Tyler sighed as he was placed back in the room. Wink was right there with him.
"We'll get to play with them again soon, Tyler."
He hugged her tightly.
"I know we will, Wink. Still never liked leaving the ones I love."
Malico and Lupa were sleeping with Sera and Thorn cuddling together between them, and Tyler smiled as he rolled the scroll up. HE slid it into Malico's pouch without waking her and headed off to find Eri for her ranting time. Wink went to take a bath and rest from her wild sex. Eri was with Erica in her room looking at the party bestiary when tyler tapped a knuckle on the open door frame.
"Hey, Eri, wanna go yell at an old man?"
She smiled as Erica chuckled.
"I'll let you into the study."
The trio walked in and the queen shut the door. Tyler pulled a garnet out this time,
"Death Speech: Gruven."
He cast the line into Death, and got the bite before ripping the man out. Tyler opened his eyes to see Gruven's now white face as he saw Eri looking at him.
"I hope you know what you did, Tyler."
Tyler just leaned on Ishtar's desk.
"Ya got twenty minutes. Have at ye."
The blonde mother walked up and hugged the man tightly.
"Dammit Gru. Ya damned coward I loved you."
He held his love tightly as well.
"I'm sorry, Eri. I should've had more faith in you."
She sniffed as tears fell.
"I loved you. Now, you're dead and I'm still here. It hurts."
He sighed as he patted her hair.
"You have your girl back. And that boy to look after you like I should've."
She smiled at that.
"He's the better man, Gru."
He laughed.
"Agreed. I set the bar so damned low, he'd have to TRY to do worse."
She kissed him lovingly and passionately before sighing.
"I don't think I can forgive you for it. But. I can let it rest with you. You gave Vixen to us, and I kinda like her."
Tyler smiled.
"Say it and I'll set you on fire."
"Was just gonna say everyone loves a busty fox."
She blinked.
"Agreed, well played, and impressive."
Gru sighed as he looked at his son.
"Look after her Like I should've."
"Kaori's the better blonde. But I will."
That got a grin as Eri looked at the man.
"So you know? I WILL be comparing."
Tyler and Gru looked at each other, and the dead man laughed.
"Well played."
"Challenge accepted old man. I'll be happy to steal yo girl."
They busted up laughing at that and Gru sighed again.
"Times up. I'm Sorry, Eri. Tyler's the one you should've fallen for in the first place."
She smiled at her former love.
"I just might this time. Good bye, Gruven."
"Good bye, Erica Von Lectis."
Tyler let the ability go and Eri pounced on him for a hug.
"I got you."
She just broke down crying as she mourned the loss of her lover and friend, and put the pain of her past to bed for her brighter future. Throughout it all, Tyler said nothing, stroking her long blonde hair as Erica sat in the chair watching wordlessly. Eri fell silent and just basked in the scarred boy holding her warm embrace as he stroked her hair in a soothing manner. She smiled at the feeling.
"Is this how you comforted kaori?"
He chuckled.
"Just a tighter hug."
She snuggled deeper into it.
"I'm so glad she had you to protect her, Tyler. Like I should've."
"We can protect her together now, Eri."
She nodded.
"Yeah. We can."
She moved out from his hug and blinked.
"Damn dude. You're like a furnace. I'm cold now."
He chuckled.
"Should cuddle with Lily. Girl's a space heater on fierce."
She laughed, then kissed him softly.
"Thank you for that."
HE smiled at her.
"Thank YOU for Kaori."
She smiled proudly.
"Good boy. So you know? I'm looking ahead to the bed."
He smiled at her.
"I got time to take your ability to walk."
She smiled now herself.
"Oh hell yeah!"
Erica sighed.
"My room's open."
"I'll have you tonight, Erica!"
The queen laughed as Tyler followed the blonde lady out of the office to the queen's chamber. There they stripped and Eri blinked at his ready sword.
"Okay. Liking it so far."
He kissed her as she fit into her tightness and they started riding. Eri being a wild, passionate lover in the sheets as they played hard and sated their lust fully on each other. She was finished and lay there happily panting as Tyler chuckled beside her.
"Well, Eri, verdict?"
She laughed.
"Best by a long shot! Okay Tyler, that threeway is suddenly a LOT more plausible now!"
Tyler just kissed the fiery blonde.
"That's up to kaori."
"Good answer. So, we still going out on more raids?"
"Yup. So, enjoy the fullness!"
She laughed.
"I am sooo happy I came back! Now I have a question."
"Kaori's the better bedmate."
"Good answer again. But not it."
He looked at her curiously.
"Okay. What is it?"
She looked him in the eye.
"Did you just lay me to try and give me a better man to love? I've kinda been getting that vibe since we met."
Tyler chuckled.
"I wanted to bed you because HOT BLONDE MILF! What straight guy in their right mind WOULDN'T want to leap into bed with such a prize?"
She laughed at that logic. Then she kissed him again, her naked breasts pressing into his mass of scars.
"Good answer yet again. And as for my question? I'm happy about it."
He hugged her.
"I'm glad Kaori's got her mother back."
She hugged him tighter.
"I'm glad she's got you. And I'm EAGER to get you again."
"Sounds like fun. IF you survive Kaori's interrogation."
"Eep!"
"Holy Minus I just made Eri squeak."
Eri was now red in the face as she remembered just WHAT she'd promised her daughter if she got bedded by Tyler. The scarred man saw this in her eyes and kissed her again.
"I can see my presence is no longer needed. I'll go look at the next batch of bills as you have you chat."
She grabbed his arm in a near panic.
"Help me?"
HE kissed her.
"I can kill lich kings for reps, dragons for fun, and demons for amusement, Eri. Can I help you in a post-sex interrogation with your daughter after you had sex with HER lover? Not even a god has that kind of power. Enjoy."
He dressed and opened the door to see Kaori's foot taping face outside it. He kissed her warmly.
"Still the best. I love you."
She smiled on reflex as she kissed him back.
"She any good?"
HE leaned in to whisper in her ear.
