His new book that he got from the mountain floats from Hundor to Olivira. She claims it and slices her palm with one of her nails. The blood lands on the lock and it pops open. The blood continues to slowly drop. "I Olivira, Inevitable, Shalentess, Lawful Outsider, am the holder of rituals and archivist of the Contract of Blood. Your questions will be recorded and I hope you all shall join us. Sable Soren Blademaster, Koldur of the Axe, Olivira of the Scroll, and Hundor Contract Wielder offer you to join us in a blood pact to grow stronger. You may think this is evil that we use blood but it is merely what binds us. It is magic that makes us stronger and the blood is what truly connects us. It is fine if you wish to have nothing to do with this but we are offering after such wonderful act of sacrifice that this is the time to cherish that and give you this offer. We shall do our best to tell you what we know and any omissions shall be fixed. The first of these omissions that only a few of you know, I am not a mortal, an outsider that some of you have willing given to so that I may survive."
"You may wonder what is an Inevitable. Inevitables are construct-like outsiders built by the Axiomites to enforce law. Whereas sometimes Axiomites fall from time and space to hopefully be reborn from death. Those beings typically die as they fall upon a land with no one willing or able to give to them. I was one of the lucky few a Shalentess. Using the technology of the Axiomites, I have merged my soul to that technology. Thus I present my true form that I have finally been able to perfect." She informs and then is covered in a bright light. Emerging as a creature resembling a flawless, perfect example of an elf. Then you see the gears... Golden, clockwork wings sprout from its back. She smiles and offers, "Then there is my attack mode..." Her hands seperate and move back to support her wrists as five feet of barbed chain extends to the ground. Each with a sharp hook at the end. At the same time her feet shift showing off gears and three sharp talons dig into the ground. Her wings even shift to have slicing feathers at the end of the golden wings.
Then she turns off the attack mode and with a flourish of her wings is back to the image you know much better. She explains, "I can change my shape. I can alter my image. I first took an image close to this because I thought that is what was pleasing to my saviors. It has been, though I have down played it to not be a tempting succubus as it practically was originally. Let me show you."
Then she shakes again to her image now:
Raven black hair spilling over two massive horns and a massive mane behind. Her eyes turn back to a natural color of gray, stark white teeth in comparison to her dark ruby glistening lips. A glittering diamond on her forehead and a necklace of bones and black leather. Her red dress is quickly shaped into a black outfit with leather straps and a backpack. You can still see her curves but they are toned down with less confining clothing. Her black feathered wings lift and then descend to hide mostly behind her. her hands are delicate with clean fingernails. On her head is a strange metallic hat of sorts made of flat strips of metal some six inches long with strange runes upon them, they almost seem to suspend in the air around her face as if ioun stones without the rotation.
[b]"One of my unique pact spells allows a subject to offer up one of their ability scores to help you in that ability score, though their capabilities are severely limited then, I would take care of them for you here, should you ever find such a willing subject.
With my regained powers, knowledge, and know how I should be able to have eight at the most and then myself included. So Jevar, Koldur, Sable, and you have five more spots though they not need be filled right now. We could increase an ability score, allow the group be invisible for a time each day, harden your skin to not take blows so hard, temper your bodies to be more tolerant to a specific energy, the list is nearly endless but we need to pick one thing and then get the material components for the spell.
Hudor the halfling will gain in spades what those gain simply as a boost. If you chose to increase the strength of those in the blood pact. Each would increase by 2 in strength but the halfling would gain at least 4. Or if you chose to use damage reduction, each in the blood pact would gain 1/magic as he would likely have 3/magic. Does that help? He and you gain those abilities. If you include me in the pact I can strengthen it. Each gaining DR 3/magic as the halfling gains DR 5/magic.
I can offer to strengthen your other abilities.
I can create magical devices though I will need the raw materials and something more to pay for my service.
A bit of history: You might be asking, why did I land here? That would be a good question, Hundor holds a cleared contract, one that many outsiders would kill to possess. Of course killing him would do little to the contract or himself, though there are the dull demons that would simply strike out hoping to gain it. I have been looking for a beacon of power to aim towards and once his contract was cleared my spell moved me right to your vicinity. I see that there is a blood pact between him and several of you but that merely locked him to this plane and to you. There still needs to be a contract made and one with a being of power, an outsider would be most beneficial. He does not have the will power to make decisions concerning it but those who have the blood pact with him by proxy or proximity do. As you can now tell why I chose you as my protectors.
