*Sarial's POV*
*Chapter Warning Rated R Content*
Dia and I raced ahead after Tyra had been snatched away. She'd ordered us to keep going. Neither of us liked that. But it wasn't up to us. We knew Uncle was ahead, we just had no idea how close or how far. Suddenly, Dia skidded to a halt.
"People are ahead, I smell them." Dia panted.
"We must move closer and see who it is. Be careful." I insisted.
My sweet baby nodded and began to creep forward cautiously. I much preferred this pace. I was incredibly nauseous. I raised myself up slightly, hanging onto Dia's armor. Waiting to see what we'd ran into. Dia could sprint off in seconds if it was dangerous.
The thought was unnecessary. There were many people ahead. Spearing the lead was my glorious Uncle whose fur was impossible to hide, even in this inky darkness. The relief that washed over me immediately caused me to begin to sob.
"Uncle!" I cried, sliding off of Dia's back and running forward. Dia followed me cautiously, eyeing everyone. "They.. snatched her.. away... Just now." I told him once I'd reached our people.
A lion's roar distantly rumbled through the cavernous terrain. My heart sank. I desperately wished to be at her side, I spun and looked in that direction, trying to reach her mentally, knowing it was useless.
A huge thing moved to me left, and I saw a magical ripple type of effect like a atone dropped into water, and I had the sudden realization that I wasn't near Dia or Uncle anymore. ":Most interesting. Let's make a deal girl.:" A deep voice rumbled.. in draconic.
I tore my eyes away from the direction I'd been looking. ":What do you want?:" I asked through sobs, also in Draconic, looking at the dragon that'd appeared too late. It's scales were so black and translucent that it looked like glass. I couldn't even discern it's eyes, which probably meant they were black, too.
":Don't fret, girl. I'm not about to eat you, and you are simply in a pocket dimension as to not provoke any stupidity while we speak. It shall entertain me to grant you some help, so tell me what will help you most.:" The dragon said, ":This, of course, will not be free. But the cost is not yours to bare.:"
":Then, can you take my Uncle, the silver Leonin, to the Leonin woman that's fighting a large group? She's in dire need of him.:" I asked. ":We're trying to return to the surface, as well.:"
":A two part favor. Very well. This is easily done. The other feline has strong psionics and was lit like a beacon either way. It was yours and your emotions that brought me, however.:" The dragon replied, It stretched it's massive wings, and the ripple effect occurred again.
Trying to calm my emotions, and wiping at my face, I sniffingly said, "Uncle, go with the dragon to Tyra."
Then Mills was in front of me, grabbing me and looking me over, then dragging me to him to embrace me. "You have disappeared from my sight twice now. You will be lucky to leave it for months."
I lost my hard fought control and used his shoulder to smother the sound of my tears, while the dragon scooped Uncle up and disappeared. They'd not traveled far from their last forward camp, so we ended up heading back there.
Dia stuck very close to us the entire time, having learned to be distrustful in his short life. We merely had to wait for Uncle and Tyra- and the dragon- to return. I stayed near to Mills. As it turned out, we'd both lost some weight.
Dad arrived before they returned. He ignored everyone and came straight up to Mills and I. Looked me over, much as Mills had. Seconds later Mom was here, too. I got hugged by them both and returned the affection to them as best I could. Mom was upset about the weight loss.
"Let's get you home. Your Uncle will handle the rest." Dad said.
"I think I have to wait for the dragon, Dad." I said.
"I'm sorry, the what?" He asked.
"The dragon. It took me to a pocket dimension breifly, then took Uncle to Tyra.. I hope." I told him. "It said it was brought by my psionics and emotions."
"Be that as it may, why do you need to wait for it?" He asked.
"A hunch." I said. "It probably won't take long, Dad." As I said this, the dragon arrived back, in human form, with Uncle holding a very beaten Tyra. "Bout that.."
The dragon's human form was cold and dark. And also dark skinned. He would blend in with the surroundings if not for the aura of fuck around radiating off him like Uncle in a murderous mood. Then he grinned, his teeth practically glowing due to the stark contrast. "Done and done, girl." He said to me. "To the surface, then."
