It took until noon for the city to come into view, so I went to it. Once there, I booked a room in a hotel, and washed myself. Then I went to the Hearthry estate I'd left three days ago, many people stared. I carried the manual with me, with Trevor following me. They let me in, and went to inform James I'd brought the warforged.
James and Dirthin came to the entryway. "Hello, Vexie. Is this the warforged you found?" James asked.
"Yeah." I held up the manual, "Right now he's set to guard. He has other modes. His name was Trevor when he was a person."
James looked Trevor over. "Might I see the manual?" I shrugged and offered it to him. He flipped through the book and said, "This is an intricate Cypher. Do you have the key to it?"
I blinked, confused. "What does that mean?"
"The key is the code to the Cypher to understand the words inside this book." James said.
".... So that's supposed to be written in a secret way. I didn't realize. I just read it normally." I said scratching the back of my head. "I have Eyes of the Rune Keeper. I can easily read anything written down.. which doesn't help you."
"No, it certainly does not. But I can have some people work on it to have it translated." James replied.
"To add designated 'users' they have to be present and added. Would you like to try adding yourself?" I asked.
"How would I go about doing so?" James asked.
I turned the manual to the page, and read aloud, pointing at the words, "To register an additional user, user needs to state the open designation to the unit plainly." I looked at Trevor. "Unit Trevor open registration to designate additional user."
"Additional user, please state designation." Trevor said.
"James Hearthry." Said James.
"User James Hearthry registered. Automatically assigning task guard." Trevor said.
"Trevor, explain 'guard'." James said.
"Task guard is to secure and protect users." Trevor stated.
"Trevor, who is your creator?" James asked.
"Unknown." Trevor replied.
"What is your purpose?" James asked.
"Unit Trevor is set to Guard." Trevor said.
James sighed. "No further questions."
"Well, Brother, that's quite the odd addition." Dirthin said.
"Yes. But I believe it will be a useful addition." James said.
"There is an upgrade that can be done to it that allows for more precise tasks." I commented.
"And how do we go about getting this upgrade?" James asked.
"There are blueprints in the basement I found him in. They are simple enough to follow.. I did have some success rewiring a contraption that apparently stripped magic from a town." I frowned. "Cause that sounds believable.. anyways."
"I'm going to choose to believe that because it wouldn't make any sense for you to lie about something like that." James said.
"So wait, you reversed it so it's fine now?" Dirthin asked.
"Yeah, it was weird, like looking at an inverted sketch.. but it's fine now. Just dirty and covered in skeletons." I shrugged.
"Sounds like an interesting place to explore." Dirthin said.
"I suppose so. Apparently it's been a problem for a while. That's what some villagers said." I replied.
"Problem in what way?" Dirthin asked.
"They said it lured their young folk to it. And they certainly never returned." I told him.
"Well then it's a good thing you got it sorted. Did you return and say you fixed their issue?" James asked.
"No, I did not return." I shook my head.
"Eh, well I'm sure they'll figure it out know their people stop disappearing." James said.
"I guess so. What are the rules about ruins here?" I asked.
"Mm. In most cases if it is abandoned for a certain amount of time it is open to anyone taking it over, cleaning it up and making it profitable." James answered.
I mulled that over. "Thank you for the information."
"Not a problem. By all means, use it to your advantage." James said.
Dirthin was poking at Trevor. So I read the command list to James on what all Trevor can be assigned to do. "I could always bring the upgrade part when I come back next." I offered.
"Alright. It would be interesting to see what all it can manage with an upgrade." James said.
"I suppose I should test out his combat abilities." Dirthin said.
"Let's not break Trevor." James said.
"Alright, fine. I won't break him." Dirthin grumped.
"That's a cute expression. Disappointed?" I asked.
"Yeah, a little bit. Would have been the first warforged I went up against. Could have been interesting." Dirthin said.
I grinned at him, completely amused. "If I had any doubt you were a leonin, it would be dispelled now."
"And what could have possibly made you think I wasn't?" Dirthin asked.
"Because you're cute and little. Like a Lionfolk." I replied.
