The next day was rather bureaucratic. I talked to Dekarru to find out how to send an official request for a meeting with an Elder, which was thankfully far less complex than it would have been on Earth. I just wrote a letter with formal wording and had a guard take it to the Elder’s office in the government district and waited for a reply.

  I then joined Olivia and Sellian in the Thunderbane’s communications room as we made a call to Uvtrayl military command informing them of a brief detour before bringing the ship in for refit and disarming. They were not happy but with three Saints telling them it was vital for their divine missions (including one Saint who had until recently been the commander of their entire military) they couldn’t really do much more than politely request we keep the side trip short.

  On the way back from that task, Jaina and Tendri greeted me outside of the Encve District and dragged me to what turned out to be a high end tailor. Apparently my starry robe was not suitable for public appearances. Which I already knew to be honest, but I hadn’t really put much thought into it until that moment. I needed an outfit that spoke to people, told them who and what I was, and projected importance. Sadly I am not, nor have I ever been, much of a fashionista. Not as Lietri, not as Dani, and still not as Esme. But Tendri? She always had an eye for aesthetics, she helped our room look like more than just a collection of salvaged crap. With Jaina having a literal magic artisan css, the two promised that my outfit would be amazing. The only real problem was that neither of them had much experience in more complex clothing, particurly clothing meant for the powerful and important, which I was no matter how much I didn’t feel like it. But that is where the tailor came in. Duvig was tall male orc with graying hair and a rail thin build that made him look like he skipped meals, wearing a face that made me believe he automatically disapproved of everything. The mannequins wearing examples of his work were immacute however and even my ignorant eyes could tell how good the designs were.

  After a good hour of measurements and questions about preferences in cut and general shapes and colors, I was worn out. But Jaina and Tendri were more excited than ever and promised that between the three of them my official Saint ritual garb would be perfect. I felt about ten gazillion emotions about that and most of them conflicted. But at the top of the pile I pced an acceptance that I needed to look the part to complete my duties properly. I just hoped it wasn’t too… silly. Silly is a word. Yeah, lets stick with silly.

  On the way back from the tailor I was intercepted by a guard with a response from Elder Goat-Heart. ‘Tell me where to meet you for lunch.’ I felt my stomach grumble and sent the guard to have the Elder join me at a diner I’d been wanting to try out. It was on the route to the Council Chambers from the Encve District and I could smell the grease burning on an overused and under-cleaned stove every time we passed. It triggered one of the few happy memories from Dani’s hometown, a ‘greasy-spoon’ that she ate at frequently. I wanted to see how this pce compared.

  Half an hour ter I was sliding into a diner booth across from Banda Goat-Heart and trying to ignore the stares. The Elder raised a brow at me from over their menu. “Interesting choice.”

  “It’s the smell, I pass this pce and my stomach gets angry that I don’t stop in. Been meaning to try it out for a while now. I figured I could kill two birds with one stone.”

  “Why are you killing birds now?” They gave me a look of confusion.

  I ughed, at this point it was just funny any time that happened. “Just a metaphor, its based on hunting game birds with slings. It just means accomplishing multiple goals with a single task.”

  They blinked, then slowly smirked. “Oh yeah, that does make sense. I like it. Maybe I can start spreading that back home.”

  A waitress came over and stumbled through taking our orders, I suppose it was odd that what you might consider a low-end establishment would have such high profile customers. Banda ordered a dish of shredded meat and potatoes that smelled and looked like a particurly thick stew and I got a burger. Obviously not called a burger and it wasn’t exactly the same, but my brain refused to allow me to think of it as anything else.

  Thank the gods, the Elder didn’t want to talk before we ate because my rumbling belly was impossible to ignore. Long story short, the food was amazing and triggered pure joy in my brain. Even Banda admitted the meal was more than they were expecting though greasier than they were used to.

  “So, you put in the effort to make this all official and proper. Considering that I hear you can just pop into people’s dreams to discuss things, I am extremely appreciative that you followed appropriate steps with me. But it also makes me think that it means it’s something important.” They sat back and gave me an appraising look.

  I nodded. “To be honest, I was going to just dream ambush you until Captain Eldingson advised me against it. He’s a good man.” I leaned forward, lowering my voice. Not to a whisper, just generally quieter to indicate I was getting to the point. “Uvtrayl granted me the ship they brought, but they want the guns on her back.”

