the heat was so bad, I could barely even think. Im pretty sure my magic protected , both my ash and my space stuff. My healing just takes care of things anyway, always been like that, Ilea recalled. Thanks Reconstruction, youre the real mvp.
The machine said it would take nearly a century to cool off? Walter asked, sipping from his ale before he shook his head.
What powered that thing? Lucia asked. I an enchantnts and machines can be powerful but what you describe is incredible.
Ilea smiled. I know what it is, but I cant share that information. It might literally cause a war or sothing.
Kyrian smiled.
Well now you have to share it, Hartho said.
Ilea opened her mouth when Kyrian touched her arm. Ilea, he said, raising his brows. Shes not joking you know. This is not information that should get out there at all.
I an theyre mostly just dwelling down here anyway, Ilea said as she leaned back in her ashen chair, drinking from the wonderful ale. Ill buy whatever you have, she sent to the man in question.
We can talk about that before you leave, Walter answered. The prices have gone up.
Ilea smiled. My accountant will be here later. Im sure we can figure sothing out, Mr. Business.
Corridors to maintain, holes to dig, he said.
Whats with the mushrooms anyway? Ilea asked. And wheres Indra?
They add to the atmosphere, Celene said.
I told you theyre strange, Lucia said, looking away.
Not this again, Walter murmured, glancing at Ilea with ire in his eyes.
Want to fight, dark magic man, Ilea asked, wisps of white fla flaring to life in front of her eyes.
I liked you more below level one hundred, he said.
Ilea smiled and leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands. Oh? And here I thought you liked strong won.
He broke eye contact and glanced to the side, muttering unintelligible words.
Thought so, Ilea said, seeing Lucia wink her way.
Well talk about the mushrooms when we dont have guests here, Celene said and crossed her arms. What do you think, Weavy?
I thought we would drop the conversation now? Lucia said, glaring daggers at the woman.
Yeah, yeah, whatever, Celene said.
You have a new necklace! Ellie said with a smile.
Ilea raised her brows. Yeah. I found that recently. Its called the Azarinth Star, a mythical item.
Mythical? Lucia asked.
Sowhere, Hartho scread.
Yes, it can summon barriers, Ilea said and summoned a few of the shimring golden shields.
Pretty, Ellie murmured.
How much? Celene asked.
Did you just ask Lilith to sell her mythical item? Walter asked.
Celene shrugged. Worth a shot.
Her wealth and power is beyond your understanding, Wavy sent, for everyone to hear.
Thats exactly what I ant. Insults like that, Celene whispered in a slightly raspy tone, touching the demons arm.
Gross, Lucas said.
Ilea started laughing. Right. So yeah, then I put Aki into the machine and here we are. Youll probably see the impact soon, just imagine it. Taleen machines all over the human plains. Delivering goods, ssages well inside the cities, we have teleportation gates now too.
Monster attacks below level two hundred would beco entirely irrelevant, Walter murmured. But as would most adventurers and Shadows.
No, Kyrian said.
What do you an? Arent the machines at least at level one fifty, most are at two hundred or even higher, you said so yourself, Walter said.
Im a Shadow, Kyrian said and pointed at Ilea. Shes a Shadow.
Thats why I said most, Walter said.
Theyll just have to push themselves harder, find more dangerous monsters to fight. Now that the Sentinels are around to heal, with independent healers hopefully less stigmatized or even hunted, they should have an easier ti, Ilea said. Plus all that traveling is done for. People can now teleport to a frontier or to a dungeon town near instantly.
I suppose, yes, Walter said. On the healer thing why would they be less stigmatized now? Or hunted?
Because it was the Corinth Order who did that. Their managent has changed. And if I hear about a healer being killed or intimidated by their mbers, Ill be the one doing the hunting, she said with a smile.
Youve changed, Lucia said as she looked at her.
A little, I suppose, Ilea said. Power corrupts, to an extent. Im not scared of the healing orders.
No, theyre scared of you now, Lucia said with a smile. How barbaric.
We made deals. I dont consider it barbaric to push orders to stop hunting independent healers. Fuck that, Ilea said. Oh and Im planning to get an academy running in Ravenhall at so point. To share knowledge and training on Classes and various schools of magic. Just need to find enough faculty.
Walter chuckled. Youre really pushing it. The nobles wont be happy about that.
Then theyre free to challenge , Ilea said with a wide grin.
I thought you didnt want to be the Empress or whatever, Kyrian said, tapping her temple with a loud impact.
I dont. This is just providing education and making the species in the Accords stronger. Hoarding magical knowledge is stupid, Ilea said. So of this world is super progressive, other bits are just dieval.
dieval? Kyrian asked.
Yeah, a historic thing where Im from. My point is, why should magical knowledge not be shared, studied, and understood? she said.
No, I agree with you, Kyrian said.
Powerful people want to remain in power, Walter said. And there is an argunt to be made that most people shouldnt have access to that knowledge and power.
Why not? Ilea asked.
He shrugged. Ive traveled far and wide in my ti. And Ive t a lot of people that should not wield power.
