"Before we go further I just want you all to be prepared," I eyed the Heroes seriously. "This town isn't what you would call normal on either side of the continent but everyone there is trustworthy and my family. Just don't freak out."
"Why would we freak out?" Carl asked apprehensively.
"Well unlike you humans, demons are very… different. It's not only our looks but some of our more unique cultural habits."
"Cultural habits?" Gary looked at me intrigued.
"If you see someone throwing a child across the street don't worry."
"You're kidding right?" Alicia spat.
"No seriously, Ogre children enjoy being thrown around. They're also incredibly sturdy. The difficult thing is drawing the line between races...." I recalled a time when I was playing with Warten and he decided it would be fun to throw me across the courtyard. Now this was at a time I didn't know as much magic so you can guess how that turned out but on the plus side I learnt how to fly not long after.
The sight of the town soon came into view from between the trees. I steered the cloud towards the front entrance and settled it down just outside. The Heroes nervously disembarked. As soon as we were all on the ground a familiar beastkin mayor rounded the corner,
"Davios is that you?" Marker called naturally, he ran up to me and gave me a pat on the back that was a little too strong. "You're finally back! Just where have you been all this time?"
"Ah well, I went on a journey and met a few people," I gestured to the Heroes, "These are some friends I made. They're adventurers. This is Marker my childhood friend and the current mayor."
The Heroes introduced themselves almost normally if it weren't for their eyes flicking towards Marker's ears and tail.
"It's an honour to meet you," Carl lightly bowed. "I hope you don't mind the fact that we're human."
"What's wrong with that?" Marker asked legitimately confused. As if on cue two human townsfolk walked towards us. "Didn't Davios tell you? We're a mixed town."
"What?" The Heroes flashed their eyes at me then two the behind Marker.
"Oh Davios you're back," the pair nodded lightly. "Come by the store later it's been ages."
I nodded to them, "Matilda, Linda, it's good to see you. I'll make sure to pay a visit." Crafty as always, they ran the general store and would hone in on any guests.
"Make sure to bring your new friends we'd definitely like to become more acquainted."
"I will," I smiled and they left.
"Dave why didn't you tell us?" Sayuri asked angrily.
"I could have sworn you knew…." Did I never mention it? I could have sworn I… actually no I did not.
"It makes sense why you were so used to humans but I honestly thought this would be an all demon town," Gary laughed.
"No our town is unique," Marker said pleased. "If you'd like I can show you around." The Heroes accepted enthusiastically.
Marker led the way to the town centre. Along the way we passed many demons and humans. Each of them looked at us, or more appropriately the Heroes, curiously. I just smiled and waved to them and the Heroes did so as well, though nervously. It was their first time seeing so many types of demons. The town sported almost every race.
Gary pulled on Sayuri's sleeve, "Look, look, it's an actual cat girl!"
"I-I know, shh you're making a scene," Sayuri tried to calm his unnatural excitement. He had already seen Marker but I guess females made the difference to him. "Alicia help."
"That guy has scales!" Alicia was blatantly staring at everyone. "Carl look at her she has wings on her arms! Do you think she can fly?"
"Haha…." Carl tried to calm her down as well. These two siblings just couldn't settle down.
Marker stopped at the town centre. All the major stores were here as well as the mayor's residence. As it was just past midday the place was bustling.
"This is our Town Centre, over there is the General store. The bakery is that building over there. We also have an inn that I'll show you later. We don't have many guests but the accommodation is quite nice."
"You have a very nice town," Carl honestly praised. "And everyone seems to really get along."
"We pride ourselves on our diversity."
There was a hustle of movement and a group of eight children ran towards us,
"See I told you I saw them!" the leading one happily exclaimed. "Var- I mean Davios you're back!"
The kid almost screwed up. I rubbed her on the head, "Tina how've you been, not making too much trouble are you?" She was a tomboyish girl, a cross between a dragonkin and human. Probably one of the first of her kind.
"Not too much," she grinned and put out her hands. The other children also smiled with their hands out. "Presents please."
Marker scowled, "Don't you think you're all being a bit too blunt?"
