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Chapter 71: Heavy is the head
* * *
The King of the wood elves felt a small smile creep onto his face as most of his entourage departed toward the palace, leaving only his guests, his ward, her custodian, and his guards, plus a few who seemed reluctant to leave. His faithful herald Delabor had already departed to make preparations at the restaurant.
The King wondered if letting the chef cook for them and allowing the guests they would displace dine at the palace was too much in compensation. The chef -- able to say that he had cooked for The King -- would literally never want for cooking opportunities for the rest of his life, and the guests would enjoy the honor of the appointment for decades to come. Still, it was better in such cases to do too much than too little.
"My king, might I speak with you privately?" Plesius asked.
"You may." The King replied, then stepped a few paces away from his guests, who were all congratulating the prophet's betrothed on her boldness. The girl was smiling with red cheeks and looked quite happy despite the magical disguise marring her features. He assumed that such a disguise must come from her demon, for no woman he had ever met would willingly wear a disguise gem that would reduce her attractiveness.
When he made no effort to see through the disguise, Sarah looked both as if she had a few unwanted pounds and simultaneously as if she was too skinny in places, and her figure was entirely unimpressive. Her face was feminine, but not particularly so and certainly not particularly attractive. However, her kind eyes and smile softened the blow somewhat. The disguised eyes were a dull brown color and her hair was frizzy and looked quite unhealthy.
But when The King applied some effort to see through the relatively weak disguise, he saw something quite different. In contrast to the disguise, her real form was obviously healthy with no hint of unwanted weight or skinniness, and her overall figure was attractive. Her real face was feminine and pretty, though not excessively so; roughly in line with the prophet's other wives. Her real eyes were a brilliant shade of green that reminded the King of an emerald when it caught the sunlight. Her real hair was lustrous and cascaded down her shoulders, probably earning the title of her best feature. In fact, her hair rivaled the prophet's sixth wife and even The King's own wife in its beauty.
"The possessed girl is indeed a disturbing sight to behold, is she not my king?" Plesius said quietly, likely because The King had let his gaze linger for a moment.
"Speak your mind Plesius." The King instructed, not agreeing but not wanting to address it at the moment.
"Is it not possible that he--" Plesius inclined his head slightly toward Ethan. "--is a false prophet? That he seeks to bring ruination on your realm through pernicious means?"
The King considered how to respond for several moments, once again lamenting the fact that as The King, he could not simply ask a question, even a rhetorical question, as everyone else in the realm could. He knew it was a long-held tradition, but he struggled to see why it would be dishonorable for him to admit that he didn't know something. He was but an elf, not Illuminar -- blessed be He -- nor a member of the God of Light's divine council, nor even an angel. He was but a mortal; why should he not admit that in many things, he did not know?
Alas, that was but one thing he hoped that the prophet might address.
"You forget, Plesius, that he traveled to Mount Ianis and met with the God of Light Himself." The King replied.
"Might he not have attempted to deceive us in that?" The high priest replied. "He visited the mountain, but perhaps did not venture much beyond where the guide stops, and thus used deception to legitimize an office he falsely claims to have. If Saidow himself clothes himself as an angel of light, then would not his servants do likewise?"
"He does not look like an angel of light to me." The King replied, internally sighing. Plesius never changed, and thus The King was glad that the high priest would not be present for the upcoming meal. That had nothing to do with why he had been excluded of course. The exclusion had purely been... what was that phrase the Prophet had once used? 'Damage control'? Yes, that sounded correct and also accurate.
"Pardon my king, but I meant that a mortal servant of Saidow might pretend to be a prophet, not that this dragon was pretending to be an angel of light." Plesius's smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "Might that be so my king?"
"Many things are possible; some are probable; and others, time must reveal." The King quoted an old Elven proverb.
"You are wise my king." Plesius bowed his head, but his tone would not have convinced a five-year-old child. It fell short of being disrespectful, yet it was only barely on the proper side of the line.
"Attend to your duties, high priest." The King said cordially, but firmly. "I shall sup with the prophet and his companions, and perhaps learn more."
"Yes my king." Plesius bowed and then left, his smile growing ever more fixed and forced as he did.
The King suppressed a sigh.
He looked over to where the prophet and his wives were all smiles, likely at their apparent verbal victory over Plesius. Ah, the folly of youth. The King made a mental note to pull the prophet aside and impart some hard-earned wisdom to help him avoid such grievous mistakes in the future. Yes, he would definitely need to be warned of that, and soon. However, in private was best, which meant that this meal would not be a suitable occasion.
His eyes landed on his ward and a smile came unbidden to his face. It would not be proper for The King to greet a misbehaving ward warmly on the first meeting, but enough time had now passed that it would be fitting and proper for him to greet her as he would've wished.
"Wild Child." He said, indicating that she should come closer.
She smiled widely and hurried over, giving him quite a tight hug which he returned. She may not be the fruit of his loins, nor even blood-related, but in his mind, she was as much his daughter as if he had sired her himself. He smiled at her tight and affectionate hug.
"I'm sorry." She said, still hugging him tightly. "I knew you wouldn't want me to go, I just... I couldn't stop myself."
"It is forgiven, though regrettably, it cannot be forgotten." He replied kindly.
She gave him an extra squeeze and then stepped back, and then looked at the custodian's cuff on her wrist. "I know. I kind of guessed this was coming."
"It is good to see you in good health and bright spirits." The King said, that part of his heart in which his children lived feeling quite warm at her return.
"It was wonderful." Pelathea said, a wistful look in her eye.
"Perhaps I shall arrange for you to tour the kingdom on the royal airship..." He looked at her pointedly. "... If you can behave."
"I'll try." She replied. "I um, my custodian suggested a compromise that I think I can live with, so I really will try."
The King smiled; he had not expected Ahjah to work so quickly. "I am gladdened to hear that."
He made a mental note to send a letter later that day concerning an upgrade to Ahjah's payment for his services; such speedy and effective service deserved a reward. He looked at his ward. "Do treat the honorable Ahjah as is proper for one such as yourself to treat her custodian."
She nodded. "I will."
"Since he was not informed of your arrival until recently, he will need to attend to a few affairs in the coming days." The King said. "As is proper, you will accompany him for such things; feel free to have any of the prophet's wives or companions join you should you wish it."
"I will, thank you." She did a head bow, as was traditional when The King bestowed a favor. Personally, he thought that between members of his immediate family, the rules of family decorum should apply, not the rules of royal decorum. However, that was not the tradition and, of course, he would not dishonor the wisdom of his ancestors nor dare say they were mistaken by disagreeing with such a tradition.
Or at least, he would not give voice to such disagreement.
* * *
Sarah watched Thea speak with The King and saw some of the tension drain from the gorgeous elf as she did. It seemed like she was not truly in trouble, which was good because that would've been a huge shame. Seeing their hug had made Sarah smile.
"Tell me true, friend of Pelathea Wild Child." Ahjah said to Sarah. "Is she as much trouble as I have been led to believe, or does she simply chafe in her gilded cage?"
Sarah smiled. "I don't think either. She has a mischievous side, though it's entirely innocent and I don't think she would ever intentionally hurt someone. And I don't think that 'chafe' is the right word. She's a really grateful person, just there are things she likes and she doesn't get to do them as much as she would like."
Ahjah made a thoughtful sound. "That was a wise and measured answer."
"Thank you." Sarah smiled wider.
Not long afterward, The Queen exited the palace with two handmaidens and a half-dozen guards in tow. The Queen was of course Alana's aunt, the sister of Kalaya Kalon, Alana's mother. Sarah could see the family resemblance, but The Queen was one of the most beautiful women that Sarah had ever seen. Perhaps not quite as beautiful as Selene, but not far either.
Curiously, while Alana's aunt was gorgeous, Alana herself was 'merely' very pretty. Sarah had heard that Kalaya was just as pretty as her daughter, so apparently, The Queen had been the blessed daughter in the family as far as beauty went.
Thea hurried toward The Queen when she saw her and the two hugged tightly. According to Beth, who had spent a little time with The Queen in the Hanging Gardens while Ethan had met with The King, The Queen was a kind woman and easy to talk to.
Once The Queen had arrived, the party walked about half a mile into the city, surrounded by guards the whole time. Sarah felt like she spent more time with her mouth hanging open in awe than was strictly healthy.
The city was gorgeous.
It seemed like everything was made from sculpted wood, and much of it was still living wood too. The entire thing was one seamless work of art, even though each 'building' had its own unique flair and design. The differences seemed to flow into each other and have an underlying pattern to them that made them look wonderful together, even with how different they were.
Also incredible was how the tree canopy above them affected the walk. It was almost like walking in a sparse forest with how the light came through the canopy high above their heads. Somehow, she felt like she was in the middle of a great city and a great forest all at once.
"It's amazing, isn't it?" Taloni said from beside her.
Sarah could only nod in wonder.
They eventually arrived at the restaurant, and there was a small group of wood elves lined up to greet them outside of it. Sarah guessed that they were the displaced diners, but judging from the wide smiles on their faces, they weren't the slightest bit bothered. In fact, nearly all of them bowed with exuberance and thanked The King with brilliant smiles.
"Come, please be seated." The King said, indicating that the Argo's crew should enter.
Sarah did, waiting with bated breath to see what it would be like.
She wasn't disappointed.
She felt like she'd stepped into a zoo made of wooden sculptures. All around the room, almost everything except the table tops -- even the table legs -- had been made of wood carved to look like animals. And not just looked like, they were so lifelike that despite not a single one having a drop of paint, Sarah almost had a hard time believing they were sculptures and not animals frozen in time by some kind of stasis spell. She was glad that none of the sculptures were of predators looking like they were about to pounce; she would never have felt at ease if they were.
The walls were carved to look like various types of terrain, like the prairie, or a forest, or even a desert, and the carved animals around the room matched the habitats near them. The ceiling was made of large glass blocks, and the frame of the blocks resembled tree limbs, so the effect was to make it feel like they were eating outside surrounded by peacefully grazing animals.
It looked like the room had been reconfigured for them because she very much doubted that it usually had the tables positioned in a hollow square to seat exactly the number of people who would be eating here.
It wasn't until Sarah saw the silver utensils and gold-trimmed places that she remembered something: she had no idea how to eat like a proper lady.
She swallowed hard.
Next to her, Taloni did the same thing and then gave Sarah a slightly fearful look. Sarah knew exactly how she felt and grimaced. She didn't know what to do about it either, then she saw Thea a bit ahead of her and had an idea.
"Thea." She whispered, hopefully loud enough to get her attention.
Thea clearly didn't hear her, but Ahjah's ears perked up since he was behind her. He looked back at Sarah, and then subtly touched Thea's shoulder to get her attention and flicked his eyes toward Sarah once he had it.
Thea raised her eyebrows.
Sarah glanced pointedly at the fancy place setting, grimaced, then flicked her eyes at Tee.
Thea looked confused for a moment, then smiled.
Somehow, Thea managed to seat herself between Sarah and Taloni without making it awkward; Sarah highly doubted anyone had even noticed. Ahjah sat down on Sarah's other side, probably to keep close to the elf for whom he was functioning as a custodian. As the meal began, Thea and Ahjah subtly prompted Taloni and Sarah respectively on the proper etiquette. They were both so subtle about it that she didn't think a single person outside the four of them would've known.
She couldn't describe how much she appreciated that.
* * *
"And that's the story." Ethan finished recounting the broad strokes of what had happened since he'd left Nalatia the last time, obviously with lots of input from his wives. He'd left out all of the more sensitive things like Lord Delmar being a dragon, the demon-possessed men, Lady Ekthros's involvement, his conversations with Colonel Forsythe about installing Duke Farbrottan, and other sensitive topics.
"There's more I'd like to say, but maybe not so publicly." Ethan added to make sure that he didn't give the impression that he was hiding anything, and also to let The King know that he'd like to talk to him privately.
"I would be honored to enjoy a more private conversation." The King replied. "There are matters of which I would speak to you as well."
"Sounds like a plan." Ethan smiled.
"Not today of course." The King said. "You have had a long journey and should take a respite before discussions of any import happen. Come to the palace tomorrow morning and we will discuss it at length."
"I would be hap-- uh, honored to." Ethan replied, trying to kick his brain into 'honor language mode'. It wasn't easy.
*Sir, could you ask about my mother and removing her shame?* Alana thought to the group chat. *I would ask, but I think it'll work better coming from you given my status.*
Ethan smiled at her, then addressed The King. "So question. The last time I was here, we were talking about a few things, among them witnesses and a conviction before someone is shamed, and also the possibility of a shamed woman repenting and then becoming unshamed." He paused. "And yes, I'm referring to Alana's mother. Has there been any progress or discussion on that since then?"
