We took the East gate and crossed the bridge, I told Jasper about the zombie we'd fought at the lumberyard, then went to the North. We went for a few hours, with him asking about Plight, before Jasper spotted prey tracks that he wanted to hunt. Turned out to be a rather massive bear. It'd dwarf Uncle even.
After two rounds, we'd dropped it. Jasper wanted to keep it's paws to make it into a weapon. I'd laughed and agreed to that. He helped me field dress our kill, I took some very nice and tender steak cuts from it. Enough for all our family, Plight and Mills.
As I packaged the meat, Jasper was looking at my Bag of Holding with a slightly alarmed expression. I glanced at my pack, noting the hand with its black nails pointing away from us towards the trees.
I grabbed my bow, nocked an arrow and whirled in the direction the hand had pointed. A man in a red suit was approaching us, he'd not noticed the hand. He had a friendly smile, with his hair neatly combed back.
"Well, hello, it's nice to meet you. Can you tell me where I am?" The smiling man in red said. His voice was pleasant enough.
"If you come much closer, I'll shoot." I said.
"Well aren't you a spicy little thing?" He grinned.
"I'm a woman alone in the woods with a child at her side. You are a strange man walking about in a suit approaching us from behind. You'll have to understand my caution." I replied.
"Well your caution is noted. Anyway." He said. "Will you not inform me of where I am? I do believe your kind find it quite rude to not answer a question once asked."
"My kind.." I narrowed my eyes on him. "Do you mean us harm?"
"Not at the moment. Whether that continues to be or not is entirely up to you." He said. Then poofed, appearing between me and Jasper.
I freeze up for a moment. Then my mind informs me that I can move Jasper and I far from here. I lower the bow and look at him, then touch his chest with my bloody hand and say, "All you want is your location and you won't hurt the child, right?"
He removed my hand and wiped his suit with a handkerchief. "Yes. Tell me where I am and no harm will come to you."
"You are about eight miles south of the Wolven Falls mountain range. And eight more North of Tilton's manner." I reply anxiously.
"Ah Tilton, now there is a name I remember. I will have to pay him a visit eventually." He says.
"I can pass your regards along with a name." I offer.
"Names are a dangerous thing, little one. But you may call me.... Jack." He said. As he said this, the hand darted from the bag and grabbed his suit jacket. "What!" He says sharply, trying to pry away from the hand. He grabbed the hand off him and recoiled, the hand returned and he said, "That's quite something you have in your bag."
I look at Jasper, and smile at him briefly before forcibly teleporting him a mile back towards town with my psionic ability eating into my life force. I felt horribly dizzy, but my little brother was safe now.
The man then poofed to my other side, grabbing me firmly on my shoulder now. "Child. That was very stupid." He said.
"What is that thing?!" I asked, my dizziness making my voice shake.
"Something even the gods don't know how to kill." He said, there was a chill to his voice and I paled.
The thing in my bag started to climb out, and as it did so the man released me and backed up. I put on that I was terrified by it climbing out of my back, I was nervous of it, sure. But I was no longer scared because no matter how this ends, my brother is alive and safe.
The creature climbed slowly and fully out. It stood ten foot tall, though, crouched to seven foot. Almost as if it felt heavy. It's skin was rotted and green, its hair black, oily and shoulder length. It's eyes a stark yellow.
"Well. It would seem that I am no longer wanted. I will be on my way." The man, Jack said. "There are many I need to visit."
"Are you going away, Jack??" I asked, eyes large.
"Don't fret. We'll see each other again." He said.
I chose to not respond as he poofed once more. I sat heavily and looked at the big thing. "Thank you." I said to it. I retrieved an extra Elven Pillow I had and offered it to... It's a him. Definitely a him.
It tilted its head side to side, then reached out and stabbed the Elven Pillow. "It's like a cookie.." I tell him as he brings the Elven Pillow up under it's hair. It noisily ate it and then walked towards me. Oddly, I noted now, right around it's hair there was a light shining. I tilted my head trying to see where the light was coming from. Once he'd taken another step I saw a gorgeous pendant around it's neck. The pendant was shining. Since I didn't stop it, it slipped back into the bag. I finished gathering the meat quickly and stored it and the paws Jasper had wanted in my bag of holding. I then used the psionic teleportation ability to get far away from there.
After the third time using it, I was a mile from town, and began to walk, but I saw a golden coach wagon racing in my direction. Jasper'd made it back, I smiled and laughed, giddy with relief, even as I felt drained. I'd used my psionic energy for the teleporting of myself, but I was still drained from over reaching my ability by teleporting Jasper.