  They grunted and scratched their chin. “You talked to Asmund, now you’re talking to me. You want gryphon riders to repce the lost armaments?” Once more I was pleased and relieved that people in charge seemed to be generally quite intelligent.

  “We’ll be acquiring a few repcement guns one way or another, but a more flexible means of defense would be preferred. The ship was meant to counter military assets in a limited capacity, I will be facing more than just that in all likelihood. Dekarru is working on finding some combat capable shaman to fulfill that role in part. But I was impressed by the Cliff-Watch squadron that saved our asses, damned impressed. I’m not asking you to send me people, just that if there are volunteers they be allowed to join my crew without penalty.”

  They sighed. “Cliff-Watch is an important position for Mother’s Teeth, especially recently. But I imagine that the need for the increased patrols will decrease with the war to the north ending.”

  “There is also the upcoming joint missions to clear out dens and nests. That should take a lot of pressure off of your borders, right?”

  They paused and sipped the tea they had ordered, pondering their response. “I assume Eldingson told you why his people make up a good number of our riders?”

  “He did, and I told him that the Mentor and Ritual will be eager to help his homend in that respect. We also discussed the possibility of bringing Skailund into this alliance, he seemed to be in favor of the idea.”

  “You move too damned fast, Saint Busybody.” They sighed and shook their head slowly. “I’ve done more work as an Elder in the past month than the past decade.”

  “You know it’s only gonna get worse from here, right? Treaties, meetings, trade negotiations, Willow Creek is going to have to be less id back about politics. Probably permanently if I’m being honest.”

  Elder Goat-Heart grunted and rolled their eyes. “Yeah, I know. I am committed to the course but I reserve the right to compin about it.” They sighed, letting the moment hang in silence for a few more beats before speaking again. “This is not something that can be done quickly.”

  “How about a temporary measure while you work things out? We are heading to Father’s Fingers in two days to contact the Tombgaurd.” Their eyes widened. “Long story short, Saint Shieldheart is recruiting an honor guard and they have skills that would serve her well.”

  “So what, that gives me a few days extra?”

  “No, after that we head northeast to Uvtrayl for disarming and refitting. Shieldheart estimates a month or more there. Which works well because we’ll also be setting up our pantheon’s church there.”

  “A month is more reasonable. But I have to ask, what about our chain of command?”

  I took a breath, this was likely the sticking point. “Anyone that joins me, I can’t accept unless they are not part of Willow Creek’s military or simir forces. The command structure will have me at the top, period. I can’t rely on a group that could be recalled, it’s not practical.” A small grunt was all they gave as they crossed their arms and considered this. I knew there would be issues, but it was true. I needed to be sure anyone that went with me, stayed with me.

  “We have some trainees-”

  “No. Not with the dangers that are likely to come after me. I want people who are properly trained, equipped, and experienced in combat. I might be willing to take one or two promising rookies, but only with the okay of whoever on my crew will be training them, and only as a backup to a more reliable and proven force. The celestial threat against me is going to be bad enough all on its own. They vioted a Fae-Lord’s domain to try and kill me once, as soon as I’m no longer under that umbrel of protection we both know more attempts will follow. I’m not putting some helpless amateur against angels.”

  “Fair point. Fuck.” They took a breath and looked me in the eye. “What’s the goal? What is it you will be doing, long term?”

  I told they the full and honest truth. “Spreading my Goddess’s worship. Thankfully for us both, that is best accomplished by helping the efforts to strengthen Willow Creek and her allies. My pantheon is allied with your own, quite deeply I might add, meaning that Willow Creek is a pce of importance to us. In addition, we intend on making Uvtrayl the center of our religion. Making sure Uvtrayl is strong, independent, and allied with Willow Creek, also directly serves my goals. Bringing Pitrak into the picture is not entirely necessary, but it will make things a lot easier for all of us. From there, picking up the smaller nations and pulling them into the fold helps stability for us and improves the spread of Vei’Ryn’s faithful even more.”

  “Are you telling me you intend on just gallivanting about, being a general source of cheer and well being? Just… diplomacy and aid work all over the continent?”

  I shrugged. “Honestly with an airship I bet I could get some good stuff done on the continent of Orunta as well.”

