When I opened my eyes I saw Plight laying very still. Then agony split through my head. I whimpered, grabbed my head, and tucked closer to him. "Oh gods.." I groaned, "what'd I do?"
"You had one drink too many." Plight said softly.
"Did I do anything to you?" I cringed, "Did we do the dwarf thing? Hiring the union?"
"Yes. You impressed them quite a bit. They'll be heading to the cave and doing the work. Meanwhile, you have a date to get to. Or, a meeting?" Plight reminded me.
I got up away from him, cringed once more as pain flitted through my skull, and found my bag to look at the time. Then my stomach roiled in protest. I went to the chamber pot and threw up.
I then laid on the floor with a groan. "Plight, can you get a tomato, please? The Inn should have one."
"Yes, I can get a tomato.. just a moment." Plight said. He got up and left the room.
After he'd gone, I got into my herb kit. I took out the ingredients I needed to combine to fix a hangover. I just needed the tomato. It was going to smell like shit however.
Plight returned and I smooshed the tomato into a swallow-able consistency, mixed everything. Then I pinched my nose shut and downed the mixture. I paled in horror at the taste... but it did its job. My head cleared considerably.
Checking the time again, I had a few minutes, so I looked over my outfit. It was fine enough. I straightened myself and washed my mouth out. "Thank you, Plight. It was very dangerous to be that inebriated. Thank you for staying by my side."
"The ceiling is made of 200 planks. And that does not take a long time to count." Plight told me.
"I'm very sorry." I told him.
"It's alright. Go have fun at your meeting. I am going to go outside for a while." Plight said.
I nodded and left the room myself, with my gear, and headed to the well where I was due to meet Mills. I used the ring on my clothing to ensure I didn't reek.
I was more than a little concerned I may have done something to Plight. Feeling guilty, I spotted Mills waiting for me. "Hey." I greeted him.
"Good evening, my Moon Lily." Mills greeted me with a smile.
I was utterly shocked by the greeting. Having studied the language of flowers under the Desquins, I knew very well that the flower represented romantic love, dreaming of love, beauty that comes from darkness. It represents hope and the uplifting of ones soul. My face turned red once more, and I gave him a shy smile, "Do you mean that for me?"
"I mean every word I say. So, yes. You asked me where I wanted this relationship to go. I hope that clarifies." He replied.
"Should I play the part of a noble lady, then? Or do you prefer when I'm direct?" I asked him.
"I see no reason for you to change anything about yourself." He answered.
With his words sinking in, I gave him a hug and a kiss on his cheek and said, "Alright, then. You've just got to survive my Mother. Shall we go to your meeting, then?"
"I'm sure it will be my most grueling task, yet." Mills replied.
"She actively harasses Tilton. For fun." I tell him.
His face appeared gaunt for a second as he took that information in. "It will be fine." He concluded.
"Know what? That's respectable. If she get's too much you can tell her we can talk to Tilton about your qualifications." I gave him a wink.
"Yes, I'm sure Tilton can tell her all about my qualifications.." Mills said.
I laughed and said "Nah. It's to catch a break from her. She won't go near him. Oh, do you know about massive spiders?"
"Not particularly. They were never a field of study." Mills said.
"I think one will be raised in town soon." I inform him.
"Oh. Well then..." Mills said, as he guided me to the meeting place.
I thought about telling him my dealings with the dwarves today. I would be telling him at some point anyways. Then, I noticed we'd entered the Dwarven district. We went past the union building, two doors down, and to the right. The left building of the two in the back next to the town's wall. After a specific code-like knock, that I memorized, we were let inside the building.
Once inside the stone building, we had to take a hallway with four doors in it, we entered the one on the right in the back. In this room there was a large round table with ten chairs, only 7 were filled. There were three male dwarves, two humans-a man and a woman, a male tiger tabaxi, and a lady gnome. The windows had dark curtains, that were shut tightly. It was well lit, probably cause of the humans. Of the dwarves, the Elder I'd spoken to at the Dwarven union was present.
