“Part of me does. Well I want to put up a few road blocks to certain paths of course. I don't want my first Amalgam trying to kill us like the other one did after all. She's not really powerful enough to be much help right now but she has a lot of room for growth. I think she's been feeding on the hope that everyone's been feeling with all the changes happening. Perhaps I should just let her nurture that hope and perhaps even encourage the life bloom to grow a bit.”

Alaina would have normally told Ridon about how dangerous letting such a spirit roam freely could be. It was possible that Ashas could end up being corrupted and turned from her current state into something else. Fortunately Ridon had taken her advice whenever forming the contract with Ashas so she had little concern for such things so long as she checked on the spirit from time to time. His desire to see her progress and develop was very encouraging as well. “Then would you say that you consider mostly finished?”

“No! No. There is still a lot to do. I mentioned the body just a little while ago after all. Rather then try to force her into a certain roll I'd really like to see how she develops.”

***********************************************************************************

Currently Joseph found himself looking at Maria's stomach. It had been two months since he'd been told she was pregnant and he still couldn't see any signs that she was pregnant. Though apparently other sisters could smell the change in her body now. Effectively at her current size her body didn't need to change much at all in order to carry the child. Especially in the child's current state of development. Part of him would have felt more comfortable if she would have shown some sign of being pregnant though at least she seemed certain of it. “Okay now what have you been thinking of as far as names for our child?”

Maria knew Joseph was thinking of their child whenever he looked at her. She didn't mind though and placed her hands on her stomach. “I've been having a really tough time with that actually. If we have a daughter I'm torn between Jillian and Katherine. If we have a son I was thinking either Jason or perhaps Elliot.”

“I think I prefer Elliot over Jason.”

“You do? How come?” Maria had to reposition herself a bit in order to set up. The soft material of the cushion she was setting on was nice but it offered limited support in certain positions.

“I don't know. I just think it sounds better.”

“Well what about the girl's names?”

“Katherine but where did you come up with that name? I mean it isn't the typical sister name.”

“I know it's a bit unusual. It's just well. These are different times and I was thinking about some of the books I've ready and the name just popped up in mind. Okay your turn. What are some of the names you've been thinking about?”

Joseph couldn't help but grin at Maria and feel a little awkward. He hadn't actually given names much thought as he had no doubt that Maria would be rather insistent on the subject.  “I thought it would be best if I left that up to you actually.”

It was impossible for Maria not to grin. Likely Joseph had heard how use the faelom were to naming their children. Whenever it wasn't guaranteed that the father would be a big part of their life it just became part of their society. Joseph was going to be part of their child's life though and Maria wanted his opinion even if that didn't mean she was going to go with the name he suggested. “Come on Joseph there has to be some names that you like. You might even know something better then I do. I promise that the worse thing I'll do is disagree with your suggestion.”

How strong of a disagreement did she mean? The thought made Joseph smile even as he took in a deep breath and settled down next to Maria. “Okay. How about Shannon if we end up having a daughter and Conner if we end up having a son?”

“Hm. Don't you think that would make our son sound like he's a tricky type? After all a con isn't a good thing.” As she spoke Maria once again leaned back so that while Joseph was setting up they would be closer to eye level. This also meant he didn't have to bring his head as far back in order to look into her eyes whenever he faced her.

“I don't believe so. I've always liked the name. In that case how about Brad?”

“Ugh no. I liked Conner more.” Maria couldn't help but giggle whenever Joseph gave her a rather annoyed look.

“I believe you're asking me for names just so you can disagree with me.”

“Well if I agree with you that means you're going to stop trying to come up with new ones.”

It was impossible for Joseph to keep from sighing and give his head a shake even as he smiled. He doubted Maria would drop the issue unless he came up with a name that she would really be happy with. At least he would need to come up with a name that she liked as much as the ones she'd suggested. “Okay. Okay give me a moment to think here. How about Ethan?”

“Hm well that might do.” Maria gave a sharp giggle whenever Joseph gave her a sharp smack to the thigh. “Hey now. I'm in a delicate condition you know.”

“That's why I only gave you one.”

“Ah! How could you!” Maria tried to push as much shock into her voice as she could but she ended up sticking her tongue out at Joseph.

“How have you been feeling since giving up your speed?”

“It has not been pleasant. My new responsibilities haven't been much fun either.”

“I thought you enjoyed helping out in the citadel.”

“I do but now I'm doing things that any sister could do. I really enjoyed making use of my speed to do things only that I could do. I felt more useful then.”

“I wouldn't say that. You're nurturing an unborn child. Now tell me how many sisters can say they're doing that right now?” It actually surprised Joseph whenever Maria seemed to freeze up for a moment. His heart seemed to become lighter as a massive smile appeared on her face and she looked down at her stomach. Both of her hands came to wrest just over their child and she rocked back and forth slightly before a small giggle escaped her.

“Yeah it is pretty amazing. This really is more important then anything I was doing before anyway. I believe that my exercise routine might have became even more intense since I became pregnant though! I can't believe how hard Alaina and Naidra had been pushing me. I was actually worried that having the glyph draining away my energies would end up depriving our child of the energy he or she needs to grow. They assure me that our child is fine though and that the exercise is actually quite good for them. I wonder. Do you think it has anything to do with forcing fresh energy into my body?”

“Do you mean like a river?”

After a moment of thought Maria gave a nod. “Yeah. You talk about how energy flows through our bodies. Well is there any difference between the energy we have in our body and the energy that flows into it as we use it?”

“I have no idea.” The thought actually made Joseph feel rather strange. Was it possible that mystic energy was like water? The longer it was stored within a person's body the more contamination that it suffered. How would that influence spell casting? What one of these energies would be more likely to reshape the body? If it truly was like water Joseph imagined it would be the fresh flowing water. After all it was moving water that tended to reshape the landscape. Typically flowing water was considered to be cleaner and superior to stagnant water as well. “That's quite a thought Maria.”

Removing her hands from her stomach Maria reached toward and pulled Joseph against her body. She wanted to hold him as well. She felt very happy in that moment as she considered the task before her. “So you believe that it's possible?”

“Well I'm sure that it's possible but that's an area of magic I really can't be certain about.”

“I'm surprised that one of the protectors hasn't shown up to answer the question. Well even if that isn't the case a fit body is better for carrying one then an unfit body. I have to make sure our child has as pleasant of an environment to develop in as possible.”

“And I have to make sure you have the nourishment to do that.”

“Yep! Joseph how about we go wonder around the citadel garden for a bit? I've been thinking that it's been quite some time since you and I went outside. I mean really wow. Now that I think about it I haven't been into the village for quite some time. I bet that the sisters living there were quite glad whenever the brothers began traveling there to eat again.”

“Yeah but now the dining area here is so empty. I believe it made the protectors feel a bit sad. It's kind of funny we look upon them as beings who need so little but they really seem to enjoy company.” Joseph didn't protest whenever Maria stood up taking him with her. He just let his body relax as she shifted his position so that she was cradling him against her body with one arm just underneath her massive right breasts. He could feel slight vibration run throughout that mass of soft warm flesh as she began to walk.

“Hey Joseph what are you going to do whenever I outgrow the citadel? I know some sections were designed for very large constructs but okay. What are you going to do if I outgrow the citadel?” In truth Maria had a very good idea of what Joseph was going to say. Despite what she believed she wanted to hear it from him.

“I'm going to stay with you of course. I plan on continuing to work here but that doesn't mean I'm going to have to live here.”

Joseph answer was what Maria expected and she gave her head a slight nod. “Then what are you going to do if I grow so large that I can't regularly carry here? I know that's a bit much but what if I end up as large as Zarena one day?”

Before speaking Joseph began to shift about in Maria's grip. She cooperated and helped him to raise himself up a bit further so they were closer to eye level.  “In that case I'll just have to make use of another means of transportation. I don't know. Perhaps there is some kind of magic item that would let me fly to the citadel that or maybe they even have a method of teleportation. I swear at times I believe I have an idea of what they have in the citadel then Naidra says something else to surprise me. If need be though I'll just have to set up a workshop at our home.”

“Thanks Joseph. I'm glad to hear that. I know a lot of sisters who's mate don't live with her. He's there to help with their child but he has his own home. I always thought that's how I'd end up. Like my mother. I'm glad that I won't have to be though. It never bothered me before but now that I have you well.” Maria lifted Joseph a bit higher and pressed her lips against his. She knew that he had important work to do. She had important work to do as well and they couldn't be together all the time but that didn't mean she was prepared to give him to his work.

“Just remember Maria you're the most important thing in this world to me. I don't believe I would be half as dedicated to my work as I am now if it wasn't for you. Though I should increase my efforts now that we have a child on the way. I need to insure that if we have a daughter she never has to deal with the hunger of the past.”

“I believe you've already solved that!” A slight chuckle escaped Maria as she considered the changes the life bloom and the glyph had brought upon. The life bloom wasn't even finished yet though as Maria considered the energy system Mirin was working on and Nathan's work as well. At times Maria doubted even Joseph fully grasped the potential of his creation. How many Luvarians had failed to do just that though and perhaps failed to realize the danger that their creation posed. “Hey Joseph have you considered making any modifications to your body?”

“Well I've been taking my medicine for a while now. Are you talking about something more drastic then the usual life extension?”

Was she thinking about that? As Maria looked at Joseph she remembered what Zarena had told her. It was a lot easier to protect something that was strong then something that was weak. She didn't think of Joseph as weak especially considering what he could do with his alchemy but he still had his fragile human body. “I believe that I am.”

