*Tyra's POV*
After I'd run out of tears, I apologized for the emotional response. I didn't know if they'd wanted it, but they had an eternal friend in me now. I'd protect them, even to my last breath. Without that glaring weakness that even my resistances never covered, I didn't need to take such care during fights. Not that I would be reckless.
Sarial was still pretty tired. We left James's office and I went to my room to recover from crying, and she to recover from training. I can't say what Mills got up to. I didn't join them for lunch.
Sky came to my borrowed room around two. Once he'd entered he found that I was sorting through the treasures I'd collected over time. I separated it between weapons, goblets, rings, necklaces, gems, figurines, etc. Typical treasure. Contemplating what to give to James. It's not like I knew what any of it did.
I wasn't currently going through the books, but Sky came and sat in my lap as I sorted. All the items were a toss up on what they did, if anything. My mind kept getting pulled back to this particular sword, though. It was a long sword made of silver blade, with a gold guard, tulip tree wood grip, and golden clawed pommel clutching a clear glass-looking marble. Along the blade scrawled the words, 'Kismet Fortuity' in Undercommon. The language of the Underdark.
Putting the things away, including the sword, I hugged Sky and asked him if he's had a nice day, or if his mouth hurt too much for that. Snow Den, he told me, had made him some snacks that numbed his mouth and were tasty. I was quite glad.
He'd asked me if I was ok, I told him it's not on babies to worry about adults, but I was fine. I couldn't not be, by this point. With Sky on my hip, I left the room, heading to find James. Sarial saw me heading that way and let me into his office, where he'd returned to after lunch.
"May I help you all?" James asked.
I took the sword out and said, "I think you should have this. I know it's magicked, but I don't know what it does."
"You're handing me a magic item that you have no idea what does. Why?" James asked.
"Thankfulness, in part. It's not harmful that I know of. I used it briefly when I first found it. Oddly, it says 'Kismet Fortuity' in Undercommon on the blade." I replied.
He checked it over, running his hand across the blade, and said, "Fated Chance. An interesting find. I'll have to figure out what it can do. If it does not attempt to kill me, then thank you."
"I should hope it would not attempt to kill you. That would be counter intuitive." I replied. "If it's interesting, I have quite a few more trinkets I found in the same area."
"How did he do? On your back that is." He asked.
"There's no agitation from the climate of the North, unlike earlier. I have a wider range of mobility when twisting, as well. It's precisely as though that scar was never there." I replied.
"Excellent." James said. "I had assumed with all your powers that since you weren't able to fix it, that I would need to go above magic."
"You needn't have. But I am utterly grateful. It's been a problem since I was eight." I told him.
He looked at me and said, "There seems to be a bit of a misunderstanding. I am not altruistic enough to heal someone just because I can. I healed you, because you are protecting my family. You having such a glaring weakness was counterproductive to staying alive and continuing to protect them. You're excitement and over-joyment is a welcome side effect."
I laughed, and said, "I hadn't expected it was 'from the goodness of your heart'. I have never met anyone like that. It doesn't change my thankfulness. I can see where you'd see it as necessity, with that view point, though."
"Alright. Then I will thank you for the repayment. And I hope my daughter proves to be a good student." James said.
I inclined my head slightly, showing respect. "She's smarter than she acts. I hadn't expected her to have an affinity with ice, but perhaps it's her baby that does."
"I would certainly hope that this training won't endanger the baby." James said.
"As far as I am aware it won't, but that relies on how much she chooses to tax herself." I frowned, "But she seems to tucker out before she can insist to continue."
"Just try not to leave her alone too long. She has a tendency to experiment on her own." James said.
"She's Leonin-like." I agreed.
"Indeed, I feel she is more Leonin than Kalashtar." James commented.
"You expect me to continue to protect your family, and I am fine doing so, but am I expected to remain here, or with Sarial? I suspect she'll be wanting to head to her town." I asked, trying to clarify the expectations.
"You are not indentured to this family, but, you may choose where you go. Sarial will certainly need extra protection. So if possible, I would appreciate you continuing to protect her." James said.
I tilted my head, confused, "You don't expect me to stay?"
"I am not a mind reader, I do not know what you will do. Do I have my preferences? Yes. Of course I do. Will I force you to adhere to them? No. I will not." James said.
I adjusted Sky, who was watching James, and said, "You don't expect obedience from me?"