The coach wagon stopped very suddenly next to me. The door burst open as Dad and Uncle came out. "Everything's fine now." I said. The looks they gave told me they didn't buy that.
"You look like you are about to pass out. Come inside and sit down." Dad said, "Dirthin, cursory search."
I obeyed my father without argument. "Dad, what all did Jasper get to explain? Was he scared? Is he ok?" I asked as Uncle did his search.
"He's fine, but, yes I would say he was shook, for sure." Dad said.
"I didn't think ahead. I just wanted to get him away." I admitted.
"I would certainly love to dig into the how.. but for now, we need to get back to town so you can rest." Dad said.
"What lives in a bag of holding?" I asked. "That man, Jack, said it's unkillable even to gods."
"I don't know anything that a god can not kill. But research like that is something your sister excels in. You can ask her." Dad said.
I nodded. Dad called for Uncle to come back and we returned to town. I'd nodded off a bit, but when the coach stopped and Dad started to move me, I opened my eyes. Pain shot through my skull. I grimaced and shut my eyes tightly, trying to let the pain pass.
Dad picks me up to carry me into town and tells me to sleep. I try to tell him that I'm ok. But I feel myself starting to shutdown. Something pulls me to open my eyes and look towards the church..
So I do. At first, I see Mom and Tilton, then the kids, as they are close to us. Then I look past them. Dragging the dead Ash by the ankle towards the square. "Dad, there. Jack." I point, as he flings Ash's body into the middle.
"This is my toy. Do not break it again!" Jack announces, as he sets Ash's body on fire, along with the plants and close buildings. Ash sat up having came back to life as he vanished once more.
My mind goes blank immediately as my vision fades, my hand falls limp, and I faint from the backlash.
I'd slept for six hours before coming to in the Inn. I blinked in confusion, then remembered what all had happened. I really needed to look into my abilities.
When I'd moved, Mom leaned forward to check on me. I looked around and saw Jasper also in the room. I sat up and launched myself at my brother. Wrapping my arms around him and snuggling my face against his patchily growing mane.
"I'm so sorry for scaring you, Brother. I hadn't thought past getting you as far away as I could. I'm sorry." I tell him. "I brought your huge bear paws with me."
"Don't ever send me away like that again." Jasper says, "I can fight now."
"Brother, I didn't think we'd survive that encounter. I made the selfish choice of making sure you'd live." I told him. "I love you, Brother."
"I love you, too, Sister. So don't force that kind of pain on me. If we die, then we'll die swinging." He said, carefully returning my embrace. It was like he feared I was injured.
"I hear you and will do my best to keep your words in my heart. I am so happy you're safe. You did the right thing." I tell him. I turn him lose and notice Mom watching us. I smile at her.
"You're energy is still low. Do you want to rest more?" Mom asks.
"I'm fine. I think it was just backlash because I over reached my current ability." I replied.
"Let's not do that again. For the record, you are both to young to be facing death. I'd much rather take you home now." Mom scolded.
"I know Mom." I told her, I let go of Jasper, he was a little hesitant to let me go, but once he did I got up. I spotted my bag and things. "I need to get my bag friend more cookies, he seems to like them a lot."
"Your father is downstairs." Mom said.
I nodded and grabbed my back, taking the paws out for Jasper. "There you are, Purry. Mom, you shoulda seen how big that bear was! It made Uncle look mini!" I said. I was subconsciously avoiding going down to Father.
"Oh? Will you tell him that?" Mom asked, teasing me.
"Yes." I said. I slung my bag on my shoulder and opened the door to find Plight, the dogs and Mills there, waiting.
Plight immediately hugged me, I returned it, then it was Mills' turn to hug me. His face had lit up with a smile the moment I'd stepped out. "Are you alright?" Mills asked.
"Yes. I'm fine. Nothing happened to me, Jasper is the one who got smacked by a huge bear. He shook that off like a champ." I grinned. "It was much more eventful in town, if I recall correctly."
"Yes. I believe we had a demon lord visit his daughter. She is now in Tilton's care for the time being." Mills replied.
"Ah. He'll be visiting Tilton, too. He'd said so." I told Mills.
"Well, I don't know if he has done that yet, but your father is waiting to speak with you." Mills said.
"Yes. It's a move commonly referred to as stalling." I admitted and grinned sheepishly at my mother who raised her brow at me. Then headed downstairs to where I saw my dad and the kids with Bibs and Uncle.
I approached without caution. Mom said, "I feel her reactions are a little slow."
"I'll be right as rain soon enough." I tell her, trying to ease her worries.
