour the garden." I think through my plans for the coming days. "Then, there''s a handful more rune games I''d like to make before the party. And, I''m sure I''ll be busy fending off people once word about Smith Street and Marcus gets around."


    "Hmm?" Marta stares at the Count''s son with a confused look on his face. "What about him?"


    "Marc, mind if I show them what your bones looked like? Just the bones." I add quickly after seeing the look on his face.


    "Very well, I''m sure they won''t be the last people who want to see." He sighs out and turns away to face Abby who takes his hand under the table.


    I project the image of his skeleton from last night for just a moment. Abby''s friends gasped outright, and even Marta and Stanwood hissed a little, but I blocked the noise from Marc''s ears.


    "I have a Nature Magic healing spell that on its own isn''t very useful because it drains my own strength to heal others." I explain. "But, it also lets me bypass the body''s innate rejection of foreign mana, letting me piggyback traditional healing spells onto it. I''ve got to do something about those, by the way. They''re just not very good, even with a bypass like Healing Sap."


    "He really is impossible, isn''t he?" Apricot teases their stunned looks.


    "Dev told me about young Valli, but I had no idea. Do you have any idea what this means?"


    "That a lot of people are going to be pestering me." I say flatly. "Look, I want to help everyone, and if I can work out a way to lessen the drain of those spells, I will. But, until then, I''m not going to let a bunch of strangers suck me dry. As heartless as that may sound."


    "Was it really, that bad?" Marcus speaks up again. "You seemed fine after treating me."


    "How many times did I refill my plate at dinner? How many donuts did I eat?" I counter.


    "He also seemed fine after scaring off an army too." Amelia adds, "Right up until we were alone and he collapsed for a day. He''s damned good at hiding mana drain, but that doesn''t mean it doesn''t affect him." She pats my leg with a proud look on her face.


    "Shit, I''m sorry. I had no idea."


    "Nothing to apologize for." I wave the matter away. "But, I would be grateful if you spread the word that I won''t be able to treat frivolous cases. I don''t want every baron bringing their bunions and boils to me."


    "Hah!" Apricot barks out. "Thanks for saving that imagery until after we ate."


    "I also plan to make and distribute a medical imaging rune. That way, I can at least help the regular healers to be more effective." I shake my head at the long, long list of things I still need to do.


    "You''ll get there babe." Amelia knows me well enough to have guessed what I was thinking.


    "Enough seriousness, though." I smile and stand up from the table. "Who wants a train ride around the garden?"


    ***

 # 52

    "What`cha doing?" Amelia flops down on the moss next to me as I sit by the pond.


    "Working on an idea for some party favors. It''s based on that quick rune I added to Mittens collar before Riverton." I show her the prototype camera that I''m building. "Just trying to decide if I want it to take plain pictures, or be a bit more fancy. Also trying to wrap myhead around a different approach to storing images.


    "What''s wrong with those glass cubes?" She kicks her bare feet in the water.


    "Nothing, and I''ll probably use it for these. But, while the glass is good, I want something that can be re-used. And, if I get this right, then I''ll be able to add it to our phones so we can take and send pictures and a lot more." I''m in the middle of working out a solid-state hard drive of some sort. I was botany student though, and not really a techie. I do know the difference between a bit and a byte, but going from that to fully functional hard-drive is gonna take a few steps.


    "You''re still upset about the phones not being up to your standards." She laughs at me. "You''re not going to be happy until they can do everything they could do everything they could back on Dirt."


    "Why stop there?" I let out my own laugh and show her my new wrist watch. "Remember my idea for the portable library, and Apricot''s joystick? Well, I figured why carry both my phone and the Gameboy?" I double tap the face and a hardlight phone materializes, a button summons my paused Tetris game, a second press and it becomes a gamepad and with the screen projected into the air in front of us.


    "Ooh, where''s mine?"


    "Well, I was gonna make you one, but I got distracted when I thought about adding a picture taker, and that led me to the party favors, and well, here we are." I rub the back of my head, a little embarrassed


    "And I still don''t have one." She bends forward and splashes me with water, playfully.


    "Fine, do you want a watch like mine, or some other type of jewelry?" I display a bunch of women''s watches for her to choose from.


    "It''s like a tiny clock." The smile of simple joy at seeing something new that reaches her lips as she says that makes me fall in love all over again. "I thought it was just a weird bracelet."


    "I modeled mine after my old smart watch." I tap the screen and 10:10 shows up in glowing green digits.


    "I like this one." She points to a simple watch with a round face, and a rose gold and white ceramic band.


    "I''ll need your game, so I can copy the high-scores."


    "Are you going to be able to shrink one of these down for Apricot?" She asks after handing it over


    "It''ll be tight, but I should be able to manage." I think about it and nod. "Might not need to though, she''s been staying our size more and more lately. She didn''t even shrink back down for dinner last night." I focus my ''sight'' on where the pixie in question is pounding away at the pinball machine. "We should set aside a day where all three of us stay pixie sized just for her." I say with a happy smile on my face.


    "Can you manage that? You said you almost dropped it last time." She looks hopeful and worried at the same time.


    "When have I ever not been up for a challenge?" I chuckle. "As long as we stay close to the tree, and you''re not fucking my brains out. I should do alright." I slip the newly completed watch on her wrist. "Here, you can also answer calls without having to bring out the phone." I call her and my number shows up overlaid above the hands along with a red and green button.


    "What if we want to fuck your brains out?" She licks her lips.


    "Then I will just have to pixie up and fucking take it, won''t I?" We both collapse laughing at that.


    ***


    "Hey, Sorrel." Apricot says as she walks up behind me. "Amelia said you had something for me. Is it penis shaped? Please tell me it''s penis shaped."


    I look over my shoulder and smirk before moving aside to reveal the body and tail of a giant dragonfly.


    "Yeah... that''s a big fat nope." She giggles. "I''m kinky but I ain''t that kinky."


    "This is going to be my first golem. You pervert pixie." I add as she strokes her hand up and down its tail. "I can make you some sex toys if you want though, can even make them vibrate."


    "You''re the only sex toy... Wait, did you say vibrate?" Her eyes dilate.


    "Hahahah. Yeah, I was kicking around ideas to make me suck at pool, and thought a vibrating cue stick might work." I make the tail buzz in her hand.


    "Oh, we will definitely have to play around with that later. Well, not that." She drops the tail with a look of disgust.


    "Sounds like fun." I chuckle, thinking of all the different toys I can make for us. I even got bored one night and looked up what silicone is made from, it''s a simple silicon oxygen chain. And, if I can make diamonds, I can make that. "That''s not what I have for you though. This is." I hold up a tiny watch.


    "Jewelry, yay." She shrinks down and puts it on.


    "Not just jewelry." I smile at my happy little bride. "Push that button on the side."


    She does and a Gameboy pops into existence. "Ooh, it''s like what you were talking about the other day."


    "That''s not all. Double tap the face to get a phone, or..." I Ensmallen myself and point to another button. "You can press this one for something special."If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Oh, Sorrel." She hugs me after seeing that it turns on a movie player filled with copies of everything I''ve translated so far. "You are fucking awesome!" She kisses me.


    "I know." I smirk and kiss her back. "That was one neat little piece of enchanting too, I had to spectrum shift the... Well, I won''t bore you with the details." I say after we separate. "Just wish I was having as much luck on that thing."


    "What''s the matter, it''s just Golemancy, you grab a bug and... Oh." She pauses.


    "Yeah, I don''t like that Golemancy has you bind the spirit of an animal, so I''m trying to re-create it with runic intelligence, like what I used for the ghosts in Pac-man, only much, much harder."


    "You are such a softie, even towards little bugs. That''s so cute." She leans forwards and kisses me on the nose.


    "Nnn, I''ll squish a bug no problem. Even hunting for food isn''t that big a deal, but killing people, and that whole soul business. Yeah, I''m a little leery of that." Rather understandable, since I was once nothing but a soul myself. "So, I''m taking a different path."


    "Us pixies have a phrase for people like you." My wife''s smile is filled with love.


    "It''s not bug-fuck crazy is it? Cuz humans already have that one." I joke.


    "I''m serious." She says seriously. "You''re one who travels the way of the thorn. It doesn''t matter how difficult the journey, you still find your way safely through even on paths that no other would even imagine taking. What''s a little difficulty to a man who broke the universe for love." She glances up at the tree I made for her and our future children, and back to me. "I love you, you bug-fuck crazy man, you."


    ***


    "It''s doing it again." Apricot giggles as the dragonfly''s head spins around in circles. After ''thanking'' me for her gift, she decided to hang around and keep me company while I enchant.


    "Dammit, I thought I fixed that." I stop the stupid thing and focus in on the enchantments for head control. "Here it is! This bit wasn''t reporting back properly, so it got stuck in a loop. Someone must have distracted me while I was working on that part." I smirk at the still naked woman.


    "Oh sure. Blame it on the pixie." She arches her back in an attempt to distract me again. "So, is it ready to fly yet? I kinda want to watch it crash and burn." She giggles again, doing wonderful things to her chest, and horrible things for my concentration.


    "Mhm." I have to shake my head to get my focus back. "Yeah, that should have fixed the head cleaning animation. So, we can try for a quick hover now." Since we''re still pixie sized, I fly over to her and carry us out of the way of its wings. And, I may have taken some liberty with hand and vine placement while doing so.


    "Ahh! You brute." She squirms in my grasp, but not like she''s trying to get away. "Hey, watch the vines." She snorts. "The blonde is the only one that likes you playing around back there."


    "Heheheh. Sorry, they''ve got a bit of a mind of their own." I chortle and disentangle us so we can watch the inaugural flight, and likely crash of the shimmering green dragonfly. "Here we go... and there it went." I face palm while Apricot bends over in mid-air, laughing her head off.


    The wings unfurled far too fast and sent it careening off its perch to crash right into my full-sized body. Stopping the golem, I then command my body to pick it up and set it back in place before moving much farther back.


    "Day 11, Test 37, Configuration 2.0. For lack of a better option, Dummy is still on fire safety." I mimic one of my favorite lines from Iron Man, and set Apricot to laughing again just as she was getting herself under control. "We''re just gonna start off with 1% thrust capacity. And three... two... one."


    The wings spread out, without issue this time, and both pairs sweep upwards before the front wings flow down and just stop. The back wings function properly a second later, but without the front pair, the insect just bounces up and down a little.


    "Now, what''s wrong?" I mutter and glance over at my oh-so-supportive wife who''s now clutching her sides and gasping from laughing too hard.


    ...


    "Great, now the tail''s acting up." I sigh and make the Nth adjustment, and... it stabilizes! "Holy shit. Apricot look." She had sat down to watch Iron Man again a few minutes ago.


    "Good job." She looks up from the movie, the explosions still startle her a bit, but she doesn''t look away from them anymore. "Think you can make it do more than just hover now?"


    "I can try." My face is split by a grin as I command it to move forward, and it does so. "And, stop." It goes back to hovering. "Now, backwards. Ack!" It tries lowering the tail to back-pedal, but ends up flopping over and crashing, again.


    "You''re getting there." She says distractedly.


    "Oh, go back to your movie." I smile at my love. "I''ll let you know when it''s worth watching."


    ...


    Forward, back, up, down, side to side, turns from tight to loose in all directions. Hovers and glides, take offs and landings on various inclines. Handling the wind, from a gentle breeze to a baleful gale.


    "I think it''s ready." I say to myself with a smug look, just in time for Mittens to come running up and leap onto its rear wing and drag it out of the air.


    "Hahahahah!" Apricot cracks up laughing as our kitten mauls my hard work.


    She skipped over The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man 2, and just finished watching Thor again. I think she''s got a crush on Chris Hemsworth, as this is probably the twentieth time she''s watched it.


    "Sorry, babe." Amelia scoops him up a moment later. "Oh, there you are. I thought we were doing the pixie day later."


    "Eh, it sorta just worked out this way." I fly up and give her a kiss on the nose. "Lie down and I''ll shrink you to join us."


    "You two were planning a pixie day? Awwww." Apricot tackles me in a flying hug. "Are you sure you can handle it?"


    "Depends how distracted I get." I laugh and slap the still naked pixie on the ass.


    "Eek!" She squeals. "Oh, I''m gonna get you for that." She starts chasing after me while.


    "Mittens, save me." I dive behind him, and hide in Amelia''s cleavage.


    "Get outta there. Ha ha ha." Amelia giggles as I squirm my way down her dress. "Eeep, watch your wings. Would you quit goofing around, I wanted to see your golem." She sits down next to my body and I fly out from under her skirt.


    "Just let me fix up that tear in its wing." I buzz over to Mittens and scratch him behind the ear while it seals itself up. "And you, please try not to eat it this time, you mighty little hunter, you."


    "Mreow." He closes his eyes and tilts his head into the scratch.


    "Aww." Apricot sidles up next to me. "I''m still going to get you back later, but that is too cute to interrupt. Now, pixiefy my woman so we can ride around on your little bug."


    "Yes, Ma''am." I do so, and the strain hits right away. But, I think I can handle it better this time, now that I know what''s in store for me.


    "That is never not going to be weird." Mini-Amelia stares down at her full sized body. "Do I have to ride the bug?" She laughs nervously. "Can''t I just borrow your mighty steed here?"


    "Sorry, babe. But, I think he fell asleep." The little guy is curled up on top of her chest, blissfully unaware. "You''ve got your own wings now, so it''s not like you can really fall anyways."


    "And, I promise to keep you distracted if the height starts to bother you." Apricot presses her nude body up against her wife. "And if you''re really lucky maybe Sorrel will make some of the new toys he thought up for us." She kisses the blondes neck before dancing back and pulling her into the air.


    "Oh, sure." I roll my eyes. "It''s not like I''m dual casting my most complex spell right now, or anything. While also test-flying a runic golem for the first time." I add with a put-upon sigh.


    "So, no problem then?" Amelia chuckles. "And just what kind of new toys are we talking about?" I quickly fashion a vibrating egg from gold and toss it to Apricot. Amelia''s eyes go wide when her wife pushes a button and it starts buzzing. "Oh my."


    "I don''t know what exposure therapy is like back on Dirt, but I doubt it''s half as fun as what she has in store for you." I chuckle evilly and command the dragonfly to take us up.


    ***

 # 53

    It''s the middle of the night when a magical pulse snaps me out of sleep. Apricot shifts back to her normal size and darts around to look for danger at the same time. I managed a good few hours with the twin Ensmallens, but we all decided to go big when we retired to bed.


    "Huh? Whuts happen?" Amelia mumbles groggily, her senses not as fine tuned as ours.


    "My staff." My eyes are drawn out the window to our tree. "I think it''s done it, or at least its close." I breathe out as my mind drills in on what''s happening in the tree.


    "Mhm, thas goo." My wife''s eyes flutter closed again as her head drops back down to the pillow.


    "I think you wore her out earlier." I laugh at the pixie before opening the window to go outside. "And that was just with a couple eggs, wait until I make you two some really fun stuff." I say over my shoulder before dropping to the ground.


    "Oh, you are an evil, evil man." She purrs into my ear after catching up. "I can''t wait. Now, what''s going on in there? I''ve never been able to get a good read on your staff."


    "Really?" I rub my chin with thumb and forefinger. "I didn''t expect that trait to work on the Fae. It''s a Livingwood weapon made by accident with a racial skill I didn''t know I had. The description says that only Plantkin will be able to divine it''s true nature."


    "Huh, I knew it was more than just a stick, but I just thought it was a really good focus." She shifts back to human size to stand next to me as I place my hand on the tree. "Never heard of Livingwood stuff, but I suppose every race has their own secrets."


    "Like the spot between a pixies wings?" I use my free hand to tease up her spine.


    "Mmm." She moans. "Or that a Plantkin''s vines are ticklish." She plays me at my own game.


    "Heheh." We stand there teasing each other like that for a moment, before the staff let''s out another pulse. "It''s calling me. I need to go inside." I say before taking a step into the tree, like it''s not even there.


    "I''ll be waiting." She darts forward to kiss me. "For you, and your staff." Her eyes dart down to my unclothed waist. *Ding**Ding* "Oh Temmie, you and the staff jokes." Apricot lets out her own laugh at the Systems silliness.


    I just smile and walk forwards, my magic pulling me along. "You''ve grown." I say as my hand wraps around the Livingwood weapon, now back to its full quarterstaff size. We''re in the very heart of the Mana Well, where the three trees made one meet and join.


    "So much power." I can feel it coursing into and through me. "What do you need from me?" I ask and get back an impression of the herringbone pattern of the mantis shrimp''s claw that I based the original modified cherry wood on. "A new pattern, eh?"


    I''ve been wanting to play around more with diamonds, graphene and carbon nanotubes. So, I feed it images of perfectly ordered carbon atoms. The staff soaks it up and we take what feels like hours to test and try out different designs before we arrive at one we like.


    The final design is made up of a diamond nano-thread wrapped inside a carbon nanotube, then seven of those bundled together and wrapped up in a larger multi-walled nanotube. Those are then bundled again and braided up inside graphene ribbons like rope. Those ropes are then braided together again and wrapped around with more nano-thread and nanotubes. And so on, and so on.


    The staff keeps growing to maintain its size even as it compresses itself down into what is essentially an overpowered space elevator cable. While it''s doing that, I''m layering in nano-scale enchantments and spells for even more strength and durability.


    The final product is a two meter long, shiny black staff. It now weighs nearly thirty kilograms, and is the next best thing to indestructible. And, even if it does somehow get damaged, it''s still alive and can repair itself with the mana that it now generates and feeds directly into me.


    Walking out of the giant apricot tree, I blink up at the late afternoon sunlight that''s filtering through it''s branches. Once my eyes adjust, I look down at the work of art in my hand.


    "You are long past due for a name, my friend." I give it a twirl and it cuts through the air with a howling sound. "So, in light of my chat with Apricot yesterday -I hope it was only yesterday- and your new color." I plant the staff in the ground and run my fingers down it''s polished surface. "I dub you Blackthorne."


    "Just like a boy to name his ''staff''." Apricot teases as she comes running up with Amelia at her side. "And, before you ask, yes it was only yesterday." She laughs, and they both hug and kiss me.


    "Darn, and here I was hoping that I missed the party altogether." I chuckle and hug my wives tight. "And, are you really knocking my naming sense? Or should I ask pinky and perky?"


    "He''s got you there." Amelia laughs.


    "Oh, really? I wonder how touchy and ticklish feel about that." Apricot gropes her wife''s breasts.


    "Hahaha. Ack, quit it." She jumps behind me, but I just send my tentacles up for a quick squeeze. "No fair." She slaps them away and crosses her arms over her chest.


    "Alright, enough fooling around." Apricot puts on her serious face. "Let me check this thing out. Identify!" *Ding* "A heavy, black staff. Wow, super informative." *Ding**Ding*(Blame him.)


    "Hey, I didn''t even know about the Livingwood thing until it happened. Oh, fine. Identify!" I sigh out and make my notification visible for them.


    *Ding*


    -Blackthorne: Livingwood Staff. This staff is bonded to you as its creator, it will grow as you do and gain new abilities over time. It has connected to and can now channel the powers of a Mana Well. Note: Only Plantkin will be able to correctly Identify Livingwood weapons, to all others it shall appear as a well-made, yet otherwise unexceptional staff. P.S. You are such a cheat. :p Temmie.-


    "You really are." Amelia shakes her head. "Living on a Mana Well wasn''t good enough for you, so you had to go and make it portable." She laughs at the look on my face.


    "Hey, Blackthorne did that all himself." I try to defend myself. "You read the bit about him gaining new abilities, I just got really lucky. No more keeping you stuffed up in my inventory anymore." I picked up the staff and give it a pet. "Even if you are a bit hard to carry around like this."


    I nearly drop the staff when it shivers and shrinks into a five centimeter long thorn. It''s even got a little loop at the top for me to thread it onto a necklace or bracelet. So, I quickly fashion a string necklace from braided diamond nano-thread.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "Thanks." I put it around my neck. "Also, awesome new ability." I grin while Amelia grumbles. "So, what''d you girls get up to while I was playing with my staff all day?"


    *Ding* Temmie laughs, but it sounds a bit forced.


    ***


    "Is it done yet?" Amelia hangs over my shoulders to peek at my work.


    "No ''Hi Sorrel, what was spending your day in a tree like?'' Nope, you get jealous of Blackthorne and decide I have to make you a wand right away." I chuckle. "And, then it''s ''is it done yet?'' every five seconds." I turn my head and nibble on her earlobe. "Mmm, you know this might go faster if you put on that Hogwarts costume I made for you."


    "Hahaha." Apricot laughs. "Somehow I think that will make it take even longer." She pulls Amelia away from me. "Let the man work. He''s adjusting the mana flows right now, it''ll be done in a minute."


    "I just wanna see what it looks like." Amelia pouts. "I don''t see why you have to keep it a secret."


    "Seriously? Do you not know him by now?" Apricot pets her on the head. "Of course he wants to make a show of it. Look, I think he''s done."


    "I am done, and it''s a beauty." I drop the shadow veil to reveal a perfect copy of my erect penis made from green diamond. "Oh wait, that one''s for Apricot." I crack up laughing, my pixie and Temmie joining in while Amelia''s pout turns into a scowl.


    "Now that''s my kind of magic wand." Apricot snatches it up right away.


    "Give me that so I can beat him to death with it." Amelia tries to grab it, but the pixie is too quick for her. "Please, no more teasing. Can I see it now?" She finally gives up and resorts to begging. "I promise I won''t beat you to death with your own cock. Might shove it up your ass later though, if this thing isn''t worth the wait, that is."


    "Heheh, not really my thing." I let out a nervous laugh and raise an eyebrow at the diamond dildo. "But, I''ll never ask you to do anything I''m not willing to do myself."


    "Mmm, that might be kinda hot." Apricot licks the tip of her ''wand''. "Maybe if you make a harness so she could use it like the real thing."


    "Oh, no." I put my hand on the side of my face in a shocked look. "I''m practically puckering, my pervert pixie wants her perfect partner to practice pegging penetration." Another round of riotous laughter from the three of us while Amelia''s face turns red.


    "That''s it!" She stamps her foot. "I was just joking before, but now you''re asking for it."


    "Patience, patience." She smacks me and Apricot snorts. "I love you." I turn serious and catch her hand, slipping the wand into it.


    It''s mostly diamond, with a few nano-threads and tubes to provide added strength and spell channeling. The handle is a Green Chinese dragon with its tail and lower body wrapped protectively around a golden Mana-Gem egg. Its upper half is stretched upwards, as it opens its mouth to fire off a water blast. A turbulent ball of deep blue water gathered in its jaws as a thin spiraling stream shoots out.


    "Wow." Apricot breathes out, but Amelia is stunned speechless.


    "Oh, baby." She runs her fingers over it, savoring all the tiny details. Each and every scale on the dragon and its egg are minutely carved. I even went as far as to give it tiny little eyelashes. "It''s perfect."


    "Just wait until you try it." I smirk. "I added Mana channels tuned specifically for Water and Light. And, the Gem can be used to boost the power of your spells." I conjure a thick block of steel ten meters away from us. "Give it a try."


    She does, and her water stream cuts right through the steel like butter. "Well." She lets out a shuddering laugh. "It''s no Elder wand, but I suppose it''ll do." A laser beam then melts what''s left of the target as she starts giggling.


    "Uh oh, I think I made a monster." I say to myself.


    ***


    "You okay there babe?" She scoots over to rub my back when she sees me sitting gingerly.


    "I''ll be fine in a few, just kinda wish healing sap worked on me. And, that a certain someone wasn''t always so enthusiastic." I glare over at Apricot who''s wearing a smug grin and little else. "Also wishing I had made that out of silicone... uhh, soft glass." I add at her confused look.


    "Is there no way to store the sap up beforehand?" She ignores my latter statement.


    "I''ve tried, but since it''s a partly conjured substance, the healing effect fades as soon as I quit channeling the spell." I shrug and adjust my position, already feeling better thanks to my high stats. "Even if I tie it into a Mana Gem, it still loses its vitality, just over a period of minutes instead of seconds."


    "I want to say that''s too bad, but knowing you, you''ll figure something out eventually." She kisses my furrowed brow. "Don''t worry about it now, why don''t you work on something else as a distraction. What about that hard drive thingy?"


    "Ugh. Too much math." I groan. "I''ll let that one percolate some more. But, now that you mention it, I did come up with a good idea for Mana transmission when I was working on your wand. Hmm, remind me to have Kyle order a load of coal, I can pull carbon from the air but why bother if I don''t have to. And, who knows what other goodies might be in it."


    "This related to your Arc Reactor idea?" She moves from massaging me to just snuggling as the look of discomfort leaves me. "Do you think you''ll still need to make cars and stuff for the army?"


    "Even if I don''t I still want to make some form of mass transit for the country." I conjure an image of the train from Dumbo. "That and just generally improve everyone''s quality of living. Imagine if every household in the country had access to runes like people in the capital do. Even just giving them heating runes, so they don''t have to waste time chopping firewood."


    "You''re just trying to save some trees, aren''t you?" Apricot laughs and lies down on my other side, so that she''s looking up at us.


    "It''s a very noble idea, but how do you think the other nobles will react?" Amelia raises a good point. "And, even if they do go for it. Then what about the people? A lot of them won''t react well to what they see as charity."


    "That or they''ll get greedy for more, and expect you to give it to them." Apricot adds.


    "I had some ideas for that as well, and I really should schedule a sit down with Vivian to discuss them."


    "Ooh, just Vivian." Apricot smirks. "Not the Queen, or Her Majesty. Hahaha"


    "She told me I could call her that, at least in private." I shrug. "But, anyways. I would obviously just bribe the other nobles. We should make a tour of the country soon, and if I can get the Mana lines working, I''ll run them along as we go. Then I can enchant their estates with all sorts of junk."


    "A bit ham-fisted, but that should work." Amelia nods. "What about the average folk getting prickly or greedy?"


    "That''s what I need to talk to the Queen for." I smile as I use her title. "Cendassa isn''t going away and the more I help improve the country, the greedier they''re going to get." I sigh. "My idea is to give access to the Mana grid in exchange for service. Military obviously tops the list, but anything for the public good should be acceptable."


    "Damn, that''s a big idea." Apricot curses. "Are you sure you don''t want to just be King? Cause, you''re starting to sound like one."


    "No shit." Amelia''s eyes go wide as she thinks over the implications.


    "Gods no." I shake my head vehemently enough to move the bed. "I''ve even been wracking my brain for ides to make it look like I''m being forced to do all this by Vivian. I''m sure that it''s mostly my paranoia speaking, but I feel that people just don''t trust generosity. And, if I can give them an even slightly believable story, then it might prevent issues from cropping up in the future."


    "I wish that was just your paranoia, but I think your thoughts are more in line with reality than anyone would like. You''ve been setting this up since Riverton, haven''t you?" She states more than asks.


    "At least in the back of my head, yeah." I nod. "I was given all this power, and I can''t not use it to help where I can. But, I don''t want to be stupid about it either."


    "We''ll think of something, together." Amelia starts rubbing my tense shoulders. "You don''t need to carry the weight of the entire country on these, not alone. It''s almost dark, but why don''t you call up Oliver and set up a lunch for tomorrow?"


    "Eh, it can wait ''til after the party. I still need to build and test the Mana lines." No need to present an unfinished plan after all. "I just want to take this week to relax and catch up on some projects."


    "Speaking of, you never did make me a bicycle that could outpace the two of you." She leans forward and gives me the puppy-dog eyes.


    "Hahaha. Yeah, I can do that." I give her a kiss. "I need to re-design the engine anyways; now that I have Mastery I can make it lighter and more efficient. Should try working on some electric motors again too." ''Fucking magnets, how do they work?'' I laugh to myself, but really wish I knew more about material sciences.


    "Well, get on with it then." Apricot urges. "I want to see her face when we pass her even with an engine on her side."


    "We need a good area to test them out." I raise my forefinger in the air, and then point it straight down. "To the basement. Wait. To the dresser, first." I point across the room. "Your parents just got home."


    ***

 # 54

    We ended up chatting and having dinner with her folks, which is good because it took me most of that time just to work out the gearbox. "Ugh! If I have one enemy in this world, it is gear shaped." I groan and mutter to myself.


    "Is that what you were distracted by during the meal?" Amelia ruffles my short red hair. "Aww, is the poor widdle over-powered impwossible existence not perfect at everything?"


    "Hahaha." Apricot laughs at me when I start grumbling.


    "Hey, Temmie." I ask the System. "How much chocolate for like an hour on Wikipedia?"


    *Ding**Ding**Ding**Ding**Ding* She just laughs at me too.


    "Why are we going to the basement for this anyways?" Amelia queries as Mittens follows us onto a platform by the stairs that wasn''t there when we came down for dinner.


    "We''re going to need a long straight away for the speeds we''re going to reach, it wouldn''t be safe to do it in the city." I explain as we go down about a dozen meters below ground. "That, and I''ve been wanting to build a tunnel to Arcadia too. So, two birds, one stone. Once we reach the grasslands I''ll take us up and make a little off-road course for us to goof around on."


    "Are you going to be able to manage that?" She asks, but I just smile and tap my necklace. "Ugh. Temmie''s right, you are such a cheat."


    "Yeah, yeah. Now, do you want your motorcycle or not?" I don''t wait for her to answer, and instead start building a generic Harley inspired bike. There''s no exhaust, obviously. And the tank, aside from an egg-sized Mana Gem, is empty. I plan to fill the whole thing later, but that should be more than enough for now.


    "Damn, now I want one of those." Apricot purrs as the engine revs to life.


    "Sure." I shrug. "Let me show you two how the shifter works while it gets built." A couple minutes later and they''ve got it down, and are both ready to go. So, I re-create and upgrade my old road bike. At least these gears I understand. If only because I had to do maintenance on them all the time when I was younger.


    "Hey, how come yours looks different from last time?" Amelia asks as I add a basket to the handlebars and set Mittens inside. "Why didn''t you just use those gears?"


    "A few reasons, mainly because they wouldn''t be able to hold up long term to the kind of power those can produce. Not without wasting a lot of mana on durability enchants. That, and the open design isn''t really safe for these speeds." Having explained myself I start pedaling, the tunnel forming a hundred meters ahead of me. "Try and keep up."


    Over three hours later and I''m sweating as we reach the edge of the grasslands. Not from physical exertion, but from mental. I actually gave up on riding after only a few minutes and just added a sidecar to Amelia''s bike. Apricot got bored and joined me and Mittens at the same time, her bike getting tossed in my inventory.


    "How you holding up?" Our driver glances down at me.


    "Good, we just crossed into the grasslands, so I can take us up and have a break." I proceed to do just that. "It was more tedious than truly difficult, at least once I got into the groove."


    "Uh huh." She doesn''t seem to believe me. "I''m sure compressing tons and tons of earth to create a tunnel as we travel hundreds of kilometers in just hours is a piece of cake." She rolls her eyes as she steps off the bike to stretch her legs. "You know you don''t have to show off for us."


    "We didn''t even go two-hundred." I try to defend myself, even though we are damned close. "And, I know I don''t have to, but I like doing so." I smile at her and Apricot. "Also, I have to get used to drawing on the well for prolonged amounts of time. Our little pixie half day wiped me out. I need to do better."


    "Sorrel, you stupid lunker." Apricot shifts to human-size in my lap and wraps her arms around me. "I love you, but don''t burn yourself out just for me."


    "I won''t, I promise." I hug her back and lift her up as I step out of the side-car, leaving Mittens sleeping in the foot well. "But, a person can''t grow if they don''t push themselves. Besides, I sensed a lot of minerals as we travelled, and I''m always looking for more materials."Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    "How could you even pay attention to that?" Amelia scoffs.


    "What did you expect me to do, sit back and play rune games while listening to music?" I give Apricot a kiss before setting her down.


    "Hey, we were stuck in a hole in the ground. Watching you throw around magic is fun, but it ain''t that fun. I''m surprised Amelia didn''t drive us into a wall out of boredom."


    "I kinda liked it." The blonde counters. "It was relaxing, meditative even, and I got a few gains while I practiced my magic. But, I can''t wait until we head back and I can really open this baby up." She pets the tank of the bike.


    "Gimme a few more minutes and I''ll make us all some lighter bikes and a little course to race around on." I start on some BMX bikes as I clear out a track for us.


    "Ooh, jumps. Now that''s what I''m talking about." Apricot hops on the first bike and takes off down the track.


    Amelia shakes her head and reaches for the second, but I shake my head and tell to wait a minute. While she''s waiting, and Apricot''s already doing flips, I quickly create a dirt bike.


    "Here, this''ll give you a chance to let loose." I lean forward and give her a peck on the cheek. "Thanks for driving us all the way here, and putting up with my silliness."


    "Hey hey, this is awesome." Apricot slides to a stop next to us. "You gotta put one of these in near the house. Hey, how come she got another good one?"


    "Because she drove us here, and I promised her a race where she could have a motorbike." I flick the pixie gently on her forehead. "And, I plan to make one near the city. The tunnel was sort of a spur of the moment thing that took longer than I thought it would."


    "Fair." A smile lights up her face. "Now let''s kick her butt."


    ***


    We spent a couple hours in the late Summer / early Fall evening just riding around on the motocross track I made, laughing and having fun. It took Amelia a couple laps to get used to the new bike, but once she did, she easily beat us.


    I let her lap us a few times before upgrading mine and Apricots rides. Then we took the fight to her. Once it started getting late, I restored the grass and packed away the spare bikes, before we raced home. The girls on their hogs, and me on a dirt bike.


    "Damn, these things are fast." Amelia laughs as we stop in the basement while I make a tunnel to the underground parking area. "What was that, forty minutes? Less?"


    "Just over thirty." I correct. "We topped out at over three-hundred-fifty kilometers an hour after I started reducing the air resistance. Probably could have pushed it higher, but they were sucking the Mana Gems dry as it was. And, I was having trouble keeping up with you two on my dirt bike."


    I pull out the other bikes from my inventory and make them all roll down the new tunnel as we hop on the platform to head back upstairs. Amelia giggles as mittens stretches and wants out of her top.


    "Amy-girl what are you doing to that poor kitten." Her father asks with a laugh as she fishes the cat out.


    "Hey Turner. Surprised to see you up this late." I greet the man as we enter the kitchen.


    "Oh, I''m just hungry." He closes the cupboard. "Glad you''re here actually, I was really craving some of that cheesy popcorn you made the other day."


    "Ooh, that sounds good." Amelia agrees with her old man.


    "Coming right up, but I still want some hummus." I make a couple large bowls for them, and would have made a third for Apricot, but she shook her head and grabbed a pint of rocky-road from the icebox before plopping down in a chair.


    "Do we have any chocolate brownies left." Kaitlyn says with a yawn while walking through the door to the kitchen. "Did you three have fun on Sorrel''s new invention?" She asks after snagging a treat from the plate I hold out for her.


    "They are so fun, and fast. Really, really fast." Amelia gushes after swallowing a mouthful of pop-corn. "What, do I have something on my face?" She brushes her mouth after catching me staring at her.


    "No, I was just thinking about the popcorn." I smile at her antics. "Normally, I just pop it with magic, but if I bag everything needed for it, and make a quick-cooking Rune oven to pop it in the bag. It''d be a lot more convenient for you and your parents." I dip some pita bread in my mushed up chickpeas.


    "Ah, he''s got a new idea already." Kaitlyn laughs and savors a bite of her brownie.


    "That would be useful for more than just popcorn." Turner says, and he does have something on his face.


    Instead of saying anything else, I just get started enchanting a microwave. I cheat and just use straight heat manipulation to cook directly, instead of messing about with actual microwaves. So, instead of time and power settings, mine just has a temperature dial and a start button.


    I''m almost done, when I think to add exclusions for metal, stoneware, and glass, so they don''t get heated up along with the food. But, that only takes an extra minute, and meanwhile I make a big box of bagged popcorn.


    Tossing one in the finished product, I turn the dial to the popcorn setting -Of course it has a popcorn setting- and start it up. Dozens of tiny explosions occur seconds later, it then dings and I pull out a fully popped bag of pop-corn.


    Amelia and her father still haven''t finished theirs, so I just pour it into a bowl for whoever might want some. "There, now you can get cheesy popcorn anytime you want." I latch the door closed and float the oven and box of popcorn over onto one of the counters.


    "You picked a good one Amy-girl." He chuckles and tries a handful from the bowl I just made. "Mmm, tastes the same. Thank you Sorrel."


    "You''re more than welcome, and if there''s ever anything like that you need, just tell me."


    "He was talking earlier about how to make people''s lives better. Apricot says around a spoonful of ice-cream. "So of course the first thing he does is make a popcorn popper."


    ""Heheh."" We all laugh a bit at that, and a wide grin fills my face at the thought.


    ***

 # 55

    "Wow, it''s so big." Amelia comments on the over-sized Mana Gem that I''m not even close to being done growing.


    "That''s what she said." I chuckle and she rolls her eyes. "Seriously though, it''s still got a long ways to go. I want a lot of storage, and even if my plan gets nixed for the rest of the country, I can still do it for Arcadia. Should probably start there anyways."


    "So, you got the Mana wires working how you wanted?" She picks up a coil of very thin, but very interesting cables. "It doesn''t seem all that special."


    "All the specialness is on the inside." I make two Mana Gems, one empty, one full, and attach the empty Gem to one side of the cable. "Here, touch this to the other end of the cable." I toss it to her.


    "They shared the mana, and so fast too." She examines both Gems closely.


    "Yeah, same thing would have happened if you just touched them together." I demonstrate with two new Gems. "The inside is just another Mana Gem that I grew inside of one of those tiny tubes I was telling you about." It''s actually a bit more complicated than that, but she gets the basic idea.


    "And, there''s no issue hooking these small ones up to that monster?"


    I just laugh and touch the gems in my hand to it, filling them up instantly. "Already tested that, they try to balance the load evenly. But the small ones can only hold so much, so they just fill up. Now, if the big guy were completely empty and you touched a small but fully charged Gem to it, then it would drain almost all the mana out of it."


    "That one looks like it is empty." She sets the cable down and caresses the behemoth Gem. "Ooh, that is not empty. I can''t use it because it''s all Fire, but even with my poor sensitivity... woof." She pulls her hand away and shakes it.


    "I pulled the reactor from the car, and have been using it to charge this while it grows." I shrug. "Still need to upgrade that too, but it''s working fine for now. It''s a lot safer down here, hiding in a sub basement too."


    "I can still use the car though, right? Was kinda bored, and thought I go out exploring the city some more." She looks hopeful.


    "Yeah, I gave it and the bikes nice full Gems." I nod while trying to not let my worry show through. "You can drive around all day, no problem. Apricot going with?"


    "No, she''s still obsessed with that pinball game, keeps trying to raise her high-score ever higher, so you wont be able to beat it again." She laughs. "You going to be alright on your own?" Guess I didn''t hide it well enough.


    "Yeah, I was gonna take a break from this and go spelunking in a bit. There was a decent concentration of copper about sixty kilometers out that I wanted to inspect." I pull her into a hug. "You stay safe, okay? I love you."


    "If anyone is stupid enough to mess with me, then I''ll show them this baby." She pulls out her wand.


    "Mhm, you think up a name for it yet?"


    "Nothing seems right, can you tell me more about it?" She pets the dragon''s head.


    "Well, in the mythology of Dirt, that''s an Eastern dragon, they were said to be the rulers of weather and water." She smiles when I say that. "The only eastern dragon I know the name of is Shenlong who was some sort of weather god." Also a dragonball character, but that''s hardly relevant.


    "Enh." She wrinkles her nose.


    "Well, I know a lot more western mythology, and I read a lot of books with dragons in them." I conjure dozens of holographic dragons to fill the room. "I''ll make a list and translate the books for you while you''re out. Good thing you like reading, because there''s a lot of them."


    "You''re the best." She plants a kiss on my lips before disentangling herself. "I''ll leave Mittens here, He''s keeping Apricot company anyways. And, I''ll be sure to call you if anything comes up." She kisses the furrow in my brow. "Bye, I love you too."


    I watch her walk away, and then follow her with my magical senses as she gives Apricot a kiss before heading over to the garage and driving off. She waves at me when she turns on to the street.


    I can already feel a funk building, so I head for the tunnel to start widening it while pulling out any interesting trace minerals. I''m not in hurry this time, so I just walk. I did bring a motorcycle along, just in case, but it''s just sitting in my inventory.


    I''m barely fifteen kilometers away when my phone rings. "Hey, boss." It was a pain to get Kyle to greet me like that, especially after he learned I could heal. But, all that Sir, and Lord shit gets old. "Sorry, to bother you, but Baron Westra''s mother had a fall, and broke her hip. He came to the house personally to ask for help."


    "Okay, I''ll be out front in three minutes." I disconnect and hop on the motorcycle that materializes next to me.


    Pushing my magic into the bike and the air around me, I go from zero to four-hundred in almost no time flat. Two and a half minutes later, I''m driving out of the underground garage and past a somewhat fancy carriage. I''m at the house seconds later and a fit older gentleman that was talking to Kyle quickly approaches.


    "Marquis Rumex, thank you so much for seeing me." He bows to me.


    "Sorrel, please. And, don''t thank me yet." I say in a solemn tone. "I may not be able to do much, if anything for her."


    "Then you must call me Van." He bows again. "My carriage is waiting to take us to her."


    "No, this is faster." I pat the tank. "Saving lives is like fighting fires, time matters most of all. Hop, on and tell me where to go."


    "She''s at my manor house..." He gives me the directions, but I already know where all the important people live. So, as soon as he sits down I twist the throttle and we race out of the yard. "Aaaahhhhhhhhh!"You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    "Relax, this is nothing." I dodge around a wagon while casting a calm spell on its horse, and cut us down a side street with less traffic. "Tell me about your mom." I say to distract him. "Does she have any other health issues?"


    "N-no, but I think I have heart problems now." He lets out another little scream as I take us around a tight corner. "Not even the fastest horse can match this, this... thing''s speed."


    "Motorcycle, and like I said. This is nothing." We''ve finally got a clear path so I open it up a bit and easily double our speed. He gives up at this point and just squeezes his eyes closed.


    A few minutes later and we''re skidding to a stop in his courtyard on the other side of town. "Oh, thank the gods." He gets shakily off the bike. "This way, she''s right through here."


    I can see that his mother isn''t in any immediate danger, so I let him lead the way. A woman meets us at the door along with two younger people, likely their children based on appearances.


    "Sorrel, this is my wife Glenda, and our children Jolee and Noah." He introduces me. "My mother, Elnore is just down the hallway."


    "Thank you so much for agreeing to see Grandma." Jolee steps forward and takes my hand. "Can you really help her?" She''s a bit older than me, but the mix of hope and fear in her face makes her look like a child.


    "I should be able to. But, she has very brittle bones, this isn''t her first break. It''s going to take me a while to rebuild them." I pause for a moment as we enter the room where Elnore is being watched over by several female servants. "My spell is rather draining, if I could trouble you to have your cook prepare a hearty lunch." I direct to the Baron.


    "I''ll do it." Noah dashes off. He''s younger than his sister and the sight of his Grandmother in pain makes him take any excuse to leave.


    I just smile and walk forwards. "Hello Ma''am, I need you to drink this for me." I conjure a tall glass full of Healing sap, with a bendy straw in it.


    "Boy, I told you not to bring me some crackpot healer." She hisses out between her, surprisingly whole teeth. "The last one couldn''t do anything when I broke my arm and this young man won''t be able to do anything either."


    "Feisty, that''s good. But, if you don''t drink, I can''t help." I can, but they don''t need to know that, and if I do it that way, I won''t be able to try something I''ve been thinking about. So, I push the cup into her face with a grin on mine.


    "Mom, please just do as he says." Van pleads, hovering next to me.


    "Fine." She takes a small sip. "Oh gods, the pain." She gasps in relief.


    "Don''t try to move." I hold her in place with magic. "You''re still injured, I''ve just stopped the pain. I''ll need you to drink the whole glass, please." I pull up a chair and sit down next to her bed.


    "Anything." She starts sucking it up as quickly as she can. Meanwhile, I''m guiding the magic through her body to re-align the broken bones.


    "You did a real number here, the head has snapped off the femur entirely, and your pelvis has several large cracks." I project a skeletal hologram, so she and her family can understand what I''m talking about. "I''m surprised you were still conscious."


    "Take more than a little pain to stop me." She gulps down the last of the drink.


    "You are a tough one." I compliment her. "You should have seen the face on Count Valli''s son when I was piecing him back together." I chuckle as she doesn''t even flinch while watching her leg become whole again.


    "Is that all? You''re done already?" She looks astonished.


    "Oh, I wish." I shake my head. "Your bones might as well be made of chalk." I shift the view to a crack on her fibula. "Looks like this happened last week, I''m guessing it''s responsible for your fall today." She gives an almost imperceptible nod.


    "Mom, why didn''t you say anything?" The baron sighs exasperatedly.


    "You would have just stuck me in that damned chair again." She grumps.


    "Care for a snack?" I materialize my junk food crate, and grab a bag of trail mix. "I''ve got all three major food groups, sweet, salty, and cheesy. You guys can help yourselves too." I say when Jolee starts licking her lips.


    "You''ve got to try the chocolate he invented." Jolee hold up a bar of milk chocolate.


    "Wait?" The old woman''s eyes go wide. "Chocolate? You''re the new Marquis." She says almost accusingly.


    "I am." I grin and dig in the bag of trail mix for a peanut butter chip. "Don''t tell me all your feistiness is going to disappear just because I have a title." I laugh as she glares at her son.


    "You could have at least warned me before I made a fool of myself." She growls at him before snatching the chocolate from her grand-daughter. "Oh, that''s good. Too sweet for my old guts, but good."


    "I''ll try to do something about that too." Getting old sucks. "But, right now, I''m still working on your bones."


    The hologram comes back, but as a whole skeletal view. Most of it is greyed out, but the areas around her recent breaks have a slowly spreading white glow to them.


    "I''ve been rejuvenating them as we speak. Once I''m done, they''ll be as strong as Jolee''s." This is the real reason I took out the snacks, so that I could borrow some building blocks from the food. I''ll need to carry around some bones in the future in case I have to do this again.


    "You didn''t need to-" She tries saying before I cut her off.


    "I don''t like leaving jobs half done." I say flatly. "Besides, if I didn''t I''d probably be back here next week patching you up again." My smile comes back as I tease the silver haired woman.


    "Oh, fine." She huffs and takes another bite of chocolate. "There must be some way for us to repay you though."


    "Just spread the word that I won''t act unless it''s serious. I may not show it, but this spell is quite draining." Seeing that she''s not quite satisfied with that answer, I add. "If you must do something for me, then I''m always on the lookout for rare plants, ores and minerals. Though, I wish you luck finding any plants around here that I don''t already have." I take a moment to create a thick tome listing off all the plants I''ve collected so far.


    "So, ores and minerals you say." The baron chuckles as he hefts the book.


    "Yes, I can do a lot with what''s available to me now, such as the vehicle we rode in on. But, who knows what else might possible if I get my hands on something interesting." I daydream about having warehouses full of supplies to experiment with, and being able to build anything I could imagine.


    "After riding on that beast, I''m afraid of what you might just come up with." He says in good humor.


    "Heheh, you should see it when I pour on the Mana. What you saw today was just a fraction of what it''s really capable of." I grin as I think about how to make it even faster.


    "Is this that horseless carriage everyone has been talking about?" Elnore asks.


    "More like an Iron Horse." I project an image of the motorcycle. "Same principles though." I add a copy of the Rocket and highlight both of their engines. "Just put together a bit differently. Oh, if you know anyone who''s good with gears and mechanical things, that would help me too. Took me forever to work these things out, I''m more into plants after all."


    "Now, that looks like it''d be fun to ride on." The old woman grins. "Don''t suppose you''re selling them?"


    "Maybe in the future, but the first ones will probably go to the Crown." A frown crosses my face as thoughts is Cendassa intrude.


    "Do you think it''ll come down to..." Jolee starts before trailing off.


    "I haven''t heard anything since Riverton." I shrug. "But there''s an old saying that always stuck with me. ''Just as birds die for food, men die for money.'' But, don''t you worry, the Queen is doing everything she can to keep Larendath safe. Oh look, you''re almost done." I direct their attention to the skeletal hologram and dismiss the others.


    "Are my bones really going to just as strong as Jojo''s?" Elnore picks up on my unwillingness to continue the previous line of conversation and helps move away from it.


    "Yes, and if you drink this I can touch up your joints and soft tissues." I hold out another full glass. "Age is age, but I can still treat some of the symptoms."


    "Thank you." Her face is full of gratitude as she rubs her bony hands in remembrance of past soreness.


    "Thank me by living a long life." I nod as she up-ends the glass. "That, and with a good meal, where is your grandson?" I say, knowing that he''s been hiding just outside the door.


    "It should be ready any minute now." He comes in with his head down, and an embarrassed look on his face.


    "How long were you just standing there? You missed out on the chocolate, you dummy." His sister laughs at him and takes a big bite out of the bar in her hand.


    ***

 # 56

    After lunch I drove back home at a more sedate pace. Amelia wasn''t back yet, and only the fact that Apricot was still playing pinball without a worry in her head let me resist the urge to check up on her.


    I bug my orange haired cutie for a bit, but eventually just go back to mining. I really do want to see if there''s a copper vein there, or not. So, I decide to go there directly and work my way back.


    There is a rich vein about a hundred meters below the tunnel, but it''s small and peters out fairly quickly. Still, I did find a handful of cool looking cuprite crystals, one of which is shaped like an almost perfect eight-sided dice. I may have to start a rock collection now.


    All in all, I scored over two tonnes of pure copper, and a good dozen kilos of silver. So, I''m pretty happy, and get even more so when I run across some aluminum on my way back. Yes, it''s all over the place, but only in trace amounts. So, finding a good concentration really brightened my day.


    I''m just finishing up the side tunnel to the deposit when the phone rings and my day gets even brighter. Amelia''s back from her day on the town. So, I forget all about the metal and hop on the motorcycle to race back even faster than I did when Westra showed up.


    "Hahahah. Babe." She giggles as I literally fly towards her and scoop her into my arms. "I take it you missed me."


    "Mhm." I nod an snuggle into her neck. "I was good too; no super armors, or anything."


    "Hey!" Apricot shouts in mock indignation. "Why didn''t you greet me like that?"


    "I tried to earlier, and you kicked me away because you were playing pinball." I pull her into a three-way hug and start nuzzling her neck while Amelia laughs.


    "So, what did you do today? Because I heard there was a madman tear-assing around town on some new vehicle."


    "Oh, that? Baron Westra''s mother fell and pretty much shattered her hip. He came over personally to ask for help, so I rode us to his manor..." I explain as we cuddle on the couch. "...I really liked her, she''s one tough old bird. And, that reminds me, I should warn Kyle that they might send a shipment or two of minerals." I pull out the cuprite I found earlier. "Speaking of minerals, I was able to find a small copper vein, it had these in it."


    "Ooh, pretty." Apricot coos. "They''re almost the same color as your hair." She takes one and holds it next to my head.


    "Anything else good?" Amelia asks while playing with the eight-sided crystal.


    "A few kilograms of trace metals, and hundreds of kilos of aluminum just from widening the tunnel over fifteen kilometers" I materialize a small-ish cube of silvery metal. "The stuff is all over the place in this granite, but only in small concentrations. Fortunately I found a good sized deposit with a fair percentage right before you called. So, I''ll be able to mine that if I need a big supply."


    "Wow, how much copper did you get?"


    "A bit over two tonnes." I materialize another cube that has nearly twice the volume of the aluminum, and several fold it''s weight. "A few kilos of silver too from the same vein." A fist sized sphere joins the other metals. "Not bad for a day of digging around in the dirt, eh?"


    "You do know that aluminum is worth more than gold right?" Amelia''s eyes are doing that rolling coins thing they do.


    "Eh, it was the same way back on Dirt before they figured out how to smelt it properly." I put the metals away and replace them with a small bag. From which, I pull another sphere the same size as the silver, but only a fraction of its weight. "I''m more interested in the magnesium I found. It''s even lighter than aluminum, and I''m sure I can make some really neat stuff with it."


    "Why are these in glass, and what''s that bottle of goop?" Apricot asks after rummaging around in the bag.


    "Those are very reactive metals, they will actually burn if put in contact with water." I play them a video of the alkali metals reacting to water, it''s just about the only part of chemistry class I didn''t sleep through. "And, the goop is that soft glass I was talking about, it''s useful for more than just sex toys." I laugh nervously as the pixie gets a gleam in her eyes.


    "Who cares about that? I want to try this out; guessing it works like that rubber stuff you made for the tires." She swishes it around in the bottle.


    "Yeah, pretty much. But you can wait until later tonight, Kaitlyn and Turner will be home soon. And, I kinda want to get that Joust game done." It''s certainly not because I''m afraid of what she''ll do to me once I make some more toys.


    "Mmm hmm." She licks her lips. "Don''t worry, I''ll be gentle."


    "That''s what you said last time." Amelia snorts before turning to me with a pitying look. "Don''t worry baby, I''ll protect you."


    "Uh huh." I shake my head and change the subject. "So, what''d you get up to while I was digging in the dirt?"


    "Window shopping mostly." She tilts her head. "Found a few things I wouldn''t mind you recreating. Hung out at the Guild for a while, gossiped with Florence. Did you know Devlin and Deluca are married? That''s why he didn''t come to the party the other day, and why Damita sent us to him about the mana stones instead of to her directly. Apparently she can be hard to get along with at times." Her voice drips with venom at that sentence.


    "Stupid slug." Apricot mutters and pulls Mittens into her lap.


    "She''s kinda pitiful right now." Amelia heaves out a sigh. "She''s got her whole department working on your automatic gear thingy, along with a handful of people Devlin pulled in."Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    "Are you going to forgive her?"


    "I dunno, maybe if she actually pulls it off. I heard she broke down crying when Oliver took her to see the defensive charms you made for Vivian and Faye. She was inconsolable and Devlin had to take her home."


    "Apricot, how about you?"


    "Whatever, but since you''re asking." She hold up the bottle of silicone again, and gives it a little shake. "I want something special from this."


    "Yes, Ma''am." I make some tentacles rise up and wiggle about inside the bottle. I giggle as her eyes go wide at the possibilities. "But, that''s for later." I reiterate. "I really do want to work on the game."


    She eventually relented and let me work on Joust. But, only after I made her a picture viewer with every sex toy I can remember. Which turns out to be a damned lot. I started getting worried when she and Temmie started giggling to each other when the Bad Dragon toys popped up.


    "Oh, the things you do for love." I say to myself, kinda wishing I had never mentioned sex toys or silicone.


    ***


    I survived the night. Somehow. Possibly due to the intervention of a random vibrating tentacle monster that came out of nowhere. But, who knows, really?"


    Apricot''s staying in bed late today, definitely not for any tentacle related reasons, that''s for sure. And, Amelia dove right into that stack of dragon related books and stories as soon as she got up. So, I''ve decided to devote today to solely rune games.


    I''m really starting to get these things down, I had Joust done by the time dinner was ready last night. And, today I''ve already re-created Asteroids, Lunar Lander, and Space Invaders. Amelia doesn''t have to play them if she doesn''t want to.


    I''m just about to go make lunch while thinking about what game to do next, when the phone rings. Looking at the caller I.D. makes me raise an eyebrow.


    "Hey Devlin, how are you and Deluca doing?"


    "Not good." He sighs. "She''s pulling her hair out trying to make up for her outburst. But, that''s not why I''m calling." He says, surprising me a bit.


    "Have you two had lunch yet? I was just about to make something, and we can talk over whatever it is you called for." Might as well get this stupid feud over with.


    "Are you sure?" His voice is equal parts hesitant and hopeful.


    "I was talking to the girls about it last night, and they''re ready to move on. Just have Deluca bring over everything she''s been able to come up with as a peace offering. Even if she hasn''t solved the problem, I might still get some inspiration."


    "Oh, thank you." He gushes. "I''ll go get her right now, we can be at your place in thirty minutes, no twenty."


    "Take your time, I still need to cook, after all." I try saying, but he''s already disconnected. "Better go warn the girls, then." I chuckle.


    ...


    "Sorrel, I''ve got it." Amelia holds up her wand in one hand, and a book in the other. "This is Ramoth." She pets the tiny golden egg with a free finger.


    "Good choice." I smile at her. "The Pern books were some of my favorites growing up too." And, good for me that she''s in a good mood. ''Let''s hope I don''t ruin it.''


    "Yeah, her and Lessa are so amazing." She''s so cute when she gets excited like this.


    "So." I exhale a sharp breath. "Devlin just called, and I asked him and Deluca to come over for lunch." Gotta rip off that band-aid right off.


    "Oh." Her brow furrows, but only for a second. "I guess that''s alright, I was mostly ready to forgive her anyways. Did she finally have a breakthrough on the gears?"


    "No, he called about something unrelated, didn''t ask but it sounded serious. But, to me, nothing is as serious as my girls carrying around hate for no good reason."


    "We had a good reason." Apricot finally decides to roll over and join the conversation.


    "Had, being the operative word." I sit down on the bed next to her, and pat her leg. "Deluca made a tiny mistake, and let her emotions get the better of her. I''m sure you can be the bigger pixie and forgive her."


    "Mhm." She lets out a non-committal grunt.


    "Good enough." I laugh. "Now, can you walk yet, or do you need me to carry you downstairs?"


    ...


    "Thank you so much, Sorrel. I''m so sorry about the way I acted." Deluca grabs my hand with tears in the corner of her eyes. "I''ve brought everything we''ve been able to come up with." She starts pulling out box after box of models and book after book of notes and drawings.


    "Heh heh." I laugh, a bit overwhelmed. "Thank you, but how about we have lunch first?" I send Devlen a ''help me'' look while the girls fight back their snickers.


    "See, everything''s alright now Del." He takes her hand in one of his, and puts his other arm around her shoulders. He then guides her down the hallway, following after the three of us.


    "So, I didn''t ask earlier." I say as we sit down at the kitchen table. "But, what did you actually call about?"


    "Ah, yes." He retrieves a letter and a map from his inventory. "The guild received a troubling report from the team that was sent to scout for the next leveling trip. They sensed something highly magical deep underground." He points to a location somewhat deep into the mountains.


    "It''s not another Mana Well or dungeon popping up, is it?" A frown crosses my face.


    "If only." He sighs out. "They said it was moving, slowly but surely. And if its course doesn''t change, it will eventually reach the Capital."


    "Fuck!" I spit out the curse. "The tree is drawing it in, whatever it is."


    "That seems to be the most likely explanation. And, the man who wrote the report, he didn''t come right out and say it, but I got the impression that it scared him deeply, and he''s not one to scare easily."


    "I''m assuming the castle already knows about this."


    "Yes, Oliver was the one who actually told me to call you." The Earth Mage nods.


    "You girls up for another road trip?" I look towards my brides. "If we leave after lunch and drive through the night, we can get there by dawn. That''ll give us a day to investigate, and hopefully drive away whatever it is, before we have to comeback for the party."


    "Fine by me, but I want to take the Rocket this time." Amelia says before looking to Apricot.


    "But, but, pinball." She looks towards the game room making us laugh.


    "I made three new rune games this morning and, if you two drive, I can probably make a couple more along the way." We ignore Deluca''s drooling at my statement. "And, if that''s not enough. I was kinda craving some coffee ice-cream, and think I found a way to isolate and remove the magical stimulant." I quickly produce a test batch.


    "Bribing me with food?" She scoffs. "How dare you know me so well?" She giggles and snatches up the bowl. "Ooh, that''s good. I can see why you were craving it, even if you don''t like coffee. Okay, you won me over, we can go check the thingy out." She takes small bites at first but, when it doesn''t seem to affect her, she starts eating normally.


    "Where''s my bowl?" Amelia pouts until I make some more for her.


    "I hate to ask." Devlen starts, hesitantly. "But, is there possibly room for two more? I know the conflict hasn''t been completely resolved yet, but I need to go. And, Del gets a bit lost without me around." He puts his arm around her protectively.


    "Fine." Amelia huffs. "But if you blow up at my man again, I will kick your ass." She points her finger at the enchanter. "Both of your asses, and then leave you in the middle of nowhere, bruised and bloody." She moves her attention to Devlen when his lips twitch into a smirk.


    "I swear." Deluca bows in her seat, almost hitting her head on the table. "And what do you mean, I''m lost without you?" She backhands Devlen''s arm. "Don''t you mean it''s the other way around?"


    "Well, everyone eat up, and make any calls you have to." I stand up from the table. "I need to go get the car ready." I need to put the reactor back in it. No one should be able to reach it while we''re away, but I don''t want to take any chances.


    ***

 # 57

    Twenty minutes later and the six of us are on our way, Apricot didn''t want to leave Mittens behind again. So, he''s curled up in my lap while I drive, and she goofs around on the new games next to me.


    Even if I didn''t have magical senses, I would still be a be able to feel Deluca''s gaze from the back seat, locked onto the device in Apricot''s hands. Not wanting her to bother the girls so soon, I decide to distract her and discretely make a book.


    "Deluca." She jumps a little when I say her name. "I want to thank you for all the materials you provided me. I''m sure there''s something in there that I can use." I hand her the book. "Here, it''s a copy of my designs-" Some of them, at least. "-and a few of my notes and observations."


    "Thank you, Sorrel." Devlen says for her when he sees that she''s speechless.


    Meanwhile, Amelia looks up from her book just long enough to mouth ''softie''.


    I''m actually able to get Snake, and Tron done during my shift behind the wheel. I even got a fair bit of work done on Centipede. But, poor Q*bert got vetoed again, so I''ve got to decide whether to go for some Nintendo games next, or if I should re-create some phone games.


    Deluca watched me enchant for a bit, but she''s mostly had her nose stuck in the book I gave her. Devlen fell asleep shortly after we left the walls, he promised to take a turn driving tonight.


    After Amelia takes over driving, I finish off centipede and then take a break from enchanting to go through all the notes Deluca''s team compiled. There''s all sorts of different gear sets, and even some ideas for enchanted shifters. But, there''s nothing that really solves the problem.


    I''m about to toss it all back in my inventory when a crossed out sketch catches my eye, mainly because there''s no gears in it. It''s a simple drawing of a rope attached to a pulley on one end, and a long cone on the other. The words ''move pulley?/cone?'' are written beneath the drawing, but were also X''ed out, and ''too unstable'' written over them.


    "Babe, look." I hold the drawing up and block Amelia''s view of the road. "There''s no gears. There''s no gears." I choke out a hysterical laugh. "I don''t know how, but I will make this work, just to show those many-toothed bastards who''s boss."


    "That''s great dear, but I can''t see the road." She laughs and pushes the paper out of her face.


    "You found something?" Deluca looks up from the book, her eyes filled with hope.


    "Yes! Who came up with this idea?" I show her the sketch.


    "That was Damita from the front desk, actually. She said her grandfather was an amateur inventor and used something like it on his windmill."


    "Hah! Bunny girl for the win." I crow. "She''s getting a big bonus when we get back. Coin, babe. Just coin." I quickly add when Amelia stares daggers at me.


    "Huh?" Devlen snorts awake. "Whut? What''s going on?"


    "Sorrel found something in the notes I gave him." His wife explains, and uses a handkerchief to wipe the drool from his face. "Will you really be able to make that work?"


    I just nod and retrieve a hunk of iron and some rubber from storage before getting down to work. Re-creating the sketch, I start to play around with it. The big problem is immediately apparent, as the pulley moves down the cone the slack in the belt changes. This would require another tensioning pulley to deal with, but that''s not really feasible at the speeds the engine will be running at.


    So, I get rid of the pulley and just play with the cone in my hands while letting my mind wander. I''m rolling it around, this way and that, but it''s not until I flip the cone end over end, that it hits me.


    With a huge grin, I replicate the cone and put two of them next to each other in a frame, only with opposite orientations. My grin turns into full blown laughter when I add a belt between them and start cranking. The belt moves to one side as I crank faster and faster, and back to the center when I slow down. Adding a heavy wheel to the output lets me simulate load and draws the belt the other way.


    "That fast?" Devlen squeaks out. "You play around with it for a minute, and boom you''ve got a working solution!"


    "Now you know how I felt, Dev." Deluca pats him on the arm.


    "It''s a start." I nod, still distracted. "This works, but it''s too bulky. Hmm? what if I..." I trail off as another idea hits me.


    Looking at side-view of the cones reminds me of the pulley. So, I flatten the cones into rods and add V shaped pulleys to them. "I''ll just need to lock the outside of this one, and the inside of this one. Then, angle the belt to match..." I mutter to myself.


    Splitting the pulleys in half, I weld the outside half of the drive side, and the inside half of the output pulley to the rods. "Need a spring to tension the output... And centrifugal for the drive?" I try it out. "No it won''t work at the speeds I need, maybe hydraulic? Yeah..."


    A few more minutes of adjustments and muttering, and some grumbling when I had to add a planetary gear for reverse. I also had to upgrade the belt to steel plates -I''ll do nanotubes later, when the guild''s best Earth Mage isn''t watching me. But now, I''ve got a compact, perfectly working, continuously variable transmission.


    "Thank you Deluca." I turn around to face the mage. "That was really bugging me." I toss the transmission into storage, deciding to attach it later, if we aren''t all eaten by some giant beasty. "And, sorry for muttering so much, it helps me think."


    "Not a problem, I do the same." She chuckles. "And, you are very welcome."


    "So, you''ve got everything you need to make more of these for the kingdom?" Devlen asks.


    "Pretty much, but right now they still need a Fire Mage to charge them. I have ideas for that, though. And, I''d like to work on the oil some more too. The blend I''m using now works, but it could be a lot better." ''Note to self; find some crude oil and start messing around. That, and maybe re-invent organic chemistry from scratch because I always slept through class.'' I want to go back in time and slap my old self.


    I almost cry at the thought of how much trouble I could have saved my future self by at least reading some more of the damned text books. A perfect memory is great ''if'' you learned something in the first place.


    ***


    The night passes un-eventfully after that. I tried to get started on modeling a runic physics engine in order to recreate Angry Birds, but it quickly gave me a headache. So, I took a nap instead, I want to be at the wheel when we enter the mountains.


    We made good time, and the sky is just starting to lighten when I sense the guild team at the range of my perception. Everyone else is still asleep, so I decide to give them a few more minutes.


    I haven''t pushed my senses into the ground yet, Just in case I annoy whatever it is. I''ve even been careful to not let any Mana to leak while creating the road I''m driving on now. But, I can feel it down there, and I definitely get why the team was scared.


    "Nnh, what is that?" Apricot groans and sits up. "Fucking hell, that is a lot of magic."


    "No idea, I don''t want to go poking around just yet. You know, in case it gets angry." I let out a nervous laugh. "We''re almost at the campsite, I''ll look once we''re all together. And the sun is up."


    "Good idea." She gulps. "We can use them as a distraction while we run away if it tries to eat us." A chuckle slips from her lips.


    "Ooogy." Amelia shivers before sitting upright with a wide eyed look on her face. "Sorrel, is that the thingy?" I nod. "Uhh, now that I think about it, my fear of heights is stupid and a flying island would make a perfect home."Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Right there with you babe." I pull her into a hug.


    "Shit, I think Nev may have understated things in his message." Devlen says from the back seat, either woken by our voices or the increasing pressure.


    "Ask him yourself, were here." The Rocket crests a rise and I pull us to stop right outside a circle of tents.


    "Dev?" A young, sandy haired elf calls out from where he''s re-kindling the previous night''s campfire. "Is that you? How''d you get here so fast?"


    "Hello Sylas." Devlen climbs out of the back seat, careful not to wake his wife. "That''s all thanks to Marquis Rumex and his invention here. Any idea what''s going on? Nev''s letter didn''t make it seem this bad. Bad, but not this bad."


    "Don''t worry, it only does this near dawn. Best guess is that it''s surfacing for air. But, boy did it scare the crap out of us on that first night." A rugged Fire Mage steps out of a tent across from us. "Devlen, Lord Rumex, thank you for coming so quickly. What''s the plan?"


    "Run away and turn our home into a flying island before it reaches the Capital." Apricot half-jokes.


    "Call that our back-up plan." I rub the mop of orange hair on her head. "I''m going to wait until the sun, and everyone, is up and then sneak a peak. After that? Well, I may have some ideas." Stuff I''d very much rather not use, but will if it''s the only way to deter whatever this thing is.


    "Considering that my only plan is ''run away'', I think we''ll go with whatever you can come up with." He laughs, but there''s not much humor to it. "How about we get breakfast going while we wait?"


    "Please, let me." I break out my mini-pantry and start making a hearty breakfast. The smell of frying bacon pulls everyone from their bedrolls, and backseat, in Deluca''s case. "I can do juice, tea, or coffee if you need a bit more of a kick to wake up." I start brewing a couple pots and set out a big pitcher of orange juice.


    "Can we get you to come with us every time?" Sylas moans after shoveling in a few fork-fulls.


    "I second that." - "Mmm, please." And, various noises of approval meet his statement.


    "Sorry folks, he''s already taken." Amelia dips a corner of her toast into the yolk of her fried egg.


    After we finish eating and I''ve cleaned up the mess, to even more appreciative sounds, I turn the car around and take a minute to expand it enough to fit all of us. "Just in case." I explain to the gathered mages.


    "Whatever it is, I''m sure you can find a way to kick its ass." Apricot cheers me on as I sit cross-legged on the earth.


    I just nod and will Blackthorne into the air where he grows full size before landing in my palm with a light slapping sound.


    "A heavy, black staff? Why do I get the feeling that that description is not entirely accurate?" Nev says after inspecting my weapon.


    "Heheh" I chuckle. "I hit level two crafting this, it''s been with me -and, through a few upgrades- since then."


    "My man knows how to build." Amelia brandishes Ramoth. "Well, as long as it doesn''t involve gears." Her laughter fills the morning air.


    "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Real funny." I shake my head. "You won''t be laughing when those many-toothed horrors come for you." I conjure an image of a cog that bends in half to form a mouth. It chomps it''s metallic teeth and starts flying toward the teasing blonde.


    "Eeek, Mittens save me." She hold up the kitten, and uses his paw to swat at the illusion. Playing along, I make it burst into a scattering of brassy shards before fading away. "My hero!" Amelia kisses his forehead and snuggles him before letting him go back to eating leftovers.


    "You guys are strange." Sylas says with a laugh.


    "More than you know. But, enough putting this off." I heave out a sigh and turn serious. "Time to see what we''re dealing with."


    Touching Blackthorne to the ground, I send a tight tendril of magic down into the earth. It doesn''t take me long to find the source, not that I feel any better about that. In fact, I''m not entirely sure what to feel about this.


    "Well, what is it?" Apricot demands. "You keep making these weird faces. Just show us already."


    "Uh, sure." I conjure an image of a meter long earthworm.


    "It''s a worm?" She scoffs. "Yeah, that''s kinda big for an earthworm, but still."


    "Oh sorry, the scale is a bit off." I expand the image out to ten meters.


    "Well, that''s a bit better, but it''s still just a worm." She says, but starts looking around as the others start gasping. "What? What is it?" She looks closer and falls on her ass when she see the tiny copy of me waving at her from atop its head.


    "Fuck me!" Deluca swears. "Just how big is it?"


    "Just over a kilometer long, and dozens of meters wide." A hysterical laugh bubbles out of my throat. "Normally you want worms in your garden, but this?" I shake my head and dispel the image, not wanting to see it anymore.


    "What do we do?" One of the team members asks?


    "Call it in, ask if anyone''s heard of anything like this first." I say, materializing my phone by tapping on my watch. "Then, probably try to find a way to kill it. Even if it is just a worm, its size alone could devastate the Capital."


    "Hello, Sorrel?" Oliver answers the phone call. "I take it you found the disturbance."


    "You could say that." I heave out another sigh. "Don''t suppose you''ve ever heard of any kilometer long earthworms before, have you? Cuz there''s nothing about them in any of the books I''ve read."


    "A what?" It sounds like he just dropped into a chair.


    "Yeah, that''s pretty much our reaction."


    "I can ask around, but I''ll tell you right now. No one has ever heard of anything like that."