Dad stepped before me and said, "Explain yourself if you would. What is the cost of this aide?"
The grin broadened. "More important things than that at this moment. Let's go to the surface your way, or I'll take the girls there my way. And that one requires care." He tilted his head towards Tyra and Uncle.
"It is difficult to accept aide without knowing it's price. But you are right. We will use our way." Dad said. "There are priests at the home base. You should head there."
Uncle didn't respond heading that way. I got a good look at Tyra as he did so. She had a serious head wound. Dad opened the door and held it open for the dragon. We all headed through the door.
The dragon began speaking to me mentally. It didn't want to bother with my Dad, it insinuated. I was getting hella nauseous, unrelated, which seemed to amuse it. It told me it's plans for the surface. It's reasoning to head to the surface? The surface produced me, and I amused him.
But what he didn't say was what he wanted from the deal. Dad and Uncle were seeing to it that Tyra was healed. It took a lot for her to recover at all. Dia was staring at the dragon. For the most part, he ignored Dia.
"She isn't going to awake for a time. Even after healed." The dragon said aloud.
Uncle eyed him and growled, "How do you know that."
"I've eaten a mystic or two. Hit them in the head just so and they're out for days." He replied. "It would be far more entertaining for her to awaken."
"That's not really helpful, Dragon." Mom said. "I'd appreciate it if you don't tease my family members."
The dragon grinned slowly, "My apologies, then." He then looked back at me and said, "That instrument you've found, hand it to her."
I withdrew it from Tyra's pack and looked at it, "Why?"
He shrugged and said, "She is the bard. Something entertaining may happen- not to her."
I looked at my parents questioningly. Mom took the instrument from me. She said, "I assume you want me to play it? That'll need to wait-"
"You really will want to play it here." The dragon smiled.
Mom looked at him like if he was an unreasonable child. Then she half shook her head and played a brief melody. Something appeared to break off of Tyra's bracelet, which caught some attention, as well as Dia's diamond, and the earring I wore.
"There, now, no more nasty cultists following you. They'll find her eventually, though." The dragon said. "They'll take a while to know it's not here."
"What just happened." Dad asked.
"The trackers were paralyzed." The dragon replied. "Didn't you see that?"
"Why do I feel like you aren't going to answer straight, even if your life depended on it?" I said in a sarcastic tone.
"Because I won't. Now, that's interesting." He said, grinning widely again. "I'll have to check that out."
"What an odd one you are." Mom said.
"He's scouring minds." I explained. "Someone's hobby is to dress in women's under clothing and prance about like a horse. Why are you sharing this with me?"
"It entertains me. And you aren't nauseous anymore." The dragon shrugged. "Animals like you. Should have taken up ranger."
"I don't like you. You're strange." Dia said. "And antagonistic."
Mills rested a hand on Dia and said, "Saying what is on our minds is not always the best idea. But I am inclined to agree."
"You mentioned cultists.. what do they want?" I asked. "Or do you know?"
"A resurrection of a particularly nasty thing. It would be in best interest to ensure it doesn't happen." The dragon said. "James has that nugget now and may look into it."
"I.. appreciate the lead. But I also don't appreciate you diving into my people's minds." Dad said, strained.
"You wanted the girls to find one of my kind." The dragon said. "Were you unaware of our nature? Our proclivity for tormenting others?"
"Oh, I get it now." I said. "I understand. So are you done, then?"
"Not nearly, girl. But I will be. There are things to do." He said. He grinned tauntingly at Dad, then faded. Disappearing.
"Uh oh." I said.
Dad eyed the room, then eased a little. Mom was looking at me, as was Dia. "What 'uh oh'?" Mom asked.
".... He's gone to the Capital." I answered slowly. "The good news to that is it's not to our Estate."
"And why is he heading to the Capital?" Dad asked.
"Something about the King's advisor." I shook my head. "He's not exactly straightforward."
