"I believe you will accomplish alot in this life. You will also probably annoy several gods, I'm sure." Plight said.
"I probably already have." I noted as we reached the herbalists.
We went inside and I told them exactly what we needed and how much. Then borrowed their mortar and postal, along with alchemy set, to properly prepare the ingredients. Plight was handling it, and I guided him through every step of making the truth potion.
Once it was complete, we headed back and gave the potion to Haril. "If by some stroke of bad luck, Dane does die while talking.. then I know who orchestrated this foolishness." I said.
"Oh? Then why aren't we dealing with this individual?" Haril asked.
"Same reason as always, Haril. Because the Kingdom is corrupt and it's not legally a crime to attempt to kidnap a commoner." I replied with a sigh. "But I don't think my Dad will over look it."
"No, I very much doubt he will. Glad I'm not there to clean up whatever mess comes from this." Haril grumped.
I chuckled. And Mom brought up lunch again, so we went to Haril's house for a meal, I was going to cook.. Though I told Plight and Nia that they could go home if they wanted to.
"We should probably go ahead and head home. Seems you all are a little busy at the moment." Plight said.
"Yeah, I really only wanted to tell you about the god." I said. "I'll see you later."
"Do try not to spite any more gods. You already agreed to the one, that should be enough." Plight said.
"Well, if I get into too much trouble, I'll just turn to Phintias to save me." I said. "He was a - I'm not supposed to say that again."
"You'd rather turn to Phintias?" Plight asked.
"Why did you say it like that?" I asked.
"Because it's concerning that you'd rather turn to Phintias." Plight said.
I tilted my head. "Phintias is an extremely powerful being. If I am in enough trouble to go to him, I assure you that it will be nothing short of a true act of God that will alleviate the situation."
"Alright, but if you have a moral quandary, do call me instead." Plight said.
"Hmm. Alright. I can do that." I said.
"Alright. We'll be on our way now." Plight said.
"See you later." Nia said.
The pair left, and I glanced at Simon, getting started on cooking lunch. Then looked at my Mom. "Er.. I just realized a part of the memory I showed you probably confused you..."
"Oh, which part?" Mom asked.
"About Plight." I said, arranging ingredients.
"Did you want to explain it?" She asked.
I mind linked to her, 'He is a vampire.'
'I had a hunch after all that, but I didn't want to confirm it without being told.' Mom replied.
'Nia is an energy vampire, she eats emotions.. Phintias and Lucretia, and their newborn are vampires as well.' I told her.
'Goodness. That's a lot more vampires than I thought were around here.' Mom said.
'They won't hurt us. Not unless in dire need when they've nearly died.' I said. 'It's like keeping pet animals, instincts trump their care in extreme situations '
'I don't know if they'd appreciate that... comparison.' Mom said. Taking a moment to think of the word.
I grinned. "Well, now you know, too. Does it make you uncomfortable?"
"None of them have ever done anything to.. make me feel that I am not safe. So I am alright." Mom said.
"They like people living." I said. "I think at least. I know Plight typically hates his own kind, or dislikes them a lot anyways."
"Well, that would be something terrible to struggle with." Mom commented.
"Yup. But I like Plight a lot. I don't like that he is with Nia, though. I've put in a lot of work so that I could play with his son again." I grouched, starting to cook the ingredients I'd prepared. I made sure there'd be enough for Haril, too.
"Well, you can't control love, son." Mom said.
"It's just that I had it in my head that he was meant for Sienna, they made such a perfect couple. I thought it was fated, like Dad and Snow or Phintias and Lucretia." I said. "Turns out, Plight just really likes gorgeous girls."
"Well, you can't really fault him for that. Many men work that way." Mom said.
"Yeah. I guess I should say he likes gorgeous aggressive women. Because I've seen him ignore brothel women and street walkers that were pretty enough." I said.
"And what makes them aggressive?" Mom asked.
"Well, Nia propositioned him bluntly, and you've met Sienna. She clings to me and her brother, could you imagine how she'd be towards someone she had a crush on?" I pointed out.
"Ah, you mean straight forward women." Mom said.
