Chapter 17: Pushing Onward

Ann stretched, cramped muscles waking slowly with her. Everything still hurt a bit, and she was still covered in bruises, but felt miles better. Kat’s snores from nearby gave her an involuntary smile as she breathed in the crisp morning air and opened her eyes. It was another cloudy day. The grey blanket covering the sky was deceptively bright as the land below woke to the hidden sun. Her ears twitched as she registered the sounds of rabbits scampering through the snow, the songs of the morning birds, and what she believed to be a couple of playing foxes.

Sitting up, Annita checked on her teammates. Bren was also rising, blinking the sleep from his eyes and yawning deeply. His short brown hair was sticking up wildly from how he’d slept, and he was apparently too tired to notice at the moment. Looking Annita’s way, and seeing she was awake, he smiled and waved. “Good morning. Have you been up long?”

“Nah, just woke up. Was just lying here enjoying the sounds of the morning.” Ann stretched back out, this time sitting up.

“Sounds?” Bren asked, as his eyes slowly gained wakefulness.

“Yeah, birds, little animals moving all over the place. It’s actually kinda noisy.” Annita laughed.

“Not to mention Kat’s snoring.” Bren chuckled as he tugged his bag over and dug through it.

“Yeah, girl can snore like thunder, can’t she?” Annita looked over at the Alfhindur, who’d fallen asleep on her back, arms and legs splayed and her braids flung out at wild angles.

“I often wonder how she fails to wake herself up, considering her acute hearing.” Bren began to pull out rations for the three of them, setting them aside.

“Guess those pointy ears turn off when she’s passed out.” Ann laughed as she took her portion of the rations.

“Oh, she has always been like this. Once she’s asleep, nought but the loudest of horns can wake her. Even thorough shaking from her maids has failed to do the trick.”

“Hmmm, I wonder…” Ann trailed off as she scooted over to Kat, tail wagging with mischief. “Good morning, sunshine.” She leaned over and planted a kiss on Kat’s soft lips.

“Mmmm, mornin’ ya furry lout,” Kat mumbled back quietly, not opening her eyes. “Can wake me up like that any time.”

“Guess a kiss does wake the sleeping princess.” Ann teased as she backed off from Kat. “Just like the stories.”

“I’ll show ya a princess ye, ye… feck. I’m too tired. Get back tae me in a few.” Kat curled back up, but didn’t start snoring again, so Annita left her alone.

“I never got to ask,” Ann said, turning back to Bren, “but your parents were mages, right? You told the story of how they met Kat’s parents, but never the why. What’d they do to earn the privilege?”

Bren had busied himself with starting a small fire outside the overhang. “You’re quite right. I never did get to tell you. They both studied together, my mother a fire mage, and my father, a water mage. Interestingly, their work was on further improving steam-based energies. With fire and water, they had spent years working together and eventually helped develop a new steam engine. The minutiae of it are a bit beyond me, to be honest, but it was important enough to earn them a place at a ball, as I’ve said. They have always been a fascinating pair. Passionate like no others for their work and each other. When I discovered my love for history and older records, they were my staunchest supporters, Kat being a close second, if you can believe it. Then, when I chose the Path of a healer, they supported it as well. They were concerned for my safety, as any good parent would be, but when it became clear that Kat and I would be travelling together, they felt relieved. From there, we have kept in touch by letter as I travelled. I know they are doing well in their work and health, and they know I am well. I am sure they would be eager to meet you.”

“They might have to get in line.” Ann chuckled ruefully. “Seems like once my origins get out, if they do, I’m not gonna have a second’s rest.”

“Well, yes, and no,” Bren offered, placing a pot over the flames and heating some snow. “Initially, yes, absolutely. However, you have a mission given to you by one of the major Gods. That will not be taken lightly, and you will be allowed to proceed as you see fit. The various religious orders would likely see it no other way. Politics, as always, will be involved, and you will need to consider allegiances, though your relationship with Kat will help with that immensely. Should you two choose to make that public, that is.”

“Perks of dating a princess, huh? Man, didn’t think the first relationship I’d get into here would be so impactful.” Ann sighed.

“Second thoughts?”

“Nah, not at all. It’s just a lot to take in when I stop and think about it. I’m going to be pushed into high society, whatever that means in this time, and I’ll be at the very top of it all off the bat.”

Bren took a moment to add tea leaves to the pot, letting them steep. “Yes, but remember who Kat is and how she is. Not all in her position possess the grace of nobility. She, for all her noble attributes, does not exemplify propriety.”