“Hm what kind of changes are you imagining here? Would you like me to be strong enough that I could wrestle with our child if she turns out to be a sister and not worry about losing my life?”

The idea of Joseph being durable enough to play with a young sister made Maria smile especially whenever she considered what that would mean for their sex. Unfortunately she was worried about how drastic such changes would be. “Well that would be nice in more then one way. Joseph you're a very capable alchemist a lot of you have been. Why don't more alchemist or mages alter their body more extensively?”

“I guess it's a bit taboo. You see there is always the fear that if the alchemist alters themselves they won't be able to go back. What makes it even worse is the chance that later on you'll find a way to do even better but you can't because you've already changed certain features. This brings in the temptation to experiment on other humans. They can even be volunteers. In general the more extensively you seek to alter a human the more you have to move into unknown territory.”

“The Luvarians would alter the body of anyone who could pay their fee or offered a term of service just about. I wonder if it was their work that resulted in some of those taboos.”

“Yes! Absolutely yes. Believe me they're quite a few stories about the horrors of the Luvarians worked. They're stories about good kings that were turned into blood thirsty monsters. The major theme being a good king that the people didn't want to lose went to the Luvarians in order to extend their life span. While the Luvarians did extend their life span the king always returns as a corrupt monster. Now that I've had a chance to see the Luvarian's work though I'm not so sure that they corrupted the King. Then again I'm not sure if they would have cared what type of person the King was so long as he upheld his end of their agreement.”

“Well how do you feel about it?”

How did he feel about altering his body? Joseph knew that the Luvarians had extensive knowledge on such subjects and there was Julia of course. She had drastically altered her body. He had also spoken to her about some of the complications that had come with her new body. All the spirit hunters would be expected to alter their body to some extent as well. “I can't say that I'm a fan of self experimentation. Plus well this may seem strange but the idea of working on myself doesn't give me the same thrill as trying to better you does.”

Maria couldn't help but give Joseph another kiss in response to his comment. “Really?”

“Yes really.”

“That's so sweet but I want you to better yourself as well. After all. Why do you think I've been forcing you to exercise regularly?”

“Well you have a point there. What do you have in mind?”

“Like you said earlier. Increased durability would be nice and I'd like to see if you could augment your rate of healing as well just in the event there was an accident. I imagine that would be pretty hard though.”

“Well yes. In general the tougher something is the harder it is to repair. I don't know Maria. I'm not sure if I could get into self modification as much as I enjoy working on the life bloom or glyph. How about I ask Naidra or Alaina about body modifications for a Luvarian?”

“You don't think she'll just try to teach you how to do it yourself?”

“In this case I don't believe so. I have my own projects after all and I'm not looking for knowledge or understanding I'm looking for a service. The only thing I'm worried about is if my rank is sufficient or not.”

Would the protectors actually give their help freely like that? At times Maria felt like they enjoyed making someone earn benefits. Her mind did drift to how they had began to feed the apprentices living at the citadel and how certain apprentices received nicer meals then others. These were just apprentices in the eyes of the protectors so perhaps they would be willing to provide such a service to Joseph. “Well there isn't any danger in asking them.”

“Maria now tell me. You know that Dan is working on a way to keep the sisters from outgrowing the forest while still developing. I've been helping him a bit. What would you prefer though?”

“Um is being able to change my size an option?”

“I don't know about that. Well with what we're working on now there is no way of knowing what abilities you'd develop.”

To this Maria gave a nod. “I'm not really sure. I don't like the idea of having to live like Zarena is. I know she's making the best of it but well you've seen what she has to make due with. It's not like she can really make herself a bed and shelter is an issue. She says that at her size the rain doesn't bother her and I'm sure it doesn't but still. She really can't enjoy her food cooked like we can and she has to be so mindful of where she is walking all the time.”

“So you're hoping to keep a more compact size.”

“Well yes but I also think of all the naughty little things I could do with you at that size.” A slight chuckle escaped Maria as she used her free hand to brush against Joseph's crotch. “We can normally smell a sister's scent on a brother after she's mated with him but Nathan and Zarena take it to an entirely different level. Don't you think you'd enjoy exploring breasts larger then you are? Perhaps doing some diving?”

Maria's tone had changed and Joseph could feel its influence. She'd also shifted him so that she was rubbing him against her breasts now. He did enjoy being with her at whatever size she was and the first time at a new size was always nice as well. “That does sound interesting indeed but is that what you really want?”

“No. Not permanently. It sure beats being hungry all the time of course!” A slight chuckle escaped Maria as she relaxed her hold on Joseph a bit. She still kept him pressed against her chest though so she could rub her right breast against him a bit. “I wonder what changes my body would undergo if Dan's project works out though. Hm what would you do if I had to go to sleep for oh let's say four weeks in or for the adaptation to kick in?”

“Spend four weeks not exercising.”

For a moment Maria just looked at Joseph. She hoped that he didn't mean that. After all the time and energy he'd put into training his body to its current condition surely he wouldn't let himself degrade like that. Despite telling herself that she couldn't help but worry and gave Joseph a quick smack upside the head. A satisfying ouch came from him as he rubbed his head. “Don't you dare! I swear you'd be in so much trouble if I woke up and found out you'd let yourself go. Those treatments only go so far. Besides I'm not going to have you losing any of your stamina or durability.”

A soft chuckle escaped Joseph as he understood Maria's implications. “Hey Maria what are you going to do if Dan's research pays off? I mean about our child. If we continue like we have been you're going to continue growing. What would you do?” It surprised Joseph whenever Maria looked rather concerned for a moment. Likely she hadn't considered that Dan's research could mean for their child.

“Wow. That is not an easy question to answer. The larger I let myself grow the more difficult it'll be to take on a smaller size. I don't want to abandon our child though. I suppose well. If a mutation was guaranteed. Then perhaps after the first year if I would only be down for a month I could trust you and my mother to take care of our child or my sister. Then again perhaps Mina could help as well.”

“Is that everyone?”

“Who else do you have in mind?”

Now Joseph was made to laugh before shaking his head. “Wow I bet if they were listening that really hurt the protector's feelings.”

“Ah whoops! Sorry about that. Yeah they're good care givers as well.” Maria brought Joseph closer and quietly whispered in his ear. “You don't think they'll find a way to be even harder on me later for that do you?”

“Well they don't seem the vengeful types to me.”

“Me either.”

“But then again I imagine that comment really upset them.” Joseph set up as Maria gave him a slight pout. If the protectors had been listening to them he doubted there was any taking the comment back at this point. Fortunately he trusted them to take it easy on Maria for the sake of their child if nothing else.

“And here I thought you were going to be comforting. It'd be hard in either case though. I know that it would seem like a blink of an eye to me but I'd worry how our baby would see me whenever I returned.  Oh and what I might miss! Can you imagine if I missed our baby's first steps or words because I was sleeping? If I waited though then I could end up having to miss entire years and of our baby's life in order to bring myself down to the proper size as well as the time I would miss with you.”

“If we're able to complete Dan's project.”

“Yeah. If we can't where were you thinking of moving to? Should we try something on the ocean front or perhaps on the edge of the forest?”

“I can't say I'm very comfortable with the sea. I was born and raised inland after all but I would like to avoid things that are going to bring about undo confrontation. I know the more faelom living around the forest the more attention you're going to get.”

“You don't believe I'd scare them off?”

“Honestly I'm worried they would do something desperate. What would you do if they started trying to offer you sacrifices?” Joseph actually felt relieved whenever Maria frowned a bit. Apparently she didn't like the idea and the notion showed through in her tone.

“I would set them down and explain that I'm not there to invade or demand tribute. Rather I hope that we can be good neighbors. I guess they wouldn't believe me considering all the times we've slaughtered intruders. Oh that is going to make reaching out to the outside world again so difficult. Did you know that we've been talking about opening up trade with the outside world again? Well by we I mean the keepers and guardians.”

“Really? I thought that would be something the brothers would handle.”

“We've been so scared that someone would find a weakness of some time to exploit that we didn't want to risk trading. We couldn't risk depending on the outside world for resources because later on they might cut us off. That doesn't seem like the way to do things now. I'm still arguing against depending on the outside world. We shouldn't shut down the tannery for example. We should keep it functional but that doesn't mean we can't begin trading. Then there is the issue of the claimed as well.”

“You've been talking about that?”

To this Maria gave a quick nod. “Well it started as talks about the distrusted and the progress some of them have made. Well that and the orcs. Did you know that some faelom had been sleeping with the orcs at the sea front village? I've heard a lot of them praising the orcs for being more durable then brothers but others bring up issues. Such.” Maria was a bit surprised whenever Joseph spoke up.

“Hold up! I don't need to know what's different about sleeping with the orcs. Let's just get back to the claimed issue.”

Maria gave a slight giggle as she noted the rather alarmed look on Joseph's face. “Well alright. There has been some speculation that the distrusted may actually have their origins in how we treat the claimed. Even those who don't believe such theories are beginning to believe we could treat the claimed better. Now rather then working on a system of regaining your life we're thinking about switching to a compensation system.”

It actually made Joseph feel very good to hear this. While he had come to appreciate the forest society that society was changing and the claimed system wasn't something he wanted his child to experience in anyway. “So you're going to assign a value to trespassing and perhaps being rescued?”

“That's right. We're also thinking about releasing certain claimed that would have clearly earned their freedom under the new system. Before we can do that though we have to make sure systems are in place to replace the goods they produce thus talks about trade once again.”

“When do you plan on bringing this to the brother's attention?”

“Not for a while. After all resource gathering has always been our responsibilities.”

