For anyone who wants an easy overview of my stories. You can also read them here on my website!
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Fantasy Novels:
Clockwork Poison: Chap 1, Chap 2, Chap 3, Chap 4, Chap 5, Chap 6, Chap 7, Chap 8, Chap 9, Chap 10, Chap 11, Chap 12, Chap 13, Chap 14, Chap 15, Chap 16, Chap 17, Chap 18, Chap 19, Chap 20, Chap 21, Chap 22, Chap 23, Chap 24, Chap 25, Chap 26, Chap 27 (is out but imbedding a link currently doesn't work), Chap 28 (soon)
The Call: Chap 1, Chap 2, Chap 3, Chap 4, Chap 5 (soon)
Fantasy Short Stories:
Missing Piece
A Deal of Games
Deals and Revelry, Quin's Backstory
Healing Hearts
Vampire's Lullaby: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Drabble
The Tailors on Baker Street, Drabble
Winter Star
The Fall of a God
Learning to give Life
Lich Mage and Melina: Part One and Part Two
Symphony of Song and Music, Drabble
Everything
Amnesiac God-Spouse
Seeking Shelter from the Dragon
The Miracle Dealer
What makes a God
The Royal Oracle
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Hero and Villain Short Stories:
Heart Song
A Dash of Villainy within A Hero: Part One and Part Two
Perfect Nemesis: Part One and Part Two
Villain providing an Out for Heroes
Nightshade
Villain Roommate
Silver and Hero: Part One and Part Two
Paint the Town: Part One
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Space and Aliens:
Going Home
Psychological Warfare Chess on Crack
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Sneak Peeks for Short Stories:
Dancing with Stars
Holding Curses with Gentle Hands
Salt and Iron
Sanctuary
Dark Waters
Woven Magic
Doll House
The Price of a Life
The Magic of Consequences
Heartless
Breaking Chains
Wishmaker
Firsts
For the Living and the Dancing
Haunted House
A Heart of Death and Hope
Mirror World
Lost and Found
Making Miracles
Chosen for What
Liar's Honor
Broken Dreams and Mended Hope
Chance for the Chanceless
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WIPs:
The Shape of a Soul: Part One, Part Two, Part Three
The first rule of fandom is have fun. The second rule of fandom is find an enabler and become an enabler. Yes you should write that fic. What if it was even hornier? What if it was angstier? What if you wrote it just for me?
men and women are not opposites. men and women are not enemies. men and women are two parts of a broad coalition which fights against a mutual enemy: inkjet printers
you know that trope where it’s princess + knight, but they’ve both been captured by the bad guys and the princess is now gripped by the jaw by the villain, receiving a thin cut to her cheek while remaining completely still with a defiant look in her eyes even as a droplet of blood begins to trickle out of the wound, all while 3 people AT THE VERY LEAST need to have their hands locked on the knight because he’s thrashing around like a wild animal, trying so so so desperately, violently, to get to her?
The entrance hall was ruined, Adelia had to admit when Rowan and she separated after a long moment of clinging tightly to each other. She still reached out to take hold of his hand, his cool fingers wrapping around hers gently and securely.
Most of the walls had either gotten blown out in the battle with Alexzander or had then gotten infested with crystals.
Rowan gave her hand a gentle squeeze and murmured, "Let's take care of our friends."
Rowan glanced between Ivan and Miriam, clearly unsure who to grab first or if he should simply throw them both over his shoulders, when one half of the entrance door got yanked open fully.
Steward Lambrecht looked more disheveled than Adelia had ever seen him. His shirt was properly buttoned up, but he wore no shoes and had his vest hanging open, his jacket entirely gone. His usually neat hair was ruffled as though he had tried to fix it by running his hands through it.
"I shall take Miriam, if it is allowed," Steward Lambrecht said and placed a hand upon his chest, copper scales clinging to his skin. "I shall see to her comfort, worry not." He paused, glanced down, then sighed. "I haven't shifted in some time, forgive me for the lapse in control, I shall go back to normal in a few minutes."
"Lam, you are easily one of the most controlled person I ever met in my life, don't worry," Rowan said, a reassuring tone in his voice. "And I would appreciate the help, thank you."
Steward Lambrecht inclined his head politely and went to Miriam, picking her up in his arms and swiftly leaving with her. Rowan, meanwhile turned to Adelia, his expression softening.
"I'll just be gone a moment," he said and Adelia gave his hand a gentle squeeze before she let go.
"I'll stay here," she answered and watched as Rowan picked up Ivan, carefully avoiding the last bit of fading sunlight that fell through shattered windows and reflected off of the surrounding crystals.
Rowan turned to walk away and vanished mid-motion and Adelia couldn't help but smile faintly. When she looked back at the crystal infested entrance hall, her smile fell away. She cautiously approached one of the big stalactites and carefully reached out, only to pause when she felt that same sickly sensation as back in the sun temple.
It seemed, no matter who this spell turned into a gem, the resulting crystal-explosion was always toxic.
She turned towards Alexzander's remains and carefully stepped closer, tipping her head way this and that to look at the gem within his chest. She couldn't help but wonder what it was made of and if it could be used up bit by bit over time just like the sunstones. Likely yes.
She shivered in the gust of cold that washed into the room through the destroyed windows and ruined doors and she already started to draft a mental list of repairs, starting with the removal of the crystals, when she heard a knock against stone and then Rowan stood beside her again.
"Have you eaten anything?" he asked and Adelia realized that she had completely forgotten about food for... a good while. She had had bits to drink here and there, but even that had been forgotten when her mind had been focused on the danger they were facing.
"No," she admitted and all of a sudden she felt the frantic energy that had kept her on her feet since yesterday drain away and exhaustion filled her, weighing her down like a large stone. "I believe I need to rest."
His hands were gentle as he reached for her, his gaze understanding. "A bite to eat, first," he said softly. "And then I will accompany you to your rooms, if you like."
She didn't want to separate from him. It felt as though she had only just gotten him back and a part of her still prickled with paranoia that something might still happen. That the danger wasn't fully gone, though rationally she knew that with Alexzander gone and Queen Nina their ally, they were safe for the time being.
Rowan reached up, his fingertips brushing her cheek and she leaned into the cradle of his palm. "I want to stay with you," she whispered.
"Then I will remain at your side," Rowan answered just as quietly, his voice soft and warm. "Come, there should be enough in the kitchen to throw a quick meal together."
She reached for his hand and he laced their fingers together, leading her out of the drafty and increasingly icy entrance hall.
The kitchens looked untouched from the battle that had taken place, a testament to Sorceress Iva's skills that she had guarded the keep so well.
"Sit, please," Rowan said and started bustling about, moving too for her to keep track. It felt as though, with every blink, he stood elsewhere, grabbing something, only to vanish for a split second again to prepare what he had grabbed.
She found herself smiling, glad to see how comfortably himself he was and then Rowan stood before her, laying down cut bread, jam and butter, cut fruit and slices of cheese and ham. There were also two bottles, one containing blood and the others the watered down wine of the keep.
He sat down across from her as soon as he set down a plate and cutlery and instead of bothering with a glass, he uncorked the bottle and drank straight from it in big gulps.
"Hungry?" she asked with a small smile and he huffed softly, setting the bottle back down.
"The silver shackles drained me more than I expected," he answered, his eyes shimmering a dark red and she found her brows furrowing. His expression gentled and he reached out to cover her hand with his. "This was not your fault, my dearest love. If anything, you saved me. Without you, this would have been my end."
She turned her hand so she could take hold of his. "I'm glad to have you back. I... when I was told you had been taken into custody, I feared for you."
His smile was soft and warm. "The moment I was given the ring you had made, all possible worries I had fled my mind." There was such a certain and steady trust in his voice, as though he had never doubted that her creation would protect him without fail.
Adelia found a sweet smile appearing on her face and when she reached for a slice of bread, Rowan took a more moderate drink from his bottle.