I nodded in agreement with her assessment. I started chatting with Simon, too. He'd been a patient child. I told him I'd commission him an unbreakable sword when he mastered a sword technique. This made him ecstatic. He began to ask all kinds of questions about swords. I answered his questions with the knowledge I'd acquired from Dirthin over the years.
Then once I'd finished making lunch, being mindful of scents for my Mom's sake, we sat down and ate. I'd gone ahead and made Haril's plate, and after we'd finished eating, I went with Simon and Mom to deliver his lunch to him. Being devilish, I asked my Mom mentally, 'Is Haril my step-dad?'
'One day, I hope.. you brat.' Mom replied.
We approached Haril, while he was grouching over reports, and Simon said, "Daddy! We brought you lunch."
Haril gentled himself and took a seat, then waved Simon over. "You've all brought me lunch, eh? What did you pick up for me, hmm?"
"Ari cooked it." Simon grinned, going to his Dad. He handed over the food and said, "It's so good."
"Oh, did he? Another hidden talent, hm? Thank you, Isarial." Haril said.
"No problem. I have to feed my siblings." I said.
"You do? I never would have thought a Hearthry had to cook." Haril said.
"Well, I suppose I could have let Mom pick up some food, but I've been reading and learning from the cook what pregnant women need, so.." I shrugged. Mentally I told him, 'And whenever you get around to marrying my mother Simon will be my brother.'
He sputtered some and said, 'Have you heard anything about that from her?'
'Nope.' I said.
'Well, uh, that's fine.' He said.
'Why? What happened?' I asked.
'Well, I said to her If I call you the reason for my existence, the medicine to my sadness, will you stay with me forever? And she responded she wouldn't live forever, and I don't know how to respond to that.' Haril explained.
I face palmed. "Ok." I breathed with barely contained frustration. 'Do you have a ring or anything?'
'I do. I had it in my pocket when I asked her.' He said.
'Alright. I'll key Simon in on it, and you can slip him the ring.' I said.
'Why would I slip him the ring?' Haril asked.
'Just trust me.' I said. Then I told Simon mentally what I wanted him to do. His eyes brightened like stars, and he could nearly not contain his smile. I patted my Mom's leg to create a distraction while Haril slipped Simon the ring.
Simon cupped it in his little hands and came up to my Mom, when I looked at him with mock puzzlement, Mom also looked and he said, "Adelaide, though you won't live forever, Daddy really wanted to ask you to be our lady to all our final days." He opened his hands, lifting the ring towards her, "So will you take pity on Daddy's failed romancing and marry him?"
She smiled broadly, "Ah. That's what he meant. Yes. Yes, I will." She accepted the ring.
Haril laughed heartily and said, "Well, that is certainly one way." He got up from his desk, and went to my Mom, "Are you one hundred percent sure about this? Because once you say yes, I won't let you back out."
"I am quite positive. Once I know what I'm agreeing to." Mom said, smiling at him.
"Well, then. I believe we will have to go make it official." Haril said.
"I think that'll be ok to wait until at least tomorrow." Mom said.
"I think it could wait till tomorrow, yes." Haril said.
Seeing Simon staring, I explained, "That means my mom and your dad are marrying. She'll be your mom for real. And makes us brothers."
Simon erupted with cheers. "Really? Really?" He kept saying.
"Yes, Simon. That is exactly what it means." Haril said. Simon's joy was quite apparent.
"Are you both sure you wouldn't want a proper wedding?" I asked.
"I wouldn't even know where to begin on a wedding." Mom said.
"Cost isn't a matter. And if planning is daunting, I can do it. It's about what you both want. If you just want the legal and spiritual part done, then that is fine, too. I want you both happy with the occasion." I said. "I can schedule in a honeymoon, too."
"What's a honeymoon?" Mom asked.
"A special vacation newlywed couples take. Well, namely nobility over here, but on the other continent it's a short vacation for couples to explore with each other and get to know one another better. Typically without kids, but that doesn't have to be the case." I explained.
"With how many vacations you keep offering me, it's like you don't want me to work." Haril said.