"I would not classify myself as either of these things, but if that's how you wish to call me, that's up to you." Dirthin said.
"Oh, do you guys know a goblin called Bibs?" I asked them.
"Yes. We know Bibs." James said.
"Is he trustworthy?" I asked.
"Yes. Why do you ask?" James asked.
"Because he said he can remove this. He also said it's meant to kill me if it does get removed, and explode the area with hell fire if I don't die." I told him, tapping the choker.
"That certainly sounds like something Asmodeus would do." Dirthin said.
I shrugged a little. "It would be nice to have this gone, but I've always had it."
"And I've always had a tail, but I could take it or leave it." Dirthin said.
I chuckled. "It's pretty impressive that you do have your tail. Even Tigrine with your experience have lost parts of their tails. The Taiga named Sanchir may be a nice challenge for you of you ever meet. He has no tail."
"You know, the more I think of it, the more horribly uncomfortable I'd be without a tail." Dirthon said.
I smiled briefly. He was indeed pretty cute. I looked at Trevor, "Trevor, stay with James."
"Understood. This unit will stay with James Hearthry." Trevor said.
I looked at him devilishly, "Heh, it's your problem now." I said jokingly like a villain.
"I'm sure it will be an asset." James replied.
"Ugh. You could played along. I have no need of a defender. It'd just get me caught." I shrugged.
"Yes, I don't believe it is much of a stealthy kind of unit." James commented.
"Alright, then. See you all another time." I said.
"Well, hold on. Don't you want training?" Dirthin said.
I paused, having started to turn to leave. "That is true."
"Well, you're welcome to go off and adventure some more, or I could train you." Dirthin said.
I considered what I'd been planning on doing for a moment. Just shopping, getting ahold of some useful things to help me rebuilt the house and get rid of the bodies. Then I shrugged. "I don't have a time limit on doing the rest of the things I came to the city for. I can train with you."
"Alright, follow me, we'll go to my personal training room." Dirthin said.
I nodded and followed him as he instructed. We went up the stairs and into his personal room, through that silver door.
"Alright, is there any part you want to particularly work on? Or do you want to show me what you've really got?" Dirthin asked.
"You're the boss, what would most please you? I'll benefit either way." I said.
"Alright. Throw everything you've got at me then." Dirthin replied.
"Are you certain?" I asked. "I'm a caster.."
"Let me grab one thing." He said, going to another room.
I waited patiently, then when he returned and gave the go ahead, I attacked him. Using fog cloud to help obscure myself, I attacked head on without circling. I rarely used my magic, honestly. It was a tool to give me advantage, nothing more. However, without a weapon, that could be annoying. His response was to summon copies of himself to surround me.
Then he attacked me. I cast Entangle which summoned vines around us and took on Guardian Form. To which he said, "Alright. Let's get serious."
And did. His next attack hurt, so I set the vines I'd summoned on fire with Scorching Ray, destroying one of his copies. He'd attacked me again, and I began to admire his strength, and restraint, though it didn't feel like restraint. I could see it in his movements, though. We exchanged a few more blows, although I chose to not cast any more spells. After the next good hit, he paused.
"Alright. I think I have a pretty good understanding of your abilities. Would you like to end it here?" He asked.
"Sure." I said, letting the vines dissipate. The flames squelched immediately.
"What is your preferred weapon type?" He asked.
"Well, that depends. If a I'm gonna break someone, a maul. Typical scraps I tend to go with swords or chakri. If it's personal, claws." I shrugged.
"Mastering several weapons is fine and well, but mastering one will put you high above the rest." He said.
"I have to take your word on it. My chakri are on the island." I said.
"I'm not familiar with that type of weapon. What kind of weapon is it?" He asked.
"It's a small round blade. Sometimes it's connected through it's middle by a wooden handle, other times it's weirded with a chain or on the end of a staff." I shrugged.
"Can't say I've come across such a thing, but we can probably have someone craft it." Dirthin said.
"It's alright. Standing out isn't worth it.." I shrugged. "Though that's kinda the opposite for you, huh?"
"Indeed. Couldn't hide if I tried." He said.
I smiled at him and said, "You are handsome. It would be a shame if you did hide. Anyways, a sword is fine."
