“The Gothi hasn’t aged well. I didn’t know he was in town,” Alfarr murmured as the old man started towards them. His stooped posture and slow movement conveyed extreme age as he alternated between leaning on the escort and his cane. White hair possessed the frail wispiness so common to late age, and the man himself displayed its frail state. Yet even stooped, his height was barely shorter than Alfarr’s own. Julia could make out the liver spots staining aged paper-thin skin across his hands. He wore clothes that seemed more suitable for winter to protect him from the slight chill in the spring dawn air.

The escort was wearing a chain hauberk that the Norse warriors typically wore. Though it was far from plain with elaborately etched in every link were runes that glowed in True Sight. A powerful golden barrier enfolded the escort and wrapped itself around the Gothi as well. Arcane Lore giving her enough understanding to know the escort’s health would absorb any injury that got through the protections to the Gothi. The grim warrior stood well above the old man’s stooped figure, chain and helm enfolding his sturdy build and features, only the solid curve of his jaw visible under the helm’s edge.

“What's does the term Gothi mean?” Julia asked, though their status itself was clear with the protection going far beyond mere consideration for an elder.

“He is in charge of every Priest in service to Óðinn,” replied Torm, as the stunned Waiola moved towards the inner gates with Vragi and the others.

As soon as Julia saw the worsening of the limping steps he moved with, she started towards him. Behind her, Torm shook his head and exchanged a glance with Alfarr and Yngvarr. The escort, seeing her approach, whispered to the old man, and he stopped walking, supporting himself between the escort and a stout cane as he waited for Julia.

“Gothi, was it you that banished Odyis?” asked Julia, not hesitating to speak as she came within polite conversations range.

“You aren’t one of the faithful, just call me Reidar. It’s been many years since someone would use my name. One day soon, I’ll arrive in Ásgarðr and won’t recognise they’re speaking to me,” he said, lifting his gaze from the ground towards Julia, and the whiteness of his eyes became clear. “I needed no banishment to send her back since I was the one who called her to this Plane for the All-Father. You have his apologies, and I would include mine for her overstepping the orders given to her.”

“Perhaps this conversation is best had elsewhere, Gothi,” offered the escort before Julia could speak up.

“See what I mean, I’m so wise they’ll follow my orders, but not the requests I want them to follow,” Reidar grumbled, his voice thinning into quarrelsome tones. “Mead, laughing children, pretty women, and fine food should fill a man’s last days; instead, I get tea and folk telling me to eat the broth.” His gaze had dipped as he spoke at first, and when he forced himself to raise his head, Julia could tell somehow he could see her despite solid cataracts, and Reidar just smiled at her surprise.

“We should take this conversation into the Temple Gothi,” argued the escort.

“Don’t be foolish! After what Odyis did, I will insist on no such thing,” Reidar stated, looking at the approach of Yngvarr, Alfarr, and Torm. “Prince Ýridhrendaer, perhaps you’d be so good as to transport us all to that drinking hall the Jarl had built - Silver Cup or something. Getting my old bones moving is burdensome this morning; from the Temple foyer to the gate nearly took me too long.”

“It was the current Jarl’s grandfather who built the Silver Chalice, Gothi Reidar,” Yngvarr replied.

“That many years have gone already?” Reidar sighed. “Well, at least I got my name included by the Elven lad, even if he used my title as well.” At those words, he gave his escort a light thump on the shoulder.

“You used my title first,” Yngvarr teased, speaking with an easy familiarity that shocked the escort.

“It’s still your title, and it’s fifty years or more since we last met. However, my use of your title and name was to show this youngster the possibility of achieving multiple things at a time. It’s something so many people forget,” Reidar said.

Julia saw a quick flicker of mana energy surround Yngvarr before he nodded.

“An upstairs room is free Ylva will bring breakfast and refreshments for you.”

“You’ve aged badly, Reidar,” Master Farhad said, his sudden presence startling Julia. “Are you taking all my students away?”

