Starry Resonance

Elly and Nelimir had begun to discuss their travel plans but Nora was barely paying attention; it was the first time she had been away from Yvain since they first met. She made sure to hug the breath out of him before he left to search for his friend, making a point of ignoring the tall woman glaring at her, yet not a few minute in she already wanted to run after him.

Was she that horrible of a mother? Nora already knew she didn’t deserve to call herself that, but she was determined on being better. She would slowly make up for her mistakes after saving her daughter. Thoughts of how their reunion would be like had kept pushing her to go faster, driving away those that spelled a darker outcome. Even knowing that Mitrel was hunting her down, she kept running heedless of the repercussions. But when she first saw Yvain it was like he carved out by force a larger space than Charlotte’s in her heart. And that space demanded to be constantly filled. It confounded her. The emotions had come too fast and too strong.

Being a goddess set her apart from her peers; it put her above them in both strength and social status. She had a perspective they would never acquire and through it she could control and change her own short-comings as a dragon. It was through those changes that she managed to stand up to Mitrel, even if it meant betraying her race, her blood. Yet that same dragon blood running through her made itself clear when it came to Yvain in ways that no amount of introspection could change. No number of attempts to ignore it would bear fruit either. And unlike with Mitrel, she actually wanted what they had. Or maybe it was more accurate to say she needed it. Whatever connection was created when the two met was inviolable.

Though despite that connection she still had the presence of mind to understand that no matter how much she needed him, or how her racial characteristics affected her, it was impossible to feel as she did for anyone. Though impossible as it may be, she knew she couldn’t leave the man anymore since the first time she saw him doing his silly dance. It was knowledge based off of pure instinct, knowledge that came at the flip of a switch.

That’s when her roles of mother and lover violently clashed. It was as such that she had already cried two times more than she ever had since coming to this world. It was unnatural to say the least.

It was a miracle that she didn’t cry again when the new center of her life easily accepted her daughter. The two conflicting forces had been pleasantly appeased and melded together. But just when she thought that her emotional balance had arrived, underneath her contentment images of her daughter suffering at the hands of others resurfaced. It formed heavy guilt at her current bliss and needs.

Mortals really don’t have it easy, Nora thought. It was more of an observation rather than an objection. She didn’t have any memories of her life before she came to this world, but she was still a goddess. Just like the rest of her kind, she paradoxically reveled in the emotions she felt, even the negative ones.

She wondered if the regret over her past choices was similar to Yvain’s. She had seen it in his expression when he threatened Selt. While the circumstances and actors weren’t the same, Nora saw some similarities in how she treated her daughter. But Yvain was fully human, he was able to quickly see his mistake and take action to rectify it.

If he had been in her shoes, what would he have done? She couldn’t come up with an answer. It made her realize how little she knew of him or his thoughts, but the fact didn’t bother her. Eagerness to learn more about her partner, preferably in bed, was all she could think of. Not even Mitrel, with all his exceptional traits, made her feel that way after being together for years.

“What do you think?”

“Hmm?” Nora was suddenly pulled from her thoughts when a voice was directed at her. Both Elly and Nelimir were looking at her.

“Since you’ll be in charge of training us from now on I thought I’d let Elly take a look at your abilities,” Nelmir said. Nora didn’t know if the man was oblivious to the distaste showing on Elly’s face or if he simply didn’t care.

“More to placate her than to test your skills,” he said a bit apologetically.

“Nelimir,” Elly said in warning, but Nelimir brushed her off with an eye roll in her direction. The giant woman grunted in dissatisfaction and waited in silence for Nora’s answer.

“I don’t mind, should we do it now?” Nora said.

“I need to determine what route we’ll be taking so it’ll just be the two of you,” Nelimir said. “But I trust Elly’s judgment and self-control in this matter.” He gave Elly a warning look but the woman ignored him. The Draconian’s Tavern leader gave a nod to Nora and left for his chambers.

Now alone, both women just stared at each other; Nora with a pleasing but dishonest smile and Elly an honest scowl. Nora had the same animosity that Elly probably felt for her, but this was someone dear to Yvain. She had to at least try to create a respectful relationship, or maybe dispel whatever it was that had both of them standing at odds with barely a spoken word.

Nora had been trying to pinpoint the source of opposition since yesterday. When the trio had left the dungeon in a scramble, she had already noticed people waiting for them. She hadn’t felt any type of hostility from the group so she opted to just watch. But when Elly moved closer it was Nora who felt aggression grow inside her. Elly picked up on that too and returned the act in kind. No one had noticed but them.

Since that moment both women had been mentally circling each other ready to strike, neither understanding what was going on. Or at least Nora didn’t, and she doubted Elly understood the situation any more than she did. A small part of the blame for her emotional turmoil until know fell on this tension that had formed between them.

“Do you always look so angry?” Nora asked. She couldn’t stop the slight venom that spilled with the words.

Elly turned for the tallest door out of all of the ones there, obviously custom made for her. “Follow me,” she said calmly as she walked through the entrance. Nora, keeping her smile, did as told and closed the door behind her.

She was pleasantly surprised to find that Elly’s room was even bigger than the living room. Spaces created by nature were one thing, but this was all man-made—or woman-made in this case. She really needed to have a long conversation with Roesia.

Contrary to Yvain’s modest style, Elly’s room was covered wall to wall with all kinds of weapons. Like paintings strategically placed to create a view pleasing to the eye; bigger equipment lower in place than the smaller ones. A bed big enough for Elly and then some was at the corner almost forgotten. The central piece to the room was several practice dummies spread randomly over the floor, worn down by constant abuse.

“So how will you evaluate me?” Nora asked.

Elly stopped in front of one of the dummies and ran her hand over its scars. “I won’t,” she said, “I asked Nelimir to let me test you only so we could have a private conversation without raising suspicion.” Elly turned around with a self-mocking smile, “Though I suspect he already knows as much.”

“That’s a bit better than the way you’ve been glaring at me since we saw each other, at least,” Nora said, pointing out her smile. Her comment made Elly scowl again, the change so sudden and honest that Nora snorted through her nose in her failure to suppress a chuckle.

“I want you to leave Draconian’s Tavern tonight,” Elly said. “I’ll tell Yvain and the rest that your loss of strength is permanent and, not wanting to be a burden, left to find your daughter.”

“What makes you think I’ll do as you say?” Nora said. She had already expected the tall woman to be against her joining the guild. It ticked her off. If Elly wasn’t someone close to Yvain, if Nora had enough standing to decide the woman’s fate, she’d be the one being told to leave. It was unfortunate that Nora being an empress didn’t offer any advantages in that room.

“You’re not only from the dragon race, but you’re also the goddess of dragons,” Elly said. “Leaving aside the matter of your race, status as an empress and the horrendous mistake you and my idiot apprentice made, the zealots that follow you will burn down their own people in your name.” She walked up to one of the walls in the room and grabbed the biggest sword she could reach.

Nora’s guard instantly went up. “How do you know of them?”

Elly scoffed, “Don’t be so surprised your highness. I used to be in a guild before joining this one. It was much more informed on the continent’s happenings.” She walked up to the dummy in front of Nora, weapon in hand, and swung the sword in a perfectly mastered arc.

The group Yvain’s master mentioned were the very people that raised Nora when she fell into this world. She wanted to deny the tag of zealots, but it was an unfortunate attitude many took; it was something not unique to her, many gods and goddesses had similar following.

“I understand,” Nora said, “I’ve brought many dangers to this guild. If I could erase them all with the flick of my wrist I’d do so. But from my understanding you will all venture out eventually. Regardless of me being here or not, you will face many dangers on that fact alone.”

Nora had been averse to Yvain’s suggestion of teaching the group. She had never been a teacher to anyone, and despite her looks and status she didn’t have enough experience to feel like she wouldn’t make a mess of it. But maybe teaching the guild would be the ticket to finding her place inside the team.

“I can equip all of you with the skills necessary to protect yourselves.”

“I do a well enough job,” Elly said. Her speed when attacking the dummy had already surpassed what normal people could do.

Nora marveled at the woman’s skill and ferocity, though she couldn’t decide if she should be more impressed with the spectacle in front of her or the endurance of the poor dummy getting trashed. Impressive display aside, though, it wouldn’t be enough. Especially if Yvain’s explanation of his abilities was true.

“Can you use starlight?” she asked.

“Yes,” Elly said.

“What’s your rank?”

Elly didn’t answer.

“Do you train during the day or night?”

The tall woman swung her weapon in silence.

“What are the dangers of over-absorption? How can starlight be physically manifested? Have you found a specialist for Roesia?”

Elly was far from winded, and Nora didn’t doubt the woman could go on for hours training without breaking a sweat. But perspiration quickly clung to her as the sword in her hands slashed the dummy countless times, as Nora cornered her with questions she couldn’t answer.

Nora came closer to Elly, following the trajectories of the weapon as she concentrated what little starlight she had available in her whole arm. She lashed out and her hand forced Elly’s sword to a complete and effortless stop right before it made contact with the dummy. It didn’t get pushed back when it grabbed the weapon, and it didn’t budge when Elly struggled to bring it out of the grip holding it in place.

Nora kept a blank expression as Elly wrestled with the sword and tried her outmost to bring it back under her control. It was obvious the tall woman was proud as proud can be, and getting her to agree to Nora’s presence and training wouldn’t occur by insulting her; no matter how much Nora wanted to do so. Showing the overwhelming difference in their strength would suffice.

