There's bound to be something interesting there...

4th Forumidae, the 28th day of the month of Semens (Sem), the 3672nd year of Salvation's Landing

Stepping into the library with quiet steps, Reglin gave a look around. Several wall lamps were already extinguished, giving the cavernous room a multitude of shadows playing every which way. ‘Must be empty if Tabby has already put out lights…’ he thought and took the familiar path to the Magistricia’s office.

Peaking in, the office was better lit as the beautiful honey-blonde librarian was pouring over numerous books. She went from book to book, looking to be comparing concepts within the respective tomes and nodding or shaking her head at intervals while he watched. Reglin smiled quietly while watching this woman he knew he loved was so invested in whatever her mind had latched onto this night.

He didn’t try to sneak up on her, nor did he make his presence known as he came up behind her. When he was within six feet of her back, she spoke, “Love, you smell of sweat…” and turned her head to look over her shoulder with a smile, “I don’t mind it too much, but it will impede any efforts to be sneaky, my dear…”

Giving a grunt of a laugh, Reglin just shrugged, “Wasn’t trying too hard to be fair… Was just taking in the sights.” He made a point to ogle the older woman with a blatant eye and a lecherous smile.

That drew a laugh from his scholarly lover, “Oh? Am I just here for your eyes to feast upon?” To be truthful, her chair blocked most of the sight of her to him, but he did enjoy to flirting.

“My eyes? I suppose… Until I can get something else on you, at least.” He spoke in deep, throaty voice, playing up the sensuality. Even if he felt a bit self-conscience doing so, the reactions he got with it made it hard for him to not go back to the approach.

Tabitha gave her throaty purr at his advances, but made no move, “Tempting… Tempting indeed.” Her bead turned back around to the books however, “But that will have to wait for a bit still… I am on a trail.”

Piquing his interest, Reglin’s brow raised, “Really now? Willing to share what it’s about?” He closed the distance and stood over her shoulder, his hand coming to rest on her back, making soft strokes over the fabric of her red dress.

She nodded but kept on her books. It was ancient theology and arcane theory. She stated that there are ancient texts spoken of that she did not have access to that told of times when magicks did not flow through the world. One of the books addressed this in secondhand, thirdhand, or more, saying that some sort of ‘cataclysmic’ event occurred, igniting the gift on the planet.

Reglin enjoyed these times with Tabitha. She was a voracious scholar. Her mannerisms were contagious, drawing the interest in the subject to the forefront. She then asked him, “Why do we use the term ‘Gods’, do you think?”

Reglin had thought about that before, but never came to answer. The concept of Gods existing was a very strange concept for him to wrap his thoughts around. Intangible entities of supreme powers loitering in the sky or whatever seemed like tall tales to him. He ended up just shrugging, “It’s just something that has been passed down forever, I think. Back to a time when man was more primitive in our reasoning maybe?”

Giving a non-committal nod, like she wasn’t exactly in agreement, Tabitha went on to explain that there are rumors in some of these manuscripts that she wants to pursue. But that the libraries in Polivandria were bereft of such texts. That she may have to make pilgrimage to the ‘Old Half’ of the world.

That got Reglin’s mind racing. To cross the vast oceans to go to the old half and see where his ancestors came from. This continent was relatively young, with multiple countries from the old half trekking here and settling on a land that barren of man. The duchies here were indicative of the lands they came from.

The Northern Islands came on a straight bearing and ended up on the northern side of the new half, settling the cold, rocky north, so similar to where they are used to.

The main continent of the old half was split into three countries that were relatively cooperative, but not always from what Reglin had learned. The northwest region was called Caorainn. The people there were the most reclusive and independent of the nations. So, it rankled them all the more when they had to ask for assistance to send a pilgrimage to the new continent over four hundred years ago. They were never a seafaring nation, preferring to raise livestock and grow crops, and so never developed ships that could make the voyage.