“Farhad, you’ve not aged at all. I wish only to speak to Lady Eakcï if she’ll hear this old man out,” responded Reidar, unfussed by Master Farhad’s sudden intrusion on the conversation.

“Which room is free, Yngvarr?” Julia asked, glancing at him.

“The forest room, you’ve been there before,” replied Yngvarr.

Let’s see how far their trust extends and hope I’m not sticking my neck into a trap.

“I can transport us there if you’d trust me to do so,” offered Julia looking back at Reidar, expecting his escort to object. “We can let Yngvarr and Alfarr attend to their practice.”

“Of course,” Reidar said. “May it be a gesture of hope that this situation is redeemable.”

“I’ll come as well,” stated Torm, earning him a raised eyebrow from Julia, but she saw only resolve.

It seems he’s not inclined to trust the old man immediately.

“Right, let’s be off,” Julia said. Without further warning, she teleported smoothly into the same chamber where she’d first spoken to Verdandi. She visualised placing Reidar on one side of the table with his escort while Torm and herself were at either end.

I am tired of letting other folks power play me.

As the escort protested, Julia sat at the head of the table. Even as the set of his escort’s jaw showed his anger, Reidar just moved to sit down, making the escort jump to pull the chair out for him.

“Stop being a fifl,” Reidar scolded, the edge on his tone enough to lift sparks from a whetstone. “Odyis wronged her, don’t add to this mess.”

Reidar’s escort was still getting settled when the door opened, and Ylva brought in a tray with some steaming cups and a pot. While she looked surprised to see them already present, it didn’t stop her dispensing the drinks, and after taking breakfast requests, she left just as efficiently.

“What were Odyis’ orders?” Julia asked, keeping her tone polite. “And why did she think I needed disposing of?”

“Right to the kill, unlike many that have been wasting my remaining days on idle talk,” Reidar replied, giving his escort a poke in the arm. “Hush up now, don’t interrupt us or go all haughty on me. Óðinn’s agreed to let me rest at last, I know my days are passing.” Clearing his throat, Reidar took a sip of the tea, and rolled his eyes the moment he tasted the mint.

“He gave Odyis the task to help you because of past failures, a chance for her to redeem herself. The All-Father shared details of visions with her in order that she’d understand the importance of helping you; instead, she almost caused one of the worst to come to pass. Her instructions were to quickly find a way to assist or return. He gave her no authority to issue demands, or impose on the servants of Týr. She certainly shouldn’t have forced you to teach in such a fashion.” said Reidar, his voice worn and tired.

“Is she home getting a slap on the wrist after I came close to getting ripped apart?” Julia asked, wondering if the apology was just a token given the scolding Rana had taken delight in telling her about.

“She is facing more than a slap on the wrist,” Torm injected, his tone grim and unforgiving. “The All-Father rendered judgment: He cast Odyis down, all Norse Celestials were just told her fate.”

“Cast down? Demoted? Made mortal? What do you mean?” asked Julia, surprised.

“He sent her to join the Erinys,” pronounced Torm.

She was a bitch, but I want Sarah and Rach freed, not more added to that place.

“That’s not what I wanted…”

Reidar’s raised hand stopped Julia, and when he spoke, his tone was firm.

“Her actions against you were but the final straw,” Reidar said. “Óðinn has chastised her before for going beyond the instructions she’s received. Her help has damaged several urgent endeavours of late. Celestials aren’t puppets moving at the will of the Powers they serve. They are servants with wills of their own, granted Power and responsibility; while it has given them much, they need to ensure they stay worthy.”

I knew it! If things go wrong, Torm’s at risk from me. Is he warning Torm? Threatening him? Warning me? I can’t…

Torm just nodded at Reidar’s statement, and Julia tried to keep a straight face, letting her disappointment at Odyis burn her concern away.

“If you’re here to let me know this mess got a Valkyrie sent to Hell. Okay, then message delivered,” Julia said, her tone flattened by her concern for Torm.

