Expectations and Explanations 2

As Illenwyn finally cry’s the last of her stress and pain out you continue to gently hold and rock her. Fortunately, the fur on your chest is very soft and apparently makes an excellent security blanket. With the last of her shuddering sobs expended you feel her grip on you slacken slightly and carefully pul your head back so you can look down to her. When your eyes meet the fire and anger behind her iron resolve have been banked not extinguished. “I’m sorry my lord I must look an absolute mess.” She sniffs as delicately as possible and tries to while the tears and mucus from her face. You conjure a square of fabric. “Here” you hand her the handkerchief and she takes a moment to clean herself.

Looking over to the rest of your companions you make a quick mental catalogue of who will be best suited to help you in constructing this ritual. Bixi and Jia are both experienced casters in different traditions, Sephillia the former deamon lord will be invaluable. Also, Illenwyn will need to be a part of this as she is effectively a spiritual focus of her people so she can be a channel for the magic.

While Sophel now has magical potential in buckets it is untrained and will need to guidance and training. You should probably include Azralynn as her non traditional background may help if you hit a roadblock. Most of the other are not really casters or scholars. You mentally curse not granting the wish of that old mage or the lich golem. Well, nothing for it now hopefully you can recruit them in time.

“Ok, so getting the deamons ice transformation undone and the elves magic returned to them is a priority I’ll need the bound deamon brought here as this hall seems to be a magical nexus of this castle. However, we can start working on that tomorrow. Now, Celestine, I’m guessing you need to get something of your chest. However, first I have a few quick questions for your sister companions.”

“Very well my lord.” You can hear the bight of steel in her voice.

“Serrilda, Jolka, Frunda. Have any of you bin part of raids across the ocean?”

The question seems to catch the young warrior woman and giantess by surprise. Frunda, the warrior woman looks to the lady knight in understanding. “You are from one of the coast load families, yes?” The red head asked the young woman. Celestine locks eye with the older warrior. “Indeed, I am the oldes daughter of house Greywave of the northern coast.”

You see the light of respect in Frundas eyes.

“I have never traveled to the rich southern lands.” Serrilda chimes in

“Neither have I” Jolka adds.

The tow red haired warriors barely acknowledged the two as they stay locked on each other. You can feel the tension between the two building and prepare to intervene if needed.

Frunda is the first to break the silence “You have those eyes. Child, when a clan sends a raid ship it is for three reasons. To blood young warriors, to secure needed supplies, and to give old warriors one last glorious battle. Among the clans of the southern coast it is said if a warrior wishes honorable **** to stand beside the wargod the should face a knight with eyes of the storm. Your family known as the greatest of challenges among the sea raiders.” She then turns to you “Yes, my lord when I was a young woman I joined several raids across the sea. On the final raid our leader sought the glory of challenging a Stormeyed knight. When we landed there were a **** of knights waiting for us. I took an arrow through the leg early and had to fall back to the ship. From there I saw the war leader facing a knight with a device on his shield similar to the girls. I watched a warrior I had thought unbearable fall to that knight. I have sense stayed in the the north building my reputation and legacy.”

While you watch Frunda as she answered you question you keep part of your attention on Celestine. You watch the play of emotions pride, anger, grief it’s a mixed and ugly blend and you need to help her work it out before it can cause problems.

“Celestine, your wish has been granted and the sea wall will help your people. I can feel the anger in you and I sense it will take time and work for you to eventually lay this to rest.”

The young woman watches you, you can see she is defensive now and you will need to choose your words carefully. “I will only ask you try to understand. I want you to keep as open a mind as possible. I want you to spend time with Frunda, train, spar, talk, share a meal. And when you need to talk and vent or a shoulder to lean on or to be held come to me. Can you do this for me?” Her head jerks in acknowledgment. It’s a start.

“Frunda, I want you to share your experience with Celestine. I do not demand friendship among all of you. However, keep in mind we are going to be together for a long, long time. You all are mine and I am the jealous kind.”