The Realm of Austur Episode 2: New Consequences

"Should have know you would follow me," Catie said as she noticed Sam.

"Sorry but when somebody I grown to think of as my daughter I am not just going to abandon them," Sam told Catie with a stern voice. "Having said that I am sorry if I offended you sweetie," Sam said purring next to Catie.

Catie sat next to Sam as she lied on the ground staring at the sky. "No Sam I should be the one apologizing," Catie said petting Sam. "You and Baron have been nothing but kind to me and well when you said daughter it brought up some old memories," Catie said to Sam. "It's just that I miss them so much," Catie said while looking at her locket.

"Mind if I take a look?" Sam asked Catie. Catie sat up and showed the picture of her, Agatha, and Harold to Sam who was now on Catie's shoulder. "You know you look just like your mother, both of you are stunning," Sam said to Catie.

"Ahhh now your just being sweet, but well its just, can I tell you something Sam," Catie asked Sam.

"Sure Catie I know I can never replace him but I will always think of you as my daughter," Sam said nuzzling Catie.

"Remember when you found me with those bandits?" Catie asked Sam who nodded his head yes. "Well the way I ended up with them, I was lost, alone, and scared in the woods," Catie told Sam. "Then one of them offerer me food, shelter, coin and a place with them all I had to do was ...... provide entertainment for them," Catie said looking at the ground. "I should have known better but I was naive at the time and he had such kind eyes," Catie said looking at Sam.

"So why didn't you try to run away or escape?" Sam asked.

"At first out of my stubborn pride I didn't want to prove my dad right," Catie answered. "Also I thought they would let me go after a while," Catie continued. "Finally, I just lost the will to try and live," Catie went on. "I thought I deserved what was happening to me as a form of punishment, the constant taunting, the constant being treated like an animal, and the beatings I took if I wasn't a good pet," Catie winced. "Yet, as I laid upon the cage those cold awful nights I thought this is what I deserve for abandoning my family, friends, and my tribe," Catie said as she finshed.

"I see," Sam said as he stretched out and took a few moments to think about what he wanted to say. "Its funny how life works out," Sam told Catie. "You know how I said you saved Baron as much as he saved you?" Sam asked Catie who shook her head yes. "Well remember how Vincent told Baron to ignore the chatter of a few ignorate villagers," Sam said to Catie. "What Baron never mentioned was that the constant rejection was really getting to him," Sam told Catie. "He began to get very depressed about everything especially, since the only person who Baron ever bonded with his mom, passed away recently," Sam said. "He very nearly was about to just disappear never to be seen again, but then we met you," Sam said to Catie.

"When Baron first saw you it wasn't just the fact you were being abused but he saw the look on your face," Sam said to her. "The look like you were resigned to your fate, that you were willing to accept your current situation," Sam told Catie. "He saw himself in you dear, and he knew he just couldn't leave you like that," Sam told Catie.

"At first I almost didn't want to be save but when I saw the passion in his eye, the look of determination to help somebody who was a complete stranger it just sparked something inside of me," Catie said to Sam. "A will to want to live again, a will to want to travel and see the world, a will I thought died months ago," Catie said to Sam. "When you and Baron agree to take me with you it was one of the happiest days ever," Catie said as her perkiness started to return. "To this day I thank the gods I met you guys," Catie said giving Sam a hug.

"Like I told you multiple times, you saved him just as much as he saved you," Sam said purring in Catie's embrace. "You gave him the confidence he needed, the ability to trust in people again," Sam said. "Its funny how life works two different, yet similar people meet at just the right time, and now look at you two," Sam said to Catie. "We are the verge of meeting Baron's dad, we met a crazy but wisen lich, we made a few good friends in Serlen, Shalla, Silver, and Vinny, and now you two are engaged," Sam said to Catie.

"Your right and even though my parents my be gone but there spirit is still around," Catie said to Sam. "They are always watching over me and still guiding me even from the great beyond," Catie said as a familiar butterfly landed on Catie's shoulder.

"Looks like you made a new friend," Sam said to Catie.

"Oh this is Mr. Butterfly, he was a gift from my parents and showed me where to find this letter and locket," Catie said as Mr. Butterfly sensing his job was done flew away into the forest.

"Ready dear, we got a busy day tommrrow," Sam said hoping on Catie's shoulder.

"Yeah your right Mr. Paws and Claws dad, can't wait to meet my father in law," Catie said as she began the long walk to Barons house.