    "Thought as much." I nod even though he can''t see me. "I''ll figure out how to kill it, then."


    "Are you sure? It is just a worm after all. No, don''t say anything. I knew it was stupid as soon as I opened my mouth. All it would have to do is surface and it could destroy half the city." He chokes out a laugh. "A gods damned earthworm destroying Larendath. Hah! Things sure have been interesting since you showed up lad. I wish you luck.


    "Thanks, I think we''ll need it."


    "I''ll call back if I do manage to find someone that knows anything." He disconnects.


    "Okay." I get to my feet, and clap my hands together. "All our magic put together isn''t even going to scratch that thing. So, we''re going to need to think outside the box."


    "That''s a pretty fucking big box." Apricot swears and finally stands back up.


    "Yes, it is. But, fortunately I know that ''normal'' earthworms are very susceptible to a lot of different substances. And, I can grow quite a few poisonous plants. That''s what I''ll be doing." I look at the small gathering. "Does anyone else have any ideas, questions, comments? Know how to summon a giant mole to eat it for us?"


    "It''s not really pertinent." Sylas speaks up. "But, what was that thing you used, and how where you able to talk to Mage Long from here? Also, thank you for that, I''ve never heard him flustered before."


    "New communication rune I invented, calling them phones. They use relays that I setup on our way over to talk to each other." I take out a small box full of them and hand them out. "The mages in the capital all already have one. They only work near the relays, but those cover the road from here to the Capital, and from there to Riverton."


    "What more can you tell us about worms?" Nev asks. "You seem to know something about them, which is more than any of us can say."


    "Not sure about this one." I start. "It''s magic was too strong for me too look at its insides. But..." I conjure a transparent image of a common earthworm and zoom in on its head. "This is what your typical nightcrawler looks like on the inside."


    "Eeew." Amelia scrunches up her nose. "Never did like these things, they''re even creepier on the inside."


    "Yeah, little bit." I agree, and start highlighting organs. "That''s the brain above the mouth, the nerve cord runs down along the length of the belly. There''s five hearts wrapped around the esophagus. Yes, five. They have both male and female sex organs, and can have sex for three hours straight." That gets a few laughs. "The rest is pretty much just one long digestive tract."


    "Looks like, aside from poison, our best bet is to hit the big guy from inside." Nev says while peering up close at its brain. "Though, how to do so is beyond me."


    "It may not come to that." I change the image to a copy of my ballista. "I can make these as easy as I can grow poison. And that''s just the basic model, I''ve had a few breakthroughs recently that I can apply to make it even deadlier. And, if those don''t work, I may still be able to do something."


    "No offense, but you are one scary fucking guy." He laughs nervously. "I thought I knew all the nobles, but I''ve never heard of anyone named Rumex."


    "He''s the one who discovered the dungeon, They were named Count and Countesses of Circle Orchard just after you left." Devlen explains.


    "It would have just been baron, but well... things happened." I say somewhat embarrassed.


    "Like awakening the Queen, inventing your phones, and of course chocolate." Apricot sings my praises and chomps into a bar she pulled from her inventory. "And then he saved Riverton from the Cendassans to get promoted. Show them the movie." She commands.


    "Do I have to?" I mutter but play it anyways.


    "I take it back." Nev says after the recording from Riverton finishes. "You are absolutely fucking terrifying."


    "He''s a big softie is what he is." Apricot condescendingly comes to my rescue. "Did all that because he doesn''t want to kill anyone."


    "Don''t make him any less scary." He chuckles. "Hells, now I feel kinda bad for the worm."


    "Well, don''t just rely on me." I say before I start walking a safe distance away to grow and refine as many poisons as I can. "I''m just one man, and that thing down there is nearly a million cubic meters of worm." I say to sober them up and then conjure a life-size image of it''s brain to send the message home. "That''s is just it''s brain." The damned thing is bigger than the campsite.


    "Fuck!" Sylas spits out the oath. "I know you said it''s big, but seriously?"


    "Seriously." I extend a bit of effort and make a one-to-one scale copy of the mega-worm and wrap it around the hill we''re standing on. "Now, I''m throwing a party in a few days, and I really don''t want to miss it. So, let''s get to work." I turn back around and continue walking.


    "It''s alright babe. He didn''t really mean it." Amelia comes running over to join me.


    "I know." I breathe out through clenched teeth. "I just don''t want to be known as The Nightmare of Larendath, or something equally stupid like that." My face blanches when I think of something.


    "What? What is that look for?" She asks.


    "They''re going to start calling me Wormslayer after this. I just know it." I half laugh, half sob.


    ""Hahahaha."" My wives crack up laughing.


    "Oh, I can see it now, your crest will be a rearing nightcrawler on one side and broken gears on the other." Amelia gasps out while bent over with her hands on her knees, tears leaking from her eyes.


    ***

 # 58

    An hour later, the girls have finally stopped laughing, and I''ve got enough refined poison to fill my inventory several times over. I''m starting on the ballista re-design now, I''m trying to make it as powerful as possible without revealing that I can control atoms directly. I''m sure Devlen at least would be able to notice if I used diamond thread as the bowstring.


    The others have been bouncing ideas around, but the best they could come up with was to have Devlen open up a shaft ahead of it, and drop a big pointy rock onto it when passes underneath. It''s simple enough that it may actually work, so we added that to the list of backup plans.


    I say backup plans, but we''re going to try poisoning it, firing the ballistae, and dropping the big rock all at once. This thing is just that damned big. Once I''m done working on the ballista, we''re all going to head a few kilometers in front of it. Then Devlen and I will open up a cavern and set everything up.


    "What kind of arrowheads are you planning to use?" Nev comes walking up when I''m almost done with the over-sized siege weapon.


    "Not sure what will work best." I shrug. "Was planning to go with an even mix of points and broadheads, maybe a couple drill-shaped ones if the test fire works alright." I''m plan to use the same amorphous steel that I created for the armor plate.


    "Think you can make a couple of these?" He holds up an arrow with four points, a fixed center one, and three that snap out to a sixty degree angle.


    "Can''t hurt to try." I say hoping that all this actually does the job. But, if it''s still not enough kill the damned thing. I''ll come back with diamond arrowheads, nano-fiber re-enforced ballistae, and any explosives I can figure out. And, if it''s still alive after all that, well there''s always the flying island option.


    "Alright, Apricot. She''s ready for the first test fire." I say after a few more minutes. "It''s only loaded with a hardened wood shaft right now, but this should give us an idea of what it can do." I erect a ten meter thick stone block a couple hundred meters away.


    "Yes!" She squeals and flies over to the trigger, shifting back to human size to pull the lever.


    WHAM! The projectile launches almost faster than I can track, it slams into the stone a split-second later. Obliterating itself while punching a meter deep crater into the granite. Chunks of rock fly outwards from the impact, several even ping off of my barrier all the way back here.


    "Hahahahahahah! Again, again." The pixie bounces up and down in place.


    "Alright, try the basic steel lance now." I reload the machine, and repair the target.


    WHAM!!! Half the target is blown apart, and the rest is shattered.


    "FUCK YES!" Apricot shouts. "Oh, I fucking love you Sorrel." She tackles me to the ground. "That was so fucking awesome."


    "One last test, then let''s go kill a worm." I kiss her and disentangle.


    Once I have my feet under me again, I rebuild the target once more, only this time it''s a thirty meter high worm head made from magically reinforced stone. I load the weapon while the mages around me swear at their second glimpse of what we''ll be facing.


    "This is one of the broadheads we''ll be using against it." It''s a simple elongated diamond shape, but made from not-so-simple materials, and its blades are sharpened to nearly a molecular edge. "Let ''er rip." I nod to Apricot.


    Wham! Shunk! Boom! Crash! The bolt rocketed away and slid into the toughened stone like butter. It traveled over a dozen meters into the stone before deforming and imparting all of it''s energy into the surrounding stone.


    "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!" I''m the one laughing this time, as everyone else is too shocked to say anything as the head of the worm crumbles.


    "How in the gods?" Devlen is the first to mutter. "I watched you reinforce that stone, it-it just... shattered."


    "Yes it did." A grin is practically splitting my face open right now. "See, there''s a fun little fact about that special steel I made." I brandish a thin rod of it. "It''s tough as all get out, right up until it breaks, then it just shatters." I snap it in half with a loud crack.


    "So, all the force went off like an explosion in the middle of its head." His grin starts to match mine. "I think we may actually be able to do this."


    "Everyone, start loading up the poison while I make the rest of the bolts." They do so while I get to work. Between Devlen''s and my own stocks we have enough material for two dozen shots. That''s just enough that each of us gets to fire twice.


    Another hour later and we''re all set up a few kilometers underground, and right in the Mega-Worm''s path. Devlen, I, and one of the mages from the scouting team opened up a large cavern at the end of a long sloping tunnel. Where I then built and loaded twenty-four siege weapons.


    "Everyone clear on the plan?" I double check. "Just wait until I give the signal, then fire and flee. Dev and Tarrah will keep the roof from falling in while I shield us."


    "We''re good." Nev and his team nod. "I know you could do all this on your own, but thank you for sharing the levels with us."


    "Same here." Devlen puts his arm over Deluca''s shoulder. "Thank you."


    "We''re with you babe." Amelia says.


    "Damn straight we are." Apricot agrees.


    "Okay. Everyone get ready, it''s at the poison now." We hid them in the stone about fifty meters further in. I was afraid it would turn away from us, but it''s dead set on going straight for the Capital.


    The magic pressure builds, but there''s barely a low rumble as an opening appears in the far wall. I trigger the falling boulder, but hold off a second before giving the order.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "And... Fire!" Everyone triggers their weapon at the same time. I reload them all in under a second and they''re fired again before the worm can even react to being hit the first time. "Move, move. move."


    We all run for the car fearing the worst, but there''s no sudden tremors, no earth shattering roar. No anything. I look back in time to watch the boulder smash into the worm, but it doesn''t make any difference.


    "Hold up!" I shout. "It''s dead. We did it." Everyone skids to a stop at hearing my words. And then a series of *dings* echo through the man-made cave.


    "What? That easy? I got three levels from that." Deluca breaks out in hysterical giggling.


    "Look for yourself." I move the boulder out of the way to show the ruined mess that used to be a worm. "All that magic and it only had as much defense as fucking worm. The first salvo was probably all we needed." I don''t know if I want to laugh, or to cry.


    "I can still feel the mana radiating off of it." Apricot speaks up and starts to walk closer, but soon stops and pinches her nose closed. "Ugh. Sorrel, do something about that stench. Please."


    I wrap us all in a bubble of clean air and take us up to the edge of the splatter zone. "That is so weird. Do you feel that Dev?" He nods, and Tarrah says she does too. "Alright, let me deal with this mess. Decompose!" I point Blackthorne at the worm and start turning it''s corpse into soil. "This is going to take a while."


    "Better than digging through worm guts." Amelia laughs as we slowly walk forward.


    "I might as well call Oliver." I say and dial his number. "Good news!"


    "You did it?" He sounds as shocked as I felt.


    "It took a couple dozen over-powered ballista, but the thing had no defense, at all. Our bolts ripped right through it and shredded its brain." I explain. "We all leveled several times from it though. And there''s something magic in its body, I''m tunneling us toward it right now."


    "That easy?" He lets out a relieved sigh.


    "Oh, we had a three pronged assault planned." I let out a forced laugh. "We fed it tens of cubic meters of poison, then fired the ballistae twice and dropped a giant boulder on its head. I was ready to pump a storm''s worth of lightning into it too. But, our first shots probably killed it. It was just a worm."


    "Hahahah." He bellows out a deeper belly laugh than I imagined he could. "That is fantastic news. I''ll go tell Her Majesty. Let me know when you discover whatever it is you''re looking for."


    "Will do." I say, but he''s already disconnected. "I think it''s near the hearts. There''s so much mana it''s hard to pin it down."


    "What do you feel?" Amelia asks.


    "Earth. It''s all kinda jumbled up, but it''s strongly Earth." We''re about half way there, and I''m getting a clearer picture, but it still doesn''t make sense. "Devlen are you picking up on this."


    "I might as well be staring at the sun, all I can feel is a strong source of Earth Magic."


    We''ve nearly reached the first heart, and I''m about to decompose it when I notice something strange lining it''s walls. It''s coated with thousands of shiny metallic crystals. Pulling one to me, I Identify it as Essential Aluminum.


    "Mithril!" Devlen hisses. "It''s all mithril."


    "Neat!" My eyebrows raise. "I''ve heard the name before, but haven''t read anything about it. What is it exactly?"


    "It''s the most common of the magical metals." He gushes while fondling the crystal. "Just like the name says, it''s the very essence of aluminum. Lightweight and strong, but it''s real value is it''s natural passivation. The ability to resist and become less affected by outside influences over time. It''s typically made into armor and subjected to harsher and harsher treatments to strengthen it. Some of the oldest pieces are said to be almost invulnerable. But it is almost never seen in this part of the world, and there''s tonnes of it here."


    "That sounds amazing, but it''s not all mithril. Now that I know what I''m looking at I can sense a lot of other metallic essences. All the common ones, and a few that must be from metals I haven''t come across yet." I push past the mana interference as best I can and see that all the hearts are just like this one.


    "We need to collect it all, it''s incalculably valuable."


    "Oh, goody. Another reason for greedy bastards to pick on Larendath." I sigh before turning to Nev and his team. "Can you keep your lips sealed about this? Larendath isn''t ready for the kind of trouble the news of this getting out would bring. Not, yet at least." I stealthily activate all my senses to detect if they lie or not.


    "Yes Marquis. No one will hear about this from us." He vows, and his team follows suit, each one telling the truth.


    "Good, and thank you. You will all be well rewarded for this." By me directly, if need be. "Alright, we still need to find whatever is pumping out so much magic." I get back to decomposing the corpse, and leave collecting the essences to Devlen and the others.


    "You don''t seem happy." Amelia sidles up next to me. "Want me to go get Mittens from the car, so you can pet him."


    "I''m fine, just a bit upset that I''m probably responsible for waking this beastie up. It''s likely been hibernating since magic was last plentiful in this region."


    "More likely it''s been roaming around farther north of here" Apricot counters. "And just got pulled in by the dungeon and then the tree."


    "I still don''t like it, magic is starting to change the land. And, not for the best." I heave out a sigh. "Remember how everything tried to eat Mittens on our way into the Capital? I saw a lot more aggressive behavior like that on our way up here, but it grew less and less common the farther away we drove."


    "That shouldn''t be the case" Apricot says worriedly. "Higher magic areas might have bigger and stronger animals, but they shouldn''t be inherently more aggressive."


    "I think I know what you''re talking about." Devlen says. "Right after the dungeon was reported I heard there were a few reports of aggressive wildlife, but it seemed to move out in a wave, and settled down afterwards. What you saw was likely just the new wave caused by the Mana Well."


    "See babe." Amelia pats me on the arm. "They''re just working out a new pecking order as different creatures get stronger. It''s nothing to worry about."


    "That''s something, at least." I smile at her. "And you''re right, it was quieter near the Capital. I just thought I hadn''t noticed it because there were more people around."


    "You don''t need to carry the whole country''s weight on your shoulders." She rubs said shoulders. "I know you take your responsibilities seriously, but it''s okay to relax."


    "I know." I reach up to pat one of her hands with mine. "This should be a time for celebration, I just got a little worried that as soon as we deal with one situation another will pop up in its wake."


    "Don''t go borrowing trouble. If something does happen, we''ll deal with it." She kisses the hand that''s holding hers. "Now, please tell me we''re getting close. I''m not sure I can take much more of this pressure."


    "The rest of the lunkers don''t so hot either." Apricot adds.


    "Oh, sorry." I look back to see all but Devlen visibly affected, and there''s even some tightness to his eyes. "I''ll increase the shielding. And yes, we are close. I think it''s in the crop, just one more heart to go." I reinforce and strengthen the bubble that''s pushing the mana away from us, causing everyone to sigh in relief.


    "How are you not affected by this?" Sylas asks.


    "If you''d seen his Embiggen spell, you wouldn''t ask." Deluca answers. "I watched it drain him completely dry in just minutes, and the only reaction he showed was to sit down and eat a bar of chocolate."


    "That, and they live on a Mana Well." Devlen continues. "He was planting the mother of all apricot trees when its roots intersected shards of the ancient dungeon core. Our best guess is that they were excited by the influx of mana from the dungeon. And, when they came into contact with his Growth spell they somehow fused with the tree."


    "You all are welcome to visit the Garden when you return to the city." I project a copy of the bonsai tree for everyone to see. "Though, you might be a bit late buying up a place nearby. Everyone in the guild has already started a bidding war over the nearest lots. I don''t know if the neighbors love me or hate me."


    "Wait. That''s your house?" Nev''s eyes go wide once the scale clicks for him.


    "I said it was the mother of all apricot trees." Devlen laughs. "Whoah, is that it?" The pressure doubled again once I uncovered the source.

 # 59

    All of this mana is coming from a fist sized crystal. It looks just like a perfect example of smokey quartz with no flaws or inclusions, the kind of quartz crystal you never actually see.


    "It must be." I answer. "But all I''m getting is question marks when I try to identify it. Whoah, easy there Blackthorne." My staff bucks like it wants to jump over to the crystal. "Be good and maybe I''ll give you a piece later." It settles down as I pet it.


    Devlen tries walking closer to it, but his steps slow and it looks like he''s being pushed back by the Mana that''s pouring off of it. "Damn, I can''t get close." He spits out before returning to us. "My Identify is at level three and I got the same result."


    "I think I see a way through." My eyes glow as I push power into my magical sight. "Back me up Apricot. Everyone else stay here, or better yet, head back a bit. I''m not going to be able to shield you while I try this."


    Amelia gives me a worried look, but soon follows after the others as they retreat to the cavern. Meanwhile, Apricot shrinks down to sit on my shoulder.


    "Are you sure you can do this? I''m not affected by it at all, just let me go pop it in my inventory." She offers, but I just shake my head.


    "I thought about that too, but I want to get a better look at this thing personally. I think it''s just the excess mana that''s throwing off Identify."


    "I can buy the stupid spell." She huffs.


    "No, you''re saving for the Polyglot skill." I counter and start pushing through the mana stream. "Besides, I can do this." There is resistance, but I''m able to cut through it much easier than Devlen could.


    "Just be careful."


    It takes me couple minutes just to travel ten meters, but it''s finally within reach. Identify is still giving me question marks, so I say fuck it and just grab the damned thing.


    "Sorrel!" Apricot screams. "Store it! Just store it away."


    "No!" I snarl. "I''ve got this. Identify!"


    *Ding*


    -??? ??? ??? Shard.


    "Temmie! Don''t fuck with me here, just spend however many points I need on it." The skill shoots up to level five and nearly empties my pool of skill points. "Identify!" I cast once again and immediately toss the shard into a free spot in my inventory.


    The lack of pressure nearly makes me faint, and does make me collapse to the ground.


    "Sorrel!"


    "Mm okhay." I mumble. "Fhuck mhe! Was lhike trying to grab lightning." I just lay there and breathe for a bit while Apricot soothes me.


    "Sorrel, baby." Amelia runs up to us. "Are you okay?"


    "Dumbass just had to try identifying it first." Apricot slaps my chest, venting her worry now that I''m doing better.


    "Yeah, I''m alright." I smile up at her worried face.


    "So, what was it?" Devlen asks, his eyes alight.


    "Official story." I get to my feet with Amelia and Apricot''s help. "A mutated beast core that got clipped by one of the bolts, that''s why it was leaking mana until it turned to dust." I stare the gathered mages in the eye, one by one, until they nod. "Unofficially, it''s something the high magic countries would burn our entire continent to the ground just for the chance to get their hands on." They all gulp as one.


    "That bad?" Amelia says.


    "Worse." I say flatly and share the notification with everyone.


    -Divine Earth Crystal Shard. Once a microscopic shard of divinity that was swallowed by a common earthworm. It has grown over the aeons and developed a distinctive Earth characteristic thanks to the worm''s diet.


    "Well, fuck!" Deluca spits. "What a shame the beast core was shattered. If you extract the magic properly, they can be quite useful for enchanting."


    "True, but we did get some rare crafting materials." Devlen continues the play.


    "Spoken like an earth mage." Nev snorts. "I''m more impressed with the level I got, you should know how hard it is to get solid gains at our level."


    "Oh, yeah. I haven''t checked my status yet" I say and start laughing a second later. "Hahaha. You just had to do it, didn''t you Temmie?"


    "What is it?" Apricot asks, her head quirked to one side. I just shake my head and display my new title.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    -Wormslayer: Nightcrawlers everywhere tremble in fear of you. Bwahahaha!  Temmie.-


    The girls crack up laughing, while everyone else just looks confused.


    "Is that real?" Sylas looks to his teammates for clarification.


    "You guys really need to talk to the book of knowledge more often." I use their name for System-chan. "Then maybe she''ll have better things to do than pick on me."


    *Ding*(You wish)


    I start laughing again as the younger team member''s eyes go wide at the sound.


    ***


    With the interference gone, it didn''t take me that much longer to decompose the rest of the worm. I was hoping for some more magic materials, but they were all concentrated on and in the hearts. I did recollect the spent projectiles though, and Devlen even let me keep the iron he supplied.


    He promised me a sizable share of the essences, but we want to get back to the city before dividing the loot. Speaking of loot; the scouts didn''t really get anything but levels and a good story from this. So, I gave each of them a not-so-small crate of chocolate, and a dozen phone relays. If they place them smartly, they should have coverage wherever they go in the mountains.


    They''ve still got a job to do, by the way. And, we''ve got a party to throw, so we separate again after lunch. I let Amelia take the wheel, because after today, I decided to scrap Angry Birds and re-create the Worms game instead.


    I have to change a few of the weapons into magic spells, and I made the mines and hand-grenades into unstable and exploding runes in honor of our first meeting with Deluca. The game is a lot more complex than anything I''ve made so far, so I only get the basic framework down before it''s my turn at the wheel.


    I was so lost in my own world that they stuck me with the midnight shift, but I don''t mind. There''s nobody else on the road, so I can really pour on the speed.


    ''Hey, Temmie.'' I think to the System. ''What should I do with my free points? With the Well and Blackthorne, I don''t really need to worry about mana. So, I''m wondering if increasing my physical stats would help the drawbacks from prolonged casting.''


    *Ding* A hushed bell, so as not to wake the others.


    ''Yeah, I get that you can''t really give me pointers. But who else can I ask about this?'' I shrug and think it over for a bit before continuing. ''Only one way to find out I suppose. Go ahead and raise the physical stats, might as well start evening everything out again.''


    *Ding*


    ''So, what do you think we should do next? Provided that Larendath doesn''t go to war, I think I''d like to travel and get to see more of the world. Maybe head over-seas to where I''m not so much of a freak, magically speaking.''


    *Ding**Ding*


    ''Gee, thanks.'' I snort at her comment. ''Okay, I''ll still be a freak even where people know what they''re doing with magic. But, at least I could try to keep a low profile there. No, don''t say anything, I already know that I won''t. I like showing off too much.''


    *Ding* One of her laugh-like bells rings out gently.


    ''Should I go the other route and show off enough to draw all the other freaks to me? It''s just that aside from you and the girls, I don''t have any friends. Hells, Oliver is probably the closest thing to a friend that I have. I tried getting along with Marc, but we''re worlds apart and it just made me depressed.''


    *Ding**Ding**Ding*


    ''No thank you. I will not try being a god-like construct. I''m too over-powered as it is.'' I chuckle softly. ''That, and I like having a body too much. The whole floating void nonsense sucks.''


    *Ding*


    ''Yeah, I know it''s not like that for you, but still. You''ve said yourself that you mostly experience the world through the eyes of the Awakened. Wouldn''t you like to have your own body to move around and explore with.'' I conjure an image of Cortana from Halo. ''Want me to try building you one? I''m sure I could figure something out.''


    *Ding*


    ''Well, you know where to find me if you ever change your mind.'' I shrug and turn the hologram into one of those hula girls that sits on the dash.


    *Ding**Ding**Ding* She laughs again.


    ''What? Blue skin and grass skirts go together perfectly fine.'' I laugh along. ''Hey, should I make an energy sword or a lightsaber? Oh man, I gotta introduce the girls to Starwars.''


    *Ding**Ding*


    ''What do you mean power swords? Don''t tell me you''re a Warhammer nerd.''


    *Ding*


    ''I am not a heretic! Take it back.'' I pout. ''Fine, I guess you don''t want any more heretical chocolate.''


    *Ding**Ding**Ding**Ding*


    ''A loyal son of the Emperor? Well, I don''t know if I would go that far. I''m sure not everything I do is completely codex approved.''


    "Are you chatting with Temmie?" Apricot opens her eyes and looks over at me. She''s shrunk down to her normal size and was sleeping on Amelia''s chest.


    "Yeah. Sorry to wake you." I set up a soundproofing to keep from waking the others. "I offered to make her a body, but I think she''s afraid that you''ll want to fuck her."


    "Snerk." - *Ding*(Hey!)


    "Sorry, make love to." I giggle.


    "She''s probably more afraid of you, if that''s the kind of body you want to give her." Apricot gestures to the hula Cortana.


    "Don''t tell me you''re actually a man." Cortana is replaced by Doctor Manhattan, still in a grass skirt of course. "No? Maybe the body was just a bit off." Cortana comes back, but she''s kept part of Doctor Manhattan.


    Apricot has to fly off of Amelia for fear of waking her with her giggles. But Temmie''s just giving me the feeling of a disapproving pout.


    "Not big enough for you?" The leftover part stretches down to Cortana''s knees.


    *...*


    "Oh, fine." The doll goes back to normal... Well, as normal as Cortana in a hula skirt can be. "Better?"


    *Ding*


    "Aww." Apricot whines. "I kinda liked it."


    "Of course you did." I snort at my perverted little pixie. "And, before you ask. No, I''m not going to let you fuck me with one that big."


    "Aww, come on. You''ve got the stats, you can take it."


    *Ding**Ding**Ding* Temmie starts laughing at me.


    "It''d be like that time you tried to ta- Oh, shit! Hold on." The bridge we''re racing towards just collapsed. There''s not enough time to stop, so I just take us up into the air.


    We land safely on the other side, with barely a bump. I bring us to a stop and stretch out my senses to see what happened.


    "What''s going on? Why''d we stop?" Amelia snaps awake.


    "It''s alright." I take her hand. "Looks like a water vole that was strengthened by the Mana Well decided to make its new burrow in the stone under the bridge."


    "It''s not a kilometer long is it?" She lets out a relieved sigh.


    "No, it''s not anything anymore. Poor bugger got squished when the bridge came down." I bury its body, and rebuild the bridge. "Remind me to let the castle know to check nearby bridges. Stuff like this will probably start happening more often."


    "I''ll take care of it." Devlen says from the backseat, Deluca snoring on his shoulder. "My office is responsible for maintaining the roadways."


    ***

 # 60

    It took a few for everyone to settle back down, but I put on some relaxing background music, and that seemed to do the trick.


    Aside from the suicidally stupid vole, the rest of the trip was uneventful. Since Devlen got woken up, I decided to take his shift too and just let him sleep. I''ll just take a nap when we get home.


    Temmie kept me company, but we didn''t resume our chat. Just listened to music, the road, and the sounds of the night together. Hard to describe what it''s like, but she just sorta makes herself known.


    I got us to the city just as the walls were being opened for the day, and drove straight to the Garden. Devlen and Deluca''s carriage was still there, so they could take it home. I''m just parking when Oliver''s number pops up on my smart watch.


    "Morning Sorrel." He opens the conversation. "I trust the trip back was uneventful."


    "Aside from a vole trying to kill us all with a suicide attack, yeah." I laugh at the absurdity of the scene.


    "That sounds like a story." I can hear the smile in his voice. "Care to come over for lunch and tell it." This is obviously a request from Vivian to hear about the worm and the shard.


    "That''s fine, it''ll give me a chance for a nap." I can get by without it, but I''d rather not. "I''ll see you around noon, then." I set the time and disconnect.


    "Mind going on your own?" Amelia asks. "There''s some stuff I wanted to do in the city today."


    "That''s fine." I nod. "I''m guessing if you''re skiving off, then so is Apricot."


    "Pinball!" Is all she says before running to the house.


    "Guess that''s that." I chuckle before turning to the mage couple. "We''ll see you two at the party, yes?"


    "Wouldn''t miss it." Deluca says emphatically. "And, thank you for inviting us."


    "Yes, thank you." Devlen adds and turns to his wife. "Come on Del, all I can think about is a long hot bath right now." I hitch up their carriage for them, and they sit next to each other in the driver''s box. They leave while chatting happily to each other.


    Amelia and I then head inside where her parents are just preparing breakfast.


    "Welcome back." Turner greets us with a smile, and a hug for his daughter. "I thought I saw a pixie shaped blur heading for the game room."


    "Morning." I yawn out. "And goodnight. I''m gonna head up to bed and catch some sleep before I have to head to the palace." I kiss Amelia on the cheek. "I''ll see you tonight when you get back, be safe out there."


    "You too, and good luck with Faye when she finds out that Apricot didn''t tag along." The blonde laughs at my retreating back. "I love you." She says right before I turn the corner.


    "Love you too." I reply before another yawn overtakes me.


    ***


    "Cock-a-Doodle-Doo!" - "Buzz Buzz Buzz" - "Reeeooo! Reeeooo!" My triple alarm goes off and I have to hold myself back from vaporising that side of the room.


    "Ugh! Need caffeine." I flop out of bed, cleaning and dressing myself with magic in one go. "Should have just stayed up, I''d feel less tired right now." I grumble as I head down to the kitchen.


    "Was that racket you?" Apricot comes running up as I reach the ground floor. "You made me jump so hard that I tilted the machine."


    "Sorry, sweetie." I pull her into a side hug and drag her with me to the kitchen. "Let me make it up to you with an early lunch. And are you sure you don''t want to come to the castle with me? The Princess will be so disappointed when you don''t show up."


    "I''m not one to turn down food, but aren''t you going there for lunch?" She completely ignores my comment about Faye.


    "Yeah, but that''s then, I''m hungry now." My stomach growls to prove my point. "I need some iced-tea and pizza."


    "Ooh, pizza sounds good. Make that mag-marg-margurta... you know the one." She fumbles the name margherita. "I''ll just take some juice though." She pours herself a glass from the jug in the fridge.


    "Coming right up." I set to it and have a small pizza in front of us a couple minutes later. "One margherita for the marchioness." I take a couple slices and leave the rest for her.


    "Thank you." She takes a bite, and the stretches from her lips to the slice. "Mmm, yummy. So, how''s your new game coming along? I couldn''t really get a good grasp on what you were making yesterday."


    "It''s Good." I say after washing a bite down with a gulp of tea. "It''s a lot more complex than anything I''ve done so far. So, I was only able to get the basic framework done." I project an image of what the finished product will look like.


    "Worms? Really?" She guffaws. "Oh, that''s perfect."


    "Yeah, I thought you''d get a kick out of that." A wide grin splits my face. "And since it''s turn based, level difference shouldn''t affect the game play. Speaking of, I forgot to ask how you two made out. I jumped straight to sixteen, and should be halfway to seventeen."


    "We''re both at thirteen now, though I''m only just, but Amelia said she feels close to fourteen." She mumbles around a mouthful of pizza.


    "Nice, I was planning to take you girls leveling soon, guess this saved us the trip. Stupid over-sized worm was more useful that we could have hoped."


    "Mhm." She nods along. "Any plans for the shard?"


    "Leave it in my inventory and forget about it?" I shrug. "It all depends on whether the crown wants it, really. But if Vivian does leave it to me, then... I might have some ideas. But, I''m nowhere near ready to tackle something this powerful, not yet."


    "I love that crazy grin you get when you''re figuring out how to do the impossible." She smiles at me with a bit of pizza sauce on her chin. I lean forward to lick it up but she pushes me away. "Nuh uh, you''ve got an appointment to keep." She giggles and scoops up the sauce with a finger before licking it clean.


    "Nnn. Stupid royals." I toss the crust onto my plate and down the rest of the tea.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll use my tongue for something else once you get back." Her laughter fills the kitchen as I shake my head and get up. I walk past her squeezing her ass on my way out of the kitchen. To which she just laughs harder.


    Amelia took the car again, so I take her motorcycle up to the castle. I get plenty of strange looks on the way, but also hear the term iron horse more than once. It seems the story of my helping Westra''s mother has already started to spread.


    Once at the castle a butler guides me up to the royal apartments. I enter a small dining room with Vivian, Faye, and Oliver sitting around a table. The food has been set out, but no one has started eating yet.


    "Sorrel, thank you for joining us." Oliver stands to greet me.


    "Yes, thank you." The queen nods from her seat. "And thank you for dealing with that little pest problem." She smiles as she says the word ''little''.


    "Your Majesty, you are most welcome." I bow to her.


    "Vivian, please."


    "Vivian." I nod my head to her. "And, hello Faye. Sorry, but the girls had other things to do today." She looks a bit crestfallen at that. "To make up for it, I brought copies for you of all the new games I''ve been making, and some more movies." I materialize some glass cubes and three Gameboys and set them on a copy of the board game table from my game room.


    "Thank you uncle Sorrel." Her eyes light up.


    "You can play after lunch." Her mom says with a loving smile. "Speaking of..." She starts loading her plate, and the rest of us follow suit.


    "So, how have things been here? Any word from across the border?" I ask and stab a forkful of the lovely meal prepared for us.


    "They haven''t mobilized any more troops." Oliver answers. "But, there''s also no signs of them disbanding the ones they have already gathered. But, that Palmer a.. ahem bloke." He was totally going to say ''ass'', but stopped himself with a look at the princess. "He got into a shouting match with their king and stormed off. He seems to have fled the country altogether."


    "That''s one piece of good news, at least." I nod and we all focus on our food after that.


    Once we finish eating, some maids come in to clear the plates away.


    "So about the thing you found." Oliver starts once they leave the room, but I raise a finger to forestall him.


    "I''m sorry Vivian, but one of your maids is an imposter." I say calmly and project an image of the fake. A young-ish brunette with her hair up in a bun.


    "What? How can you tell?" Oliver jumps out of his seat.


    "I took the liberty of memorizing all of the palace''s servants, down to the smallest detail." I explain and show an image of the original next to the copy, and then zoom in on their eyes. "She''s good, but her eyes are different. There''s a few other small things too. Freckles that are only painted on, and she got one in the wrong spot. There''s also a few beauty marks under her clothes that she didn''t bother with. A cavity in her back tooth, stuff like that." Her breasts are a half-size larger too, but that''s hardly relevant.


    "Dear, why don''t you go play your new rune games in the other room." Vivian sends her daughter away. "Sorrel, scan the rest of them. Please." She adds the please as an afterthought.


    "Already doing it." I say with my eyes closed. "There''s a footman I don''t recognize." I display his image. "Everyone else matches."


    "His mother was sick recently." Oliver says at seeing the young man''s picture. "He took a couple weeks off to care for her. I double checked his story, and it checked out, but I''ll have him watched from now on just to be sure."


    "I''m sorry. I know this is the last thing you need right now." I bow to the Queen again.


    "No, it''s my fault." Oliver spits out. "I should have noticed her, never thought to check everyone''s eyes like that. Color and shape yes, but the small structures, no."


    "Don''t be too hard on yourself." I try to calm the mage. "I wouldn''t have even noticed if her heart rate didn''t increase for a second when she first saw me. She''s very clearly a professional."


    "It''s not your fault, old friend." Vivian pats Oliver on the shoulder "You''re paid to be paranoid, but some people just get it naturally." She laughs, teasing me and breaking the tension at the same time.


    "Heh." I laugh at myself. "I''ve been trying to work on that, but without the girls here..." I trail off, a bit ashamed that I let my bad habits take over again.


    "I''m just afraid that I''m getting too old for this." Oliver sighs out.


    "Don''t be silly." Vivian rebukes her court wizard lightly. "If I hadn''t awakened, you likely would have outlived me and Faye both. None of us were ready for this, but the situation is what it is and we will adapt."


    "I can help too." I offer. "I''ve been meaning to build a medical imaging rune, it could easily be adapted into a security device." Maybe not as easy as I''m making it out to be, but not impossible either. "At the very least, I could make an eye and fingerprint scanner, though the gloves that everyone wears may make the latter somewhat difficult."


    "I hate to sound ungrateful, but what is in this for you?" Oliver asks. "You''ve already done so much for Larendath when you really don''t need to. I know I shouldn''t turn my professional paranoia against you, but you just don''t make sense lad."


    "Oliver it''s alright. I trust Sorrel and he can keep his secrets." The Queen says, probably afraid that I''ll get annoyed and destroy her country or something like that.


    "No, he''s right. I don''t... make sense, or need to help." I agree with the aged wizard. "I won''t tell you everything, but I will tell you that I received a great gift from the gods... Well, one of them at least. I feel it''s my duty to repay this gift by helping out where I can."


    I take a deep breath before continuing. "But, mostly I just want a safe place to raise a family. Keeping you safe is just a means to an end, really. Probably not the answer you wish it could be, but I think you''re pragmatic enough to accept it for what it is." I lay it out plainly for Vivian.


    "You''re right, and I am. But, most importantly, my gut says to trust you. My father once told me that I should trust that feeling, not blindly, mind you. But still, he told me to pay it heed and see if the person that generates the feeling is worthy of it. And, you Sorrel have proven to be."


    "Are you sure I didn''t just charm you with my dancing?" I joke to break the tension. "Sorry, we may be a trio, but Amelia is still the jealous type." I send her a wink.


    "There''s that cheek again." She smiles and Oliver snorts, having recovered from his shock induced bout of paranoia.


    "Thank you." Oliver bows his head to me. "And, I''m sorry for accusing you. But between giant bloody worms, Divine shards, and an imposter slipping in right under my nose. It was all just a bit too much, but I shouldn''t have taken it out on you."


    "No worries." I wave it off. "Speaking of the shard, I''m guessing you guys want it. I''m happy to turn it over, but wouldn''t recommend doing so in the middle of the city."


    "Keep it." Vivian says. "It''s safer with you than anywhere else." She pauses for a moment before shaking her head, almost like she was going to say something but changed her mind. "We''ve already received Devlen''s report, and we need to deal with this situation now. So, you can head back home."


    "Of course." I rise and bow before speaking more. "My condolences for your maid, I promise I''ll get right to work on the security runes."


    "Thank you, but it can wait until after your party." She speaks with false cheer, but I can see a deep sadness in her eyes. "You''ve already lost two days of preparation time, and you need this to help cement your place in society. Especially after I selfishly dragged you to the forefront like I did."


    "Vivian-" I try to speak but she raises her hand to forestall me.


    "No. I knew you were a good man, a powerful, yet compassionate man. One who would take his responsibilities seriously, even if they were thrust on you." She looks me dead in the eyes. "I made a conscious decision to use you. To en-noble you in order to use your strength as shield for my country. I sent Oliver to ask for your aid getting to Riverton because I knew you would step in to help." She takes a breath.


    "And, even though you made your displeasure clear." She continues with a wry smile. "You still did it in a way that made me look good, that made Larendath look strong. And, how did I repay you? By dumping more responsibility on your shoulders. As Queen I cannot say that I won''t use you again in the future. But, I can and will promise that I will not do so lightly. You deserve your peaceful life, and I as your monarch shall do everything in my power to give it to you."


    "Thank you, Your Majesty." I bow once again. "I swear that if you do need to call on me, then I will do everything in my power to protect Larendath, my home." She returns my bow, and then some.


    We''ve said all that needs saying, so I leave. Oliver follows me out of the room to go deal with the imposter, the guards having already snatched her up at his spelled command. I use the same spell he did to send the princess, a quick "Bye Faye, I''ll tell Apricot you missed her."


    Getting back on the motorcycle, I ride off sedately while heavy thoughts fill my head. I had wanted to propose some of my plans for the country, but that can wait. "I''ve got a party to finish prepping for, after all." I snort at the absurdity of it all.


    ***

 # 61

    "Hey Mittens." I scoop up the kitten and steal the chair he was sitting in before placing him in my lap. "I need some pet therapy little guy, and you''re it." He starts purring as I scratch behind his ears.


    "Everything okay?" Apricot stops playing, and comes to join me on the small couch. "Did Vivian upset you, or something? Want me to go rough her up?" She draws a smile from me.


    "No, she''s probably feeling pretty rough as it is right now." I explain about the imposter and the Queen''s little speech. "I am so glad I''m not royalty, being Marquis of an empty grasslands is bad enough." I say with a sigh.


    "I''m surprised she didn''t ask you to help interrogate the woman, especially after what you did to that kidnapper."


    "I think she was about to, but then changed her mind." I shake my head. "Glad she did too, I''m still a bit sick about what I did in the heat of the moment to that kidnapper. To do it again premeditatively, I just don''t think I could. Or, if I did, that it would break something in me."


    "You are such a softie." My pixie pecks me on the cheek. "So, what else needs to be done for the party?"


    "Not much; the entertainment is pretty much covered, though I still need to make some duplicates and spread them throughout the house. Kyle is handling the extra servants, and I''ll do the cooking tomorrow while they''re getting acquainted with the place. Today, I''ve really only got to make the party favors, and add some more ambiance to the garden. I''d hoped to take these three days to build golems, but I can just use Light spells."


    "Well, at least you got some more Rune games done on the trip, and it''s not like it was without rewards." She flexes her bicep to show off her new-found strength.


    "Mhm. Just hope it didn''t mess up Amelia''s little project." I fish for clues.


    "No, she''s... Hey, don''t think you can get it out of me that easily." She almost fell for it.


    "Eh, worth a shot." I try to mess up her hair, but it''s always springs back into a big round mop, so my efforts go for naught. "What about you? You can''t just want to stay at home playing games all the time."


    "Yes, I can." She chuckles, and ruffles my hair, but it''s too short to do much to. "Seriously, I''m happy to just laze around and let you keep me entertained. Just keep up the tasty food, movies, music, games, and toys." She winks. "And, I''m good."


    "Are all pixies hedonists, or is it just you?" I chuckle.


    "No, it''s pretty much all of us." She laughs with me. "We only need magic to survive, so our days are spent just having fun. You lunkers take everything too seriously."


    "Trust me I want for nothing but a life filled with silliness and fluff." I floof up the kitty.


    "Be nice to the poor little thing." She smoothes his fur back down. "Well, no matter how serious life gets, you''ve got Amelia and me here to help you handle it."


    "Thank you." I kiss her on the forehead. "If it wasn''t for finding her and you I''d probably be wandering around the woods, wiping out the local wolf population. Now, I''ve got a life and a family, even if things get a bit too serious sometimes."


    "Yeah, how are your nightmares doing? Did they start including any giant worms?" She snickers at the look that crosses my face.


    "Gee thanks. I''m sure that isn''t going to put the thought in my head." I didn''t have any problem with bad dreams until we reached the city, and I finally felt I could relax and deal with what I went through. "None this morning, but I think I was too tired to dream. And, they''ve been getting better lately anyways. Thanks to you two."


    "We''ll be there tonight if this imposter business brings up anything." She puts her arm around my shoulder. "But for now, you''ve got hundreds of runes to create, and I''ve got a high score to raise even higher. These new stats are awesome."


    "You are such a goof." I pat her on the butt and start playing Pinball Wizard as she heads back to the machine. It''s always fun to watch her bob along to the music while playing.


    I''m still a bit peckish, so I make a bag of popcorn and share it with Apricot by floating kernels past her mouth as she plays. She takes control of the music player after The Who finish playing, and puts on one of her upbeat dance song playlists.


    While she''s dancing in place, I retrieve some silica from my inventory and fashion several hundred glass cubes. The camera bodies I fashion out of wood, even though each one only takes me seconds to enchant, there''s still hundreds of them. So, it takes me a good half hour before they''re all done.


    Not wanting to go outside, I just sit there and send my mind to explore the garden. I start by adding light everywhere, each plant made to look like it''s glowing while shimmering dandelion seeds made from pure magic waft about illuminating the various pathways


    I start on the wildlife next, I add fish, snails, and frogs to the pond. Then to feed them, some water striders, mayflies, and water boatmen. I also make a pair of damselflies, one blue and one orange to go along with the dragonfly golem.


    Moving on, I begin to fill out the rest of the garden with the bugs and small animals from the merry-go-round. My favorite being ruby ladybugs munching on glowing yellow-green aphids.


    Then, in a nod to Norse mythology I turn the waterfalls rainbow colored, and place a serpent at the base of the tree, a squirrel in its branches, and an eagle on its crown. These and all the other creatures have been given a simple routine to follow, and enough magic to last for days.


    "That garden looks amazing babe." Amelia says sitting down next to me. I barely even noticed her return, I was so caught up with decorating. "It''s already dark, why don''t you take a break and we can get dinner ready."


    "Sounds good." I smile. "I''m still hungry, got too caught up yesterday, and even the extra snacks before and after lunch didn''t help much. Let''s make something hearty, I''m feeling pasta." I pull her up and drag her and Apricot into the kitchen. "Maybe noodles and meatballs with cheesy garlic knots? Need veggies too; a Cucumber salad, and do you want stuffed eggplant, or roasted artichokes."


    "Artichokes." Apricot speaks up and snags some of the cheese I''m using to make the garlic knots.


    "That''s fine by me, but what''s for dessert?" Amelia shrugs.


    "Oh, it''s gotta be *tiramisu*. The name literally means ''pick me up''." I explain and smile at the fact that I''ve pixie-safed coffee. "It''s a bit like a trifle, but has coffee in it, so I haven''t made it before now. Oh, your parents are home, and they brought Charlie with them. May take them a while to get inside though, they''re staring at the garden."The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "It is very stare worthy." She laughs.


    "Oh, just wait until I add the fireflies." I snap my fingers and the kitchen fills with them. "I''m going to have them all over the garden."


    "Aww, pretty. I love glowbugs." Apricot shrinks down and starts chasing them.


    We have a little dog-fight in the middle of the kitchen. Wings of lightning bugs working together to try and attack her, all while dodging and using the floating food as cover. She starts capturing troops by taking control of the spell, and we''re in the middle of one truly epic mid-air battle when Kaitlyn, Turner, and Charlie enter the room.


    Amelia''s parents take it in stride, but Charlie just stands there dumbfounded. Apricot and I look at each other for a second, before grinning like mad men. The fighters sweep past each other and start making a beeline for the merchant.


    "Aahhh!" He screams as they impact and bounce off of him only to fly back and start clinging to his body. We all start giggling as he tries to brush them away only to have them explode into glowing glitter.


    "Hey, Charlie. How you been?" I say between giggles.


    He finally understands what going on, and frowns for a moment before breaking into a wide grin. "Alright, you got me." He shakes his head with a laugh. "I''ve been good, but is it always like this here?" He directs to Turner.


    "Mhm, you tend to get used to it." Amelia''s dad snatches a garlic knot from the air. "Ooh, these are good."


    "Wait until he sets the table, dear." His wife scolds him, but grabs one for herself.


    "Come. Sit, sit. Everything''s ready now, and there''s a new dessert for afterwards." I pull a couple bottles of a near-merlot from the pantry while the table sets itself. "This fruity red should go well with the tomato sauce." The corks fly out and the wine spirals through the air to fill six glasses.


    "You get used to this?" Charlie says with a laugh.


    "When he does the same thing every time he cooks, yes." Kaitlyn answers. "Amelia''s even started to copy him when she''s in the kitchen."


    "It''s good magic practice." She defends herself while loading up her plate.


    We make small talk over the meal, but it''s not until the tiramisu comes out that Charlie explains the reason for his visit.


    "Mmm, is that coffee?" He moans after taking a bite of the chilled dessert. "And, is this stuff on top chocolate?"


    "Cocoa powder, yes." I reply after savoring my own bit.


    "Ah, that''s actually why I came over today." He says between forkfuls. "I know you plan to sell it through Turner, but he''s agreed to let me handle the shipping. I need to know how well it travels though."


    "Oh, quite well." I nod excitedly. "If kept cool and dry, it can maintain its quality for months, or even years. Too much humidity or too high temperatures will cause sugar and fat blooms respectively. These are marked by a whitish discoloration of the chocolate. The chocolate is still safe to eat at this point, but the flavor and mouth feel will be slightly off. But, you can just melt it down, and re-temper it, if you really need to."


    "That is excellent news." His head bobs just like mine did. "Are there any other issues to worry about?"


    "It picks up odors easily, so it should be packed tightly and not stored next to any pungent foods." I shrug unable to think of anything else. "Cocoa powder doesn''t have all the fats and sugars that chocolate does, so it will last even longer. Provided it''s sealed tightly."


    "Ah, but you''re the only one who knows how to cook with it."


    "So, sell a cookbook. Or, just market each jar of powder with a different recipe." I take a few seconds to transcribe a few dozen chocolate recipes onto paper. "You''re the merchants, I''m sure you''ll figure it out. Just tell me how many tonnes of the stuff you want."


    "Tonnes?" His eyes go wide. "Oh, I''m going to need extra security. I wonder if John and his team are still around."


    "Uncle Charlie." Amelia smiles at the man. "Haha. Haven''t you figured out by now that Sorrel doesn''t do things by halves?" She gestures out the window to the glowing garden.


    "I can provide you with some defensive runes too." I offer. "I''m not sure what prices you all are working out, but it''s probably safe to say the stuff is nearly worth its weight in gold."


    "You''re not far off." Turner has a shit eating grin on his face. "Your man Kyle told me that every single person you invited asked if there would be chocolate at the party. And, several of them wanted to work out some deals."


    "Oh? I''ll be sure to send anyone who bugs me about it at the party over to you." I chuckle at the look of greed that fills his face. "The price is bound to come down eventually, but we might as well rake it in while we can." Amelia seems happy to hear me say that, which is exactly why I did so.


    We retired to the game room after dinner to chat and get Charlie''s perspective on the games. He and Turner got into a pretty heated air-hockey match, only to have Kaitlyn come along and whip both of them at it.


    ***


    I woke with the sun, eager to get the last minute preparations for the party done. Leaving the girls to sleep in a bit more, I sneak downstairs and meet Charlie in the kitchen as he''s looking for an early snack.


    "Morning." I greet the balding merchant as he''s rummaging around in the cupboards. "I was just about to fix a quick meal. You want anything in particular?"


    "No, thank you. I was just going to have some bread and jam, but you''ve got a dozen different types here." He lets out a quiet laugh. "Not even sure what some of these are. Never heard of boysenberry, for example."


    "Oh, that''s one of my favorites, it''s a cross between blackberries, raspberries, and dewberries." I pull a jar of it from the cupboard and toast some thick bread slices.


    "Mind toasting a couple slices for me too? Even after all these years I still burn it whenever I try to make toast." He laughs at himself.


    "Sure, and thanks for the idea." I make him some toast and start building a toaster. "I''ve already got a rune based oven, but it heats everything evenly." I explain after noticing the quizzical look on his face. "You don''t want bread toasted on the inside, just the outside. So, I''m making a toaster."


    The finished product is modeled after one of those clear glass toasters. I drop a slice in and turn the dial to medium before pressing the start button. A few seconds later a perfectly toasted slice of bread is ready. Pushing down the lever on one side drops the toast into my hand.


    "Oh, that''ll be useful." Kaitlyn says while walking to the kitchen island. "Could you get me a couple slices too?" I make another slice and float it, and the one I just made onto a plate for her. A jar of grape jam and a small pot of butter join it on the counter in front of her.


    "Want anything else? I was just going to have toast, but it''s no trouble."


    "Thank you dear, but this is fine." She starts buttering the toast.


    "If you''re offering, I wouldn''t mind some sausage and eggs." Turner enters the room carrying Mittens. "Think this little guy is hungry too." A "mrow" confirms his suspicions. "Man, he doesn''t look it, but he''s kinda hefty for a kitten."


    "Really?" I walk over and pick him up. "Hey bud, is all this Mana turning you into a super kitty?" I sat after running a quick scan of his body. "He''s healthy, but you''re right his muscles and bones are a bit more dense than before."


    "Hah, even your pets are magical." Charlie guffaws.


    "A lot of the wildlife are actually adapting the higher level of ambient magic in similar ways." I explain. "I almost crashed the Rocket the other day because a vole was making it''s burrow in the stone underneath a bridge, causing it to collapse."


    "That''s a little disturbing." His guffaw turns into a nervous laugh.


    "Yeah, but the dungeon would have brought this change eventually. The Mana Well is just speeding up the process." I set Mittens down and produce a bowl of meat for him. "Do you want some minced mousie? Huh, you silly little kitty you." He purrs and starts chowing down.


    "You do know that he''s supposed to hunt down the mice for you, not the other way around, right?" Turner laughs as his breakfast finishes cooking and plates itself in front of him.


    "The mouse is more likely to eat him." I counter. "This little trouble magnet has zero survival skills." I return to my breakfast. "So, are you staying for the party today Charlie?"


    "I have some things to do today, but I''ll be back for it later." He replies after drinking a gulp of water. "Speaking of." He turns to Turner. "Are you going in to work today? Mind if I catch a ride?"


    "Yeah, we''re just going to check in at the warehouse before doing some shopping though. We can leave after breakfast."


    "When are you two going to let me make you a car?" I project an image of Turner behind the wheel with his arm around Kaitlyn, the wind blowing her hair back as they race around the counter tops.


    "Hahah. Thanks for the offer, but I''m more used guiding a horse around than trying to control that beastie." I have mini-turner spin the wheel too hard, making the car go out of control and over the edge where it explodes into sparkles upon hitting the ground. "Yeah, hahahah. That didn''t help. Hahaaah." He sighs out a laugh while shaking his head.


    "Oh, looks like Kyle is almost here." I picked him up on my Sorrel-senses when he turned onto the block. "I should go greet him, and see if any last-minute issues have cropped up before I get to work expanding the parking area."


    "Could you get the horse hitched for us? Since you''re going that way." Turner says around a mouth full of food.


    "No problem." I wave and walk out of the kitchen.


    ***

 # 62

    Kyle said that he''s taken care of everything, and that the extra help would arrive at noon. So, I head into the car park and get the carriage ready before clearing the car and motorcycles out.


    This underground spot is the only area that I haven''t decorated yet. Right now it''s just a big oval area with a stable off to one side. There''s going to be a lot of carriages tonight, and I''m going to need much more space. Not only for them, but for the drivers and attendants


    I enlarge this space, adding a cafeteria and a row of bunk-rooms to one side, and greatly expanding the stable opposite that. Then I hollow out two more levels beneath it and start decorating. Keeping with the overgrown garden theme; I add giant roots to the side walls, and ''cracks'' in the ceiling for ''sunlight'' to filter down through.


    A few glowing mushrooms help decorate the walls and further light up the space. I even add one giant one right in the middle and make it look like it''s holding up the roof.


    The next level is a ''basalt'' column cave like the grotto behind the house. The ceiling is covered in magical glow worms, but the really stunning part is the infinity-mirror floor designed to make it look like you''re walking on water.


    I may have gone a bit overboard with the last level. I had thought to make an over-sized geode, but ended up with something closer to the fortress of solitude. Giant quartz crystals criss-cross the walls, and hang down from the ceiling. The floor, again, is rather stunning thanks to some glass and mirror trickery. Taking inspiration from Superman''s fortress, I made it look like a bunch of irregularly shaped platforms with deep chasms in between.


    *Ding**Ding**Ding* Amelia''s number appears on my smartwatch.


    "Hey, babe, it''s almost lunch, are you going to come in and eat before the help gets here?"


    "You and Apricot have to come down to the parking area. I just finished expanding it, and... Well, you''ve just got to see this." My voice echoes slightly.


    "Alright, but then I want to eat." She hangs up and I meet the two of them at the entrance a couple minutes later.


    "Oh, this isn''t bad." Amelia says once I take her down to the first level. "Might not be enough room for everyone. Did this really take you all morning?"


    "There''s another tunnel over there." Apricot points out. "And, from that shit-eating grin of his. Whatever he did is down there."


    "Oh, babe!" Amelia gasps once we move down a level. "It''s like we''re in an ocean cave."


    My grin grows wider and point down to the last level. "Yeah, this is good, but wait until you see the final area. I may have gone a bit wild there."


    "Oh, you''ve got to see this!" Apricot calls back after she shrank down and flew ahead.


    "Uh, babe. I''m not sure how many people will be willing to use this level." She''s stopped at the edge of the first, and largest ''platform'', unwilling to go further.


    "It''s just an optical illusion." I say while walking over the ''chasm''. "See, there''s not even any empty air, it''s all solid glass just like the ocean above." I tap my foot on the ground making a dull thud.


    "Nnn." She whimpers and backs up.


    "Okay" I smile and rejoin her where it''s ''safe''. "You don''t have to if you don''t want to. But, just imagine how people will react if we add a fog spell." I giggle maniacally, while clouding the ceiling and making it so that you''ll only see the chasm after you''ve stepped on it.


    "Hahahahah!" Apricot busts up laughing. "Oh, that is evil. You are one very, very bad man. I approve." *Ding**Ding* Seems that Temmie does too.


    "And, I''m one very hungry woman who would love to escape the death pit her husband hid in the basement." Amelia backs up so she''s out of the fog. "Can we please go have lunch now?"


    "Sure thing babe." I walk after her, the fog billowing about in my wake.


    ***


    A small army of helpers arrive right after we finish eating. Kyle told me he had to promise them chocolate in order to get so many to come on such short notice. He shows them around, and explains what their duties for the evening will be.


    Meanwhile, I''m pulling the extra games from the basement, and setting them and several duplicates throughout the house. This only takes a few minutes though, and once everything is set up I get to cooking.


    There''s going to be a light sit-down dinner in the garden to kick things off, but I''m mostly making snack foods. And, those are mostly chocolate, there''s other sweet, salty, and savory snacks too. But, everyone''s coming for the chocolate, so that''s what they''re going to get. Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate.


    The caterers are ''helping'' taste test, but I don''t mind. I''m already cooking for hundreds, what''s a couple dozen more? I store the hot meals in my inventory for now, but the kitchen had to be reshaped to hold rack after rack of sweets, and over a thousand bottles of various alcohols.


    This will be the servants'' main duty tonight, circulating trays of finger foods, and drinks. Good thing I figured out how to ferment stuff, because buying enough booze for hundreds of nobles and other notables would have used up more gold than I care to spend.


    It''s still a couple hours before sunset by the time I''m done with all the cooking. I''ve still got a couple things to deal with. The chocolate foun... waterfall being the largest. Three of the largest actually, I''m making three copies of the tree. One each for white, milk, and dark chocolate respectively.


    "Okay, games are done. Food''s done. Parking is done. Basement and our rooms are blocked off. F-Waterfalls are done. I still need to set the tables, and what else am I missing?" I mutter to myself.


    "Music." Apricot answers me while attacking the dark chocolate waterfall.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Thank you." I walk over and scoop a bit of chocolate off her cheek, and set music players about the house and garden to playing.


    The ballroom gets dance music of course, while the rest of the house has gentle background music playing. The garden on the other hand is filled with more atmospheric tunes, even ethereal and haunting in some places.


    "Okay, music and tables are good." I grow the tables and set them as I speak. "Anything... Oh, the party favors. Mrs. Haft." I call the head caterer over. "Could you gather your people. I''m going to hand out image taking Runes to the guests and they may ask you to take their pictures."


    "Yes, Sir." She calls them all over, and I explain how to use the cameras. "Seems easy enough." She nods once I finish. "Is there anything else you need? The early birds will probably start arriving soon."


    "Not unless you can think of something I''m missing."


    "A good party needs food, drink, and entertainment. You have all three in spades." She smiles at me. "Don''t worry, everything will go fine. Everybody gets like this at their first big event."


    "Thank you. I think I needed to hear that." I tilt my head. "And, it looks like the first of the early birds is here, though I don''t seem to recognize them." I project the image of a rather gruff looking man dressed in high quality clothing that is starting to look a little worn out.


    "I don''t know him, sir" The caterer shakes her head. "He may be the guest of a guest."


    "Well, I should go greet him, anyways." I head down the path, Amelia and Apricot following in my wake. "Oh, he''s a mage. A strong one too. He might just be a traveler that was attracted by the Mana Well, but I want you two to be careful."


    "We got your back." Apricot says, while Amelia just nods and caresses Ramoth.


    "Greetings friend." I call out once he turns into the yard. "Welcome to the garden. We''re about to have a little party, you''re welcome to join."


    "You own tree?" He stops in place and speaks with an odd accent, a stilted version of Varecian, the common language of this continent, Varecia.


    "I do." I nod. "I also have the polyglot skill and if you speak in your native language, then I should be able to learn it quickly."


    "Huh?" Seems that his grasp of the language is less than I thought it was.


    "Speak you tongue, me learn fast with skill." I gesture and talk like cave man.


    "Oh? Yes, good." He nods and starts speaking in a tongue full of harsh consonants while pointing out objects around us. It only takes a minute before I get a notification from Temmie stating that Frera had been added to the Polyglot skill.


    [Thank you, I''ve got it now.]


    [Oh, thank goodness.] His harsh and guttural tones from before now sound quite cultured. [You have no idea how much I''ve wished I had that skill over the past few months.]


    [Yeah, it''s pricy. But, it does come in handy.] I smile at the foreigner. [I''m Sorrel Rumex, by the way. These are my wives Amelia and Apricot. And, as I said before, we''re about to have a party, you''re welcome to join in.]


    [Thank you, I''d love to. The name''s Thoellan, but I go by Lan.] He looks down at his clothing. [Is there perhaps some place I could freshen up?]


    [Of course, Lan. Come on back to the house with us.] "His name''s Lan, he''s going to join us for the party." I explain to the girls.


    "Hello Lan. Nice to meet you." Amelia bobs her head. Apricot waves and says. "Hi."


    "Hello." He returns their greeting in Varecian.


    [Come on, the first guests should be arriving soon. You can get changed in one of the bathrooms. Or, if you need fresh clothing, I happen to be quite skilled at weaving.] I thumb my lapel.


    [Thanks for the offer, but I have some nicer stuff in my inventory.] He materializes an outfit in a similar style, but in much better shape. [I must say, I was rather surprised to find a Mana Well here in Larendath. Everything I''ve read says that this is the lowest magic country in the world.]


    [Yes. Or, at least it was...] I explain about the Circle Orchard, and how the tree seems to have tapped into shards of the old dungeon here. [...It really has been a bit crazy around here since that dungeon popped up.] I finish up the tale with a chuckle. [Ah, we''re here. The bathroom is just through there.]


    [Thank you again, I''ll be out in a moment.]


    "So..." I draw out the word. "He seems interesting, much more cultured than his language sounds. Didn''t speak much, but he''s obviously curious about the well. I just told him the basic story about Co exciting the old shards."


    "Wonder what he''s doing here in Larendath." Amelia ponders.


    "Dunno, but he said he''s read about it before, and knew it was a low magic area." I shrug. "It''s kinda strange that such a strong mage would come here though. I get the feeling that anyone with talent or ambition tends to leave the country, not the other way around."


    "Just how strong is he?" She seems a bit worried.


    "Strong enough that if it came down to a straight up fight, I''d be more than a little worried." I say honestly. "But, we''re in the middle of my garden. So, it would, most definitely, not be a straight up fight." I let the smirk on my face relieve her worry.


    I may be an idiot most of the time, but I know we''re sitting on a magical gold mine here. So, I put a few security measures into place when I was growing everything. And, have added a few things here and there as the ideas struck me. I also plan to add quite a few more once I have some down time. If I ever get any, that is.


    Lan comes out of the house dressed is a much nicer outfit, finger-combing his hair back while drying it with fire magic. [Thank you for that Sorrel.] He bows his head. [Haven''t had a proper shower in months, even finding a good sized bath has been a pain.]


    [You''re welcome.] I nod back, and catching the quizzical look on Apricot''s face, I smack myself lightly on the forehead. [Why didn''t I...]"...think of this before." I start speaking in Varecian, and just translate my words for him. "I won''t be able to translate the whole party for you, but you can carry on conversations now."


    "Truly?" His eyes go wide as he speaks in Frera and a split second later we hear Varecian. "That is one useful trick. Wherever did you learn it?"


    "Oh, this one is always begging me to translate old stories from my memories for her." I rub the small of Apricot''s back. "You seemed surprised that I have Air Magic. Didn''t you see the propaganda movie when coming in the city gate?" I cringe inwardly, wishing I had never made that stupid thing.


    "No, he wouldn''t have." Amelia speaks up. "I heard yesterday that the guards threatened to revolt if they had to watch it loop any longer." She laughs.


    "Movie?" He seems confused.


    "Playback spell inscribed into a Rune." I explain. "Similar to these image takers that I''m handing out as party gifts." I grab a camera from the table and demonstrate by take a picture of the tree. "Only with moving pictures and sound." I switch it to playback mode and show him the photo.


    "That is one neat piece of enchanting." He smiles when I hand him the camera. "Are you by chance an Archmage? I thought you a skilled Nature, Air and Light Mage, but I''ve met a few Archmagi and they were each skilled enchanters.


    "I am, and I must be getting better at hiding my Mana if you can''t even feel the Earth and Fire in me." I chuckle.


    "Hah! You laugh, but if not for hearing these words, I wouldn''t even know even know you were casting right now." He lets slip a few laughs of his own before zeroing in on the waterfalls. "I''ve been meaning to ask, but what is that you have set up over there?"


    "Oh, that''s chocolate." I grin and guide him over to the milk chocolate waterfall. "And, the reason I''m about to be beset by a horde tonight. I just introduced it to the city, and everyone''s clamoring for a taste. Help yourself, there''s plenty to go around."


    "You always grumble like this beforehand, but are fine once things get going." Amelia ruffles my hair.


    "Oh, my." He closes his eyes in pleasure after biting into a coated strawberry. "I can see why they''d be interested." An embarrassed laugh slips from his lips.


    "There''s plenty of other snacks too." I gesture to the tables over by the deck supports. "I''d love to stay and chat, but the early birds are starting to arrive. I need to go and do the meet and greet thing."


    "Perfectly understandable, and thank you for letting me crash your party." He smiles and tries a banana slice this time. "I''d like to continue our conversation as well. I think you''ve already guessed where you''ll be able to find me though." He smiles and turns back to the tray of dip-ables as we walk away.


    "Come on girls, let me introduce you to the Westras."


    "Is that the one grandmother who broke her hip?"


    "Elnore, yes."


    ***

 # 63

    It took little over an hour for all the guests, and then some, to trickle in. Apricot and I had a blast watching the reactions of the drivers who parked on the lowest level. Quite a few of the guests had fun with it too, and went down to see it for themselves. But, Amelia just stood there and refused to watch the live screen I set up.


    We mingled for a little after that, Lan had actually struck up a conversation with Oliver who knew a bit of Frera. But, he was really bad at it, so they just soon stuck to using my translation spell.


    Lan was a bit evasive about himself, but was happy to talk about his homeland and Magic with the Court Wizard. And, they were totally geeking out about their shared element after just a few minutes together.


    About ten minutes before the sun was about to set, I sent a message to the guests who had already scattered throughout the garden that dinner would be served shortly. Once everyone had gathered and taken their seats, I addressed the crowd.


    "Greetings everyone, and welcome to The Garden!" Thousands of fireflies wink into existence at the same time as I speak. "I''d like to thank everyone once again for coming tonight. Even if it was just for the chocolate." I smile and get the expected laughs. "Alright, I don''t want to bore you with a long speech, so let''s eat." They cheer at this.


    I open my inventory and dozens upon dozens of platters fly out to the gathered tables and, once there, the contents split off to load up everyone''s plates. Everyone came for the chocolates, and would be snacking on them all night. So, I kept the meal simple and light. Beef Medallions in mushroom sauce, accompanied by a baby greens salad and some roasted veggies.


    Since Lan had struck up a conversation with Oliver, I invited him to sit at the head table with us Vivian and Faye. I had asked Amelia''s parents and Charlie to sit with us too, but they chose to sit at their own table with a bunch of merchant friends.


    "Thank you uncle Sorrel, dinner was wonderful." Princess Faye says with an expectant look on her face.


    "You are very welcome." I smile at the little girl, who''s still carrying her dolly with her everywhere. "And, if I''m reading your face right, I think you must be ready for dessert." I laugh when her eyes light up.


    "Dessert, dessert." A call goes up from the crowd.


    "Dessert it is then." I stand and repeat the flying food trick, only this time with hundreds of individual plates. "Chocolate lava cake, with vanilla ice-cream and a drizzle of caramel. Enjoy." Oohs and ahhs fill the tables as people cut into the treats and release their gooey insides.


    "You do like putting on a show, don''t you?" Lan says after eating a spoonful.


    "Really? Whatever gave you that Idea?" I look pointedly around at the glowing garden.


    "Ha-ha. I like you." A sad look flashes over his face. "I wish I could hang around longer and get to know you all better."


    "Sounds like there''s a story there. Care to share it?" I''m interested, but every man deserves his privacy.


    "Bad blood back home." He says simply. "I''m afraid it will follow me, and was looking for a place to lay low. But, something tells me that Larendath is going to be making waves and drawing more attention in the near future."


    "That is unfortunate." I sigh sadly. "I''d offer to shelter you, but if we met anywhere but my garden, you could kick my ass."


    "For now maybe." He laughs. "Though, I have a feeling that won''t be true for long. Not if some of the things that Oliver told me are true. But, I''m only considered a mid-tier talent in Freraskir. The ones who might come after me would be much more powerful, and I would not bring that trouble down on your heads."


    "Well." I sigh out. "At least you can enjoy the party while you''re here." I paste a smile on my face. "The night''s still young and there''s plenty of entertainment to go around. I''d like to see your reaction to my Rune games."


    I can see Marcus perk his head up from the next table over at my mention of Rune games. I thought Abigail would be sitting with him, but she''s at her aunt''s table surrounded by artists. I''ll have to give Kyle, or the caterer a bonus, whoever arranged the seating did a great job. At least, everyone seems to enjoy the company they''ve been stuck with.


    ...


    "Before you all run off to explore, and play the new games." I say once most everyone has finished eating. "I have a couple more surprises in store. If everyone could move back near the house."


    They do so, and I clear away the tables to make room for the rides. Then with more flair, and a stupid amount of magic. I have the stone of the courtyard split and flip itself over in two spots to reveal the carousel and sky wheel that I hid underground.


    Their lights and music come on, and they start moving as the tracks for the train unroll themselves in front of it. "These are the carousel and sky wheel, and this little train is for those who would like to tour the garden." I explain to the astonished crowd. "That''s all." My laughter breaks them from their spell and quickly drift over to investigate.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    "You know most mages would get at least a little winded by moving that much stone." Lan teases me. "Are you sure about my being able to beat you in a fight?"


    "I cheated." I say with a shit-eating grin. "They were on giant pivots. I just had to give them a little push, and then slow them to a stop before fusing the stone back together."


    "Hah!" He snorts out a laugh. "Downplay your achievement all you want, I still know that you used a ton of magic there."


    "Sorrel says he''s all about finesse." Amelia laughs at my embarrassment. "But, our man knows how to throw around some power." The look of pride in her eyes at that statement makes me even more embarrassed.


    "I believe it." He nods. "Now, what''s this about Rune games?"


    The rest of the evening went well. Everyone loved the rune games so much that I had to make a few more copies of them to alleviate the lines. Pac-man and Warlords seemed to be the big winners of the evening, and I only wish that I''d had more time to finish off Worms.


    The pool table and board games weren''t ignored either. I actually had so many people ask about them, that I ended up making a stack of the Games book that I gave to Florence the other day.


    Just as I suspected, the party didn''t really wind down until nearly dawn. Charlie stayed over again, and he had a little company this time in the form of one of his fellow merchants. I was able to convince Lan to spend another day here too, and set him up in another of the guest rooms.


    ***


    [Morning. Well... Afternoon, I suppose.] Lan greets me when I stumble into the kitchen. The girls still asleep in bed.


    I brew some strong tea, and make some toast before replying. [I hate parties.] Is the first thing I grumble.


    [But, you sure do know how to throw a good one.] He says in good humor.


    [Too much running around, and keeping drunken idiots from hurting themselves.] I say after washing down a mouthful of carbs. [At least it''s over with, and I only have to dread the next time I need to throw one.]