What am I: to put it crudely I am a lawful succubus focused on power, contracts, and magic. I mean you no ill will, in fact as you gain power I will as well.
She offers a few pacts she can do right now with her intoxicating smile, "If you choose to take me up on a pact your options right now are:
A minor pact, gain an increase in one ability by 1 of the loss of another by 3,
A major pact, gain an increase in one ability by 3 of the loss of another by 6,
and
finally become an official agent of mine, bear my mark, connect your destiny with my own, I will drain you so later you may grow stronger.
Sable and Jevar T'Soryn, have become my agents, though the mark will not display until they accept it fully. Sadly due to the magic of the Contract Hundor cannot become one of my agents."
Ingvarr considers what he knows of Succubi.
Edit: Also considering what he knows of Inevitables:
A succubus is a tempting demon that would look like the image she says it looks like. She could be a succubus because they can change shape too. Though they could not give axiomatic, lawful, blessings.
”You have proved a valuable ally so far, Olivira, and I am one to look past appearances to see what is beneath—but an Inevitable? This is an amazing revelation!” starts Ingvarr.
Continuing, Ingvarr says, ”I have many questions, but let me start with these two: Is the law you follow for the benefit of others (good), the tyrannical subjugation of others (evil), or your own growing power only (neutral)? And if we enter this pact with you, what are the expectations of us and what do you intend to do with the power this pact grants you?”
I can create magical devices though I will need the raw materials and something more to pay for my service.
"I can do this as well, maybe we can craft faster if we collaborate together." Seraphina chimed in. "In fact, I crafted that Silversheen from my own resources and would appreciate being reimbursed at some point." She laughed the issue away for the moment though.
"I do have a few questions. First, what do we need to restore what Hundor and Koldur lost to the rod? Second, have Hundor's efforts with the rod been successful?" She looked to him to ask her question directly, "Can you command the guardians here now?"
Then she turned back to Olivira. "It almost sounds as though the contracted create a loop through which power circulates and becomes... concentrated... or multiplied? I'm not sure which. You spoke to me before that those who entered into the contract become one of Hundor's protectors. What does he need protection from?" Her shining copper eyes turned back toward him then with slight smile of apology.
Finally when talk turned to what they might gain from the contract, she tapped her lips thoughtfully with one jade nail. "My journey has led me to learn more about my Draconic heritage. It's through blood that my power comes to begin with. What I would seek is to connect more deeply with my own bloodline. And would be glad to share that with Hundor and all of you."
She nods with a smile at Ingvarr's excitement. "The law that I follow is the rule of this kingdom. That it is good or evil is dependent on the rulers. So far it is good from what I have seen. As they are my saviors and defenders I support them fully!"
She happily states, "Of course we can work together Seraphina. Like it has been said, we would need a restoration spell to restore the drain for all of us."
"I am master here now." He states.
Smiling and nodding at Olivira, Ingvarr accepts her answer. However, he frowns at Hundor’s words.
”Exactly who are you now, Hundor? And do you claim mastery over just this manor, or all of us, or the kingdom at large? How will you rule your claimed domain?” asks Ingvarr, adding, ”My allegiance is to the King and Queen, not to you.”
"You are correct Seraphina, the contracted create a loop through which power circulates and becomes concentrated or multiplied. I am not sure if one is a better word than the other and it could be both. We have not invested much into the Contract yet. If I was not part of the Contract other outsiders would likely try to take hold of the contract by possession or worse. Any outsider or magical being would be drawn to an empty contract. It is no longer empty as we use it. Yes we could do connect to your draconic bloodline. We would need to do some research and collect the appropriate materials to make it happen." He tries to explain, you can tell she even doesn't have all the answers.
The halfling begins to laugh at Ingvarr's words and then stops as it hurts. He takes a deep breath and then says, "I am Hundor, the halfling that you already knew. I am still Sable's squire and Olivira's apprentice. I did not have an official position on the council so there is no overlap there. I am the Contract Bearer as before. I have mastery over this mansion, its members, and the surrounding area. Apparently there is a mining operation, a vast magical scroll creation, and some surrounding farms. Last would be the small village nearest."