"Hmm... I'd have to see your dress first before I could say for sure, my love. But I can, however, tell you what the dress is like. The Sun Dress is a long, sleeveless dress, and is usually made from lighter material, almost like a nightgown. It can either be gold, a pale yellow, or plain white. The only thing that has to be made by a specialist is a ceremonial cord, which is enchanted with Holy Magic and then threaded into the dress itself, around the shoulders. A white mantle made of a very light, clear fabric is then sewn onto the cord, so it hangs down the bride's back. Fortunately, you're a Type 1, so you can enchant the cord yourself, but we'll still have to buy the cord from a Shiryuan Tailor... That shouldn't be an issue though. I can travel to Shiryu and be back in maybe an hour."

Vincent reaches over and tenderly massages her shoulders. "I'd love it if we could use your dress Elia," he says softly. "But I don't want you worrying about it if we can't, alright?"

"Then I think it will work. Actually, I'm sure it will! Maybe a Shiryuan wedding is just the type of ceremony for us," she said with beaming smile.

Elia was thankful that Vincent had given her that opprotunity to talk to Silver, so she didn't waste it at all. As he was leaving, she started by asking a simple question. "Are you feeling better? You worried me earlier when you seemed to become faint so suddenly."

And now for something completely different!

A symphonic orchestra hidden somewhere played the theme tune (with guitar solo!) as the curtains parted. Once it did so, Irving loaded his ryfel with some strange-looking cylinders given to him backstage, held it upward, and fired. The crowd cheered as the fireworks he shot detonated in a flash of color. Anna jumped onstage with two of three barely-clothed nymphs in tow. The third nymph that used to be around for the introduction did eventually return, but then the executives decided that they would attempt to enact swimsuit law once more and recruited said nymph into making Irving change into (short) swimming trunks by any means necessary, which resulted in hospitalization (albeit with a speedy recovery projected) when excessive contact was made and crazing ensued. The executives wisely decided to back off.

"Welcome back to the Realm of Austur mailbag!" declared Anna. "How are we all doing, tonight?!"

The crowd cheered.

"The sooner this ends, the better", grumbled Irving, still bitter about the aforementioned incident.

"Now, before we start this show, I must present to the guest... THIS!"

Anna held up a small flask with some liquid inside. She went up to Irving and handed it to him. "Drink up, pal!"

"...Why?" asked Irving. "What's in it?"

"It's just water, silly!" lied Anna. "Also, our executives wanted you to drink it onstage and refused to explain why."

"...If it's water, why is it blue?" asked Irving.

"It's vitamin water, with added minerals that are good for you!" lied Anna. "It resulted in some coloring. Don't worry so much!"

"...Then why is it glowin'?" asked Irving.

"500 gold for you to shut up and drink", growled Anna.

"...The things I do for money."

Irving took the Truth Serum and drank. Anna pulled out index cards with questions on them out of nowhere. Irving reacted in disgust at the drink's flavor.

"BLEAGH!!!"

"Oh grow up! I know a little girl who took it better than you! Anyway, on with the show!"

If you had the chance, would you become a male model?

Irving: "I'd rather gouge myself with my machete."

Anna: *muttering* "Or break a nymph's arm..."

What would happen if someone tried to eat one of your Slots?

Irving: "Stomach problems, prob'ly."

What is your opinion on weddings? Do you avoid them? Or are they usually okay?

Irving: "Never been to one, so no opinion. Though from what I know of 'em, I would probably be out of place in such a ceremony anyway. That said, I would probably go to one I'm invited to, just to be polite."

Why don't you take contracts out on dragons?

Irving: "I want to live. If one's rampagin' or something and I pretty much had to, fine. But if you want to get someone to kill one, then hire someone better suited to the job than me; those with experience, better equipment, better numbers, whatever."

Why don't you take contracts out on politicians? You hate royals, and most politicians are royals.

Irving: "I wouldn't mind slapping a royal around a bit, but if I go out and do it, then law enforcement and other bounty hunters would probably come looking for my head on a plate.

Plus, killing them would help the political goals of some other royal and some crime bosses. Rather not deal with that."

Do you like animals?

Irving: "Most of 'em, sure."

Would you ever consider having a pet, and if so what kind?

Irving: "A dog would be nice."

If you had a different childhood, how do you think you'd have turned out?

Irving: "Probably by not becomin' a bounty hunter. Might've even gotten to school."

What is the strangest job you've been hired to do since you started working as a mercenary?

Irving: "First of all, I'm a bounty hunter. I just call myself a mercenary because that term has a better... um..."