"Very. Think Malico's wildness meets Lily's Fierceness plus Lymir's sexual pleasure."
Kaori shivered at the image.
"Oh damn. Now I'm curious."
He patted her back.
"She's all yours Kaori."
The blonde girl walked into the bed chamber as her still naked mother was now TERRIFIED as she shut the door.
"Now then Mother. We need to have a little…chat."
Tyler walked off laughing at the tone in Kaori's warm voice. He found Wulf and Whisper looking out the window not far down the hall and got curious.
"See something odd?"
The mountain elf and the Scout laughed as they nodded to the Warrior's sector.
"A riot broke out bout an hour ago over your 'preferential' treatment. I guess they couldn't handle the fact you get to go everywhere and they can't."
Tyler looked and noted the number of pillars of smoke.
"Injuries?"
Wulf answered as he leaned on the wall.
"Nothing the white path temples couldn't handle. Right now, I'd advise AGAINST another raid as the other Warriors are that kinda infuriated."
Tyler sighed now.
"We just lost out on two full raids to their shit. That said, a mini break COULD do us a world of good."
Whisper nodded.
"I was leaning towards outright asking for that, Tyler. I understand the point of not wanting our edge to be lost, and that's a very wise fear make no mistake. But it is ALSO not a wise move to push yourself as hard as you all do to the extent you do if you take me meaning."
Tyler chuckled.
"I do, Whisper. I kinda forgot about that. Okay, we'll call this day done as we could use a good rest to let the arms adjust. Plus Lily's arm too."
Wulf nodded.
"I'll go give the word. Lily's arm is fine too, so you know. She examines it every night with Vixen before she sleeps."
Tyler leaned on the wall to look at the still rising pillars and sighed.
"Something wrong?"
He smiled at Whisper.
"Just missing the road. I prefer it to city life to be honest."
The weretiger nodded smiling.
"I hear that. I'd sometimes take a job from the board from Raylik and wind up in Yalik or even TopLeaf. Why I wound up in Term period."
Tyler looked at the city again.
"It's a special kinda feeling, just bouncing from place to place seeing what's over there. One reason I freakin love this world so much. Want to just hop a horse and take the fuck off? Long as ya got the bare minimum of gear ya can."
The two adventurers sighed as they longed for the freedom of the open road. Tyler looked at the dragon tower and smiled.
"I think I'll collect Kaori and we'll go get a look at the Tower."
That got a knowing smile.
"A walk through your first adventure? I think the whole party would like to see it."
"Oh that's a great idea! Let's get them."
Tyler and the weretiger gathered the party and Kaori was smiling widely as he told her the plan.
"Let's go show them where it began."
They headed out and through the city that had once been out for Tyler and Kaori's screams and blood as they headed for the Dragon Tower. The colossal structure was still a deep red and the scene of organized chaos as the Outcast party walked inside the place. Tyler gestured to a set of crates in an open area out of the way of the wagons coming and going.
"We'll start at the top and show you the route we took to the ground."
Lyrica smiled, as she too had been there.
"I sometimes have a hard time believing you're the same boy that I had so nearly ensnared with my seduction spell."
Tyler laughed as they climbed the stairs.
"That was more due to the Rias factor, Lyrica. Plus, well, YOU."
Kaori laughed as well.
"he was entranced the second he saw you, Lyrica. I had to jab him with a fork!"
The party laughed as they reached the summoning chamber. Tyler pulled his switchblade out and passed it around.
"THAT was my first weapon in Lectis."
Lily blinked as she saw it.
"This saved your life?"
"Many times, Lily. Many times."
They walked to the now empty dining hall and Tyler pointed to the spot by the broken podium.
"That's where I first saw Lyrica. Yeah. She had my FULL attention."
HE then led them to a spot in the hall and sighed.
"And this is where gru died."
Eri, Lyrica, and Erica said a few rods as Tyler kissed Kaori just cause. They continued with the tour, Tyler pointing out hiding spots and other places they'd used in their escape. They even found the guard room they had revamped their outfits in. Tyler smiled as he walked in and showed them the place. Wulf blinked as he saw the room.
"This is a scout storeroom. What a lucky find."
Tyler was looking around reminiscing his and Kaori's journey when he noticed a certain dust covered crate in the corner.
"No fucking way. Yo, Barbie, look there. That thing look familiar?"
She looked and just laughed.
"We hid our old clothes in there. What the hell?"
Tyler pulled it out and tore it open with his bare hands. Inside lay Kaori's first outfit, her light T-shirt and skinny jeans, and his blood soaked black T-shirt and Hoodie and his Jeans. He took them out and Kaori smiled happily as she saw the shirt didn't fit her anymore.
"I AM getting bigger! Yay!"
Tyler looked at Eri and passed her his hoodie.
"I think you'd like this more."
She smiled at the kind gesture.
"I appreciate the thought. But you'd look better in it."
He patted his jeans down, and laughed as he pulled his wallet out.
"Yo, check it."
He passed his old ID around and everyone chuckled.
"He looked angry even then!"
"HE seems thinner for some reason."
"Plus his eyes are more dead too."
"Big brother looks better now."
Tyler used a water spell to clean the three month old blood from his clothes before putting them in a pouch.
"Seems fitting in a way. Finding a token of our beginnings while looking at our present as we head for our future."
The whole party looked at him in awe at his turn of phrase. Tyler looked at them, confused.
"What?"
Serafina just smiled inside her hood.
"You sounded like a Sage of some kind just then, Tyler."
Erica nodded.
"I love the sentiment behind that. Shall we move on with our future?"
Tyler looked at Kaori and kissed her.
"I shoulda done that here. But ya know."
She hugged him.
"I'm giving my shirt to Sylvia."
"Sallie is going to love my hoodie."
The two spirits laughed.
"As long as you clean them right!"
"Yay! Gifts!"
Tyler and Kaori walked out hand in hand as they then showed the next leg of the escape. There the party laughed as they saw the fabled spot they worked their wagon escape. Once back on the street they went to where Tyler had met and mugged Axe and Thorn before they found the tavern they'd spent their first night in Lectis. Erica, Eri and Lyrica just looked at each other.