“You’re a danger to all of us,” Elly said, panting after giving up. “I won’t have my friends die just because Yvain couldn’t keep his pants in check.”

“I don’t want anyone to die,” Nora said, “but that decision will be made for all of you if you stay as you are, I can change that.”

Elly scowled at Nora and then at her sword. Getting the hint, Nora released the weapon.

“Can you handle yourself in hand to hand combat?” Elly asked as she took the sword back to its rightful place.

“It’s not my strong point, but I can manage,” Nora said, confused at the abrupt change in topic.

Elly came back and stepped into Nora’s personal space. They were close enough now that the red-head was forced to look up from where she was standing, but she didn’t back away from the intimidating stature of the other.

“I haven’t liked you since the first time I laid my eyes on you,” Elly said.

“I thought I was the only one,” Nora said, frowning. Did she fail in convincing her?

Elly gave several short nods in understanding. “Let’s go outside. If you can defeat me then I’ll let you join us with no protest.”

* * * * *

Yvain went to find Selt when Nelimir gave the word. He wanted to apologize and knew his friend was giving him the chance. Nora didn’t try to follow him, but she made sure to squeeze his guts out before he left. Being held in her forceful arms, he could tell how reluctant she was to see them separate. He felt the same. At that moment he didn’t want to leave at all, knowing that the kid would come back on his own. But that same idea just increased his guilt, so in the end he left.

As Yvain walked up the stairs he tried to think about what he could say to Selt. They hadn’t really been at odds before, and a lot of times it could be difficult to gauge how the boy would react to outside stimulus. Maybe what he should do first was try and figure out what had Selt so riled up. Then hopefully he could find a way to mend the situation. But Yvain moved the idea to the back of his head. The first thing he had to do was apologize. He would start with a simple ‘sorry’ and see where things moved from there.

Yvain stopped at the top of the stairs and replayed the moment he lost control. Selt hadn’t even done much. It was the simple fear that his insistence on denying Nora’s presence might have been enough to push the others’ opinion toward doing the same. If Yvain hadn’t been so engrossed inside his and Nora’s own world he might have realized sooner that Nora’s status as a goddess would be all the couple needed to convince his friend to let her stay. No use crying over it now, though.

Pushing the door open, an empty carriage greeted Yvain. He surveyed the area but Selt couldn’t even be seen outside in the grassy fields. He then exited and let the windy environment sweep away some of the tension and worries filling him. The nearest place that Selt could go to in such a short amount of time that offered some stimulus was the village the group had left behind the day before. So Yvain headed there while trying to catch a glimpse of Selt’s back running all over the place in excitement.

When he arrived the place was already in full swing with kids playing, mother’s going about their household tasks, and a few men leaving for the fields most likely to start their agricultural work. It was possible that the residents woke up even before the members of Draconian’s Tavern.

Yvain understood that their work was honest and paramount to the survival of the community, even that of towns and cities, but he would never choose such a mundane life. Just walking in the presence of such an environment made him feel restless.

It was ironic that he couldn’t find it much different from his home, even with its supposedly higher quality of life. Regardless, all he needed to do was find Selt, apologize, and leave the unremarkable community.

Sadly, the task turned out to be more difficult than he thought. After spending the better half of an hour asking around for any sightings of the kid, he found that just as he was put off by the villagers, the villagers were put off by him. Many either ignored him or gave unhelpful answers. A few that had seen how he had threated Michael were outright rude and told him off with no fear of what Yvain might do to them, not that he would do anything. Unable to blame them, he’d move on while feeling slightly miffed.

It was only the children who, impressed by his build, would take the initiative to approach him with full smiles inside their innocent curiosity. Helpless, he tried to follow along awkwardly while giving disregarded signals that he needed to move on. Thankfully they would quickly be ushered away by their mother’s, leaving Yvain wondering if Charlotte was like them.

Eventually Yvain decided to ask the goddess of villages as she had been the only one to have welcomed he and his friends so far, albeit while not being too happy about it.

Not many were surrounding the unassertive home yet, but Yvain still hesitated to walk forward when he saw Michael in his usual position guarding the entrance; a villager cradling his arm had just walked in. If he wanted any type of help, he would have to be as amicable as possible, something Nelimir was far better at.

“Don’t you get tired of pushing your weight around?” Michael said. Realizing that he’d been caught staring, Yvain immediately tried to rectify the misunderstanding.

“I didn’t come here for that,” he said and Michael raised an accusatory eyebrow. Yvain kicked himself mentally for his poor choice of words. Would apologizing help? No matter how uncomfortable it made him it wouldn’t be the end of the world. He might be able to more easily get an audience with the goddess too.

“I’m sorry about what happened last time; can I see Lydia?” Yvain said.

It took a few moments for the words to register in Michael. “Apology accepted. No, you can’t—leave,” he said.

Not expecting to be sent away so abruptly after apologizing, Yvain stood awkwardly in place trying to figure out what to say next. The clumsy act made Michael chuckle, which in turn made Yvain self-conscious. It wasn’t a position he was used to being in and anger began to well up. But Selt took precedence over his stung ego; or so Yvain told himself.

“Please, I’m looking for one of my friends,” he said.

“How is that my problem?” Michael said.

Maybe he should just leave? Even Nelimir didn’t manage to convince the man to let them through yesterday and arguing with him would just be a waste of time they didn’t have. If Yvain just searched faster he would probably find Selt sooner rather than later. But the kid had a way of losing himself and they had to leave as fast as possible. The longer they remained in place the more danger they were in.

“Look, I’m going in whether you like it or not,” Yvain said.

“Or what? You’ll just beat me aside?” Michael said.

“If I have too.” Yvain didn’t mean the words, but they were already out and he needed to hurry.

“Then your apology was just an act?” Michael said and Yvain inwardly groaned.

“No! I’m…” He stopped himself and took a deep breath, passing his hand over his hair. Forget the apology, he would just be honest.

“I overreacted when we first met and wounded you unnecessarily,” he said. “Regardless, we were just carrying out our respective duties. I’m apologizing to you now only because of Lydia.” Yvain faced Michael in silence, waiting for the older man to respond. At that moment the villager that had entered the house came out. He was still cradling his arm but it was now covered in a paste similar to the one the goddess slathered over Nora except of a more reddish hue.

Yvain and Michael shifted their attention to the man as he nervously looked at the two goliaths. It didn’t take long before he made a quick get-away, looking back only once before running off

“Can you not scare off the villagers?” Lydia appeared at the door. “I don’t know if the two of you realize how loud you can be.” The goddess looked past them. When Yvain followed her gaze, he found that the few villagers that had been in line were gone.

“You told him to apologize?” Michael asked.

“He’s as muscle-headed as you are and he hurt you, why would I not?” the goddess said calmly. She then addressed Yvain, “I’ll at least thank you for speaking candidly.”

Yvain simply nodded and went straight to the point, “I’m looking for my friend. He’s pretty skinny and small, always looks like he’s searching for something.”

“I saw him,” Lydia said, “made quite a spectacle before leaving in a rush.”

Yvain was about to ask of his whereabouts but she stopped him.

“Before I tell you where he went though, I’d like to talk with you,” she said and went back inside. Michael didn’t bother to argue and went in after her. With no other option Yvain followed behind him.

The large man stood by the door as Yvain walked in and closed it once everyone was inside. He took position right in front of it, putting on a bored expression with arms crossed.

Was he trying to be intimidating? Yvain didn’t pay it any mind as they already knew who the superior combatant was.

“Take a seat,” Lydia said and pointed at a chair nearby.

The goddess was at her usual spot, this time studying Yvain instead of her concoction inside the bowl at the table.

“So, what do you need of me?” Yvain asked, sitting down.

“Just to answer a few questions,” Lydia said, “Do you know that Nora is part of the beast race?”

To say that Yvain felt put on the spot was an understatement. He tried his best to not let his expression give anything away as he figured out how to respond. How in the stars did she know? When did she figure it out? Maybe there was a trait Yvain and the rest missed, and Nora’s disguise wasn’t perfect after all.

“What makes you say that?” Yvain asked, trying to buy some time. Should he feign ignorance? Or make a stand and say he already knew? Lydia had shown approval toward Nelimir’s ideals for the future, but could Yvain risk giving too much away on just that?

“It’s hard to miss such an illustrious personage, now answer the question please,” Lydia said.

Would he have to kill them both? Yvain didn’t think he could do it, but anyone could go to a guild building and give possible leads relating to beasts for rewards. Who could say how much they would give for royalty, and a goddess to boot. That title alone had pushed an emperor to ruin.

“Has anyone told you that you’re very easy to read?” Lydia said.

Yvain’s head snapped up. “Just once,” he said uneasily.

“I know who Nora is child; I’m asking you because I need to make sure that you do,” she said. “Your friend’s vision for the future is admirable but men and women that could move mountains have tried the same and failed. Yet your current group hasn’t even begun to understand what a pebble is.” Lydia sighed sadly, “That same group is now traveling with the goddess of one of the most powerful races.”

“Don’t forget she’s an empress too,” Michael chimed in, but Lydia waved him away.

“That’s inconsequential in face of her godhood,” she said.

