.^^ a Hunter's Garb ^^

— Devon —

I stared at the black mirror as it turned to dust, still trying to formulate a response to the spilling of information that Rune had opened up to me. Jalen tugged me along, and sat me down in front of the desk in Raava's Office, then handed me some hot tea, wandering out again.

Dashiva looked up from her paperwork, and paused. "You look quite stricken, my friend... what happened? Did the date go well?"

I blinked slowly. "I... no... no it did not..."

She hummed. "He didn't do anything stupid, did he?"

"No... he was perfectly honest with me, though... perfectly honest." I shook my head slowly.

She nodded. "And it was a bit much, I take it?"

"Yes..." I agreed.

"Mm. Drink your tea, collect yourself, and we'll talk about it, Hmm?" She nodded, and patted my cheek, pushing my tea towards my mouth gently.

I took the hint, and began drinking slowly. After a few minutes, my brain started working again, and I sighed, resting my head on the table. "I should've responded! He'll think that I'm angry or disgusted or something!!!"

She nodded. "Yes, that would have been wise, but the past is past. Tell me what happened, and you may learn from this experience, and learn not to repeat it in the future."

I nodded, and looked into my empty mug. "He confessed to wanting..." I paused, tying to formulate the words.

"Sex? You sound surprised." She said dryly.

"No, not- well, yes, but that part wasn't shocking... no, he wanted multiple people." I struggled with the words necessary.

She raised an eyebrow. "A threesome at this stage of your relationship? I suppose honesty should have its limits..."

"No! Lunas, This is difficult! No, he wanted us all, but... all the time? In one relationship." I growled.

She blinked. "Ah... he's Polyamorous... why didn't I realize... yes, I'm sure that was confusing, dear."

I clenched my eyebrows. "Wait, that doesn't surprise you? Is that an Elven thing?"

She laughed. "Yes, my dear, though not exclusively. Elves have always been Free-Loving people... but humans do it to. It's simple: for normal people, they can only give their romantic love to one person at a time. For Poly, that love can be given to a few at once, with no detraction from any of them... it can even be platonic, though from the way you described it, his is clearly not. But it doesn't mean he'd be unfaithful, or love you less, darling. It just means you'd have to share him, sort of like the Harem shares a king."

"So, he wants multiple lovers... but each one is romantically inclined? Not just trysts?" I clarified.

"Exactly. Did he tell you who?" She smiled.

"Your mother, me, and a western man, named Kuro... and apparently a few more, but they change every time he dreams of it." I sighed.

She laughed. "Of course they do! But still, a man... that's unexpected... and anything... else?" She poked me gently.

I blushed. "And... a lot of children. He specified an Army or a Battalion or something." I ducked my head into my arms, on the desk.

She snickered, rubbing my back soothingly. "Yes, that sounds nice, doesn't it? And some of them will be my siblings... how fun! Unless you don't want to share with my mother? I've seen the glances you've sent her way... she's beautiful, and you'd get to share her bed, as well, if she agreed..." she teased.

I grumbled at her. "Shut up."

"Mm... Alright... but you should go see him soon, and make sure he knows that you aren't angry or disgusted... if you're Fine with Sharing him, you should let him know that. and if you're not fine with that, let him know that too. After all, He's a good man, even if he's insufferably rude sometimes, so he'll respect your decision." She huffed.

I sighed, and pulled out a bottle of wine. "Should we drink, now? Girl talk is stressing me out."

She grinned, already holding the bottle and popping the cork. "Oh you silly girl, I thought you'd never ask!"

—

I woke up with a pig in my face, and hummed slowly, focusing through my headache. "Talja did this, didn't he?" I asked calmly.

Dashiva frowned, crossing her arms in a huff. "Well, we know who's not getting any cake tonight!"

"What's that my darling? You're threatening me with celibacy? Right." Talja called down from the top dryly, and then dropped a rope ladder. "You both needed to dry yourselves out. You were bothering Lord Faequell."

I blinked. "Why were we bothering Johann?"

"You wanted to speak to Rune, and you were most embarrassing. I believe the lines were 'Don't worry Rune, I'll screw you and Natva and that little Western Boy all at once, if that's what you want, I can take it, I'm woman enough for all of you!!!' Or something like that." He smirked.

I covered my face slowly, and banged my head against the wall slowly. "Fuuuuuuuck please tell me he didn't hear any of that."

"Unfortunately." He sighed, and walked away. "Take a Bath before you come inside! You smell like- EEEW!" He yelped, and Dashiva grinned, tossing another handful of mud after him. He growled, and dove into the pit, smashing her into the mud, and sat on top of her, smirking. "Ha! Karma!"

She grinned, and rolled him over into the mud, scrubbing some of it into his hair. "Ha!!! How's that for Karma!?!?"

Some of the farmers began gathering around, and making bets and cheering as the two of them began mud wrestling in earnest.

I sighed, and climbed out of the pit, taking the ladder with me, and washed myself in the artificial well that sat on one side of the plateau. It extended, and washed over the whole mountain, starting at the top, being cascaded down gently through a relatively simple irrigation system, explained by Ophelia.