"But Varry, ah Davios, said he'd have some when he came," a small child with bird like features grinned. She was a Harpy which looked close to humans but their arms grew wings and their feet and legs were birdlike. Instead of hair they had feathers.
"In a second," I sighed, trust it to kids to screw up the name. Honestly I didn't expect much from them.
"They're so cute!" Sayuri and Alicia's eyes lit up. "Are you all demons?"
"I'm a half," Tina exclaimed.
"I'm an ogre."
"I'm a harpy."
"I'm human."
They all began saying their races and the girls became flustered as the children quickly mobbed them.
Gary approached me from the side, "Wow, I really didn't expect all this."
"That's why I told you now to freak out," I replied. "Other towns in the demon side aren't this hectic when it comes to races but you'll still see it."
"By the way," he came in closer, "How does the whole umm, 'interspecies' thing work?"
I let out a short laugh, "Why do you ask?"
"It's just that… they don't look as mixed as I expected."
"That's because race comes from the mother's side. Small traits like eyes, ears or hair can come from the father. Though it changes on each race specifically and there are some exceptions."
"So then the dragon girl?"
"Her mother's human. The only dragonkin trait she has are the wings on her back."
"This is definitely another world…."
Gary moved over to Carl to explain what I just told him as he was also staring at the children. Sayuri and Alicia were being asked questions incessantly by the kids.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a bag of candy, "Hey kids, how about giving the nice girls a break." I rattled the bag, and their eyes switched to me. Tina who had climbed up Alicia jumped and awkwardly glided towards me. I handed her the bag, "Share these okay."
"Okay!" and she ran off. The children chased after her.
Sayuri had an incredibly beautiful smile on her face as she turned to me, "So this is your home."
"Yeah, this is my home." Certainly the castle was my home but this town was just as much as well so I was technically not lying.
"It's a nice place," she walked in a small circle around the town centre. "What's this box lying here for?" She pointed at a suspiciously placed cardboard box that was against the fountain. I almost lost my composure; Marker had actually just put a box on it.
Marker quickly approached her, "Don't worry about that, it's just some tools we haven't moved. How about I show you the bakery? I assume you haven't eaten yet? Our pastries are world class."
"Oh yes please," Alicia waved her hand.
We went down a street and approached the bakery. It had a few occupants already and in front of it was a human lady smiling a little too brilliantly.
"Welcome," she curtsied and called inside, "Gilby honey, we have some guests." The door opened and Gilby came out.
"Wah…." The Heroes stared at him with wide eyes. He looked human enough but scales covered most of his body and could be seen along his arms and neck. What was imposing were the set of large wings sprouting from his back. They were on another level compared to Tina.
"Good afternoon," he bowed, "My name is Gilbert Draft, and this is my wife Leena."
"Then you two are…," Gary looked between the two.
"Yes my wife is human and I am a dragonkin. You may have already seen our daughter earlier."
"Wow…." Sayuri mumbled.
Leena smiled, "Impressive isn't he. It took me a while to convince him to marry me. Honey why don't you show them your other forms?"
"Dragonkin are special. They took inspiration from the already existing dragons and have become like them. Currently Gilby is in his most human form," I explained to the Heroes before they could ask. Really he was in his most high-demon form but it made it easier for them to understand.
"I don't mind but I'll need a more space to do the whole thing," he smiled. "That is if that's alright with you Marker."
"We have guests to entertain so I'll allow it. But let's move to a more open area," Marker led everyone to a large open garden.
With a nod from Leena, Marker and I, Gilby began to change. The Heroes couldn't keep their eyes off of him. First his body began to become larger and soon he was a half metre taller. His head elongated and become reptilian. Scales now covered his entire body and his feet and hands were clawed. A thick tail had also sprouted from his back.
"This is our usual form," he explained in a gruffer voice. "If you have the opportunity to visit my homeland this is what you'll see mostly. However I prefer my more high demon form because it's easier to bake bread." He laughed.
Leena looked at him proudly, "Isn't he handsome?" The Heroes nodded along but slightly forcefully. Leena's taste was a bit different to theirs. "Just wait this isn't all."