Yvain sat straighter in his chair, uncomfortable at being out of his depth. Michael too? Who in the stars were these people? One of the most important reasons that Nelimir was dead-set on leaving Empryon was because he could feel a gap in his understanding of the realities of his environment—their group as a whole wasn’t as preoccupied with gathering such knowledge, but they all wanted to see more outside of their constraints. Even the general populace, despite their susceptibility to propaganda, held a tension of uncertainty. Lydia and her bodyguard weren’t exhibiting any of those shortcomings now and it made Yvain feel inadequate, unsure of how he should approach the conversation or what the best course of action was.

The goddess pinned him under her stare once more. “Not even mentioning a possible war breaking out, the current situation will shift once more heedless of our wants and you and your friends are right in the line of fire,” Lydia said. “Knowing all this…” as she spoke, her expression became lost for a moment, preoccupied even.

“Let me rephrase the question,” she said. “Do any of you know what you’re getting into?”

Yvain had absolutely no idea what he was getting into. None of them did. Ironically that was the reason they needed to push onward.

“We don’t,” he said.

“What are your plans to-” Yvain raised a hand, cutting Lydia off. He couldn’t let himself remain there. He was at a vast disadvantage and could too easily put his friends in danger with a single slip of the tongue. He wouldn’t hurt these people, but he wouldn’t engage with them in conversation anymore.

“Thank you for your time Lydia, I’ll look for my friend on my own,” Yvain said and stood without waiting for the goddess to respond. Then a hand clasped onto his shoulder, forcing him to sit down again. The thin-edge of a dagger appeared on the surface of his neck.

Yvain violently moved out of reflex, conditioned by a lifetime of strength superiority, and the dagger slightly cut into the neck. Unfortunately he couldn’t budge himself free, even with just one hand now holding him in place.

“I didn’t expect him to struggle so hard,” Michael said to Lydia in apology, but Yvain didn’t pay attention.

How?! Yvain thought. Michael wasn’t this strong before. No one Yvain had met, outside of those inside Nora’s dungeon, had been this strong before. Especially no human. It was one thing to lose to an unknown, but he knew humans, he knew them like the back of his hand. He didn’t lose to them. But Yvain only knew the ones from Empryon. Did that mean Michael was from the outside?

Giving Michael a slight frown in reproach, Lydia completed her question, “What are your plans to counteract your lack of knowledge?”

“I don’t have anything to tell you,” Yvain said, trying to keep the little dignity he felt he had left.

Lydia watched Michael and then gave him an almost reluctant nod.

“Are you sure about that?” the man said and allowed the knife at Yvain’s neck to draw more blood.

Yvain didn’t react though. As the knife trailed a red path all he did was give the goddess a motionless gaze. They both looked at each other for a few tense seconds as more blood fell. Lydia’s eyes were the first to waver.

“Enough,” she said and Michael instantly released Yvain. “This really doesn’t suit me,” she sighed.

“I thought it was hot,” Michael laughed as he went to stand beside her. He cleaned his knife and put it away before setting an affectionate hand on Lydia’s shoulder which she covered with her own.

“Of course you would,” she said with a roll of her eyes.

Yvain’s first impulse was to go for Michael’s throat, but he held it back. To start, he was at a disadvantage on knowledge. Now he was also outclassed in strength and he didn’t bring a weapon. He could only glare at Michael, but the older man just grinned back.

“That’s payback for last time,” he said.

“Shush,” Lydia said and swatted Michael’s hand. “I know that your guild is in sore need for someone with medical knowledge and I’d like to recommend a candidate,” she told Yvain.

“And you had to threaten me to do so?” Yvain said, gingerly touching the wound on his neck.

“Forgive me,” Lydia said with a gentle smile. “Blame it on the follies of a mother.”

Unlike the goddess, Michael was sporting a frown.

“That wasn’t the plan,” he said, looking at Lydia with annoyance.

“The alternative just leaves him wasting away his talents and working as a professional drunk,” Lydia said, her expression turning just a tad sour but not meeting her eyes.

Michael removed his hand from her shoulder.

“And alive,” he said, “If he joins these riffraff he’ll only end up dead.”

“We’re all going to end up dead someday,” Lydia said in a sharp tone, but then immediately changed to a softer one. ‘This is Empryon we’re talking about; his best fighting chance is with the prince’s guild.”

“His best fighting chance is with us,” Michael tried his best to keep his voice down but it was proving to be difficult. “We can keep him safe.”

“Honey you can’t protect him forever,” Lydia said. “What matters is how he lives that life, and I won’t have him do it in the gutter with a bottle in hand while the world around him burns.”

“That’s rich coming from you,” Michael said with furrowed brow and unblinking gaze.

The words made Lydia give Michael a hard look and the couple entered a stare off, but her eyes were quickly becoming red-rimmed against her will. Michael didn’t miss this, and his shoulders deflated.

“Sorry,” he said in almost a whisper. His head then snapped to Yvain as if he had completely forgotten their guest’s presence, and with a derisive snort walked out of the humble dwelling.

In the awkward silence the goddess tried to compose herself as she stared at the spot where Michael had been standing. She tried to blink away whatever tears were threatening to come out.

“Who did you have in mind?” Yvain asked. He was taken aback by the revelation that the one he thought was just a guard and the goddess of villages were in a closer relationship than expected. They even had a child. He also didn’t see any ring on either of them.

Whatever their situation, he didn’t have time for their domestic problems. Lydia was right in that they needed someone with more knowledge than how to stitch up a wound.

She did her best to calm herself and faced Yvain. “The person I want to recommend is our son, Julius. He was personally trained by me and has inherited my knowledge.” She gestured at their surroundings: her ingredients and her bowl. “I’ll admit it won’t be enough to sustain you all outside of Empryon, but he is young and has proven to have a knack for discerning maladies and their treatment. Any other medical professional on the outside would trip over themselves trying to have him as an apprentice.”

If he was able to recreate what Lydia did then it was already more than enough to join Draconian’s Tavern.

“Where can we find him?” Yvain asked.

Lydia looked at him in consternation before speaking, “You’ll find him in Canrun, most likely in a bar called The Weeping Merchant.”

Yvain hoped it wouldn’t cause much of a detour from Nelimir’s chosen path. “I can promise we’ll look for him at the very least,” he said. “Now about my friend.”

“Of course,” Lydia nodded, sounding a bit more cheerful. “He left for the largest hill southeast of the village,” she said and pointed at a general direction, “there’s a giant oak tree on it, you can’t miss it.”

“Thanks,” Yvain said. Should he ask her for more details on what she knew about Nora and the beast races? But where to even begin? He had so many things to ask. Unfortunately he hesitated for too long and the goddess took over the conversation again.

“Do you know what I do as the goddess of villages?” she asked.

“You…take care of villagers?” Yvain said, unsure of his own answer.

“It’s that simple,” Lydia laughed. But the laughter soon tapered off into somberness. “It’s my duty…no, it’s more than a duty. As a being I need to watch over my subjects, they all deserve my patronage no matter who or what they are as long as they are part of a village.”

Is that how Nora felt about her own race? Yvain tried to feel the weight Lydia’s words carried, but he was having a difficult time doing so.

“Yet, most villages have been left unattended by me because of how fractured the continent is,” Lydia said. “I wasn’t offering pleasantries when I said I stood behind Nelimir’s plan of unification, no matter how impossible it sounds.”

“Then can you tell me more about the races outside of Empryon? What did you mean by a war? Anything would help.” Yvain took her support as a chance to gleam off all the information he could get, but the goddess shook her head.

“I won’t take the risk of offering that information,” she said.

Yvain wanted to press her, but before a goddess, Lydia was a citizen of Empryon. She was subject to its laws just as anyone else who wasn’t in a guild. Any knowledge of the world outside the walls was forbidden. Leaving Empryon was forbidden. The only way to gain freedom in those laws was through Cosmos. And he was beginning to suspect that even being in a guild wasn’t a one-way pass to intelligence. Yet she did contain that knowledge, how did she come about it?

Lydia stood from her chair and gathered several herbs from her shelves practically without looking. She dropped them all in her bowl and grounded them to a paste before scooping up some of it with her fingers.

“May I?” she asked as she stood near Yvain with the concoction.

Yvain pulled back his head, allowing the goddess to apply the medicine for his wound.

As she applied the salve, she spoke, “Now, I’m sure you remember what I told you all yesterday, that still stands.” Once she finished the treatment, she pulled back and sat down. Same as last time, Lydia courteously pointed Yvain toward the door.

Partially disappointed, but eager to find Selt, Yvain acquiesced and stood to leave.

“I recommend you ask Nora any questions you have regarding the outside,” Lydia said and turned to her herbs without waiting for Yvain to respond.

Yvain watched the goddess quietly work for a few seconds before giving a silent thanks and leaving her abode. Michael was outside standing in his usual position, a line of villagers already forming again. The man didn’t offer the smallest hint of recognition as Yvain walked by him.

“I’m taking back my apology,” Yvain said without looking at the warrior besides him.

“You’ll have to take it from me,” Michael said.

Yvain just shook his head and exhaled a humorless chuckle before leaving. He couldn’t believe he found someone even stronger than his master in the boring village. He would never forget the feeling of being held down so effortlessly by a human he considered inferior to him. But the discrepancy wouldn’t last. He had Nora to train him, and with how powerful she was it was only a matter of time before he soared to greater heights.

Yvain followed the goddess’s directions once he had the village behind him. And like she said, the oak tree wasn’t hard to miss. It stood lonely in the horizon, a green paintbrush coloring the sky.