Then he stops to think on it. Replying with, "Once the kingdom claims these lands as their own, you might look upon me as a noble. I think that makes sense right? I am willing to figure it out with the council and find out what we think would be best. I only have dominion over those that are pledged to the house. I think I would rule over my domain as the council has so far. Right and my allegiance is to the Council." You are likely know the difference in word usage as he did not say King and Queen.
"I plan to continue to explore and be with the exploring expedition force. Though during the rest of the month I will be ruling my little area here as the rest of you tend to the kingdom." He offers so that it is clear.
"As far as I am concerned, I am happy with that arrangement, though I cannot speak for the others," says Ingvarr. "I am happy with the axiomatic blessing you are currently providing, Olivira, but I would be open to further collaboration, especially if you could offer something that would enhance my motivational song ability," he suggests.
"Well it seems to me that we have our first Noble of this land we are building. Comes with quite a bit of prestige, land and wealth too." Koldur remarks.
"It's in good hands I believe."
Turning to Olivira.
"Your offer is good and that I can vouch for but my Oath supersedes everything else and as long as I draw breath, This old dwarf's axe is for the princess."
Turning to the rest.
"Her offer is good and true and it may best benefit all of you with your various ability to cast a spell or use other powers but for this old dwarf, I have nothing to give and everything to take and thus I'll not be taking this offer once more." He bows and then hobbles off which wasn't far to find a place to rest.
She looks at Koldur confused and asks, "What you wish to be excluded from the blood pact with the Contract, Koldur?!"
Seraphina smiled and nodded in approval of Hundor's plans for the manor. "In truth, though Ingvarr is a romantic and likes to call Johanna, 'my queen', it is just flattery at this point. The community of Khorvian is little more than a Barony now. So in truth, her proper title would be Baroness. Khorvian may grow into a Kingdom in it's own right. But likely not before the Princess takes her place on the Dragonscale throne as Queen of Brevoy. I wonder, can a Queen owe fealty to another Queen? At any rate, a true leader knows that they themselves are servants to duty. It is the people of our budding nation, which we all serve." She though of her father as she echoed his lessons on the duties of Nobility.
"Well, I for one am ready to join the Contracted. I am not sure I completely understand, but my instincts tell me it is the right path. They have not led me astray so far. Just let me know what you require from me."
"Where will we find someone to cast the Restoration spell? As I understand it, it will be cheaper to pay for the service of a divine spellcaster of the seventh level. Do you suppose anyone like that resides here in the manor, Hundor?"
She looks at Koldur confused and asks, "What you wish to be excluded from the blood pact with the Contract, Koldur?!"
Koldur smiles at Olivira. She had proven a true friend despite her appearance their somewhat rocky first meeting.
"Do you remember when you first offered?" he says gently.
The link from this.
The long version:
Koldur takes a depp breath and begins to speak.
"I." he looks at Hundor intently
"Am one who has already sworn his axes to another and thus I'll soon be walking from this place as I cannot, will not consider giving my word to another while I am pledged to another. You however. Have now something far greater than what you ahve had to suffer all these years." he pauses as he places both his gnarled yet still strong hands on Hundor's shoulders."You have a choice. One you can make freely. Once that you can choose to uphold or withdraw as you feel fit. This is a fresh new start for you and not one forced upon your shoulders. As a friend I tell ye that you should consider your choices and make them wisely for even if you don't you can still live right by them. It's what the forge of life will mould you."
"I am Koldur of the Axe, weapon master, sworn bodyguard to a Princess whom I have a soft spot for. My little Moonshine whom I have seen grown up before my eyes. She needs my help and I'll find it here in this place, and I'll keep searching until even if my body gives out and never will I be stopping." here he stops and smiles gently at Hundor as he begins to move towards the door.
"I'll say this: Here be Hundor's first step to a new life."A short bow to his gracious hostess as he speaks.
"You have heard my reason as to why I cannot enter such a pact with you. Hence with your leave I shall depart and await my companions outside."
"And that is why." once he sees the light if understanding on Olivira's face.
