Lady Liquis

Although you thought the voice was coming directly behind you, you are confused to see nobody. The voice indeed came close so as you scan your surroundings further, you're shocked to see water spilling out of two statues holding a jar beside you, next to the entrance of the stairway. Only now did the water spill out but otherwise, you haven't even sense another presence much less hiding within the statues.

41-Onction by Pierre Droal

As the water spills out, it solidifies before you starting from bottom, forming a pair of feet. The water continues to follow never spilling out as if it's being poured into a glass statue of a stunning female form.

While still in the process of refoming, her voice is still loud and clear emitting from the body of the water without a ripple in sight. There is no doubt that it comes from the water elemental that reforms in front of you without a care in the world.

"I ask again, who are these outsiders?"

There's now a more direct tone in her voice, waking up everyone from their stupor. Even Blaize, who has seen this woman many times before and even while reforming, has never been able to break away from the formation of her sister. She quickly steps in to introduce her friends.

"I apologize sister Liquis! I felt a disturbance near the entrance of the mountain. I went to check and met these two just before the boundary we're unable to pass through. This is important news, so...I wish to gather all the elders of this city who remember our creator!"

You raise your eyebrow silently as you hear the name of the new elemental before you. Once again, you are stunned by the naming sense of these elementals.

"Hm?" the dripping elemental hums.

The water finished forming a female, glistening body complete with long flowing hair, modest curves, and an equally generous chest with not a single drop leftover from the jar above her.

Anyone who could see such a female form, regardless of whether she's human or not, would feel somewhat enticed by the appearance.

Unfortunately for you, Maxius is no less reserved despite the fact that these beings were left behind. Even if he doesn't remember, he shouldn't act so shameless.

Sighing, you focus your complete attention on the elemental. There was something different about her compared to Blaize. Aside from the obvious elemental difference, you felt far more wisdom and control in this lady than anyone you've passed by. It's clear that she's one of the leaders of the city and if there's any useful information, it would be more information on the mountain that envelops this city and any notice of treasure.

If you wanted to find the special ring your master had set out as your final trial, you needed to gather all the information first. In that sense, you had no urgency to leave this city in a hurry, especially while Maxius is exposed to remains and advancements of his past. You hope that even he would be able to help guide you in the future, as silly as that sounds.

Liquis finally moves closer to you and the rest of your group, eying carefully the features of you and the dhampir who is still dumbly staring at the water woman like he's in love.

As her hair slides back, no longer shadowing her facial features, you are shocked to see that there aren't any features to begin with! All that stares at you back is your own reflection like a mirror. Despite that, you can faintly feel eyes peering within the woman like a deep ocean and it draws you in, drowning you without any struggle.

"Interesting..."

"H-huh?"

Breaking your gaze away, you take a deep breath and calm yourself. You're ashamed you let your guard down so easily. It seems that there's still much to learn on strengthening your mental fortitude. While it's okay to lose yourself while meditating and clearing your mind, it's not okay to be nearly hypnotized so easily.

"I apologize, I understand our forms are unusual to outsiders so I did not mean to startle you. Regardless, I can see that you are not a threat based on your eyes and the fact Blaize, however naive, brings you here."

"Um...I'm naive?" Blaize questions, unsure whether Liquis is praising her or not.

The water woman doesn't respond and focuses her attention on Maxius. This time, she holds out her hand to touch the dhampir's cheek.

While Maxius was a little taken aback by the no-face woman, he doesn't feel disgusted at all since he still highly appreciates a good female form. Still, he can't help but feel some anxiety as the half-transparent elemental closes in on him without warning.

Before he can step back, Liquis easily stretches her arm forward, reminding everyone how malleable water elementals could be. Upon the touch, Maxius truly doesn't have his guard up as he felt he should have, but once the coolness of the leader's touch fills his head, he relaxes.

"Oh...this...is rather nice."

At this scene, you shake your head, wondering again how easy the powerful sorcerer is taken. Nevermind his shameful personality, will he be even good in battle if he's this lax?