For the love of the stars Selt, tell me you’re nearby, Yvain thought. After the experience he just had all he wanted to do was to be on the road again. Start his training under Nora. Be with Nora. It had only been an hour since they separated yet it felt like he hadn’t met her still and had to do so all over again.

As Yvain got closer to the hill he entertained himself by watching Great Divider. From where he stood the imposing wall stretched to either side endlessly until it couldn’t be seen anymore. How was the thing created? He could faintly remember Nora calling it a barrier, but he had never before questioned its existence. Considering the things he had seen now though, it didn’t feel as natural as he made it out to be in the past. It was still impressive, and Yvain couldn’t wait for the moment Draconian’s Tavern would be able to climb it again and leave this place. Hopefully they wouldn’t get caught the second time around either.

When Yvain reached the foot of the hill he had to tilt his head up considerably. It was much steeper than it looked from far away.

What could have possibly made him come this way? Yvain though. There was absolutely nothing around him besides grass and other trees scattered in the distance alongside the one he was nearing now. He still hadn’t seen Selt, but hopefully with a higher vintage point he’d find him.

This is the second time I’ll be apologizing today, Yvain thought with some amusement. He just hoped that this time around it would go smoother.

When Yvain reached the top he surveyed his immediate surroundings. Morning dew still covered most of the grass. Some parts of it told the passing of many people, probably villagers that came to relax. Understandable, as the hill offered an amazing view and it wasn’t too difficult to reach. The sound of wind rustling leaves offered a cacophony that eased the stress of the day too. The large oak tree that held said leaves was in the middle offering shade to a large area.

With a rope tied around his neck, Selt hung from one of its branches.

Yvain’s thoughts shut down under the searing image. The foremost question ‘did he cause this?’ ran circles in the hidden depths of his mind. Yet he didn’t want to think about such a line of query or its answer. What would he tell his friends? What would they think of him? The shame when Elly screamed at him that he had thought gone came back with a vengeance. Then anger at what Selt had just done; as if the kid was somehow the one at fault. He knew he wasn’t.

Yvain took frightened steps as Selt’s body gently rocked from side to side, the soft wind pushing it around playfully, when one of the tree’s branches snapped.

The kid fell to the ground, the thud against the wet grass startling Yvain, and he began to cough violently as his body forced him to draw large intakes of breath. Once more his impossible luck had saved him.

Yvain didn’t know what to do; he only watched on—part relieved and part numb—as the kid attempted to breathe normally. When his hacking finally subsided, he rubbed his scarred neck in pain and slowly stood, but his dizzied steps pushed him to grab on to the tree or risk hitting the ground again.

Yvain was immediately at his side and grabbed one of his arms, helping him stand straight.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“What happened?” Selt said before giving another rough cough.

“I…” What was he supposed to tell him?

“Are we still going to scout Great Divider?” Selt asked.

What?

“We already did,” Yvain said hesitantly.

“You went without me?!” Selt yelled, but the strain on his neck had him entering another coughing fit.

“I mean that you and I already scouted it,” Yvain said. What was going on?

“Oh, alright then,” Selt said. He immediately accepted Yvain’s answer and started heading back toward the village as if nothing was out of place.

Unable to keep up with the changes in the kid, Yvain watched as he walked away before jogging after him.

“Wait!” he said. The kid turned back with a questioning look. Face to face, Yvain didn’t know what to say next so he stuck to what he had decided on when leaving the carriage.

“I’m..I’m sorry,” Yvain said. The words sounded hollow in his ears. He had always treated Selt’s life as a plaything. His implausible dance with death had made Yvain insensitive to how the kid might feel despite surviving it. Now he was seeing the results of his apathy and no words could justify it.

“For what?” Selt asked as he tilted his head.

“At breakfast, I shouldn’t have…” Yvain cut his words short. He searched the kid’s face as an unnerving new idea took shape.

“Selt what did you eat this morning?” he asked.

“Oh stars don’t remind me!” Selt said as he gagged. “Why do we even let that book-nympho cook?”

Yvain’s eyebrows went up to his hairline. Did he lose his memories? he thought. If he did though, then why did the kid so readily accept that they did in fact scout Great Divider?

“Thankfully it’s your turn tomorrow,” Selt said and pointed a finger at Yvain, “I want pork.”

Yvain numbly nodded.

Pleased with his answer, Selt grinned and turned once more to head for the village. But the aftereffects of being denied breath still lingered and his legs lost all strength. Instead of complaining though, he just tried to stand again, disregarding his physical condition.

Yvain shook himself out of his reverie and walked to Selt’s front.

“Here, get on my back,” he said as he bent down.

“Ooooh good idea!” Selt said as he latched on without a second thought, “Jump off the hill!” and without missing a beat he began to make unreasonable demands.

This time Yvain decided to indulge him and walked to the edge before putting strength in his legs and pushing off the ground. The image from yesterday repeated itself with Selt whooping on his back as the duo fell somewhat ungraciously toward the base of the hill.

Yvain didn’t mind this time around though. In fact, he welcomed it. It eased some of his guilt. He was glad the kid lost his memories. It was a second chance at treating him better than he had before. The mistake he made at breakfast today wouldn’t be repeated.

Selt kept moving around too much and Yvain had to maneuver them several times into a more balanced position before making a rough landing. His legs were left tingling, but Selt’s laugh made the slight pain negligible.

Yvain didn’t think he could ever again play with the kid’s life, no matter how lucky he was.

* * * * *

“You really don’t remember Nora?”

“How many times do I have to tell you that I don’t remember anything?!”

The duo was nearing their guild’s carriage. Selt had forced his way off Yvain’s back even when told otherwise, touting how he was fine, and now walked ahead as always. Yvain would sometimes lose himself in the grim reminder of what Selt had done when the vivid reddish imprint around the kid’s neck crossed his eyes.

He had questioned Selt on their trip back to figure out the extent of his memory loss. If the kid was to be believed, he lost all memory of what happened after breakfast yesterday morning. Yet he didn’t refute that something did happen and was quick to anger if asked why.

It was odd, but at least Selt didn’t show any type of aversion whenever Nora was mentioned. All that was left was to see how he reacted when he actually met her again.

With their home now a short distance away Selt ran ahead. Roeasia was near the back focused on something behind the carriage. Unaware of her surroundings, she didn’t hear the kid sneak behind her. The girl almost jumped out of her clothes when he screamed, but she didn’t go into her usual routine of insults and simply waved him away.

Yvain smiled in amusement while he wiped his brow for the umpteenth time. With Pyros nearing its peak, the heat bearing down on them was all encompassing. That didn’t stop Roesia from wearing her usual gloomy robes. It never did. She always sustained a calm expression through the cascades of sweat, though at the moment her brow was scrunched up in worry.

“I’m surprised you let Selt off,” Yvain said as he walked up to her.

“Yvain!” massive relief covered Roesia as she ran up to him.

“You need to stop them!” she said and grabbed his arm, trying to pull him along with her meager strength. It wasn’t close to enough to actually move him but he let himself be dragged, and as they rounded the carriage’s corner he was met with Elly on top of Nora.

The large woman threw her fists at lighting speeds trying to find a way into the defenses of the other. But Nora, despite being in a disadvantageous position, was guarding herself perfectly against every hit. The clothes they had gotten her were destroyed at this point with only some strips left for cover. She was practically naked. But so was Elly, she was wearing her combat armor which surprised Yvain.

Both women were covered in cuts and bruises that were quickly darkening, but neither looked any worse for wear.

“Kick her ass!” Selt screamed which made Elly lose focus for a split second. Nora didn’t miss the short lapse and used the opportunity to force herself free. Elly tried to pin her down again but it was too late, and in her rush overextended herself, allowing Nora to strike her ribs.

Elly grunted in pain and Nora climbed her back. The shapely legs Yvain had felt up in the shower wrapped around Elly’s muscled torso as slender arms locked themselves around her neck. Whatever disadvantage large breasts might have caused didn’t occur as Nora pressed back hard enough to squish her own almost flat on Elly’s back. It was now the large woman’s turn to try and struggle free while being choked.

“Stop them!” Roesia pushed Yvain but he stayed rooted in place.

“Why are they fighting?” he asked. His master wouldn’t put her armor without good reason. That, and Nora had given him a look that told him to not interfere.

“Who cares?! One of them is going to get seriously hurt at this rate!” Roesia said. She was near tears at the end.

Yvain sighed. Their poor sorceress had never been good with violence. As for him, he was getting a kick out of seeing his master get a taste of her own medicine. And Nora already had him halfway to a full hard-on. She was incredibly luscious to begin with, but here she was, showing off her power and body. What would it feel like to fight her like that?

Elly gave a roar of frustration as she failed to find a way to escape. If it had been any other person, all she would have had to do was pry open the hold on her with barely any effort. But Nora had enough strength to solidly remain in place. With no other recourse, the large woman stood with what little breath she had left and fiercely threw herself and Nora into the ground.

A muffled boom went off as Nora’s back crashed against the surface with enough strength to send dirt and grass flying around them. She wheezed when the air was knocked out of her, but she held on regardless.

Roesia gave a small scream when both women landed and began to cry in earnest.

Yvain was sure they already knew it was Nora’s win. But his master would most likely let herself lose consciousness before admitting defeat. He wouldn’t mind allowing it to get to that point, but it wouldn’t change the outcome. All it would do was make Roeasia even more distressed. So he walked up to the women locked in combat and addressed his master.