For a moment Joseph wasn't certain what to think. He had been working with the brothers for so long and making decisions with them he had almost forgotten how much authority wrested with the sisters. They were the ones who chose when someone should no longer be claimed and promoted them through the ranks until they were ready to become a full brother. It was only at that point that the brothers were given the final say as to whether or not this person should be allowed to join them. He knew that they had trade deals with some of the outside world but it was the sisters that went to meet them. It felt kind of strange to be told that he wasn't going to be part of the decision making process yet it also made him feel a bit lighter. “So what are your plans for opening up trade with the outside world?”

“We're kind of torn. We're thinking about hiring a consultant. Someone we already had trade deals with to introduce us to the outside world again and open up trade. There are others though that want you, Markus, Dan and some others to begin dealing with the outside world for us. You do have experience with such things after all. One thing we're considering is using the fishing village as a starting point. They have a harbor after all. So perhaps we could build a large ship, crew it with orcs and brothers then send you to a port with some goods to begin trading.”

For a moment Joseph wasn't certain what to say. The sisters were truly talking about sending the brothers out of the forest? It almost seemed impossible. “What about protecting the brothers?”

“Well there is of course talk about having a sister or two join you. We've even talked about having Zarena travel behind the ship in order to keep an eye on the traders. Those sisters who have been working with the orcs seem certain that a ship crewed with capable mage brothers and prepared alchemist as well as orc warriors would be capable of arranging a trade deal or escaping safely if need be. Honestly that that's been a really hard sell. Most of the talk has been about establishing land routs and what nation we should open up trade with first. We've even talked about sending half a dozen sisters into the nearest large town with some goods and seeing what they can bargain for.”

Given the stories about the forest and the history Joseph immediately noted one thing wrong with such a plan. “Maria I have to say. The further out you can go the better. The closer someone lives to the forest the more likely that they've lost someone to you or have been horrified by the stories.”

“We know but the further we go the further we move from our food source as well. Now some sisters are talking about instead of growing perhaps they should focus on the glyph and work on cutting how much they need to a fourth of what it currently is. That would make traveling far easier and safer for them. Unfortunately they aren't many sisters that really want that position especially long term.”

“I can understand but it wouldn't have to be long term. It would just need to be until trade was flowing more freely. Have you considered where the trade should take place?”

“That's another problem. We know if we started inviting them into our forest it's going to increase the chances of it being stolen from. Initially we suspect that we're only going to be able to convince the very desperate to come and trade with us. There is a lot of dark history to deal with after all.” A sigh escaped Maria as she gave a slight shrug. “Really ours talks have only revealed what a mess we're dealing with. Tera said that she has half a mind just to take some goods, walk to the nearest human settlement that looks like it could do some trading and see what she can come out with. Then repeat that a few times and see what happens rather then setting around and talking about it the entire time.”

***********************************************************************************

Tera felt very awkward. She hadn't meant to shoot her mouth off like that but the words had just came out. Now she found herself stepping into a human settlement and immediately noted all the strange looks she was getting. She could hear some bows and arrows being readied but knew she couldn't attack in retaliation. If they did open fire on her she was to leave. At least she wasn't alone as Alexa was currently standing with her. Still she shifted the satchel on her back before walking on and glancing over at the keeper. “This feels so awkward.”

“Just retain your calm.” Alexa had greeted claimed before and even been several of their keepers. She had talked to them about their homes and what they were like. She had something of an idea of what to expect but they were several things she didn't care for. The great concentration of humans and their relatively weak noses resulted in a horrible stink that soaked into the environment. She would have to dip her feet into boiling water whenever she got home before she began to feel clean again and they were staying on the main road. As the people began to thin out she realized there chance to trade and not invade was moving away from them as well. Stepping forward she looked towards a group of guards. “Greetings. My name is Alexa. We don't mean to intrude we've only came here to trade some goods.”

The town they had chosen lacked a wall and of course lacked a gate as well. It was the smallest settlement they could find that might have some of the goods they were looking for. Alexa knew that they had to have a smith. They had seen the workshop from a distance and if they had a smith that would mean they had metal to trade. The only problem would be if the smith was willing to trade for what they'd brought. Alexa imagined they might have to go through a series of trades. Their first objective would be to find an alchemist or the closest thing to an alchemist that might give them a fair deal. That or someone that would be interested in some hides.

Everyone had heard the stories of the creatures that lived in the forest but none had actually seen one. Now two of them were walking down the main street and to everyone's surprise they spoke and quite well as well. This revelation seemed to frighten them even more. William walked towards them with the confidence of someone that was full of years and doubted he had many more to go anyway. “Hello Alexa I am William Potter. What exactly have you come to trade for?”

Alexa gave Tera a slight nudge who spoke up. “Hello William. I'm Tera. We were hoping to trade for some iron, bronze, as well as other metals if possible and perhaps some leather or clothing as well.”

This seemed to shock everyone who began to look around. William himself was rather surprised. From the stories he had half expected them to be asking for humans to eat or perhaps babies. As he looked up at the massive beings he took a few steps forward. The fact that he didn't even come up to the crotch on either of the females became more and more obvious the closer he came to them. “I see. Well then it sounds like you want to speak with the smith. We have one. What exactly did you bring to trade though?”

Tera wasn't thinking much as she took a few steps towards William. At least she didn't think much of it until the crowd moved further away from William leaving him even more alone. It was too late now though and she removed her pack and placed it on the ground opening it up revealing several jars and dried roots within. “Oh we have lots of good things to trade. We have some powdered basilisk bone.” Tera responded by holding the jar up for everyone to see. “We have some dried slumber flowers, bearded tongue grass, red caverus leaves and several other goods.”

***********************************************************************************

“So how did it go?” Flora had a wide smile on her face. She really didn't need to asks she could smell the iron and copper on Tera as well as see the massive cart she was packing. The wheels had been removed and several very thick ropes held the contents in place. She had a massive smile as she set it down on the ground.

Alexa, “It went amazing. We had to prove we were being honest about what we were carrying and most of the humans stayed away from us but there were a few who approached especially this one fellow named William. He was actually the one that traded us for most of our goods in the beginning then paid the blacksmith for the materials. I believe we about gave him a heart attack.”

Mira, “Whenever he first saw you?”

Tera, “No! Whenever we started showing him all the things we'd brought to trade. Some people started getting really close whenever we showed what we had especially whenever we gave some samples to prove that it was good. Then he invited us back to his home and introduced us to a few people. They actually bought everything from us and well had the smith load us up. I believe we might have taken just about every scrap of metal that wasn't currently made into a tool or part of something in the town.”

Rather then speaking right away Flora picked up a large iron nail. “Are you sure about that?”

Tera, “Yeah! Those were already in his shop. I just hope they didn't give us all of this to get rid of us. I would hate to think we scared them into giving more then what we brought was worth.”

Alexa, “I doubt that. Did you listen to their hearts and smell them? They were happy with the deal.”

Mira couldn't help but clap her hands excitedly as she listened to the good news. “That's wonderful! Now when are you going to be going back to keep an eye on them?” It had been talked about before Tera went. Everyone knew that anyone associating with the forest even a town could draw unwanted attention. They didn't want to start trading with people only to have others slaughter them. So they had worked out an observation rotation that would last three months.

Tera, “Well that depends on if my dried life blooms, potions and glyph are prepared.”

Rather then speaking Flora proceeded to retrieve a large pack. “We have everything you're going to need for a two to three week stay away from home right here. Nora will be joining you shortly. We'll be sending someone along to relieve you in three weeks at the very latest.”

Tera gave a slight nod. “I'm guessing you included some books.”

Flora, “Naturally.”

Mira was still looking at the iron and had picked up a large piece of it. It felt light to her yet she still could appreciate how much it must have added to Tera and Alexa's weight. “What was it like carrying this through the forest?”

Alexa, “Slow and uncomfortable. All the extra weight made the ground shift even more and the noise the metal made with nearly every step was so annoying after a few hours of walking.”

A slight chuckle escaped Tera as she nodded her head. “You wouldn't believe how annoying it was whenever the metal would really begin rubbing together.”

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“Dad, Dad, Dad.” Dremera couldn't contain her excitement as she managed to get the words out. It had taken her several days of trying to make the sound right much to her frustration. Forcing her vocal cords to work just right had been more then a little annoying. Now she could form the words though and she was happily doing so. Especially since it meant that her father was doing something he hadn't done in quite some time. He was holding her up. At least he was in a sense. Currently Dan was holding her while Mina held both of them off the ground all three of them hugging one another. The little girl's excitement could be heard in her voice as well as her heart for those with the right ears.

Dan had known that sisters learned faster then humans did. Given how dangerous they could be even while young this was a good thing. Despite that knowledge he had been very excited whenever he heard Dremera finally clearing being able to say dad. He had actually picked her up without much regard to himself and worried that he might have pulled some muscles in his back. He wasn't really thinking about that as Mina held them both up laughing happily. It was only whenever he calmed down that he remembered they were others in the room and looked around. Joseph seemed positively stunned while Mirin, Nathan and several others had a large grin on their faces.

It would have been easy for Lestel to stop Dremera whenever the young girl had suddenly began sprinting towards the meeting room. She had chosen not to. Thanks to the other protectors she knew that the brother's meeting could easily do with such an interruption. Mina had already been in the room with several other keepers and she believed it would make for a nice surprise. Now she silently watched as the young girl continued to voice her approval for her father while the others smiled and watched quietly until Mina finally remembered to set Dan and her daughter down giving them both a quick kiss on the cheek before doing so.