The Queen chuckled and looked at The King as she spoke. "I believe you kicked a fairy's nest with those comments. He has enjoyed precious few peaceful afternoons since then."
Ethan chuckled as well. "Sorry, but it seemed important enough to bring up."
The King had an amused smile on his face. "Prophets of Illuminar -- blessed be He -- have long had a history of disrupting long-held traditions throughout the Ten Kingdoms."
"What about beyond the Ten Kingdoms?" Selene asked.
"Illuminar is known outside the Ten Kingdoms, though usually not worshiped nor honored." The King replied, his face somber.
Ethan stared for a moment. "Wait a minute, you're telling me that Illuminar -- apparently the God who created everything -- isn't even recognized outside the Ten Kingdoms?"
"He is, but not widely." The Queen replied.
"Illuminar -- blessed be He -- allows mortals the choice of whom to serve." The King said. "He does not compel worship nor honor from any mortals. Though he has sent prophets to all of them, many rejected Him in favor of other gods." He paused. "The common tongue does not have a word to indicate other powerful spiritual beings who are above angels and below the One True God, the Creator of all things; this is a grave oversight."
The Queen nodded.
"Other gods?" Ethan asked. "You mean, like fake 'gods'--" He put 'gods' in air quotes. "--who don't actually exist."
"That would be an idol Master." Taloni spoke up. "I think The King means Archangels, or even more powerful beings that Illuminar -- blessed be He -- created."
"Your third wife is correct." The King replied. Ethan didn't miss that he hadn't used her name nor looked directly at her. However, he also got the distinct impression that The King would have no problem doing so, unlike certainother wood elves.
The King continued. "Many of them rebelled with the enemy when he rebelled, sparking the war in the heavens spoken of in the Book of Light." He looked at Ethan. "You inquired about the argument that an elf's shame can be removed, and how it has fared in your absence."
Ethan nodded.
Beside him, Alana scooched a bit closer and leaned in a fraction.
"The luminars are divided." The King continued. "Perhaps one-quarter of them are ardently in favor, nearly half are vehemently opposed, and the rest fall somewhere in between."
"How many of the luminars in the middle could be persuaded?" Alana asked.
"Your first wife asks a poor question." The King said. "The correct question would inquire as to the Book of Light's position on the topic. That of course is the debate."
"I'd ask about the specific verses, but that seems like a bit of a heavy topic for dinner right now." Ethan said.
"Given that the luminars have been debating it endlessly for weeks now, I would agree." The Queen said with a smile.
The conversation turned to other, lighter matters after that. Ethan let it and didn't try to bring up anything important because there were people around whom he didn't want to talk about such things, like the guards and waiters.
Eventually of course, The Queen -- being a woman and therefore very interested in such things -- turned to Sarah. "Might I inquire as to when you and the prophet are going to be wed?"
Ethan and Sarah looked at each other.
She didn't seem ready to volunteer, so he spoke up. "Well, I told you about the birthdays. We were originally waiting until after I married Selene, but since I have..."
"We don't know." Sarah said, finally finding her voice.
"It would be among the greatest honors of my life if you would be wed here in Nalatia." The King said. "I offer the services of the royal artisans to consult in the decorations, my own personal craftsmen and designers to give it shape and form, the royal chefs to give it taste and warmth, and it shall all be paid for by the crown with not one copper required from your own treasury."
Ethan and Sarah stared at him.
His other wives did as well.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Thea grin.
"You... you'd do that?" Sarah breathed.
"I would." The King confirmed.
"That's... thank you." Ethan said. He had been wanting to give her an incredible wedding, but had no idea how to or if he would be able to afford it. This changed everything.
"Thank you so much." Sarah said, her tone low and disbelieving.
"We would be exceedingly honored to do it." The Queen said with a wide smile. "I thought I only had one wedding left to help plan--" She indicated Thea. "--but if you will allow me, I would so enjoy helping you plan yours as well."
"O... okay." Sarah nodded, looking like she'd just been dazed by a near-knockout punch.
The Queen beamed.
* * *
Alana couldn't help but notice the brilliant smile coming from Sarah for the rest of the meal, and it brought a smile to the elf's face as well.
Next to her, Rachel gave her a gentle nudge and flicked her eyes at Sarah. "I love seeing her smile like that."
"Me too." Alana grinned back.
The food had been delightful and the conversation pleasant, if slightly superficial due to the number of people who could overhear. After the meal was finished, Ethan and The King walked out together with everyone else behind them. The sun was past the halfway point in the sky and she guessed it was about two o'clock in the afternoon, maybe a bit later.
"Tomorrow morning then?" Ethan asked The King.
He nodded. "Come to the palace at that time and we shall discuss things in more depth."
"Looking forward to it." Ethan nodded.
"Until then, some of the most devout members of my royal guard have volunteered to protect you and your wives during your stay in Nalatia." The King indicated a group of royal guards that Alana had noticed, but just assumed that they were part of The King's guard. On closer inspection though, their uniforms had a slight difference from the other guards. They all had a small white emblem of a seven-pointed star on their uniforms in the upper left of the torso, which she assumed indicated 'prophet's guard detail'.
"Thank you so much." Ethan said, relief in his tone. After a moment, and without prompting, he added. "We're honored to accept, and we appreciate it so much."
"You are welcome." The King smiled, then looked at Thea. "Wild Child, I shall extend a freedom to you, on the understanding that it will be removed upon the first infraction: you may remain with the Argo's crew provided your custodian remains with you."
Thea's eyes lit up. "Thank you!"
The King nodded his head once with a smile. "You are welcome." He looked at Ethan and inclined his head respectfully. "Good day."
"You too." Ethan smiled.
The King and Queen departed with their guards, leaving the Argo's crew behind. No sooner had they left, then one of the guard group that had remained behind stepped up to Ethan.
"Prophet." He bowed low and then stood again. "It is our honor and privilege to protect Illuminar's prophet -- blessed be the God of Light -- in this fair city."
"I really appreciate that and I'm honored by your presence." Ethan replied, returning the bow in the way that Alana and Rachel had suggested before they had arrived in Nalatia.
Alana smiled to herself; he really was making an effort and it was good to see.
"There is one who wishes to speak with you, and he is known to us." The head guard said, then turned and indicated another elf dressed in fine clothes who was waiting beyond the guard's perimeter.
"Absillion!" Thea waved to him as a wide grin broke out on her face.
"You know him?" Alana asked.
"He works for my sister." Thea explained. "Mostly, she sends him whenever she wants to invite anyone over."
Ethan beckoned the elf closer.
In Alana's opinion, he was the picture of a proper elf whose profession was service. His uniform was a handsome brown color, like a healthy and thriving tree. He had a little bit of gray about the temples and his hair was immaculately combed into the style that openly declared him to be an honorable servant. While he did appear to be suitably formal in his movements and mannerisms, he had kind eyes.
"Honored prophet." Absillion bowed deeply to Ethan. "I represent Sarisa Numatia Asimentae, called Beautiful Philanthropist."
Alana resisted the urge to chuckle at the faces Ethan was trying not to make.
Absillion continued. "She would be honored if you would dine with her this evening."
"Uh..." Ethan looked at Thea.
"I'd love to see her." Thea beamed. Behind her, Ahjah looked curious.
*We did want to meet her to see about helping Kalaya.* Rachel thought to the group chat.
"We would be honored to accept." Ethan said.
"Excellent." Absillion bowed again. "We can depart at your convenience, whenever that might be. She will be available for afternoon tea of course, or you could arrive for dinner." He looked at all of them for a moment, then added. "Or if you prefer, some could depart now and some later."
Alana smiled.
Thea's sister sounded very amiable and Alana was really looking forward to meeting her mother's best friend. She wanted to see her mother again too obviously, but that would be hard until her shame was removed.
"Actually, I was thinking of taking a walk with Selene." Ethan looked at her.
Selene hesitated. "I would really love to, but your other wives have been letting me monopolize your time so much lately that I'm starting to feel bad about it." She looked at them and hastily added. "Not that I don't appreciate it, I do, but I really shouldn't accept." She stepped over to Sarah and put an arm around her. "Why don't you take that walk with Sarah?"
"Me?" Sarah's eyes widened.
"Sarah, you're not sleeping next to him..." Selene whispered, then added. "... or with him." She winked, then spoke at a normal volume level. "So seriously, take a nice long walk with Ethan because we get him more than you do."
"Um, okay." Sarah smiled widely.
"If it will make you more comfortable, I will meet you at your airship when the honored prophet finishes his walk with his honored betrothed, thus, everyone will be able to travel together." Absillion offered. His diction was perfect.
"Let's do that." Alana said, not perfectly comfortable traveling without Ethan, even with The King's guards around to protect them.
Ethan looked at him and smiled. "You're pretty sharp."
"Thank you, honored prophet." He head bowed.
"So, walk?" Ethan offered his arm to Sarah, who took it beaming. They started walking and some of the royal guards followed behind them.
Alana watched them walk away, then turned to Selene. "For someone who hated the idea of sharing your husband, you're pretty good at it."
She shrugged a bit. "Well, I had some good role models." She looked around at her fellow wives with a smile. Every once in a while, mostly when she smiled, Alana was caught off guard by just how unbelievably gorgeous Selene was. She wasn't Rachel of course, but wow.
"So, what's your sister like?" Beth asked Thea.
"Um, she's naturally more shy than I am, but she's mostly grown out of that." Thea replied, then added with a sigh. "I'm a bit jealous that she got our mother's red hair, I always loved her hair, but I can't reasonably complain about how I look, so..."
Alana chuckled.
"She's whip-smart too." Thea added. "And more importantly, she has a really good heart. She's not my guardian or anything, but she's done everything she can to be a good sister to me."
Alana nodded slowly, looking forward to meeting her.
* * *
Sarah had her arm through her betrothed's arm as they walked down a busy wooden street in the capital. He had a smile on his face too, and she got the distinct impression that he was proud and happy to have her on his arm. She was a betrothed woman walking arm-in-arm with her future husband. It was such a perfectly, wonderfully, amazingly normal thing to do that she couldn't have stopped smiling if she wanted to.
She sighed.
"Happy huh?" He asked.
"Yeah." She sighed.
"Let me guess: because we're doing something so normal?" He asked.
"Yeah." She nodded, her heart feeling full to bursting. "I know it's silly, but..." She trailed off, not sure how to finish her sentence.
"It's not silly." Ethan told her. "If something makes you happy, there's nothing wrong with that." He paused. "Well, unless it's wrong, but you're much too good a person for something wrong to make you happy." He flashed a grin at her.
She smiled back and then sighed.
"Oh, look at that building." She pointed to one where the branches jutting out from the tree trunks that formed the walls had been braided or twisted together to form a massive awning.
"That's pretty cool." Ethan smiled.
"So, what would make you happy?" He asked a minute later.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, what do you want to do with your life?" He asked.
Sarah opened her mouth, hesitated, then closed it again. It took her a moment before she spoke. "I'm not sure what you mean."
"Well, we're betrothed now." He replied. "At some point, we'll get married and then eventually we won't be fighting two lords and we'll be able to settle down. Alana will probably want to take up enchanting, Beth will be happy as long as I supply her with a library of books to read, Tee will want to pilot the Argo whenever she can, Rachel wants to become an arch mage, Kendra isn't sure, and Selene will always want to help people, likely through her legal mind or sword arm." He looked at her. "What about you?"
"Uh..." Sarah's mind blanked a little bit.
What did she want to do?
"Um, I guess I never really thought about it." She said after a minute. "I always wanted to get married and be a wife and mother. I really like cooking, but I don't think that's what you're asking about."
"I really am just asking." He smiled at her. "There's no pressure, I'm just trying to think long-term about what we'll all be doing later in life, once everything calms down a bit. I want to start that mail delivery business with paired portals, and I want to make sure that whatever my wives want to do, they get the chance to."
"I like that." She smiled back at him. "I don't know. I'm mostly happy on the Argo now. I like getting up early and making breakfast for everyone. I like learning from Alana, Rachel, Kendra, and Selene. I want to be married and wake up next to you, but other than that, I'm really happy."
He looked at her for a moment, a smile on his face and a look in his eyes that she couldn't place.
"What?" She asked.
"Has anyone ever told you that you're a lovely and delightful woman?" He asked.
She felt her heart soar as her cheeks got a bit warm, for the best possible reasons of course. "Really?"
He nodded. "You're kind, thoughtful, considerate, and one of the best things about you is that you're appreciative. I've met a lot of entitled women in my life -- entitled people really -- and I can't stand them. You're the opposite and it's really nice."
"Thank you." Sarah beamed, feeling like she was floating on cloud nine.