She frowned at me and said, "Keep talking. You'll tell on yourself."
Dad said, "Come Daughter, sit, and tell us everything in detail."
Which is my specialty. I sat like I was told and then told them everything that had been said and done since Jasper and I had left town to go hunting at basically ten this morning to when Dad and Uncle met me in the woods. Which did include the fact I could have gone with Jasper when I'd teleported him but I'd feared Jack would have followed us if he didn't have a chance to hurt one of us, but my bag friend scared Jack away before he could hurt me.
Once I'd finished speaking, I waited on questions to be asked. Its how it always goes. Dad asks for details, listens without interruption, then asks clarifying questions that rationalize the situation.
"Whereas I do not agree with you sacrificing yourself, I do understand it." Dad said, "Now who is this bag friend?"
I said, "I dunno. I gave him cookies and an Elven Pillow. I'd forgot bout him till Jasper got spooked by his hand. He isn't clothed, is about ten feet tall. And has a pretty pendant that was shining brightly."
"And where is your friend now?" Dad said.
"In the bag. He went back without prompt." I shrugged, unconcerned. "He didn't do anything."
"Can you bring him out?" He asked.
"I can try? I suspect failure. He's not been consistent." I replied. "Could just share the memory of him with you."
I opened the bag and took cookies out of my other bag, putting one directly into the bag for him, and another on the flap of the bag to see if he'd reach out for it.
After a bit, Dad said, "So it's a more on his term kind of thing."
I shrugged and put the other cookie in the bag, then said, "He seemed weighed down in his movements. It may simply be uncomfortable to come out."
"This is a possibility. Inside a bag of holding is a realm of its own with it's own rules and laws." Dad said.
"I'm not threatened by him. If he ever indicates aggression towards me, family or friends, I'll be concerned then." I confess.
"If he has shown no hostility towards you, then yes, there is no reason to.. aggravate the situation." Dad agreed.
I nod, "I think I'll keep sweet treats around, just in case. I'll try to talk to him next time."
"Did it seem capable of speech? I'm sorry, this creature is oddly fascinating." Dad said.
"I'll show you." I tell him. I Mind Linked to my Dad and shared the memory of the encounter, from when Jasper had noticed the hand, to when he grabbed Jack, then when he climbed out and the interaction I had with him. Sometimes the showing gives a clearer picture.
"Never in all my days have I seen such a thing." Dad commented.
I giggled at that, "Dad, you aren't that old. You're also often in your office."
"I have several books in that office." Dad said.
"Yes. Do you want me to show you, Uncle? Oh, I was supposed to tell you that the bear Jasper and I killed would have made you look mini." I say.
"I take offense to this. But yes, I'd like to see this bizarre creature." Uncle said.
So, I severed the Link with Dad and Linked with Uncle to show him it when it tilted it's head at my offering. After a moment, I severed that Link. Uncle doesn't like the Mind Link.
"Yep. Nope. Never seen that thing before. That thing is.. really weird." Uncle said.
I glanced at Bibs, curiously for a moment. Then, I took out some paper and ink and drew the pendant to the best of my ability. Once it was done, I showed Bibs the picture. "This is roughly the pendant he wore. Do you know it, Bibs?" I asked.
"No, I don't." Bibs said.
"Oh well. That's ok." I shrugged and put the things away.
"I need to go and prepare, since Asmodeus is running around again." Bibs commented.
"You're probably one of the people he was mentioning needing to see, since Tilton was." I agreed. I didn't offer to show Bibs the creature mentally, because Mom had told me not to randomly connect to them mentally. Always ask first, but I didn't want to ask.
Bibs left us then. It was close to 7:30 now. Dad had rented the entire Inn, so it was pretty calm. Since it was pretty much around dinner time, I took the bear steaks out to have the staff prepare, and gave them some of the bear meat I hadn't sliced up for the dogs. I asked them to prepare each persons meal to their taste, with the exception of Mills, who I'd just asked to be the same as mine. And Plight's, which I'd given specific directions to slice thinly into strips and to leave uncooked, with a herbal sauce on the side.
It was setting up to be a hearty and enjoyable meal. When the good was served to us, Plight was pleasantly surprised with his meal. The dogs had raw bear meat and some organs. They were very pleased.
"I remembered you wanted to try sashimi, aren't I a great sister-friend?" I boasted to Plight.
He nudged me slightly and said, "The best I've ever had."
I grinned at him, then said to Mills, "I couldn't relay your preference for the meal, like with everyone else, it'll do, won't it?"
"As long as it's not well done, I think we'll be ok." Mills said.