Comfortable and exhausted silence reigned as they both ate their fill and as soon as Adelia felt sated and quenched, the exhaustion rolled across her with even more intensity.
"Let's get you to bed," he said, rising to his feet and offering his hand, only to pause. "I don't believe you rooms have the correct kind of curtains for me to safely stay past sunrise."
"Then we rest in your coffin," Adelia decided. She was not separating from her love if it could be helped. "I believe it is big enough."
His smile was a soft and sweet thing. "Of course, we can leave the lid off. Come, then."
He led her to his rooms, only to pause, "Shall I fetch your nightgown?" he asked and at her nod, he vanished, the door suddenly open.
Adelia got started on removing her jewelry that she had worn to court and forgotten all about afterwards with how much there had to be done and Rowan returned before she had even finished taking the second earring off. He paused by the door to close it again, before appearing by the seating arrangements near the fireplace.
He carefully draped her nightgown over the armchair before him and gave her a soft, sweet smile. "I'll change in the bedroom," he said, gesturing to the room he likely only used to store his clothes. "Call me when you are done or if you need anything."
She rolled the idea of him seeing her around her mind. She decided she rather liked it. "Feel free to stay," she offered as she set the earrings down on a side table. She glanced up to meet his dark eyes, noticing a glimmer of bloody red in them. "I would welcome the company."
Rowan smiled, happy and wide enough to reveal his sharp fangs. "I'm glad to stay," he answered, voice a little quieter and warmer and Adelia smiled back, reaching for her necklace.
Setting it aside, she reached for her bracelet next and once that joined the small pile, she got started on the laces of her dress while wandering over to the armchair.
Glancing over she saw Rowan unbuttoning his vest, his jacket already slung over the sofa and he glanced up in turn to meet her gaze. They smiled at each other and Adelia focused back on her task, a sense of soft comfort surrounding her. She was safe and she was home and she was with the person she loved so very dearly.
Once the laces were loosened enough, she wriggled out of her dress, setting it down on the armchair and she got started on removing her shift and undergarments, more aware than before of the way the cooler air of the room caressed her skin.
Glancing at Rowan again she saw his shirt sliding down his shoulder, revealing too-pale skin and the bite scar that sat low at the side of his neck, usually covered by his carefully collar. There were other scars, too, she noted, pale and silvery and she wondered if he had gotten them during his years as a human.
The scars were across his chest, long enough and from the looks of it deep enough, too, that she realized they must have been made by a blade in an attack that had left him dying on the ground and choosing vampirism over death.
She wanted to touch them. She wanted to touch him, to feel him beneath her palms, to feel his hands on her, but she was also exhausted and so she watched, biting a bit onto her lower lip as she just enjoyed the desire of wanting him.
Wanting him when the danger was gone, when they were safe, even if just for today, felt very lovely.
Rowan looked at her again and he blinked, before he gave her a smile she hadn't quite seen like this again and let his shirt slide down the other shoulder, looking at her from beneath his lashes.
He shucked off the shirt entirely then, letting it fall from clawed fingers and onto the sofa. "My dearest lady," he murmured as he tipped his head slightly to the side, black hair sliding over his shoulder and Adelia wanted to sink her fingers into it. "A look like yours could bring even my dead heart back to life."
Adelia found herself smiling, feeling flush with the most wonderful feeling. "You deserve the admiration," she answered as her hand fell to the nightgown she still had to put on, fingertips curling into the soft fabric.
She wished she wasn't so exhausted, that her body didn't start to ache from everything and her quiet bit of regret must have been noticeable, for Rowan's expression softened.
"If you wish, you shall have me once we have rested and recovered," he offered as he walked towards her, reaching out to cup her cheek in his cool palm. "There is no rush, we have your entire life to enjoy whatever we like together."
She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes for a moment and now that she did, the exhaustion felt even heavier, tugging at her limbs and crawling into her joints. She opened her eyes again and reached out, settling a hand on his hip, thumb tracing along the end of one of the long scars that cut down his front.
He leaned in and she met him halfway in a soft, lingering kiss that made her feel lighter for a moment, desired and wanted and cherished.
"Let's go to sleep," he murmured as he broke the kiss and his other hand covered hers atop the nightgown. "May I?"
"Of course," Adelia answered and let her touch fall away so she could lift her hands, meeting him halfway as he settled the nightgown over her. His hands brushed over her shoulders and sides, giving gentle little tugs and everything settled into place just fine.
His touch lingered over her sides and he leaned in to kiss her again, just as sweet and yearning as before.
"Feel free to head into the crypt, I'll join you in a moment," he said and she took a step back, bare feet on thick, fuzzy carpet and she held his gaze a moment longer, that bloody shimmer in his eyes.
As she turned and stepped off the carpet onto the cold stone floor, she heard him remove his pants and glanced back once, meeting his gaze and his little grin and she watched him reveal his long and death-pale legs and she made herself face forward again, because the sooner she got some rest, the sooner they could spend more time together.
She still remembered which book opened the secret door and she stepped into the crypt chamber, the coffin lid leaning against the side of the large, comfortable coffin. Rowan appeared behind her a moment later, dressed in simple cotton pants and a slightly too big sleep shirt.
He also held a thick, down filled blanket in his hands, offering it to her. She took it with a grateful smile, watching as he climbed into the coffin first, shuffling about a moment before holding a hand out to her.
"My dearest, beloved Adelia," he said. "Come join me."
She didn't hesitate to take his hand so she could climb into the coffin with him. They needed a moment to arrange their limbs and thick blanket as they laid down together. In the end she simply rested half atop of Rowan, who reassured her with a soft, warm laugh that he would not feel uncomfortable.
If anyone from home had seen her like this they would have been thoroughly scandalized. Even married couples didn't sleep this entwined with each other, most didn't even share a bedroom unless it was to fulfill their marital duties.
He finished tucking the blanket around them both, thoroughly cocooning her in and Adelia closed her eyes, feeling safe and warm and right at home. She adjusted herself one last time, arm stretched further across his chest and she sensed the way he smiled.
His arm around her shoulders shifted, his fingers sinking into her hair to gently card through it and it was so soothing, so pleasant, she was asleep within moments, too exhausted to even dream of anything.
*.*.*
When Adelia woke she felt warm, the cool body she was tucked up against providing a pleasant counterbalance to the warmth caught beneath the thick down blanket. Blinking her eyes open, she certainly felt better rested, though also still hazy with sleep.
There was still a bit of an ache in her limbs as she shifted, but that was no surprise after everything. She was certain it would fade throughout the day or tomorrow by the latest.
Lifting her head she saw that Rowan still slept, lying still and silent, eyes closed. It was quite tempting to simply stay until he woke as well, only for her stomach to growl and she realized that she also needed to go relieve herself. Her human body had needs that needed fulfilling.
She carefully extracted herself, tucking the blanket back around Rowan, though he didn't really need it, but she hoped he might draw some comfort from the blanket's softness when he woke.
The crypt room was cold, however and she shivered a little as she left it, padding over to her things left over Rowan's armchair. She got dressed and did her best to look presentable before she took one more peek into the crypt.
Seeing Rowan still very much asleep she left his rooms, heading back to hers without meeting anyone. After relieving herself she got to washing up.
Clean and dressed in a new and clean dress she twisted her hair into a quick style and left her rooms to see if the keep was well.
The entrance hall was filled with workers, all carefully chipping away at the crystals at Sorceress Iva's instructions, who remained around to keep a close eye on things. Heavy, thick leather gloves protected the hands and lower arms of the workers, who were clothed as much as possible, scarves pulled up over their noses and hats pulled low over their brows until only their eyes were still free.
It wasn't just because the entrance hall was ice cold due to the destroyed windows and doors but also to avoid touching the crystals. They had felt just as sickly as the ones at the temples.
Alexzander's remains were gone already and the parts of the walls that had gotten broken and ruined in the fight and that were free of crystals were already getting patched by another group of workers.