"We've seen this place before, right ladies?"
Eri smiled.
"It WAS where we formed our party. You, me, Lyrica, Tolic, Gruven, Ishtar, Burlock, Greg and Houndra. The Misfits. I missed this old place."
Tyler smiled.
"The Misfits? Sounds like a good crew. Now The Outcasts have taken The Misfits in."
That got a warm hug as they went in. The place still as rowdy as ever and Tyler sighed.
"Feels like an entirely different lifetime we came in here half dead and on the run."
He could almost see two kids sitting at one table. Half dead from hunger and exhaustion, one with a cloth covered sword on his right shoulder looking around at the room with his intense gaze as his beautiful companion hid beside him. He even spotted the same waitress that had served them then working as he and the party took seats at the table. Eri just laughing as they did.
"Look at the table kid. Tell me what ya see."
Tyler and Kaori looked curiously, and busted up laughing. The names Erica Von Lectis, Gruven, Ishtar, Houndra, Erica, Burlock, Tolic, Greg, and Lyrica were carved deeply into the table with the words,
"Long live the Misfits!"
Tyler pulled out his dagger and the party added their own names to the list before Tyler added his own lines.
"Outcasts and Misfits together. Great times with better friends."
They got their ales, and Tyler lifted his high.
"To the Misfits! The Outcasts got it from here!"
"Hail!"
They banged their mugs and threw em back as the man behind the bar smiled at the sight.
"The end of one legend and the beginnings of another. Both started at that table. I wonder if both will end at that table? Right, Gru? I wish you could see them now, Brother."
Tyler and the party ate their fill and he tipped the smiling lady a few gold just cause before they went back to the palace.
"After the tavern we went to Burlock's shop, got Dawn and Oblivion. Next day we were riding out for Dragul. Then we found Malico and the breasts kept on coming!"
They laughed as he kissed his favorite catgirl as Kaori sighed.
"we've had a helluva ride. And we've only been here THREE MONTHS!"
Tyler hugged her.
"Long as we're together, Kaori, come hell or high dragon I'll look after you."
She kissed him.
"And I'll keep yo dumbass outta trouble."
"Love you too."
The party just smiled as they walked back into the palace. Tyler looked at Lily.
"I got a few more weapons if ya'd like."
She smiled as Erica spoke up.
"Ishtar's in the office. I think he'd like to see them when you make them."
"A good idea since last time."
Tyler walked in to the office with Lily, and Ishtar smiled.
"I heard you gave them the tour."
Tyler nodded and smiled.
"We even found our old clothes in a crate."
The king sighed.
"A helluva journey and no mistake. So, since Lily's here, I assume you've had a burst of inspiration?"
"Yup. Which reminds me I need to pay a visit to a certain shop that can work hell sheeps wool and spider wool."
Ishtar and Lily picked RIGHT up on that coded message. The king wrote down some simple directions as Lily smiled.
"Not a word."
The king nodded as well.
"Indeed."
Tyler pulled out some paper as Willow was called on the coin. She saw the paper and chuckled.
"Let's see what ya got."
He drew a spear head this time. It had a small set of hooks that were clearly serrations and was two feet long. Willow blinked as she saw it.
"That's a scary spear head. I'd recommend Tempesta's input as that seems a dragon killer to me."
The sky king was called and he laughed.
"I see that light! What ya got this time?"
HE showed him the spear head and the dragon rumbled.
"Hmmm, interesting design."
Willow spoke her feelings on it.
"It seems like a dragon killer to me Lord Blue."
"I see your fear Elf Queen. Hmm, I think that one is more a needs to be tested. Make the one and we'll see. If it is, I'll see it destroyed."
Tyler nodded.
"We can use the Fallen dragons as Gini pigs."
That got a laugh as he next drew a few arrowheads. One was just like a shark's tooth, another that was more hypodermic needle then killer, and a nasty one that looked like a spiked nail. Lily tapped that last one.
"That looks like that armor piercer you showed me last time."
Tyler smiled.
"It's of the same vein, Lily. That's made to pierce the armor, but NOT the entire man. Once inside the flesh, it hooks on using those spikes. If you try to removed it PERIOD it does far more damage then the initial hit. Only way to minimize the damage is to push it all the way through, snap the shaft, and remove it that way."
Willow and Ishtar shuddered at the image he'd just presented.
"That's an orcish trick, Tyler."
"Indeed. Yet, against such creatures, just deserts. My question is this one here."
HE tapped the needle and Tyler nodded.
"Fill that small part here with a poison or a paralytic. Useful for hunting."
Willow frowned.
"I see your intentions for it. And they be a very good way for the taking of pelts. Yet I just see a slavers arrow in it."
Ishtar nodded as well.
"As do I. The needle is so small as to not be felt and thus granting no chance to defend."
Tyler nodded now himself.
"Ah. I see it too. Okay."
He cut that one out as Willow looked at the last head.
"That one is a decent challenge. Plus is a great war shaft."
Tyler chuckled.
"Can't go wrong with a shark tooth. Oh, I got one."
He drew another gauntlet with a set of 3 two feet claws with a hand grip. Willow smiled widely as she saw it.
"I love the way that looks. The ladies in the tavern can use them too!"
Ishtar was in agreement.
"Indeed. That last gauntlet, can you incorporate the same mechanism?"
Tyler smiled.
"Shouldn't be an issue."
He redrew the design, and now the thing was easily concealed in a long sleeve that only required a mere squeeze to release the claws. Willow nodded approvingly.
"I know a few ladies that will LOVE that thing."
Tyler looked at Ishtar.
"Best part is the blades can be replaced."
That got a laugh as Tyler looked at the next piece of paper.
"Hmmm, Huh."
He drew long metal club with a nasty ball at the end with a slight curve in the rod that had a outright blade under the curve of the ball. Soon as Lily saw it, she gasped.
"That's a nasty anti shield mace, Tyler."