"Handsome, huh? Eh, you're quite the cutie yourself. Let's see if we can't find you a sword." Dirthin replied.
I nodded, "Alright." He led me to his personal armory and selected a simple sword for me. Not unlike the one I previously carried. He commented that this one's do fine for me. "Thank you."
"Not a problem, go out there, give it a few swings, see how it feels." Dirthin said.
I obeyed his directive, heading to the plentiful dummies and doing so. I tried out a few swings before switching which hand was dominant, and trying again. It felt better to handle it this way. He was observing of course. I mended the dummy, and turned to look at him.
"Well, how did it feel in your hands?" He asked.
"It's better balanced than my previous sword. The grip is nice." I said, looking it over.
"Good. That should serve you quite well until you're able to find your own unique weapons." He replied.
"People find you very scary, huh?" I asked, teasingly.
"A lot of them do. And it's an earned reputation." He said.
"I was emphatically told to never let you hear me calling you a cute little kitten." I informed him.
"Yes, I don't tend to take such comments.. nicely. Typically that means they think they can take me in a fight and I prove them wrong." Dirthin said.
"Ah. The condescending tone used, right?" I asked.
"That is typically how it goes." Dirthin said.
"Have I annoyed you with it?" I asked.
"No, I don't believe you have." Dirthin said.
"Aww. Good. I haven't thought of you as lesser even though you're not a Tigrine." I grinned.
"Is that common for your people?" He asked.
"Thinking others are lesser because they aren't like us? Yes. I'm really only that way when called a tabaxi, though." I said.
"I only judge people on how well they can fight. You fight pretty good." Dirthin said.
"Thanks. There's obviously room for improvements, though." I said, touching his forearm, "But I'm certain I'll improve with your directive."
He raised an eyebrow, "Sorry, if I'm wrong, but it seems to me you're wanting to work on more than your sword form."
"I am flirting with you some. But I am also earnest in learning." I said directly.
"I am earnest in all I do. If you want a relationship with me that's fine, but keep in mind I'm away a fair bit due to my job." Dirthin said.
"That wouldn't bother me. Seeing someone occasionally works. Keeps me from being lonely, but also prevents me from feeling burdened because they are always around, you know? I'm a pretty solitary person." I shrugged. "Even though you're cute, I'd get quite fed up if we were together constantly."
"Heh, alright. That works for me, then. You want something to eat?" He asked.
"Sure. The food on this continent is actually pretty good. The Empire's food is basically all spicy and soupy, and a lot of our meals on the island are eaten with rice." I told him.
"What the heck is rice?" Dirthin asked.
"Hmm. It's a cereal grain like wheat, oats, barley, rye and millet. They grow like grass in watery fields. It's little white or brown grains that look similar to maggots. It doesn't have much taste by itself, but it'll fill you up. And makes lovely sushi." I explained.
"Huh. Never seen anything like that. Let's just head over to the tavern and see what they have. And you can tell me more about this Empire." Dirthin said.
"Sure thing." I smiled, following him out of his training room and out of the estate. We traveled through the city and reached the tavern called the Crimson Hoof. We paused outside of it.
"Minor warning. Don't mention the horns." Dirthin said, cryptically.
"Alright.. I'll keep that in mind." I said.
"Good. Let's go eat." He said looking amused.
We went inside and I followed him to a table. We sat comfortably, and Dirthin handled ordering the food and drinks, some stout ales. Once we had the drinks available, I asked, "Then what do you wanna know about the Empire?"
"Well, first off, what is an empire? What does it do? What is it's purpose?" He asked.
"Well, it's a much grander kingdom." I shrugged. "If the South and North of this Continent United, they could call themselves an empire. They wouldn't be able to compete against the Southern Empire, though. They'd need thirty more of you to come close. And that's if the Taiga and Jungle Tigrine stay out of it."
"As much as I'd hate to admit it, I'm sure there are plenty of beings stronger than me on this continent." Dirthin said.
"Maybe. But obviously they aren't active or why would your nephew have to save this continent, and the world through it?" I asked.