Gilby leaned forward as his body started to expand rapidly. His clothes also became larger to fit his body. His hands touched the ground as they became legs and in just a few seconds he almost covered the entire garden. I couldn't help but smirk as he looked funny to me more than imposing. Normally when dragonkin transformed they wore special clothing that changed into a collar but his clothes only grew larger or smaller to fit. In other words it was a dragon wearing a shirt, pants and apron. Then in a sudden burst he changed back to his original look,
"Sorry I can only keep that up for so long. I'm a baker after all."
The Heroes clapped but before they could comment a sudden voice came from behind us,
"Gilby you look magnificent as always."
"Your highness," Leena and Gilby bowed to her politely.
"Lisanna what are you doing here?" Marker exclaimed.
"I finally got some time off," she laughed.
"Is- Is Gilda here?"
"You'll have to find her," she grinned.
Marker turned to me and the Heroes, "Sorry but I must be excused." And off he went.
Gary grabbed my arm, "Hey isn't that the Queen of Rentolt?" She was wearing less regal clothing and could be mistaken for a normal town's member but the aura she let out demanded attention like a true Queen.
I nodded, "I did say we knew each other since we were children. She's one of the founders of this town."
"Heroes it is good to see you," she nodded to them, "I didn't expect you to be here but you are welcome as long as you stay within our good faith."
"Of course your highness," Carl bowed hiding his apprehension.
She smirked, "Carlton Smith, you once told me that demons were the enemy, yet you are here. Have you changed your mind?"
"I've had my eyes opened to quite a few things," he looked at me.
"Ah I see," she shook her head at me, "You just couldn't keep it a secret could you?"
"It's not Dave's fault, he saved our lives," Sayuri said in my defence. "I was the one who insisted on coming here."
"No need to be so uptight. I'm just teasing." Lisanna rubbed my head and whispered in my ear, "How much do they know?"
"Demon that's all," I replied just as quietly.
She turned back to the Heroes, "Please enjoy our town however I'd like you all to keep this a secret," she winked, "I may be Queen but there are many who do not share my views."
"You can trust us," Alicia happily nodded.
"I hope so," her finale remark was quiet. She and I both new this wouldn't be the first time the Heroes had betrayed demon kind but I had faith… and a crap tonne of hope.
Aside: Target Marked.
Davarious First Born Light of the Autumn Wind:
As we walked around town I made it my absolute mission to spy on Marker. He'd been my best friend since we were children and someone I could always rely on. Of course as his best friend I had certain privileges to 'help' him, especially when it came to a certain unrequited love. I spotted him from around the corner. As I expected he had managed to track down Gilda quite quickly, his since of smell was unparalleled… or at least when it came to her.
"Gilda it's good to see you again," he greeted her normally but his tail was swinging back and forth happily.
"Ah Marker," Gilda blushed slightly but hid it well, "How have you been?"
"Better now that I've seen you," he smiled. Damn, he was kicking straight into it.
"Marker please," Gilda stepped back. "I told you not to."
"But you know how I feel," he took a step forward. "I'm older now. I'm no longer that child who just followed you around."
"And I'm older as well Marker," Gilda shook her head, "I'm sorry but I still can't see you like that. Why do you keep pushing for me? There are plenty people out there human and demon who would love to be with you."
"Because since the day we met I couldn't look at anyone else but you," he reached for her hand but she pulled back.
"You're just over glorifying me. I saved your life; I know that means a lot to your people but you don't owe me anything."
"And I've told you time and time again that it's more than that. So please give me your answer." There was silence. I'd seen this setup a few times now. Not long after I became Demon Lord Marker admitted his feelings and the years since then Gilda has been putting distance between them.
I felt a presence beside me, "Oh what's happening here?" Alicia asked slyly.
"Shhh!" Sayuri hushed with sparkling eyes, "They're having a moment." I looked back surprised, just how long had Sayuri been watching this with me? Damn this girl could be the death of me.
"Isn't that Rentolt's Knight Commander and the Mayor?" Alicia hushed herself but stayed to watch.