Mirin, “Dan I do believe your daughter is speaking a bit sooner then normal.”

Dan, “You believe so?”

As if expecting an answer most looked towards Flora. Flora for her part gave them a large grin. This put Flora in a bit of a situation. She didn't want to lie and Dremera had began speaking a bit early but Maria had actually beat her in saying her first words. “She's learning really quickly.”

“Yes she is.” Dan couldn't stop smiling as he hugged his daughter again. It felt awkward to think of how young she was considering her size but he'd seen Pera and her friends grow up so he had been somewhat prepared for this. The initial stages of growth for a faelom were extremely rapid and slowed down once their bodies weren't quite so fragile. As his memory caught up to him Dan felt a little awkward though. “I hope no one minds if Dremera sets with me while we continue.”

There was no complaints and even the seat next to Dan was left open as the apprentices, faelom and one lurvarian began to settle down once again. It was Nathan who spoke up though he was smiling at Dremera more then speaking with anyone else. “So it seems our sisters first attempts at trading went pretty well.”

It wasn't normally Markus's intention to show up at such meetings. But he'd been let in on the secret as far as the citadel goes as had Mirara. Now he had to speak up. “Oh no. I'm glad they found some people who were willing to trade with them but believe me that William fellow got the better end of that deal. If he can even get a third of what those items were worth his profits are going to be the type that they tell stories of.”

Mirara, “Now Markus. How much would you value that iron's worth in our society?”

Markus didn't comment right away but took a moment to consider how much iron had been brought back and their general need. A horse could be worth half a kingdom to the right person in the right situation and salt could be worth its weight in gold. “Okay you have a point there. Okay what do you mages and alchemist think?”

Dan, “When I compare how easily we could replace the traded items to the iron we came out ahead in that trade. That was before we started all the building and work. Yeah we needed those metals pretty badly and the cloth is nice as well. I'm kind of surprised they were able to find as much as they were really. I wouldn't have expected such a small town to have that good of a selection.”

Markus, “Good timing?”

“I suppose but it doesn't really matter. How goes the town's observation?”

Flora, “Well about a week after the sells a heavily protected wagon left the town with a few people. Likely they're going to sell some of the goods for more then they could get in the local market. Several wagons worth the goods and other supplies came back a bit over three weeks later and the town has received some visitors sense then. Tera and Nora didn't report anything too troubling but then again I'm not sure how much people talked about our visit.”

Mirin, “Has their been any signs of people moving closer to the forest's edge?”

Flora, “There hasn't been anything I heard of.”

It was hard for Mirin to be sure if he was glad to hear this or worried. They were some things that were simply rare in the forest and the more trade they could get going the better off they would be. At least they'd be better off if the price was right. “I believe we need to set up some trading locations.”

Flora, “We've already debated that.”

Mirin, “Oh. Well what did you decide?”

Mirara, “We sent some sisters to the north and south to look for areas that would be good to meet on. Nice open areas were you could easily see a trap. We're also talking to the orcs about using the ocean front village for trade. It is their village to after all. Um Kersara reported that the orcs wanted to know why we were going to the humans to trade for processed leather. Their war leader Kelah says if the scent of processing leather is that hard for us to tolerate they orcs will do it for us. They just want to keep one out of ten equal quality hides as payment.”

Mirin, “Kelah wasn't she here a little while back?”

Julia, “No. Kersara requested some information and copies of certain books on her behalf. I sent them to her a few days ago.”

As Dan listened to the others speaking his hands were busy. Currently his right hand was wresting on top of Dremera's head which was leaning against him. The young girl seemed to be quite content for the moment though she made it clear her attention was focused on him. Dan returned this by keeping her in a slight embrace. “You're a good girl Dremera even if you do hold a grudge from time to time.” Dan risked looking away from his daughter for a moment as Mina placed a hand on each of them. Currently she was setting behind them. Even if the meeting was suppose to be business it was fairly clear no one minded Dremera's presence. This would have felt strange to Dan at one time but after coming to realize how precious children were to the faelom and their culture he didn't worry about it.

Mirin, “I could have sworn she was here. What did she want anyway?”

“Just information on Nightfang. She sent some information along with the messenger. Well that and any information about the ancient spirits that we felt comfortable sharing. She sent her assurance that they would send a shaman to repay the knowledge at some point.” Julia grinned whenever Mirin didn't hesitate to give a nod. Apparently no one thought much about sharing such information given their current relationship with the orcs. The information wasn't the type that would be restricted anyway. It was not only extremely old but had nothing to do with the weaknesses of the faelom. “I actually wanted to talk to you all about that.”

Nathan, “What is it?”

“I was comfortable sharing information with the orcs. However, I don't believe we should treat information about the spirits even the dated information like it has no value. I believe that information should be restricted to our allies and full brothers at this point. Now I know most of the spirits mentioned in the old records have been replaced but the simple truth is those that do remain from such a long time ago are quite powerful. I noticed a few of the spirits that were noted as being weak by the luvarians are still around and they aren't weak anymore.”

For a moment no one said a thing but looked around at one another. Nathan spoke up again. “Is there anyone you would recommend to manage that information.”

Julia, “I wouldn't mind handling it myself. Well Ridon due to your recent work with spiritual beings I would appreciate your help.”

Ridon, “That would be fine. Still, we should divide the records into spirits that we know are still around, spirits that we know have died out and those we aren't certain of. I can't imagine there is any danger is letting people study the history of spirits that are no longer with us.”

Lestel, “Oh yes there is!” Lestel couldn't help but chuckle whenever everyone gave her a rather surprised look. While everyone in the room was in on the secret the protectors didn't tend to speak up very often amongst some of them. “By studying the history of spirits especially certain type of spirits you can gain knowledge about their nature and how to best deal with them. What's more important is spirits do tend to carry traits on from their predecessors. These traits may change in time or be fazed out but those traits that remain could still be used to influence the spiritual representation of the forest.”

Mirin, “If they're so dangerous what were they doing in the apprentices library?”

Lestel, “Because when you have several solid contracts with the more powerful spirits of the forest and a large group of well trained spirit hunters the information becomes a lot less dangerous.”  

There was a moment of silence that moved throughout the room as everyone seemed to take a moment. It was actually Julia who chose to speak up. “So you believe that it's safe to share this information with the orcs given that they're our allies?”

“We. The protectors do. We wouldn't have allowed you to remove any information from the library if we didn't believe it was worth the risk. That does not mean you shouldn't use your own judgment in such matters. We thought your choices were quite wise Julia including the information you chose to withhold.”

Nathan, “Hm what exactly did you withhold?”

“Well there was information on spirits that were contracted in order to help reshape the bodies of the spirit hunters. One of these spirits may actually remain. The spirit of the rivers that flow throughout the forest if she still remains may still uphold her end of the deal once I can figure out how to contact her. This was apparently done on a person to person basis with a fixed payment and method of payment. Unfortunately the method used to contact her was lost with the original spirit hunters.”

Nathan, “How did that work?”

Lestel wasn't too surprised whenever everyone looked to her rather then Julia. Her response was simply to point at Julia which apparently prompted her to speak up. “From my studies they would simply have someone who had undergone the process or who had a contract with the spirit make contact. This worked really well until all the spirit hunters were lost.”

Dan, “Huh. I know how you could use alchemy to reshape the body.”

“Dad!”

A soft chuckle escaped Dan as he gave his daughter a quick kiss on the head and continued to rub her head for a moment. Apparently she didn't want him to spend too much time not paying attention to her. “I wonder how a spirit doing the same thing might differ. Considering waters influence on the landscape though I suppose they're a natural choice for such procedures.”

Julia, “Indeed though this spirit was apparently more then just a spirit of water it was what she was primarily known for. Unfortunately I don't know what else she was known for which honestly frightens me. You see that's also why I didn't share this information with the orcs. Apparently the spirit in question valued secrecy a great deal. Hey wait a minute. Lestel can you tell us the spirits name and the second aspect of her nature.”

“No. I will only give that information to a spirit hunter. It's part of her agreement. If you want to have any hopes of renewing that contract you'll be certain to keep to the old terms of the agreement.”

“So you'd help me make a contract with her?” Julia felt a little awkward whenever Lestel bit down on her lower lip for a moment and seemed to be thinking. “Is there a reason why every spirit hunter didn't have a contract with her?”

“Yes.”

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Alexa felt strange. Immediately she gave her head a quick shake and pushed that thought from her mind. Strange didn't even begin to explain how she felt at the moment. The sisters had received their first shipment of treated leather from the orcs a few days ago and the keepers had began talking to their trusted claimed about setting them free and where they would like to go. Over half of her claimed had proceeded to ask if they could stay on as labor and continue to develop their skills. Of course the trusted claimed tended to learn more valuable skills then what was taught to those who had done less to prove themselves. These skills would naturally be very valuable to them in the outside world but it wasn't just that. Several of them had mentioned they see a change coming and they believed they were in a good position to take advantage of it.

It wasn't just the trusted claimed though. Naturally word of what was happening had reached back to the claimed that had yet to earn that trust. It was as if the possibility of being granted freedom had triggered a change in their thinking. This had only become more pronounced whenever she had told them that she planned to begin freeing them as soon as their new supply chains had been established and tested. Even some of the ones that had tried to run had come to her asking if they might be able to stay as a member of the community and begin their mystic studies.

Kiara, “Hey Alexa what are you doing?”

The voice of another proved to be a welcome distraction. Alexa was actually a bit surprised whenever she saw Kiara though she looked bigger then she remembered. “Kiara what happened to you!”