"Hm..." Liquis hums in thought, evaluating him purely on touch. Everyone, including Blaize, isn't sure what the water elemental is doing, but after paying close attention, you are surprised to realize that she's actually sensing Maxius' life ****.

Finally, Liquis moves her hand and nods, satisfied. "I see now...so you are my master."

In a cold and emotionless voice, she steps back and then bows her head in respect. "Welcome back, master."

Huh? That's it?

Both you and Maxius are shocked while Blaize is extremely pleased to hear acknowledgment from one of the city's leader.

Compared to Blaize's excitement over the return of Maxius, this woman takes it incredibly at ease. She doesn't even ask his name, much less hers! Yet, she so clearly can identify the truth behind the fire elemental's word with a single touch.

Not satisfied with such a response, Maxius questions the elemental's evaluation.

"How can you tell? All you did is touch me?"

"Speaking master, I know your life **** very well. While there are some differences, the core of your soul has remained unchanged. Even though your form changed into a female, you are my creator no less."

Her words do not slip by the sorcerer as he grows glum. With a weak smile. "I...I see...even this beautiful creation is unable to see through my true gender."

"Oh? You are not female. I apologize. I can only see what is reflected on my surface."

Her head lowers as she inspects the sorcerer down to his feet and then back up again. "Yes, you are indeed male."

You turn away and hold your chuckle, almost spitting onto the ground. You are happy to find that Maxius' tragedy is only burning him once again.

Clearing his throat and ignoring your giggles, Maxius decides not to hold his creation at fault. Perhaps this is truly karma but at the very least, despite his effeminate features, his manhood is not the least gone.

Liquis turns her attention to the fire elemental who has been watching this whole time. "Blaize, while this is indeed a joyous occasion, our master's health and his companion are our top concern..."

She focuses back on to you and Maxius. "This mountain can put a strain on one's body, especially humans. I would urge my master and her companion to rest. Although I can't guarantee it will be completely pleasant, we can at least guarantee some accommodations to help."

While you are a bit wary when she doesn't guarantee comfort in rest, you are reminded of the vivid and realistic dream you had after you had been rendered **** following Maxius' awakening. Even now, you aren't positive whether you made the right decision.

Also, while it shouldn't bother you, the elemental doesn't appear to be interested in names. Seeing how you would be in contact with this elemental, you figure it's important to give out.

"I am Araatris, by the way."

Liquis hums. "Araatris. I shall remember that. On that note, does master be preferred to be called by something else? It has been a while after all."

Seeing an opportunity, Maxius doesn't hold back as he chuckles. "Well...I wouldn't mind being called darling."

Liquis bows. "Very well, darling. If I'm not mistaken, this is what your wife used to call you."

You feel a great urge to jab the foolish dhampir but just as you are ready to get a move on, you sense a great urgency in Maxius. Suddenly, he shivers as if the words of Liquis stabbed deep into his body.

The sorcerer isn't sure why, but he feels a deep sense of...regret. Trying to laugh away his sense of discomfort, he shakes his head.

"On second thought, I only said that in jest. Master is fine."

Liquis doesn't seem to particularly care either way and returns to her addressing as master.

"Then, master, it is up to you how you want to approach your stay in this city and all of your followers. I imagine Blaize has already told you the current situation of this mountain?"

"Um...yes, I believe it's a rebellion of sorts, correct?"

Liquis nods her head. "Indeed. I am responsible for not keeping order while you were gone. You created many elemental followers and while we were blessed with self-awareness to help aid in our efficiency and productivity, there are those who use it to disobey your will. You may punish me any way you fit."

Maxius shakes his head vehemently and starts rambling about how he's amazed his own creations, whom he forgot, advanced so thoroughly. At the same time, you can't help but notice how nervous Maxius was when he learned of his wife's form of endearment. Could it be that he's remembering some and feeling guilt?

There was actually a sense of dread on his face at that moment. Perhaps he's starting to remember aspects of himself now. While it could be good, you also don't want Maxius to start turning on you with potentially personality-changing memories.

At first, you think of asking him later, but you shut that line of thinking and helplessly shake your head. 'Right now, it's not my place to ask.'