    [Just remember, the next one has to be even better, or they''ll think you''re not trying.] He chuckles at the look that crosses my face.


    [Joy.] I mumble into my tea, waiting for the caffeine to kick in. Only to have something else snap me awake. [Shit! You know that trouble you were afraid of following you? It''s here.] I let him see the three intruders that just crossed into the garden. Two of which are staring at a third that has a strange Rune in his hands.


    [Are you sure it''s working?] One of the two asks.


    [It led here, but the signal''s weak and I don''t know, spread out, I guess.] The man in the middle replies confused.


    [Do we intrude further? Whoever''s in charge here hasn''t noticed us yet, but they will soon.] The third and weakest one says.


    [Shut up fool! This joke of a country doesn''t have anyone who could stand up to you, let alone the three of us.] The first one sneers at his companion.


    [A blood tracker! When did they get my blood?] Lan starts panicking.


    [Stop!] I command him. [I''ll deal with them.] I say with a smile as a stupid plan pops into my head. [I just need you to bleed on these flowers.] I make a pot and grow some daisies in front of him.


    [What? That''s not going to do anything. I need to run, there''s no way you can fight all three of them. Those two are at least as strong as I am.]


    [Who said I was going to fight. My house is warded against well... damned near everything I could think of. Which is why their tracker isn''t working properly.] I push the pot closer. [I''m going to go out there and tell them the truth. That you crashed my party last night and that your blood is now watering my flowers.]


    [I can''t ask you to do this.] He starts to get up to run away, but I just smack him with Blackthorne, knocking him back on his ass.


    [See, now I can tell them we fought.] I reach down and grab his wrist. Holding his hand over the flowers, I use magic to cut through his tough skin. [And, that I made you bleed. And, don''t underestimate me in my own garden.] I growl before stalking out the front door to greet the intruders.


    [Are you three with the one from last night?] I say calmly while hefting three boulders into the air behind me. [Does everyone from your country think that they can just wander into my garden whenever they please?]


    [You saw Thoellan?] The first one says with a sneer at my display.


    [That''s what he called himself after I made him teach me this language.] I sneer right back at him.


    [Shut up little mage!] He spits back at me. [Tell us wher- hurk!] I throw a boulder at the disrespectful little shit.


    [You dare tell me what to do in my own REALM!] I roar and don''t just take control of the surrounding Mana, I make it mine. All of it, all through-out the garden.


    [Fuck!] The weak one curses and falls to his knees. The other two aren''t far behind either as I press on them with my will.


    [Attack you idiots, he can''t take all three of us.] The first one says which only makes me laugh.


    [Do you really think you can fight my entire garden?] I lift into the air, a corona of lightning surrounding me as roots rip out of the ground to grab the trio. Branches and leaves, and whole plants block their attempts to harm me.


    [Yield! Turn over the entire contents of your inventories and I''ll consider letting you live, if only so you can return home and warn others to stay away. I have better things to do than deal with more vermin like you.] I give them my ultimatum.


    Three of the ballista hidden in flowers then fire right between their feet, peppering the intruders with countless splinters and clumps of dirt. [Or, do you want to end up watering my flowers with your blood like your kinsman?]


    [Hold! Hold. We yield.] The mage that was holding the tracker looks up to see dozens of ballista pointed at him and his men. [The King''s brother is dead, that''s all we came for.] He says to his compatriots while directing their attention to the siege weapons.


    [Do as he says, I''ll make sure we get reimbursed once we get back.] The first speaker and obvious leader orders as his face blanches. He then starts off-loading so much stuff that I don''t even try to catalog it, just float it away from them so it doesn''t block my firing angles.


    It takes a minute for them to finish, and I say. [Is that everything? Don''t lie to me, now.] A wicked smile splits my face, like I''m hoping they do.


    [Fuck!] The weakest one curses again and materializes a very large crate full of gold and gems.


    [What the fuck were you carrying all that around for? You idiot!] The leader smacks him on the back of his head before turning around to address me. [My inventory is empty.]


    [Mine too.] - [Mine is now.] The others add, the weak one in a sour tone.


    [Pleasure doing business with you! Now get the fuck out of my yard. And, I don''t want to see anyone else from wherever the fuck you came from. Ever again.] I punctuate my words by revealing ten times the number of siege weapons, each and every last one pointing at the intruders. The fuckers nearly piss themselves and run off as fast as they can, the ballistae tracking their movements until they''re out of sight down the road.


    Meanwhile, I''m flat on my back, panting while trying to catch my breath. "Holy shit! -Haaah- I can''t -haah- believe that fucking worked. Hahahaha!" As soon as my breathing calms down I start laughing my ass off.


    *** End Book Two ***

 # 64

    "Sorrel!" Apricot comes flying over, with Amelia running after her. "What happened? What the hells was that?"


    "Realm? It''s an upgrade to Domain that I''ve been toying with since I unlocked Mana Mastery. First time I''ve ever actually cast it."


    "Why..." Amelia starts to ask before she finally notices the piles of junk. "What the fuck! Is that whole thing full of gold?"


    "Yup." I sit up and pull them both into a hug. "And, we have Lan to thank for all this."


    "S-Sorrel?" Lan comes walking up at that point. The look on his face just sets me to laughing again. "How?"


    "With style and finesse." I grin and show the hidden siege weapons again. "And, hundreds and hundreds of ballistae to back me up."


    "How long have those been there?" Amelia asks while Apricot just pouts and says. "Why didn''t you let me fire any of them?"


    "I told you I took precautions to protect our home." I kiss each of them on the forehead before lifting us to our feet with Magic. "And, I think a certain prince is rather lucky that I did. They now think you''re dead, by the way." I playback the scene for everyone, starting from when the intruders first entered the garden and ending with them running off.


    "Wind and Water, Sorrel. You''re fucking nuts." Apricot clings to my arm as the playback stops.


    "I''m with the pixie." Amelia stares at me. "What were you thinking?"


    "What? They pissed me off." I huff. "I was going to play nice, but that loud mouth just had to try and order me around."


    "Are they really gone?" Lan asks while staring at me in mixture of fear and awe.


    "Two kilometers outside the gate and still running." I''ve been tracking them visually since they left my magical range.


    "Really?" Lan asks, so I just show him and the girls the image I''m seeing with a mix of Magnify and a conjured mirror in the sky.


    "Yes, really. I just need to know if you think they''ll be stupid enough to try and come back."


    "No!" He says emphatically. "They think I''m dead, and you took the blood tracker. All this is just stuff; my brother will be more than happy to replace it for them." His face shows a complicated mixture of emotions when he talks about his brother.


    "Yeah, I think it''s about time you tell us that story." Amelia glares at him.


    "Not much to it." Lan sighs. "I was the Crown Prince of Freraskir, my father was a powerful Awakened and should have lived for centuries more. But..." He pauses to take a steadying breath. "He was assassinated by my brother, who then framed me for it."


    "My condolences." I walk over and put a hand on his shoulder.


    "One can''t change the past, no matter how much magic they have." He looks at me, his eyes shining with gratitude. "But, you''ve given me my future back. Thank you." He backs up and bows to me, his waist bending a full ninety degrees.


    "What do you plan to do now?"


    "I''ll need to head back... one day. But, for now? I think I''d just like to stop running for a little while."


    "Well, then let me be the first to welcome you to Larendath." I give him a slap on the back. "Now come on, you can help us sort through all this junk so I can fix up my garden. but, first. Cleanse! Not a damned one of them has done their laundry for months. Don''t want to ask your leader to do it? Then at least buy the damned cantrip from Temmie you slobs." I grouse at the long gone mages.


    ***


    "So..." I draw out the word. "They were an interesting mix for a team. Good composition of Magics but, if their inventories say anything about their personalities, then I''m surprised they were able to work together."


    "I''m still surprised you were able to beat them." Lan says while looking over four piles of loot.


    "I cheated." I smile and use the same line from before. "Realm neutralized their defenses, and blunted their attacks, while preventing them from drawing on the Well. All I had to do after that was move around a few plants, which is what I''m best at."


    "And if your new and untried spell had failed?" Amelia says with more than a bit of heat in her voice.


    "Then I would have killed them." I answer in a monotone. "Even if most of the ballistae are just the basic models, but I do have a few Wormslayers mixed in too. They would have cut right through whatever defenses those three could have conjured."The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "Oh, Sorrel." She and Apricot pull me into a hug at that.


    "Uh, Wormslayer?" Lan says after a polite cough. "Is that a mistranslation?"


    "No." Apricot answers in a cheery voice. "We ran into a kilometer long earthworm a few days ago."


    "A what? Are you sure your spell is working?" He looks at me confused.


    "You heard the pixie." I chuckle. "We didn''t believe it at first either. I made some weapons that could cut through meters of hardened stone, but the stupid thing was only as tough as a regular worm. We all may have gone a bit overboard, but have you ever heard of anything, let alone a worm that big?"


    "..." He just shakes his head.


    "Got some good rewards from it, though. And, speaking of which." I turn to the largest pile. "These guys sure liked to drink, maybe that''s what kept them together as a team. Oh well, it''s mine now."


    I separate the alcohol from the large central pile that contained items they all had in common, like furniture, bedding, food, etcetera.


    "You might as well take the food, Lan since it''s from your homeland. And, if you want any of the clothes, I can resize them to fit."


    "No, thank you." He takes the food, but shakes his head at the offered clothing.


    "Don''t blame you." I say before walking over to the pile belonging to their weakest member, an Air and Light Mage, likely their scout. But, we''ve just dubbed him ''the pervert''.


    His wardrobe was filled with outer garments similar to the others, but all his under things were lacy undergarments clearly designed for a woman, but all built to his size. I''m not normally one to kink-shame, but that was the least of his perversions.


    The dude had so much porn that it''s not even funny. Everything from crude sketches to fanciful paintings, sculptures, carvings, and everything in-between; seems that if it had naked people in it, he begged borrowed, or stole it.


    Most likely stole, if the enchanted cloak of shadows, thieves¡¯ kit, disguise Rune, and impossibly tangled length of rope, say anything about it. And then, there were the truly interesting enchanted items.


    Like the large ring enchanted to increase blood pressure and decrease skin sensitivity, it doesn''t take a genius to figure out what that one was for. And, an immovable rod, which you''d think was part of his burglars gear, until you saw that it was rounded over on the ends, and stored with a bottle of oil. I may have cast Cleanse a couple more times after finding those.


    "I think I''m just going to copy the enchantments and destroy everything else. Unless any of you want some of the ''art''? I''m looking at you Apricot, I saw you eyeing those statuettes."


    "Heheheh." She giggles. "I don''t want anything he touched, no matter how many times you clean it, but maybe you could re-create some stuff later." She says shamelessly.


    I move over to the pile belonging to their Earth mage, who I''ve started calling ''the artist''. The first thing that drew mine and Amelia''s eyes was a small library. "You want copies of any of these Lan? I''ll have to translate them all for Amelia later, but it''s no problem making some duplicates now."


    "Oh, if it''s no trouble." He says and quickly picks out a few dozen tomes.


    I copy those for him and move all the originals over by the booze before continuing with the pile. There''s a sketchpad and drawing pencils, his works are detailed, but a bit bland. He also had a set of stone carvings that, judging by the trace magic in them, he made himself.


    There were a couple fine instruments, and a few dozen puzzle boxes too. But, I got the feeling that these were more time wasters for him than anything else, judging from how they were all stored haphazardly in the same box.


    The real prize from him was his extensive rock collection, including an impressive array of gemstones, and several large chunks of jade in all its natural colors. And, last but not least, a good five kilograms of essential iron.


    "Think I''m going to keep all his stuff, especially this." I crow while hefting it in my hand. "Hey Lan, don''t suppose you know what the better alloys are? Since, that seems to be the iron essence''s thing."


    "I do, actually." He takes out a slim volume entitled ''Metallic Essences'' from his inventory. "This has a large section on the various steels, and elemental alloys that can be made with it. I don''t suppose you''d be willing to sell some of that?" He asks hopefully.


    "Well, we''re set for coin right now." I look over to Amelia who hasn''t strayed far from the treasure chest. "But, if you''ve got more books like that, or anything on magic really then it''s yours. The Guild''s library is somewhat lacking when it comes to anything beyond the basics. And, I need knowledge more than anything else right now."


    "Unfortunately I had to leave my library behind, but if you give me paper, I can copy down everything I''ve read for you. Though, it might take me a bit longer than it would you." He smiles while looking at the metallic essence in my hand.


    "Deal!" I copy his book, and toss the essence over without a second¡¯s thought, my share from the worm far outweighs this tiny chunk, anyways. "But, let''s deal with this last pile first." My lip curls up in disgust at the pile that belonged to their leader, a Fire and Water Mage.


    It''s mostly trophies; ears, claws, and fangs from beasts are the least distasteful, and make me wish I had never kept those fangs from that one wolf VeeGee dropped me next to. Of the other trophies, a petrified human hand with six fingers on it, and a wand crafted from an elf''s thighbone are probably the least offensive.


    There''s a small dungeon''s worth of torture equipment that I would have disintegrated on the spot if most of it weren''t enchanted in one way or another. And, if that all weren''t bad enough; there''s one item that makes me wish I had killed the bastard.


    It''s a tortured sentient soul that has been forged into a dagger. "Shit like this is why I''m taking the hard route for Golemancy. Disintegrate!" It puts up a fight at first by trying to cut through the magic, but I pour on everything that I and the tree have to offer, and wipe it from existence. "May the gods grant you some peace in the next life."


    "Hey, it''s not all bad." Apricot says to lessen the tension. "He also had this." She toes a nightcap that''s been enchanted to help grow hair.


    "And they all had those self-erecting tents." Amelia adds. "And, I know you can''t wait to check out these potions and spell scrolls."


    "And, I hate to interrupt your brooding." Lan says with a laugh. "But, what is the hard route for Golemancy?"


    "Alright, alright." I raise my hands in surrender. "I''ll lighten up. And, that is just me making golems through enchanting instead of mucking about with souls." I call the dragon fly over from the pond.


    ***

 # 65

    I''d just finished up cataloging all the various enchantments and was about to break everything down when Oliver and Devlen arrive in a carriage.


    "Hey guys." I call out with magic. "We''re just down the path, come on over."


    "Ah, Sorrel." Oliver Windwhispers back. "I received some interesting reports about a trio of foreigners..." He trails off as they round the corner to see the piles of junk/treasure.


    "Yeah, some of Lan''s countrymen. I may have gotten into a slight disagreement with them." I chuckle at the looks on their faces. "You want any of this junk? I''m keeping that pile there, but the rest is going to get decomposed or disintegrated."


    "So, the ''flowers of death'' report clearly wasn''t exaggerated." The old mage sighs before joining me in a laugh. "I''ve heard that the best defense is a good offense, but I think you may have taken that a bit too literally. Mind if I ask what they were here for?"


    "They were after me, but think I''m dead now thanks to Sorrel." Lan procedes to tell them his story. "I''d appreciate it if you didn''t spread my true identity around. Right now, I''m just Lan; a traveling mage that''s looking for a place to rest for a while."


    "We can keep your secret." Oliver says, obviously seeing the potential of having another strong mage in the country.


    "Thank you." Lan nods to him.


    "So, what did you guys stop by for?" I interject. "The reports may have drawn you out, but that doesn''t explain Devlen."


    "Ah." The Earth mage starts hesitantly with a look at Lan. "We have your, uh... share."


    "Nice, just let me finish up here and we can deal with that." I''ve got a good feeling about Lan, but I''m not about to let him know we''re sitting on a goldmine like that. "You sure you two don''t want any of this stuff? Their scout was a big ''art'' fan." I joke.


    "I can see you have business to attend to." Lan says to me. "And, I still need to find an inn to stay at, so I''ll get out of your hair. Thank you again, Sorrel." He bows to me.


    "You''re more than welcome." I bow back. "Here take a phone so we can keep in touch, and..." I swiftly make a cubic meter of paper for him. "here''s that paper you needed."


    "Interesting communication Rune." He opens the box and leafs through the instructions. "I''d say that this is even better than what we use in Freraskir. I''ll include what I know about those and other enchantments as well." He puts the phone in a pocket and the paper in his inventory. "I''d let you examine my old one, but I left it behind for fear of being tracked." He nods to everyone and walks off.


    "Amelia?" I look questioningly at the merchant''s daughter that''s found herself attracted to that treasure chest like a moth attracted to flame. "If you''re done playing with the gold, how about we head inside? I still haven''t finished breakfast yet. I promise I''ll build you a big tub full of coins so you can swim around in it later."


    "Were they really carrying all that?" Devlen asks a bit agog at the sheer amount of riches.


    "Just one of them, actually. He seems to have been a bit of a thief." I show off the cloak of shadows and burglars tools.


    "And a big ''ol perv." Apricot adds from where she''s still looking over his porn stash.


    "Well, I guess he got what was coming to him then." Devlen laughs.


    ***


    "So, do you have any idea what to do with this stuff?" Devlen asks after transferring over a couple large crates full of Metallic essences.


    "No, but this should help." I hold up the book I copied from Lan, and take a moment to make a couple translations for Devlen and Oliver. "One of the assassins after Lan had a chunk of iron essence, I sold it to him in exchange for knowledge, this book being part of it." A shit eating grin spreads across my face as I pat a crate with hundreds of times what I gave to the Freraskirite.


    "Hahahaha!" Oliver cracks up laughing as Devlen¡¯s mouth hangs open in shock.


    "Yeah, I thought you''d get a kick out of that." I put the crates away with a low chuckle of my own. "There''s some interesting stuff in there, much more than the tid-bits in the guild library. Almost half the book is devoted just to the iron and steel alloys."


    "Oh goodness, Del is going to go mad." He''s looking at the section related to enchanting.


    Copper, silver, and lead essences are quite useful in that they conduct/amplify, reflect, and absorb mana, respectively. You''d think gold would be in there with them, but it''s trait is that it''s malleable enough to just take on the properties of whatever it''s alloyed with.


    "I knew about mithril and a couple iron alloys, but all this..." He trails off while flipping through the book.


    "Yeah, there''s some interesting stuff in there." I smile at the earth mage. "I quite like nickel, it pretends to be other essences, but can be identified by looking at its reflection in silver essence. And then, it can be used to enhance the other metals even more.


    There''s a few other interesting things in there, like how titanium can be turned into the strongest, most unbreakable tools. But, only if forged on a tungsten essence anvil, which is so hard and heavy that it''s nearly unusable for anything else.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Then there''s stuff like magnesium which is said to be false mithril because it''s lighter and stronger initially, but will eventually shatter once it takes too much punishment. The book even says that the two can be alloyed together to form a stable alloy that''s even lighter and stronger.


    But, I think my favorite has to be zinc." I finally wrap up my little speech, all the information is fresh in my brain from translating it, and I had let some of it gush out.


    Devlen flips through the book looking the section on zinc. "It heals you?"


    "So, the book says." I nod. "There''s no other uses listed because apparently everyone that finds a piece turns it into jewelry that they never take off."


    "And we have kilograms of the stuff." He lets out a giddy laugh.


    "Yes, we do. Thanks to that stupid worm." I laugh along with him. "I''ve got a little project in mind for some of this stuff, but I think I''m going to let you mess around with these essences first. Once I get that security Rune done for the palace, I think I''d like to start work on building up Arcadia. I''ve got a few ideas that could greatly improve the people''s quality of life."


    "Well, they are your lands." Oliver starts. "But, you should probably speak with Queen Vivian before introducing anything too grand."


    "Yes, I know." I nod to the Court Wizard. "I''d planned to anyways, I just want to get the enchantments working first. Oh, and speaking of." My face turns a bit sour. "Here''s some diagrams for Deluca. They may not have come from the best sources, but that doesn''t mean that they aren''t useful. I can already see how to adapt some of the torture devices into healing tools."


    "This..." He trails off, holding the book on essences in one hand, and a sheet of enchantments in the other. "Why are you so generous? You''ve given away what you could have beggared half the country by selling."


    Oliver looks like he''s going to speak up, but I raise my hand to forestall him. "A few reasons; I needed to gain support after my sudden rise and, I believe that knowledge wants to be free, but mainly because "No man is an island". I can''t take on the world by myself, and the stronger Larendath as a whole is, then the safer I and my family can be."


    Amelia and Apricot look up from their breakfasts to smile at me.


    "And besides, who said I''m going to give everything away for free?" I chortle at the look that crosses Amelia''s face. "Just wait until I upgrade the phones, I consider the ones I gave out to be base models. Imagine if they could not only take pictures like those Runes from last night, but send them to each other. Wouldn''t you want to buy that? And that''s just the least of the ideas I have for them."


    "And, we''re about to start selling the chocolate too." Amelia adds. "Even if we couldn''t make Mana Stones, that alone would make us rich. And, Sorrel wants people to buy the improvements he has in mind for Arcadia with service for the public good."


    "Truly?" Oliver gets a glint in his eyes.


    "Yes, I know that war is likely still inevitable." I say with a sad sigh. "I obviously still need to speak with Her Majesty about this, but if we can bolster the troops by making them want to serve in exchange for say a house that stays warm in the winter, or some magical lights." I give a couple examples. "It may not be how things are done by most nobles, but I''m me."


    "I will definitely need to speak with Her and Patrick about this." He says with a thoughtful look. "I know you said you want to work on things first, but do you have anything you can show me now?"


    "I do." I say out loud while also using a spell so that only he can hear. "but, it involves that thing I''m not sharing with anyone."


    "Devlen." Oliver says after a pause. "I''m going to look over what he''s got. Why don''t you head back first?"


    "Yes, I can''t wait to show this to Deluca." He nods having clearly missed our little subterfuge.


    ...


    "By all the gods, Sorrel!" Oliver exclaims when I take him down into the sub-basement to see the giant Mana Gem. "What is that?"


    "Storage." I shrug. "The reactor can generate power continuously, and it''d be a waste not to capture it. I plan to use these to transfer that power across Arcadia." I pick up a loop of Mana conduit from a table along the wall.


    "That is all Fire Mana?" He holds his hand over the gem like he''s afraid to touch it.


    "Yeah, and yes it''s safe to touch." I laugh. "It may be big but it acts just like any other stored Mana." While he''s examining the gem I create a simple Flame Rune only with a connection for the cable instead of a Mana Stone. "I want to keep the reactor safe here, and run these cables out to Riverton and eventually the rest of Arcadia." I explain and touch the other end of the cable to the big Gem and light up the Rune.


    "You found a way to send the Mana over such a long distance?" He looks at the cable in my hand quizzically.


    "I''ve tested up to a kilometer long cable with zero loss, the thing is basically just a flexible Mana Stone." I hand it over. "It is somewhat tedious to make, but doesn''t take all that long."


    "This would let us use your cars at the border, or wherever you laid the cable out to."


    "And, any other enchantments really, I''m focusing on those that use Fire Mana right now, but the conduit can handle any Mana type." I open up a tunnel and pull one of the motorcycles from the garage over. "Imagine your scouts riding these. Thanks to Damita and her grandfather I can finally get rid of the manual transmission, so all they have to do is twist this handle, and not fall off."


    "Your iron horse." He gives it an avaricious glance.


    "Yours, if you want. Just give me a minute to swap transmissions." I do just that, and am so glad that bikes don''t have reverse. This means no complex gears just the cogs for the chain and a clutch for neutral.


    "Oh, I''ve been wanting to try one of these since I heard about you hauling Westra around." He chuckles and straddles the bike.


    "I know you can protect yourself with magic, but I''ll probably have to build special armor for the soldiers in case they fall off." ''That, and dead man switches to destroy the bike if they "fall".'' I think sourly to myself, but don''t let it show on my face.


    "You got us to Riverton in a night with that big box, but how fast would it take with just this baby." He pets the tank.


    "On its own it can top two-hundred kilometers an hour, easy. But, if you use Magic to reduce the air drag and keep the tank stocked with Mana, then you should be able to nearly double that." I sure did. "Your biggest problem would be finding a clear stretch of road."


    "Less than three hours? Hahahahah." He breaks into a full-throated laugh.


    "The engines aren''t just good for transport either, but I''m not sure how much of that I wish to introduce, if any at all."


    "How do you mean?" He turns serious upon hearing my tone.


    "Farm equipment for one." I say the biggest worry that popped into my head. "One man with the right equipment could do all the farming that an entire village does now. But, then what happens to all the other farmers? I want to help people not take their livelihoods away."


    "I''ll bring that up with Vivian. But, you know that if it comes down to it, we may need something like that just to field enough troops." He pauses for a moment. "Of course you know, you wouldn''t have brought it up otherwise."


    I just give him a sad smile. "Yes, but enough depressing crap. Let''s ride!" One of the other bikes rolls up next to me.


    "Hah! Last one to the gate loses." He revs the throttle and takes off down the tunnel to the garage.


    ***

 # 66

    "Did you have fun playing with Oliver?" Amelia says in her best mom voice.


    "Yeah." I chuckle. "That old man plays dirty though. He''s already figured out how to counter the trick I used against him before Riverton, and did everything in his power to slow me down. Almost had me too when he flattened my tires."


    "You boys." A gentle smile brightens her face. "Oh, I almost forgot. Kyle said that Calv Yarnham called and was hoping to speak with you as soon as possible, said it''s urgent."


    "The starweave guy? He barely even said hello at the party, I thought he was jealous that I could make it myself." I snort and tap my watch to bring out the phone. "Stupid social obligations, I was hoping everyone would leave me alone after the party."


    "You wish." She laughs. "If it wasn''t for Kyle giving us some breathing room, we''d be buried under requests."


    "Mhm." I give her an agreeing grunt and dial the man''s number. "Hello Mister Yarnham, my man Kyle said you had something urgent to speak with me about." I jump right into it.


    "Oh, Marquis Rumex." I get the feeling that he just bowed to the phone. "Thank you for speaking with me so quickly."


    "Not a problem. Kyle wouldn''t have bothered me if he didn''t think it was important."


    "I hate to bother you about this, but there''s no one else I dare contact about it." He takes a deep breath before continuing. "The one and only loom that starweave is made on just broke. My grandfather, the one who built it, was a rather skilled Mage. He''d always hoped that another Awakened would be born into the family, and so he made several parts of the loom completely inaccessible to anyone without magic, he even warned that the whole thing would self-destruct if tampered with."


    "And you want me to fix it for you because I''m the only other person who already knows how to make starweave?" I fail to keep the dubious tone out of my voice, and can hear him audibly gulp.


    "I can reward you quite handsomely." He offers up meekly.


    "Yes, he can." Amelia mouths with a twinkle in her eyes, which makes me roll mine at her avaricious nature.


    "Oh, very well." I sigh. "But, we''ve got lunch with Marta Adeen and her painter friends, so I hope morning''s okay with you."


    "Thank you Lord." I swear he bowed again. "Any time you choose is perfect."


    "Mhm." I grunt and drop the call. "You aren''t going to feel that way once my wife gets done squeezing you dry." I chuckle, but she full on cackles in glee.


    ...


    We get out of the Rocket in front of a very well secured factory. "Looks like grandpa Yarnham liked his secrets. This place could give the palace a run for its money in terms of privacy and security enchantments."


    "That he did." Calv and his son Phip greet us with synchronous bows. "Thank you again for being willing to come all the way over here."


    "Mhm. Anything to make my merchant wife happy." I smile and he gulps at the predatory look on her face.


    "Oh you guys are so screwed." Apricot whispers so only Amelia and I can hear her. "Alright Mittens, you stick close to us, you hear." She talks out loud to the cat in her arms. "There''s a lot of dangerous stuff around here that we don''t want you breaking."


    "Don''t you mean that he would get hurt on?" Phip asks while stretching his fingers out for Mittens to sniff.


    "No." Amelia sighs, and scratches behind the kitten''s ear. "The little guy is such a danger magnet that Sorrel had to enchant his collar up to protect him."


    "It can''t be that bad can it?" The young man looks a bit shocked that anyone would go through such trouble for a cat.


    "It really, really can." She shakes her head with a sigh. "His collar can take more of a beating than your entire factory, and he probably needs it more too. Just last night he decided to climb the tree and almost got picked off by a hawk after reaching the first branch. Then, he slipped and fell when he was about halfway to the second."


    "And, you said I didn''t need to upgrade his defenses." I chuckle. "What could a cat need Slow-fall for?" I send her words back at her.


    "Oh hush, and thank you for not listening to me." She kisses me on the cheek, and Mittens on his forehead. "I still think the whole royal suite was a bit much though."


    "Yeah, tell me that again after he decides to jump at a Fireball or something because he thinks it''s a toy." I counter and she hangs her head in defeat. "...So, that''s the thing, huh?" I say after the weavers let us into the secured loom room.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    "Yes, will you be able to repair it?" Calv asks nervously.


    "I can''t say for sure" I shake my head slightly. "Your grandfather put a lot of enchantments into this. I''m going to have to pick my way through carefully."


    "Why don''t we talk over here while he works." Amelia says to the man while I make a show of ''hmm''ing'' and ''haw''ing'' while making a circuit around the machine.


    "Apricot, I may need your help here, these enchantments are really layered on here." I need her help following Amelia''s little play, is more like it. I could have fixed the loom without entering the factory.


    "These aren''t half bad." She nods while stroking Mittens'' fur. "He may have been one of this country''s last decent enchanters. Well, before you came along that is."


    We bend over the machine and talk Mana flows while Amelia puts them through the wringer. It takes another five minutes before she gives the pre-arranged magic signal, but keeps haggling.


    "I think we''ve almost got it. Yes, I''m through all the defenses and can spot the broken linkage, looks like it was bit of metal fatigue in this one spot. I can patch that up no problem."


    "Sorrel." She says my name with an exasperated sigh. "Oh, I suppose what we''ve worked out so far will just have to do." She looks at me and shakes her head in a disappointed manner while using her Water Magic to write up the contract.


    Calv''s got a decent poker face, but I can see a few beads of sweat on his forehead, and a look of gratitude flashes in his eyes when he looks at me. "Excellent, thank you so much."


    "Not a problem. The loom was still in remarkable shape." It really was, the old mage knew how to build to last. "I''ve fixed the piece and only had to touch up a couple of other trouble areas. She should last you even longer now, as long as you keep treating her right, that is."


    Calv walks over and starts it up, and everything works perfectly. "Once again, thank you. Know that you have my entire family''s most sincere gratitude." He takes the contract from Amelia and signs it against the side of the loom.


    ...


    "You are vicious babe." I tell Amelia after we drive off. "That much coin, and three and a half percent of their profits for the next decade. Hahahah."


    "Oh, that felt so good." She sighs in contentment. "You two played your part perfectly. Gods, did you see the look of relief on his face when you spoke up?"


    "I saw it." Apricot say with a grin. "I also felt the rush you got from haggling with him, almost gave chocolate a run for its money."


    "I''m going to have to upgrade your tub of gold into a swimming pool soon, if you keep up like this."


    "Hah, just wait until the profits come in from your chocolate, brilliant idea wrapping the bars in aluminum, by the way." Her grin matches the pixie''s. "It''s literally as cheap as dirt for you, but everyone will go nuts for it."


    "Oh hey, this place has a decent library, remind me to add it to the list." I say as we drive past a small manor house.


    "When are you going finish that portable library for me?" Amelia gives me the puppy-dog eyes.


    "Oh? I need a break from the security Rune for Oliver, anyways." I say while cataloging in my head everything I still need to do to make it work. "So, I can work on the portable library before lunch, and if it''s not done by then. I should be able to finish it up tonight. Might take me a while to fit it into your watch, though. It is a bit more complex than the movie player"


    She gets a giddy smile, and bounces in her seat. "That''s fine, thank you."


    ***


    "They''re here." Amelia wakes me from my focus on the enchanting. "How''s it going?"


    "Good." I nod as I come back to myself. "I''ve got the weight and feel of the paper down, and overlaying the words was easy enough. But, I''ve got to warn you, scanning all the books again is going to leave me with a headache, and you dealing with a Sour Sorrel later."


    "We''ve dealt with worse." She smiles at me lovingly while using her hand to mess up my spiky hair. "Any other issues?"


    "The runes for the smell are still giving me trouble, but I think I''ve got that figured out." I conjure that sweet, slightly floral mix of almonds and vanilla in a cloud around her head. "And, I kinda wish I was further along with my data Rune too. The glass works fine, but I''ll still have to copy everything twice if I want my own. Other than that, we''re good."


    "You''re the best. Now, come on." She pulls me to my feet. "Marta brought a wrapped canvas." A smile lights up her face. "They all did actually, but I can''t wait to see hers."


    "There you are." Abby hops up from her seat. "You''re going to love this. Aunt Marta''s been working on it like crazy."


    "Yes, well, I''m sure you know what it''s like when inspiration hits." The painter unwraps her gift with a gleam in her eyes.


    At first glance the painting shows the three of us standing in front of Queen Vivian with tears of joy running down all of our cheeks as we''re pulled into a hug by a human-sized Apricot. But, if one looks closer they can just faintly see us sitting at Marta''s dining table, love painted on our faces as we look up at the projection of our wedding.


    "Oh, Marta." Amelia chokes up. "It''s perfect."


    "It really is." Apricot agrees and pulls us into another hug.


    "Thank you Marta." I finally manage to say after just staring at the image for a moment. "That may not have been how we planned to be wed, but I wouldn''t change a thing that happened." I squeeze my wives tight.


    While we''ve been standing there with stupid looks on our faces the other painters have been unwrapping their gifts as well.


    They''re mostly various land and waterscapes, usually featuring an apricot tree in some fashion. My favorite was a toss-up between the one with apricot petals drifting onto a still pond. And, a painting of the vardo at night, light leaking from the door as a Luna moth flutters around one of the lanterns.


    "Thank you all, these are magnificent." I address the gathered artists.


    "No, those image takers of yours are magnificent." An old elf named Carey Dyer counters. "No more having to call clients in for long sitting just to get the finishing details." Several of his compatriots offer murmurs of agreement.


    "Oh? Well, here." I take the cameras left over from the party out of my inventory. "These only hold about a thousand pictures. So, you all may as well take them, it will probably be a while before I can get around to selling better versions."


    "Thank you lord." He says and they all bow to me.


    "Please, none of that." I''m never going to get used to all this crap. "Now, let''s get you all fixed up, and then we can have lunch."


    ***

 # 67

    I''m using one of my vines to play with Mittens after the painters left when Amelia plops down on the couch next to me.


    "You''ve got that pensive look again." She leans over and kisses my forehead.


    "Yeah, just thinking about medical Runes." The look on my face doesn''t entirely leave, but a smile is added to it. "Aside from the toxic pigments they''ve been exposed to over the years, the painters all had a variety of health complaints. Most of which wouldn''t have been an issue if they were treated properly to begin with."


    "And, you want to make runes to treat everything."


    "I''m not sure that''s possible." I counter while making Mittens chase the vine in a circle. "I''d love to, but the way that bodies naturally reject foreign Mana makes it difficult."


    "But, not impossible." She prompts me to continue.


    "No, but unless I can find a work-around, the best I can do is override that resistance with brute force. And, doing it that way means using a skilled healer who''s been trained to know when and how to use the rune properly."


    "So, you can do it, but you''re afraid someone else is going to screw up?"


    "Pretty much." I nod and try to get the kitty to jump in the air after my vine. "Take the enchantment to increase blood pressure, disregarding where it came from, it could save lives, but also kill if used improperly. So, do I make it, and spend months training people to use it properly, or do I stick with simpler stuff that won''t harm, but also won''t help as much?"


    "Now, I see why you''ve got that look." She kisses me again, and pulls Mittens up onto her lap. "I think we both know that you''ll eventually take the ''way of thorns'', but maybe there''s a shortcut. What about that zinc essence?"


    "It works." I nod. "I tried a piece on one of the painters, it''s slow, but it did start working immediately. No idea how though, I didn''t sense any Mana, or anything else from it."


    "Okay..." She sticks her tongue out of the side of her mouth and furrows her brow. "What about your Healing Sap? "What if you combine the zinc with it, or store it in the zinc?"


    "That is a good idea." I pull out the chunk I used earlier, and fashion it into a small bottle. "Hmm? There seems to be a small amplifying effect, but only right where it touches the metal." I use magic to pour it all out into a conjured glass. "The effect seems to last... right up until I quit channeling."


    "Did it use up any of the zinc?"


    "No, Identify gives me the exact same mass." I fill the bottle again while absentmindedly stroking Mittens'' fur. "Let''s try a glass made from Mana Gem this time. ...The unaffected Sap is losing vitality like before, but the rest seems to be trying to bolster it, but at extreme Mana use."


    "That''s something, at least." She''s got a hopeful look in her eyes.


    "Let me try thoroughly mixing it this time." I vanish the cup and start over. "Mana Drain is still high, but not as bad as before." I frown and shake my head after calculating how long it will last. "It''s still too fast to be viable. One last thing to try." I will some of the essence into the cup.


    "Anything?"


    "It''s better." I waggle my hand in a ''so-so'' manner. "If I know a few hours beforehand that I''ll need a lot of Sap, then I can use this to stockpile it. But, knowing that one material, even if it is a near mythical metallic essence, affects the Sap''s longevity makes me think that others must as well. Great! Another project to add to the list."


    "You''ll figure it out." She takes my hand in hers, causing me to frown.


    "Uh... babe, you haven''t been the one tickling my vine?" We both look down to Mittens to see that he has a couple Water Magic tentacles rising up from his shoulder blades. They''re currently petting my vine as I pet him with it. "Well, those are new. I guess he takes after both mommy and daddy."


    "Oh, Apricot''s going to be jealous, maybe we can stick some wings on him." She chuckles and scratches our little mutant under his chin. "Well, let''s go see what she thinks."


    ...


    "Hey Apricot." I call out as we enter the theatre room. "Amelia broke your cat."


    "I did not!" She stamps her foot. "He clearly got the idea from you. Hey, I thought you were going to wait to watch this one with me?" She scowls at the guilty looking pixie.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    "Look, Mittens finally manifested." She tries lamely to change the subject. "Oh, come on. You were de-broodifying Sorrel, and I was bored. It''s only a few minutes in, I can restart it."


    "We can all watch it together... after you explain about Mittens." I steer us back on course. "Did you know this was going to happen?"


    "I knew something might, especially after Turner noticed he was getting heavier. But, you knew as much as I did." She shrinks down and flies over to investigate the kitty. "I''m guessing he was touching the both of you when it happened? It looks like he''s still in flux, so we should be careful about what magic we expose him to."


    "You mean like a magical race that''s excellent at using their innate control of magic to hide themselves." I say as she lands on his head, only for it and the rest of him to vanish and seemingly re-appear on my shoulder, minus the collar that he left behind in mid-air.


    "Uh... Yeah, just like that." She smacks herself on the forehead, before reaching down to pet the now invisible head that she''s sitting on.


    "Hey Amelia." I do my best not to laugh. "Apricot broke your cat. Hahahahahaha." I fail miserably.


    "It''s not funny." She says, but I can see her trying to hold back her own laughter. "Can you fix him?"


    "At the very least, I should be able to add an enchantment to this." I tap the disembodied collar. "But, we should probably wait until whatever this is settles down first. At least it''ll be harder for other animals to try and snack on him now." I try to show her the plus side of this.


    "Don''t worry, I should be able to train him to turn it off." Apricot offers.


    "Ah, fuck it." She sighs and rubs his invisible rump. "Gimme some popcorn and let''s watch the movie."


    ***


    "That is so weird." Apricot says when she walks in on me testing the palm vein scanner. "You can see all the veins through the skin."


    "No, that would be more like this." I overlay a complete blood vessel map onto the simplified one that the security rune is showing. "I''m trying to keep everything as simple as possible for these first Runes, so I''m just using different light to look through the skin instead of powering through with Mana to track the blood directly."


    "Oh, I see it now." Her eyes gleam slightly as she looks at her palm. "I usually block out the lower spectrum, it tends to muddy things up. But, I thought you were going to use eyes or fingerprints."


    "I am going to use both of those, but this will be a hidden trap to catch clever shape shifters like me. It''s also the easiest to build." I shift my hand to match hers. "See how the veins moved but didn''t re-orientate. It is possible to shift them around, but also a real pain in the ass, and that''s if you know where they''re supposed to go. This isn''t perfect, but nothing really is."


    "You really are paranoid, you know that." She chuckles.


    "No, paranoid would be running full body and blood scans on everyone." I shrug and show a transparent copy of my body with the bones, nerves, and blood vessels highlighted. "But, I had to draw the line somewhere. Hells, I had enough trouble getting the Runes to match up just a few veins. Finger prints shouldn''t be too much harder, but I''m kinda dreading eyes."


    "Somehow you haven''t convinced me that you aren''t paranoid." She scoffs playfully, knowing as well as I do, why I''m doing this. "Now that you''ve got this one done, why don''t you take a break and have some fun?"


    "Amelia''s not letting you watch the rest of the movie series is she?"


    "Dammit, am I that obvious?"


    "Yes, yes you are." I smile and sweep her up into a hug. "But, you''re also right I could use a break. Let''s go fly a kite, this is the first breezy day I''ve seen since getting here."


    "What? Is another bird going after Mittens?" She asks confused.


    "No, a kite." I conjure an image of the classic diamond shape, and it only makes her look more confused. "It''s a toy that flies on the wind." I explain.


    "Oh." She doesn''t seem too thrilled. "Eh, alright. Why not?"


    "Don''t sound too enthused there." I pull her outside, and have just started making a couple basic kites when Lan calls.


    "Hello Sorrel, I have those books all copied for you." He says in a strongly accented Varecian.


    "Hello Lan, that''s good to hear. Also good to hear that your Varecian seems much improved."


    "That''s all thanks to you. I''ve been going over all the conversations from the party that you translated for me. Thankfully our languages have similar uh...[syntax]."


    "Syntax, yes." I provide the correct word. "Well, I was just taking a break from enchanting. But, we''ll probably eat soon, if you want to drop by for lunch."


    "That would be nice, thank you. I''ll see you in about an hour." He disconnects.


    "Oh, boy." Apricot claps her hands together in glee. "New magics for you to go nuts over."


    "I''m hoping for some theory books." I nod and smile at her antics. "Really dive into the mechanics of Magic, instead of just piecing things together as I go. Or, just willing it to happen and hoping for the best. But, even just some books covering spells I don''t know would be nice."


    "Well, you can show me how these kite things work while waiting for Lan to show up." She snatches one of them away from me.


    "Alright, follow me." I take off running while playing out the line.


    "Okay. That was fun, but now what?"


    "Now we put up more." I makes dozens of other kites of all shapes and designs, and use magic to lift them aloft. "And, then we hunt." I make two stunt kites with sharp blades on their leading edges. Hers shaped and colored like a Luna moth, and my kite like the bird of prey of the same name.


    "Now this is more like it." She takes the handles of hers after I launch it, and quickly gets the hang of maneuvering it. "Dibs on the dragon." Instead of just going for the line, she has her kite cut straight through its prey. "Hahahaha. Oh, this is fun."


    I join her and we quickly decimate the defenseless flock, leaving their corpses to litter the yard.


    "Hah." She crows. "I got more than you did, I win."


    "Really? Because I think we tied." I have my kite slice through hers while she''s having a premature celebration.


    "Noooooo!" She falls to her knees with her hands raised to the sky.


    "I knew it wasn''t a mistake to introduce you to Star Wars." I laugh before making my kite explode into confetti.


    ***

 # 68

    "Sorrel, Apricot, Amelia. Hello." Lan greets us as Apricot and I are in the middle of our latest dogfight with Amelia spectating. "I hope I''m not interrupting."


    "Nope, I''m just about to win." I move my right flank in for a feint, only to have a kite that I made Apricot think she had downed, rise up and cut her formation in half just in time for my left flank to sweep in and wipe them out.


    "Arrgghh!" She screams and throws down the handles she''s holding and drops her control over the rest of her troops. "Dammit Sorrel, that was dirty and you know it."


    "Your own fault for not paying enough attention to what you thought was a defeated foe." I chuckle and make her fallen kites explode into scrap paper which Mittens immediately charges into and tries to catch.


    "He''s got you there sweetie." Amelia agrees with me. "I thought something was funny when he let that one fall so easily."


    "Hahah, if this how you usually spend your time?" Lan asks with a chortle.


    "Oh, this is a new game, but pretty much, yeah." I laugh as our invisible cat is having a field day chasing little bits of paper. "Amelia''s not much good at it, but Apricot''s actually got a slight edge over me despite my higher stats. That''s why I had to get tricky."


    "You mean that''s why you had to cheat." Apricot stomps over and starts playing with Mittens.


    "Uh, is your cat..." Lan trails after seeing the fake Mittens walk right through Apricot''s leg.


    "Oh, all the Mana has started affecting him." I explain. "Just look for the floating collar to find where he really is."


    "But, no magic please." Amelia quickly adds. "He''s still in flux, and we don''t want him to pick up anymore than he already has."


    "Truly? I''ve never heard of anything quite like that." He rubs his chin. "I suppose that going from almost no Mana, to... well, this." He gestures to the tree. "Must have triggered a more extreme reaction."


    "Yeah, but he''s still the same kitty, just with magic now." I shake my head at the silly feline. "So, what have you got for me?"


    ...


    "Summoning a Magma Elemental!" We''re in the kitchen and I''m flipping through the papers Lan handed over while cooking lunch. Most were upgraded versions of spells I''d already figured out, but occasionally I''d stumble on something like this. "Hells, Lan I''m glad we never had to fight."


    "Don''t put too much stock in elementals, they''re usually more hassle than they''re worth." He says with a rueful smile. "And, don''t sell yourself short. Judging just from that one fight, you seem to have already learned the most valuable lesson for any mage. It''s not the spell, but how you use it."


    "There was some siege weaponry too." I counter.


    "Which you controlled with Magic."


    "Oh, fine." I give in with a huff. "But, I still need to learn what I might be up against in the future. I didn''t even know summoning elementals was possible, and I can only take precautions against threats I know to take precautions against."


    "Your paranoia is leaking through again, babe." Amelia warns me.


    "I know, sorry." I take a deep breath and hold it for a moment. "I think it''s these stupid security Runes for the castle, and the reason they''re needed. Cendassa''s bad enough, but I don''t think they were the ones to send that spy."


    "Trouble with the neighbors?" Lan says with a raised eyebrow.


    "Bunch of greedy bastards." I spit. "They left Larendath alone as long as she didn''t have anything worth taking. But, one gods damned dungeon pops up, and they''re all over us. And, guess who''s marquisate lies on the only open border?"


    "Ah." Lan sighs in understanding. "You know, we have a saying in my language that fits this perfectly. [Sucks to be you.]" He says it with a straight face which only makes me laugh all the harder.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    "Thanks for that." I say after laughing away my tension. "I''ve been getting better about dealing with the stress, but sometimes it just sneaks up on me."


    "After you''re done with those, you need to do something just for fun again." Amelia orders. "Maybe we can go dirt bike riding again, but preferably closer to home this time."


    "Dirt bike?" Lan tilts his head to the side. "Is that a spell of some kind?"


    "No, it''s form of enchanted transport used for fun." I conjure a movie of us playing around at the moto-cross track I built in the grasslands. "Maybe we could buy up one of those big manors and turn it into a track, or get a farm outside the walls. It''s that or I build it deep underground."


    "Now, those look fun." Lan leans down to get a better look. "Awakened usually use their own power or tamed beasts to get around. So, the only enchanted transports I''ve seen before are for long range travel, or moving bulk goods about."


    "Yeah?" It doesn''t exactly surprise me, but it''s still disappointing. "These run off Fire Mana. Give me some metal and I''ll build you one. There''s also the Iron Horse a larger motorcycle, and a four wheeled car. But, they all use the same basic engine design." I dismiss the movie and replace it with images of our three vehicles.


    "I like the Iron Horse." He smiles at the hog. "Could you make one entirely from metal?"


    "Aside from the tires and maybe the seat, sure." I shrug. "The engine should handle the extra weight just fine. But, it''ll have to wait until after lunch." I plate everything up in front of us.


    ...


    "I just got off the phone with the housing agent." Amelia says after lunch. "They don''t handle farms, but said she knew of one not far to the south that was abandoned a few years ago after the well got fouled in a feud with the neighbors. You''d have to buy it through the Crown though."


    "That shouldn''t be a problem, I''ll just ask Oliver when I deliver the Runes."


    "Can you just finish the fingerprint checker?" Apricot pleads.


    "You wanna go riding again, too?" I laugh and rub the small of her back. "Alright, it shouldn''t take me long."


    "Can I ask what these enchantments are for?" Lan says with a hint of trepidation.


    "An imposter replaced one of the Queen''s maids a few days ago." I sigh. "I was up there for lunch and only caught her because I was already on edge and noticed her eyes were different than what I remembered. They don''t have a lot of skilled Light Mages, so I offered to build some security Runes to help ease the burden."


    "Those won''t be foolproof." He warns.


    "I know, but it''s better than nothing." I can''t help but sigh again. "And, this is just the first steps. Hopefully by the time I''m done, no one short of a shape shifting Archmage will be able to slip by them."


    "Hah!" Apricot snorts out a laugh. "I thought you ''drew the line'' at a full body and blood scan." She throws my earlier words back in my face.


    "Eh, you already know I''m a perfectionist." I shrug again. "I doubt I''ll ever go that far, but I won''t be happy until I have a detection method for each of the basic elemental magics."


    "You might as well just try to enchant an Evaluate Rune." Lan says jokingly.


    "Now, there''s an idea." I immediately spend my last free skill point on it, and start casting while opening my magic sight up wide. "Lan, you cast it and let me see from the outside."


    "You can''t be serious." He scoffs, but the girls and Temmie all just laugh at him. "Why is the Scroll of Judgment laughing?"


    "Because Temmie already knows that Sorrel is impossible." Amelia answers between laughs. "And, if he wants to find a way to do something, then he will."


    "He already offered to build her a body." Apricot adds. "And, she only turned him down because she didn''t want one, not because she didn''t think he could do it. Now, just cast the spell."


    "Also if you have Identify, or Analyze, those would help too. Any of her cantrips really." I say while trying to find the link. "Oh, and drink this." I fill a small glass with Healing Sap. "I need to see inside your head."


    [Oh, what the hell?] He switches to his native tongue and downs the shot before casting all three in succession.


    "Damn, Temmie. You''re not going to make this easy, are you?" *Ding**Ding* She just laughs at me. "Fine, you want me to work for it, I''ll work for it. Keep casting Lan. Realm! Haste! Slow! Don''t think you can hide it by sending the link through another dimension either. Planar Net! Astral Vision! Truesight! Gotcha!" I catch a glimpse of my target for just a split second subjective time, but it''s enough.


    "What the fuck was that?" Apricot nearly shouts and rubs her eyes as I let everything drop. "Are you trying to blind me?"


    "Sorry." I pant out while slumping in my chair. "That was time magic, and me basically inventing three detection spells on the fly. -That last one kinda hurt too.- But, the good news is that I got a glimpse of the link and think I know how it works. Bad news is that it''s going to be... difficult to create a Rune that can forge a link to Temmie."


    "You say that, but your eyes are flashing like it''s already half built in your head." She counters


    "Hah!" Lan barks out a harsh laugh. "I should have known better than to give an Archmage an enchanting challenge."


    "Or Sorrel any challenge." Amelia chimes in.


    "I''m beginning to see that." He nods. "So, what was in that glass anyways?"


    "Oh, that''s just Healing Sap. It transfers some of my vitality to the drinker, I figured out how to use that to piggyback other spells past the body''s rejection of foreign Mana."


    "Ah, I don''t blame you for working that out." He nods. "I always hated mending bones, even with Mastery it''s like working with gloves on. I''ve heard there were ways around it, but this is the first time seeing one."


    "I wish I knew a better one. My strength recovers quickly, but I can only offer up so much. I''m afraid one day I''ll have too many people to heal and just won''t be able to manage."


    "You''ll figure it out babe." Amelia touches my arm.


    "Well, enough about that." I pat her hand before standing up. "Let''s go build some bikes."


    ***

 # 69

    "Sorrel, how goes it?" Oliver greets us at the door to the castle.


    "Good, I''ve got the first of the Runes with me. Thought I''d bring it by since there''s some business I''d like to discuss."


    "That is good, why don''t you come on back, and I''ll call Hilbert over." He starts guiding us down through the hallways of the palace. "So, what kind of business brings you over?"


    "I heard there''s an abandoned farm to the south of the city." I explain. "Amelia wants me to set up a little racetrack for our motorcycles, and that place sounds like it might be ideal."


    "I know the place." He nods and displays a hologram of the place. "We sent Water and Earth Mages out several times to try and clear the well, but nothing stuck. I even went personally to make sure no one was sneaking in at night to re-foul it. After that didn''t pan out, we just gave up on it."


    "It looks more than large enough." I nod, already planning out the track. "Will there be any issues with us buying, or leasing it."


    "Just one." He grins. "You''ve got to let me use it."


    "Hah. Not a problem." I agree and play the movie of us on our dirt bikes. "I''ll even give you a dirt bike." I made a couple extra when I was working on Lan''s Iron Horse.


    "I can see why you want him to build it now." He says to Amelia. "Ah, here''s Hilbert, we can all talk in here." He takes us into a small, but richly furnished sitting room.


    "Alright, this is what I''ve got so far." I pull out a rectangular device with a glass hand-shaped panel in it''s center. "I''m still working on the eye scanner, but this works now. So, I thought I''d let you get a feel for it, and decide how you want to use it."


    The Court Wizard puts his hand on the glass. A ray of white light quickly scans down the panel, which then dings and glows green while displaying a floating headshot along with his name. Hilbert follows his example and gets a similar response. I do the same and it pulses yellow, beeps and shows "Unrecognized hand print" floating in the air.


    "Nice, but what if a Light Mage disguises his face and hand as someone with access?" Oliver does just that only for the Rune to start flashing bright red while an alarm sounds, and the word "Imposter!" appears mid-air. "Very nice, but what if I try this?" He changes his handprint to something unknown, and tries to override the color and sound.


    "Ack!" Hilbert jumps back as a metal chain wraps around Oliver''s wrist while steam hisses from one side, and a small flame from the other.


    "I can customize all those responses, or have it send a signal elsewhere, but thought this a good demonstration." I say and reset the device.


    "Alright, I think that''s a good start." Oliver lets out a nervous laugh and rubs his wrist. "Care to explain just how you managed that. I could sense it scanning my hand with light, but that''s all."


    "Well, firstly it checks your fingerprints for a match." I show them how it does so by layering the scanned print against its database and shining light through, if any hits outside the print, then it tries rotating it first, before moving on to the next entry. "Then, if the prints match. The hidden Rune activates and double checks the vein pattern in your palm."


    "I didn''t even notice that part of the scan." Oliver looks impressed.


    "Nor were you supposed to, I put a lot of effort into hiding that bit." I smile, and continue. "And, lastly. It uses a simple Farsight spell to make sure that the proper color is displayed, even when no color should be. It''s not perfect, but I think it''s alright for a first try."


    "What''s your second try going to be like?" Hilbert asks with a smile on his face.


    "That one I want to work through gloves and even shoes if I can manage it." We end up with matching grins at that remark.


    "Sorrel, you really are paranoid." Apricot shakes her head.


    "But, he''s the kind of paranoid we need right now." Oliver defends me. "Can you install this outside the Royal Apartments, and have it also send a signal inside."


    "Of course, I also have some modified picture takers that can send a live image of what they see elsewhere." I take out a surveillance camera that''s connected to a projector by a slim loop of glass fiber. "Set, these up and regular guards can keep watch from wherever you want them to." I feel a bit like Big Brother, but they already use Mages to snoop.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "If we set these up to watch the entrances, then we could re-allocate more of the Mage guards'' time to detecting foreign Magics." Oliver picks up the camera and pans it around the room while watching the display. "How far can the signal travel over this cable?"


    "I''ve only tested a few tens of meters. But, if you''re thinking of the border, then it might be possible with a bit of work." At least, I know it was back on Dirt.


    "Oh! I wasn''t thinking quite that far, but that is very good to know." He examines the camera even closer. "Alright, let''s get these set up, and I''ll get you the deed to that farm. You know you can ask for more than that if you want."


    "Mhm." I shrug. "What more do I need? And, besides, it''s my duty as a noble to support the kingdom. Now, let''s get this done, so I can go blow off some stress. Just thinking about why these Runes were needed got me all grumpy earlier."


    "If it helps the imposter ended up spilling everything right away." He snorts. "Regular mercenary, that one. She was sent by Elialle to spy, but gave up her handlers without even being asked. Frankly she was embarrassed about being caught so quickly, and just asked not to be sent to the mines."


    "And, did she say what the strongest country in Varecia wanted with Larendath?" I say with a sigh. ''This is exactly what I was afraid of.'' I add inwardly.


    "Regular reports about anything and everything we''re up to." He lets out his own sigh as we reach the doors to the Royal Apartments. "Other than that, she wasn''t told, and didn''t know."


    "Shame." I shake my head for a second before coming to attention as Vivian exits her apartments with Faye at her side. "Good afternoon, Your Majesty. Good afternoon, Princess." I greet the royals with a bow, while Amelia and Apricot curtsy.


    "Good afternoon." She returns the greeting with a slight nod of her head. "Oliver informed me that you''ve finished the first of the security Runes. We wished to see it in action."


    "Of, course Ma''am." I quickly install the palm scanner on the wall next to the door, and reconfigure the runes to also display the results just inside the door, where the guards on detail in the antechamber can see it. Next, I disguise a camera in the wall before adding its matching screen to the other side so they can see anyone that approaches.


    "I saw you put it in, but I can''t even tell where it is now." Captain Crothers exclaims while peering at the wall. A round of sniggering flows out from his men as they get a close up view of his nostril.


    "Hah!" Faye snorts out after peering around the door. "We can see right up your nose." Hilbert blushes when she says that, and backs away from the wall quickly.


    "Would you like to try it first Faye?" I ask the giggling Princess.


    She looks up at her mom, and then rushes over to press her hand against it when the Queen nods her ascent. It works perfectly and shows her picture inside and out of the wall, with ''Princess Faye Laren'' displayed above it. Vivian tries it next with a smile as it shows her as she was at the gala.


    "I just need to know exactly who you want added to the list." I say.


    "Just the Queen''s guards, and these maids." Oliver conjures headshots of everyone that should have access, and it only takes me a moment to add them to the database.


    "Done." I say with a nod.


    "Good." She nods back. "Now, perhaps we could discuss some of these plans of yours." She says, and Princess Faye tugs on her dress. "And, perhaps a Princess-sized motorcycle... Or, preferably something safer looking." Apparently Faye was watching when Oliver projected out meeting for Vivian.


    "I can do that." I smile and display an image of Faye in a go-cart with a five point harness and padded roll cage. "Don''t worry Princess, this one''s actually more fun, you¡¯re lower to ground, so it feels like you''re going faster."


    "Oh, boy." Vivian sighs as her daughter''s eyes light up and guides us into the apartments. Once we enter her study, she takes a seat behind a desk and her face turns serious. "I''m willing to give you free rein to do what-ever you like in Arcadia, but we need those troop transports, and armors."


    "Cendassa may not be amassing any more troops." Oliver continues. "But, they are training the ones they have quite well. And, with Elialle''s sudden interest we can''t be too safe. There haven''t been any reports from Ciranna, Alarath, or Asauria, but they''ve doubtless heard the news by now, and are likely just biding their time to see how things play out."


    "I can make as many gambesons as you want, but I need iron if you want the heavier armors, or the vehicles." I sigh and seriously re-think, my "no killing" rule. This whole mess would be a lot easier if I could just wipe out a bunch of greedy bastards.


    "It''ll be okay, Sorrel." Amelia tells me while Apricot rubs my stiff shoulders.


    I just nod and continue. "I also need to know what kind of transports you want." I display pictures of the dirt bike, the motorcycle, the bus, a Willys Jeep, a Humvee, a basic canvas covered truck, and a train filled with car after car of generic soldiers. "That, or I can just give everyone go-carts." I laugh and suddenly a squad of saber wielding cart riders are racing around the room.


    "The iron won''t be an issue." She ignores my attempt to lighten the mood. "We''ve increased production at the mines, and have been stockpiling ever since we first got word about Cendassa''s actions. As for the vehicles, General Sauer is very interested in getting his scouts some of those motorcycles. Though, samples of the others would be useful."


    "Okay." I say simply, because nothing else I can say will change the situation. "The big one requires laying down tracks first, but the rest won''t be any problem. Though, if you don''t want to rely on your Fire Mages, I''ll still need to run Mana conduit out to Riverton, and presumably wherever you''re training the troops at."


    "Thank you." She bows to me from her chair. "I know this isn''t easy for you, or at all what you wanted-"


    "Vivian." I cut her off. "I knew this was coming as soon as I learned about Cendassa. Hells, I had a feeling something like this might happen as soon as I decided to report the Dungeon. So, you don''t need to thank me for protecting my home. Just have someone deliver a list of what you need with the supplies. But, for now, if you''ll excuse me, I would very much like to go forget about it all for a few hours."


    ***

 # 70

    Vivian bid us goodbye and, after we got the deed, I drove us straight out to the farm. The girls tried to comfort me, but I was in too much of a funk to care.


    "I''m sorry Sorrel." Amelia apologizes to me again after I stop the car outside the run-down old farm. "I wanted to take your mind off of the situation, but I only made it worse."


    "Not your fault." I walk towards the rotting farm house and launch an exploding fireball into it. Debris, mostly splinters, ping off the Barrier I erected around us. I see there''s a wall still standing, so I summon a lightning bolt as thick around as my waist to vaporize it.


    "Baby-" Amelia starts reaching for me only for Apricot to grab her arm and shake her head. "Just let him get it out of his system."


    Yanking Blackthorne from my neck; I overturn the soil of the entire farm at once before raising it up into mud soldiers. Then, I use almost every single destructive spell in my arsenal, one by one, to coldly and calmly cut them down.


    It''s not until I call down a meteor swarm all around us that I decide I''ve had enough. "So, dirt bikes, yeah?" I say in a monotone and tap the ground with my staff making the track form around us.


    "Not sure I''m in the mood anymore." Amelia says tiredly.


    "Let''s go home then, I''ve got shit to build." I start walking to the car only for her to grab my arm.


    "I''m sorry." She holds onto me until I look at her.


    "I already said it''s not your fault." I say and pat her hand. "I''m not mad at you, I''m just mad. It''ll go away soon."


    "Please don''t bottle yourself up like this." She begs and uses her other hand to wipe away a trail of tears that I didn''t realize was leaking from my eyes.


    "Did that look like me bottling things up." My voice starts to crack when Apricot comes up and hugs me from behind without saying a word. "Oh, who am I kidding? *sniff* I didn''t even *sniff* use the *sniff* really destructive stuff. *sniff*" My words are punctuated by sniffles. "I don''t want this stupid fucking war." I cling to Amelia and we all sink to the ground.


    "Shhh, it''ll be okay." Amelia strokes my hair trying to soothe me, and I can feel the wetness of Apricot''s tears as she presses her face into my back. "Just focus on the good you can do for the people of Arcadia."


    We sit there huddled together until the sun fades from the sky. "It''s getting cold, let''s go get some dinner." I say and levitate us up from the ground. "I bet Mittens is missing his mommies too."


    "You doing better?" Amelia asks.


    "Yeah, and I''m sorry for how I acted." I give them both a hug before we get into the car. "I was expecting to have some fun today, not get slapped in the face by reality. It kinda threw me."


    "Mhm, it''ll be alright." She pats my knee.


    "Yeah, but if it''s not." Apricot adds with a smile on her face. "Then you''ve got to remember to make some popcorn before you set off the fireworks next time. But, what I really want to know is if that hailstorm of fiery rocks wasn''t what you consider dangerous, then what is?"


    "Oh, you know." I shrug nonchalantly. "Really big fiery rocks." I laugh. "Okay, okay. But really, I''m only half joking about that, especially after reading some of the spells Lan turned over."


    "You have to translate that stuff for me later." My pixie says in a commanding tone. "But, I know you, and that''s not all."


    "Well, It''s mostly the magics I don''t play around with a lot." I explain. "Tracking down Temmie''s link earlier was probably the farthest I''ve pushed into Time or Space Magic, and those I''ve at least got some idea of what''s going on. The more esoteric Magics have a lot of power behind them. But, I don''t really know how to use it properly. I feel like a toddler that''s been given a loaded ballista, sure I can pull that lever. But, then what?."


    "You and siege weaponry." Amelia scoffs playfully.


    "Have you seen his upgraded Wormslayer yet?" Apricot says in a throaty purr. "He won''t even let me fire it because he doesn''t want to clean up the mess it''ll make."


    "Oh, Sorrel. What are we going to do with you?"


    "Make me dinner, so I can pet our invisible cat?" I start to chuckle before a thought pops into my head. "Man, we were really lucky he stayed at home today. Can you imagine if he picked up even a little of what I was throwing around out there."


    "Nnh." Amelia whimpers. "I hope he settles down soon, I''ve been afraid to even cast around him."


    "He''s doing better." Apricot says before I can. "Just give it another couple days, and he should be fine. Well, as fine as an invisible, tentacled kitten can be." The laughter snorts out of her as she fails to say that with a straight face.


    ***


    "Buddy, did you miss me?" I bend over and scoop up my little invisi-kitty. "I don''t think that''s ever going to get old." I laugh as his illusion floats in mid-air a few feet to the side.


    "Mreow." I don''t know if he agrees or is just happy that we''re back, but I''ll take it.


    "Wanna help me build some appliances?" I sit him on my lap and stroke his fur while going over what I can recreate using just Fire Mana. Sure, I can build convertors, and set up collectors around the tree, but I''ve got all this free Fire Mana, I might as well use it. "Let''s see. Heating, and cooking obviously." "Mrow." "You''re right, if I use an enchantment to move the heat away, I can cool stuff down too." "Mrr."If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Are you seriously talking enchanting with the cat?" Apricot sits next to me and starts petting him.


    "He''s actually quite helpful." I defend my silliness, and start projecting images of appliances. "See, I''ve already thought up an upgraded Runic oven, heaters and coolers, and a much better icebox. What else?"


    "Mew." Mittens swats playfully at the floating images.


    "Oh? You''re right a water heater would be nice. And, if I''m heating water, I might as well make tea kettles and coffee pots. Hmm, wonder if I can use a percolator to pump water, was just going to stick an impeller on an engine."


    "Grrr." He growls at the latest picture.


    "You''re right they do look too much like gears." I agree with the kitty.


    "How did you train him to do that?" Apricot laughs.


    "What training?" I put on my most angelic, and innocent face.


    "..." She just gives me the side-eye and pulls the kitten into her lap.


    "So, percolator." I move on without comment. "Actually a full blown distillation tower would probably work better and be safer over-all. And, since we''re still on water. I shouldn''t forget a clothes washer and dryer. I''ll probably need engines for those, though."


    "Anything else?" She asks with an amused smirk.


    "Some smaller kitchen stuff, like food processors, blenders, and mixers, but those all need engines. Hmm." I close my eyes for a second and suddenly a light bulb appears over my head. "Oh, yeah. Lights, duh. I don''t have a lot of tungsten, so I''ll have to find another filament, that or just use plain fire. Wish I knew how those mantles on camp lights worked."


    "I see you''ve got a lot of enchanting ahead of you." Amelia says after walking into the room. "But, it''ll have to wait until after dinner."


    "Most of this stuff won''t take too long." I shake my head. "But, now that I see all this, and I''m sure I''ll think of more soon enough, I''m wondering how people are going to afford it. Sure we can sell to the nobles and rich merchants and what not, but I want to improve the lives of people who can''t afford this stuff. They''d have to serve in the army for a lifetime to afford even half of this."


    "Enough brooding." She pulls me off the couch. "We''ll figure something out, after dinner."


    ...


    So, we eat. Dinner''s good, but unfortunately my best idea so far is to pull a Henry Ford, and start industrializing the nation while paying the workers enough to buy this crap. I think I''m just going to have to dial back my plans, and instead of working with individuals, I''ll work with villages as a whole.


    Communal kitchens, laundries, and lights in exchange for providing a set number of people to the war effort. I should make some educational Runes too, I don''t think the average villager can even read. The capital may be in an enlightened pre-industrial state thanks to magic, but the rest of Larendath is practically Midieval.


    Too bad for me that Arcadia only has one city and one town. Well, there''s Hedgecoast too, but it''s a tiny fishing village down where the Janwick River meets the ocean. It''s technically in my territory, but they''re so far removed from Larendath as a whole that getting them to send troops may be difficult. And no one else is willing to live so close to the Deadlands desert, so I really don''t want to pressure them.


    It might be time to start turning some of those grassland waypoints into proper villages. That means finding people to live in them, which may not be that hard. Circle Orchard had such an influx of people looking for a new start that I''m sure I can find a few families that are dissatisfied living in a dungeon town.


    "Thanks for dinner." I clear the table after we''re all done. "I think I''ve got a plan that might work. Gonna need to make a call first, though."


    "Who you gonna call?" I smile when she says that.


    "Rea, over in Circle Orchard." ''And, we are definitely watching Ghostbusters tonight.'' I add in my head with a silent laugh. "Selling to individual families isn''t going to work, so I figure we provide communal Runes to a village in exchange for service or whatever. The problem is we don''t really have any villages in Arcadia."


    "You want to set some up along the road, but need people and well, she has people." She nods as she works it out.


    "I''m hoping she''s found some good families that aren''t getting what they expected out of a dungeon town." ''And, I''m sure there''s already a few dungeon widows that want nothing to do with it anymore.'' I think sourly. ''Stupid hole in the ground.''


    "Wow, look at you being all Marquis like." Apricot giggles, and teases me. "I like it."


    I just roll my eyes and kiss her on the forehead before taking out my phone. "Hello Mayor Garman, I hope I''m not disturbing you."


    "Not at all, Marquis Rumex." She stresses my title, but there''s a bit of humor in her voice. "Is everything alright?"


    "As well as can be." I reply. "The reason I''m calling is that I want to expand Arcadia. I''d like to set up a project village or two, and I''m hoping that you will be able to recommend some good people to found them for me."


    "Hmm, should be doable the dungeon is growing by the day, but it still isn''t what a lot of people were hoping for." She pauses and I can hear some papers ruffling. "Yes, I think I know at least a couple families that would be a good fit. May I ask what kind of project you have in mind?"


    "I''ve developed a way to transfer Mana over long distances." I explain. "I''ll be running the conduit out to Riverton for the army to use to charge the vehicles I''m making them. I want to build some villages with communal Rune devices in exchange for them providing soldiers or another equivalent service to the kingdom."


    "Well..." She draws out the word. "That will make things both easier and harder. Easier because most will jump at the chance to live anyplace with Runes, and harder because most of the families I have in mind are ones that lost their men to the dungeon."


    "I feared that might be the case, which is why I mentioned other services." My face scowls as I think about that stupid rock. "See, I''ve been keeping myself busy. It''s still early days, but I''m working on some medical Runes. I''d like to create and train up a cadre of healers. And, the vehicles I''m making will need people to perform maintenance on them. Then, there are all the other support needs of an army."


    "I''m not sure about the other options, but just the chance to become healers will have people knocking down my door trying to sign up."


    "Yes, but like I said, it''s still early days." I sigh at the thought of what''s still ahead of me. "I''m sure there are other non-war related options, and I would dearly love to pursue them. But, we need to prepare for what we''re likely to be facing in the near future."


    "True, but even the possibility will still draw them in." She takes a breath. "I''ll sound out the ones I''m thinking of, and see how they feel about it. Coen and Nicholas may know a few people too."


    "That''s good. We''ll likely be passing through soon-ish, I don''t know about the Crown''s plans, but unless I do nothing but make conduit, it''ll take days before I have enough to stretch to Riverton. Any questions before I let you go?"


    "About the villages. I''m sure they''ll want to know what to expect."


    "True. I''m thinking a large, temperature controlled, lighted, central building. That will house a kitchen with magic cookers and coolers, and a laundry room with clothes washers and dryers. There will also be running water in the building. I may provide each house with the same, and possibly heating and cooling runes as well, perhaps as some sort of bonus. Haven''t thought everything out yet; I pretty much called you as soon as I came up with the idea."