“Huh? Oh you mean this!” Kiara couldn't help but grin as she flexed her right arm showing an even more developed muscle then she had before. “It's my sister Julia. She wanted a training partner and came to me. Well that and she's been helping me with that new glyph technique. I swear.” For a moment Kiara went silent as she stretched her body feeling her muscles pop as she did so. The relief that she felt with the release of tension was almost enough to bring a moan of pleasure from her. “Those changes to her body are really something else.”

“So she's able to fight on par with you?”

“Oh I wouldn't say that it's a bit dependent on the environment. Get this we've been fighting with me inside that glyph of Joseph's but Julia has found a way to tap into it in order to use it to drain my energy like she would normally do a human or other living thing. It's kind of frightening and it really takes a lot out of me but I guess the results are worth it.”

For a moment Alexa wasn't sure what to think. She had been told Joseph had designed the glyph so it  couldn't be weaponized. “How is she doing that? We were told that it couldn't be used as an effective weapon against us.”

“I asked my sister the same thing! Well apparently Joseph may be a better alchemist then my sister but she knows more about draining life from others then he does. Plus from what she told me the glyph we were using was anything but an effective weapon.”

“Meaning it's too hard to use in a real battle?”

“Yes. She said if I really wanted to disrupt the magic I would just need to drive my fist into the ground or foot or claws.”

For a moment Alexa said nothing but then gave a nod. “Yeah I can see where that would prevent the glyph from being used as a weapon. It isn't that it can't harm us. If we just have a little common sense we can neutralize the threat. Still impressive results.”

Nodding her head Kiara held both hands in front of her and made fist while tightening up her arms and upper body. Even through her fur her swelling muscles could clear be seen. “Well I'm not on par with Kersara that's for certain. She doesn't even have to flex to look this buff. Anyway, what has you looking confused.”

“My claimed for the most part. You know the talks we've been having about weather or not the claimed have repaid their debt to us and well if we might have gone a little too far.”

To this Kiara gave a nod. “Yeah but didn't we resolve not to worry about past debts? We're starting fresh with a new system with clear offenses and punishments for them. I swear that still feels strange. I mean. We've always trusted the keepers to provide an even hand whenever dealing with such things. I always thought you did a really good job.”

Alexa gave Kiara a smile before looking down at the ground for a moment. “I tried. Then again I can't say we were always in agreement. It's not like we're going to be taking all the decision making from the keepers anyway. That isn't what I'm having trouble with. Well I talked to my trusted claimed about our meetings and what my intentions were. I was planning on promoting them even if we didn't agree to the new system and to forgive the old offenses.”

“Which would be well within your right according to the current system. Can you imagine how mad that would make some of the ones that want to stick with the notion that being captured in the forest means losing your life and you must earn it again?”

“I'm sure such actions could lead to some heated comments. Anyway, a lot of my trusted claimed started saying that they'd rather stay and at least get a few more years experience to better learn their trade. Even amongst my regular claimed though several of them expressed a desire to stay and learn one of the more advanced trade. It's like. When they thought they'd never regain their freedom they were desperate to escape. Now that their freedom is setting right in front of them they want to stay and see what they can learn.”

Kiara didn't say anything right away but took a moment to let what Alexa was saying sink in. After a moment of consideration she couldn't help but grin. “Well of course. Their freedom was extremely important to them so of course they pushed other less important things to the back of their mind. Now that they feel confident they're going to regain their freedom their minds are shifting to the next most important thing.”

“I guess that makes sense. It still feels strange though.”

“Well don't feel too worried. I'm sure that they're plenty of claimed who are going to be leaving the first chance they get.”

Alexa actually felt rather shocked at Kiara's words but soon found herself laughing. Just because her claimed felt like that didn't mean others would. The claimed that had been there the shortest time or had been the most resistant to changing would likely be the first to leave. “You're probably right. I guess I like to think that this means the claimed I've instructed have become somewhat fond of me.”

“They probably have. I'm sure you've spoken to them about how they lived before they were captured by us. From what I know some of them have it better here then they did out there. Well depending on how much value you put on the ability to leave your current location which many of them didn't seem to put much value on. I remember one once saying. Oh sure I was free to leave my farm, to stop paying taxes and go starve or be ripped apart by some creature. Actually now that I think about it perhaps that last one was one of the reasons I was in the forest. End quote.”

“Okay that I've heard before and more then once. I've also heard some of them complain about not having any human women around.”

A low groan came from Kiara. She wasn't a keeper but she knew that Alexa was talking about. She heard late night talks. “Yeah. Then they talk about how as big as we are it'd be like tossing a sausage down a hallway. I kind of wanted to smack them whenever I heard them saying such things. Then some complain about our fur or how they'd be afraid we'd bite something off.” Kiara's fur stood up a little as she remembered some of the more insulting conversations she'd overheard during her work. There wasn't much she could really do about it though. Some of the claimed simply thought they looked like monsters.

“I really hate it whenever they start on one another as well. One of them starts to find us attractive and then the others start taunting him about falling for a monster. At times there isn't much I can do about it though. I mean sure he's come to find us attractive and that's nice but it doesn't mean that he's not being lazy. It is nice whenever I can remove such claimed from the ones taunting him.”

“Yeah but at times the one being taunted decides to shut the others up. Even if he doesn't succeed the fight gives you an excuse to separate them.”

Alexa gave her head a quick nod. “I remember back whenever Martial was one of the claimed he was beginning to warm up to our forms whenever some of the claimed began to taunt him. I do not know what they were thinking. Well I guess they were thinking I would protect them which I did. I swear whenever I first heard Martial hit one of them I thought he had picked up a weapon of some type.”

“He is very sturdy for a human isn't he.”

“Yes he is.”

“Did you ever take advantage of that?”

Now Alexa gave Kiara a positively wicked grin. “A little bit. I mean he's sturdy for a human but he's still a human. Did you?”

“Well I didn't take advantage of Martial exactly but there have been a few willing claimed and brothers who were well regarded for their durability I spent time with. They were a few times I really wanted to get my hands on Desmon.”

Alexa couldn't help but grin. Typically sisters didn't talk about the mates of others a great deal. At least they didn't talk about them in a sexual way in order to prevent miss understandings. A sister that heard you talking about her mate in certain ways might suspect you had your own intentions. She didn't know if it was wise to continue the subject further but her curiosity was demanding that she continue. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah! All the time he spends in the forest has given him a slight sent even after he's cleaned up that really tends to excite me. His abilities as a druid and life style makes him really durable as well. I don't believe I could have him as a mate. All that coming and going would become very frustrating and I'd like for my mate to stay closer to home. It would be hard to do my job and hunt him down especially whenever I really needed him. Still he has his appeal.”

“So what about Markus?”

Now Kiara gave Alexa a large grin. “Oh no! I'm not the only one giving up here. What about you? Which one of our brothers really makes you wet?”

There was a slight blush on Alexa though not a very intense one. It was less to do with what Kiara had asked but the way she had asked it. “Well I don't want to speak about anyone's mate in particular. I tend to like the better kept brothers but I admit it's a bit of a turn off for me whenever I'm around one of the alchemist and I can smell where their work has really soaked into their skin. I consider Dan a good friend but how Mina can enjoy his scent at times is sort of beyond me.”

“Huh. I believe he smells just fine.”

“I just prefer their natural scent I suppose over the scent of potions or the forest.” It felt a little strange for Alexa to say it.

“So you tend to prefer the mages. Well come on. What one is your favorite?” As she spoke Kiara didn't try to hide her excitement. From the way Alexa was acting Kiara was fairly certain that she favored one of the brothers who already had a mate. It was even possible that she favored one of the brothers whose mate might respond somewhat poorly if she found out someone might be after her mate. It wasn't likely. Typically a faelom whose mate was highly desired liked to use that to make the other faelom jealous. It was something of a mark of status even if the faelom in question wasn't a keeper. A guardian with a particularly desirable mate could be more envied then a keeper who lacked one.

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It had been Joseph's intention to find a new way for the sisters to defeat their hunger. The fact that his method would also serve to strengthen them was quite a nice plus. As he listened to Maria though he couldn't help but feel rather shocked and even rather concerned. He was glad that they were using his techniques but this seemed to be a form of miss use. “They're making it mandatory?”

It was easy for Maria to hear the concern in Joseph's voice. She wasn't too surprised and she didn't turn away from the stove. Currently she was setting in front of it fixing a meal for the two of them. The fact that standing wasn't practical anymore thanks to her additional height was rather strange. Fortunately despite her additional size the amount she needed to eat hadn't gone up a great deal. “Yes. After seeing the success you had with us and some of the others began training it was decided that all faelom would begin learning to channel additional mystic energies into their body at sixteen years of age at the latest.”

This wasn't what Joseph had meant to happen. He wanted to offer an alternative for the sisters to progress. He wanted to help them end their hunger but he didn't want to force them into it. “Maria that really wasn't my intentions. Perhaps I should speak to the keepers and see if they'll change their minds.”

Now Maria took a moment to turn around and look at Joseph. Given his status as the only official Luvarian he might be able to pull it off if he revealed his rank. It wasn't certain in this situation though. As much as the sisters respected the Luvarians this was the type of thing they had been doing for hundreds of years. Such decisions were nearly always left up to the sisters and this was a rather easy decision to make. “You could try Joseph but unless you revealed that the citadel had accepted you as a Luvarian I don't believe that you could do anything about it. It might seem strange but this is rather important to us. The technique you've developed helping us to learn to channel energy into our own body is like a free food source to many of us. If we refuse to learn how to use the glyph it's like saying you would rather be a burden on the forest and the community then try to better yourself. It's just not an acceptable way to think. The only ones that aren't required to learn to use the glyph are the distrusted and that is being debated.”

