Problems and futures

Elys and Rachel come into the room and immediately run over to hug you. The feeling of being smothered by breasts is not unpleasant, but soon you have to push them away to breathe. Daigo chuckles. “Not a bad way to go, really.”

You see him eying Elys, and it’s your turn to chuckle. “Careful, that’s Maya’s girlfriend you’re staring at.”

He grins. “She has good taste, then. I thought they were all with you, though.

Elys turns to him. “We are. I prefer girlsss though, ssso I ssspend mossst of my time with Maya. Josh doesss not mind.”

You nod. “As long as she’s happy within the family, that’s all that matters.”

Maya bounces into the room and hugs Elys. “Yay! I missed you!”

Behind her walks Lynn, looking tired and disheveled, followed by Sadie, looking happy and rested. Maya gives Elys a kiss. “I see you met my dad!”

Elys and Rachel start in surprise. “I didn’t know he wasss your dad!”

Everyone laughs as the normally composed gorgon blushes. You chuckle and turn to Rachel. “I thought you two were staying behind?”

Rachel frowns. “Something happened. Three cloaked and masked figures burst in and came through the portal this morning as we were eating breakfast.”

Elys nods. “You need another new door.”

You sigh. “God damn it, can’t they just knock at this point? Well, I guess the abandoned empire won’t be abandoned anymore. I don’t think we can do anything about it right now, their lands are on the far side of the demon lord’s realm. I guess we add it to the pile of future worries for now.”

A voice comes from the doorway. “A wise decision, young mage, but not one without consequence.”

Everyone jumps, as an old man in grey robes walks into the room. “Sit down, sit down. I’m not here to hurt anyone.”

The aura of power around him is palpable, a blind man could feel it. You recognize him, however. “Bast? I wondered if you were around. With your cryptic talk before, I shouldn’t be surprised to see you.”

He nods. “Indeed. And I have more cryptic words, for all of you. Starting with you, young seer.”

Everyone sits, transfixed by this powerful person speaks amicably as he walks around to Yura. He puts a hand on her shoulder. “You could become the greatest of seers, young selkie. But you **** too much structure on your visions. They must be vague to have clarity. I will demonstrate, for everyone here. Also, lay your concerns to rest. He cares deeply for you already, and will not cast you aside.”

He moves to Trevor. “Your rule will be bright, paladin. But it will burn out quickly. Worry not, your love awaits you when your light finally goes out.”

Continuing around, he goes to Kali. “Redeemed, and yet striving to prove yourself. A further redemption comes, sooner than you think. Blood will flow, ensure it is not that of those you love.”

Looking to Lynn, he smiles. “Ahh, the little goblin. I see you at the young mages side no matter the path he takes. Be his conscience when he needs one.”

Rachel watches him approach. He nods. “Latest to join, latest in life. You seek your place in the group. Accept your calling, experience and compassion are not a detriment.”

Anna is next. “The loyal maid, servant and lover. I need not tell your future. You are entwined with him forever.”

A smiling Sadie watches him approach. “The carefree, happy djinn. You, I think, have the biggest challenge ahead. I dare not say too much, beyond this. Do not be afraid of taking the lead.”

Looking to Elys, he nods. “I have similar guidance for you, gorgon of song. Learn to lead, you will need it. Your destiny lies south, though you will not find it soon.”

He turns to Daigo. “Old dragon, old friend. You know me better than these others. You keep my secrets. As appreciation, I give you this knowledge. Your daughter has a long, happy life ahead, and you need not worry for her.”

Now he smiles at Maya. “You heard that, first among equals. You love with everything you are, and that love is returned in spades. Your future is obvious. I see you at his side, no matter the path he takes. He will give you the children you so desire, and they will be happy and safe.”

Finally, he turns to you. “Ahh, master mage. Your path is long, and it could lead into light or darkness. Heed the words of your family. Protect them, and let them protect you. You do not desire rulership, but it may be thrust upon you. Do not reject it if it comes.”

Bast smiles. “I can say no more. Learn from what I showed you, young seer.”

Yura nods. You stare at Bast. “What are you, Bast?”

Bast shakes his head. “It’s not yet time for those answers. Keep to your path, young mage, it is entertaining watching you. Now, I must go. One comes who will guide your path.”

With a snap of his fingers, Bast vanishes. As he does, a messenger enters. “Sire, there’s someone here requesting an audience.”

Trevor nods, “I’ll meet them in the throne room.”

The messenger shakes his head. “No sire, they want to meet with him.” The messenger points at you.

You sigh. “Well, let’s meet this guide, I guess.”