*Sarial's POV*
"Ooh, and what might I be teaching? I haven't tried the role of a teacher yet." Phintias said.
"I don't know what you know well, but this library is yours, I understand, so I imagine there is a great deal many things you can teach if you want to." I replied. "You have the same offer, Lucretia. And if you so desire it, I can pay you a teachers wage."
"And what might a teachers wage be?" He asked.
"Teachers in the Kingdom are paid in the range of a single gold through the church, or by the nobility teaching their brats between ten and forty gold per months lessons." I replied. "I am open to negotiation."
"How about this? Once a week, we will come to teach." He offered. "For the low price of a good story."
"Are you sure you would want me to teach? I am not particularly good at anything worth while to teach." Lucretia said, shame faced.
I frowned, "Lucretia, you don't need to excell at anything to be a teacher. You just need patience and a basic understanding of whatever it is you wish to teach. Language, magic, or something I've yet to learn you can do. Anything is fine." I told her, then I looked at Phintias, "You don't care what stories you hear? My Mom is a bard, you see, and I see nightmare memories of Dal Quor while I sleep."
"The Dal Quor realm is interesting at times." Phintias replied.
"On a side note, that personal favor is seeing Adelaide." I told him, "If I can get to her she may be able to tell me how her pregnancy was, and I wouldn't normally be so insensitive, but I'm having a bit of difficulty with it myself."
"Well, if you're able to get through to her I'm sure she'd love to answer your questions. As for seeing the Champion, that is somethong only the Sultan can do." Phintias replied.
"I'd imagined so. I can't do it the way I'd originally planned, which was to fight my way through the ranks." I sighed. "It would be reckless to do so in my condition. My second plan was to ask my friend to do it, but that's not possible currently, so I've had to consider doing so a third way. I just don't know what to expect in return. Owing favors is expensive."
"Yes, favors can be a dangerous thing. But I guarantee he won't abuse it." Phintias replied.
"I've heard he's an annoyingly fair person. Unlike our King who is just a body on the throne." I said.
He smiled and said, "Now, now, we shpuldn't speak such things of our lordships."
I shrugged, "I'll hold my words when my family aren't some minor decision away from being declared traitors to the Kingdom. It's a delicate balance."
"A delicate balance indeed. And one I've had the privilege of treading many times. For various reasons." He commented.
"You are very frank." Lucretia commented.
"I prefer to be. No figuring the wrong insinuatiom that way." I smiled.
The portal re-opened then, Vincent and the Sultan walked back out. Vincent looked very calm. "I believe we have struck a deal." Vincent said.
"Indeed. You're master trader has knowledge beyond his years." The Sultan said.
"He's one of the smartest people I know." I agreed. "And shrewd."
"Shrewd, yes. He did a fine job. Could barely get anything I wanted out of him." The Sultan said.
"You and I should go and discuss." Vincent said.
"Well, before you head off," Phintias said, "My Sultan," He waved his hand in a grand gesture, "There is another matter she wishes to discuss with you, and I feel it is of great importance."
"Alright, after making such a fine deal, I will listen to another request." The Sultan said.
"I'll be direct once more, I would like to speak to Adelaide." I said. "She is my birth mother."
"Do you know of the condition of Adelaide?" He asked.
"Once a week our connection allows me to feel unquenchable rage and see the death she brings." I said, "I had not realized it was spurred on by suicidal ideation.. Had I, I would have sought to correct Derek's lies sooner."
"I'm sorry, suicidal ideations? I was unaware of this." The Sultan replied.
"It's all I can assume if her mind screams for death." I said.
"I can have this arranged. When were you hoping to do so?" He asked.
"As soon as possible. I'm not in the condition to face her in battle." I answered.
"I cannot guarantee that battle isn't what it will take to have a conversation." He said.
"Then I will have to keep Uncle Dirthin with me." I sighed.
"Are you sure you wouldn't want to have that in the arena?" He asked.
"Well, I don't particularly want either of them dead, so no. But if they want to fight after I talk to her, I'll have Uncle tell you so." I replied.
"I would shake on that if it was an actual deal. Let's get a space set up in a private area for the three of you." The Sultan said.
"Thank you. Let me know if and when I can pay this back." I inclined my head respectfully. "My father is in the library."
"Well, I suppose I can get right to it once I am done with your father." He replied. "If you would escort them all out and James in, Phintias."
