Chapter 504 – Magnitudes Rising
While the queen remained in a slight daze, her previous mentor let out a soft sigh. “Unfortunately, I haven’t been completely honest about everything with you, Civienne.”
Her royal student recovered a bit and turned to face the emerald-haired wisewoman. “What do you mean…?”
Before Althea could elaborate, Tia inserted herself into the conversation again. “Your precious teacher is a very honorable person. Even knowing that I might not wake up from my eternal sleep ever, she held onto her promises and oaths resolutely. And that included the truth of my actual existence. She wasn’t supposed to share my true identity without consulting me first. Which was rather impossible with me hibernating forever.”
“So, you knew the entire time?” Civienne regarded Althea with a surprised gaze, thankfully lacking any real distaste. “From the very beginning?”
“I was there before, and when Tia was being sealed, which was partially her self-sacrificial idea to save the elves from further suffering. Along with the queen of that era. She was the last one to know the full truth. Both for Tia’s and your people’s safety, it was decided not to divulge that detail any further. The Tree was as much a blessing as it was a curse, and even just the single piece of information that the Treemother isn’t a simple divine entity but a conscious person could spell a disaster in the long run,” the Tree’s guardian explained.
“That is, until that fateful day in my sealed chamber,” the Dryad continued. “Asterios was the first person in centuries to see and meet the real me, even if my body has withered away. It’s not like we could hide anything while attempting such an intimate ritual where I was to become part of him. Naturally, his mates followed as they were connected to him just as deeply. Plus a few individuals here and there.”
She took a peek at the family of Spellsongs as she spoke the last part, bringing a trace of a blush onto Cynthia’s cheeks as the elf girl was reminded of their introduction. The queen didn’t miss that interaction, and a small frown adorned her forehead.
“Why am I learning about this so late?” Civienne wondered out loud. “Am I… that untrustworthy of a ruler?”
At first, Asterios couldn’t understand where that had come from, but he figured it out fairly quickly. Quite a few issues had arisen during her reign, not all of them exactly her fault. But, to someone in such a high position, it must be a smear on honor nevertheless. It was under her watch that the cult kept operating, poisoning the tree and ultimately ruining the Treemother’s abode, almost killing the guardian too. Not to mention getting infiltrated and betrayed by one of the eldest aides.
Tia made a show of tapping her cheek ponderingly, then grinned impishly. “No, silly. I was just watching to see if you would figure it out. Notice that something isn’t exactly as you remember being taught. But the hints I dropped might not have been strong enough. It was nothing but a whim of mine that your kind mentor has gone along with.”
“And we didn’t want to confuse you right after the Tree was lost,” Althea tried to defend her old friend a bit. “You were somewhat distracted by my state after the ritual and the following recovery.”
Civienne glanced aside. Everyone remembered how emotional the queen had been back then. Throwing even more shocking revelations at her wouldn’t have been good.
“And here we are now. I assume you’ve shown yourself in response to the situation revolving around the Spellsongs.” The queen pointed out, once more calm and collected.
“That’s certainly part of it, yes.” Tia didn’t see a reason to lie. “But, I couldn’t just selfishly keep you in the dark for my own entertainment when I’m supposed to help Asterios develop and prosper. You’ve been kind enough to cooperate with him and his new nation, but the recent events showed that it might be wiser to tighten this relationship even more. The matters of the noctis and their True Dragon overlord affect both territories and their people.”
“You intend to deepen the mutual trust to the level of no secrets between us.” A flash of understanding glimmers through Civienne’s eyes. “I understand. We have the same enemy to deal with, and any information could be crucial in this endeavor to remove them from the board. And there are countless benefits for our respective domains too. Though I do have a few questions.”
“And we’ll do our best to answer them,” Asterios said with an honest smile. “So, what’s bothering you the most right now?”
She turned to the golden projection of the Treemother. “You said he is your Tree now. And you stay with him most, if not all the time. What happens to our lands if so? Do we need to relocate?”
“We told you back then that even with the Tree gone, the spirit lives on, and the blessings will continue,” Althea replied, referring to those past days. “Perhaps even increase now that it’s awake.”
Tia giggled slyly. “I’ve been regularly visiting with Asterios to look after your subjects and their territories. They are still the people I fostered, and they always will be. It doesn’t matter if I no longer have a physical Tree in the material world. I’ve found a worthy replacement.”