"I would still like to be able to explore this domain and use the forges if Hundor allows it since it now belongs to him."
With that Olivira steps forward and asks that those who wish to join the Contract step forward and those who choose to abstain to exit the room.
Hundor lifts up in the throne and nods to the guards. The guards exit with the rest of you. Though two stay behind. Catrina and the female creature with the white dress and black wings.
"I am your counselor and manager of those within the household. With your permission, I Alice would request that I may stay and partake of this ritual for the growth of my master." Hundor nods in agreement and offers his word of acceptance.
Olivira then forms a circle upon the floor with her own blood and asks that each stand along it. To spread out that we are equally seperated. Once that is done she joins the circle and begins to give more instructions. "Hundor will enter the circle and sit in the middle. Each of us will need to cut from your hand or body and spill blood before you on the ground. It does not matter how much, then accept to give Hundor and this fellowship your protection. Do not resist and you will be drained some. This time we will use what has been collected and that is armor." She pulls forth from a bag and puts magical armor in the circle. Then begins an incantation. The magical items dissolve and the group would gain damage reduction 3/magic.
Before the ritual she asks Rognar, "What would your god say? If you are not sure perhaps you should ask him or her. Though knowing your god how would he or she feel about such a magical ritual?"
Like before, Koldur leaves the room to allow the others to complete the ritual.
Seraphina took her place in the circle and summoned her claws, she slashed open her own forearm with one wickedly sharp jade colored talon. Her copper eyes gleamed as she watched curiously while Olivira began the ritual.
She spoke her acceptance when the time came, "I, Seraphina of House Medvyed, do hereby pledge myself to protect Hundor and our fellowship from all threats to the best of my ability. As we stand together, we shall not fall."
Seraphina you see how the ritual works and could likely perform it if needed, now.
With the ritual done. Those who participated walk out.
With the ritual done. Those who participated walk out.
"I think some rest is in order. We've been up all night, after all." She said and immediately had to hide a yawn behind her hand.
Koldur having seen Sable and the others walk out, joins the group and has and answer for Sable straight away.
"We as the council, should legitimize Hundor's claim and grant him a title as our immediate first task. Then having the temple restored and getting some settlers to settle here would be great. I would also like to explore the dungeons and see if there's any loot that we can use to strengthen ourselves. Anybody else has any thoughts on this?"
”For my part, I agree with your proposed course of action,” volunteers Ingvarr. ”Let us ensure this manor is secure, then rest here for tonight. In the morning we can head back to the temple and deal with it. I do worry what has become of the harpies in our absence, but I suspect with the vampire’s power broken, they should be doing well,” he contributes.
As Seraphina gives Hundor a boost, turning his exhaustion into merely fatigue, he and his attendants are present. He offers up, "You are safe within the halls of the mansion. If you question it, that is fine. You can rest in one room together and those that want to, may go to Olivira's Sanctum."
He steers the group to a door on the right. Within you find a luxurious room with several couches, a large fluffy rug, and a large bed.
He makes sure you are all settled before leaving the room. "Please is there anything else I can do to make your stay any more enjoyable let me know" Then he walks up to Seraphina and asks, "Would you mind having a private word with me?"
Assuming you take it he will then continue walking with you beside him. He then begins to cautiously say, "I have liked you. You have shown me interest. I know this might be forward of me but do you like me? You are the first woman who has truly shown me interest."
She nods to Hundor, entering the room. She produces the marble figurine and casts it to the wall. There it enlarges and she waits for Sable to enter first and then looking at the others she will follow. Leaving the portal open.
Koldur picks a room and enters it to rest from the exertions of the day.
Ingvarr finds a comfortable couch and nestles into the cushions, exhausted. He will be asleep in minutes.
Then he walks up to Seraphina and asks, ”Would you mind having a private word with me?”
”Not at all,” she replied and stretched languorously as she rose from her seat, ”I have some questions I’d like to ask you as well.” And she followed him into the hall.
When they reached the throne room, she took his hand easily but tilted her head to the side as they began to walk, regarding him curiously with her shining copper eyes. The long day of preparation and the long night of battle and an extended chase followed by another battle and all manner of discovery and then the ritual had taken its toll on poor Sera. Everything had taken on a surreal edge and she half wondered if she had never gotten up from the plush sofa and instead was still lounging there, dreaming of walking here with her friend and him looking so serious. The sensation of swimming came back to her now and she felt she fairly floated along, giddy and lightheaded.
