Rough Draft Writing Area

This will be where I work on story sections over time, there will be notification on the home page to state when those pieces are posted to their own permanent home.

His whole body hurt, the limbs the pain radiated though felt alien to him. Like new flesh. He groaned and didn't recognize his voice. His eyes opened to show him blue sky through the dense leaves of the tree looming over him. A semi translucent screen popped up in front of him.

[Welcome the Luaithre. System loading. Please standby.] The words glowed slightly.

“That's asking a lot,” He pointed out, groaning as he tried to at least sit up to look himself over as a bar slowly filled on the screen. He was wearing canvas pants that felt lined along with steel-toed boots and a long-sleeved, black, turtleneck shirt. If he had to guess he'd say most of his clothes were made of hemp fiber. A small head dropped into view just after he leaned back on the base of the tree and warmth cascaded through his body. A stoat with deep, red fur looked him over, the name 'Jewel' hovering by its head, it was clinging to the tree above him. “Well, hi there.” He let the stoat crawl over him, checking him out. It’s eyes studying him and his clothing.

[Load complete. Please open Inventory. This requires focusing on this thought.]

He closed his eyes and focused on the idea of opening an Inventory screen in a video game, when his eyes opened he saw that he had a Starter Bag. Opening it he received an Iron Pick axe, a Wooden Shovel, basic crafting supplies, some water, and something called an Energy Transmutation System Console. He pulled out one of the bottle of water and took several small drinks so he didn't choke on the water while he was in this debilitated state.

[Please open your Character Sheet.] The 'System' prompted him.

Opening it up he saw himself for, and hopefully other things, the first time, a five foot tall Gnomish man with Celestial Heritage that gave him exceptional night vision and other things not specified on the sheet yet. His class set was called <Calm Wraith>, with the primary class being Exorcist, secondary Shadow Blade, and Tertiary was Sorcerer. Fascinating. He had short, dark brown hair, large, silver-gray irises in a round face framed with big ears on either side of it. Jewel was in the first slot of his Card Pouch, it seemed to be a permanent

[Please choose a name.]

He had to think about that. How did he end up here? Searching his memories he saw his death, then a gap, and now he was here. There was no going back so he made a choice.

“Waden Lucian Mycraaf” He said with more confidence than he had expected. The pain in his body subsided and everything was pin and needles as the flesh began to wake up. Waden looked out over the terrain, he was at the top of a hill beneath a tree. A lazy river snaked it's way through the plains before him.

[Please collect your things from the Bonus Chest and begin your search for an area to call your home to Create a Safe Zone.]

“Let's try to stand first.” Waden took his time, using the tree to stabilize himself. He saw the Bonus Chest sitting around the the side of the tree with four Torches that weren't lit. It was roughly midday so that made sense. Didn't look like any torches he'd ever seen though. He made his way over to it and realized he could open it in two ways, physically and Access Storage. Going for the latter he found that it held some more crafting materials, Bread(Load-Oatmeal), a full Water-skin(Clean), and a Ultra Captur-Card. He took everything, including the chest and the four Standing {Seal: Light} Torches. Smokeless light was handy. Down the hill and across the river he saw a strange creature that looked like a mix of praying mantis and scorpion.

[You've located a rare Critter, use an available Captur-Card to catch it.]

Waden made his way down the hill slowly, watching the Critter as he made his way to the water. Using the Quick Equip system in the Inventory he stripped down and waded across the shallow river, the water was cool and clear, and then instantly put his clothing back on. The Critter, labeled a ScorpiMantis, wandered around. Jewel, who was riding on his shoulder this whole time jumped down and seemed to be ready to fight. The ScorpiMantis took note of this and squared up, it was at least a foot tall.

“I'd prefer we do this without beating them into submission, Jewel. Let's try diplomacy first.” Waden sat down, holding the Ultra Captur-Card in his hand casually. Letting the Critter get used to his presence and hoping it would come closer. It did approached Jewel to investigate the strange stoat, poking and prodding her with it's claws. Waden slowly extended his arm, holding the Card out for them to look at. “Want to come with me, watch my back? I'm going to have a garden so there will be plenty of bugs for you to eat.” He offered. It appeared to consider the offer which was fascinating, but then again Jewel did seem highly intelligent. The big insect put the points of it’s claws onto the card, the Captur-Card glowed and a symbol bloomed into existence in the center of the card. He was prompted to give the Critter a nickname. He chose Reeds after some thought.

[Congratulations, you’ve earned a Tier 1 Reward Chest containing: 5 Regular Captur-Cards. Please continue your search for a suitable place to call Home]

Waden stood up and stretched, focusing on the idea of a map to bring up a mini-map. He immediately took note of a small mountain to the west and decided to head that way with his Critters in tow. He was hoping to be able to use the pick axe to get into the mountain before night fell. This would give him a secure place to rest and access to stone for crafting. There were plenty of trees around the mountain so he could build a wooden structure if that failed. He collected some boysenberries and hit the grass to get some random seeds as he made his way toward the mountain. The sun was dipping down as he got there, using the pick axe he removed whole cubes, each one about four feet cubed, of stone every few swings. It didn’t take him long to carve a long hallway with a small room to the left as you entered the mountain. He placed the ETS Console in an alcove across the hall from the room, hopefully he’d be able to make a false wall to hide the alcove eventually. Opening his crafting menu he made a Crafting Workbench and placed it beside the ETS Console. His ‘System seemed to revolve around video game mechanics, which was rather interesting to see it interface with a very real world.

