The comfort of ale running down the throat brought warmth to the body as a cold gentle wind made dusting snow dance.
I sat in one of the wooden chairs on the balcony overlooking the street leading to the heart of Siegfried.
Patches of snow piled on either side as children, both monster and otherwise, played in its cool embrace.
Steam rose from mugs holding freshly brewed coffee or the melted chocolate the children loved.
Nodding to a passing lizardman, it was hard to believe that only a year had gone by.
Within that year, Siegfried had gone through a form of metamorphosis as its boundaries were expanded til its size was half of Ironclad.
Many buildings were razed and the materials scavenged were used as foundations for new homes.
Some buildings were expanded upon such as Raven's Claw and several Inns providing more space to accommodate everyone including the traveling merchants.
Though hard to believe, there was even a popular tailor shop ran by a skeleton named Mykil who had quite the imagination when it came to looks.
He was just one of many monsters that took up a normal living.
I remembered something Cortez mentioned about it wasn't all smooth sailing when he arrived in Siegfried.
Though I didn't quite understand the reference, I understood the many trials he went through trying to sail across the Great Sea and modifying his ship to traverse land using spare scrap from the battle in Vusta.
There were a number of trials that plagued Siegfried's change into a capital.
The first was that an income shortage became a deep thorn in the side when the number of travelers declined.
Though people didn't seem affected by it, I knew that if the circumstances continued then something needed to be done.
After months of council, it was Isabella who had come up with a possible solution to the lack of income.
Her centuries spent dealing in commerce has led to many powerful contacts that extended from traveling caravan owners to lumber barons.
She proposed to send each said contact an invite to Siegfried along with some of their personal clients to come experience Siegfried first hand.
Upon a unanimous vote, such invitations were sent out by trusted couriers that were surprisingly answered within a matter of days.
Their welcoming wasn't the best thanks to the forest creatures such as spider-ants and the occasional barghasts but they left knowing that Siegfried was a safe haven.
[(Thanks to the little bat, we were able to make Siegfried what it is now. Still can't believe a few of her contacts remembered me when I was just spare protection.)]
Sighing, I took another long sip of ale before turning my eyes onto the towering Guild Hall.
Adventurers considered monsters as potential extra coin pieces to fill their purses until the point of busting.
This was a well-known fact that I had often used to my advantage on numerous occasions.
Many of the young adventurers salivated watching such gold freely walk the streets while others simply didn't care either way.
It was those that acted upon their greed that made it difficult to keep a relative peace between everyone.
It seemed like almost every week that reports of conflicts between humans and monsters found their way onto my desk.
Though they couldn't be blamed for everything, it seemed that the coming adventurers had started most conflicts by taunting their prey.
Knowing such conflicts would happen, I requested Nathaniel and his paladins to keep a keen eye out for any signs of turmoil.
They exceeded my expectations in most situations but there was only so much that they could do alone.
With the council's vote, I visited the old Guild Master who promptly demoted any accused adventurers on the spot.
[(They sure didn't take that too nicely. That reminds me, I still owe the old man a few tables and chairs. I'll see if Sven could come up with something.)]
I enjoyed the sweet aroma coming from the mug full of newly brewed honey ale that Momma Joan started serving last winter.
She was among the first ones to accept the different tastes that our new additions had including Luca who gave Momma the idea.
Luca had a secret ability when it came to working the kitchen along with being an exquisite archer.
I'd go as far and say that his knowledge almost rivaled that of Momma as he continued to make wonderful dishes.
This combination of styles was just the beginning of the ideas formed in the new kingdom called Nedora.
"Uncle Jackal!!" a small voice came from the sliding door.
I smiled when Lilliana dove into my chest the minute I turned to greet her like always.
Wrapping my arm around her waist, I spun her around a few times to the joyful laughter she made before gently setting her down.
She wobbled for a moment trying to keep her balance before falling forward into my open arm once more.
The year also proved to better the bond between Veronica and I, making it easier whenever they visited.
I had decided to put much of my past behind us to forge a future where the VonKnight twins were allies once again just like Uncle would've wanted.