I shrugged, "Try it and see, then. I'll learn what you like soon enough if you keep having meals with me."
"Our adorable oldest daughter seems to have a knack for wrapping people around her fingers, hm?" Mom said to Dad, "Atleast she's choosy."
She was picking on me. But it's alright, I simply smiled.
"I am glad she is fastidious." Dad commented. "We'll be leaving for the Capital in the morning."
"Aww." Daelyn complained.
"Despite protest, we have ALL left things undone back at the estate that we must return to." Dad said. He then slid a ring over to me. "This ring can be used once a week, up to the hour, to teleport up to five people to a remote cabin near the Capital. The people selected must be within twenty feet of you. I'd had it created back before the twins were born. I had it upgraded since then."
"Do the people selected need to consent to being teleported?" I ask.
"They can choose to not be teleported." Dad said.
"Ah. That's probably what wore me out so badly. Jasper wasn't willing or in the know when I'd teleported him." I said.
"Likely." Dad said.
"I'll use it only when necessary. Thank you, Dad." I said.
"Well of course. It's not meant for weekly visits. For that I'd imagine Fred would be useful." Dad replied.
"Hmm. I'd rather take the East Haven path. It's faster, even by foot. Fred is really only good for company." I say.
"Fred is good for company?" Mills asked incredulously, "Well, I suppose he's fine if you feed him."
"Fred doesn't mind me much. He growls just like Uncle, 'Too early for that. Give me till noon.'" I giggle, looking at Uncle.
"Better to be grumpy than anything else." Uncle commented.
"You aren't even good at being grumpy, Uncle." I replied. "You skip right over it to playful or you're about to get hurt."
"Exactly. Grumpy." Uncle said.
"How do you define grumpy, Sarial?" Mom asked.
"Hm. I dunno. I just base it off the feeling a person gives off." I reply.
"Sounds bout right for you." Uncle and Mom say at the same time. Mom glared at Uncle.
"I was going to say it first." Uncle said.
"I'm older than you." Mom retorted.
"I'm taller than you." Uncle countered.
"I'd hope so 'cause I'm a woman." Mom pointed out. "It'd be sad otherwise."
And so began Mom and Uncle's bickering back and forth. Dad listened amused, though keeping a straight face lest he be dragged into it. Plight looked a little anxious so I whispered to him that they were playing and to not worry. Mills had a slight wistful smile on his face.
And that's how dinner went. Soon enough Plight excused himself for the night, and the dogs went with him. Next, Mills bid everyone a good night after reassuring himself that I was fine. He'd hugged me tightly before saying we'd see each other tomorrow. Then, he'd gone home. Without a kiss. I idly wondered if he'd noticed the compliment my parents paid him and Plight.
Vincent and Seralyn debated each other on some topic they'd read about, Jasper chatted with Uncle, after he and Mom had settled their argument. I'd gotten Daelyn to play some music with me, which Mom quite enjoyed.
I was surprised my parents were so calm. I'd disobeyed by choosing to become an adventurer. Dad had had plans for me, that I'd accepted. Mom wasn't even on board with those plans. If Mom had her choice, I'd still be six, I imagine.
After playing with Daelyn, I snuggled with Jasper. He normally complained when I did so, but he accepted it. I haven't for a long while now. He'd grown so big that he worried he'd hurt me by accident. When he'd quit fighting me over the cuddles was when I stopped giving them to him. I suppose he was seriously shaken today. Probably more so when Dad had carried me from the coach wagon.
I ended up telling him all about the fights in the cave. I also told him about the Nomadic Arrow ability I'd learned along with the Arcane Archer shots. He'd listened pretty intently, interested in the fighting style I'd adapted to.
Honestly, this cute little brother of mine was adorable. Plus our fighting styles complimented eachother well. His up close technique with me keeping his back defended with ranged attacks. Of course, he was a lot better with ranged than Uncle is. But Uncle prefers to be in the enemies face.
The younger kids all got sent off to bed first. Jasper went shortly after by choice. Leaving Uncle, Mom, Dad and I up. Mom glanced at Dad for a moment, then looked at me.
"Daughter, we need to talk." Dad said.
"This seems like it's going to be an awkward conversation. You all have a good night." Uncle said and retreated immediately.
"Oh my." I said, smiling. I wasn't sure which topic it'd be. "Uncle ran away."
"Tactical retreat!" Uncle called back.
I laughed. Then settled, waiting for it to begin.
"This Mills boy.. He seems to have a decent head on his shoulders, but what are your plans for him?" Dad asked.