“Roesia’s crying,” he said.

Elly looked to Yvain, her face contorted in frustration and anger, and then to Roesia. She gave a few faint struggles in a last-ditch attempt to escape but they didn’t work. Nora was trying to breathe normally again with a look of determination as she kept her hold tight and brushed off Elly’s hands. It was a mismatch of dirt, sweat, and wounds.

I wish I had been there for the whole fight, Yvain thought in disappointment.

With a final frustrated growl, Elly allowed her body to go limp. Nora took that as indication that she was giving up and released the hold on her neck. She also unlatched her legs and purposely slid the one on Yvain’s side down his before it reached the ground.

Elly roughly rolled off Nora, taking the liberty of making the act as painful as possible with the sharp edges of her body, but the redhead only lightly grunted and giggled. She then went to console a crying Roesia, leaving the couple grinning at each other.

“What did I miss?” Yvain asked as he helped Nora up.

Instead of answering she pressed her voluptuous body against his, burying her face in his neck. Yvain reacted in kind and crushed her in a hug.

Nora almost seemed like a dog as her nostrils flared and took in his scent. Yvain followed pace and inhaled her own. It was all earth and salt with a tinge of the soap they used during their shower. But it only registered as Nora. If no one had been around at that moment he would have put her on all fours right where they stood.

“I’m officially a part of the guild,” Nora said after getting her fill. The way she rubbed his arms was making it hard to focus.

“That’s…good? Nelimir already said you were joining us,” Yvain said. But then he remembered what Elly was wearing.

“My master,” he said with the force of certainty that she was the cause of all this.

“She’s amazing,” Nora said. “If she properly learns how to use starlight there’s no telling what she could accomplish as a fighter.”

So far they had been inches away from each other. Every word from her sent warm breath across Yvain’s face. Her hands had moved to grab on to his butt.

“That’s doesn’t sound good for me,” Yvain said and then laughed, “Can you please stop that?”

Nora smilingly bit her lower lip as she manhandled his ass and pressed their crotches together.

“Yvain!” another of Elly’s powerful shouts threw a bucket of cold water over the couple. Nora pulled back a bit but still held on to Yvain’s hand.

Elly was forcefully holding on to one of Selt’s arms as the kid kicked and pulled. She pointed to his neck.

“What is this?” she asked.

Roesia had calmed down enough that only her bloodshot eyes showed any indication that she had been crying, but she was fearfully looking where Elly was pointing.

Would it be prudent to explain what happened now? Yvain didn’t feel comfortable doing so, but he understood that any reservations he currently had were simply the byproduct of his fear at their yet unknown reactions. He couldn’t escape the explanation anyway, Elly’s look told him as much.

“He tried to hang himself,” Yvain said.

Roesia’s hands went to her mouth as she gasped. Being already high-strung, tears silently fell down her cheeks again and she went to Selt with open arms.

The kid began to struggle harder, naked horror painting his features, but Elly held him in place effortlessly.

“Stay away from me,” he threatened. But Roesia didn’t pay any attention to his words as she embraced him and he soon stopped moving completely, opting to just stand in place as the sorceress shook with her crying.

It was obvious Elly wasn’t expecting Yvain’s answer and she stared at the kid absentmindedly while still holding on to him.

“Is that true Selt?” Elly asked.

“I already told Yvain I don’t remember anything, are you going to pester me too?” Selt said with a neutral expression.

Elly studied him but didn’t press any further.

“Come on,” she said to Roesia, “you’re probably making him wish it had worked after all.” The tall woman pulled the smaller girl off Selt.

Roesia wiped her tears with the sleeves of her robes and nodded.

“We need to take care of your wounds anyway,” the sorceress said.

“What about me!”

Yvain jumped when Nora yelled in feigned anger. He had almost forgotten of her presence as he processed the scene that just unfolded in front of him.

Was Roesia usually that sensitive? She detested any type of physical work, and any attempts at getting her to train with Elly and Yvain had proven useless. But this went beyond that. Could she handle the challenges they would face in the future? Before he went into Nora’s dungeon he wouldn’t have given it a second thought, but now…

“What do you mean?” The already flustered Roesia asked with worry. The sorceress was still teary-eyed, she was obviously trying to push through the doleful veil by force. Yvain guessed that his lover was attempting to calm the girl down by showing that she was well enough to joke around but failed.

Nora latched on to Yvain’s arm and said “Nevermind,” as she rubbed her head against his shoulder happily.

Roesia almost looked relieved that no more was required of her and took Elly’s hand. Both women went back into the carriage with Selt trailing behind them in silence.

What could be going through the kid’s mind? No one seemed to have paid any attention to the fear he showed when Roesia was about to hug him. That wasn’t an act. But thinking about it just gave Yvain a headache.

Selt truly didn’t make any sense sometimes. His emotions jumped over a range no one could pin down. And no matter how many times any of them asked, Selt never spoke about his past or himself. A mysterious unkillable human with an unknown background. That was dangerous under normal circumstances, but he was part of Draconian’s Tavern and always acted accordingly.

“I’ll be in your care once more,” Nora said. Her almost naked body clung to Yvain again, shifting his focus with ease.

“I hope there aren’t any frayed feelings between you and my master because we’re going to have to ask her for a new set of clothes,” Yvain said. The subject brought Nora’s nakedness into the forefront. He drank her in truly considering bending her down there and then. But the wounds that covered her stopped him. They would have more than enough time tonight to mesh their bodies, for now he needed to mend her injuries.

“No such thing,” Nora said. “We made a deal, and I came out victorious. She’ll gladly lend me more of her clothes.”

Not gladly, Yvain thought with mild amusement.

“At least your boots survived,” Yvain said. It was the only part of Nora’s get up that was still whole. She showed them off as the couple walked to the carriage.

Yvain unstuck himself from Nora and opened the door. He was about to lift himself up into the carriage when she stopped him.

“Is that how you treat a lady?” Nora asked playfully.

“What do you mean?” he looked at her in confusion, one foot ready to lift the rest of himself inside.

“You’re supposed to help me up before you go in yourself,” Nora said and pouted.

“Are you that hurt?” Yvain asked, suddenly alarmed.

He quickly got off the carriage and looked over Nora’s wounds. They didn’t seem serious at all, but maybe it was an inside injury. How could he forget that Nora’s strength hadn’t even fully recovered? Yet here he was getting hard while watching her fight.

“That meat-brain really doesn’t know how to hold back,” Yvain said, gritting his teeth.

He carefully felt Nora’s arms and asked, “Where does it hurt?” but she didn’t answer. “Is it your ribs? That fall looked nasty.” Yvain gently set his hands to her sides, doing his best to concentrate on Nora’s well-being and not the pillows protruding out of her chest. Her body suddenly began to shake, and her expression seemed to be in pain.

“N-no,” came Nora’s shaky voice. “A bit higher.”

Yvain raised his hands by a small margin.

“Here?” he asked, but Nora shook her head.

“Higher,” she said.

Yvain raised his hands again but then Nora said, “Lower.”

Thus began a short bout of find-the-injury that lasted until Nora covered her mouth and laughed uncontrollably. The reason for her shaking and painful expression finally clicked in Yvain and his huff of frustration made her laugh harder.

Annoyed at being teased, but happy she was alright, Yvain pinched one of her nipples.

Nora’s laughter gained a moaning tone and she grabbed Yvain’s free hand, placing it on top of her other breast.

“This one is lonely too,” she said.

Yvain gave a helpless smile, but he pulled on both nipples all the same. This caused Nora to close her eyes and hold on to his shoulders in pleasure. As he pressed and pulled the already hard protrusions she whimpered and squirmed in place. It fascinated him how her facial muscles quivered depending on how he played with them.

“Look at me,” Yvain said. Nora slightly opened her eyes and he held them with his own.

“What did you mean by ‘treat a lady’?” Yvains asked as he played with Nora’s nipples some more.

“Hmm! It’s a form of courtesy,” Nora said. “Dresses can be cumbersome so h-helping her go up such a high step is a sign of an empathic disposition.”

Nora’s breathing was becoming quicker, but Yvain kept up his questioning.

“You’re not wearing a dress,” he said and pulled harder.

Nora gasped and pressed her chest against his hands which sank into the soft flesh. She hugged his neck and moaned into his ear, “It’s also a way to court a woman you have an interest in.” Her hips moved from side to side, trying to rub her pussy against Yvain’s hardening cock.

Yvain pushed Nora back, holding her now confused eyes. He stood by the entrance to the carriage and held his hand out.

“I’ll help you up then,” he said.

Nora looked at him part sexual-frustration and part adoration. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and as if another woman had taken over, she adopted a regal posture and reserved smile.

A hidden pressure covered Yvain as she took measured steps toward him and, for a moment, it felt as if he wasn’t worthy enough to be with her. Still, nothing felt out of place when she took his hand; it was when she climbed that what he thought would be a normal, inconsequential climbing of a single step turned into a breathtaking display.

He couldn’t place what it was, or how she was doing it. The graceful raising of her leg, her straight back, how every muscle flowed to create movement, the way she ignored him as if he was a simple stepping stool. If any single variable were missing it would break the sensual display in front of him. And when she rose into the carriage, she gave him a full view of her ass and drenched pussy that just barely missed his face.