I nodded, "This has been going on awhile."
"Oh how juicy."
Another voice joined the fray with the flow of red hair, "Gilda and Marker should just get hitched already."
"Your highness?" Sayuri turned back to see Lisanna watching them with a bored tedious expression.
"Everyone hush they're doing something," I snapped.
Gilda broke the silence, "Marker I love you but I can't love you the way you want me to."
Marker pushed forward a bit sadly, "Why? I'm a grown man now. What do I need to do to prove it to you?"
"It's not something you can just prove."
"Is it because I'm a demon?"
"Of course not!" Gilda shouted gathering the attention of several other residents.
"If there's anything I can do please just tell me."
"I… I- I'm sorry," Gilda was about to turn away but a shout from our side stopped her.
"Just kiss already!" Lisanna yelled.
"Lisanna?" Marker jerked back in surprise and looked in our direction. Ah bugger, I had been supressing the sound coming from us but I couldn't supress that. "First? What are you doing?"
"I'm tired of watching you two do this whole dramatic act between the both of you. Just say you like each other and get on with it already," Lisanna rolled her eyes. "Even the townsfolk are getting fed up with it." Nodding heads filled the surrounds, revealing that the two had much less privacy than they had thought. Sayuri and Alicia were watching with incredibly intent gazes, the two were really getting a kick out of this.
"Lisanna you know I can't…." Gilda began.
"She's lying!" Lisanna continued to prattle, "She's just embarrassed because she's older than you." True it was less common for the girl to be older in the relationship. "She also finds it awkward because she used to only see you like a brother but I know what she really feels. At night I hear her mumble your name and there are even times whe-,"
"Your highness shut up!" Gilda shouted over everything. "I- I, I don't deserve you!" she then yelled at Marker who pulled back in surprise. "You're younger than me, cute yet handsome, you're kind, smart and the most reliable man I've ever met. How could I not fall in love you but I can't, I don't deserve this."
"Gilda why, you haven't-," Marker began but was cut off.
"I've killed demons!" her voice spread through the air like a knife cutting sound. Tears began to fall. "I've killed your kind before…. I'm cold blooded, I murdered innocent demons because I was told to and I felt nothing then. But now each time I look at you I can't help but hate myself because I've always kept this a secret."
Lisanna said nothing, I said nothing, Alicia and Sayuri were shocked, the townsfolk said nothing and Marker just stared at her. Lisanna and I knew about Gilda's past. Before she was Lisanna's companion she was a hunter for Rentolt's army. Her job was to indiscriminately hunt demons along the border.
Marker was wavering, he had no idea about her past and now it was in the open he didn't know how to respond.
I stepped forward, "And I've killed humans before." My voice carried a heavy weight but there was no remorse. "It doesn't matter why I did it but I can't let the past bind my actions." I saw Sayuri and Alicia from behind me, I'd told them before but saying it again so bluntly their eyes were filled with a unique disappointment. "Gilda do you want me to punish you?" She looked at me with dead eyes but before she could say anything I continued, "Because I won't. We all know what Rentolt used to be like but we all know who you are now. If our two races never moved on from the past this town wouldn't exist."
"And Marker!" Lisanna's voice boomed, "Why are you saying nothing? This is the women you fell in love with. You know who she is. Do not disgrace yourself further. Or are you really a man worthy of her love?"
Her words breathed life into him and suddenly he took Gilda in his arms, she was surprised but didn't push away.
"I love you and I always will," and with those words Marker kissed her. There was an odd moment of shock for everyone watching but as time passed Gilda's body relaxed and finally she returned the kiss. Applause broke out. Confetti shot into the air and people began to cheer. The two of them had been going on a while now and the townsfolk had been raring to celebrate. Gilda was still a little teary as they parted but she smiled brilliantly like her life had just been remade.
"Thank you," she held Marker close.
"If you're really thankful name your first kid after me," I called to them.
"I call dibs on the second one," Lisanna joined in.
Marker glared at me, "Just shut up and let me have this moment."
I turned away with a grin and gave Lisanna the thumbs up. It took a while but we had finally pushed the two together. Alicia and Sayuri followed me as I left.