Tyler nodded.
"Only real way to counter it? Baiting the attack. Or rushing."
Willow nodded.
"I like that one too."
Tempesta rumbled in now.
"As do I. I wish to add the first to my trove."
Willow opened her mouth,
"Lily can do it Tempesta. Once we get back to Spearview, I'm sure she'd love to try it out."
Tyler beat her to it, and Lily hugged him hard as Tempesta laughed.
"Agreed. I will look forward to it."
Willow smiled at Tyler's ploy as Lily was glowing at her new opportunity to make a weapon specifically for Tempesta. Tyler looked back at the paper, and smiled again.
"The classic."
He drew a long, thin sword with a lightly curved upward blade and handle. The hilt was an easy S shape and Willow smiled widely as she saw it.
"I love the way that looks! It even feels elegant looking at the mere drawing!"
Tyler chuckled.
"That's a cavalry sabre. More a slashing weapon then a cutting. It's brother is the cutlass."
Tempesta chuckled now himself.
"I see your point. A most elegant weapon I admit. I'd like that one as well."
Willow would handle the forging as Tyler looked at Lily.
"Hmm, what other…oh!"
He drew a small hatchet with serrations in the spine, a narrow blade, and was well balanced as well. Willow's red eyes went wide as she saw the thing.
"I need that for my rangers, Tyler. A wood axe, throwing axe, saw, and even an axe for carving? A most useful tool."
Ishtar was in agreement.
"My Scouts would also benefit as well."
Tyler smiled.
"I can make a design for a knife that's able to be launched like an arrow with a simple button. But, I'd need to consult with Minus as it's a more…tricky weapon."
Lily nodded now herself.
"That's a good idea. When it comes to things like that, better safe then sorry."
He rubbed her hair.
"It's why I haven't offered up the different cannon styles I know of."
Ishtar nodded sagely.
"If you get the okay for the cannons, we'd need to consult Rolic. As the dwarves are this worlds experts on cannons and fire powder."
Tyler frowned now.
"Should we include him on these weapon designs? Seems a good way to start an unnecessary conflict if his two bordering nations get access to new weapons and equipment and his does not."
Ishtar and Willow looked at each other, shocked.
"Wow."
"Agreed. He's got a better head for kingcraft then I do! And I work at it!"
Tempesta offered his wisdom.
"I think you should at least try to. As I agree with Tyler's thought. It is better to avoid any needless conflict wherever possible. Especially with the waves in play."
The rulers nodded.
"We'll include the king under the mountain."
Tyler placed an extra coin and made the call.
"Rolic."
The dwarven king appeared and saw the papers and others and raised an eye brow.
"Oh this oughta be good."
Tyler smiled.
"I've got an offer for the dwarven kingdom, Rolic."
The red haired king became very attentive now.
"Let's here this offer, lad."
Tyler pulled out the design for the bowie knife and passed it along. Rolic looked at it and nodded.
"I see. You got the approval to bring weapons and equipment from your world to Lectis. I see Ishtar and Willow were already a part of this deal. May I ask why the dwarves were NOT included in the first meeting?"
Tyler shrugged sheepishly.
"I forgot to include you. These are my designs that I mainly make for our camp smith to practice with. We had an issue between the Elven Queendom and Vernillion that involved the dragons, and that was when the first pact was made. As that was an issue strictly affecting these three factions, we really COULDN'T involve the dwarves."
Rolic nodded.
"I see. I understand as well. May I ask why you sought to include us NOW?"
Tyler leaned on the wall.
"To avoid unnecessary conflict. Vernillion and the Queendom are getting new weapons and equipment designs from another world. Yet, Erolagard is NOT."
The wise king under the mountain smiled.
"I see your worry, lad. If the two neighboring nations started arming themselves with new weapons without including the other nation they shared a border with, it would seem like they were gearing up for war."
"Which is the last thing the world needs right now."
"Agreed. So, the terms?"
Tyler smiled.
"I come up with designs, and sell them to your country for gold or trade for gear we need at that moment. Like the mess with the Lich kings. We're set on that end, so for now gold is good enough. I have another copy of every design thus far and Tempesta can verify this. As a means of caution, he, Ishtar and willow sit in for my designs as a few have been the nasty kind."
Rolic was listening raptly.
"When you say nasty, can you give an example?"
Tyler looked at Tempesta, and the dragon nodded.
"That one works best."
Tyler took Lily's shield and Rolic gasped.
"Living Additite?"
"It's a metal from our world, Rolic. It's just got special properties here. I made a step=by-step process to refine from awe rock, smelt, and work the metal. Problem was, it worked on other metals like Magicite."
"The king got it then.
"The length of time to work the metal?"
"A mere two hours."
HE gasped.
"That would cripple the smithing trade as a whole and ruin entire countries whose lifeblood is their smiths! I trust the design was destroyed?"
"By Tempesta."
Rolic sighed with relief.
"And since you're a loyal Oathkeeper, you won't recreated it."
"Wanna hear the kicker?"
"Sure."
Tyler drew Oathkeeper.
"This one's name? Oathkeeper."
"Ha!"
"The other thing?"
Rolic was smiling widely.
"What lad?"
Tyler took the shield again and held a diamond up.
"You can engrave Additite with diamond tools."
That got his attention.
"it can? May I ask how?"
Tyler smiled.
"Diamonds were the hardest substance in our world, Rolic. A saw made from diamond can cut through nearly anything. A common test on unknown rock or metal is a scratch test as the softer material gets the scratch. The saying in my old world is only a diamond can scratch another diamond. So, I think you can see where I'm going with it."
"I do, lad. Your old world be a most advanced place indeed."
Tyler tapped Ishtar's desk.
"We got weaponry the size of this desk that could leave the entirety of Term a crater two hundred feet deep that humans could not set foot in for the poisoning of the very air you breathe."
Everyone shuddered at that image, then Tyler told them of another weapon.
"We have gases so downright evil, that if a single vial the size of an apple were to be released in say Cragspire during an Elven Party of the entire population, not a single thing would draw breath after a mere thirty minutes."