"My, my," kneeling down with an impromptu confused expression, "have you gotten a tad bigger since the last I saw you?"
Lilliana chuckled, "No Uncle, you're kneeling down making me look taller."
I patted her head, "I guess you're right."
Turning to Veronica who smiled as she leaned against the doorway, "She's looking more like you each time I see her."
"That's a blessing," Theo chimed in as he appeared beside her, "and a curse."
He smiled taking my forearm, "Wouldn't you agree?"
"Within time we'll have to pry would be suitors off her," I nodded in agreement.
I poured three glasses of ale while Lilliana was given a cup of recently squeezed lemon juice mixed with a hint of lime.
She downed the soured juice in one gulp before asking for another which made the three of us laugh.
A toothy grin that warmed everyone's heart appeared on her face when I poured her another glass.
It wasn't too hard to believe Veronica was her mother especially when they shared the stomach for sour things.
Acting on the similarities, I grabbed a spare glass hanging on the side of the table and poured Veronica some juice as well.
Taking a seat, "How is Freya doing these days?"
"She seems to be fine," Veronica muttered as she gave Theo her cup of ale.
She downed some juice, "We received word that the High King had accepted her claim to the crown and set a date next fall for an official coronation."
Theo added after taking a swig of the first ale, "She still wishes that you were dead."
"Theo," Veronica slapped his arm.
Though it hurt a little, I completely understood Freya's mindset since the weight of her father's death was huddled on my shoulders.
Sighing, "It's alright Veronica. After all if I had been stronger, then he would possibly still be here."
The image of that damnable pink haired woman tossing me around like some novice erupted to the surface of my mind along with the words Freya said to me afterwards.
I listened to Veronica and Theo trying to cheer me up as guilt took over when the faintest movement of a figure ducking behind the velvet curtains caught my eye.
I smiled and silently got up from my seat while Veronica continued to try her best comforting me before walking quickly to stand against the glass door just opposite the hidden figure.
Two velvet fox ears fluttered in the wind as they appeared past the threshold to the amusement of Theo and Veronica who tried telling the searching sapphire eyes where I was hidden.
An involuntary gasp came from surprised lips when I held out a cup of ale and cleared my throat.
I grinned when Ashe placed a hand on her chest, "I was wondering when you'd finally get out of bed Little Fox."
She snickered and quickly took the mug, "I told you to wake me when you and Nyx got up, Mongrel."
"Instead, you allowed me to sleep way later than I should," she shook her head before taking a small sip, "and offer ale as a peace offering."
I rested my hand against her cheek before leaning forward to kiss her greedily just to be pushed away when Theo whistled.
Her face became flustered when remembering that we had guests and pulled me closer so that I acted like a shield.
I grinned watching her quickly smooth out the silk nightgown she wore before trying to fix the stray strands of bed hair fluttering about.
Though his proposition was unnatural, feelings did blossom between the Little Fox and I just as Thirteen had probably predicted.
There was an understood agreement that Nyxis was my main wife though that didn't stop me from displaying how I felt about Ashe.
[(Never thought my slip up during the first interaction with the Vaniel prince would bring about a second Queen.)]
"Mongrel," her eyes narrowed, "do you care to clothe me in a coat of shadows?"
She looked down at her attire, "It's highly improper for a woman to be seen wearing only a nightgown for public eyes."
I gave a small courteous bow before holding out my palm between us and focused on converging the hidden shadows at its vocal point.
Strands of shadows began to yarn themselves into a small ball that moved in each direction like a mass of coiling serpents.
When the amount of desired shadows were congregated, I ran the shadowy orb over her body.
The shadows enveloped where I touched until an elegant coat that rivaled the noble tailors covered her.
Her eyes had a elegant glow contrasting the flowing obsidian that I couldn't help but steal another quick kiss before joining the others.
Taking a seat, I took note that Lilliana had her eyes covered as Ashe sat next to me.
She asked in an innocent voice, "Is it safe to look now?"
Veronica moved her hands down when noticing my confused look before asking, "Why wouldn't it be?"