“At least until we succeed in bringing you back into said material world,” Asterios added, resting a hand atop her glowing shoulder. “You will then be able to regain your full potential and aptitude through a new Tree. Perhaps replacing the old one where it stood and once again connecting with the elves. This time, you would have at least two True Dragons protecting it.”
His newest mate twirled around and huffed at him with a pout while setting her fists on her alluring hips. “That’s not how any of it works. I’m dead. We’ve already discussed that. A Dryad is born from her Tree. With her Tree. Do you think I can just pop back into existence, take a pleasant midnight stroll through the nearby forest, spot a sexy hunk of a trunk, point my finger at it, and declare it my new home now?”
“Why not?” He shrugged with a quiet chuckle.
It was way too cute watching her pretty face scrunch adorably.
“No normal wood can handle me, obviously!” Tia crossed her arms under her perky chest.
“Thank gods Ast’s wood is anything but,” Grea commented with a smirk.
A noticeable snort could be heard amidst the hushed laughs from the girls, making her whip around. Spotting the culprit currently ducking her blue-haired head with an intense rosy flush made the crass lady’s eyes widen in disbelief. Out of all the people present, Tina would be the one most expected to rebuke Grea for her lewd quips, yet there she was, doing the complete opposite by letting the world know how funny she found them through rather amusing noises.
That was new.
But that brought up a different issue.
Who was now going to keep her in check so that she didn’t break her promise to Asterios?
Tia, clearing her throat, brought everyone’s attention back to the conversation, the spectral visage suspiciously brighter over the area of her cheeks. “What I meant to say was that if one would even wish to think about any possibilities, they would need something on the level of another Tree’s seed at the very least.”
“And I assume getting its owner to part with something so personal and important wouldn’t be easier than finding another Dryad in this universe, right?” Silvia shared her thoughts.
“Correct.” Her incorporeal sister-mate nodded. “So, while I appreciate you guys always thinking of ways to create a vessel for me, I have already given up on having an actual Tree to call my sanctuary. The one inside Asterios is more than enough. I would be dismayed to lose it too, and I don’t know if I would be able to choose between staying there while remaining a spirit or leaving it behind and receiving a flesh-and-bone body as a result.”
“It’s a matter of a faraway future compared to the things we have to resolve now,” Asterios said, directing an apologetic smile at her. “Doesn’t mean it’s any less important.”
She skipped closer to place a quick peck on his lips. “I know. And I appreciate everything. But, you are more than just right. Let’s get back to what should have been the topic of this meeting, meaning ADAM and our Spellsong friends.”
Imadil released a heavy sigh. “He is gone for good, isn’t he?”
“I doubt even Master would be able to recover from being reduced to dust,” Bryn said thoughtfully. “That explosion felt final. Though perhaps we should ask Noir when she comes back. She might know something about draconic slaves that we do not.”
“At the very least, I can assure you that Adam wasn’t in possession of any spells rivaling resurrection,” the elf man revealed. “There was an unbelievably strong regeneration technique that would fully restore all the lost body parts, including the magic sealed in them, but it required a beating heart.”
“So, the best way to face an enemy like him is to pierce their heart first.” Selene hummed to herself. “How do you know that?”
Imadil tapped the side of his skull. “It’s all in here. Every bit of documentation and research might have been destroyed, but they didn’t wipe my father-in-law’s memories. He had it all memorized, then passed it on to his only daughter, who then passed it all on to me. I will most likely pass it on to my own talented daughter at some point.”
“Isn’t that dangerous?” Civienne squinted at him coldly. “If that knowledge falls into the wrong hands…”
Cynthia immediately came to her father’s defense. “This information is too valuable to be lost forever. I admit that we have been taken by surprise, but it’s being passed on exactly because of the possibility of ADAM’s reappearance in the world, like it happened today.”
The queen’s glare softened a tad. “That is a valid enough reason, but all we need is one malicious individual to brainwash or coerce—”
“I don’t know how it compares to the one in Asterios’ mind, but all the memories related to the project are locked behind a powerful hereditary seal that even I can’t take down without the right circumstances coming true,” the elf smith interrupted her. “I can tell they will be wiped in case of a breach. So, neither I nor anyone else is able to abuse them.”
“But didn’t you answer our questions about Adam just a moment earlier?” Miria tilted her head confusedly.