“That helps, honestly. I wouldn’t know the first thing about how to act around everyone like that.” Ann sighed as Bren poured her a cup of tea and handed it to her. The familiar tin was cool in her hands, but quickly warmed. “Thanks. So, history, huh? Anything that’s been eating at you to ask me?”

“More than you could guess. Should I limit it to just one?” Bren asked as he leaned over to set a cup near Kat. The sleepy Alf groaned her thanks, but stayed still for now.

“For now,” Ann chuckled over her tea.

“Very well. I guess I should ask about your leadership. Your nation’s philosophy of rule. How was power consolidated in your time?”

“Ah, that’s a bit more complicated than you’d think. I honestly wasn’t big into politics, but it was kind of a mess. The theory, or at least the ideal, I guess, was a republic of essentially mini countries, forming a larger nation. Everyone gets a vote to decide the course of the nation, and the leaders would be beholden to the populace. Of course, this doesn’t really work out all that well in the end. There was a lot of corruption, power imbalances, and poverty. I’m sure in your recorded history there’s been similar.”

“So it was not solidified around a central family?” Bren asked as he sipped his own steaming cup.

“No, at least not when I was around. There were monarchies historically, but because of some technological advancements, they mostly fell out of favour. Political leaders were a thing; there was a figurehead, of course, but they weren’t the end-all be-all for the nation. Keep in mind that this nation was huge, too. You could walk for months and still not be all the way across. One of the largest, if I remember right, land-wise. I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re somewhere in it right now. Not that I’d recognise anything at this point.”

“Uuuugh, ok. ‘M up.” Kat groaned from the side as she finally sat up. Her eyes stayed shut as she fumbled for her cup and took a cautious sip. “You two gettin’ on all right?”

“Wonderfully,” Bren replied with a smile.

“Just talking about the past and politics,” Ann said, scooting over closer to Kat.

“Bleh, maybe I should go back tae sleep,” Kat grumbled. “More hikin’ today. Two more days o’ this. It’ll be good tae be back in a proper city.”

“Speaking of which, actually. Bren, you mentioned a steam engine. What’s transportation like?” Ann asked as Kat scooted closer to her and leaned gently on her shoulder.

“Personal transportation is largely still horse and carriage. There have been advancements in travel between the cities. A large contraption with an engine pulling several carts behind it has been a staple for the kingdom in recent decades. It eases the transport of both people and resources.”

“Oh, ok. So you’re at steam trains. Got it.” Ann replied offhandedly.

“You’re familiar with them?” Bren asked, his curiosity obviously piqued again.

“Won’t get too far into it for this one’s sake,” Ann ribbed Kat playfully, earning a grunt of thanks. “But, yeah. We had trains. During my life, they’d all advanced past steam and were operating largely off either gasoline or, in some cases, magnets. Without electricity, the second one is less likely for you to ever get working, and the former I wouldn’t recommend. Too much pollution, and I wouldn’t be able to help figure out how to make it work.”

“Fascinating. Understood. Well, yes, that is the largest form of transportation currently in use. Otherwise, the devices are used for lifting with the aid of magic. Really, most things can be done with magic. However, the efficiency increases when it works in tandem with machinery.”

“That’s cool. I was a little worried the whole machinery thing would kill a bit of the magic for me,” Ann admitted as she chewed some rations.

“Aye, seein’ things from yer time’d probably be confusin’, huh?”

“I mean, this already is.” Ann held up her holstered revolver. “Just a bit different. It’s the bigger things. Oh well, it’s still the world I lived in. About right that you all would re-invent some stuff.”

“Yes, the cycle of humanity turns on. Shall we get moving? We have much ground to cover.” Bren had packed away what was left of his breakfast and was working on dousing the fire.

They gathered their things, packed up camp, and headed west once more.

The first half of the day after the Seed passed without incident. As the day progressed, the grey cloud cover broke apart, and a bright blue sky shone through. Despite the sunlight, the temperature dropped harshly, and even Annita was forced to borrow a blanket from Kat to wrap around herself in a makeshift cloak.

Their quick lunch was a quiet affair. More rations and water. Ann swore that she’d be figuring out better food for their next journey. She was getting sick of the preserved fruits and bread.

The second leg of the day was more of the same. The mostly flat forest had begun to give rise to hills spread throughout the landscape. They hiked over several shallow slopes, the ground beneath their feet sometimes turning treacherous and gravely. Occasionally, a babbling stream blocked their path. The current was ice cold, and they made a concerted effort to find crossings that avoided getting their feet wet.