"Good afternoon," Sorceress Iva greeted her, turning around with a smile. Today she wore a deep blue dress embroidered with yellow flowers up the hem of the skirt and golden stars and a golden moon across the bodice, more stars being scattered down the sleeves. "I see you have returned to the world of the living."
"I have," Adelia answered, feeling a little surprised that she had slept that long, but it also made sense. And explained why Rowan was still asleep, since it was still light out, sunlight falling into the entrance hall. "How are you? Is everything alright?"
Sorceress Iva waved her off. "I'm just fine, don't you worry, I've always recovered quickly from magical exhaustion." She glanced up the stairs. "Last I checked, Miriam and Ivan are still out cold. Lambrecht informed Cynar of his partner's whereabouts and condition and Iris wants to visit you all later."
Adelia still felt a bit worn, but she wouldn't mind seeing her friends, reassuring them that all was well now and also ensuring that they were well in turn. Katrina and Izabel also should be informed of things.
But not immediately. Right now Adelia wanted to get an overview of the damage, though it was obvious that Sorceress Iva and Steward Lambrecht had the removal of the crystals and the repair of the keep well in hand.
"What happened to the stone Alexzander left behind?" Adelia asked and Sorceress Iva grinned, reaching into the pocket of her dress.
She withdrew a fist sized stone, shimmering with all the colors of the world, the gentle shift of seasons and the weaving of elements ensuring that the stone looked like there was a constant shift and swirl of colors and vague shapes.
"For all that Alexzander himself was a real cunt, he was still a mage," Sorceress Iva said and held the stone out to Adelia. "This is all the magic he is capable of, all the magic he would cast in his life and his unshakable belief in his capabilities. This is magic, pure and refined and I would lie if I said that holding this didn't make me feel a bit power hungry."
Sorceress Iva chuckled the next moment. "A good thing that I never had any world conquering ambitions. But I'm serious about its power. This would allow a mage to cast spells of never-before seen magnitudes."
Adelia took the stone and she felt it hum against her fingertips, the buzz of magic and when she inhaled, it felt as though she tasted the cosmos itself, colors and glittering stardust and things she could not understand nor had the words to describe.
"We can either keep it whole or crack it into multiple pieces," Sorceress Iva suggested.
"Won't that destroy it?" Adelia asked and Sorceress Iva shook her head.
"No, it will simply split the power up, but it's not going to undo this stone. Though, if we choose the latter option, I call dibs on a piece. Just imagine the things I could create with this. Even just a shard would allow me to power any enchantment I desire for years on end."
It probably was for the best to break it apart, Adelia thought. It would also allow anyone who was part of this fight to claim a piece of the reward after all their hard work.
Or... perhaps they could keep it whole at first in case someone needed large spells cast and then they could always shatter it afterwards. She'd have to ask once everyone was awake.
"I believe shattering it is a good idea, once we make sure we don't need it whole for one reason or another," she suggested and Sorceress Iva looked quite satisfied with that answer.
"Keep it for now," she said when Adelia tried to hand the stone back. "It's constant hum of power is honestly a bit distracting and I need to keep a close eye on the workers here. We still have no cure for the sickness of those crystals, after all."
"Very well, I shall keep it safe," Adelia promised, pocketing the stone herself. It was a heavy weight in her pocket and as she stepped out of the entrance hall to see if everyone else was dong well, she noticed what Sorceress Iva had meant.
There was a constant brush of power along her senses, as though a piece of the world itself wanted to slide into her palm and fulfil her every wish. There was an almost hungry quality to that power. It wanted to make every desire a reality.
She couldn't help but wonder if that was the essence of Alexzander's hunger for dominion over all that had gotten woven into the very foundation of his magic. At least it didn't feel malicious like he had.
The kitchen was filled with hustle and bustle when she arrived and she was swiftly whisked towards her usual seat and served something to eat, the staff more than eager to get the whole story from her.
There was laughter and cheerful hollering when she told them about Alexzander's demise and she was sent on her way with proud grins, her stomach full with hot, good food.
Steward Lambrecht greeted her with his usual calm, quietly friendly politeness, the slightly disheveled look from the fight long gone. He informed her of the progress of the repairs and that he had already commissioned for the windows and doors to get replaced.
"There is just one thing I am uncertain about," he said as soon as she was done looking over the last contract. "What are we meant to do with the crystals?"
"What is being done with the temple crystals?" she asked and he leaned back with a soft exhale that was almost a sigh.
"For now the crystals are stored in an isolated location, we do not yet know how to properly destroy them," he answered. That was indeed a predicament.
She thought about it for a moment, before she said, "Perhaps we'll find an answer in Alexzander's lands. Now that he is gone, he can't stop us from looking through his research." Even just understanding how this transformation spell worked would help a lot.
Steward Lambrecht inclined his head, a curious gleam in his eyes. "A wise choice." He paused briefly, watching her a moment. "Do keep me informed of when you intend to leave."
"Of course," Adelia answered and stepped away from his desk. "Please let me know if anything happens and once everyone is awake, ask them if they would like to meet with me. Iris also requested a visit."
"Shall I invite her over to the meeting?" he asked and Adelia offered a nod after a moment. Iris was a valuable and loyal friend and any additional perspective was welcome when they decided what to do with the crystals and stone.
"Please do, if no one objects," she answered. "And let the staff know to inform me if our guests wake up."
"Of course, my lady." Steward Lambrecht offered a respectful incline of his head and Adelia returned it before leaving his office.
As she returned to her workshop to clean up all the strewn about mess from frantically creating things to first save Rowan and then defeat Alexzander, she remembered that she still had a crystal shard tucked away here.
If Alexzander's research offered no solution on how to destroy them, she would have to find one of her own. Anything created could be un-made again, after all. Or at least be made harmless. Who knew, a couple of months or a year from now they might even make jewelry out of Alexzander's final remains.
A bit of a morbid way to display victory and wealth, but if her friends wanted to wear it, she'd gladly hand it over.
The sun had started to set by the time she had cleaned the workshop up and she sat down to sort the sketches, putting them away in ledgers for easy finding and sorting through.
She had just finished when she heard a knock at her door and she called out, "Enter."
When Rowan stepped inside, she felt herself brighten a little, gladness at seeing him filling her heart. She stepped away from her shelf and towards him, reaching out to him. He appeared before her between one blink and the next and her laugh was muffled against his chest as he swept her into a hug.
She returned the embrace and they stood in silence for a moment, just holding each other. He leaned down then to press a cool kiss to her forehead. Before either of them could say anything, however, there was another knock at the door.
"Enter," Adelia answered, taking a step back, though when she caught Rowan's hand he laced their fingers together right away, careful with his claws.
One of the servants entered with a quick little bow. "Your guests have awakened," she said. "They are ready to meet with you, though Warlord Ivan asks that Warlord Cynar join him and Warlord Iris can be called upon if you wish."
Adelia glanced at Rowan, who raised an eyebrow slightly. She raised hers back and his lips quirked into an amused little smile and she turned to the servant. "Please call upon her and Lord Cynar and bring our guests to the dining room. If they wish for refreshments, please arrange for there to be enough for everyone."
The servant dipped into another quick bow, "It will be done." With those words the woman vanished and Adelia turned to Rowan, reaching into her pocket to pull out the mage stone.
"Alexzander turned into something quite interesting," she said and he took the stone from her, weighing it in his palm for a moment. His eyes gleamed a bloody red as he stared down at it before he carefully handed it back over.
"It should not be something I hold for too long," he said and when he spoke she noticed that his fangs seemed longer and thicker than before. He grimaced for a moment, reaching up to rub over his mouth. "It makes me hungry."
"I would not mind a bite," Adelia said without much thought and he paused, blinking at her, though she refused to take it back. She did mean it, after all.
"Not now," Rowan answered and his voice was quieter and there was a weighted quality to it that made her bite back a smile. "But later, if you want."
"Then I look forward to later," Adelia said and gave his hand a squeeze before she released it and pocketed the stone. "We shouldn't let our guests wait."