[Enter items into the Energy Transmutation System Console to add them to its Catalog and gain Energy Points, using EP you can pull items out of the Catalog]

“Oh, that’ll be handy, especially with all the stone I’m going be accumulating.” Waden added everything he had to the ETS Catalog before pulling out the essentials and supplies for doors before crafting said doors and installing them, two at the main entrance and one for his first room. He put one of the Standing Seal: Light Torches inside the main doors, one in the room, and one at the far end of the hallway. He used some stone to make a rudimentary furnace, there was the option for a variant to make use of Jewel’s ability to create heat with a bed underneath the furnace itself.

[Safe Zone activated]

“Praise be to Valhalla, I guess.” Waden sighed, it was good to know he had a safe place to retreat from the world. Eating some bread he sat leaning back against the wall in the hallway watching Jewel and Reeds mill around and play with each other, he noticed that as they sparred with each other they gained experience, he was interested to see how far that part of the System went.

The next few days he spent foraging outside and accumulating supplies to set up a fenced area and a garden with the seeds he found. Thankfully he had a decent variety of those so his diet would be fine in combination with the bread and pork he had. Most of those nights he worked inside the mountain to expand his new home while letting himself grieve the life that was no longer his, that person felt so other, despite all of their memories being crystal clear in his mind when he focused on them. He sat in the absolute darkness of the cavern he had carved out and cried with Jewel sitting on his lap and Reeds taking up a guard like stance. He’d never been ashamed of his emotions, even if he thought of himself as an ugly crier- who was here to judge him for it?

Working on basic survival needs during the day and basic expansion while processing everything at night seemed to serve him well. Helped that he didn’t need to sleep much due to the Celestial blood in his veins. After about a few weeks of solid work he had access to steel and was able to start building a forge to make himself some weapons as well as higher tier equipment. He had been working with iron, at best, before getting the process of turning coal into coke figured out. His first blades were really rough but he learned from every mistake and it felt good to have something productive to hyper fixate on for a while.

He fenced off a large area outside of the mountain, then he added another fenced area beside that with troughs and a small building for travelers to use as a rest stop. It was crude right now but he had many upgrades planned in the future.

The same could be said for his own home. His quality of life had greatly improved. Over the next month he made great strides in getting his living arrangements set up in a way he felt good about. A kitchen had begun to form as well as a home gym with some equipment he’d made by hand. It worked well enough and he had explored the valley and the woods and found some fruit trees and more seeds so his garden slash orchard was growing and his diet was getting better all the time.

A traveling merchant, a Satyr by the name of Toge, stopped by and used the shelter. Toge showed him a map which updated what Waden had after they’d traded a little bit and shared a small meal around a fire pit.

“Thank you for your time and patience with a hermit.” Waden said as Toge departed, pleased with his first visitor.

“It was a pleasure, thank you for hospitality. I’ll spread word about your gift to travelers here, thank you for the strawberries as well.” Toge waved and set off down the trail northward. Waden set about cleaning and resetting the shelter before heading back inside with his new items, he entered them into the ETS before pulling them back out to make use of them. He’d bought and traded for some decent kitchen knives, now he needed a cutting board, with this in mind he went downstairs to his workshop and got working on a large one and a small one. By the end of the day he had two nice cutting boards and a usable knife block to store his new blades. He’d love to find magnets so he could mount them on the wall but that was for later.

Over the next few months more and more travelers began showing up to use the shelter he’d built for them, even some nobles and their guards. He used their presence to train himself in stealth, he’d always been naturally quiet but now he could level that skill up past the normal limits of a human so he was investing the time needed to do so.

With this new and growing trade network Waden was able to trade for more essentials and crafting supplies. He even got a some stuff delivered, like a high quality mattress and associated linens. The ETC Console helped him create a large stockpile of product to trade with so he was making some decent money, which he kept in a hidden chest. The Forge area had to be expanded for carpentry and crafting component storage. Using the Systems built in crafting gave him an edge for the very basic versions of most things but he like working with his hands so he only used it to mock up ideas quickly.

After he had expanded two floors down and three floors up in his mountain, writing on the floors and walls with white chalk what he wanted to do where he set about getting started with these plans. First he made the steps for both staircases to get between the floors and a third set in the main room along the wall, he’d left an area in the upper half of the main cavern to carve out three bedrooms with a connecting balcony. Making the railing and bracing underneath this had him experimenting with stone and wood until he found a look and material he liked, the System crafting sped this along quite nicely. He could always come back and install nicer things later. This cave needed to feel like a home. He’d picked up a few rugs and made copies with the ETS to cover larger patches of floor so it wasn’t all cold stone.

He moved into his new bedroom and sighed as he laid down on his new mattress, it was so much nicer than the woven grass mat he had been using.

[Congratulations on creating a true Home! Received: 5000 EP(Enjoyment Points). Instruction for crafting a Collectible Memorabilia Machine(CMM) now added to notes with specifications for Memorabilia Room. Create at your leisure.}

“Alrighty.” He opened his notes and read the requirements: Two Steel Cubes(hollow or solid), Four Glass Plates, Six Buttons(any material). The Memorabilia Room had to be a minimum of thirty-two feet by twenty-four feet with a eight foot ceiling with a concealed door. Memorabilia for his old world only exists within this room. He had the supplies so he figured why not. The real question was where did it go? He decided to make the room behind his ETS Console which he'd already hidden with a sliding stone wall that fit almost seamlessly with the wall around it.