"Look at that one." Ethan said as they turned a corner and saw a building in front of them where the front looked to be a weeping willow of some kind. The hanging vines from many branches had been overlapped to create an actual curtain of leaves.
"That's amazing." She agreed. They walked for another couple minutes pointing out buildings to each other and enjoying the sights before Sarah worked up the courage to ask what she wanted to ask. "Um, is it okay that I want to just be a wife, mother, and cook?"
"My biggest objection is to your use of the word 'just'." He replied with a smile.
"Huh?"
"You said: 'just' be a wife, mother, and cook." He replied. "When it's done right, that's a lot of work. It's not a 'just' kind of thing, as if it was less valuable than other stuff; it's not."
"I'm glad you see it that way, because that's what I want to do." She thought a moment, then added. "And I would love to learn to draw, and paint, and sing, and play instruments."
"I'll have to make sure you have good teachers." Ethan smiled at her. "Anthiel has been teaching you to play the recorder in the mornings when you think no one is up or listening, right?"
She winced. "You heard that?"
He laughed. "You're not as bad as you think, nor as quiet. Sure there's the odd painful note, but when you're on, it sounds really good."
"Thank you." She smiled; this walk was turning out to be great exercise for her smile muscles. "So it's really okay that I just want to sing, and paint, and draw, and learn some instruments?"
He looked at her with a lop-sided grin, but his eyes were slightly serious. "There's that word 'just' again."
She frowned as she thought about that.
"Look, I don't have an artistic bone in my body." He said. "But just because I can't create it doesn't mean that I don't recognize its value. I mean, just look at all the buildings around us." He waved to the wooden 'buildings' constructed from living trees and then cocked his head to one side. "Or should I call them tree houses? I'm not sure." He shrugged. "Anyway, the point is that living someplace that's beautiful lifts the soul up, doesn't it?"
"It does." She nodded. "It definitely does."
"So what if part of what you contribute to our family -- quite besides you being yourself -- is the art?" He asked. "You like cooking, baking, drawing, painting, singing, playing music, and basically everything artistic, right?"
She nodded.
"There's value in that." He smiled at her. "A lot of value. Living in a beautiful home with beautiful art, beautiful music, and wonderful food would make everyone's life richer, wouldn't it?
"Um, I know I would like it." She replied, having never really thought about it that way.
"I would too." He gave her arm a gentle squeeze. "And I'll lay odds that my other wives and our future children will as well."
"So, it's okay if I'm just me and do the things I enjoy?"
"There's that word 'just' again." He winked at her.
She chuckled.
"Sarah, it may surprise you to learn this, but I do actuallylike you." His tone was playful but he seemed serious too. "I actuallywant you to be you."
She smiled. "Really?"
He nodded. "In fact, there are only two things that I want to change about you."
"Two?" Obviously one was her demon, and she tried to remember that this was Ethan so she wouldn't panic that there was a second one. "I assume my..." she glanced around. No one was especially close, and even their escort was a good dozen feet behind them. "... my problem is one; what's the other?"
He grinned at her. "I'm not overly fond of your current last name."
She let out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, and it came out as a laugh. "Okay."
"You have a very musical laugh." He observed. "I bet you have a beautiful singing voice."
"I um, I don't know." She replied. "I like to sing, but I always get a bit nervous singing around others."
"Would you sing if it was just me? Or maybe just me and the rest of my wives?" He asked.
"Um, I could try?" She could feel some butterflies starting to gather in her stomach at the possibility, but then, it was Ethan and his wives...
"I won't push." He said. "But I would love to hear you sing."
"I'll sing for you sometime then." Sarah promised, getting it out before she lost her nerve.
"I'm looking forward to it." He smiled at her.
The rest of the walk was equally as delightful as the beginning. She couldn't believe that she was betrothed to such a wonderful man-- err, dragon. Judging by the way he looked at her, she thought he might feel the same. She wasn't sure why, but he seemed to.
* * *
Ethan had thoroughly enjoyed his walk with Sarah and thought he should make it a point to do that with his wives more often. He wasn't sure how to while they were living on the Argo, but eventually they would need to settle down and he thought that would be a great daily tradition.
After returning to the Argo, he, his wives, Victoria, Thea, and her custodian plus the guards that The King had assigned to them had loaded up on an intra-city airship that Thea's sister had sent and they began the journey to her house. Given the slower speed of the intra-city airship compared to a regular one, the trip had taken a little while since it was on the outskirts of the city, but he could see it now.
It reminded him of a Hacienda in the way it was built, and he did mean 'built'. It was built on what looked like a large hill whose top had been leveled so that it was at the same height as the rest of the city. The walls were made of brick and it was a rectangular house with a courtyard in the middle of it. The roof was even made of curved clay tiles like you might see in Italy.
The house was tucked away on the outskirts of the city, so it was a decent length ride to get there. He got the impression that the distance was on purpose too. There was a wrought iron fence around the property and while it wouldn't be too hard to climb, it was at least a dozen feet high. That combined with the fact that it was so unlike every other house in Nalatia made him guess the seclusion was intentional.
"Why is it so different?" Beth asked Thea in the fading light. It wasn't quite twilight yet, but the sun was low.
"Um, she's a bit of a loner, and only partially by choice." Thea replied. "She had just come of age to be married when our parents died, and everyone thought she would wait a year in mourning -- that's the traditional mourning period for intimate family -- and then get married. Only she didn't get married."
"Why not?" Beth asked.
"I'm not entirely sure." Thea replied. "I don't think she ever found an elf that she liked enough, and she doesn't much like the honor culture, so there are far fewer candidates around. I'm sure there's more to it because there were one or two elves who she thought highly of who expressed interest in courting her, but she never accepted their advances."
"Interesting." Ethan mused. He had a vague speculation in his head about why she had never married, but it did seem far-fetched.
"Over time, people began to wonder and then talk about why she wasn't getting married." Thea continued. "Especially here, where everything is about tradition, a woman in the prime of her life intentionally not getting married became a... well, I was going to say 'scandal', but it's not quite that." She frowned slightly. "I guess it's odd enough that people didn't know how to react and so she doesn't get many social calls. Lots of business ones of course, but not many social calls."
Alana nudged him gently. *Any idea why?*
*I have a thought, but I want to meet her first before sharing it.* He replied.
She nodded.
"She had this built--" Thea waved to the house. "--and I think part of the reason was that she wanted to be different."
"It's very different." Selene said as the airship slowed, then began to descend toward the small dock at the back of the house. The back of the house had many lanterns set on stakes about six feet high, giving the entirety of the large and perfectly manicured back lawn a warm glow.
As Absillion began to tie the ship to the mooring, one of the back doors to the Hacienda opened and a woman hurried out. She had red hair that was a similar color to Rachel's, though it didn't fade to blonde at the tips like Rachel's did. He could see the obvious family resemblance to Thea, though Thea was certainly the more attractive of the two. Sarisa was beautiful, just not in the same league as Thea. Though really, few women were.
She had a wide smile on her face and her eyes appeared to be locked onto her sister as she hurried toward them. From what Ethan could see, she had intelligent eyes that again, reminded him of Rachel a bit. She was wearing a long evening dress that somehow also looked like a casual sundress. She had a delicate necklace with a tiny flower on it and the overall effect was both casual and very classy.
"Thea!" Sarisa called, prompting Thea to hop out of the airship a bit early. The two sisters ran to each other and hugged tightly. Ahjah had followed Thea out of the airship, but remained a respectful distance away during their reunion.
"Sarisa must be a good person if Thea likes her that much." Taloni said with a smile as her wings fluttered.
Rachel nodded. "Almost certainly."
Everyone stepped out of the airship as Thea and her sister talked quietly for a moment, then the sisters turned toward them.
Sarisa did a double-take when she saw Alana.
"Hi." Alana waved slightly awkwardly.
"Please forgive me." Sarisa said, the look of shock on her face morphing into a warm smile. "You are the very image of your mother, eye and hair color aside."
"Thank you." Alana said. "I like that."
"I do as well." Sarisa said, and her eyes got a slightly faraway look for a moment, just exactly as the look in her eyes got slightly warmer and the corners of her lips rose a bit. After a moment, she blinked and refocused on her visitors.
"I am Sarisa Numatia Asimentae, and welcome to my home." She waved at it. "Feel free to lodge here during your stay in Nalatia, or make it a safe respite should you wish to exchange the noise of the docks for the peace of my humble estate for a time, however long it might be."
"That's really generous." Ethan said. "Thank you."
"I have even converted the master bedroom so that it has a bed large enough to sleep you and your wives." Sarisa continued. "From what I've heard, your affections for each other are such that you would not wish to be parted for even a single night."
"That is quite an effort to make us feel welcome." Rachel said.
"You have with you the daughter of my oldest and dearest friend." Sarisa indicated Alana. "You also have the best chance, and likely the only chance, of freeing Kalaya from her seclusion." Her eyes had softened somewhat when she said Kalaya's name. "There is almost nothing I wouldn't do to that end, and the little I wouldn't do is only because Illuminar -- blessed be He -- wouldn't approve."
The sincerity in her tone was absolutely undeniable.
Not only when she spoke about Kalaya, but also when she spoke about Illuminar. Her tone sounded much like Taloni's when she spoke about Illuminar, and if her tone didn't give it away, the look in her eyes would have.
Ethan smiled. "Well, we plan to do everything we can to make that happen."
Sarisa smiled widely and it almost looked like she could cry happy tears. "Thank you so much prophet; I have yearned for this for so long."
Ethan believed her.
In fact, she was reminding him of how he'd probably looked and sounded when he'd been kidnapped and thus parted from two of his wives for the better part of a week. She looked almost exactly like Alana and Beth had looked when he'd been reunited with them.
"We're happy to help." Ethan assured her. After what he'd just seen, he would've wanted to help even if Kalaya wasn't Alana's mother.
"Come, come inside." Sarisa beckoned, her eyes looking slightly watery.
As they followed her, Ethan gently nudged Alana. *Like mother, like daughter.*
*Huh?* She gave him a confused look.
He flicked his eyes from Sarisa to Rachel, then from her to the docks where they had met Kalaya.
Alana frowned and started to shake her head, then stopped. She cocked her head to one side, then a moment later her mouth opened slightly. She started to speak, but stopped before a word came out. Her eyes widened slightly and she cocked her head to the other side. She started slowly shaking her head then stopped as her mouth fell open. At this point, her eyes went very wide, and she stared at Ethan open-mouthed.
He resisted the urge to chuckle as he put his arm around her and pulled her close. She came without resistance and he probably could've knocked her over with a feather.
*Did Alana just realize why Sarisa is so dedicated to helping Kalaya?* Rachel thought to him privately.
*Yup.* He replied, trying very hard not to laugh. *When did you guess?*
She glanced at him with a twinkle in her eyes. *Earlier.*
*Earlier?* He raised an eyebrow. *Are we talking minutes, hours, days, or weeks? With you, it's just so hard to know.*
*Earlier.* The redhead replied, eyes still twinkling.
He did chuckle at that.
* * *
"I really can be carrying my own luggage." Fiona said as Ellis picked up her suitcase from the nursery. Lord Delmar obviously didn't want anyone else in their bedroom, so she'd moved her single suitcase into the nursery. Tabitha was there as well, though of course she didn't have any luggage.
"Lord Delmar 'suggested' that I assist you, and I don't mind ma'am." Ellis said as he lifted it with one hand. "Is that all you have?"
"Well, yes." She replied. "I think my handmaidens are seeing to another one... or five... more."
Ellis smiled at that."If you follow me ma'am, I'll show you to Lord Delmar's quarters on the Helene."
Fiona knew that he had converted the captain's cabin on the Helene into an office, and she didn't know where he slept since she'd never had reason to take anything to his quarters. She followed Ellis out of the Nursery, glad to be getting the packing out of the way tonight. She had a small bag of personal items she would use tonight, and then they would be departing tomorrow. She just hated waiting until the last minute.
Fiona followed Ellis with Tabby bringing up the rear. They passed through a few hallways, went up the spiral staircase to the airship dock, and then from the dock onto the Helene. It really was a beautiful airship. It was painted with the Narlotten colors of black and red with subtle and tasteful accents of gold and silver. Everything on it was in pristine shape and it looked especially regal in the fading light.
They went below decks and Fiona realized that she probably shouldn't have been surprised that her husband had simply moved into the stateroom nearest to his office. It was quite large for a room on an airship at nearly ten-by-ten feet, but quite small for a stateroom on land.
"Lord Delmar instructed me to show you this ma'am." Ellis said, then gestured to a second door that looked like it had recently been installed. The guardsman-turned-bodyguard opened the door and she walked through to see--
She stopped short and couldn't help but smile.
It was a playroom.
