Developments

It had been a month since the events at Clover Town, things had started to settle back down again now but the weeks directly after the **** of Harlont had been a complete diplomatic and political mess; our interference was claimed to be acting outside of our regions jurisdiction by Duke Etherage - Clover Towns cowardly baron. It was in his opinion a 'humiliating interference made by vigilantes that sought to undermine the capitals authority' which of course caused a huge stir amongst the nobles of the land, one half siding with mr Etherage and the other with myself, given that things worked out alright I was pardoned by the king for showing promise and potential; but had warned me not to act out of line again in the future. As a regional bounty hunter I was beholden to my area of work, stepping outside of my jurisdiction can and does cause friction between groups.

No finer example of this being true was the incident I had just caused; due to my actions in saving the supposed daughter of Sol, along with the outskirts civilians - no less than 200 of those that once resided within the walls of Clover Town had now resettled in Varden village, which is of course my fathers humble seat of power. Now with our gross population practically doubled in size, many renovations and construction efforts had to be funded to make living space for them all. Of course, since I had caused this problem I had volunteered the bounty rewards I have since collected from the royal coffers for killing both Orken & Harlont; my combined donation of which was 1.4m AxM for both kills, plus a further 200'000 from fathers own pocket, and a final 100'000 from the collective new civilians to bring the grand total to 1.7m AxM - which generously covered the cost of construction and development of new buildings, roads & other infrastructure needed to comfortably house the new arrivals.

Of course Duke Etherage was outraged by this further development, not only had I humiliated his authority by doing his dirty work for him without first signing off on his permission; but I had also 'stolen' a chunk of his populace away from him which meant less taxation lining his chests. The bad blood didn't end there neither; for it just so happened that a decent portion of those migrating over to us were also skilled laborer's; mason, smiths, glassblowers & other artisanry professions. Their shops and businesses were sure to bring more commerce to the village, and none were happier from this development than the Rivers family. The head of the household - Oskar Rivers, the man had practically shook my arm off from all the gratitude. He'd always favored me before, but now he was practically devout.

Speaking of devotion; special accommodations had been made to build a church of Sol to better represent the newfound settlers faith, and a place to better worship their divine prophet so close to where she lay her head. Celeste herself had been shy at first, choosing to stay in the room I had setup for her within the manor; only coming out for food and sometimes to study with me in the library. She had been fascinated to learn that it had been me who had setup the room, and from that nexus point of a shared interest between us had blossomed a great friendship.

She was shockingly kind, mending the wings of striken birds that had mistaken cooling glass for clear skies, going about the streets and visiting villagers residences when one had become injured, helping out elderly farmers with hefting their produce to market and much more. But it wasn't all just good times however, some peoples pain she had sensed couldn't be healed by her powers alone. Like the cancer that had taken her adoptive mother figure Florence, some injuries were unfortunately beyond her control.

Celeste was emotionally very intelligent, she could sense if someone was sad, pained, nervous or worried despite trying to hide it. However her common sense was a little lacking, from trying to eat rice with a knife, or wearing her cape back to front, to missing certain social cues. She was rather embarrassed by her lack of worldlyness, but I had made sure to comfort and guide her as I had promised that old nun that I would do. And besides, of course she would lack those social cues, she was practically hidden from the world for more than a decade & a half, of course she wouldn't know these things.

Because of these reasons I had taken on a teacher student role with her, or perhaps the better term would be becoming her mentor. In the mornings I would train my combat skills along with Astrid and then take part in physical training exercises, and in the evenings I would sit down with Celeste & Astrid to study together.

Now Celeste and Astrid had not gotten along as well as I had hoped they would; Celeste had tried to ingratiate herself with Astrid but the dark elf had openly rejected her declaration of friendship; instead choosing to roll her eyes and carry on walking. On some occasions Astrid would complain that Celeste is taking up too much of my time, to which Celeste would overhear and start countering with claims that Astrid's combat training was wasting my time teaching her out in the yard instead.

I had put a stop to this by making them apologize to one another and sign a peace treaty between them; however the best I could get was a non aggression pact. The two didn't seem fond of one another, and what was worse was that they were starting to compete for my attention. Astrid had really ramped up the Servant dynamic that we had, cleaning up my room and making it her duty to serve my breakfast directly to me every morning - on the other hand Celeste had started clinging to me like a lost child, capitalizing on my attention when Astrid wasn't looking. The two were no longer in open conflict with one another, but they were certainly still amidst a cold war over my favor, and neither seemed willing to talk it out despite my gentle nudging. I didn't want to make anyone feel like they had to listen to me whilst I housed them, it felt too much like an **** of power; but still if they carried on going like this then it would only cause them more pain later on down the line, and so I felt a little caught between which direction was the lesser of two evils.

