Various plans

As you expected, you get a mixture of responses to your declaration. Victor simply sighs, shaking his head in resignation. Melora and Ferra seem unperturbed, as if this is what they expected, and possibly it is. Sarah grins in approval, having been a prisoner herself. Alex whispers to Cassie, and soon both of them are giggling. It’s Nadia who asks the first question, and she cuts right to the heart of the matter.

“But why? Why risk so much for one person? Even if she’s an ally, it still seems far to risky.”

You shrug. “We have a cure, and she’s one of the few we know that is corrupted. More to the point, she’s the least corrupt. That means it will likely be easier to cure her. And losing her will massively weaken the Order. Besides, we owe her, a lot.”

Sarah nods. “I agree with Nicholas. None of us would have made it out without her. And you can tell she’s suffering!”

Alex giggles again. “And I’m sure it doesn’t hurt that she’s cute, right, my bondmate?”

You chuckle. “I won’t lie, I do find her attractive. But in this case, that’s irrelevant. I’d make the attempt regardless.”

Very noble of you. I’m sure she’ll reward you, mister hero.

You pointedly ignore Lilith’s mocking statement, and sigh. “But it’s all dependent on how much help Samus can give us. We’re too far away to mount a rescue without messing up our timeline here. We need his help to pull it off.”

Melora nods. “He said he’ll be back soon, right? So what do we do until then?”

You smile. “We’ll figure something out. I need to see more of how this armor works, for one thing. That means convincing Lilith to cooperate.”

There’s an easier way, you know. Just give in…

Ferra cocks her head. “I can almost hear her speaking, master. Interesting.”

Hmmm…the golem girl is bonded strongly. I wonder if she would be a better host.

Ferra nods. “That time I heard her clearly. Tell her I refuse to betray anyone.”

You chuckle, sensing grumpy grumbles from Lilith. “She can hear just fine, Ferra. I think she’s mad at you now.”

Ferra shrugs. “Just as well. I serve you, not her.”

Smart ass…

Nadia shakes her head. “Back on topic, what’s next? If it’s not too much trouble, I would appreciate a day to rest. It’s been a lot, for me.”

You nod. “I think for today, we can relax. There’s no pressing emergencies, and we could all use a breather, I think.”

Cassie, smiling widely, walks over and whispers in Nadia’s ear. The faerie gasps, and then nods, blushing. Cassie winks at you. “If you don’t need us for anything else, Alex and I are going to borrow Nadia for a bit!”

You chuckle, rolling your eyes. “Sure, you three can go off and have sex. Piece of advice, Nadia likes it rough.”

Alex and Cassie grin, and Nadia shoots you a glance, her eyes wide. “Master!”

You laugh. “Have fun, girls.”

As Cassie and Alex practically drag Nadia away, Melora comes up and kisses you. “I know it’s way less exciting, but I’d like to check in on the hospital. I’m learning so much!”

You smile at her. “Of course. I’m happy if you’re happy.”

Melora nods, and kisses you again before heading out. Victor, holding Amara’s hand, nods at you as he heads towards the door as well. “We have some matters to attend to as well. I’ll see you later, Nicholas.”

You nod to him, but the glint you see in Amara’s eyes tells you exactly what they’re planning to do. The earth spirit winks at you as they leave, making you laugh. You turn to Sarah and Ferra, who both look at you curiously.

“Well, looks like it’s just the three of us now.”

Four.

“Ahh, right. I should include Lilith, as well. I have some ideas what we could do, but we will need some privacy, and I think our bedroom is occupied.”

Sarah laughs. “I know a good place, although it’s decidedly unsexy. Not that that’s stopped any of us before!”

Ferra nods. “I am willing, no matter where.”

You chuckle. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. But yes, we’ll probably get to that as well.”

Sarah smiles. “Ahh, I get it! It’s time to do some testing! Let’s go to the forge, it should be empty, this time of day.”

You nod. “Perfect. And Lilith, I hope you’re feeling cooperative, because this is for you.”

Hmm? What are you planning?

You smile, leading Ferra and Sarah out of the meeting hall.