He set about carving out that space later that night, having a Steel Pick Axe helped a lot. Soon he had a second sliding stone door beside the ETS that lead to a well lit, empty room. He set the CMM in the north west corner of the Memorabilia Room and set a table beside it, three more were set in the center of the room around a chair so he could open said memorabilia in an efficient manner. He'd always wanted a room like this. He looked at the CMM, it offered two types of accounts, a Savings account that had a one and a half percent return monthly and a Debit account which was used for purchases apparently. He put three thousand EP into Savings, that would be... he had to think a moment, forty-five EP a month. He'd probably put half of all points earned into savings so he could eventually just use the returns to buy stuff. Speaking of stuff, it was time for him to look at what was offered. There was a Shop with rotating stock, ten items at a time. Currently there was two different TCG card packs, two TCG Special Boxes, a TCG Booster Box, a sword from an anime, a dice set, an old bolt-action rifle, a set of four TTRPG models, an old video game cartridge from the Nintendo 64, an anime sticker set, a movie poster, a firearm accessory, and a replica weapon from a TV show.

Nothing was cheap, the individual packs were one hundred each for a start. Looking at the Returns menu he saw that cards returned for a minimum of one EP which made sense, why have a decimal if you didn't absolutely need one. It also accepted the trash that came with opening memorabilia for small amounts of EP. There was a section for Mystery bundles, some specified what type of memorabilia could be found in them while there were other, very expensive, bundles with a little bit of everything in them. The Accessories Store had stands, displays, card sleeves, frames, mats, gun safes and crates, and general storage. He chose to sit on his EP for now and closed the hidden doors behind him as he left.

The next day he explored up the river to the east of his mountain home, he caught some crawdad and couple fish with his spear-walking staff combo. His diet further improved, even if he only grabbed a few crawdad. One nice thing about his ETS is that it let him eat fish without him having to depopulate the river.

On his way back home he looked at the side of the river bank that was up against his mountain. It looked like a good spot to put a secret door that would lead directly to his forge and crafting area. That was something he'd need to think about for a while. If he fenced off an area around the door it would be secure but not secret. Lots to think about. He added the new food he'd found to the ETS before heading to the room that was slowly but surely becoming a kitchen. He had some decent counters and a flat top that Jewel helped him cook on which was handy. Tonight's dinner was a quesadilla with ground, spiced chicken sausage and diced green pepper with a brown ale to drink with it.

“What do you think I should do next?” He asked Jewel, she was nibbling on some fresh fruit he'd diced up for her, Reeds had been out and about so she'd eaten bugs all day so she was fine. Jewel just looked up at him with no reply. “Yeah, I should go south on the road at least once a week to secure about half a days journey from here so bandits don't get comfy. Have to go north into the valley too then.” Waden had been training with the heavy versions of the weapons he could make to build skill and endurance, so he was fairly confident in his ability to keep himself safe. He was level four and had some pretty handy abilities now as well. That night he did what he could to decorate the other two rooms before going to bed. It was mostly just deep meditation but he wanted to be rested for his scouting mission the next day.

He started out just before dawn, using stealth and the bush along side the road to keep himself hidden, he was armed with an Arming Sword and two daggers. About three hours south of his home he heard talking from behind some bushes at the side of the road. There were four bandits, A Halfling, A Nagan, a Satyr, and a Goblinoid, with an undead Centaur magically tethered to and controlled by the Halfling of the group. He seemed to be in charge of the group. Waden studied the area surrounding them to find the best way to take them on while they talked idly about waiting for another traveler to come along. These bandits would be long dead by then.

From up in a tree he threw out a spell to create Hallowed Ground underneath the centaur to destroy the magics that kept it moving. As the Centaur collapsed two of the four turned to investigate, the nearest one to look in Waden's direction caught a Stone Spear to the upper chest and was thrown to the ground. Using a Shadow Tether Waden swung to land silently in a different area to try and lose their line of sight. The Satyr took four Shadow Shurikens to the back and fell due to one of them lodging itself in his spine.

“There!” The Halfling point out where Waden was in the brush, he and the Nagan began rapid firing arrows, each was met with a Shield Rune as Waden quickly advance with his sword drawn. The Nagan drew a saber and dropped her bow, advancing with a burst of speed. Waden intercepted her before she was ready. In two smooth moves he slapped her sword away and slashed at her throat. He locked eyes with the Halfling as she fell to the side, dead before she hit the ground. The Halfling started casting a Necromancy spell, Waden countered by centering a Hallowed Ground spell on him to neutralize it. Waden kept moving forward, closing the distance and striking down the bandit.

He got fifteen orbs that were items he hadn't identified yet during this combat.

“Interesting.” He grabbed the useful items off their bodies before burying them deep to keep them from being scavenged or Returning, he only marked the Centaurs grave, carving the initials he'd found woven into the poor soul's coat into a stone he used for the marker. To be safe he cast a cleansing Seal on each of the bodies so the inherit magic of the world couldn't raise them up again. Especially that Halfling. Sighing he headed home. “I need a bath and a hard drink.” He cleaned his blade with a rag and checking for damage he made his way down the road.

He had been hoping to find nothing. He felt like his luck was fickle.

Because of this encounter, he added 'make an archery range' to his to do list. He even knew where and how he was going to do it. That was a new skill for him to practice. It was getting dark when he got home, stepping inside he used his Psionic abilities to open the first hidden stone door so he could toss a bunch of stuff into the ETS before closing it up and heading up to take a bath and clean his gear. While he sat in the tub he opened his orbs, which were some decent items and a small pouch of gold.