It had been outfitted much like the nursery in the castle, only obviously pared down to fit in the smaller space. An entire stateroom of equal size to their own had been turned into a playroom. It had everything, including a crib that was identical to the one in the castle.
"Lord Delmar said that since you and he would likely be traveling together regularly, he wanted to ensure Conner was provided for as well." Ellis explained.
Fiona beamed, her heart soaring in ways that it rarely had before.
* * *
"This is so lovely."
Ethan smiled at Sarah's description of the inside of Sarisa's home. Despite being a rather large house, it had a homey feel. It reminded him of the pictures he'd seen of villas in Italy, Tuscany maybe. It was warm earth tones lit by torches placed in sconces, and the courtyard in the center had a water fountain and rather a lot of plants. Many of them hung from the higher levels of the three-story house, but not all.
With the fading light, it was very cozy despite the size.
"Mistress Thea!" Someone dressed like a servant called from nearby, and the gorgeous elf hurried over to give the elf woman an affectionate hug. Whereafter, they started jabbering away excitedly in elvish the way that two long-parted friends always seem to do.
Up above them, fireflies were dancing about the inner courtyard, setting off the ivy that was obviously intentionally grown onto the wall. The ivy had been wound around the railings as well, giving the place a slightly rustic look despite how well cared for it obviously was. There was a gentle breeze wafting through the courtyard as well, adding to the feel.
"Yeah, lovely is a great word." He said to Sarah as he looked around.
"I'm honored that you like it." Sarisa smiled. "Come, I've had the chef keep dinner warm so it will be ready in only a few minutes."
She led them through a door into a room that was quite large and dominated by a large table. The table had been set and there was a fire crackling merrily in the hearth. All around the room, on the walls up near the ceiling, there were small oil lamps burning, giving the room that flickering quality of candles, but there were enough of them that with the fire in the hearth, it wasn't dim. All of that, plus through the open exterior windows and doors they could see the twilight sky outside, feel the light evening breeze, and smell the fresh air.
"Dinner will be ready soon." Sarisa said. "Please, make yourselves at home while you wait."
Ethan's wives moved about the room, investigating the various portraits hung on the wall. Some had clearly been done by master painters, though others looked like they had been done by a child.
"Sarisa, can I talk to you for a moment?" Ethan asked their host.
She nodded and then stepped outside the room into an adjoining hall. "How might I help you?"
"So, I'm just going to ask the question, and if I'm off base, I mean no offense, okay?"
She nodded. "Ask."
"How long have you been in love with Kalaya?"
Sarisa smiled. It was a knowing smile without even a trace of embarrassment. "Since before I knew what it was."
That made him smile. "And Kalaya? Does she feel the same?"
"She has never expressly told me so." Sarisa replied. "But then again, I have not asked, and we have not seen each other in over twenty-four years now." Her smile widened. "I would ask how you knew, but I think you might have seen such things before." She flicked her eyes toward the other room where Alana and Rachel were talking to each other.
"I have." He replied, then added. "Maybe Kalaya is like her daughter."
Sarisa's smile changed subtly. It wasn't less happy, but it did seem to take on a hopeful air. "Perhaps, perhaps not. Regardless, I will do everything in my power to free her from her shamed status. My entire fortune, all of my contacts, and anything else that I can offer are at your disposal to that end."
"Even if she isn't like her daughter?" He asked.
"Even if." Sarisa replied. Her tone was soft and gentle yet also firm, holding a strength of conviction that Ethan didn't often hear. "I have been trying to help her for over two decades, and I hope that a prophet of Illuminar -- blessed be He -- will fare better."
"I'll do my best." He said after a moment. "I can't promise that I'll succeed, but I will try my best."
"That is all anyone can ask." She replied, then nodded towards the dining room and they returned to it.
Less than a minute later, they were all seated and the servants had begun to bring out the food. Tellingly, Thea was still talking with the one servant and was carrying a dish in as well while they went on in Elvish. Sarisa prayed and they began to eat.
"This is wonderful." Sarah said after taking a bite. "Is that karatiesin I taste?"
Sarisa looked at one of the servants, who nodded and spoke. "Just a pinch; the cook thinks it adds flavor."
"You must have a sensitive palate." Sarisa said, then took a bite.
"Very sensitive." Thea replied. "The cook only put a pinch or two in the whole dish." She looked at her sister. "Sarah is an absolutely wonderful cook. She's made food on an airship that's as good as some restaurants near the palace."
Sarah blushed, but she was beaming too.
Sarisa looked at one of the servants -- the one Thea had been talking to -- and spoke. "Has our other guest arrived yet?"
"No ma'am." she replied with a bow.
"Other guest?" Beth said. "Who?"
Sarisa got an impish grin that so resembled her younger sister. "You'll see."
Everyone was nearly finished eating when that same servant came back into the room and whispered into Sarisa's ear. Their host smiled, glanced at Alana, daintily placed her napkin on the table, and then stood and addressed everyone. "I will return in a moment."
The Argo's crew all looked around at each other as she left the room, and of course Beth spoke first. "Is the mysterious guest here?"
Ethan shrugged. "Beats me; I guess we'll find out in a minute."
Sure enough, Sarisa returned barely a minute later, though without anyone behind her, then she addressed the room. "I have heard a rumor that a certain heir to a certain house loved Kalaya so much that he would love any daughter of hers like she was his own daughter." She looked at Alana. "So if he were to call such a daughter his daughter, or such a daughter were to call him her father, I would of course assume that's all that was going on."
Sarisa's smile got a slightly impish inflection to it, again reminding Ethan of Thea.
Alana gasped. "It... it isn't..." She hesitated. "... is it?"
"Prophet Ejder, I believe you have met Navaro Nalfigar, called House Heir."
Alana's mouth fell open as an elf with chocolate-brown hair and rich hazel eyes rounded the corner. It took him a split second for his eyes to land on Alana, and his face split into a wide smile the moment he did. If any man other than Alana's father had looked at her like that, Ethan would be fighting a very possessive urge from his dragon instincts. As it was, he smiled too.
Rachel gave Alana a gentle nudge, which was all it took for Alana to scramble out of her chair and run around the table toward him. He met her halfway, moving a bit more decorously, and then he wrapped his daughter in a tight bear hug as she threw her own arms around him.
"I can't believe you're here!" Alana exclaimed after a moment, not letting go.
"Sarisa invited me under the pretense of business." He replied, then kissed the top of her head.
"We do indeed do some business together of course." Sarisa said to Ethan. "It provides a convenient pretext to discuss Kalaya and how to improve her situation on the rare occasions when we can manage it in an appropriate fashion."
"You arranged this?" Ethan asked their host with a wide smile as he watched father and daughter meet for only the second time.
Sarisa nodded. "I know how much I yearn for my own parents, even so long after they passed; I imagine she must as well." She looked at the father and daughter, her smile wide and genuine, though her eyes had a touch of sadness. "I only wish I could hold my own parents like that again."
Thea nodded.
Next to her, her custodian Ahjah was watching these events unfold with a subtle smile on his face. Thankfully, it looked more amused than devious.
He stepped over to him. "Can I talk to you for a moment?"
"Certainly." He stood and they took a few steps away from the table.
"Do not worry, Prophet Ejder." Ahjah spoke before Ethan could, the smile still present as he continued with amusement in his tone. "I would not dare presume that this is anything other than what our host just said: a man embracing the daughter of a woman he loves." His eyes twinkled slightly. "To do otherwise would be to insult my host by calling her a liar, and that wouldn't be very honorable, don't you agree?"
It was Ethan's turn to smile. "I do. It's poor manners to insult one's host."
"I would never wish to be accused of such." Ahjah nodded, that amused smile still on his face.
Ethan gave him a respectful nod of the head, then they returned to the table.
Alana had let go of her father, though they both still had an arm around each other. While Alana definitely looked more like her mother overall, he could see a little of Navaro's influence in her features, especially the hair and eyes. Speaking of her eyes, they were shining with both happiness and happy tears, and the tears had streaked her cheeks. It made a wonderful compliment to the beaming smile on her face.
He walked over to the elf and stuck out his hand. "Navaro."
"Honored Prophet." He head bowed and shook his hand, but didn't let go of his daughter.
"Glad you could make it." Ethan smiled.
Navaro looked at his daughter like she was the most precious thing in the entire world. "I wouldn't have missed this for anything."
Alana beamed.
"Might I suggest we retire to one of the drawing rooms, or to the patio?" Sarisa asked. "I have after-dinner refreshments being prepared now."
Everyone agreed and they all headed out onto the patio. Night had fallen and one of the servants had evidently started a small fire in the brick firepit and placed chairs around it. Nearby, there were several torches lit, providing the perfect level of illumination for a cozy fireside gathering.
Everyone settled in and the servants brought out drinks that were indeed quite refreshing after dinner. Ethan couldn't help noticing that the servants seemed entirely relaxed and even joked with Sarisa and the guests occasionally. They were proper, but seemed content and happy.
"You mention that you've been working with Sarisa to help my mother?" Alana asked Navaro once everyone was settled in. She had found a seat next to her father of course, and he currently had his arm around her shoulder in a slightly protective fashion.
"We have." He nodded. "She sought me out the day that Kalaya's shame became public."
"My family did business with both House Nalfigar and House Kalon." Sarisa spoke up. "That's how I met Kalaya."
"We strategized, and Sarisa has done much work trying to sway influential luminars to believe that someone who is shamed should be able to repent." Navaro explained.
"I have even had some success, but not much." Sarisa added, her face falling slightly. "Many are content to let the tradition stand as it is now."
"Still though, that means we aren't starting from square one." Ethan pointed out. "I'm guessing that's part of the reason the shitstorm I stirred up gained some traction, because you two have been working on it for decades now."
"Building on the shoulders of giants." Selene nodded.
Everyone gave her a strange look.
"What?" The amber-haired beauty looked around.
"Giants? Really?" Beth said almost reprovingly and with a frown, then she shuddered.
"It's an expression from Earth." Selene explained. "It means to add your efforts to the incredible accomplishments of those before you."
"Oh." Sarisa said, and everyone else looked a little relieved.
"That makessome sense, I suppose." Navaro said as if conceding to something reluctantly, the slight bit of alarm in his expression fading at the explanation. "I hope we have helped, because more than anything else, I wish to call her my wife."
"She will need to lose her shamed status before that can happen." Thea said, then looked at Ethan. "Do you have a plan?"
Everyone looked at him, which seemed to happen rather often lately. "Basically, I want to understand why there's such a strong objection first. Once I understandwhy they are so dead-set against it, then I'll probably get those who agree with us together and see what can be done about it."
"Wise." Navaro said, nodding his head slowly.
"I try." Ethan smiled.
He wanted to ask why Selene's comment about giants had gotten such a reaction, but Alana asked Navaro what her mother was like when she was younger. After that, the conversation turned to much lighter topics and it slipped from his mind.
* * *
Sarah yawned and blinked her eyes a few times as she tried to stay awake. The chairs that Sarisa had provided were very comfortable and it had been a long day. A good day, but a long one. Next to her, Tee's eyes were similarly droopy. Alana and Navaro had been talking about him and Kalaya and how they grew up, as this was the first time that Alana had a chance to ask him about it.
Sarah could feel a warmth in her heart that had nothing to do with the cozy fire as she listened. She spoke up occasionally, but mostly she just enjoyed the wonderful normality of a family visiting friends and family on a late summer evening. This was the kind of thing for which she had constantly yearned after getting her problem had made it impossible.
Next to her, Tee's sleepy head slid down the back of the chair and rested on Sarah's shoulder.
She smiled.
After a moment, Tee yawned and lifted her head, then looked at Sarah. "Sorry."
"I don't mind." She replied with a smile.
Tee yawned again -- prompting a yawn from Sarah -- then let her head slide onto Sarah's shoulder again and closed her eyes. Sarah smiled wider, since she was sure that Tee never would've been comfortable enough to do that when Sarah had first joined the Argo's crew. She settled into one of her favorite activities: just watching her family be a family.
"Sarah."
She jerked her head up, not realizing that she'd fallen asleep. Apparently, her head had dropped onto the top of Taloni's, and the Fey had apparently just been startled awake as well. Rachel was standing by them as Ethan and the rest of his wives were getting up, except Alana who was still talking with her father.
"We're going to bed." Rachel said. "Alana is going to stay out here and talk to her father for a bit, and you're welcome to stay, but I thought you both should know."
Tee yawned, stood up, and stretched as Rachel went over to Ethan.
"Sarah." Sarisa said as she approached. "I have a room near Thea's room that's been made up for you."
Sarah smiled, guessing that Thea had requested that.