He asked her if she liked him? ”What a strange question,” she blurted, on the edge of laughter. ”I hardly think I would spend half my spells to protect your hide, sacrifice of my own essence to mitigate the damage to your own and enter into a Contract of Blood Magic and vow to give you my protection if I did not like you, silly goose.” She was struck with an impulse to give him a playful shove, but he still seemed so serious. Then the word “interested” finally seemed to sink in and she blinked in surprise. ”Oh… but that’s not what you’re asking, is it? You’re asking if I want there to be more between us?” Her dark auburn eyelashes fluttered as she considered his question.
”To be honest, I had not thought of us in such a light before now. I told you that I came to the Stolen Lands partly to avenge the deaths of my father and brothers at the hands of rampaging bandits. I succeeded in that, as much as it was possible, at least, and found that vengeance is a bitter dish. The gesture empty of the honor I wished to bring to my House. But I stayed because it is quite likely that my family consider me to be betrothed. I gave Kol Garess no sign of my approval but that is unlikely to figure in to his plans if he has negotiated with my uncle for my hand.” She sighed tiredly, ”So you see, even if my heart may be mine to give as I will, my hand in matrimony is not. I expect my family will deal with me fairly and give my wishes due consideration, but a Noble marriage is more than a whim of fancy. It’s a treaty of alliance and the first and foremost familial obligation that a young Noblewoman owes her House.”
She smiled to cut the tension, ”I had hoped to achieve enough here for myself that my family would consider my obligation to provide a beneficial alliance to be fulfilled. But I can’t know if I have succeeded at enough to sway them unless they come to collect me. And if I have not, it will be a moot point, as they will expect me to leave here and go to wed the man they have promised me to.”
”But on the bright side, my betrothed may reject me. That would shame me and my family, but his as well and it would release me from the promise, at least. As my powers have developed, there have been… changes, wrought into my very flesh. You have seen my claws, of course, but some of these changes don’t fade away when I release them.” She reached up and swept her flowing red hair over one shoulder to expose the nape of her neck. There, running in two parallel lines, bracketing her spine were the copper colored scales he had noticed only in passing before, they shone like polished metal wherever the light touched them. ”They go all the way down,” she admitted with a blush, ”and they seem to be spreading as I gain in power. I may look more like Meir before things are all said and done. My own mother might not even recognize me and Kol may well flee at first sight.” She laughed again, but this time it was a bleak, sardonic laugh. Nothing like her usual laugh which was light and almost musical in it’s tones.
”I’m sorry, I’ve completely talked my way round your question and into my own worries, haven’t I? Forgive me, I am weary. In truth, I have never been in a relationship. I neither know what to do or expect. All I know is that I dislike the idea of returning to Elkenhelm without you. You and Meir have made all the difference in making that place feel like home. You seem to have given this some thought though… If we did decide to be more to each other, what would that be like, do you think?”
With Sable and teh rest having entered Olivra's Sanctum, Koldur the old weaponmaster once more finds himself in a familiar situation. Alone with his thoughts, accompanied by them he wanders until he feels a room calling him. A silent call deep that echoes and reaches out to tug a sentimental part of his soul.
In the room Koldur finds himself, he discovers a large size training hall with various empty racks meant for weapons of various types and sizes to be placed.
Examining the hall, its walls and empty racks seems to fill the old dwarf with a quiet melancholy as gnarled fingers run gently along the walls. Each crack or mark left behind by weapons unknown wielded by warriors honing their craft.
The rest had most likely entered the pact and would be strengthened by it. For himself?
He was in an empty training room and like most training rooms, it had its own salle and resting areas.
Koldur withdrew out his axes and begun a drill.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------
4 hours later, from a simple stretch to a complicated series of axe maneuvers and footwork that leaves the dwarf never staying still in one place, the echoes of singing steel gliding through empty air finally and slowly leaves its lingering resonance in the now silent hall.
Cleaning up, Koldur slowly cleans his equipment and checks them carefully before he puts himself in a comfortable place to snooze. His weapons beside him.