"Good morning lord Gate~" Came the sing song voice of a familiar dark elf I know, stretching myself awake I sat up and shielded my eyes from the brightness that flooded the room the moment she flung back the curtains. Was it morning already? I swear I was getting less and less sleep each night. Getting comfortable in my bed and laying against the headrest I accepted my morning grub with a smile thanking her for her diligence. I had insisted that she needn't do this for me but she had insisted moreso that it was her duty, and by not doing so would upset her. So of course I folded immediately.

Done with her morning chores she flung herself on the bed besides me and looked up at me lovingly as I ate. We had been rather fond of one another before, but ever since Celeste had entered the picture she had been sending signals even I wasn't dense enough to mistake. I had to keep reminding myself of our ages, I may look young but I wasn't - and so I ought to act in a way that everyone ought to act; good even when others aren't there to see you do so. Besides it would be my 17th birthday soon, not quite legal but certainly a step in the right direction.

"Good morning Astrid, thanks again for the toast." I smiled a crumby smile at her between bites, ruffling her hair gently which I had learnt was an even more favored reward than offering a piggy back ride. When I would try to retract my arm she would always whine and pull my hand back onto her head, so I had started waking up earlier in the morning to account for her reward time, not that I minded of course. It was like stroking a cat which I had always wanted to do, except that this cat would return head scritches with breakfasts in bed each morning, a fair deal if ever I had seen one.

Sitting there in that comfortable silence, I grew to appreciate my life up to this point. I felt strong and capable, confident and proud of myself, happy and accepted by others - all feelings I had lacked in my previous life as some basic data input administrator that stayed in his little cubicle and typed out numbers all day and all night until numeracy was all I could see in my dreams. I had two beautiful women by my side, everything was going to be alright I just knew it. And that's when my relative peace ended abruptly when Celeste marched into the room and flung herself on the bed too, draping her arms around my neck and rubbing her cheek against mine happily.

"Come on Edward! You promised you'd take me into the woods today!" She exclaimed excitedly, laughing nervously and trying to keep a level head outwardly I was nevertheless starting to die a little inside as I sat between the two maelstroms that struck tension into the air, finding myself in the eye of said storm that was brewing right before my eyes. Astrid wanted her personal time with me and I had forgotten I had promised to show Celeste the woods today since she wanted to explore more of the region, but didn't want to go out on her own. Curse me and my stupidity, how in the hell was I gonna navigate this mess?

During fights I was a capable warrior that could best men twice my age without breaking a sweat; but resolving the conflicts of women? I was but a child in this domain. Freezing up I could only sit helplessly as both parties threw daggers at the other with their looks, neither one yet willing to break the treaty; but for how long this armistice would hold was anyone's bet.

"Edward, father wants you down- oh!" And as if to make matters worse, my birth mother just so happened to walk by my open room to witness the redheaded halfling and the snowsilked dark elf both clinging to either arm in a proverbial tug of war for my affections. "I uhh, yes sorry about that. The door was open so I just, uhhh." She flustered out, a little embarrassed seeing her son in such an uncouth scenario. Without finishing her thread she merely turned on her heels and retreated quickly back the way she had came. I wanted to shout after her that it wasn't what it looked like, but what exactly was it like? Shaking my head I decided to focus on the get out of jail free card that had just been served to me on a silver platter.

"Sorry both of you, but that sounded important. How about we all go out to the woods together? We can combine activities! Astrid and I can train as we go and Celeste I can show you all the cool spots around there!" I tried to draw a compromise. They both made dissatisfied noises but nevertheless seemed to yield to my idea. Sighing gratefully I began dressing myself, feeling eyes hovering over me all the while & then making way for fathers study once decent to where I knew he would be awaiting me.

Fathers and mines relationship had been a little strained since the incident with Harlont, to say he had been displeased from my recklessness and disregard for his authority would be an understatement. He had increased my training hours to an hour earlier to rise and an hour later to finish every day until I became of age. He wasn't a violent man despite his temper at times which I was ever grateful for; and moreso than I could say for my prior life's parental figures, he'd only truly struck me once before when I had unintentionally ignored my stepmother, who I had thought was speaking to Sidius at the time. The line for him seemed then to be with either of his wives being disrespected, which of course I had no intention of doing on purpose.

I was told under no uncertain terms was I permitted to act out on my own ever again, not until at least I came of age. Until that day I was his property, as much his as the carpet that draped his room or the shingles that thwarted away the rain. I knew that he had my best interests at heart, or at least I knew that's what he thought he was doing. But then again maybe I was just going through a secondary teenage rebellious stage due to all the hormones coursing through me, or perhaps I truly did know better than him. After all; had I not proven myself? Still, I wasn't about to incur the wrath of my father for a third time unless I absolutely had to.