"Why? Because I healed you?" James asked. "Loyalty can seldom be bought. And certainly, never forced. It is my hope that Dirthin will win you over." He smiled.
Embarrassed, I said, "Probably easily. He's easy to relax with."
He leaned back in his chair and said, "Then my plan is already working. He'll be done with his errands soon enough I'm sure. Though, with this one, he'll need a bath upon his return I am sure."
I started to reply, but the communication device went off. I frowned and out of reflex answered it, and immediately stiffened. It was Tetenius. I looked at James and said, "That was rude, sorry. It was on reflex."
"That is quite alright. You may take your call outside." James said.
I nodded and told Sky not to speak, lest he be shown, as James was. I left his office, asking Tetenius what he wanted. He'd said he was checking in on me, I'm being looked for. Nevadon had told him so. Surprise surprise. I was suspected of having stolen the communication items. Tetenius had an alibi, after all, and I'd failed a mission from the Sorceress.
Vidorial and Maroulai, it seemed, were responsible for finding me. If you want a skinned cat... Tete told me not to return, and hung up.
Sky asked me who that was, I answered him while putting away the device, this time hearing the stiffness in my voice. I apologized to the boy for it. He asked if I don't like Tetenius. I was taking him to the library, where I expected most of the family was. I told him it was similar to dislike. I forced a smile and told him he doesn't need to be concerned.
We went into the library, where they all indeed were. Sarial looked at my face for a moment and frowned, "You ok? What's wrong?"
"Nothing that should worry you." I answered.
Sarial frowned deeper and said, "Yeah, sure. Did Dad bully you?"
I laughed and said, "No."
Sky said, "Someone she doesn't like called her."
Sarial looked slightly relieved and said, "Who?"
"It's not really a dislike. It's just.. tiresome to deal with him." I said, setting Sky down.
"If you say so." Sarial said doubtfully. "Tomorrow is the trial of the Denoirs."
"Alright." I said. I wasn't sure why I was being told this.
I took out a book I had worked on repairing, and began repairing it further. Seralyn approached, curiously, asking about the book. I showed her the first few pages that I'd fixed up. It was about a tribe called the Hultari. They were ancients and lived in the Underdark before it was thousands of hundreds of miles deep.
She took off to a far bookshelf, and returned with a book that had similar writings in it. Perhaps, hoping I'd be able to repair it faster. I looked the book over, briefly, before returning to repairing the book. I thanked her for showing me, telling her that they were a fascinating people.
After two grueling hours, I had the book close to repaired. I'd resorted to using my ability enhancing tool to make it easier. Sarial had also been watching me closely, along with her male. I didn't mind the audience. But my head was beginning to ache. As I realized this, I realized there was some very old magic being worked on me. I used Truesight on the book, looking back through the pages, glad Seralyn hadn't touched it yet.
I closed the book immediately and asked Snow Den if she can cast Dispell Magic on the book. I used my Psionic Restoration to end the magical effect that was nearly put on me. Snow Den cast the spell, asking how I knew it was there. I explained it gave me a light headache as it was something outside of my knowledge. But that it was fine, I'd removed the effect from myself.
To be sure it hadn't affected Seralyn, I used Access Foe on her. She was thankfully safe from it. Like I'd said, she'd not touched the book. I patted her head and commented that at least she'd not been touched by the spell. I promised to be more mindful in the future.
Sky had jumped into my lap, as a slightly damp Dirthin came into the library. He looked through the room, spotted me, then said, "Ah, there's my little bookworms." He came over to me, "How's everyone feeling on this fine day?"
I didn't respond. After the kid's answered him, Sarial said, "Someone upset Tyra, Uncle. She said it wasn't Dad, and Sky said it was someone who called. She was all stiff and half feral again."
A brief flash of anger came across his face briefly, he brushed his fingers through his mane. He looked at me and said, "Well, if you aren't acting on it, I guess it's not that big of a deal."
"She cried earlier today, too, before lunch, so unrelated to the call." Sarial informed him.
I looked at her, impassively.
"Goodness. I was gone a few hours and all hell breaks loose. What's happening?" Dirthin asked, he looked at me and said, "Are you alright? Do I need to break someone?"