"Of course." He offered her his arm. "My lady, would you give me the honor?"
She took it and stepped a little closer to him. "Gladly, my warlord. Shall we?"
They left her workshop together and they arrived at the dining room right as two kitchen runners left. Their friends were already present, Iris chatting with Miriam, who looked like she had one of the worst hangovers of her life and Ivan sat curled up in Cynar's lap, the large man gently petting through Ivan's unbraided long, golden hair.
Sorceress Iva looked tired, but otherwise seemed to be well, greeting them with a smile.
Iris turned to them the moment they entered, leaving Miriam to sit slumped at the table to join them, hugging first Rowan and then Adelia tightly. She smelled like warmth and flowers and frost.
"I'm glad you're all well," Iris said, relief audible in her voice. "Katrina also wants you to know that she expects to hear from you today."
"I will write her later," Adelia said with a warm smile. "Thank you for looking after my friend this well."
Iris's smile was bright. "She is wonderful, it is an honor." She took a step back to let them approach the table with various refreshments placed upon it, from carafes with wine and juice and water to various finger foods.
"The next time we take down a megalomaniac I'm bringing my siren," Miriam grumbled in that moment, letting her face drop into her crossed arms on the table. "I feel like death warmed over."
Ivan just hummed, eyes closed as he clearly enjoyed his partner's loving touch. "Having a loved one around is a good idea indeed."
Miriam merely raised a middle finger in his direction without lifting her head and Ivan laughed only to stop immediately with a wince. He then turned to Adelia. "So, Alexzander is no more."
"He is," Adelia agreed and reached into her pocket to pull the mage stone out. "That leaves us with his remains." Adelia inclined her head at Sorceress Iva. "We can always break it into pieces and divide them among us, or we can keep it whole in case anyone wants to cast any big spells."
"Maybe keep it whole until we figured out how to deal with the crystals," Ivan murmured, still draped across his love's lap like he considered himself a luxury, all sleepy grace and long spill of golden hair, only the occasional wince accompanying him when he moved. "I definitely want to get rid of them no matter what."
"Good point," Iris agreed. "I vote we keep it whole for now, we can always shatter it later."
Miriam lifted a hand, her head still burrowed in her other arm. "Seconded." Her voice was muffled and then she pointed at the stone without looking up. "I'm not taking it, though, it's singing at me and I don't like how it tugs at my desires."
"It does?" Adelia asked and while Ivan nodded.
"It's humming at me, but I know what Miriam means. It is the pure distilled essence of all of Alexzander's magic and his ambitions, too, the way the sunstones were made through the faith of the clerics." He lifted his head enough to squint at the stone. "I'm guessing its particularly tempting for anyone with magic, because I want to eat it."
"No," Cynar said softly but simply and firmly. "We are done with magic stones for now."
Ivan leaned his cheek back against his partner's shoulder. "Don't worry, I don't want it and it's not like it's enthralling. It's just loud and it would be distracting like nothing else to have around."
Adelia glanced at the stone again and while she could admit that she felt the same tug and urge from the stone's power, it had been easy enough to ignore it while she was busy.
Iris reached out then, picking it up and staring at it in fascination. "It's really weird," she said after a moment. "Makes my skin prickle as though the full moon is about to rise." She held the stone out to Adelia. "You haven't mentioned that it's bothering you."
"It doesn't," she admitted and accepted the stone. "Shall I hold on to it? We can lock it away until we need it."
Miriam simply gave her a thumbs-up and the rest of the table agreed easily enough. Pocketing the stone, Adelia moved on to another topic she wanted to bring up. "I would like to visit Alexzander's home and find his research on the transformation spell and the crystals. I believe it can help us destroy them."
"Good thinking," Iris said only for Ivan to lift a hand.
"Not today. We need to properly rest and we don't know what sort of traps Alexzander left in his home. We need to be properly recovered for that," he pointed out. "Give me three days and I'm fully back on my feet."
"Me as well," Miriam said, muffled, into her arm. "I'll also bring my mage when we go."
"And I'll bring mine," Iris offered, before she glanced at Ivan and Miriam who lifted her head now, though she looked as though she preferred to return to bed and sleep for another day. "That also leaves us with the question of Alexzander's lands."
"Do you want them?" Miriam asked Adelia straight up, sitting up enough to meet her eyes properly. "Warlord law dictates that anyone who defeats a warlord gets their lands."
Adelia paused. "I wasn't the only one involved in that fight, however," she pointed out and Miriam flapped her hand as though to wave her argument aside.
"I killed him and it didn't stick, without you I don't think we would have been able to figure out what to do about him in time. Besides, warlords can't merge lands or govern more than their own. Even when we get sick another warlord isn't allowed to help us out. Officially, at least." She leaned her cheek into her hand, her elbow on the table. "Alexzander was slain by you in the end and therefore his lands are yours."
Adelia had no idea what to say and when she glanced at Ivan and Iris, they gave her encouraging smiles. Even Cynar inclined his head at her, though since they didn't really know each other, she was certain he was trusting his partner's judgement on her character.
Rowan's hand touched her lower back, gentle and supportive. "We can also look for someone to replace Alexzander," he suggested. "If you'd prefer not to."
"Alexzander likely killed any and all competition he might have," Miriam pointed out. "We would have to train someone from his lands to take over, which means someone has to govern his lands in the meantime." She shrugged a little. "These people went through enough, Adelia would bring their lands back to prosperity."
Her? A warlord? "I wouldn't know how to defend my position," she said and Rowan smiled at her warmly.
"You would not be without support," he said. "I would share my night guard with you, if you like and I am willing to support you with whatever supplies you need."
"Me as well," Iris agreed easily. "The lands are going to be ruined, you will have your hands full rebuilding them and the people will be too busy with having proper lives again that you're unlikely to get attacked by them."
Iris smiled then, sharp and a little hard, her eyes reflecting the light of the candles for a moment. "And I know of an independent pack that's been looking for a new place of work, they can guard you against threats from outside."
"I would ward your home," Ivan offered. "And I can send you one of my head clerics, they can help a great deal with things, too."
"I have my finger on the pulse of all the trading guilds," Miriam spoke up. "It's easy enough to supply you with anything you need, from protection to produce." She waved lazily towards Adelia's pocket. "And if it's really serious, you keep all of that stone and use it for clockwork creations."
Adelia's hand fell down to press against the outline of the stone. She hadn't thought about that, she had to admit. About building things that protected and guarded and maybe even attacked. Was such a thing possible?
If it was, she wanted to find out.
"You have the education," Rowan reminded her. "You are clever and you are kind and we are no longer married, either, so nothing is stopping you from claiming your own lands and your own title." He gave her a smile full of love and pride. "It would be an honor."
She fell silent, but even as she thought about things she already knew her answer. That was what she had always wanted, after all, wasn't it? To make things better, to make a difference. To erase a tyrant's touch. Only, back then, when she had still been in her childhood home she had always thought about her father as the tyrant.
She had always wished she could do something about his cruel and unjust decisions. About the way he treated people, herself included, like puppets that had to dance when he tugged on their strings. Back then, she had thought she could do good by being Tirn's wife, by taking over all the tedious paperwork she knew he had never wanted to deal with.
Rowan had offered her everything she could have wanted when she had arrived, let her join him in steering his lands. And now something she had never thought possible was being offered to her. Something that people back home would never have given her.
Even the women that inherited their father's lands with no other male heir around were still expected to take in a cousin's son to raise him so he could take over once he was of age.
They were placeholders and there were only a handful women that had truly ruled their lands on their own and some that had ruled in stead of their husbands or sons, who were interested in other things.
This offer felt impossible. It felt like everything she wanted.
"I could build a crypt for you," Adelia said at last, looking back at Rowan, who grinned at her, fangs on display, so happy for her and so proud it made her smile back helplessly.