Dad scratched at his mane and said, "This has... developed in an odd way. We need to return to the estate."
With that said, we headed home. I approached Uncle to check on Tyra. I felt terrible that she got so beat up. I hadn't even realized it was possible. I noticed Uncle had Tyra's axe with him. And Mills truly kept his eyes on me. It was around six, a few hours from dinner time when we'd arrived home. None of the kids were in their usual places. Instead, they were all around the office doors arguing amongst eachother. Uncle paid no mind to the situation, taking Tyra to his room with him.
The argument was centered around if they should make food or prepare the bed. Glancing at my parents, Dia, and Mills, I said, "How about neither? Like any excellent big sister, I have presents." I was trying to make light of the situation again. That's my coping mechanism.
Daelyn turned and said, "Presents? No... Presents?" Seralyn whacked him upside the head.
"Oh, right. Can these tattoos be removed now?" I asked my parents. "Tyra just kinda pricked me with them. One's Lifewell, another Ghost Step, and the other Shadowfell Brand."
"You got tattoos?" Daelyn asked. I showed them to him.
"I could figure out how to.." Seralyn offered.
"Snow can take care of that for you." Dad said, "Dear, all she needs is a quick dispelling."
Mom nodded, handing me the instrument, smiling and humming to channel her magic into dispelling the items from my skin. They withdrew off of me and formed needles again.
"If there's nothing pressing right now, I did tell Daelyn I'd play this instrument for him when I could." I said.
"Yes." Daelyn said.
"You should get some rest and a good meal before you start playing anything." Dad said.
"I've been having nausea trouble." I replied, looking at my Dad. "Tyra made sure we didn't lack food."
"Then a nice broth, rich with nutrients, should do just fine. You should be able to keep it down and put you on the road to recovery." Dad insisted.
I smiled at him, yeilding. "Alright, alright." I said. I took out the sword I'd told Jasper about and handed it to him. Then, I took out a few books for Vincent and Seralyn. I offered Dad a nautical book, since I'd recalled him mentioning looking into it. Then I gave mom and Seralyn bracelets Tyra helped me repair. "The bracelets were pretty and I thought you'd like them."
Dad tucked his book away, Seralyn immediatly opened her book, Vincent started to open his, then closed it firmly stated they still needed to get me taken care of. This caused Seralyn to shut her book and look at me. Jasper appeared to be deep in thought, I grinned amused. Knowing the sword and he were chatting.
I looked at Daelyn again, and took something out of the bag. It appeared to be an innocuous bag. I offered it towards him. He grinned and reached for it. He took the bag and looked inside it. There were all kinds of trinkets inside.
"It's a non-magic bag of tricks." I told him.
"That sounds interesting." He said.
"Tyra showed me how to use them, if you want to learn- tomorrow." I offered, glancing at Dad.
Dia butted his head against my hip. I patted his head and looked at Sky. I gave the boy the item Tyra had wanted him to have. It was some kind of enrichment toy that she thought he'd like. "Tyra picked that out for you, Sky."
"Thank you." The boy said quietly. "She must be very tired."
"Yeah. She's done a lot." I acknowledged. "More than Dia and I."
The boy nodded. Dad had asked already for broths to be prepared for me. Once presents were handed out I gave hugs to the kids. Then they started introducing themselves to Dia. Dia was guarded towards them initially, Especially Vincent and Seralyn. He wasn't so sure he liked all these new people. He complained to me about them. So I found a comfortable place to be, so he could lay his large head in my lap. I soothed him while they continued to pester him.
"Who's just a big baby?" I asked Dia. "That's right, Dia's just a big baby." I stroked his head. He fell asleep this way. I wasn't sure what all his body needed, but I'd treat him no differently than any other kid. Plus, since I'd hatched him from an egg, he was technically my first son. Mom had eventually told the kids to be nice to their nephew.
"I'm an Uncle." Daelyn noted, "The authority. I am Dirthin."
"Your mane hasn't even came in yet." Seralyn reminded him.