That wasn’t part of the whole. She did that on purpose. Added it only to show him how much she needed him inside her.

Nora went back to her usual self and offered her hand with a girlish grin. Yvain took it. When he came face to face with her, he thought of all the things he wanted to do to her. But it felt like if he acted on any of them now it would somehow dirty the moment and so he simply hugged her.

“I missed you,” he said.

Nora hugged him back and rubbed her cheek with his.

“I know,” she said. “I missed you too.”

The couple embraced in silence for a few moments.

“Let’s go get your clothes,” Yvain said.

Nora nodded and followed behind him as they descended the stairs while holding hands.

Inside the guild’s living room Elly was standing by the open door to Roesia’s room waiting on the smaller girl.

“Hey-” Yvain was about to ask her for clothes, but his eyes caught a set already on the table.

“Thanks,” Nora happily said as she grabbed them, but Elly ignored her.

“We’re going to have to stock up on medical supplies soon,” Roesia said as she walked out of her room.

“I’ll let Nelimir know,” Elly said.

Roesia walked up to Yvain and was about to hand half of the materials in her hands to him but he stopped her.

“We got it covered,” he said.

The door to Selt’s room was suddenly thrown open.

“I’m rich!” the kid jumped out with a wide smile as he held the gold from Nora’s dungeon in his hands.

“I found gold in my room!” he said.

“It’s from the dungeon we went into,” Yvain said.

“The dungeon?” Selt cocked his head. “Don’t tell me, there was a ton more than this but that stick up your ass stopped us from acquiring it.”

Nora let out a snort, but Yvain was far from amused.

“That, and the existential death that was about to swallow us whole,” he dryly said.

Now it was Nelimir’s door which came open. He walked out of his study, papers in hand.

“Finally, you’re all here, let’s-” when his eyes rose and made contact with Nora’s body the Draconian’s Tavern leader froze.

“Don’t stare too hard,” Selt snickered.

“We’ll meet here in one hour,” was all Nelimir said before he rushed back into his room in a dignified as possible manner.

“I just don’t get it,” Elly said. “It’s not like he hasn’t seen a naked woman before.”

Yvain agreed with her and Nora seemed just as unbothered, but he was used to his friend’s sensibilities.

On the other hand, Roesia shook her head but kept counsel, as this was a conversation they’ve had countless times before and nothing ever came of it.

“Let’s go to your room,” Roesia said as she pulled Elly along with her.

“Don’t leave the carriage, we’re leaving soon,” Elly told Selt. The kid just rolled his eyes and went back into his room while counting the gold in his hands.

When the doors to each room closed, Yvain remained in place.

One hour, he thought. The tension that had built up in his crotch when he first saw Nora pinned beneath Elly came back. Did she feel it too or was that just him? They were only a few steps away from going behind closed doors. The tantalizing knowledge that they could freely fuck each other’s brains out in less than a minute somehow made his rigorously trained body winded.

At the same time, now that there was nothing stopping them, he felt like he wanted to wait just a bit longer; to let their hunger grow to a boiling point. He looked to Nora, curious as to why she was also just quietly standing in place, and was met with expectant eyes that were filled with as much need as he felt he was.

The pair immediately dropped any pretense of calmness and rushed into Yvain’s room.

Nora was a bit faster than him and, after he closed the door behind them, jumped on him, her legs wrapping around his waist. The clothes she had been holding were already discarded somewhere on the floor.

The couple dueled tongues and exchanged saliva desperately. Drool flowed down their chins and Nora’s hips moved over his cock almost as if they had no bones. But even with how much strength she was using it didn’t feel like enough and Yvain grabbed her ass with both hands and humped her back.

“Do that thing with your mouth,” Nora panted.

It took a moment for Yvain to understand what she meant, but when clarity reached, he slid his tongue over the roof. Nora’s body shook and constricted tighter around him as she opened wider.

Her nails began to pierce Yvain’s back but when they suddenly made a tear in his clothes they receded. Her hands instead tried to find another way to hold on to the incoming storm, but they didn’t unshackle the strength he knew they had.

He cut the kiss short and Nora followed him with a sad whine, trying to kiss him again.

“Wait,” Yvain laughed. He quickly took off his shirt, threw it aside, and closed Nora’s mouth with his again.

Nora now grabbed on to his back with full force. Yvain relished in the pain her nails brought and how they bit harder the better his tongue made her feel. At first she was an active participant of the kiss, but with more strokes came deeper moans and loss of control.

As if filled with a numbing agent, her tongue hung loosely and saliva fell undisturbed onto her chest. It eventually reached Yvain, making their upper bodies slippery but easier to rub. It was the same for their lower bodies.

Nora’s wetness had drenched Yvain’s crotch at this point. From the start she never stopped rubbing herself as hard as possible, just as he hadn’t stopped rubbing her. When she finally came, Nora pressed her pussy to his stomach as she practically peed on him with her ejaculation. One long moan undulated from her into Yviain as she mewled into his mouth.

They came up for a brief intake of air, liquid covering them with seemingly no beginning or end.

“One hour won’t be enough,” Yvain said, but Nora was too far gone in her orgasm to answer him.

“Again, again,” she begged amorously, moving her head up and down to lick his face as she couldn’t move the tongue itself.

Yvain didn’t need to be asked twice. He assaulted her mouth one more time, now taking them both to bed. Nora, far from satisfied, had already started up the friction against his hard cock, moaning every time he licked the top of her mouth.

Yvain got inside on all fours, but Nora, instead of lying down, stuck to him like glue, using his body as a handhold to keep rubbing herself on him. He tried to pry her off by the waist, but all he managed to do was keep her marginally off for a few seconds as she pushed back with all her strength. He was forced to release her and Nora slammed her mound back on his dick. Her desperation was making it hard for him to concentrate on the kiss. He also now had the distinct need to fuck her until she couldn’t pump her hips anymore.

Why don’t I do exactly that? Yvain thought and pulled his pants down far enough to fully free his length.

Nora’s hips increased in speed and her panting became turbulent when the cylinder snuggly set itself between her lower lips. Her pussy was practically on fire despite how wet it was. It wasn’t just her lower body though. All of her was heating up like sun-burnt stone.

Yvain wasn’t far behind that heat. As such, now they could add sweat to their checklist of substances. It covered them in waves in mere seconds, yet neither of them cared. They freely used the slipperiness to rub all of each other as they kissed.

His first attempt to penetrate her was met with failure. His cock simply slipped across. It brought an appreciative moan out of her but that wasn’t the main goal. The second attempt found the same fate, as Nora’s movements were too erratic.

Was he aiming at the right place? Yvain tried to remember in detail the image of her opening her pussy for him in the shower and where she guided him to in the morning. But even if he found the right spot, she was moving too much at the moment.

In sexually charged frustration he spanked her sweat covered ass, but it only served to add fuel to Nora’s fire and she nibbled his ear, adding strength to the speed of her humping.

What he needed to do was force her to stop moving for a moment. Shifting his concentration away from their crotches Yvain began another relentless assault on her mouth. It actually served to get Nora to slow down, but he needed her to be locked inside an orgasm.

Thankfully she was too weak to being licked on the roof of her mouth as it didn’t take even a minute for Yvain to make her come. As Nora scratched his back and shivered against him, he felt for her entrance with his dick. Soon a connection between memory and reality was made and he grabbed her ass for support before slamming himself all the way into her still orgasming pussy.

Nora’s droopy face reached a short clarity with a clipped gasp.

“That’s not fair,” she breathed in a murmur. Her wide eyes stared into Yvain before they rolled back.

Just like last time he penetrated her, her whole body lost all strength and she fell into bed. Yvain was better prepared this time and held on to her hips as he appreciated the warmth and tightness of her insides.

Nora’s lower half was being suspended in the air, her legs straining themselves straight and her pussy shooting a spray against Yvain’s stomach.

All of her being was doing its outmost to suck him in for everything he was worth. And Yvain could feel himself right on the edge, just like he always felt with her. But he still had some control left. He could finally actually fuck her, and he wanted to do it at least for a bit before he came.

Yvain gave three almost full thrusts, letting most of his cock pull out before punching in, and Nora gave a guttural scream he had never heard before. It was loud, and it rattled his eardrums, but it also spurred him to give her longer strokes; to claw into her butt cheeks and fuck her into the headboard.

In his current delirium Yvain would have kept going even after her head had struck the wooden piece. But Nora managed to use her arms to push against it and keep herself in place. She was still mostly numb though and he was overpowering her.

Yvain had never truly tested Nora’s flexibility, but her back easily bent backwards to accommodate his every powerful thrust. Her abdominals were stiff, and her tits bounced all over the waves his hips created. While she couldn’t do much from her position, she still slightly pushed her hips back to meet Yvain’s thrusts.

Nora’s screaming passed into a taut silence. Every muscle strained while her expression twisted in untold pleasure. She was almost hyperventilating as the white of her eyes fully presented itself. When Yvain came into her depths, she came with him and gave another roar that mixed with his own. She was already spraying his stomach but as he filled her the jet would increase in strength.

The moment lasted for several seconds before Yvain fell on top of her, both seemingly spent.

A large part of the bed was already fully soaked. Nora lay in place with her legs and arms spread.

“I don’t get it,” Nora said almost afraid yet unable to stop herself from moaning in the aftershocks. “How can I even come this much or feel like this.”