"Dave umm," Sayuri began, "Did you show that to us on purpose?"
I laughed, "If I could have planned that out so well I would have, but this time it was just luck and not a small amount of love."
Alicia groaned, "Watching that really makes me miss TV. Then again I guess you can't really record that kind of drama." Again with the things that didn't make sense to me.
Carl and Gary rounded the corner ahead of us, "Hey, where have you three been? I heard a lot of noise from over there, did something happen?"
I smiled, "Nothing at all."
Aside End:
The Heroes spent the rest of the day touring and talking to the various people who lived here. Humans who once hated demons and demons who once hated humans. They shared their stories and laughed together. And all the while I watched them. There were a few close calls especially with the children who accidently called me Lord or Varry. I managed to just pull it off as a nickname, thankfully most the adults were at their top game.
The Heroes and I sat down with Lisanna for dinner at one of the few restaurants, Gilda and Marker had parted their own way. The owner was from the Arm tribe of demons. They didn't number many but as their name would suggest they had twice the number of arms in their possession than other races. On top of that their facial features were quite similar to the Fay, having longer ears and a slender face with wide eyes. We could see him and his wife leading the kitchen crew as they prepared the food.
Carl looked around the establishment impressed, "It's hard to believe this town was nothing 10 years ago."
"Really?" Alicia asked surprised.
"Yeah, we heard it from one of the tailors. Apparently along with the Queen they also have the backing of an influential demon," Gary answered.
"He must be pretty powerful," Alicia looked to Lisanna, "What kind of person are they?"
Lisanna smiled and her gaze swept past me, "Someone very important to the demons but he'd rather remain anonymous for obvious reasons."
"Right, making this kind of town would probably bring down the Demon Lord's wrath if it was discovered," Carl crossed his fingers. "But having someone like that on our side could really change things, especially considering who we are."
"Maybe, but right now is not the time," Lisanna couldn't help let out a small giggle.
After some time Sayuri raised her voice, "If this town only started ten years ago," she looked to me, "what were you doing before that Dave?"
Urgh…, I laughed awkwardly as I racked my brain for an answer, "Well… back then I used to wonder around a lot and I spent a lot of time with Marker. He used to live in a beastkin town not too far from here. I met Lisanna here ten years ago when she saved my life and since then I've been helping to build this town."
"What about your Master?" Gary asked, "Everyone has a teacher in regards to magic right? I was wondering if I could meet yours."
"…He's-," I began but Marker burst through the door before I could finish.
He came in and swiftly appeared in front of me, "Dave we have a problem."
"What is it?" I asked immediately serious. His tone of voice wasn't playing around.
"Follow me, Lisanna you too."
I stood up and looked at the heroes, "Stay here."
Once we were outside a fair distance Marker stopped and turned to Lisanna and I, "First, did you order any troop movements near the border?"
"No," I replied. "Although I'm not at home much. Our orders so far have been to standby and deal with any monsters as well as increase the coast guard. Is something wrong with my armies?"
"Yes. I just met with one of our traders who came from the Orc territory east of here. From what he saw, a large regiment of soldiers were passing through. That's not anything suspicious in itself but I've lost contact with one of our watchmen in the human town Trafkir to the west."
My fist clenched tightly, "Are you saying one of my armies has invaded the human side?"
"Possibly. I don't want to jump to conclusions but if you don't leave now to do something we could be in a whole other mess."
"I understand," I turned to Lisanna, "What will you do?"
"If I return and head from the palace I won't make it in time but I can gather the nearby knights to form some kind of defence," she replied heavily and sighed. "Just when I thought I finally caught a break."
"I'll take the Heroes and meet you there. If it's nothing we can all laugh about it later but right now we need to act. Marker look after the town while we're gone."
"I always do," his words lacked his usual spirit. "Good luck and please look after Gilda for me."
"I don't need luck," I scoffed, "I have skill." With that I headed straight back to the restaurant. The Heroes were just getting their food. Unceremoniously I picked up the dishes, "Sorry but we have a job to do, follow me."