    "I don''t suppose you''d mind providing some of those for the keep here?" She chuckles.


    "Anything for my favorite mayor. I''d planned to start there anyways, and I''m sure Coen will appreciate not having to fill up the keep''s cistern or the bathhouse anymore."


    "He doesn''t really mind, says it''s good practice to haul those buckets up from so far down."


    "Heh." I let out a quiet snort. "Well, he can keep doing it if he wants, but I''m still putting in a water pump, and heater. Alright, if that''s everything, then I will talk to you later, Rea."


    "Yes, that should be good, thank you. And, I''ll get back to you once I have word. Goodbye Sorrel."


    "Bye." I hang up.


    ***

 # 71

    "Kyle." I greet our administrator when he enters the kitchen as we''re sitting down to breakfast. "How goes it?"


    "Fairly good, Boss." A wry smile flashes across his face every time he uses the only title I''ll willingly answer to. "A few requests for luncheons and dinners."


    "Anyone important?" I ask hoping that we can just blow them off. "Because I''ll be busy working on a big project for the Crown for the foreseeable future, and we''ll be heading out to Riverton soon."


    "No one that won''t take that as an excuse." He says after a moment of thought. "Are things going well on that front?"


    "Cendassa hasn''t backed down yet, so we''ve got to build up our forces. I''m doing what I can on the logistics front." I answer after taking a bite of bacon. "I''ll also be building up Arcadia soon, offering villages with communal appliances in exchange for service of one type or another. Hopefully as healers if I can sort out the runes I''ll need to make that dream happen."


    "Oh, and speaking of appliances." I add while he''s gathering his thoughts. "How would you and your family like to test run some Runes for me?" I gesture around to the prototypes I added to the kitchen last night.


    "If they''re anything like that quick cooker, I think Grandma Jessa will throttle him if he says no." Bartlett says with a smirk while walking up from behind his grandfather. "Morning Boss." He nods to me before filling a plate. "Mmm, wish all jobs had perks like this."


    Food''s never a problem around here, so I let them have free range of the kitchen. Kyle says he prefers his wife''s cooking, but I secretly think she doesn''t give him the option. Bartlett, on the other hand is more than happy to take advantage of our generosity.


    "It''s settled then." I smile at the administrator. "We''ll head over later and get your home set up with one of everything I was able to make last night."


    *Ding**Ding**Ding*


    "Hello Oliver." I answer the phone.


    "Sorrel, we just sent some mages over with the iron. They should be there soon."


    "Okay, it shouldn''t take long to make the prototypes. Are they going to take the vehicles back with, or do you want me to deliver them somewhere?"


    "If you could just show them how they work, that should be fine. Let me know if you need anything else."


    "Will do." I disconnect and return to my breakfast. "Kyle, if there''s nothing else pressing, we can head over to your place after I take care of this."


    "Of course... Boss." He paused, and I just know that he was going to call me lord or sir.


    I finish eating and head over to the parking area to get a head start on the vehicles. I''m just finishing up on the Humvee, and about to start on the big truck when three mages from the palace show up in a carriage driven by a soldier.


    "Marquis Rumex." Tomas, the Air Mage that greets me is the same one that was on duty when we were first called in to meet Vivian. "Where would you like us to unload everything?"


    "The bottom floor of the parking area should do." I answer, and he and the other two, an Earth Mage named Greg and a Water Mage called Curran, head on down.


    "Sir?" The soldier speaks up just as I''m about to get back to work. "May I ask what those are?" He points to a couple mountain bikes I threw in so they could practice for the motorcycles.


    "Bicycles." I send one over to him. "There''s no engine on these, but I thought that transport that didn''t need Mana might be useful. They take a bit to get used, but can match or even beat out a horse over long distance... Well, depending on terrain and how fit the rider is."


    "Could, I try riding it?" He asks nervously while examining the bike.


    "Sure, just keep yourself balanced and the bar straight while pushing the pedals." I show him a quick movie of how to ride, including how to use the brakes to stop.


    "Thank you Sir." He tries mounting it by using the pedal like a stirrup on a horse, but the pedal wasn''t all the way down and the bike moving forward caused him to fall. Or, he would have if I hadn''t caught him. "Uh, thanks again Sir."


    "No problem." I nod at him and go back to building the big truck. The Mages come back out from the parking area just as I''m testing the engine. They can''t help but smile at the burly guard that''s wobbling back and forth trying to keep himself upright.


    "Uh... We weren''t informed about that one." The Earth Mage says.


    "It''s mainly so people can practice before trying the motorcycles, but the bicycle is a decent vehicle all on its own... Once you get use to riding one that is." I shake my head at the soldier''s antics.


    "Ah, I''ve seen Mage Long on his Iron Horse, but didn''t even think about that." The last Awakened says.


    "With the lower center of gravity, it''s actually easier to ride the motorcycle." I explain. "But, it''s also easier to hurt yourself by losing control after going too fast. You three can practice while I finish this off, should only take a couple more minutes." I quickly build two more mountain bikes before working on the drive train for the truck.


    They have a couple false starts, but they''re all high enough level that their stats make it trivial to master. This seems to light a fire under the soldier and he quickly firms up his riding.


    Meanwhile, I finish off the truck body. I''m using the hardened wood for all of them, but the Humvee got a top layer of the same steel I made for the scalemaille armor. And I''m making the tarp for the truck from the same fabric as I designed for the gambesons.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    "Okay, who''s ready for their first driving lesson?..." We walk over to the jeep and I show all four of them the ropes. "...See, that wasn''t so bad." It really was. "Now that you''ve got the basics down you should get the hang of the bigger vehicles."


    "Speaking of heavier vehicles." Tomas opens. "I was told that you had an idea for something even bigger."


    "I do, it''s basically a larger version of that little train ride around the garden I had at the party." The Mages nod. "The problem is one of scale, though. My reinforced wood worked fine as tracks and wheels for a night, but it''s still wood. We need a good durable steel for the tracks, and even using all the iron you three brought today probably wouldn''t be enough."


    "But-but there''s over half a million kilograms of iron down there, that''s most of the Capital''s reserve." Greg seems flabbergasted.


    "Yes, and it''s over a million meters from here to Riverton." I materialize a cube of steel in my palm. "This is one kilogram of steel. It''s what, five centimeters on a side? Even if I stretch it out to just a millimeter thin, and strap that to the reinforced wood. Then we would only get just over half way to Riverton, since we need two rails after all." I take the two and a half meter railway track I just made and snap it in half.


    "Ah..." He clams up.


    "Yeah." I take a deep breath. "There may be better options, but I haven''t found any. Not unless you think you can reinforce stone rails as thousands of kilograms travel over them at more than a hundred kilometers an hour?"


    "If only we had Cendassa''s mines." He mutters, while his buddies smirk at him for not doing the math.


    "Now, there''s an option." I get my own smirk. "I''ll be heading up to Riverton soon to lay out the Mana conduit for the vehicles. I might just sneak over the border and help myself to an inventory full of iron."


    "Well, damn." He curses. "Now, I wish I could go with. If you do try for it, then remember to bring Packston, Dieter, and Liza along." He names the three Earth Mages that stayed at Riverton. "Every time I talk to them, all they do is complain about how boring it is now that they''ve got the extra fortifications built."


    "I''ll be sure to do that, may even give them some games to help pass the time. They did miss the big party, after all."


    "Oh, they all were so jealous when we told them about that." The Water Mage grins. "Do you think you could take them some chocolate too?"


    "Yeah, that''s not a problem. And, I''d be happy to deliver some care packages if you want to arrange something with their other friends and families." I offer.


    "Alright." Tomas speaks up. "We can do that, but right now we need to practice so we don''t crash on the way back."


    After they leave I check the list of what the Crown wants. There''s enough iron for thousands of vehicles, or tens of thousands of suits of armor. But, the list only asks for a thousand each of plain chainmaille hauberks, coifs, and mantles, another thousand of the scalemaille, and plate armors, and three-thousand sets of cloth armor.


    I call Oliver back. "They''ve delivered the iron, and are on their way back now. And, I wasn''t expecting quite that much, even all added together that list only accounts for a tenth of what was delivered."


    "I know." He sighs. "But, we''ve been at peace for longer than I''ve been alive, so Larendath doesn''t exactly have a lot of armor to go around. And, we will likely need ten times as much in the coming months. This first batch is just so Patrick can outfit the troops we already have."


    "Understood." I let out my own sigh. "I should be able to get this order done over the next few days while making enough Mana conduit to reach Riverton. It''s time consuming to make, but not all that taxing."


    "We''ll have another meeting in a few days then. That should give Patrick time to get a feel for the vehicles."


    "That''s fine, and please let him know that I''m happy to take suggestions for design changes. These are just what I was able to come up with on the fly. Oh, and when I was speaking with Greg he mentioned Cendassa''s mines. I thought I might pay them a visit while I''m up that way."


    "Hah!" Be barks out a laugh. "I''ll be sure to get you some maps. Alright, I''ll talk to you later. Good luck, and thank you, again."


    I reply with a "No problem." but he''s already disconnected.


    ***


    "Jessa." Kyle greets his wife who''s waiting at the door to their home. He called ahead to warn her that we were coming.


    "Hello husband." Her smile makes me think that she''s more amused than annoyed at this intrusion. "Hello Sorrel." At least someone understands that I hate titles.


    "Hi Jessa." I wave. "Sorry for barging in like this, but I hope that some of these new Runes will make up for it."


    "I must admit that I wouldn''t mind one of those quick cookers."


    "Hah." Bartlett laughs at his grandfather. "I told you she''d want one."


    "Well, I do have several devices for the kitchen." I say. "Including the quick cooker, and toaster. As Kyle told you on the phone, we''ll be selling these in the future and need to know how people might receive them."


    "If you want feedback on your Runes, then I can tell you right now that there''s a big problem with your phones." A shit-eating grin sneaks onto her face. "Not enough people have them."


    "Hahaha. I know." I nod and smile at her little joke. "Turner''s been focusing on the chocolate, but we''ll be selling the phones soon. They''re going to be pricy though. Since there are no other Magnet mages they all have to have built-in recharging enchantments. Hmm?" I pause as an Idea hits me. "Actually, I may have a way around that, but I''ll need to talk to some people first."


    "Even if they''re more expensive than a top class Rune people will still buy them." She answers. "But, if you can make a more affordable version, that would be good."


    "Alright, Kyle could you call Stanwood''s secretary and set up a meeting for later?" I ask my administrator. "I Should probably handle this talk in person. Now, let''s get you guys all set up. You have a lovely home, by the way."


    "Why, thank you." She beams with pride and guides me down the hallway.


    "That''s an impressive sewing room. Do you make all your own clothing?"


    "Oh, I used to, but Bartlett''s mother Pauline has taken over most of that for me." She massages her left hand near the knuckles. "These old hands aren''t what they used to be."


    "And, you didn''t think to ask your husband''s boss, a known healer to take a look at them?" I chuckle at the look on her face and hold out a conjured glass of healing sap. "Here, drink this; I''ve got a call of my own to make."


    She takes the glass and looks at Kyle. He just smiles and nods while I call up Amelia.


    "Hey, babe." She answers with a laugh. "Did you miss me already?"


    "Every time we''re apart." I really gotta work on video calls, I just want to see her smile now. "Not why I called though. I was wondering how much you think the Yarnhams might be willing to pay for a Rune powered sewing machine." She starts cackling as soon as I finish speaking. "I guess that means a lot." I let slip a few laughs of my own.


    "I love you, you clever man you. We''re going to end up making as much profit from their business as they do. Hahaha."


    "I love you too, and speaking of business, I had an idea for automatic phone charging stations. That way we can sell cheaper phones without built-in recharging."


    "How would it work?"


    "It''d be a simple machine, you drop some coins in and it fill up the phone for you. The same idea could work for other Runes too, so I had Kyle set up a meeting with Stanwood. I figure the mages will like it because they can still get paid for recharging stuff, but won''t have to sit around all day. They can just fill up Mana Stones for the machine in their spare time."


    "That is a good idea, most of them both love and hate Rune charging. It''s easy coin, but boring as all get out. When''s the meeting? I want to come along."


    "The Guild Leader''s secretary said that he''s free all morning, and more than happy to see you." Kyle speaks up.


    "Good, we can go after you''re done over there. I''ll see you when you get back." She hangs up.


    I finished installing the appliances after that. Jessa giving me her profuse thanks the whole time, especially when I promised to give her one of the first sewing machines.


    ***

 # 72

    "Are you sure it was wise to bring Mittens along?" I ask Amelia as we enter the Guild Building. "He hasn''t completely settled down yet."


    "He should be fine." Apricot answers for her. "As long as no one casts any spells on him, it won''t be a problem."


    "And, thank you for jinxing us." I sigh and shake my head before walking up to the reception counter. "Hello Claire, hi Hana, hi Damita, and thanks again for that transmission idea. We''re here to see Stanwood." I can feel Amelia purse her lips as I greet the receptionist. She went so far as to deliver the bunny girl''s bonus personally after we got back from dealing with the worm, she''s so cute when she gets jealous.


    "Hello, he''s waiting to see you." Claire takes the lead. "But before you head up, I''ve gotta know when your next party is going to be." She asks and the other two receptionists lean closer while perking up their ears.


    "Sorry, but things are going to be kinda busy for the foreseeable future." I give her a rueful smile. "The Crown has given me several tasks, and I''ve got a lot of plans that I''ve been meaning to get to, but just haven''t had the chance to implement yet. ...Hmm? How about I bring over some of the extra Rune games for the lounge? But, don''t tell Stanwood I said that, I might need it as leverage." My smile changes from rueful to wry.


    "Hahaha, my lips are sealed. Mind if I ask what the meeting is about?"


    "Had an idea to help out the Mages on Rune charging duty. I don''t want to say anything more than that before I talk to him though."


    "Well, you''ll have my thanks if you can get some of the mopey ones to quit whining about how boring it is." She laughs and waves us up the stairs.


    A short flight of stairs later and the Guild Leader''s voice greets us. "Sorrel, Amelia, Apricot, come on in." Stanwood had his door open and gestured us in from his desk as soon as we entered the outer office.


    "Good morning, thanks for seeing us." We all take a seat across from him.


    "No, thank you. I''m sure whatever it is will be worth my time. That and anything is better than paperwork." He chuckles.


    "Yeah, anything''s better than paperwork." I nod, and get down to business. "So, I just came up with an idea to automate Rune charging and wanted to see what you think." I retrieve the prototype that I built on the way over. "With this people can just deposit their coin and have their Runes filled up."


    "Interesting." He strokes his chin. "But, most people sign up for charging plans where they pay a set fee for the month or year, and can get their Runes charged as they like."


    "Okay, I''ve already worked out how to track how much each Awakened contributes, I can repurpose that, maybe add in a fingerprint scanner..." I trail off as I work it out in my head. "Yeah, I can track all that like how I keep the high-scores on the Rune games, but I really need to finish that data storage rune, it would simplify things immensely."


    "How did you plan to track contribution?" He tilts his head to the side.


    "Oh, I built a Mana meter." I display the Rune Diagram on his desk. "They would just select their name, and then it would mark down how many cubic millimeters worth of Mana Stones they''ve filled. It''s also a one way Mana valve, so they could just carry around empty Mana Stones to fill in their spare time."


    "That, wow." He examines the diagram for the Mage side of the charging station. "Mind if I call Deluca in on this?"


    "Not at all." I shake my head. "Here''s a paper copy of the diagram and you can keep the prototype. It''ll take me a while to add in all the tracking functions. But, until then I can just add in a manual override that a receptionist can activate."


    He then sends his secretary to get us tea and ask Deluca to join us. She arrives a few minutes later.


    "Sorrel. How have you broken enchanting this time." She says with a smile.


    "Nothing so grand this time." I chuckle. "I just came up with an automated Rune charging station because I want to sell a cheaper version of the phone. But, the design can also work with any enchantment."


    "Meaning I won''t have to listen to my enchanters moan about getting stuck on charging duty anymore." She laughs. "You even have a way to measure how much they contribute?"


    "Yes, based on cubic millimeters of Mana Stones filled." I materialize a length of Mana Conduit. "I developed the Mana meter after I made this stuff and thought about how to charge people for mana drawn from it."


    "Is that the Conduit you''ll be running to Riverton?" Stanwood peers closer at the cable, so I hand it over.


    "Yeah, it''s basically just a flexible Mana Stone." I say, not wanting to give away all my secrets. "There doesn''t seem to be any Mana loss, at least not over the distances I''ve tested so far."


    "Could I get some of that to play around with?" Deluca asks with a shine in her eyes.


    "Sure." I shrug, and chop the loop that Stanwood is holding into various lengths. "The insides of the cable are a bit hard to work with directly, so that''s why I cap each length with tiny Mana Stones."


    "I don''t think I even want to know how you made this." The Guild Leader shakes his head and passes the cables to Deluca.


    "This isn''t going to set you back is it?" She looks worried.


    "I still need to make over nine-hundred kilometers." I say with a rueful smile. "This doesn''t even count as a drop in that bucket."The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Alright." Stanwood claps his hands together. "I don''t see any problem with this, let me talk with Tobie first though, he''s in charge of that department. But, I can''t see him saying no, he has to deal with more complaints than anyone else."


    "That''s fine, I''ll be busy making more conduit and dealing with a few other minor tasks for the next little while anyways. So, take your time. Also, I''m happy to accommodate any design changes or ideas he or you two might have."


    I''m about to end the conversation when one more thought pops up.


    "And, aside from the Magnet Mana I''ll be providing, I don''t need any profits. Just being able to sell phones to more people will make setting up these stations more than worth it. But, if someone wants conduit run to their home or business... Well, that''s another matter entirely."


    "I''ll turn you into a merchant yet." Amelia crows from beside me.


    "Speaking in that vein." Deluca says with a hint of the same glint to her eyes that Amelia get''s when she''s dealing with coin. "Do you know what this could do for the Runestone market?" She holds up the conduit. "Especially if you run lines to cities other than Riverton."


    "Good point." I nod to the enchanter. "You should probably have your team start stockpiling basic Runes to sell in Riverton. I''m running the conduit for military matters, but there''s no reason not to tack on a little side venture."


    "And, you said you didn''t have anything grand in mind." The smile Amelia gives me is more than worth any extra hassle it might cause.


    "Any other sweeping changes you wish to implement today?" Stanwood half jokes.


    "No, but I thought I''d offer some of the duplicate Rune games from the party for the lounges here." I''d almost forgotten what I''d said to Claire. "So, if a mage could come pick them up, that would be nice. They''re just taking up space in the basement right now."


    "Thank you, I''m sure that''ll make a lot of people happy. I''ll send a courier over later." He sighs and looks at the paperwork on his desk. "Well, if there''s nothing else, I really should get back to this."


    "Thank you for seeing us, and sorry if it added more to your work load." We get up and head back down stairs after that.


    "I don''t see why you don''t just provide all the Mana yourself." Apricot says once we''re alone. "Just set up collectors near the tree, or find a way to convert all that Fire Mana the arc reactor makes."


    "And, annoy half the guild over pocket change?" I snort. "No thanks. Besides, I don''t really want to waste the time on it, I''ve got more important things to deal with."


    "Ah, that''s a fair point." Her orange mop bounces up and down as she nods


    "The extra ambient Mana is already starting to lower the price anyways." Amelia adds. "Last time I was here, I learned about some Mages that were starting to undercut the Guild rates. Apparently there''s always been a few that set up their own side business, but the number has been growing since the Well appeared."


    "Hard to maintain a true Monopoly when any Awakened can carve out a piece of that pie." I say as we head out the front door.


    "Hi, Abby." Amelia greets the Fire Mage who''s heading in just as we''re leaving.


    "Oh, hi guys." She looks up at us. "What are you three doing here?"


    "Sorrel just changed the world of enchanting again." Apricot says matter-of-factly. "How about you?"


    "Oh, just visiting the library. I''m already level three, and feel like if I master a few more spells I can hit four soon." I can see a hint of fire in her eyes. "So, I heard that your... thing was going well." She says to Amelia


    "Is this her secret project?" I ask with an amused smirk on my face.


    "Yes, and you''ll find out what it is... when it''s ready." She gives Abigail a pointed look.


    "Would you look at the time." The Fire Mage says nervously. "Sorry, but I really must run." She slips inside like the hounds of hell are after her.


    "Hahahaha." Apricot cracks up, while I just smile and shake my head at Amelia''s silliness.


    "Come on." I put my arms around them. "Let''s go home and make a few thousand suits of armor."


    "You go ahead, I was going to-"


    "Check on your secret project." She frowns when I say what she really meant. "You want the car, or should I give you my motorcycle?"


    "Why don''t I keep one of those in my inventory?" Her frown goes away as quick as it came.


    "Too busy hiding secrets in there." Apricot teases her and giggles.


    "Mittens prefers the car, thanks." She ignores her wife while petting the cat''s invisible head.


    "Come on Sorrel." The pixie grabs my arm. "I want something rumbly between my thighs."


    "Alright." I drop the bike onto the street in front of us. "Have fun with your little project." I give Amelia a quick kiss. "I love you, stay safe."


    "Love you too." She kisses me back. "Love you Sweetie." She gives Apricot the same treatment.


    ***


    "How''s it going?" Amelia says with a laugh when she gets home and sees Apricot dancing around in a chainmaille bikini next to a small, but steadily growing mountain of hauberks, a large rapidly emptying spool of steel wire, a smaller but growing spool of conduit, and me staring at a large cube made up of over sixteen-million glowing dots.


    "Good." I blink and look up at her with a smile on my face. "Very good actually. I finally got that expanding array sorted out." The cube goes from two-hundred-fifty-six dots on an edge to half that, and half again, before returning back to how it started. "I just give it the dimensions, what factor of two to use, and then it does the hard work for me."


    "I thought you were going to use magnets or something." She tilts her head to the side and stares at the lights.


    "Yeah, this is just to help me think. I still to make a file handler that can keep track of where everything is stored. And then, I''ll change the array from making light to reading and changing magnetic polarity." I disable the Rune. "But, you look like your little project must have panned out."


    "Did everything finally come in?" Apricot dances over to Amelia with a twinkle in her eye.


    "It did." She smiles at me and takes out a crate from her inventory. "Surprise baby. After you got so happy about the rubber trees I sent messenger birds out to all the ports in range asking mage couriers to collect seeds, or cuttings from any strange, interesting, or useful plants. The last of them arrived yesterday."


    "Oh, Amelia. Thank you." My eyes start tearing up and I have to blink to clear my vision. "This is the best, you''re the best."


    "I have more boxes too, but it''s crowded in here as it is. I''m sure there''s going to a lot of duplicates, but I wanted to do something special for you."


    "There''s dozens of new plants in there, including a few I''ve been hoping to get my hands on. And, I can sense one that seems to have a magical component like the coffee and cocoa." I focus in on the small round fruit trying to puzzle out what it does. "Hmm? I think it might have some sort of preservative effect. That could be very useful if I can adapt it to other perishables."


    "I knew you''d love it." She smiles and I pull her and Apricot into a hug.


    "I do, now let me see the rest." I say causing her to giggle. "Ooh, prickly pear, and it''s got some cochineal on it. That''s the bugs that carmine pigment comes from." I add after seeing her quizzical look.


    "Oh, I never knew that came from bugs." She raises an eyebrow. "But, we didn''t deal with it a lot. One of daddy''s rivals had a connection with the source, and usually got the shipments."


    "Well, hopefully I can cultivate them. It''ll give me a chance to stretch the non-plant areas of my Nature Magic." I transfer the crates into my inventory one by one as she brings them out. "Ooh, here''s another magic one. Hahaha. It''s one of the ingredients from those potions."


    "The hair growth ones?" Apricot laughs. "You were so excited for those too."


    "Oh well, I''m sure it has more than one use. And, seeing more examples of magic plants might help me grow my own." The glowing moss for the yard is as far into that as I''ve explored so far.


    All in all, it was very lucrative haul, especially considering the last new plants I''ve seen were a few sticker bush seeds I pulled from the assassin''s dirty laundry.


    "Thank you for all this." I hug and kiss her again.


    ***

 # 73

    "That is a lot of armor." Amelia says when she comes out to the courtyard to get me for dinner. "Do they all have different flowers on them? ...Of course they do." She rolls her eyes when I just grin.


    I''d finished off the chainmaille earlier, and decided to work on the plate armor next. One-thousand suits of armor take up quite a bit of space, even with all the extra bits shoved inside the torso. That''s why I came out here after quickly filling the room I was working in.


    "Yes it is a lot of armor." I say while finishing up the one I''m working on. "There''s another few dozen of these to go, and then I''ve still got the scalemaille, and gambesons to make. But, at least the conduit is coming along nicely." I pat the spool next to me. Focusing on it is the reason I haven''t blazed through all the armor and then some. "Think I''ve got a good plan for the file handler too."


    "I knew getting those plants for you would be worth it." She puts her arm around my waist when I walk over. "I left standing orders with those couriers to keep their eyes out for anything new. So, a few more things are sure to trickle in, in the future."


    "You really are the best." I return her hug. "How ever did you get Apricot to keep the secret?"


    "She was happy to keep it, she wanted to surprise you too."


    "I told her all we had to do was wear those bunny-girl outfits." Apricot says with a teasing smirk. "But, she wanted something special."


    "I told you not every gift has to end in the bedroom." Amelia says and pulls her in for a kiss. "Now, come on. Dinner''s going to get cold."


    ...


    "That was great, babe." I say after we finish up. Her parents¡¯ and Apricot murmuring their appreciation along with me. "You want anything special for desert?"


    "Oh, just some ice cream is fine." She says and the others quickly agree.


    "Butter pecan?" I ask after her favorite?


    "Yes, please." She answers, and the other three give their selections at the same time. "Raspberry sorbet, if you don''t mind." - "Pistachio, please." - "That peanut-butter cup one."


    I whip them up real quick and add a bowl of mint-chocolate for myself, with a couple of the frozen peanut-butter cups on the side.


    "You''ve got that look again." Apricot says around a spoonful of peanut-buttery goodness.


    "Yeah." I say while staring at the frozen snack in my hand. "The magical fruit got me thinking about preserving foods earlier, and the peanut-butter just now made me remember that it was used to feed soldiers."


    "You planning to make ice-cream for the army?" She laughs.


    "Hahah, no." I shake my head. "But, I am thinking of long term food storage. We don''t have the steel to waste on canning foods in actual cans, and glass breaks too easily. But, if I line wood with a thin layer of silicone, like so." I demonstrate. "Then I can fill it up, cook the food with magic, and seal it tight." I demonstrate with some green beans in a rectangular box with a thin score line where someone can easily use a knife to open it.


    "You should bring that up with the General when you see him." Turner says and leans over to pick up the box. "How long will these last?"


    "A few years, the same as canning it in a jar. As long as the wood doesn''t break, that is." I used the modified stuff to make that less likely, but wood is still wood. "I might be able to stretch that out longer after I have a good look at the fruit Amelia got for me." I dig it out of the box it came in.


    "Oh? Your couriers all came in?" Her mother asks.


    "Yeah, the last one arrived yesterday." She nods with a smile. "Thanks again for giving me all those contacts."


    ***


    "Finally! I''ve got it." I exclaim.


    "Is ''it'' a giant pile of laundry?" Amelia snorts while looking up from her book.


    I finished the plate and scale armors last night after dinner last night, and have been working on the gambesons all morning.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "That too, yes." I chuckle and bind up the latest batch before floating it next to all the others. "But, I meant the latest part of the file handler for the data Rune. I was having a bit of trouble adapting the simple one I used for the image takers to use the array."


    "So, it''s almost done then?" She seems more interested in her book than my adventure in enchanting.


    "The hardware side, yes." I heave out a sigh of relief. "Now, I need to finish up the data structure, and then it''s just a bunch of math, really. Working out how to digitize pictures, music, and movies, etcetera."


    "That''s that ones and zeroes thing, right? Well, good luck with it." She sends me a wry smile. "I kinda understand counting the high scores for the games, but you made my head spin last time when you were trying to explain doing the same for books."


    "At least you were able to stay awake." Apricot lets out a fake snore that''s loud enough to startle Mittens. "The enchanting stuff is fun, but every time you get into the really technical side of things I just feel my eyes slipping closed."


    "If it weren''t for the fun of working out the puzzle, I''d be right there with you." I tell her seriously. "Truthfully, I''m probably going to switch to another project as soon as I get the basics done. I just wanted to get the tracking system working for the Rune chargers. And besides, if I wasn''t doing something to keep my brain active I''d never be able to finish up all these, or this." I gesture to the armor, and the steadily filling spool of conduit.


    "Just wait until you have to do ten times that number." She smirks at me before going back to her movie.


    "Gee, thanks for that reminder." I sigh and go back to working on the file table.


    I''m sure some future nerd will call what I''m doing a horrible hack job, but fuck them. I need something that just works and is simple and easy enough to understand. It''s not perfect, but it makes sense to me.


    Once I have it working how it should, I start switching from using different colored lights to manipulating magnetic fields. The read speeds are blazing fast, but writing is a bit slower than I''d like. I should be able to parallelize that function in the future, but it''s still more than enough for now.


    Now that I have the basic two megabyte array working on a cubic centimeter magnet. I try scaling it up to see how far the array can go. I couldn''t do this while using light because it chewed through Mana like crazy. But now, it doesn''t have to support millions of lights, and will only use Mana for reading and writing.


    Since it''s a cube, every step increase to the array provides eight-fold the previous level''s storage. I keep checking as the storage grows, and the first thing I notice is that the write speeds keep increasing. It takes me a second to figure it out, but I finally understood that as the dots grew smaller, they had less metal to affect and were able to do so quicker.


    This thing works even better than I could have imagined, and is only one step away from the exabyte range before errors start showing up. I dial it back a couple steps to ''only'' two petabytes just to be safe, and start a rigorous suite of tests.


    Most of the day passed in a haze of enchanting, armor making, and conduit crafting. It''s late afternoon before I''m sure that the data Rune is fully stable. And fortunately, all the armor is done too. I still have over a hundred kilometers of conduit to make, but two out of three ain''t bad.


    "It''s done." I announce. "And in typical me fashion, I kinda, maybe, sorta overdid it... just a little, itty-bitty, teensy bit."


    "Uh huh." Amelia dead pans. "You might as well just tell us so we can pretend to be surprised." She snarks.


    "Hahaha." Apricot giggles. "Oh, she got you good there."


    "Yeah, yeah." I roll my eyes, but smile all the same. "Okay, so that first cube you saw had two-hundred-fifty-six dot per edge, over sixty-five-thousand on a side, and sixteen-plus-million in total. And, all that would have held like four books."


    "Hah!" Apricot barks out another laugh. "And, here I though regular Plantkin were weird. But, you take the cake and multiply it by really big numbers."


    "Moving on." I fight not to roll my eyes again. "The final version has over two-hundred-sixty-thousand per edge, and uh... eighteen-quadrillion in total. That''s around four-and-a-half-trillion books."


    "Why?" Amelia says with a blank face.


    "I wasn''t planning to, didn''t even think it could go that far." I shrug. "It actually went a bit further, but I dialed it back a couple steps after some errors started showing up. Not sure if that was the Rune, or the magnet though. Things were getting kinda small by that point."


    "So, what are you going to do with it?" She asks with a sigh.


    "No idea." I shrug again with a stupid grin on my face. "I could have done the tracking for the Rune chargers with the original cube. I''ll probably end up filling it all with movies or something." I have no idea how video compression works, and only the barest inkling about picture codecs. "But, for now it''s going in my inventory, so I can forget about it."


    "What''s next then?"


    "Food. No, not dinner." I say after Apricot perks up. "It''s still a bit early for that. I thought I''d try out a few different canning recipes, and mess around with that fruit a bit."


    "You know we could probably sell those boxed foods too." Her inner merchant peeks it''s head out again.


    "Add it to the list for when you take over the mercantile world." I tease.


    "Daddy''s got that well in hand for now. I''m happy relaxing and practicing magic. There''s some really interesting Light spells in all those books you copied from the guild."


    "Well, I promise as soon as I feel Larendath won''t crumble the minute we leave." I say with a slightly forced laugh. "Then we will go travelling and collect as many more books as we can find." I haven''t forgotten about her walking the path of the Archmage either, but Apricot still tends to close up whenever other Fae are mentioned, so I try not to mention it.


    "You don''t have to carry the whole country around on your shoulders, you know?" She sighs. "I know you feel it''s your responsibility, but if you ever want to leave it all, you only have to say so."


    "I know, but it''s not just about me feeling responsible, not anymore." I say with fire in my eyes. "This is my home now, and I''m willing to fight for it."


    ***

 # 74

    "Good morning Oliver." I say after the Court Wizard answers the phone. "I''ve finished all that armor, and I''ve come up with another nice surprise for the General."


    "That is excellent to hear." He says, his good mood evident in his tone. "Would you mind coming over this morning?"


    "Sure, I can head over now. I''ll see you in a bit." I say before disconnecting.


    After letting the girls know what I''m up to, I fill my inventory and hop on a motorcycle for a quick ride up to the castle.


    "Hello General." I store my motorcycle and greet the military man who''s waiting out front for me. "How are you enjoying the new vehicles?"


    "Quite well, especially now that the men I assigned to testing them aren''t crashing every five minutes." He snorts out a wry laugh. "Come on around to the armory and you can offload all the armor."


    "Thanks, just the plate alone is taking up half my inventory." I nod and follow him around to a side building. "I mostly went off of the guardsmen''s body types, but everything is also somewhat adjustable. So, you should be able to find something for everyone."


    "Thank you, I should have specified that." He nods before signaling for a couple squads of men that he had waiting at the armory to come over. "If you could just place everything here, then my men will handle putting it away."


    I start laying out cubic meter sized bundles of armor; there''s over forty bundles of the softer armors combined, and almost twice that number from just the full plate suits. Each of those are wrapped in an oiled linen bag and then bundled together by the dozen. By the time I''m done, the courtyard looks to be filled with cloth wrapped torsos and giant laundry bags. And, I don''t envy the poor bastards that will have to shelve everything.


    "Thank you." He gives me a slight bow once I finish and turn to him. "Oliver said that you also had a surprise for me."


    "Yes." I materialize a large box next to us before opening it to reveal dozens of smaller boxes inside. "It''s said that an army marches on its stomach, and I''m sure that your limited number of mages have better things to do than hauling food about." I grab a small ''can'' that reads olives in a darker colored wood, and slice it open.


    "These are lined with a thin layer of soft glass, and will last just as long as any food canned in a jar." I explain and pop a couple black olives in my mouth, just because Amelia doesn''t care for them doesn''t mean that I don''t. "And, once it''s empty the ''jar'' can simply be tossed in the fire." I hand him the olives.


    "What do you need to make this soft glass?" He asks while tapping the wood with a fingernail.


    "Dirt and magic, same as the food inside." I chuckle at his reaction to my glib response. "Sand or stone will work better, but silica is nearly everywhere."


    "And, how of much of this can you provide?" He seems afraid to get his hopes up.


    "If I channel the Power from the Mana Well, I can make enough in a day to feed the entire capital for a month." I''m so glad that my guess about higher physical stats helping with Mana burn was right; otherwise it would take me nearly a week.


    "You are a logistical godssend." The laughter that escapes from his lips is filled with glee. "That''s more than enough to feed a large army for a year. Let''s go tell Her Majesty about this, and then we can talk vehicles."


    We do just that, and Vivian and Oliver are suitably impressed, but they''ve had more dealings with me and aren''t quite as blown away as Sauer. It only takes a couple minutes before the talks turns to troop transports.


    "I''m happy with all the options you provided." The General says. "The large truck and light motorcycle especially. But, I was hoping you could add a forward shield to the bikes. And, make something in-between the two cars, I don''t think the armor is needed on the large one."


    "That''s easy enough." I build a wooden model of an open top Humvee with a tarp that can be attached to roll bars. "How''s this? It''s not much heavier than the Jeep, but you can still cram a whole squad in there if you need to."


    "That looks perfect." He picks up the model and examines it. "Okay, can we get fifty of the large trucks, two-hundred-fifty of these and a thousand motorcycles and bicycles?"


    "Not over night." I joke. "But, yeah. There should be enough iron for that many. Will it be alright if I add some security to these?" I mention this because I''ve been worried about what happens when the other side gets a hold of one. "I have a few ideas on how to keep them out of enemy hands."


    "Such as?" Oliver lifts an eyebrow.


    "Well, a key, first and foremost." I chuckle. "Right now, anyone that wants to can hop in and drive away with the push of a button." I also plan to add to the key some special functions like the nfc thing modern cars have.


    "Yes, that would be a good start." Vivian''s laugh fills the room.


    "I''d also like to put obscuring Runes on the engine." I should have done this from the start, but I wasn''t thinking about having to keep it away from people when I first built the rocket. "This one may already be too late, but better late than never."


    "I think you underestimate just how difficult it is to understand, let alone copy your Runes." Oliver is the one to laugh this time. "But, yes. There''s no reason to leave it out in the open where anyone can see it. Anything else?"


    "Some sort of dead man switch, timer, or remote trigger to destroy the engine." I should be able to tie this into the phone towers, but can always just make a high powered transmitter for it. "I could probably come up with more, but nothing''s perfect and I think anything more than these would just be a waste of time. If they really want to, they''re going to get their hands on the design one way or another. This will just make them have to work for it a bit."


    "The remote trigger, yes." Sauer speaks up. "The other two will likely just cost us vehicles needlessly."


    "Okay." I nod. "Is there any order I should work on the vehicles? I brought enough steel that I can make the bicycles before I leave, if you want." After all, Momma always said ''never leave home without a cubic meter of high-grade steel''.


    "Oh, that''s going to be fun to watch." Oliver snorts. "A thousand soldiers falling on their asses. But, seriously. It doesn''t matter what you make first if we don''t have the conduit set up to charge them. How is that coming?"


    "It''s tedious and time consuming, but not very draining. So, I was able to work on it at the same time as the armor and now have enough to reach Riverton." I materialize a large spool with a hundred kilometers of Mana conduit. "I''ve got ten more of these at home."


    "When do you plan to make the run?" He fingers the loose end of the cable. "And, how goes the plans for your charging stations?"


    "Good, I had a breakthrough on the data storage Rune while working on all this. There''s still a lot of work to do, but that was the biggest hurdle." A couple computer science courses would really be useful right now, but I should be able to muddle through. "As for when, that depends on how quickly I can develop a few things. I''m sure Kyle, and Rea have told you about the appliances and plans for Arcadia."Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    "We''re most interested in your ideas for healers." Vivian leans forward. "Do you think you''ll be able to have any of them ready before spring?"


    "That''s the plan. But, I still need to build the runes, develop some medicines, find good people, then train them. And, that''s on top of everything else on my plate." I heave out a sigh. "It seems like every time I check one thing off of my list, two more pop up."


    "You''re not alone." She tells me seriously. "If you ever need anything, you have but to ask."


    "Thank you." I bow my head to her. "And, I do know that. I plan to ask for some qualified healers later on, but most of what I''m working on is stuff like this conduit or Runes that only I make. Though." I pause as one thing I can pass off pops into my head.


    "After Jessa gave me the idea for a sewing machine, I came up with several other power tools that could be powered by the engines." I quickly sketch out plans for some industrial devices. "I''m sure it''s only a matter of time before some enterprising soldier will end up ripping the guts out of a car or bike and using it instead of a windmill. But, I can provide the engines, and you can set a team to building machines from them."


    She takes the plans from my hand and scans through them. "Saws, sanders, grinders, cutters, drills, lathes, a power hammer. Just the wood working tools are invaluable..." She pauses at that.


    "I know." I speak up before she says anything else. "You''ve got earth mages to make swords and what not, but every fletcher and bowyer is working non-stop to outfit the troops. I haven''t changed my mind about making weapons." ''Not yet, at least.'' I can''t help but think. "But, I don''t mind making tools, no matter what they''re used for."


    I''m obviously not opposed to war, otherwise I wouldn''t be doing all that I already am. But, killing, even by proxy is not something I''m ready to deal with.


    "I understand, and it''s alright." She speaks soothingly to me. "You''re already doing more for the country than we have any right to ask."


    "Just trying to keep my family safe."


    ***


    After I made the bikes, I headed back home to get my mind off of war by making a game about worms going to war. It took most of the day to get it all working properly, and I''m just now trying to get the multi-player mode working.


    "I thought you were working on the new game. Why are you messing with the phones again?" Apricot asks after sensing what I''m doing.


    "I''m only sorta working on the phones." I''m actually working on wireless networking so the games can talk to each other. "I''m trying to get the games to send information back and forth, the same way phones send sounds back and forth. But, yes. I do plan to upgrade the phone towers to use something like this in the future to work with the new data Runes."


    "Doesn''t that mean you''ll have to replace the phone relays?"


    "They''d need replacing eventually anyways, and this way I can future proof them a bit more." I shrug. "At least, that''s the long term plan. These actually work with the towers and system I already built. They''re just a bit slower than I''d like because they turn data into sound first. Right now, I''m trying to work out a good protocol for that data that can still be used with the future system I have planned."


    "But, what about the game? Is it done yet?" She gets back to what''s important.


    "Needs a bit of testing still, but yeah." I smile at the excited look on her face, and hand over one of the prototypes. "Here, let me know if you have any issues."


    She squees and plasters me in kisses before taking the game and dancing over to her favorite seat.


    "What about me?" Amelia puts on a fake pout. "You don''t want me to be left behind, do you?"


    "Here." I let out a put-upon sigh and give her the other prototype before making two new ones.


    "Thank you baby, I love you." She leans over and gives me a peck on the cheek.


    I just shake my head and go back to working on the network router. Worms is more than a two player game, but the phones can only connect one at a time. So, they''ll all call one device and it will read and deliver the data packets where they belong. Later on I can tie this directly into the relay towers, but it''ll work for now.


    "Sorrel, how do you use the rope?" Apricot''s already pestering me. "Never mind, I got it."


    It takes me another half hour to get the networking sorted out, I tried to make it simple but still somewhat future-proof. Only time will tell if I did though. But, what I have works, and even routes through multiple relays with seemingly no problems. So, I''m happy.


    "Thank you Temmie, I don''t think I''d ever be able to work this stuff out without you making me smarter." She *Dings* a coy response. "I''m serious, I barely knew how to turn my laptop on before. Now, I''m building hard drives and networks." *Ding* Her typical brazen nature comes back.


    "So, we can all play together now?" Apricot puts her controller down. "Please say it''s all done." She begs.


    "Yes, it''s all done." She flying tackles me straight from her seat. "Just give me a second to copy the changes onto yours." I laugh and try to peel her off so I can focus on what I''m doing. "Now, go into multi-player, select join game, and put in this number. Yours also have numbers for when you host a game." I''ll simplify that later, and maybe add in a matchmaking server, but it works for now.


    The girls and I quickly set our team names, and started a match. Apricot named hers after Tinkerbell and some Disney princesses. Amelia went with the Avengers, likely hoping that Apricot won''t want to go after Thor. While, I just went with worm themed names like Wiggles, Curly, Nightcrawler, Castings, etc.


    "Hey, what are you doing with that bat?" Amelia says after Apricot gets first go. "No! Come on. What did Hawkeye ever do to you?" She gives me her most vulnerable looks. "Sorrel, baby. You''re not going to let her treat me like this are you?"


    "Sorry, babe. But, all things are fair in Love and Worms." It''s my turn now, and I use it to drop an exploding Rune(grenade) at Cap''s feet before jumping away to safety. The explosion was placed perfectly and sent him soaring over a hill and right into the drink.


    "Nooo!" She whines, but Apricot and I laughing our heads off. "Fine, you want to play it that way? Then eat Fireball." She has Iron Man launch a ''Bazooka'' at where Ariel and Castings are right next to each oher. Only, she didn''t take the wind into account and had it fall short right onto Hulk.


    ""Hahahahah."" I thought we were laughing hard before, but when that happened we completely lost it. So much so, that we didn''t even care when our turns ran out.


    "Oh, I''ve got you now." She has Hulk rope up above our worms and drop a big Rune(Dynamite) before setting him on the hill above them. But, he was still inside the blast radius and got knocked off and lost a third of his health. And then, landed next to, and set off an unstable Rune(Landmine) taking off another third.


    "Stop it." I beg in-between gasping out laughs. "You''re going to kill us for real if this keeps up."


    "Arrrgh!" She growls out her frustration.


    We try to take it easy on her after that, but she still lost... horribly. Apricot took the first match, mainly due to hitting me when I was still catching my breath. Kaitlyn and Turner show up right before we start the second round, and Amelia quickly roped them in to try and help her.


    Her dad probably did more harm than good, but her mom was a real terror, and it quickly became a two on two match with Apricot and I trying our best to hold out against them. If not for Turner hurting their worms early on, they would have won. As it was, Apricot was left with only two worms that had a sliver of health each. While I had one with half health, but only because he grabbed a couple health crates early on. After the mother and daughter team were defeated Apricot and I grouped up and went out together with a bang.


    *Ding**Ding**Ding* My phone goes off right afterwards.


    "Hey Lan. What''s up?" I greet the foreign mage.


    "Sorrel, I hope I''m not disturbing you." His accent is already much lessened even after just a few days. "I just wanted to warn you that I may have let slip to Oliver that you have Mana Mastery already. He seemed a bit surprised when I said it."


    "Oh, that''s no big deal. I''m sure they would have figured it out soon enough anyways." Likely as soon as they tore down one of the vehicles I''m about to deliver. "I was just trying not to stand out anymore than I already do, most of the Awakened around here don''t even have Control yet."


    "Truly?" He seems a bit shocked by that. "We don''t even consider a Mage to be a Mage unless they''ve ranked Mana Manipulation up into Control."


    "I''m guessing that you''ve mostly been speaking with Oliver and maybe Devlen." He mostly spoke with Oliver at the party, but chatted with Devlen for a bit too. "They''re the two strongest mages in the capital, and probably top three in the country." Nev was around the same level as Devlen, maybe a little higher. Most of the ''elites'' are only level fifteen, with nearly everyone else being around five.


    "You''re right. I have been mostly speaking with Oliver. I suppose I just didn''t think about it, with that tree of yours putting out Mana like it is, the ambient levels are nearly the same as back home."


    "Yeah, culture shock can be like that."


    "Culture shock? Yes, that''s a good term for it." He pauses for a moment. "Since I have you on the phone. Is there any chance I could buy some of those Rune games of yours? I tried visiting the Guild when I heard you gave them some, but the lines were crazy."


    "Sure, I just finished a new one, and could use another tester. Why don''t you come over? I was going to make dinner in a bit, and it''s no trouble to add an extra plate."


    "Thank you, I''ll head over now." He disconnects.


    ***

 # 75

    "Thank you, that was delicious." Lan says, patting his belly.


    "You''re welcome. Now, are you ready to get your butt kicked by Amelia''s mom?" We played another match before he got here, and she wiped us all out.


    "I got lucky in that last round." She says with false modesty. "I went first and a bunch of you were all grouped together near the water." Turner actually went first, but accidentally jumped his worm off of a cliff.


    I give Lan a console and controller, and the first thing he does is laugh at the title of the Game. "Worms? Really?"


    "You fight a kilometer long worm and it kinda sticks with you." I let a few laughs of my own slip out.


    I show him how it works, how to connect to the match, and we soon start playing. The girls and I all team up against Kaitlyn forcing her to use up all her blowtorches and girders trying to protect her worms. Meanwhile Lan and Turner are taking turns killing off their own teams. I won in the end, but only because Apricot sacrificed one of her worms to kill off the last of Kaitlyn¡¯s team.


    "Oh, that was fun." Lan laughs after my victory. "I''m absolutely terrible at it, but that was fun. I know you''re set for gold, so is there anything else I can offer as payment?"


    "Oh, I don''t suppose you have any [neodymium]?" I ask only for him to shake his head. "Hmm, how about some [chromium]?" I know it''s used for stainless steel, but haven''t found enough to even start working out the alloy percentages.


    "Not on its own, but I''m guessing this is what you want it for." He takes out a good sized cube of stainless.


    "That it is, and it saves me from having to figure out the recipe." I Identify the alloy and am still amazed every time I use it at the level of detail I get now. "If you''re willing to part with all of it, I can give you a copy of all the games. And hells, I''ll even throw in a dirt bike and let you use the racetrack I set up just outside the city." I''m being generous, but who knows when I''ll find another source. And, I kinda feel bad for taking advantage of him before.


    "Is it really that valuable?" Turner asks with wide eyes.


    "Only because I don''t have a source for it." I say honestly. "Adding chromium to steel makes it harder and very nearly rust proof. It''s not a big issue now, but if I want to do something on the ocean later..." I trail off as I see that he understands.


    "You''ve got a deal." Lan says with a smile at the deal he just got and floats the metal over to me.


    "Too bad we don''t have a wider market for these games." Turner sighs at the thought of lost revenue.


    "Who says we don''t?" I scoff. He wouldn''t be saying that if only he knew about the coin shortage caused by Space Invaders. "I can change the game so that it costs a copper per game, then we lease them out to taverns for a cut. That, or we can start a game parlor of our own where people can come to play."


    "Heheheh." Apricot starts giggling at the expressions that show on all three of the merchant''s faces. "I thought she was supposed to be the coin-monger in this relationship."


    "Hey." Amelia shoots her wife a dirty look. "We''ve been busy with the chocolate and working up a plan for the phones." She tries to defend herself, but I can tell that she feels ashamed for not even thinking about this possibility.


    "Don''t worry, baby." I pat her on the shoulder. "You can figure out how to get even more rich on whatever my next invention turns out to be. Why don''t you all play another round while I build this stuff for Lan. Do you want separate Runes, or an all-in-one box?"


    "All in one, if it''s not too much hassle." He says politely. "Will it still be able to connect to others like this one?"


    "Yes..." I trail off as I think about multiplayer modes on the other games. "Hmm? Tetris will be easy enough... The network should handle Pong and Warlords, but I''ll have to test the latency."


    "Uh-oh." Apricot says. "That''s his thinking voice. We might as well start playing he''s going to be at it for a while."


    I was, it took me a good hour to finish everything up. But, only because took the time to add a matchmaking and high score service to the router. The latency was more than low enough, but everything is connected to the same phone tower right now. So, I added some basic netcode to future-proof it.


    I wait until they finish their latest game before speaking up. "All done." I announce after Lan finally wins a game. Turner though, he somehow seems to have gotten worse.


    "Me first this time." Amelia declares.


    "Not much change to Worms." I say and update all the games, starting with hers. "But, if you go into multiplayer, there''s now a lobby where you can pick a game to join instead of having to know what number to call."


    "Can I play with someone on the same device like the Warlords game?" Lan asks.


    "Yeah, just pick the ''host local game'' option and give them a controller." I show him the carrying case for the Rune, where I included four controllers. "You can have more than four players too, but they''ll have to swap controllers."


    "And the other games you were muttering about?" This question comes from Apricot.


    "I added the same lobby function to them too, along with a high-score leader board for all the single player games." I reply. "And, yes I''ll update your watches later." I add before she can even open her mouth.


    "You need to make a trip to the guild and update all those games there, maybe also leave a copy or two of Worms." I can tell that she just wants to do that so she can crush all their high scores.


    "Yeah, I''ll do the ones at the castle too." I answer before turning to the Rialtas. "And, once I finish up the charging stations you three can work out how to sell more along with the phones. Are you going to sell through an existing store, or hire someone to start our own?"This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    "Good question." Amelia nods. "The chocolate made more sense to sell through other people, but with all the enchanted stuff you''re making it would probably be worth it to have our own storefront."


    "I''ll leave it up to you to decide." I smile at my merchant. "I''ll probably have the charging stations done by the time we get back from Riverton, you two still good with leaving the day after tomorrow?"


    "Yeah, we should get it done as soon as possible." She turns serious. "If that wind from the other day is any indication, then the weather will be turning with the season soon. And, even with Magic, I don''t want to be caught out in a storm."


    "Good point, especially since we won''t just be rushing there and back this time." Just laying the conduit will slow us down, and then I want to take a day or two to build the new village.


    "Are you going to be putting down that conduit that Oliver was talking about?" Lan asks. "Mind if I take a look at it?"


    "Not at all." I hand him a small loop. "You''re probably the only other person in this part of the world that can even make it, though yours would be tied to just Fire and Earth like your Mana Stones and Gems."


    "Ooh, that is neat work." He says after focusing his magical senses onto the cable. "And, you''re right, I don''t see anyone short of a Master being able to reproduce it." He materializes a block of graphite and starts trying to make his own.


    "It helps if you do the core first, that gives you something to wrap the rest around." I offer up a bit of advice.


    "Oh? Yes, that''s much easier. Thank you." He quickly gets the hang of it. "I may have to steal this idea for Freraskir once I go back. We just had collection Runes at the Mana Wells feeding giant Mana Gems which apprentices would be responsible for transporting to and from the cities'' designated charging areas. This would make that whole process so much easier."


    "That''s the idea." I nod. "Now, who''s up for another game?"


    "Oh, just one more for me." Lan begs off. "Oliver got me an appointment with a housing agent early tomorrow. I''m going to be here for a while anyways, and I''m tired of living out of an inn."


    "Don''t blame you, there. Never feels right sleeping in someone else''s bed."


    "Yeah, I mostly just want some room to stretch out and throw some magic around if I want to. May copy your race track idea too. These Rune games are fun, but sometimes you just have to move your body about."


    "Yeah, you do." Apricot grins devilishly, causing Lan to blush. "Hahahah." Her laughs and Temmie''s *Dings* ring out at his embarrassed look, which only makes him blush harder.


    ***


    The next day has me building and enchanting vehicle after vehicle while working on a better concealment rune. I''ve been meaning to upgrade the ones at the palace anyways, and this gives me a good chance to work on it.


    Those ones just use Dark Mana to hide everything, and eat up any detection spells that pass their boundary. But, they''re also somewhat rigid, like most Runes, and can be bypassed with enough skill. There is no such thing as perfect security, but I think I can do a step better than just hiding everything.


    I''m going for a three-pronged approach. The outer-most layer shows a false image to detection spells. The one inside that shunts Mana around itself, making it seem as though nothing is actually there. And, the innermost section is a destabilization field designed to degrade any mana that does make it inside.


    "Hey, Apricot." I call out to the pixie who''s laying in a hammock playing Worms. "Mind taking a look at this for me?" I materialize a plate of chocolate chip cookies in the middle of the new Rune''s area of effect.


    "What is it? And why do I smell cookies." She looks up from her game and immediately starts blinking. "What? Why can I not see?" Her eyes filter through the magical spectrum trying to get a better grasp on what''s in front of her. "Ahh, there we go. Wow, nice job!" She compliments my work. "If I didn''t already know you were building a concealment Rune, I would have glanced right past it."


    "Nice." I let a smug smile slip onto my face for a second. "Too bad it''s a hog Mana-wise. I''m going to have to go with a pared down version of the false image for the engines, but if this can fool a pixie, even for a few seconds, then it should be good enough for the reactor, let alone the royal apartments."


    "That''s great, now gimme those cookies." She grabs the plate from me and goes back to her game.


    I just shake my head with a rueful smile on my face before going back to work. I want to get ten percent of the castle''s order done today, and now that I''ve got the concealment Rune done, it''s time to start working on some electric motors and dynamos.


    After setting up some collectors for both Magnet and Electric Mana, I tested out motor designs based on each. Fortunately, electric motors are quite a bit simpler than internal combustion engines. So, it only takes me an hour to get them working, I was then able to hook a dynamo up to an engine and collect more of both types of Mana.


    The pure Magnet Mana motor was more efficient, but also a much more complex enchantment than the Electric based motor. I made a handful of each, and decided to let Oliver and the guild play around with them.


    These are all using simple iron-nickel magnets, as I''ve given up on finding neodymium for now. I should be able to make do without it by adjusting the molecular structure of the iron, nickel, and cobalt that I do have access to. But, that will have to be added to my list of projects for the future, right next to playing around with superconductors.


    After getting those done so quickly, I decided that since I''m building motors, I might as well try a pure Motion Mana based device. I tried a couple of small fly-wheels when I was first designing the Rocket, but I was afraid that it would break free and tear the car apart.


    I''ve got a better handle on the materials, and feel more sure about my enchanting now. So, I try again at a few different scales to get an idea for how to use it best to use it. The efficiency seems to scale with size, which makes me think that this would be best used in place of large mills, or possibly in the trains I want to build once I have enough steel for the tracks.


    Happy with my progress for the day; I finish off the last couple dirt bikes, and look at the sky to see that there''s still an hour before dark.


    "Oliver." I greet the Court Wizard after he answers my call. "I''ve got the first shipment of vehicles ready. Do you want me to bring them up to the castle?"


    "How many were you able to make?"


    "Just a tenth of what the General asked for, but since we''re going to be gone for at least a week, I thought he''d want what he could get his hands on. I also have a couple surprises, a much improved concealment Rune being the one I think you''ll enjoy the most."


    "How much improved?" He asks somewhat skeptically.


    "Good enough to fool Apricot for a few seconds, even when she knew what to look for." The pride shines through in my voice. "I''m using a very pared down version on the vehicles because it draws a lot of Mana, but I can set you up with some big Mana Gems that will last until we get back and I can build some collectors to power everything."


    "Uh..." He draws out the word. "About that."


    "I wasn''t exactly hiding that I had Mastery. -Hells, all you had to do was identify that giant Gem in the basement.- But, I got enough stares when everyone learned that I had Control already. I just didn''t want to see how they''d treat me after learning I ranked it up again so quickly."


    "No, I understood that." He says quickly before continuing in a slightly sheepish voice. "I was hoping you could tell me how you managed it, I''ve been trying for years, decades actually."


    "Fear mostly." I give him the unvarnished truth. "I was so afraid after learning about the upcoming war that I started obsessively pushing myself to do more and be better. I was leveling up Control on a daily basis, usually several times in a day. Until finally, the business with the tree pushed me over the edge."


    "Lan gave a similar answer. Not the fear, but obsession. He said that most people going for Mastery tend to seclude themselves and focus on nothing but magic until they get it." He lets out a deep sigh. "I suppose I''ve just been taking it too easy, happy to live the easy life while still knowing that I was one of the most skilled Mages in this part of the world."


    I don''t know what to say to that, but thankfully he starts up again, keeping me from having to think of something.


    "But, never mind all that. Vivian asks if you could stay and join us for dinner after delivering the vehicles."


    "Sure, just let me tell the girls, and we can head up in a little bit."


    "See you then." He disconnects.


    ***

 # 76

    "Good evening Your Majesty." I greet the Queen with a bow after hopping down from the lead truck of the little convoy I drove over.


    It consists of five big trucks, each carrying twenty dirt bikes, along with twenty-five lightweight Humvees loaded with an assortment of engines and motors. It made for quite the sight, and drew a fair bit of attention on the way over, despite my taking side roads wherever possible.


    "A very good evening indeed." She smiles at the new force multipliers I''ve delivered to her army. I parked them, and set up the conduit in the area that was set aside near the training grounds.


    "Hello Faye." I give the princess a wave as she stares at the cars rolling into place. "Don''t worry, I didn''t forget you either." I materialize a go-cart fit for a princess. "I have some new movies, and a new game for you too." I add, but don''t think she heard me.


    "Mommy?" She stares up at her mother. "Can I? Please." The Princess begs.


    "Just for a little bit dear." Vivian sighs. "It is safe, isn''t it?" She asks me while her daughter runs over to the cart.


    "Of course, Ma''am. The speed is currently limited to a fast jog, and I''ve included Motion Magic enchantments to protect her in case of a crash." I reassure her before showing Faye how to buckle in and make it go.


    "Woo, look at her go." Apricot laughs as the princess starts driving around the courtyard.


    "Hahaha, remind me to make a cart racing game next."


    "Oh, she''s never going to want to get out of that." Vivian says with her own laugh. "So, Oliver mentioned surprises." She prompts.


    "Yes." I float a copy of each engine and motor out from the nearest Humvee. "These are the basic Fire Mana engines. But, these two are magnet based. This one uses a complex Magnet enchantment and this one a simple Electric Rune to generate a magnetic field. The former is more efficient, but the latter is easier to build."


    "They''re much smaller than the others." She comments.


    "Yes, these should work well for smaller jobs than the Fire engines, though they still need some improvement, mostly in the magnets. I just haven''t found the right metal, neodymium, or had enough time to figure out a work-around."


    "I''ve never heard of this neodymium." Oliver says.


    "It''s not so much rare, as geologically isolated." Or, at least that''s how it was back on Dirt. "If alloyed with iron and boron of all things, then it becomes an exceedingly strong magnet." I only know this because my sister got me one of those magnet toys for my birthday one year, and it came with a little information sheet.


    "We''ll keep an eye out for it in the future." He guarantees before turning to the last device. "And, this one?"


    "Pure motion magic." I explain and start it up. "This one seems to get more efficient the larger it goes, and I thought it might be a good replacement for the weak wind... and water mill Runes. Hold on a second, I just thought of something else."


    Amelia laughs nervously and apologizes for me. "Sorry, he tends to get like this when an idea hits."


    I build a quick and dirty air compressor. It''s just a metal tank with a one way valve that the Rune will feed air into until it reaches a set pressure. Attached to the tank is a linen and rubber hose with a simple air valve at the end. A quick test easily raises a puff of dust from the ground.


    "Sorry about that." I say as Oliver clears it away. "If you replace this blower with some sort of an enclosed fan, then it could be used as a high-speed motor. But, I''ll leave the design up to your team."


    "Hah!" Apricot crows. "Look at your face. Didn''t you see him enchant the stuff in the game room?"


    "I was focused on the pool table." He smiles ruefully. "I knew you were fast, but that was less than a minute from idea to completion."


    "It''s just a simple Rune that''s not even fully done." I shrug. "The hard part will be testing out fan designs to find the best one."


    "What more does the rune need?" Vivian asks with a mix of curiosity and humor in her eyes.


    "An on-off switch and a way to adjust the pressure higher or lower. That and a way to pull water from the air before it gets compressed so it doesn''t rust out the tank." I draw the few droplets that have colected inside of it to the end of the hose before blowing a light mist up into the air. "Maybe an automatic shut off if the hose gets cut too, or at least a warning that it''s not pressurizing. And, speaking of the hose, right now it''s just clamped to the blower and the tank, but ideally you''d want some sort of connector, so you can swap out tools, or add extra hose."


    "Anything else?" She laughs.


    "Probably, but that''s all I could come up with off the top of my head." I write the Rune diagram and my ideas out on paper using magic, along with a warning not to use too much pressure or the tank will explode. "Here you go Oliver, you can hand it off to Deluca or whomever else you''ve got working on this stuff."


    "We''re going to need more people if you keep coming up with new Runes like this." It''s his turn to laugh.


    "Speaking of new Runes." I materialize a box with a dozen cases inside, each with the same all-in-one console and four controllers as I gave to Lan. "Here''s some copies of the new game, it''s more multi-player than the others, so I made it so they can talk to each other using the phone relays."


    "Now that you mention the phones." He looks up from examining one of the new controllers. "How many relays do you think it would take to make the phones work throughout Larendath?"


    "Define throughout." I respond. "Do you want every square meter covered, or just the roads and towns? Either way, it''s hard to say beyond ''a lot''. It all depends on the terrain, as hilly and heavily wooded areas will need more relays than flat ground. I needed to place more than twice as many towers heading up north as compared to the run to Riverton."


    "Mhm." He stares off into the distance like he''s thinking of something. "Well, either way, they can wait until after you get back and the rest of the vehicles are completed."The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "That works." I agree. "I''m working on a big update for them too, and need a bit more time to finalize the design anyways."


    "Still seeking perfection?" Vivian chides me slightly.


    "Heheh, no." I laugh and shake my head. "But, they''d be much more useful if they could send more than sound. I took the first step down that road with the new game, but that''s a slow and clunky addition to the existing system. If I re-design it to incorporate that from the ground up, then it should be possible to transmit live movies." Once I figure out how to encode movies into binary that is.


    "We could send an Air Mage up with one and have the commanders see exactly what the enemy is up to." The Queen''s eyes light up at the possibility.


    "Why waste the Mage?" I craft a latex balloon and attach the new camouflage Rune to it. "Just launch a few of these from upwind." I let it go before activating the Rune. My dragonfly golem would actually be perfect for this, but if they want drones, they can build ''em themselves.


    "What?" Oliver snaps his attention to where it disappeared and starts scanning the surrounding area. "Where did it go?"


    "He''s got it floating right above your head." Apricot says with a laugh.


    "No, there''s..." He starts to say but stops after waving his arm right into the balloon. "Uh... How?"


    "That''s the outer layer of the new concealment Rune." I turn it off and move it to his hands. "Though, you could, and probably should use it underneath the darkness Runes you already have."


    "I was still able to track it." Vivian speaks up.


    "This is just the pared down version I made for the engines." I explain. "It only covers the six basic elements in order to conserve Mana. The full Rune covers every type of Magic."


    "Well then, we should get it installed, shouldn''t we?" She says with a relieved smile. My demonstration of how easy it was to access her apartments must have been weighing on her.


    It takes me almost an hour to get the Royal wing and the treasury outfitted with the new Runes. Most of that time was spent fine-tuning the camouflage, and making sure the existing Darkness Runes didn''t interfere.


    "This is fantastic." The Court Wizard crows. "You even included fake servants and guards."


    "They''re on a simple loop, but it should be good enough to fool casual observation." I don''t add that if they''ve got someone doing even that, then they''ve got problems. Their mages have been working on their detection spells, so we''ll just have to hope that it''s enough.


    While I was setting up the Runes, Amelia and Apricot were showing Faye and Vivian how to play the new game. Teasing the princess with it was the only way to get her out of the go-cart.


    "The Runes are all hooked up and running perfectly." I announce to the Queen. "The Gems should last a month, but they''re tied into the conduit, so I can charge them from Riverton if need be."


    "Thank you again Sorrel." The look of gratitude on her face is enough to make me uncomfortable. "Even if we had emptied the entire treasury, it wouldn''t have been enough to hire an enchanter from overseas."


    "You are welcome." I bow my head to her. "I had a good need for the Runes myself, and it would have been foolish not to share them with you." I refer to the nuclear reactor sitting in my basement.


    "Even so, if there is ever anything that We can do for you, then you have but to ask." I don''t know how she does it, but you can clearly tell when she uses the royal ''We''.


    "Thank you Vivian." I give her a more formal bow this time. "So, how do you two like the new game?"


    "I love it!" Faye shouts after blowing up one of her mom''s worms.


    "Yes, it is rather fun." Vivian agrees. "I can see that your trip up north had something of an influence on you."


    "Hard not to be influenced by that great -honking thing." Apricot censors herself just in time.


    "I had started working on a simple slingshot based puzzle game on the way up." I display a simplified version of angry birds. "But afterwards, it morphed into this." I gesture to their game.


    "Well, I can''t wait to see what you come up with next." She says while looking at the projection, but I get the feeling that she''s talking about more than just Rune games.


    Once their game ended we had a lovely dinner, after which Faye talked us all into playing a few more matches with them before it was time for her to go to bed. Vivian thanked us all again, and re-iterated her promise to me before we left for home.


    ***


    "Are you sure you''re willing to leave the reactor behind?" Amelia asks me with a teasing tone the next morning as we''re eating breakfast with her parents.


    "It''s as safe as I can make it." For now. "And, once I make a larger version we won''t be able to haul it around anyways."


    "Just making sure." She says with a smile.


    "Oh, quit teasing the man." Her mom chastises her. "Now, are you three sure that you have everything you''ll need?"


    "Yes, mom." The tone in Amelia''s voice makes me smile. "Even if we forgot something, Sorrel can just make a new one. And besides, we¡¯ll only be gone for a week or two."


    "It''ll be nice to take our time for once." Apricot adds. "Can we have a new rule that says no more driving through the night anymore?"


    "Barring any more surprise armies or mega-worms, then sure." I chuckle.


    "You should have just supersized your Embiggen spell and had Mittens fight it." She laughs right along with me.


    "Because he''s such a great hunter." Amelia rolls her eyes, and passes the kitty a piece of sausage. "I think Sorrel''s dragonfly is the only thing I''ve ever seen him catch."


    "We''ll just have to train him up." I take a minute to enchant a laser pointer. "Go on Mittens, get the dot." He ignores it in favor of the sausage. "Here, you can play with him later." I pass the pointer off to Apricot who immediately points it at my forehead.


    "Not going to be much room for him to run around in the Rocket." Amelia says, ignoring her wife''s antics.


    "It''s starting to get colder out too." Not that that means much between our stats and magic. "I could shift the car to something bigger." I project some images of various vans, motorhomes, and busses.


    "Ooh, that one''s cute." Amelia picks out a classic VW van.


    "As long as it''s not called the Rocket, I''m fine with it." Apricot faux pouts.


    "No, it has the amazingly well thought out name of Camper Van." I change the picture into a 3D projection of a pixie-sized vehicle.


    She shrinks down to check it out. "Yeah, this works. Maybe get rid of that bench in the back and just have a mattress on the floor so I can sprawl out."


    "That''s easy enough." It''s meant to fold out into a bed, but with just the three of us, four if you count Mittens, it''s not really needed.


    We finish up breakfast after that, and say goodbye to Amelia''s parent before loading into the new van.


    "Is that what you''re going with for your heraldry?" Turner asks when he sees the image I put in place of the VW emblem.


    "Yeah, it''s what I''ve been toying around with, at least." I shrug. "The front was too empty without something there, and it was this or a rearing worm." The heraldry is Luna moth alighting on a bunch of red sorrel flowers that are leaning over rippling water against a forest green background.


    "It''s alright." Kaitlyn defends my artwork. "And, it''s not like the other noble''s heraldry is any better." She''s not wrong, most of them just have some fierce looking animal against their favorite color.


    "I like it." Apricot runs her fingers over the embossed flowers.


    "It''s alright." Amelia nods.


    "That''s good enough for me." My next best idea was a three-part design consisting of an apricot flower, a loop of vines wrapping around each other, and a water drop. "Unless you prefer this. Or the worm." I show them my alternative, and one with Mittens rampant facing off against a rearing worm.


    "I don''t think Mittens has ever looked that fierce." She laughs before waving away the images. "What you already have will be fine."


    "Well, come give us a hug before you all leave." Her mom orders. "And, stay safe on the road." She adds after pulling us all into one big hug.


    "We will." Amelia promises. "You take care too, and see if you can get a good lead on a shop front. I''m sure Sorrel will have even more stuff for us to sell after we get back."


    "The first thing I''m going to work on is a fix for Mittens, now that his magic has settled down." I pet the invisible cat in her arms before climbing into the driver''s seat.


    "That''ll be nice." She says with a smile for her little displacer kitten. "I still find myself reaching for his illusion all the time."


    "Yeah, I get startled every time he jumps in my lap." Her mom agrees.


    "Alright." I say. "We all good to go? Anyone need to use the toilet before we leave?"


    "Mrow." Mittens actually answers.


    "Uh... Okay." Amelia lets him down and he runs off into the garden for a minute. "Well, that happened." She laughs as he runs back and hops on her lap.


    ***

 # 77

    "Yikes, this place is a mess." I say as we reach the first waypoint into Arcadia a few hours later; it''s daytime, so the roads are filled with traffic. Not that I''d be able to go very fast anyways, since I''m laying the Mana conduit out as we go. "Let me fix it up real quick, can''t have this being people''s first impression of Arcadia."


    The girls give me their assent, just happy to be able to get out and stretch their legs for a bit.


    The first thing I do is decompose and fill in the latrine, it was never meant to hold up against the volume it''s had to deal with lately. Luckily I dug them deep, so it hadn''t overflowed just yet. Next, I double the size of the clearing and add some three walled huts around the outer perimeter. I don''t want people moving in, but there''s no reason they should get stuck in the rain.


    I then add a water pump to the well, and stone pipes leading up to small water tank and a circle of drinking troughs in the middle of the clearing. And, finally I rebuild the latrine as a proper bathroom at the back of the waypoint. There''s three stalls, a sink and a shower on each side, all connected to an over-sized septic tank.