I silently chuckled to myself in amusement, the Elder would likely spill the tea about my project. "Cats have a hand in everything, don't they?" I ask the Tabaxi.
The Elder dwarf burst out with "Ha! The silencer of Elves!"
"I think I'd prefer 'Silencer of Bastards', but yes, those two are elves." I replied.
The Elder laughed again and said "Bastards works."
I chuckled and gave a silent feline greeting to the tabaxi. Then, I looked at the others, keeping a friendly smile on my face.
The human male was the first to speak, "Who is this one?"
"SHE is a like-minded individual who has been brought here to hopefully.. progress things." Mills answered.
"And she can handle herself!" Vouched the Elder.
The human man readjust how he'd been sat in a brisk manner. The human woman then said, "Alright so, she has been brought in by a member, it's fine, that's how we all got here. Onto actual business. When last we all spoke, we were divided on which village to begin our new economic system." She pointed to the human man and continued, "You had a proposal?"
"Yes. I still believe it would be a far wiser choice to go with the village on the ocean. Near the East Coast." He said.
"Hm. For what purpose?" I inquired.
"For the purpose of purchasing it from its current owner to try out a new system of government." He said.
I snorted, "The Lapileon's land. Cute. Yes, they are merely a poor barony, but since that land is a gift from Heint, you'll find they've not the permission to let it go. The village leaders there answer directly to the Lapileons."
"Yes, we are aware of it's difficult acquisition, that is why we are in the middle of a debate on which village to get and how. The other village under consideration is in the swamp." he said.
The gnome chimed in, "Yes, it is in a swamp, that's why it's easier to get."
"That's Elmire land," I say, "Why not start a village outside of immediate notice or outside of a noble's touch?"
"And that was my suggestion, but it got shot down." A dwarf stated.
"Before we continue, shall we share names? Because the Elder knows what I have going on well." I said, "I am Sarial Hearthy, less known as an adventurer, Saria Cross." I then took a seat at the table.
The Elder spoke up, again, in an amused tone, "This ones Oghren," he pats a Dwarf, "That ones Ebrik, humans are Ivan, Mills and Laura, Tabaxi is Jaden, and Gnome is Breena, and I am Alberich."
"A strong name, Elder Alberich." I incline my head, respectfully. "Why was Ebrik's idea shot down?"
"Because the goal is to show the REST of the kingdom, any town, any village, can apply these methods and grow and prosper." Ivan said.
"A good idea in theory. However, do you know who reaps the benefit of your idea?" I ask in a light, offhand tone.
"Enlighten us." Ivan said.
"Slavers. The Denoir's would hear of your activities and install people under Elmire's directive, and since it was YOUR plan, who'd pay the most?" I ask.
Elder Alberich said, "Alright, in the interest of plodding along, let's put it to a vote. Take over a village, or build a new one."
I smile at Elder Alberich and give a light laugh. The humans, and gnome vote for taking over a village. the dwarves and tabaxi vote to build one.
"Elder, voting is easier cast if one has all the knowledge available to them, no? And you know what I'm up to. And I assume you've realized why." I continue to smile at the old dwarf.
"Aye, but it's not my information to share. Client confidentiality." Elder Alberich states.
I laugh again, "Within the next few days the Dwaven Union will be working towards building some 30 odd houses, a medical building, and a mess hall. Knowing the earnest work a dwarf does, I'd wager there will be an entire village nearby within the fortnight. Tell me your ideas, I may incorporate them."
Mills was looking at me questioningly, an eyebrow raised. I gave him a sweet smile. I Mind Linked to him.
*I just got this into works this afternoon. Though, I'd been working on it since, yesterday. we fixed the bridge today, too.*
*
*I can show you.*
"Where in the world did you find the land to do this?" Breena asked.
"It's just past the second bridge to the East. It's no man's land, a monster cave, that my friend and I cleared out. We've cleaned it and ensured its safety already." I tell her.
