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Dynasty of Dovak	By : JohnDoe Category: +A through F > Exalted RPG Views: 4983 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
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Chapter List
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Session 62 – Hall of the Mountain Folk – Reya (190XP 152DX, 187/143 spent; 9GP 36P), Melody (190XP 152DX, 184/146 spent), and Ganan (190XP 152DX, 187/145 spent; 8WhP 44GP 73SP) *Smut* x2

Holly leads the Dragon-Blooded through Bright Obelisk to a rocky outcropping that cuts into the city. She touches a hidden sigil in the rock-face and the mountain opens before them.

“Huh.” Melody remarks, “That’s… neat.”

The Dragons find themselves in a light-less tunnel. The tunnels are wide enough to walk three abreast. They are perfectly cylindrical, the walls are smooth and round: Reya touches them to find they feel like glass.

“Oh shit.” She breathes inaudibly as she realizes where she’s seen tunnels like this before.

Holly calls after them, “Just head straight.” And she closes the hidden door behind them, plunging them into darkness.

Ganan goes through the katas of Earth Dragon Form and sends a small tremor through the tunnels as he does so. The white light of his anima blazes from him and illuminates the walls, which just like the tunnels in Dovak depict strange, alien murals.

“It’ll take six hours to fly from here to Juche.” Reya says as she starts to cast Stormwind Rider.

Ganan releases the energy bound in his martial arts form, and instead stretches out his senses, feeling the unseen beyond the light of his anima. The tunnel continues straight for quite a distance.

Melody, Ganan, and Ludila stand close to Reya as she finishes casting and lifts them off the ground. Ganan wraps his arms around his wife, laying a protective hand on her stomach and a guiding hand on her shoulder as she directs the Stormwind down the tunnel. Reya lays one hand over Ganan’s on her stomach, holding him close. Melody strains her eyes into the darkness and tries to ignore how much more uncomfortable riding a Stormwind has become as her own pregnancy has progressed. Ledaal Ludila just closes her eyes and concentrates on not falling off.

By the end of the first hour, the light from Ganan’s anima has died and they steer by his preternatural sense of the tunnel around them. He keeps his body pressed close to Reya’s guiding her in a straight line. After three hours, Reya starts to slow down.

“We there already?” Melody asks still straining her eyes into the darkness, trying to ignore her discomfort.

Reya lets out an involuntary groan of pain, “Need a break.”

“Keep going, just a little further, there’s something up ahead.” Ganan urges as the Stormwind slows to the speed of a horse’s gallop.

Melody knocks an arrow, and Ganan senses the motion and reassures her, “Not like that. I think it’s a rest point.”

They go a hundred yards and Ganan calls a stop. Reya gently lowers them to the ground. Ganan pushes more energy through his anima to light it up again: in the gloaming, the Dragons can make out two alcoves (one on each side of the tunnel) each with two stone beds carved into the rock-face of the tunnel.

Reya smiles and staggers over to one of the beds, “Melody and Udi take the other side, we’re stopping for the rest of the night.”

Ledaal Ludila seems about to protest, but Reya half-falls into one of the beds and immediately goes to sleep.

Melody rubs her stomach and stretches her aching body, “I’ll take the first watch.”

Ganan shakes his head, “Your matriarch has ordered you into bed. You need sleep, I do not. And I can ‘see’ in this darkness. Go to bed, I’ll watch through the night.” He unslings Burnt Offering and gestures for Udi and Melody to get some rest.

Ganan slumps against a wall and keeps his senses extended through the night in his unsleeping earth meditation. Nothing approaches them as the hours pass. With no sun it’s hard to track the passage of time, but after a few hours, he hears Reya calling him.

Ganan methodically plods over to his wife, reclined on the strange stone beds. They are smooth and cool like the walls of the tunnel, but the alcoves are surprisingly warm given the snowy conditions above ground.

“The baby is unsettled.” Reya complains, “Read to us.”

Ganan gingerly lays his head on Reya’s stomach and starts reciting the story of how Mela discovered sorcery. Towards the end of the story, the baby kicks him in the face. He chuckles good-naturedly, but Reya tenses her whole body and clenches her teeth. Wetness spreads out from under her.

“My waters just broke.” She says with a detached matter-of-fact tone. There’s a mild acrid smell in the air.

Ganan feels the spreading liquid, “It’s too early. That was quite a kick. Maybe baby caught your bladder…”

Reya’s tone hardened with annoyance, “It’s not pee. That baby is coming. Now. Get Melody.” She starts to strip out of her clothes.

Ganan rises and plods across the tunnel, “It’s too early.” He mutters disbelieving as he diligently obeys.

Reya gives a great groan of pain that wakes Ludila. Ganan shakes Melody awake and explains the situation.

“It’s pee!” Melody calls and rolls over in bed.

Reya gives another groan as another contraction hits. Melody rolls out of the bed and walks over to her. She starts to glow green with her own essence, and she taps Reya’s legs aside to examine her. She washes her hands in the drinking water and feels her.

“Huh.” She says with a note of worried curiosity, “Three inches.” She turns to Ganan, “Baby is coming now.”

Another contraction rocks Reya who grunts as she pushes and bears down.

“Don’t do that!” Melody snaps, “Don’t push, it’s not time to push. We need another inch or so. I need my kit.” She crosses the darkness back to her bedside to retrieve her satchel of resplendent healing.

Yet another contraction comes, faster and closer together now. Reya groans with effort.

“Melody said not to push!” Ganan warns, taking his wife’s hand, a dangerous note of panic in his voice as Udi and Melody start to cross back towards them. “You’re not dilated enough.”

“This baby is coming now.” Reya gasps as the baby starts to crown.

Melody runs towards Reya as she contracts again, pushing down. Melody slides on her knees to catch the baby as it spirals out in a single motion almost as if it were launched from a canon. The baby cries in the dark.

“That was a lot quicker than with the twins.” Ganan says dumbly. He moves himself to block Reya’s nude form from the others.

“They’ve both seen it all before.” Reya chides and holds out her hands for her baby.

Melody lays examines the child, ten fingers, ten toes, breathing on its own. “It’s a girl.” She announces as she hands over the baby. “I’d say almost six pounds. Very impressive for how early she is.”

Reya holds her whilst the umbilical cord pulses: when the cord pulsing stops she hands the baby back to Melody, who clamps the cord and Ganan cuts it. The baby is laid on Reya’s bare abdomen and it crawls to her breast and starts to suckle. Ganan lays his traveling cloak over mother and baby.

“I didn’t know they could do that,” Ludila says, astonished, her eyes wide. She turns to Melody, “How did you perform an epidural so quickly?”

Melody shakes her head from between Reya’s legs as she manages the afterbirth, “I just caught the baby. Reya’s just tough.”

“She’s very small,” Ludila says, thinking of her children when they were born.

Ganan shakes his head dismissively, “The twins weren’t much bigger. She’ll be fine.”

“We probably shouldn’t take a newborn on a Stormwind Rider. Premature or otherwise.” Melody pronounces as she finishes with the afterbirth and examines the feeding baby again. “But I agree: she’ll be fine. Keep her warm.”