    "Thank you." Amelia says while rushing to the newly constructed outhouse. "I thought I was going to pee my pants when you did away with the latrine." She calls over her shoulder.


    "It''s nice, but not really up to your usual standards." Apricot comments on the changes.


    "I don''t want anyone living here." I explain. "But, since traffic to the dungeon hasn''t slowed down, and likely won''t despite the changing weather. I don''t want some unprepared idiot freezing to death either." The nights aren''t that cold yet, but it doesn''t feel like it''s that far off.


    A high-pitched shriek comes from the ladies room a second after I finish speaking.


    "Guess she found the bidet function." I say with a smile and cause Apricot to crack up laughing.


    "Dammit, Sorrel. That was... unexpected." She grumps when she comes back.


    "Your own fault for not looking at the warning sign. And, it''s not like I can just leave a bunch of toilet paper out here." I try to defend myself, but I''m probably still going to pay for this one.


    "You could have just told me." She then conjures a spray of water aimed at my ass.


    "Happy now?" I ask after letting it hit me.


    "Very." She smirks.


    I just roll my eyes, and dry myself off before walking back to the van. The rest of the trip to Circle Orchard is uneventful; I don''t even stop at the rest of the waypoints, just slow down as we pass, and upgrade them on the go.


    I pull the van to a stop as soon as we cross the wall into the dungeon town. A frown appearing on my face when I notice a change in the depths.


    "What''s wrong?" Apricot asks slightly ahead of Amelia.


    "It''s hiding something." They don''t need to ask what ''it'' I''m talking about. "The only time Co did that was when you told it too."


    "No." She gasps. "It''s too soon. They couldn''t have felt the signal yet, I can''t even feel it from the Capital." She starts hyper-ventilating and curls up in on herself.


    "Breathe Sweetie." Amelia wraps her arms around Apricot a second before I pull them both into mine. "Just breathe Apricot. We''re here. Nothing is going to happen to you, you''re safe with us. That''s it, nothing can hurt you." The look on her face makes it clear that anyone that tries will pay a dreadful price.


    "There you go." I rub my wife''s back as she slowly loosens up. "It''s okay to feel this way, just let it wash over you. You are one fierce little pixie, and you have nothing and no one to be afraid of."


    "T-thank you." She sniffles. "Damn right I''m fierce!" The tears and snot running down her face do nothing to detract from the fire in her eyes. She takes a deep breath to bolster herself before continuing. "Clean me up, and then let''s go see just who they are."


    I do so and then drive us over to the keep where we find Rea, Coen, and Nicholas waiting for us. "Marquis Rumex." The mayor bows followed by the other two.


    "None of that, please. I''m just Sorrel." This stupid title gets more annoying every day. "Sorry, I couldn''t stop by last time I passed through. At least, I was able to leave you that package.


    "Yes, and thank you again for that." Coen steps forward to shake my hand. "I''d thought I would have to rely on messenger birds to keep in touch. But, now I get to chat with my friends and family every day."Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "I must agree." Captain Brant nods. "Just the value of the gate guards and road patrols carrying them is incalculable."


    "No arguments here." Rea chuckles. "My family has already joined me, but it''s still nice to be in closer contact with the Capital and Riverton."


    "It''s great to see you all again, but we''ll have to catch up later." I say as I sense a Fae of some sort leave the dungeon and creep closer. "It seems some Fae have found the dungeon, and I feel we should introduce ourselves." It makes a squeaking sound and rushes back into the hole in the ground.


    "Truly?" Coen''s eyes go wide and glance toward Apricot.


    "Yes, and yes I''m a pixie." Apricot shrinks down and settles into Amelia''s hair.


    "Uhh." He seems stunned.


    "Of course." Rea takes over. "I''ll have dinner prepared for when you''re done." She bows her head to me before hauling Coen off. Nicholas following behind with a grin on his face.


    "Come on, he heard me and dove back in. Pretty sure it was a wisp." I add hoping that them not being pixies will help Apricot.


    "Mhm, let''s just do this." She bobs her head.


    Not wanting to waste time with the maze-like cave system the dungeon set up, I just open up a tunnel leading straight into Co''s core room.


    "You know you''re not supposed to be able to do that, right?" Apricot giggles as I slide past its defenses like they''re not even there.


    I just plaster a smug look on my face before walking into the tunnel. "Greetings Fae. We are the lords of this land, please show yourselves." Silence answers me.


    "They''re not just going to come out because you said so." Amelia snorts.


    "I thought I''d try being polite first." I shrug and walk toward the core. "Hello Co, I know you can understand me, so quit hiding them. Or, I. will. make. you." The air thrums with power as I infuse my words with raw magic. "Good boy." I give the core a pat, and swear I can feel it shiver under my touch.


    "You are so fucking hot right now." Apricot purrs.


    "It''s her!" A squeaky shout rings out from the opening to a hidden room. "I knew that kin-killing worm fucker was still alive."


    "Shut your fucking mouth." My tightly controlled voice is laced with anger as waves of power radiate off of me.


    "Who''s going to make me?" A fairy flies up to get in my face. "You think you''re hot shit just because you can bully a baby dungeon? Fuck you, and fuck that gods damned wh-" A wave of force slams the little bastard into the wall, pinning him there.


    "I am her husband!" I growl. "I am Marquis Sorrel Rumex, Archmage and Lord of Arcadia. And, I banish you from my lands." Ripping Blackthorne from my neck, snapping one of the strongest threads in existence like it''s tissue paper in the process. The staff instantly grows to full size, and then it roars loud enough to shake the cavern walls as I whip it through the air and shatter the insectile bastard''s connection to the dungeon. It takes all I have and then some to not just squish it like the bug it is.


    "Flee, and never return." I bounce a Mana Gem off its head before wrapping the insect in a shell of magic and launching it away from my lands at supersonic speeds. "Now, the rest of you had better give me a damned good reason not to treat you the same way." I yank the rest of them out of their hidey-hole and make the motley assortment of Fae grovel before me.


    "Sorrel! Stop!!" Apricot goes human sized and tackles me, forcing me to drop the staff for fear of hurting her with it. "I knew him, he used to date one of my cousins. I think these are just his friends."


    "Sweetie." Amelia pulls her wife into a hug. "I love you, but think about this. He tracked you down all this way, and it wasn''t just to reminisce about old times. Just be glad Sorrel''s such a softie, if it was me..." She doesn''t say anything else, just snaps her wand out creating a meters deep gash in the cave wall.


    "Lord, please spare us." The wisp I saw earlier tilts his head up to address me. "We are indeed Serien''s friends, but he was lost to grief and anger, and we only came along to try and keep him safe."


    "You didn''t try very hard." I snarl, still struggling to control my anger.


    "For which we are deeply, deeply sorry." He presses his head into the ground again. "Please forgive us, and we will leave peacefully." The others, a female wisp and two more fairies murmur their agreement.


    "And then what?" I ask as my emotions finally start calming down. "Just because I didn''t kill him today doesn''t mean I won''t if he comes back. And I swear to you that even the gods themselves would learn to fear me if they dare harm my family."


    "I believe you." He squeaks out as the waves of force I unconsciously released presses him and the other''s into the ground. "Please, I''ll tie him up and drag him back home personally. I''ll even kill him myself if he''s foolish enough to try and come back."


    "Fine!" I snort and let off the pressure. "But, you tell the Council. -Yes, I know about the council, and not from Apricot either.- Tell them that if they want to send a colony here, then I want access to their library in the future, and copies of any records regarding Fae to Awakened bonds. That, and the Mana Well in the Capital is off limits, it is our home."


    "There''s a Well too?" The other wisp mutters.


    "I, Thalian, swear your conditions will be met." His hazy form rises to one knee and salutes with fist to chest.


    "Good." I toss a Gem to land in front of each of them. "Head due north and follow the magic, you should catch up to him in a thousand kilometers or so." I grin evilly. "Unless of course, he was stupid enough to tamper with the protective shell, then you''ll find his remains much earlier."


    "He''ll be out cold for days after having his connection shattered like that." Apricot says, still clinging to my side.


    "That''s still better than he deserves." Amelia snarls.


    I nod and restore my necklace with a thought before guiding us out, the hole in the ground sealing itself as we walk. "Let''s go get lunch, and remind me to catch some grass-hoppers later. They''re pretty good if you roast them and coat ''em in chocolate."


    "Eww." Amelia scrunches up her nose, but Apricot smiles a little bit and that''s what I was going for.


    "Thank you for not actually killing him, I know that must have cost you." My orange haired lover pulls me down for a kiss, and then whispers in my ear. "And, that line about the gods fearing you. So fucking hot!" She nibbles on my earlobe.


    ***

 # 78

    "Sorrel." Rea greets me when we return. "Did everything go alright?" The supersonic fairy was hard to miss, not to mention all the magic I was pouring out.


    "Yes, one of them was rather foul-mouthed though, and was stupid enough to insult my wife in front of me." I explain. "Luckily, he had a much smarter friend that vowed to keep the idiot away from my lands in the future." I can sense him and the others leaving the town at top speed as I speak.


    "Will any of them be staying?" Coen asks, obviously interested in the magical creatures.


    "Not these." I shake my head. "It was a mixed group here for another reason, but the smart one, Thalian, is going to report back and a colony of wisps will be headed this way soon."


    "I haven''t read much about the Fae, not that there is much to read." He says. "So, what can we expect once they arrive?" He directs the question to me but his eyes keep flicking towards Apricot.


    "You won''t see them. Wisps are even more shy than pixies, and they''ll be doubly so after hearing that Sorrel bitch-smacked a fairy one-thousand kilometers away." She answers with a grin. "But, Co should start to improve as a dungeon after they get here. Better challenges, monsters, and rewards; that kind of thing."


    "That is good news." Coen says. "Anything that keeps me from having to waste months on another leveling trip in winter is a very good thing."


    "Why do they have them at this late in the year?" I ask a question that I should have asked Nev and his team.


    "It''s the weather." He answers. "It drives the stronger beasts lower down the mountains. This way, those of us with higher levels can still get stronger without having to risk climbing higher into the teeth."


    "That makes sense." I nod. "So, how''s the town been doing?" I spread my senses out to encompass the town and find something that I missed when the dungeon distracted me. "Who is this?" I project an image of a thirty-something woman carrying a toddler on her hip while two more children around five and eight follow behind her.


    "That is Agnes Ozment, and her children, Alfie, Percival, and Rachel." Rea names them from youngest to oldest. "They''re one of the families I mentioned in our conversation before. Is there a problem?" She asks nervously.


    "No." I shake my head and smile to re-assure her. "She and the girl are potential Gravity Mages, while the boys have Space Mana."


    "A whole family of un-Awakened." Coen''s eyes go wide. "How many mages have we been missing out on just because we don''t have someone with the same element to recognize them?"


    "Hmm?" I mumble as a thought comes to me. "I don''t have the time or inclination to tour the entire country, but I should be able to make some enchantments that mimic the basic test for mana. Send one to each village and they can send their potentials to the Capital."


    "That could work." He gets a thoughtful look on his face. "And, it would certainly be better than sending mages to test everyone in the country personally. You''re not the only one who doesn''t have the inclination to travel the country. The guild arranges for those with the Awakener title to visit the major cities every few years, but doing so is always a hassle."


    "Do you think this Agnes would mind helping me test it out?" I direct to Rea. "It should only take me a few moments to build a working model." It''s a simple enchantment really, once you get past the body''s natural interference.


    "I''ll send a runner and have her join us for dinner." She signals to an aide to do just that. "I''m sure she''ll be happy to help out. I wouldn''t have picked her as a candidate if she didn''t have a good attitude."


    "Good, let me get started on this, and after dinner we can talk about the improvements for the keep, and my plans for the test villages." I sink into my enchanting zone after that, while Amelia and Apricot chat with the town leaders.


    Runes lack the fine control that a mage has, so I have to be careful about using them to injecting foreign Mana into somebody. In a normal person it just gets destabilized, but in a pre-Awakened there''s a much more antagonistic response. And, said response could harm the person or feedback and destroy the Rune itself. I have to walk a fine line between being strong enough to trigger a response, but not strong enough that it causes harm.


    "Rea, could I borrow some of your people to help me set a baseline?" I intrude on her conversation with Amelia about the economy of the town.


    "Will Benn, and Elston be enough?"


    "Should do, for now." I nod and she motions them over. "Thank you, I just need you to place your hands on here for a moment. That''s good, and you now." I thank them again and dive back in.


    Agnes shows up a few minutes later, just as I think I''m getting close to being done. Rea introduces her to Amelia and Apricot, and explains why she was asked to come over.


    "A mage? Me?" The mother of three seems stunned.


    "Not just you." I say while looking up from the hopefully completed design. "The children also have the potential. I''m willing to Awaken you and them, when you decide they''re ready." The standing convention is to wait until they first hit puberty, but some parents choose to Awaken their children sooner.


    "But, you want my, and their, help to test this new Rune first?" Her momma-bear side comes to the forefront.


    "Yes. But, I''ll awaken you either way." What I don''t say is that she won''t receive any other support from me if she refuses. "You doing this will help countless other potential Mages."


    "What can a Gravity Mage do?"


    "Depends on the Mage." I laugh and use Gravity to replicate the six basic elements by making a breeze, compressing the air to light a stick on fire, pulling water from a cup on a nearby table to douse the fire, drawing some dirt in through the window to make a sculpture of Mittens, and lastly bending light to simulate Light and Dark spells. "But, mostly you''d make stuff lighter or heavier, and move them around." I make everything in the room float for a moment.


    "Would I still be able to become one of your healers if I became a Mage?"


    "Of course." I agree instantly. "Having magic just gives you more options, it''s up to you which ones you pick."This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    "Okay, I''ll try out your Rune, and if it''s safe, I''ll let you use it on the kids." She relents.


    "Place your hand here." I push a glass sphere closer to her. I had to give it a bit of style after-all. "It''s going to start by introducing small amounts of foreign Mana into your body until there''s a reaction."


    The rune starts doing just that, only for me to stop it immediately and take control of the Mana it released, so I can safely guide it out of her. "Hmm, didn''t expect a reaction so soon, let me lower the intensity even further."


    "I didn''t feel anything." She says and looks at her hand just to be sure.


    "I stopped it before you would have." I say while adjusting the enchantments. "I''m trying to find the bare minimum here, so I can slowly increase to that level without the feedback harming you or the Rune. Okay, try again."


    She doesn''t hesitate to place her hand back on the sphere. This time it runs through half a cycle before a reaction occurs. It''s weak enough though that I let it play out, and Agnes doesn''t seem to be in any discomfort. Soon, the globe glows green and the word "Gravity" appears inside the glass.


    "It worked?" She seems surprised. "I didn''t feel anything."


    "That''s good, that means the reaction was low enough that it shouldn''t cause any issues." With her or the Rune, the things won''t be very useful if it breaks every time it finds a potential Mage. "Will you let the children try it now?"


    She does, and it works as well for them as it did for her. Afterwards, Rea and her assistants try it, but it only flashes red for them after a full minute of trying more and more Mana to induce a reaction.


    "What happens if I try it?" Coen steps forward.


    "Good question." I raise an eyebrow. "Mages automatically block out all Mana that they can''t absorb, so without sensing that antagonistic reaction it will likely think you don''t have magic." He tries anyways, and get''s the reaction I predicted.


    "I could feel it probing me, but you''re right." He says while looking at his palm. "Only the Earth mana was able to make it in, and that was only because I let it. The only flaw that I can see is that it won''t be able to detect potential ArchMages such as yourself."


    "True, but detecting them would take a much more complicated Rune. I''d basically have to map out the Mana in their bodies while bubbling them from outside influence, and then hope to detect a minute change after running the test." It''s not impossible, but it''s not worth it either, not when any Mage with the Awakener title would be able to detect them.


    "I see what you mean." He nods, but there''s a hint of sadness to his tone. "Still, this will help to Awaken countless Mages that would otherwise never even have known they had Magic."


    "I''ll keep working on it, but I''ll likely need an actual pre-Awakened Archmage before I can design something that will work properly." I say before turning to Agnes. "Are you ready?"


    "It''s not going to hurt is it?" A hint of shyness shows through her brash exterior.


    "Not at all." I take her hand and walk her through the Awakening. "I know it''s a special occaision Temmie, but does it always have to be so loud?"


    ***


    "You doing alright Sweetie?" Amelia asks Apricot after we retire to the guest suite early.


    "I''m okay." She flops onto the bed. "Be better with some chocolate and a massage." She looks over at her wife with a twinkle in her eye.


    "Happy to, but if you want to talk about it, we''re here to listen." Amelia straddles Apricot''s legs and starts unbuttoning her top. "Roll over." She orders and lifts herself up to free her wife''s legs.


    "I am okay, really." Apricot reiterates before flipping onto her belly so Amelia can remove her top. "It just took me by surprise earlier. Mmm, right there."


    "If you''re so fine, then why is your back such a mess?" Amelia counters, but doesn''t push it any further.


    "Want me to get your feet?" I ask, already pulling Apricot''s shoes off.


    "Always." Our pixie breathes out as we work the tension and stress of the day from her body. "Come here buddy." She calls Mittens over starts petting him.


    I decide this is as good a time as any to work on his new enchantment. Fortunately his illusion always matches his body, even if the distance and direction does tend to change. I just need to re-position it back to where his body actually is.


    "Hmm?" I say as a thought comes to me. "Hey, Mittens. You understand me right? Can you turn off the illusion, at least when we''re petting you?"


    "Mrow." His form shimmers for a second before snapping back into place where it should be.


    "Wait. It was that simple?" Apricot says with a laugh. "All we had to do was ask?"


    "Mew." He head butts her hand before lifting his chin so she can scratch his favorite spot.


    "I guess it was." I chuckle. "I was about to work on the enchantment when I remembered what happened when we left the garden."


    "Who''s a smart little kitty?" Amelia baby talks at him, but doesn''t stop massaging Apricot.


    Soon both Apricot and her kitty are sleeping peacefully on the bed. I tuck them in next to each other and start working on Amelia''s back, just like she was working on Apricot''s.


    "That''s nice. Mmm, a little lower. Ooh, that''s the spot..."


    It''s not long before she joins her wife in dreamland, but sleep doesn''t come for me so easily. I just lay there next to them and let my mind wander about the town, thinking about improvements and designs for the future village.


    There''s still lines at the wells around town, probably because they''re so deep that it takes minutes just to fill up a single bucket. ''That won''t do.'' I say to myself, and pull my attention back to the keep.


    Fortunately Rea hasn''t gone to bed yet, and is actually back in her office doing paperwork. I create a hologram and ''knock'' on her door. "Rea, spare a minute?"


    "Of course." She looks up from her papers and gestures me to a chair across from her desk. "I thought you went to bed already."


    "We did, I''m still there actually." I smile and walk through her half-open door. "The girls are sleeping, but I''m not tired yet."


    "Well, what can I do for you?" She rolls her eyes a little as I walk through the chair before sitting down.


    "I just noticed that the wells still have lines around them." I inform her of the reason for my visit. "I don''t like that, and want to replace them with fountains fed by pumps. Might add a water tower too, that way Coen can plumb the town later on. Oh, and I forgot to mention earlier that I upgraded the waypoints on the way here."


    "Good design." She seems pleased at the projected image of the changed rest stops. "Gives the people some place to ride out inclement weather without saying ''please move in''. And, fountains would be very welcome. I thought having sixteen wells would be enough, but it just takes too long to get a bucket filled."


    "I''ll start now then." I make another copy of myself at the nearest well, and start filling buckets for everyone, so they''ll get out of the way. "But, while I have you here. Would you mind taking a look at the design I''ve come up with for the village?"


    "I''d love to." She says with a smile.


    "This is the central building." A pink lotus shaped building appears in the middle of her desk, it''s outermost petals are actually flat ground. "And, this is the town itself." A mandala spreads out from the lotus. The inner petals are single homes, while the buildings in the next layers share walls and a central courtyard, and the very outer most layer is a series of farms.


    "It''s beautiful." She breathes out while examining the village from all angles. "Yes, this is good, very good. You have more than enough space for everyone, and it''ll be easy enough to expand the design in the future. Could I see a larger view of the central building?"


    I oblige and expand it while making the walls transparent so she can look inside. She nods at the kitchen, laundry room, various workshops, and meeting areas.


    "I don''t see any problems. Well, unless you count everyone getting jealous and wanting to live there themselves." She laughs. "Hells, I almost wish we could rebuild Circle Orchard to match."


    "We can talk about that in the future. I have other ideas floating around in my head too, and I''m not going to leave the heart of Arcadia a simple town." My focus is drawn away for a second by an argumentative old woman. "Though, I''ll leave wrangling the citizens up to you. I''ve had four people at three different wells refuse to let me get their water for them."


    "Already so far along?" She shows a hint of surprise.


    "Over half done actually, and I''m taking it slow because I don''t want to wake Apricot with the Mana fluctuations." A smile crosses my lips as I turn my real head to look at her where she''s curled up in Amelia''s arms.


    "Do you often work on stuff while they sleep?"


    "No, they just went to bed early, unexpectedly finding a bunch of Fae here was a bit much for Apricot." I don''t say anything more than that, and she doesn''t pry further.


    "Well, I suppose I''ll just count it as my good luck them, especially if you are willing to add some of these Runes to the keep here." Her hint is about as unsubtle as can be, but I was going to anyways.


    "Of course." I send her a smile. "Anything for my favorite mayor."


    ***

 # 79

    "Are you sure you won''t stay longer?" Rea asks me as we prepare to leave the next morning.


    "On the way back." I offer. "But, I want to get to Riverton before this storm rolls in." My words make her look from me to the clear blue sky with a hint of skepticism. "It''ll be raining buckets by tonight, I promise." I say with a laugh.


    "Trust him." Apricot backs me up. "I can feel it building way off to the south."


    "I''ll spread the word then." She nods. "And, thank you once again for the fountains and the enchantments at the keep."


    "I need to keep my favorite mayor happy, after all." I give her a beaming smile before we pile into the van. "Take care, and stay dry." We wave to her, Coen, and Captain Brant as we drive away.


    "So, I see someone stayed up late last night." Amelia teases me when we drive past one of the fountains.


    "More like you two went to bed early, and I was stuck all on my lonesome." I put on a fake pout. "But it''s probably a good thing I did, I do not like the feel of that storm that''s building. I''d much rather wait it out in Riverton."


    "It''s odd that we''re getting one from the gulf, this time of year they usually come down from the mountains." She says while peering out the window to the mountains just visible in the distance.


    "They''re clear for now." I say after a quick magical glance.


    "Let''s hope they stay so." She mutters. "Last thing we need is two storms meeting."


    "I''ll keep an eye out, but it should be okay. Even if a big hurricane hits the town, Coen can dig a shelter for everyone. And, between you, me, and the other mages at Riverton, it won''t be in any danger."


    "I know." A sigh slips from her lips. "I just had to ride out a few too many storms under a creaky wagon. I should know that it won''t be an issue now that I have Magic, but there''s still that fear in the back of my head."


    "Oh, you poor baby." Apricot pulls her into a hug. "Don''t you worry, we''ll protect you from the scary storm."


    "Hahaha." Amelia laughs and plays with Apricot''s mop of hair. "Thanks sweetie, but I''ll be fine, knowing that a storm was coming was always worse than actually dealing with it."


    "Well, if it heads our way, I''ll go and teach it a lesson just for you." I pat her on the knee. "Then again, we could always work a bit more on your exposure therapy." A sly grin covers my face as my hand starts sliding up her thigh. "Just imagine how great the sex would be while flying in the middle of a storm."


    "Now, that''s an idea." Apricot''s smile matches mine perfectly.


    "We might have to work up to that one." Amelia says with a nervous laugh but doesn''t stop either of our hands.


    One very relaxing car ride later and we arrive at the gates of Riverton, with half a sky full of nasty bruise-colored clouds not far behind us.


    "Marquis Rumex, Marchionesses." The gate guard greets us. "Baron Pepi apologizes for not being here to greet you, but an issue concerning the storm came up and pulled him back to the manor."


    "That''s fine." I wave the matter away. "Please call ahead and tell them that we''ve arrived, and will be joining him shortly."


    He salutes, and signals one of his mates in the guard shack to do as I said. The roads are a little hectic with people doing last minute preparations for the storm, so it takes us a few minutes to reach the baron''s.


    "Marquis, Marchionesses." The Baron greets us just outside his home right as the first drops start falling. "Sorry, I wasn''t at the gate, but we just received an urgent messenger bird from Hedgecoast. It started flooding this morning, and the inhabitants had to seek higher ground. I was just speaking with the mages to see what we could do for them."


    "It''ll take them days just to get there." I comment as we walk leisurely inside, after all, there''s no need to run from the rain when you have magic. "And that''s if all the Air and Water mages take turns pushing a boat." I glance over at Amelia.


    "I''m alright, we can go help them if you want." She answers my unasked question.


    "Well, it has been a lifetime since I''ve been to the beach." I joke, making Apricot snort and Amelia groan at my wordplay. "Well, it looks like I''m building a boat. Might take a bit of work, but I should be able to get us there in a few hours."


    "Yes, sir." Pepi doesn''t question or even seem surprised at my claim. "Is there anything you need from us?"


    "Hmm, could we borrow the Earth Mages? This will be a good chance to get to know them before we take on our little mission." I''d take more along too, since I''m betting that everyone is going to want to tag along when we hit Cendassa, but I need to keep the weight down on the boat. "They can shelter the townspeople while we blunt the storm."


    "Packston, Dieter, and Liza." He calls out as we enter a large meeting room. "The Marquis is wondering if you''d be willing to take a boat ride." He says with a wide smile.


    "Just them?" A young Fire Mage named Nikki Sprouse asks, in a disappointed tone.


    "Sorry, but the six people is probably pushing it for the speed boat I have in mind." I explain. "But, don''t worry. I''ll take anyone with an empty inventory that wants to go when we make the run on the mines." This seems to re-assure her, and a few of the others.


    "Now, that is good to hear." The look on her face makes me a little worried about what might happen when we run into some Cendassan troops. "I volunteered for this job because I came from Riverton, and still have family here. I''m hoping to make them pay."


    "They will." I say flatly before adding in a firm tone. "But, that mission is going to be as stealthy as possible. I don''t want you frying the first guard we come across." I look her square in the eyes until she nods. Spreading my glance to the others, they quickly follow suit.


    ""Sir."" They all salute as one.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    "Alright, let''s hit the water." I nod to the Baron and turn around. "Amelia, would you mind driving? I need to redesign the motorcycle engines to work on a motorboat." Saying as much, I take out my bike and rip out the engine and transmission before shoving the rest back into my inventory.


    "Are we gonna go as fast as we did on the bikes?" Apricot asks with a wicked grin while looking back at the mages following us to the van.


    "That''s the plan." I reply with a hint of humor as I hear a couple of them gulp. "May need to cheat with magic a bit though, this is my first time building a boat, after all."


    "Would you two quit teasing them." Amelia says in a firm tone, but it''s hard to take her seriously with the smile pulling up the corners of her mouth.


    "Who''s teasing?" I say in mock solemnity. "The people in my lands need my help, it''s the least I can do to try and get us there in a couple hours."


    "Nnh." One of them whimpers after working out how fast we''ll need to travel to cover over six-hundred-fifty kilometers in two hours.


    "Don''t worry, you guys will love it." I say and open the van door for them. "I just hope that none of you get sea-sick, the storm pushing up the river is bound to make things a bit choppy." I chuckle as Dieter blanches. "Oh, I''m just messing with you, the ride''s going to be smooth as silk."


    "Oh, suck it up Dieter." Liza pushes him into the bench seat I added to the back for the three of them. "Look at it this way, the faster we go down the river, means less time spent on the water. What''s a few hundred kilometers an hour, really?"


    ***


    "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!" Liza screams a couple hours later as the speedboat ploughs through a solid wall of a wave that was kicked up by the winds from the storm.


    "What are you screaming for?" Dieter says with a smirk. "There hasn''t been a single bump so far, do you really think a little wave is be a problem for him?" He''s been cool as a cucumber since we got on the boat, and it didn''t even rock underneath us. But, Liza started hyperventilating after we topped a hundred kph.


    It got so bad that I had to enclose the cabin and play a movie to distract her. I probably shouldn''t have chosen The Perfect Storm, but it was a toss up between that and White Squall, and I prefer Clooney over Bridges. Titanic and Jaws crossed my mind for a second, but the former is too long, even with it taking me longer to get us up to full speed than I thought it would. And, the latter is more of a going to the beach movie.


    "How, can you not be freaked out after watching that?" She says with her eyes closed. "And, why did you have to get rid of the walls?" She directs to me, in a quiet voice.


    "Because we''re there." I announce. "Would have been here sooner, but between the chop, and the outboards being stubborn..." I trail off with a shrug. "Just let me anchor us, and we can go see what we can do for the townspeople. They''ve all moved about half a kilometer inland to a slight rise." I point to the east as the boat comes to a stop.


    Tossing a couple seeds quickly produces a living dock that fuses with the hull to make sure that the boat won''t go adrift while we''re busy.


    "I was afraid that stupid movie of yours would make this all worse for me." Amelia says with a smile. "But, I had no idea the storm would feel like this." She dances up on the deck and twirls around in the pouring rain after leaving my protective umbrella.


    "You don''t gotta tell me." I laugh as Apricot joins her, not even this weather can do anything to her hair. "I haven''t even had to use Blackthorne, I''ve just been drawing on the storm to smooth our passage."


    "Freakin'' crazy water mages." Liza mutters and raises and hardens the ground beneath her feet to follow along after us as we dance over the mud like it''s solid stone.


    "Oh, relax Liza." Packston speaks up. "It was a good story. And, would you really rather have taken days to get here?"


    "True." She sighs.


    By this time we''re close enough that the villagers have noticed my lights, So I call out to them. "Hello Hedgecoast." I block the rain from falling on them where they''re huddling under tarps, makeshift tents, and whatever other shelter they could cobble together. "Your Marquis is here to help." A cheer goes up as I dry and warm the lot of them before producing hot food and drink for everyone.


    "Thank you lord." An older woman with silver hair, and a straight back approaches me before bowing.


    "You must be Ms. Aura Baldwin, yes?" I greet the village head. "I don''t see any injured, so I''m going to have Liza, Packston, and Dieter build you some shelter while we go fetch the runaway livestock. Mind watching Mittens for us?" The little guy hops down on the now dry ground and starts begging food from people.


    "Yes Lord, and just Aura is fine. And, you don''t have to do that. We can round them up in the morning." She starts, but I raise a hand to forestall her objections.


    "You''re my people, it''s my duty to take care of you." What I don''t say is that once I stretched my senses out, I found the heart of the storm and it''s about to make landfall. "Besides, it should only take me a few minutes, including this poor guy." I show an image of a medium sized mutt perched atop the roof of a flooded home. He''s sopping wet, but still clutching a large bone in his teeth.


    "Sam!" A boy of five cries out after seeing the projection.


    "Don''t worry, he''s fine." I tell the kid before wrapping the dog in a bubble of Air and pulling him towards us. "Look, he missed you." The dog starts wagging its tail and runs up to the boy as soon as I set him on the ground.


    "Thank you Mister." He says while burying his face in the dog¡¯s fur to hide some tears that started to sprout from his eyes.


    "Alright, Liza. The rain shield will last another ten minutes." I speak to the excitable Earth Mage. "Get these people some shelter." Order given, I pull the girls to me and create a platform of solid water to carry us away.


    "That was a bit abrupt." Amelia says, but Apricot just points into the storm. "...What is that?" Amelia finally says after pushing her sense out into its heart.


    "That is how you''re going to get Air Magic." The pixie answers her. "No wonder we could feel the storm building from so far away. It was caused by an Air and Water Elemental meeting."


    "Are they fighting." We''re still near the edge of her perception, so she can''t see it as clearly as Apricot or I can.


    "That''s not how I''d describe it." I chuckle and bring us closer. "Looks like we lucked out with the *Cherenkov* radiation, I''m guessing this is how most Fae bonded manage to Awaken more elements. Though who knows where we''ll find more Elementals, let alone get them to fuck."


    "How close do you think you can get us?" Apricot asks.


    "As close as need be." I start lifting us off the ground. "They aren''t paying attention to anything but each other. But, you should open up the link now, and try copying what''s happening before they finish up."


    "You can do this, babe." Apricot places her hand on Amelia''s back and wills the bond open wide. "A bit closer, she''s almost got it."


    I do as she commands, and after just a moment the echo of that earth shattering ding rings out. The Elementals take no notice, and continue about their ''business''. So, I take us back down while Amelia catches her breath.


    "Woo! That is just as much of a rush as the first time." She finally says once we''re back on the ground. "What about the animals?" She adds after remembering our original excuse for leaving the encampment.


    "They''re fine." I re-assure her. "Well, aside from a dairy cow who broke her leg, but I''ve got them all under rain shields, and a Calm spell. We can go collect them once you''re ready."


    "Oh, good." She sighs. "Not about the cow, obviously." She adds hastily after Apricot starts sniggering. "But, you can fix her up, so it''s no big deal."


    "Now that you''ve seen another example, do you think you can copy it for the rest of the elements?" Apricot asks me after she quits laughing.


    "No." I say with a sigh. "I still can''t even duplicate the trick with the Light. It must truly be something unique to Fae bonded."


    "That must drive you nuts." She says with a smirk before pulling me into a kiss. "Alright, let''s get the animals to safety, and then we can show those two how to really put on a show." She gives me a squeeze before dancing away towards the nearest rain shield, which just so happens to be the cow.


    "Well, you heard the pixie." Amelia gets her own squeeze in before floating up with her newly gained Magic and following after Apricot. "Hop to it."


    I just watch them go for a moment, the rain plastering their clothes down is doing just wonderful things for their figures. "Mmm. Yes, Ma''am." I lift myself up with a thought and race after her. My arms, all four of them, snatch her up from behind, and return her squeeze with interest. Shifting her to one side, I snatch up Apricot a second later.


    They squeal and try to escape from my clutches, but I''ve got them wrapped up tight. And soon they''re squealing for an entirely different reason.


    ***

 # 80

    "Gods damn! That was a good storm." I say with a stretch as the first rays of dawn wake us up. Turns out that trying to out-fuck a couple literal forces of nature is a bit difficult, not that we didn''t give it our all.


    "Do you think they bought our excuse of ''investigating'' the storm?" Amelia asks with a chuckle.


    "Well." I draw out the word. "Considering the smirks on Liza''s and Aura''s faces, and the fact that you two were pawing me when I tried to tell them. I''m going to have to guess that no, they did not in fact buy our excuse."


    "That, and I''m pretty sure they heard us in Riverton, even over the storm." Apricot adds with a throaty purr.


    "Oh, well." Amelia''s smile shows that she really doesn''t care. "So, when did we get back to the boat?" She finally takes stock of our surroundings.


    "Somewhere around the fourth or fifth round, I think." I get to my feet and look out over the perfectly clear and calm sky. "I knew I wasn''t going be able to keep us in the air if we kept going like that, so I brought us down here."


    "Oh, yeah." Her smile turns wicked. "Things got a little hazy around then. Mhm, so what''s for breakfast?"


    "I''m thinking pancakes for a hundred, the others are starting to stir. So. we should probably get dressed first." I retrieve a new outfit from my inventory, as we ripped off our clothes from last night while somewhere over the gulf.


    "Make mine waffles instead, and we''re going to have to restock on meat and eggs when we get back to Riverton." She comments while pulling on a simple, yet elegant dress.


    "Yes, do waffles instead... blueberry waffles." Apricot demands while pulling on her own matching outfit. I''ve noticed that they like to do this sometimes, probably because they know I find it irresistibly sexy.


    "Alright, waffles it is." I wrap us all up in a bubble and carry us over to the stone shelters that were put up last night.


    The smell of cooking bacon soon draws the villagers out, though Mittens beats them all and charges towards the bowl of minced mousie with bacon, his second favorite breakfast. The first being bacon with minced mousie.


    "Good morning Lord, Ladies." Aura greets us. "That smells delicious."


    "Just Sorrel is fine, please." I''m getting better about the whole Title thing, but it''s still annoying. "And, help yourself, there''s plenty to go around. Once everyone is fed, we can go down and I''ll clean up the town for you. It''s a mess, but there''s no lasting damage."


    "And, the boats? Did any of them make it through?" She''s as worried as you would expect the head of a fishing village to be.


    "Let''s just say that it''s a good thing that I''m a Nature Mage." A tree grows behind me and turns itself into a copy of the only boat that didn''t drift away or go under. "After breakfast you can make a list of boats, rigging, nets, and whatever else you might need to get back on your feet."


    "Marquis, that''s too much." She bows to me again, and I have to fight not to roll my eyes.


    "You really need to get used to people using your title." Amelia Windwhispers to me before addressing the village leader. "It is not too much for us to want our lands and people to be productive. We can replace in moments what would takes weeks to order from Riverton."


    "Sounding kinda regal there, Amelia." I whisper back. "Not aiming for Vivian''s job are you?" She keeps a straight face but Apricot nearly chokes on her breakfast.


    "As you say, Ma''am." Aura quickly relents. "I''ll get you that list soonest."


    "Eat first." I order while handing her a full plate of food, and a clipboard with a few sheets of paper on it.


    The rest of the morning meal passes quickly, the villagers jubilant at the knowledge that they''ll be able to recover from the storm so quickly. After I clean up the dishes, we all make our way down to the village. A couple of the kids hitching a ride in the boat I made.


    "It''s ruined." One of the townsfolk cries after seeing the state of their home.


    "No, it''s..." I pause for a second as the view of the horizon catches my eye. "Just a little messy." Calling Blackthorne from my neck, it rapidly swells to full size. "Cleanse!" Throwing the weight of my magic behind the spell, I clean up the entire village at once. "See, it just needs a bit of tidying up. The buildings are sound and safe, so if everyone could take inventory, and let Aura know what needs to be replaced. It would help us out a lot."


    "..." The townsfolk are a bit stunned, but soon go back to their homes to take stock.


    "Nice staff." Liza says with a smirk.


    "Careful how you answer that hubby." Amelia cuts me off before I can say anything, and gets a laugh from Apricot and Temmie.


    "Thank you." I nod my head to her and then Amelia before adding. "It''s not often that I whip it out in public, but it always seems to draw an appreciative crowd. It is so long, thick, and powerful that most people just want to reach out and stroke it."


    *Ding**Ding**Ding* - "Hahahah." Temmie and Apricot lose it while Amelia just groans "Damned staff jokes" and shakes her head.


    "I''ll have to take your word for it." Liza says with a smile.


    "Alright, could you please let Aura know that we''ll be down by the sea once she has the list compiled." I take the girls'' hands and start walking down to the beach.


    "What''s up?" Amelia asks after sensing me put up a Soundbarrier. "Is everything alright?"


    "Yes." I lift her hand to my lips and kiss it. "I was just wondering how large the world is. This is the first time I''ve seen the ocean on the horizon, and it seems a lot bigger than back on Dirt."


    "I don''t actually know how big the world is." She admits.


    "Me either." Apricot shakes her head. "Is there anything in the library?"


    "Not that I''ve seen, but I''ll go through it later, if Amelia doesn''t mind that is." I''ve been holding off on making my own copy just to avoid the headache, but now that I''ve got the hard drive working, there''s no excuse not to do it.


    "Of course, you can." She smiles and kisses my hand like I kissed hers.


    "Thank you. But, fortunately I don''t need it to get a good idea for how big the world is. Not with the sea as glassy smooth as it is right now." I stop right at the edge of the water. "See I once learned a simple formula to determine the distance to the horizon for any given planet. And, luckily it works in reverse. I just need to use the Rangefinder spell I taught you... Oh my."


    "Rangefinder!" Amelia copies me and fires one off at. "I''m getting a bit over twelve and a half kilometers."


    "Square that and then divide by your eye height in kilometers."


    "Uh... twelve-point-six-five times itself is just over one-sixty... Nnh, do I have to divide by a decimal point?"


    "Heheheh. What''s the matter merchant girl, can''t handle a little mental math?" I tease her. "Just divide 1000 by your eye height, and then multiply the first number by that. Or just send the Rangefinder off at one meter high like I did and you can multiply by one-thousand." She give me a bit of a stink eye for that cheat.


    "No, I can do this. One-sixty times six-twenty-five is one-hundred-thousand." She smiles at having gotten the answer. "Now, is that the diameter, radius, or circumference?"


    "Diameter." I answer with a smile. "And, since I know you''re wondering, Dirt was right around twelve and a half. Which raises a whole hell of a lot of questions for me."The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Eight times smaller? Really?" This surprises both her and Apricot.


    "That''s interesting and all, but please tell me you''re done talking math." The pixie pleads while clutching her head in a melodramatic fashion.


    "Okay, we can move onto physics then." Amelia and I laugh when Apricot groans at my words. "Don''t worry, I won''t bore you with the details, it just means that I need to recreate some middle-school science class experiments. That, and getting to the moon might be a little bit harder. Unless... Identify!" I try using it on the moon that''s still visible a couple hands over the horizon.


    *Ding*


    -Nice try, but that ain''t gonna work.  Temmie.


    "Oh well, it was a long shot. Is there anything you can tell us?" I ask, but only receive an apologetic *Ding* in response. "Whatever, the world works, that''ll just have to be good enough for now."


    "What do you mean the world works? You say that like it shouldn''t." Amelia laughs at the annoyed frown on my face.


    "It''s just more math, that I only know because there were a bunch of stories about worlds just like this that used to annoy me because they didn''t explain how things worked. I''ll just chalk it up to lazy gods until I can get around to running those and more tests."


    "Does that mean you''re done talking about math?" Apricot asks in a pleading tone.


    "Yes, sweetie. We''re done talking about math." Amelia pulls her in for a hug.


    "Though, I should probably make a calculator Rune soon." I laugh when Amelia turns around and swats me on the shoulder.


    ***


    Amelia and Apricot are playing around in the shallows, and I''m in the middle of pulling a copy of every ocean plant for few kilometers towards me when Rea calls.


    "Good morning Mayor." I say in a chipper voice. "How did you weather the storm?"


    "Oh, there was a lot of rain like you said, but luckily we only caught the edges of it. How did things go in Riverton?"


    "I don''t know, we''re down in Hedgecoast right now." I laugh when Apricot tries splashing Amelia only to have it turned back on her tenfold. "A couple Elementals were behind the storm yesterday and they made land fall here, flooding the town in the process."


    "Was anyone hurt?" That being her first question makes me like her even more than I already did.


    "No. And thankfully, the only casualty was a cow with a broken leg, but I fixed her right up."


    "Thank goodness." It''s plain in her voice that she really does care. "The reason I called is that a wisp named Thalian wishes to speak with you."


    "Is he there?" I ask, wondering why he came back. They couldn''t have made it to the teeth and back yet, and the storm wasn''t coming from that direction. Not that a little weather would discourage the Fae.


    "I am, Lord." His voice comes out of the phone. "And to answer your next question. I came back with my mate Tilania to look after Co. Our families came after us, and we met up yesterday. My clan didn''t feel right about leaving the dungeon alone, again. So, I came along with them to prevent any misunderstandings. We sent messengers back though, and I assure you that your requests will be carried out. Serien''s clan will collect him and ensure that he will never bother you again." His words rush out as though he''s afraid that I''m going to smite him from a few hundred kilometers away.


    "Okay." I say once I''m able to get a word in edgewise. "Don''t cause trouble. And, if your clan or Co need anything, just tell Rea and she can relay it to me." I may not like his choice in friends, but Thalian seems alright otherwise. And, Co does need Fae to mature properly.


    "Thank you, Lord Rumex." I can practically hear the tension drain out if him. "If it''s not too much to ask, we did use up most of our Mana Stones..." He trails off, seemingly afraid to finish the sentence.


    "We''ll be back in a few days, I''ll give you a bunch then. But know that I expect to gain access to those records soon. I''m especially interested in anything to do with Elementals. Rea, if there''s nothing else, I''ll see you in a few days."


    "No, sir. I''ll have the candidates ready for when you return."


    "Good. Take care." I disconnect and turn to Apricot who''s been listening in since Thalian''s name was mentioned. "You alright with this?"


    "I''m fine." She takes a deep breath. "They just took me by surprise last time."


    "Oh, sweetie." Amelia pulls her into a hug.


    Aura, who''s been waiting off to the side while we were talking, comes up with the list in her hand.


    "Is this everything?" I look over it over and quickly see one glaring omission. "Are you sure that you don''t maybe want me to replace some of the spoiled food?"


    She does a face palm before nodding meekly. "Yes Lord, and thank you for spotting that."


    I just laugh and say. "It''s alright, you had all just eaten a full breakfast. So, food was probably the last thing on your minds. I''ll fill the pantries with enough food to get you all well into spring."


    While the girls continue their water fight, I first cork the bottle of sea plants, and add it to my seeds crate. Only then do I head back to the village and go about replacing their lost goods, making sure to include some thick winter clothes for everyone.


    Most of their firewood floated away too and, since trees aren''t common around here, I lay in more than enough of that too. Normally they rely on floating a few dozen logs down the Janwick every year, supplemented by wood from the hedges that gave the town it''s name.


    Food wise, I give them plenty of dry staples, along with a lot of canned goods. I plan to leave a bunch for the army in Riverton, but this is a good test run. Most everyone only had small herb gardens, and likely traded fish for everything else. So, I take it upon myself to do something about that too.


    "Aura, your people need greenhouses." I tell the village head. "This business with Cendassa may make it difficult for you to trade for food, and I''m not going to have the only people actually willing to live this close to the Deadlands be forced to leave because they can''t feed themselves."


    "We''re not exactly farmers, Lord." She says, careful of offending me.


    "I understand that, but if you can manage some herbs, you should be able to handle a few basics." I pause for a moment. "How many of you can read?" I was just going to hand over some books on gardening, but I realized there might be a problem with that.


    "I can, but most of the others only know enough to recognize their name."


    "Well, that won''t do." I shake my head. "Looks like educational Runes are next on my project list. But for now, I''ll leave you a movie player with some guides on gardening. Some reading primers too, incase anyone wants to learn." I take a moment to fashion them, and then float the books into her house before showing her how to work the movie player.


    "This is too much Lord, this Rune is worth more than our village can produce in a decade." She tries to hand it back, but I just levitate it into her house.


    "It''s easier and quicker for me to give you this, than to hire someone to come here and teach you how to garden." Not exactly true since I could just tell Pepi to do it and he would, but I don''t care about a trinket that I can easily make millions of. "Speaking of." I hand her a boxed phone. "You saw me talking to the mayor of Circle Orchard, this is how. The instructions are inside, along with the numbers for Pepi''s people."


    "Just take it and say thank you." Amelia walks up with Apricot, both already dried off and cleaned up by her magic. "He already went through the effort of running relays down here, and that wasn''t just incase someone wanted to call us."


    "Thank you." Aura bows deeply to each of us in turn.


    "Now where do you want the greenhouses?" I project full-size images of two models, a smaller, domed keyhole garden. And, a long, traditional greenhouse with raised beds along the walls and a work bench in back. "I recommend one small one per house, and a couple of the large ones for everybody."


    "That''s a lot of glass, babe." Amelia comments on the projections.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll use tempered glass so it won''t be as dangerous if it breaks." I re-assure her.


    "I know you can make it from dirt, but most people pay a lot of money for it." I can tell that she''s trying not to roll her eyes at me.


    "Ahh..." I frown at that for a bit before coming up with a work-around. "Fine, I''ll just use enchantments to keep the salt and cold out then. It''s not as good as a proper greenhouse, but should keep greedy assholes from causing trouble." I let out a disappointed sigh.


    Amelia rubs my shoulder and tries to cheer me up, but my good mood has evaporated with the green houses. Since Aura still hasn''t told me where to put them, I just throw down a bunch of keyhole gardens to the east of town.


    "Liza." I take out my dirt bike and call for the Earth Mage. "Time to find out if your problem is the speed, water, or lack of control. Get on."


    "Sir?" She looks at me with a mix of fear and confusion.


    "Everyone going on the mission needs to be able to ride these at speed. I''ll take us over to the mines in something similar to what I brought you to Riverton in, but if things go pear shaped." I pat the tank of the bike. "This is how you''ll get back. You didn''t have a problem on the trip from the capital, so I''m thinking last night was just you lacking a connection to the earth."


    "I didn''t really look out the windows before, but maybe you''re right." She straddles the bike and I show her how to work it. It only takes her a few minutes to get it down and handle it at the speed of a galloping horse.


    "See if you can keep up." I fly off the ground and go from zero to one-hundred in no time flat. "Well, come on. I''m not even trying here." I fly upside down and backwards to keep her attention on me instead of how fast she''s going. "I''ll even let you keep the bike if you can go faster than I can fly, that is."


    "Oh, it''s on." She says that, but slowly increases her speed instead of just gunning it. I just yawn and keep an even lead on her.


    "Take your time." I start rotating using the base of my feet as a pivot, so that I look like a Sorrel shaped hand of a giant invisible clock. "I can do this all day."


    "Arrrgghh!" She growls, ducks down lower on the bike and, finally guns it.


    "Took you long enough." I say into her ear as she comes even with, and then passes me.


    "Hahahahah. Holy shit, how fast am I going?" She eases up on the throttle, and I catch back up with her.


    "You topped out around two-twenty." I answer while doing the back stroke next to her. "I''ve gotten over three-fifty, but that''s on hard stone while moving the air out of the way."


    "Do you have to do that? It''s giving me a head ache." She''s referring to the fact that even though I¡¯m doing the backstroke, my feet are actually facing forwards.


    "It won''t be as fun but, if you insist." I shift into a cross-legged sitting pose with my hands resting in my lap. "Sorry for taking my bad mood out on you, by the way. But, I really did need to know if you could handle this."


    "It''s alright, and I do understand." She says as we finish our loop and end up back in town. "I needed someone to push me past that fear, anyways. This let you do that, while burning off a stupid amount of magic."


    "Seriously, man." Dieter says with a laugh. "I''ve seen Oliver fly that fast, but never for that long. How the hells do you manage it?"


    I look at Apricot and Amelia. "Let''s just say that I get a lot of endurance training." The girls, Liza, Temmie, and I all laugh at the matching looks on his and Packston''s faces.


    ***

 # 81

    We head back upstream shortly after that. I let Liza control the boat for a bit and, while that helped, she still has issues not being connected with the Earth. So, I enclosed the cabin again and put on Finding Nemo and Dory back to back.


    "Why couldn''t you have shown this last night?" She grumbles a little but quickly gets caught up in the story.


    Apricot has already seen these, but doesn''t mind watching them again. Amelia on the other hand decides to pick my brain while using her new Air Magic to block our conversation from the others.


    "Did you get it all out of your system?" She asks while putting her arm around my waist.


    "Yeah." I sigh. "It wasn''t just that people are greedy assholes that set me off. It''s more that, as Marquis, I''m now responsible for upholding the law in Arcadia. I''m going to need to set up a guard, and eventually I''m going to have to sentence someone to death."


    "I know that you don''t like it." She says while leaning her head against my shoulder. "But, that''s the way the world works, just try not to think about it for now. That''s not the only thing that''s bugging you though." She''s far too good at reading me. "You''ve had a little crease in your brow since Hedgecoast was mentioned yesterday."


    "Nnh." I rub the spot she''s talking about and think seriously about shape shifting my face so it doesn''t do that anymore. "I don''t like how isolated they are." I confess. "No-one wants to live next to the big bad desert, not even across the river from it."


    "Ahh." She exhales in understanding. "And, you''ve been working out how to push back the Deadlands."


    "Got it in one." I kiss her on the forehead. "We''ve got all this prime farmland just going to waste, at least on the east side of the Janwick. The storm flooded everything with as much Magic as it did water, but everything on the other side of the river has already drained away. And, I have no idea where it all went."


    "And you''re just itching to go off and find out." She plays her fingernails up my arm.


    "Yes." I huff. "But, I''d have to go alone. I''m afraid of what might happen to Apricot if you two came with." No way am I taking either of them into a place that sucks up magic like a sponge. "Don''t object." I cut her off before she can open her mouth. "Even if I give each of you a ton of Mana Gems, there''s still the risk that whatever is pulling the magic away could latch onto your bond."


    "Oh." She says softly once I give her the chance to speak.


    "Yeah, it may be a slim, or even non-existent chance, but not one I''m willing to take." As I say that, Apricot leans over me and pats Amelia on the knee.


    "It''s okay baby. I don''t like sand anyways. It''s all coarse, and rough, and irritating. And it gets everywhere." She smirks at Amelia''s groan and goes back to watching Nemo.


    "Never should have showed her the prequels." I shake my head, and stroke Amelia''s hair.


    "At least she finally quit saying ''I know'' everytime I said ''I love you''." She takes a deep breath before blowing it out through her nose. "So, what are you going to do?"


    "After we hit the mines, I''d like to take a couple days to study the desert." I start going over my ideas. "I need to see if it''s just in the sands, or if there''s a field or something that extends over the area. If it''s just the sand, then I''ll scoop it all away and build a wall. But, something tells me it''s not going to be that easy."


    "Something tells me you''re right." She sighs. "But, let''s have that be future Sorrel''s problem. Right now, how about you just relax and watch the silly fish."


    "That sounds like a plan I can get behind." I lean back and put my arms around them, and we all watch some silly fish try to find their way home.


    ***


    "Dry land." Liza cries out and leaps for the pier as soon as we stop.


    "Remind me to bring you along when I test out some aircraft." I joke and can see her pale for a moment before pretending she didn''t hear me.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    "You''re mean." Apricot says that, but she smiles at me like she approves.


    I just smile back and start removing the outboards from the boat so I can dismantle it. The Baron arrives with Captain Baca in tow just as I''m storing the last motor and right before I start to decompose the boat.


    "Good morning Marquis Rumex." He greets me and they both bow. "I trust everything went well in Hedgecoast."


    "Quite well." I answer with a nod. "The village is fine, and we got to see a couple elementals up close. I also took the opportunity to set up phone relays, and left Aura with one. All in all, it was a fairly productive little detour." I hand him a slip of paper with her number.


    "That will be useful, thank you." He looks at the now empty pier. "Speaking of useful..."


    "You want some boats?" I should have realized they''d want some.


    "Yes, please." Captain Baca steps forward. "I knew about your cars, but never thought the same Runes could be used for water craft."


    "Well, take your pick." I project one-eighth scale models of the outboard boats I know. "I can do internal engines too, but these will be easier to remove and replace if necessary." Baca nods absentmindedly when I say that, but his focus is on the boats.


    He points out three designs and asks to see them full sized. "Maybe that one instead of this." He chooses a center-console to replace the cuddy cabin he first picked, both at around seven meters. "Hmm..."


    "Why don''t I just make both?" I say to get past his indecisiveness. "I''ve got the four motors from the speedboat; I can use two on the long pilothouse boat, and that leaves one for each of these. I''ll need to make a lighter one for the little guy anyways." He picked the five meter utility boat first, probably because it''s the most similar to the row boats they use here.


    "Thank you." He bows to me again. "Do you have enough metal for ten of the smaller boat engines?"


    "Yes, I had a feeling that all the mages would likely want to tag along, so steel to make engines in one of the few things I brought." I show him the block of metal that is only three outboards shy of being a full meter cubed.


    "When do you plan to make the hit?" This question comes from the Baron.


    "I was hoping to leave at dark, and return by sun up. It''s not even noon yet, so there should be plenty of time to get the mages used to riding the dirt bikes. I just need to make them first." I chuckle and start crafting right then.


    "Hahaha. Alright, I''ll leave you to it then. Come on Hollen, you''ll get your boats soon enough." He pats the captain on the shoulder and is about to leave when I speak up.


    "You mean these boats?" I drop the illusion covering a baker''s dozen of brand new hulls that are floating where I grew them while we were talking. "It''ll take a few minutes to get the motors installed, and then you''ll have to decide where to berth them so I can run the Mana conduit." Most of that time will just be growing the Mana Gems to power them, but I can build the bikes while I do that.


    "You are such a show off." Amelia tousles my spiky red hair.


    "Mhm." I mumble my agreement before asking her a question. "Hey, do you have any contacts here that might make a good tugboat captain? These won''t make it all the way to Hedgecoast and back again without a Fire Mage. So, I should probably run conduit down there too, and well... There''s no reason not to make money on it."


    "Oh, yes!" She grabs me and pulls me down into a passionate kiss. "I knew I''d turn you into a proper merchant one of these days. Let me call daddy, he''ll know who to contact." She taps her watch to bring out her phone before walking down the peer to make the call.


    "Tugboat?" Pepi asks with an interested look on his face.


    "Small boat with a big motor." I explain in simplest terms. "Use it to haul the big boats up the river, for a fee of course." I smile over at my merchant as she talks excitedly with her parents. "You''ve got these big docks, but I''m guessing you only rarely get the big ships, since they have to row, pole, or wait for the wind to head up river."


    "Spring." He says with a nod. "The winds always come from the south in late spring, so that''s when we get the big boats, as you say." A giddy smile fills his face for a moment before fading. "We need to end this stupid war as soon as possible."


    "That''s the plan." I say with a sigh. "It all depends on how stupid and stubborn King Berkie is."


    "So, it''s probably not going to end soon, then." He lets out a sad sigh.


    "I wouldn''t be too sure about that." I say with a sly smile. What I don''t say is that I''ve got a few plans to end this bullshit, but the rest of Varecia needs to learn that we can hold our own first.


    "I think that Cendassa has no idea what they''re in for." His good humor comes back.


    "They really don''t." Amelia laughs as she rejoins us. "Daddy gave me a list of names, but said that we should try Vincent Runyon first. He retired here last year after his ship sank in a freak storm."


    "Good choice." Pepi speaks up. "I know the man, he''s got a knack for choosing good people, and was smart enough to keep a nest egg just in case the worst happened. I heard he''s sworn off the sea, but I know he still loves fishing on the river."


    "Alright, do you want to go track him down? These won''t take much longer, but I''ve still got a bunch of Mages to teach how to ride."


    "Ooh, I''m going with you." Apricot jumps to my side. "That''s going to be hilarious."


    "That works." Amelia nods. "But you''ve got to promise to play back the highlights for me later."


    "Good, I''m done here." Took me a bit longer to make the Gems than I thought, making me wonder if the Deadlands could be affecting Blackthorne, even from this distance. "Captain they''re all yours." I hold out a box full of keys. "The big ones have keyhole next to the wheel, you just push the lever forwards to make it go faster. The little guys have a throttle on the handle just like the dirt bikes. Just take it easy until you get used to them." I show him a hologram of how to operate each craft, including the use of the safety strap on the small boats.


    "Thank you Lord." He bows to me once again.


    ***

 # 82

    "Please tell me your day went better than mine." I groan and flop down next to Amelia.


    "What are you talking about." Apricot laughs. "Watching them all fall over, and over, and over again was the funniest thing I''m seen in days."


    "That bad?" Amelia asks only to bark out a laugh when I show her one of them getting spooked by a rabbit and flipping forward off the bike when they panicked and lost control. "Wait, I know those woods. Did you go up to Southwood?"


    "Yeah, took the opportunity to lay down some phone relays." I explain. "Then we had race on the way back. He lost." I laugh and play the Mage''s fall in reverse.


    "So, we''re still on for tonight?" She bares her teeth when I nod in the affirmative. "Good. Runyon was very interested in the tugboat, especially after I took him down to the docks and Baca let him pilot the boats."


    "That''s good." I yawn out. "I''ll build one for him when we get back, but right now, I need a nap. Mind waking me when it starts getting dark?" I set an alarm just in case, but she looks too keyed up to sleep right now.


    "Alright, baby. You sleep well. I love you." She squeezes my knee and get up to go in the other room with Apricot.


    "I know." I mumble into my pillow and fall asleep to the sound of her groaning and Apricot''s laughter.


    ...


    "Time to get up baby." Amelia nudges my shoulder.


    "Mmm, morning." I pull her down for a kiss, after casting Cleanse on my teeth first, morning breath is no joke.


    "Heheheh, we can play later, silly. Your troops are waiting for you." She laughs and pulls away.


    "More like glorified luggage carriers." Apricot snorts.


    "Oh, be nice." Amelia chides her. "Their home is threatened and they just want to strike back, even if it is just by offering up their inventory space."


    "Are they all ready?" I ask while changing into a fresh outfit.


    "Yeah." Apricot answers. "But, you''re the only one who actually took your advice to get some rest."


    "I''ll make them coffee later if they need it." I shrug. Stats don''t do away with the need for sleep, but it certainly makes it easier to ignore the side-effects. "I''ll be doing the heavy lifting anyways, and after last night, I needed a couple extra hours." My kiss lets her know that if we didn''t have things to do I''d be more than happy to go for a repeat performance.


    "Alright." She grins evilly after we pull apart. "Alright, let''s do this."


    "I''d love to, but we''ve got a heist to pull off." I squeeze her ass and stalk out the door, ready to face the night.


    ...


    "I didn''t think it would be this boring." Apricot grumbles after about an hour into the trip.


    "Boring is good." I counter. "It''s best if they don''t even know we''ve been here until long after we''re gone. Besides, we''re almost there. Just a few more minutes, and you can watch me throw around enough magic to rip a mountain apart."


    "So, just like every other day then." Amelia interjects with a laugh.


    "Ha-ha." I deadpan before sitting upright as I pick upon something I didn''t expect. "Well, that''s interesting, and useful, very useful."


    "What is it?" Nikki, the Fire Mage, perks up at the tone of my voice.


    "Looks like Berkie gave the mages a second chance after Riverton. The Earth and Fire Awakened have been stationed here to dig out and process ores. There is a very large stockpile of metal just waiting for us."


    "Good." She snarls.


    "Yes, it is." I agree, but Amelia and I share a look that says ''this one needs watching over''. "Alright, Liza, Packston, Dieter. As soon as we stop, I want you three cubing up the metal, so everyone can store it."


    "And the Mages?" Nikki asks, her face clearly showing her desire to have a go at them.


    "I will get them to empty their inventories." I state, with steel in my voice. "There''s a suspicious lack of precious metals in the stockpile, and I''m sure they''re holding onto it."


    I stop the bus outside a large stone building that looks freshly constructed, like the Earth Mages work. Opposite the building is a walled storage yard with a small mountain of refined metal inside.


    "Damn, I think they beat you to ripping the mountain apart." Liza says when she catches sight of the stored metal. "There''s got to be a thousand cubic meters in there."


    "Well, that''s half our job done then." Packston slaps her on the back before sinking the wall into the ground.


    We''re not bothering to be stealthy at this point because, as per the plan, I''ve got everyone under a Sleep spell. I don''t bother going inside after the Cendassans, and instead just open up a few holes in the wall and pull them out to me.


    "Time to wake up." I say in a sing-song voice. "Come on now, you''ve got guests. You can''t just expect to sleep the night away." The confusion of finding themselves not laying in their beds, but being held up in front of a dozen laughing Mages shows on their faces for a moment before being swiftly replaced by fear.


    "Nnh, not you again." A mousy looking Earth Mage whimpers when she spots me. This draws the attention of, and several oaths from the rest of them.


    "Yes, me again." I put on my most winning smile. "And, I must thank you for doing all this hard work for me." I gesture to the mountain of metal that''s already starting to shrink. "But, I''m guessing that not everything you dug up is in there. So, if you all would please empty your inventories."


    "Fuck you." The foul-mouth belongs to a young Fire Mage. "You can''t make us, and if we die it all goes poof."


    "Oh goody." My smile turns wicked. "See, I was planning to investigate the Deadlands soon, and it looks like you just volunteered to test its long term effects on Awakened."


    He blanches and the rest of them hurry to comply with my request. The girl next to him reaches over and smacks him on the head while I''m moving everything out of the way. "Fucking do what he said, you idiot."The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Yes, yes." He begins unloading his inventory, starting with over a cubic meter of solid gold. "I''m terribly sorry sir; I''ve never been able to think straight until I have my morning tea. Please don''t take me to the desert." He looks like he''s about to piss himself. "This is everything, I swear."


    "And, the rest of you?" I ask and they all answer truthfully in the affirmative. "Oh, very well." I let out a deep, melodramatic sigh. "I suppose its more hassle to haul you down there, than it''s worth. I do recommend that you all take your loved ones and leave Cendassa... Soon."


    "I told you that bastard Palmer had the right idea." The one that smacked him speaks up again. "I don''t know about the rest, but I for one am gone as soon as you let me go."


    "In the morning. For now, Sleep!" I put them all under again, and return them to their beds.


    "Is that it?" Nikki growls. "You''re just going to let them go?"


    "Yes." I reply simply before turning my back on her. "Amelia, if you would store the valuables, I''ll get started digging."


    "Don''t just fucking ignore me!" Little miss anger issues shouts at my back as I lift off the ground to go further into the mountains.


    "Sprouse." I say while looking over my shoulder. "Turning them into martyrs does nothing for Larendath. I let these five go so that their fear will spread and take fifty more with them. Now, I suggest that you look deep and hard into the source of your anger, and root it out before it burns you up." Having said my piece, I go back to what I was doing.


    Calling Blackthorne to my hand, I open up a rent in the side of the mountain. They''ve already pulled out the easily accessible ores, But there''s still plenty to grab. I''ve just got to go a bit deeper.


    "Hmm?" I frown down at the staff in my hands. "Looks like it was a function of distance from the tree, and not proximity to the desert." I can still draw over ninety percent of my max through it at this distance, which means it should still be more than effective for most of the continent.


    Pushing the thoughts about my staff to the back of my mind, I focus back on the mining operation. I start by scooping up anything, and everything precious or rare within my prodigious range I.E. this whole section of the mountain range.


    Once that''s done, I grab and send back enough iron to fill out the rest of our inventories. After that''s taken care of, I decide that since we saved so much time, I might as well spend some of it to further hamper Cendassa. So, I latch on to all the veins of ore and start spreading them out mixing the ore with the surrounding rock. They can still send in Earth Mages to recover it, but it''s going to be a pain in the ass.


    I stop and rejoin the others with just over an hour until dawn. Most of them are sleeping on the bus with a few left on watch. I let Amelia and Apricot know what I was doing and when I''d finish, so they''re awake and waiting for me.


    "All done?" My Mage greets me with a yawn.


    "Yes." I nod and pull both of them into a hug. "Thanks for staying up for me. Any trouble on this end?"


    "Nah." Apricot answers. "The angry one got all weepy after melting the slag pile into... well, more slag." She laughs. "It''s been quiet since then. Did you leave the message?"


    "Leave. Larendath. Alone." I send out three pulses of magic in time with my words to light up the side of the mountain. The message is written high up on its face and will be visible for hundreds of kilometers.


    ""Hahahahah."" The both start laughing so hard that it wakes the others. One of them asks what''s going on, but the rest are drawn by the light and quickly point it out for him.


    "Alright, job''s done." I start the bus. "Let''s roll." The mages just stare out the window for a moment before joining my wives in their laughter.


    ***


    The gate guards called ahead after passing us through, so Baron Pepi was waiting when the bus pulled up to his manor.


    "Good morning Marquis, Marchionesses." He greets us with a bow. "I take it that everything went well." My shit-eating grin is all the answer he needs. "Excellent." His smile grows to match mine.


    "Yes, they were using mages to build up a nice little stockpile. Did half the work for me, I had enough free time that I was able to mix up the ore with the surrounding rock. The only feasable way to get metal out of that mountain is with magic now."


    "You ruined their most productive mine?" His jaw drops open. He recovers quickly though, and soon sounds just like we all did an hour ago. "Hahahah."


    "I also left a little message for King Berkie." I smirk and show him what the mountain looks like now.


    "The top of that peak is just visible from their capital." He starts laughing even harder when I tell him that''s why I did it.


    "Alright." I pat him on the shoulder. "I hate to be a poor guest, but the girls are dead on their feet, and I still need to call Her Majesty."


    "Of course." He bows again and we head off to our rooms.


    "Don''t take too long on the phone." Amelia orders me in a sleepy voice before crawling into bed and snuggling with Apricot.


    "I''ll join you in just a minute." I lean over the bed and give them both a quick kiss before slipping into the other room.


    "Sorrel. How did it go?" The Queen must have been waiting for my call, because she answered after just the first ring.


    "Better than expected." I reply and the smile that can easily be heard in my voice. "They''d sent the Earth and Fire mages from Riverton to process and stockpile metal. So, since Berkie did half the work for us, I spent the extra time to smooth out all the ore I could into the surrounding stone. I also left a little message on the side of the mountain telling him to leave Larendath alone."


    "You didn''t?" She says but I can tell she''s holding back her laughter.


    "I did. I also grabbed about fifty tonnes of gold, and over twice that in silver." The coins they use all weigh the same as one cubic centimeter of whatever metal they''re made of, so that means I have almost two-and-a-half million in gold, and over one hundred million in silver.


    "No! Hahahahah." This time she can''t hold back her laughter.


    "Yes, the vein was mostly played out, but again, they did half the work for me. There was also a good chunk of titanium, and a fair bit of platinum, along with a few other things that I grabbed just because they were there."


    "Okay, would you please give the Mages each ten-thousand golds as a bonus? And then, please upgrade the Baron''s treasury and leave him with half a million gold, and ten times that in silver."


    "First thing in the afternoon." A yawn slips out as I answer. "But, right now, I would dearly love to join my wives in bed." The only reason I''m still awake is that nap I took yesterday.


    "Then, I''ll let you go. I just want to thank you again before you do, I know you didn''t have to include us in your raid. And, you most certainly didn''t have to turn over ninety percent of the gold, silver, and iron. Larendath is far from poor, but this will let us run an extended war if need be, and not worry about lost trade revenue. So, I and all of Larendath thank you."


    "It''s just metal; I can always take a trip into the teeth if I really need more of it." I downplay what I did. "This was just convenient, and a good way to strike back for what they tried at Riverton."


    "If you say so." She says with a lilt to her voice. "Alright, go to your wives, and dream good dreams." With that said, she disconnects.


    I do as she commands and climb into bed, sandwiching Apricot between me and Amelia, just how she likes. The dreams were good, mostly about the three of us swimming around in a giant pool of gold coins ¨¤ la Scrooge McDuck.


    The call of nature pulls me from bed a bit after noon. I don''t think I can sleep anymore, but the girls are still out cold. So, I just leave them be, and get started silently minting over five million coins.


    Apricot wakes first, and shrinks down to slip out of bed without disturbing Amelia. She ignores the gold and silver and flies over to land on my knee. I Ensmallen myself and join her.


    "Morning beautiful." I pull her in for a kiss.


    "How long have you been up for?" She pulls me down to sit with her before retrieving a snack from her inventory.


    "Oh, about ninety minutes." The coins didn''t take long, even with me keeping the magic ''quiet''. "I got up to pee, and then decided to read through the books on the desert. Too bad there are none, every book about Varecia mentions it, but they''re all the same. ''Unknown phenomena'' this, ''might be connected to the circular gulf'' that. Apparently no magical researchers are crazy enough to try researching a place without magic."


    "No, that honor belongs solely to you." She laughs at the look of mock indignation I put on my face. "Are you sure you''ll be okay in there?" She turns serious, and I can hear a hint of fear in her voice.


    I pull her onto my lap so that she''s straddling me and look her straight in the eyes." I swear I will be fine. I''m not even going to rely on magic for transport, so even if I get drained and Blackthorne stops working, I''ll still be able to get out safely."


    "Is that even possible?" She touches the thorn pendant hanging from my neck. "It''s connection is purely internal, I can¡¯t even sense it. Though that might just be the Livingwood thing."


    "I noticed yesterday that it''s affected by distance." I tell her what I found out while making the Gems for the boats, and stripping the mountain bare.


    "Well, that kinda sucks." She pouts and gives the necklace a kiss. "It''s alright though, a lot of guys have performance issues. It doesn''t make you any less of a Mage, even if your staff is a little defective." She keeps a straight face right up until Temmie starts *Ding*ing her head off.


    "I''ll show you just what my ''staff'' can do." She''s already on my lap, so I just will our clothes out of the way.


    ***

 # 83

    After I handed over the coin and took care of the enchantments for the treasury room, the three of us decided to explore the city for the evening. Everyone seems to be in a good mood; the giant step pyramid of solid iron that''s taken over one of the fields the merchant trains use might have something to do with that.