  They ughed and spped their knee. “Gods I like you. But you’re biting off more than you can chew, you know.”

  “I do, but I’ve got a few extra sets of teeth to help me. Maybe some beaks too in the near future?” I grinned.

  They ughed again and reached their hand out to shake my own. “Fuck it, I’ll get you your volunteers. But I won’t release them from their duties until after the joint operation.”

  “More than fair, Elder Goat-Heart. I don’t want to leave your territory vulnerable.” I smiled as my hand gripped theirs. “Now, I believe you said this was an official meeting, meaning the Elder’s Council pays for the food.”

  They snorted and gave me a rude gesture. “Oh I see how it is, this was all just a ploy for a free lunch. Saint Mooch.”

  “You’ve discovered my evil pns to never pay for a meal.”

  Before I left the diner, I called out the cook to give him a blessing of good dreams. That not-burger was incredible and he deserved it. He was confused, but didn’t object. I heard a few of the other customers talking about me, wondering if I was crazy for offering a blessing over something so minor. But it was all upbeat discussions, with one woman saying that it was nice knowing that at least I was a friendly kind of crazy.

  By the time I got back to the Encve District it was mid afternoon and my stump was absolutely aching. The peg and cane worked fine, but I could not wait for my new leg.

  Once in the yurt, I started to settle in when I noticed Dekarru ying back and holding a back of ice against her head. “Did something happen?” I moved over and took her hand in my own.

  She smiled. “Minor mana drain. Testing takes very little, but I’ve been doing it all damn day and I got low without noticing.”

  “Testing?”

  “Stareyes. It’s been just over a week now.”

  I felt the heat in my face. “Oh. Uh… so, lots of happy expecting couples?”

  “A few more than I thought actually. There’s going to be a bunch of new spring babies next year.”

  I nodded slowly, tension and anxiety rising in me. “Ah, okay. I should let you rest.”

  “As soon as they get back-”

  “Is she here!? Esme!” Jaina yelled out excitedly as she rushed into the tent. “Oh good! I was waiting for you to be here before, well, you know.” She giggled nervously as she made her way over to me. She hugged me tight and gave me a kiss before settling down on a nearby cushion.

  I sat next to her and gave her an honest smile, I really hoped this would be a ‘yes’. The oracle sat up and took a breath before focusing on Jaina for a few moments. There was a pause, silence lingering in a way that built anticipation. I smiled wider, I knew Dekarru was doing it on purpose and she would only do that if…

  “Congratutions Jaina, you are carrying a potential future oracle,” the old woman said with a broad smile.

  Jaina nearly leapt from her skin, screaming in joy. She spped her hand over her mouth as Dekarru winced at the noise and put the ice back on her head. “S-sorry, sorry, just, oh gosh. I’m gonna be a mom.” She let the joy pour from her in a bright smile as she wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me. “Oh gods, I have to go tell everyone. Thank you, thank you so much, I love you.” She kissed me again before leaping to her feet and rushing off.

  Dekarru smiled at me. “You should know, Pellu stopped by and she got the same result.”

  I ughed softly. “I kind of expected that one to be honest.”

  “Three kids on the way, how’s that feel to you?”

  I id down and stared at the fabric above me, letting my thoughts center for a minute before I responded. “Happy. Honestly happy. You, Jaina, Pellu? All having my kids? I feel like part of my insides are swelling up and it’s gonna pop if I don’t start singing or something.”

  She chuckled, I turned to see her tenderly rubbing a hand over her stomach. “Yeah. A big bubble of excitement that you don’t know what to do with. But you’re also feeling something else right now. Something that’s for you to talk to someone specific about isn’t it?”

  Before I could answer, the sound of someone entering the tent pulled my attention. I turned to see Ephi walking in, her face a mask of nerves and worry. “I, um, I heard you were here and I thought, maybe I should, be here for, um. You know, the test?”

  I sat up and held my hand out towards her, she hesitated but took it. I gently pulled her over to sit next to me. I know my anxiety was showing, but I didn’t want to pretend it wasn’t there. I looked at Dekarru and nodded. The sage focused on me for a few short moments, then I could read a flicker of sadness on her features. She sighed and shook her head. “Didn’t take.”

  Ephi took a breath and let out a long sigh. “Okay. Okay good. Esme has too many-… um, too much to do to be pregnant.”