"She'll lead you to it in a moment." Sarisa said, then walked to where one of the servants was bringing out a tray. Their host took the tray from the servant and then carried it over to Alana and Navaro and offered it to them. "This is Jullaberry root, twice brewed and with honey for the bitterness; it will help keep you awake."
Selene's head whipped around quickly to look at their host. "Can I try some in the morning?"
"Of course, though I warn you it is bitter."
"I'm used to bitter." Selene grinned. It was incredible how her entire face would light up and magnify her already incredible beauty further.
Sarah followed everyone toward the house, said good night to her fellow wives, and got her goodnight forehead kiss from her betrothed. Afterward, she followed Thea toward her room while Sarisa headed in a different direction, presumably to her own room.
"I hope you don't mind that I wanted you near." Thea said in a mock-conspiratorial tone. "I'm worried about my custodian."
Ahjah chuckled. "I will of course be sleeping outside your door, as a custodian should."
"There's always the window." Thea replied with a sly grin.
"Ah, but do we not have an accord?" He replied with a smile.
Thea faltered for a moment, then nodded.
"It's a pity our accord doesn't mention windows then, only running away and behaving indecorously." Ahjah said with a perfectly straight face, but twinkling eyes.
Sarah and Thea chuckled.
"Well, this is me." Thea said when they had arrived, then pointed to the door right next to it. "And that's you."
"Goodnight." Sarah gave her a hug, then addressed both of them. "Thank you so much for helping Taloni and me at the restaurant; I would've humiliated myself without your help."
"It was my pleasure." Thea replied.
"I was happy to assist." Ahjah agreed.
Thea disappeared into her room, then Ahjah laid down in front of the door on his back and closed his eyes as if he was going to sleep.
"Are you really going to sleep there all night?" Sarah asked.
He opened his eyes and looked at her. "That is the occupation of a custodian; it is my duty."
She nodded slowly, then -- not knowing what else to say -- entered her room.
It was lovely.
It had a beautiful artistic flair and subtle elegance that she just adored. However, she couldn't stop thinking about Ahjah sleeping outside on the floor since that couldn't be comfortable. Thankfully, it looked like the room had a few extra pillows on a few chairs, and an extra blanket on one as well.
She thought about it for a moment, then grabbed one of the pillows and a blanket, then opened her door and stepped out holding them... to see that Thea had done the exact same thing. The two women looked at each other and chuckled.
"Thank you very much ladies." Ahjah stood and bowed slightly to them both.
They both offered him the pillows and blankets, which he accepted and then the ladies went back into their rooms. Sarah slipped into the bed and was delighted to find that it was incredibly comfortable. She yawned and fell asleep with a smile on her face.
* * *
"Alana. Alana?"
"Hmm?" She stirred, her head feeling like someone had used it for a drum. She yawned, trying to remember why she felt so... Oh. She smiled; she had stayed up all night talking to her father; her actual biological father.
"Alana?" Ethan's voice said.
"Morning." She mumbled, a smile still on her face.
"Wakey, wakey sleepyhead, it's time to get up." The loveliest voice in the entire Ten Kingdoms said. Though, it wasn'tquite as pleasant as usual given how her head felt.
Alana tried to lift her head, but found she lacked the energy, or maybe the motivation.
"You could just carry her; she likes that." Rachel said.
"You mind?" Ethan asked, probably her.
*M'kay.* She replied telepathically, since that was easier than speaking.
Moments later, her husband's strong arms lifted her off what she had been laying on. Her smile deepened and she snuggled closer to him. She loved this; she loved when he carried her like this because she felt so safe and cozy in his arms.
She sighed.
"Did you want some breakfast?" Ethan asked her softly.
"I'm good." She mumbled, luxuriating in his arms while she remembered the previous night. She didn't think she would ever be able to thank Sarisa enough for that.
"Okay, I need to eat." Ethan said a bit later. "I'm going to set you down in a chair." He paused. "That means you'll need to open your eyes so you don't end up falling out before you're seated."
She chuckled and did so.
He set her down near the same table they'd eaten at last night, and it had the same people around it this morning, with the addition of her father. The food was good, but all she wanted to do was take a nap. Well, that or talk to her father more. She'd gotten many stories from him about his childhood, and nearly as many about his friendship with Kalaya.
"How's the Jullaberry root?" Ethan asked Selene.
"It's... it's not coffee." She said after a moment.
"It is also not valued for its taste; thus I am not surprised it is not to your liking." Sarisa replied.
Selene nodded, but took another sip anyway and then thought to the group chat. *Ethan, could we maybe talk to your parents at some point about getting some coffee beans and a French Press? I'd kill for some coffee most mornings.*
*I don't see why not.* Ethan replied, much to the discomfort of Alana's headache.
"As much as I would like to stay, I must depart." Her father said not long after Alana had sat down. He also looked tired. "Last night was easily the most wonderful night of my life since Kalaya left it, and among the best even before that."
Alana beamed.
"I'm honored to call you my daughter and, as I said last night, I couldn't be more proud of you."
Alana felt herself get a bit choked up and her eyes a bit watery.
Navaro stood and walked over to her, and she jumped up to give him a tight hug, which he returned.
"I love you dear daughter, and I hope we shall see each other like this again soon." He said softly. "I hope it will happen in public soon as well."
"I would love that." She gave him an extra squeeze, then the hug broke.
"Honored prophet, I adjure you by Illuminar Himself -- blessed be He -- that you keep my daughter safe." He was looking into her eyes like... like... like how a dragon might look at gold.
"I will." Ethan promised.
"Take care dear girl." He said to her.
"I will, and you too."
"Of course." His eyes twinkled, much like Ethan's sometimes did, then he gave her another quick hug, a tender kiss on the forehead, and then left.
She sighed.
"Sadly, we can't stay long either." Ethan said. "I'm supposed to meet The King at the palace this morning. If we leave soon-ish, I should be able to get there by late morning."
Sarisa nodded. "It was a pleasure and an honor to host you, your wives, and your friends. You are welcome to my home at any time, for any reason, or for no reason at all, whether or not I am here."
"Thank you." Alana said with a smile, though she still had a slight headache from the lack of sleep.
"Yes, thank you very much." Ethan agreed.
"For the remainder of your visit to Nalatia, I will be in my apartment in the city itself." Sarisa added. "Thea knows where it is, and I extend the same invitation to that home as I have to this one."
Again, Ethan and all his wives thanked her.
Before long, they had finished breakfast and piled into the airship that had brought them here, and the other airship containing The King's guard had taken off with them after everyone had said their goodbyes. As usual, Alana was sitting next to Rachel. However, the elf wasn't so out of it that she didn't notice that the redhead was quieter than usual.
"Are you okay?" She asked quietly as the airship's sails caught the wind and they began their journey.
"I loved seeing how happy you are with your own father." She smiled, but it was a slightly pained smile.
"But you wish you could be with yours." Alana nodded slowly, mostly because nodding quickly -- especially in the bright morning sun -- aggravated her headache.
Rachel nodded.
*Um, everyone.* Alana thought to the group chat. *Could we maybe all pray for Rachel? Mostly about her relationship with her father.*
Ethan gave Rachel a sympathetic look. *I don't see why not; it can't hurt.*
Kendra seemed to hesitate a moment before apparently deciding not to say anything. Alana could guess what Kendra had been going to say, that both she and Ethan had had dreams about Ethan fighting Lord Delmar on a bloody, smokey battlefield. From their descriptions, it had sounded like a fight to the death. Alana put that out of her mind for the moment though. Maybe, just maybe, if they all prayed that could change? She didn't think it would, but again, it didn't hurt to try.
* * *
Fiona gave Vera a hug outside the entrance to the dining hall in the Karnas castle. They had just finished breakfast and were lingering by the dining hall's entrance doors talking. Fiona had no desire to leave right now, not when she had found someone she thought could be a very good friend. Of course, Tabitha was nearby. Thankfully, Vera seemed to have mostly lost her fear of the bodyguard.
"I'm having a hard time believing that was our last breakfast together for a while." Fiona said at a brief lull in the conversation.
"Me too." Vera replied with a smile. It was funny, most of her mousiness had gone away after a few breakfasts. Fiona supposed that no one was at her best when she was worried about being bullied.
"Well, I promise we can be resuming this when I return." Fiona said.
"I would love that." Vera replied with genuine warmth in her smile and eyes.
Fiona's back was to the dining hall, and so Vera was facing it. Her eyes moved from Fiona's for a moment to someone or something behind Fiona, and Vera's smile faded slightly. Fiona turned to look and saw that it was several ladies of the court.
Fiona smiled at Vera as an idea occurred to her. "Come on."
She beckoned her friend back into the dining hall and walked straight up to the ladies who had made Vera nervous.
"Hello ladies." Fiona said genially.
"Lady Delmar." All of them replied with a respectable head bow.
"I'm sorry to be bothering you, but as you know, I'm leaving with Lord Delmar today and I'm not wanting to leave myfriend here all alone." Fiona stressed 'friend' quite heavily. "So I was wondering if some of the ladies of the court could be taking care of her while I'm gone, and making sure that no one is bothering her." She turned to Vera. "And do be letting me know if anyone is; I'm not liking it when someone is picking on my friends."
Vera nodded, though her mouth was slightly open and her eyes slightly wide.
Fiona turned to the ladies. "Could you be making sure no one is doing that?"
She had never seen what it would look like if a room full of spies all agreed to something, but she imagined it would look a lot like this.
"Of course Lady Fiona!" One of them said exuberantly with a wide smile that didn'tquite meet her eyes.
"We would love to!" Another exclaimed and smiled like she had just won the lottery, even though her smile seemed a bit... forced.
All the others replied in a similar fashion.
"Oh good, that's taking such a load off of my mind." Fiona said with a slightly exaggerated sigh of relief, then she turned to Vera. "And I'll be asking Sir Warrick to look in on you while I'm gone. If you're having any problems, I know he can be helping."
The false smiles on the ladies' faces suddenly became slightly less convincing, which of course was the point. No one would cross Sir Warrick since -- as the most senior member of Lord Delmar's council -- he was in charge while Lord Delmar was away from the Castle. Thus, Vera would be safe from any bullying while Fiona was gone.
"Thank you again ladies." Fiona gave them a winsome smile, then took Vera's arm and steered her out of the dining hall.
Fiona started laughing quietly when they were a few hallways away. "Were you seeing their faces?"
She looked at Vera just in time to catch a massive hug from her new friend. "Thank you so much!" She gushed.
"I was happy to be helping." Fiona replied as she hugged back.
"I really should be going and getting ready." Fiona said a few moments later when the hug broke.
"I'll pray for your safe and swift return." Vera said with a wide smile that reached deep into her eyes.
Not long afterward, they'd finished saying goodbye and Fiona had gone to the nursery to make sure that she wouldn't leave anything behind, then she checked the bedroom as well. However, when she walked into the bedroom she was surprised to find her husband there.
"Milord?" She asked.
"Fiona." He replied with a slight nod of his head in acknowledgment. He was looking at a section of the wall that was empty, though not conspicuously so.
"Is something wrong Milord?"
"Not at present." He replied.
"Are you sure?" She asked.
"I am."
Fiona hesitated a few moments, then spoke again. "Can I be asking what you're thinking?"
He didn't reply for several seconds, but at this point, she knew him well enough to know that he would. She wasn't sure why he waited so long to reply sometimes, maybe to phrase his words carefully, but she was learning to tell.
"I no longer have a portrait of Rachel in the castle." He finally said. "As a matter of protocol, they were removed when she was disinherited." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "However, they were not, of course, destroyed. It would not be proper nor in line with protocol to have them hung where they could be seen. However, such a portrait would not break protocol in here."
Fiona smiled. "I'm thinking that's a good idea."
He made a thoughtful sound. "You do?"
"Aye Milord." Fiona nodded. "Remember, I'm hearing you pray for her every night when we're praying together, so I'm knowing how much you're caring, even though you're pretending that you're not. I'm liking that you're wanting a portrait of her in here."
He looked at her for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "I was not sure how you would respond."
She walked over to him and put a hand on his arm. He was almost a whole foot taller than she was, so she couldn't comfortably reach much higher. "I'm loving the idea."
He nodded. "I shall install one when we return then." He paused. "Thank you Fiona."
"You're welcome Milord." She smiled at him.
He made a thoughtful sound. "Were I less..." He paused for a moment. "... damaged, I would express my gratitude in a more physical way."
Fiona felt her cheeks pull into a wide smile. "Really?"
He nodded once.
Fiona wasn't sure if he meant a simple kiss, or all the way up to taking her to their bed. Frankly, she didn't care. This was the very first time she'd had any indication that he was physically attracted to her and that felt just... just... Well, her heart was doing a jig in her chest.