Anna: "Connotation?"

Irving: "Conatashin than calling myself as part of a job that kills people for a living. Anyway, I was once paid and told to go to my employer's house on a certain time of day. I show up and the guy's sittin' there with his wife and introduced me as a marriage count-siler. I just put the money he gave me to the ground as a refund and walked away."

If you could go back in time and change one thing in your past, what would it be?

Irving: "Gettin' enslaved. And my home village gettin' destroyed, but mostly the first part."

In your opinion, is politics necessary? Or is there another, better way for people to govern themselves?

Irving: "I've been to some s***holes, so I know that government is probably the way to go. Since current government is ready to just sit on their asses rolling on money pretending said s***holes don't exist, though, I say something's gotta change. Can't say for sure what, but replacing our current leaders sounds like a good start."

Does the carpet match the drapes?

Irving: "Depends on what a drape is."

Do you think most people are trustworthy, or do you think most people will always look out for themselves?

Irving: "Mix of both, really. Some people, even those in the criminal underworld, have some kind of code of honor, while others are out for their own, no matter how many knives they stick into other people's throats."

What is your favorite food?

Irving: "I like fruits and meat dishes. If I got to pick a fav, it'd be steak with mushroom sauce. No matter where I order it, always delicious."

What made you decide to use a Rifle? Why not simply train in the way of a sword, or normal magick?

Irving: "Rather use something barely anyone else uses instead of a sword like everyone and their mom. As for magick, well, no one in the village knew crap about Type-2 magick, and never really stumbled across anyone who could teach me until recently."

Have you ever experienced attraction to anyone else?

Irving: "Nope. Never have, probably never will. Spending childhood as an abused slave with naked people, sex, and orgies all around me kind of does that, I guess. Can't see the appeal, and I don't see how havin' sex myself would change that."

Out of all the people you know,who do you value as the closest friend?

Irving: "Elijah, though he's more of an adoptive dad."

Anna: "Speaking of adoption..."

Marry/Adopt/Kill: You just saved a beautiful dragon girl from a group of bandits. She is now following you everywhere. And she can teleport. And she is naïve and obnoxious. What do you do?

Irving: "Adopt, I guess. Sure wouldn't kill her, though. Probably would end up liking the company if such a thing happens."

How much gold would it take for you to sell out Elia...... I mean send those poor soldiers to there doom at the hands of Vincent?

Irving: "Nothing would get me to do that... Though now that you mention it, I could just take the gold while Vincent kills them... Nah. Then they'd tell their pals, and word would spread."

How much wood would a wood chuck if a wold chuck could chuck wood?

Irving: "However many it feels like."

Sally sold seashells down by the sea shore. What would you sell be the sea shore?

Irving: "Cool drinks."

If you had to pick a god and pray which god would you pick?

Irving: "I'd pick at random."

What do you believe in?

Irving: "Ain't much of a religious guy... Mostly 'cause I don't know much about 'em. I guess I believe in god, but none of that fate bullcrap."

How tempted were you to take out Vincent and run off with Rosetta?

Irving: "None. I don't do kidnappin', and even if I did I wouldn'tve known who to send a ransom note to at the time."

When you are normal Irving do you fear losing control and going crazed Irving?

Irving: "I don't fear it, but I hate going crazed."

What would happen to Irvin if he ever encountered the Water Nymphs which as we know at not oppose to letting it go???

Irving glanced at the water nymphs sensually dancing onstage. He then recalled the one that tried manhandling him earlier.

Irving: "It could go either way."

Anna muttered something he couldn't hear.

What is your opinion on... CHEESE?!!!

Irving: "I like Cheese, but for some reason they don't show up when I want 'em."

Anna: "What kind of cheese is your favorite?"

Irving: "...There are different kinds?"

What is your opinion on... QUANTUM PHYSICS?!!!

Irving: "Only thing I know about 'em is something about Novas, but that's space-related, so it's useless."

Anna: "..."

Irving: "...What? Did I say something weird?"

Anna: "No... Don't worry about it."

If you were to die as normal Irving would crazed Irving take over or are you both dead?

Irving: "Well if I get decapitated or something, then I would be dead. And then crazed me would also be dead because he has no head. I would think the same goes to bleeding out, gettin' crushed, dyin' of starvation, being disemboweled, getting set on fire, having--"

Anna: "Okay, I think we get it."

That guy Arcturus seems to know much more than he's letting on. Does that worry you? What do you think he really wants with Elia?