“You enquired about her punishment,” corrected Reidar. “indeed, I didn’t know what her punishment would be. The priority for me coming here was providing you his apologies. Óðinn also sent me to tell you what he showed Odyis, it is important you have the knowledge. Your time on this Plane is limited unless you wish to draw danger to those who are helping. Lady Epochē knows of your interest in these lands and will eventually send agents seeking you. She forged a link to you with a ritual blade, and named you Herald on her ascension to Divinity. The blade’s link broke; however, the title is unchanged and has importance. She knows that your Home Plane doesn’t hold you, and only the distractions of her other endeavours leaves you time to run free.”

“A Hag at the Treasury seemed pleased by the Herald’s arrival, I honestly had hoped it was an honorary title,” stated Julia, resisting the urge to groan.

“Whether you wish to aid her or not, your actions in areas matching the precepts of her worship will feed Power to her till you’re free of the Abyss,” Reidar replied, “The destruction she caused at the Sister’s stronghold fed her more power than she spent, destruction she wouldn’t have been able to reap without the Chaos you provided. Then there are all the Demons now linked to her through you.”

All the Demons I’ve Ascended have ties to her! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

It was Usd’ghi that smacked them, but let it feel like Set. Sneaky business, just another reminder to keep that in mind.

“Damn, should I have just kept the Power?” questioned Julia.

“I’m told you did the right thing giving it to her. You keeping that Power would have made you far worse than Epochē; a Dark Sun whose reach would have extended across Planes and beyond a single world. Though you’ve set her against more than one mutual enemy, she’s cunning enough to find profit in it. They’ll provide her footsoldiers to upset the balance of power in the Abyss in directions hard to foresee.”

Excellent, as if my days can’t get any worse.

{{I say we take Sorcerer King’s dragon form. Let there be blood!}}

Julia let B’s response slide off her as she kept her focus on Reidar’s words.

“Was Odyis supposed to share more?” Julia asked, narrowing her gaze as the escort went to speak, yet he closed his mouth before Reidar could rebuke him.

“Some things that can no longer be. But she had information on your friends to share,” Reidar said, sipping his tea. “One is not yet certain, but some strange events among the Infernal have stood out. Unfortunately, they’ve had no interaction with servants of the Norse Pantheon, so the Titan’s will entirely conceal her still.”

“The other?” Torm asked, as Julia hesitated, her mind running in circles.

“A Kyton named Sidero, a chain Devil, she’s assisting an expedition to retrieve arcane materials in the far north,” Reidar replied. “A Priest of Skaði is with them, Óðinn said her Summoner is a powerful Artificer in service to Vulcan.”

“Where is she? How do I get there? What are the other possibilities?” Julia blurted out the stream of questions, unsure which she wanted to know first.

“I’ll deal with the hardest, shall I? The other possibility is several Erinys and some other Devils that don’t normally play nice with them,” answered Reidar. “Since he cursed her to feel the wrath of the Erinys’ arrows, it’s likely one among the later. The ranks of the Erinys and their opposition have many forceful personalities, so finding someone that stands out is beyond merely challenging. Another issue is you entered the Abyss via the maze, and time runs oddly there. Though it was weeks in your old life for them, it’s uncertain if they ended up in Hell before or after you. How long did you feel you were running?”

“Hours maybe, I’m not sure. Are you saying I could have been running in there for days or weeks?” Julia asked and waved them off before they could answer. “A chain Devil sounds like Sarah’s curse, but I’ll still have to go into Hell to locate Rach.”

“No, Eakcï, I meant your time in the Titan’s maze could have been centuries, eons, or less than a heartbeat. As a token of apology I have a treatise for you on the Infernal realms, written by a scholar a few centuries ago. It’s quite lengthy since it goes into their processes; some sections are hundreds of pages long,” said Reidar. Setting a small cloth-wrapped bundle on the table, he gestured for Julia to take it. “I would discuss some aid for those you’ve rescued after we eat.”

Feeling the unfamiliar energy in the covered work, Julia tucked it in Inventory, more than glad for any help.