"Then it's decided," Miriam said with clear satisfaction and when Adelia looked at her friend, her smile was just as proud and certain that she would do well. That Adelia was the right choice. "We visit Alexzander's hold first and then we write the other two warlords."
"Preparing the ceremony to initiate a new warlord takes around two months," Ivan added. "Three with it being winter and everyone being a grouch about the cold, but in the meantime you can still govern your lands as you like, Adelia. Your claim is legitimate and supported and you won't be contested on it by June or Kazuki."
Miriam sat up properly then, her aches going ignored for the moment as the green heartbeat in her chest glowing a little brighter. "You certainly have my support for your claim."
"And mine," Ivan said immediately, echoed by Iris who gave her a big, glad grin. Cynar inclined his head in a clear nod, Ivan kissing his cheek in return.
"And always mine," Rowan said, steady and certain and full of faith in her. "And with all of us confirming Alexzander's defeat at Adelia's hands there is nothing standing in your way." He reached for one of the goblets on the tables then, raising it. "To Warlord Adelia."
And her friends got up, though in Ivan's case he simply sat on Cynar's arm, as all raised their chalices and goblets and she had to swallow down a bout of touched, happy tears, when they all echoed, "To Warlord Adelia."
give me two characters who are each other’s home. two characters who feel completely safe, warm and protected in each other’s presence, and who are completely respected by the other. two people who, on some level or another, were missing that little extra spark they needed to feel fully confident and accepted as their whole selves until the other came along. they don’t “fix each other” or “make each other better”–they give the other the support they need to build on what was already inside them. sure they might kiss, or make goo-goo eyes, but they can also just…talk, and make each other laugh and smile, because for once they feel comfortable enough in themselves and with each other to be vulnerable in that way. two complete people who finally find someone to share all of themselves with. and no matter what they do or how far they go, they’ll always have each other to come back home to.
The entrance hall was ruined, Adelia had to admit when Rowan and she separated after a long moment of clinging tightly to each other. She still reached out to take hold of his hand, his cool fingers wrapping around hers gently and securely.
Most of the walls had either gotten blown out in the battle with Alexzander or had then gotten infested with crystals.
Rowan gave her hand a gentle squeeze and murmured, "Let's take care of our friends."
Rowan glanced between Ivan and Miriam, clearly unsure who to grab first or if he should simply throw them both over his shoulders, when one half of the entrance door got yanked open fully.
Steward Lambrecht looked more disheveled than Adelia had ever seen him. His shirt was properly buttoned up, but he wore no shoes and had his vest hanging open, his jacket entirely gone. His usually neat hair was ruffled as though he had tried to fix it by running his hands through it.
"I shall take Miriam, if it is allowed," Steward Lambrecht said and placed a hand upon his chest, copper scales clinging to his skin. "I shall see to her comfort, worry not." He paused, glanced down, then sighed. "I haven't shifted in some time, forgive me for the lapse in control, I shall go back to normal in a few minutes."
"Lam, you are easily one of the most controlled person I ever met in my life, don't worry," Rowan said, a reassuring tone in his voice. "And I would appreciate the help, thank you."
Steward Lambrecht inclined his head politely and went to Miriam, picking her up in his arms and swiftly leaving with her. Rowan, meanwhile turned to Adelia, his expression softening.
"I'll just be gone a moment," he said and Adelia gave his hand a gentle squeeze before she let go.
"I'll stay here," she answered and watched as Rowan picked up Ivan, carefully avoiding the last bit of fading sunlight that fell through shattered windows and reflected off of the surrounding crystals.
Rowan turned to walk away and vanished mid-motion and Adelia couldn't help but smile faintly. When she looked back at the crystal infested entrance hall, her smile fell away. She cautiously approached one of the big stalactites and carefully reached out, only to pause when she felt that same sickly sensation as back in the sun temple.
It seemed, no matter who this spell turned into a gem, the resulting crystal-explosion was always toxic.
She turned towards Alexzander's remains and carefully stepped closer, tipping her head way this and that to look at the gem within his chest. She couldn't help but wonder what it was made of and if it could be used up bit by bit over time just like the sunstones. Likely yes.
She shivered in the gust of cold that washed into the room through the destroyed windows and ruined doors and she already started to draft a mental list of repairs, starting with the removal of the crystals, when she heard a knock against stone and then Rowan stood beside her again.
"Have you eaten anything?" he asked and Adelia realized that she had completely forgotten about food for... a good while. She had had bits to drink here and there, but even that had been forgotten when her mind had been focused on the danger they were facing.
"No," she admitted and all of a sudden she felt the frantic energy that had kept her on her feet since yesterday drain away and exhaustion filled her, weighing her down like a large stone. "I believe I need to rest."
His hands were gentle as he reached for her, his gaze understanding. "A bite to eat, first," he said softly. "And then I will accompany you to your rooms, if you like."
She didn't want to separate from him. It felt as though she had only just gotten him back and a part of her still prickled with paranoia that something might still happen. That the danger wasn't fully gone, though rationally she knew that with Alexzander gone and Queen Nina their ally, they were safe for the time being.
Rowan reached up, his fingertips brushing her cheek and she leaned into the cradle of his palm. "I want to stay with you," she whispered.
"Then I will remain at your side," Rowan answered just as quietly, his voice soft and warm. "Come, there should be enough in the kitchen to throw a quick meal together."
She reached for his hand and he laced their fingers together, leading her out of the drafty and increasingly icy entrance hall.
The kitchens looked untouched from the battle that had taken place, a testament to Sorceress Iva's skills that she had guarded the keep so well.
"Sit, please," Rowan said and started bustling about, moving too for her to keep track. It felt as though, with every blink, he stood elsewhere, grabbing something, only to vanish for a split second again to prepare what he had grabbed.
She found herself smiling, glad to see how comfortably himself he was and then Rowan stood before her, laying down cut bread, jam and butter, cut fruit and slices of cheese and ham. There were also two bottles, one containing blood and the others the watered down wine of the keep.
He sat down across from her as soon as he set down a plate and cutlery and instead of bothering with a glass, he uncorked the bottle and drank straight from it in big gulps.
"Hungry?" she asked with a small smile and he huffed softly, setting the bottle back down.
"The silver shackles drained me more than I expected," he answered, his eyes shimmering a dark red and she found her brows furrowing. His expression gentled and he reached out to cover her hand with his. "This was not your fault, my dearest love. If anything, you saved me. Without you, this would have been my end."
She turned her hand so she could take hold of his. "I'm glad to have you back. I... when I was told you had been taken into custody, I feared for you."
His smile was soft and warm. "The moment I was given the ring you had made, all possible worries I had fled my mind." There was such a certain and steady trust in his voice, as though he had never doubted that her creation would protect him without fail.
Adelia found a sweet smile appearing on her face and when she reached for a slice of bread, Rowan took a more moderate drink from his bottle.
Comfortable and exhausted silence reigned as they both ate their fill and as soon as Adelia felt sated and quenched, the exhaustion rolled across her with even more intensity.
"Let's get you to bed," he said, rising to his feet and offering his hand, only to pause. "I don't believe you rooms have the correct kind of curtains for me to safely stay past sunrise."
"Then we rest in your coffin," Adelia decided. She was not separating from her love if it could be helped. "I believe it is big enough."
His smile was a soft and sweet thing. "Of course, we can leave the lid off. Come, then."
He led her to his rooms, only to pause, "Shall I fetch your nightgown?" he asked and at her nod, he vanished, the door suddenly open.
Adelia got started on removing her jewelry that she had worn to court and forgotten all about afterwards with how much there had to be done and Rowan returned before she had even finished taking the second earring off. He paused by the door to close it again, before appearing by the seating arrangements near the fireplace.
He carefully draped her nightgown over the armchair before him and gave her a soft, sweet smile. "I'll change in the bedroom," he said, gesturing to the room he likely only used to store his clothes. "Call me when you are done or if you need anything."