"On the contrary, I want you to work well. Rest is good for the body and mind. Keeps you sharp and ready." I said.
"I'm not sure how much sharper I can get." Haril said.
"If you don't want time off to spend with your new wife then say so." I said.
"Alright you brat. I will take your mother on a romantic get away." Haril said.
"It does sound like quite a nice time. I think I'd like to try out this.. honeymoon." Mom said.
"Is your co-captain trained adequately to cover your absence?" I asked.
"He simply needs to be shown a couple of things." Haril said.
I nodded. "Would you have Simon with you both on this, or will his Aunt or I watch him?"
"That will have to be discussed." Haril said.
I nodded again. "I'll let you both decide, and chat with you more about it tomorrow."
"It would be good to be able to discuss one of the biggest decisions of our lives that just happened." Haril said.
"Sure thing, Dad." I said. "Mom, I'll go home for today, ok?"
She smiled and said, "Alright. We'll see you later."
Haril was staring at me intently. I looked back at him with an unassuming gaze. Then I gave my Mom a hug, and patted Simon's head. "What? Did you want a hug?" I asked Haril.
He looked at me and opened his arms. Almost in a daring way. I looked towards my Mom uncertainly, but stepped towards him. The hug was awkward. "Do you regret trying to dare me with a hug?"
"Why, I don't know what you're talking about, Dad." I said.
"Oh, is that so?" He asked.
"It is. If you want me to be an affectionate step son I will work towards that." I said.
He chuckled and said, "Just do what you're comfortable with. I have no reason to make you do anything else."
"Alright. See you tomorrow." I said.
"I'm the big brother!" Simon realized.
"Yes, you're older than me." I acknowledged.
"Heehee. Good." He grinned.
I shook my head and headed out. "We'll see you later, Son." Mom said before I shut the door.
I replied with a "Yup." I went through the portal to the Capital. Then I realized I was in a pickle. If I got home unescorted I'd get in trouble. But I didn't want to bother anyone. I sat, stumped and mulling it over. Then I contacted my Uncle with the device.
"Um, Uncle, are you busy?" I asked.
"Not particularly at the moment, why?" He asked.
"Um, well, I sent Joshua to bring a man to Dad since we got jumped outside of Hearthstone, and I stayed with my Mom, but she just got proposed to before I left Hearthstone so I am by myself.. I think considering the situation earlier that I'll be in trouble if I come home by myself." I explained.
"Ah. Where should I meet you?" Dirthin asked.
"The warehouse that the portal is in." I said.
"Alright. I'll be there momentarily." Dirthin said.
I ended the communication, waiting patiently. Dirthin arrived pretty quickly. "Hi, Uncle." I greeted him. "I met my father this morning."
"Why?" He asked.
"He was curious about why I was in the divine realm and why my mind was advanced." I explained.
"And what? You two just had a lovely chat?" Dirthin asked.
We started heading for the estate. "I guess so. He's supposed to talk to my Mom, since I asked him to apologize. And he told me the Island I am gonna have Haril's vacation home built on is indeed rich with pearls like I thought."
"Ah, well, that could be a good business venture for you." Uncle said.
I nodded, "Yeah, he's gonna asked for the island to be expanded for me, but since I don't like the potential to owe a god a favor, I will put his symbol in glassteel above the sea level to spite a god that is his enemy. He liked this idea."
"Kid, if you're going to fight a god, you gotta let me know in advance. I'll get the big sword." Uncle said.
"Well, it is in advance, Uncle." I said. "I look just like him."
"Who? Your so called father?" He asked.
I said, "Yeah. And he agreed that Dad is my Dad."
"Good. I would hate to perform patrician on your behalf." Uncle said.
"I'd have argued for a long time if he disagreed. He said he gained and lost nothing by answering my questions." I said.
"I hate god talk." Dirthin grumped.
"That's ok. Mom and Haril are gonna marry." I said. "Poor guy tried to propose romantically but my Mom was clueless." I laughed.
"Oh, that poor son. He must have thought really hard on what to say, and made it a little too open." Uncle guessed.