Eons?

“How trustworthy is it?” whispered Julia.

“It’s extraordinarily accurate within its limits, others have travelled the Hells safely using it as a guide. You’ll have enough challenges of your own given your situation, even with this helping. Keep in mind the language of the Infernal is filled with subtle implications. You can pronounce their phrase for ‘I agree’ twenty different ways, if not more, and each carries its own importance in use.”

“I have enough trouble with Acting, now I’ll have to worry about every word,” Julia grumbled, exasperated.

“Sidero is north beyond the great mountains in the land of eternal frost,” Reidar stated. “The days there are full night, day, or a strange twilight, and the sky fills with flames, depending on the time of year.”

The arctic circle? That’s a lot of area to search.

“How long will they be there?”

“Years or decades yet, they are working on a great undertaking,” Reidar stated “they cannot complete it in the southlands even with magic sustaining the cold. They are on the furthest point of true land extending into the ocean of ice. If you go near the servants of the Powers of Law involved in the endeavour, they will sense and react to your presence. Your friend at least will have time away from Hell.”

“They’re happy for a Devil to be there?” Julia asked incredulously, even as she was pleased Sarah was out of Hell.

“A strict entity of Law in possession of implements they required,” Reidar said. As Julia went to ask more, Reidar raised his hand and Julia heard light footsteps in the corridor outside. The conversation paused as Ylva entered with a tray for the three who ordered.

{{Oh, Sarah’s strict, alright. Maybe they need to be flogged to stay put. }}

“Thank you, Ylva,” Julia said, and a very polite Ylva passed out the breakfasts. She set a small mug of mead near Julia before she left. As the door closed, Julia gently placed the mug of mead near Reidar.

Yeah, I’m not her favourite person.

At the loud thoughts coming from Ylva’s mind, Julia paused and suppressed the groan at the rumours of having banished a Valkyrie with a word. Or actually being an Elven princess with a bodyguard of Celestials.

“My grandfather used to let me have sips of beer when I was a kid. If you get a stomachache from that you’ve only yourself to blame,” Julia said, the tone light-heartedly teasing as she echoed the memory of her grandma, and Reidar laughed.

“If you hadn’t liked what I told you?” enquired Reidar slyly.

“I would have drunk it all myself,” Julia said, joining in his good-natured laughter, as the escort ground his teeth.

Reidar took a sip of mead with far more enjoyment than he’d approached the tea.

Julia watched Reidar channelling the Blessing he’d offered during their quick meal, the golden light of it washing out over the women. Easing the pain their Souls and flesh still carried, it didn’t remove the memory of what they suffered. Instead it diluted the horrors with a resolve, an acknowledgment from the Divine of their worth, boosting their self-confidence to push past the fears that weighed on them. Soul Sight showed decisions shifting within those close by, making Julia wonder if there were games being played. Though one thing she couldn’t deny was the comfort it had given them as they turned to each other, clinging tight and weeping in relief. Old scars and new having cleared from their bodies before the Blessing faded away.

“We’re going to have more to train,” Julia muttered, and Torm gave her a questioning look.

“Why do you say that?” Torm asked.

“Can’t you see Souls?” Julia asked, giving him a sceptical look. “You’re the Celestial.”

“True Sight reveals a Petitioner’s Soul to me, but not while they’re still alive,” Torm responded, and the trio watching with them, uttered their agreement.

“There might still be some among them not interested, but scores of the undecided are now committed to joining,” replied Julia, gesturing towards the joyous women. “They may well change their mind, but they seem determined. What was that he cast?”

“A Zone of True Restoration, I believe. I’ve only seen it cast twice and not to that extent,” Torm replied.

“Do I want to know how much strain that put on him?” enquired Julia, her voice low with concern.

“From the short time we spent talking, I think he considers it an effort well spent,” Torm declared, before giving her a reproachful look. “Remember, if you’re allowed to spend yourself for those in need so can others.”

