News, bad and good

The trip to the capital of Mermouthia is relatively quiet. You’re actually rather surprised by how tame the lands under the control of your allies are. Queen Kallista and Queen Sella both have very accepting kingdoms, and you’re sure that given time, the same will be said for King Trevor. It actually makes sense when you think on it. In your experience, at least, monster girls and similar races seem to be generally peaceful. Even the supposedly savage and violent orcs were pleasant once you won their approval.

The problem was that human tendency to dislike those different than them. Fortunately, with enough support on your side of things, eventually those prejudices fade, even if it takes time.

Of course, there was also the problem of the demon lord, but you see no way around a fight there. Still, with the aid of the dwarves and a united humanity, you felt good about your chances.

As you arrive at the castle, you barely make it inside before Elys runs up, nearly tackling Maya. Maya laughs as she hugs her lover, and Elys smiles, kissing her before turning to you with a hug and kiss as well.

“Ssso, how did it go?”

You smile. “Politically? Poorly. We met Koras, and he turned us down.”

Elys gasps, and you nod. Queen Kallista approaches and joins the conversation. “I’m sorry, but did you say that the forest god himself weighed in?”

You chuckle, “More like turned me down flat. He seems distrustful of humans.”

Elys and Kallista nod. “He would be. Humans have been chipping away at his forest for years.”

Elys adds, “And with the demon lord fighting two frontsss right now, why enter a pact with people he doesssn’t trussst.”

Kallista frowns. “I have more bad news, I’m afraid. I received several messages from the north. One is from your girl Rachel. She sends word that someone named Marcus is gone, and she suspects that he was one of the triumvirate of the Abandoned Empire.”

You grimace. “That’s unfortunate. He knows my powers very well. A good cover to study me in.”

Kallista continues, “The other is more urgent. King Trevor is gravely ill, and it’s suspected that he’s been poisoned. The night he was taken ill, someone broke Halid out of the dungeon.”

You sigh. “I knew things were going too well. I guess we’ll be leaving in the morning. I was hoping we could stay a couple days and celebrate.”

Elys looks at you curiously. “What for?”

Maya grins. “Well...we might have gotten a little ahead of ourselves on the trip to the forest...”

Elys looks between the two of you, then her silver eyes open wide. “You didn’t, did you?”

Maya nods. “Yura confirmed it. I’m pregnant.”

Elys gasps and gathers both of you into a hug. “Thatsss ssso amazing! I’m ssso happy for you!”

She looks at you and grins. “You know the othersss are going to want the sssame.”

You laugh. “Oh, believe me, it’s been made clear. I’m sure we’ll have more good news soon enough.”

Kallista laughs. “All of you are so adorable! We’ll have a celebration meal tonight, at least. I know you need to hurry north, but at least enjoy the evening.”

You smile. “Of course! And thank you for your hospitality, Queen Kallista.”

She waves away your formality. “Just Kallista, Josh. After all, we’re all family here!”