Lilliana smiled, "Because Uncle Jackal and Aunty Ashe kissed."
The three of us shared a laugh while Ashe became flustered once more.
Theo shook his head, "It's only natural between a husband and wife. Think of it as a way parents show affection to one another."
"You'll understand when you're married," he stole a quick kiss from Veronica.
"And we're in no hurry for that," Veronica narrowed her gaze, "right dear?"
"Right," he quickly took a drink of ale to my laughter.
We spent the next few moments just talking about many different things that held no real importance.
I was informed that both the Academies had decided to start a new program for younger individuals wishing to hone their skills and that the Magic Academy had accepted Liliana.
Theo patted her head and talked about how she would be attending when the new semester starts.
Ashe laid her head on my shoulder when I discussed Thirteen's recent visit and the ideas of placing wards along the roads.
The wards would act like a deterrent toward monsters calling the forest home allowing for safer travel.
A raven's caw screeched from above making us look up to see Orion slowly descend to the balcony as the black haze hid his shifting form.
He patted any dirt from his black clothes when he landed before striding to join us like any well-mannered butler.
Seeing him, Lilliana practically leapt from her seat and rushed toward his inviting arms.
He proceeded to toss her high into the air to her amusement only to be caught once more.
I sensed joy coming from the link we shared with each toss and it warmed my heart.
[(It still surprises me how well he and Isho took to being like older siblings to Lilliana.)]
Sighing, I found Veronica looking at me with serious eyes. Understanding her gaze, "Orion."
He looked at me with alert eyes as if sensing the shift of tone, "I know you just got back home but do you care to take Lilliana to get some custard or pie from Luther while we discuss something?"
Orion scratched his chin looking at the pitiful eyes Lilliana was giving him after hearing the names of much favored sweets.
He pretended to be indifferent, "I don't know, Father. Has she been good?"
Veronica laughed, "Yeah and much more."
"I've been accepted into the Magic Academy Big Brother Orion so I'd say it's reason enough for sweets," Lilliana puffed out her chest.
Orion bowed, "Then what are we waiting for?!"
He gave a small grin, "I shall watch over her to the best of my ability, Aunt Veronica."
I tossed him a bag of gold, "There should be enough for two pies. You two can pick what flavors and bring Nyxis home for lunch."
"We'll all have a slice," my mouth watered a bit just thinking about the coming treats.
Like many times before, a black haze soon engulfed Orion's figure as he transitioned into the dire wolf form he much preferred.
He stood tall like a majestic black steed centered in the utterly awed eyes of Lilliana.
She grabbed tufts of fur in each hand and climbed onto his broad back while he nudged her upward until sitting nicely just below his neck.
He gave a low growl telling her to hold on tight for what came next.
Orion gave one last glance before bounding toward the banister and leaping over it as Lilliana laughed uncontrollably.
Veronica pulled a rolled parchment out of her burlap coat and placed it at the table's center after a few moments.
I grabbed it and gazed at the fine beige coloring, "Did you open it to see what it said?"
[(Wrapped in the same violet strand.)]
Veronica shook her head, "Didn't really need to since the seal gives the sender's identity away."
She downed some ale hoping to get rid of the foul taste in her mouth, "I figured you'd be interested in seeing what profoundness is written inside."
The paper felt smooth against my fingertips as it spun in one complete cycle before stopping on the familiar seal placed above the binding violet string.
Examining the seal, I noted that it was about the size of a gold piece pressed against the paper and had the coloring equivalent to smashed black berries.
An image of a remorseful hummingbird's head holding barley stared off into the empty void of its waxy imprisonment.
My gut wretched upon remembering the seal and those who sent the letter.
I found myself greedily sucking down what was left of my ale hoping to rid the foul taste accumulated.
[(I can only guess what names they called us inside.)]
I offered the parchment to Veronica, "Would you like to do the honors or shall I?"
I shared the utter disgust tucked in her gaze at seeing the seal.
She pushed my hand back after a few moments, "I'd rather burn it like the others."
"Others?" I asked curiously.