Rolic shuddered.
"Okay, lad. You've made your point. I'd like to be able to sleep tonight. Any other nasty designs?"
"A dragon killer, a slaver's weapon, an assassin's gauntlet with a spring loaded hidden blade, a few arrowheads, and I think that was really it."
Tempesta thought for a moment.
"Indeed. A surprisingly small amount overall."
Rolic looked at his new bowie knife design.
"Let's talk gold. How much per paper?"
Tyler handed Rolic the last batch through and let him look them over.
"Hmm, two new forging methods, various weapons two new tools, how much did you get/"
"150 gold for the lot from each ruler."
"I see. A fair price to be sure. We can offer the same amount."
"Sounds good, Rolic. The first batch."
He passed the first pile through and Rolic smiled.
"You work hard lad. Like I said before, you would make a fine dwarf."
Though, once he saw the new steel methods, he frowned.
"Lad, these methods even I would find challenging. I'll give you 250 gold just for these alone as my people love a good forge challenge. Though, this teardrop Damascus? That will make for simply beautiful weaponry."
Tyler smiled.
"I was in the middle of a session as well."
"I see. Here then, payment fort he lot as the Kingdom of Erolagard accepts the contract. May I ask how frequent these are?"
HE frowned.
"More as the inspiration hits."
That got a chuckle.
"Fair. Ya sounded like an old smith there. I-what the hell?"
He took one piece of paper and Tyler grinned.
"Ya either just found the hook swords, or the sword breaker."
Rolic just looked at the hook swords.
"Lad, these are simply terrifying to look at. Like what the hell?"
"Right? I thought the same thing when I saw em too. Every pointy bit on them things will either kill you or ROYALLY fuck you up when wielded the right way. It's a strictly dual wielder set however, so be aware."
The dwarven ruler nodded.
"Appreciate the warning. They scare me."
He took up a piece of paper and wrote out the terms of the contract before fixing his seal to it and passing it to Tyler.
"Maybe I should get my OWN seal for this shit?"
That got a laugh as Ishtar and Willow passed their own contracts to him. He looked them over before putting them away as he looked at the paper anew.
"Hmm, I wonder."
He drew a large double headed hammer with a slight ridge in the twin head with a nasty spike jutting out of the top. Lily looked at it and smiled.
"Simple, yet when wielded by one of strength, terrifying."
Tyler nodded.
"Best part it can be used to break rock as well."
Rolic got a twinkle in his eyes as he saw it.
"Aye lad, that it can! Me miners will love it due to the added benefit of defense in the mines. I'd like to add it to my pile if ya will."
Ishtar frowned.
"I see the uses and benefits, yet Vernillion isn't really a mining country."
Tyler chuckled.
"I guess it's just the question of which is superior: having the tools that do the job well already, but are narrow and focused? Or having the tools that do the job good but with a wider range of uses? All else fails, lest ya got a backup plan."
Willow smiled at that.
"A very wise sentiment, Tyler. One I whole heartedly agree with. Me Queendom has a few mines, but a good hammer is always welcome."
"Right Lily?"
She flipped her hammer and smiled.
"Damn straight."
They laughed as Ishtar nodded.
"Okay, Tyler. Outside the mine it's a nasty Warhammer. Inside a backup plan as you say."
Tempesta chimed in next.
"Out of curiosity, but what am I to pay you with for these, Tyler? You and your party are well equipped for the fighting of the undead."
Tyler crossed his arms now.
"Huh. Good question, Tempesta. We'll say gold and trades on request. Sound fair?"
The dragon laughed.
"Agreed. As for the hammer? I've never really been a fan of Warhammers."
Tyler pulled a fresh sheet out.
"Let's see. What else have I got in here…..oh! I know!"
He drew a weapon similar in style to the katana. It was 3 feet long, single edged with a slight curve with a wide guard and hilt for one hand or two. Lily smiled as she saw it.
"I want one of those. What is it?"
Tyler tapped it.
"It's called a Kodachi, Lily. Or the Shield Sword. When wielded properly, it can get around nearly any other weapon due to one factor. Can you tell me what that is?"
Her eyebrows furrowed and she looked at it closer as she pondered his question.
"Hmm, it's shorter then Kaori's katana, yet longer then me short sword. Lighter looking too. I think speed of use?"
Tyler tilted his head back and forth.
"Yes and no. It's a lot lighter than it looks, which in turn leads to faster strikes, this is true. Yet the Kodachi's true power comes from utterly controlling the opponent's reach."
Her red eyes flashed with understanding.
"I get it now! Since it's so light and easy to move, you can add say an agile fighter to weave around even a dagger wielder since the thing is never far from either a counter or a block! Even against a greatsword, no, especially against a greatsword, one can just duck under the clunkier blade and cut the idiot to pieces in seconds!"
Tyler hugged his student.
"Exactly, Lily. In my world, these things can even block the bullets from guns due to that simple factor. Plus they can be wielded separately or dual."
Willow was smiling with pride at her daughter.
"A fine lesson learned, Lily. And even better taught, Tyler."
Lily smiled as she hugged him.
"If I ever need something explained Momma, he's always ready to tell me. He may prod us to try and figure it out on our own, but if we ever CAN'T he'll tell in a way to see it the next time such a question arises."
Tyler chuckled.
"Sometimes even the best of us need an explanation, Lily."
Rolic was beaming as he saw the Outcast teach a lesson first hand.
"We need more teachers like you, Tyler the Outcast. Desperately. This blade I am also interested in."
Tempesta spoke up.
"I am as well. I've always rather liked the look of Kaori's katana."
Tyler smiled.
"Tell her that, big blue. It'd make her day. Now, I have a question."
They looked at him.
"Oh shit here we go."
"Nice to bother people. When I'm making the designs, should I keep it confined to camp and behind closed doors? Or is it safe enough to work on at a tavern table?"
Willow gave the council,
"I'd council you to be aware of your surroundings as you worked. In case of a stolen design. A common practice for an active smith is in a corner away from unwanted eyes, as sometimes inspiration hits at the most unusual of times."