Fair. Ive t a bunch that did, and shouldnt have, Ilea said. Magic is just a tool. People that would abuse that tool are why we have laws.
Seems like you push a lot of people around though, Lucia said, fidgeting with her mug a little. She didnt et Ileas eyes. Does soone like you have to adhere to those laws too?
I try to, Ilea said. I get what you an though. And its not that simple. I dont believe being perfectly lawful is the way to go. I dont want to invade soones ho, but if I see theyre housing slaves in their basent, you bet your ass Ill kick in those doors. I mustve broken several laws when we invaded Baralia, sneaked into their cities. But we stopped rituals that wouldve killed thousands. I dont regret that, and would do it all again in a heartbeat. She paused. I trust my friends to tell when I lose it or go too far.
There are always shifts in power, Kyrian said. I believe the Accords are a good thing for most. Every awakened species is allowed to live in their cities, every belief is allowed, every school of magic can be studied, as long as such study doesnt break any laws. Hos and food is provided to all, regardless of wealth. Opportunities exist even for those not of noble blood.
Didnt know you cared so much about the last bit, Ilea said.
I I realized a lot of things since he said and turned a little red.
Ilea smirked. Aliana, hmm?
Yes. I simply accepted so things from my past. And shes told about hers, he said, drinking from his mug of water. Fuck that. We have the power to change things, why wouldnt we?
We would be ready to join, ca Claires voice.
Speaking of nobles, Ilea said. Okay if I open a gate here?
We have a strict no gate rule, Walter said in a dry tone.
Really? Ilea asked.
No, he said and motioned for her to go for it.
Ilea summoned the gate right behind her and moved her arm through, waving towards the gate.
The first thing that flew through was a little Fae.
Greetings
Mortals
No violence? Ilea asked the Baron.
It flew around before landing on the table, carefully inspecting Ileas mug.
Violence. It nodded.
Trian and Claire stepped through, the latter hitting her shin against a bench.
Wha- she exclaid, shifting to the side as she looked around the sowhat cramped hall.
Greetings, Walter said and raised his mug.
Trian smiled. Hello everyone. Ilea did ntion you lot before. Hello Weavy, he said and waved to the demon.
Vampyr, the demon spoke and nodded, the gesture a little strange still, not executed quite like a human would.
The gate closed.
Is that a fae? Ellie asked as she leaned forward.
Lucas and Naiir did the sa, the trio looking at Violence.
The Baron turned around and spread his wings and arms, flying up.
Mortals
Listen
To
Ilea grabbed the fae and put it onto her shoulder. Shut it, you galomaniac.
The Fae giggled.
You say that like youre not the reason the Accords exist, Trian said as he found a chair and sat down. Im Trian, Headmaster of the Sentinel Corps, mber of the Accords, and a friend of Lilith.
They know my real na, Ilea said as she battled the small space mage with her own magic. Like an annoying fucking fly.
Slow
Dense
You dare, Ilea answered.
Kyrian touched her shoulder. Youre gonna kill soone.
She realized her fires were active. Oh. Sorry.
Violence!
The Fae landed on her head and nestled into her hair.
And Im Claire, the woman said and sat down.
Youre friends of Ilea, make yourself at ho. Food and drink is on the house, Walter said.
We appreciate it, Claire said.
The Vultures introduced themselves in turn.
You seem tired, Celene said, looking at Claire.
The woman nodded, drinking from her mug. Oh this is good, she said. Do you have anything stronger?
Walter smiled. Yes, feel free to browse, he said and motioned to the shelves with dozens of bottles.
Ill pay, dont worry, Claire said as she stood up.
I assu shes told you so things already? Trian asked, looking at Celene.
The machines, the Taleen, Accords, yes. Shes ntioned so things, the woman answered.
Yeah. Ilea left us to deal with the details of the Taleen integration into the Accords, he said and rubbed his temples. Theyre far more obsessed with contracts than anyone Ive dealt with before.
Still only took a few hours, Kyrian said.
Thanks to the adow, yes. And all the other insane minds. Plus we have plenty of contracts set up already, it was just a matter of adjusting and expanding things. The Taleen were prepared with their demands as well. The negotiations were short, Trian said. But intense. I do enjoy managing the Sentinels way more.
Not like this happens every day, Ilea said, stuffing her face with bread, cheese, and cold cuts.
First, you left after the initial eting. Second, no it wouldnt, if you wouldnt constantly find new people to join, Trian said.
Ilea shrugged. Sorry, I go out and et beings. While you sit in your office.
You were the one who asked ! The Sentinels were your idea, he said, squinting at her.
Ilea offered him a cheese sandwich.
He took it.
Im just saying, he said between bites. Youre not exactly around a lot. I have to deal with everything.
And I appreciate that, Ilea said.
Do you? Trian asked. Last week I had to console a twenty four year old adventurer because his resistances werent growing as fast as those of his peers. Headmaster, it just hurts so much. Is this not for ? He asked . Im still thinking about that.
What happened with him? Lucia asked.
He joined the Shadowguard after we talked and I advised him. Not everyone is made for the grueso training of the Sentinels, and thats okay, Trian said before he downed his ale.