It felt strange to think of the distrusted not being forced to conform. A sigh escaped Joseph as he looked at Maria. “So revealing that I've been accepted as a Luvarian might not even change a thing.”

“Yes. We don't have a mystic restraint that would force us to follow a Luvarian. I'm not even certain if the protectors have one of those given how easily they can refuse your request.”

“You make a good point but you're forcing the others to learn to use the glyph.”

“Joseph! It's no different then forcing one of the faelom to work or hunt for herself at least. This is a matter of the health of the forest which means it concerns us all. I know you don't like the idea of a people being forced into something but this is for the good of everyone and the individual.” Maria couldn't help but sigh a bit. With the scent of the food reaching her nose she turned around and focused on it once again. “I wonder where the protectors do their cooking. I'm a bit taller then them now but I'm sure they don't have to set down in front of the stove whenever they're cooking. This one was clearly meant for humans or at least tall humans.”

Despite Maria's attempt to change the conversation to cooking Joseph couldn't stop thinking of the decision to force all sisters to begin studying to direct energy into their body. It would be as if everyone was forced to begin learning magic. If someone had the resources to do so it would be good for them. Yet there would be those who wanted to continue living the traditional way. “Maria.”

“Joseph would you give a child a choice if he or she wanted to learn how to survive or not?” Maria could hear it in Joseph's voice. He wasn't ready to give up the argument. She didn't turn to face him this time but glanced back over her shoulder.

“Well no. This isn't something you need to survive though.”

“Do you only force a child to learn the absolute minimum that they need to survive?”

Now Joseph found himself lightly biting down on his lower lip. After a moment of consideration he gave a nod. “Okay I see your point.” Despite his words Joseph couldn't help how he felt. The sisters were going to be forcing one another to learn the technique he'd developed. He had done it to help them  but it still didn't feel right. It was rather clear that he wasn't going to have Maria's support on this issue despite her tendency to stand with him. That actually made him feel all the stranger as he tried to think about the situation like she was. To Maria learning to use the glyph seemed no different then a parent teaching their child how to grow and pick vegetables. At least he didn't believe Maria would stand with this on him but he wondered. “Maria if I asked the faelom to change the policy perhaps based on how much of a burden on the forest they are would you support me.”

“I would support you Joseph though I can't say I agree with you. I'm with you though even with our goals diverge a bit.”

Maria's response surprised Joseph and made him feel a bit better about the situation. Unfortunately that didn't clear up his concerns. She would support him publicly but she didn't agree with him. Could he really ask her to stand with him on a cause she didn't agree with?

“You're sulking.” It was easy for Maria to hear Joseph's annoyance. She didn't have to look at him to know that he was still upset. If she had it would have been clear in his body language. At this point he would have retreated into a bit of a defensive posture and be keeping his hands close to his body. Likely he wanted to continue debating the issue with her.

“Sorry. I understand what you're saying. It would be like teaching a child how to pick or grow their own vegetables. I guess just because a skill isn't necessary for someone to survive that doesn't mean it shouldn't be taught. When I think about it I wish that every child would be taught to read at least in one language.”

Maria gave a slight nod as Joseph finally found a comparison that he could relate to. She wasn't certain that every human would find reading as useful as he believed but that wasn't what she was going to try to argue. “Good now you won't be sulking whenever we're trying to enjoy a nice meal.” A sigh escaped Maria as she had to scoot along the floor to reach some spices she'd prepared. “I'm going to have to speak to the protectors about providing a cooking area for people as tall as me. They have to have one. There is no way that they cook like this.”

A soft chuckle escaped Joseph as he looked at Maria. “I swear Maria you make that stove look ridiculous. If I didn't know as much about your biology as I do now I would think you're starving yourself whenever you were eating.”

“As I recall you were very surprised by how little I ate whenever we first met.”

The memory was still fresh in Joseph's mind. On the plate it looked like Maria had a lot of food. That only lasted until it was compared to her. In proportion to her body she was eating a very small amount. As she had grown and especially as she had learned to direct mystic energy into her body that image had become even more extreme. “That's true but it wasn't anything like this. You have several times the mass of a human but you're eating roughly the same amount.”

“Well thank you. I have been thinking about reducing the amount I eat further.”

“Huh? I thought you didn't want to do that.”

“Yes but then you asked me about what I would do about our child. I believe I would rather reduce how much I'm eating rather then risk outgrowing the citadel and having to raise our son in a less secure environment.” It had been roughly two weeks past. Naidra had finally been able to determine that Maria was carrying a son. It wasn't that she had noted the child's body but the way a faelom's body and a human's body influence their mystic energies were different. Based on the behavior of her child's mystic presence she was carrying a human.

Joseph actually felt his heart rate speed up a bit. An incredible feeling of happiness and pride built up within him. “I'm glad you decided that but you know that could eventually mean you stop eating all together.”

For a moment Maria bit down on her lower lip as she considered that. She was a construct which meant she was a mystic being. It was possible for her to survive on magic alone. After all that had been how the original faelom had survived. They had only eaten for enjoyment. “Well my hunger would still only be like it is now. I admit that I would miss the taste of certain foods but I'm sure I could eat a bit. That said. I'm also hopeful that my darling mate can solve the problem before it reaches that point. Besides. That just means whenever I'm allowed to eat again the difference will be even more dramatic.”

Joseph wasn't certain what to say as he looked at Maria. She was now larger then any keeper had been allowed to be in a very long time. It actually felt rather strange when a thought hit him. “Wait a minute Maria. Aren't you nearly as large as the faelom of old?”

To this Maria gave a nod. “Yes. We were only slight larger then the protectors back then. After all we had to be able to fit into the guild hall to work with the Luvarians. That is one part of my decision not to grow further.”

It was impossible for Joseph not to feel strange as he heard this news. “But you said that the original faelom didn't feel hunger.”

Joseph's words actually hit Maria rather hard. It felt like her mind froze up and she once again turned to face him. “Huh? I did. That's what all the records say. That with our original energy source none of us felt hunger. My hunger has been reduced a lot but. I believe we should speak to the protectors about this. Hey could one of you come in here!” For a moment Maria said nothing but looked around. She then turned her attention to Joseph.

“They're giving us our privacy I think. Let me try in the hallway.”

Maria gave her head a slight nod and turned back to the food as Joseph went to the door. She expected a protector to be waiting right there whenever she heard him open it. The fact that he actually yelled was even shocking to her. Fortunately she was a bit numb from the shock of the revelation Joseph had just given her. A few moments later she heard Lestel arrive.

Lestel, “Yes?”

Joseph, “Maria and I were just talking. In the records it mentioned that the original faelom didn't know hunger. But despite Maria's current size she's still feeling it.”

“Well that's because she needs to grow more. Oh! I understand.” Lestel took a moment to look past Joseph and at Maria who was now looking at her. “We've been over the fact that a faeloms spiritual strength determines if her body is altered or not while sleeping or it is part of it. Well that also decides her hunger as well. Put simply your body can feel your spiritual strength and it knows what it should be able to achieve so it seeks to achieve that. The majority of the faelom's hunger end whenever they reach  ten meters tall or so.”

Maria, “Wait you mean that the faelom who lived and worked in the citadel were the weak ones? I thought they were very close to the Luvarians.”

“They were! Several luvarians were actually quite sad whenever the faelom they were nurturing progressed beyond what the citadel could comfortably host. You were never meant to truly live in the citadel though. Well not the main parts of the citadel. That was our roll.”

It felt rather strange when Maria heard this. “So you're saying my hunger will fade whenever I reach matron size? What about Zarena? I remember it was mentioned that the sleepers were fed until they no longer felt their hunger. Did they all keep eating after that?”

Lestel gave her head a slight shake as she looked at Maria. “No. Matron size won't be sufficient to end your hunger unless you gain several additional adaptations. That is the case for all the sleepers. Now the sleepers were chosen as they were considered the best amongst you. Surely you realize that includes the strongest spiritually as well. In truth the number of you that could become sleepers tends to range between three and seven percent. Now there was a time whenever fifteen percent of you had such potential.”

Joseph, “What was happening?”

“It was at the Luvarian's peek. Strengthening the spirit is a difficult task but it can be done. The faelom produced some very good mentors at the time. Not that they could really take advantage of the situation then.”

The smell of something burning reminded Maria of the food. If it had just been her food she would have let it burn a little. As she was cooking for Joseph though she couldn't stand to do that and risked turning her back on Lestel. “Lestel could I become a sleeper?”

“You have a lot of potential Maria but I'm not certain. I would need to conduct some test to be sure. I can say for certain that achieving matron status wouldn't be enough to end your hunger as I already mentioned. You, Mira and even Mina have actually all had a benefit that many lack. Your mother has been a remarkably positive influence throughout your lives which has helped nurture you on a level beyond just physical care. She's done a superb job of nurturing your mind.”

Now Maria felt herself smiling as Lestel spoke fondly of her mother. “Well what about my sister Mira? When will her hunger in?”

Joseph, “Maria are you trying to find out where you stand in terms of spiritual strength.”

“Um maybe.” A slight chuckle escaped Mira even as she considered what Lestel had told her. Either Dan's project succeeded or she would have to be sleeper size in order to have her hunger end. Other sisters would be enjoying the end of their hunger once they reached roughly ten meters in size and would likely be able to continue living in the forest. She wouldn't be able to though.