“Agata then. You ride with Reya and the baby. I’ll ride with Udi.” Ganan nods sagaciously as he releases Ndiza and asks Cresta into the Yasal Crystal. The beauteous wasps materialize.

“I’m not convinced demons are much better.” Melody says, grimacing.

Ganan ignores her and pilfers rubbing alcohol, bandages, and arrows from Melody’s supplies. He dumps the firedust out of one of his shells and puts together some torches (10SP).

“We’re about three hundred miles from Bright Obelisk and to Juche. Walking for days in the dark is going to be worse for Lezabe than a day on the back of a demon.” Reya says firmly, dressing again, relying on her Collar to keep her clean and wrapping the baby in Ganan’s cloak, and handing her off to him as she stands.

“Lezabe?” Melody asks with a smile.

“It’s what they wanted to call Nula,” Reya says. Her tone conveys that “they” are her husband and her mother. She tears and ties Ganan’s cloak, fashioning it into a crude but serviceable sling (6SP).

Ganan smiles down at his newborn daughter, “Mnemon Alinos Lezabe. It’s a fine name. My grand-”

“We know,” Reya says giving him a quick kiss. “Help me up.”

Reya and Melody mount Tisi, and Ganan hands the baby back to Reya. Ganan and Ludila mount Ndiza, and Ganan lights the first torch, lighting the way.

****

The last leg of their journey is uneventful – Melody sings for most of the way. It takes all day: they have to stop every couple of hours to settle the baby, but at last, Melody spots light at the end of the tunnel. The light grows brighter as they draw closer and eventually they make out the forms of Mnemon, Octavian, and a large Agata. Mnemon is attended by a pair of Dragon-Blooded Reya recognizes from the wedding (distant relations), and half a dozen beings who look like they’ve been hewn from rock. Unlike Holly, there’s no trace of human flesh on their forms, and five of them are a dull brown, only their leader has the bright amethyst coloration. The end of the tunnel is lit not by the outside world but by two vast glowing spheres. Ganan swaps the demons in his yasal crystal once more.

“You’re late.” Mnemon snaps, “I expected you this morning. Trouble in Bright Obelisk?”

Reya dismounts, “Many apologies grand daimother.” She smiles and presents baby Lezabe, “But the good news is your House has grown. May I present Mnemon Lezabe.”

Mnemon looks down her nose at the baby, “With the uncertainty caused by my mother’s de- disappearance, I have chosen to refrain from delivering children in the middle of a war. I had hoped my scions would show the same judgment. I have no wet-nurse for you.”

“I don’t require a wet-nurse.” Reya says, her voice unfailing pleasant in the face of Mnemon’s disdain.

Mnemon wrinkles her nose, “Yes, I remember reading something to that effect.” She casts a withering gaze at Cynis Ganan, who clears his throat and looks aside.

“When I birthed my twins, who both Exalted, I saw to their care and my duties to the House. War or no war, I intend to do the same.” Reya insists, “Would you like to hold her?”

Mnemon’s expression softens infinitesimally, “Yes, I believe I would.” She waits for Reya to approach her and hand over the child. The rock-like beings watch on in respectful silence. Mnemon studies the baby carefully, “She’s small.” She whispers, softly.

Reya nods, drawing close, she lowers her voice to match her matriarch’s, “As were her siblings. She’s early. But she’s strong.”

Mnemon returns the child carefully, “Blessed are the children.”

Reya bows as she receives her baby and responds with the formal vernacular: “May the Dragon’s Enfold.”

Mnemon and Reya share a private look of understanding between them. In the silence, the amethyst creature speaks, “We have awaited your arrival quiet anxiously Mnemon Danireya.” Her voice, for surely it seems to our heroes that the speaker is feminine (if not precisely a woman in the human sense), speaks in clear High Realm as if the speaker were born in the Imperial Palace (it does not carry a trace of the regional dialect of Juche), “But I am gladdened to see that your delay was a joyful one. Though my kind possesses no oracular powers, I would be most surprised if your child does not grow up to become an Earth Aspect like your mighty ancestor.” She gestures at Mnemon and bows deeply, “I am Beauteous Harmony.”

“May the Dragons make us worthy.” Reya replies, brightly but formally.

Ganan blunders into the conversation, “You are of the Mountain Folk. Jadeborn.”

Beauteous Harmony bows again, “I am. It is my honor to act as an envoy to the Realm on my people’s behalf.”

“I have never met a Jadeborn.” Reya admits, graciously bowing a fraction, but turning her baby ever so slightly away from the strange creature.

Beauteous Harmony spreads her hands in an obsequious gesture, “I am surprised to hear you say that.”

“Why?” Reya banters, testing the waters, “Your race is renown for its secrecy living below the ground.”

Beauteous Harmony smiles, “It is not unusual for a Dynast to never have seen my kind – though we do parade our tribute from here to the Imperial City yearly. It is unusual for them to honestly admit such a thing.”

Reya visibly relaxes, “I think we are going to get along just fine, honored envoy.” She nods in a friendly manner before turning her attention back to Mnemon, “How may I be of service, Matriarch?”

Mnemon motions for the Jadeborn to lead the way down a side tunnel, “How much do you know of Autochthon?”

“Who?” Melody interrupts.

“The Great Maker. Brother of Gaia.” Ganan whispers back at her.

“Who?” Melody says blankly.

“A simplified history lesson then.” Mnemon says as she walks, “Before Creation, there was primordial chaos, like unto the Wyld, and from this chaos rose the first race. These eldritch beings of antiquity, these Primordials, were numerous but we concern ourselves now with three. Gaia, the Emerald Mother, who spun threads of infinite possibility from the Wyld; Autochthon, the Great Maker, who wove those threads into real and lasting shapes; and Theion, who strengthened the design by winnowing always all that was no longer useful. Together they shaped Creation. They created the gods to labor for eternity as their servants. And Gaia birthed five children – The Elemental Dragons: Daana’d, Hesiesh, Mela, Sextes Jylis and Pasiap.” She turns to look pointedly at Melody, “These are names you recognize, I trust?”

Melody nods mutely.

Mnemon continues, “To her children, Gaia gave dominion over the gods and over Creation. But Theion grew jealous and desired his siblings to bow to him as king, as the gods bowed. He became a cruel master, and tortured the gods, and wreaked havoc on Creation: rending the First Hierarchy asunder with his vain perfidy. The gods conspired to overthrow their Primordial masters – for all but Gaia and Autochthon had been swept up in Theion’s madness. Gaia’s contribution was a race of warriors, the like of which had never been seen before: warriors who carried the very blood of her children in their veins.” She pauses and stares at Melody again.

“Us. The Dragon-Blooded.” Melody confirms.

“Indeed. Autochthon contributed the dread weapons that our forebears and their allies used to cast down the Enemies of the Gods. In time, the dread Anathema would drive Autochthon from Creation and they would usurp his legacy as the King of Crafters. But it was Autochthon’s engineering and the diligent work of his Jadeborn…” Mnemon turns and gives the slightest of nods to Beauteous Harmony, “That allowed the Exalted to free the world from Theion and his ilk.”

