December had just begun, Aisrin had been in control of Graycastle and its territories for almost 3 months. The little girl remained in a coma, spiritual healers tending to her day and night.
She was constantly undergoing various odd fits that wracked her poor body. No one could explain the symptoms, many began to suggest giving her peace and mercy. Aisrin refused, he knew they may have been right, but his guilt refused to let the girl die.
Aisrin tended to many projects, but his biggest was searching for Syphir, Ret, Jillette and Syphra. Apparently they had gone looking for Aisrin a month after his disappearance. They had yet to return.
"Butler, in six months time, how far could one travel?" Aisrin inquired as he looked at several maps of the areas. There were small similarities to Elrim and her continents, but this Era had massive waterways and lakes. Where Bordertown once stood, was now technically uncharted demon territory. Fargo was worse off, it was located mid way to the top of one of the tallest mountains near the Northern Capital City, where the Main Royalty of the Era reigned Supreme.
Going from his past, Aisrin Supposed that Graycastle was somewhere between Dorstend and Bloodrend City.
"It could take you to the North, where you may catch a glimpse of the Royal Capital. Very few may get near or enter. Those that do, are of higher classes. Or are special in some way." Butler replied.
"Okay, so then if I suppose they walked, then I'd be searching in a.... two thousand plus mile radius in all directions... but if they flew on Syphir... I'm afraid they'd be out of the range these maps have." Aisrin muttered to himself.
"I'm dreadfully sorry, Sire. I wish I could be of service, but each King can only order one expedition. These maps are the cumulative results of five centuries. The newest edition has yet to be copied and put to market. After all, only twenty copies are ever made." Butler overexplained.
"Five centuries, and this is all you got? I could have done this myself in two years!" Aisrin suddenly shouted.
"Of course Sire, one cannot doubt your astonishing skills." Butler confirmed.
"Speaking of, I'm thinking about connecting Fort Dawn with New Silver City." Aisrin had decided on new names for the two areas he now controlled entirely. The surrounding villages still had yet to recognize his authority.
"And how might that be done sire?" Butler inquired.
"The redirection of waterways. I also want to use it as a means of defense, any invading forces would be required to travel further around to attack." Aisrin showed Butler his plan to connect the river separating his land from the demons and the nearby lake.
"Truly a feat, but this seems to look like a difficult transgression." Butler noted.
"With magic, this is but a small feat. The travel between the two would be cut down to mere hours to a day." Aisrin discussed.
"I see, and you would be the one to do this?" Butler asked.
"No, I will be helping, I have quite the capable group already started on the project." Aisrin commented.
"There are more who can use magic?" Butler questioned with a hint of curiosity.
"Yes, it seems all humans can use magic, it's just the knowledge had changed, making the use unknown." Aisrin replied.
"How intriguing sire. Might I be so bold as to ask how you found out this information?" Butler responded with a question.
"I have a keen eye." Aisrin answered. Butler nodded simply and continued about his chores.
*Fort Dawn*
Aisrin looked over the progress Aren and his troops had made. Those with exceptional earth magic capabilities had been lowering the earth in a well cut out path, moving slightly like a snake as to make it appear natural made. The land near the water had been left untouched until the completion of the water path.
The path was a good quarter mile wide and around 10 feet deep at the start. Every half mile was dropped 10 more feet as to allow a continuous flow. Obviously the drop was gradual, but it was nonetheless ten feet deeper every half mile.
"How far have we made it in the past week and a half?" Aisrin asked Aren.
"My Lord, we have made it, according to this measurement you lent me, approximately two miles. We have about a month on our own to make it to New Silver City, and another two weeks to reach the lake." Aren reported.
"Good, very good. I'll cut that time down to a week while I'm here. We shall make it to New Silver City by tomorrow. Let's begin." Aisrin stated as he began using his magic to lower the dirt. Within two hours, Aisrin had multiplied the progress 5x.
By the next day, with several magic users working, they had successfully made it to the rear of New Dawn City.
"I'd also like to grow trees on the opposite shore, a little camouflage of sorts." Aisrin began muttering. To protect his nation, Aisrin planned defenses and strategies day and night.
"Thank you my Lord, with this we should hopefully complete by next Tuesday." Aren bowed respectfully.
"Huh, oh right, yes. I'll be counting on you." Aisrin affirmed.
"Of course, My Lord. We shall not fail you." Aren bowed and returned to duty.
"Perhaps artillery...." Aisrin returned to his thoughts.
(I feel like you need a break.)
'I can't. There's far too much to do. Officially, this nation has too little defenses, and far too many citizens to leave undefended. My responsibilities are many, and the expectations are high.'
(You place too much on yourself.)
'Better than constantly battling for other nations wars.'
(Yes, and now you're preparing to battle for your own.)
'Exactly.'
*2 weeks later*
Aisrin sat next to the little girl. She had finally woke up from her long coma. Her eyes were dull and lifeless.
"....Are you hungry?" Aisrin asked plainly. He wasn't sure how to talk to her. She simply shook her head no in response.
"Oh.... uh... no... hmm..." Aisrin fumbled his thoughts, unable to think of anything to say helpfully.
"Its okay. I'm fine." The little girl silently stated. Those words hit Aisrin hard.
"I'm so sorry... I... I shouldn't have been gone for so long!" Aisrin blurted. The little girl shook her head again.
"It's not your fault." She smiled.
(Ouch.)
"... I'm going to fix this." Aisrin promised.
(How?)
'I can think of a few methods. Total memory erasure. Illusory replacements-'
(None of those are good options. The only thing you can do, is give her a reason to fight instead.)
'Like how?'
(Give her something positive.)
'Hmm?'
(Her family is dead, no one knows her name, and she was... you know.)
"Okay. I'll adopt you then." Aisrin stated out loud. The girl looked questioningly at Aisrin.
(I was thinking more along the lines of a pet or something....)
"What is that?" The girl asked.
"You'll be my family." Aisrin replied. Her face slightly brightened.
"I'll be your sister?" She inquired.
"Hmmn, yeah, absolutely! I'll train you in everything I know." Aisrin confirmed.
"Okay!" The girl beamed, the lifelessness and dullness remained in her eyes, but a warm light, barely shone deep within them.