The Caorainni paid their neighbors to the south, the Venditorians, to take them across the massive ocean eastward. Venditor had been known since time immemorial to embrace the sea, sending their massive ships to far away islands and trading with all kinds of strange people. This made them the envy of their neighbors in a lot of ways. Yet, the Venditorians never withheld such things over anyone. Their philosophy had always been to strike a bargain. So, if other nations wished to trade, they were always open to it, except obviously in times of war.

The nation that the Venditorians warred with most often was their neighbor to the north, Schildamon. The Schils were a pragmatic, if aggressive people. For the longest time they looked to conquer the countries they saw as the weakest, but only in hopes of reducing the number of borders they would have to defend. They hold a doctrine that the must forever on watch for some mysterious threat. Whether that threat was known at some time or not it up for debate. House Polivander is said to come from a noble line that were amongst the first Schil war galleys to make the trek across the Inminae Ocean.

Tabitha of course knew of many other lands, islands, and cultures, but with those nations being the four that made their way to the New Continent, they were the focus of Reglin’s learning. The excitement was palpable in his pulse, “Where would you go first if you were to look for something like?” He was curious who she thought would have such a repository.

The lovely librarian was thoughtful, tapping a finger on her desk absently, “They are not known for having a great depth of historical texts, but I think I would like to try to unearth something from Schildamon. Something about their lack of knowledge leads me to think that it is intentional.”

Reglin wondered why a country would knowingly wipe some sort of mythology. Sure, a people might forget about things over millennia he supposed. But the idea of a culture burying something of their own volition instantly piqued his curiosity, even if it was only a shot in the dark. “Would you ever be allowed to take on such a pilgrimage while in service to the King?”

Giving a small shrug that was noncommittal, “He’s given me a good amount of leeway to travel this kingdom. However, I do know that is a good deal different than traversing the Inminae.” They spoke a bit more of speculation and where it might lead them in these mysteries, with Reglin eating it up by the spoonful as Tabitha laid it out. His imagination made it out to be some sort of divine quest. That got him thinking. Reaching into the pouch that he carried with him nearly constantly, Reglin pulled out the scrollcase contained the Affection Artifact.

Tabitha raised one brow in interest at that, “Has something come to light in that lovely mind of yours, love?” Reglin might have thought those words condescending if he did not hear her tone and know her so well. She had come to trust his instinct, if not his intellect.

Reglin opened the scroll and laid it out flat on her desk. He read over the normal information that it gave him at the top. They both found it interesting that the relic was not just relaying changes in how people felt about him, but it had changed its organizational pattern. This spoke of intelligence within, not just incredible spell that ran mana computations and changing mana collected into spells of varying power.

They browsed down further, past all the personal information, and to channels that could be activated in the future. After looking through the seemingly inexhaustible list, Reglin found what he was looking for. “There… There it is. Wow…”

Tabitha hummed as she looked at where his finger was, “Hmmm… ‘Concilum Consulerii’? Consult with the Council… You are granted a question to the… artifact? Once a week? By Gods…” Her voice became ephemeral in tone, her eyes looking at the scroll, but not truly. “How have you not told me of this before?” From ephemeral to accusatory in a blink of an eye.

“The same reason I said wow, lover… It requires five thousand mana to activate. For something so seldomly used, that is a massive amount.” Reglin rubbed her back in a familiar and comforting fashion.

The normally composed woman gave an unladylike groan at that, “I suppose I did not think about it that manner… That would require a good bit of time, I suppose.” She sounded so disappointed and let out a sigh that made that be known.

Reglin went back and looked at the activated powers channeling through him now and thought some, “Now, let’s think about it… Yes, that is a sizable amount of mana. BUT, we have opened channels that should allow more mana to come to easier if I am able to make myself known… Besides that, now that I look at it, I have already gathered more than half of that in just the first four days I’ve been in possession. However, I was able to gain these achievements to aid my progression. I think those will start to dwindle in occurrences.”