“Weapons… like Warstriders?” Melody asks, covetously. She grins from ear to ear and rubs her hands together.

“Weapons like the Realm Defense Grid.” Mnemon says, her tone matter of fact. Reya sees just a hint of a smile dare to play on her face.

“The… You mean the…” Melody stammers, “Okay, yeah, I can see how that would help us. I mean, help you, Your… Worshipfulness.”

“It helps us, my children.” Mnemon says firmly, “And our allies. Autochthon’s chosen people, the Jadeborn, were forced underground, long ago, by the Solar Anathema. The Solars broke their power and lessened their race. And the Jadeborn are not alone beneath us: they fight an unceasing war against a nameless horde of forbidden gods, sealed demons, and stranger things. Whilst House Cathak licked their wounds, and House Sesus carried out their petty espionages, I led a legion to the aid of our Jadeborn vassals.” She turns to Danireya to make a point, “Once more placing the good of The Realm above transient concerns. Together we were able to drive these Darkbrood back and reclaim several treasures lost for ages.”

Melody tries not to worry about how many soldiers this venture has cost them.

“House Nellens has no idea what treasures lie beneath them. We need to secure their allegiance. Then we can move these…” She rounds a corner and shows them a pair of war-machines.

The beasts, and 'beasts' seems the appropriate term, are thirty feet tall with razor-sharp teeth and claws. They have the shape of a dragon, their faces set in a perpetual snarl. They are forged of jade and demon-gold.

“Thousand-Forged Dragons.” Ganan pronounces, nodding his head, “Useless without the command codes.”

Mnemon speaks two-words in a language that our heroes do not recognize. The sound of gears turning and cogs interlocking fill the tunnel. The closest dragon raises its head, then takes a step forward, causing the ground to tremble.

“I don’t pursue useless alliances. Nor do I waste your time: I expect the same courtesy. The war-machines can, of course, simply smash their way free – should negotiations fail. But they are not precise weapons – they will be useless for retaking the capital, and I would rather not drive the Nellens legions to war against me.”

****

Our heroes leave Mnemon and backtrack with Beauteous Harmony, who opens a concealed door allowing them into the city of Juche (she remains behind). They emerge into the catacombs beneath the Pagoda of Pasiap’s Footstep and take a moment to orientate themselves from the last time they were in the city.

Snow blankets the ground – not crisp and white like in Bright Obelisk, but muddy and soot-stained. Patches of ice from freeze-thaw render the streets treacherous. Evening is well underway, and there is a prosperous bustle to the city as folk go about their business. The air is thick with the scent of winter treats – roasted nuts; strong, cheap, coffee; and candied treats. Reya pulls the baby in close to keep her warm.

“So… do we go to Nellens Mirar’s house or…?” Melody asks.

Reya takes a deep breath, grips her child firmly, and says “I think we will be better served by going straight to Nellens Gazal.”

“Who lives… where?” Melody asks.

Reya smiles, “Let’s ask her.” Reya leads her motley band to a nearby plaza and uses her mastery of linguistics to send a message on the wind to the Nellens matriarch announcing their presence in the city.

The Dragon-Blooded order hot coffee and roasted nuts to snack on (for which they pay with scrip, massively overpaying) whilst they wait. Melody keeps her weapons in hand, but not readied for action as they await the army Nellens Gazal will undoubtedly send. Udi kicks at the dirt with feigned indifference. Reya purchases baby supplies and Ganan buys some clasps and reworks his traveling cloak baby sling into something adjustable and secure (4SP). Lezabe is fed and settled.

Reya straps the baby to herself, and goes to lay a hand on Udi’s shoulder, “What are they going to do, attack us? Don’t worry so much.”

At once there is a flurry of activity in the quiet evening streets. Nellens soldiers block every avenue. Ganan watches them with open bemusement as the Nellens war-machine boxes them in. The Nellens soldiers start to advance.

“That’s close enough.” Melody says kindly, not raising her voice. Half the Nellens soldiers stop in their tracks – some of them hastily back-peddle, throwing what was an organized formation into disarray. The others continue to advance until Ganan stops casually leaning on a wall, discards his roasted nuts, and takes his Dragon Sigh Wand in both hands. The Nellens troops seem on the verge of routing.

Nellens Mirar and Nellens Gazal push their way through the ranks to the head of the lead column, and some semi-balance of order is restored.

“You have a lot of nerve, sneaking into my city unannounced. I have a treaty with House Mnemon.” Gazal says, her voice clear as the winter air and hard as the Imperial Mountain behind her back.

Reya moves forward, her voice like silk, “You do indeed. Mnemon herself has sent me to strengthen that treaty.” She pauses and bows a fraction lower than protocol requires to Nellens Mirar, “It is good to see you again Dragonlord Mirar.”

Mirar straightens himself and puffs out his chest, “It’s General Mirar now.” Mirar’s eyes settle on Reya’s baby sling.

Reya bows again, “Well deserved, general.” She turns back to Gazal, “Mnemon has found our peace treaty invaluable. Juche sits on a pivotal locus for the entire war. I’m sure House Cathak has been belligerent about this – all military bluster and disrespect for your Great House. But if you remember, House Mnemon actually paid you a tidy sum for the privilege of peace between us. I believe I told you that we needed you. As Tepet and Sesus side with us, surely you now see that you need us too? Cathak will not allow you to remain neutral. Mnemon is sending jade talents and peaceful envoys to woo you. What do you think ‘the emperor’ will send when the winter snows melt?”

“The Emperor sits on the throne. Mnemon does not.” Gazal says simply.

Melody leans in, “Yeah, but… so what? If you thought Cainan has won, you’d be on your knees in the Imperial City begging forgiveness for not supporting him from the start. You wouldn’t be standing here talking about your treaty with the Arch Traitor.”

(Ganan whispers, “Arch Traitor?”

Melody replies from the side of her mouth, “Go with it.”

Ganan shrugs.)

Nellens Gazal narrows her eyes, “Do not misunderstand me. I am open to expanding our alliance, but do not think you are bargaining from a position of strength.”

Reya meets her gaze and with forced cordiality, “Do not misunderstand me. Unless the rest of your legions are hiding in the tea houses, you are not bargaining from a position of strength either.” She pauses, ominously for just a beat, “What is it you want?”

Nellens Gazal is taken aback by Reya’s tone and directness, “What do you mean?” She replies, a note of genuine uncertainty in her voice.

“Mnemon wants House Nellens to join the Tripartite Alliance. Join your legions to ours, under the command of Berit. March with us on the Usurper. Open your coffers to fund our war. Become a real Great House after the war. What do you want?” Reya measures Gazal’s reaction.

“House Nellens. Is. A real. Great. House.” Nellens Gazal spits out each word, biting back her venom.