A soft chuckle came from Lestel. “Mira surpassed you for a very long time. Your interaction with Joseph has strengthened you. Now should Mira find a Joseph or Dan for herself your younger sister may exceed you on a spiritual level once again. After all her hunger was equal to your own but she was able to control herself.”

Maria, “Ah does that mean Dan helped Mina?”

“Of course. After her mother's death Mina was greatly weakened. Dan has helped heal that wound.”

“But hey. Mina developed a mutation while she was sleeping and that was before she even knew of Dan.”

Lestel, “I'm sure the implications of that are clear to you. “

As Joseph listened to Lestel he could tell Maria was a bit annoyed. She like most people didn't like to be beat. She knew Mina was stronger then her but likely she believed her speed evened the playing field when it came to combat. He had a feeling what would be the next question out of her mouth and couldn't help but grin.

“So how do I strengthen myself spiritually?”

Now Lestel took in a deep breath. Such questions weren't easy to answer. The protectors had observed Maria long enough to have some idea of how she thought. “In general the best way to strengthen yourself spiritually is to think of your flaws and strive not to give into them anymore until they're no longer flaws. If you are slothful you force yourself to be motivated if you quit easily you don't allow yourself to do so. This is extremely difficult but the right motivation can help. Unfortunately the more someone develops the harder that motivation is to apply. If you can as you mentioned before give up eating and rely only on your own mystic energies then that will be an exercise in correcting one of your flaws. Rather then relying on Joseph to keep you from over eating.”

It felt like Maria had just been kicked. She hadn't thought of her hunger in a while. Joseph's supervision and her additional size had done a lot to hep her gain control of it. Joseph still helped her but his help was such a part of her life at this point that it seemed to happen without thought. He didn't even mentioned it most of the time anymore and she didn't complain whenever he intervened. “So I can't rely on Joseph?”

“No. When you do that you're relying on his wisdom and guidance. It helps but I'm afraid that he's taken you as far as he can using such methods.”

Now Maria bit down on her lower lip. She had indeed talked to Joseph about reaching the point where she could only rely on her own energies. It would be a while set as she would have to learn to use the glyph better while cutting back on her food. “I suppose it'll have to.”

“No. It would not have to wait. You could begin reducing the amount you eat rather then risk growing until you can rely on your energies alone. You're about to use your child as an excuse not to do this when you know that's a mistake. At your current size and given that you're sustaining a human your body could easily support your child even if you began cutting back on what you were eating now.” Lestel had known what Maria was going to say and she wasn't going to allow the excuse. Part of Lestel wondered if Maria had the resolve to correct this flaw.

“Um are they any other flaws I could work on that would be easier to handle?”

“Yes but they may not have the results you desire. Even now you're desperately trying to think of a way to avoid confronting your own gluttony despite your desire to better yourself. Maria you're motivated by your stomach a great deal more then you realize. Joseph knows this as well. Just think of how often he's motivated you to help with his studies by appealing to your hunger.”

It actually felt like Joseph had been kicked. He had been trying to encourage Maria but the implication was clear. Had he been encouraging her vice? She had asked him to help her manage her hunger. He had done that. Then he had developed the life bloom and allowed her some additional treats. After all he was the one growing the life bloom and he wanted to make her happy. Lestel hadn't directed her comment towards him but it still hurt. He was actually surprised whenever he noticed Maria smiling at him. “Maria are you alright?”

“Joseph don't blame yourself! You were just helping me. There is no way I'd be upset with you for helping to reduce my hunger. Still Lestel you do have a point for me giving into my hunger. I believe the only thing that kept me from being put to asleep again was finding Joseph in the forest and becoming so fond of him.” A sigh escaped Maria as she considered the days just before she met Joseph. They had been several years back but she could still remember the additional food she was eating while hiding out in the forest. Joseph had worked as a watchdog but she had never beaten her own gluttony. “Okay. From this point on I won't increase the amount of food I eat and as I improve with the glyph I'll cut back on what I'm eating. I will do this to insure I can be with my child and to insure I can stay with Joseph.”

Maria's words were bold and Lestel wondered if she would truly be able to keep them. She still smiled at Maria. “Well. If you would like we can insure that you hold to that word.”

“That won't do anything to help me grow spiritually will it. I'm going to accomplish this on my own. So Joseph I'm afraid I'm going to have to stop steeling food from your plate.”

Joseph, “Oh no! What ever shall I do? Actually enjoy my meal?” Joseph gave a soft chuckle as he smiled at Maria. “There is one problem though. What happens whenever the energy you can supply to your body exceeds what it needs and you begin to grow again.” Both Mari and Joseph once again looked towards Lestel.

“Even we can't solve everything. I suggest you finish Dan's research before that happens.”

That was a large goal. Joseph knew that but he still continued to smile. “I'll do my utmost to achieve it.”

Lestel, “Maria I just want to say. Your goal is a very difficult one to achieve. Should you achieve it however you're going to find yourself well let's just say at the peak of a very hard climb. If you stumble from that peek you may find the journey impossible to stop and very rapid.”

“Huh? You mean something bad could happen?”

A groan escaped Lestel as she shook her head. “Okay that was a bad example. Let's just say you plan to travel down a rocky road and at the end of it is a very gentle but powerful river. As I'm sure you can imagine what even a little food will do if you manage to meet all your body's needs with your own mystic energies.” Lestel bit down on her lower lip for a moment as she considered giving Maria a warning. If Maria managed to develop the desired skills with the glyph and overcome one of her greatest weaknesses it was quite likely she would exceed the threshold of her current body by several times. The idea of telling a faelom to avoid becoming too powerful though was simply repulsive to her and her lips refused to make out the words. It wasn't in the nature of a protector to say such things.

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After knowing Joseph for years and having him both help her to keep her hunger in check and even prepare food for her there was two things Maria was certain of one week after making her oath. Joseph had been a huge help to her and she loved him even more for it. The second thing was that the oath was positively terrible. Maria had decreased the portion of food she allowed herself slightly and the smaller amount she found herself looking at was far more noticeable then she believed it would be. Rather then eating her food immediately she found herself looking at it trying to will the serving size larger. Unfortunately the amount of food on the plate didn't seem to be responding to her desires.

It felt a little strange to see Maria setting alone. Especially given that she was giving her food a hostile look. Given how fond sisters were of their food and their brief relationship with it Julia found herself wondering what was the cause. “Maria did that venison offend you somehow?” Julia had a friendly smile as she approached Maria.

Maria had learned to feel quite safe within the citadel and with her focus being on her food she hadn't actually noticed Julia entering. She was rather surprised whenever she turned to look at her but this surprise quickly faded. “Hello Julia. Well I believe it's all offending me sense I'm trying to cut back to eating like a guardian again.”

“What? Why would you do that?” If there was one thing Julia didn't expect a sister to say it was that she was trying to eat less then she was allowed. It was far more common for a sister to try to sneak in a few extra bites but not do it so frequently that she began growing again. Given all the work Maria had put into increasing what she was allowed to eat she was one of the last ones Julia would have expected to cut back.

“In order to avoid growing.”

“Huh? You do remember that you're no longer being judged on your size but rather the resources you consume right?” Julia normally wouldn't have stated something so obvious but it was clear Maria was acting strangely. Was it possible that she had been given some special instructions? That or perhaps Joseph had warned her about something that he hadn't told everyone else yet. Julia doubted Joseph would keep something dangerous to the community a secret but this was very strange.

“I know.” Maria took in a deep breath as she imagined she would have to answer such questions for quite some time. Her behavior could be considered very strange and she knew that. “I'm trying to keep from growing so that I may continue to live within the citadel with Joseph especially with our child on the way. I don't want to force my child to live in a world that's simply made for someone so much bigger then he is. There are already going to be some issues with my current size. There is no way I'm going to be able to breast feed him though Joseph has offered to milk me when the time comes.

The notion of Joseph milking Maria to feed their child was funny but there was something more pressing on Julia's mind. She was surprised and actually impressed that Maria was willing to sacrifice a reduction to her hunger and the power that comes with it for the comfort of her child. “Wow. That's really loving of you Maria. But why cut back so much?”

“Well I'm going to continue training with the glyph. If I were to keep how much I eat the same and train then I would end up growing anyway.”

“That makes sense.” Julia gave a slight chuckle and some energy moved into her voice. “Can you imagine what's going to happen after a few years of reducing the amount of food you eat then suddenly you're allowed to eat again! You're going to grow fast.”

“Lestel compared it to walking down a rocky road but at the end of that road is a very powerful river. My progress is going to be slow for a long time and then I'm going to reach that river. If I fall into it I'm going to be swept along and may not be able to pull myself out until the river grows calmer. I can imagine being at the edge and knowing that if I eat anything even a few pieces of food my body is going to respond by growing. I suppose I'm going to have to stop swallowing for Joseph.” Maria gave Julia a wide grin who gave her a naughty smile in return. The two women gave a slight chuckle before the conversation could resume.

“What about just your training with the glyph though? If your training and giving up food is walking down that rocky road what is training after you've given up food? You don't intend to stop do you?” It was one thing to ask a sister to try to overcome a weakness now that they had a means of doing so. To ask one of them to stop developing and just set at where she was seemed more extreme. Julia doubted that she could be in a relationship with someone who asked her to stop studying necromancy and quit developing as a mage or now as a spirit hunter.