Arriving at the old mans study I knocked three times and waited until he called for me to enter. Breaching into the room I was greeted by the sight of my father as well as an unexpected guest. He was a knight I knew immediately, still wearing his heraldic plated mail despite being indoors; parting only with his helmet which he fit snuggly under his armpit. His head exposed I could see his surprisingly long sandy blonde hair and strikingly red eyes, looking at him I knew instantly who he reminded me of.

"Edward, I'd like you to meet-"

"My uncle, I presume." I held out an arm to the young man, who smiled at my deduction and returned the shake bearing a broad grin.

"Strong as well as perceptive, the instructor we sent was right about calling him a tiger pup alright." The man beamed at me. "My name is Alexis Valentine, your stepmothers twin brother and of course uncle to your brother Sidius as well." Motioning politely for me to sit we both sat opposing the other around a coffee table and began discussing.

"I've no doubt you're wondering why I've all of a sudden shown up in your life, well as a sworn kings commander I have been capital bound for most of your life, I met you both only once when you were but babies for a very brief amount of time; and since then I have been duty bound to service of the throne. I hope you can forgive my absence."

"There's nothing to forgive uncle." I reassured him, of course I would understand. "But why is it you've returned whilst still donning the kings colors? A vowed knight may not retract his oath, but can only have it severed from him." I observed, smiling again the man slowly nodded.

"I see you have not been slacking in your studies nephew, yes you're right. As much as it pains me to say this; my visit isn't purely for pleasure." Saying this, the knight slid across two bounty posters that had been crossed out, one of them was Orken 'twice sliced' and the other was Harlont 'Iron Belly' Brand. Seeing where this might be going I braced myself for the worst, however Alexis merely smiled at me reassuringly.

"You see, it was the royal army who had sent me to rid Harlont from Clover Town, only for my utmost surprise to find out that he had already been ridden of by a 16 year old, and not just Harlont neither but an entire platoon of bandits as well. Naturally my men were aghast to arrive there and see that such carnage had been inflicted by just one boy, pardon - young man I mean to say. After seeing what you're capable of I think it only appropriate to recognize you as a man grown, and seeing you in person only solidifies that thought." The man said flatteringly, I couldn't help but feel a little pink push its way onto my cheek from all the praise.

"You honor me uncle, I did as I thought was right." Saying this I could see my father offer me a subtle warning glance, a reminder of his disapproval of such prerogatives of mine.

"Yes and I happen to share your views nephew, I think our culture should promote such decisiveness and vigor in our future leaders and was much too disappointed to find that half the country was at odds with the decision to pardon you. Vigilantism aside; your example has been a huge a springboard for many important topics as of late amongst the blue bloods that prowl the palace. I wonder; does it impress you that the legend of a one eyed spell sword teen has reached even the ears of the king himself?" He suddenly directed a question at me.

"Yes, most definitely. I wasn't aware it had gotten any further than a simple local dispute amongst petty lords bordering the outskirts of the empire, in all honesty." I admitted, to think that my name had travelled so far was a shock. I had read about the king and his lineage inside one of the books upstairs in the library, they had ruled these lands for a thousand years and have had many impressive rulers during their reign; none so momentous as the one that currently resides on the jeweled throne.

"Yes well the tale of a hundred man slayer who can take out well feared bandit leaders is sure to perk anyone's attention; the BrightWood academy is eager for your enrollment after your recent developments; but that's not truly why I'm here." The blonde reached under the table and lifted up a decorated chest that he gently placed facing me, looking at him inquisitively he merely motioned for me to open the chest. With my curiosity piqued I gently pulled the latches open and slowly pulled back the top to reveal a single spherical stone that lay amidst a bedding of the softest wine soaked silks.

The stone wasn't perfectly circular, more of an oval shape that resembled an egg at first glance. Hesitating to handle the precious looking stone I sought my uncles permission which he responded with a reassuring look, I was given full permission to proceed. Picking up the oddly shaped thing I could finally see that it resembled a fine glass, or a perfectly, blemishless crystal polished and refined to an art form. Through a parting in the curtains the light shone off of it revealing a pattern of multicolored reflections that bounced off of the surface of the coffee table; shades of green, blue, purple, yellow and more all sparkled from its reflective surface.

"That right there is called an Oracle, have you heard of it before?" My uncle questioned, shaking my head I could hardly take my eyes off of it. Being a student of magic I could feel it's power pulsating from within like waves along a shore, the magic held inside was unlike anything I had yet experienced.

"There are only a finite number of these that were ever made, the mage who enchanted them has long since perished along with his method of making them; and all attempts to recreate the device has lead to complete failures at worst or crude reproductions at best. This is an original and genuine Oracle, and you should be honored to receive one." Alexis offered out his hand for me to transfer the crystal over to him, doing so with the utmost of care not to let it slip between my fingers.