Reya allows a hint of impatience into her tone, “House Nellens was the Scarlet Empress’s vanity project. Used to check House Sesus. You have thrived by paying attention to the most valuable resource on the Blessed Isle – the mortals. House Mnemon is treating with you as an equal. Are the other Houses? Wouldn’t you like them to? As I see it, you need fresh blood. Dragon-Blooded of breeding and distinguished pedigree. You’ve caught a few flailing Tepets of late, but now House Tepet stands with us. Mnemon wants you to side with us, so… name your price?”

Nellens Gazal stares long and hard at Reya, “It has come to my attention that you recently cemented an alliance with House Sesus with a pair of marriages.” She looks at the sky theatrically, “But the hour is late, and I have other business. You will come to my manse, and we can discuss this matter further in the morning.”

She makes an almost imperceptible gesture, and the Nellens legionnaires square off to reinforce the fact that this is not an invitation.

Reya bows graciously, “We would be honored to accept your hospitality, madame Gazal.”

Melody sidles up to Reya and whispers to her, “She’s trying to stall us.”

Reya nods back with a smile, even as Gazal disappears back into the throng.

Nellens Mirar steps forward and offers Reya his arm, “Shall we?”

Reya takes Mirar’s arm and smiles at him, “I hope we’re not going to wake up surrounded by soldiers
again General.”

Mirar smiles back at Reya, “Oh I wouldn’t worry about that.”

****

Mirar leads them back to the Nellens manse. He talks obliquely about the recent weddings in Bright Obelisk, Reya charmingly notes how good news seems to travel quickly and confirms that her children took House Sesus spouses. Mirar seems particularly interested in Muli’s new status as a Sesus widower, but Reya deflects him. Finally, as shows them to a suite within the manse, he informs them of war in the River Provinces – Thorns marching against Lookshy. Ledaal Ludila immediately peels off (to confirm this with her House in private), and Reya politely but firmly asks Mirar to leave them alone as she closes the suite door on him.

Reya takes a deep breath and addresses the others seriously, “Time it would take Cathak Cainan to send a strike force here?”

Melody chews her lip, “Well based on how long it took us all those times… they could be here by morning.”

Reya screws her eyes tight and raps her forehead with her fist, “Yes… that’s what I thought.”

The baby wakes and gives a cry.

Ganan shrugs, “So what?” The others look at him, he walks over to Reya and slips baby Lezabe out of the sling, changes her, then holds her close, rocking her to comfort her as he continues, “If Nellens Gazal has decided to side with Cainan, then she’s made her choice. Unleashing the Thousand-Forged Dragons won’t lose us an ally, it’s just a preemptive strike on an enemy. If she hasn’t decided to side with Cainan, then we’ll negotiate in the morning.”

The baby stops crying.

Reya unballs her fist and opens her eyes, “Last time we went to sleep in this city, we woke up betrayed at spear-point. It doesn’t make me want to roll this one on faith, Gan.” She takes the baby back from him.

Ganan shrugs, “I don’t mind staying up another night, but I don’t see that we’ve got much choice.”

Melody sighs, “He’s right. We can cut and run, which means we fail to win over Nellens. Or we stay and try and risk getting killed by Cathak.”

Ganan snorts, “I’ll take that ‘risk’.”

Reya shakes her head, “It’s a hell of a risk.”

“Well…” Melody says slowly, “Is it? I mean, nothing you said to Gazal was untrue, right?”

Reya takes a deep breath, “No. But if she wants to make amends with Cainan then offering our heads is a good start.”

“How did they find out about the wedding so quickly?” Ganan asks.

“And why were they so interested in your kids?” Melody drops her arms to her sides, “So are we sleeping here or running?”

“Turn in for the night.” Reya says, beckoning Ganan to follow her to a bedroom.

****

*Smut*

The Nellens suite is generously appointed: bare aged wood and silver embossed furniture. A large double bed, low to the ground and covered with silk sheets. End tables and futons grace the room – plush and luxurious. Windows, tall and narrow and set with panes of thick, clear glass, look out over the city of Juche below. A fire crackles, spitting sparks from logs that never burn down nor give off smoke.

“Can you do something with that?” Reya points at a futon as the baby wakes and starts to fuss. She feeds her as Ganan flips the futon over, takes out the wooden frame, and remodels it into a crib (7SP). Reya winds the baby, feeling Lezabe warmth against her, and gently lays her in the crib. She strokes her daughter affectionately on the nose as to lull her to sleep.

“Okay now rail me.”

Tiredness. An ache of exhausted desperation, the desperate loneliness born of racing across the country, only inches from her husband but unable to get any closer. The constant parade of duty: to Mnemon, to the Realm, to her children. Tiredness had created a need for action: an irresistible as a landslide. Action that will bring the sweet oblivion that erases tiredness.

Ganan blinks, “It’s… too soon.” Confusion and desire swell within him. Regret for the precious time spent working instead of with his wife. Worry clutches at him as bile rises in the back of his throat: he’ll hurt her, it’s too soon. He stands impassive.

Reya smiles at him and shrugs off her clothes and armor: first, she unbuckles her braces and tosses them aside, before shrugging off her cloak and pulling off her chain shirt in a single motion, she slinks for side-to-side, wriggling out of her dress before she finally removes her collar and underwear. She fights a war against her own body as she stands nude: her heavy breasts rising and falling with each breath she forces through her body. She feels as though underwater: unable to so much as breathe without intense effort. Her waist is thin, spilling out into her wide hips. She knows he will hurt her, as surely as she knows that she will have to force him to hurt her. As surely as she knows she needs the pain. She runs her tongue over her soft lips, it tickles and excites – but more than the butterfly brushing sensation, she enjoys the effect it seems to have on Ganan. Her wanton sex yearns for the man in front of her, and the lewd act is sure to break even his stony resolve.

Ganan stands still, staring. Frozen. A vein in his neck throbs. Even fully dressed, the hard lines of his muscular body cause her to throb in a place more intimate. And then, in an instant, he explodes forward in a surge of violent movement consumed by violent need. He grabs her roughly: soft flesh yields beneath his driving fingers. It’s not enough. He pulls her close, and Reya feels the heat from his body. The scent of her body assails him: as giddying as honey-wine. It is a strain not to look down at her with a stupid, boyish grin. It’s a strain not to crush her in his grip. It is impossible to let her go.

Reya looks up into Ganan’s eyes with a look of mischievous defiance. His breathing ragged and labored with passion, the breath hot on her face. She pulls away but tightens his hold. The feeling of unyielding bronze, under soft, white cashmere, hard against her body. She twists, futilely in his grip, his fingers bruising her skin as he holds her firm. With a desperate need to complete their intimacy she tries to reach for his clothes to strip him, her smile contorting into a snarl as he frustrates her – keeping her pinned to the spot. Denying her what she wants; giving her what she needs. They wrestle in an entirely one-sided struggle as Ganan dominates her with his strength.