"Mane or no mane I'm still more responsible than you." Daelyn said.
"I think you could both learn from Dia." Mom said.
"Any good uncle can learn from their nephew." Daelyn said.
".... If they have something to teach I suppose. Dia's quite an odd thing. What was the egg you hatched him from?" Mom asked.
"The guy said anything could hatch from the egg, it just depended on how we treated the egg until it hatched. I'm not sure if Dia is a creature that can found in the universe, or if he's a chimera. But I'm also not worried bout it." I shrugged. "I'm not even sure if he's fully grown or not."
"He's grown larger than a lion already." Mom noted.
"Mhm. How's the pegasus?" I asked.
"The foal is fine. Being very playful, in fact. You can have a look later. It's about dinner time." She said.
"Are we all getting broth, or just Sarial getting broth? Because it may impact my desire to eat." Daelyn asked.
"We're not all having broth, Daelyn." Mom said. "Your sister may prefer to eat seperately if smell is bothering her, too."
"Jasper's still dealing with that sword's chatter." I said.
"The sword's chatter? The sword is chatting to him?" Vincent asked.
"Yeah. I told Jasper bout it that first time we contacted anyone." I said. "It's sentient with quite the personality."
"Can it project it's consciousness or can it only be heard while you hold the sword?" He asked.
"I know I can communicate with it mentally. I suspect if it wanted to be heard by others, it would be." I said.
"So what your saying is he's antisocial." Daelyn said.
"He's a picky sword that cherishes it's friends and not much else." I shrugged. "Want to know it's name?"
"Sure." Vincent said.
"Snicker-snack." I replied.
"Did it name itself?" He asked.
"I would think not. Giants made it." I said. "The not so intellectually inclined sort. In fact, the sword hated it's previous wielder."
"Did the sword.. kill it's previous owner?" Vincent asked.
"No. Just refused to use it's vorpal effect on Tyra, which led to Tyra killing the wielder." I said, nudging Dia to wake him up. Dia stretched and yawned, then looked around. I patted his head.
"Did I need to do something?" Dia asked.
"No, I just wanted to know if you're hungry." I said.
"No, mom." Dia said.
"Alright. If you want, you can sleep, then. I am gonna get up, though." I said. I noted he looked anxious. "We're safe here, Dia."
He looked skeptical while his tail lashed. "Alright. I will trust that we are safe because you have said so."
I got up and looked at Mills. He gave me a small smile. I could see he was still haunted by what all had occured. I hugged him, then we all headed to the dining room. Uncle joined us for dinner, briefly. He scarfed and headed back to Tyra, I sent her bag with him. Dad was right, I could keep down broth. But I seriously didn't want it. And my stomach did threaten to revolt. I idly wondered if Adelaide would know what I could eat.
"When did the nausea develope?" Mom asked after dinner.
"A few days after I nearly miscarried." I answered. I hadn't told them that'd happened. I'd only told them that being teleported had been painful. Mills had learned a week ago about the near loss.
"If I had known that, I could have had the priests give you a look over while we were there." Dad said.
"Tyra has monitored it, so I wasn't concerned. Should I be?" I asked.
"Unfortunately, I do not know." Dad said.
"My genes may well be very bad. Adelaide was quite sickly when I was a toddler, wasn't she?" I noted. "I don't recall anything about her parents."
"Unfortunately we don't have a medical history for you. Best thing we can do is try to contact Adelaide." Dad said.
"She's still lost in rage. I saw that in my sleep yesterday." I said.
"You'll have to find a way through to her." Dad said.
"That involves going to see her." I pointed out. "Mills and I did discuss doing that."
"Once we have you and Tyra recouperated, we will make the trip." Dad said.
"You do know I intend to go to my town, right?" I asked, looking at my dad.
"You are not in great condition to be adding stress. We should go to Adelaide and see what we can do to help you." Dad said firmly.
"And we will. But I will also be heading back to my town very soon. I've inadvertently neglected it. Whereas it's done alright without me, there are still things I need to check over. It's not some hobby I decided to play at. It's a life decision I made that impacts over a hundred people." I said. "I also need to establish that it is MY town."