"You know this is my study, right? Young people these days." Phintias scoffed.
We stood and stepped out of the study. With Phintias leading us into the library. I approached Dad as soon as I saw him. "All things involving my town and Adelaide have been handled, Dad."
He smiled and said, "Good job. Seems it is my turn to deal with this."
"It was all Vincent's doing." I grinned, looking at my brother proudly.
He turned to Vincent, placed his hand on Vincent's shoulder and said, "Fantastic work. I cannot wait to see what else you can do."
""Thank you, and I hope to have you retire one day." Vincent replied.
Dad laughed and followed Phintias to the Sultan.
"Where would you like to discuss, Bit?" I asked.
"The back corner seems private enough." Vincent said.
I nodded and started to follow him over there. He covered the trade dealing, the rates that the procuce will go for based off of their shelf life, quality, and quantity. There is a warehouse that we can place the portal in, that we'll be paying towards for ownership. The ownership of the warehouse opens Hearthstone Town to open trade between us and the Realm.
"Great job, Vincent. Guess you'll be getting that shop in the lower region as soon as it's built." I said. "They may have already built it, I don't know."
"I certainly hope so. I have things to do." Bit said.
"It'll take me a while to adjust to using your proper name." I sighed. "But I am glad to see you looking lively."
"It is a most welcome change from study to practice." He admitted.
We walked back over to the rest of my family, Mills was fine with the distance because I was still in sight. Just outside if hearing range. Tyra called me a trouble magnet. I couldn't argue that. I asked Vincent if he knew which warehouse it was, and then I asked Lucretia if she could establish the portal for me. She agreed to. Mom told us to go ahead, she'd wait for Dad with the kids.
So, Lucretia and Tyra went with us and we asked someone near the docks about the warehouse in question. They directed us straight to it, and to the current owner that was letting it go. With a few words from Bit to the man, he understood the situation and Tyra paid for the warehouse altogether. The man said he'd see to it that the money went where it should. Vincent had him sign documentation that it was paid in full with signatures and all.
Then, we entered the warehouse. First she activated her magic to figure out the glyph for this location, that she then drew on a piece of paper, then she erased the glyph from the floor and drew a glyph on the floor from her book. She activated the magic, we entered with her, and ended up in the top area of Hearthstone Town, by the entrance.
We went with her to the cavern part where the town was centered after she erased the glyph from there. It was amazing to see what all was accomplished. The ceiling was bright, like looking into the sky. I spotted Dean as soon as we stepped off the stairs. There were many Dueling Rivers citizens here. I waved to Dean, and he walked over. I explained we were only here briefly for the moment so she could set down the glyph.
He gave me a rundown on what all had been happening there and asked why I needed those numbers. I explained the sudden meeting with the Sultan, and he looked impressed with Vincent. I spotted Sienna and Plight off to the left of the medical facility. I mentally told them they were slackers, while heading for where the grate used to be. There was now a spiral staircase leading down, and railings surrounding the outside to keep people from walking off the edge.
Sienna had used Message to ask me to let her know when I had a moment. Dean had walked off after I'd gotten the story of what was occuring. Probably to deal with something he'd spotted. Anyways, once in the bottom I saw ehat the Dwarves had been up to. This was clearly their baby project, meaning whatbthey considered to be precious. A play area was being worked on, and everything else was slowly being put into place. Several buildings were being built up, and before the incomplete teleportation circle was Bit's half built shop.
It was a practical one. I saw to the opposite side that a smithy was being built along with a few other trade stores, an Inn, and a tavern. An excellent first step into the city, if I say so myself. As soon as you reach the bottom step, You get to see a clear path straight to where the school will be built. The lights that I'd shown from my blueprints were already being implemented making this area nearly as bright as the top part.
Lucretia had looked around, amazed, before setting about fixing the circle. She said it'd take her a bit of time, and that I should head back up and see my people for that time. I thanked her for her consideration and headed back up. It was hard to believe how fast the Dwarves could work. Once back up, I headed to where Plight and Sienna were with her family. I saw Thomas with them along with two little girls.
One little girl was a toddler with white hair, skin as pale as mine, and black eyes. The other little girl had golden eyes, blondish brown to almost red hair and was around Bit's age. She was an incredibly pretty child. And of course, Thomas was a blonde boy with warm blue eyes.
"Thomas," I greeted, "Good to see you sprout."