She rolled the idea of him seeing her around her mind. She decided she rather liked it. "Feel free to stay," she offered as she set the earrings down on a side table. She glanced up to meet his dark eyes, noticing a glimmer of bloody red in them. "I would welcome the company."
Rowan smiled, happy and wide enough to reveal his sharp fangs. "I'm glad to stay," he answered, voice a little quieter and warmer and Adelia smiled back, reaching for her necklace.
Setting it aside, she reached for her bracelet next and once that joined the small pile, she got started on the laces of her dress while wandering over to the armchair.
Glancing over she saw Rowan unbuttoning his vest, his jacket already slung over the sofa and he glanced up in turn to meet her gaze. They smiled at each other and Adelia focused back on her task, a sense of soft comfort surrounding her. She was safe and she was home and she was with the person she loved so very dearly.
Once the laces were loosened enough, she wriggled out of her dress, setting it down on the armchair and she got started on removing her shift and undergarments, more aware than before of the way the cooler air of the room caressed her skin.
Glancing at Rowan again she saw his shirt sliding down his shoulder, revealing too-pale skin and the bite scar that sat low at the side of his neck, usually covered by his carefully collar. There were other scars, too, she noted, pale and silvery and she wondered if he had gotten them during his years as a human.
The scars were across his chest, long enough and from the looks of it deep enough, too, that she realized they must have been made by a blade in an attack that had left him dying on the ground and choosing vampirism over death.
She wanted to touch them. She wanted to touch him, to feel him beneath her palms, to feel his hands on her, but she was also exhausted and so she watched, biting a bit onto her lower lip as she just enjoyed the desire of wanting him.
Wanting him when the danger was gone, when they were safe, even if just for today, felt very lovely.
Rowan looked at her again and he blinked, before he gave her a smile she hadn't quite seen like this again and let his shirt slide down the other shoulder, looking at her from beneath his lashes.
He shucked off the shirt entirely then, letting it fall from clawed fingers and onto the sofa. "My dearest lady," he murmured as he tipped his head slightly to the side, black hair sliding over his shoulder and Adelia wanted to sink her fingers into it. "A look like yours could bring even my dead heart back to life."
Adelia found herself smiling, feeling flush with the most wonderful feeling. "You deserve the admiration," she answered as her hand fell to the nightgown she still had to put on, fingertips curling into the soft fabric.
She wished she wasn't so exhausted, that her body didn't start to ache from everything and her quiet bit of regret must have been noticeable, for Rowan's expression softened.
"If you wish, you shall have me once we have rested and recovered," he offered as he walked towards her, reaching out to cup her cheek in his cool palm. "There is no rush, we have your entire life to enjoy whatever we like together."
She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes for a moment and now that she did, the exhaustion felt even heavier, tugging at her limbs and crawling into her joints. She opened her eyes again and reached out, settling a hand on his hip, thumb tracing along the end of one of the long scars that cut down his front.
He leaned in and she met him halfway in a soft, lingering kiss that made her feel lighter for a moment, desired and wanted and cherished.
"Let's go to sleep," he murmured as he broke the kiss and his other hand covered hers atop the nightgown. "May I?"
"Of course," Adelia answered and let her touch fall away so she could lift her hands, meeting him halfway as he settled the nightgown over her. His hands brushed over her shoulders and sides, giving gentle little tugs and everything settled into place just fine.
His touch lingered over her sides and he leaned in to kiss her again, just as sweet and yearning as before.
"Feel free to head into the crypt, I'll join you in a moment," he said and she took a step back, bare feet on thick, fuzzy carpet and she held his gaze a moment longer, that bloody shimmer in his eyes.
As she turned and stepped off the carpet onto the cold stone floor, she heard him remove his pants and glanced back once, meeting his gaze and his little grin and she watched him reveal his long and death-pale legs and she made herself face forward again, because the sooner she got some rest, the sooner they could spend more time together.
She still remembered which book opened the secret door and she stepped into the crypt chamber, the coffin lid leaning against the side of the large, comfortable coffin. Rowan appeared behind her a moment later, dressed in simple cotton pants and a slightly too big sleep shirt.
He also held a thick, down filled blanket in his hands, offering it to her. She took it with a grateful smile, watching as he climbed into the coffin first, shuffling about a moment before holding a hand out to her.
"My dearest, beloved Adelia," he said. "Come join me."
She didn't hesitate to take his hand so she could climb into the coffin with him. They needed a moment to arrange their limbs and thick blanket as they laid down together. In the end she simply rested half atop of Rowan, who reassured her with a soft, warm laugh that he would not feel uncomfortable.
If anyone from home had seen her like this they would have been thoroughly scandalized. Even married couples didn't sleep this entwined with each other, most didn't even share a bedroom unless it was to fulfill their marital duties.
He finished tucking the blanket around them both, thoroughly cocooning her in and Adelia closed her eyes, feeling safe and warm and right at home. She adjusted herself one last time, arm stretched further across his chest and she sensed the way he smiled.
His arm around her shoulders shifted, his fingers sinking into her hair to gently card through it and it was so soothing, so pleasant, she was asleep within moments, too exhausted to even dream of anything.
*.*.*
When Adelia woke she felt warm, the cool body she was tucked up against providing a pleasant counterbalance to the warmth caught beneath the thick down blanket. Blinking her eyes open, she certainly felt better rested, though also still hazy with sleep.
There was still a bit of an ache in her limbs as she shifted, but that was no surprise after everything. She was certain it would fade throughout the day or tomorrow by the latest.
Lifting her head she saw that Rowan still slept, lying still and silent, eyes closed. It was quite tempting to simply stay until he woke as well, only for her stomach to growl and she realized that she also needed to go relieve herself. Her human body had needs that needed fulfilling.
She carefully extracted herself, tucking the blanket back around Rowan, though he didn't really need it, but she hoped he might draw some comfort from the blanket's softness when he woke.
The crypt room was cold, however and she shivered a little as she left it, padding over to her things left over Rowan's armchair. She got dressed and did her best to look presentable before she took one more peek into the crypt.
Seeing Rowan still very much asleep she left his rooms, heading back to hers without meeting anyone. After relieving herself she got to washing up.
Clean and dressed in a new and clean dress she twisted her hair into a quick style and left her rooms to see if the keep was well.
The entrance hall was filled with workers, all carefully chipping away at the crystals at Sorceress Iva's instructions, who remained around to keep a close eye on things. Heavy, thick leather gloves protected the hands and lower arms of the workers, who were clothed as much as possible, scarves pulled up over their noses and hats pulled low over their brows until only their eyes were still free.
It wasn't just because the entrance hall was ice cold due to the destroyed windows and doors but also to avoid touching the crystals. They had felt just as sickly as the ones at the temples.
Alexzander's remains were gone already and the parts of the walls that had gotten broken and ruined in the fight and that were free of crystals were already getting patched by another group of workers.
"Good afternoon," Sorceress Iva greeted her, turning around with a smile. Today she wore a deep blue dress embroidered with yellow flowers up the hem of the skirt and golden stars and a golden moon across the bodice, more stars being scattered down the sleeves. "I see you have returned to the world of the living."
"I have," Adelia answered, feeling a little surprised that she had slept that long, but it also made sense. And explained why Rowan was still asleep, since it was still light out, sunlight falling into the entrance hall. "How are you? Is everything alright?"
Sorceress Iva waved her off. "I'm just fine, don't you worry, I've always recovered quickly from magical exhaustion." She glanced up the stairs. "Last I checked, Miriam and Ivan are still out cold. Lambrecht informed Cynar of his partner's whereabouts and condition and Iris wants to visit you all later."
Adelia still felt a bit worn, but she wouldn't mind seeing her friends, reassuring them that all was well now and also ensuring that they were well in turn. Katrina and Izabel also should be informed of things.
But not immediately. Right now Adelia wanted to get an overview of the damage, though it was obvious that Sorceress Iva and Steward Lambrecht had the removal of the crystals and the repair of the keep well in hand.