Claire sat down with a sigh and a drink, herbs sticking out of her glass, a citrusy sll coming from the mixture. She put down a bottle too.
You know your spirits, Walter said with a smile.
Im not the head fucking administrator of Ravenhall to drink crap, she said and took a long swig.
Prominent guests, Lucia said. Trian, it seems like youre doing a wonderful job with the Sentinels.
I do try, he said and raised his mug to her. See, thats what I an with appreciation, he said, glancing at Ilea.
She offered him another sandwich.
You cant solve everything with food and punching, he said.
I disagree, Ilea said.
Violence, the Fae said and nodded.
Incredible wealth helps too, she said and ate the sandwich herself.
And apparently people that do the more complicated work for you, Walter said.
Yes, like dealing with Cerithil Hunters, she said and winked.
Exactly. Ben has been quiet, he said. I do hope hes fine. They live such a dangerous lifestyle.
Hes doing okay, Ilea said. Theyre moving to the Descent now.
The multilayered dungeon below Hallowfort? Naiir asked.
Shes told you quite a lot, hmm? Trian asked.
Oh yes, Walter said. I an you know her. He gave the man a aningful look.
Trian looked back before they both nodded ever so slightly, each taking a drink from their mugs.
With their main objective done, they dont really have anything to drive them I guess. But theyre still considered cursed and are hunted by the elves of the domain, most of them at least. Oh, did I tell you about Nelras Ithom? Ilea said.
I dont believe you did, Celene said. It sounds like an exotic na. Can anyone travel to the Descent to et the elves?
Theyre not there yet. But I guess, sure, Ilea said. Maybe I can introduce you to so.
Please dont, Lucia said, rubbing her temple.
Youre not my mother, Celene said.
It sotis feels like that, Lucia said.
Not to , Celene said. Whos Nelras?
So, I found this orb, it contained the soul of an ancient elven Monarch like a Monarch, not a monarch, I do think I ntioned that before. Super powerful in his pri, at least he claims as much. So we used a machine from the Soul Forge of Kahn Joggoth to move the soul into a war machine made by the adow, a few enchanters, and Owl, she said.
Kyrian just looked at her and smiled, everyone else listening.
Owl, the Greater Lich? Hartho asked, the smith back at the table.
The one, Ilea said.
He nodded in understanding.
So theres a forr elven Monarch, male leader of an elven Domain, within a war machine, capable of talking and walking around sowhere in the north? Walter asked.
Yeah, I guess. I think hes still teaching the enchanters and the adow the runic system of the Ascended, she said, looking at the ceiling as she thought. Maybe we should talk to him about the Cerithil Hunters.
We did that while you were busy, Claire said.
Anything useful? Ilea asked.
He wanted to fight the Val Akuun, cursing his powerless new form before he got back to work, Claire said. He did ask to et you again.
Why would he want to et ? Ilea asked.
Because you will probably consider the mad demands of an ancient elven Monarch, whatever they may be, Trian said. Unlike sane people.
Hey, if the ideas are fun, Ilea said.
The adow is around, dont worry about it, Claire said, looking at Trian.
You say that like Im unreasonable, Ilea said, squinting her eyes.
Said the woman fighting eldritch horrors in Kohr, for fun, Kyrian said.
Ilea looked at him for a few seconds before she continued eating in silence.
Not
mad.
Ilea
violent, the Fae sent, patting her head lightly.
Is that supposed to be a complint? she asked.
The
Highest
Praise
I cant tell if youre being sarcastic, Ilea sent.
Who
knows
Speaking of new people to add to the Accords. What about your Fae cluster? Think you would be interested? she asked.
Fae
Exist
Beyond
Thats pretty arrogant, Ilea said.
Yes, Violence replied.
Okay, Ilea sent.
The creature giggled.
At least that ans I dont have to manage trading with the Hunters anymore, Walter said. Though I would like to et Ben again, he murmured. An interesting being to talk to.
Their magic is really impressive too. So of them are above level seven hundred, granted they did start at around level two hundred, Ilea said.
And the other factions involved were fine with all that? Lucia asked. I an were still technically in hiding because of the magic we use, and the people that are here. She looked at Granpa Bones.
He seed to be sleeping.
The risks are present, but the votes were cast, Trian said. The Hunters didnt join the Accords, they will rely relocate to the Descent. So that any interested parties can familiarize themselves with the elves, learn from them, and maybe build ties.
Dont know how easy thatll be, Ilea said. I just didnt want them to run off and fight the Domains imdiately. Or all of them to fuck off and do their own thing.
Would they attack the Domains? They did choose exile to protect their own kind, Walter said.
I dont think they decided on anything. I know a few that definitely want to change the status quo, so others have already left now that the Guardians are dealt with. Only ti will tell, but at least with them in the Descent, we should know what they plan to do, Ilea said.
If they share anything with us, Kyrian said.
The adow is watching, Trian said.
The adow isnt all seeing, Kyrian said.
Ilea smiled, looking towards the mark she had on the being. Is it not? She waited but no snarky comnt was sent her way. Guess it really isnt.
Limited adow, she murmured.
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