    We''re walking over to the market district when I hear a scream from a couple streets over. Stretching my senses out, I spot a horde of men chasing after a twelve year old girl. Every man she runs past stops whatever they were doing and joins in on the chase.


    "What the fuck?" I lock everyone on the street in place and levitate us over to the mob. "What in the hells is going on here?" I demand an explanation from the crowd while I repair the girl''s torn clothing.


    I''m answered by several variations of "Fuck off", "I saw her first", and "She''s mine" while the men struggle against their invisible bonds.


    "Sorrel, ''look'' at her." Apricot stresses the word, so I turn my Magical Sight on to the girl.


    "What the fuck?" I repeat myself. "What are you? Sorry, that was rude, it''s clear you don''t have any control over this." There''s waves of what basically amounts to magical lust pouring off of her.


    "No! Stay back." She cries and tries to run away when I take a step towards her. "Please just stay back." She curls up into a ball when it''s clear that she can''t get away.


    "It''s alright." I raise my hands up and back away. "I won''t come any closer, but you don''t have to worry, I''ve got your magic locked down now." She looks up at me with a mix of fear and hope. "Can my wife Apricot come over? She''s a pixie, and wouldn''t be affected either way." I hand Apricot a glass of Healing Sap when the girl nods, she''s covered in scrapes and scratches, and her feet have been run raw.


    "What''s going on Sorrel?" Amelia asks when the mob starts fainting and float off to the side of the road.


    "I''m knocking them out until her magic works its way out of their systems." It''s affecting their brains directly by stimulating the limbic area, and suppressing the cortex. "Now that I''ve isolated her, the effect she had on them is fading. But, it''s slow and I''d rather not listen to them anymore."


    "Is she an Awakened?" Amelia looks over as Apricot coaxes the girl into drinking the Healing Sap.


    "No, I think it''s her species." I shake my head and start examining her more closely once she finally drinks the Sap. "She looks human, inside and out, but her race came up as question marks when I tried to evaluate her Hmm? Some of her glands are putting out magical sex pheromones, for lack of a better term."


    "Well, since I don''t know what that one means, you''re going to have to break it down a bit more for me." She smiles at the girl''s astonished cries when she watches her wounds fade before her eyes.


    "It''s like how when a girl cat is in heat, all the boy cats will know and follow after her." I chuckle when mittens tilts his head in confusion from inside her blouse. "You''re a bit young for that buddy." I say and scratch him on the head.


    "Can you help her?" The her in question starts walking over to us.


    "Can you?" She asks in a pleading tone after stopping a couple paces away from me.


    "I can." She looks like a doe that''s about to bolt away any second, so I tell her what she wants to hear. "This is a Nature magic problem, and while I''m more skilled with the plant side of things, this shouldn''t be an issue."


    A guard comes running up at this point, causing the girl to hide behind Apricot. "Marquis, is everything alright here?" He looks at all the unconscious men, including several fellow guards.


    "Yes, young miss..."


    "Clara. Clara Hudner." She provides.


    "Young miss Clara had a bit of a magical accident. They''re all fine, and will wake in about half an hour. But, they''re going to be a little confused, and likely more than a little embarrassed. I''ve got it blocked now, but her power affects mens¡¯ minds, basically turning off their reasoning." I try to sugar coat it as much as possible.


    "Uh, I should probably call this in." He takes a few steps away and pulls a phone from his jacket.


    "I should call the Baron too, and see if any of the Mages have a higher evaluate than mine." I tap my watch to bring out my phone, but say a bit more before I put the call through. "I''ve never read about any species that can do this, but there are some ''old'' myths about something similar." The girls understand what I''m saying, but Clara gets upset.


    "But, I''m human. Both my parents are human too." She defends herself, but a look that I can''t quite puzzle out flashes across her face when she mentions her parents.


    "They may very well." I say a soothing tone. "But Evaluate doesn''t seem to think that you are. You may be some kind magical mutation, the first of a new species." I don''t say what is much more likely, but the look on her face shows that she heard it all the same. Either way, I''ll be able to find out for sure once I meet them.


    I let Pepi know first, he said his men would handle it. I then called Liza to ask if any of them have evaluate. Luckily, one of them, a Water Mage named Walter, used to be a scout for the levelling trips and has evaluate at level three.


    "Sir." He hops of his dirt bike a few minute later. "Heard you needed someone evaluated."


    "Yes, I''ve only got it at level one, and miss Clara isn''t showing up properly." I nod to the girl who''s sitting on a couch I made at the side of the road for her and Apricot.


    "Evaluate!" He casts the System integrated spell. "Hmm? That''s odd, it says she''s a proto-Siren, but I''ve never heard of a proto-species before. No idea what a Siren is either. Sorry sir."


    "Well, it looks like my guess about you being the first of a new species was correct. I also recognize the name from those old myths." She''s not half bird, and her voice isn''t very enchanting, but the name fits. "I''ll still need to examine your family to be sure, but I think it likely that your parents are just that, yours."


    "I almost wish he wasn''t." She says so quietly that, even with my magically enhanced senses, I almost miss it.


    "..." I pause for a moment, I hadn''t even thought about what might have happened if her powers activated around her father. "Apricot, could you escort her back to the Baron''s manor while Amelia and I deal with things here." Apricot quickly hides the look of horror on her face and nods to me before turning to Clara.


    "Come on Clara, let''s go. It''s not far from here, we can play some Rune games and watch movies, and I can introduce you to the wonder that is chocolate on the way." She materializes a bar of milk-chocolate from her inventory and hands it to the girl.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "...okay." She says in a small voice and takes a bite. The candy seems to help a bit, but she''s still a deeply troubled girl. "It''s good." She lets Apricot pull her off to the manor while nibbling on the candy.


    "Do I even need to ask what she said?" Amelia spits out a string of curses when I answer her with a shake of my head.


    "This is all kinds of fucked up, but at least there were no signs of assault." It''s not much of a silver lining, but it''s something.


    "May, I ask what happened?" Walter speaks up hesitantly.


    Instead of answering him directly, I read a few lines from Homer''s The Odyssey "''So far so good,'' said she, when I had ended my story, ''and now pay attention to what I am about to tell you--heaven itself, indeed, will recall it to your recollection. First you will come to the Sirens who enchant all who come near them. If any one unwarily draws in too close and hears the singing of the Sirens, his wife and children will never welcome him home again, for they sit in a green field and warble him to death with the sweetness of their song.''"


    "Is that from your old myth?" He asks. The look of disgust on his face says that he figured out what happened.


    "The most popular story that mentions them, yes." I sigh. "It''s a really old myth though and, like most old stories, they''re all mixed up. Their descriptions range anywhere from birds with human heads to harpy-like to birdkin, or just plain human women that were cursed after they failed their goddess. And then, there''s a bunch of stories that describe them as water spirits or merrow-like, but with the ability to disguise themselves as beautiful women. Clara appears fully human, and her power doesn''t come from her voice, but the similarity is still there, and likely why Temmie chose the name." A *Ding* confirms my suspicions.


    "Is there any upside to the stories?" Amelia asks.


    "One, though I''m not sure it''s an actual upside. They are said to have the ability to divine the past and future." I answer. "Though, I have no idea if Clara will have the same."


    "Why wouldn''t that be an upside?" Walter says, a bit shocked that I would claim otherwise.


    "Hard to live for the present when you can see the future, or are obsessed with going over the past." I don''t like Time Magics, and aside from Haste and Slow have avoided that brach of Magic entirely.


    "I suppose." He mutters, not entirely convinced.


    "Well, either way, it looks like her powers have run their course." I walk over to the three guards that were chasing her, and wake them first. "Hello gentlemen. Do any of you remember what happened?"


    "Huh?" - "What?" - "The Marquis?" They talk over each other.


    "One at a time, please tell me the last thing you remember. Starting with you." I point to the oldest.


    "Uh... We were on patrol when the Hurden girl came running up with some men chasing her." They all flush when they recall what happened next.


    "It''s not your fault." I tell them before he says anything else. "Miss Clara came into some very strange magic today. She''s unhurt, and I''ve neutralized her power for now."


    "Yes sir." The speaker bows to me. "Things got a bit fuzzy then, but we started chasing her too."


    "Do you happen to know where her family lives?" They give me the directions. "Thank you. Now, if you could help explain what happened to everyone when they wake?" They agree and I start waking the poor sods up.


    No one seems very happy, least of all their wives and girlfriends. But, this is a world of magic, and everyone tends to accept that sometimes weird shit just happens.


    Afterwards Amelia and I head over to Clara''s house with Walter in tow, just in case she has any siblings that need to be evaluated. I peer inside with my magic to find the father has drunk himself unconscious and the mother is weeping openly while taking care of a toddler as two other children play quietly in the back.


    "What a fucking mess." I sigh and knock on the door. Clara''s mom startles at the sound, but quickly wipes her tears away and comes to answer the door. "Hello Ma''am, I am Marquis Rumex, this is my wife Amelia, and Mage Walter Beaton. May we come inside please?" I speak before she has a chance to.


    "L-l-lord?" She tries to curtsey, but the child on her hip throws her balance off. "O-of course, Lord. Is everything alright?" She guides us into the living room, all the while shooting fearful looks towards the bedroom where her husband is passed out.


    "I think you already know that''s not the case, but hopefully we can make things a little better." I take a steadying breath. "Your daughter came into some very troublesome Magic today, Magic that muddles mens¡¯ minds. Whatever your husband may have done was not entirely his fault." I''m not willing to absolve him completely, because magic roofies or no, she''s still his daughter.


    "I woke up to her crying as the bastard was pawing at her." She hisses. "I had to hit him over the head just to get him off of her. And then, lock him in the room so she could run away." The tears flow freely down her cheeks. "And now, you come in here and want to blame her for it." She looks like she wants to hit me.


    "It is not Clara''s fault, and that is not what we are saying at all." Amelia speaks up for me. "When we found her she was being chased down the street by over a hundred men, including several guards. She has no control over her power, and needs help. Just like you and the rest of your family are going to need help to deal with what happened today. Help we are trying to provide."


    The woman closes her eyes and takes a deep breath trying to get her anger under control. "Say, I believe you. Then is she some kind of Awakened? I know she would never cast any spell like that."


    "No, Ma''am." Her nostrils flare when I open my mouth, but she doesn''t stop me from speaking. "Your daughter appears to be the first of a new species; The Book of Knowledge evaluated her as a Proto-Siren."


    "Are you saying my baby isn''t human?" She clenches the hand not holding her child into a fist.


    "No, she isn''t." I say flatly. "And, neither is the girl in your arms. Walter, could you please evaluate her?"


    "She''s not a Siren." He says after casting the spell. "This one reads as a Proto-Moura."


    I nod, a little surprised that they''re not the same, even if they are very similar. "The Enchanted Moura. As with the myths about the Siren, there''s a connection to water and seductiveness." I recount what I know about them. "I''m not very familiar with these stories, but they''re said to be powerful shape shifters, and guardians of thresholds and boundaries. Bridges, rivers, the edge of a forest or plain." I name several defining characteristics of Riverton. "There''s also mention of a fugue state induced by a curse of some sorts, but the specifics change."


    "Myths?" The woman scoffs once I finish speaking. "What nonsense are you on about. I''ve been polite because you''re the Marquis, but you''re trying to tell me that my girls are creatures out of stories."


    "It''s more that The Book named their species after those myths because they share some similarities." I try to explain. "The Siren for example is said to draw men in with its otherworldly singing, but Clara does so by emitting powerful Nature Magic."


    "But, how can they not be human?" She clutches the child to her chest and starts rocking back and forth. "I''m human, and that bastard passed out in there is human. What about the boys?" She looks over to where they''re peeking around the corner to watch us.


    "You, he, and they all Evaluate as human. I''m unsure as to just how your daughters became another species, but you and your husband likely have something special in your bloodlines that when combined into girls brought about their change." Considering the connection to water, I''m betting that one or more of their ancestors was a naiad, or something similar.


    "Then is the same thing that happened to Clara going to happen to Cici?" The toddler squirms to get out of her mother''s over-tight grasp.


    "That, I don''t know." What little I know about plant genetics doesn''t exactly transfer over to Magically derivative humanoids. "I may be able to find out after running some tests, but those can wait for later. I think that Clara is missing her mother right now. So, how about we all head over to the Baron''s?"


    "Yes, my baby needs me." The look she sends down the hall makes me think that her husband is lucky that she hasn''t killed him yet. "And the bastard?"


    "I think it best that he be kept under watch for now." Something horrible happened today, but he is still their father. "You don''t need to speak with, or even see him if you don''t want to."


    "You know what? I don''t care what you do with him, it''s over." She spits in the man''s direction. "Before you and the gods, I renounce our marriage. I don''t care if we have to live on the streets, or walk through the dead of winter back to live with my parents in Beechhollow. I will not stay under the same roof as that man."


    "Nor will you have to." Amelia states with fire in her voice. "And, neither do you have to worry about providing for your children. We will take care of all of you, and set you up with a new home wherever you want."


    She had the kids grab their favorite toys and they all piled into a carriage I made for them on the spot. I thanked Walter, who was glad to leave the mess in my hands, and then hopped up into the driver''s seat beside Amelia.


    "You''re going to have to translate some of those myths for me." She said before pulling me into a side hug and resting her head on my shoulder.


    "I don''t know any stories about the Moura, or really much more than I''ve already shared, but Sirens and Greek mythology in general I can do." I answer and drive our horseless carriage down the street. "I''ve got to warn you that most of it is pretty fucked up though."


    "Like today hasn''t been?" She heaves out a deep sigh.


    ***

 # 84

    Clara is waiting outside for us with apricot, even though we didn''t call ahead. "Mommy!" She runs forward and tackle-hugs her mother the moment the carriage door opens.


    Apricot comes up to us and whispers. "I caught a hint of Time Mana from her a few minutes ago, and then she knew that you were bringing her family here."


    "Shit." I hiss out the oath. "I was hoping she wouldn''t have to deal with that."


    Amelia is about to say something when the former Mrs. Hudner walks up and curtseys to our orange haired wife. "Thank you Miss Apricot for looking after Clara."


    "You are most welcome... " She pauses, not knowing the woman''s name.


    "Lorelai Esmond, and the twins are Darrel and Daniel." Lorelai looks back at her children who are marveling over the manor-house.


    "Lorelai, your daughter is a lovely girl." Apricot says with all seriousness. "I can''t imagine what today has been like for her, but she hasn''t let it break her."


    "Thank you." She nods to the pixie. "But, your man said he had some tests to determine if this... Moura thing is affecting Cici." She eyes the girl that''s clinging to her older sister right now.


    "Yes, she''ll just have to drink a glass of liquid. Though I think it somewhat likely that any magical differences will only appear with puberty like Clara." The girl is tough, but I see her shying slightly every time she sees a man. "But, please let me arrange some rooms for you first."


    I contact Pepi''s secretary and he puts them up in the suite right next to ours. I also ask that some guards keep an eye on Clara''s father, as drunk as he was he should be out for hours still, but I''d rather he didn''t do anything stupid when he wakes.


    Once we''re all in the sitting room of their suite, I turn to the girl that started all this. "Clara, would it be easier for you if..." My sharp masculine features turn round and feminine with a slight elven cast. My hair grows out over pointed ears as I lose over ten centimeters, and put the mass straight to my hips and chest. "...I look like this." While Lorelai and her children gape at the new half-elf woman sitting before them, I shift my clothes into a blouse and skirt similar to Amelia''s.


    Mittens, spotting a new perch, immediately decides to hop ship. My new breasts are right in-between Apricot''s and Amelia''s in size, and apparently feel just like home, if his purring is anything to go by.


    "Traitor." My blonde says, but there''s a smile on her face as she scratches him and just happens to cop a feel at the same time. Putting up a sound barrier, she adds. "You know, we haven''t tried this before."


    "Say yes, please." Apricot swiftly adds


    "H-how?" The mother of four finally finds her voice.


    "Yes. I can shape shift." I give Apricot the answer she wants to hear, and explain to Lorelai. "Just like I believe that Cici can, or will be able to, to some extent at least." I conjure a small glass and fill it with Healing Sap. "All she has to do is drink this, and I''ll be able to get a good look at her insides and see if her innate Magic has activated yet."


    "Don''t worry momma." Clara chimes in. "That''s the same stuff that he... she gave me to heal me up." She takes the cup from my hand, and passes it to her mom.


    She dips a finger in and tests it first. "Okay, Cici hasn''t eaten yet and is looking a bit hungry." The girl looks more out of it than hungry to me.


    "Is this how she always looks when she''s hungry?" She nods while coaxing the lethargic girl to drink. "That ties in with the fugue state from the Moura myths. They would often ask for milk, cake or bread to cure themselves. And your daughter seems to have an unusually low blood-sugar which causes the same in her." The Sap is plenty sweet and the little girl quickly perks up.


    "Is there anything else I should know?"


    "As I said before, I''m not very familiar with the tales, and like Clara they may not align perfectly, but they are typically associated with gold, often by their hair color." A feature both her daughters share. "And, are said to be great builders with stone."


    I pull some granite from underground and fashion it into some building blocks for the girl. She doesn''t seem overly interested in them though, so I just shrug my shoulders.


    "What about Sirens?" Clara asks, obviously interested in what else may be in store for her.


    "These I do know more about, but that doesn''t exactly help as the tales are all over the place. But, their musical ability, and singing voices are universal amongst all the stories."


    "Well, that''s not me." She snorts. "I can''t carry a tune in a bucket."


    "There are two other powers that tend to stand out, and you''ve already demonstrated one of them." Her eyes go wide when I say this. "Can you remember exactly how you knew that I''d be bringing your mother here when I did?"


    "... I just knew." She seems confused.


    "Because you divined it." I smile at her. "Apricot sensed the Time Magic when you did."


    "I''m a seer?" She scrunches up her face like she''s trying to squint into the future.


    "I don''t think it works that way." We all laugh a little bit at the blush that crosses her face.


    "So, you''ve explained what they can do, but how did they get this way?" Lorelai seems to have noticed my reluctance to mention the last power, and moves the conversation on before Clara notices.


    "This is pure speculation, but my best guess is that you and their father both have ancient ancestors that were not human." I thank her with my eyes for not bringing up the last power. I''m never going to be comfortable with anything that deals with spirits or souls. "Most likely one of the naiad variants, or possibly a selkie, considering that both the Siren and Moura myths have strong connections to the sea." There''s a connection between dragons, and Sirens in at least one story, but I find that somewhat unlikely in this case.


    "Thayne always used to brag about their being dragon blood in his family." Lorelai makes me pick up that discarded connection. "But, I don''t know of anything like that on my side."


    "I''ve not met any but the most common races, and even if I had, It''s unlikely that I could pick up a connection in your blood. And, for all I know, this all happened by pure chance. I never even read about anything like your girls happening, let alone encountered the same."


    "Fine, it is what it is." She breathes out through her nose. "You can help make sure there''s never a repeat of today though, right?"


    "Of course." I nod to her. "I can create an enchantment to block Clara''s power. Cici doesn''t have any active magic, and likely won''t until after menarche. But, I''ll make one for her as well, just in case." I''m going to throw in a set of defensive charms too, but hopefully they''ll never need it.


    "And, what do you want in return?" I get the feeling she''d be narrowing her eyes at me if I had a penis right now.


    "I would love the chance to study them as they grow into their powers." I don''t bother hiding my motivations. "But, I offer the enchantments with no strings attached. Your children need help, it''s my duty as their lord to provide that help."The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "Most nobles don''t see it that way." She lowers head for a moment before taking a deep breath and looking me straight in the eyes. "But, I believe you do. Who else would turn themselves into a woman just to calm down an eleven year old girl? Fine, we''ll cooperate, but I want you to take us out of Riverton."


    "Done." I agree instantly. I''d feel bad for Thayne, but out of your mind or no, your daughter is still your daughter. "You can stay in the manor here until we leave, and then I can set you up in the Capital, or if feel that you need something less crowded. I''m starting a pilot village in the coming days, it will be populated mostly by dungeon widows from Circle Orchard."


    "I left Beechhallow for a reason." She sends a sad look in her daughter''s direction. "But, somehow I feel that whatever village you build won''t be like that, and likely won''t stay a village for long."


    "Just wait until you see it." Amelia says with a smile.


    "Okay, we''ll leave you to get settled in. Please don''t hesitate to ask the servants for anything that you might need." The girls and I get up, and Lorelai escorts us to the door.


    Once there, she brings up the dropped topic from earlier. "What was the last power attributed to sirens?" She asks in a quiet voice.


    "Soul magic." I answer in a similar tone, despite it not being needed because of my Soundproofing. "Some stories had them tasked by the gods to soothe the souls of the departed with their music. I didn''t mention it because I dislike that branch of magic."


    "Understood, and thank you." She nods before closing the door behind us.


    ***


    "You walk like a boy." Apricot slaps me on the ass, again.


    It''s too late for shopping now, but they decided we should go out to eat, and that I had to stay as a woman for the rest of the night. They keep giving me ''helpful'' comments like that too, when they aren''t taking liberties with my body, that is.


    "I''m copying you." I try to defend myself.


    "I''m a pixie, what do I know about walking?" She does have a point. "Just, you know, move your hips some more. No, too much. Yeah, that''s better."


    "That does look better." Amelia licks her lips. "Mmm, we really should have done this sooner."


    "I feel like a piece of meat being drooled over by a pair of hungry lions." I say that and then laugh when Mittens lets out a mighty roar from my chest that sounds more adorable than fearsome. "Yes, you are more mighty than any lion." I scratch him under the chin.


    "Aww, that is so cute." Apricot take the opportunity to cop another feel while petting Mittens.


    "You know? We could just skip dinner." I offer in the vain hope that they''ll take me up on it.


    "And, miss watching that cute little butt of yours squirm while we tease you all night?" Amelia breathes in my ear. "I wouldn''t dream of it."


    "Oh, Elle. Look at you blush." Apparently, I''ve got a new name now.


    "Let me guess. You''re waiting to call me Sore until later tonight." My quip gets both them and Temmie laughing.


    "Well, I was going to take it easy since it''s your first time." She smiles lasciviously. "But, after a set up like that, I''d not be able to call myself a proper pixie if I didn''t at least try."


    "Walked right into that one." I let out a fake groan. "You know you''re cute when you act like a dirty old man." I lean over and give her quick peck on the lips. "Ooh, now look who''s blushing."


    "Shut up." She blushes even harder.


    "Oh, this is fun." Amelia switches targets. "We never get to see this side of you. You dirty old man, you." She copies my kiss and leaves Apricot flushed from head to toe.


    "Quit teasing me." Apricot shrinks down and hide in my hair.


    "Aww, but we never get to tease you anymore." Amelia pouts. "You were so cute when you used to get flustered when we first got together."


    "Just tease Elle instead." Apricot does just that to my ear. "Ooh, looks like her ears are sensitive." She says as a blush creeps onto my face.


    "Oh, I''m going to have fun with that later." Amelia grins as my blush deepens.


    ***


    Spoiler: Spoiler<input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    <div>


    Amelia POV:


    "Oh gods, Sorrel." I breathe out when she lets her dress slip to the floor. "You are beautiful."


    "Call me Elle." She says shyly as her cheeks turn rosy. "Tonight, I''m your woman."


    I can feel my insides heat and tighten as the candle light plays against her supple body, painting her pale flesh in golden tones. Her wavy crimson hair, now nearly black with ruby highlights. But those emerald green eyes shine with a green fire all their own.


    "It''s like she took the best parts of us and mixed them, only to come up with something even better." Apricot hits the nail right on the head.


    "Is that what you did Elle?" I close the distance and slide my hand up her thigh, careful not to brush against her most sensitive part. She ducks her head and lets out a shuddering breath as my finger-tips play across her skin.


    I walk behind her, my hand still trailing along her skin, and spot the same little dimples in the small of her back that Apricot has. "She even has your dimples." I trace my nails across them and then up and down her spine before cupping that tight little ass. "I''d say her butt looks like mine, but feels more like yours."


    Elle hasn''t said another word, but her body is speaking volumes. The shivering when I ran my nails along her back, the slight tremble when I lifted my hand, and the sharp intake of breath when I grabbed her ass. It''s all I can do not to just throw her down and have my way with her, but she was right when she said that she''s my woman tonight. And, I plan to take my time playing with her.


    "Look at her. You barely touched her and she''s already wet." My pixie is letting me take the lead, but she''s clearly excited and can hardly wait for her turn. "Fuck, she even smells like us." Apricot starts kneading her breasts through her dress with one hand as the other snakes under her skirt.


    I pull Elle''s hair to one side and whisper in her ear. "Is that true? Did you even mix our scent together?" I very, very carefully lift a drop of her wetness onto my finger, without touching her sex. Bringing that finger to my lips, I lick that dewy drop of nectar, and shudder as the perfect mix of Apricot''s and my sweetness coats my tongue.


    I can hear Apricot''s breath hitch, and the wet sounds coming from under her dress intensify. "Give me a taste." She pleads. So, I repeat my trick and gather a much larger drop, as the little doe under my hands is positively gushing now. "Oh, yes. Please." My sweetie stretches forward and takes my fingers into her mouth. She moans as she sucks on them trying to get every last drop of that perfect taste. "Oh, fuck! Fuck, fuck. Nng!"


    "Look at that." I step back and breath into Elle''s ear again. "Just a taste of you made her cum."


    Apricot flops back onto the bed as the shudders pass through her body. And, this perfect creature before me looks like she''s about to go herself, just from watching. She''s so wet now that even I can smell her sex filling the room.


    "Do you want that?" I flick my tongue across her ear lobe. "Do you want to cum?" She gulps and gives the barest of nods, so I take the fleshy part of her ear in my teeth and bite down, ever so gently.


    She shivers and starts panting as I pull back until it pops loose, only to go back in and start sucking on it. Sensing that she''s getting closer, I let my nipple tease across hers. This tiny touch is the most direct stimulation I''ve given her, and it proves her undoing.


    Her shivers turn into shudders, and her panting into gasping. She lets out the softest and sexiest moan I''ve ever her, and her knees go weak before she locks them in place to keep standing.


    "Good girl." I slide a finger through the flood that is now her inner thigh. "A few more of those, and I might even touch you down here." I bring my hand to her lips and she eagerly licks it clean. "Ooh, what a cute little tongue, I think it would go perfectly inside my little sweetie."


    I cut Apricot''s clothes away with a water blade making her gasp again as the cool air hits her hot wetness. She knows what I want, and spreads her legs wide after scooting to the edge of the bed.


    "Kneel, and crawl to her." I breathe the order into Elle''s ear. "And don''t think shaking that ass around is going to get my to touch you any sooner." I smack the cheeky little thing causing her to jump. "No hands." I stop her a second before she touches my lover.


    "Oh, yes!" Apricot moans as this little vixen flicks her tongue out to lap up her wetness.


    "Don''t just tease her." I give Elle a matching handprint on her other ass cheek. "Get in there and eat it like you mean it." While she does as I ordered, I start playing with her cute little butt, massaging away the bright red marks.


    My hands stray close, but never quite touch her center. Not that she seems to need me to, not with how damp she is. That sweet dew dribbling down her thighs is just too much for me to resist. Kneeling down myself, I start licking it from her smooth, tight flesh.


    Even though I''m still careful not to touch her there, the rough texture of my tongue against her soft skin proves to be her undoing yet again. Soon another flow of sweetness is dribbling down to replace what I just lapped up.


    Shuddering and panting, Elle doesn''t dare stop eating out my little sweetie. It''s not long before both my girls are shaking and moaning as orgasms rock through them.


    "What do you say Apricot, has she been a good little pet?" I crawl onto the bed, trailing my nails up Elle''s spine as I go. "Should we reward her?"


    "Yes, please." Apricot begs and licks a drop of liquid candy from my lips, all while Elle continues her ministrations. "Anything let me taste more of that."


    "You heard her pet, my little sweetie wants a taste of your sweetness." She looks up from Apricot''s thighs with hope in her eyes, and a blush coloring her cheeks. "Get up here and swap places."


    I thought for sure she''d rush, but Elle takes her time, by kissing her way up Apricot''s body. My hand has no choice but to slip between my own thighs once their lips lock. That mix of Elle''s shy timidness meeting Apricot''s questing hunger is one of the hottest things I''ve ever seen.


    ***


    {AN: One of you all asked for a scene with a gender-swapped Sorrel ages ago. It may have taken me a while to write it, but you''re welcome.  }

 # 85

    "Stupid boobs." I grumble and adjust my position to free the one that just got squished when I rolled over in my sleep. "You guys are fun, but a pain to sleep with."


    "Correct on both counts." Amelia props herself up and leans over Apricot to kiss the poor wounded soldier.


    "Nnh, not again, please." I whimper when she flicks her tongue over the little pink nub. "I don''t think I can take anymore. I love it when you take charge. But, damn! You really know how to work a girl over."


    "Yes she does." Apricot says in a low purr before yawning. "Mhm, good morning. And, thank you both for last night. I don''t know what was hotter. You being all shy, or her bossing you around."


    "You did a fair bit of bossing around yourself missy." Amelia runs her fingernails along Apricot''s hip. "So, what''s the plan for today? Are you still going to the desert?"


    "I might go a few kilometers in to take some readings and check the sand." I kiss away the worried frown from her brows. "But, I still have to make the enchantments for that poor girl, and we never did get to explore the city."


    "Can we do another girls day, please." Apricot makes puppy-dog eyes at me.


    "I don''t know." I quirk an eyebrow. "Are we going to get kicked out of anymore restaurants, you dirty old man?"


    "Heheheh. Maybe." She only blushes a little this time, but it''s still a cute look on her.


    "Oh, fine." I roll my eyes. "But let''s take a bath first. I am one Sore Elle." I start laughing when even Temmie groans at that one.


    ...


    *Ding**Ding**Ding* My phone goes off in the middle of the bath.


    "That''s the guard I had watching Clara''s father." I say after checking the number. Changing my voice to avoid confusion, I answer the call. "Is there a problem with Mr. Hudner?"


    "Sir." I roll my eyes when I hear the guard salute. "He''s awake and sober, sir. Mr. Hudner wishes to leave town. I tried to explain about the Siren business like you asked, but he said that he can''t face his family again after what happened, and is going to return to Newlake in Cendassa to take over his parents¡¯ farm."


    "Very well." I sigh and shake my head at this whole mess. "Let him go, but make sure he has supplies for the trip. I''ll pay for whatever he needs."


    "Yes, Lord. It''ll be as you say." He disconnects the call.


    Meanwhile, I let myself slide under the water to hide the tears start welling in my eyes. "Poor fucking bastard." The words burble out of me. A thought hit me then that makes me thankful that I haven''t had breakfast yet. Staying under the water, I use Magic to call Oliver.


    "Sorrel." He sounds chipper. "What can I do for you?"


    "Did you hear about the girl I rescued yesterday?" I ask, even though I''m sure that two new humanoid species would definitely have been reported.


    "Yes, it''s fascinating. I''ve never heard of anything like this before."


    "I think you may have, and just never realized." I sincerely hope that I''m wrong, but I don''t think I am. "Have you ever heard of any rumors about say the men of a village being cursed and all attacking a girl? Possibly near Beechhallow in the Northwest, or Newlake in Cendassa."


    "Oh, gods." His oath is all the confirmation I need. "Just over a century ago, there was a small village near Newlake..." He trails off.


    "That''s what I was afraid of." My throat is so tight that if I wasn''t using a spell to speak with, my voice wouldn''t even be able to get past my lips. The tears I was trying to hold off spill out of me when Amelia and Apricot both dive under the water and pull me into a three-way hug. "I found it strange that they were the first of their kind, I suppose we know what happened to the rest now. I''m sorry for disturbing you."


    "No, it¡¯s alright." He says quickly. "You will be able to help the girls, though. Won''t you?"


    "Yes, I''m going to start on the enchantments for them in just a moment."


    "I''ll let you get to it then." He drops the call.


    "Oh, baby." Amelia squeezes me tighter. "All those girls."


    "Girls with divination." I say trying to offer her an alternative to what she''s thinking of. "Look at yesterday. Riverton isn''t a small city, and we weren''t exactly close to Clara''s home. I think it likely that us meeting wasn''t just chance, and that other Sirens had similar ''coincidences''. Hells, it wouldn''t surprise me if there''s a local superstition that girls should stay away from men for a time after their first bleeds."


    "And the Moura?" She says, not willing to let it go entirely.


    "We still don''t know what, if any powers Cici will develop." I counter. "But, I think that after I get the enchantments built, we should probably take a little road trip out to Newlake."


    "Oh, baby." She hugs me even tighter.


    ***


    "Good morning Lorelai." I greet the mother of four when she answers the door. "May we come in?" I hold up a box containing the reason for our visit.


    "Yes, please." She opens the door wide and gestures us inside. "Where you really able to craft them so quickly?"


    "Yes, it''s basically just an inverted Mana shield." More of a pattern destabilizer, really. But, I doubt she cares for the specifics, she just needs to know that it works. "I''ve also included a basic Barrier Rune that she can activate in emergencies, just in case her power changes or grows too strong for the enchantments." It''s a bit more than basic, but again, that''s just details.


    "Thank you Lord... Lady. Um, why are you still like that?"Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    "Hahah. Oh, the girls decided to play dress-up with me." I take Apricot''s hand, it was her idea to lighten the mood after the bath. "That, and we''re going to take a trip out to Newlake, I believe that your girls may have some cousins hiding in the woods that are dealing with the same predicament."


    "Really?" Clara''s voice squeaks out.


    "We won''t know until we investigate, but there''s some evidence that you may not be the first." I don''t say what that evidence is, but the look on her mother''s face says that she guessed correctly. "I plan to find them, if they''re there, and offer them the same enchantments. I also believe that you finding me yesterday was not chance."


    "I don''t... Oh, the seer thing, yes?" She catches on pretty quick.


    "It''s all speculation at this point." I say. "But, it makes sense, and that''s why we''re going." I get up to leave. "We''ll be back tonight, or tomorrow at the latest. And, the Baron''s people will take care of you while we''re away."


    Lorelai follows us out while Clara is playing with her new bracelet. "Thayne?" She whispers his name.


    "Said he couldn''t face you anymore and left to take over his parent''s farm." She lets out a relieved sigh when I tell her his plans.


    "Thank you." She curtsies to me before returning to her children.


    We''re walking out the front door of the manor when Baron Pepi comes walking up. "Lady Amelia, Lady Apricot, Ma''am." He nods to us in passing, and it''s all we can do to not break into giggles. Especially when we catch him checking out my ass.


    ...


    Aside from having to keep us invisible as we passed the border, the trip to New lake passed without incident. Even with the threat of war looming, the border isn''t closed. Though, I did note that they are taxing people heading into Larendath more than people coming out of it. Cendassa knows that the lack of trade, even this late in the year, would hurt them as much as it would Larendath. But, they aren''t above making a quick buck at our expense.


    "That lake doesn''t look very new to me." Apricot comments on the body of water that gives the town its name.


    "Neither does the town." It''s clearly been here a while. "Shit." I curse softly as we step out of the carriage I made after we got off our bikes just outside town. The horses are only illusions, but look scary enough to keep anyone from getting close. "Little blonde girl on the right reads as question marks."


    "Damn." Amelia offers up her own oath. "I knew your logic made sense, but I didn''t think we''d find someone right after we got into town. Should we follow her?"


    "I''m tracking her, and we can speak to her parents later. But, I think we should speak to the head woman first." I motion down the street to where a matronly woman is approaching, likely wondering why a fancy carriage and three richly dressed women are in her town.


    "Ladies." She curtsies to us. "I am Village head Cynda Ameer, welcome to Newlake."


    "Thank you, it''s a lovely town." Amelia takes the lead. "I am Amelia Rumex; these are Apricot, and Elle, my wives." I can see the twinkle in her eye when she said that. "We''re here on a fairly important bit of business. Is there any place we could speak in private?"


    "Of course, my office is just inside." She guides us into the largest building in the square, and upstairs to a clean, if somewhat cluttered office. "Now, what can I help you with."


    "Do you perhaps know of a Thayne Hudner?" Amelia asks after we seat ourselves across from her desk. "I believe his parents are farmers hereabouts."


    "I know the Hudners, they live a ways outside of town, but Thayne moved away over a decade ago. Is he in some sort of trouble?" She''s curious and I get the feeling that she''s hoping for some juicy gossip.


    "He''s been living in Riverton with his now-ex-wife and four children." Amelia continues. "The eldest, Clara, turned eleven this year." Cynda''s face loses all color when she says that. "Don''t worry, thanks to Elle, she''s fine... physically at least. Getting pawed at by her father, and then chased down the street by over a hundred men is going to leave an entirely different type of mark."


    "How?" The old woman whispers. "How did you save her?"


    "She''s a Nature Mage, and a rather skilled enchanter." At her prompt I produce an enchanted bracelet. "This can block the Siren''s powers, and hopefully the Moura''s as well. Clara''s little sister is still a baby, so we don''t know for sure. Those are the names The Book of Knowledge gives to their species." She add after seeing Cynda''s confused look.


    "We call them the Sighted and the Sleepers... but, mostly we just call them the Cursed." She slumps into her chair and looks like every year of her long life is weighing on her. "Does this really work? How many can you make, we separate the girls when they get to puberty, but there''s always the risk of an accident happening. We don''t have much, but every family in town will give you everything we can."


    "We don''t need your money." I finally speak up. "We just want to help. But, I have to know just what have you been doing with the Cursed, as you call them, and why haven''t you asked the mages for help?"


    "They have a protector deep in the woods, she... doesn''t like mages." The head woman seems reluctant to say any more.


    "Not even ones that can help the girls?"


    "...I need to call in some of the townswomen. We can send a rider with a message, if you''re really willing to help them, and for free no less, I can''t see her denying you."


    Cynda''s about to stand when Amelia projects an image of the little girl we saw on the street. "If you''re contacting people, you should probably talk to her parents as well."


    "Little Denna? No, there hasn''t been one in her family for generations."


    "Yes. Little Denna." Amelia says softly. "Elle''s Evaluate isn''t high enough to tell them apart, but she can see who''s not plain human."


    "Here." I pass over the bracelet and a diagram for its enchantment. "Talk to your people, and send this along with the message. I don''t know if their protector knows much about Runes, but she should easily be able to decipher the Magic."


    "..." Cynda pauses for a moment and looks at me like she''s trying to puzzle out if I know that there''s a bloody dragon in the woods. "Alright, it''ll take a while to get word to her and back."


    "We''ll get a room at the Inn." Amelia says and we all stand to leave.


    "Thank you." Cynda nods to her. "I swear we''ll be as fast as possible."


    We head downstairs and watch as the town quickly comes alive with excitement. Cynda told one woman who started running around telling others, and they in turn told more. And soon, everyone knew and were talking about it while casting hopeful looks at us.


    "So, we''re all agreed that there''s a dragon in the woods, right?" Apricot says as we walk to the inn.


    "Oh, definitely." Amelia nods.


    "Yup." I agree. "Why do you think I didn''t just barge in there. I''m stupid, but I ain''t that stupid."


    "What in all the hells is a dragon doing in Cendassa of all places, though?"


    "Taking care of her grandkids apparently." I snort as Apricot swats me on the shoulder.


    "You know what I mean."


    "Yeah, they are nearly as magic as the Fae, and should be nowhere near the Deadlands. Just finding one on Varecia is surprising, almost as surprising as the fact that she''s looking after a bunch of girls. From what I read, they''re filial creatures, but are less... caring in their approach to child rearing. ''If the hatchling cannot survive on its own, then it''s not meant to.''" I quote from one of the books on magical creatures that I read when we had to deal with the worm.


    "That''s a bit harsh." Apricot takes Mittens from my chest and strokes him to soothe herself.


    "Well, clearly this one is different." Amelia wraps her arms around her from behind. "And, don''t worry, we''re going to take the best care of our kids... when we have them."


    "You''ll come around sooner or later." Apricot smiles at the thought of having children, and Amelia''s silly reluctance. "Too bad Elle can''t get knocked up too." She looks down at my taut belly.


    "I can''t produce egg cells, but I am able to produce an otherwise perfectly working womb." Both of their eyes go wide when I toss out that tidbit. "If you really want me to, I should be able to harvest an egg from your or Amelia and fertilize it inside myself."


    "Both!" Apricot demands instantly. "I want to see you carrying twins."


    "Hahahahah." Amelia laughs so hard that she startles Mittens. "That''s what you get for posing as a pregnant me."


    "Eh, I''ll just go around as a guy, and it''ll just look like I''ve got a big ''ol beer belly." I project an illusion of just that.


    "No fair, that''s cheating." Apricot waves the image away. "I want to see this you be pregnant."


    "Sweetie, this is fun and all... especially last night, but I already miss being a boy, and don''t know if I could go a whole nine months as a woman." I say seriously.


    "Once a week then, at least." She counters.


    "I can probably manage that." I lean in and kiss her, careful not to squish mittens between our breasts.


    ***

 # 86

    "MANLING!!!" The roar is so loud and all encompassing that I blank out for a second.


    We only had to wait a few hours before a go between got the okay to bring us to the hidden village. We left mittens at the inn, because... well, he''s Mittens. No way were we bringing that trouble magnet to meet a dragon.


    When I come to, all I can see is a house sized maw bearing down on me. I don''t have time to think; I half turn away and reach out, throwing Apricot and Amelia clear with a gust of wind. I have just enough time to register the look of horror on their faces before my world erupts into pain.


    "AAAAAAHHHHH----RRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" My high-pitched shriek modulates into a masculine bellow of pain and rage as I instinctively resume my Plantkin form.


    But pain means I''m alive. Alive and very, very pissed off. Pissed off enough to forget about my contingency plan and just want to get some revenge. I have Blackthorne to thank for saving me, he sprung to full-size and lodged himself in the beast''s jaws. But, my trailing arm was grazed by a fang and sheared clean off at the elbow.


    Even now, I can feel a toxin spreading from the wound. So, I grit my teeth and take the rest off at the shoulder. I can still feel a bit of it got through into my system, so I down the prepared Healing Sap and turn it''s zinc and Mana Gem flask into a necklace


    All that takes me less than a second, and the dragon is still disoriented, so I shout. "My turn Wyrm!" The fingers on my remaining hand morph into black, dagger-like claws as carbon fiber reinforces my bones and muscles. I reach up and grab it by the nostril and sink my claws in, all while my legs have sunk roots deep and wide into the earth.


    "Yes, I am a man, you crazy fucking dragon. But, I am here to help! Which, I am going to do RIGHT AFTER I KICK YOUR ASS!!!" Replacing my missing arm with a construct of pure Magic, I use it to reach up and rip the blood-stained tooth out by the roots.


    A blast of super-heated steam rips from it''s throat along with a surprisingly feminine scream.


    "Is that all you''ve got?" I scream right back. "My wife can do better than that! Blackvines!" Plants made from living space elevator cables wrap around the enormous neck, choking off the air supply before it''s able to draw breath for another attack.


    The beast isn''t done yet, though. She''s unable to move her head, so she whips her tail around trying to use it to break me in half. Using most of my magic to slow it down, I''m just able to catch it using a vine.


    "Nice try." I sneer over the tip of its snout into an eye that''s as tall as I am. I then slam its own fang through the offending appendage pinning it to the ground, where even more vines emerge to wrap it up. Then, starting with its jaws, I slowly shrink Blackthorne down as they cinch the dragons jaw shut, before I spread the vines out to cocoon the rest of the massive beast.


    "Now!" I half-shout, half-pant. "Will you calm the fuck down and fucking listen?" I loosen the vines choking it. The wild, panicked rolling of its eyes calms as soon as the dragon is able to draw breath again. We stand there in a staring contest for a few moments until she finally looks down and away. "About fucking time!" I snort and peel my, now bloody claws from her nose, my roots shrivelling away at the same time.


    ""Sorrel."" My girls come running up and tackle me into a three-sided hug. "Are you okay?"


    - "Your arm!" They talk over each other.


    "I''m okay." I drop the construct to reveal the end of my arm, the tip of which is already covered over in flesh, the pale green color of a new shoot. "It''ll grow back; being Plantkin has a few nice benefits, after all." The zinc is helping too, but it is slow and clearly not meant to handle the abuse I just put my body through.


    "You crazy fucking jackass." Amelia breaks into tears. "Don''t you ever scare me like that again." She hiccups, and buries her tear-stained face against my chest.


    "Just let it out baby, I''m right here." I would shift back into my human form to give her a more comfortable place to lay her head, but I get the feeling that Shapeshifting would be a very bad idea right now. "We''re safe now, it''s okay." I lower us to the ground and Apricot moves to sandwich Amelia between us.


    "Come on, babe." Apricot tries to cheer her up. "You''ve got to admit that was really fucking hot. And, I''m not talking about that sub-par steam attack." She chuckles when the dragon snorts indignantly at her line. "Just him catching that tail was enough to make me wet, and I''m definitely going to be masturbating to that image for the rest of my life."


    "Snerk." Amelia snorts out a laugh at our partner''s over-the-top antics. "I think when he said ''My turn'' was even hotter." She sniffles out. "Like the fight was already over, and she just didn''t know it yet."


    The dragon groans with the distinct tone of embarrassment as my wives soothe their frazzled nerves by talking about how awesome I am.


    After a few moments; once they seem to have calmed down, Joceline Bard, the go between for Newlake and the hidden village, slowly approaches. "..." She opens her mouth, but nothing comes out.


    "My apologies for the subterfuge." I speak up, seeing as she can''t find any words. "This is my true face, and this is what I typically look like." I project a hologram of my human form. "I took the guise of Elle to calm the nerves of one of their cousins." I nod to where a group of blonde women, all seemingly in their early twenties, are peering out from behind the cover of the forest. "Had I known that this one would be so damned touchy just because I was created with a penis, I would have said something." The dragon grumbles. "Oh, shut it you."The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "But, why where you still a woman then?" The girls and I rolls our eyes in sync and each of us give her the same look. "Oh!" She blushes, and I can hear a few of the women tittering.


    "Now, that everyone has calmed down." I float us up over the dragon''s head. "Maybe we can speak like civilized beings?" I loosen the bindings around her mouth, only for all of them to fall away as the beast is replaced by a beauty.


    The villagers that were hiding all come running up at this point with cries of "Gwynne." And then, many more cries of "your tooth" and "your smile". Her fang is still full-sized and sticking out of the ground, now coated in both mine and her blood. The pieces of my arm have already rejoined the soil, I didn''t want to look at it, or let the girls get even more upset.


    "It''s fine girls." She touches her finger to the empty socket and channels pure Mana into it, causing a replacement to grow out almost instantly. "See, all better."


    "So, you''re a half?" I say as we touch the ground once more. "I was wondering where you came from." ''And, why you were so weak.'' is what I don''t say.


    "Gwynne Hartin, at your service." She curtsies to us, and I swear I can see a hint of a blush on her face before she ducks her head, hiding it behind her flowing, golden locks.


    "Sorrel Rumex, it''s a pleasure to meet you." I give her a slightly mocking bow in return. "I''d shake your hand, but..." I pointedly look down at my shoulder.


    This time she definitely blushes. "I don''t know what to say. The dragon side of me gets a little territorial, and thought you were here to take my children."


    "I''m surprised you were able to tell; I put a lot of work into that Shapeshift, making myself as much a true female as I could." At first it was just cosmetic, but the girls liked her so much that I tweaked it to perfection over the course of the afternoon.


    "It''s hard to hide things from dragons, but truthfully I didn''t consciously know until you took your true form." She looks me up and down. "I haven''t run into many Plantkin, and none who act like you. Are you a half as well?"


    "I was raised by humans. This is the form I feel most comfortable in." I explain while pointing to the hologram. "Mind if I ask how you came to be?" Dragons can be randy, but they''re more likely to eat a human instead of fucking one.


    "Mhm. My father." She spits out the word. "He was already mortally wounded when he crashed into and formed what would become Newlake. Knowing that he was dying and had no offspring, he chose to impregnate my mother with his last breath. Like you, I was raised human; I had a few mates and many children, but it wasn''t until generations later that the curse showed up."


    "It''s not a curse." I negate her statement. "They are two new species, proto-species, technically. Which is likely why they can''t control their powers. The Sighted, are called Sirens by the Book of Knowledge, and the Sleepers, Moura. Named according to Temmie for their similarity to certain myths."


    "I knew I should have purchased evaluate." She sighs.


    "It would have taken a few levels." I say to alleviate her burden. "I''ve got it at one, and they only read as question marks. Had to ask a friend with it at level three to scan Clara and her sister Cici, a Siren and Moura respectively."


    "Nnh, it''s hard enough to level as a dragon-kin. I used what few points I had for stuff that would help my girls." She says like she''s trying to defend herself.


    "Understandable." I nod. "Clara and her sister may only be my subjects, but I would like to help them all the same."


    "Subjects?" Joceline mutters. "Wait, Rumex! I knew that name sounded familiar. You''re the warmonger from Larendath."


    I snort and the girls crack up laughing when she calls me a warmonger. "Oh, that''s rich. I am Marquis of Arcadia -formerly known as the Grasslands- but, I am no warmonger. Berkie sent two-thousand men and a dozen mages to take Riverton because he wanted our new dungeon. I stripped them nude and sent them packing, and nothing else... Well, I did steal a bunch of metal he was stockpiling for war a few days ago, but that was likewise done without harming anyone." I play the movie of the invasion.


    "Hahahah." Gwynne''s deep belly laugh fills the clearing once the movie ends. "Oh, look at them scamper. I never did like those royals; every time the rumor got out about our village here, they''d send in forces looking to capture my girls." She snarls, and I wonder just how she got them to finally stop.


    "Like I said, I want to help." I continue where I was before Joceline side-tracked us. "But, to do that, I need your help. I will give you as many enchanted bracelets as you need, either way. But, I hope that with all of your cooperation, we can find a way to unlock your full bloodlines and bring about your true potential as a species."


    "Yeah, but what''s in it for you?" Joceline gives me the stink eye.


    "Relax Jocie." Gwynne says in a motherly tone. "He just said what''s in it for him. He''s deeply in love with his wives, and you just saw him defeat me with barely a scratch." She smirks at the affronted look that pops onto my face. "The challenge of working on this puzzle, and the knowledge he''ll gain is all the reward he''s looking for."


    "That''s it exactly." I smirk right back at her. "This has me asking so many questions about magical evolution, how dragons tie into the other species, and most importantly what this might mean for my own children." I look to Apricot and she shrinks to her true size, revealing that she''s a pixie.


    "I knew I smelled Fae on her." Gwynne nods smugly while her descendants marvel at meeting a pixie. "How''d you manage that? I though only dragons could Trueshift."


    "It''s Sizeshift, a wedding gift from Temmie." I explain as Apricot returns to human size and sidles up next to us again.


    "Nice." She smiles, showing off her perfect smile. "So, what do you need from us?"


    "Information to start with." I answer immediately. "A detailed scan, and a blood sample from anyone willing to provide one, both here and back in Newlake." I eye the big tooth.


    "Go ahead and take it, you won it fair and square." As soon as she says that, I toss it into my inventory to prevent any further degradation. "Heheh. Anything else?" She laughs at my eagerness.


    "A place to lie him down before he passes out would be nice." Amelia says. "This dumbass may look fine, but fighting you took more out of him than he''s letting on."


    "Why''d you have to remind me?" I fight to keep my eyes open now that she''s reminded me of how wiped I am. "Nnh, need food first. Tore my body up pretty bad holding her down, and the rebuilding is going to take a lot of fuel." As I say this I take out my snack box and pull out the emergency food I prepared in case I over taxed myself during a healing. It''s basically just pemmican that''s been loaded up with tons of vitamins and minerals. I wash it all down with a large bottle of dextrose.


    As soon as I do a popup from Temmie shows that I have a new Title. Honorary dragon: Gained for defeating a dragon ''single-handedly''.


    "Very cute Temmie." I slur, and show the notification to the girls, they give a token laugh, but mostly just look worried.


    "This way." Gwynne ushers us into the village, the girls practically dragging me.


    I blank out for a minute, only to wake again as they lay me in bed. "You rest now babe. Apricot''s going to watch over you while I go get Mittens."


    "''Kay." I mumble. "Don''t let her eat him." The last thing I hear is their snorts of laughter before I slip under again.


    ***

 # 87

    "..r the last time no." Amelia''s annoyed tone breaks into my sleep.


    "It''s not like I''m going to keep him, I just want to... play with him for a bit." Gwynne''s amused reply sparks a hint of fear in my only half-awake brain.


    "No!" I cry out. "She''s going to eat him." I rush to protect Mittens from the evil dragon, only to fall flat on my face when I try to use my missing arm to prop myself up. "Ack!" I let out a strange noise before hitting the ground, face first, with a thud.


    "Sorrel!" - "Bwahahahah" - "Snerk." Amelia rushes to my side while Apricot and Gwynne start laughing at my pratfall.


    "Oww. Owowowowow." I groan and levitate myself back onto the bed while checking my nose with my vines; fortunately it''s not broken, or even bleeding. But, once the sharpness of that pain recedes, the bone-deep ache caused by what I did to my body during the fight makes itself known. "Ugh! Note to self: Next time a dragon tries to eat you, just run away."


    "Baby!" Amelia wraps her arms around me. "Are you okay? What''s the matter?" She starts by checking my nose, and then all over my body for injuries.


    "I''m fine." I grab her hands with my vines and touch the side of her face with my hand, once she''s looking me in the eyes, I continue. "I''m alright, just a bit sore, and... well, feeling more than a little stupid because I forgot about this." I wiggle my stump.


    "I''m sorry for laughing Sorrel." Apricot comes over and helps me to sit on the bed. "But, I think that was the funniest thing I''ve even seen."


    "Mhm." I mumble, and then perk up as Mittens comes to sit in my lap. "Buddy. You were on the bed keeping me company the whole time, weren''t you?" I scratch him under the chin, and re-assure the little guy. "Don''t worry, I''m not going to let the mean ol'' dragon lady gobble you up."


    "He''s not the one she wants to gobble up." Amelia grumps.


    "Huh?" I follow her eyes over to where Gwynne is looking at me like a piece of meat, and recall a very interesting fact about dragon''s mating behaviors. "Oh! Uh-oh." I fiddle with Amelia''s watch and bring out the book that I read it in.


    "Oh, you''ve got to be kidding me!" The growl that comes out of her makes me wonder if she might not be part dragon too.


    "What is it?" Apricot snags the book, and starts laughing almost immediately. "While -hahaha- dragons mate for many of the same reasons as other sapients. There is a rather notable difference -Hah!- to how they treat courtship. This -hahaha- ritual involves the male -heheheh- facing a charge from the female without giving ground. And then, physically -hahahahahahahah- dominating her while only inflicting token wounds. -Oh, shit!- It''s said that the more thoroughly defeated the female is -hahahahah- the more aroused she will be afterwards. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!" She''s laughing so hard by the end of the passage that tears are coming out of her eyes.


    "Well, it was lovely meeting you." I say while stand up to leave. "But, we really must be getting back. We''ll uh... get in touch about those examinations... later." Mittens in my arm, I start leading the way out.


    "Hold up." She blocks the doorway, and puts her hand on my bare chest to stop me. "Look, I''m not going to jump you just because a book... Mmm." She strokes my chest muscles while licking her lips, before coming back to herself and snatching her hand away. "Okay. So, maybe that book may have been more accurate than I thought. But, what about my girls?" Her eyes may have a pleading look to them, but they''re still locked onto my chest.


    "Look sister." Apricot steps forward, blocking her line of sight. "I get you, but Amelia doesn''t like to share. So, we''re going to go to Newlake where Sorrel will enchant the bracelets for them. And you..." She pulls a sleek, rabbit-style vibe from her inventory. "...will stay here and get it out of your system." Gwynne''s eyes go wide when Apricot activates the vibration Rune.


    The dragoness audibly gulps before tentatively reaching out a hand to stroke the vibrator. "So warm and soft." She licks her lips before peering past Apricot to look me in the eyes. "You made this, didn''t you? Are you sure you don''t want to stay and... show me how to use it?"


    "We''re leaving now." Amelia shoulders her way past the randy dragon and tows me outside. "Goodbye, we''ll send someone over with the bracelets." Soft moans are her only answer.


    "I know you want to keep him to ourselves, but damn!" Apricot breathes out a disappointed sigh. "I bet she would have been one hell of a lay."


    "Nnh, I''m so sore -and frankly, more than a little terrified- that I doubt I''d be able to get it up." I say with all honesty. "Hells, I really shouldn''t even be moving about right now." I groan and cancel my weight, so that the pressure of standing upright doesn''t do anymore damage.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "Fucking dragon." Amelia spits. "She''s not getting anywhere near my man, but maybe we should take her girls like she was afraid of." She licks her lips and I can see her eyes dilate when she looks around at the women going about their morning routines.


    "Really?" Our pixie''s eyes go wide with lust.


    "Yes, really." Amelia sighs and pulls her into a hug and starts pawing her clothes off. "I know pixies are used to having more than a couple partners, and it was so fucking hot watching you with Elle. I can only imagine what it would be like to see you in a pile of women." They''re both half naked at this point and my brain starts short-circuiting.


    "Umm, do I get any say in this?" I''m just as willing to do whatever it takes to make my girls happy, but jumping into an open relationship seems a bit sudden. "If you want, I can be Elle for you. Or, if you want more partners, I can keep her around as an Avatar!" I cast a modified Embiggen/Ensmallen that gives me a second body while tears run down the face of my real one.


    "I''ll do whatever you need." I say with a hint of nervous panic through Elle''s mouth.


    "Oh, Sorrel." - "Baby!" They ignore ''Elle'' and pull me into a hug. "Shh, don''t cry baby." Amelia thumbs a tear that I didn''t realize I had shed from my cheek.


    "I''m sorry." My throat is too tight to speak, so I use Elle''s again. "I''m not able to support a second avatar right now, but if you need more partners, I''ll get strong enough to be as many people as you need."


    "Nononono, baby." She kisses the tears that are now gushing down my face. "You''re all we need. I don''t know what came over me."


    "I think I do." Apricot says sternly. "Sorrel. Toss up a barrier around the house, and Cleanse the air around us now." She orders.


    "O-okay." I squeak out in my own voice. "Barrier! Cleanse!... Fucking dragon pheromones." As soon as I cast those two spells I start to feel more level-headed and less emotional.


    "What''s going on?" Amelia looks confused. "It''s like all I could think about was sex. I''m sorry Sorrel, we''re not going to do anything you don''t want to."


    "It''s Gwynne''s fault." Apricot spits and gestures around the village. "Sorrel was blocking their power, but hers is different, more subtle. Subtle enough that both he and I missed it. Because it''s physical not magical, it''s those pheromone things Sorrel was going on about."


    "My body is too messed up for sex right now, so I just got all emotional and thought you were going to replace me." Amelia starts to open her mouth, but I just place a finger on her lips and talk over her. "I know that you would never do that, and we can talk about this later, but first we should warn the villagers... Though, I doubt this is the first time this has happened." I say after thinking it through.


    I spot Joceline a few houses down and call her over. "..." She''s about to speak when she hears the moans coming from inside. "She''s going at it again." She shouts out a warning to the village. "Get upwind if you don''t want to join in."


    "No need." I call out as I see a few panicked faces looking in my direction, and many more that look rather happy about Joceline''s statement. "I''ve got her whole house in a barrier, her pheromones can''t get out." The handful of relieved sighs are greatly outweighed by the frustrated groans.


    "Can you drop the barrier?" I get several variations of that question.


    "Eep." Elle squeeks as one of the women crowding us gets a little handsy. "Watch it sister." She gives the molester the stink-eye before ducking shyly behind my back. "I''m with them."


    "Alright." I speak up in my true body. "This seems to be a regular occurence here. So, anyone that doesn''t wish to join the impending orgy, please raise your hand. We can head into Newlake and get started puzzling out how to fix you."


    A dozen women, including a reluctant Joceline raise their hands. The rest are already starting to disrobe. I lower the barrier as soon as we''re all clear, and the effects are immediate. I just shake my head ruefully and transform the carriage into a wagon large enough to hold all of us.


    "Well." Amelia says with a blush as we start back to Newlake. "I think you found a big clue to the puzzle."


    "Yeah." I chuckle. "Does this happen everytime she masturbates?" I ask Joceline and the women that came with us.


    "She usually heads off into the woods, but the girls talk her into doing this for them at least once a week." The go-between gives me an embarrassed shrug. "There''s not much else to do around here. Umm... What set her off, and why didn''t you join her?"


    Amelia hands her the book we were looking at earlier. "That''s what set her off... well, that and Apricot giving her a sex toy to get her off our backs. And, if it wasn''t for Sorrel''s body being so messed up right now-"


    "We would have gone through the town like a tornado." Apricot finishes for her.


    "Oh!" Her eyes widen as she reads the entry. "I guess that would do it. Umm." She glances from Elle to me.


    "Sorrel is using me as an Avatar right now." Elle answers. "His body needs to rest, but there''s still a lot of stuff to do. Well, that and the girls really like having me around." She ducks her head shyly after glancing at Apricot and Amelia.


    "Man, I thought we were strange when it came to sex." One of the village women laughs.


    "I know that you need to examine us..." The only teenager of the village says fearfully. "But, could we visit our families?"


    "Of course dear." Elle takes her hand. "I''ll get started working on your protections right now." My enchanting crate appears next to her just as a loud rumble rolls from my belly. "Amelia, baby." Elle bats her lashes. "Did you pick up his snack crate yesterday?" The villagers all look a bit flustered when she mentions the food.


    "You are having far too much fun with this right now." She laughs. "And sorry, but I didn''t see it when I went to get mittens. Take mine." She sets it down in a free spot next to us. "And, you girls don''t need to worry about taking the food, we can replace it easily."


    "Thank you." The young one bobs her head. "We don''t get a lot of variety out here, and we just couldn''t help ourselves when we saw all that delicious food just laying there."


    "It''s alright dear." Elle pats her hand while I gulp down an everything smoothie.


    "Kacey" She offers her name.


    "Kacey. Please help yourself." Elle hands her a chocolate bar the she was eyeing. "Everyone else too, feel free to take whatever you want. Like my love says, we can replace it easily." She looks Amelia in the eye while taking a bite out of a heart-shaped strawberry that just grew in her hand.


    Kacey and some of the women blush at the look of heat that they share, but that doesn''t stop them from raiding the food crate.


    ***

 # 88

    "Are you okay?" Amelia wraps her arms around me from behind once we get back to our room at the inn.


    I was happy to let the villagers go off and visit their loved ones. All I can think about right now is taking a long hot bath. So, as soon as the door closed I pushed the bed out of the way and started filling up a giant tub with steaming hot water.


    "I feel like I held a dragon down with one hand." I answer snarkily and lift her hand to my mouth. "But that''s not what you''re asking." I say after kissing it.


    "No, it''s not." She hugs me tighter with her free hand.


    "Let''s get in the tub, and we can talk about it." I strip all three of us naked while Mittens curls up to sleep on the bed I pushed out of the way so I could put the tub down.


    "It''s okay Sorrel." Apricot slides the opposite side of the tub from me.


    "No, it''s not." I cut her off before she says anymore. "And, get your butt over here." I pick her up with an arm made of water and plop her down facing me in my lap. "You''ve been doing so much to be with us. Aside from the odd pixie-day you rarely shrink down to your normal size anymore. You''re used to being part of a much larger family, and frankly we, or at least I, have been ignoring this side of your sexuality." She opens her mouth to rebut me, but I shush her like I did Amelia earlier.


    "I think I''m going to be sticking around." Elle says while hugging Apricot from behind much like Amelia did to me. "It''s good practice, and kinda fun to let me feminine side out without having to give up my masculinity."


    "And, we can talk about bringing in more lovers." I continue in my real voice. "I wasn''t exactly a prude to begin with, but you two have long since fucked away any prudishness I might have once had. I don''t want anymore wives, or husbands for that matter, but I saw how important it was to you when Amelia brought it up in the heat of the moment."


    "Sorrel''s right. We have been ignoring this side of you." Amelia takes Elle''s place. "And, despite the circumstances that made me say it." Her nose wrinkles at the thought of the dragon. "I wasn''t lying when I said how hot it was to see you Elle." She looks me in the eyes and asks. "Are you really able to keep her around all the time?"


    "I won''t lie. It is a bit difficult, but I''m already getting used to it. And, when have I ever done anything easy?" I lean forward and kiss her on the nose while Elle wraps arms and vines around both of them.


    "Okay, we can do this." Amelia moves to sit next to me, so she can look Apricot in the eyes. "We''re going to have to go slowly and find partners that we''re all comfortable with. And, like Sorrel said. We''re husband and wives, everyone else is just..."


    "Friends with benefits." - "Fuck buddies" Elle and I offer making her laugh.


    "Oh, thank you." Apricot kisses us both before burying her head into the crook of my neck. "I know this wasn''t an easy decision for either of you to make. I swear I won''t ever do anything to hurt you, we''ll set up rules and if anyone is ever uncomfortable about anything, all you have to do is say so."


    "Well, can we make rule number one ''No Dragons!''?" They laugh with me, and I feel myself finally able to relax into the hot water.


    "That''s just a good rule, no matter what." Amelia says as Apricot shifts over and pulls her onto my lap. Elle starts massaging both of their backs as they snuggle up with me. Having two sets of arms is quite useful when you have two wives.


    Apricot tries to return the favor... in her own way, but I have to stop her. "Sorry sweetie, rubbing that isn''t going to do much. All my energy is going into rebuilding my body right now. Speaking of..." I take out a garden box, and start growing everything I need to replace our snack boxes, along with another giant everything smoothie.


    "Nothing?" The pixie looks forlorn and redoubles her efforts.


    "It feels good, and he can shape shift a hard-on for you if you want." Elle says for me while I down the smoothie.


    "But." I continue. "I damaged almost every bit of connective tissue in my body... what, fourteen hours ago? Hells." I waggle my stump. "This is probably the least hurt part of my body."


    "Why didn''t you say anything?" Amelia says and hugs Elle for comfort. "Hells, how are you even conscious, and moving about?" She fingers the Zinc necklace. "What about this, and the Sap you drank?"


    "Thank Marcus for that." I say as Elle pushes her back onto my lap. "I learned how to deaden pain signals when working on him, so I''m only feeling a fraction of the pain right now. The essence is helping, but it''s slow, and the sap was spent fighting off the toxin in her bite." I pull her into a kiss.


    "He''s going to be fine Amelia." Elle breathes into her ear before starting to massage her neck and shoulders again. "A couple days, max, and then he can get to working on the arm. And, don''t you worry either." She coos to Apricot. "Your favorite toy should be up and running by tonight." The pixie finally gives up in defeat.


    "The worst of the damage has already been fixed while I was asleep." I use my vines to turn my pixie around so I can work on her neck. "I really just need food and a bit of time to handle the rest." My vines work on her shoulders while my hand snakes between her thighs to return the favor she tried to bestow on me.


    ...


    One very relaxing bath later and I''m working on the enchantments for the rest of the village while we''re all laying in bed chatting about sex, and which women that we know might be up for a roll in the hay.


    We unanimously ruled out Abigail, I get the feeling that she''d just be too clingy afterwards. Amelia agreed, saying that she''d try to worm her way into being third wife. Apricot still wants to fuck her, but said she could wait until the girl matures first.


    "You know, there are three of us." Elle says as a blush spreads across her face. "We could each just take on a Guild receptionist and make poor Sorrel watch."


    "Oh, yes." Amelia deadpans. "I''m sure that would be such torture for ''Sorrel''." She pinches Elle on the ass.


    "Heheh." I chuckle. "Well, if all three are too much, we could just invite Damita."


    "You and your damned bunny-girl fetish." She says, but there''s no heat in her voice. "But, seriously." She huffs. "I didn''t think it''d be this hard to think of someone, our titles are the big sticking point. Anyone we do choose is likely to feel entitled to be more than just fuck-buddies, as you put it." She smiles.


    "Well, we can always go incognito." A black domino mask appears on my alter ego''s face. "That, or just travel around to where nobody knows us."


    "It''s just sex." Apricot sighs exasperatedly. "You lunkers over-complicate things that really should be simple."Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    "What about Marta?" I offer, knowing that even though Apricot is right, there''s not a lot we can do about it. "We''d have to keep it secret from Abby, but I think Marta would be fairly relaxed about it."


    "Mhm. I don''t think she''s into women." Amelia counters, leaving us back at square one. "Your incognito idea is probably our best bet." She peels the mask from Elle''s face and puts it on her own. "The only problem is that I don''t want to be disguised when we''re together."


    "Me either." Elle reaches out and touches the mask on Amelia''s face causing it to evaporate into nothingness. "Which leaves travelling every time Apricot wants a bit of strange." The pixie chuckles at her phrasing. "Or, we find some way to vet people. Half the kingdom will find out after we ask her, but Florence is probably our best bet for that."


    "Save that as plan B." Amelia scrunches up her face. "I don''t care if people find out, but if word spreads that we''re actively seeking bedmates, then we''re back to the problem I already mentioned, only more so."


    "What about Vivian." Apricot suggests we bed the Queen. "Wait, hear me out. She still loves her dead husband, so she''s not going to want Sorrel as a new king, or anything like that. And, he''s already giving her everything else she wants, anyways."


    "Well, shit." Amelia swears. "I have seen her checking us all out, and if anyone will want discretion, it''s her."


    "Really?" I raise an eyebrow. "Well, I guess it won''t hurt to ask." I take out my phone and pretend to call her up. "Hey, Queenie. My girls are looking to have a bit of fun, and are wondering if you''d be up to joining us."


    "Cute." She rolls her eyes at me. "But you do bring up a good point. How does one proposition a Queen?"


    "I say we let Apricot do it, it was her idea, after all." Elle says while running her fingers up the pixie''s spine.


    Apricot is about to open her mouth, likely to whole-hearted agree, when I look to the door and groan. Amelia and Apricot both extend their senses, and I swear they both growl like predators sensing an intruder in their territory.


    "Go away." Apricot takes the lead and shouts through the door right before a certain dragoness is about to knock. "We''re naked and you can''t join in, so just leave us alone." That line has both me and Amelia shaking our head while Elle just giggles a bit.


    "Can I please just speak with you." Gwynne says in a tired voice from outside the door.


    "We might as well get it over with." Elle gets to her feet. "Nothing says stubborn quite like dragon."


    "I heard that." She mutters a second before Elle opens the door.


    "You were supposed to." My alter ego has a chipper smile on her face while letting Gwynne into the room. "Now, what do you want?"


    "Do you always throw so much magic around during sex?" She asks while looking from Elle to me.


    "When I feel like it." I glance up from my enchanting to answer her. I also didn''t bother to cover up before having Elle answer the door, so my ''twig and berries'' are in full view.


    She blushes for a moment before taking a breath and turning sheet-white after scenting the damage she did to me. "Oh, gods. Your body-"


    "-Will be fine in a couple days." I cut her off.


    She drops to her knees and bows until her head hits the floor. "I cannot apologize enough for how I''ve treated you."


    "We don''t want your apologies." Amelia says with a tired sigh. "Sorrel will recover; he should even have his arm back in about a week. And, as you can see, the big softie-"


    "Hey, it happens to everyone at some point in their life." I cover myself up and force a shy blush to my cheeks.


    "Hahahaha." - *Ding**Ding**Ding* Apricot and Temmie crack up at my self-deprecating humor, but Amelia just gives me the stink-eye and continues on. "''Sorrel'' is still going to help your girls like he said he would. So please, just leave us alone."


    "Please." Gwynne lifts her head enough to look at Amelia while begging. "I have to make up for this, somehow. I was so out of my mind that I didn''t even register how injured he was, and then..." She trails off.


    "You almost pulled us into one of your village orgies because you were too horny to think of the consequences." Gwynne shrinks in on herself when Amelia delivers that barb. "Or, you did it hoping that we would get pulled in and then you could have your way with him."


    "I didn''t want that." Gwynne says emphatically. "I just couldn''t think straight earlier. I swear to you that I''ve been extremely careful about that ability, and today was the first accident I''ve had since I first discovered about it."