Tyler nodded.
"I see. We're a large party, so blocking sigh is an easy task. Thanks Willow."
"You're welcome Tyler. Now, as far as these meetings go? I'd advise they STAY a closed doors or camp occurrence."
"I understand. It's a camp gimmick on the road after the spells are up."
He leaned back again as he dug into his archive.
"Hmm, I could try another siege engine."
The rulers became attentive as he drew up a design for a large catapult on four wheels. Rolic smiled as he saw it.
"I like that one, Lad! Even a child could use it!"
Willow and Ishtar nodded as well.
"Indeed. It even looks easy to produce."
He added it to the pile before looking to Rolic.
"So, Rolic. I understand the dwarves are this worlds experts on cannons, is this accurate?"
The red bearded king laughed.
"Aye lad, we made the first cannons. May I ask why?"
"I have a few designs, but let me clear it with me WIFE."
He blew for Malico as the men applauded their fellow man's jab. The busty catgirl came in smiling.
"Need me?"
He kissed her.
"Always need a good cat. Right now? I got a question for Minus."
She purred as she passed him the scroll.
"Love you too."
Tyler rolled it out and Minus sighed contentedly.
"What can I do for you love?"
"Just got a question on the cannons from my world. Not the guns, but the actual cannons."
She laughed.
"Allowed. As long as you're careful."
"Would you like to see the ones I mean?"
"I always want to spend time with you. Just leave the scroll open and I'll see."
He sighed.
"I was kinda hoping you'd appear."
She was sad now too.
"I wish, Love. Sadly, I can't appear on the Mortal plane again today. Plus our romp? I need to recharge my Mortal Shell."
He placed a hand on her scroll.
"if only it were that easy, right?"
He felt her warmth through the scroll.
"If only."
Tyler sighed sadly again, then got back to business. He looked at Rolic.
"For the cannons we'd need a separate contract, Rolic as they be outside my area of expertise."
he nodded.
"Agreed. What do you purpose?"
Tyler crossed his arms.
"I'll come up with the designs and base measurements, the dwarves test them out as they have the knowledge I just don't. If it works, we work out a price for sale to the other nations. If not, and in case of injury, I can pay for the damage. Sound fair?"
Rolic sat back in his chair.
"Hmm, these designs, may I see an example first?"
"Sure. Minus, what about shot?"
She laughed.
"Just be careful."
"Love you too. Okay, I'll start with a classic howitzer."
He drew a cannon on a set of wagon wheels with precise measurements, types of shot best recommended, and even max effective range and targets. He passed it to Rolic and he nodded.
"I see. This is a new design entirely. A most scary one indeed. That said, it is a rather simple one to test. I trust upon completion of said test you wish to be contacted?"
Tyler nodded.
"Indeed. For both results and to see the deal go through, since I put it forth first."
"You should more like a merchant then a Warrior. Agreed. Now, since this be a more hazardous form of equipment, in Erolagard, payments are rendered upon a successful test. Any loss of life or limb is taken from the payment as a lawful tax. Does this sound fair?"
Tyler smiled.
"It does, Rolic. In that event of death or injury, I'd request a list of names and where to find them for a visit once we head that way."
The king laughed.
"Appreciated, lad. And most kind. But not needed. These dwarves live for the bangs of cannon fire. Even as a means of gratitude, such a display would insult their honor and pride as cannoneers."
Tyler nodded in understanding.
"Ah. I understand. Kinda a kneejerk reaction of mine. I make a mess I clean it sorta thing. I have another cannon. This with a special purpose."
Rolic watched as Tyler drew up a large tube set into a tilted wooden block that allowed for tilting one way or the other. Rolic frowned as he saw it.
"I'm having a hard time seeing a use for such an oddly aimed weapon, Tyler."
"Allow me to explain."
Tyler drew a diagram with the cannon on a small hill with a fort with high walls at the bottom of the hill.
"Okay. This type of cannon is called a 'mortar' it's main purpose is high reaching arching shots. Like so."
He drew a dotted line from the cannon to a target inside the wall.
"Since they rely on height and precision over distance, they be most useful for reaching over walls. Same time, if tilted forwards, the arc is stretched outward further than the flat aimed cannons due to the arc. Are you with me so far?"
The dwarven king was.
"I am, Lad. A most intriguing weapon and no mistake. May I ask WHERE it be used best?"
Tyler smiled.
"Sea faring ships. Put them in the bow of say a Man-o-war or a Ship-o-the-line and you get a helluva blockade runner. As a good mortar has the distance advantage over most other longarm cannons."
Ishtar smiled now.
"The sailors will love them for dealing with pirates."
Tyler smiled again.
"Speaking of pirates. That reminds me of another cannon type. Called a Swivel cannon."
Minus chimed in now.
"Careful, Love. That one's a touchy one as it uses similar methods to that other one."
"Thanks Minus. Love you."
She sighed happily as Tyler chuckled.
"I think I have my time period limit now. Oh, love you, Vulpix!"
The fox goddess laughed.
"Love too! Thank you!"
HE chuckled as he looked at the paper.
"What about the triple barrel?"
Minus thought for a moment.
"Which version?"
HE frowned now himself.
"Wow. I forgot there's two."
"Three love."
"Wait three? Holy shit. I'm leaning towards the rotating."
"Hmm sorry, love. That one's just OVER the line."
"I guess that's fair. Saw it in a movie once and thought it badass. What about the side-by-side version?"
"That's allowed, but only just love. Like touching it."
"Damn. I'll leave it out then. What about the wooden cannon?"
She laughed.
"That's fine. Plus is kinda an odd one."
He drew up a design for the wooden cannon with measurements, shot, and effective range before passing it to Rolic.
"Hmm, cheap to make, and if it works a very welcome addition to small villages."
Tyler crossed his arms.
"Are muskets banned, Minus?"
The scroll smiled.
"Sadly so, Love. They're in the works however as like you said when you first asked."