Now and then, Ann heard movement nearby and froze instinctively. It was usually one of the strange jackalopes or the many-tailed squirrels, but once she spotted a deer through the trees. The Warping being what it was, the deer was anything but normal. Almost completely white with brown spots across its flank. It walked taller than any deer Ann had ever seen, like its legs were too long, and its horns branched into literal branches. There were no leaves present, but the texture was clearly bark instead of bone. It tracked them as they walked past, still and silent, then ambled away.

As they walked, Annita noticed that Kat was keeping closer to her than normal. The woman was always close, but she seemed to almost crave contact. She took almost every excuse to have a hand on Ann that she could. Ann smiled at the clearly deteriorating patience of her, uh, friend? Fuck buddy? That was going to have to be a talk later. Probably once they got to the Keep. Definitely once they got to the Keep.

Thoughts drifting along those lines, her mind turned to her unique skill: Chosen of Orenous. The wording on it implied that she was being encouraged to have multiple partners. She wasn’t entirely opposed to the idea. Annita had enjoyed sex when she’d had the opportunity in her old life, and this life had it intertwined with her identity. She could hold off for longer now, over a day, but it’s not like she really wanted to. It all really boiled down to what Kat was comfortable with. If the woman were the type to want her just to herself, she’d respect that. It’s not like the woman seemed to be any less randy than she was, considering she’d watched her masturbate.

There was also the question of Ann’s inner romantic. She’d been somewhat hurried into the situation she was in, but she did admit to herself that feelings were growing for Kat. She was growing increasingly comfortable around the brash woman’s bluster. Her gorgeous eyes and long brown hair as it shimmered in the moonlight. A bit of the alien found in her Elven appearance. Kat’s strength was nothing to scoff at, either. Most of all, she just liked talking to her. Ann enjoyed being around her, fighting with her, lying with her, in multiple ways. Ann’s heart swelled as her mind wandered through this path before she felt Kat’s fingers intertwine with hers.

A brief squeeze, and Ann looked down at her tall partner. A knowing grin met her gaze, drawing a smile to her face unbidden. Yeah, things would work out. Ann was sure of it. If not here and now, later down the road.

They walked like this for some time, hand in hand, following Bren’s direction. He didn’t comment on their state, but there were glances and small smiles Ann caught through his normally reserved features. His lack of resistance to their budding relationship was another building block to her confidence. Bren had known Kat all her life and all of his. From what she’d heard, they were incredibly close, almost like real siblings. If he didn’t oppose their already quickly progressing intimacy, she felt there was little to worry about.

“Can’t wait to get to the city,” Ann said quietly, squeezing Kat’s hand back.

“Me neither. Fer more reasons than one,” Kat replied. She leaned in a bit closer, bumping her head against Ann’s shoulder as she walked. “Ya couldn’t be a little shorter, could ye? Makes it harder tae walk all hand in hand like this.”

“Hey, if these Warped skills have anything to say about it, I might be able to. But for now, you’re stuck with giant me.”

“Not really complainin’, mind. Just this one situation where it’d be nice. Like ye all big the rest o’ the time.”

“I’m sure you do,” Annita chuckled. “Must be strange. You’re pretty tall, judging by Bren. Been with anyone else taller than you?”

“Nae, actually. Guys and gals alike, all’ve been shorter than me. It’s definitely weird lookin’ up tae you. There’re the larger races, but even then some of ‘em are shorter.”

“Bigger races?” Ann asked, intrigued.

“Aye. Oh, right, you’d not know. So, there’re humans, standard as ye like. There’s the Vulhardrin, the general name fer the beast kin. Ye’d actually fall under the umbrella. Since it’s all so varied, Vulhardrin just came tae be the title and then the specifics used per classification. Lupine, like you, Ursine, Canine, Feline, Vulpine, Avian, some lizard folk I can’t remember the name fer.”

“Reptilia,” Bren filled in. “They are more varied than the others. Some take after snakes, others lizards. It is best to ask how they prefer to be called before making assumptions.”