This bit of information did perk up his crush of many years, and he was glad to do it, “When you put it that, it does not sound so bad I suppose. It will just be coming at the cost of losing out on other gifts, at least in the short term.”

He gave a rakish smile, trying to put on wiles, “At that cost, I could be one of the most dangerous, one of the most physically dominant, and one of the sexiest men to walk this planet.”

Tabitha looked at him with a straight face for a few seconds before breaking out into outright laughter. It took her about half a minute to gain her composure. “I am…” giggle, “sorry…” She took a deep breath before going on, “I know. I was not laughing at the notion of those things. It was just your face. It was one of the funniest things I’ve experienced in some time.” Her cheeks were rosy from smiling and laughing, “And yet, in your jestingly way, it still managed to get my pulse racing… The concept is an enticing one.”

Reglin watched with a smile as the woman’s eyes glazed over in thought once again. He supposed she was trying to imagine how that would change him further. He shrugged to himself before speaking, “But if I am able to gather mana from entire populations, I suppose having those capabilities would help in gaining the status of ‘hero’.”

That brought her out of her reverie, bringing her thoughts from dreamy to focused, “You are not wrong in that. If you are seen as some sort of folkhero, you could but walk the streets of the city and gain the affection of its people. This is all just… so… exhilarating? Remarkable? Yes, definitely both of those…” The honey-blonde smiled with almost giddiness. “When I remove myself and think about what I am not only witnessing, but aiding in, it’s beyond comprehension.”

That put things into perspective to Reglin. He thought these four days had been the beginning of some exciting adventure for him. Perhaps it is, but from Tabitha’s words, that adventure does seem to be truly remarkable. He thought back to words the Magistricia spoke of the artifact. She said it was called ‘The Kings Gift’ by some, meaning it could lead him on quite a ride. He shook his head at these grandiose ideas, having a hard time believing them. “So, I am not far off from being able to gain the second tier in either ‘Vigorous Body’ or ‘Martial Prowess’… Do you think one of those would be most beneficial for this journey of ours?”

Before replying, Tabitha stood up and wrapped her arms around Reglin’s neck, “I love that, you know… Or… I guess I should get use to it…” She said this last bit to herself, “I love you for that, among other things.”

Reglin looked at her quizzically, truly confused by her words. With her so close, it was hard for him to not just bend his neck and kiss her. Yet, her was able to focus, “I don’t get it, my love… What’s this about?”

She looked up at him with that soft smile, “Because dear, by all intents and purposes this is ‘your’ journey. Yet, by the tone in your voice and the words you choose, I know you mean for this to be not just for you, nor you and I, but for all you hold dear.” She tilted her head up and got up onto her very tippy toes and brushed a kiss on his lips, “And that’s why I love you…”

Blushing at her appreciation, Reglin was struck speechless. Instead, he reached around the small woman’s waist and pulled her tight against him, lifting her up effortlessly. While doing so, he took the opportunity to bury his face in Tabitha’s shoulder, hiding his embarrassment.

With the moment passing, Reglin relented his grip and allowed Tabitha’s feet to touch the floor. The two spoke a bit more about the strategy they would utilize. After conferring with the scroll again, if Reglin was to open up the next tier of ‘Vigorous Body’ he would make it so his strength would go from one in fifty-thousand could match him, to one in two-hundred fifty thousand. What that meant in as far as capacity went, he had no idea. However, with the capital city having roughly a population of that, by ratios he could be the strongest in the city feasibly. And then you took into account the dexterity, speed, endurance all matching the same. He was already almost superhuman with the combination of all those assets at the first tier. Tier two would make a step toward that mythic hero possible, they thought.