Thomas looked at me and said, "Hello again."
"Sarial, this is Bryna and Xi-an. Xi-an is the one that was hatched, and Bryna is Bibs' daughter." Sienna explained.
"Ooh, you're Sarial? Gosh, you're pretty. This town is amazing." Bryna babbled.
"You're very pretty yourself, kiddo." I replied. "I could mistake you for having elf ancestry."
She gaped at me a moment, then gave the most adoring grin and placed her hands on her cheeks, "I am awfully pretty."
I laughed and hugged the child and said, "I might just take you home with me."
She hugged me back and said, "I'd probably go. Just so long as I can still help people."
I laughed again and said, "This is Vincent. He's the same age as Thomas."
"Hello, Vincent." Bryna said while Xi-an said, "Hi."
"Xi-an's an adorable baby." I said. "I won't kidnap you though, cause you're my niece. I should have brought Dia.. I see why you said I should see Xi-an in person."
"Yes. Did you want to check out your room?" Sienna asked.
"Yeah, and I should let Vincent see his." I said, standing.
"You've lost weight. Oh, right. Amilessë, this is Sarial. Sarial, this is my mom, Sylvia, and Alexander, my dad." Sienna introduced them.
"Pleased to meet you both in person." I bowed slightly, "This is Vincent, Tyra and Mills. Your children have been invaluable friends to me."
Sylvia nodded to me and said, "Your home is lovely and I quite enjoy your town."
"Stay as long as you like. Plight and Sienna's family are mine, too. And Alexander is like a father to my Mom, Snow Den." I replied.
"How is Snow?" Alexander asked.
"Probably bout to go psycho once she realizes I'm not in Ymir's Town.." I said. "But she was aware what I was going to be doing..."
"Somehow, I don't see that helping your case." Plight said.
I laughed and we headed to my office. I taught Vincent how to get in. Xi-an stayed and played with the other two kids. I first showed Vincent his room, then we all went and checked out mine. When it came to the nursery, Tyra commented that was exceptionally handy. I told my friends that Tyra was pregnant, too now. They congratulated her. As soon as we were done looking at our rooms, the kitchen, dining and family rooms, we headed back out and I checked on Lucretia. Plight came with me and since she had just finished it up, hugged his sister.
They caught up briefly and she explained that anyone with a strong will can activate this portal. It had two more spaces that could be permanently added to the circle. I went back upstairs for a moment, caught Eluvian and Dean's attention. I explained to them more people would be arriving soon. I'd spread the word about our town and all sorts would be arriving. If they were poor matches, we could turn them away.
I then formally offered Eluvian the teaching job. She accepted it and I gave her back pay. I then had a short meeting called together, excluding Dueling Rivers people. I noticed Jaden was present and inclined my head to him. He grinned broadly and listened with the rest of my people.
"I'll be honest with you all. I have been missing for the last three weeks, only recently have I been able to make it back to the surface from the Underdark. In this time that I have been away, you all have done amazing things and allowed my dream to become reality." I said, lookong at everyone, "Eluvian and Dean have speared the efforts to get everyone comfortable and settled in. Plight and Alexion have healed many of you. Sienna and Plight took up the job of hunting for you all. Every one of these people are owed special thanks and appreciation."
People were listening. Their eyes remaining on me, I continued, "For healing you, I can never repay Plight and Alexion enough. Dean, and now Eluvian, have both been rewarded for their efforts here, now, I would like to reward my citizens for the efforts they have put in towards farming and tending the animals that were brought to you. In the future I hope to further increase what we're all capable of, but for now if those who have focused on learning will line up to the right, and those who have worked the fields and other jobs would line up to the left. Those that have done both, the middle, and my guards if you'll come after. Please be honest, Dean will make it known if you are not.."
Once lines were formed, I passed out coins to each based on what they'd done. The scolars recieved a gold coin, the workers recieved three gold coins, and the ones who'd done both recieved four. Even this littlest kids. Once I reached my guards, they tried to refuse pay. Hearing none of that crap I paid them anyways. Ten gold coins each. I then looked at Emel. I explained about Haril, how he'd be along in a few days and may become their boss. He accepted that, with some surprise.
Once all that was done, I acknowledged Jaden again before letting Dean know I'd be back soon. I headed back down to Lucretia and went through the portal with her. She drew out the permanent glyphs in this room, and I paid her for her work as soon as we arrived and we headed back to the library, somehow, Dad was just finishing with them. I was informed by the Sultan that he'd have that meeting ready in a few days time. I smiled and replied that was when I'd have the first product ready for him. He went ahead to his palace then.