Sleep wasn't going to happen so he got the range and targets set up. He had several distances so he could practice thoroughly, the close wooden target was for throwing weapons practice. He had some knives he was almost done working on.

He was working in his garden, enjoying the sun when he heard panicked galloping coming from the north. Moving quickly he use his Psionics to close the south gate as he ran to the northern one to open it for the horse. Closing it behind the scared creature he studied it, it had no saddle on and was wounded on it's haunch. Once it had worn itself out he slowly approached it, one step at a time. When it trusted him enough to let him close, he could heal its wounds. Waden felt something clinging to the animal, a fear not based in nature. Whatever had attacked this mare had left a magical effect with its claws.

“I'll take care of you, you're safe now. I'll go out in the morning and look for your friend, okay?” He gently pet its side to try and settle it down, his voice deep, and calming. He put food in one side of the trough and fresh water in the other so it could take care of its basic needs when it was able to, before heading back to tend his garden. He tossed some fresh greens over the fence, perhaps a treat would help ease the fear. He ate a late lunch watching the woods in the valley, there was usually movement- birds and small animals darting to and fro. There was silence and stillness now. Something was scaring everything.

The next day he scouted halfway into the valley but didn't seen any sign of a camp but did see what could have been the trail the horse had made through the woods leading farther north. Getting too far from home while something was actively hunting people didn't feel like a good idea, he hesitated to go any further out.

He continued to care for the horse and look around the near woods to see if he could find anything, but there was no sign of what had brought silence and fear to the valley. Two days after the horse had charged out of the woods three rides approached from the south, he let them into the secondary area with the shelter.

“Hail, I am Waden, what brings you this way?” He asked, there was a female Rodiana, Ratfolk with a large axe, a Dwarven man with a broad shield and a very well made Shepherd's Axe. Leading them was a statuesque Desert Orok man with a long sword on his hip.

“Hail. We are Throne Guard traveling to meet with a member of our order. Have you seen another wearing our insignia?” The Orok man asked.

“I have not, but I had a horse charge out of the woods to the north four days ago. If he was coming from that direction it might be his.” Waden pointed toward the horse. Their insignia, a three swirly symbols woven together into something that resembled an abstract coat of arms was presented on leather patches on their chest armor. He knew from a book he had read that the throne guard protected the people from corrupt authority and hostile beasts. They were well thought of.

“Erot,” The Rodiana pointed to the horse, “that's Warron's horse, Shimmer. Looks like the scars of claw wounds. Do you have healing magics, Gnome.”, Waden nodded.

“Damn. I have my doubts about your friends well being. Something dark has taken up residence in the valley. Haven't heard a bird in three days, I've scouted the southern half but I found no sign of a camp anywhere.” He offered them what information he had.

“Thoughts, Sray.” Erot asked the woman.

“Leave our horses here and head to the north end of the valley. We know where he'd camp so that shouldn't be to hard to find, hopefully he's alive. Either way it sounds like we have something to kill.” She said, no sign of emotion on her face.

“Would you be alright with our horses staying here?” Erot asked Waden.

“ As long as you need, that's totally fine. And, you're welcome to bring your friend back here for recovery..” He offered.

“Thank you,” Erot dismounted, offering out his hand,” We should introduce ourselves,” “I am Knight Erot, this is Knight Sray and Squire Noth. We need to make haste, please see to it that our horses are fed and have water.” The Orok kin pulled the strap of a satchel over his shoulder.

“I will await your return.” Waden gave them a bow and followed them to the gate so he could close it behind them. He took care of their horses while he waited for them to return. If they weren't back at sun rise he'd go after them.

It was near three in the morning, according to the clock in his menu, when he heard something moving in the brush before Sray stumbled forth, wounded but still carrying the front of a crudely made litter with Noth holding up the back, Erot lay on the stretcher. Waden activated the Light Seals as he opened the gate.

“This way, into the the mountain. I have a room inside.” Waden took charge. They made it through the gate before he used some healing magic to bolster Sray so she could keep moving.

“You have my thanks.” she said in acknowledgment while he quickly closed the gate and led them to a smaller one leading to his garden. When they were inside he set to healing Sray enough that he didn't feel he needed to worry about her before focusing on Erot.

“Is it dead?” He asked.

“Yes, killed Warron some days ago though. It must have been waiting, like it knew someone would come looking for him.” Noth said through a clenched jaw.

“So it was a targeted attack.” Waden tended to the worst of Erot's wounds, He pulled a healing potion out of a pouch on his belt, which earned him an odd look from Sray, he handed it to her. “Soak a rag in this and drip feed it to him, it'll aid his body in replenish the blood he lost and help stabilize him.” There are rags on the table.” He'd gotten this room ready just in case. While she did as she was told he poured his energy into Erot. There was a lot of internal damage. He was definitely hit by the surprise attack. He could feel the sun rise as he used the last of his magic.

“Come on, lets get you cleaned up.” Sray helped him to his feet.

“Do I look that bad?” Waden chuckled weakly. “Noth, there is a cupboard directly ahead of this end of this hallway. Top half is cups, bottom is the booze. There is food out on the table, and there's a bed up the small stairs with your name on it when you want to rest.”

“Got any whiskey?” Noth asked.

“Indeed, a bottle of a hundred and fifty year our Dwarven whiskey. It's all yours.” Waden smiled, Noth gave him one in return.