With a dancer’s grace, Ganan turns her, flipping Reya’s body around as easily as if she were a child’s doll. She pirouettes in his grip. His hands slip down the bare flesh of her arms, stopping at her wrists – his fingers encircling her. He pins her arms behind her back and Reya thrashes away from him, doubling in the middle, straining her shoulders as she tries to tear herself away. She bucks like a wild animal. Their bodies exert against each other, strength against strength. Reya’s efforts buy her half an inch and screaming pain in tearing muscles as she pushes herself to her limit to try and escape.

Ganan kicks Reya’s legs apart. Reya grunts, a primal sound of guttural passion. She bites down, clamping her jaw tight as she prepares to be conquered. Bracing herself she draws a great, shuddering breath and forces her body to go limp before the coming assault on her body.

He feels her go slack and releases his grip fractionally. Reya doesn’t hesitate, kicking her body forward with a massive surge of effort. Ganan releases her left wrist and Reya pulls that arm free. She staggers forward a step, pulling her body away from his. Her heart hammers in her chest as for a terrible moment she fears he might let her go free. She turns, her eyes locking with Ganan’s and she tries to take another step before she’s violently jerked to a stop. Her eyes play down from Ganan’s face, over the hard muscles of his shoulders, biceps, forearm until they settle on his right hand, still clenched immovable around her wrist. Using her free hand she claws at that hand, trying to peel it from her wrist. Fractionally, inch by inch, Ganan pulls her back in. Escape is impossible.

Ganan’s face is impassive, a mask of unfeeling stone. All except his eyes. His eyes shine with laughter: not the tender mirth of a game shared, but the cruel, mocking of a cat toying with a mouse. Reya stops clawing at his wrist and pounds her fist against his flesh. Her blows do nothing but elicit the slightest of gasps from Ganan as they fall: gasps of pleasure. She knows that her efforts are futile: he will have her. He pulls her all the way close against his body once more, this time face-to-face. He bends his neck, his lips inches from Reya’s. He lets her wait, not letting her go but coming no closer.

Reya thrusts herself up on her tip-toes, and wraps her free arm around the back of Ganan’s head, forcing her kiss on him. Boiling over with excitement, wanting him inside of her, pressed against her. When his lips don’t part, she bites them. He releases her wrist and pushes her down onto the bed. The luxurious Nellens silks break her fall. Softness against her bare skin.

She speaks the Burning Name, sorcerous fire flicking from her mouth in a vicious, serious attack. Fire that would strike a lesser man dead – for no lesser man could ever be worthy of her kiss. Let other women have soft pillows and peeled grapes and the precise adoration of obedient husbands. This conquest is not a game, not for Danireya, Matriarch, right-hand of the Empress. To feel the peace of surrender, she needs her defeat to be real – not to be safe. Ganan contemptuously smashes the flames aside with the back of his fist. A true smile cracks the emotionless facade on his face. He needs this too. And the understanding passes between them that there is nothing Reya can do to stop him from raping her into submission. Nothing except asking him to stop… and for a moment Reya fears the game is ruined, she rolls her eyes and fixes her mouth into a pout. And then he is upon her: his lips on hers, one hand clamped on her throat, the other between her legs.

The strangled “argh” of forced pleasure is ripped involuntarily from Reya’s lips under this new assault. Ganan’s tongue finds hers as his fingers plunge into the wetness between her legs. “Gods and dragons!” Reya gasps between passionate kisses, her body bucking wildly up against his.

After an eternity of seconds, Ganan pulls his fingers from Reya’s cunt and traces them in quick, firm circles around her bliss. Reya’s hands twist in the sheets as her body goes tense. She holds her breath as her climax nears, and she brings her legs together, squeezing Gan’s hand between her thighs.

Ganan doesn’t stop as he continues to work Reya’s clitoris bringing her to orgasm. As Reya cums, Ganan lowers his pants and pulls out his throbbing cock.

Reya regards Ganan, who is still fully dressed with his cock protruding from his pants, and she parts her legs, wanting him inside of her. With one hand she gropes her breasts as she snakes the other between her legs to stoke herself again. She is already soaked: her wanton hole slopping obscenely in anticipation.

“That’s enough. Lie still.” Ganan commands, his voice hard as a diamond.

Reya’s hands stop moving, and with heroic effort, she forces them up above her head. A tremor born of denial runs through her as Ganan positions herself between her legs. He lines his cock up with Reya’s pussy. She lies still and submissive, and Ganan forces his way inside her raw and aching cunt.

The slightest of resistance. Burning heat. Like opening a hot oven on a cold day. A rush of adrenaline. More than warmth and wetness, he feels a dam breaking within him. He feels power and potential and the blessed freedom that can only come from the most intimate kind of constriction.

As his engorged member violates her, Reya shudders in unbearable pleasure. With one hand Ganan pins both of Reya’s above her head. They fuck. Hard and wild, heedless of the others in the next room. Ganan and Reya’s bodies move as one in ecstasy.


He takes her with contemptuous possession, mocking her weakness with his eyes as she raises her hips to meet his every thrust. She abandons herself to passion. Matriarch and mother, station and hierarchy, are fucked away: slaughtered on the altar of her desire.


His mouth finds her neck. He trails rough kisses across her chest. He sucks and nibbles on her flesh as his free hand gropes and pinches at her. He uses her lewdly, mauling her without tenderness. He is a soldier claiming a foreign territory and extracting his tribute. Milk spills between his pinching fingers commingling with their blended sweat, and he sweeps his broad tongue across her body – tasting her but adding his saliva to the mess more than cleaning her up.


Reya’s heat consumes Ganan, subjugating him even as he defiles her. His rhythmic pounding misses a beat as waves of desire threaten to tear down his last edifices of self-control. Reya and Ganan grind together. Then she feels him break under the agony of rapture – unbearable even for him – and the knowledge that it was her sex that brought him low brings her to her second climax.


Ganan releases Reya’s wrists, and she dimly becomes aware of their aching. She lowers her hands to her sides as he pulls his cock free. She feels empty. She feels overflowing. She presses her legs together to shield her battered sex and drapes an arm over her naked breasts. Ganan tucks his cock away. Exhaustion, the realization of a fatigue born of the past year, claims him as he rolls off of her. They look at each other hungrily for a long moment. The feeling of their bodies pressed together. The awareness of their remnants still marring the other’s flesh.


And then Ganan looks away. He readies his firewand and turns away. “Get some sleep.” His voice is softer now, but somehow the command is all the more irresistible for its gentleness.

Reya makes a sound like a wounded animal and looks down at the strange body of a woman in the bed. She sees the blooming purple bruises on the woman’s flesh. The wracking, jerking movements of the woman’s body – soundless sobbing, like a seizure. A distant realization tells her that the body is her own. Deliberately she moves her lulling tongue around her open mouth and quieting the movements of her body as she takes ownership of herself once more. She is seized by a sudden desperate need to take a bath. If only she could wash away every trace of Ganan from her body… nothing else mattered but to submerge herself underwater. She juts an arm off of the bed wildly, reaching for her Collar, and feels the warmth of the Orichalcum beneath her fingers as she claws at it like a drowning woman… and then she releases her grip and lets the heavy collar fall to the floor with a dull thud, and knows she will not take a bath. That she would keep the feeling of her body on his until morning, until she was stale with the smell of him and had to go out once more to face the real world… and she smiles, and wraps herself in the silk sheets, cool against her battered flesh. Peacefully, she closes her eyes with a gentle sigh.