“I’ll try to keep it in mind,” declared Julia, even as she beckoned to some women hesitantly approaching. “It looks like it’s time for things to get started.”

“If you wish, I can take the first three platoons and get them practicing their drills,” offered Vragi.

Julia’s offer of thanks was interrupted when Hugleikr spoke up with a glance between her and Torm.

“Eyvindur and I can take two other groups over and get them started as well. Leave you time to teach another group,” Hugleikr suggested.

“Could I make a suggestion?” Eyvindur enquired, continuing on when Torm nodded. “Perhaps create raised seating as auditorium so others can see what’s expected or watch while resting.”

“I’ll go annoy Yngvarr,” Torm offered and vanished before Julia could say a thing.

“Thanks, Eyvindur,” Julia said and received a nod in response. “You’ve all trained fighters let me know if you’ve any other suggestions for improvements.”

Julia waited as the Vargr Drangijaz called out directions to the ladies, the feral energy she’d felt from them last night gone. The women reacted with the same calm reassurance she’d felt around Torm, making Julia wonder if she should ask what Odyis had said to them. Only the trouble Odyis was already in let Julia set the curiosity aside, having no need for more ill feelings.

The women approaching Julia seemed far more awe-struck than they had the previous day, and Julia brushed a calming Dominion aura lightly across them to ease their nerves.

“Now, please sit in a circle around me, and we’ll get started,” Julia stated, gesturing with her hands to encourage them to move.

Quicker than she’d previously managed, Julia found she’d opened the women to the three Affinities, and then taught them the spells as well.

“I’m Sírthel, if you’ll come with me. We’ll start practicing with Loosen Earth in the next field that is marked out,” a woman called, as Rana waved in greeting to Julia.

An Elven Lady that Julia hadn’t seen before spoke up from the group’s edge and Julia smiled in understanding seeing Rana next to her. True Sight showed Julia the energy of a Ljósálfar but with the Sunset Elf autumn hair and tanned skin.

What are these folks up to?

Analysis

[Name: Sírtheládralia

Species: Ljósálfar

Class: Spellblade / Fighter / Wizard

Level: 72 / 61 / 61 / 61

Details: Sírtheládralia is a Ljósálfar in the Court of Oberon. She is currently Summoned to the Material Plane by Priestess Túrendil Malantur, as a guardian of Oberon’s main grove on this world.]

Analysis

[Analysis: Spellblade

Details: This Prestige Class is available at Tier 5. It combines Fighter and Wizard at level 70 or higher, and requires one of the following Affinities,

Primordial, Chaos, Order or Destruction.

Other Requirements include:

2 Affinities from each Tier - 1, 2, 3 & 4

Senior Master rank or higher in at least one edged weapon.

Senior Master rank or higher in Mana Manipulation; alternatively Master rank or higher in Mana Finesse

Senior Master rank or higher in Arcane Lore

Provides the following gains:

+3 Intelligence per Level

+3 Endurance or Quickness per Level

+6 Free Attributes per 2 Levels

+4 Magic per Level

+3 Defence per Level

+1 Skill Rank per 2 Levels

+3 Knowledge Points per Level

Unlock acquisition of Power: Bladespell

Unlock acquisition of Power: Attune Reservoir

Unlock acquisition of Power: Arcane Combatant

Increases chance of gaining insights for progress of all edged weapons skills once they reach Master.

Increases chance of gaining insights for progress of Arcane Skills

Increases Mana Multiplier effect by one stage in addition to any previous increases.]

Analysis

[Bladespell:

This power increases the effective magic rating for any spell cast through a weapon containing an attuned Reservoir.]

Analysis

[Attune Reservoir:

This Power allows Mana Reservoirs to be created in any enchanted object. Their capacity depends on the object’s material and enchantment. The Reservoir will damage the object’s enchantment if entirely drained, but is refillable with proper care taken.]

Analysis

[Arcane Combatant:

This Power allows casting of Spell Forms even while physically moving or fighting. Defence rating from armour, other equipment, quickness, and other training, are fully retained. The Power only applies to Affinities possessed at the time of first gaining the Power.]