If he were to take the second tier in ‘Martial Prowess’, the same ratio would be worked. However, with this channeling it was more intangible. His knowledge if warfare would strengthen fivefold. This covered personal combat, as well as small unit tactics, and overall war strategies. Remembering a few nights ago, Reglin also thought that it would include some very vivid and disturbing dreams the next few days at least. They discussed the merits of it visually. Would dominating an opponent with skills have the effect of outmatching an opponent in almost every physical attribute? To a skilled armsman, it would be more impressive, yes. But for the layperson, they can see speed and strength on display.

The Council of Duchies approaching in little more than a week that there would be festivities and competitions to commemorate the union of the four nations into a Kingdom. That was why there was a drill day in a few days to figure out who the Polivander champion would be to face the champions from their respective duchies. This tournament would be held in front of thousands.

The pragmatic side of the conversation told both him and Tabitha that this was a golden opportunity to lay the groundwork for the birth of the folkhero story they were thinking.

But then there was this voice inside Reglin that made him want to scream ‘imposter’ at himself. What were they really doing? Tabitha assured him that most of these mythic tales were more often fabricated or aggrandized at the beginning. This story would be true, just under a bit of control on their part.

He sighed deeply, still trying to marry the pragmatic and emotional arguments in his head. They decided that they would play it lowkey, at least at first. No need to be flamboyant in the process. That was to his liking at least. He loved giving shit to his friends and compatriots, but to play it up in front of crowds? That was too much for him. It seemed, well… fake…

Soft hands took hold of his face, drawing down his gaze from his introspective musing. “Love, I think we have done enough strategizing for the night… Let us retire to the bedchambers and get you a bath.” She lowered her face but looked up still through hooded and seductive eyes. “I promise I will make it very relaxing for you… eventually.”

That got his attention and pulled him from the doldrums a bit, “I don’t know, Tabby… I am a bit tired. I did have a long night last night… I’m not sure if I can wait for that eventually part.” He was playing coy with the gorgeous blonde.

Tabitha smirked at him and snorted a chuckle, “Reglin… Love… I went almost a hundred years without any real intimacy… Do you really think this is the play you want to make?”

Reglin gave a short laugh, “I suppose that isn’t the best tactic with you is it? And I can’t take myself seriously about it anyways.” He ran his hands down her sides and then around to her well-sculpted ass.

That brought out that throaty purr he so loved from her, “Let’s go on then… But let’s keep it quiet.”

That caused a brow to raise in curiosity, but he didn’t say anything. He just went with Tabitha to help put out the rest of the lamps in the library and her office before retiring to her chambers.

~This is knowledge for the Reader~

The Affection Multiplier

~Mana: 266 (+110) 376~

~Mana Channels: ~Labiae Passionii (Lips of Passion) free, ~ Corpu Vigorii (Vigorous Body) 100, ~ Uirtau Proelium (Martial Prowess) 100, ~Mensu Lucidae (Bright Mind) 100, ~ Tactu Beatae (Blissful Touch) 100, ~Plurem Amatrixae Normalii (The Normalcy of Many Loves) 500, ~Corpu Libidaem (Lustful Body) 100, ~Corpu Spectabilum (Intimidating Body) 100, ~Mentulae Potencii (Potent Cock) 150, ~Limbu Infinitum (Endless Loins) 100, ~Voluptae Gustatum (Delightful Flavor, Gratify the Appetite) 100, ~Figurae Cultura (Shaping Culture) 500, ~Vulgum Venerae (The Love of the Masses) 500

~Lovers~ A: 200 E: 200 L: 200

~Tabitha~ Affectionae: 100 Erosii: 100 Libidae: 100 (Effective 65)

~Asha~ A: 100 E: 100 L: 100 (Effective 42)

~Royal Polivander House~ A: 49 E: 10 L: 6

~Nobles~ A: 80 E: 5 L: 28

~Royal and Noble maidens~ A: 131 E: 3 L: 53

~Day watch~ A: 238 E: 3

~Evening watch~ A: 13 (+9) 22

~Night watch~ A: 6

~Palace Staff~ A: 48 48 L: 6