"But what is it uncle, what does it do?" I enquired, my curiosity now soaring.

"It's your lost eye returned with various improvements dear nephew, a prize from the king himself who recognizes your worth. He sends it in hopes that you appreciate his kindness and declare your sword to his service some day." Hearing this I almost lost my balance sitting down, had I heard him right or did he just say it was a replacement for my eye? I hadn't even considered it possible, no books I had yet read spoke of such devices and yet... And yet here one stood, not looking like an egg at all but as an eye! How had I not seen it sooner, it was just the right shape and size and- and oh gods I could have depth perception again!

"Oh gods, this is amazing news!" I almost fell out of my chair from the excitement, which brought a smile to both Alexis and Arthurs lips, the latter of who had up until this point been listening in curiously; had been just as shocked as I was at the big reveal.

"This isn't just amazing news boy! This is cause for a banquet! The whole town must hear and celebrate of your gift! And to furthermore thank the king for his kindness! Oh this is a tremendous day!" Father was practically dancing from the development, I hadn't seen him this energetic in some time which brightened my day all the more.

"Here, allow me to insert it for you." Holding out the oval device I could hardly believe I wasn't dreaming, not wanting to get my hopes trodden upon I hardly allowed myself to believe it was true; yet a part of me couldn't help but hope against hope. Standing up I stood before the blonde and allowed him to slowly aim the crystal closer and closer to my socket; holding my lid open for him to insert it inside. To my amazement, after my uncle cast a little magic into the glass it began to shrink ever so slightly which allowed him to fit it comfortably inside; once in place he pulled back his fingers and I felt the alien sensation of the glass expanding from behind my cheek bone to better fill the void that I had started growing accustomed to.

"Ow, ouch! Fuck that stings!" I couldn't tell what was happening exactly, but the back of my Oracle was starting to burn hotly as my stamina flowed into the eyepiece; it almost felt like parts of me were being rearranged back there, neurons that were once inert being fired up and accessed once again. The pain lingered for a while and I clutched at my skull to help sooth the transition, but soon enough it became manageable and so I opened my new eye for the first time. Gasping I took a step back at what I now saw.

"What is is son? Does it not work?" My father worried with both hands clutching the armrest on his chair to the point of splintering.

"I see, I can... I can SEE! I CAN SEE!!" I had to reel it back I was so giddy, I could see everything! And much more! So much more! "Father it's vision is different than my other eye, if I close my natural eye I can see only heat signatures; for example I can see both of you are red hot, and even the chair where I had once been sitting has a lingering heat trail remaining too!" I gasped when I looked back at Alexis. "And uncle, your armor; I can somehow see through it! You're wearing a black tunic with a red trim aren't you?" I was about to wonder on but a sudden surge of pain coursed through my eye causing me to my knees as I braced through the spike.

"Are you alright?! Alexis what's happening?" My father Turned to the knight.

"It's ok, it's a natural response to first time users. Using it's effects can be a little taxing if you're not used to the stamina drain. Not to worry though, many masters of the device can have total uptime without problem so long as they train themselves properly; it seems Edward here still has some ways to go in refining his stamina techniques, that and he isn't optimizing his stamina output whilst using the Oracle." Hearing this was like a revelation; had I really not been optimizing my stamina output? The books I'd read on utilizing abilities hadn't mentioned this before. Wasn't basic training enough to increase my stamina? What techniques was he referring to exactly? I would have to press him about this, as soon as I get a minute where my blasted head isn't on fire.

"It'd be best to close your eye for now son, recover your strength first and train each and every day until it becomes second nature to you." My father advised, however as he finished the door came tumbling open to reveal that Veronica and Anne had likely been eavesdropping from the other side this entire time. Sheepishly they picked themselves up before Anne lunged at me and pulled me into a tight embrace as she marveled over my new eye, peppering me with kisses all across my face. The embarrassment.

Veronica following her fellow wife's lead inflicted the same effect onto Alexis, who looked just as uncomfortable but yet still happy to see her after such a long time.

"How long has it been dearest brother of mine! I had thought I'd never see you again!" Even in all of his fancy armor, Veronica clung to him like a mother bear encompassing a tree, the sight was comical enough as it is despite the addition that Alexis isn't just an ordinary knight; but a battalion commander under the kings own direct rule and he was subject to an ordinary house wives colossal hug. As they both caught up and when mother was done fluttering about my eye; father slapped his knee looking like a big excited kid.

"That settles it then! A feast! Let all the village know that a feast is in order!" And so it would be, I guess it was now my turn to break the change of plans to the girls. I hope Celeste wasn't going to be too let down, but I'm sure she'll understand - although I was absolutely certain that Astrid wasn't going to like the socialization aspect of the feast one tiny little bit.