Alberich spoke up and said "It sounds like the perfect place to try out our little plan, IF she's alright with it. She's already hired my boys to build it up."
Ivan says, "Fine. IF she agrees to it, we'll put it to a vote and try our system out in this little cave town of this entirely unknown individual."
"I've already said let me hear your ideas, and I'd see about it. I trust you lot far less than you trust me. I can assure you of that, but Father always said not to bite others who may be of help." I stated giving Ivan a cat's stare.
Laura spoke now, "We are trying to make a town where it's people can grow beyond their beginning, and become something self sustaining where a leaders interjection should barely be needed. Where there is opportunity, for the smallest all the way to the sickest."
"People like a boss to tell them what to do. A leader's interjection can make even the lowliest happy. Your idea is both broad and vague." I reply. "For example, the slums of Valor's Crest, a place I know well, is ran by a worm named Miran. He's a fool, coward and scum, yet the people of the slum's hail him their king because he leads them fairly. His people, at the end of the day, have at least a meal before bed."
"Will you express your idea for the cave?" Mills asks.
"What I currently intend is to go to East Haven and recruit the theives guild there, which is merely children and cripples, to come and live in the town. They'd be provided meals, shelter, care and protection in exchange for honing their skills in medicine, farming, herbology, gardening, crafting, and selling. Since it will be under my name, they'll not be taxed until laws can be adjusted, which may be two, three years time. By then they will have grown..." I tell them.
"Now that is a solid plan. Teach those who are overlooked." Elder Alberich said.
"Precisely so. People who are left to rot, spoil. People who are given a chance to thrive do so miraculously. I am living proof of that." I say. "I want to do for others what my adoptive Father did for me."
Elder Alberich suggested to vote to support my plan and location, or to figure out a different one. I added, "I can potentially help you take over a village if you do not wish to have a hand in my plans. I can even help you make it achievable, though it shall be considerably more difficult. I will still go ahead with this cave, regardless."
With the exception of Ivan and Breena, the rest of the group voted to support my plans.
*Is this a good thing?*
*
*I should warn them about Father.*
*
With that tidbit, I decide not to warn them. As long as they remember who I am and who Father is, there should be no issue. "Will you two, Ivan and Breena, join your fellows, or do you wish to do things your way? I don't intend to force anyone." I ask.
"The thing we just did is commonly referred to as a vote. I don't know if you've ever been part of a vote, but it means you go with the majority. Otherwise, there is no point." Ivan said, his tone nearly condescending.
"Cute. But those who aren't onboard can taint results and sow discord. Do you understand my hesitancy? James Hearthry does not raise idiots." I tell him, directly, my voice hard.
Ivan sighed and wiped his face, then calmly said, "Simply because we do not agree on something, does, by no means, make me your enemy. Different opinions make different perspectives. If we all agreed, then an idea would never grow."
"Sure. I can agree with that. However, I've also seen the bad side of this dream unfold, though I was a small and sick child then. I would like Nathan Denoir to hear of his dream being brought to fruition, and comfort him as his tale comforted me." I reply, in a softer tone, with no indication that the man I'd mentioned was near me. "Call me cautious."
"You'll find that everyone in this room has quite the respect for Nathan Denoir. Most of us here gathered simply because of his ideals." Ivan said.
"In that case, I accept your assistance. I am young and have much left to learn, should the teaching prove valuable." I relented.
Elder Alberich says, "Well then, everyone, let us call it a night. We may go and gather our resources, and next week, we will meet at the cave." He laughingly added, "If you will host us."
"Certainly, Elder. It'll be a great time to see the progress your capable people have made." I smile.
"In a weeks' time I am sure it will be quite substantial." He agreed.
I smiled at Mills and bid them a good night. "Sorry for blind siding you." I tell him as we leave, severing the Mind Link.
"It's alright. By this time, I feel I've grown accustomed to it." He replied.
"Do you want to see the cave tonight, or would you rather another time?" I ask.
"Oh, why not. Let's go and have a look." Mills says.
"Do you have a way out or are we climbing the wall?" I inquire.