“That’s different. Some pieces pass through the barrier when the situation requires it. Things like strengths and weaknesses are almost guaranteed to push through. Instructions on how to create that monster again, never.” He shook his head.
“Then you should also know if Adam can bring himself back from that final blast, no?” Tina inquired.
“He shouldn’t.” Imadil met her gaze. “But, at the same time, it felt slightly different than what’s registered in those memories. I’m afraid whatever that Dragon did to him, it might have affected a thing or two in the process. Personally, I believe we don’t have to worry about this particular enemy ever again, but I can’t guarantee that it’s one hundred percent assured.”
“Are there any more of them concealed in some underground lab just awaiting activation?” Asterios asked.
“No. There was ever only one specimen.” The man waved his hands dismissively. “Unless my wife or her father lied about it at any point. Or her mother to her father. That’s even more reason to retain the information.”
“Alright. What now?” Asterios took a glance at the three elves. “Do the recent events and revelations change anything regarding the situation of the Sver’tuil family?”
“With all due respect, we don’t wish to return,” Cynthia responded immediately. “We finally found our place within your lands. It’s been a dream working on so many incredible projects, including draconic materials. And even the other Spellsong families sent here to help are starting to realize our worth. Just like in my mother’s case, they see our potential, but this time, they have no power to nip it in the bud.”
“And I don’t plan on offending you two by demanding anything improper,” Civienne followed. “I understand that the Treemother’s identity is to remain between us, but I’m going to become more aggressive with our internal politics regardless of that fact. We should be involved with each other more deeply as per Treemother’s wishes. You are protecting our ancestor. We can’t not support you to the best of our ability.”
“Then, it might be time for the two of us to stop holding back.” Imadil took a deep breath. “The scale is just getting bigger. Old enemies emerge. Who says even stronger ones won’t appear in the future? Limiting the peak of our craft only to your inner circle might not be enough anymore. We’ll need to start considering your people as our people. Settle down properly. Let the Spellsong flow freely. What do you think, daughter?”
“I’m still anxious.” The person in question looked into the distance through the window. “But, I have to admit, Noir is doing much better than I expected someone of her predispositions to do. It’s hard to dismiss her effort and willingness to listen. At this point, I have to acknowledge the incredible insight into people you guys have. You found and made us into friends too, in the end.”
“That was all my mother, if you recall.” Asterios chuckled, reminiscing about their first meeting.
“Perhaps it was fate.” Imadil stood up with a warm smile. “Whatever brought us together, let’s make the most out of it. There was never a Spellsong able to work directly with a True Dragon. If we let our creativity be free, who knows what heights it will reach?”
They shook hands to reaffirm their partnership.
After exchanging a few more words, everyone decided that the details could be discussed after the festivities wrapped up. They not only had to put quite some effort into letting them continue due to the huge disaster that had almost stricken Glimmervale, but also wanted to enjoy what was offered themselves. The festival wouldn’t come back for a year, so it would be nice to get the best out of the two or three days that it spanned.
With that said, they all went their separate ways to handle matters most suitable for their positions. Asterios and the girls chose to jump around and check on plenty of their friends and subordinates, watching over the whole town. The grand arena was being quickly fixed by Patriarch Grotger’s men and other people who wished to pitch in and complete the work faster. Soon, most of the evidence of the fights would be gone.
While the majority of guests decided to stay, some groups and individuals were leaving soon. Miria excused herself to handle the second tournament, so Selene paid Suanori a visit with Silvia, intent on ensuring that what Asterios had promised would come to fruition in its best iteration. Tina joined the Committee and helped with their formal matters. Bryn led the healers, so she was needed in the stadium too. Grea promised to meet her there after having a chat with the prospective professors for the academy, wanting to be around just in case there was a need to activate strengthened barriers again.
As for Asterios, whenever he wasn’t hopping around everywhere, he met with the noctis sisters and the children they had rescued from their facility. It took him a moment to reassure the pair that he was fine and that they shouldn’t blame themselves for what had transpired. As expected, they thought they were the reason behind the sudden attack. But, while that was a possibility, the evidence didn’t point in their direction just yet.
Other than that, they were having lots of fun spectating the celebration. It was something new in their lives, something more colorful than dark corridors and caverns. They deserved much more than that, and Asterios wondered if getting rid of the entity that had put their people in this situation would be enough to solve it. Or what would even happen when that evil Dragon died.