“How did you get that way out here?” Sray asked him as she got him moving, his arm around her back as she was a little too tall for him to reach her shoulder.

“Lucky trade and a grateful merchant.” He answered. He gave her directions to the second floor where he had set up a shower and a hot tub. “I can bath myself.”

“The least I can do is make sure you don't fall and break your neck. You save Erot's life.” She sat him down on a stool and helped him get undressed, she wasn't wasting time. He didn't have the energy to protest or resist.

“Hate to admit it but you have a point.” He sighed.

“How does this work?” Sray gestured to his shower.

“You push some magic into the Seals, the one on the right is heat, the left is cold, there are four other seals that move and cleanse the water so it lasts as long as you want.” He explained. “I made the shower head rather large so we both should be able to fit under it.

“That's amazing... I'll give it a try.” She activated the seals while she unbuckled her leather armor and tossed it aside, “I'm going to have to repair my armor.” She sighed, dealing with her shirt while using a hand to test the temperature of the water, making a small adjustment.

“I've got a workshop in the basement you can use... Are you feeling a strange, unnatural fear?” He asked, the question had been on his mind since their return.

“Yes, how did you know?” She asked.

“Took the horse almost two days to calm down, and your hands are shaking.” He explained. “I think it's something imbued by the creatures attacks.”

“I think you're right. I can't shake it.” She admitted.

“My home is your home until it goes away.” He said, he was looking down at his hands, Erot's blood was smeared on his palms. When he looked up again she was naked. “I don't think it's something I can cleanse from you, I don't feel it with my magics.” He hated feeling useless.

“Come on let's get you cleaned up. We can figure it out after you rest.” She easily lifted him onto his feet and into the shower. The hot water felt great, he finally relaxed and could feel some of his energy returning. He used it to preheat the hot tub.

“After you've finished with me I'll soak in the tub while you clean your fur. There are soaps and a couple brushes over there. I picked up some fur oriented shampoos just in the off chance they were needed” He pointed out the small cupboard near the shower.

“You like to be prepared.” She chuckled while she washed his face, he'd gotten blood onto it without realizing, she was surprisingly gentle.

“It's more that I am always anxious so I try to limit what can go wrong as much as possible. It's a fools errand but I can't help it.” He admitted.

“That is a wonderful and sad trait to have, Waden.” She said as she continued to scrub him down with the rag he kept at the edge of the shower. “You are covered in sweat.”

“That is significant, I don't sweat properly.” He chuckled.

“You really pushed yourself for us,” She smiled at him, “I will put in a good word with the order for you. Everyone will know this is a safe place to stop for the night, and to keep you safe.” She promised him. “When Erot has recovered enough he can send a magical message with his Sigil to report in about what happened.”

“Makes sense. God damn I am tired.” He felt a brittle second wind coming on but he wasn't going to rely on it.

“Go sit in the tub, when I'm done we'll help each other down the stairs.” Sray shuffled her way to the cupboard to grab some shampoo to help get the blood out of her fur while he crawled to the hot tub and slowly lowered himself into the water. It felt amazing. Watching her he was pretty sure her second wind had come and gone a long time ago. Duty was the only thing fueling her now and that flame was struggling. She lathered herself up and let the hot water flow over her to wash the previous day away. “This smells nice. Lavender.” she said.

“Oh, you picked the soap I made. I realized I had the supplies so I gave it a shot.” He was glad someone else liked it.

“You do a little bit of everything don't you?” She opened one eye to look at him through the bubbles.

“Living way out here on my own kind of necessitates it.” He pointed out.

“How did you come to live here?” She asked him.

“Woke up on a hill to the east some months ago. Needed a place to live and I have a pick axe.” He shrugged.

“You remember nothing before then?” She turned bodily toward him.

“Pretty sure I didn't exist in this world before then.” He admitted. “I remember dying and then I was here.” Might as well be honest with her about this.

“That's... quite a story.” Sray studied him.

“It's the only one I've got.” He shrugged. “The memories of that other life are crystal clear but feel... distant. Thankfully they were a curious sort and researched all sorts of things so I have a lot of knowledge to draw from.”

“How fortunate for you.” Sray incredulously ,deciding whether or not she believed him.

“Yeah, lucky me.” He often thought about that other person, they were him but they felt so far away. She rinsed herself off and looked for a towel. “That area over there has heat Seals on three sides, activate them and spin around to dry off. Towels get moldy if they don't dry properly so I found a way around that.” He smirked, he was kind of proud of his bathing room.

“That is clever.” She made her way over and dried her fur. When that was done she helped him up and over to a small chest of drawers he pointed out. It had spare clothing in it, including a couple dresses. Sray didn't say anything about this while they got dressed.

“I'll come back for my stuff tomorrow. I need rest.” Sray linked arms with him and they helped each other down the stairs to find Noth sitting at the dining room table with a couple bottles of whiskey.

“I've been checking on Erot, he seems to be doing quite well now. Get some rest Sray.” He said, his cheeks rosy. “Have a drink of this whiskey to help. He poured some of the good Dwarven liquor into a glass and pushed it towards her.

“Thanks. I'm going to get him to his bed first but I am definitely headed that way. I think we'll be here a couple of days at least to properly recover.” She let her Squire know the basic plan. Once again Waden and Sray helped each other up the stairs to the rooms.
“Mine is at the end. You can take one of the other two.” He said as she helped him along. Once he was flopped onto his bed she looked down at the glass in her hand.