Lucretia asked me to go to the yarn shop with her, so I did. She had me pick out different yarns. Once we'd returned again it was time to head back to the estate. I was hella tired and it was close to Dinner time. I couldn't muster the energy to tell anyone anything over dinner, but Tyra didn't have that problem. She enthusiastically described my town and home to the family along with the city expansion that had been done so far.
The one thing I did manage to tell them about was Bryna, Bibs' daughter. Then Mills helped me to bed. I fell asleep as soon as my head touched the pillow. I knew I hadn't done much, if anything, but I was exhausted. Adelaide's rage poured into my body, worse than I could ever recall.
In the morning I greeted Mills feeling less myself. I wrote a letter to Ivan detailing about Vincent being our Master Merchant, where his store will be located as well as what whe'd accomplished for us with the Sultan. And I touted the laws that would keep the King from cracking down on my little plans. I asked him to prepare to show Vincent all the things with trade routes that he'd been working on. Then I thanked him again, and let him know I'd be back to town soon. I made sure to include asking how he felt about stepping into the light and becoming part of the governing faction of Hearthstone Town. Including that I'd have final say on things unless not present.
Next, I wrote a letter to Elder Alberich, explaining I'd be home soon, and that I got to peek at everything they'd been up to, they've far exceeded my expectations with what's been established in the mere three weeks that they'd been working, and to incorporate so much of my blueprints in such a short time had to be the stone magic that many alleged Dwarves didn't have anymore, because it has left me utterly flummoxed and speechless.
Before I could write up another letter that I'd need to send through Dia, Mills alerted me to the fact it was time for breakfast. I wasn't the least bit hungry, but I went with him anyways.
After breakfast was done with I sent the two letters via Dia. Dia was determined to stay with me today, and I was fine with that. Before I decided to do anything I pointed out to Mills that he would need to do so privately if he wished to discuss with my Father the matter of marrying me. He grimaced and agreed that yes, a private room would be better for such a conversation. I told him he doesn't have to today if he wants to wait. His comfort is important to me, too. He smiled and told me he knows, but doesn't wish to wait any longer. He'd speak to him soon.
With him and Dia accompanying me, I retrieved a cursed item from Tyra, and I went to see the administrators today to lodge permission from the Lord of the Dueling Rivers district, my dad, to establish a town and to have it acknowledged and established on maps and important documents. Then I realized something, this is going to make this distrct the richest in the Kingdom. More so than East Haven that's fed all of the Kingdom. It would potentially rival the Capital by that point.
Next, I headed to the property area and purchased a building in the outskirts of the slums towards the merchant area, a few doors from where Dean used to leave. I'd have the portal established there to connect us to the Capital in a manner unreliant on my Dad. With the deed in hand, I headed to the castle. Mills was surprised with this move, but I entered into the wizard area. The lower skilled ones often take on small jobs, so I found one. They were studying when we entered.
"Hey, got something interesting here for you to look at, if you do me a small favor." I said, interrupting him.
He'd jerked slightly and looked up, startled, "Ah, er, what?"
"I'll let you study something interesting if you do a favor for me." I replied.
"Something interesting?" He asked. Paused and said, "Rather... what do you want? My time is very valuable."
I explained to him about how I wanted the glyph from a specific location within the Capital. In return I'd let him study a magic item. This interested him entirely and he was sold on such a thing. I already knew what the item did anyways because it was Tyra's. Still, he didn't need to know that. Once we escorted the wizard to the house I'd just acquired I got him to summon the glyph and sketch it out on paper for me. I gave him the magic item and he went back to his quarters in the capital. I made sure to save the drawing and lock up the building.
Then I headed to the Crimson Hoof with the warning to not mention the horns. Dia and Mills acknowledged my words and we entered the building. The owner, a minotaur, was at the bar as usual. I approached, grinning and greeted him.
He greeted me in return. I ordered us some drinks, mine unalcoholic and Dia's in a bowl. Dia seriously attracted less attention than I would have expected for him being a massive lion with a blue diamond on it's massive red maned golden head and silver armor spanning it's muscular body. I asked Dia if he knew why no one minded him, much. He explained that Dad had given him an item that maked him look a lot more mundane for when he's out and about. To attract less attention.