She put her head out into the hall and addressed the strange winged guard who had committed to the contract. "Excuse me, but do you know if anyone here can cast a Restoration spell on Lord Hundor?" She asked, giving him his title perhaps prematurely, but that mattered little here. He was Lord and Master of this manse, at least, regardless of what the Council decided.
He continues to listen not knowing. He understands what you say but seems to be thinking.
He makes a small laugh at the mention that your own mother wouldn't recognize you but then realizes if your transformation would continue then that might be true.
----
Poking your head out, the woman in black with white wings smiles at you and offers, "I am sorry the bond can only work if time mends his wounds. Should other magic be applied in the process the staff could very well reject the Master. If he is in need of aid, I can call for our doctor, alchemist and nurses? Oh and I should tell you all of the females are hoping to find favor with the Master if you know what I mean. As the previous Master indulged himself in charnel pleasure with most."
----
"What would it be like?" he says your words back to you thinking, then he offers, "I don't think it would be like any of my previous interests. Honestly I have only kissed a few girls and that is about it. I feel like we could wonderfully stumble through it together. I really like you and your transformation does not abhor me. I... can I touch it? Your scales that is?" Either way once he touches it or you say no he changes his direction.
He smiles and sees how tired you are, "Come... I would like you to sleep by my side. That is all I want right now, you beside me. We will, yes we, will handle your family and obligations when they come. But right now is our time. We both need sleep." He looks up at you hugs you with his free hand. Then taking your hand again he pulls you along to a room to the side of the throne room. The door was practically an optical illusion, it looked just like the wall. He pulls you in and lays his sword against one of the chairs and goes behind a changing screen. He comes back in clothes too big for him and crawls up onto the large four poster bed that could easily fit 16 of him. Without a word he motions for you to do the same and before you get back he is under the covers and snoring softly.
The next day finds most of you with aches and pains. Some with more than others. Olivira leads those who stayed in her Sanctum out to find Ingvarr slowly waking up on the sofa.
A servant guides the group to a dining room. There was a guard stationed at your room's door. Several more at the throne room's entrance. Then a few staged along the path to the dining room. As the doors open up you see Hundor at the head of the table, Seraphina next to him, Catrina on his other side and a feast set out. There are a few of the females from the pool area from before set in maid outfits ready to serve.
After refreshing himself, Ingvarr goes in for breakfast, realizing how famished he was! Digging in, the skald realizes he cares little who sits at the front of the table as long as the food is good.
"Rognar it will be good to have you with us next time. Until that time the contract is closed. We will need to gather materials for our next infusion. Seraphina had a suggestion with using her bloodline as a focus. We likely will need the blood of a living dragon and parts from another. Unless the contracted wanted to collect for another purpose?" She offers civilly sampling from the feast not needing to eat but obviously enjoying the taste.
Koldur looks up as he finishes his routine. With a half nod towards the bunny girl, he stretches to keep himself limber and ease the aches of a hard drill done well.
"I am done with my practice, the hall is yours." he says as he moves towards his chosen practice area.
Poking your head out, the woman in black with white wings smiles at you and offers, "I am sorry the bond can only work if time mends his wounds. Should other magic be applied in the process the staff could very well reject the Master. If he is in need of aid, I can call for our doctor, alchemist and nurses? Oh and I should tell you all of the females are hoping to find favor with the Master if you know what I mean. As the previous Master indulged himself in charnel pleasure with most."
Sera huffed a disappointed sigh at hearing the answer to her question. ”He will heal, then...? Forgive me, I fear I have not caught your name. I had worried the damage might be permanent if not healed soon. But I suppose rest is what he really needs now.” She gazed at the winged woman for a moment as if trying to puzzle out what she was. It seemed she might be some sort of outsider, but the little she knew of them was what Olivira had told her.
She was just about to close the door when the woman spoke up again about females seeking the Master’s favor. Her copper eyes flashed as she lifted her chin, haughtily. Vitriol bubbled up within her, along with a possessive impulse she had not felt before, but she refused to give it voice. These were their people now and they would need to be guided just the same as the crofters surrounding Elkenhelm. ”I think you may find a very different sort of Master in Lord Hundor, but I will let him know. By the way… none who remain carry the taint of Vampirism, do they?”