“Fuck it, I don't want to walk anymore.” She shot the whiskey back and started coughing. “Holy shit that's potent.” she said as she crawled onto the bed beside him.

“Sounds good, that whiskey is going to hit you like a tank so get ready.” Waden laid on his stomach with a pillow tucked under his head.

“Weird way to sleep.” she teased him as she curled up with a pillow.

“If I lay on my back my kidneys over heat.” He mumbled as he slipped off into a deeper sleep than he'd previously had since waking up in this world.

He woke up to a weight across his lap, opening his eyes he saw that a blanket covered him from the waist down and Sray had mounted him.

“Can we have sex?” She asked suddenly.

“I'm sorry, what?” He wasn't sure he'd heard her correctly.

“That fear hasn't left, once the alcohol wore off it woke me up. I need to feel anything else.” She explained.

“I can't guarantee it'll work but I guess anything is worth a try.”

[Scene will be available in the 18+ area...eventually]

They fell asleep cuddled together and thankfully Sray was able to get some rest. It was late morning when they both woke up.

“Thank you for earlier, it seems that it worked.” Sray stretched beside him.

“I am very glad that it did. Would you like me to make something for breakfast?” He asked. He wasn't going to assume anything had changed in their relationship, but he was going to be a good host regardless.

“What's on offer?” She cocked an eyebrow.

“I was thinking I could make us something hearty and filling to help us recover, like hash. Dice some potatoes and sausage, toss in some veggies and caramelized onion and garlic, then tie it all together with scrambled eggs.” He was starving so something dense sounded good.

“That sounds amazing.” Sray kept stretching, it was kind of cute. “You put off a lot a heat by the way.”

“Told ya.” He chuckled and slowly got out of bed, he felt stiff. He changed into some lazy day clothes and tossed a few things for her to wear onto the bed.

“Thanks.” She pulled the offered clothing toward herself. She was a little bit taller than him, not to mention far more muscular, but he liked his clothes baggy so they should fit her.

“I'm gonna get food started, is there a drink you prefer to start your day with?” His turn to stretch.

“Wouldn't say no to coffee.” Sray sat up and pulled the teal colored shirt on, it was too long in every way it could be. “This is going to look like a dress. I need underwear.”

“Didn't realize I'd grabbed that shirt, if you find a pair that fit you're welcome to them.” Waden headed downstairs, he didn't see Noth anywhere. Breakfast didn't take long and Sray was sitting at the main table when he brought out a pot of coffee, a jar of sugar, and a jug of milk.

“I found a pair.” She smirked, getting a coffee mixed in her mug.

“Good, brunch will be served soon.” He offered her a smile and returned to the kitchen. When he returned he brought out a large bowl full of streaming hot food.

“That looks and smells amazing.” Sray sat up, shifting her plate excitedly.

“I'm glad you approve,” He plated her up and then himself before sitting down at an angle from her. They dug in, both of them have quite the appetite. Noth came up the steps leading to the workshop on the lower level.

“Something smells good.” He said, heading for the table. “You two seem hungry, hope you left some breakfast for me.” He teased them.

“Of course.” Waden studied him, it was obvious he knew what had happened earlier this morning. Perhaps he heard them.

“This is delicious, and I'm not just saying that because I am starving.” Sray didn't seem to care if Noth knew or not as she eagerly scarfed down her meal. Noth plated up some for himself.

“I believe it,” The Dwarf plopped himself down in a chair at the far end of the table. “He has a quite the forge downstairs, I hope it's okay to use some of your resources to repair our gear.” Noth said to Waden.

“Yeah, of course, I'll have Jewel get the forge heating up.” Waden said, letting Jewel our of her Card, the fire red stoat appeared in his lap.

“Is that a Divine Beast?” Sray asked, her fork having stopped halfway to her mouth.

“I don't know, She has been my companion since the day I got here. Her and Reeds, a scorpion-mantis hybrid... thing.” He answered as honestly as he could. His System just called them Critters.

“Sounds like a Divine Beast, I guess.” Noth shrugged. “So that little thing can power a forge then?”

“She can generate a lot of heat. Enough to get steel white hot, I don't use the coal or coke for anything major anymore.” Waden was very proud of how far Jewel had come with her abilities.

“And Reeds?” Sray asked.

“They produce a very potent poison when needed and keep the pest population down, its very good for the garden.” He was still enjoying his breakfast, couldn't afford to stop eating after the amount of energy he'd poured into healing Erot.

“What are you exactly?” Noth asked him. He shrugged.

“As far as I am aware I'm simply a Gnomish gentleman with a little bit of Celestial Heritage.” He said honestly, understanding why they were re-evaluating him right now.

“That explains the eyes.” Sray pointed out, Noth gave her an odd look, “they glow in the dark, not much but its definitely noticeable.” She explained.

“Celestial blood probably helps with the healing spells effectiveness as well.” The Dwarf agreed that there were a few things that added credibility to his statement. “We can test it if you want.” He said to Sray.

“Nah, I believe him. There is something he isn't saying though.” She was perceptive.

“I do have a couple things I should show you, in the interest of full disclosure.” Waden stood up, and started walking down the hallway. They followed him at a distance. He stopped in front of the hidden stone door that hid the ETS. Using his Psionics he slide the door aside with a casual wave of his hand.

“How did you do that?” Noth asked.

“Psionics. This is my ETS, or Energy Transmutation System. I can toss stuff into it to add to a catalog and accumulate energy which I can then use to pull items out of the catalog. I mostly use it for food stuffs that go bad quickly and alcohol. Making things by hand is far more satisfying.” Waden shrugged, he openly the 'Recently' list on the consoles screen to show this.