* * *
Beth followed Ethan and her fellow wives across the gangplank onto the Argo and felt an internal sigh of relief at being home again. Not that she hadn't enjoyed the trip to Sarisa's home, she had, but it felt good to be home again.
Behind her, Thea followed everyone across and Ahjah followed behind her. Honestly, it was a little weird to Beth that the elf had a 'custodian' following her around to make sure she behaved. Beth knew her own father would've kept her on house arrest if she'd tried to run away, and she supposed it was good that Thea had more freedom, but still...
"I think I'll take a nap." Alana said, only half mumbling this time. She looked exhausted. She was normally bright and chipper, and she did look happy, but the dark circles under her eyes and bleary-eyed expression did stand out a little.
"I'll join you." Rachel said. "I had some trouble getting to sleep last night, so..." She shrugged.
Alana smiled.
"Do you mind if I crash on the other side of the bed?" Beth asked. "I want to work on my wi--" She stopped, remembering that Ahjah was right there. "Uh, that is, on that project."
Thea's custodian raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.
"The more the merrier." Alana said, her tone dripping with drowsiness, then she yawned.
Beth had just started to head toward the captain's cabin when beside her, Ethan craned his neck slightly.
"What?" The blonde asked.
"I think that's Delabor." Ethan said, nodding toward a small group of wood elves heading toward the Argo wearing clothes that clearly indicated they were from the palace.
Beth glanced at the captain's cabin where Alana and Rachel were heading inside, then back at the incoming wood elves. Of course, shecould go work on her wings now. But then, it would probably be so much more interesting to see what Delabor had to say...
Ethan chuckled.
"What?" Beth asked, since he had been looking at her.
"Where I come from, we have a saying." He replied as he smiled at her fondly. "It goes: 'The only sure things in life are death and taxes'. I think that saying needs an addendum." His smile widened and became impish. "Death, taxes, and Beth's curiosity."
"Dom-i-nus." Beth rolled her eyes as she also chuckled.
"Come here." He beckoned her over and she came. He wrapped her in a hug and kissed the top of her head. "Never change Beth."
"Well, I'm hoping my waistline will change over the course of nine months a few times..." She whispered slyly.
"Okay, you can change that way." He chuckled.
They parted and Delabor arrived not long afterward. Ethan waved him aboard and the herald stopped and bowed once he had boarded.
"Honored prophet, The King has sent me to escort you to the palace for your meeting." Delabor said with another bow. "I am at your disposal and we can depart at your convenience, if you will permit me to deliver a message to Pelathea Wild Child's custodian first."
"Go right ahead." Ethan nodded.
Delabor walked up to Ahjah, pulled out a letter, and handed it to him. Ahjah accepted it with a head bow, then opened it and scanned it.
"What's it say?" Beth asked.
"It's a private letter." Ethan pointed out.
"Not to worry, Prophet." Ahjah said, then he offered it to Beth.
She took it, excited to read what was in-- She stopped, then gave Ahjah a look. "I can't read elvish."
He chuckled. "It says that my presence has been requested elsewhere on the dock at my earliest convenience as a matter of personal business. This letter is permission from The King -- long may he reign -- to go, provided Pelathea Wild Child does not object to accompanying me."
"I don't object." Thea shrugged.
"What personal business?" Beth asked, aware that the question might get her a reproving look from her husband. But really, it couldn't hurt to ask, could it?
Sure enough, Ethan raised his eyebrow at her.
"My approval for a personal item." Ahjah said. "It should not take more than a minute, then we can return. Should you wish to come, you would be welcome, or anyone else, but if you have seen an elf sign papers, then it will not be novel."
"Oh." Beth succeeded in not letting her shoulders slump.
"Um, can I come?" Sarah asked. "I think it would be fun to walk around with Thea and you said anyone else could come, right?"
"I would not object." Ahjah confirmed.
"Okay, but--" Ethan started to say as he turned toward Kendra
"Yes, I can go as well." Kendra spoke up before he had a chance, then she looked at Ahjah. "Security."
"The palace guard will remain to guard the honorable Ahjah Golden-Tongue while he completes his errand." Delabor said.
"Yes, I would be happy to go anyway." Kendra said to Ethan before he'd finished opening his mouth to speak to her.
Beth chuckled.
* * *
Sarah walked behind Ahjah next to Thea with Kendra and the palace guard behind them as they went down the slightly winding dock. She had never seen a dock like this, not up close. She had seen it as they had approached the Argo's docking berth of course, but it was so different seeing it from the dock itself. It was so alive and there were people everywhere.
But the best thing was that no one was treating her any differently than anyone else.
Even Ahjah, who knew she had a demon, seemed no more bothered by her than if Beth had come. The blonde had elected to remain on the Argo to work on her wings instead of watching someone sign papers. Sarah agreed that would've been boring, but that's not why she had asked to come. She wasn't entirely sure why she had asked to come except that it seemed like a good idea. Mostly for Thea, though she wasn't sure why.
"Oh, look at that one." Thea pointed at an Airship as they rounded a 'corner', meaning walked around a massive tree trunk that was supporting this part of the dock. The airship she had pointed to was a bit larger than many others, but very sleek. The Argo was beautiful, but this airship was a work of art.
"Oh wow, that's so lovely." Sarah agreed, then she looked at the name. "Nomad's Pride; that's an odd name."
"Indeed." Thea nodded. "That's definitely a wood elven ship, but 'nomad' doesn't fit with 'wood elf' at all."
"It does not." Ahjah agreed, though his tone was slightly off of normal.
"You don't sound entirely happy about that." Thea pointed out.
"Like any elf, I wish for a wife and children." Ahjah replied. "However, wood elven maidens all want roots as firm and immovable as this city itself." He gestured to it.
"Is that bad?" Sarah asked.
"Certainly not." Ahjah replied as he turned onto a pier and the rest followed him. "However, some prefer a more... mobile life."
"Mobile?" Thea asked, her tone curious.
"Mobile." Ahjah gestured to the airship at the end of the pier that they were walking down, which of course meant it was the airship they were heading toward.
It was the Nomad's Pride.
"I have yet to meet an eligible wood-elven maiden who didn't want deep roots and a green picket fence around them." Ahjah said as he walked toward the gangplank leading onto the weather deck of the Nomad's Pride. "I wish for a family, but could not stand to always have my feet on land."
Sarah looked at Thea and she looked back.
The corners of Thea's mouth moved upward fractionally as her eyes widened ever-so-slightly.
"Your feet are on land now." Sarah said after a moment, still looking at Thea but talking to Ahjah.
"The King made me an offer I could not refuse." He waved at the Nomad's Pride around them, since by now they were aboard. "I could never have afforded her without that offer." He glanced back at Thea with an amused expression. "Apparently, it's rare to find someone skilled in speechcraft who is also 'young enough to climb out a window after a Wild Child'."
Thea got her trademark half-sheepish, half-embarrassed grimace.
"I meant no offence." Ahjah added.
"And I took none." Thea replied, the edge of a smile still nuancing her expression.
She looked around at the beautiful airship around them, and Sarah had to agree that her initial assessment had been correct. It was a beautiful airship. Everything was graceful, flowing lines and almost everything had subtle but intricate carvings in them. Sarah was no enchantress, but she was willing to bet they were self-repairing, otherwise it seemed like they would be destroyed in short order.
"Um, Ahjah." Sarah spoke up. "What did you mean about not wanting to keep your feet on land?"
"One moment." He said, then approached someone on the deck. It was an older elf who looked like he was giving instructions to some younger elves. Sarah guessed they were doing some work on the airship, given how they were dressed and that they were carrying tools. Ahjah talked with the older elf for a few moments, then signed a scroll, then came back to where Thea, Sarah, and Kendra were standing.
"I would wish to marry, but have little hope of finding an elf maiden who could stand to live as I would wish." He waved to the airship around them. "I would wager a whole gold coin that not a single elf maiden in this city would wish to live on an airship, nor to raise a family on one." He looked content enough, but there was a twinge of sadness in his eyes.
Thea stared at him.
"Yes, that is the usual expression I see." He chuckled, but it had the tiniest hint of sadness in it.
"Um..." Sarah looked at Thea who seemed unable to speak. The gorgeous elf's mouth was slightly open and the corners of her mouth couldn't seem to decide whether to smile or not.
"Um, what do you like about airships?" Sarah asked since her dumbstruck friend didn't seem like she would be able to.
"Waking up every morning and seeing something that I've never seen before." Ahjah replied. The corners of his mouth rose fractionally and he got a slightly faraway look in his eye. "There's so much out there, so much to see."
"Are you real?" Thea breathed.
Sarah had to admit that it seemed impossible that Thea would meet someone who shared her wanderlust. But then again, Myla had met Falkaan, Sarah herself had met Ethan, and that wasn't even counting her fellow wives. So maybe it wasn't so far-fetched, especially if you consider that Illuminar might have been orchestrating things.
She smiled as she looked at her still dumbstruck friend.
* * *
Ethan had to marvel as he followed Delabor through the wood-elven palace. Literally every surface had some subtle design in it, and some had entire murals carved expertly into the wood. While occasionally there was a small metal accent, usually copper or bronze, almost the entire thing was done in wood.
Some of the interior walls that weren't made of living trees had multiple types of wood, which of course meant they were slightly different colors. Somehow, an artist who was beyond brilliant had used those different colors of wood to create scenes so lifelike that Ethan had to stop himself from reacting like they were real people or animals. They were that good.
Occasionally he saw a bust of someone, and somehow the artists had even managed to capture such incredible details as pores and even hair. Ethan had no idea how they had done it, but it transformed the entire palace into a work of art. His memory hadn't done the interior justice, and he found himself getting irked that he couldn't share the sight with his wives; all of them.
"Problem, honored dragon?" Delabor asked, pausing outside of an exquisitely carved door that depicted a banquet scene so realistically that Ethan almost found his mouth watering.
"No problem, I just wish that my wives could be here as well." He replied.
Delabor inclined his head. "It speaks well of a man who wishes to share his life with his wives."
"Thanks." He smiled. "But with wives like them, how could I not?"
The herald smiled, then opened the ornate door. Beyond it was what looked like a small garden. The top was open to the sky and the sun was shining in through the canopy of the palace above. It wasn't very large, perhaps thirty feet on a side, but it was well cared for. There were several small fruit trees, many flowers, and everything appeared to be planted in some complex pattern that Ethan couldn't quite make out.
"Greetings, honored dragon." The King said with a bow. Oddly, he was not wearing royal clothes as he usually did. They were still fine, and likely cost more than what a common man made in a month, but they were not so formal.
"Delabor." The King said with a slight nod.
The herald bowed, and then exited the room, closing the door behind him.
"Welcome to my own personal garden, honored Prophet." The King said after a moment.
"You have time to garden?" Ethan asked.
"You ask the wrong question." The elf replied. "The realm I am blessed to steward is built on such life." He waved his hand around to the plants and trees. "I cannot steward this kingdom without remaining connected to the life it is built on, nor the soil in which it grows."
"I like that perspective." Ethan nodded slowly. "I especially like how you said 'steward' the kingdom, not rule it."
"The elven word that is commonly translated into the common tongue as 'king', more accurately means 'highest father'." The King replied. "To wield authority without care and concern for those in your charge is unthinkable, just as it is unthinkable for a father to not care about his children."
Ethan nodded slowly, his comment reminding Ethan of someone. "You know, Thea really adores you."
"I do. And I, her." He smiled. "She is not the fruit of my loins, but I love her as if she was."
"I think that is how adoption should be." Ethan nodded, then looked around. "Well, your garden seems very healthy."
"I could not be a good king if it were not." He replied. "This is my private sanctum, honored prophet. None shall hear us here and you may speak freely."
"I'm honored." Ethan replied, and he would've said that even if he wasn't talking to a wood elf.
"First, I gathered that there were elements that you left out of the recounting of your travels since you last departed Nalatia." The King said. "I would hear of those things you wish to share. Then, I will also have some important matters to discuss with you."
"Okay." Ethan agreed. "Well first, do you know who Lady Ekthros is?"
* * *
Kendra observed Thea's dumbstruck expression as she looked at Ahjah, the gorgeous elf maiden uncharacteristically at a loss for words. Kendra kept her face neutral, but inwardly she was starting to chuckle.
"The last time I checked, I was indeed real." Ahjah replied to Thea's question. Then he pinched a bit of skin on his arm. "I am indeed real." He winked.
Sarah laughed, Kendra smiled, and Thea shook her head slightly, probably to clear it.
"I'm sorry." The gorgeous elf said after a moment. "I just never thought..." She trailed off.
Ahjah looked at Kendra. "Mrs. Ejder, would you perhaps be so kind as to function as Thea's tongue, since hers appears to be malfunctioning."