Now Maria perked up a bit and once again found herself feeling rather concerned. “Well those men have better found a way for us to freely develop our mutations by that point. Oh makers. What's going to happen if I do try to sleep once I've reached that point? The only reason our bodies shrink is because they're not receiving enough energy into order to sustain them. If I've reached some point where my mystic energy alone is sustaining my body that wouldn't happen.”

Julia didn't know as much about the build of the faelom as the others but she had learned some things. Maria's concern actually struck her as quite significant. “Once you're in the sleep though doesn't your body relax which makes it easier for it to be changed?”

“Yeah it does. So rather then shrinking I might just lay there and strive to develop mutations but there won't be a way to return to a smaller size.”

“Unless you develop a mutation that is such a massive drain on your energy that it forces your body to shrink as well. This is quite possible.” Julia wished that she could say likely but that simply wasn't the case. No sister had ever went to sleep when she had an energy source still sustaining her. Even if the energy was granted by some outside power source what would the result be? It was something that Julia would have liked to test but she couldn't think of anyone she was willing to test it on. Plus faelom never lost their mutations. If they used an outside energy source and a faelom did develop a mutation she might be tied to it until she died and if it was cut off that could be very soon.

So by being careful and trying to avoid growing she was running the risk of making it impossible for her to return to a smaller size. A long sigh escaped Maria and she covered her face for a moment while closing her eyes in an attempt to block out some of the world. Her own concerns were beginning to fill her head at this point and they felt like they'd split her head in half if she didn't cut out some distractions. She didn't even bother opening her eyes whenever she spoke. “Well even if that is the situation there isn't anything I can do about it. I've made my promise and really growing just isn't an option for me at the moment. I want to be able to live indoors with my child to take care of him and insure he's comfortable. That would be far more difficult at matron or sleeper size.”

“That's true and really impressive Maria. I wonder how many sisters would be willing to make your sacrifice if they thought of their situation.”

“Well I would like to say not many but I would also like to believe all of them would. It's one of those odd moments when you want to think the best of your friends and family but you also want to build yourself up a bit. I suppose the best thing to do would be to find out. Perhaps we should introduce the subject of cutting back the amount we eat in order to maintain a smaller size.” For a moment Maria froze up as she remembered something rather important. “Except according to Lestel most of the faelom would stop growing sooner then I would. Apparently our size relates to our natural magical potential. You know sort of like how powerful of a mage would become if we were human.”

Julia gave a nod. She had spoken to the protectors about similar subjects and came to suspect. “Do you think they knew about that whenever they were choosing the sleepers? They did try to pick the best of us after all.” That felt so exciting. The moment the best of us left her mouth Julia felt a slight rush. It only became more intense whenever Maria didn't seem surprised or to even notice. It was something she had accepted as a natural truth. She had accepted her as one of the faelom though now Julia wondered how the protectors looked upon her. She would have to ask them later and find out.

“I believe it was more of a happy side affect. When you start with the best of anything there is typically some side benefits that you don't even think of after all. I remember Joseph told me that he was surprised how high of a quality of glass we used in alchemical tools. He mentioned that the high quality was great for certain potions that during their production stage could eat through inferior glasses. I just believed we made the glass good so it'd be less likely to break and could endure some rough treatment.” As Maria spoke she looked down at Julia who had finally came over and set down next to her.

“What did you decide you're going to do about glass production anyway?”

“You weren't at the meeting?”

“Maria it is very hard for me to get away from my training right now. I keep trying to reach a new rank as a spirit hunter but the protectors simply say I'm in the transition stage at the moment. Well that's what they say whenever I ask. It's kind of strange. I think they've come to dislike giving me bad news.” The protectors and faelom had accepted her. She was expected at meetings. Her skin had changed as had her eyes, bones and muscles but it had brought on acceptance. Perhaps just being more like a construct helped the sisters accept her or perhaps it was because of how far she was willing to go.

A sigh of understanding escaped Maria. “I know your pain. At least I have Joseph to help ease mine. Well we argued about it quite a lot. Some of the sisters want to move glass making closer to the waterfront and see if the orcs could use their knowledge of fire and earth spirits to help us make a superior glass. Others simply want to invite the orcs here and let them use our work areas or work with us. Others are insistent that we're bringing in too many made goods and we're setting ourselves up for a collapse by depending on others. Then others argue we're not depending on others if we keep a surplus, maintain the facilities and the skills needed to perform the job. Then others argue back that if we're not actively doing the work our skills will degrade which lead some arguing that a little skill reduction would be acceptable as we could put more resources into other things.”

“So lots of people with opinions but none agreeing. So why didn't you just put it to a vote?”

“We can't come to an agreement even with a vote. We're too split. We're split over glass making. I swear we go through so many important issues. We decide every faelom excluding you should be required to train with Joseph's glyph. The vote was around ninety percent for, with four percent uncertain and only six percent or so against. No one questions the new combat training Zarena helped muscle through anymore and most are happy to have the distrusted contained in a single location. Apparently they were uncomfortable with them roaming the forest and possibly killing one of our trade partners in secret. We shift leather making to others as quickly as we can as well as the making of mixtures like celetri but when it comes to glass we're fighting amongst ourselves.”

“Well in all fairness you've also had issues with something that had a powerful and offensive smell to you. A good sniff of celetri can even put my head out a window.” As she smoke Julia reflexively rubbed her nose. At times alchemist and even mages became used to work with certain compounds. Some of these compounds have a very offensive smell and once the alchemist becomes used to them they may end up stinking as well. Celetri was one of the compounds Julia couldn't imagine anyone becoming used to. If it wasn't so useful she doubted anyone would make use of it. Typically it was the trusted claimed who were learning alchemy that made it. “Perhaps the reason you're fighting is because different sisters have different ideas of how important glass is.”

To this Maria gave a nod. “That might be it. I support having the orcs come here and work in our facilities. Otherwise we will have to travel even further to gather the correct minerals.

To this Julia gave a nod. The forest was such a rich source of alchemical reagents that even the ground had been changed in certain locations. The right dirt gathered from certain locations in the forest was one reason their glass was so superb. Julia had spoken to others that worked with other forms of glass and they always seemed to be surprised by how thin and yet durable the glass was. It also helped that a faelom had little concern while working in front of a forge. The heat wouldn't burn them anywhere near as badly as a human and even if they did suffer a severe burn so long as it didn't kill them they would recover. She had even seen faelom regrow limbs though that took a very long time. “I don't know if I agree Maria. There have been times when I've just about had to fight someone for a few flasks.”

“Well yeah production didn't always meet demand but that's changed since you moved into the citadel right?”

“Well yes. I have to admit I'm curious if the protectors replace broken glass or of they just merge it back together. They seem to have so many abilities. That or perhaps there is some construct in here that they use to fix things.”

“Maybe the glass is actually alive like the stone of the citadel and it heals.”

“Now Maria. I'm pretty sure I would notice if something was designed to heal like that. I am after all a necromancer.”

Now Maria gave Julia a large grin and leaned in close. “Are you sure? You're a necromancer that's true. You're a master of undeath however the Luvarians were about unlife as well as death. Are you sure you know what statues are golems and what ones are just statues?”

A slight chuckle escaped Julia. “Well from what I've seen of the Luvarians I don't believe they have a single statue in this place. You know the little bird statues they use to decorate some of the rooms and water ways? I swear at times I feel like they're watching me.”

“I know! They're creepy!”

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“This is going to take a while.” As Dan spoke he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He had been very focused on his work for a while now. The simple truth was that even with the Luvarian's research this was proving to be quite a serious problem. Both Joseph and Ridon seemed to mirror his thoughts as they looked back at him. They had divided the work load as best they could but they were some things all of them simply had to know.

Joseph gave a nod. “Well I don't believe we should be surprised. When I think about the life bloom and the glyph it's not like I redesigned the sisters or they gained some new ability. All I managed to do is find out something they didn't know and help them take advantage of the knew knowledge. This is. Well this is something different.” As Joseph spoke he couldn't help but think of Maria and the way she teased him about his need to find a way for her to maintain her current size and continue developing. He actually felt somewhat foolish when he considered how certain he'd been that they would be able to finish the goal. Several weeks later though and the truth was becoming increasingly obvious.

Ridon, “I believe we may need to rethink our work schedule a bit.” As he spoke Ridon had to stand up and stretch for a moment. Between working on Ashas and Dan's project he had been quite busy. He didn't want to but he was considering only helping Dan two or three times a week in order to free up some more of his own time. After they had helped him he hated to do this but their work was simply taking far longer then any of them had expected. The studies had become increasingly and increasingly advanced. He actually nearly jumped out of his seat whenever the door opened and Alaina walked into the room.

Typically the protectors were either silent or polite about their movements. Alaina had been quite blunt whenever she walked into the threes work area in order to confront them. They had been making admirable progress but they were right. It was going to take several years for them to reach the point they needed to be to make use of Azon's work. Given that he had put several decades of life into his work this was to be expected. Listening to them talk had made her worry though and she had made a decision to help them. The other protectors were in chaos some agreeing with her actions and some disagreeing. Without a group decision she could feel a great weight pressing down on her and she was having to will herself to keep moving. Ridon actually helped her with that. “Come with me.”

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Naidra had joined them. Currently the three men found themselves in a room that they felt certain was beyond even their ability to reach. Alaina had needed several seconds to open the door. Ridon had also been very concerned whenever he saw her walking. It looked like she was more dragging her left leg then walking with it. Her body moved in sharp jerks and at times she needed to take a breath. Naidra for her part hadn't looked entirely whole either. Now they found themselves looking into a clear container which held a sleeping silver woman. It was Ridon that spoke. “Alaina who is that?”