"I have a way out." He replies.
"Lead away, then." I nod to him. We went straight to the East gate and he paid our way out. I'd giggled quietly at that.
As we walked, by both memory and moonlight, I remembered about the wreath the old woman had given me. I'd put it into the bag of holding. Now would be a good time to put it on the door. I also remember to mentally inform Plight that I'm taking Mills to see the cave. I then wonder where the dogs went.
"The economy of Dueling Rivers will be boosted by the development of this town so near. I should think the dwarves will find the name I'm considering for it amusing. Hearthstone Town." I tell him quietly as we walk there.
When we reach the second bridge, I activate the beacon, so that we could better see. Mills looks at me for a moment, smiles, then chuckles and says, "Moon Lily truly fits you." He gently pulls me to him for a kiss, that I return.
I don't know that I'll ever adjust and stop blushing. "The cave is just over that way," I tell him, feeling bashful. "I hadn't thought of it till now, but I wonder if I can repair those books with this ring. There may be something useful in them."
"Most book repair is done by hand. Magic tends to erase what you're trying to restore." Mills says.
"Makes sense." I say as we continue across the bridge and approach the entrance. I take the wreath out and hang it on the door, then I open door. "The entry door isn't all I wished it to be yet, but I'll work on it over time, or the dwarves will surprise me." I tell him as we enter.
There were already a few dwarves inside the caves entryway, making plans. My excitement bubbled up, and I just waved at them, taking Mills down the right tunnel, first. Seeing the ash isn't on the floor anymore in the first room, I continue on to the next one, where the previously empty crates were filled with the ash. I point out to Mills that the ash would be great as fertilizer for plants. Next I head to the room with all the books and that strange puzzle door, Mills follows.
"I can read several languages, though not that one. Plight couldn't, either. Can you?" I ask Mills.
"Unfortunately.. no. It looks far more ancient than anything I can read." Mills said.
"It's not Primordial, I can read that." I reply, then shrug. "Maybe I can get Seralyn and Bit to have a look at it. I expect they may be in town tomorrow. Though, I'm hesitant to bring this place under Dad's radar so quickly."
"It could be a made up language that requires a cipher." Mills suggested.
"Knowing of wizards, I'll have to agree. Seralyn could figure it out in 15 minutes, then." I shrug. "Want to see the other area, now?"
"Sure. What other mysteries does this cave hold." Mills commented.
"A partly erased glyph in the bottom of a hundred foot pit. And the worlds most comfy bed in a room." I replied.
"Mysteries indeed." Mills said.
"Not so much," I say as we walk back out and towards the left tunnel. "It once belonged to Azerime."
He stopped and looked at me, stunned, "The Azerime..? That means there are far more mysteries around here than we may know of."
I gently take his arm to continue leading him. "I found his diary. Er.. Journal. I don't think his tower is nearby. Mother never said it was close. Course, she just knew rumors. He tried to send her through time with a doll once. He's mischievous."
"I don't think I've ever heard him described as mischievous, but I suppose he certainly could be." Mills replied.
"I mean, I could call him 'Crazed old bastard' like Mother calls him, but mischievous makes it feel like he didn't have ill-intent." I told him.
"I would certainly hope he didn't have ill-intent. Having Azerime as an enemy doesn't sound like a fun time." He said.
I show him the room we found Bibs in, and tell him so. Then, I took him down into the carvern. "Isn't is huge?" I ask him.
"It is indeed quite massive in here. I'm surprised there hasn't been any cave ins." Mills replied.
I take him towards the pit, "I made the grate from cages Plight and I broke down. There were thirteen goblins, a goblin boss, bugbear and enormous spider in here. Plight got beat up pretty badly. I'm tougher than him, I guess. I had to make him flee."
"Poor fellow, sounds like he had a rough go of it." Mills commented.
"He'd have gotten less beat up if he'd gone when I told him to instead of waiting for the dogs to join us." I admit. "But I understand he didn't want to leave me behind."