"Just reading your fine print, Minus."
He looked at the paper.
"Shot next. I can't introduce that better shape, right?"
That made her go into thought.
"Actually, Love, that's a good question. Hmmm, it's in nature to a certain degree, yet has yet to be used by the races. Same time it's a simple thing to discover. On the other hand….okay, Love. If you were NOT a Warrior it would be fine. But, since you are, I'm afraid it's just a little TOO much. Thank you for the good one."
"Sure Minus. I can't nudge the research along right?"
"No, Love. Using your knowledge, like your Additite test is acceptable as it merely tests and teaches a method we have or know of. The diamond was also allowed due to it being a mere tool. If you wanted to say turn coal into the stone that would not be allowed as that process and research doesn't exist in this world. Follow?"
Tyler nodded.
"I think I do, Minus. I can use things like my map knowledge to find caves, my diamond trick and event each it as they're mere tricks that can be happened upon whether or not I'm a Warrior. Yet, the actual sciences from my world are NOT allowed."
She smiled.
"Exactly Love. So, to answer your question? Sadly you're not allowed to really AID research for a nation."
"Yet, that one guy was researching raising the dead?"
"A different kind of research, Love. The advancement of weaponry is beyond your potential jobs as your knowledge is too far beyond this world. Same with some medical treatments you know of. They being the drug compounds."
Tyler nodded again.
"I think I get the picture. I can't influence the research, merely react to it."
"In not as many words. Knowing you and your mind, Love? You'd accidently create a city killer."
Tyler rubbed his head ruefully.
"Scary thing is you're not wrong Minus. I know the materials needed, the basics for how to use them, and even a few of the methods needed. Yeah, a few years testing and I really COULD make one. Not gonna though."
The room laughed as Tyler remembered something.
"Hey, Minus, what about that projectile Knife?"
The scroll frowned.
"Another good one. Let me think on it, Love, as it's ON the line."
"Sure Minus. I'll draw up a few normal weapons as cannons were never my area of expertise."
Her scroll smiled as he drew another curved sword. This one dropping in the center of the spine to rise up in a vicious tip before dropping in a thick belly to rejoin the hilt in an elegant finish. Willow smiled as she saw it.
"I like the way that looks."
"That's a heavy Scimitar, Willow. Wield it in pairs and watch the blood fly."
Ishtar nodded as well now.
"Aye, Tyler. I'd like to have this one as well."
"Love."
"Here, Minus."
The scroll sighed.
"I made a decision."
"The verdict?"
She laughed.
"I consulted with another Balance deity as it was just that kind of close call. She said it's best to say no as it's just too risky."
"And better to err on the side of caution. I get it. By the way, which deity was it?"
Minus chuckled.
"Her name is Tally. Her sphere is Just decisions, sound reasoning, and wise rulings. If the deities need a choice made or an extra mind to pick we got to her for council as her rulings are always true."
"Is she under your rule?"
"No Love. She's the Queen of the pantheon of Courts. I rule the Scale, as in banks, Markets, deeds, debts and the like. She rules a similar system, only hers is honor, fair play, rules, and decisions. An example is the court room as a trial is a place for wise decisions, truth, and sound reasoning. Levelus was a god of justice and such under my rule due to him having the bounty boards in his sphere since that's a form of market."
Tyler absorbed the new information as he weighed.
"Do the spheres ever overlap?"
She laughed.
"Indeed, Love. Atrocity, for example, shares spheres with Judge, as they both deal in punishments from time to time. I for example, do not overlap as such I rule my pantheon."
"Tell Judge I said hi. Like I told her before, nifty system you got here, Minus."
"I will, Love."
Tyler rubbed his eyes now.
"Hmm, Okay, I have my time period limit. What about the Grenada?"
"The first version is fine Love. Just not the advanced one."
"Love you too."
He drew a small ceramic ball with a fuse before passing it to Rolic. Soon as he saw it the dwarven king busted up laughing.
"Oooh the testers will LOVE playing with that!"
"Just make sure they LOOK before they throw. Get it wrong and it'll be a mess."
"Agreed and thank you for the warning."
Tyler nodded.
"Alright. I am out of ideas for this one."
The rulers looked at the papers as Tempesta weighed his own payments. Ishtar finishing first.
"Vernillion will pay 250 for the lot."
Willow spoke next.
"The Queendom 350 for my batch."
Rolic nodded.
"Erolagard 750. The cannon and thrown bomb are on their way to be tested the only way dwarves know how to test."
Tyler smiled.
"Cold logic and reasoning?"
He busted up laughing.
"Aye lad! Well said!"
Tempesta spoke now.
"I have a few weapons in my trove your party might find useful. Look and see."
The dragon made ther images of a blue/red spear with a collapse function, a red/black shield 3 feet across with a collapse function, a red/white staff tipped with a Ruby, and a red ruby necklace That Tyler smiled at.
"Deal. That necklace will make a certain blonde I love smile."
That got a grin from all as Tempesta sent the weapons to him. Tyler took the necklace and put it in his pouch as the rest of the new gear was put in the other as Lily and Ishtar promised to not say anything. The meeting ended and Tyler hugged Lily as he went to see someone about a new dress for Kaori. He followed Ishtar's directions and found the shop in question. HE had the hell Sheep wool and leftover spider silk as he blew for Wulf. The ranger joining him at the shop and chuckling,
"I see."
They went in and Tyler smiled as he saw the lady behind the counter was another Sprite. This one had long blue hair, deep blue eyes and light blue wings. Her skin was even blue. She smiled as the two men approached her.
"Well, well, two ladies in the near future have a most wonderous surprise in store for them. I be Link. A pleasure. What can I do for you?"
Tyler pulled out a design for Kaori's next dress and slid it on the counter. The blue sprite gasped. This one was strapless and would sit around her torso just under her arms, leaving her shoulders bare along with her arms as well. The thing fell to her lower legs with a slit up the side for both movement and showing off. The color was a deep blue like the open ocean with a line of purest white starting at her left shoulder, and wrapping around her body to the bottom of the dress. One her arms to her elbows would be gloves of a flaming red with a blue heart on the backs of the hands on and on her feet were a pair of white two inch heels with a red toe. He smiled as he tapped it.