"Exactly so. So I had him give Simon the ring and told Simon to say 'Adelaide, though you won't live forever, Daddy really wanted to ask you to be our lady to all our final days. So will you take pity on Haril's failed romancing and marry him?'" I told him as we reached the Estate.
He stopped, thought a moment and then began laughing hysterically. "Straight from the mouths of babes."
I grinned. "Mom felt silly for having misunderstood, but I think it's fine that it happened this way. If I hadn't meddled, I wonder if they'd have gotten it sorted."
"Oh, I'm sure he would have been more direct once he got his courage up again." Uncle said.
We'd gone inside our home now, and I said, "Do you think Dad is done interrogating the person? Maybe not. It's only been two and half hours."
"Indeed. I swear he is gonna extract the day he was born." Uncle said.
"Thank you for bringing me home, Uncle. Every time." I said, hugging him.
He hugged me back and said, "I have never minded bringing you home. Atleast then I can guarantee you actually make it."
I grinned at him and said, "I have the glassteel smith now."
"Oh, do you? Any pieces to show off?" He asked.
"I didn't bring any. But we can look at what she has tomorrow, if you want, or I can commission a sword. Oh, Joshua bought a dagger from her." I said.
"Eh, he's around here somewhere. We can just take a look at what he's got." Uncle said.
"Alright. You might not like how light they are, but you couldn't break it or wear it's edge down in the other reality." I told him. "You could swing it scary fast, too. More so than your favorite."
"Hm. That sounds worth investing in." Uncle said.
"I'm gonna have her make little knives for Joshua to flick at people. With his accuracy he'll be deadly that way. Tilton threw a little arrow head she made and it went through scale mail like butter and stuck in the stone." I rambled.
"I could only imagine the force of a greatsword with such lethal potential. Oh yes, I think I'll invest in this." Uncle said, looking keenly interested.
I chuckled. "What are you doing now, Uncle?" I asked.
"Well, I was an intimidation factor in the interview, but that proved unnecessary. So I was really just heading to the kitchen." Uncle said.
"Oh. I learned to cook from watching you on missions before. So thank you for teaching me. It's proven useful." I said.
"Oh? Who you cookin' for?" He asked.
"I cooked for Mom, Simon and Haril because my Mom cannot cook. I also would cook for the adventuring group and Thomas, the dragon's son." I told him. "But I can cook for you, too if you want."
"By all means, whip me something up, I'll see what you can do. And what do you mean by dragon's son?" He asked, heading to his office. I followed.
"The gold dragon Wren will have a son in three years with a human monk. His name to go with his human appearance is Thomas." I said. "She's the dragon I sometimes harass in Dueling Rivers."
"A dragon with a human monk.. it's a little different." Uncle commented.
"Yeah, I never met him and I haven't seen him around Wren so I only know about him through Thomas and Wren vaguely mentioning him." I said. "You helped us save Thomas from the Bloody Hawkes once."
"Who are the bloody hawkes?" He asked.
"A bandit group paid by Denoir to occupy East Haven. I don't think they are a thing yet." I said.
"So what did they want with this dragon's kid?" He asked, as we entered his office.
"Well, they were giving their captives to Denoir, but since they were able to break the enchantment keeping his scaley-ness hidden they may have taken all this scales and sold them. Use him as a continual coin grab." I said, Uncle grabbed a chair so I'd be able to reach the counters and stove in his personal kitchen. I picked some things out that he favored for lunch.
"That sounds pretty awful for the kid, but profitable for them." Uncle said.
I got busy making his food. "I guess so, but I'll make sure they don't get the chance this time."
"Where was the dragon mother when he got taken?" Uncle asked.
"In the Underdark, keeping an Aboleth from attacking Dueling Rivers, where she thought her child was safely living with his father." I replied.
"I am going to take a wild guess and say she ate the father when she found out." Uncle said.
"I don't know. She kinda didn't bother trying to find him." I said.
"Somehow that's kinda worse that she didn't bother trying to find out where he was." Uncle said.
"Is it?" I asked. "She's pretty nice, just doesn't like interacting with people."