"Eh, fair point." He said, then chuckled. "Bunch of lazy shits."
"The Southern Emporer conquered the kingdoms and put them under his control under the guise of unification. Only thing is he took out the royal families and those loyal to them." I told him.
"Seems like he took the final solution." Dirthin said.
"It was apparently his entire goal. Then again that was also when the Rakshasa was in the Empire." I shrugged.
"So is he a good ruler or not?" He asked.
"Well, what do you call a good ruler?" I asked. "I certainly am not."
"Eh, I'm not sure what would make a good ruler. If the keep their kingdom and provide for their people, I'd say that's good enough." Dirthin said.
"Hm. He eliminates threats to himself, so I guess he does do that part. As long as people aren't getting on his nerves he leaves them be. I've met him only once." I said. "The Taiga, Raiden, that guards him is a brute."
"Eh, I'll have to go see him at one point in my life. See who is the bigger brute. Can't have someone challenging my crown." He joked.
I giggled, "That would be interesting to see."
"Oh, so you're encouraging this fight, hm?" Dirthin said.
"I would never try to keep you from happiness. Leonin all enjoy a good fight." I told him.
He chuckled. Polishing off his drink as our food was brought to us. It looked so delicious. We began eating our meals. Most of the way through it. I got an idea. I could use the device to contact Baana to send me rice seeds and seedlings. Maybe even a sack of rice. Then I could make Dirthin a meal from my home. That's brilliant, isn't it?
"I had an idea, Dirthin, I can tell Baana to send me rice. Then I can make you some and you'll know what it's like." I said, smiling at him.
"I'm always up to try new foods. You're description of it resembling maggots was rather enticing." Dirthin said.
I laughed and said, "Oh, I so believe you."
He laughed as well, "Ah, no really, I would like to try it."
"I promise it'll be safe to eat. I don't use poisons." I told him, amused.
"Eh, you wouldn't be the first." Dirthin said.
"I believe you. I hade to learn poison detection at a young age 'cause of my aunt." I said.
"What the heck does your aunt need poison detection for?" He asked.
"I needed it to avoid being poisoned by her." I chuckled.
"Hm. Family drama, huh?" He commented.
"Some, yeah. It happens, you know?" I replied.
"Yeah, bit it's typically not to that level." He said.
"Like your nephew being human and his birth mother living in the town he made?" I asked raising an eyebrow. "That was confusing."
"Yeah, well try this on for size. His assumed father gave him to James to pay a debt. Then took his mom to the desert city and told her Isarial died. So, lost in grief and rage, she went to the arena to die. Instead became it's champion. We came to find out that the assumed father is not the father, but I can't reveal who the real father is." Dirthin detailed.
"Wow.. that's a lot." I noted. "And the real father made no claim to him?"
"Not till recently, no." He answered.
"How old is he even? Three or four?" I asked.
"Close. He is actually five years old now." He said.
"Wow. He's so little. Are all human children as smart as he is? Or is he a unique child?" I asked.
"....Unique, definitely, unique is the proper word for that boy. But his story is not mine to tell." Dirthin said.
"It's ok. I didn't want details. Just wanted to know those specific things. So, why aren't you in a pride? Leonin are typically close knit, protective and loyal. Did they pass?" I asked.
"No, we were abandoned here, that's all I know." He said.
"I'm sorry to hear that." I said, patting his hand gently. "You're a strong man that anyone could be proud of."
"I'm of use, that's for sure." He said.
"Do you like to be?" I asked.
"Yeah. I enjoy being of use." He said.
I smiled, but I heard someone make a horn related comment. Dirthin sighed, "Here we go." The bartender, a minotaur, lifted a person and threw them across the room. "Just one moment, I'll go put an end to this before the bar is put out of commission for a few days."
Dirthin went and helped the minotaur beat up the people who mentioned horns. I watched them initially with mild interest before a person approached me. His drink sloshed onto me, which annoyed me quite a bit.
"Hey, sexy, wanna go usptairs." He slurred.
I blinked at him. "I'm not interested in scrawny humans."
"'C'mon, don be at way." He said.