Clever, Dad, as always. It made sense to do, I guess. I asked if it bothered him. He told me it didn't. He'd just happy to roam. I poutingly wished he was small again. He argued he was most useful large, and I countered that stating he was wonderful at any size and didn't need to be useful, as I loved him. And I had a boundary issue that led me to carry people around for as long as I could before they stopped letting me. I'd carried Bit around until he turned seven, after all. The twins were a lot more firm with boundaries and Jasper had never really been small enough for me to carry, though I'd tried and sometimes managed to do so.
Anyways, I got back to talking with the Crimson Hoof's owner. I explained I was looking for guard type people. Ones who'd be happy to follow my directions ungreedily in exchange for free food and a free home. He'd joked he might take that offer up. I laughed and he asked why I wasn't talking to my Father about this. I explained I'm crafting a town in Sarial's name, not James Hearthry's. He respected that and asked what I had for entertainment in my town. I outlined the things I had planned and about a tavern I was having built.
He stopped me, and went into the back. He'd never been so abrupt with me before and I worried I'd offended him. But he came back after a minute with one of his staff members. He told me to repeat my offer and details, so I did. This staff member was a young Tabaxi girl. Black leopard looking girl with white spots and an ultra fluffy tail. I'd never seen her before. She seemed keen on the offer of becoming my tavern keeper. She asked what supply we had, I explained we didn't have one in place yet.
She had come from the Islands recently, apparently. She was having a hard time adjusting to the Capital, especially because she hadn't any savings. She had siblings to take care of, too. So of course I offered her to live in my town. I explained there are 38 kids in residency there, and just over a hundred citizens at this time. That I was hiring more guards, but their more or less defenders of citizens rather than there to police our citizens. I also explained there will be zero racism tolerated, I was raised by leonin and counted goblins, goliaths, minotaurs, elves and dwarves within my friend groups. I also made sure she knew she didn't have to work the tavern, there were many jobs opening up that I was willing to fund to get set up.
When asked why, I told her about my dream and where it came from. And I explained that I was more than capable of adventuring in the future to get ahold of funds if need be. But that I had several investors that were more than happy to help me as I asked. She was rightfully concerned with people trafficking, I explained my people were responsible for bringing down the Denoirs. This, and the minotaur vouching, ultimately sold her to come live in our town. I told her she can bring along as many like minded people, and that I shall soon have a portal connecting my town and this city together, so she didn't need to worry about travel.
The minotaur also said he'd put out an ear for the guard type people I was looking for. So, with my goals for the day accomplished, I sent Lucretia a letter via dia, with the glyph, payment, and a thank you for whenever she gets it done. I was in no hurry, as I told the girl I'd get back to her in the next couple of days to bring her to town. Her name is Bailey. We had a pretty uneventful lunch with my fanily before I headed to the library to look at books about brewing alcohol. Then I looked into the regulations surrounding it. Surprisingly, there weren't many. Made it easier to figure out.
I knew that eventually, taxes would be placed on the town. And they'd be handled. This generation wouldn't be paying taxes as far as I was concerned. I would need to tell people in the next decade or so that they would be pucking up their taxes themselves, but for now, building them up was my goal. Giving them tools to succeed woth was most important. To that end, I decided to head out and requisition said tools, and I paid extra to have them set up correctly in the correct areas. By dinner time, I'd done all I could think to do. The rest would rely on talking to my people there.
Since the administration would be jumping to snap at Dad, at the dinner table I beamed brightly and asked him, "Are you mad at me?"
"Furious. But why do you ask?" Dad replied.
"Excellent. I was double checking for results." I replied, grinning.
"Well, you certainly have them." Dad said.
"What did she do this time? Another prank?" Mom asked.
"If only it was that simple." Dad replied.
"Oh?" Mom said, "Can't be that bad."
"Daughter, would you care to explain yourself?" Dad looked at me.
"Nope!" I giggled. "I'm all too delighted to leave it in the air."
With a deep sigh, Dad went on to explain in his own words what I did. The going to the administration and registering the town for inspection and registration. By the end of it Mom summarized it as I did what I'm supposed to, and he is upset that it wasn't his timeline. In response to his acknowledgment of it, Mom took his hand and simply smiled at him.
After dinner, we played a game as a family. Uncle won. After a few more rounds, Mills and I retired for the night, bathed and slept.