"Sounds like a stalwart friend. I really need to get to know this Plight, better." Mills said.
"The pit's where Kershka and the spider were." I tell him, "I'm counting Plight as my big brother. I adore him, like a sibling. I'm afraid I bullied him a bit much today."
"You bullied the poor boy? What did you do? Put him in a corner?" Mills asked.
"Elder Alberich gave me a dwarven alcoholic beverage to conclude our business earlier. I took it like a champ for all of ten minutes.." I said guiltily as I went toward the locked room behind the throne. "I probably forced him to cuddle me, cause I woke up holding onto him, both clothed, and very hung over."
"Yes, those dwarven beverages are quite stout. The Elder has toasted with them quite often.. One night I awoke with an owlbear." Mills said.
"An owlbear?" I say, unlocking and opening the door. "I've got to apologize to Plight properly."
"Yes, being that out of sorts can lead to many misunderstanding." Mills said.
"It was the first time I was ever drunk. I don't know if I was inappropriate towards him, to be honest. But he didn't say I was. He just picked on me, quietly, like a brother." I tell him, and I go inside the room and pick up the journal I'd found. I then took a seat on the edge of the bed.
Mills began to look around the room, and I reactivated the beacon, as it was fading. I read through Azerime's diary some, not seeing anything particularly important. And nothing about the cave's strange door. I did see where he quite clearly stated he wished to become a tree, or perhaps he meant study one? It's almost like his journal became mad ramblings. growing bored of looking through the diary, I looked at the papers on the desk, it seemed to be stray and unspecific notes.
"Are you hungry? It's a bit late by now, but I've got some odd bits together in my bag." I asked him. I'd not had dinner, but I didn't know if it was the same for him.
"Sure, what do you have?" Mills asked.
I brought out the bread, Elven Pillows, cookies, a pack of dried meat, and the only muffin I had left. "This. Unless I go forage." I tell him.
"I think this'll be plenty for a little snackish-dinner." Mills smiled.
I nodded and took out my cooking knife, I sliced the bread and layered it with meat and put some seasonings on it. I also split the muffin in half, offering him one part and munching the other. "Uncle says you can't have a meal without meat."
"I would be inclined to agree with your Uncle whole heartedly." Mills said.
I giggled. "Uncle cooks quite well, honestly. Better than Mom does. Dad can NOT cook."
"Surely he can grill." Mills said.
I shook my head, slowly, munchin an Elven Pillow. "Overly char, perhaps."
"Well, we know his strengths lay elsewhere." Mills says.
"Yes. Patience and tolerance," I tell him, "Father excels there. Or we'd have driven him crazy."
"Maybe you have and just don't know it? Maybe he's really good at hiding it." Mills commented.
"I'll make you crazy." I say, giving him a cat's stare with a sweet smile.
"Not if I drive you mad first." Mills replied.
"Hmm. Lock me away by myself long enough and I'm sure I would go mad." I said.
"But what if I was to lock you away with me?" Mills asked.
"Hmm. I require affection to survive. So maybe I'd grow dependent on you. Miran once suggested that'd be the case were the person to survive doing so." I told him.
He laughed and said, "Then I should give you plenty" He kissed me then.
I returned his kiss earnestly and murmured, "Please do."
He sat on the bed next to me and snuggled me. My heart seemed to be beating quite loudly to my ears. It was quite comfortable being snuggled up with him. I was very likely to doze off at this rate.
"Are you comfortable?" I ask him in a soft voice, trying to make sure I stay awake.
He gave a sharp inhale, then groggily said, "Yes.. yes, I'm comfortable.."
I twist and look at him. "Don't fight." I warn him as I free myself from him and shut the door, applying the lock. I took my blanket out of my pack, got him to lay down comfortably, then snuggle him while covering us up. I set the alarm on the pocket watch to go off at daybreak.
"Agreed," He'd said, "I will not fight."
I stroked his hair lightly and hummed a soft tune for him, as we settled in for sleep. It was a long and fruitful day.