Theo was quick to answer though I had already noticed the slight trembling in Veronica's hands, "The first arrived three months ago when the High King's envoy announced that a new ruler was to be selected."
He chugged the rest of his ale before pouring another, "Damn courier nearly trampled Lilliana just to deliver it. He seemed scared speechless as if carrying Death's mark."
Veronica grabbed Theo's ale and downed some before chasing it with a gulp of juice.
She shook her head, "I didn't want anything to do with it after realizing who the sender was so I had Theo to burn it."
Puzzled, "What changed your mind?"
She shrugged, "Nothing as of yet."
Her knuckles became white as nails dug into her palms, "They are impulsively consistent beyond mere belief. Another parchment showed up at our doorstep the following week carried by the same courier only to be followed by many more."
She let out a confused sigh, "I don't understand why they are trying so hard to get our attention now after disowning us for being born."
It puzzled me just as much especially considering the harsh words the party in question had described us and the extreme lengths they disregarded us.
Sighing, I pulled the velvet string free from its knot and slowly unfurled the curling paper until the contents could be seen.
My eyes read every letter while mana flowed into the paper searching for anything suspicious between each margin.
I felt Ashe raise her head off my shoulder and stretch about before noticing the shift in atmosphere along with the simple document in hand.
Though the words were written in Dökkálfar runes, I knew she was trying to use the many times spent practicing the language to decipher what was written.
I almost fell out of my chair laughing after reading the parchment twice just to make sure that my eyes didn't deceive me.
The contents were a request to attend a meeting between the Dökkálfar and Ljósálfar houses as a neutral party.
Such a meeting was to hopefully discuss a possible peace treaty between each governing house after centuries of war.
It was so hard to believe that a possible peace could be achieved especially since both participants in question weren't above assassination or kidnapping.
I took a drink of ale and looked over the parchment one last time before making my mind.
[(It all seemed a little too strategic for my taste. If they wanted peace, why not invite those of Dualitas that have no allegiance to either party than invite complete outsiders?)]
I reached into Penumbra and pulled a rolled parchment baring the same seal.
I placed it at the table's center with the one Veronica brought, "It seems you weren't the only one."
Veronica's eyes went wide at seeing the matching seal, "How did they know whether you were alive or not?"
This was the exact question puzzling me now for several weeks ever since a courier had delivered it to the manor.
I knew that our mother's death had reached the ears of each Dökkálfar house thanks to the family friends who placed the protective wards on her tomb.
They also informed me that mother's family was only affected for a brief second upon hearing the news before shrugging it off like some beggar asking for spare gold.
Mother's family never cared for her after discovering she had fell in love with a human and bore his children.
To be frank, it would've surprised me more if they didn't know I was alive since her death was officially tied to my hand.
[(A delayed I told you this would happen, possibly?)]
I shook my head, "I don't know how they managed to find me but we now know first hand just how resourceful they are."
Ashe grabbed one of the invitations and tried reading the word.
She looked at me was a puzzled expression, "Why send an invitation in the first place? I know I'm an outsider here but it sounds like they couldn't care less if you're alive or dead, Mongrel."
That was a very good question that had thousands of solutions trailing behind it ripe for the picking.
Unlike father, our mother never really mentioned her side of the family except whenever she would speak badly of them but that wasn't too often either.
It felt like just her speaking of them was similar to drinking poison for hydration.
Both Veronica and I understood from the only time they visited that they had a god complex like most stereotypical full bloods.
We were seen as black sheep tampering their pure flock and this invitation was some kind of bait to get rid of us.
My mind played out the night they came to visit as my eyes moved along the written words with Ashe.
It was a cold Turdus in late Ultia when a series of heavy rasps pounded on the large door that boomed like thunder.
Their cold gazes made the body shiver when mother finally introduced us when father was near.
An argument broke out between them and mother when she defied their wishes to leave our family that resulted in mother being struck hard.
Father baring his fangs like a rabid dog daring them to strike mother once more while we hid behind them filled with utter terror.
Taking a much needed drink of ale, "They probably have spies plastered everywhere; in Ironclad or in numerous professions gaining any intel they need."