"What happened to the stone Alexzander left behind?" Adelia asked and Sorceress Iva grinned, reaching into the pocket of her dress.
She withdrew a fist sized stone, shimmering with all the colors of the world, the gentle shift of seasons and the weaving of elements ensuring that the stone looked like there was a constant shift and swirl of colors and vague shapes.
"For all that Alexzander himself was a real cunt, he was still a mage," Sorceress Iva said and held the stone out to Adelia. "This is all the magic he is capable of, all the magic he would cast in his life and his unshakable belief in his capabilities. This is magic, pure and refined and I would lie if I said that holding this didn't make me feel a bit power hungry."
Sorceress Iva chuckled the next moment. "A good thing that I never had any world conquering ambitions. But I'm serious about its power. This would allow a mage to cast spells of never-before seen magnitudes."
Adelia took the stone and she felt it hum against her fingertips, the buzz of magic and when she inhaled, it felt as though she tasted the cosmos itself, colors and glittering stardust and things she could not understand nor had the words to describe.
"We can either keep it whole or crack it into multiple pieces," Sorceress Iva suggested.
"Won't that destroy it?" Adelia asked and Sorceress Iva shook her head.
"No, it will simply split the power up, but it's not going to undo this stone. Though, if we choose the latter option, I call dibs on a piece. Just imagine the things I could create with this. Even just a shard would allow me to power any enchantment I desire for years on end."
It probably was for the best to break it apart, Adelia thought. It would also allow anyone who was part of this fight to claim a piece of the reward after all their hard work.
Or... perhaps they could keep it whole at first in case someone needed large spells cast and then they could always shatter it afterwards. She'd have to ask once everyone was awake.
"I believe shattering it is a good idea, once we make sure we don't need it whole for one reason or another," she suggested and Sorceress Iva looked quite satisfied with that answer.
"Keep it for now," she said when Adelia tried to hand the stone back. "It's constant hum of power is honestly a bit distracting and I need to keep a close eye on the workers here. We still have no cure for the sickness of those crystals, after all."
"Very well, I shall keep it safe," Adelia promised, pocketing the stone herself. It was a heavy weight in her pocket and as she stepped out of the entrance hall to see if everyone else was dong well, she noticed what Sorceress Iva had meant.
There was a constant brush of power along her senses, as though a piece of the world itself wanted to slide into her palm and fulfil her every wish. There was an almost hungry quality to that power. It wanted to make every desire a reality.
She couldn't help but wonder if that was the essence of Alexzander's hunger for dominion over all that had gotten woven into the very foundation of his magic. At least it didn't feel malicious like he had.
The kitchen was filled with hustle and bustle when she arrived and she was swiftly whisked towards her usual seat and served something to eat, the staff more than eager to get the whole story from her.
There was laughter and cheerful hollering when she told them about Alexzander's demise and she was sent on her way with proud grins, her stomach full with hot, good food.
Steward Lambrecht greeted her with his usual calm, quietly friendly politeness, the slightly disheveled look from the fight long gone. He informed her of the progress of the repairs and that he had already commissioned for the windows and doors to get replaced.
"There is just one thing I am uncertain about," he said as soon as she was done looking over the last contract. "What are we meant to do with the crystals?"
"What is being done with the temple crystals?" she asked and he leaned back with a soft exhale that was almost a sigh.
"For now the crystals are stored in an isolated location, we do not yet know how to properly destroy them," he answered. That was indeed a predicament.
She thought about it for a moment, before she said, "Perhaps we'll find an answer in Alexzander's lands. Now that he is gone, he can't stop us from looking through his research." Even just understanding how this transformation spell worked would help a lot.
Steward Lambrecht inclined his head, a curious gleam in his eyes. "A wise choice." He paused briefly, watching her a moment. "Do keep me informed of when you intend to leave."
"Of course," Adelia answered and stepped away from his desk. "Please let me know if anything happens and once everyone is awake, ask them if they would like to meet with me. Iris also requested a visit."
"Shall I invite her over to the meeting?" he asked and Adelia offered a nod after a moment. Iris was a valuable and loyal friend and any additional perspective was welcome when they decided what to do with the crystals and stone.
"Please do, if no one objects," she answered. "And let the staff know to inform me if our guests wake up."
"Of course, my lady." Steward Lambrecht offered a respectful incline of his head and Adelia returned it before leaving his office.
As she returned to her workshop to clean up all the strewn about mess from frantically creating things to first save Rowan and then defeat Alexzander, she remembered that she still had a crystal shard tucked away here.
If Alexzander's research offered no solution on how to destroy them, she would have to find one of her own. Anything created could be un-made again, after all. Or at least be made harmless. Who knew, a couple of months or a year from now they might even make jewelry out of Alexzander's final remains.
A bit of a morbid way to display victory and wealth, but if her friends wanted to wear it, she'd gladly hand it over.
The sun had started to set by the time she had cleaned the workshop up and she sat down to sort the sketches, putting them away in ledgers for easy finding and sorting through.
She had just finished when she heard a knock at her door and she called out, "Enter."
When Rowan stepped inside, she felt herself brighten a little, gladness at seeing him filling her heart. She stepped away from her shelf and towards him, reaching out to him. He appeared before her between one blink and the next and her laugh was muffled against his chest as he swept her into a hug.
She returned the embrace and they stood in silence for a moment, just holding each other. He leaned down then to press a cool kiss to her forehead. Before either of them could say anything, however, there was another knock at the door.
"Enter," Adelia answered, taking a step back, though when she caught Rowan's hand he laced their fingers together right away, careful with his claws.
One of the servants entered with a quick little bow. "Your guests have awakened," she said. "They are ready to meet with you, though Warlord Ivan asks that Warlord Cynar join him and Warlord Iris can be called upon if you wish."
Adelia glanced at Rowan, who raised an eyebrow slightly. She raised hers back and his lips quirked into an amused little smile and she turned to the servant. "Please call upon her and Lord Cynar and bring our guests to the dining room. If they wish for refreshments, please arrange for there to be enough for everyone."
The servant dipped into another quick bow, "It will be done." With those words the woman vanished and Adelia turned to Rowan, reaching into her pocket to pull out the mage stone.
"Alexzander turned into something quite interesting," she said and he took the stone from her, weighing it in his palm for a moment. His eyes gleamed a bloody red as he stared down at it before he carefully handed it back over.
"It should not be something I hold for too long," he said and when he spoke she noticed that his fangs seemed longer and thicker than before. He grimaced for a moment, reaching up to rub over his mouth. "It makes me hungry."
"I would not mind a bite," Adelia said without much thought and he paused, blinking at her, though she refused to take it back. She did mean it, after all.
"Not now," Rowan answered and his voice was quieter and there was a weighted quality to it that made her bite back a smile. "But later, if you want."
"Then I look forward to later," Adelia said and gave his hand a squeeze before she released it and pocketed the stone. "We shouldn't let our guests wait."
"Of course." He offered her his arm. "My lady, would you give me the honor?"
She took it and stepped a little closer to him. "Gladly, my warlord. Shall we?"
They left her workshop together and they arrived at the dining room right as two kitchen runners left. Their friends were already present, Iris chatting with Miriam, who looked like she had one of the worst hangovers of her life and Ivan sat curled up in Cynar's lap, the large man gently petting through Ivan's unbraided long, golden hair.
Sorceress Iva looked tired, but otherwise seemed to be well, greeting them with a smile.
Iris turned to them the moment they entered, leaving Miriam to sit slumped at the table to join them, hugging first Rowan and then Adelia tightly. She smelled like warmth and flowers and frost.
"I'm glad you're all well," Iris said, relief audible in her voice. "Katrina also wants you to know that she expects to hear from you today."
"I will write her later," Adelia said with a warm smile. "Thank you for looking after my friend this well."
Iris's smile was bright. "She is wonderful, it is an honor." She took a step back to let them approach the table with various refreshments placed upon it, from carafes with wine and juice and water to various finger foods.