"Alright." Dad said.
"Besides, Dad, I need you to visit the town before it becomes a city. By now it's producing it's own vegetable and grains." I grinned.
"Alright, I will go and visit your town, and see what it has become." Dad said.
I gave my dad a hug that he returned in a gentle manner. "I'll go try to rest." I decided. Mills went with me to my room. I decided to have a bath.
"Would you like me to help clean you up?" Mills asked.
"Sure, Sweetling. How are you feeling?" I replied. "You've been extremely quiet." I rubbed his jaw lightly.
"I'm just trying to get my head back together." He answered.
"You've been through a lot. I know this entire experience has harmed you deeply." I said, running the water. "I'm here now. I don't intend to go anywhere without you."
"I was the one safe at home." He said, "You were lost in the Underdark. I had to battle the feeling of uselessness. You had to battle to stay alive." He kissed my forehead. "I'm just happy you're home."
"In a single day you had your entire family stripped from you. You dealt with that nightmare by yourself. I wasn't alone. I was uselessly protected by an ever fierce lioness." I clarified while stripping and getting in the tub. "I hardly had to lift a finger."
"Seems we both had to battle with feelings of uselessness." He said. "You came back with a whole new child."
"Atleast that one was sorta planned." I joked.
"I can't imagine you planned for what you got." He said.
"A lion that grew it's own armor, can disintegrate people and open a portal to send things? Naw. Definitely not planned. But appreciated." I grinned.
"He does seem the protective sort. I'm sure I'll enjoy getting to know him." He replied.
"A learned behaviour. He was very silly. I hope he can be again." I sighed.
"Well, we'll just have to be a couple of doting parents to show he's alright." Mills commented.
"Yes. We can be. He's not entirely like a child, some what like a pet, but we can adore him." I agreed. The bath was nice. Helped solidify I was home. I leaned back in tub with a soft moan, "The water feels amazing."
"You think the water feels so nice, just wait until I get to scrubbing." He said, with a small smile.
"Get in, too?" I asked.
His smile broadened and he said, "Yes, I believe I will."
I watched him undress and join me in the tub. I made room for him and snuggled into his chest. "We need to spend some time outside tomorrow while the sun is up. So you'll smell like sunshine again."
He soaped up a cloth and began to scrub my back. "That sounds like a lovely idea. I'm sure we'll get a nice, good nights rest."
"I'm uncertain. I'm not very tired. My internal clock's off." I said.
"We'll just have to make sure you're nice and tired at bed time." He suggested.
"Oh? How shall we?" I asked.
"Well, we are already in the tub, what does it matter if we get a little dirty?" He asked.
I giggled and kissed him. "If you feel up to it, sure."
"Yes, I feel up to it." Mills replied, kissing me back. He dutifully scrubbed every inch of me that he could reach. And rinsed me off as well.
It felt wonderful. Then his hands began to explore my body, like if it was the first time. I reciprocated his efforts, feeling his body and finding places to kiss and nibble on him. It didn't take much before it was inpossible for me to hold still. He mercifully allowed me to ride one of his hands while the other toyed with my breast and he nibbled my neck. I came quickly, but he had no intention of letting our activity end here.
He moved his mouth to my ignored nipple while stimulated me. I started stroking him and feeling the softness to the skin of his incredibly hard member. I marveled at it's warmth. The teasing had gotten a little much for both of us, and he quickly joined us together. Still, his stamina was insane. I orgasmed twice more before he did.
He then kissed me breathless. Like if it was some kind if sport, he lifted me up from the water, placed my back to the wall, and entered me again. Fully supporting me, my legs hanging over his arms while he thrust himself into me. By the time he'd cum again, I was spent and quivering.
He looked hella exhausted, but cleaned us both up and took me to bed. We snuggled into each other, and I fell asleep without a single thought passing through my mind. I awoke very briefly as moonlight poured into my room, but fell back to sleep and slept the night through.