Irving: "Of course he does. Guessing that it involves draggin' her kickin' and screaming back to Cleatia. She's probably going to be fine, as long as she's careful."

What kinds of places have you traveled to, and what location was your favorite?

Irving: "I mostly move around Cleatia and Alibab. My last little 'venture through Jorkun is one of my first visits to the place ever since I left the village; I don't go there often. Of all of those, Jorkun's probably the more pleasant place, but that's probably because I actively go to bad Cleatian neighborhoods looking for work."

Is there a difference between accepting jobs between countries?

Irving: "Your employers and their intentions, mostly. In Cleatia and Jorkun, I take jobs from mostly law enforcement, village militias, and the occasional wildlife ranger, and the mark're a mix of fugitives, criminals, and dangerous wild animals. In Alibab, the only real options are to go to crime lords putting hit marks on other crime lords. It's less pleasant, but killing any criminal is good enough for me. 'Specially if slavery's involved, which it often is."

Would you ever consider leading a small group of honest mercenaries?

Irving: "Don't think of myself as the leader-type."

Why so serious?

Irving: "I don't like being interrogated."

Anna: "You must be fun at parties."

Is there anyone now, or was there someone in the past you cared deeply for, to the extent you would do anything for them?

Irving: "Closest would be Elijah, but I feel respect more than anything."

Do you have any hobbies?

Irving: "Cards and fishing."

Do you want to be a mercenary forever, or would you like to do other things?

Irving: "Frankly, I want out. Anything would be better than this."

What's the most money you've ever made through one job? Was the job worth it?

Irving: "Don't remember... Should probably invest in a logbook, sometime."

How would you describe yourself?

Irving: "A good-for-little ex-slave who wanders around wondering if what he's doing is really the most that he can do with his life."

Why do you hate your crazed form so much?

Irving: "I hate what it is: basically my inner thoughts and feelings. I used to think that I changed thanks to Elijah and the others, but then this thing shows its face and shows that I'm still the way I used to be. I'm a major dick to people, too."

Thoughts on this?

Anna materialized another ryfel from who-knows-where and tossed it at Irving, who almost dropped it from being caught off-guard.

Anna: "AK-47, the very best there is! When you absolutely, positively got to kill every motha-trucka in the room? Accept no substitute!"

Irving fiddled with the weapon.

Irving: "Don't look like anything special to me. Where do slots go--"

Irving accidentally fired off a round at the ceiling. As a security measure, a team of monkeys in security uniforms sprang down from above and began to pummel Irving in a cloud of smoke before the offender could potentially cause anymore trouble in the room.

Anna: "Errmm..."

Anna turned to address the audience like nothing happened. "And that's our show! Don't worry, we'll return our guest to his world once he regains consciousness from this! Buh-bye for now!"

The curtains hastily closed and the show's theme song played to drown out of sounds of violence occurring behind the curtain.

Silver beamed happily as she finished the last of her meal. "I'd love to, Elia. Although... I'm not sure what help I'll be. You know how overprotective my dad is about those he loves. I've lead a fairly... Sheltered life. A happy one, mind you, but a sheltered one. Don't get me wrong, I don't begrudge him for it... I understand why and I'm thankful for it. But it means I haven't seen a lot of things... I'm not sure I'm the best one to ask. How do I even know if the dress is beautiful?"

(Fennekin, Smexy the time is finally here)

The next day.......


Baron still feeling a bit woozy after feeling the effects of having his mom show up stretched out. Baron turned to his left and saw his beautiful fiance snoring away, ever so cute. Baron goes to place a kiss on Catie's forehead as she mumbled something in her sleep. Baron then sat up and looked around for Sam who wasn't there inside the bedroom. Baron looked out the bedroom window and he saw Sam just sitting on the porch staring into the distance. "Hmm he must be just as nervous as I am," Baron commented as he left the room.

When Baron made his way down stairs he saw Serlen and Shalla still asleep. "Knew they would be cute together," Baron mused to himself. Baron went to the kitchen area and got a little something to eat before heading outside and sat next to Sam.

"How you holding up?" Baron asked Sam.

"Good, funny even though its been so long, still remember how to get there like it was yesterday," Sam commented just staring into the sky.

"I noticed Catie was wearing a pretty locket when I woke up, how nice of you to get her something nice?" Baron teased Sam.

"I didn't give it to her," Sam said to a confused Baron. "It was a late gift from her parents she found it when she went to a pay a visit to her home," Sam said to Baron.

"Ohh, but it must been hard to find," Baron said.