"That could be a possibility," Veronica nodded in agreement, "a lot of people do go through Ironclad so it wouldn't be hard to blend in."
Theo added, "Not to mention most of the caravan guards and hired muscle are often Dökkálfar."
A thought occurred to me, "As for my case, I have a feeling they heard the same rumors you did before coming to Siegfried or even told the very rumors."
Veronica's mind could be seen working to understand my meaning.
I rested my head on my closed fist, "Anyway, it seems they wish for us to act as a neutral liaison for a peace treaty with the Ljósálfar."
Veronica bursted out with laughter while I looked on unfazed by her understandable reaction.
Her smile disappeared after realizing that I was serious, "The Dökkálfar and Ljósálfar houses have truly decided it was time for peace?!"
"I agree that it sounds unbelievable," handing the invitation she brought, "but read it for yourself."
She swiped it from my hand, "Maybe you can see something that I don't."
The next half hour was spent reading the invitation multiple times and discussing different reasons why we were chosen for such an unwanted opportunity.
Ink outlined the crimson obsidian of my aura while my eyes burned searching for anything unseen.
Many people often hid messages in normal looking writings though most tend to forget that a strong flow of mana could break the encryption based on the individual.
As time passed, nothing seemed to change but Ashe and I continued to search for anything just as Veronica and Theo were.
All four of us were determined to find anything hidden even if it didn't seem to be fruitful.
[(Though unbelievable, it could simply be what it appears this once.)]
"Mongrel," Ashe grabbed hold of a corner after laying her head in her arms, "put mana into it once more."
Puzzled, I did as she asked and once again focused mana into the paper. Her eyes widened, "There's writing on the back!"
Veronica and I practically raced to flip over our individual invitations to see what Ashe saw on the back.
Without wasting time, I focused mana through my fingertips once more to discover a different note hidden on the back.
I quickly read the small message only to be surprised when finding that it was more of a plea than its counterpart.
The writer was requesting that we accept the invitation despite past grudges held and that more information shall be given upon arrival if accepted.
My eyes met Veronica's gaze as she answered my unspoken question before lowering her invitation so the words could be read.
Ashe pointed at the name at the bottom, "Who's Ne-far-i?"
[(If I'm correct, Nefari roughly translates to blue dawn.)]
The name felt so familiar in my mind and yet so foreign when trying to picture a face with it.
My mind began to hurt as I repeated the name over and over again trying to remember the person who owned it.
Based on the individual greeting written, it was safe to say that the writer knew each of us personally and didn't mind that we were Halflings.
That aspect should have been a dead give away for the person's identity but acted as the perfect camouflage since that part of the family disowned us.
I was about to pour some more ale when a loud explosion came from inside Siegfried.
I rushed over to the railing just in time to see the serpentine figure of the Bone Claw Tribe's leader rushing to get me before a tower of smoke.
More eruptions boomed with the force of ten giants behind him as combined screams soared skyward.
Distant figures could be seen rushing to safety between the two buildings at the end of the street while others hurried to see what had happened.
Heightening my hearing, I heard the grunts of battle laced with the clashing of metal echoing off stone walls.
Anger burned in my chest when the faint whimpers of Lilliana boomed in my ears.
Gru-Gru stopped just below me and roared, "Lord Jackal!!"
"Four Dökkálfar have taken Lady Nyxis," his voice was a mixture between a hiss and a wheeze.
My ears were filled with the growing screams of Lilliana as she yelled for Orion to wake up and the familiar defiant grunts of Ogga that I barely understood what Gru-Gru had said.
I focused on the link between Orion and I only to discover Lilliana's tearful eyes begging for some sign that everything was ok.
Ogga towered behind her with his front facing them and arms spread wide like shields protecting against the flurry of spells being launched.
I saw those responsible just underneath his right underarm along with two unfamiliar Ljósálfar fending off Nathaniel.
A third held the unmoving figure of Nyxis like a sack of potatoes watching everything behind the safety of a barrier while Duval and Kuval slammed into it.
"Tell me on the way," I pulled Poena from Penumbra ready to confront our new arrivals.