Okay, Rana brought in Wizard teachers. I’ll find another group then.

Once the ladies had followed Sírthel away, Rana approached with an amused smile as he regarded her surprised expression.

“Did you think we wouldn’t come to assist?” asked Rana dryly, clearly pleased that he’d surprised her.

“I wasn’t game to ask,” Julia said emphatically, shaking her head in disbelief.

“Sírthel is just one of a dozen or so waiting to help supervise their initial spell practice. Two young women have asked me about learning to be Rangers in your service,” Rana said, pausing as Julia’s mouth dropped open in amazement. “I’ll assume it's fine to teach them.”

“If that’s what they want in life,” Julia said, excitement lifting her voice. “Any other surprises? Or are you just going to laugh when my jaw hits the ground?”

“Nothing else, though you should know Reidar has returned home. After he finished the Blessing, he was quite tired,“ replied Rana, his tone respectful.

“Where did all the Ljósálfar come from?” asked Julia. Beyond the group following Sírthel, she could see more women being organised into similar circles.

“Sacred groves here and there offered to lend a guardian or two from their protections. If they’re needed, its only a message spell and they can be there with a thought,” Rana declared, his tone uncompromising.

“I wasn’t expecting anything like this,” Julia breathed in shock, and Rana put a hand on her arm.

“You have a hard road ahead of you. While we can help now,” Rana said, gazing at Julia compassionately. “we both know that won’t always be the case.”

Julia just nodded and headed towards the next group of women, and Rana introduced her to more of the Ljósálfar along the way.

Julia waited, crouched in the shadows at the edge of the wood as the trainee Elven Scouts moved ahead. Though she wanted to join the exercise, she focused on her role for the evening. Learning. The hand signs exchanged between them gave her another item for her to-do list. Another thing she’d forgotten to consider that someone could regret.

It was a long wait, but Julia kept watching through the Scout’s eyes even within the ruins. When they all gathered together, she teleported them home and the review began. Julia learnt yet another lesson. Even watching through someone else’s eyes wasn’t a substitute for personal experience in understanding what they’d seen.

“You seemed to find monitoring the training exercise useful. Though we got back from their discussion two bells ago, I’m not sure you’ve turned a page in that grimoire. Since you’re learning simple spells, it leads to an obvious question,” stated Yngvarr. “What’s got you distracted?”

“Torm,” Julia muttered, her discontent clear in her tone. Stretching insecurely, she looked around Yngvarr’s study, seeking an excuse to avoid his gaze.

“His honest intentions haven’t swept you off your feet?” questioned Yngvarr, marking the old text he had been reading.

“I’m trouble for him,” Julia sighed, rubbing her face in discontent.

“Perhaps, or perhaps not, only time will tell,” Yngvarr answered. “Do you respect him enough for his feeling to be his? Or are you going to tell him?”

“He already told me he’d prefer to be spending time with me. Also said it’s up to me if I allow him the chance or not,” Julia replied, huffing in frustration.

“Doesn’t sound like a woman swept off her feet,” observed Yngvarr.

“I can’t understand how he says I’m beautiful,” grumbled Julia. “Even in this Elven form I still feel wrong in this flesh. I can’t cry, it reacts to things that should make me sick without revulsion or nausea.”

The moment the words were out of her mouth she regretted them because of Yngvarr’s laughter, but after a moment of listening, she realised he wasn’t mocking, just honestly amused.

“Torm, I’m sure will tell you, isn’t one for words, he looks at actions and intent. Consider that and consider this situation: you’ve taken over supervision of the guards. The Square’s wards scream there is something wrong. From them, you determine there is a Demon present. Yet the square’s rules forbid starting violence, and it's walking toward your post, your Liège’s Temple,” Yngvarr said, and when he paused Julia just nodded trying to keep an open mind.