I met his eyes for a moment before putting the dispelled book ands repair things away. Then I stood, setting Sky down, and I turned to him leaning my head against his chest. "Everything is fine. I was overwhelmed earlier, I will give an explanation later. Aside from that, Tetenius relayed some information to me concerning my clan. It is not a great concern, I am just accustomed to acting a particular way towards my clan, since I am not permitted to have any preference towards them."
"Alright, um, I was just checking that it wasn't anything dire." He said, resting his right arm across my shoulders, holding onto my right shoulder.
I lifted my head to smile up at him and said, "You are damp, still. You'd best not catch a cold."
"No, I won't catch a cold. It's just the tip of the fur." He said. Letting me go.
"Sit," I directed him, pointing to the chair I'd been using.
"Yes, ma'am." He said, sitting down.
Amused, I took out a towel that draws wetness out of fur and used it on him. Finishing drying his face and arms. I didn't groom his mane, because that is an intimate act.
"Thank you. I guess I got into a little of a hurry." Dirthin said.
I grinned and said, "Now, you are fluffy."
He looked at his arms and replied, "I am indeed fluffy."
"That just means you are healthy." I pointed out. I took a step back to give him some distance.
Sarial asked, "How did you talk to Plight and I? And Dad I assume. It didn't feel like you were in my head."
"It works differently." I told her. "You send a part of yourself to who you are trying to speak to. I sent the words to you without entering your mind. I don't like to play with others minds. I have before, and will if need be... I just prefer to kill the target without playing with it."
"Can I learn that? Speaking without leaving a presence?" Sarial asked.
"I am not sure. That depends on you. Your comprehension exceeds your intelligence," I blinked as I realized how that sounded, "I am not trying to say you are stupid, you aren't."
Sarial laughed, saying, "No offense taken."
Vincent said, "She understands the thoughts behind the puzzle... Cannot solve it."
"Oddly, that was more insulting." Sarial retorted. "I can solve puzzles fine after I understand them."
I mulled this conversation over. "I see." I commented. Then I reached into my bag. I took out several types of puzzles invented by mind flayers to occupy their minds, and set them on the table. They kids were very interested, minus Jasper. "Solve these, Sarial. Psionics will make them easier. If either of you figure them out, Seralyn and Vincent, do not help her."
The pair I'd named were very engrossed in the puzzles. They didn't bother to respond. "If you figure these out, I do have another... But it could trap you if you aren't mindful, so I'll likely not lend it out." I told her.
"That only makes me more curious." Sarial said.
I knew how to release those trapped by it. But I won't say so. Or show so. Actually, I kinda wanted to see if James could solve it. If Seralyn and Vincent wanted to try, I may let them.
I looked at Jasper for a moment. "Bout how much do you think can you lift, Jasper?"
Confidently, he replied, "Two hundred pounds dead weight."
"Not bad." I nodded, then I asked Daelyn the same.
He shrugged and said, "Dunno."
"Do you want to try a game?" I asked him. "You are quite good with the instruments, so I know you aren't a slouch."
Daelyn gave an adorable grin and said, "Ok, I'm up for a game."
Snow Den looked very curious.
"What about you two, Jasper, Dirthin, want to play a game?" I asked, then said, "You can try it, too, Snow Den, if you'd like."
Dirthin said, "Why not. I don't have any errands to run for a while."
"If Daelyn is in, I am in." Jasper said.
"I am exceedingly curious. Sarial, you and Mills mind the dragon and kids." Snow Den said, standing.
"The more, the merrier." I agreed. Snow Den looked excited.
"May we use your training room, Dirthin? I'd hate for something to get broken." I asked.
"By all means, if it's a contest of strength, my office is the best." Dirthin nodded.
With that, the five of us headed to Dirthin's office. Once we'd entered, I took out a ball that had a nine inch circumference, about the size of an orange. I gave it a light toss into the air, catching it with an amused smirk.
"Daelyn, lets test you. Hold out your hands." I told him, he obeyed. I held the ball ten inches from his hands, and dropped it into his hand. It thunked into his hands, he was surprised, but didn't drop it. "Very good. Now, toss it in the air and catch it like I did." Once again he obeyed, catching it fine. I nodded approval. "Good, now spike it at your uncle as hard as you can." I told him, "Dirthin, be sure to catch it, no matter what."