Kendra smiled at that; she was a Mrs. Ejder. "I could, but I think Sarah would be better qualified."
Ahjah looked at Sarah, who spoke with a wide smile. "Thealoves being on an airship. She loves seeing something new every morning, loves the freedom, and she would probably never set foot on land again except to see loved ones if she could find a way to manage that."
Both of Ahjah's eyebrows went up for a moment, then he looked at Thea with a questioning expression.
She nodded.
Ahjah nodded slowly, a smile started to grow on his face, then it faltered and disappeared. "Alas, I have little to my name save this airship, and none of the titles required to court a member of The King's family, else I would inquire about your bride price." He cocked his head to one side though, and Kendra had spent long enough reading people to know that the wheels in his head were turning; it didn't seem like he was giving up on that just yet.
Thea opened her mouth, paused, then closed it and frowned. She made a thoughtful sound, then spoke. "You don't find my 'wild ways'--" She put that in air quotes. "--unbecoming for a wife?"
He looked at her for a long moment. "I have heard that the mare who is over-spirited in the stall is a joy when allowed to run in the pasture."
Thea smiled.
Kendra didn't get the sense that Thea was attracted romantically, but her eyes were shining anyway.
"You don't object to raising a family on an airship?" Ahjah asked Thea after a moment.
"The idea had never occurred to me, but now that you mention it..." Her smile widened. "I think that sounds perfect."
Ahjah smiled as well, then his smile faltered. "I am your custodian. As a matter of propriety, I believe we should discontinue this conversation, especially since I see little chance that it could lead to the outcome we would both seem to prefer." Despite his statement, Kendra could tell that the wheels in his head were still turning.
Thea nodded slowly, but her smile got an impish edge to it.
Kendra got the distinct impression that she wasn't going to let this go. In fact, she would've bet everything she owned on it. Judging from the pensive expression on Ahjah's face, he wouldn't either.
* * *
"A partial necromancer who is creating demon-possessed men in the Wilding Lands and has involvement with will-breaker rings."
Ethan nodded at The King's summary. "Yup, that's the long and short of it." He had left out how he knew some of that, including keeping Luminar Kossel out of the story and not mentioning that Lord Delmar was a dragon, but otherwise basically told him everything that Lady Ekthros was doing. And for context, he had even mentioned that she used to be a good person.
The King knelt down by one of his plants and touched it. A moment later, Ethan thought he sensed the elf using a bit of magic. The particular plant he touched looked perhaps just a hair less healthy than the others in the garden, possibly explaining why it was getting special attention.
"The Book of Light records that the Ten Kingdoms was once a paradise." The King said. "Though it is not clearly stated, it is believed that Saidow was jealous of mortals because Illuminar -- blessed be He -- had given them the high honor of being made in His image. Many luminars believe it was envy and jealousy that led Saidow to tempt mortals, thus bringing the stain of sin into the world." He stood and looked at Ethan. "Alas, the powers of darkness always stand ready to corrupt the servants of the light."
"That sounds like Lady Ekthros." Ethan nodded. "When she captured us, there were four of us; that's more than two or three witnesses."
"It is." The King nodded. "However, there is a difference between what is allowable and what is prudent. It is allowable to take her into custody based on the testimony of four witnesses, but it would not be prudent nor be likely to result in justice."
"Why not?" Ethan asked.
"You are a dragon, and one that stands accused by some of necromancy." The King replied. "It would not be a difficult defense for a solicitor to argue that you, through compulsion, have altered the testimony of your companions. Thus, many might consider it to only be the testimony of one, not four, and that one has been accused of necromancy."
Ethan set his jaw and clenched his fist. "Damn."
"Profanity does not become a prophet of Illuminar." The King replied.
"Maybe not, but I'm fucking pissed that you're right." Ethan growled, though not at him.
"If Lady Ekthros is as you say, and I personally see no reason to doubt you, then she will not be conquered by passion and emotion, but by cunning and intellect." The King replied. "The reality of ruling is that one must focus on what is possible and how to bring it about, not what is desirable and the wishing of it."
"You think it's possible to get her behind bars?" Ethan asked.
"Perhaps, but it will be nigh impossible for you yourself to bring about her downfall for the reason already stated." The King replied. "It is not right, but ever since mortals succumbed to Saidow's original temptation, nothing in the world has truly been right."
"So there's nothing I can do?"
"I did not say that." The King replied. "Once your business in Nalatia is concluded, then with support from the crown, I recommend that you proceed into the Wilding Lands and destroy her base of power. Yet be cautious, for while demon-possessed men pose an extreme threat, I suspect that something darker and more sinister is behind this."
Ethan stared at him. "Darker and more sinister than demon-possessed men?"
The King nodded. "Not all demons are of the same order, nor are all equally malevolent, intelligent, or powerful. As man differs from man and elf from elf, so also, Nesteri differs from Nesteri as well."
"Nesteri?"
"The elven word often translated 'demon', yet it more accurately means 'fallen spirit'." The King replied. "Many are the spirits that fell in Saidow's rebellion. The rarest few possess both unimaginable power and incomprehensible malevolence. Some possess the malevolence, but not the power; and a few possess the power, but far less malevolence. Some even possess only small amounts of power and malevolence. Again, honored prophet, not all Nesteri are the same."
"Huh." Ethan cocked his head to one side. "I guess I had never thought that demons -- or Nesteri -- were as varied as people are. It hadn't occurred to me that they might not be malevolent."
The King bent down to inspect another plant as he replied. "None are without malevolence, yet some consider their own amusement of more importance than harming mortals. Fairies are one such creature; they are elemental spirits who in their unfallen state maintain the balance of certain elements of the natural world. But as Nesteri, they use those same elements to trick mortals, taking pleasure from causing confusion in them."
"Well, that explains why Taloni gets so upset when someone calls her a fairy then." Ethan smiled.
"Indeed." The King smiled.
Ethan took a deep breath and let it out slowly. It was funny, but he hadn't really considered the existence of other spirits besides angels and demons. It was impossible to deny the existence of those two at this point, but he hadn't thought of other creatures.
Though, from a certain perspective it did make sense. Earth had plenty of legends of those sorts of creatures, so it made sense that they were based on something real. It made sense that the myths, no matter how fantastical, had a kernel of truth at their core from which the legend had sprouted.
All this talk of the supernatural was making his head spin though, so he decided to change topics. "Is there anything you can do to help get rid of Kalaya's shame? Or help put something in place that will allow for that?"
"I have the willingness, but not the ability." The King replied. "As a matter of tradition, The King does not impose himself on matters of doctrine. However, I am able to provide some subtle influence in that direction. I have considered your words very carefully, especially as it concerns your statement that Illuminar -- blessed be He -- is willing to forgive the worst offenses to someone truly repentant. It would be a righteous pursuit to bring the wood elven culture more in line with the character of the God of Light."
"I'm glad we agree on that." Ethan smiled.
"However, I must caution you that Nakhim Nalfigar will oppose the match if he believes that it will harm House Nalfigar." The King said. "He is unusually crafty, even for a member of House Nalfigar."
"Yeah, I keep hearing that." Ethan sighed.
"It should also be pointed out that even if you are successful in persuading the luminars to your position on removing shame, the unshamed person would not return to 'honored' status." The King continued. "That alone would likely prevent Nakhim from granting permission for Navaro to wed your first wife's mother."
Ethan didn't miss that The King hadn't said Alana's or Kalaya's names. He probably wouldn't until they were officially "unshamed", which seemed like it might happen for Alana a lot sooner than Kalaya.
He figured that he'd ask about that. "So, about Alana, Taloni, and Rachel, wouldn't the birthdays I mentioned provide some proof that they were chosen by Illuminar?"
"It could not hurt." The King smiled. "I shall pass that information to Plesius."
Ethan sighed. "I suppose he'll have to be involved."
"He will." The King said, his expression darkening slightly for the first time. "Which is why I invited you here alone, to help you realize the gravity of the mistake that you made yesterday."
"Mistake?" He frowned. "What mistake?
"The one that might prevent you from achieving any success convincing the luminars that a shamed person's shame should be able to be removed." The King replied gravely.
Suddenly, Ethan had a sinking feeling in his stomach.
* * *
Beth sighed as she looked around at the purple hues of the Astral Plane. Her back was killing her. The itching was getting so bad she almost wanted to rip her entire back off, not that she really would, but still...
She flexed her small wings forward, a grin appearing on her face as she did so because they were large enough for that now. Of course, they still didn't extend very far past her fingertips, but she knew that they would eventually. It was the strangest feeling to have an additional appendage and she still hadn't fully gotten used to it.
Despite that, moving them feltalmost natural. Not, but almost. In some ways, she thought she could now sympathize with a baby or young toddler who had trouble properly controlling his limbs. Her control of the wings was slowly getting better, but she was learning one step at a time.
However, it was time for a break.
The itching was better once she got back to the normal world, and it itched too much for her to keep going right now.
She looked around the captain's cabin and saw a purple-hued Alana sleeping with her head in a purple-hued Rachel's lap. The redhead was reading a book while the chocolate-haired brunette slept with a contented look on her face. Rachel was holding the book with one hand and lazily stroking the sleeping elf's hair with the other.
That made Beth smile.
She went over to her body and touched it. Instantly, she could feel her Astral form being sucked back into her body and moments later, she could feel the bed underneath her again. She took a moment to readjust to being in her body again and then opened her eyes and sat up. The room spun slightly, as it always did when she sat up too quickly from the Astral Plane, but it wasn't too bad.
"Progress?" Rachel whispered.
"Some." Beth whispered back.
Rachel nodded and went back to her book, her left hand returning to gently stroking Alana's hair. Again, that made Beth smile. She carefully climbed off the bed, trying not to move it very much so she didn't wake Alana up. She was clear on the other side of it, but was still careful anyway.
She stopped at the desk and opened the drawer to check the portal stones, something she tried to do a few times a day; you never knew what could be--
She grinned.
Quick as a flash, she extracted the letter that had obviously come from Elder Goman's portal stone, opened it, and began to read.
"And?" Rachel whispered from the bed.
"Elder Goman says that he's willing to make a better disguise gem for Ethan." She whispered after skimming it. "He said he'll need some dragon scales and specified how much." She cocked her head to one side. "We should have plenty for that."
"Good." Rachel nodded. "Can you pass the dragon scales to him? I'm somewhat pinned at the moment."
Beth smiled. "Of course."
"Thank you." Rachel whispered, then glanced at Alana and a subtle smile appeared on her face. Beth doubted very much that it had anything to do with dragon scales or disguise enchantments.
* * *
"What was my mistake?" Ethan asked, mentally bracing himself for the answer.
"You likely do not know the role of the high priest in wood-elven society." The King stated, though it felt more like a question in intent.
"No, I don't." Ethan admitted. He had a guess where this was going, which wasn't helping the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.
"The position carries much weight." The King said. "Among the luminars in this kingdom, his word is worth ten times what any other luminar says, and many will follow his lead simply because of the respect his office commands."
"Oh." He grimaced. "Fuck. "
"Such language will not endear you to the luminars." The King said with a significant look. "You are a leader of men; you are not allowed such petty outbursts. I speak of both your profanity here and the manner in which you treated Plesius yesterday." He paused and his face softened slightly. "Regardless of how difficult he was being."
Ethan gave him a half smile. It sounded like a correct translation of The King's statement would be: "Even if he was being an ass", assuming The King would ever be that blunt.
"As I said, the elven word that is translated into the common tongue as 'king' means 'highest father'." The King continued. "Like a father, you are responsible for those in your charge at every moment of every day. It does not matter if you wish to lash out. It does not matter if you are frustrated. It does not even matter if you are perfectly justified and in the right. Regardless of your circumstances, you must consider what is best for those in your charge first."
Ethan inclined his head in concession. "You're not wrong."
"That is not what happened yesterday." The King said.
"Again, not wrong." Ethan conceded.
"You were frustrated and allowed that frustration to take what could have been a polite discussion and you turned it into an attempt to shame him. If your arguments had been delivered respectfully and without the derisive embellishments, it is likely that many of the observers would have accounted you wise and become sympathetic to your position." The King looked at Ethan significantly. "However, you did not."
Ethan grimaced. "No, I didn't."
"You comported yourself with all the decorum and grace of a poorly disciplined schoolchild." The King said.
Ethan winced. "Looking back, yeah, I guess I did."
The King took a deep breath. "There are two kinds of honor in the wood-elven society that are relevant at the present moment, and two corresponding kinds of shame as well. Unfortunately, the common tongue has not the nuanced terms required to accurately describe them."
"Oh?"