    Amelia is about to deliver another stinging remark when Elle wraps her up in her arms and vines. "She''s telling the truth Love. I know you have every right to be upset with her, but considering what happens to her girls, do you really think she would rape someone?"


    "No, dammit!" She turns around and hugs my feminine side. "She almost killed you baby, why aren''t you more upset?" She stares at me over Elles shoulder with tear filled eyes.


    "Oh, baby." I ignore the fact that I really shouldn''t be moving, and get up to pull her into my arms. "No one is going to take me away from you. Shh, no buts." I put a finger on her lips when she goes to open her mouth again. "Not even getting chomped in half is enough to kill me, though it might have taken me more than a few days to recover.


    "Listen to him Amelia." Apricot says while she and Elle sandwich her between the three of us. "Even if his staff didn''t get in the way, the bite would have missed his head, he would''ve had plenty of time to recover from the shock and cut her to pieces."


    "I''m sorry for scaring you Amelia." I kiss her tears away. "I promise next time I see a charging dragon it will die before it can take a single step towards me. The roar catching me by surprise is the only reason Gwynne is alive, and I''m not the one crying right now because I killed someone."


    "Promise you won''t leave me."


    "Never!"


    A soft cough reminds us that the one who caused this trouble is still in the room.


    "Gwynne." I sigh a tired sigh and sit down on the bed, pulling the girls down next to me, Amelia still sandwiched between Apricot and myself, with my other self sitting behind her.. "I''m not mad at you... well, I am still kinda pissed about the arm, but it''ll grow back and that''s not relevant right now. And, would you get off the ground already."


    She does so sheepishly, and I conjure a chair for her to sit in. "Thank you." She says in a quiet voice, but won''t look at us directly.


    "Look, your little accident actually helped us by bringing to light something that we''ve been over-looking." I reach my hand over to stroke Apricot''s back while Amelia brings the pixie''s hand up to her mouth to kiss. "So, you really don''t have anything to make up for. I think you''re as much a victim of circumstance as your girls, and I would like to help. I even have a few ideas, but I need to recover first. Okay?"


    "Really?" She finally looks at us, and I can see the hope in her eyes.


    "Yes, and it may even help the women from the village." Now that I have the chance to calmly observe her; I activate Truesight and, as I thought, I can see a connection between her and the Sirens and Moura, but it looks frayed for lack of a better term, almost as though it''s not fully connected to Gwynne. "I doubt you''re going to like it though. You need to embrace your draconic heritage, integrate it into yourself instead of treating it as a seperate existence."


    "..." Her mouth opens and shuts a few times before she simply nods.


    "I''ll help you through it but, like I said, I need a couple days to recover first." I levitate up the handful of bracelets I''ve completed so far. "The rest of these will done by tonight; we can go back out to the village tomorrow, and I''ll hand them out while I examine the girls. Then, if I''m feeling up for it, I''ll help you in the evening."


    "Are you sure you''ll be okay by then?" She asks nervously.


    "I just need some rest and food." I take out another smoothie and give her one of the bracelets. "Why don''t you go see how your girls are doing, and maybe stop by and chat with Denna and her parents. She''s too young yet, but this should help ease their minds."


    "I will, and thank you again." She stands and bows -no curtseying for this dragon- before blushing furiously when she sees that she''s only feet from my genitals. We chuckle as she backs quickly up to the door. "I''ll leave you be then." One last peek at my junk and she''s out the door.


    "A bashful dragon." Elle laughs for me while I lie back with a groan. "Now, I''ve seen everything."


    "Maybe we should rethink that ''no dragons'' rule." Apricot says in a low purr and pushes Amelia down next to me. "Just imagine working out your frustrations on her body; teasing her with the prospect of Sorrel''s cock, but not giving it to her until she''s a quivering mess, unable to do anything but beg wordlessly." Amelia doesn''t reject the idea out of hand, so I have Elle give her a little push.


    "I know you love topping us shy girls." My alter-ego starts breathing faster and blushes furiously at the heat filled look that Amelia gives her. "What would it feel like to dominate a dragoness? I''m getting wet just thinking about you having your way with her."


    "She owes me a kilo of flesh, and then some." I lift what remains of my arm. "I certainly wouldn''t mind watching you take it out of her ass."


    "Fine." She snorts, but I can tell she''s excited at the prospect. "But, if she wants this" Amelia cups my flacid member. "She''s going to have to work for it."


    "Speaking of working." Apricot whines. "How much longer?"


    Things started working shortly after sunfall, for which Apricot was very happy. So much so that she almost broke her favorite toy again.


    ***

 # 89

    "Ahh." I let out a moan of pleasure as I slip into the overhot tub the next morning. "Who needs a *Jacuzzi* when you can make the water itself massage you."


    "Mom says she loves the one you put in her bathroom." Amelia slips in next to me while Apricot and Elle are playing Rune games on the bed. "She really loves how it always stays just the temperature that you want it to, no matter how long she''s in the bath for."


    "Glad she likes it." I say distractedly as the water rises up and starts working on my neck and shoulders. "Mmm, that is so good."


    "How are you doing?" She asks and copies my move to work on her own neck. "You''re not nearly as stiff as yesterday."


    "Better than I thought I would be." I say enthusiastically and tap my new necklace. "The zinc seems to be picking up speed; it''s still slow, but now it''s more tortoise slow than snail slow."


    "Makes me wish we had brought more than just that flask." Amelia says while examining my arm stump.


    "Don''t worry, it''ll be back as good as new in less than a week." I re-assure her. "But, once we get back home, I''m adding some to our watch bands. And, I''m making all three of us protective enchantments strong enough to stop a dragon." We left almost everything from our inventories back in the Garden to leave room for the heist.


    "Yeah." She nods. "I was stupid not to let you make them for us when you did Vivian''s. You can''t work on your paranoia if you''re dead." She shivers despite the heat. "I''m glad you didn''t listen to me when you made your little contengency plan. Even though you didn''t use it when you should have, you big softie."


    "Hey, I''m only soft now because you guys wrang me dry last night." I chuckle. "And, I actually forgot to use them. I was so pissed off that I just wanted to make her hurt."


    "I for one am glad you did." Apricot jumps into the tub and would have soaked the room if not for me stopping the splash. "You whipping her ass like it was nothing..." She shivers for an entirely different reason than Amelia did. "So, fucking hot."


    "Sorrel''s not the only one that''s going to whip her ass." Amelia cracks a water whip in mid air.


    "Let me say upfront." Elle slips in behind Amelia and wraps her up in her arms. "We are very much looking forward to seeing that, but please don''t ever use it on us. A little power play, and light spanking is fine, but I''m not into pain."


    "Oh, baby." She taps Elle on the arm to be set free, and pulls me into a tight hug. "I would never hurt you, but I will make that wyrm pay for doing so."


    "Let''s hope you work out all this agression tonight." I say and brush the wet hair from her face. "I don''t want you carrying around a bunch of negative emotions."


    "I don''t know." She grins evilly. "It might take more than just one night."


    ""Hahahaha."" Apricot and I crack up while Elle just smiles and shakes her head.


    "Alright, let''s go get some breakfast." I get up and climb out of the tube after giving Amelia a kiss on the forehead. "I wan''t some meat, and I don''t feel like cook-" *Ding**Ding**Ding* my phone goes off. "Oh, shit. I knew I was forgetting something yesterday. Hello Baron, sorry for not checking in."


    "Is everything alright? Did you find anything out that will help my girls?" Lorelai''s voice comes out of the phone before Pepi talks over her.


    "Ma''am, I told you they would be fine." He sounds more than a little exasperated. "If you had seen him in action you''d know that nothing short of a dragon could even slow him down."


    "Snerk." - "Hah!" - "Bwahahah." We can''t help but crack up when he says that.


    "Funny you should mention dragons." I say once I catch my breath. "We found a village full of Sirens and Moura, and they are guarded by their great, great, however-many-times great grandmother, a half-dragon."


    A series of gasps come out of the phone, and I recognize the voices of Lorelai''s kids and Captain Baca.


    "There was a minor misunderstanding." Amelia gives me the stink-eye, and Apricot nearly turns blue trying not to laugh. "But, things are fine now, and we will be heading back there after breakfast to deliver a batch of bracelets just like Clara''s. Once there, I''m going to examine the women and their progenitor." I don''t say anything about the link, just in case it doesn''t pan out.


    "O-okay." The mother of four squeaks out. "I''ll let you go then." There''s a fumbling sound, and then I can hear her mutter the word dragon in an awed voice.


    "I''ll leave you to it then." Pepi says with a smile audible in his voice. "Good luck, and I''ll see you when you get back." With that said, he disconnects the call.


    "A minor misunderstanding?" Amelia swats the shoulder of my missing arm. "I''ll show you a minor misunderstanding." She winds up like she''s going to smack me again, only to dart in and kiss the stump. "I love you, you silly little man."


    "I love you too, you violent little woman." She puts a faux-affronted look on her face, but it melts away as soon as I kiss her.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    ***


    *Ding**Ding**Ding* We''re just about to eat when my phone goes off again.


    "Why''d I have to reinvent the damned telephone?" I grumble and take a bite out of my bacon before answering it. "Morning Marcus, how goes it?"


    "Hi Sorrel." He sounds a bit embarrassed to be calling me. "Uhm. You said to call you directly if the belt started glowing red." He is definitley embarrassed and if he drained the charge on the belt already, I can only think of one reason why.


    "Heheheh, you dog you. I take it things are going well with Abby, she must really like the light-weight feeling." The Rune induces a field of lower gravity that encompass whatever body is touching it, even if there''s more than one. "I''ve been meaning to build a bounce room with same effect as that belt, just haven''t gotten around to it yet." Apricot''s eyes light up when I say that.


    "Uh..." He draws the word out. "She kinda dumped me already." He sighs. "I went and got a couple... ladies to take my mind of of it, and yeah they rather enjoyed it. The belt was glowing when I woke up."


    "Oh. Shit, man. I''m sorry." I cringe at the massive faux pass I just made. "Alright, you should stay seated in case it gives out entirely. I''ll call my man and have him send someone over with a charging Gem right away." I didn''t think it was likely to happen, but I left one behind with Kyle just in case.


    "Thank you." I swear I can feel his blush through the radio waves.


    "No, I should have warned you that that would be a problem. And, uh. Sorry again." I hang up and bury my face in my hand while the girls finally let their laughter out. "Oh, that poor man." I can''t help but chuckle myself.


    "Oh, who cares about him." Apricot says with drill-like intensity. "Where''s my bounce room?"


    "I''ll build it as soon as we get back." I promise. "Now hush, I have to call Kyle."


    "Good morning ...Boss." I can hear the struggle in his voice not to call me Sir, or Lord. "How has your trip been so far?"


    "Eventful." to say the least. "But, that''s not why I''m calling." I give him the run down on Marc''s problem and what caused it.


    "Oh, that poor man." He has the same reaction I did. "I''ll have Bartlett run the gems up to him right away."


    "Thank you. Any issues back home I need to be aware of?" I might as well ask while I''ve got him on the line.


    "Nothing serious, but don''t be surprised if the army asks you to mend a bunch of broken bones when you get back." He let''s slip a quiet laugh. "Everyone loves your motorcycles, but unfortunately they seem to have over-estimated their ability to control the things."


    "Well, we''re not going to be back for at least a week, so they''re going to have to suffer for a bit." I let out a matching laugh. "Alright, if there''s nothing else, I''ll let you go."


    "No, sir. Have a good trip." He disconnects the call.


    I finally start to eat my meal when Joceline and the women from the hidden village enter the dining room, fortunately they see that we''re still eating and leave us alone until we finish.


    "Good morning Kacey." I let Elle take the lead, as most of them still seem a bit leery of men. "You look nervous, is everything okay?"


    "Umm. Miss Elle." She says quietly, and without making eye contact. "I still want to help, but do I have to go back? I miss my family so much, and with this bracelet I don''t have to be afraid anymore."


    "Oh, dear." Elle pulls her into a hug. "You can do whatever you want. That goes for the rest of you as well."


    "Nnh. It was nice to see them all again, but a little weird too." One of them speaks up, and the others nod their agreement.


    "I especially didn''t like the way some of the men looked at us." Another says.


    "Yeah, like they were just waiting for the Rune to break down." A third agrees, and the rest mutter in the affirmative along with her.


    "Don''t worry Kacey." Elle strokes the girl''s hair. "The Rune won''t break down, they draw from the Nature Mana you produce to power themselves. But, you can have another one if you''re worried about something happening to yours."


    "Oh! Thank you, thank you, thank you." She hugs Elle tight before fastening the second enchantment around her ankle.


    ''Smart kid.'' I say to myself, sure that she felt the same gazes as the other women. "Alright, dear." Elle continues while holding up a conjured shotglass of Sap. "Since you''re staying here, could you drink this now? And, are you willing to give a blood sample?"


    "It''s not going to hurt, is it?" She takes the glass without issue, but shies away when blood is mentioned.


    "We just need a drop, and you won''t even feel it."


    "Okay." She nods and tastes the Sap before downing it in one go. "It''s sweet."


    As she''s licking her lips, I''m going to work. I can''t afford to spare a lot of vitality right now, so I watered down the Sap. Giving her just enough to perform a detailed scan, ''writing'' everything into glass as I go. I may have perfect recall, but sometimes it''s easier to just look at something.


    Right before the last of the Healing Sap fades, I use it to will a drop of blood out of the back of her hand. Using Magic to protect it from coming in contact with the air, I quickly lock it inside the glass.


    Just one last thing to do; I activate Truesight and confirm the existence of the thread, noting that it doesn''t appear frayed on this end. Lending more credence to my thought that the issue is at least partly caused by Gwynne''s inability to accept her parentage.


    "All done." Elle holds up a thick glass rectangle with a drop of blood and a hologram of Kacey inside.


    "That''s it?" The woman who spoke about the mens'' stares earlier peers at the results of the scan. "I was afraid... Well, I don''t know what I was afraid of, but that certainly wasn''t it."


    "Oh, that was the easy part." Elle says with a smile. "Now, we have to scan the rest of the villagers, and as many townspeople as will let us. Then we''ve got to comb through all that data looking for what makes you you, and hopefully find a clue as to what''s missing." I''m actually hoping that all this will be completely unnecessary, but even if it is, I''d still like to get good before and after scans of everyone.


    "Thank you." Kacey hugs Elle with a tear in her eye. "I hope you can fix us."


    "You''re not broken." Elle squeezes her tight, and just as she''s letting go. Kacey sneaks in a kiss before blushing and running out of the room, leaving me stunned and the girls laughing.


    "Looks like someone has a crush on you ''Elle''." Apricot teases me by stressing my Avatar''s name.


    "Does she know about me... well, being him?" Elle asks Joceline while brushing her fingers against her tingling lips.


    "She told us, and I even saw you transform when Gwynne flipped out." One of the women speaks. "But, seeing you and him here together, it''s easy to forget. And here, I thought we had interesting sex lives." This gets a laugh out of her fellow villages and an even bigger one when Elle blushes and ducks behind me shyly.


    "You really do have too much fun with her." Amelia says so only I can hear.


    "Like you don''t love watching her reactions." I reply in kind before adressing the group. "Alright let''s get you girls home, we can run the scans on the way."


    "That''s fine." The woman replies, and the others nod their heads. "But, since we''re already on the subject, you mentioned something yesterday about a sextoy." The villagers eyes light up when she says this.


    "Ooh." Apricot starts bouncing up and down. "Show them the catalog, show them the catalog."


    I can only sigh and relent to her demands. "Hey, babe. I think we may need to add a curtained off section to the new shop you want to build."


    ***

 # 90

    Word of the sex toys spread like wildfire once we got to the village. I ended up promising them each a simple vibe in exchange for letting me run the scan. They still would have helped, but this was such a small favor that I didn''t mind spreading a little joy.


    I had to pace myself because of my body''s condition, and was basically eating the whole time that ''Elle'' dealt with the villagers. She got very good at dodging roaming hands, and Amelia got a kick out of watching her blush and go all embarrassed anytime she was propsitioned.


    It''s mid-afternoon, and there''s only a dozen or so women left to scan when the emergency alert on Kacey''s bracelet goes off. "Kacey''s in trouble." I shout before throwing myself into the sky, dropping my Avatar and pushing everything I have into speed. I reach Newlake before the women in the village even have time to react to my departure.


    Wrenching myself to a stop before I slam into the ground, I instantly spot Kacey curled up in a ball on the outskirts of town while two teenage boys pound on her protective shield.


    "Come on out Kacey, we just want to play." The scum on the left says with an evil smirk. "You know you want to play too, otherwise you wouldn''t have come back to town."


    She just wails for them to leave her alone, and it takes every fiber of my being not to just incinerate the bastards on the spot.


    "Hey, boys." I call out in a sing-song voice. "Why don''t you play with me? Oh, that''s right!" I snap my fingers and two blobs of Sap shoot down their throats. "You won''t be able to ''play'' with anyone ever again." I knock them out before they can realize what''s happened to them.


    Calling Elle back out, I drag the attempted rapists away before sending her in to comfort the girl.


    "Shh, they can''t hurt you now." Elle gets close, but doesn''t touch her for fear of panicking the girl. "You''re safe now." Her voice seems to be getting through to Kacey when a furious roar fills the air. ""Oh, for fucks sake Gwynne."" I curse with both mouths.


    Surprisingly this seems to help Kacey snap out of it, and she clings to Elle while I fly up to face a pissed off dragon, again. I''m not taking any chances this time, so while she''s still a kilometer away. I set off a magical flash-bang in her face right before hitting her with a giant boulder.


    "Calm the fuck down Gwynne!" I amplify my voice so that it sounds like I''m shouting right into her ear. "She''s safe! So, chill the fuck out!" I hit her with liquid nitrogen, and this finally seems to snap her out of her rage.


    "Holy fuck! That is cold." She says after shifting back into a shivering human less than a hundred meters away.


    "You really need to get that shit under control." I take out some of my nerves on the dragoness. "I do not want to be the one that has to kill you."


    "S-sorry." She ducks her eyes and blushes.


    ''Oh great, this again.'' I do everything I can not to groan, at her messed up instincts. "Whatever. Let''s just go take care of Kacey."


    We land and Gwynne rushes over to the girl. "I''m alright." Kacey says as the dragon pulls her into a hug. "She... He... They saved me." Guess she is a little confused about Elle, after all. "A big bubble kept the boys away when they tried to rip the bracelet off. Fucking bastards used to be my friends." She sniffs and buries her head into Gwynne''s shoulder.


    "You didn''t say the enchantments had built in protection." Gwynne looks at me.


    "Did you even read the diagram?" I laugh and shake my head when a chagrined look crosses her face. "Everything was even labeled clearly incase you didn''t understand."


    Kacey starts shaking and I think she''s started crying again, right up until a bunch of giggles escapes from her lips. Unfortunately her laughter only lasts until she spots the scum that tried to rape her laying on the ground on the other end of the street.


    "Are they..." She trails off.


    "Don''t make me douse you again." I warn Gwynne when she starts growling. "They live, but their manhood will never work again, they won''t even be able to feel anything from it."


    "I would''ve just eaten them, but I suppose that works." The dragon snorts. "Now, let''s get you back home girl." She lifts Kacey into her arms with a squeak and flies off for the village.


    I just roll my eyes and have Elle hop into mine before following them. But, not until after I leave a little message for the scum to find. ''Death by dragon is too good for you, pay for your crimes with your manhood.'' Is what''s now written in the air above their waists, the spell should only run out of juice in about a month or so.


    Swiftly catching up to Gwynne and her passenger, I notice that she''s kinda slow in her human form. "Do you need me to carry her for you?" Elle flies out of my arms and taunts the dragon.


    "Shut up." She huffs making us laugh. "I''m not used to flying without wings." At the pace she''s going, we might as well just land and walk.


    I''m impatient though, so Elle scoops Kacey into her arms, and I do the same for Gwynne. This time she''s the one to squeel. Two minutes later and I deposit a pair of blushing girls back in the hidden village.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Amelia definitely notices their state, but her initial flare of jealousy is quickly replaced by a flash of heat and a wicked grin as Apricot whispers something into her ear.


    Kacey is soon surrounded by concerned women, they don''t ask her anything, just support her and let her know that she''s home. Amelia and Apricot pull me into a hug as soon as I get close enough. They do ask questions, and hug me tighter when I give the answers.


    ***


    We took a small break from the scans after that and, at Amelia''s prompting, I sent Elle over with enough chocolates for everyone. Nobody even tried to grope her when she handed them out, such was their mood. After her task was done she withdrew, leaving the women to their shared pain.


    Gwynne followed after her, and sat down across from us. "I fucking hate this." She lets out a defeated sigh. "They always sneak off, never more than once, but they all do it, and it''s always like this afterwards. Not Kacey though, she always listened to everyone''s warnings and never wandered from the village." Tears stream down her face. "I thought that with your Runes she''d be okay, but now I don''t think even curing them will be enough. Their existence is an open secret in and around Newlake, and..." She trails off there, afraid to voice her fears.


    "I can''t make scum not be scum." I say in a tightly controlled voice. "But, I can give you, and all of them a new start in Arcadia." I project a map of the grasslands. "Pick anywhere you like, and I will make you a new town along with anything and everything you might need."


    "Sorrel." Amelia wipes away the tear that leaks down my cheek, but doesn''t say anything more.


    "I don''t know how else to help." I tell her while kissing the tear from her finger. "I''ll do everything I can to fix them, but Kacey wasn''t home for an entire day before this happened, and the rest didn''t even stay that long because they couldn''t stand the looks."


    Gwynne wipes away her tears and nods to me. "That may be for the best, let me go talk to them about it." The idea meets with general approval; these women are mostly decades, or even centuries older than their youthful appearance would lead one to believe. They generally cut off contact once they notice that they''ve stopped aging, and their loved one''s haven''t.


    There is some argument, but it''s mostly about what might happen to other girls like Denna in the future. Gwynne says they can leave some bracelets with Cynda, and she''ll fly up regularly. They don''t seem very convinced, so I send Elle over to explain about phones, and how they''ll be able to talk to the townsfolk whenever they want.


    That seems to have decided the last of them, and the talk shifts to where they should settle. They gather around the projected map, and start grumbling about grasslands which just makes me and the girls laugh.


    "Ladies." Amelia talks over them. "My husband named Arcadia after a far away province that was so famed for it''s beauty that the very word became synonymous with paradise. He wishes to put that Arcadia to shame, and I fully believe that he will. But, don''t take my word for it, just have a look at some of his ideas." She nods to me and I take over.


    "Arcadia is my garden, I invite you to help me shape it." I start projecting image after image of my ideas and plans for Arcadia. "I quite literally have too many ideas to choose from, mostly because I wish to incorporate them all in one way or another."


    They seem a bit overwhelmed by it all, so I fade the images away and replace them with a hologram of this village and its surrounding woods. "But, there is something to be said for what''s familiar. Why don''t I start by recreaing your woods? I can then upgrade your village and homes however you like."


    ""When can we go?"" A couple of them ask in sync before laughing.


    "As soon as you all agree on where you want to live." Gwynne answers for me. "My vote is for somewhere near the sea, but I can always fly off when I want a dip. Now that you''re able to be around men again, you should probably pick something near Riverton or the dungeon, so you can slowly get re-acclimated to them."


    I know it won''t help them narrow down their choices, but I have to add. "I can also offer high speed vehicles for you to use. So, wherever you choose to settle, it won''t take you much longer to reach civilization than it would to walk to town from here." I pause for a moment before offering one more option. "And, I have been wanting to build a flying island, so you could move your village around wherever you wanted."


    "Hah!" Gwynne laughs at their dumbstruck looks. "I think you''re going to have trouble getting anyone without wings to pick that option."


    "Maybe you can put out word that you''re looking for Birdkin to join Arcadia." Amelia says to my frustrated look.


    "Mhm." I shrug non-commitally before addressing the crowd. "Alright, let''s get the last of the scans done while you all decide, and then maybe you can work with some of the more artistically minded to come up with some ideas for the new village while I glean what I can from Gwynne."


    "My body is yours." She says with a purr before blushing crimson when the women all start giggling. "Stupid draconic side." She says before stomping off into the woods.


    "I told you that thinking of it as separate from yourself is what''s causing your issues." I call after Gwynne while Elle starts scanning the women.


    Meanwhile Apricot is talking softly to Amelia. "I know you just want me to be happy, but I''m not going to be happy if you push yourself into doing something that you don''t want to."


    "..." Amelia doesn''t answer, just stares at the back of the retreating dragon.


    "You want her, yes? Even if just for a good hate-fuck?" I say while wrapping my vines around my wife. "But, you don''t want her to have me, right? So, don''t let her have me, just take her for yourself." I can feel her stiffen under me as I speak.


    "I can''t." She takes in a shuddering breath. "How could I do that to you?"


    "Oh, baby." I just hug her and stroke her hair. "If it makes you feel better, I really do want to watch." I chuckle when she swats me weakly on my good arm. "Just imagine how frustrated she''ll get, knowing that I''m right there, but she''s not allowed even a touch." A different kind of shudder runs through her when I whisper that into her ear. "But, like Apricot said, we don''t have to do anything you don''t want to."


    "You''d really be okay with just watching?" She can''t bring herself to look me in the eyes while asking that.


    "Look, this is a big change to our relationship." I tell her seriously. "So, I can''t say what my exact reaction will be until I actually see another person in your arms. But, I think as long as it''s just sex, I''ll be okay with it. And hey, I can always just play with myself while you turn that dragon out." I glance over at Elle who winks at Amelia when she looks up.


    "Snerk." She tries holding back a laugh, only for it to erupt out her nose. "Okay. We can try this." She blushes. "But, you really need to quit pushing those draconic buttons of hers."


    "That may be a little difficult." I hedge. "I''m probably going to have to push them all, and then some, in order to make her accept that side of herself. But, hopefully they won''t be an issue afterwards."


    "Nnh, fine." She sighs. "If you can watch me fuck her, I can watch you tease her."


    ***

 # 91

    After I finish with the scans, we head off into the woods to track down Gwynne. We find her a few kilometers away, naked and frustrated, holding a smoking vibrator. Once she notices us, she lets it drop as her eyes lock onto mine with wordless pleading.


    "Look at you." I shake my head, while showing her nothing but pity and disgust. "Can you really call yourself a dragon when you''re this pathetic? It''s no wonder your descendants can''t control their powers, it''s because you can''t control yourself." My eyes light up with Truesight as we stalk closer.


    "But, I''m-" She finally finds her voice only to use it to blubber.


    "Only a half?" I finish for her in a mocking tone. "Half a dragon! Is still a fucking DRAGON!" Spittle flies as I roar the word into her face. "Or." I continue in a normal conversational tone. "Maybe you aren''t, maybe you''re just an overgrown lizard. How else could a twig of a Plantkin have dominated you not once, but twice?"


    "Don''t look away when he''s talking to you." Amelia snaps out when Gwynne tries ducking her head away in shame. "I can''t believe I ever thought about taking you to bed, even just to hate-fuck you, as Sorrel so eloquently put it."


    "You do know that you''re the one holding all of them back?" I grasp Gwynne''s chin and force her to look into my glowing eyes. "There''s a connection that ties them all to you, but it''s frayed on your end because you refuse to accept what you really are."


    "I wonder." Amelia says while playing with her wand. "If they wouldn''t just be better off without you." She snaps Ramoth out and cuts through half a dozen trees like they weren''t even there. "Step aside baby. You''re right, she isn''t a dragon just an overgrown lizard that can''t control itself."


    "No." The overgrown lizard whimpers and clutches at me when I step back.


    "No?" I say curiously. "Are you a fucking dragon or not? If you are, then don''t you think it''s about time you started acting like one?" I push her away and give Amelia a nod.


    "RRRROOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Amelia''s water cutter is blocked by shimmering blue-green scales that coat Gwynne''s body as a roar loud enough to level half the forest rips out of her throat. It would have too, had I not dropped my Avatar and put all that Magic into a soundproofing bubble around her.


    "Feeling better?" Elle says after reforming. "Hmm, the link is more solid, but you''re still holding them back."


    "What are you going to do?" The dragon growls at me. "Try to kill me again? Your little trick won''t work now."


    "Oh, you dear little child." Amelia steps forward and pats her on the cheek. "We were never trying to kill you, if we wanted you dead, you would be dead." A simple black throwing knife, it''s sides covered in glittering runescript, appears in her hand and slices Gwynne''s cheek just deeply enough to draw blood. "You''re actually very lucky that your roar when we first met stunned Sorrel, leaving him only enough time to save us. Otherwise this." Amelia licks the drop of blood from the blade. "Would have gone straight into your brain."


    Gwynne blanches after touching her cheek, only to see a drop of shining scarlet appear on her fingertip.


    "See, Sorrel is very paranoid." Amelia explains to the now hyperventilating dragon. "And, there''s no way in all the hells that he would take his wives into a dragon''s den of all places, without a way to insure that they came out safely. He prepared this a while ago, just in case he ran into something his magic couldn¡¯t deal with. Used a king''s ransom worth of metallic essences to forge the sharpest, hardest, blade imaginable. And then, he used even more essences to enchant it to be even sharper and harder."


    A gulp is her only reply.


    "Impressive huh?" She waves it around and the already pale dragon turns as white as a ghost. "He thought so too, that''s why he made three more. One for each arm... well, each arm that he used to have." Another scratch appears, this time on Gwynne''s right arm.


    "W-w-what d-do y-you want?" She''s so afraid that I''m surprised that she hasn''t pissed herself.


    "Haven''t you figured it out yet?" Amelia makes the dagger vanish, and pushes Gwynne backwards onto the ground. "I want you to embrace your inner dragon." Straddling the prone woman, she adds "Without losing control." before leaning over to lick the wound on the dragon''s cheek.


    Gwynne flushes and I can sense her pheromones start to spread out again before she reels it back in.


    "Good girl." I kneel down and whisper into her ear. "This really does it for you, doesn''t it? Knowing that you''ve been completely dominated, and that no matter what you did you were still fated to lose."


    "Look at her girls." I say while running my fingers slowly down her scales. "I know I made a no dragons rule, but I''m still not sure that she isn''t just an overblown lizard. See, she lost control of herself again."If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "And, I''m sure that had nothing to do with Amelia nibbling on her earlobe?" Apricot says with a quirked eyebrow.


    "What can I say?" She breathes out. "I wanted to see if she''d react like Elle. Gods look at you Gwynne, you''re leaking everywhere. You really are just a lizard aren''t you? That''s a shame, I think Apricot really had her heart set on fucking a dragon today too. And, I know I wanted to take some of my frustrations out on one." Amelia says and climbs off of the panting woman.


    "Wait, don''t stop." Gwynne tries to sit up and grab her arm, but is too slow.


    "Look at you, can''t even catch me when I''m right in front of you." She shakes her head and pushes the dragon back down. "If you really wanted this then you know what you have to do." Amelia takes out the dagger again and starts running it lightly over her scales, just like I was doing with my fingers.


    "Well, if we didn''t already know she was a water dragon." Apricot quips. "We would now."


    "What dragon." Amelia counters. "All I see is a lizard that can''t control itself."


    "Arrrghh!" Gwynne thrashes and does her level best to rein herself in.


    "Oh, don''t even bother Gwynnie." Amelia says as we both press her into the soft earth. "Just accept that you''re not dragon material, and the only way for you to get off is with a vibrator that a pixie gave you out of pity. Oh, wait. You can''t even use that because you broke it."


    "Fuck you!" Gwynne finally comes to her senses and throws us off of her.


    "Kinda hard to do when you toss us away like that." I say with a smug smile as I float in mid-air with my arm around Amelia.


    "Fucking bastards." She growls at each of us in turn.


    "You''re welcome." I project an image of the village women. "Looks like you''re a dragon after all, fixing their connection to that half of yourself seems to have given them all a measure of control that they can feel already."


    "You''re still a bastard." She spits back, but we can all see the smile on her face.


    "A bastard that makes really nice clothing, though." The torn remains of her old outfit fly up off the ground where she threw it in her ealier passion, only to reform better than before.


    The clothes bundle themselves up and drop into Elle''s arms. She walks over to Gwynne and holds them out. "Why don''t you go tell your girls the good news." She leans in closer, and the dragon seems unable, or unwilling to stop her from whispering a parting line into her ear. "And, don''t forget to stop by our room at the inn afterwards; no need for you to spend the night alone when you can share it with the four of us."


    Gwynne just blushes and runs off, clutching the bundle to her chest. Apricot''s throaty laughter chasing after her as she dashes through the woods.


    ***


    Spoiler: Spoiler<input class="spoilerButton" type="button" value="Show">


    Gwynne''s POV:


    "You''re late." The door flies open causing me to jump, and start blushing furiously at the sight that''s just been revealed to me. "Quit gawking and get your ass in here." Amelia orders before returning her attention to Apricot.


    The pixie is laying on her back while Elle sits on her face as Amelia buries hers inbetween those slim thighs. Meanwhile, Sorrel is just sitting back enjoying the show.


    "Doesn''t she need to breathe?" I gulp while closing the door behind me.


    "No, but I think she''d like this even more if she did." Elle says and a blush starts spreading all along her body as I stare at her.


    "Is it always like this?" I ask and start nervously undressing.


    "No." Elle gasps and leans forward as Apricot starts sucking hard on her clit. "I''m -haah- new, and -nng- they''re still putting me -aahn- through my paces." The moans that escape from Apricot''s throat, and the lustful stare from me seem to be enough to drive Elle over the edge.


    She shudders and tries to collapse off of Apricot, but the orange haired beauty grabs her thighs and holds her in place. Just watching what the pixie is doing to her sends a thread of heat out from my center.


    A grunt from Sorrel draws my attention, and my mouth drops open as I watches him shoot rope after sticky rope of cum all over that muscular belly and chest. The thread of heat turns into a raging inferno and I start walking in his direction, my eyes glued to his cock, only for Amelia to grabs me and throw me onto the bed.


    "No! He''s mine." She growls. "And, tonight... So are you." She grips my hair tight before slapping me on the ass. "Sorrel said you owe him a kilo of flesh, and that I''m allowed to take it out of your ass." She hits me twice as hard. "I fully intend to get that kilo and then some." The smacks come heavy and hard after that.


    At first I tried to worm my way free, but Apricot and Elle held me in place. My screams soon turn into gasps and pants, and finally moans as a wetness spreads from between my legs. Even then, Amelia doesn''t let up. It''s not until long after I''m left nothing but a blubbery, quivering mess that she finally stops her spanking.


    "Don''t check out on us yet, Gwynnie." Amelia signals for the other girls to flip me over. She then reaches over the side of the bed, and pulls back what looks like a copy of Sorrel''s erect penis attached to some sort of straps. "You came her for his cock, didn''t you? Well, this is as close as you''re going to get." The angry blonde dons the perfect replica of his cock before slamming it into me in one quick thrust.


    "Ahhh!" I scream out again, and try to buck, but Apricot and Elle are holding me down. "Fuck, please. Don''t stop!" I cry out when Amelia pauses. "I''m sorry, and I deserve everything you do to me, just please don''t stop fucking me."


    "Oh, I haven''t even started fucking you yet." Amelia grins and activates the motion enchantments built into the strap-on. "And, once I''m done, then it''s Apricot''s and Elle''s turns. Poor Sorrel is just gonna have to watch though, somehow I don''t think that he minds too much." At those words, I looks over just in time to watch him cum for a second time.


    "Look at her spasm just from watching him." Apricot licks her lips before leaning down to tease my nipple, Elle following her example a beat later. "Mmm, I knew it would drive you wild to not be able to touch him, but I never imagined he''d get this turned on."


    "Nnh." Elle mumbles around my big, round nipple. "One of those was your fault."


    "You loved it and you know it." Apricot teases the nipple on her side between her teeth. "Speaking of loving it." She bites down harder and making me gasp and shudder once more.


    Getting worked over by the three of them was both one of the best, and most frustrating nights of my long life.


    ***

 # 92

    "Oh, gods." Gwynne groans the next morning. "I didn''t know I could be this sore. Did you have to be so rough?" She asks while sheepishly looking around for her clothes.


    ""Yes."" We answer in unison. "But, thank you for letting us work off some of that aggression." I add. "It''s never good to carry around negative emotions like that."


    "Glad to be of service." She titters and tries to stand, only to collapse with a hiss onto her sore behind as her legs fail to hold her weight. "I guess I''m not mad at you anymore, either. Even if all you did was watch last night. Well, that and put on a bit of a show of your own." She grins at the memory.


    "Sorry Gwynnie." Elle crawls over and whispers in her ear. "My love is still the jealous type. You should just feel lucky that she let me play with you last night, I know Sorrel sure does." Amelia then pulls my alter-ego back and wraps her arms around her.


    "Mmm." She licks her earlobe and whispers. "You and he were so good last night, I''m definitely going to have to give the both of you a reward later."


    "Yes, please." Elle moans before blushing furiously at the look that Gwynne is giving her.


    "Ooh, you really do have too much fun with her." Amelia says to me while the dragoness shakes herself all over.


    "I know it''s just a spell, but damn." She lets out a long exhale and lays back to wait for her legs to work again.


    "Speaking of spells." I say while playing with Apricot''s hair. -It''s actually possible to tease it all out straight, but it always flies back into an apricot shaped mop.- "I called my friend in Riverton yesterday, and he Evaluated the two girls there. They read as Demi-Siren and Moura now, and Clara said she feels like she has some control over the seduction powers."


    "My girls said the same thing, they can now mostly control that and the Moura their shapeshifting. But the fugues and divination are still beyond them." She looks both happy and sad for them.


    "Well, you don''t have anything resembling either of those, so it may just be part of their species, or there may be a missing puzzle piece we haven''t found yet." I stare her in the eyes, upside down from this angle. "I consider giving them a measure of control to be a big win, but I''m still going to keep looking into it."


    "Mhm, yesterday was definitely full of big wins." A fulfilled smile crosses her face. "I want to thank you, all of you for that." She rolls over and stares Amelia in the eyes. "And, I know you don''t want to share him, but is there anyway I could keep that toy you used on me?" She blushes, but doesn''t drop her gaze.


    "Well, I suppose Elle wasn''t the only good girl last night." Amelia purrs. "I guess you deserve a reward too."


    "I wanna know how she broke the last one." Apricot says with a laugh as the dragoness picks up her new prize. "We''ve put those things through their paces and never had one start smoking."


    "Nnh." This time Gwynne does duck her head. "...ied to ... ... faster by ...ing Mana into it." A few of her words are inaudible, but we catch the gist of it.


    "Hahahah." I can''t help but laugh. "You really don''t know how enchantments work, do you? Give it here, I can add a superspeed mode for you. It''ll drain the charge that much faster, but fortunately you can keep it stocked up."


    "... thank you." She looks up to hand it over, and I can feel the heat radiating off of her enbarrassed face.


    "I don''t know what it is, but there is just something so hot about a bashfull dragon." Apricot laughs a wicked laugh.


    "Well, if you ask Amelia nicely you might just get to see a bit more of her." I say while trying to make her hair stay in pigtails. "We''ve stil got a village to move, and a genetic puzzle to sort out. So, you should have a chance to talk her into another romp or two. And, why will your hair not do what I want it to?" I laugh as it springs back into it''s natural shape again.


    "Heheh, not enough magic in the world to get a pixie''s hair to do what it doesn''t want to." She lets out an amused sigh. "Trust me, we''ve all tried at some point in our lives."


    "Well, that just sounds like a challenge." Says Amelia while putting Elle''s hair into the pigtails I wanted to give Apricot. "And, you know how he is with challenges."


    I''m about to say something when my stomach rumbles, quickly setting off a chain reaction as the others'' bellies speak their minds. "Mhm. Food first, magical coiffure later."


    ...


    "Hah!" I crow at my success. "I think I finally got it."


    "Did you really need to use that diamond thread of yours just to tie her hair up." Amelia says as we arrive at the hidden village.


    "It was that or fly home real quick to pick up some of the titanium essence." I had to braid every strand together with the nanothreads but I finally managed to get Apricot''s hair to stay in pigtails.


    "It looks great Sorrel, and I''m glad you managed to out-stubborn my hair." She turns to me with a pained look. "But, could you take it out now? My head hurts."


    "Ohh, sweetie." I hug her, and the air is soon filled with glimmering dust as her hair poofs back into it''s usual mop. "I''m sorry. I guess I got kinda carried away there. Mhm, I can still play with your hair though, right? Just no more tying it up?" I say worriedly.


    "Yes, you goof." She gives me a quick kiss before ruffling my spiky hair. "But, if there''s anyone that needs pigtails, it''s definitely Amelia." She dances over to her wife and starts playing with her hair.


    "Nnh, don''t tickle me." She tries not to squirm because Mittens is sleeping in her blouse, like usual when we''re out and about.


    "Come here little guy." Elle scoops him up and deposits him in her own blouse instead. "Don''t want momma waking you while other momma tortures her."


    "Eeee!" Amelia squeals and squirms, but lets Apricot fool around with her hair without moving away.


    "Hahaha." Gwynnes laughs at our antics. "You guys are a hoot." We''re spotted by a few villagers as she says that.


    It''s not long before they''re all surrounding us and offering their heartfelt thanks. Well, most of them were, a few just wanted to know the details of last night. To which Amelia just smacked Gwynne on the ass making her jump with a squeaking sound.


    "Now who''s a hoot?" Apricot parrots the dragoness'' words back at her.


    "Alright. Settle down everyone." Lana, one of the older women calls for order. "We can tease Gwynne about her sex life later." Her statement is met with laughter from the women and a disgruntled noise from their progenitor. "Lord Rumex." She address me once they quieten. "We''ve decided to relocate a days fast ride north of the new dungeon. We''re ready to go anytime you want, though we would like a chance to say goodbye to some people in Newlake."


    "Okay." I take out a block of steel, and start making some busses to carry everyone. "It''ll take me a few minutes to build some transport, and depending on how long you take in town we can reach Riverton by dark." Seeing the nervous looks on most of them, I add. "Or, I can push through to get us to your new home by midnight, if you prefer."


    "Thank you." While most of them are watching the transports contruct themselves, a villager named Melinda comes forward with several drawings in her hand. "I''m the most artistic of the bunch, so they saddled me with drawing up some ideas for the new village."


    "Oh, these are lovely." I send Elle forward since she seems somewhat uncomfortable with me. She holds up the largest drawing; a hill in the shape of a sleeping dragon -obviously modelled after Gwynne- curled up protectively around a village set at the edge of a lake. "We can definitely work with this."


    The women''s eyes are drawn away from the busses as the drawing comes to life. The hill becomes a small mountain, a long lake forming on top in the hollow between where the wings fold down onto the dragon''s back. Waterfalls cascade down along its rear leg, forming a small river that follows the tail to feed into the larger lake.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Then shining walls of their new homes spread along and up the walls of the mountain, farms fill the flat land between them and the lake. Steam starts to rise from the dragon''s nose and the view zooms in to show a hidden hotspring accessible via a cave made to look like a gap in its teeth.


    ""..."" Not one of them can seem to find their voice as the hologram zooms back out and begins to rotate slowly so they can observe it from all angles.


    "Damn Sorrel." Apricot laughs and slaps me on the back. "I thought your lotus village looked cool, but this beats it hands down."


    "Thank Melinda, I just fleshed her drawing out a bit." I say with a shrug.


    "..." The artist in question just stares slack-jawed between her sketch and the life-like projection. "If you say so." She finally speaks.


    "It is amazing." Gwynne says while touching her mouth. "But... did you have to leave out the tooth?" The look on consternation on her face sets all of us to laughing.


    ***


    A large crowd forms as we roll into town in a convoy of over a dozen busses. The windows are all tinted so no one can see inside, a precaution I took for the more gun-shy women. Two of busses are dedicated to nothing but sleeping wildlife, including a large fishtank, and another to the villager''s livestock.


    And fortunately, just as human sized sapients have larger inventories than the fae, dragon sized beings have inventories that are that much larger than ours. So, Gwynne was able to hold all of the women''s belongings for the trip, saving me from having to build and control even more transports.


    "Cynda, good morning." I greet the head woman as those villagers who are willing to visit the town do so.


    "You''re taking them all away, already?" She looks shocked. "Jocie came back and told me about your plans, but..." She trails off.


    "After what happened to Kacey." I speak loud enough for the crowd to hear while snarling in the direction of the small jail-house where the two attempted rapists are locked up. "They felt it was time for a new start, one that I am more than happy to provide for them." A projection of Dragon Falls -their tentative name for the new village- appears in mid-air for everyone too see. "This is what they have to look forward to now, instead of the leering stares to be found here." Looks of shame, envy, and thinly veiled hatred cross many of the men''s faces as I castigate them.


    "What about those like them?" She asks while cataloging the reactions of the townsmen, and carefully not staring at little Denna.


    "That''s what these are for." I hand her a box of the enchanted bracelets and a phone. "Protective charms, and a long-range communication rune." I explain for the crowd. "Gwynne and I will be keeping in touch, and are only a short flight away." I leave the threat of what will happen should our communication be interrupted go unsaid.


    "But why?" One of the women in the crowd asks, her hand placed protectively on a little blonde girl. "Why do all this for women you don''t even know?"


    "Because I can, and because it''s the right thing to do." I answer her. "Fate has been unkind, so I chose to step in and redress the callous way the gods have treated them." I say this to the crowd at large, and then smirk at Gwynne. "And, maybe just maybe, because I want to have a dragon owe me a big favor."


    Gwynne snorts, making me think that she can tell that I only said that for the crowd. My girls just smile and shake their heads, knowing that this is the least of my considerations. The townsfolk on the otherhand are nodding and giving each other knowing looks.


    It doesn''t take long before we''re back on the road again. I don''t even bother trying to hide all the busses as we speed along, other travellers happy to make way once I tell them to via magic. Word about what happened in Newlake will soon spread either way, and frankly I want it to. Candassa had this great opportunity to help these women, but tried to use them instead. Let the bastards know that Larendath now has a dragon on its side.


    "Rea." I call my favorite mayor to let her know she''s about to have neighbors. "Were you informed about my saving that girl, Clara?"


    "I was." She answers. "I also heard that you went to track down some answers, and found a dragon guarding a village of girls just like her." She laughs at the absurdity of it.


    "I did." I laugh right along with her. "And well, they''re sorta following me home. I offered to build them a new village and they chose to place it a days ride north of Circle Orchard. We''ll be passing through late tonight, and I thought I''d give you a heads up."


    "A dragon is following you home?" I can hear a drawer open and a cork pop, followed by gulping before she speaks up again. "Uhm, you should probably inform her majesty about this."


    "I plan to, but I started with you because you''ll be the most affected. These women have not had easy lives." I sigh. "I may have helped them gain a measure of control, but many of them are still wary of men. I need to ask you and captain Brant to keep the curious away from the mountain that''s going to appear tommorow. The Villagers will make contact when they feel they''re ready."


    More gulping sounds come through the phone. "Yes, sir. We''ll be sure to keep the lookie-loos away. Will you still be building the other village?"


    "Of course." I answer straight away. "And, thank you. I know I''m making an unreasonable demand here, but they really do deserve a fresh start."


    "Not a problem sir." This time I hear a small thunk before the drawer closes. "Everyone in town knows what it''s like to need one of those. I''ll spread the word that they''re refugees from Cendassa that were mistreated just because they weren''t human."


    "Hmm? I''d noticed a higher percentage of the other races in town, but didn''t think anything about it. I haven''t seen them be mistreated anywhere else, but I haven''t spent much time outside the Capital either."


    "They generally aren''t. Queen Vivian and all the Larens have always done their best to insure that all their citizens are treated well. But, sometimes people slip through the cracks, and those people are often a race other than human."


    That makes me wonder what my reception would have been like if people knew I was Plantkin. I haven''t really been hiding it, I feel most comfortable in my human guise. I had planned to shapeshift back now that I can, but it may just be time to come out of the forest.


    "Sir?" Rea asks after I''m silent for a moment.


    "Still here, just thinking." I decide to drop the pretense here and now. "Did you know that I''m not human?"


    "Sir?" I swear I can hear her blinking. "But, Coen Evaluated you..."


    "Before I came out of the woods, I was unsure how I''d be treated considering how I look, so I picked up the Shapeshift skill. I am Plantkin, but I was raised human and feel most comfortable looking human. I wasn''t hiding it intentionally, it just never came up before now."


    "Wow!" She pauses for a moment. "Does anyone else know?"


    "My wives, Amelia''s parents, and the villagers I''m driving right now. They found out when a certain dragon bit my arm off and I reverted automatically." I want to see if I can get her to open the drawer again.


    "Y-your arm?" She lets out a little whimpering noise, but I don''t hear her pick up the bottle again.


    "Don''t worry, it was just a minor misunderstanding, and it''s already started to grow back."


    "How is something like that considered a minor misunderstanding?"


    "Oh, I was Shapeshifted into a woman at the time." I say with a smirk, half at Rea''s tone, and half at Gwynne''s squirming. "She could tell I was really a man though, and attacked on instinct. She took me by surprise, but I was able to calm her down and explain things properly."


    "And now, you''re building a village for her. You''re not just fucking with me, are you?"


    "Heheheh. I''ll admit to having some fun listening to you react, but I swear everything I''m telling you is the truth."


    "Alright, can you please ask her not to eat anyone else. I''d rather not have to deal with the paperwork."


    "Hah!" I bark out a laugh as Gwynne turns red and covers her face. "Not a problem, we... had a little chat, and she''s got much better control of her impulses now."


    "Good to hear. Should I wait up to greet you tonight?"


    "Oh, no need to bother, we won''t be there until around midnight. I''ll try to stop by tomorrow, depends on how draining making a mountain is."


    "Hah! Alright, I''ll see you when you do stop by then. I should warn you though, Coen is going to be jealous to miss something like that."


    "Just tell him that I''ll take him with me next time, and there will be a next time. Alright, I''ve got a couple more calls to make, so I''ll let you go now. Just call me if you need anything."


    "Will do." I disconnect the call after she says that.


    "What do you normally look like?" Lana asks, and a few of the more curious women also seem interested, so I shift for them. "Mmm, not bad." She nods, and so do a few of the others. "Do you think that if we can fully unlock our bloodlines we''ll be able to control our shifts like you do?" She brings out her scale form for a moment.


    "That is a very good question." I say and shift back to Plantkin because I see I''m making a few of them uncomfortable. "Temmie, can you tell me if they''ll gain access to you after they''re considered a full species?" A *ding* in the affirmative is her answer.


    "She said yes!" Gwynne startles.


    "I thought she would." I say as they seem a bit shocked. Though whether that''s because of the answer, or because they never even thought to ask, is anyone''s guess. "You girls are as, if not more magical than Plantkin. So, even if you don''t get full control, you''ll be able to buy it, likely at a discount." Plantkin have a similar discount because we can use our growth to change how we look.


    "Really? Sirens too?" Kacey asks, and I nod when Temmie answers her. "Oh, wow. I''ve always wanted an inventory like Gwynne. Would doing another scan help?"


    "It can''t hurt." Elle answers for me. "And, it''ll give me something to do during the drive."


    "Aren''t ''you'' driving all of these crazy carriages faster than I can fly?" Gwynne asks with a look out the window.


    "We''re not really going that fast, it just seems like it because we''re at ground level." I explain. "And, the controls are all synced anyways, I just need to keep an eye out in case I need to make any minor adjustments." Now that my body isn''t all torn up, I don''t need to be as sparing wih the Healing Sap. That means I can take my time and don''t have to put all my focus into doing it as quickly as possible.


    "I still don''t really get how you and her are the same person." Kacey says with a bashful look at Elle. "You have different personalities and everything."


    "Oh, she used to be just like me." I say after Elle sends me an embarrassed look. "I originally shifted into her just to put your cousin Clara at ease. These two got such a kick out of her that Elle eventually got her own personality. She would have been just another bit of roleplay, but when Gwynne lost control it brought some things we''ve been ignoring to the forefront."


    "And, if Sorrel can do something for his girls, he will." Elle finishes for me while we both stare at Apricot, the love I have for her plain to see in both of my faces.


    A chorus of "aww''s" have not only Elle, but even Apricot blushing. A rare sight, that. But, one that both Amelia and I are happy to drink in.


    ***

 # 93

    After things settled down, I put on some music and let my alter-ego run the scans. I''m not sure Kacey really understood, but after seeing the looks we shared, she doesn''t seem to be making moon eyes at Elle anymore.


    I call up Vivian''s secretary to see if she''s free to speak, and luckily caught her in a lull between whatever it is a queen does, and whaterver else it is she does.


    "Good morning Sorrel." She greets me and I can hear a smile in her voice.


    "Good morning Vivian. I have a couple things to report, but before we get into that. I thought I should tell you that I''m actually a Plantkin, not a human. I was talking to Rea about non-humans earlier, and realized I should have told you before now."


    "Oh, I already knew." She laughs. "Oliver Evaluated you when we first met, he actually had to put points in to upgrade it to level five when you came up as question marks. That must be some skill, you show as human to anyone with it at three and below, if you were wondering."


    "Wow, I''ll have to make it up to him somehow." The basic skills like Identify, Analyze, and Evaluate may be some of the cheapest to upgrade, but those skill points aren''t easy to get. "I wasn''t really trying to hide, I''m just more comfortable when I look human. I was raised human, and consider myself one most of the time."


    "Oh, don''t worry about it. Sure, he grumped about it for a bit, but I told him you must have had your reasons. You''re not the first non-human to hide their features, after all. That, and the Iron Horse you gave him went a long towards getting him over it."


    "Mhm, I still feed bad about it though. So, if there''s anything else I can do for him, please just give me the word."


    "I will, but what else did you call about? I heard that you were already able to do something for that poor girl in Riverton."


    "Yes, and that''s very much connected to why I''m calling." I chuckle before telling her the whole story.


    "I trust your judgement, and have no objections to them staying in Larendath. But, oh, you''re going to have to show me the playback of that fight once you return to the city." She says with a throaty laugh once I finish speaking.


    "Thank you, your Majesty." Gwynne bows towards the phone making me and the girls roll our eyes.


    "You are most welcome. And, I do hope I get the chance to visit your new home soon, it sounds lovely. And after he raised his little garden here in the Capital, I''ve been dying to see what Sorrel will do with the bigger canvas of Arcadia."


    "Yes, ma''am. Anytime you wish."


    "Thank you for calling me directly, Sorrel. And, thank you for telling me that you are a Plantkin, we Larens have always tried to make our country a safe and welcoming place for all people."


    "No. Thank you Vivian, not many would trust someone hiding such a big secret."


    "You''ve earned your trust." She says and then the voice of her secretary intrudes. "Seems as though I''ve kept my next meeting waiting long enough, so I''m going to have to let you go now. Have fun building your mountain."


    "Wow." Gwynne says after I put my phone away. "She is a big change compared to Cendassa''s royals."


    "Oh, we think it''s just because she''s interested in him." Apricot tells her the story of when we first met the Queen, pointing out a few of Vivian''s reactions that I had overlooked at the time. "That, and she''s nowhere near stupid enough to annoy someone who could level the Capital on his own. Not that the big softie would, or if he did, he''d make sure no one was hurt." She adds when I glare at her.


    "How are you so powerful?" Gwynne looks at me and asks a question I know has been bothering her for a while now. "I may not have focused much on my magic, but I''m still a dragon and I would have trouble just pushing out as much magic as Elle uses."


    ""He cheats."" Apricot and Amelia say with a laugh before I can.


    Calling Blackthorne from my neck, I use it to push raw Mana into the air before shaping an image of our home. Giving her the story of how the Well was formed, I add. "Plantkins Livingwood weapons have some special properties, and my staff was linked to the tree when the Mana Well was formed. Blackthorne spent about a week inside afterwards, and when it came out it could channel its power to me." With that said, the staff shrinks back down into a thorn pendant on my string necklace.


    "You''re walking around with a Mana Well hanging from your neck?" She looks a little pale. "You''re right, he does cheat."


    ***


    A call to Baron Pepi was next on the docket, but I just told him that we''d be passing through tonight and would be back in a few days. I thought that would be it, but Lorelai made him call back a few minutes later.


    "Lord Rumex. I can''t thank you enough for what you''ve done." She pauses for a moment before continuing in a hesitant voice. "I hate to impose even more, but Clara and I were hoping that we could speak to the others like her."


    "Hmm?" I look towards Gwynne. "Do you think everyone would be okay with stopping outside Riverton for supper?"


    "Can we, please." Kacey begs. "I want to meet my cousin."


    "You just don''t want to be the youngest anymore." Karen, the former youngest, teases her. "It''s alright by me." The others in this bus murmur their agreement. As do the women from the rest of our little caravan once I ask them. Though, I did have to promise a few of them that I would keep any men away, which I would have done anyways.


    "Alright Lorelai, you and the girls can join us for dinner, but you should leave your boys behind, just in case."


    "Thank you Lord. And, thank all of them for agreeing."


    "You can do so yourself tonight." I hang up after that and the rest of the drive is fairly uneventful.


    The Cendassan border guards tried to block us for a second, but quickly got out of the way after realizing how fast we were going, and that I was not going to stop. I saw a couple messenger birds be set loose shortly after, but I stealthily made sure they wouldn''t reach their target. Mittens needs some variety in his diet after all.


    The sun had set by the time we reach Riverton, we passed through the town and met Lorelai and her girls just outside the west gate. I had planned to cook for everyone, but the Baron was kind enough to prepare a meal for us.


    "Ugh, I can finally stretch my legs." Gwynne is the first one off the bus, but she''s quickly followed by the rest of the villagers. They spotted the feast layed out for them and descended on it like they were starving, even though I''d provided lunch and snacks for everyone.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    "Lorelai, Clara." I greet the Siren and her mother, little Cici sitting on her mom''s hip like usual. "Good evening."


    ""Good evening Lord?"" They curtsy in unison, but can''t help but stare at my Plantkin form, and missing arm. "Are you okay?" Clara asks as her hand involuntarilly rising in the direction of my missing appendage.


    "I''m fine, it''ll grow back in a few days." I smile at the look of shock on their faces. "And, before you ask, this is my true face. I was raised and prefer looking human, but some of the villagers are still uncomfortable when I shift back. This face doesn''t seem to set them off as badly, so I''m using it to let them get used to being around men again."


    "And, her?" Clara looks at Elle, who''s being dragged over to the food by Apricot.


    "My Avatar." I say and Elle smiles and waves her hand at Clara. "Having an extra pair of hands around, when I''m down one is pretty useful. But, enough questions about me, how have you been? Any problems controlling your power?" I ask as we walk over to join the meal.


    "It''s mostly under control, but I can feel it flare up when I get startled or stressed." She answers while playing with the bracelet I gave her. "Thank you so much for this, most of those accidents were caused because I spotted a man when I wasn''t expecting to."


    "Mhm, the others say much the same." I send her a reassuring smile. "Have you tried anything but turning it off?" I had Elle ask the rest of the women the same question when ''she'' was doing the scans.


    "No!" She says vehemenetly. "I just want it to go away."


    "Oh, child." Gwynne looks at the girl with sad eyes. "I felt the same way about my heritage, and look at all the pain that caused." She looks around at her descendants, and rather pointedly at my missing arm.


    "What do you mean?"


    "I''m responsible for this mess, if I had just accepted my draconic half none of you would have had to go through what you did." This truth bomb seems to shake Clara to her roots. "Sorrel saw the connection between my own lack of control and all of yours. And, even after I took his arm because of that same lack, he was still willing to help me. I doubt I''ll ever be able to make it up to you, but I swear I will do whatever I can to help all of my girls."


    "..." Clara just slumps in on herself.


    ""It''s not your fault Gwynne."" All the villagers close enough to hear their conversation say the same thing. "Sorrel said the connection is firmed up on your end, but we still don''t have perfect control." Lana tells her. "All of us have felt it slip at some point in the past day."


    "Listen to them Gwynne." I tell the dragon. "Their slip ups may just be due to the newness of the control, though I doubt that. Not one has able to keep it locked down while they sleep. So, even if you had always embraced your draconinc nature, things still would have been much the same for them."


    "Nng." She grunts and nods. "I''m still going to find a way to help them. And, I will always be here should any of you ever need anything."


    "And, Clara." I address the twelve year old that doesn''t seem to know what to think now. "Being a Siren does have it''s upsides, you already know about the divination, but surely you''ve noticed by now that there are no old women here." She looks up, clearly having missed that. "Heh. I won''t be so crass as to disclose a womans age, but decades and even centuries of youth lie ahead of you and your sister."


    "And." Kacey speaks up. "He spoke with the book of knowledge earlier, and once we do fully unlock out bloodlines, we''ll be able to connect to her too. Did you know they call her Temmie?" She gushes to her new cousin. "Haven''t you always wanted an inventory? And, we may even get magic, like real magic."


    "Really?" Clara looks up hopefully. That''s all the opening Kacey needs, she picks up her plate and moves to sit next to Clara and soon they''re chatting like they''ve been best friends for their whole life.


    ...


    "Can I go with them?" Clara asks her mother as we''re preparing to leave. "Please, Kacey is so nice, and I really want to see the new village that Lord Rumex is going to make for them."


    "..." Lorelai clearly doesn''t want her to go, but also seems torn on the issue.


    "I will be back here in a couple days." I interject. "I can bring you all down then and relocate your family to Circle Orchard, that way Clara can visit whenever she wants."


    "Please mom." Clara begs. "It''ll just be for a couple days, I''ve had sleep-overs that lasted longer."


    "Nnh, fine." Lorelai finally relents, but doesn''t look happy about it.


    "Maybe these will help." I hold out a couple of phones to them. "This way you can talk to each other whenever you feel like." I was going to give Lorelai one anyways, even if just to keep her from driving Pepi mad.


    "Oh, thank you, thank you." Clara says excitedly after opening the box. Kacey seems a little jealous, so I toss one to her too making her eyes go wide.


    "Alright, let''s get a move on." I call out. "The roads should be clear now, so I can up the speed and still get us there by midnight. I want to get started first thing in the morning. I''ve bult a town in a day before, now I want to see if I can build a mountain."


    "Come on, you can sit next to me." Kacey drags her new friend onto the bus, only to stop with an exclamation once she sees that I''ve redesigned the interior. "Okay, I guess you can sleep next to me." She pulls Clara into one of the wide bunks I replaced the seats with. Most of the villagers will have to double up, but I doubt that''s a problem.


    "Why couldn''t you have added a few of these earlier?" Lana says before flopping into one, and pulling Melinda in next to her. "My neck is still sore from when I nodded off earlier."


    "Ooh, let''s get a top bunk." Karen pushes the friend she was sitting next to earlier up a ladder.


    Similar scenes happen throughout our little caravan. A few of the larger groups complained about having to split up into pairs, so I made big beds for them in the back. Most settled in to sleep, but more than a few decided to indulge in other bed related activities.


    This is far from surpising, especially since they''ve been doing much the same all day. These women have weekly orgies after all, so they''re far from shy. I put up a sound barrier around Clara''s bunk just in case. I really don''t want her mom to call and hear a bunch of moaning.


    "Wow, these girls really like their new toys." Amelia says with a titter. The women in our bus have been a bit more subdued than on the others, but I guess they were just waiting for night to fall. "You may be right about adding a curtained off area to the new store, but they''d likely need self charging Runes. I can''t see a lot of people walking into the guild to get their sex toys charged up."


    "And, you just know that the ones that do won''t wash them off first." Apricot snorts.


    "Eww." Amelia scrunches up her face. "Thanks for that image."


    "You''re welcome." Apricot replies with a smile.


    "Can I join you?" Gwynne says after walking up behind our bench. Amelia pulls Elle onto her lap to make room as an answer. "Thanks. Where you talking about those vibrators you gave out? You know you didn''t have to do that, they all still would have helped."


    "Yeah, but it''s a simple Rune, and I don''t mind spreading a bit of joy." I say as that joy can be clearly heard from the bunks behind us.


    "Well, thank you all the same." She bows slightly as a particularly loud bit of joy washes over the bus.


    "Not a problem." I say with a smile. "The tips I''m picking up by watching them all go at it is definitely worth it. And, just wait until you see what I do with your new village. I''ve been wanting to go all out and set up a village of the future, but had to dial back my plans. You and your girls give me a good excuse to go ahead with them again."


    "Don''t object." Amelia orders before Gwynne can protest. "Just think of it as you being a test village for all the crazy ideas he has, because that''s pretty much what you are now. He really has been wanting this, and you should have seen how disappointed he was he couldn''t put in some greenhouses down at Hedgecoast because someone was bound to steal the glass." She pretty much hit the nail on the head with that remark.


    "And, few people are suicidal enough to steal from a dragon." Gwynne snorts. "So, he can enchant to his hearts desire without worrying about his people getting robbed."


    "That, and it gives us a good reason to stop by on the regular." Amelia''s sly smile causes the dragon to blush.


    "Speaking of glass and enchantments." I say with a matching smile. "Do you think any of your girls would be willing to take up glass making? I just had an idea for a Rune that would separate pure silica from common soil or stone, and furnaces are a piece of cake."


    "A few would jump at the chance." She answers even though her blush deepens. "I know Georgia was especially fascinated by the book on glass blowing I bought for them a while ago."


    "That''s great." I nod. "Given how long they all live, they could become master craftsmen at whatever they chose to do. I really want to see that happen."


    "And, if you''re done talking." Apricot moans. "Can we get to what I really want to see happen?" The noises from the passengers have been driving her wild, and my tentacle in her skirt probably hasn''t been helping.


    "Hmm? I don''t know." I tease her. "I really shouldn''t let myself get distracted while driving. It''s bad enough that I watching nearly a hundred women have sex with each other right now. I mean, just look at them." I project a bunch of holograms in front of her. "That''s enough to make any man distracted, and you want to make it worse?"


    "Nnh." My little sweetie whimpers. "You really don''t play fair."


    "I''m just trying to be a safe driver." The innocent look on my face almost cracks when I see the look of need in her eyes.


    "Oh, quit teasing her." Amelia breathes while doing a bit of teasing herself. "Or we might just leave you out of the fun."


    "Whatever you say." I lift Apricot onto my lap. "But, don''t blame me if we crash."


    ***

 # 94

    We did not crash, even though Apricot did her damnedest to distract me, but a few of those tips I picked up helped me turn the tables on her. I kinda feel bad for Gwynne though, Amelia clearly still has some anger pent up and was not shy about letting it out.


    Almost everyone was already asleep by the time we arrived, so we just stayed on the busses for the night. I was one of the first up; knowing that a couple hundred women wouldn''t be happy with the dozen tiny toilets on the busses. The first thing I did was build proper facilities and a large bath house for everyone in a big clearing. It wasn''t anything fancy since it''s only temporary, but the villagers where quite happy to see it.


    Breakfast came next; we still haven''t stocked back up on meat since Hedgecoast, and I haven''t played around with faux meat since I mastered the chicken. So, the meal was mostly fresh fruits and pastries, but no one complained. Well, almost no one.


    "Why didn''t we get more than a few days worth of meat before heading up to Newlake?" Amelia whines cutely.


    "I can run over to the dungeon and pick you up some rat steaks if you want." I laugh when she makes fake gaging noises. "Heheheh. Okay, how about I promise to work on some more of those fake meats, like that chicken I made? Now that I have Mastery it shouldn''t be a problem, and you won''t be able to tell the difference."


    "I''ll hold you to that." She mumbles around a mouthfull of muffin.


    "I don''t suppose you can just stay and cook for us everyday." Gwynne says and the rest of the villagers swiftly murmur their agreements.


    "Mhm sorry, too busy for that. But, I''m happy to leave you plenty of supplies and all of my recipies." I project images of hundreds of cookbooks and thousands of recipies. "I also have plenty of ideas for Runes to help with growing and processing food, let alone just cooking it."


    "Even chocolate?" The villagers perk up when Clara asks this.


    "Hmm? It''s normally time consuming, but not all that dificult to make." I think it over. "The Rune to speed up the fermentation would be the most difficult, but if I can figure that out it should be possible, and even if I can''t then it''ll just add a week or two of waiting to the process."


    "You can speed up fermentation?" Lana asks with a thirsty look.


    "Yeah, I can make some decent wines too." I admit. "But, I mostly cheat by tweaking the flavors with magic. I''m guessing you''re the village brewer."


    "I dabble." The prideful smile on her face, and the laughs of the women tell me that she does more than just dabble.


    "Well, I''ll work on it." This gets a smile from her and most everyone else. "And, I have been wanting to explore magical plants some more, maybe I can make a magical yeast. Use it to brew potions... Hmm, there''s an idea."


    I transform my zinc necklace into a small barrel and fill it with Healing Sap before adding a bit of yeast and start brewing while focusing on the yeast integrating the healing qualities of the sap as they grow and multiply.


    A minute later and they do seem a bit more magical, so I collect a sample for later. But, my first attempt at Healing Mead seems to be a failure. "Tastes alright, even if it did lose the healing effect." I pour it out into some glasses after Lana and a few others give it an inquisitive look.


    "I''ve had worse." Lana smacks her lips after taking a drink. "But why did you use your necklace to brew it?"


    "Zinc essence." I answer while turning it into an armband, I''ve been using too much vitality on the scans for the stump to have grown much, and I''m hoping that moving the zinc closer might help. "It promotes healing, and has a synergistic effect with my spell."


    "Oh!" Georgia, the aspiring glassblower exclaims. "I read about that stuff, what you have there is worth a fortune."


    "Eh." I shrug my shoulders. "We already have several fortunes, what''s one more." My casual treatment of wealth makes Amelia grumble.


    "Everytime I think I''m turning you into a proper merchant you go and say something like that." She gives me a dissapointed look while sighing melodramatically.


    "Don''t you know that the only fortune he cares about is you two?" Elle whispers into her ear, earning a blush from Amelia and a round of titters from the villagers.


    "Nnh." She mumbles, suddenly shy. "Don''t you have a mountain to build?"


    "That I do, but..." I say with a smile before singing along with some Marvin Gaye. "Listen baby, ain''t no mountain high, ain''t no valley low, ain''t no river wide enough baby..." She blushes even deeper as I pull her into a dance.


    "Nice one Sorrel." Apricot slaps me on the back when the song finishes. "But, don''t forget about our rule. ''No more themed playlists.''"


    "It was just one song." I hold my hand and vines up in surrender. "I only know a couple other good ''mountain'' songs anyways." I add when she squints at me.


    "Alright, you go build your mountain." She pulls a still blushing Amelia away. "We''re going to go check out that bath house."


    "Mhm." I pull them both back for a kiss. "Wish I could join you, but Elle''s gonna have to take a nap if I want to finish this today." My alter-ego gets her own kisses before fading away with a wave.


    I start by making a nice park for the women to relax in, again it''s only temporary, so I don''t go all out. Just a few trees, some soft grass, and several pavilions. You know, just what I could throw together in a minute.


    "Quit showing off, and go show off for real." Apricot laughs at the astonished looks of the women that just watched packed dirt turn into lush grass right under their feet.


    "For you, anything." I tap my necklace and Blackthorne expands to full-size as I rise up into the air. Sweeping my staff out in front of me, a rough circle of grass over ten kilometers wide decomposes in its wake.


    Seeds taken from the woods around Newlake spread out to fill that circle with life once more. Playing around with Elle has really improved my multi-tasking, and the entire forest grows up as one. The whole thing takes me a good half hour, but that''s mainly because I had to drive the roots down deep to reach the ground water.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Once the background is in place I turn around and wave up at the sky where the focal point of the spell Amelia is using to project my progress to the villagers is located. "It''s going to be a bit boring from here, call me in when it''s time for lunch."


    I point Blackthorne at the center of the forest, the plants where the lake will go start decomposing as the ground on the other side rises up. I then go sit crosslegged in the middle, close my eyes, and focus on moving stone around.


    ***


    "Baby, it''s past noon." Amelia lands in front of me. She''s gotten better about heights now that she can fly herself, but still doesn''t like to go very high. "The girls all decided to cook for us this time."


    "M''kay." I come back to myself, and stretch out while levitating myself to my feet. "Wow, got more done than I thought, I totaly zoned out there and just sank into the magic."