“That is a dangerous machine.” Sray said calmly.

“Not really, I'm the only one who can use it and no one can make me do something I don't want to do. If push came to shove I'd just destroy it anyway.” He pointed out.

“That is a comfort, I suppose... Can I get a bottle of that whiskey for the rode?” Noth smirked.

“Yeah, sure.” Waden had planned on giving him one anyway.

“You're being very honest.” Sray pointed out.

“I am, that is both my nature and prudent. You're members of the Throne Guard and you've put a great deal of trust in me. I would like to keep that.” Waden had been thinking about this since they'd ridden up to him.

“We will be reporting all of this to our Counsel, that has to happen.” She wanted him to know the consequences of this action.

“I know.” Waden was calm in this moment, he was aware that this was odd.

“They will send an envoy to talk to you and assess what danger you may pose.” She outline the first action that would be taken.

“I can save you some time- I am incredibly dangerous.” Waden smirked. “Not because any of this stuff though.” He gestured to the console with a wave of his hand.

“You have my attention and curiosity.” Sray said.

“I do not lack conviction in my beliefs and that is dangerous in and of itself.” He pointed out them.

“You just keeping getting more and more interesting.” Noth clapped him on the shoulder with a chuckled, Sray arched an eyebrow at him. “What, I like him- and so do you.”

“Why did you really show us all of this?” She asked.

“I don't want to lie to you.” Waden trusted his gut, and it told him she was a good person.

“Because of last night?” Noth asked.

“Firstly, the sex was this morning, secondly- no.” Waden said, watching Sray's reaction to this.

“He decided on this before the sex.” Sray studied him, he nodded. “The sex itself was more utility than passion anyway.”

“What?” Noth didn't follow.

“I think the creature imbued fear with its claws, the horse of your fallen comrade took a long time to calm down, Sray confirmed my hypothesis early with her description of what she was feeling and how it wasn't going away. I think part of her knew it was a foreign fear as well. I think you were spared due to your armor taking the brunt of the attack. I don't think Erot is effected, whether its because he was rendered unconscious or it didn't use it's claws when it attacked him.” Waden explained.

“It tackled and bit him.” Noth confirmed.

“I'm not sure why the sex worked, but I'm glad it did.” Sray said.

“It is curious, perhaps it's because the attraction was genuine and that was enough to counter the fear? I really don't know. Maybe it's simply my Celestial bloodline.” Waden gave a couple theories.

“That might be it, you are frustratingly attractive for some reason.” Sray admitted.

“That's pretty much where I live on the scale.” Waden said with a straight face, this earned a grin from Noth.

“I wish that things body hadn't dissolved into nothing. Our scholars need to study this fear and find a way to combat it.” Noth grumbled.

“That would have been very helpful. This creature seems to be a new aberration, which is worrying. We will have to see what else rears its ugly head.” Waden thought out loud.

“Agreed. I'm going to check on Erot.” Noth stepped into the room and closed the door behind him.

“I appreciate your openness and honestly.” Sray said.

“And I yours.” He replied with a slight nod. “I feel I should state, just to be clear, that I don't expect more sex from you. I understood in the moment that you were trying last ditch effort to remove the fear. Totally understandable.”

“Thank you. It was... really good by the way.” She said.

“I'm glad, it would be a shame if your cure was bad sex.” He smirked.

“True. Gods I am still exhausted.” She yawned.

“Being afraid takes a lot of energy. You're welcome to stay as long as you need.” He reiterated.

“Thank you, let's check on Erot.” Sray said, Waden figured she was worried about him, which made sense. He had almost died. When they opened the door Noth had helped Erot sit up by putting several pillows behind him.

“Here is the man of the hour.” Erot said, “Noth tells me that you are full of surprises.”
“I am indeed. Glad to see you awake, it was touch and go for a bit there.” Waden said.

“Not surprising. Thank you for your honesty and hospitality.” Erot said before turning his attention toward Sray. “Noth mentioned a fear that was born unnaturally from the creatures claws. I'm glad to see you're recovering from that. Was it a curse?”

“I don't think so, Waden said he should have been able to feel it with his magics if it was- he couldn't.” Sray said.

“Then how did you get rid of it?” Erot asked.

“Wasn't my place to say.” Noth explained that blank in Erot's knowledge. Sray nodded.

“I fucked Waden.” She answered calmly.

“That good in bed, huh?” Erot smirked.

“Yeah.” Sray shrugged. “We think it has something to due with the fact that we are genuinely attracted to each other and his semi-Celestial nature. I'm sure my personality and past have something to do with it too.”

“Interesting. A poison with a cure that is different for everyone, not good.” Erot mused. “I will be writing a report, that I will share with all of you before sending it back to the Counsel. We find ourselves in a very strange situation.”

“I'll get you some writing supplies.” Waden stepped out of the room and down the hall to a desk he kept such things at. He also picked up a board that Erot could use for a surface to write on. Sray leaned out the door to keep an eye on him while he did this. “Here you go.” Waden set the plank in Erot's lap and gave him the supplies.

“Thank you. The Counsel will want to speak with you, they'll have questions.” The Desert Orok said.

“They are more than welcome to come visit me.” Waden said. “Sray mentioned they'd probably send an envoy to interview me.”

“True. They'll want an investigation as soon as possible.” Erot agreed. “Can I trouble you to make me something to eat, something soft and easy on the stomach?”