"I can understand that." He said.
We continued to chat idly until I finished cooking his meal. I plated his meal and said, "Alright, Uncle. Your food is ready."
It was pretty simple, a sautéed deer steak with chopped potatoes with some leafy greens tucked in. Uncle tried a couple bites, then said, "You learned this by observing me?"
"Yes. It took a few times of trying to get it to taste good." I shrugged.
"Yes trial and error is a thing. Especially in cooking." Uncle said.
"Yup. But I do well enough, I'd say." I grinned.
"I'm inclined to agree." Uncle said. He finished his meal, while I examined some of the weapons on his walls.
I liked my plan to design the knives for Joshua. To be thin and small for his more precise throwing skill. If it wasn't for my trust in her ability I'd worry about the weight being off. When I noticed Uncle was finishing up his meal, I said, "Do you remember Dane? He occasionally works for Dad.."
"Yeah, wasn't he a guard or something?" Uncle replied.
"Something, sure. Haril has him in Hearthstone's jail due to being part of the ambush." I said.
"I'm inclined to believe he didn't know who he was after then. Because he should know better." Uncle said.
"He doesn't often ask questions of whoever he's hired by, so I agree." I shrugged. "Just an odd one to see involved. I'd expect Uno or his pal to be wrapped up in it."
"Honestly, I'm surprised you even remembered their names. And I'm surprised I remembered them." Uncle said.
"I just remember because they were mentioned more recently. Not as a unit, but as people looking for work. I declined hiring them." I said.
"Eh, probably for the best. I don't remember any of them being particularly skilled." Uncle commented.
"Pretty much." I said, "I'll go find Mom and Jasper."
"She'll probably have him with her in the family room." Uncle said.
"Oh, right, cause Dad is busy." I commented.
I gave my uncle a hug before running off to play with the baby Jasper and Snow. Snow welcomed me as warmly as always. I played with Jasper some, and chatted with Snow before it was dinner time. Dad didn't have dinner with us, was too busy, I guess. Snow didn't seem too bothered by it.
She played with me and Jasper until she had to put Jasper down for the night, then she came to my room and took her time putting me to bed, like usual. The next day Dad joined us for breakfast. After breakfast is when I decided to inform him.
"Oh, Dad, I met my father yesterday." I said.
"What was the god Pyreleos like?" Dad asked.
"Calm, I guess. He said 'Like the finest blade, I needed to be forged in the right fire.' And when I asked 'why', he said 'the results speak for themselves'." I said.
"Well what did you two talk about besides your conception?" Dad asked.
"The island in the sea where I am gonna build Haril's vacation house. We talked bout plight briefly, too. He's gonna ask some 'people' to expand the island. It does have many pearls, like I suspected." I said.
"This sounds like a very profitable island to just be giving away as a vacation home. Are you sure you wouldn't want to get them set up on a different island?" Dad asked.
"Well, as it was, it didn't have much value as far as land mass goes. But once it's expanded I can turn it into a little port for ships to wait out weather, and invite people who are willing to live there and collect the riches the sea hides." I said. "This way the vacation home is also tended to."
"Well, if that's your vision for it then pursue it, and we'll see how well this glass house holds." Dad said.
"So you have any advice for the Island?" I asked. "It's not like I've ever been concerned with raising funds before."
"I don't know what advice I could possibly give you. You have your plans." Dad said.
"So you think Pyreleos is someone I should be weary of?" I asked. ".. We seem similar in appearance and mindset."
"There is one thing I know of gods. They will preach whatever they need to." Dad said.
"He said you're my mortal father." I said.
"So he has no intentions to fight for his fatherly right?" Dad asked.
I said,"He said he wouldn't fight me about it. But I think it would be safe to assume so. He met with me yesterday because he feared I'd been tampered with because my mind was far too advanced. He said he only intended to meet me when I turned ten."
"No doubt to give you some grand purpose of his design." Dad said.
"Did Uncle tell you that my Mom and Haril are marrying?" I asked.
"No, I've been a little.. preoccupied. But good for them. I'll have to send them a gift." Dad said.