    "Yeah, it''s looking good." She smiles and pulls me into the air. "Rea even called, said you can see it easily from town. But, let''s get back before Apricot eats everything, they really out did themselves." She laughs and guides us around the deep pit where the lake will go.


    "Mmm, that smells good." I make myself heard as we land. "I may have to steal a few of you girls'' recipies."


    "A hundred years of cooking experience adds up." Madeline, the chief cook of the village beams with pride. "We may not usually have a lot of variety, but we learned to make the most out of what we do have, and if any day calls for a celebration, today certainly counts."


    We join Gwynne and Apricot at the table we used this morning, and swiftly fill our plates. All of us too focused on the good food to really chat, but it''s not long before Clara asks a question. "It''s really amazing, but how are you going to fill the lake?"


    I wash down a mouthful of food with some very good fruit wine that Lana must have made before answering. "Oh, there''s actually a very large aquifer deep under the ground. But, we''re talking about billions of liters, and since I''m already showing off..." I turn my wine into a small cloud before having it rain back into my glass. "I thought I''d borrow a bit of the Janwick, that is if my girls and Gwynne will help me."


    "Y-you''re going to make a storm, and move it five-hundred kilometers even though all the water you need is already right under our feet?" The dragon gapes at me.


    "Yeah, I thought it''d be fun." I say after swallowing another bite. "Blackthorne and I can handle the heavy lifting while you three help rein the storm in. If we take the motorcycles it''ll take us less than two hours to get there, and maybe twice that to get back. I practiced a bit last night after dinner and before... we got distracted." She blushes at the look I give her.


    "I''m in." Amelia says with a grin at the bashful dragon. "Sounds like good practice for my air magic."


    "I''m always down to watch Sorrel play with his staff." Apricot licks her lips suggestively while giving Gwynne a look of her own.


    Temmie lets out a few *Dings* as the table laughs, more at Gwynne''s reaction than the pixie''s wordplay. Poor Clara looked confused for a moment until Kacey whispered something in her ear, then she just blushed and started giggling.


    Gwynne mumbled her agreement after downing a glass of wine. The rest of the meal passed in good humor as the villagers teased their matriarch. Afterwards, it only took me three more hours to finish up the mountain. And then, one more to build the village, it''s fields and animal pens, and set up the hotsprings in the dragon''s mouth.


    "Alright everyone." I speak to the crowd after ferrying them over. "Pick a house, and I''ll move your stuff in. I''ve added some basic furniture, but they''re still a bit empty. So, make a list of what you want and I''ll fill them up when I add the enchantments tomorrow."


    "Maybe give them a few minutes to just take it all in first." Amelia says with a laugh. "Hells, even though we''re used to you pulling of the impossible, this is still amazing."


    "That, and Amelia and I were watching you build, but they didn''t want see the village until it was done." Apricot explains while running her hands over the engraved walls of the nearest home. "Why don''t we go make dinner and let them explore."


    "Alright, the big meeting hall can hold everyone. We can all meet up there after they look around." I guide my wives into the center of town, and start up one of the sets of stairs. The start to say something as we pass the meeting hall, but I just smile and keep walking.


    The buildings are fairly simple in design, if not execution. Stone boxes with large windows and slanted roofs. About half are on the ground at the base of the mountain, with the rest going up in tiers along the side of the dragon''s belly.


    The walls though are where they shine, rather literally as the rays of the setting sun pass through the trees to glint off of the polished carvings. I used the various minerals to ''paint'' the engravings, including quite a lot of colored quartz.


    Every wall is filled with waterscapes, and underwater scapes. Sirens, Moura, Mermaids, Selkies, etc. gambol about, sometimes obvious, sometimes hidden, but always there. Amelia and Apricot marvel at the scenes; Amelia is happy to just look, but Apricot has to run her hands over every woman she finds, and she makes sure to find them all.


    It''s not until we turn a corner on the highest tier that they stop dead in their tracks. A very familiar carving adorning its walls with one minor change. Tears start flowing from Amelia''s eyes as she walks up to trace her hands over the same carving that once adorned the vardo.


    The other houses were good, but this is as realistic as I could make it, and now includes the three of us. Amelia and I sit nude on the edge of the brook, dipping our toes in the water. And Apricot, also naked, flies over the water raising a small wake as she trails an arm through it.


    "Oh, baby..." Amelia strokes my face on the wall before turning around and wrapping me in a tight hug.


    "Not bad." Apricot also strokes my carving, though it''s not my face that she touches. "I may not have been there, but we did make some good memories in that wagon."


    "We were watching the whole time, how did you hide this?" Amelia questions once she finds her voice again.


    "Kept it underground until you dropped the scry when I came to get you guys." I thumb away a tear from Amelia''s face and pull Apricot into our hug. "I figure we''d be here often enough that we should have our own place and, like you, I miss our little wagon."


    "It''s perfect." She smiles at me and starts to lean in for a kiss when her stomach rumbles. "Hahaha. Okay we can break it in later, lets go make dinner."


    I smile and finish the kiss she started before flying us down to the meeting hall. A few of the hungrier ladies have shown up already, but most are still exploring. I set out my snack box, and get started making dinner.


    I was trying things out while building and figured out how to make a roast ''chicken'' that is indistinguishable from the real thing. So, I make a few dozen of those, and plenty of sides. Roasted veggies, fettuccine alfredo, garlic rice, scalloped potatoes, three types of salad from potato, to greens, to corn. And, last but not least, good old fashioned southern biscuits.


    The scents have Amelia and Apricot drooling, so I spread them out through the village with Air magic to draw everyone in. It works like a charm, and soon the villagers are digging in. Since this is something of a celebration, I also provide plenty of alcohol. Red and white burgundies, chardonnay, pinot noir, along with cider, and a couple golden ales.


    "This chicken is fantastic." Gwynne moans after her first bite. "I thought you said you were out of meat, and I know we didn''t bring this many with us."


    "It''s not really meat." If it can fool a dragon then the effort I put into it was definitely worth it. "Well, it is, and it isn''t. I can change things from their very basic elements, so I changed plants into meat. Took me a good chunk of the afternoon to get it just right."


    "I can''t tell the difference." She forks a slice and looks at it before shrugging and popping it in her mouth. "If anything it''s even better than any chicken I''ve ever had."


    "You got that right." Madeline looks like she wants to be jealous, but is enjoying the food too much. "You''re still going to give us copies of your recipies, right?" she pleads.


    "Please include the one for the beer too." Lana says after taking a big draught from her mug.


    "Yes. Heheheh, but just wait until I bring out dessert." It''s just a simple pudding pie, but everyone in the village seems to love chocolate.


    "Nnh, you''re going to spoil us." Gwynne says around another bite of chicken.


    "So? It''s a celebration." I say while sipping on my cider. "Call it Founding Day and roll it into a harvest celebration next year."


    "Now, that is the best idea I''ve heard in a while." She clinks her glass against mine before upending it. Refilling the cup quickly, she then raises to the air with a shout. "To Founding Day!"


    ""To Founding Day!"" The rest of the room shouts back.


    ***

 # 95

    Kacey and Clara got themselves drunk fairly quickly, which was probably a good thing since the rest of the villagers started pestering Gwynne to release her pheromones shortly after dessert. A few eevn wanted us to join in, but we had our own celebration planned. So, the girls and I tucked the teenager and her new friend away in the small house that Kacey had chosen for herself, before retiring to our place.


    An unfamiliar tickling sensation draws me from sleep''s embrace. "Morning sleepy head." Amelia says while tracing her nails across my arm stump. "Your arm is looking good, it this speed keeps up your should have an elbow again by tomorrow."


    "Yeah, looks it." I say through a big yawn.


    "Think you could spare a little vitality to give me a pick me up." She says and very carefully shifts positions. "I''m just a wee bit sore."


    "I don''t know, it was your idea to draw in some of those dragon pheromones last night." I tease, but conjure some Healing Sap for her all the same.


    "Nng, where''s mine?" Apricot groans. "Ahh!" And then, moans as it kicks in. "How on Earth do those girls do that every week?"


    "Probably because they don''t have to deal with Super Sorrel here." Amelia then looks around the destroyed furniture that litters the room. "Where did Mittens run off to last night?"


    "He went to explore the village last night, he''s... sunning himself on the dragon''s head right now."


    "Ooh, hot springs. Yes!" Amelia doesn''t even bother standing up, she just floats off the bed, taking the blanket with her.


    "Nnh, no fair." Apricot shrinks down to normal size and dive''s between her wife''s breasts.


    "A bath sounds good." I''m about to join them when Marcus calls. "Oh no, not again?!" I mutter before accepting the call.


    "Hi... Sorrel." His sheepish tone tells us that he did do it again, and I have to block out the girl''s laughter to keep them from embarrassing him any more than he already must be. "It, uh... happened again"


    "..." I let out an exasperated sigh. "Did you keep the charger, or give it back to Bartlett?"


    "I... kept it, it looked like it had a lot of mana left in it."


    "Yeah, it should have." Another sigh. "Okay, send it back over to my place, I can fill it up from here. I''ll just have to call Kyle and have him attach it to a Mana conduit for me. I''ll even leave a big Stone hooked up to the line so you can just go over and top it off every morning."


    "...Thanks. I really, really appreciate this."


    "Say no more... please. Hahahah." I can''t help but laugh. "Alright, I''ll let you go... Have fun."


    "Okay, when are you going to build that bounce room for us?" Apricot demands once I hang up.


    "Maybe I should add one to the meeting hall, and we can join in next time and get the full effect." I tease my pixie before wrapping my arm around Amelia and floating over to the hotsprings with her.


    "If you think you can fix a village full of broken pelvises, I might just let you." Amelia jokes. "I knew you normally held back, but damn..." She pauses at the sheepish look on my face. "No!"


    "Yeah." I shrug. "I put the all the free points from the worm into physical stats to help with drawing on the tree. It was enough to push me over the threshold like when I got the perfect recall."


    ""Nnh."" They both groan and grab their crotches in the same instant.


    "Oh, knock it off." I roll my eyes. "You saw me out muscle a dragon, you already knew I was strong."


    ""Hahahah."" They just laugh at their little joke and dive into the steaming hot water, apricot shifting back to human size now that she can be warm again.


    I follow at a more sedate pace and call Kyle while they soak in the hot end. Luckily I ran a branch of conduit from Circle Orchard when we passed through. Right now, this hotspring is the only thing that''s been enchanted, even though I did run the conduit throughout town yesterday.


    "So, you know that chicken you made last night?" Apricot sidles up next to me after the call. "Do you think you can manage the same with bacon and eggs?"


    "Mmm, good idea." I kiss her and get started on it. "Aside from two little girls with very big hang-overs, the rest of the town is still out cold. So, with any luck I should be able to have it down by the time they wake."


    "Are you going to heal them?" Amelia asks while floating on her back, spinning herself in a lazy circle with jets of Water Magic.


    "Oh, I think they earned their first hang-overs." I chortle. "Hopefully this will teach them to drink more responsible in the future. But, don''t worry. I''m not heartless, I did at least leave a big pitcher of water next to their bed."


    "I suppose that''s fair."


    ...


    "Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey." I wave a plate under Gwynne''s nose, as she''s the last one still asleep on one of the soft benches lining the hall. "Man, what did you girls do to her last night? Not even bacon is waking her up." I send the scent straight up her nose, to no avail.


    "Oh, she''s always like this the next morning." Lana say while biting into her own breakfast. "But, I think whatever you did to her made her powers stronger, we were a bit... enthusiastic last night."


    "Don''t gotta tell me about it." Amelia grumbles around a forkfull of pancakes.


    "Yeah, someone decided to pipe some of the air from here into our bedroom lastnight." I explain with a grin on my face to the villagers confused faces. "They both needed healing this morning before they could get out of bed."


    "No?! Hahaha." A wave of quiet laughter spreads throughout the hall, Kacey and Clara not being the only ones with a hangover. "Well, I guess we''re lucky you three didn''t join us last night."


    "Nnng. Food." The dragon actually sounds like a dragon as she growls out her monosylabic demand. I smile and float an extrafull plate over to Gwynne, who just starts shoveling it into her mouth. "More... please." Another growl, but at least she remembered her manners.


    "Are you amongst the living once again?" I tease her once she''s devoured another plate.


    "Nnh." She finally looks around to see everyone smiling at her. "Better wipe those smirks off your faces or I''m gonna cut you off for at least a month." Her grumbled threat may not have gotten rid of their smiles, but they did at least try to hide them.


    "Another plate?" I ask as she gets up to join us at the tables.


    "Yes, please." She plops hersefl down between Amelia and Lana. "Extra bacon, and a pitcher of that juice too."This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    "Coming right up." I say with a smile and dig into my own meal.


    "Any chance I can get you to just fill my inventory with bacon?" Gwynne says once we finish eating.


    "Even for a dragon, that''s probably a bit too much bacon." I tease. "But speaking of inventories, you''re still holding onto everyone''s stuff. Did you all find spots you liked?" I ask the crowd at large, and recieve answers in the affirmative. "Okay, just go to whatever house you picked out and I''ll move your stuff in for you."


    "Are we still going to fill the lake today?" Gwynne asks after we all troop outside and the women run off to their new homes.


    "Yeah, should we do it before or after I install the Runes for everyone."


    "Before." She looks out over the empty hole that will soon be a lake. "I really want to see what the place will look like once that''s filled, and the waterfalls are running."


    Our plans set, it only takes me a few minutes to move everyone''s stuff, and most of that was just waiting to the women to get to the places they picked out. I only knew which place Kacey picked out because I''ve been keeping an ''eye'' out for Clara.


    "Alright everyone, we''re going to go get the water for the lake now, it''s past time that Dragon Falls got its falls." I project my voice throughout the village. "Don''t forget to make those lists of anything you want or need, I really do want to make this place the hidden jewel of Arcadia."


    "You coming with us buddy?" Amelia scratches Mittens under his chin. He looks back and forth between the nice warn stone of the dragon''s head, and the nice warm cleavage of Amelia''s before nodding and letting her pick him up and put him in his favorite resting spot.


    "He looked a little torn there for a moment." Apricot laughs. "I think he misses Elle''s boobies, I know I do."


    "Just a few more hours sweetie." I pull her into a hug from behind and kiss her neck. "I want to see if we can make it to Riverton in less than an hour."


    "Isn''t it going to be hard for you to ride the motorcycle without your arm?" The look on Amelia''s face is more mischievious than concerned though. "And, Gwynne doesn''t know how to ride one yet. You should probably sit behind and teach her."


    ''So, that''s her plan.'' I think to myself with an inward smile.


    "Wouldn''t you like that Gwynne?" Amelia stalks up to the dragon. "To have Sorrel pressed up behind you, his vines wrapped around you as we race down the road?"


    "..." A loud gulping noise comes from the dragoness, and she swiftly nods her head.


    "Come on Apricot, you can ride with me and Mittens." Amelia materializes her bike, and puts the kitten in his basket. "How did you put it the other day? ''I want something rumbly betweeen my thighs.''" The pixie laughs and hops on behind Amelia. "Well, what are you waiting for?"


    Gwynne just gets a stupid look on her face before mounting my bike, and involuntary gasp runs through her as I start it for her. "Let''s ride." I say and hop on.


    Gwynne gets the hang of the controls quickly and it''s not long before we pass through the dungeon town and can really pick up speed. She''s still a bit nervous about being so close to me, and keeps looking over at Amelia who''s riding next to us.


    "Alright Sorrel, let''s show her what real speed is." Amelia guns it and shoots out ahead. But, not before using her new Air magic to send a message just for me. "You''ve been so good about this, that I think you deserve a treat. Feel free to tease her all you want for the next hour."


    ***


    "They''re getting away." I breathe into Gwynne''s ear. Wrapping my left arm and vine tightly around her waist, I send my right vine snaking along her arm. Stroking her hand slighty before grasping it and making her rev the throttle. "See, just like that."


    She lets out a shuddering scream as we go up on just one wheel, but I don''t let her hand go. Instead, I just lean into her and take the opportunity to reposistion my grip on her body.


    Shooting Amelia a wink as we pass her, I keep up the wheelie until Gwynne finally quits screaming. Only to make her start again as I drop us onto two wheels without warning.


    "Now, you''re getting it." My lips brush her earlobe this time. "You just keep that throttle all the way open, and let me handle everything else." There may have been a slight squeeze when I said the word handle.


    "Amelia?" Gwynne asks fearfully.


    "Is happy to let me tease you for the rest of the ride because she knows it''s going to drive you even more wild when she doesn''t let you fuck me later." I can feel the look of heat Amelia sends me as she listens in on this line.


    "Nnh." The dragoness whimpers as I grind the hardness in my pants against her bottom.


    "But she gave me a time limit, so we''ve got to go a bit faster than this." I will the air to part for us, causing our speed to rapidly rise even faster. "Do you like... going fast?" I say while slowly drawing my vines up her thighs.


    "Faster please." She pants.


    "Oh?" My vines pause, drawing another whimper from her lips. "I suppose we can go faster." My vines stay in place, but I manipulate even more magic to drive our speed up. "We''re at almost five-hundred kilometers an hour now. Do you still want to go faster?"


    "Yes, anything." She''s squirming in place, pressing herself against my erection while trying to get my vines to go higher without taking her hands from the speeding bike.


    "Well, there is one trick I''ve been wanting to try." My vines slide home and grip her tight as I channel pure motion magic to drive our two bikes up to five. six. almost seven-hundred kilometers an hour. "Is this fast enough for you?"


    "Yes!" She moans as my tentacles tease her dampness through the thin fabric of her skirt.


    "Can you really keep this up the whole way? Even if I do this?" I will the front of my pants away and slide my cock between her and the seat, so that only a single layer of fabric separates us. "You''re not going to lose control even though this is as close as Amelia''s ever going to let you get?"


    "I''ll be good." She whines. "I''ll do anything you want, just please... Let me have it."


    It''s a good thing I''ve long since taken control of both bikes beacuse when I look over to Amelia she seems like she desperately want to say yes, but only closes her eyes and shakes her head.


    "Oh, sorry Gwynnie. It''s not mine to give away." She screams in frustration when I say that. "See, it''s little temper tantrums like that make Amelia think you need more punishment." I tweak her nipple hard with the only hand I have left.


    "Ahn!" She cries out and tries to lift her hands from controlling the bike.


    "Uh uh uh." I taunt as I lock her in place. "You don''t want us to crash do you?" I give her thoroughly drenched pussy a smack. "Bad dragon." I pull my cock out so it''s not resting underneath her any more, and restore my pants. "No cockie."


    "Fuck, I can''t take it anymore." Tears run down her cheeks as I hold her on the edge of orgasm. "Please just let me cum. I''m sorry I attacked you, I''m sorry I took your arm, I sorry I couldn''t control myself and nearly killed you."


    "That''s what I wanted to hear." I up the intensity enough to finally send her over the edge. "You only ever apologized for ''how your treated me'', but what the fuck kind of half-assed apology is that. You bit off my fucking arm and never said a word about it." I scream as my vines make her scream for an entitrely different reason. "I just wanted to hear you admit it." I breath out once my rage leaves me.


    "Oh gods, Sorrel." I let her twist around to look at me. "I-I... You''re absolutely correct, all I ever gave you was that one shitty apology. I almost killed you and then just brushed it off. Even now, I only said it so you''d let me cum. I am sorry, Sorrel. I attacked you, I bit off half your arm, made you cut off the rest of it so my poison wouldn''t kill you. I almost... I almost killed someone who just wanted to help. I''m sorry, and I should have said so a long time ago." She whispers and collapses against me.


    "About time." Amelia breathes out a relieved sigh. "We like you, and all... But, damn! You really can be a bit dense. Sorrel, can we stop for a bit?"


    "Yeah." I say while patting the back of a crying dragon. "Come on Gwynne." Once we stop, I pick her up and carry her over to a conjured sofa. "Look, I''m sorry it came to this, I really was just planning to tease you today. But, I''m glad you finally realized what your true fuckup was."


    "You''ve done so much for me and my girls, and you''ve been so nice." She sniffles. "And even when you weren''t, I thought that was just you helping me bring out my dragon. Or, you know, just for sex."


    "Gwynne." I sigh and stare her straight in the eyes. "Did you really think we weren''t still angry? That I couldn''t have found a better way to get you in tune with your draconic nature than humiliating you in the middle of the woods? And the sex... well, we definitely took that too far. But, love and hate are powerful emotions, and it''s easy to get them mixed up, and those damned pheromones of yours didn''t help."


    "No we don''t hate you." Amelia says as fresh tears coat Gwynne''s cheeks. "We hate what you did to us, how you made us feel."


    "What you almost made Sorrel do." Apricot adds. "I told you this before, but if it wasn''t for his staff acting on its own, he would have killed you. And, it would have torn him apart more than your fangs ever could."


    "Okay, I may have willfully ignored some stuff." The weeping woman admits. "But, you really were nice, and the sex really was good. Yes, even the rough stuff." She rushes out before we can rebut. "As angry as you were, you never took it too far. Can we, I don''t know, start over or something?"


    "How about we just move forward instead." I say and offer her a handkerchief. "We know where we all stand now, and can take it one step at a time from here."


    "That works for me." She tries to clean up her blubbery face with the cloth I gave her before just giving up and using magic. "So, what now?"


    "We''ve still got a lake to fill up." I smile and pull her to her feet. "And, maybe tonight we can have a little fun without the rough stuff."


    "Maybe just a little rough?" Gwynne asks with a shy smile.


    "I think we can manage that." I smack her on the ass. "Now get back on the bike, my hour isn''t up yet." She hops to, and I''m about to join her when Amelia stops me for a second.


    "Try to keep it in your pants this time." She licks her lips. "I don''t want to be flying down the road when I watch you fuck her for the first time." She then smacks me on my surprised ass before mounting her bike, a grinning Apricot snuggling up behind her.


    ***

 # 96

    Instead of going into Riverton, I take us upstream to get the water. The Janwick is a good sized river, so I can pull up as much water as I am able to without lowering it too much. But, even with all of us working together, it still takes a fair bit of time to suspend a lake''s worth of water.


    "Okay, we''re close enough." I call out, and stop diverting the river into the sky. "This is about as much as I feel comfortable handling at once." Luckily the wind is with us, so I really only have to speed it up a bit.


    "Are you sure?" Now that she''s not focused on making the clouds, she can see just how much of the sky they''ve covered. "That''s a lot of clouds."


    "Yeah, but the wind will be doing most of the work, it''s actually pretty fast up high." Apricot and Gwynne nod along in agreement with my statement. "Still, I''m going to fly up there with it to keep everything under control. Do you want to fly with me, or follow on the ground?"


    "..." Amelia looks torn.


    "I can shift and carry all of you." Gwynne offers.


    "...Nnnh, okay." My little acrophobe finally relents.


    "Alright." I smile and pull the three of them into a group hug before raising my fist Superman-style. "Up up, and away."


    The squeal from Amelia was worth the effort I put into launching us upwards at speed. I swear Mittens rolls his eyes at her before curling up on her bossom to go back to sleep.


    "I''ve got it from here." Gwynne says and peels away to transform once we reach the clouds. "Hop on." A much deeper voice commands as she lines up underneath us.


    "Uh, you''re a bit bumpy." I say as delicately as I can. "Mind if I add a saddle?"


    "Mmm, kinky." Apricot purrs, and I swear I can see Gwynne blush through her scales.


    "...That''s fine." It''s so cute to see this world''s apex predator looking bashful. "But, make sure to get rid of it before my girls see, or they''ll start bugging me for rides again."


    "Can do." I add padded cushions and safety straps for us, and a special light-weight harness for Mittens... just in case.


    ""Good idea."" My wives say in sync.


    "I''m going to sink my mind into the storm now." I say and start doing just that. "Just fly back home as fast as you can."


    ...


    *Ding*


    Mana Master is now level 2.


    The notification from Temmie is the first thing that I notice after coming back to myself. The second is that Apricot and Amelia decided to have a little fun while dragonback. The third is that Mittens is now sitting in my lap with a smug look on his face, and his harness is nowhere to be found.


    "Thanks Temmie, and sorry bud." I apologize by scratching his ears. "I should have just asked you not to jump off the dragon, but you were sleeping and I had to focus on the magic."


    "Mrrr." A stream of water vapor flows off of his tentacle, only to condense into water droplets that fall on my head. Mittens then chuffs a laugh before purring.


    "Okay, I guess I deserved that." I stroke his fur as he curls up into a ball on my lap and goes back to sleep with a pleased expression on his face.


    "You guys have one weird cat." Gwynne''s rumbling laughter can beet felt through the seat. "We''re almost there, can you get rid of this harness now? And, you two, please quit having sex on me. It is very frustrating."


    "Oh, you poor dragon." Amelia leans forward and pats her scales before getting a wicked smile. "You''ve never had sex in this form have you? Sorrel, do you think you can push your Embiggen spell enough to make you dragon sized?"


    "Uhh..." Gwynne starts, but I talk over her. "Well, I did just hit level two in Mastery."


    "Congrats." Apricot shoot me a thumbs up.


    "Thanks." I smile at her and ignore the nervous looks the dragon is giving me. "I should be able to manage it, but do you want me to do her as a human, or should I shift into a plant dragon or something."


    "Do I have any say about this?" The dragon in question interjects.


    "Of course you do." Amelia pats her again. "But, are you really saying you don''t want to try it at least once?"


    "Uhh... Let me think about it." Gwynne blushes again.


    "Well, that''s something to look forward to." I grin. "But, right now, I think it''s time to make it rain."


    Despite her rule about themed songs, Apricot fiddles with her watch and quickly brings up the Ed Sheeran song. Amelia just smiles and shakes her head, but our ride is confused until the chorus plays.


    "So, it''s alright when you do it?" I accuse playfully before lifting us all off of Gwynne and getting rid of the saddle. Apricot just sticks her tongue out at me, so I get on with filling the lake. "Can you three-"


    "Mrow." Mittens interjects.


    "Okay, can you four focus on filling the small lake while I handle the big one?" All of them nod at my request, Gwynne only after shifting back to human.


    "Bet I do the most." Apricot crows. She doesn''t really have magic of her own since she is magic. But, she can control mana like it''s nodoby''s business, and these clouds are brimming with the stuff.


    They fill it up pretty quickly, and Apricot does indeed win her bet, but only just. Amelia''s the competitive type, and well Gwynne''s a water dragon after all. A dragon that was very surprised that a human and Pixie could use her element even better than she could.


    Amelia, having had enough flying for the day, lands by the upper lake and decides to go for a swim. Apricot is having fun throwing magic around, and decides to spread it as far as she can and water the forest.


    But, when Gwynne decides to come help me fill the big lake, I notice something as the rain under her control passes over the village and the women who came out to watch.


    "Did you feel that?" I ask her.


    "Feel what?" She looks confused.


    "This!" I have a manic look as I send some rain to wash over the Village again. Only for my face to fall as nothing happen. "What? That should have worked. Hmm, You try it, it must be your magic."


    "Ooookay." She seems skeptical, but sends a sprikling over the women again, most of whom have retreated back indoors at the repeated soakings.


    "There, can you feel it?" I grab her hand and take us down to Kacey and Clara and they play in the rain. "Look at them."


    "It''s like they''re soaking in my magic..." Her mouth goes wide as she makes the connection. "It''s the missing puzzle piece!"


    "Sure looks like it." I smile and call the girls over. "Would you two mind helping us with an experiment? I think we found out how to unlock your bloodlines."


    "What?" - "Really?" They look hopeful, excited, and a little bit fearful. "What do you need?" Clara is the first to volunteer, with Kacey chiming right after. "Just tell us what we need to do."Stolen novel; please report.


    "Just drink this and play in the rain." No way am I missing out watching this happen, so I hand them each a tall glass of Sap to drink. "Gwynne, keep it gentle, but pour as much Mana as you can into the water."


    "Yeah, I can do that." She starts after the girls finish drinking.


    Meanwhile I''m mapping out their bodies and running as many scans as I can think of. Not bothering to record the data, because I know I''ll be able to recall and sort through it all later.


    "Yes, that''s it. They need more though." I conjure a large tub around the two. "Much better, just keep pouring your magic into the water." It takes a minute before I can sense a qualitative change to their bodies. I confirm it with an Evaluate, and there''s no more question marks, they both read as full Sirens now. "It''s done, it worked."


    ""It worked?"" All three of them, and the crowd of villagers that formed while I was distracted, shout at the same time. I just grin and display the notification for them all to see. ""It worked!""


    "It worked." I conjure a seat and sit down to let the info dump work its way through my brain.


    "You alright?" Apricot must have noticed the commotion and brought Amelia down to see what was going on.


    "Yeah, it''s a bit like when I did the library thing." I explain with a tired smile. "Not nearly as bad though, I just need a minute for it all to settle down."


    "Okay." She smiles back. "Apricot said you were running so many scans that she couldn''t even look because the magic was so bright."


    "I want to do the same for a Moura, but it looks like Gwynne is almost drained right now."


    "We can''t all walk around with a Mana Well hanging around our necks." She pants out, but doesn''t quit beaming at the girls.


    "Have you two tried talking to Sytem-chan yet?" I ask the new Sirens after the villagers quit congratulating them.


    "I forgot." Kacey exclaims. "Status! Inventory! Aww, It''s greyed out because I''m level zero."


    ""Hahahah."" *Ding**Ding**Ding* We all have a little laugh at the contortion her face went through.


    "I''ll sneak you all into the dungeon tonight, so you can get your first level." I say to cheer her up. "But, now we need to get the rest of you unlocked." I hold out my hand to Gwynne, and start filling her with mana once she takes it.


    "What order do we go in?" a woman in the middle of the crowd asks.


    "They''ve already started with the youngest." Lana answers. "Might as well continue in that vein." The rest of the elders murmur their approval.


    This works for me since Karen is a Moura. So, once Gwynne is topped off, we repeat the scene, and the world gets its first full-blooded Moura.


    "Okay." I say once my head clears. "This is going to take all day if we do it one at a time. Why don''t we all go to the hotsprings and see just how much of me Gwynnie can handle." A round of titters spring up as she blushes beet-red.


    "Nice one." Apricot gives me a wink and a nudge.


    "Don''t worry Gwynne, I''ll go slow and gentle." I bring Blackthorne out to full-size and slide my hand down its length. "I don''t think you could take all of me at once... Not yet, at least." The titters turn into raucous laughter as the flush covers her whole body and she shrinks in on herself.


    Gwynne really did try her best, but she wasn''t even able to take half of what I had to offer. Even so, it didn''t take long to unlock the rest of the village. Quite a few of them started an impromptu celebration. So, I pulled a gaping Clara outside.


    "They''re pretty open about sex here." I tell her. "But, you never have to do anything you''re uncomfortable with. And, if anyone does make you feel uncomfortable just tell me or Gwynne, okay."


    "Okay." She says and starts blushing.


    "Alright." I pat her on the head. "Why don''t you call your mom and give her the good news."


    "Yeah." she nods and then gulps as the sounds of splashing, and giggles reach her ears. "Can we go to your place Kacey?"


    "Don''t worry about them." Her friend re-assures her as they walk away. "Just remember to stay upwind when they rope Gwynne into starting a ''party''."


    "Remind me to add air filters to the list of enchantments I''m going to add to the houses." I tell Amelia before directing my Magical attention to the clouds once again. "Want to help me finish off the lake?"


    "I''ll help." Gwynne comes running up. "I can''t do that pheromone thing everyday, no matter how much they beg me."


    "I''m gonna go back to swimming." Amelia begs off. "Too much rushing around lately, I just want to relax for a bit."


    "I''m with you." Apricot shrinks down and lands on her head.


    "Just you and me then." I wink at the dragoness and fly into the sky when she blushes.


    "Remember to save it for tonight." Amelia warns, so I sweep back down and give her a kiss.


    ***


    "Rea." I greet my favorite mayor when she picks up the call. "Is everything ready?" I can already sense that the preparations are complete, but it doesn''t hurt to be polite.


    "Yes, Sir." She answers promptly. "The inner yard is blocked off and no men are in sight."


    "Good, we''re landing... now." I set a village''s worth of women down on the ground. "Everyone, this is Rea Garman, mayor of Circle Orchard. Rea, this is the entire population of Dragon Falls. Gwynne here looks after them, but I think the day to day stuff is handled by Lana and the rest of the elders." I gesture to a group of women who most definitely do not look their age.


    "A pleasure to meet you all." She smiles at her new neighbors. "And congratulations on unlocking your bloodlines."


    "That''s all thanks to Sorrel here." Lana steps forward.


    "It was mostly luck." I wave off the look of admiration she and most of the others send me. "If you want to thank anyone, thank Clara. She''s the one who set off this little adventure."


    The girl in question blushes and squirms in place as the villagers turn their attention towards her.


    "Lord? Is that you?" A tiny voice enters my ear as the glowing wisp decides to finally show himself.


    "Yes Thalian, and yes I''m Plantkin. Don''t feel too bad for not recognizing me as one, I was raised human. Apricot was even fooled for weeks, I don''t think she even believed me when I first shifted."


    "Is everything alright?" He stares from my arm, which is almost elbow length again, to the gathered women.


    "Yes, I just happened to find a village full of two brand new species, and they just happened to be guarded by an over-protective dragon." I share a chuckle with the girls as Gwynne blushes. "They''re all level zero right now, though. So, they''re going to go in a few at a time, get their first level, and come back out."


    "Ah, I was wondering why the traffic was so light today." He bobs in place, this being the fae version of a nod. "There shouldn''t be a problem sending them all in. They''ll only need a single kill to get their first, and Co has more than enough critters for all of them."


    "Good news." I beam at the tiny man, and materialize a crate of chocolate. "For you and your clan as a reward for managing the dungeon. It''s called chocolate, is quite tasty, and has an intoxicating effect on the fae. So, you know... don''t eat too much at once." I laugh at the enticed look he gives the crate.


    "Conjured water helps with the hang-over when you do." Apricot adds from personal experience.


    "Thank you lord." He flies down to the bow like he''s going to haul it into the dungeon right then and there. "Uhh..." He realizes the problem once he touches it.


    "Hahaha. Don''t worry, I''ll put it in the core room for you." I put my words into action. "Thanks again, and have fun tonight." With that dismissal he flies off after the crate. "How much you wanna bet they pester Co into reproducing it for them after eating it all tonight?"


    "Hah!" Apricot snorts. "No bet, wisps may be more formal than most Fae, but they still know how to party. So, there''s no way that box is gonna last the night."


    "Is that true about it getting them drunk?" Rea asks.


    "Oh, yeah. But, if you wanna see something really funny, you should give them some coffee." I laugh as Apricot reveals one of her rare blushes. "Alright, everyone. Let''s get this done so we get back home." The look I send Gwynne lets everyone know exactly why I don''t want to waste any time. "Group up and come get your equipment."


    I bring out a crate and turn it into a table to display ten hand-held crossbows loaded with spreader bolts like the one Nev showed me. Ten short swords made of steel, but edged with diamond sharpened to a single atom''s width. And, ten bucklers that could stop a shot from a sniper rifle. No armor, because the enchantments on their bracelets are more than enough to deal with anything that gets past the shields.


    "The plan is simple, go in, find a critter, shoot it. If it''s not dead, drop the bow, and finish it with sword and shield." The crossbows are more than tough enough to handle the abuse, and I''ll be fixing them up between trips anyways. "Do not touch the blades!" I warn as Kacey was about to do just that. "It will slice your fingers off like they''re not even there."


    "Trust him on this girls." Gwynne calls out. "He''s got a knife that can cut through my scales just as easily." Kacey gulps and puts the sword back in its scabbard.


    "Just don''t wave it about and you''ll be fine." I re-assure her. "Stick with simple vertical chops, and straight stabs." I pick up a sword and conjure a rat-shaped wooden target to demonstrate on. The blade slices it in half with only minimal effort.


    "Can I get some of these for my kitchen?" Madeline breaks the tension with a joke.


    "Sure, I''ll even make you some chainmaille gloves so I don''t have to come out every day to grow your fingers back." I tease.


    "I have not nicked myself with a blade in decade, thank you very much." She puffs up until Lana punctures her indignant facade.


    "Hah, what about the last time you tried to cook drunk?" This proclamation sets a bunch of the women laughing. "I seem to remember having to use an entire roll of bandages to staunch the bleeding."


    "... Don''t we have levels to be getting?" The embarrased cook tries to change the subject.


    "Good point." Gwynne speaks up. "First team head on in, keep your heads straight, and you''ll be fine."


    They did, and they were, as were most of the others. The worst of the injuries was from one woman who freaked out that a big bug climbed on her foot. She swiped at it with the sword and cut her foot in half along with the bug. Fortunately the blade was so sharp she didn''t even feel it before I could yank her out of there and re-attach it.


    Other than that, there were just a few twisted ankles, and one friendly fire incident where a bolt just clipped the arm of a woman who swung her sword at the same time her friend fired.


    "Good job everyone... well, mostly everyone." They all snicker when I glance at the woman who cut her own foot in half. "And, thank you Rea for letting us intrude here tonight."


    ""And, thank you chocolate!"" A bunch of drunken wisps bump into each other as they fly out of the entrance to say goodbye.


    "And, with that, I think it''s time we got back home. Uh... good luck Rea." I pat the mayor on her shoulder and lift the villagers into the air. "Have fun. And, Thalian. here''s a Rune that conjures water. You''re gonna need it. Hahaha." I can''t help but laughing at the look Rea sends after my retreating form.


    "So much for wisps being shy." Apricot snorts at her magical cousin''s antics.


    ***

 # 97 - bonus sexy times chapter

    "Eek!" Gwynne squeals when I throw her on the bed, and then again when her clothes fly off of her body.


    I took the opportunity to reinforce the bedframe and restore the rest of the furniture in the house while I was installing the appliances earlier. Even though I know that I''m just going to have to do the same tomorrow.


    "You''re okay with some rough stuff, right?" My voice comes out as a half growl. "Because, I don''t think I''m going to be able to hold back much tonight."


    The same magical arm that I used to rip out her fang re-appears and I use it to rip my shirt away. My vines take care of the pants, and reveal my already throbbing erection.


    "Nnh." She whimpers but nods, her eyes glued to my cock.


    Apricot and Amelia, also nude, crawl onto the bed on either side of her. My mage, with heat in her eyes and a wicked smile on her lips, leans close to the dragon and whispers. "You remember the safe-word, ''Lizard'', right? You''re going to need it." She promises.


    "And, tap like this..." Apricot not-so-lightly slaps Gwynne''s cheeks in a simple ''one, one-two'' pattern. "..when you can''t speak because he''s shoving that whole thing straight down your throat." A loud gulp and another nod is her only answer.


    "Good idea." I stalk around the bed and grab Gwynne by the hair, dragging her to the edge of the bed. Hanging her head over the edge gives me a straight shot down her esophogus, and I don''t waist anytime plunging myself to the hilt. "Apricot loves when I do this to her." I say without pulling out. "But, then again, pixies don''t need to breath."


    Gwynne tries her best but, when the girls start biting her nipples, she gasps involuntarilly and starts to panic. The convulsions of her throat drive me wild as her hands scramble over my hips, trying to make me back out of her throat.


    "Looks like she forgot already." Apricot says through teeth clamped onto the dragon''s nipple. "Don''t worry Gwynnie, he''ll let you breathe again after you pass out."


    Tap, tap-tap. She weakly gives the signal just in time for me to nut all over her mucus and tear stained face.


    "Aww, so close." I moue as she gasps, filling her lungs with life giving air once again. "What a mess." I shake my head, dissappointedly before grabbing her hair and yanking her head up so my girls can see.


    "At least she didn''t puke." Amelia says with an air of distaste, but the heat in her eyes and the wetness between her legs belie her true feelings. Seeing the woman that hurt her man, be dominated and used by him is definitely pushing all the right buttons for her.


    "Wait until I actually fuck her throat." I say and slam Gwynne back down. "Good thing I can use Clease! because that was just a warm-up." I slap her freshly cleaned cheek and piston myself dack down her throat when she opens her mouth obediently.


    Watching her neck bulge out in time with my slow thrusts is almost as hot as feeling her try to swallow me whole. I pick up the speed, and it''s not long before I have to use magic to clean up again, and again, but Gwynne doesn''t tap out again.


    "I''m close." I warn. "And, since you''ve been such a good girl, I think you''ve earned a treat." I put out enough for her to catch her breath again. I keep pulling back, and back, but the tip of my cock stays in her mouth as I shapeshift it longer. Slamming it home just as her eyes widen in realization and fear at what''s about to happen.


    I fuck her hard and fast, my enhanced length now reaching all the way to her emptied stomach. Gwynne''s whole body convulses when my girth thickens even more as a torrent of cum shoots right into her belly.


    Apricot and Amelia choose that moment to bite down on Gwynne''s breasts hard enough to draw blood. The sight of scarlet dripping from their lips intesifies my orgasm so much that I almost miss Gwynne tapping me again. I shift back to normal and pull out of the throat as she coughs cum all over her face.


    "You okay there?" I ask after cleaning her up again.


    "..." She coughs again and rubs her throat after nothing but a croak comes out. So, I use a bit of Healing Sap to fix her up. "Thanks. I''m okay, you just got too thick."


    "You did amazing for your first time." Apricot complements her, but the blood dripping from the corner of her mouth sends somewhat mixed signals.


    "Mmm." I moan after licking and kissing the crimson off her lips. "Tastes like power and magic, like the ocean is connected to every drop."


    "That should not be so fucking hot." Gwynne breathes out with a little shiver.


    "Ready for round two?" Amelia grins and flips the dragoness over onto her belly and hikes up her hips. "The throat stuff was hot, but I really want to see him pound your ass." She then slaps it hard enough that Gwynne screams.


    "Anything for you." I say and line myself up behind Gwynne.


    "Fuck! Lizard! Lizard!" She shouts as I drive into her with a single hard thrust. "Don''t move." She pants as I start to pull out. "I-I''m okay. -haah- That was just... -haah haah- Yeah, yeah... okay just let me get used to it." Her hips start slowly rocking as she accustoms herself to the intrusion.


    "That was mean." Amelia says with a chuckle. "I approve."


    "I think I''m good now... just take it easy at first, please." Gwynne begs. "I don''t really play around down there, so I''m not used to it."


    I don''t speak, letting my slow steady thrusts answer for me. The girls go back to teasing/torturing her breasts, and I use the hand of my magic arm to play with her pussy.


    "That''s a good dragon." I take her moans as permission to speed up and get more forceful. "But we''re not here to treat a good dragon." I smack her ass in the same spot Amelia hit earlier. "We''re here to punish a bad dragon." I quit playing with her slick center, and use my missing hand to give her most sensitive place a sharp spanking instead.


    "Fuck!" Gwynne hisses out and her ass clenches around me. "Yes! Please punish me."Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    "Oh, I plan to." I purr and start sending a current of between the tip of my cock to the fingers of my magical hand. Small sparks stretch the gap between my fingertips and her clit.


    "W-what -hah- is -hah- that?" Her whole body writhes as the electricity courses through her.


    "Not strong enough, not if you''re still able to talk." I double the power and start rolling her little pink bean between my thumb and forefinger.


    Her writhing turns into convulsions as the direct stimulation rips an orgasm from her. She would have flopped onto the bed if not for my vines holding her up as I piston in and out of her tight little asshole.


    Grabbing her hair with my free hand, I wrench her head up and around enough to look her in the eye. "Still with us?" I say in a somewhat dissapointed tone. "Guess I have to up the power again." Her eyes go wide and she opens her mouth but nothing comes out. "What''s that? do you have something to say?" I lower the power, but start fucking her even harder.


    "L-l..." She starts before shaking her head and biting down on a knuckle.


    "Well, if you''re sure." I hit her with five times the juice I started with, but only for a second. "Hahahaha." I laugh as her eyes go wide. "Don''t worry, I want to make this last."


    I quit playing directly with her clit, and start fingering her again. Raising and lowering the intensity as I thrust in and out of her, and randomly sending a spark into that sensitive little nub of hers, I slowly increase the maximum up to that five times power, and then some.


    Amelia and Apricot, likewise increase the torment they deliver. Marking more and more of the pale flesh of Gwynne''s breasts with teeth marks.


    I know she''s finally had enough when her eyes start rolling up inside her head. But, I want her conscious, so I zap her with an extra strong bolt before laying off the electricity altogether.


    "Don''t pass out on me yet." I command, using my grip on her hair to lever her up and smack her on the cheek.


    "N-n-no more, please." She uses her hands to cover her pussy as I leverage us into the reverse-cowgirl position. My wives hanging onto her nipples by their teeth, doesn''t even register over the shocks I''ve been giving her.


    "Don''t worry, I''m not about to break that pussy... not yet at least." That said, I focus all of my attention on breaking her ass.


    I''ve been slowly increasing the width and length of my cock as I fucked her, so now I can bounce her up and down as hard as I want without popping out. Lacking the stimulation from my fingers, she starts using hers to help deal with the punishment I''m doling out.


    "No!" I snarl and grab her wrists, pulling her arms behind her back. "This is your punishment; if you want to feel good, then learn to love what I''m doing to your ass." Tying her forearms together behind her back, I grab onto her waist with all four appendages and start using the dragoness like a living onahole.


    Shockwaves ripple out as our flesh smacks together. Amelia watches on with glee as I pound Gwynne''s ass like she wanted. Apricot can''t seem to get enough of her tits though. She keeps squeazing the while snaking her tongue out over the teethmarks her and Amelia already inflicted.


    "How is it Gwynnie, not good enough for you? Need me to start shocking you again?" I let the electricity start playing around my cock, and take her muttering ''fuckfuckfuck'' over and over again as approval.


    It''s not long before she climaxes, her ass clenching even tighter around me proves my own undoing. I twitch and shudder as I cum deep inside her ass. Gwynne then collapses back on me as I free her arms, my hardness distending her belly until I shift back to normal and slide out of her with a plop.


    "You really like the electricity, don''t you?" Sparks ripple along her skin as I trail my hands up her thighs, and along her belly before tracing around her breasts in a spiral, careful to keep the current away from her heart while doing so. "It''s alright, you don''t have to speak yet." I breathe into her ear and give her nipples a nice shock. "Just drink this and recover." A trickle of Sap flows into her mouth.


    "T-t-thanks." Gwynne takes in a deep shuddering breath. "That was intense."


    "Just wait until I fuck you for real." I keep teasing her nipples as the girls bite marks wash away like they were never there. "No shapeshifting, no magic, just me pounding into you with everything I have. Not stopping until I can''t go any longer, or you break."


    "I think we all know which one is more likely to happen." Apricot says and goes into mark Gwynne''s breast once more while staring me in the eyes and daring me to erase it again.


    "Sorry Sweetie." I apologize. "But, you girls didn''t leave me any place to leave my own mark." I pull Gwynne''s head to the side, exposing her slender neck before giving her a little love bite. "It''s just not the same if I can''t see my teethmarks in her tits."


    "You''re right." Amelia says and leaves her own set on the dragon''s inner thigh. "There''s. just. something. missing. if. it''s. not. right. Here!" She punctuates her words by leaving bites up Gwynne''s body before chomping down hard on her left breast, drawing blood once more.


    Liking where this is going, I raise Gwynne into the air over the bed and bind her there, her arms and legs spread wide. Apricot, Amelia, and I then proceed to mark nearly every centimeter of her body. Aside from their one bite each, the girls leave her breasts all for me. But, I just leave a single one on each, just over where they bit.


    "Don''t you just look marvelous now." I look Gwynne in the eyes through the mirror I conjured so she could watch. "There''s really just one spot left." My hot breath washes over her dripping wet vulva.


    Maintaining eye contact, I suck her pussy into my mouth before slowly, but steadily clamping down. Her blood may taste like the ocean, but her pussy tastes just like rain in a thunderstorm. I only stop biting once the two flavors start to mix on my tongue.


    Pulling back for a moment to let her admire my handiwork. I then peel back its hood before clamping her clitoris in my teeth. She gasps and tries to pull away when I do, but I''ve got her held fast. She doesn''t stop though, not until I send a zap into that tiny ball of nerves.


    "No squirming." I say, and start to gently nibble on her nub while sending electricity into and through it.


    I keep her right on the edge of what''s tolerable, giving her just enough pleasure to endure the pain. But, not even a dragon can take that kind of play for long, and her eyes soon roll back up into her head.


    This time I do let her pass out, but only for a minute. Just enough time to run some Healing Sap over her body, leaving only her breasts and vulva marked.


    "Wake up Gwynne." I kiss her until her eyes start to flutter. "I''m not done with you just yet." I say with a grin and finally slide myself into her.


    "Yes, finally!" She sobs and wraps her arms around me as I gently penetrate her. "Just like this, just for a little bit." She pleads, and I answer with a slow kiss as we couple.


    Amelia doesn''t seem to mind, not if the noises she''s making while watching us are any indication. So, I give the dragon what she wants, a nice slow, gentle session of love making. The girls mostly just watch, occaisionally pulling me in for a kiss as they masturbate themselves and each other.


    "Thank you." A single tear escapes from Gwynne as the aftershocks of one truly epic orgasm rock through her. "And, thank you Amelia." She looks over and reaches her hand out to my wife, pulling her in for a kiss a second later.


    "You are very welcome." My mage licks her lips, before smiling a wicked smile. "But, you know he''s going to fuck you even harder now, right?"


    "Worth it." Gwynne smiles and lays her head back, waiting for whatever I have to give her.


    "Don''t hold back." Amelia orders. "She''s a dragon, she can take it."


    "Yes, Ma''am." A sharp crack, not unlike a gunshot, rings out as I slam into Gwynne at full speed. That single crack turn into a rapid staccato, that only lasts a few seconds before the reinforced bed collapses. "Arrrgh!" I magic away its remains and replace it with a block of gold, and start pounding Gwynne into it.


    She doesn''t last much longer than the bed did before bringing out her scales and shifting into her half-dragon form. Seeing that she seems a little more durable in this form I start to put some force behind my speed. And, the solid gold starts taking on the impression of her form as I fuck her with everything I''ve got and then some.


    "No!" I growl and squeaze her tit painfully when this damned fainting dragon tries to clock out on me again. "Take everything!" I command, and somehow drive myself faster and harder.


    Gripping her hair, I hold her head up and lock eyes to make sure she stays with me. I ended up sinking her body halfway into the gold before finally finding release. Collapsing on top of her, still buried to the hilt, I pant out my own "thank you" before just laying there trying to catch my breath.


    ***

 # 98

    "Oww." Gwynne''s moans draw me from sleep. "Couldn''t you have healed me a bit more last night?"


    "Nope!" Amelia answers for me in a chipper tone. "I told him I wanted you to feel it the next day."


    "Mhm, what she said." I mumble before sitting up to stretch with a yawn. Catching sight of the deformed block of gold brings a sly smile to my face.


    "Nice choice that." Apricot says after seeing where my eyes are directed. "And, thank you for holding back all this time. But, we are definitely going on a levelling trip until you can do the same to us."


    "Speak for yourself." Amelia lets out a nervous giggle. "I swear I hurt after just watching that."


    "I''m not sure I can even manage that again." I say while growing some oranges for juice. "I wasn''t really in control, more like all the negative emotions I had were exorcising themselves through the act."


    "Well, I still wanna try." Apricot pouts.


    "Sure think Sweetie." I kiss my crazy little sex-fiend on the forehead. "So, bath or breakfast first?"


    "Bath, please." Gwynne whimpers and starts to float herself over to the bathroom and its giant hot-tub.


    "How can you two stand it so hot?" Amelia complains a moment later before using her magic to lower the temperature around her and Apricot to a more manageble level. "Maybe we do need that levelling trip."


    "This is a bit hot for me too, but it feels nice." I say luxuriating in the bath Gwynne filled up. "I may not be as bad off as she is right now, but I''m a bit sore too."


    "Mhm." Amelia grumbles while the dragon in question just floats underwater while I use magic to give her a massage. "Speaking of sore." She reaches over takes my wrist now that I have one, if not the hand that should be attached to it. "It looks like this will all healed up by tonight, unless you can just shapeshift the rest of it back?" She looks at me hopefully.


    "Yeah, the mass is small enough that I can do that now." I nod and get started. "I''m gonna look a little skinny again, but nothing a few big meals won''t solve."


    "Your shapeshifting is that good?" Gwynne decides to join the conversation again.


    "Yeah." I flex my new baby hand. "The cosmetic stuff is easy enough, but if I focus I can do things like this too. And, you probably missed it, but Elle was as female as could make her."


    "Speaking of." Apricot says in an accusing manner. "You said you''d bring her back out again."


    "Sorry Sweetie." My avatar slips into the tub and pulls her into a hug. "Sorrel got a wee bit distracted. Please forgive him." She bats her eyelashes at the pixie, and then starts to blush from the look of heat she gets in return.


    "Is that the same spell?" Gwynne sits up and peers at Elle, who now blushes twice as hard with two people staring at her. "I can barely sense the magic anymore."


    "Perk of dinging Mastery." I shrug and pull my alter-ego to safety after Apricot starts a little examination of her own. "Doesn''t take as much effort to keep up either, I could probably manage without Blackthorne, but only just." I say as Elle starts to massage my growing hand for me.


    "Are you really going to keep her around all the time?" Gwynne asks.


    "Yeah, she makes Apricot happy." My hand now fully formed, I use it to push Elle back to her pixie. My alter-ego shooting me a look of betrayal as the examination continues in full.


    "Apricot is not the only one she makes happy." Amelia says and starts helping Apricot check Elle over.


    "Hey, I was missing my hand." I deliberately missinterpret her statement while making a shaking motion with my new hand. "What else was I supposed to do?"


    "Snerk!" - *Ding* - "Hah!" Elle turns beet red and tries to hide herself under the water when everyone laughs at my joke.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    "It''s okay Pet." Amelia strokes her hair. "It''s prefectly natural, and nothing to be ashamed of."


    "And, was really fucking hot to watch." Apricot adds.


    "You guys are strange." Gwynne shakes her head at our antics. "So-" She starts to say something only to be interrupted by her own stomach. "Heh. I was going to ask what your plans were for the day, but now I''m hoping they start with a big breakfast."


    "I''m just feeling like peanut-butter oatmeal and an everything smoothie, but I can make whatever you like." I offer. "As for today... Eh, I''m calling it a free day. I''ll probably do some enchanting work, maybe go chat with Rea and Coen later."


    "Mmm, free day sounds good." Amelia nods in agreement with my decision. "I''ve been wanting to practice my Air magic, but I''ll probably spend most of the day swimming, or just lazing around."


    "I think I know what Apricot has planned for today." Elle says with a gasp as the pixie shrinks down and dissappears under the water.


    ***


    "You don''t mind if I pester you while you work on this stuff?" Gwynne asks as she sits down in a beach chair next to me. Apricot and Elle stayed behind, but the rest of us went down to the beach area I made by Dragon''s Tail Creek. Amelia wanted to swim after all, and I can enchant anywhere.


    "Not at all." I answer as I lay out my supplies. "I take it you''re interested in learning more?"


    "I know we are." Kacey speaks up, pulling Clara closer, they spotted us on the way over here and tagged along. "And, why didn''t you tell us this all was here? Did you just heat it up, or is it enchanted?" She gestures along the sandy beach, and to all the ammenaties I added.


    "There''s a lot of secrets around Dragon Falls, both above and below the water." I offer the teenager an enigmatic smile. "Isn''t it more fun to find a secret on your own than to be told about it. There''s swimsuits in that hut there." I add as she stares out at the rippling water.


    "Maybe in a bit." She shakes her head, like she''s trying to clear it. "I want to learn more about Runes." Clara nods in agreement.


    "As would I." Gwynne finally gets a chance to answer my question to her. "I doubt I''ll take it up as a hobby. But, as you pointed out, I''m somewhat uninformed about the subject."


    "Mhm. Well, this stuff may be a bit advanced, but I can give you some primers and show you the basics." I produce three tables, each with copies of the Beginers Book of Runes, and all the tools and supplies they''ll need to get started. "But, enchanting is fairly simple, really. You basically just use Mana infused materials to write out a spellform in Runescript."


    "Uhh... okay." Kacey goes a bit cross-eyed looking at the diagram for a simple candle Rune.


    "Take that candle, there." I project the spell form in mid air, next to the diagram. "This is the spellform, and this is the Runescript. See the similarities?" I overlap the two to make it even easier to spot.


    "They''ve got the same general shape, but the Rune has those extra bits, and is all squiggly."


    "The squiggles are the Runes, they basically adjust how the mana behaves." I simplify the concept as much as I can. "As for the bits, this one lets the rune draw power from a Mana Stone. This one sets the target for the flame, and the last one turns it on and off."


    "So, what are you working on?" Clara asks while flipping through the book.


    "Well, like I said, this is a bit advanced." I display the diagram for the screen part of a movie player, and they all just sorta stare at it for a bit. "This is a Mana screen like the movie player uses, but I also have a few other runes that use the same thing. I''m trying to... modularize things so that people could buy the basic Mana screen, and then add stuff to it. This will lower the complexity of individual Runes and, therefore price, meaning more people will be able to afford them."


    "So, swimming yeah?" Kacey gave up even trying to understand the diagram when she heard it was only a part of the whole.


    "One sec." Clara tells her new friend to hold on. "I''d like to learn more about all this." She holds up the book. "Can I ask you questions later if I get stuck on something."


    "Of course, you can call me anytime." I beam out a smile at her, and box up the starter kit so it will fit in her inventory. I also add another small crate full of books, and one of extra supplies. "Take this stuff too; I''m going to add full libraries and a bunch of workshops to the village once I know what everyone wants. But, this will get you started until I get that done."


    "Thank you." She smiles back and puts the crates in her inventory before running off with her friend to go get changed.


    "If our bed from last night is any indication." Gwynne chuckles. "You hardly need the money."


    "True, but Amelia likes being a merchant." I explain. "And, I like to make my wives happy. That, and the challenge is fun too, not just the enchanting, either. I''m trying to figure out how to introduce luxury goods at a price that''s both somewhat affordable, yet won''t completely devalue existing Runes."


    "Well, I guess everyone needs a hobby." She laughs and settle back into her chair. "So why did that vibrator start smoking?"


    "You overloaded and burned out the runes by just flooding the whole thing with Mana. But, even if you had added Mana properly, it still wouldn''t have gone any faster, the runes just weren''t set up to work that way."


    Runes are much more rigid than magic in that regard. In magic, crafting the spellform perfectly isn''t as important since you can sorta will the Mana to respond properly. Knowledge, visualization, and just plain desire can all increase the chances that it will do as you want.


    "Mhm. Well, would you mind making me a few more toys before you guys leave? Including one that can go faster if I push more power into it?"


    "Sure, here''s the catalog, just pick out what you want and I''ll make it for you." I project the collection of sex toys for her to page through. "If nothing suits your taste, then you can always model exactly what you want out of water. And, before you ask, you need Amelia''s permission before you can get one shaped like my dick."


    ***

 # 99

    It didn''t take me long to modularize the runes, leaving me with a fairly simple and easy to build mana projector or mp for short. This magical screen has inputs, and will function just like a tv, letting people plug in various modules. Modules like the movie player, rune games, cameras, or the various Runes I have planned.


    The phone relays are next, but get built just as swiftly. I''ve already done all the heavy lifting for this upgrade, I just needed to sit down and put it together. And, now that I have the network up, I can finish off the charging stations and have them report back to a central database.


    I''ll work on digitizing media later. Right now, I want to play around some more with that magical preservative fruit.


    "Mmm, that smells good." Gwynne''s nose twitches. She''s still idly paging through that catalog I made for her. "Are you making snacks, or is it already lunch time?"


    "Neither. And, this thing doesn''t taste very good, you''re just smelling the magic." I toss her one after growing a bunch more. "It''s got a preservative effect, and I wanted to try adding it to my Healing brew."


    "Bleh." She spits out the bite she took from the fruit. "I''m not sure even Lana could make a good tasting drink out of that."


    "Heh. Good thing I don''t care about how it tastes, just whether it''ll work or not." I turn the zinc back into a small barrel and fill it with a mix of fruit juice and Sap.


    I focus on infusing the fruits magic into the drink as the yeast convert it into alcohol. Unfortunately the preservative effect just inhibits the yeast''s growth, I can push through it, but this doesn''t seem to be the way.


    Dumping it out, I try again. This time I brew the Sap first and then add some concentrated juice once it''s finished. "Hmm, it''s a little better, still nowhere near where it needs to be. It might be good as a general tonic if it need me to pour my vitality into it."


    "I''m sure you''ll get it sooner or later." Gwynne reaches over and pats me on the knee, her hand then slowly works its way up my thigh.


    "Looks like you''re trying to get it right now." Amelia says with a laugh as she plops into a lounger on the other side of me. "I''m surprised you can even think about sex after the pounding you got last night."


    "I am still sore." The dragoness admits. "But, he showed me this catalog, and said I couldn''t get a copy of this." She gives me a squeeze. "Not, without your permission, that is."


    "I suppose I don''t mind, but no playing around without my permission, okay?"


    "Okay." Gwynne reluctantly takes her hand away.


    "Good dragon." Amelia smiles and takes out a book on Air Magic. "Speaking of playing around, how are Apricot and Elle doing?"


    "They''re good." I grin. "Elle just showed Apricot the low gravity playroom I put in yesterday."


    "Hah! At least Marcus knows how to get over a break up. Wonder why it didn''t work out between them, hope Abby''s not still hung up on you."


    "Might be the whole nobility thing, or it could just be the level difference." I shrug, hoping right along with Amelia that Abby isn''t still hung up on me. "She was almost level four last time we bumbed into her, that would make her stronger than the average man, and Marc is still recovering."


    "Friends from the city?" Gwynne asks.


    "Yeah, we met Abby at the dungeon actually." I fill her in on them.


    "So, she''s been crushing on you ever since Amelia decided to put on a little show for her?" Gwynne doesn''t laugh, but the amusement is clear in her voice.


    "Mhm, I''m not sure who liked it more, the watcher or the watchee." I tease my wife by playing back that scene. "But, we got a lot closer after that, and Amelia found out she''s the jealous type."


    "And you don''t think this Abby would be down for anything casual?" She concludes. "That''s a shame, she''s cute."


    "So, are you." Amelia counters. "But, you''re fine with this just being sex."


    "Regular sex, hopefully." Gwynne grins and looks to Amelia while stretching out her hand to my leg again.


    "You know I still have a lot of work to do, and Apricot is already distracting me plenty." I say after Amelia gives a small nod.


    "I''m sure you''ll manage, somehow."


    I did manage, if only just, to build some tools for the village workshops. But, then Amelia joined in and I had to admit defeat. Wonderful, wonderful defeat.


    ***


    "Can I work on the chocolate making runes now?" I beg.


    "For now, I suppose." Amelia says with a regal air.


    "Are you guys done having sex now?" Kacey asks rather matter-of-factly after I drop the privacy bubble. "Clara''s mom called and she''s wondering when you''re going to bring them all down to Circle Orchard." Clara on the other hand is blushing furiously.


    "Nng. I did say a couple days." I groan. "If I fly there and back directly, it should only take a couple hours. At least Apricot finally seems satiated, so I should be able steal Elle away."The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    "You go ahead with out me." Amelia leans back and resumes reading her book. "I don''t plan to move from this spot for the rest of the day."


    "Okay, Apricot''s on her way down right now." I say, and turn to Clara. "Do you want to come with, or wait here?"


    "...wait here." She gets over her embarrassment enough to squeak out.


    "Alright, I''m going to set you guys up just north of the town. Let your mom be something of a gatekeeper on the town side, and a go-between for the more shy women. She was a clerk in a shop right? So, she should be able to handle merchants and stuff like that for them."


    "I think she''ll like that." She nods.


    "I''m also hoping that your brother are young enough to help everyone get used to boys again without triggering any anxiety."


    "My girls are resilient." Gwynne states with pride. "I''m sure it won''t be long before they''re spending their days in town, but a dedicated merchant is probably a good idea. Jocey handled that stuff for them before, but she wasn''t very good and mostly took the job for the benefits." She winks.


    "If only every job had benefits like that." Apricot lands next to me with a laugh. "And, so much for this being a free day."


    "What can I do? Lorelai misses her kid." I pull my pixie in for a kiss. "It''ll only take me a couple hours, and sorry for taking your playmate away."


    "I''ll live, but you''d better hurry back." She licks her lips before taking my freshly vacated seat.


    "I love you too." I say and turn to kiss Amelia goodbye. "I love you. I''ll be back as soon as possible."


    "Not if you never leave you silly man." She swats me on the butt and shoos me away.


    I just smile and throw myself into the sky pushing my speed as fast as I can go, so I''ll get back sooner. Turns out that extra level to mastery means I can go really fucking fast. Not break the sound barrier fast, but not far off from it.


    "Good afternoon Lorelai." I greet Clara''s mother as I land. "You all ready to go?"


    "Uh... I thought you''d be arriving in that strange carriage of yours." I suppose I was a little vague when I called and told her to get ready.


    "It''s faster to fly, but if you''re afraid of heights, we can take the road." I set about building another camper van. "Fortunately there''s little traffic on this side of the dungeon, so it should only take us an hour or so."


    "..." Her mouth just hangs open.


    "Well, pile in. Don''t worry about the luggage, I''ve got it." I place it all into my inventory and hop into the drivers seat.


    "Can we fly mom?" Darrel the eldest twin asks. "Yeah mom, can we?" Daniel parrots him.


    "..."


    "How about I take us up, and you tell me if it gets too much." I say and do just that after the boys drag her into the van. "See it''s perfectly safe, and smoother than if we were on the ground."


    "I miss Clara and all, but there''s no need to rush." She says while studiously avoiding looking out the windows.


    "No, but I am." I say and push us as fast as I can. "I had hoped to take today to relax, and catch up on some work."


    "I''m sorry." She bows in her seat to me.


    "Don''t worry about it." I wave her off. "I can take a couple hours out to reunite you with Clara, and most of the work was just enchanting designs that can be done in my head anyways. So, are okay with the plan I set up, I can get another go-between if you''d rather do something else?" I ask in order to distract her.


    "Yes, that works great." She nods and starts to loosen up. "Clara said that you''re hoping to turn them into a village of artisans, and I know how to run a shop. Little Cici wasn''t old enough for me to take up my old job, but if the store is attached to the house, it shouldn''t be a problem."


    "It''s more that most of them already are, their long life coupled with the lack of any else to do led to them exploring whatever crafts caught their interest." I explain. "I''m just giving them the tools and opportunity to take it to the next level."


    "You''re still going to an awful lot of trouble for a bunch of people you don''t even know." She says with a hint of suspicion.


    "True, but in doing so I made very good friends with a dragon." I give her the easiest answer for her to understand. "That, and the chance to study a brand new magical bloodline as it unlocked was not something I could pass up. I''m Plantkin with one human and one fae wife, I have no idea what our children are going to be like, or what powers they might have."


    "Mhm, but they''re still a village of beautiful women with sex magic." She grumbles just loud enough for me to hear.


    "Hahahah. That''s true, and I won''t lie, we are having sex with Gwynne." I admit. "And, may bring in other partners from the village in the future. But, I''ll never pressure anyone, or go where I''m not wanted."


    "And, your wives are okay with this?" She asks skeptically.


    "It was their idea... well, mostly Apricot''s, but Amelia''s okay with it as long as she''s in charge." And, it''s not like I''m going to turn down sex. "The three of us love each other very much, but love is love and sex is sex."


    "At least you''re honest about it." She huffs out. "Clara said the women are ''very'' open about it there."


    "They''re not shy, that''s for sure." I laugh. "But, I''ve already told Clara that if she''s ever uncomfortable that she need only speak up."


    "Fine." She heaves out a deep sigh. "I believe you actually want what''s best for everyone, as rare as that may be."


    "I already have everything I could ever want." I project an image of Amelia and Apricot. "And, the ability to easily help others, so why shouldn''t I?"


    "See, it''s that." She barks out. "People just don''t think like that, at least not the ones in power."


    "What do you want me to say?" I shake my head, somewhat dissapointed. "I was given a gift, and feel that it would be wasted if I kept it to myself. Look, you can see Dragon Falls from here, I made that whole thing in a single day, and that weird storm yesterday was me filling the lake. This village is the start of Arcadia, of my paradise. I may be altruistic, but I''m doing this for selfish reasons as well."


    "It''s beautiful." That''s all she has to say before we land at the beach.


    "Mommy!" Clara runs up and tackles her mom before she can fully get out of the van. "It''s amazing here, and everyone has been so nice." She starts babbling about everything that''s happened since they parted.


    "I missed you too baby." Lorelai smiles, and hugs her daughter.


    Meanwhile the twins run out to play at the water''s edge. There''s a few more villagers around than when I left, but they don''t seem to mind the boys.


    "That was quick." Amelia snakes her arms around my waist. "But, I still missed you."


    "Missed you too." I say with a smile. "Where''s Apricot?"


    "Oh, the girls told her that you hid secrets everywhere, so she''s off hunting them down. I think she''s exploring that palace you left at the bottom of the lake."


    "Ah." I made a bunch of oversized seashells and stuck them together with some equally large coral in the shape of a fantasy castle surrounded by a seashell village. "I might do a bit more with that, I sorta just threw it together as an after thought."


    "I liked it, and I''m sure she likes how you put a bunch of naked women everywhere." Amelia laughs at artistic choices. "It''s cute how you put humans, elves and such underwater, while the water races are up on the hill."


    "Sorrel!" Apricot comes flying out of the water. "I love it. Why didn''t you tell me there was more ''art'' to find?"


    "Hahaha." I laugh and pull her into a hug. "Because finding ''art'' is half the fun."


    "Ahem."  Lorelai clears her throat.


    Looking over, I see that she''s covering the twins eyes to keep them from see Apricot''s naked body.  "Sweetie, you should probably put your dress back on now."


    "Thank you."  The mother of four nods to me.


    "Not a problem."  I nod back.  "We should probably get you guys set up in your new house.  And then, I need an actual break."


    ***

 Congrats! has come to an end.

    So... Like Sorrel at the end of the last chapter. I had intented to take a break, maybe write something else, and then come back to this. And, thanks to my large backlog, I probably would have done so before any of you even knew. But, I just never came back to it.


    "Congratulations, You''re Dead!" was a lot of firsts for me. First long-form fiction(almost 300k words, over 10x longer than anything else I''ve written before), first romance, first slice of life story. And, I made a lot of mistakes along the way.


    I went into this story with no plan at all, and since nothing was planned, a few things went of the rails. I didn''t know what I wanted from this, but now know what I don''t. Sorrel being Supergod? levels of O.P. probably being at the top of the list. I mean, I fucking nerfed him, and then gave him near infinite mana a week later. What the hell was I thinking?You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    I haven''t really been happy for most of book three, and I think it''s shown through lately. Especially in the last arc where it pretty much just devolved into smut. Nothing wrong with smut, but it''s not the story I wanted to write.


    So, yeah. This is the end. I''m sorry to those of you who were looking forward to seeing where the story went. Like I said, I don''t really have a plan, but I do have a general idea of where things where going. So, if there''s some question that you just need closure on, feel free to ask in the comments below. Try to keep the ranting to a minimum, though. Please.


    I am working on something else right now, and will probably release it within a month. I''m about half way through the first book(not sure how many I want to write, but I''d like it to be a longer series), and don''t want to release anything until I''ve got at least that one book done.


    Thank you all for you supporting this story(I still can''t believe it got as popular as it did), and I hope you return for what comes next.


    -SimonSaysWrite

 The new book is out, and... its a re-write!

    https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/26998/take-two</a>


    I didn''t say anything before because I didn''t want to get anyones hopes up, but it''s going really well so far. I''ve gotten the first volume done, and a decent sized chunk of the second one written.


    Sorry it took me so long to post this. I know I said ''within a month'', but I seriously didn''t think it would take more than a couple weeks. But, between this volume running slightly longer than I thought, and the summer heat screwing up my sleep schedule, I really did need the whole month.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    As a reward for your patience; I will be posting a bit over half the first volume in a mass release spread over the next two days(one chapter every two hours). Chapters will be posted daily after that, and run between 2,000 and 2,500 words on average, with some shorter and longer ones thrown in because there were no good break points.