With great care, Ganan moves the baby next to Reya in bed and begins his night-time vigil.

****

The night passes without incident: the baby wakes several times through the night, but there’s no sign of treachery from House Nellens. Come the morning the Dragons dress, Ganan takes the baby and General Mirar arrives bright and early to invite them to breakfast. Once more he offers Reya his arm, and they take the lead with Melody, Ganan, and Udi walking behind.

“Huh,” Melody says.

Ganan raises an eyebrow, “Huh?”

Melody makes a dismissive gesture, “Nothing.”

Ganan stares at her for a moment, Reya laughs at one of Mirar’s inane “witticisms”.

They approach the dining hall of the Nellens manse, and Melody whispers to Ganan, “It’s Jorod. And Farad.”

“What? Who – Mirar?” Ganan says, pulling a face.

Melody makes a noise of irritation, “In the dining hall.”

General Mirar turns and gives a warm smile, “We are blessed with guests for breakfast.”

Servants open the dining room doors revealing what can only be described as a feast. Great banquet tables have been laid out, in a wide hall. There are a series of arches line the southern wall, leading to a garden courtyard – the smell of camellias and crocus flowers wafting in from the garden is overwhelmed by the scent of fried meats and roasted coffee. The northern wall contains a single passage, leading to another part of the palatial manse. The wall opposite the dragons contains a single doorway, behind the head table, but set to the side, from which servants pour back and forth without ruining the view of those seated in high honor. It seems that the guests of honor have already arrived. Seated at Nellens Gazal’s right hand is Oban and at his side Terel, Nula, Muli, Jorod, Tepet Agoram, and Sesus Coren. Terel’s entourage is seated nearby, with Ferad. Oban’s party still wears white clothes of mourning, the same as Reya and Ganan. Mirar leads them to their place in the banquette, within easy reach of Gazal and Oban.

The Dragons give a bow of greeting to their companions, so recently left behind. Mirar pulls out Reya’s seat and sits opposite her.

“We were most fortunate to catch Oban and his entourage. They were heading for Arjuf to break the Cathak siege on House Ledaal.” Mirar smiles – only Ganan takes his words at face value.

Servants appear, offering hot drinks. Melody and Reya take coffee, Ganan waves them away asking for water.

Mnemon Muli makes an excuse and rises from the table. Reya notes this, and politely covers for Melody, who rises to follow after him. Melody and Muli meet under an arch leading to an immaculately cultured garden.

“What’s going on auntie?” Muli asks.

“We entered the city on a mission for Mnemon.” Melody answers honestly, “We had no idea that you would be here.”

“The Cathak lines cross the border of Arjuf and Juche. House Sesus are launching attacks on the overstretched winter supply lines. An envoy of House Nellens intercepted us last night and insisted that Oban come to Juche… because of mother. We only just arrived.” Muli says.

“I’m sorry. We made a… non-standard entrance.” Melody smiles weakly, “You have a little sister.” She brightly, then pauses, “House Nellens is interested in a marriage alliance.”

Muli looks at her, “Are you serious? By the dragons you are serious!” He controls the volume of his voice, hissing, “I am a widower! I am in mourning.”

“And unfortunately for us, House Nellens and House Sesus hate each other: it’s a calculated insult.”

Muli pinches his nose and screws up his face in the way Melody has seen Reya do a million times before, “And mother couldn’t tell me this herself because…?”

Melody sighs, “Reya is trying to manage the situation. Things are really fucked.”

Muli chuckles, “Yes. Yes, they are.” He shakes his head and wipes the tears from his eyes, he offers Melody his arm, “Shall we?”

Beauteous Harmony walks into the dining hall at the same time Muli and Melody reappear and draws attention away from them. She is flanked by a pair of the dull, rocky Jadeborn: their arrival causes a little stir as Melody and Muli slip back to their seats.

The Jadeborn delegation presents themselves to Gazal and Oban.

“Why am I not encouraged by this?” Ganan asks as he forks eggs into his mouth.

Nellens Mirar smiles pleasantly at him, “It can be strange for outsiders to witness the Mountain Folk. We are quite used to them.” He turns his attention to Reya, “After breakfast, my matriarch wishes to discuss your proposal at length. Would you permit me a brief moment alone for a personal matter?”

Reya sets her cutlery aside and primly dabs the corners of her mouth. “It would be my pleasure.” She nods graciously, pulls her gloves over her hands, and makes an open palm gesture inviting him to lead on.

Melody nudges Ganan in the ribs as he continues to eat, oblivious to his wife leaving. “Dude, he’s making a play on your wife!” She hisses at him.

Ganan guffaws, “Poor fool.” With one hand, he waves a servant over and asks for more eggs, whilst the other comforts baby Lezabe.

****

*Smut*

Nellens Mirar leads Reya out of the northern passage further into the manse. They do not go far before he stops at a door, which he gallantly opens for her and gestures her inside. Poised and dignified, Reya walks into the room as Mirar follows behind, closing the door behind them. He locks the door and stands baring the exit.


The room is small. Perhaps what a patrician might consider “cozy” or “intimate”. The carpet is full and plush, yielding easily under Reya’s traveling boots. Drapes cover the stone walls that seem to radiate a gentle heat. Cushions and silks are piled on one side of the room creating a love-nest.


Though it’s hardly necessary, Reya draws on the inner flame of her power, reading Mirar’s intentions easily. This is no mission from his house: it’s clear that he simply wants to slake his lust.


“Choose your next words with grave precision.” Reya’s eyes narrow with carefully crafted poise, as she stands straight with her hands on her hips in a pose half-way between indigence and indifference.


Mirar sneers and her, and drops his pants to his ankles. His cock flops forward, bobbing in the air. He swings his hips from side-to-side making an obscene slapping sound as the bare flesh strikes his thighs. “Suck it, bitch!” He commands, sparks of power spitting from his lips.


Reya crosses over to him with a single stride and slaps him with her open palm across his face. Her palm sings with a searing stinging and Mirar gapes at her stupidly for a moment, unsure of what to do. Reya doesn’t hesitate: she wraps her hand around the base of Mirar’s cock and squeezes as tightly as she can. He yelps in surprise, and jerks his body backward. Thump! He strikes the door, the tightness around his cock only becoming more uncomfortable.


“I am not a patrician slut you can lure into a filthy cupboard.” Reya hisses through clenched teeth. Hard nails drive through the soft silk of her glove, biting into the vulnerable flesh beneath her grip, “I am a matriarch of House Mnemon. I am the Empress’s left hand. What could have possessed you to-” Her eyes narrow with scrutiny before going wide with understanding. She leans in and whispers into his ear with naked contempt, “You. Filthy. Little. Voyeur.”