“No trouble at all, I can make you some porridge real quick. Would you like some berries mixed in?” Waden asked.

“Oh, please.” Erot said. “While you get that sorted, Noth would you help me to the restroom facilities... what are the restroom facilities?”

“I trapped a Green Slime in a vertical glass tunnel and put a toilet seat over it.” Waden described it quickly.

“That's... kind of genius actually.” Erot thought about it for a moment.

“After you've had something to eat I'll help you up to the shower and let you relax in the tub.” Sray said.

“Shower?” Erot asked.

“He rigged a system of Seals that heats, circulates and cleans the water with a nozzle up above you. It's really nice.” She explained.

“Fascinating.” Erot let Noth take his arm to help him up, while they made their way to the restroom Sray followed Waden to the kitchen and watched him put some porridge together, he used more heating Seals to cook.

“I don't think I've ever seen Seals used like this before.” She said, watching him stir the pot.

“My casting Trait is Unorthodox, wasn't sure what that meant until just now.” He chuckled.

“Trait?” she asked.

“I have a... character sheet with information about my new form. It lists all kinds of things about me.” He explained.

“Can I see it?”

“I don't know, we can try.” He offered, opening it up and moving so she should be able to see it.

“Nothing.” She huffed.

“Damn, I was hoping to gain insights about myself.” He huffed with her. He scooped the porridge into a bowl and sprinkled fresh berries onto it. They met with Erot and Noth at the main table, he placed the bowl down with a spoon.

“Thank you again.” Erot bowed his head.

“No need for thanks, you are my guest.” Waden pointed out.

“You've gone far beyond simply being a good host- thanks are due.” Erot countered.

“You are very welcome.” Waden relented, letting him win. He did have a point. They were all quiet when Erot started to eat, after a while it was evident that he was had recovered enough to eat.

“What do you have going on today, Waden?” Erot asked between bites. “This is really good.” he added.

“Thank you, and just basic chores, need to check on the horses, make sure they have feed and clean water. Some clean up.” Waden wanted to change his sheets after this morning.

“Sray will go with you. It looks better if you're accompanied and watched.” Erot said.

“Understandable.” Waden didn't have a problem with that. “We'll get to that, you enjoy your food and rest.” He led Sray outside where they checked on the horses, their food and water were fine so the two sat on the fence and watched them graze.

“Your life is going to change.” She said.

“It's done that before.” He shrugged. “I'm glad you found your way here.”

“Oh? I'm literally only complicating your life.” She pointed out.

“That's what people do, lonely simplicity isn't really better.” He said.

“Wise words from a hermit.” She teased him.

“I'm not technically a hermit.” He pretended to argue, she laughed “I like my quiet, but it loses it's meaning if you try to make it permanent. I welcome interactions.” He gestured to the shelter he'd built for traveler's to use.

“Yeah... I think I'll take over Warron's patrol. It's about time that Noth got out in the field anyway.” She said, waiting for him to reply.

“I'd like that. I'll fetch your friends body tonight so you can give him the appropriate burial rites. I can move quite fast on my own so I shouldn't be gone too long.” He said.

“Thank you, he was good man. It's been bothering me that we left him out there.” She admitted.

“I know. It was either save Erot or go back later for two corpses.” He pointed out. “You made the right decision.”

“Still feels like shit.” She clicked her tongue.

“They usually do.”

Many months later...

Waden met Sray and Noth outside, he had something he needed to tell them before they came inside. The sky was a hundred shades of red and yellow as the sun went down.

“Everything alright?” Sray asked him while she dealt with her horse's saddle.

“A few things have happened since you were last here.” Waden poured some feed into the covered trough for the horses.

“Oh?” She turned to study him for a moment.

“Something best spoken about inside.” He gestured to his front door.

“I'll get our stuff sorted out and bring it in if you want to go now.” Noth offered.

“It technically concerns both or you.” Waden pointed out. They got their things together and headed inside.

“I have someone I need to introduce you to.” Waden gestured over to the couches, someone was sitting on one of them, patiently waiting. She stood up and turned to present herself. Tall with dark mahogany skin and long, pointed ears. “Sray and Noth of the Throne Guard meet Kaia Xeraia of the Fae Courts.”

“Why is a Fae in your house?” Noth asked instantly.

“The Lord in charge of this regions Fae decided that I was a threat and tried to have me assassinated, your friend here was kind enough to give me sanctuary.” She spoke with a smooth voice that tickled the mind.

“Why?” Sray asked.

“My particular bloodline of Fae are Truth Seers. He wishes to lie.” Kaia answered calmly.

“Sounds like a mortal court.” Noth snorted in amusement.

“True enough.” Kaia smirked. “It is a pleasure and an honor to meet both of you.” The Fae gave a shallow bow, there was a noticeable hesitation though.

“Any you as well.” Sray returned the bow, Noth saluted because Dwarves didn't bow. “Are you unwell?”

“I was wounded, Thankfully Waden has access to healing magics. Still recovering though.” Kaia explained.

“The assassin used a raw iron blade so the damage isn't just in the flesh.” Waden added.

“I see,” Sray studied the Fae for a moment. “You're lucky to have stumbled upon this homestead.”

“It's been a while since the last time I came through this area, none of this was here last time.” Kaia chuckled.

“He has changed the landscape.” Noth agreed. “I'm going to get our stuff put away.” Noth hauled their saddlebags up the stairs to the bedrooms.

“I have a lot of questions.” Sray began loosening the straps on her armor.