  “Ephi?” I spoke softly as she stood up suddenly and rushed out of the yurt. “Damn it. I have to-”

  “Go. I need a nap anyway,” the sage grumbled at me.

  I pulled myself up and followed after the elf. Outside, I saw Flyt looking worried as she walked over to me. “Which way did she go?” I asked before she could say anything.

  “Towards the ke, what happened?”

  I kissed her cheek. “We’ll tell you soon, I need to talk to her. Dekarru could use someone to make her some tea though.” She nodded softly and head into the tent as I turned towards the water. Gods my leg hurt.

  A few minutes ter I found her off in a quiet spot away from the tents and activity, hidden behind a small group of bushes and trees. Her feet dangled in the water, her eyes watching the tiny fish nibbling at her toes.

  “Ephi.” I spoke as I hobbled over to her slowly. When she didn’t move, I slid down to the mossy shore with a grunt and proceeded to take the peg off and set it behind me. “So. I’m not pregnant. Pretty convenient considering the stuff I have to do. Morning sickness during a sermon or negotiation would be a real pain.”

  She made a small non-committal grunt as she stared at the water.

  “Not to mention that with all the things that are going to be attacking me once I’m outside of Mary’s reach, I wouldn’t want to put that little potential life in undue danger. At least not until I’m a lot stronger.”

  She nodded a bit.

  “… but it still really hurt when she said it didn’t work.”

  Ephi’s eyes turned to mine, where she could see the tears falling down my face. She broke in that moment and cried too. We held one another tight, letting tears fall and bodies tremble. It didn’t st long, the tears released the built up emotions quickly and we found ourselves just leaning against each other in silence for a time.

  Eventually, she pulled back and looked at me. “I’m sorry. I was hoping, I mean-. You gave me so much, you all gave me an entire life I never thought I’d have. I thought that maybe if I gave you, if I was important enough that-,” She sniffled and turned to stare at the water again.

  “Ephi. You and Flyt are not on some trial membership. You are part of the tribe. You don’t have to give us anything. We won’t toss you out if you don’t measure up to some vague standard of ‘useful’, okay?” I reached out and stroked her cheek gently, she turned to look at me and I could see the doubt in her eyes.

  “I promise I’ll earn my keep, however I am able.”

  I stared into her eyes and tapped into my skills, pushing for once. I watched stories of her life unfold like a flower blooming into my perception. I saw her father demanding she be ‘worthy’ of the family name. I saw her brothers mocking her for perceived weakness. I saw the training of knights and soldiers failing to take hold in her. I saw frustration and anger in her father’s biased and small minded judgment of her. I saw her fear at being cast side for not being good enough.

  I shuddered as I pulled back and looked at her face once again. “Ephi. We are not your asshole father. You do not have to earn your keep. You are not being tested. You are a member of the tribe. You do not have to fight to stay, WE will fight to keep YOU. Not because you are useful, but because you are loved.” I leaned in and kissed her lips softly. “My disappointment with this is not because I need a child, it’s because I wanted-… I still want one, with you. Because of love, not duty or anything like that.”

  “But what if I can’t? What if I’m damaged?”

  “Then I will simply love you still. As will Flyt and the entire tribe.” I pulled her close and squeezed her against me. She returned the gesture and buried her face into my neck. “You have love here Ephi. Not tests, not demanding of worth. Love.”

  I felt a poke against my stomach, a ugh escaping me at the sensation. She froze. “Sorry, you’re just really soft.”

  I smirked and kissed the side of her neck. “Mmm, well that’s another kind of love you’ll be getting plenty of here. Isn’t it? Especially since I’m certainly going to be trying for that baby with you again at some point. But even before then I can start on crone’s root and we can get lots of practice in.”

  I felt her shudder against me, her skin growing warmer. “Do you mean it?”

  “Every word. I love you Ephirin, and I know I’m not the only one. I know for a fact that Briggavel has been eyeing you up.”

  She tilted her head up to look at me, eyes wide. “Really?”

  I grinned at the elf. “Yep. In fact, I think you and I should go say hi to her. I bet she’s been working too hard today and could use a bit of a pleasant distraction.” Ephi turned bright pink, but after a few moments quietly nodded. “Good girl~”