I turned my head away to signify dismissal. He didn't take the hint, and when he went to touch me, getting too close, I decked him in the face. He staggered back, and I punctuated his fall with a sip of my drink. The 'fight' seemed to have also ended.
Dirthin approached, "Apparently, I missed something."
I feigned ignorance, "What did you miss?"
"Oh, must have been my imagination." He said stepping onto the guy before returning to his seat.
I laughed. "He told me he has a room upstairs."
"Who? The rug? Didn't know they gave rooms to rugs." Dirthin said.
I snorted and laughed again. I was sure that explained to him what occurred. "You are really cute."
"I would consider myself more ruggedly handsome. The cute applies to you." He said.
"Aww, thank you." I said, placing my forearm against his for a moment. It was my own small display of affection. I didn't mind to be petted every now and then, but I hated just being held onto.
He showed some affection in kind by placing his hand on my forearm. A sort of pet followed by a light scratch. "Did you enjoy your meal and the show?"
"Yes. Your taste is impeccable." I smiled.
"I just know good food when I come across it." He said. "I'm glad you agree."
I looked at him and said, "So, what does a relationship entail with you?"
"I don't know. Haven't really had to think about it." He said.
"There are many kinds, you know." I replied.
"Most 'relationships' I've had have been nothing more than a few nights together." He said.
"Why is that?" I asked.
"Eh. Most of them are after the family treasures." He said.
"I assume you don't mean what's attached between your legs?" I teased him.
"No." He answered flatly.
"I can assure you I have little interest in assets unattached to you physically." I told him bluntly. "And less interest in being around your family. Not that I mean that in a rude way, I'm sure they are lovely people, just like tigers, tigrine prefer to not group up."
"I can certainly understand that mentality. I don't generally like to work in groups." Dirthin said.
"Mm. So no attachment issues?" I asked.
"Attachment issues?" He laughed, "What kind?"
"The 'I slept with you so now you belong to me' sort. You are super handsome, and there is no way I'm beating you in a fight, but I've seen some men get super weird over it." I explained.
"Super weird about what? Beating them in a fight?" He asked.
I giggled. "Like you probably know the reverse. Like you sleep together and then they're talking about the future you'll have with them or just clingy."
"Oh, yeah." He sighed. "Those are usually the worst ones."
"Yeah. Landen was super annoying." I said. "I had to used Raiden to get him to leave me alone."
"Must have been a tough one if you couldn't get him to leave you alone." Dirthin said.
"Oh yeah. He was also the type that if you hit him he'd get more turned on." I sighed.
"Eh, shoulda used his family jewels as a speed bag. He'd either of been really turned on or.. really done." He said.
"Oh. Suuuper done." I grinned.
"Never understood that particular type of person." He said.
I laughed and said, "Yeah it was weird."
"So what do you want out of this relationship?" He asked.
"Hmm. Well, an occasional meal and company is fine with me. If I haven't been clear enough, I am very willing to be physical with you.." I replied. "Yeah, I think that'll do. What bout you?"
"Much the same, really. Leaves us open to do our own things." He said.
"Fair. I'm probably just gonna play around in that ruined town." I replied.
"I really gotta check that place out. I'm really surprised I haven't been there before." Dirthin said.
"Feel free to. It's filthy right now, but I can clean it up. Was thinking of having a cleric bless the place. Don't want any ghosts, ya know?" I replied.
"You're planning on fixing up the whole town? Why?" He asked.
"Well, probably not the whole thing. But it'd be nice to have a home." I shrugged. "And to not deal with people."
"If you build it.. they will come. In this situation, if you clean it up." Dirthin said.
"Well, that might be annoying." I sighed.
"Eh, make a better wall than the previous owners did." He said.
I smiled, "Oh, do you know Jaden?"
"A big tiger fellow? More know of him than know him." He said.
"Met him a few days ago. He decided to investigate the boat incident." I told him, shrugging, "Tried to get me to think deeper on options rather than go with one of the ones Isarial pointed out. Which is fine, only if I cared I'd have probably already settled for something."
"Eh, I think you're doing fine just wondering around right now. Gods knows if I went to the Empire I'd be wondering all over." Dirthin said.