"The next time we take down a megalomaniac I'm bringing my siren," Miriam grumbled in that moment, letting her face drop into her crossed arms on the table. "I feel like death warmed over."
Ivan just hummed, eyes closed as he clearly enjoyed his partner's loving touch. "Having a loved one around is a good idea indeed."
Miriam merely raised a middle finger in his direction without lifting her head and Ivan laughed only to stop immediately with a wince. He then turned to Adelia. "So, Alexzander is no more."
"He is," Adelia agreed and reached into her pocket to pull the mage stone out. "That leaves us with his remains." Adelia inclined her head at Sorceress Iva. "We can always break it into pieces and divide them among us, or we can keep it whole in case anyone wants to cast any big spells."
"Maybe keep it whole until we figured out how to deal with the crystals," Ivan murmured, still draped across his love's lap like he considered himself a luxury, all sleepy grace and long spill of golden hair, only the occasional wince accompanying him when he moved. "I definitely want to get rid of them no matter what."
"Good point," Iris agreed. "I vote we keep it whole for now, we can always shatter it later."
Miriam lifted a hand, her head still burrowed in her other arm. "Seconded." Her voice was muffled and then she pointed at the stone without looking up. "I'm not taking it, though, it's singing at me and I don't like how it tugs at my desires."
"It does?" Adelia asked and while Ivan nodded.
"It's humming at me, but I know what Miriam means. It is the pure distilled essence of all of Alexzander's magic and his ambitions, too, the way the sunstones were made through the faith of the clerics." He lifted his head enough to squint at the stone. "I'm guessing its particularly tempting for anyone with magic, because I want to eat it."
"No," Cynar said softly but simply and firmly. "We are done with magic stones for now."
Ivan leaned his cheek back against his partner's shoulder. "Don't worry, I don't want it and it's not like it's enthralling. It's just loud and it would be distracting like nothing else to have around."
Adelia glanced at the stone again and while she could admit that she felt the same tug and urge from the stone's power, it had been easy enough to ignore it while she was busy.
Iris reached out then, picking it up and staring at it in fascination. "It's really weird," she said after a moment. "Makes my skin prickle as though the full moon is about to rise." She held the stone out to Adelia. "You haven't mentioned that it's bothering you."
"It doesn't," she admitted and accepted the stone. "Shall I hold on to it? We can lock it away until we need it."
Miriam simply gave her a thumbs-up and the rest of the table agreed easily enough. Pocketing the stone, Adelia moved on to another topic she wanted to bring up. "I would like to visit Alexzander's home and find his research on the transformation spell and the crystals. I believe it can help us destroy them."
"Good thinking," Iris said only for Ivan to lift a hand.
"Not today. We need to properly rest and we don't know what sort of traps Alexzander left in his home. We need to be properly recovered for that," he pointed out. "Give me three days and I'm fully back on my feet."
"Me as well," Miriam said, muffled, into her arm. "I'll also bring my mage when we go."
"And I'll bring mine," Iris offered, before she glanced at Ivan and Miriam who lifted her head now, though she looked as though she preferred to return to bed and sleep for another day. "That also leaves us with the question of Alexzander's lands."
"Do you want them?" Miriam asked Adelia straight up, sitting up enough to meet her eyes properly. "Warlord law dictates that anyone who defeats a warlord gets their lands."
Adelia paused. "I wasn't the only one involved in that fight, however," she pointed out and Miriam flapped her hand as though to wave her argument aside.
"I killed him and it didn't stick, without you I don't think we would have been able to figure out what to do about him in time. Besides, warlords can't merge lands or govern more than their own. Even when we get sick another warlord isn't allowed to help us out. Officially, at least." She leaned her cheek into her hand, her elbow on the table. "Alexzander was slain by you in the end and therefore his lands are yours."
Adelia had no idea what to say and when she glanced at Ivan and Iris, they gave her encouraging smiles. Even Cynar inclined his head at her, though since they didn't really know each other, she was certain he was trusting his partner's judgement on her character.
Rowan's hand touched her lower back, gentle and supportive. "We can also look for someone to replace Alexzander," he suggested. "If you'd prefer not to."
"Alexzander likely killed any and all competition he might have," Miriam pointed out. "We would have to train someone from his lands to take over, which means someone has to govern his lands in the meantime." She shrugged a little. "These people went through enough, Adelia would bring their lands back to prosperity."
Her? A warlord? "I wouldn't know how to defend my position," she said and Rowan smiled at her warmly.
"You would not be without support," he said. "I would share my night guard with you, if you like and I am willing to support you with whatever supplies you need."
"Me as well," Iris agreed easily. "The lands are going to be ruined, you will have your hands full rebuilding them and the people will be too busy with having proper lives again that you're unlikely to get attacked by them."
Iris smiled then, sharp and a little hard, her eyes reflecting the light of the candles for a moment. "And I know of an independent pack that's been looking for a new place of work, they can guard you against threats from outside."
"I would ward your home," Ivan offered. "And I can send you one of my head clerics, they can help a great deal with things, too."
"I have my finger on the pulse of all the trading guilds," Miriam spoke up. "It's easy enough to supply you with anything you need, from protection to produce." She waved lazily towards Adelia's pocket. "And if it's really serious, you keep all of that stone and use it for clockwork creations."
Adelia's hand fell down to press against the outline of the stone. She hadn't thought about that, she had to admit. About building things that protected and guarded and maybe even attacked. Was such a thing possible?
If it was, she wanted to find out.
"You have the education," Rowan reminded her. "You are clever and you are kind and we are no longer married, either, so nothing is stopping you from claiming your own lands and your own title." He gave her a smile full of love and pride. "It would be an honor."
She fell silent, but even as she thought about things she already knew her answer. That was what she had always wanted, after all, wasn't it? To make things better, to make a difference. To erase a tyrant's touch. Only, back then, when she had still been in her childhood home she had always thought about her father as the tyrant.
She had always wished she could do something about his cruel and unjust decisions. About the way he treated people, herself included, like puppets that had to dance when he tugged on their strings. Back then, she had thought she could do good by being Tirn's wife, by taking over all the tedious paperwork she knew he had never wanted to deal with.
Rowan had offered her everything she could have wanted when she had arrived, let her join him in steering his lands. And now something she had never thought possible was being offered to her. Something that people back home would never have given her.
Even the women that inherited their father's lands with no other male heir around were still expected to take in a cousin's son to raise him so he could take over once he was of age.
They were placeholders and there were only a handful women that had truly ruled their lands on their own and some that had ruled in stead of their husbands or sons, who were interested in other things.
This offer felt impossible. It felt like everything she wanted.
"I could build a crypt for you," Adelia said at last, looking back at Rowan, who grinned at her, fangs on display, so happy for her and so proud it made her smile back helplessly.
"Then it's decided," Miriam said with clear satisfaction and when Adelia looked at her friend, her smile was just as proud and certain that she would do well. That Adelia was the right choice. "We visit Alexzander's hold first and then we write the other two warlords."
"Preparing the ceremony to initiate a new warlord takes around two months," Ivan added. "Three with it being winter and everyone being a grouch about the cold, but in the meantime you can still govern your lands as you like, Adelia. Your claim is legitimate and supported and you won't be contested on it by June or Kazuki."
Miriam sat up properly then, her aches going ignored for the moment as the green heartbeat in her chest glowing a little brighter. "You certainly have my support for your claim."
"And mine," Ivan said immediately, echoed by Iris who gave her a big, glad grin. Cynar inclined his head in a clear nod, Ivan kissing his cheek in return.
"And always mine," Rowan said, steady and certain and full of faith in her. "And with all of us confirming Alexzander's defeat at Adelia's hands there is nothing standing in your way." He reached for one of the goblets on the tables then, raising it. "To Warlord Adelia."
And her friends got up, though in Ivan's case he simply sat on Cynar's arm, as all raised their chalices and goblets and she had to swallow down a bout of touched, happy tears, when they all echoed, "To Warlord Adelia."