"I don't know. He wasn't discouraged by anything I did, which led me to realize he isn't just some backwoods small town merchant. Doesn't even care about what I did to the elf. Finds what I did to his father hilarious. He was also aware of who you are, though, he didn't draw the connection between us at all." I said. "He also decided he wanted me to tell him exactly who he is, well was, before he was Mills."
"That is good information, but does not answer my question." Dad said, giving me an amused fatherly gaze.
"I'd love to have a clear answer for you, Dad. I think I'm a bit to inexperienced with things of this nature. I think if he wants marriage that may be problematic. I don't plan on being a housewife, though, I only planned on adventuring for a year." I frowned a little. "Plus he's a human. If I had biological children with him in the future they'd be kalashtars like me. Then again, he's also in hiding and has confirmed that he's being hunted, albeit poorly."
"These are all valid concerns. Have you discussed them with him?" Dad asked.
"No. I don't think that's appropriate. I've known him for five days. I know many don't get that luxury, but when the Desquins first proposed that I marry into a noble family you said I am responsible for that type of choice at my discretion and that I may take my time with that, if I ever even decided to marry or be with a man." I replied. "I did tell him I had such a proposal from the Desquins, though."
"And what was his reaction to this?" Dad asked.
"He asked if I considered any of Desquins offers. I told him I'd rather marry for the same reason as you and Mom. He said those are hard to keep but he thinks the same." I replied, I then felt my cheeks turn pink as I included, "He's decided to call me his Moon Lily."
"That sounds like he's serious about you, if he selected that based on its meanings. Moon flowers carry romantic connotations" Mom said, looking towards Dad. "You look pleased, Saria."
"He did indicate he's aware of the meaning to the flower." I said.
"Once some more time has passed, I would suggest to try and get a more definitive answer to what both of you want." Dad said.
"He was purposely vague when I asked him what he wanted." I replied.
"Then perhaps he is also unsure of what he wants at the moment." Dad suggested.
I thought bout Mills's past for a moment. "Oh. Dad... I think my actions with the new town may uncover Mills..." I said, becoming slightly more pale. I placed my hand over my mouth thinking about the predicament.
"And how would that come about?" Dad asked.
"If I was looking for someone who could be anywhere, and I heard my enemy suddenly brought to life something very similar to that person's ideals, I'd look there. Even though the fat man is stupid, he isn't that stupid." I replied.
"From my run ins with him, he can ve very very stupid. But it right to not underestimate. Make it strong enough to withstand any unsavory business." Dad said.
"I can certainly do so with the town I am building. I cannot do so with Dueling Rivers." I said.
"I would say, let Tilton deal with Dueling Rivers. He is perfectly capable and experienced enough to handle what he needs to handle." Dad said.
"Which is why he prevented our daughter from slicing the tongue out of someone in public?" Mom asked him.
"He handled it the way he saw fit." Dad replied.
"I think he's senile." Mom said. Then looked at me, "Don't tell him that."
"Yeah, I'm not stepping into that, Mom. I already wriggled out of two of his lectures." I said.
"What?" Mom said.
"Just by pointing out that I am only responsible for my own actions, Mom, and that I can not control you." I said.
"Ah. Heh." Mom was amused. "Your Dad taught you that."
Dad chuckled at that.
"Yes, Dad taught us how to be reasonable. But You taught me chaos, and chaos is unrelenting." I said.
"I'm sure you'll find a way to keep Mills safe, if he is incapable, Sarial. You do have a fair ability to strategize." Mom said.
"Yes. I am sure you could keep the boy safe. I was hoping you'd find someone to keep YOU safe." Dad said.
"I don't know if he is capable or not. I just know he's comfortable to be with." I said. "It doesn't seem like he's trying to benefit from me, own or control me."
"Alright then. We will see how things go for now. I certainly hope he is all he presents himself to be. We must be getting to bed now, there is a bit of a trip needing to be done." Dad said, then stood up and held put his arms, "Now, come give your Father a hug."
I smiled and hugged him. "I really missed home badly at first, Dad. Plight helped me a lot. I really missed you all, and I'll miss you all again."
"I missed our chats very much, Dear. I will miss them all the more the longer you are gone. But I am glad you are succeeding out here." Dad said, returning the hug.
"I love you, too, Dad. Good night to you both." I smiled and gave him a squeeze before giving Mom a hug, too.
We all went to bed after that. I wrote a letter to Dean and sent it to him. I told him I was building a town, that I just need people to live in it. Told him I may be in the Capital soon. and then I sent it to him, via a transfer scroll. Then I got in bed and went to sleep. Wishing for tomorrow to come slowly.