Mirar’s cock twitches in her cruel grip. Reya runs the back of her free hand over his face condescendingly. Mirar’s breathing is fast and shallow. He tries to buck his hips: unsure of wanting freedom or more stimulation.


Reya pushes her power through her anima, and the temperature drops colder around her fierce grip. Her anima rises, her blue corona of power tinged with a flickering like fire and the smell of smoke in the air. Her hand coils like a serpent through the mudras of control and binding and her eyes flash violet. Before his brain can catch up with what’s happening, Mirar suddenly goes slack and his breathing returns to normal: the spell is cast.


Reya releases her grip as Mirar stands in a trance before her. With a butterfly touch, she runs a single finger from the underside of his cock to his frenulum. She smiles as it bobs and waves, bucking involuntarily under her touch. Even under his trance, Mirar’s breathing quickens, but under Reya’s spell, he does not move away. Her icy grip seems to burn his flesh: slicing through his most intimate limb with painful intensity.


“This is what you wanted.” Reya chides: grasping, twisting. Reya rubs her gloved palm roughly over the head of Mirar’s cock, feeling its warmth through the fabric. “You weak, dirty, spying little slut.”


Ensorcelled Mirar can only make a throaty noise. Addled by Reya’s attentions, the rest of Creation seems to have disappeared into a gray fog. All that is real to him is the pounding of her voice against his mind and the torture of his manhood in her grasp.


Reya reverses her grip and takes hold of Mirar’s cock in hand around the base. She leans in, pressing her body close against his, and cranes into nestling her head onto his shoulder. With agonizing slowness, she pumps her hand up and down, allowing the chill of her anima to dissipate as she coos softly into Mirar’s ear.


“You are not worthy of me Nellens scum. The blood of the Empress flows thick in my veins. You are gutter trash.” The words are spoken softly, with tenderness incongruous with their meaning. Her cadence matched perfectly to the unhurried rhythm of her hand. Mirar’s body sways softly in time with her grip, “You can never have what my husband has. But I require servants General Mirar. I could be convinced to allow you to serve me, as Mnemon allows House Nellens to serve her.”


She loosens her grip – practically releasing Mirar’s straining dick – and pumps her hand rapidly up and down. Only just touching the sides of Reya’s hand, Mirar jerks wildly despite his trance as the silk scrapes against him with only a feather touch. She keeps her body pressed close against his: her breath dancing on his neck, the warmth of her body pinning him to the locked door.


Without warning, she releases his member and grabs hold of his heavy balls, tugging at them playfully. He moans against his will, and she releases him. The sharp crack of her hand spanking his inner thighs fills the room, muted slightly by the soft furnishings. The expert ownership of his balls coupled with the unexpected stinging of her slaps draws out another moan. Reya giggles, the laughter rocking her body, pressing her closer against him as she takes hold of his cock once more. She rocks it with a tender motion, bringing him closer to orgasm. Running her other hand down over his body, she grips his balls, pulling viciously as she works his cock with tender care.


“Agree. To serve. My will.” Reya speaks the words firmly into Mirar’s ear as his body tenses. She slows her pace fractionally.

  “Yes… yes I will serve you.” His voice seems far away and unfocused. Speaking as if from under glass.


“Yes…?” Reya draws out slowing noticeably more. The cock in her hand pulses dangerously


“Yes, mistress.”

As soon as the words leave his mouth, Reya tightens her grip and pumps faster. Three sharp jerks and then she lets go just as his cock goes into spasm, shooting jets of thick ropy cum over the floor and Reya’s riding boot. Reya immediately grabs him again, pumping furiously, drawing out the last weak dribbles. Reya’s sorcery starts to wear thin as she continues to work his raw and throbbing cock.


Mirar moans as the intense sensations break his reverie and he starts to come back to his senses, “It’s… too much...” He gasps for breath. One hand finds the stone at his side. The other grabs hold of Reya, pulling her close as she continues to work him. “Please mistress,” He begs, “Let me go.” Even as he speaks the words, his arm pulls her tighter.


Reya increases her pace, gripping tighter. Her voice sultry, she whispers in his ear, “I’m only going to let you go after you cum for me. Waste your pathetic thin-blooded seed on my boot.” She shuffles her shoe through the wad of splooge on the carpet.

The tension in Mirar’s body grows. His back goes tense, his cock strains. Sweat forms on his brow. Reya’s scent fills his nose. He holds his breath, the sensation mounting in his cock unbearable… until finally, he explodes with a torrent of cum more prodigious than the first. Reya’s boot is placed perfectly and his hot load splatters over her foot as she gently eases him through his second orgasm, then releases his cock.

“Good boy, general.” Reya coos in his ear, releasing him. She brings her gloved hand to his face, enjoying the look of revulsion. She tuts disapprovingly as she forces her cum stained glove to his mouth.


Mirar parts his lips and obediently licks the glove clean. He fills the exhilaration of Reya stroking his hair, almost motherly in her affection as he suckles and licks.


Satisfied, Reya peels her gloves off, unhurried with deliberate precision. She tucks them neatly into Mirar’s pocket and gently lays a kiss behind his ear, “I shouldn’t have to tell you my pet.” She turns her head to look down at her boot. She massages his scalp playfully and pushes on the back of his head. Yielding, he drops to his knees and licks his cum from her boot, burning with shame as she twists her foot this way and that before offering her sole to his tongue. Finally, she places her foot on the back of his head and presses his face into the mess in the carpet.


“Now, doesn’t this feel right? Where you belong?” Reya implores sweetly.


Mirar doesn’t meet her gaze as he chokes out the words, “Yes mistress.”


“Good.” Reya’s voice is suddenly cold and imperious as she removes her foot – Mirar stays face down in his mess, “Now help me do this to the rest of your family.” She unlocks the door and returns to the dining hall.

****

Nellens Gazal rises, followed by Oban. She gestures to Ganan, Melody, and Udi, who rise as well. They head for the door to the northern passage just as Reya re-enters the dining hall, graciously standing to one side to allow Gazal and Oban to pass her before falling in behind them. Beauteous Harmony follows behind. Melody notes Reya’s bare hands but says nothing.

Ganan hands over a fussing Lezabe: Reya puts on the sling and feeds her as they walk. Gazal leads them to a gilded oak door and invites them into her private study.

Reya hands Lezabe back to Ganan, “Wind her. Wait here for us.”

Ganan opens his mouth to protest, his eyes doing a quick scan of the room, but seeing no obvious threat, he closes his mouth and takes the baby, “I will be right outside the door if you need me.”

Reya pats his chest affectionately, letting her hand linger over his tattoo, as she invites Melody to follow her inside.

Nellens Gazal sits behind a vast desk, every wall covered in shelves of books from floor to ceiling – locked behind protective wooden doors set with small glass panels. Oban is already seated to one side, leaving the chair opposite Gazal free for Reya, with Melody at her side. Udi takes a seat at the back of the room with Beauteous Harmony: two more empty chairs are set beside them – for Ganan and Mirar, no doubt. Reya sits, poised and dignified. Melody slumps into her chair, her bow dangling loosely in one hand. Reya swats her knee and she sits up straight.