"She had help from a little friend by the name of Mr. Butterfly," Sam said.

"So now what?" Baron asked.

"We wait for Serlen, Shalla and Catie, get Serlen and Shalla's answer about whether or not they are coming then we head off," Sam said nonchalantly.

Baron and Sam were sitting on the porch gazing towards the sky just thinking about what lies in store for them today. Baron didn't notice Shalla coming from behind until he heard foot steps from behind. "So did you guys make up your mind about whether or not your coming?" Baron asked.

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POV: Catie
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"Arrrrr," Catie howled while rolling onto her side. Catie then gently opened her eyes as she began to wake up, hoping to see Baron and not seeing Sam around. "Hey hun hope to get a little fun in before we leave," Catie asked mischievously. When Catie opened her eyes though Baron wasn't there and she sighed at the sight. "Dammit already grumble grumble I was hoping to have some quality time with him before we left," Catie huffed as she sat out of bed. "Might as well get ready to go," Catie said as she went to go freshen up

The audience grew silent as Anna clapped her hands, and turned to the lone man on stage. "Right-O, you ready for a barrage of questions, Mr Bad Boy?"

Vincent merely sighs. "I suppose I don't have much of a choice, now do I?"

"Absolutely none at all!" Anna yells gleefully, throwing herself back into her abnormally large and plush beanbag chair. One of the scantily clad Nymphs nervously walks up to her and hands her some sort of odd cylindrical device with a handle that vaguely resembles a horn, while the same audience member from before- The man in a dark suit she called her 'Union Rep', whatever that is- leans over her shoulder and whispers something in her ear.

"Because the Truth Serum probably won't work on him anyway," She replies in what has to be the loudest whisper in the history of whispers. She then whirls back to poor Vincent, her eyes glinting dangerously, almost like a cat right before it pounced. "Now, sweetie, you'll tell the truth, won't you? We don't want to have to bring out the Monkeys, now do we?"

Again with the monkeys. Who the hell threatens a god with monkeys?!... This girl, apparently. "If it gets you to send me home sooner, then I'll answer to the best of my ability."

Anna squeals with delight. "See, what did I tell you?" She says triumphantly to her Union Rep, poking him in the forehead with her pinky finger. He accepts defeat like a true warrior; by hanging his head in shame.

Anna turns back to the stage and presses a button on her horn-thing. It flashes green. "LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!!!"

Vincent visibly cringes from the sound of an obnoxiously cheery voice amplified a gajillion times over. The lights go out on cue, enveloping the whole room in darkness, and a new, dimmer light shines on the stage. Curtains on either side of the stage are pulled aside by unseen hands, and a man and a woman slowly, methodically join him on the stage. Both are dressed in odd, seemingly traditional costumes that remind him of Shiryu; the woman is dressed in the red and white robes of a priestess, and she carries two fans. The man is dressed like a demon, crowned in bright red armor and an angry red demon mask with horns. A long Katana is sheathed at his waist, and he carries a large halberd.

"I am... Tengu Warrior!" The man says.

"And I am... The Divine Priestess." The woman echoes. There is a strange, almost gravelly quality to her voice. Vincent squints suspiciously, trying to see if he can see her better, but the stage lighting has an odd effect on his vision, making it difficult for him to see clearly.

"We shall..."
"... Be the ones to present your questions."
"Prepare."

The curtains at the rear of the stage suddenly parted, revealing what appeared to be a puppet theater and a large clear screen above it.

What would you ever do if you met Jacob?

"That would depend on the situation," Vincent answered after a moment's thought. "If it was simply a passing encounter, I would ignore him. I do not believe in senseless violence, even against a person who harmed someone dear to me. However, if the situation was different, and I found him actively hunting down Elia, I would assassinate him on the spot."


If you had to choose between saving Elia and saving thousands of people, and that Elia would very likely hate you and/or herself if you choose her, what would you do?

Vincent remained silent for a long moment. Finally, he replied, "I would simply find a way to save everyone. There are always multiple answers to every problem, one just has to find them. The future is constantly changing."

Do you always trust people whose job is synonymous with "I'll do anything for money", or was Irving a one-time thing?

"Irving was a special case. I sensed something in him as soon as I saw him. There is a spark of light in him that reminds me of someone I once knew. It is for that reason I trusted him, and I am glad I did so."

How would you react if Elia was killed by someone you considered trustworthy, BUT it was in an act of self-defense?