The King nodded. "The first kind you are familiar with. Your first wife's mother suffers this shame. It is the serious shame of a breach of moral character by someone who should know better. Its corresponding sense of honor is for those who receive great pressure to compromise and refuse to. This is the higher honor and it is bound to morality and sin."
"Okay." Ethan nodded. "I'm tracking so far."
"The other form is social." The King continued explaining as he knelt to inspect another plant. "It is based on wit and decorum. You gain this honor when you are intelligent, or witty, or display great forbearance when someone else behaves poorly and you rise above it, acting decently even despite their poor behavior."
"Oh." Ethan grimaced. "I kind of shot myself in the foot yesterday on multiple fronts, didn't I?"
The King nodded. "You behaved with poor decorum, despite the wit you displayed. In our culture, both wit and decorum are prized, but decorum is far more so. You clearly reveled in making a fool of Plesius. Aside from some slight admiration of your wit, which will likely fade from memory in light of your indecorous conduct, you achieved nothing positive and caused much harm to you both."
Ethan looked down, feeling his whole body get uncomfortably warm. He had been feeling pretty good about finally putting Plesius in his place yesterday, but now...
He grimaced.
"There is an old elven proverb." The King continued. "A debate between wise men covers both with honor, an argument between fools covers everyone with mud." He paused. "It is shorter and pithier in the elven tongue."
Ethan half-chuckled, but it was hard to laugh much right now.
Really hard.
Damn.
Double damn.
Fuck!
He took a deep breath and slowly shook his head. Alana and Rachel had said something about this and advised him not to antagonize Plesius too much. Man, what he wouldn't give for a time machine right now.
"Conversely." The King continued, something like the edge of a comforting smile on his face. "I do believe that many will see your betrothed in a very positive light after yesterday. She was clearly nervous, but comported herself with decorum and wisdom. Many will take note of that, even despite her demon."
Ethan did manage a small smile at that. "Good, Sarah deserves it."
The King nodded, probably in agreement.
"Okay, so how badly did I fu-- Uh, mess up?" Ethan asked.
"You will need the support of Plesius to advance a motion which would allow a shamed person's shame to be removed." The King replied. "At least, you will if you wish it to gain traction and eventual success."
Ethan's shoulders slumped.
"However, after that display yesterday, he himself will have lost much of the 'lesser honor' as well." The King continued. "By damaging his 'lesser honor' yesterday, you have not only alienated one whom you will require on your side, but you have damaged his ability to aid you even if he could be brought to your side."
"Oh, it gets worse." Ethan groaned and clapped a hand to his forehead. "Tell me that it doesn't get any worse."
The King didn't reply.
Ethan looked at him, a grimace on his face and a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. "It gets worse, doesn't it?"
The King nodded.
Ethan opened his mouth to swear, but stopped himself. Right now, he really wanted a drink. A stiff drink and maybe rather a lot of it. Of course, that would likely be counterproductive. Another part of him wanted to pretend that he was five and hide in his room in a blanket fort. However, that wouldn't help anyone right now.
"How much worse?" Ethan asked.
"It happened in public with many members of the court present." The King said. "It is not considered inappropriate for public altercations to be the subject of gossip because they happened in public and are not considered privileged or private. This news, that the reputed prophet of Illuminar -- blessed be He -- lacks self-control and made a fool of himself and the high priest, will travel across the land more quickly than you can imagine."
Ethan found himself wondering how deep a hole he could dig. A literal hole, not a metaphorical one; he wanted a place to hide. But as much as he would've liked that, it wouldn't help the problem that he created. He took a deep breath as his shoulder slumped further. He'd screwed up. He'd screwed up big time.
"That's going to make everything harder, isn't it." Ethan said. It wasn't a question.
"Indeed it will." The King replied. "Far harder."
"I made an ass of myself last time I was here too, didn't I." Again, not a question.
"Less than you might think." The King replied. "Many of the incidents that would have resulted in a loss of 'lesser honor' during that visit happened in private, not publicly. Honor dictates that private events should not be the subject of gossip. The altercation in the throne room and your resultant loss of temper was precipitated by Plesius saying that your wives were dishonorable women, when not all of them were. Your reaction to that was stronger than warranted, but as you clearly love your wives and Plesius misspoke, few would think very ill of you given that you were defending their honor."
"Misspoke?" Ethan raised his eyebrow. "He was intentionally baiting me."
"I know." The King gave him a sympathetic look.
"Is that it?" Ethan asked. "Or does it get even worse."
"There is yet one more thing."
"Oh, fu--" He caught himself. At least in the wood-elven realms, he supposed he should watch his language a bit more.
"You are learning." The King smiled.
"My skull might be thick, but it's not impregnable." He replied with a sigh. "Okay, lay it on me."
"For several decades, there has been a small but growing movement among some of the younger wood elves toward questioning Illuminar -- blessed be He -- and the Book of Light." The King said. "That has naturally led them to question the legitimacy of luminars in general."
"And I didn't help because if even the 'prophet of Illuminar' isn't respectful to the high priest, why should they be?" He paused as something else occurred to him. "Oh, and I bet that applies to regular luminars as well."
"Precisely."
Ethan felt wrung out, like someone had thrown a wet blanket on him before taking all the wind out of his sails.
Damn.
If only he'd kept his cool and not goaded Plesius. The King had said that he would've scored a great victory if he had been less mocking. Ethan still felt like Plesius had deserved it, but The King was right; he should've been thinking ahead. He should've considered where he was and who was listening. Most importantly, he should've thought about how what he said would've affected Alana, Navaro, and Kalaya.
"You may sit if you wish." The King said, indicating something nearby.
Ethan looked and there was... wow. It looked like The King had carefully formed an entire tree into the shape of a chair. The seat, armrests, and back had been formed from branches and the trunk formed the middle of the back. Ethan took The King's advice and slumped into the chair.
"This is sometimes what it means to rule." The King continued speaking. "I believe the expression in the common tongue is: 'Heavy is the head that wears the crown'."
"I don't have a crown though." Ethan replied, shocked at how comfortable the strange tree-seat was.
"You are a leader." The King replied. "The principle still applies."
Ethan slowly nodded.
"You also have your pilot's husband planning to join you, and with many men under his command." The King continued, Ethan having mentioned that the previous night. "I suspect that more will join you eventually. Thus, if you wish to be a good leader, it would behoove you to begin striving toward that end. Those who follow you deserve nothing less."
"You're right about that." Ethan agreed wholeheartedly. "It sounds like I need to start with some self-control."
The King nodded. "Courage and self-control are not only cardinal among the virtues, but the form of every virtue when it is tested."
Ethan nodded. "Honestly, I've always struggled with that." He half chuckled. "You know how I ended up here? I got some really bad news and kicked something in my apartment." He then had to explain about gas stoves and what happened because he broke the line and then fell asleep. "So yeah, I've always had a bit of a temper, and becoming a dragon didn't help."
"It is difficult to conceive of a situation in which it would." The King replied calmly.
"So what should I do?" He asked after a moment. "How do I fix this?"
"That is an excellent question for tomorrow, when you are feeling improved." The King replied. "There are ways that this could be resolved in a positive manner, but all will require time and thought."
"Right, rash action got me into this."
"Indeed." The King nodded. "The thinking that delivers you into a poor situation is virtually never the thinking that will extricate you from it."
"Fair." Ethan nodded, still finding the strange chair to be very comfortable. "I take it that I'll need to make up with Plesius? He's kind of a..." He cast around for a suitable 'decorous' word for 'asshat', but couldn't think of one. "Well, I can't imagine him ever forgiving me."
"Then you know little of wood-elven high priests, nor how they are selected, nor the requirements for them to maintain such a high office." The King sat down in another one of the tree-chairs nearby.
"So, what does it take?"
"At minimum, memorizing the entire Book of Light." The King replied. "More importantly, a lifetime of faithful service to Illuminar -- blessed be He -- impeccable character, and zeal for what is good that surpasses those around him by a considerable margin."
Ethan resisted the urge to snort-laugh, you know, since he was going to try andnot make things worse for a change.
The King got a tiny smile on his face, almost certainly because he'd read Ethan's face, and then he continued. "Perhaps most relevantly, every quarter of every year, no less than three telepaths must be permitted into his mind to ensure that his commitment to Illuminar -- blessed be He -- goodness, and purity remain unsullied."
Ethan raised his eyebrow.
"Plesius is uncommon among high luminars." The King leaned back in his chair and put his arms on the armrests. "There is a new movement that has begun to grow among our youth in the last several decades. They are beginning to find discontentment with the God of Light in a way not seen in our realms for over a thousand years. Many are concerned, and yet none seems to know from where this movement is growing. Plesius has been among the foremost of those who foresaw this problem when it was much smaller, and has endeavored night and day to correct it. "
"So what's his problem with me then?" Ethan asked. "He was the one who picked a fight with me the first time we met."
"He believes that Illuminar -- blessed be He -- would not choose someone such as yourself as a prophet." The King replied. "He believes that marriage to such women as you have married is proof that you are unfit to be a prophet, and this in turn has caused him to seriously consider the testimony of Lord Delmar that you are a necromancer."
"Great." Ethan sighed.
"Plesius is perhaps a bit too zealous." The King added. "He is younger than many high luminars, and possesses a compulsion to act when he sees something he considers to be against the will of Illuminar -- blessed be He." The King paused for a moment. "He was chosen partially for this reason, as the rest of the luminars knew that he would take swift action. It was also believed that since he is somewhat younger, he might understand the current crisis better. This has its advantages, but also disadvantages, as was on display yesterday. He does struggle with his temper somewhat."
"So, he acts before he thinks, he's a bit too zealous when he does act, and he has a temper." Ethan said, then looked at The King. "I feel like you're trying to make a point."
The King looked at him pointedly.
Ethan raised his eyebrows, not sure what The King could be--
Oh.
All amusement disappeared from Ethan's face. "You're kidding me."
"The similarities are indeed vastly outweighed by the differences, but you cannot deny that they exist." The King replied.
"Oh, yes I can." Ethan replied, making the extra effort to ensure that his tone remained even.
The King smiled. "Perhaps you should discuss it with your wives. Your fourth wife strikes me as quite perceptive, and you are so smitten with them that you are less likely to grow irate."
Ethan nodded in concession, thinking that the expression on his face was probably reminiscent of Thea at the moment.
The King stood up. "I have other business to attend to."
Ethan stood as well. "Thanks for giving me the heads up; I really appreciate it."
"You are welcome." The King nodded. "There is one more item on another topic."
"Oh?"
"The Crown Prince of the Ten Kingdoms is here in Nalatia." The King added. "He wishes to meet with you at some point, though he did not specify when."
Ethan grimaced.
"I do not believe you have anything to fear." The King said. "Prince George is a level-headed and open-minded man. He has already spoken at length with both Lord Delmar and also Plesius, and still maintains an open mind."
"Well, that's good at least."
"He will arrange a meeting at some point, however, he was non-specific as to when."
"Okay, thanks for the heads up."
"You are welcome." The King replied.
He and The King said their goodbyes and then Ethan followed Delabor out of the castle and back toward the Argo. He had a lot on his mind sorting through the conversation. His heart was still sitting somewhere near his knees.
*Sir?* Alana thought to the group chat, her mental tone tentative. *Is everything alright?*
*It's...* He sighed, realizing that all of his wives had surely sensed how he was feeling. *Not really. I'll... I'll explain when I get back to the Argo.* Procrastination might not have been the right move, but he just didn't feel up to telling her right now.
*Drago?* Kendra thought privately to him a minute later. *I can tell you're feeling down and I have something that might help cheer you up.*
*Oh?*
She explained about Thea and Ahjah, which actually brought a small smile to his face. *Kendra, have I told you that I love you lately?*
*Yes, and I love you too.* She replied, a softness in her mental tone that he rarely heard in her voice. *We're all heading back to the Argo, so I'll see you soon.*
*Sounds good.* He replied.
Despite everything he'd just learned and the mountain of tasks ahead of them, many of which had been made harder by his own stupidity, he couldn't feel entirely down. The news about Thea and Ahjah, and especially Kendra reaching out like that had slightly lifted his spirits despite the obstacles. He still felt like crap, but at least there was a bit of light in it.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Note: This chapter began on day 133 of Ethan's life in the Ten Kingdoms and ended on day 134. I submit new chapters on the last Wednesday of every month, and they usually drop after the 2-3 day review process. Thus I'll submit the next chapter on July 30th, and it'll probably drop on August 1st or 2nd.
I'd like to extend a very special thanks to my editors, and also three of my readers, one of whom didn't want to be credited by name. So "Anonymous", Joseph, and "Veron De La Morte": thank you so much for your support. I really appreciate it.
STORY TAGS: dragon, magic, elf, teen, romance, virgin, harem, blonde, brunette, redhead
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