He'd nodded, Daelyn threw it, and Dirthin caught it. It didn't weigh much, just fifty pounds, but it was still surprising, as it doesn't appear to weigh that much. "Don't squeeze it. If you do, it'll increase it's weight. It's very bouncy. Back home, it's meant to be chucked at the floor in the direction of the one who is supposed to catch it. It ricochets and can easily become painful if not caught. I figured that a simpler game would be fine, though. It was a very good throw, Daelyn."
Daelyn grinned, and said, "I'm ready for a little strength building."
I petted his head affectionately before directing everyone to space out a bit. It wasn't just strength building. It helped train your ability to predict where the ball will go, or where an enemy will attack from, teaches you to be dexterous, dodging and catching, and it teaches endurance.
You have to read who the ball will be going to, because it's up in the air. Speaking of, Dirthin tossed it to Snow Den, who threw to me, I pegged it at Dirthin, He flung it to Jasper, he hurled it back. Dirthin lobbed it at Snow Den, who launched it back like a pro, he chucked it to me. I threw it to Jasper, who spiked it at Dirthin. Dirthin tossed it to Daelyn, Daelyn to Jasper, to Snow Den, then Daelyn and back, to Jasper and back, then to me, an I tossed it back to Dirthin, who threw to Snow Den.
Snow Den was first to call it quits after that. "An interesting toy, but I do believe I will stop here. My palm is numb."
"Thank you for playing." I nodded to her. Taking the ball as she brought it to me.
She left the room after that, shaking her hand a little. Which made me quite impressed with Daelyn. And then the game began again.
I threw it to Dirthin, he returned it. So I chucked it at Jasper. Jasper to Dirthin, to Daelyn, to Dirthin, to me, to Daelyn, back to me, to Dirthin, to Jasper to Daelyn and back. To Dirthin and back. Me to Dirthin and back. To Daelyn to Dirthin and back.
Daelyn said, "Can we make it heavier?"
"Yes. Squeeze it as hard as you want it to be heavy. A warning, your grip is usually very different from your strength, especially with how you need to work your hands when playing instruments. Toss it for yourself to test it." I told him.
He nodded and squeezed it. He tossed it, caught it, squeezed it again, and repeated the toss. He picked up on how it works pretty quickly. He'd adjusted it a good five times before we resumed playing.
The ball had ended up at around a hundred thirty-one pounds. Which would be a fair bit challenging for most. I decided to not comment on it. There was definitely more to the boy than he acted. Which was fine.
We continued playing for around two and half, to three hours. When Dirthin had the ball once more, he noted it was supper time. My body felt light after the light exercise. The boys seemed to have enjoyed the game as well. He passed me the ball as we all started to head out.
"Thank you all for playing. It was fun." I said, putting the ball away.
"It was indeed fun. A nice change of pace." Daelyn said.
Dirthin agreed that it was fun, and Jasper said "I could have gone for heavier."
"Noted, cub. But could your brother have comfortably? I have had my hands shattered by this ball when I was a cub. It's fun, but there's some danger to it." I told him.
He looked at Daelyn and said, "I am surprised he faired so well with how it was. And he didn't seem to be getting tired."
"You are not the only one who trained with Uncle." Daelyn pointed out. "And I have a very heavy lute."
"So he exceeded your expectations?" I asked, curious.
"Yes." Jasper said.
"Exceeded mine, too." Dirthin said.
"Happy to impress." Daelyn commented, amused.
I grinned at the boy as we entered the dining room. I knew what he did. He'd not struggled with that ball once when setting it's weight. He was a tough kid. I figured, he was probably pretty close to his older brother's ability. Hex's only ten, and a twin after all. Twins are normally smaller.
Dinner was lovely. Everyone had pleasant conversations amongst each other. Sarial was distracted trying to figure out one of the puzzles. Sky told me Seralyn and Vincent figured out three of those puzzles. Sky had only provided insight towards it.
I had that feeling once more that I should leave this family alone and not come back. But even with that thought and that urge, when I noted Dirthin looking at me, I smiled in response. I enjoyed being with them. There was nothing that would change if I left except that I would be lonely. I wasn't part of this family, but I was accepted. They listened to me, my voiced opinions mattered. They welcomed me and accepted me. And Dirthin wanted to love me.
I hadn't rejected him. I had a responsibility to reject him. Per my job I was not permitted to have my own family. No mate. No real future. But I was abandoning them and that position. And he wants me. And I want him. I do.