"I am very slow to trust. Of the few people I do trust, the only ones who could kill Elia are my own family. Since she would never attack someone for no reason, and the vast majority of my family would not attempt to do her any real harm, the only way for that to happen is if Kryla were to take over. And I have Kryla on a tight leash, one she doesn't even know exists. Next question."

Not counting the Black Death thing, what is your biggest regret?

"... Driving my son Michael away from me," he answers, his voice very quiet. "At the time, I thought I did so for his own protection, but now I know that was just a lie I was telling myself. An excuse. In truth, I feared him as much as I loved him, and that caused me to drive him away. Perhaps, if I hadn't, I could have saved him..."

Two Nymphs in the back row of the audience burst into tears, and another attempts to run up on the stage to give Vincent a hug. Strangely grateful, he watches in half amusement as she's carried away by security. Anna looks around nervously in the dark and holds up a small glowing sign. It reads: 7.8/10. Too much feels. Needs moar HAWT.

The Divine Priestess reads the sign and nods in understanding. She moves closer and begins to provocatively drag one of her fans across Vincent's bare chest.

I bet that you look good on the dance floor. Can you dance?

"I haven't in some time," he says, suddenly feeling a bit self conscious. "But yes, I can. I was the star of many a ball in my heyday."

Anna nods at the Priestess, who then proceeds to drag a reluctant Vincent into the middle of the stage. She had a surprisingly strong grip for a Priestess. Then-

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We apologize for the interruption. The Mailbag servers are experiencing difficulty due to a sudden and completely unintentional spike in temperature. Your regularly scheduled program will return in a few moments.

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Vincent wiped the sweat off his brow, as the medics carried off the heap of unconscious bodies on stretchers. Anna took a swig from her new water bottle, and adjusted her clothing. She too wiped the sweat off her brow. "W-Well now... That was unexpected," she pants, still attempting to compose herself. "Uh... W-Where were we? Oh. Right. The questions... Tengu, if you would.... Tengu?"

Tengu was currently huddled in the far corner of the room, sobbing quietly. Those near him could barely make out one word, over and over... Something about inadequacies.

Anna clears her throat. "R-Right... I'll just have to ask the questions myself then. So, moving on..."

What ever happened to Valeria?

"... She died from disease when I was still a child. Next."

Had you ever fallen in love with someone in the past, before you met Elia?

"Yes, when I was still young and human. She was the daughter of the Shaman who rescued me as a boy. We were even betrothed to be married for a while."

What ever happened to the Shaman's daughter?

"I don't know. She betrayed me along with the rest of her tribe, after Master Morgoth raised me from the dead. I never saw her again."

Can you count the number of times you've contemplated suicide?

"No more than I can count the number of grains of sand in a desert as wide as a Galaxy, no."

What about the number of times you've lain with a fair maiden?

"... Yes, actually, and there aren't many. I have always refrained from becoming too attached to people, for various reasons, most of which should be fairly obvious."

Have you met Silver's dad?

"That's a little random, don't you think? But yes, I have, though only briefly. He is an... Interesting individual."

Are you excited that your wedding is so soon?

"Yes, I am. More than I can express. Just being able to wake up to Elia every morning... It's more than I ever dared hope to have."

What were your motivations behind suggesting a traditional Shiryuan wedding?

"Which would you like first, the selfish or selfless reason?"

Anna appears to think for a moment. "Let's go with the selfish first. Those are always more juicy."

"I've always dreamed of having a traditional Shiryuan wedding, ever since old Master Morgoth cruelly forced me to watch one from afar. I used to think he did it to punish me for getting too close to a girl in a nearby village. I thought he wanted to teach me there were some things I could never have. The girl I had been close to, you see... She was the one getting married. Master Morgoth had arranged the marriage himself, to prevent us from becoming even closer, and it broke my heart. But now, after all these years, I finally understand what he was really trying to teach me... That, no matter what life throws at you, it's always okay to dream."

"And the un-selfish one?" Anna asks.

"To protect Elia and trap Kryla. If Elia is recognized as an official member of the Shiryuan Pantheon, she will be granted Godhood, which even on its own, will greatly boost her ability to resist Kryla. And if Kryla still manages to take over, I now have another failsafe, one that will allow me to render Kryla powerless. And with the combined healing abilities of my family, and the artifacts in our possession... I can injure Kryla severely enough to take her out of the war permanently, without endangering Elia. Kryla thinks she's invulnerable when she inhabits Elia; This will be her undoing."

How much have you told Elia about your past?

"More than I've ever told anyone else. She knows quite a bit about me, though not everything. Not yet."