Yvain didn’t have an answer for her, nor could he think of one right now. Panting, he scooped up Nora’s legs and pushed them back, pinning her heels with his hands next to either side of her head.

“Oh stars you’re going to kill me,” Nora said.

Yvain didn’t know if she realized that she was opening her legs wider on her own with his help. Regardless, his cock was still rock solid despite him coming and now with the added leverage he was free to use all his strength to slam Nora’s raw cunt. Her expression showed that she was fully aware of the fact.

“Mer-CY.” Like a punch to the gut Nora screamed the end of her plea as Yvain forcibly buried his cock home. He began to fuck her even harder and deeper than before, using gravity as partner in crime.

The ecstasy was too much for Nora. Her legs pushed against his hold, her hands weakly tried to stop him, but Yvain easily brushed everything off and did his best to bury her into the bed.

Nora tried to speak but all that came out were animalistic moans. Yvain couldn’t get enough of the debauch display. Despite her words her pussy kept tightening and sucking him in. Wanting to bring her even more mind-blowing pleasure, he reached out for one of her hard nipples with his mouth and bit down. Nora’s ejaculation came back with a vengeance and Yvain used his whole body weight combined with his strength to hold her down as she buckled violently and screamed.

This went on for an unknown amount of time.

In the single-minded rush to fill Nora again, Yvain didn’t notice that her struggles and moans were becoming weaker. He practically didn’t see anything as all his senses left to encapsulate her insides. Their warmth, wetness, constricting strength and their need. His pistoling increased to meet that need, wet slaps sounding out around the now mostly quiet room, until with a triumphant roar he slammed his dick as deep as possible inside Nora and pined her down completely. It was an easy task, as she had already fainted.

As he relished in the joy of his cum bursting in and out of her pussy in droves, an acidic smell hit him. Nora had peed herself again. The yellowish substance fell on her and around the bed.

When Yvain released her legs, they limply fell on either of his sides.

Nora was peacefully unconscious inside the mess they just made, and he was once again slapped with the clarity of what he had just done. Why did he keep losing control like this? It wasn’t as violent as before, but a part of him felt uncomfortable at the frenzied state he would enter when fucking her. Thankfully Nora hadn’t resented him last time. What if he took too far in the future though?

Yvain picked Nora up in his arms. These were things he would need to think about later, for now they needed to get cleaned up and see what route Nelimir had finally decided on.

After picking up Nora’s clothes and her bottled medicine Yvain went into the bathroom. He first took care of the surface cuts; they were small enough that barely any of the green liquid was used. Then he washed Nora and himself before getting both of them dried and dressed. At this point Nora was still unconscious but her breathing and heartbeat were normal so he wasn’t too worried.

He picked her up again and went back into the room. Since the bed was soaked, he sat on the floor and set her down on his lap, resting against his chest. Having Nora’s shapely body against him stirred his loins, but he forced the fire to stay locked while waiting for her to wake up.

If it had been up to him, he would have remained in place until she became conscious. Yet Elly sped up the process by pounding on his door once again.

Nora woke with a start and looked at her surroundings trying to understand where she was. Then she looked at herself.

“Hey,” Yvain said and waited until she looked back at him, “Morning.”

“Morning,” Nora groggily said. “How long was I out?”

“Half an hour more or less,” Yvain said, now caressing half Nora’s face.

Nora leaned into his touch. “Did you dress me?”

Yvain nodded. “You’re fully mended and showered.”

Nora warmly smiled, “Than-”

Elly pounded the door to Yvain’s room, cutting Nora off.

Yvain jumped at the sound, making Nora laugh before giving him a kiss on the cheek.

“I think they’re waiting on us again,” Nora said.

With a sigh Yvain motioned for Nora to stand.

The pair went to the door together and found a glowering Elly behind it.

“How long were you going to keep us waiting?” she asked.

“Oh please, you couldn’t have been waiting that long,” Yvain said.

“It’s been 20 minutes now,” Nelimir cut in.

The Draconian’s Tavern leader had stack of papers next to him. Selt was lying face down on the table, and Roesia was doing her best to look bored. Though every time she sneaked a peak at Yvain and Nora she’d go fully red and look away.

Yvain didn’t know how to respond. He really did not think it had been that long. Was he losing his touch? No. It was one more side-effect of the drug called Nora. He simply lost track of time.

“It won’t happen again,” was all he said before pulling Nora along and taking a seat.

“Of course it won’t,” Elly said with a snort and followed suit.

“Don’t worry, this won’t take long,” Nelimir said, more to Yvain than the rest.

Yvain looked at his friend in puzzlement, but the man’s face wasn’t giving anything away. What did he mean? Yvain was never one to rush away from the duties to the guild. He had never cared how long their meetings would take, neither did he care now. Elly was her usual angry self, and he wasn’t sure if Selt was even awake, but Roesia’s bashful fidgeting brought the truth out in an ice cold hammering to Yvain’s brain.

They heard everything, Yvain thought in despair.

His mouth flopped like a dead fish as he looked at his friend, but Nelimir pushed through the impending awkwardness with an awkward cough of his own.

“So Elly, do you deem Nora fit to train us?” he asked.

“She’s alright,” Elly said, and that was all she had to say on the matter.

Nelimir took it as seriously as any detailed report and marked off something on the piece of paper in front of him.

“Then off to the main topic,” Nelimir said. “I’ve weighed our options and have decided for us to go back to Allsworth.” Whatever awkwardness had been building up in light of Yvain and Nora’s escapades dissipated in an instant.

“You’re insane,” Roesia said, now fully focused on the meeting.

“Are you sure?” Elly asked.

The name of the city meant nothing to Selt so he remained as he was, and Nora looked on in confusion.

“What’s in Allsworth?” she asked.

“It’s our hometown,” Yvain said. “We were exiled from it.”

Nora didn’t look alarmed at the revelation but she gave him a comforting pat on the back.

“I know the consequences of us going back,” Nelimir said, “And I won’t force either Yvain or Roesia to do so.”

“As if I’d stay behind,” Yvain said. “This is about Nora, right?”

Nelimir nodded. “We could run around Empryon and look for clues on any unsavory activity, but the search could take years. My family undoubtedly has connections and information ranging the kingdom. It’s an easy decision.”

“Easy for you!” Roesia stood and smacked the table with her small hands. “How am I supposed to face my family?!”

Elly looked at the sorceress curiously. “You don’t have to face your family. We can rent a room at Marie’s inn.”

“Look at my hair,” Roesia said and roughly gripped a handful of her blue mane. “The moment I set a foot inside Allsworth my parents will know I’m back.”

“I already said I won’t force you,” Nelimir said.

Roesia glared at their leader before sitting back down in a huff. “As if I’d abandon you all.”

“Ugh then why even complain you brat,” Selt said as he sat up.

“You’re one to talk,” Roesia said under her breath.

“I thought you were asleep,” Yvain said.

“I was half-way there,” Selt said and rubbed his eyes.

“Am I right to assume we’re all in agreement then?” Nelimir asked everyone around the table.

“Come on you always knew we’d all be in agreement,” Yvain said and sat straighter in his chair.

“I wasn’t,” Roesia said.

“And now you are,” Yvain said, as if it was a foreordained conclusion, and looked to Nelimir. “I spoke to Lydia when I went out to grab Selt. She recommended a healer personally trained by her to join us.”

“Where can we find him?” Nelimir eagerly asked.

“Is it that exciting?” Nora laughed. “You’re all about to be trained by me.”

Yvain looked at her warmly and covered her hand. “We can find him in Canrum. The only downside is that he’s apparently a bit of drunk.”

“You want a drunk taking care of our injuries?” Elly asked.

“I didn’t say that,” Yvain said. “But we haven’t found anyone to fill the position, and Canrum is just a short detour away from Allsworth. It won’t hurt to check him out.”

“He’s right,” Nelimir said. “We’ll need to make some stops before reaching our destination regardless. I’m sure Nora is tired of not having her own clothes and we need to stock up on supplies.”

The Draconian’s Tavern leader made several quick notes and stood. “If no one has any more to add we’ll be departing immediately.”

“Where will we be going first?” Roesia asked.

“Set our course for Triven, we can do our supply run there,” Nelimir said.

“May I ask how long the journey to Allsworth will take us?” Nora asked as the rest of the group stood to leave.

“About one week,” Nelimir said.

* * * * *

One week later

The night ether was displaying its full majesty. The congregation of lights residing in the obsidian womb ebbed and surged, threatening to shoot down and grace all mortals with their presence at a moment’s notice. One could only pray that such a blessing fell on their side of the line that divided all races.

Alskar’s race had been lucky enough to receive the patronage of their own guiding star. She solidified their standing against all other races, she created a sense of community unheard of in his lifetime or those past, and she steered him toward his obsession.

Nora was their empress. He, along with Orlia and Seppo, would rescue her and make the human race pay for murdering their emperor.

“Over here!” called Seppo. Alskar’s apprentice looked like any other human teenager. In fact, all three of them wore the veil of a human. All thanks to the wondrous, but filthy expensive, drug which allowed them to morph into the specific form it was brewed for. The empire’s treasury had contained five, now there was only one left.

Seppo held up a golden coin. It had a peculiar design Alskar had never seen before but Orlia quickly snatched it and brought it up to her eyes.

“It’s my creator’s emblem,” she said.