Equally as important, I want to keep this family safe. These people who made me feel so seen. It mattered to me significantly more than I thought it did. But I had also thought I didn't care about anything or anyone as well.
When dinner was done with, Sky climbed on me and started trying to pester me. Tolerantly, I let the boy play. He pulled on one of my whiskers accidentally. That I'd need to warn him on.
"Careful. Our whiskers have blood vessels and nerve endings. That means pulling it hurts and can make us bleed." I told him.
"Sorry. I didn't notice it at first." Sky said.
"It's alright. Just a warning. Accidents happen." I tell him, petting his head. "Even if you're smart, you're still a baby. You are allowed to mess up."
James headed back to work, with Snow following him. Seralyn and Vincent wanted to return to the puzzles. So did Sarial. Jasper headed off without saying much. Daelyn had wondered off without really being noticed. Dirthin's attention was on me.
"Is there anything you'd like to do?" He asked me.
I shrugged and shook my head, heading for the family room. "Mind Sky for now. Perhaps I can help you relax?"
"Oh? And what did you have in mind to help me relax?" He asked.
"Bully you?" I said jokingly.
"I'm sure that would be the most relaxing thing I ever had." Dirthin said laughing.
I smiled at him and said, "You might fall asleep, like last night."
"Still the best sleep I had in years. I wouldn't mind it." Dirthin said.
I looked at Sky, considering him. He'd left home because he'd felt smothered. But he's behaving like a clingy cub. Was he insecure? Dirthin had sat, waiting on whatever I'd planned. Seeing him at a more accessible level, I head butted him lightly, closing my eyes, and rubbed my head against his, purring for him.
He returned the affectionate gesture, and after a moment of hesitation began purring as well. Having won this small victory, I smiled at him and said, "That's better."
I sat next to him and cuddled up to him, handing Sky a training toy he could play with. It was a toy that teaches efficient ways to use claws. It was a sort of dehydrated fruit that had a seed within it. The goal was to pull the seed out from the fruit without damaging the fruit.
"My scar is gone." I told him.
"Oh? May I.. see?" Dirthin asked.
I moved from my comfy position, and pulled up the back of my shirt. My pants were low cut, so I didn't need to be concerned that they'd cover the previously scarred area.
"Truthfully, that scar had been a great weakness." I told him. "It was arthritic.. especially when I'm cold."
He placed his hand where the scar had been. "I'm sorry I took you up to the mountain, then."
"Don't be. I very muchly enjoyed it. I don't think it's something you'd have caught on to. I have always had to hide any weakness." I told him. "It just so happens, Sarial is very in tune with ice. When I took her through the elements I know, she accidentally caused an ice storm. I weathered it for longer than I could handle. I couldn't make it to a private area. The result was my weakness being revealed when my legs gave out in James's office. I was deeply ashamed. He saw fit to have it corrected."
"And how did he correct it, then?" Dirthin asked.
"A genie." I told him. "He said I shouldn't have such a glaring weakness when I am protecting his family. And that he hopes you win me over."
"That ass." Dirthin grumbled.
I twisted and looked at him, "Are you annoyed?"
"Only at him." He said. "I don't want to win you over for his sake. I want to win you over because I truly enjoy your company."
"That's all you can do. His own actions impact my opinion on him. You charming me has nothing to do with whatever he has in his head." I told him. "I was already greatly inclined towards your family. Especially you."
"Oh. Would you like to go and see the mountain again, then?" Dirthin asked.
"I would love to be anywhere as long as it is at your side." I answered, looking into his eyes. Very aware that Sky was still present and no where near sleepy.
He gave a big grin and said, "Well then, shall we let the children watch their selves?"
"Mm. I'll put your nieces male to work watching Sky till he goes to sleep." I replied.
He laughed and said, "A fine idea."
I smiled at him and picked Sky back up. "Listen to Sarial and Mills. Except when Sarial goes to sleep, give Mills every bit of childish hell you can, ok?"
Sky glanced at Dirthin, then looked up at me and said, "I can do that."
I laughed as I took Sky to the library, where Sarial was still working on a puzzle. I explained to Mills, since I expected Sarial may fall asleep soon, that I'd appreciate him watching over Sky. He accepted, the poor thing. I thanked him.
That handled, I returned to Dirthin. He lent me his coat once more, after confirming I was still easily chilled. We then went to the cabin on top of the mountain again.