----
"What would it be like?" he says your words back to you thinking, then he offers, "I don't think it would be like any of my previous interests. Honestly I have only kissed a few girls and that is about it. I feel like we could wonderfully stumble through it together. I really like you and your transformation does not abhor me. I... can I touch it? Your scales that is?"
She smiled slightly and nodded as he reached to touch her scales. Though they looked like metal, they were warm and flexible beneath his fingers, with a gleaming surface as smooth as pearl. She shivered under his hand, surprised that she experienced more sensation along her scales rather than less. She was glad he did not find her draconic features abhorrent, though his choice of words left something to be desired. Still, it was an improvement on Kesten’s ignorant request that she see a healer about her 'condition'. ”Really? It does not bother you? Even if I grow spines? Horns? Wings and a tail?” She asked, challenging his assertion. Maybe things would not go so far, but she could only guess at this point.
He smiles and sees how tired you are, "Come... I would like you to sleep by my side. That is all I want right now, you beside me. We will, yes we, will handle your family and obligations when they come. But right now is our time. We both need sleep." He looks up at you hugs you with his free hand. Then taking your hand again he pulls you along to a room to the side of the throne room. The door was practically an optical illusion, it looked just like the wall. He pulls you in and lays his sword against one of the chairs and goes behind a changing screen. He comes back in clothes too big for him and crawls up onto the large four poster bed that could easily fit 16 of him. Without a word he motions for you to do the same and before you get back he is under the covers and snoring softly.
Seraphina blinked in astonishment at the size of the bed. Clearly, it was designed for many, many more sleepers than the two of them. And not for sleeping… Came her rueful thought. ”Apparently, the Master of this House need never sleep alone again. Not with a harem below awaiting his pleasure.” She said with a wry edge to her smile. She found it odd to see him change into the bedclothes here… surely he had packed his own, which actually fit. Was this really where the former master had slept? If so, where was his coffin? Her head virtually whirled with questions. But Hundor was right, rest was what they needed now and as she would have laid her bedroll beside his on the trail, she saw no reason to quibble over sleeping beside him here. She went behind the screen and undressed down to her silk shift and climbed up onto the massive bed.
She laid beside him, following the lines of his sleeping features as her eyelids fluttered heavily. So much had changed in one day. Despite his assertion to Ingvarr that he was still himself, Sera detected a difference in him too. Was it because of the bond he now held over the Manse? Or possibly an effect of the Contract ritual? Whatever it was, it had awakened a confidence she had not seen in his eyes except in battle. He had not asked Sable’s leave or advice once all night.
One thing was certain, he had a colossal task here, managing the formerly enslaved denizens of the Mansion. She could not shake the feeling that there was still peril for him here, possibly even disguised from his newly enhanced awareness. But she would not leave him to face it alone. He would have her support, always. And with that warm thought, she curled around him protectively and slept, like a dragon guarding her hoard.
The next morning, she felt it was time to look like the Noble Lady she was born to be. She downplayed her dress typically, fine clothing was neither practical for work, nor did it serve to set a commoner's mind at ease. But it did allude to an unspoken authority and she suspected she would have need of that today.
She pictured the Noble's outfit she had in mind and tugged her sleeves of many garments to reveal a shimmering dress of deep sapphire blue. The outline of a dragon was embroidered into the bodice in bright copper thread. Satisfied with the garment, she joined Hundor to go down to breakfast.
Hearing Olivira's ideas for the next Contract ritual, Seraphina's eyes lit up. "So you think we can do it? If not so easily as using the armor. Wasn't there a bounty on a Forest Drake? Somewhere in the Narlmarches, if I remember correctly? Do you suppose that would suffice? " The Drake's element was acid, much like her own. She wondered if it might confer it's resistance when used in the ritual. That would be a timely benefit, if so.
"Oh, and didn't you say you had to sneak past a sleeping dragon here in the Mansion, Hundor? If you describe it to me, maybe I can identify it's type."
"What's that?" he asks apparently not hearing what you said.
She nods saying, "A Forest Drake would do well and blood from your guardian in the attic should do nicely!"
"I didn't get a very good look at the dragon but I could go up and find out." he says in response to Seraphina at breakfast.