"I'd like on an enchantment on a sapphire ring. With the ability to merge with the ruby ring of the same type of enchantment. She tapes it, and BAM! New ring new dress."
The sprite was awestruck.
"That lady will look beautiful! The cloth?"
"Hell sheep and spider silk"
She nodded.
"I need a decent sapphire."
HE placed a four foot gem on the counter with twice the required amount for wool and silk, giving Wulf the leftovers. The sprite nodded.
"The ring will merge perfectly. The cost for a true masterpiece is 350 gold."
Tyler placed 700.
"I'm looking for the best you can do, Miss Link."
She smiled happily.
"It will be or I have no business with wings. It'll be ready in a few hours."
Wulf made a simple set of clothes for Ashy with a brown topaz and jet for her ring and the two men left the sprite to her work. Tyler looking at another piece of paper as he considered his next masterpiece. Wulf just smiled.
"You keep doing that and it'll break her."
Tyler smiled.
"I do it right, Wulf."
"Agreed. Eri is going to LOSE it."
"Bonus."
Tyler went to the bounty booth and found Stream as Wulf left to go be with Ashy. The river elf smiled as he placed the head on the tray.
"Tyler, welcome back! Who'd you find me today?"
He smiled.
"Lor the enslaver."
She nodded.
"Just a moment Tyler."
He waited patiently until the identity was confirmed.
"Your total today is 450 gold. See you next time."
Tyler smiled and headed to the room to check on Lupa. He found the wolf spirit in her human form with Sera and Thorn wrapped up in her white wolf tail sound asleep. He smiled at the sight of Sera with the elven girl in her arms. Lupa smiled as she saw him.
"Hello, Tyler. Need me?"
HE walked over and sat beside her as he patted Sera's soft black hair.
"Just checking on you. I guess Sera here has her own now."
The lady smiled fondly.
"She does. They are so cute together. And I'm doing okay as well. My form is recharged, but these two love my fur."
He chuckled quietly.
"Never go wrong with good wolf fur."
She smiled at that. Happy, he headed out to go see Kaori. He found the blonde girl resting on a couch in another room. She smiled as she saw him walk in.
"Hey. Miss me?"
He kissed her and she sighed.
"Want me?"
"Always. Got time?"
She got up and closed the door.
"I always have time for you."
The two lovers stripped and played for a few hours before just laying in the bed. Kaori smiled as she kissed him.
"I love you, Tyler."
He held her tightly to him.
"I love you too, Kaori."
She smiled as she rested her head on his chest.
"So, Eri's still alive."
He chuckled as he stroked her blonde hair.
"I bet that was a battle for the ages."
She kissed him again.
"We've reached an…agreement."
"Oh shit."
"love you too."
He held her tightly.
"What's the blonde word?"
Kaori smiled.
"we'll see about that threeway. She's curious and I'm curious. Worst case you get one after the other."
HE smiled.
"I get to be in bed with YOU Kaori. Best case out there."
She smiled and passed him a crystal.
"I spotted a runner earlier."
She got comfier as he put into the HUD.
"Today in Vernillion. The Warriors are still idiots, The Outcast met Atrocity, and Dagon Keep is no more. Let us start with the Warriors. As of the time of this publishing, the riots are still under way as these whining children sought to force entry into the closed off buildings such as taverns, the bank, and exchange. Their bandit leader Max leading the charge from the back ranks as they just could not handle the so-called 'preferential' treatment Tyler, Ashy, and Kaori receive as they may come and go as they please in any place in the realm while those same doors are barred to them. The Outcast has yet to step in to either end the riots or really have anything to do with the other Warriors. If these children wish to continue to draw breath, they better hope he DOESN'T step in. Now it is a well-known tale at this point Tyler has Minus the Scale Queen as his goddess wife, and believe this writer reader, she loves him and he loves her. Well, it would seem the Scale Queen's older sister wanted to test the mettle of her dear sister's lover herself. That's right reader, Atrocity, the realm queller, set foot in the Mortal realm today to see Tyler herself. The exact specifics of the meeting are unknown, but Tyler has stated she wanted to quote,
"She wanted to make sure I was worthy of Minus' love. I'm not, but ya know. Sisters look after each other."
A wise man indeed. The test she gave the Outcast is also unknown, that said a large, green dome of raw destructive power was seen during this time and the guild mages swore to it's power as akin to a high dragon's rage. The Scouts were dispatched to find out just WHAT happened, and reader? We have a new canyon at the site Dagon Keep once stood! The crater is easily several hundred meters deep, and a thousand wide. Whatever caused that blast we all pray is friendly or able to be reasoned with at the least. In other news, Tyler has taken a new face into the camp. Who is the newest Outcast? The Fireball herself! That's right reader, Erica Von Lectis rides in a Warrior party with her daughter and her lover. We at the guild applaud Tyler's mettle if he was able to convince the legendary Warrior to NOT kill him on sight and even join his camp as well! That boy has a camp of legends now, reader. I just pray he doesn't make the mother of his love mad. But, in the guild's opinion? He'll bed her too."
Tyler and Kaori looked at each other knowingly.
"Too late. Already did."
Kaori kissed him.
"Scary thing? I might as well!"
He laughed as he held her tightly.
"New world new us."
That got a laugh.
"I guess in Lectis it happens a lot. Sometimes a lost child finds a partner or a bed mate and only learn after it was a relative or something."
Tyler kissed her again.
"Weird place Lectis. But, smile and nod."
She yawned.
"Let's rest for a bit."
Sallie and Sylvia took their shell forms and joined the lovers in the bed. Sallie taking her spot on Tyler's chest as Sylvia nestled herself into Kaori's warm cleavage. Once Tyler pulled the blankets up over the green haired girl's body she sighed.
"Love you too, Daddy."
He smiled as the small family drifted off.