Once I was fully clean, and my headache was gone, I sighed, and looked around. "Where'd Jalen run off to?"

"I've been studying the people of the Sanctuary. I made a list of contracts that they won't take, or can't complete, or are always open." He held out a thick journal, appearing from the shadows behind the well, just like his father had taught him.

I hummed and paged through it. "I've got an idea... the Westerners won't have many contracts yet, hmm? I'll give them these, and call it a gesture of good faith!"

"Speaking of them, they just left, all but twelve of them. That guy who escorts the princess all the time came by, said the Emperor was building another Sanctuary, in the Pirate's Cove, and starting business with someone, though they didn't say who. I'm guessing Rune." He shrugged.

"Why?" I asked.

"Because he's the one who has been trying to make a business, and the one buttering them up the past few weeks." He explained logically.

"True... Alright. Let's go, they'll appreciate the work, no doubt." I nodded, and walked down to the pilot's lounge again, looking around. "Anyone going to the Pirate's Cove? Western Coast?"

They all shook their heads. "Everyone headed that way already left." One of them commented.

"Earliest we can expect them back is second dawn from now, maybe next dusk if they rush. You'd be better finding someone to take you to Lumeria. A few of us heading that way in a few hours." Another added.

"I'll wait, then." I nodded, and walked out, looking through the book again for anything in the area.

"What next?" Jalen asked.

I was going to answer, but I paused, looking at the section called 'Permanent Contracts: Pelts, Hides, and other miscellaneous Items,' where it listed all the animals, plants, and crystals that the Sanctuary offered permanent rewards for. I grinned, and glanced at Jalen. "How do you feel about Hunting for a few Drol Pelts, kiddo?"

He grinned. "Let's do It!... what's a Drol?"

—

I dropped into the bath slowly, and groaned with happiness. "Oh that's good."

Jalen hummed, in his own bath behind me, our backs to each other. "It's just hot water, though. Isn't it just a useless luxury? A cold bath will make you just as clean."

"Actually, that's incorrect! Hot water kills more bacteria than cold, and also hydrates your skin and hair, making it more healthy! Also, while luxury is sometimes useless, there's nothing wrong with a little hedonistic pleasure, sometimes. After all, why then should we spice our food and bake pies? It's only a luxury, isn't it?" I chuckled.

He hummed. "I guess you're right... so luxury is okay, so long as we don't get a big head about it?"

"Sounds about right." I nodded, and dunked my hair, undoing my braids and letting the hair lay against my back, and relaxing slowly.

A knock sounded on the oaken door, about an hour later, just as I was getting out, and wrapping myself in a towel. "Sir Devon? A courier was sent to speak to you? Apparently, you asked to be notified about any flyers heading to the Western Shore?"

I grinned, drying my hair. "Indeed, I did. I'll be up on the roof in ten minutes, relay that to the pilot. Double pay if they can take me right to the Pirate's Cove, no dallying."

"I will relay that, Sir Devon." The voice retreated quickly.

I dressed swiftly, and hummed, looking at Jalen, whose armor was still shifting colors a bit, mysteriously. 'Perhaps it's because he's young, and doesn't have a set favorite color or style, yet?' I sighed, and led him up to the top of the Sanctuary.

The flyer set itself down a few minutes later, keeping the engine running, and we stepped in, sitting down. A few other passengers, four gnomes, three Dwarves, and a slew of different demonoids, all apparently transporting goods to the Fort, and also probably to offer their services.

After everyone was aboard, the hatch closed, and we took off. A dwarf, sitting next to us, blinked at Jalen. "Aren't you a little young to be wandering Ulfavir, Boy?"

Jalen shrugged. "If people are born here, I see no reason why I can't be here, so long as I'm careful."

The dwarf nodded. "True... and you're properly kitted out, at least, yes... interesting work." He hummed, and looked away from the armor and bow. "Reminds me of something..."

"Rune, it's creator?" I said dryly.

He grinned. "Ahh, that's it! A good lad, if a bit disrespectful of the Olde Ways."

"They're Olde Ways for a reason." I responded calmly.

He blinked, scratching his beard. "Huh... I s'pose You're Right! Interesting!"

—

As we approached, we were apparently directed to the cove, where dozens of other flyers, and larger transports, were milling about, along with at least 400 people, working like mad to build a set of warehouses on the beach, and then build a massive sand barrier around the cove, melting it into glass to keep out the trees.

A stream of them were going into a hole drilled in the side of the cliff next to us, and I hummed. "They must be excavating the cliff, for security... smart, if unoriginal."

Jalen hummed. "No, it looks like they're not doing any digging at all... see? They're putting things in, but everyone coming out is empty-handed."

The dwarf laughed, and nodded. "Sharp eyes on that one, eh? Good on you, lad! Aye, this is but the entrance, there's a ravine in the other side, a river and waterfall and all! It is very nice, I've seen it before, but they'll no doubt have ruined it by now, with their building and all that." He sighed, and then stomped out with his giant satchel of tools, grumbling in dwarfish.

We exited as well, and looked around, until Jalen pointed. "There, that's him. He's in charge."