"There are more leonin over there. Though, oddly, you'll only see fur coloration like mine and Snow Den's on the Isla. The literal metal color of yours isn't found, that I've seen." I informed him.
"I haven't seen fur color like mine or James' anywhere." He said.
"Just the Fleecemane Lion." I said.
"The hecks a fleecemane?" He asked.
"Huuuge lions. Their manes are silver, gold or both. They are thought to be of Nyx." I said, spreading my hands demonstrating.
"So what you're saying is they are worth a fight." Dirthin asked.
"For you? No." I shook my head.
"Oh. That's.. unfortunate." He said.
"Maybe a group of liondrakes." I suggested.
"Now that sounds interesting. What is a liondrake?" He asked.
"It is normally solitary, like dragons, but lately they've been grouping up and attacking others. They are like a furry dragon, with a tuft of hair at the end of their tails. It's head is also that of a lion, though I've never seen one maned." I told him.
"That sounds disturbing actually. I'm not sure if I'd want to see that." He said.
I giggled. "Eh, it's fine. They hurt."
"Well, it may be fine checking out but it still sounds uncomfortable to my mind." He said.
I flopped my head against his arm. "What else can I tell you about?"
"What else comes to mind?" He asked.
"Spotted lions are almost as big as fleecemanes, but travel in packs. Getting caught by their claws socks. Winged lions are beautiful." I told him.
"Your home seems to be filled with all sorts of felines. I wonder why that is." He said.
"I dunno. There are plenty of humans. And a good amount of other races. Well, not reptiles. But also, only island Tigrine live on the Isla. The Empire is around four days away by ship. The Empire's continent is called Arverent." I explained. "Better question is, why is your home lacking in cats?"
"Well, a pride decided to hunt and kill all others to prove it's strength." He said.
"That's dumb and leads to inbreeding." I pointed out.
"Yeah, luckily something drove them off." He replied.
"Well, good. Your eyes are really sweet." I commented, looking at him.
"And yours have a certain fire to them." He replied.
I giggled, feeling a little intoxicated. "Have you ever seen a ravager? Or a ragpa?"
"No. I don't believe I ever have." He said.
"The ravager is a four armed demon looking monstrosity. It's very fierce. The ragpa is a weird turtley wizard." I informed him. "I can fight neither as I am."
"I don't normally fight demons myself, but I'd give it a shot." He said, downing another drink.
"I bet some Sake would put you under." I commented.
"The heck is Sake?" Dirthin asked.
"Strong a rice wine." I replied.
"I have no idea what rice wine is, but you said strong.. I could go for a glass." He said.
I grinned. "Fat chance to. It's too far to swim. Swimming is nice."
"Swimming is nice. As long as it's not at the beach. Not a fan of sand." He replied.
"No sand castle building. Got it." I said.
"It just gets stuck in the fur." He said.
"Aside from fighting or training, what do you like doing?" I asked.
"Oh, what can I say? I'm a very simple man." He said. "This could actually surprise you, but I do enjoy a good book."
"What kind of book? I like the occasional fairytale." I replied.
"History mostly. But most of that's pointless." He said.
"Mm. Without knowing history it's much easier to repeat it." I said. "If it brings you pleasure it has a point."
"Well, what do you do for your off time?" Dirthin asked.
"All kinds of things. I explore, get into trouble, hunt various things.. Honestly, I probably have too much free time." I said.
"Well, maybe I could fill you up.. I mean fill in your time." He replied.
"Oh, you can try." I said.
"They've got rooms here if you wanna give it a shot." He said.
I kissed his cheek and said, "Here or my rented room. Either is fine."
"Might as well be here." He decided.
With the goal in mind, we paid up our tab and rented a room. I followed him to the room, and we locked the door behind us. I was glad for the bath I'd taken earlier. Still, I was nervous. I was often nervous when first laying with a new lover. A trait I picked up the hard way.
Perhaps noting my nerves, he made sure to confirm my willingness to participate again. I thought it an odd precaution, but reconfirmed for him. What proceeded fully stepped outside any expectations I'd had. Starting with the care and restraint he showed in removing our clothing.