“Then you see this Succubus, a creature of carnal lust and desire. An entity that unsurprisingly is physically beautiful in True Sight, but your knowledge is telling you is a moral cesspit. Yet she’s walking into a place she should fear, with a child’s Soul happily skipping by her side. A Soul that is innocent and glowing with a Celestial light you’ve never seen before as they come towards you. Adding to this paradox is an exquisite crystalline cord linking the child’s Soul to the Succubus. Instead of corruption coming through that link, you see compassion, concern and even more of that pure energy flowing from the Succubus.”

“Oh,” Julia uttered, stunned to hear his words, tying Yngvarr’s emphasised account together with Torm’s own.

“That’s all you have to say? You don’t see yourself how others see you,” said Yngvarr, his tone so exasperated Julia could only shrug. “Then you hear her beg a High Justice for the child’s life because her death was unfair. Unconditionally offers truthful information up, which no Demon would do. Then the pure Soul comforts the Succubus because in her distress, it looks like she should cry. Only for the Succubus to react to the Soul with motherly love and amusement from being showered with a child’s affectionate kisses. Don’t get me started on the rest of that stay. Like you walking along laughing like a loon after injuring yourself when Torm surprised you. Instead of something demonically reasonable like lashing out or fleeing.”

“That wouldn’t have helped Livia,” Julia objected further, only for Yngvarr’s gaze to still her embarrassed protests. “Okay, enough, I’m ridiculous.”

“Not ridiculous, you’re a good person, and Torm sees the beauty in you,” Yngvarr said, opening the book he’d been reading. “Orhêthurin: morning sunlight illuminating the hidden child; is roughly how that translates from High Elven into the modern tongue.”

“What?” Julia asked, baffled by Yngvarr’s sudden change in subject.

“I sent an image of how you appeared to the High Singer, the Sages found this text. The tattoos you showed us are distinctive; no other Scion earned the seven roses you wear. It states Orhêthurin, the last daughter of a minor house, a servant in the Palace and first to bear the Markings of Royal Shame earned tattoo with a similar description. No pictures, just a journal that was written post the Scourge containing brief notes, descriptions of their tattoos, nothing about what deeds earned them. Just confirming that ones who answered the times of need received honours from the Royal family.”

“Orhêthurin,” Julia whispered, letting the name flow. “It doesn’t feel familiar. I recognise it from the High Elven I unlocked, but that’s all.”

Not sure I want to know how many details that image included.

“Perhaps it was a former life, or perhaps someone you respected, but the name might help later,” said Yngvarr, the book vanishing from his hands. “Now I have a request for you since you keep wanting to feel guilty about my help.”

“What is it?” Julia asked, ignoring Yngvarr’s smirk at her suspicious tone.

“It’s not midnight yet, so I have a few bells before I need to rest, and you’ve gained Affinities with Rika while you helped her learn them. Shall we begin with Ice or Magma since you didn’t learn it?” asked Yngvarr, as he set two metal plates out on the study’s table. A shard of ice grew from the first, while the second had a bubbling molten rock enclosed in a shimmering barrier.

“How about we do both, and I teach you Celestial as well?” Julia asked, giving Yngvarr a well-deserved eye-roll as she sensed his double motive.

[Sense Motive [J] (3->4)]

“When did you get Celestial!?” Yngvarr questioned, his voice raised in disbelief.

“Odyis’ little stunt had one side benefit, not that it makes me feel better about it,” stated Julia dryly, moving her chair closer to the desk.

“Of course,” Yngvarr said, leaning forward as he put his hand upon her arm. “The outcome wasn’t of your making, but her own.”

“I know that. It’s just sad,” Julia replied, giving Yngvarr a smile for reassurance. “I’m allowed to regret that occurring to a Celestial, aren’t I?”

“Of course you are, I doubt you’d be yourself if you didn’t,” Yngvarr replied, tapping the disc below the molten energy as he spoke. Julia reached towards the power with Harmony and linked them via Bond and Telepathy. By the time Julia was done a wide-eyed Yngvarr had also received all the tier 5 Affinities.