Because Asterios was certain about one thing.
Nothing would be left behind when he was done with the bastard.
Not even a speck of his source or Dragon’s Heart.
First, though, they needed to locate their enemy, which Noir was in the middle of. Hopefully, the unfortunate events would push her investigation forward. The faster, the better for everyone. Albeit, the chances of resolving this particular problem before their departure for the solitary dwarves were rather low.
Just like that, hours passed, and the day went by without any other major interruptions. The fun would continue throughout most of the night, but not everyone intended to partake in it. Just like a certain somewhat exhausted draconic monarch. Leaving the festival in the capable hands of his people, he retreated to his chambers in the royal castle that overlooked his entire domain.
Asterios face-planted into the bed with a massive sigh, welcoming the soft embrace of the heavenly mattress, which greeted him with open arms and pleasant scents of his beloved mates. The more he embraced his origins and lineage, the less awkward about such things he became, even if it had been quite weird to him in the beginning how such fragrances had a strong impact on his mind.
He was brought out of his internal musings by the noise of the door opening and flopped on his back. Two familiar figures sauntered into the bedroom with shy but excited smiles. Soon, Miria and Tina arrived by the bed and plopped down at his sides, looking at him tenderly from above.
The sweet panthergirl threaded her fingers through his hair. “How are you feeling, Master? And don’t say that you are fine. You have barely any energy to shift around on the sheets.”
“It’s pointless to lie to you girls.” Asterios closed his eyes and let her dote on him. “But, I’m not as tired as to—”
“You are.” Someone’s delicate finger pressed into his lips, which turned out to be Tina’s after he lifted his eyelids once more. “And that’s why we are here to help you relax into the night before you get any ridiculous ideas to look after us or anything.”
Holding her affectionate gaze for a few seconds, he raised a curious brow at them. “Just the two of you?”
His precious Summoner colleague matched it. “What, are you disappointed? Two tiny women are no longer satisfactory for the big draconic lord?”
“Never!” Asterios replied in a flash, reaching out to take their hands. “After today’s events, I just thought everyone would want—”
His response was cut off by a joint kiss from the two enchanting ladies, who then giggled together at him as their eyes sparkled with mischief.
They were teasing him.
“To be perfectly fair, it was supposed to be just Miria.” Tina shared a look with her feline sister-mate. “We agreed that you deserved a break, and she’s the cutest, sweetest, and most cuddly out of all of us. Especially when she brings out that fluffy fur of hers and starts purring like a lovable kitten. You would have gotten great sleep nestled in her chest.”
The praised individual turned bright red but bravely continued to look at him earnestly, making it clear she intended to do all that for him.
Then, Tina’s cordial smile wavered, and she dropped her eyes to her thighs. “But, you see, back in Umbra’s realm, I decided I was going to be more honest with myself going forward. And even after we came to an agreement, I selfishly told everyone that I wanted to go too. They were too nice to refuse me, saying that it’s even better for two of your oldest loves to look after you together, and so I ruined all of it, stealing your lovely night alone from both of you.”
Asterios could tell from how Miria bristled on his other side that the panthergirl did not think any of that, so he unhurriedly sat up and cupped Tina’s cheek dearly. “You know, I could use some selfish Tina in my life.”
“Me too!” Their bubbly friend hopped up and down in her spot. “Don’t forget that you might have been the first mate instead of me since you fell for Master much earlier! I’m glad you don’t wish to dispute it, but I still consider you my senior! Everyone thinks so!”
Her heartfelt words turned Tina back into her timid self for a moment, but the smart Nobelle lady hastily regained her composure and smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Miria. I’ve already made up my mind and took the leap, so I shouldn’t doubt myself now. Are you ready?”
They shared a grin, then turned to face him. Their hands were on his chest right after, and the girls tenderly pushed him back down onto the mattress.
Miria slid into his right side and purred into his ear from up close. “Leave everything to us, Master… Just lie down and rest... We’ll take good care of you…”
Tina mirrored her from the left. “Before we begin, I have a confession to make… Something I would have never dared to admit in the past… Would you like to hear it…?”
A shiver ran through Ast’s spine as their gentle breaths tickled his face and their fingers traced south over his front.
It looked like the most dangerous event of the day was still ahead of him.