Nellens Gazal smiles at them, “Just one more member of our company to join us before negotiations can begin.” She nods her head, “If you will forgive the delay: he seems to be running behind.”

Danireya says nothing, graciously bobbing her head in return.

The assembled company hears Ganan’s voice from outside, “Oh no! You are not going in there!”

The corner of Nellens Gazal’s mouth twitches into a knowing smile, “Ah, the last member of our party has arrived.” She gestures to Ledaal Ludila, “Let him in won’t you?”

Udi rises and opens the door, “You-?” She starts, “Cynis Ganan, let him pass.”

Reya exhales slowly, and in as dignified a manner as she can, she turns to see who is entering the room. Melody flips her head backward and tilts her chair.

Ganan is holding his tetsubo, standing ready to strike… but even his large form can’t block out the taller man behind him – at least not the dirty strawberry blonde hair mane that rises up, immediately obvious. He reluctantly stands to one side with a growl as the Dragon-Blooded strolls past him with a cocky walk. He kisses Udi’s hand, winks at Melody, and bows to Gazal, before taking a seat at the back of the room. Udi closes the door behind them and takes her seat again.

“Aharon Saber Edge,” Reya greets him as she rises smartly, “I was under the impression that you were still at the Enduring Breath of Hesiesh?”

Aharon does not rise, but he smiles broadly, “That is where House Ledaal would have me, but, unfortunately, my prior contract with House Nellens takes precedent.” He pushes his palms together and mouths the word ‘sorry’ to Ledaal Ludila.

Nellens Gazal explains, “The Most August Conclave of House Nellens anticipated that the other Great Houses would hire mercenaries as soon as war became imminent. House Nellens is, unfortunately, poor in the dragon’s blood but we are rich in jade – we took the precaution of hiring what Outcastes we could before the other Houses could think of snatching them up. Aharon here was instructed to spy on the activities of House Ledaal. Aharon, what is your assessment of Berit’s forces?”

Aharon smiles affably, as he waves a hand through the air as if musing on a piece of poetry, “Yes, I believe the Tripartite Alliance could retake the Imperial City from House Cathak. Victory for The Sisters is not assured, but from my time with them, I would wager they are the stronger force. Especially given what I am told from our Jadeborn allies about Mnemon’s new assets.” He bows theatrically to Beauteous Harmony.

Melody glares at the Jadeborn diplomat, her jaw tightening. Reya is impassive.

“Traitor!” Melody spits.

Nellens Gazal gives a soft laugh, “The Mountain Folk pledge their allegiance to The Realm, not to any one House. And, technically, we are all traitors to the Throne. But we all agree that we cannot allow Cathak Cainan to sit on that Throne a day longer than necessary.”

“Agreed.” Reya nods, her tone level, “If Beauteous Harmony has informed you of our strength and that information has encouraged you to join us, then no blame can be attached to her. Shall we begin negotiating terms? I can think of several Mnemon scions suitable for marriage.” She casts an apologetic look to Oban before turning her attention back to Gazal, “Though I believe you may already have a scion in mind.”

Nellens Gazal nods, “Indeed. Our spies, apologies, our mutual allies the Mountain Folk, tell me that Mnemon cemented its alliance to House Sesus with a pair of marriages. Your own son and daughter to Sesus Raenyah’s children. An impeccable pedigree on all sides. Such an arrangement will not be required to secure our alliance. As you say – House Mnemon has treated with us as equals, and we need strong blood to be injected into our house. My wife is recently departed,” Nellens Gazal takes a moment to compose herself, “I require a strong-blooded husband. One who will ease this alliance, not only with House Mnemon but with House Sesus.” She turns her attention to Oban, “I am truly sorry for your loss, Scarlet Oban.”

Oban nods respectfully to her.

Gazal continues, “There is an obvious choice of husband for me, should you meet my terms, I will join your alliance and subordinate my generals to Berit’s command. To overthrow the Usurper and set Mnemon upon the throne.”

Reya closes her eyes and thinks to herself: ‘forgive me Muli’. She clears her throat, “Mnemon will happily assent to any union you desire. It will be an honor to unite our families.”

Gazal smiles, slyly, and leans back in her chair, “Ah, I fear I have been misunderstood. House Mnemon has dealt with us fairly from the off – we don’t require a marriage alliance with you. But I should very much like to marry Oban.”

“Him?” Melody blurts out, and even Reya raises an eyebrow, “He’s not even part of House Sesus… no offense.”

Reya considers for a beat before turning to Oban with a quizzical look. She scrutinizing him: he looks disgusted. She turns her attention back to Nellens Gazal, “This may require some additional securities.” She says levelly.

“Five husbands. Dragon-Blooded. One for each of the major Sesus bloodlines. You will take whatever matches their matriarchs offer you. Am I understood?” Oban snaps, his voice shaking with emotion as he lays out his price.

Nellens Gazal nods, “Done.” She rises and offers Reya an outstretched hand, “A pleasure doing business with you.”

Reya rises and shakes. Oban storms out of the room and our heroes follow him as Nellens Gazal sits once more.

****

Oban tears out of the Nellens manse. His entourage packs up in confusion and follows after him as Reya, Melody, and Ganan approach. They trudge through the dirty Juche snow to where Oban sits by a frozen fountain.

“Are you okay?” Melody asks, laying a gentle hand on his shoulder.

“Can you sell this to the Sesus Matriarchs?” Reya asks, folding her arms across her chest.

Oban takes a deep breath, wipes the tears from his eyes, “Yes. This is the price we must pay to bring Raenyah’s killer to justice. To end the Iselsi threat. If you will continue to allow me the use of your children, I have preparations to make.” He turns away, then catches himself and turns back, “What new asset was that peacock talking about?”

Against her better judgment, Reya approaches Oban and drops her voice low, “A Thousand-Forged Dragon.”

Oban’s eyes go wide and he nods, “Good. That will do.”

The heroes withdraw as Oban’s entourage mill around him, clearly awaiting instructions.

“Wait for me.” Melody calls as she catches sight of Ferad and Jorod. She runs over to them and embraces them tightly. “We’ve only been apart two days and already I miss you. Did you see, Reya had her baby.” Tears well up in her eyes.

“I saw.” Ferad reassures her, stroking her hair. Jorod squirms uncomfortably.

Melody pulls them closer, “I can’t tell you how glad I am we formed a Kinship. Being able to feel where you are has given me peace through all of this.”

“I’m glad too.” Ferad says, his voice shaking a little with emotion.

Jorod wriggles free of his mother's grip, “Me too… mother.” He smiles awkwardly but with genuine affection at her.

She smiles back at him, “The Hearth is Shattered.” She turns and walks back to Ganan, Reya, Udi… and Aharon Saber Edge who has joined them.

****

Reya spends 8XP to train Vivacious Dragon Beauty.
Melody spends 8XP to train Cunning Beast-Mind Inspiration.
Ganan spends 8XP to train Shattering Fist Strike.
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Dynasty of Dovak