I followed his finger, and found a medium-sized westerner, with white robes and a tired look, as he explained something to a woman dressed all in purple silk. I would have recognized both of them instantly, except they looked so tired.

"Oh! And the princess, too! Cool, maybe I'll tell her some embarrassing stories about Duncan!" He grinned.

I slapped his skull casually. "You'll do no such thing. Follow silently." I walked over, and waited for them to notice me, before bowing my head. "We met before, at Roland's Home, in Forenzia. I am Sir Devon, and this is my apprentice, Squire Jalen. We are both of the Order of the Golden Isle, and House Roland."

The princess gasped, and gripped my hands tightly. "Yes! Has Duncan awoken yet? Have you seen him?"

I blinked slowly. "I... wasn't aware he was sleeping? Is everything alright?"

She sighed, drooping. "There was an attack, two days ago, against the royal family... Duncan protected me, demonstrating a giant Elemental Magic ability, subsequently draining himself and even getting injured by arrows... but Rune- that is, Lord Faequell, said that he just needed sleep, and he would tell me when Duncan awoke..."

I frowned slowly. "Magic? He used Elemental Magic, you're sure?"

She blinked. "Yes, he turned a meadow into a lake, a saltwater lake, and then turned it to ice. It was quite terrifying, and also amazing... does that displease you?"

"No... it worries me. The Knights of Forenzia sacrifice many things, including any normal magical abilities, in order to greater connect ourselves to nature, and sometimes a specific element... if he used Elemental Magic, at his age, then he has advanced very quickly, and that can be dangerous... but if he didn't die immediately, he won't, he'll just have to sleep off the spiritual drain." I explained quietly.

She nodded slowly. "I wondered why there were no mages amongst your people... now I know. And I will keep it secret, if you like... but at least his sleep makes much more sense now. I am glad that he will be alright."

I nodded. "As am I... ah! And this is my original reason for being here!" I held out the book of contracts.

She blinked, and squinted at the letters, turning it sideways, and sighing, handing it to her brother. He grinned, taking it, and nodded. "It is a list of all the contracts that have not been completed, or are open for attempt, in the Sanctuary, as well as a list of items that they will always reward, such as hides and furs, and other rare items, along with values and spots to find such items! It is very functional! Thank you, Squire Jalen!"

Jalen grinned. "It's no issue. I made it for my Master, but she decided to give it to you guys, as a gesture of good faith between the two Sanctuaries."

He nodded. "I see! It is very well appreciated! The Emperor has, of course, his own contracts, but I am sure the Hunter's will enjoy the challenge."

"I hope they do! I look forward to some healthy competition!" I grinned.

He smiled, and touched a large board on the side of a mysteriously completed warehouse, and then the book, and characters in their language began spreading across it, along with rough maps of certain areas, and generally the entirety of the knowledge in the book, covering the entire wall, and spreading the board to fit it all.

"Whoa." Jalen hummed, impressed.

The princess bowed her head a bit. "I will be going, then. I have work to do."

"You need to rest. You look like you're asleep on your feet, both of you." I shook my head.

"The emperor expects this place finished within five more days... we do not have time for sleep." She shook her head, and walked away, into the tunnel.

I followed, curious, and raised an eyebrow at the twelve western warriors that came out of the shadows, surrounding her and then seeming to disappear, again.

In that brief glimpse, I saw that they wore leather and cloth armor, built for stealth, and some basic protection. Each was equipped with a handful of small throwing knives, a small satchel of no-Doubt dangerous goodies, and a longsword on their back, while their faces and bodies were entirely covered, with only a sliver of skin showing where their eyes were.

"Invisible warriors. I dig it." I nodded.

The princess looked back. "They are Hunters, given to protecting me during my stay."

I blinked. "Wait... So all your hunters look like that?"

"Yes. The uniform is quite distinct." She nodded.

"So... all those people out there? Who are they?" I asked.

"Hmm? Why, Masons and merchants, of course! The earth mages are all inside the ravine, working on the Emperor's Fort, which we have decided to call 'Dragon's Ridge'. We are currently about a third of the way finished, what with the setback of Raava falling asleep." She huffed, looking annoyed.

The twin (whichever he was) chuckled. "It is not his fault, he used too much magic, just like Duncan! Many of our mages have had to stop, but luckily we have many more. Raava is, however, the best we had by far... but we are more close to Half, I think, than a Third... after all, Rune has sent word that he will be working magic on the caves, using the opals we've mined, to make them twice as big, once they're finished! That way, we don't have to worry about size, so there's a good portion of our work finished." He nodded.

I blinked. "Rune isn't here?"

"Hm? No, he left to his tower with my brother and Duncan's Sleeping Form, two days ago, to learn some new smithing techniques, and work on the Paradise Gate some more, I believe. It is impressive, even if he's... himself." He sighed begrudgingly.

I chuckled. "Yes, he is rather irritating, sometimes. Do you have any idea of how I could get to his tower? I have no clue how to get there, without his Mirrors."

"There's the permanent one in the Lonely Greenwood." Jalen suggested.

I groaned slowly. "So we flew away from him?!?"

The princess laughed softly. "Transport back will be arranged. Have a nice trip!"