“Aye. Generally folk don’t take offence tae askin’. Unless ye’ve pissed ‘em off beforehand, but that’s yer own fault. Anyway, besides them, we’ve got Thrundol. Tall, lanky blokes, tusks and somewhat warty. They come in all sorts o’ colours but tend tae be thin. Great hunters, that lot. Then there’s the Mulsfar. They’re huge. Bigger’n you an’ not just in height. Generally, ye’ll see more of ‘em around Korvas, seein’ as they prefer the mountains. Then there’s the Grrn.” The noise she made was almost like a growl that she constricted at the back of her throat. “They’re rock people. Completely made o’ stone. They can understand each other, but fer the rest of us they write. Sounds like boulders scrapin’ when they do talk though. Think that’s all o’ the big’uns.”

“Then there are the smaller folk,” Bren continued the impromptu lecture. “Inlon are the shortest of the group. They are small people of many colours. Humanoid with large eyes and ears. They are a good people, if not a bit mischievous. If you befriend one of their kind, you will be well treated by their peers. Then there are the Bultrong. They also stick mostly to Korvas, but the inner portions of the mountain. Stout people with a longevity on par with the Alfhindurn. They made their place mining in the mountain. Long ago, they were the original rulers of this kingdom before a civil war imposed a more diverse lineage of leadership.”

“Honestly, you two are mostly describing fantasy races from my time,” Ann interjected. “The names are different, but the general themes are the same. Thrundol sound like trolls, Mulsfar are either ogres or giants, Grrn are golems. The smaller ones are goblins and dwarves, respectively. Do the Bultrong also have an accent like Kat and have a grudge against the Alfhindurn?”

“Nae. Actually, our races’re closer than most. A long time ago, even by our standards, the Bultrong in Korvas took in a tribe o’ fleein’ Alfhindurn. Persecution from the Bortislaw kingdom tae the West causin’ trouble. They made it through the massive Seeds between our borders an’ were near dead. The Bultrong took ‘em in, got ‘em healthy again, an’ offered tae share their home. We’ve been tied at the root ever since. Even after the civil war, our kinds made up. On the first part o’ yer question, aye, we do speak alike. At least fer the most part. Our peoples are varied enough; it mostly depends on yer upbringin’.”

“Huh, ok. Interesting. And that’s it?” Ann asked. It was interesting that there were so many parallels, but obvious differences, to her preconceptions.

“Well, yes and no,” Bren continued. “It is part of why no one is offended when asking about what they are. The Warping has affected us all. Some more than others. Individuals can vary even within their own race. Extra eyes, limbs, horns and the like are most common. Some have extra hair or none at all. Colours are all over the place, so keep that in mind.”

“Doesn’t that concern mothers? It sounds like they’re birth defects.”

“No, not particularly. Most have access to a healer who can make sure their alterations are functional and not detrimental to the child. There is, regrettably, the chance that the child is too Warped to survive. Those unfortunate mothers are well cared for by their communities, but there is always the chance.” Bren’s face fell as he relayed the sombre information.

“Shit, that’s awful. No wonder people hate the Warped. I mean, besides the whole slavering monsters coming to eat everyone you love part.” Ann looked at herself, extending and retracting her claws. Her worry spiked as she thought back to what she’d done in the Seed. She’d taken in this malevolent force even if it was accidental.

“Aye, not a light topic. That’s fer sure,” Kat breathed. “It’s a fact o’ life, though. Not much we can do about it. Or at least there wasn’t until you came along. If Orenous is right, mayhap ye can make a difference with all this.”

“Yeah, hopefully so. Gods, that’s a lot of pressure,” Annita breathed as she wrestled with the scope of her responsibility.

“I mean, she chose ye for a reason. I’d have faith that she’s got some inklin’ o’ why she chose ye. Even if she didn’t explain fully in yer dream.”

“I guess so. She seemed confused by it, too, but we’ll just have to see. She said I hadn’t seen the last of her, so I’m guessing she’s keeping tabs on me and what I’m goin’ through.”

“As do most Gods, though rarely this directly,” Bren said with that tone that meant he was feeling particularly wise.

“But enough of that,” Ann heaved a deep sigh. “I think I just heard wheels? Or some creaking wood on dirt. Animals, too.”

“Oh, thank the Gods, we’re near a road. Lead the way, ya furry beaut,” Kat laughed as she clapped Annita on the ass.

Laughing, Annita took the lead toward the sounds she heard. So, on they came, clear of the treeline to a dirt road. The soil was hard-packed and frozen, with deep ruts cut by many years of travel. Ambling toward them was a large covered wagon drawn by four oxen. It was driven by two figures, one Annita now knew was an Inlon, and the other a Bultrong.

“Oi! Fine day to ya!” Kat called. “Might we impose on ye fer a ride tae Graven Keep?”