"I suppose I should check on my friend Plight. Due to Pyreleos, he had a lot to think about." I said.
"It may be best to let him come to you when he's ready, but it's your decision." Dad said.
"Uncle liked my cooking." I said.
"Oh, so your uncle got your cooking, hm?" Dad asked, his voice light.
"Yup. I mentioned I made lunch for my momma and Simon, and that I learned by watching him, so I offered to make him food, too. You were busy." I said.
"I see, everyone's getting your cooking, hm? You're poor old man couldn't be bothered with food, hm?" Dad asked.
"You're twenty-three, Dad. That's not old. But I can make lunch if you want. I think Mom would like that." I said.
He smirked, "I'd offer to help, but I'm sure that'd be more of a detriment."
I chuckled, "Thanks for the thought."
"Thank you for the impending meal." Dad said.
I grinned and said, "I'll see you later, then."
With a similar sentiment given from Dad, I wondered off to plan lunch. When it drew closer to time to cook, I entered the kitchen. They'd been notified that I'd make the meal. The chef didn't appreciate it, but that was aside from the point. He watched over my every movement. Which I ignored.
By the time I finished cooking the chef didn't have any more complaints, though. I even made some extra for the staff, after all. The maid's really liked me anyways. They helped me serve the food when it was time for lunch. Snow's meal was much more mindful towards her personal taste and the fact that she was breastfeeding a two month old.
It had been fun to make the meal, really. And having a meal with my family that I'd cooked actually felt good. I had to say, I liked the praise. After lunch, I contacted Plight to see if he could take me to Hearthstone. He confirmed he could take me, and when he arrived at the estate, I left with him to reach the portal.
I didn't say much to him, just idle chit chat. However, before we reached the warehouse my portal was in, Nia shouted for Plight to look out. I'd glanced at her, saw Dean looking spooked at her side, then a wave of magical energy smacked into Plight and I. The world seemed to tilt for a moment, then Plight's arms closed around me while we plummeted towards the ground.
I glanced around to try and get a good idea of where we were.. to no avail. Plight held me too firmly in a protective manner. I understood his intent; to shield my small body from the incoming landing. I felt his hand cup the back of my head. A touch of fear went through me.. if he falls unconscious.. but it was a brief thought.
We hit the ground hard, bouncing even. And I lost consciousness. The first thing I noticed when coming back to my senses was small, gentle hands checking my body. A flaring of pain in my arm and shoulder,, and just feeling heavy. What made me even more nervous was when I heard someone speaking.
"He was found alone?" A man asked.
"Yes. Though strangely four yards from him there was a massive amount of blood." Another said.
"Think the kid did that?" Another said.
"Yeah right. Look how scrawny he is." The first said.
"He doesn't seem very hurt. Just a broken arm." A girl said quietly.
She was ignored. They all continued to speak amongst themselves. Until an old woman spoke. "Well, how bout you all get out before you wake the child. Questions can be asked tomorrow."
The people stepped out with general well wishes. The old woman said, "Well. Are you ready to help me set his arm?"
"Yup!" She said.
I reached out mentally, searching for Plight's mind. I couldn't find it. Anxiety poured into me as firm hands gripped my arm. I reached through the Quori to my Mom.
'Momma, I'm sorry I'm late to come see you.' I told her. I grunted in pain when they started wrapping my arm after being straightened.
"Hmph. Tough kid to not cry." The old woman said.
'Oh, thank the gods. You are ok. Atleast ok enough to be joking around.' Mom responded.
I opened my eyes and saw a small girl with auburn hair and lively green eyes, and an old woman who was much like my Mom, had once been a seasoned warrior. 'I wasn't joking, Momma. I really am late.'
'Yes, honey, I can see that you're going to be late, now do you have anything about where you are? Anything we can use to find you?' Mom asked.
'I'm in a house with a naked girl and old lady, who is also naked. Well, they have cloth over their lower privates... actually, my head kinda hurts. There was a lot of water nearby, I think ' I told her.
"I think he's awake. " The girl said.
"Where is this?" I asked.
"This is our island. What a silly question." The girl said.