Alskar tried to peer into the woman’s eyes but the black hood and face mask customary to her group didn’t allow it. The rest of her was dressed as any other human though, as was he and Seppo. They were dressed well enough to not seem poor but not rich either.

“Why is it so close to the humans?” Alskar asked. The emblem itself was something every god and goddess had, etched on their skin by higher powers and designed differently for each patronage. One of the scarce ways one could tell what they were.

Orlia crushed the coin in her trembling fist.

“Someone dared to challenge her,” she spat out.

“Challenge her?” he asked.

“Nothing,” Orlia said. She was about to put the coin away but Alskar stopped her.

“Let me see it,” he said. Orlia’s hand tensed for a second, but she quickly relented and handed it over.

On closer inspection the coin revealed the glaring face of a dragon. He could almost feel the fury etched in each contour of gold. It didn’t adhere to any currency design he knew of, but it had to be related to their race. They were the only ones that knew the true form of a dragon.

“When you say ‘her’ you obviously mean our empress,” Alskar said. “What does this coin have to do with her?”

Orlia didn’t answer. She simply offered her open hand, asking for the coin back.

Alskar gave an angry chuckle considering if he should keep pressing. How were they supposed to get anything done if the damn woman refused to cooperate where it mattered? But it would do no good to start a fight now so he handed it over. Orlia promptly put it in one of her pockets.

“You should consider taking that headgear off,” Alskar said “It’ll make you stand out, and by proxy us.”

Orlia ignored him and went ahead to where Seppo was standing.

Alskar shook his head.

Damn the Maidens and their pomposity, he thought. Their holier-than-though attitude was far from charming before Nora came into their lives. But once she did, it became difficult to curve the urge to slap her servants across the face and put them in their place. Yet curved it must be, as Nora would have all of them united or suffer the consequences; and not even the emperor himself, strongest of them all, managed to escape her wrath.

Seppo was standing by the barrier’s edge. His eyes scanned the extensive grasslands down below.

“Do you see anything?” Alskar asked.

Seppo remained quiet. As the seconds passed his eyes became more and more strained and Alskar had to grab him by the arm when the youngster lost his balance.

Grabbing onto his head, Seppo took deep breaths before speaking, “There’s nothing. Only empty villages.”

Alskar didn’t doubt his judgement, but better safe than sorry.

When Seppo managed to gather himself Alskar faced the grasslands and cycled starlight through his eyes. His surroundings immediately gained size and clarity. He could see the nearest blades of grass, the insects crawling through them, the paths beaten by human interference, the trees farther down the line and their every leaf, and just like Seppo said the villages were completely empty. Where were all the humans? More specifically, where were their champions?

The humans had to know what they had done; they had to know the consequences of their actions. And they were standing in the scene of the crime. Did they not expect them to arrive? It served the trio’s purpose well, but it also made Alskar uneasy.

“I’m going to make them suffer,” Seppo said.

The youngster’s rage bubbled up—teeth grinding, shoulders quivering, breath quickening. It was how all the citizens felt regardless of who they venerated. With the emperor already dead only the idea of saving Nora is what kept everyone organized and somewhat in control. Otherwise they would have long ago initiated a war.

A war wasn’t too far off though. Everyone was already gathered and waiting for them to bring Nora back before marching onward.

Seppo was about to jump off the wall when Alskar put a hand on his chest.

“Remember, no starlight once we cross this point,” Alskar said. “You can enhance your body, but don’t let any humans see you.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Seppo said dismissively. He was about to jump off but Alskar stopped him again.

“And do not kill anyone, not yet.”

Seppo paused at this, but he knew better than to defy his teacher and assented before jumping down.

“Do you need my help?” Alskar asked Orlia but she jumped down on her own and her body lightly floated down the wall.

Watching sorcerers at work was always amusing as long as they weren’t trying to kill something.

As for Alskar, he followed Seppo’s example and jumped off. The wind came up to meet him and clash with his body, but he remained straight as the ground grew closer. A low crash sounded out from bellow when Seppo landed. He used that as a cue to run starlight throughout his body.

Unlike the youngster, when Alskar landed he spread the force his body had accumulated around the landing zone. Every bit of grass near it was blown away with the shockwave, but the ground itself remained intact.

Seppo was inside a small crater clutching his legs and grunting in pain.

“You got the timing wrong?” Alskar asked.

Seppo nodded. His legs looked fine on the outside so it the injury had to be inside.

Orlia gently landed next to the pair. She released an exasperated sigh and kneeled next to Seppo.

“Was it a good idea to bring him?” she asked and set her hands over the youngster’s legs. A hum vibrated out of her hands as a white light covered Seppo’s injury.

“This is a good time to further his training,” Alskar said. “Case in point,” he gestured toward Seppo, who was now standing up fully healed, and the crater he was in.

“Rescuing our creator isn’t an opportunity to train your protégée,” Orlia spat out.

“Your creator. Nora is my empress,” Alskar said. “I have no interest in your or your group’s extremist theology.”

Like a ghost blending with shadows, Orlia seemingly teleported in front of Alskar. He couldn’t see how she did it, but he was confident he could have defended himself had she decided to attack. She didn’t though, the woman looked up to him with her hidden eyes.

“Never let her name come out of your mouth ever again,” Orlia growled.

“Or what?” Alskar taunted.

“Was it a good idea to bring her?” Seppo suddenly asked.

Whatever Orlia was about to do didn’t come to fruition when the youngster’s words reached her.

“You know having a healer with us is necessary for the mission,” Alskar said as he looked into Orlia’s faceless shadow, “Even if that healer’s attitude leaves much to be desired.”

Orlia gave an irritated huff and turned for the grasslands, leaving teacher and student behind in another blur Alskar couldn’t quite make out.

“What’s her problem?” Seppo asked as the duo went after their companion.

“A better question is: why did you get the timing on your fall wrong?” Alskar said.

It would be understandable for someone in the protos rank, like Seppo, to have problems with such a skill as landing from such a height while using starlight to negate injuries. But Seppo was a prodigy. He was already jumping off roofs before he even reached protos. Alskar himself wasn’t able to do such a thing until he broke through to a higher rank.

“I’m furious, why else?” Seppo said casually. “Are you not?”

Alskar considered his student for a moment. Truthfully, he wasn’t all that angry over Mitrel’s death. On the contrary, he might even say he was happy. Yet he couldn’t mention that to his apprentice or anyone else.

“I’m quiet angry myself, but you know better than to let your emotions impair your abilities,” Alskar said.

“I know,” Seppo replied with a bit of shame in his voice.

Knowing that the youngster wasn’t one to usually make mistakes like that, Alskar let it go as a rare lapse of judgment.

“Let’s go before she leaves us behind,” Alskar said. Oliar was already inside the village, so the duo cycled starlight before dashing off at high speed, catching up to her in mere moments.

“Anything?” Alskar asked.

“It’s just like you both saw, empty,” Oliar said. “It’s the same for the other smaller settlements.”

“So no one is here to impede our progress, but they knew we’d be coming,” Seppo said.

Alskar cycled starlight through his ears, trying to hear what his eyes couldn’t see. But besides the flowing wind, and his companion’s heartbeats and breathing, nothing stood out.

“Let’s split up and search the place,” he said.

“I was already going to,” Oliar said and walked off in a random direction.

Seppo did the same, giving Alskar a roll of his eyes at the expense of their high-strung healer.

The trio went through every corner they could reach. It was devoid of tools, furniture, food, and clothes. No signs of struggle were present either, and the buildings were in good condition. In other words, the humans made a deliberate and organized move.

“Are we walking into a trap?” Seppo asked when they all got back together.

“If we were it would have sprung up by now,” Alskar said. “And I don’t think their leaders would care enough to aid a small remote village like this.”

“Our creator was here,” Oliar said. “The emperor died outside the barrier, but she’s still alive. It’s possible the people that lived here saw her at some point, maybe even aided her.”

Not expecting her to offer input, Alskar was startled when Oliar spoke.

“Why would they aid a ‘monster’?” Alskar asked.

“There was only one bottle left, remember?” Oliar said.

“Yes, which our emperor took,” Seppo quickly added.

“What makes you so sure?” Oliar said.

Alskar hadn’t thought of the possibility. But why would Nora be the one to take the drug? When Mitrel left, he only told Alskar and his close aides that he was going out to one of his escapades to the Wildlands. It wasn’t until the next day that they all realized Nora and her daughter were gone and their emperor had yet to come back.

When his roar resonated in the heads of every single one of his subjects, they could only speculate about what happened and prepare for battle.

One of said speculations was that the emperor died trying to save Nora.

The goddess and her offspring had disappeared without their knowing, one of the morphing vials was gone, and Mitrel died right next to Empryon. It all fit the picture.

But very few knew how tumultuous Nora and Mitrel’s relationship really was. And with that piece of information, Alskar created a whole new theory. A theory which, if it came out to be true, would complicate things.

“I think-” A gash of blood-colored lighting struck down the horizon before Alskar could voice his idea. It lit up the surroundings in red before it went back to the gentle hue of the stars. Then a powerful shockwave arrived that instantly destroyed the whole village.

The trio was already prepared and managed to brush off the brunt of the blast with starlight, yet Orlia was far from calm.

“We need to go now!” she said before running toward the direction of the lighting strike.

Alskar and Seppo were already next to her running along.

“What happened?” Alskar asked.

“Someone just challenged our creator,” Olia screamed in fury.