Those are blueberries!

"...What."

My answer was a firm, and clear one; leaving me a bit at odds with Citrinas.

How could she ask that... after what almost happened in the Arena...

"What do you mean; no?" She asks, showing for the first time an small modicum of confusion. "But you seed all of your harem quite regularly, do you not?"

"For one..." I begin, crossing my arms, looking stern as I speak. "...I haven't knocked up any of my friends. Secondly, I just met you today."

"But... but..." She seems upset now, almost panicking. "You bedded that gladiator! And her sister! Why wouldn't you-"

"-I had fun with them; sure. Maybe that was reckless, but I didn't get them pregnant!" I was starting to be infuriated. "I'm being actively hunted by my Others; those 'New Lords.' I will not bring any children into this world when they'll be targeted by them. Especially after what that bastard tried with Zana! End of discussion!"

The Chosen seemed to freeze up, her heart pounding out of her chest as she stool still; eyes vacant, and tearing. "But... I was just... Ugh!"

"Edict: Teleportation!"

*blip*

I sudden flopped onto my ass, a huffing mage then calling out.

"Edict: Domain!"

*blip*

Angry, confused, and certainly not in the mood to just sit around, I quickly stand; pulling the key to Her room from my pocket. I think of visiting her old stomping grounds now, but push the thought aside. Gabriella has been off since the battle, and Zana certainly can't be doing much better; Anaz, too, must be having difficulties. Not to mention the coming votes for Oro or Kaki...

Stop thinking... Just act...

I grasp the handle to the Domain Door, entering that familiar hillside by the sea; house and all. Entering my home, I heard commotion from the Hall; not ****, but rather, amusement. Slowly, stealthily, I creep my way down the hall, listening intently...

"Boo!"

"Agh!"

Spinning around with a clenched fist, I sock an unsuspecting Ariel square in the nose; causing a steady flow of golden ichor to come streaming out and onto the floor.

"Agh! Damn! Damn! Damn!" He cried, holding his shattered shnoz.

"Boo to you too, Ariel."

One snap of his fingers, and the blood and injury were gone; but his senses were clearly still present. "Hey; you seem a bit off, Monster. What's up?"

"Nothing." I say; a lie with the subtlety of a punch to the nose.

"Let me guess..." Says Ariel, putting his fingers under his chin most thoughtfully, then putting both indexes to either side of his temple; pretending to read my mind. "...Trina asked something weird?"

"Well, not entirely weird for women from this world, so far." I reply, the irritation rising up once again. "She asked me to..."

"I know what she asked." The Deity sighs, pinching his nose. "She's always been like that; reads too many romance novels of the... lewd variety. Trina probably thinks it's the correct way to thank you for saving her from a Mark. Just... wait for a few hours. She'll calm down, and realize what she asked wasn't appropriate."

I sigh, sliding down the wall of the hallway. "I'm just glad she didn't suck out my brain."

Ariel laughs, vanishing into a golden glow; whispering. "There's not much left to suck out."

Our conversation concluded, I finally peer into the Dining Hall. Oro and Kaki were sitting silently as the others bickered; the first vote having started, with pieces of paper marked with "Yes" or "No" placed on the table. Walking in to get a better look, I wave to everyone; trying to not seem agitated. On the side of "Yes" were Ashes, Anaz, Scott, Sammy, and Trix; on the side of "No" were Cilla, Gabbie, Ariel, Zana, and Eve... a tie.

"Finally..." Said Cilla, handing another piece of parchment for Carrie paint on. "Come on then..."

The little Core had other ideas, taking a few of her new drawings over to me in a rush; her fingers smearing more paint on the paper. "Look Papa! It's you!"

I take the white parchment, taking a good look at the finger painting. It was a stick-man with a red head, with half of his body painted black, punching a large, ugly green thing; only vaguely resembling an Orc. I chuckle, feeling the weight on my soul lift ever so slightly.

"Thank you, Sweetie. It's perfect." I pat her head, and send her off to her Mother. "So... I see it's a tie..."

I look at the side that said yes.

Ashes points to Anaz. "She helped Anaz with her memory issues; if she hadn't done that, then... you know."

Anaz just bows her head slightly, nodding.

Scott sips from a cup; tea, from the smell. "We were once enemies of circumstance, were we not? I see this as no different, Chap.

Sammy pokes her tummy, and winks; yep, sounds about right.

Trixie pipes in, sitting on an upside down mug. "I believe her story; plus, she can make pizza. Simple as.

I sigh, looking to the side of No.

Cilla just looks at me sternly; another mouth to feed... yeah, I get it...

Gabbie takes a deep breath. "I nearly died fighting her 'friends'... that should be enough of an answer."

Her heart tells me... that's a half-truth. I really need a chat with her after this.

Ariel says nothing; once again, concerning.

Zana looks to me; a look that makes me feel disgusted with myself.

I broke my promise. I said I'd never let anything like that happen to any of you...

Eve interrupts my intrusive, shameful thoughts; her screen staying blank. "We... No... I have already allowed someone to infiltrate our numbers. I feel as though, by voting for this Lamia to stay, I would be possibly doing so again. As a Clinician, trust is vital to my work... I don't want to betray that trust again."

With a nice, thorough punch delivered once more to my gut, I look to Oro; asking. "Where will you go; if I say no."

The She-Snake looked ever-so despondent, yet maintained that cheery coy tone she had back when I found her teaching Carrie. "I will likely continue my search. Though, I think our big green problem will look to reclaim me. He's... a needy fellow. Especially when drunk."

I take a deep breath, thinking intently on the choice. On one hand, she might just be the worlds best liar; ready to kill us all in our sleep. I doubted it, but it was possible. On the other hand, I'd be sending her back out to be possibly captured by Urgog during her odd quest. After what I had seen him lower himself to, there's no doubt in my mind that she'd face even worse then that... thing, in the Arena.

I can still see it, hovering over Zana; the look on her face... Never. Again.

I motion to Cilla; she nods, and takes Carrie's hand. "Come along, Carrie; let's go have a tea party."

"Ok..." Carrie seems a bit sad to stop her finger painting, but follows none the less.

I wait for the distant *click* of a door, then continue; looking directly into Oro's eyes. "Know this; if you betray us... I am not forgiving. I will kill anyone who so much as touches a hair on the heads of my friends; my family. After today, I had a peek at just how horrific your old master could be... I will do worse, if I must."

She smiles, cocking her head to the side. "Of course, Darling. I would expect nothing less."

A tense silence falls over the Dining Hall...

"Then welcome to the family, Oro."