"Mysterious lands, you say?" Umikgruid thoughtfully stroked his long beard while resting an arm on the table. Dwarves had truly impressive beards and Umikgruid was no exception. He had gained several new small gemstones, not the most expensive but very well crafted and maintained. "Can't say I've ever heard of anything like that."

Umikgruid poured himself another small portion of a thick Dwarven ale. A few bubbles from the thick froth stained his beard. He offered another to Anton but saw his was still half full. “The seas have been thoroughly explored. Before our civilization they were already mapped. I’m sure the Wood Elves might know something more, if there is anything to learn. Not that we’re on exactly good terms with them. Well, we might be. But I’m certain they won’t tell you a damned thing. Pretty stuck up people, if you don’t mind me saying.”

Umikgruid took another swig of his drink.

“We really haven’t interacted with the ones to the south. Other than to stay far away from them, even Qaiviel is on a very standoff relationship.” Anton received a smile from Umikgruid when he took another sip. "My God, I don't know how you lot aren't plastered all the time. Definitely keep you warm in this snow, that's for sure."

Anton received a smile from Umikgruid. "But this island thing is a question that's come up a few times."

He shifted in his chair, groaning softly against the wooden floor. His new tails' larger and stronger spines didn't impede his ability to sit but it was still a slight annoyance.

"And I should ask while we wait. Of course we don't know for sure if it even is a thing-"

The door swung open to a rush of cold air along with a flurry of swirling white snowflakes. Cetina held it open as Zuhura hurried through. Her long blue and purple shawl buffeted about wildly in the wind, enough so the black underlay threatened to rise higher than her equally tall blue and purple boots.

I wonder why she chose that color when they had such variety. Never did ask. Her tribe? She doesn’t seem like she wants to go back.

"I'm sorry I'm late." Zuhura quickly readjusted her headscarf as the wind died away, tucking away the golden netting covering her curly brown hair. "It took me longer than I expected to gather these papers."

Zuhura’s eyes narrowed. "It appears that many of the blank papers had been taken by a certain Ice Mage."

Anton chuckled. "Mezot is quick. We’re going to see her after this. Needs more time before she’s got whatever she wants to show me ready. So… Please, have a seat."

Zuhura glanced around the sparsely furnished wooden room. "I thought they'd be here."

"Not this time." Anton said. "Kal's with Lucia and Lux, and so is Rasha. Verona and Ulyaa’s helping the Arachnids get settled in. There are a lot and they're pretty terrified. Probably think this is all some sort of elaborate trap. I know I might feel that way. But they said they don't need me for this one. And Calo and Sheso have returned to their Clan. So right now it's just me and Cetina."

"I'm here too." Longinious said. She had been waiting patiently in the corner, with her long tail gently swaying in an invisible stream. Both sets of hands were clasped in front of her while her chest remained perfectly still as she didn’t need to breathe. "Anton’s more used to carrying me at the moment. Being in this form is actually the exception, rather than the rule. So I'm sure it was just an accidental omission."

"I… I see." Zuhura blinked. "Regardless, I apologize for my delay."

She placed the papers onto the table with the tiniest groan.

"And why did you choose this place?" Zuhura’s hand traveled far to reach her hip. "We're fairly far to the north of Atros. Eider and her two bodyguards are waiting outside in some sort of guardhouse. Staying warm, they said. But their hands are already traveling all over each other and I'd doubt they'd notice anyone walking in here. So where did you bring me?"

Umikgruid loudly cleared his throat, jumped down from his high chair and proudly strutted to a closed window.

"Our lad Anton here-"

"Lad?" Cetina placed a hand on his shoulder. She had not returned to her gaudily painted Qaiviel armor, merely added another warm layer to her Seocurian garb.

"-probably wants you to see what us Dwarves are capable of before he tries to convince you and Zac that he's not completely insane."

"Zac?" Zuhura frowned. "Ah. I believe I met him during the speech you gave. Big man with a large beard. Which I need to talk to you about later. The contents of the speech, not your beard."

"Alright."

I do need Kal to trim it again. Getting a little bit unruly.

Umikgruid smiled as he patiently waited for them to finish.

"The Dwarves have not been idle while you've been playing nice with the Frindals, not that I expect our lad here to think so, so I think it's only fair that you see."

Umikgruid waved them over and opened the window. The moment it opened the sound of work flowed through. Anton stepped closer to see, as did everyone.

"It's a long journey to Mount Aspire." Umikgruid did not hold back his smile. "Too long for resources and food to travel. And as the Hold has expanded southwards I felt it was time to begin sorting that issue.”

Beyond the window lay massive deep earthworks, protected from the snow by a large wooden angled roof. The square earthworks’ was in excess of twenty meters wide and long, and swarming with Dwarves. Stone reinforced the exterior of the perfectly vertical hole, hewn from the stone beneath the soil while a staircase had been cut deeper into the stone, spiraling towards the bottom hidden from view. Resting above was a large pulley spanning the gap, drawing up a wooden platform laden with dirt mounds and red faced Dwarves. It was difficult to tell if it was from exertion or alcohol. Judging from Umikgruid it was probably a little of both.

"Oh." Cetina smiled. "You have been busy."

"That we have." Umikgruid solemnly nodded. "Travel and trade times will be cut to zero. The Dwarven Isles has many of these. Not our Clan of course, even though we do most of their dirty work. Give us until spring and we'll have it finished. Oh, and this building we're in will be a storage and customs house. Just to make sure nothing bad is going in. Or out."

"A truly fantastic piece of work." Zuhura shuffled around Umikgruid to see properly. "It will certainly become one of the most important infrastructure projects in Atros for many cycles to come."

Anton caught Longinious lurking at the edge, rising as high as she could to peer over them. Once she could see past Cetina she smiled and nodded approvingly.

“And not a small endeavor either. How much will this cost us?” Zuhura asked nonchalantly. “I presume that was the reason why you asked me to come here, along with Cetina? She has a good understanding of trade and economics as well.”

Cetina smiled at the compliment.

“That is one reason.” Umikgruid ushered them away from the window. "But considering what's being done for us I don't think many of us have a real problem working for free. We both benefit from this."

Zuhura gently rubbed her right fingers against her gloved palm. "Receiving these favors long term isn't a viable option, for stability or finance. But for now we should accept."

Umikgruid shrugged. "If you say so. I'll ask one of my people to write something up, if it makes you happier."

"An exchange of food would be preferable if you require payment immediately." Zuhura folded her arms. "Something that could be traded in The Dwarven Isles. Until the economic situation is rectified."

"Right…" Umikgruid shot Anton a look. "A lot different than when we first arrived. Oh, the first floor of the Sovereign Palace is finished. I wouldn’t consider trying to move in while the next two levels are under construction but it is ready."

“So soon? Well, that’s good.”

“Indeed. That older Human you have here, Bertram, was quite pleased with it. A few small fires is enough to warm the entire building, thanks to a bit of Dwarven ingenuity. Nothing worse than letting the cold seep into old bones.”

“A palace?” Zuhura tapped the table. “You didn’t strike me as the sort of person that would want such a thing.”

“To be fair it was Verona’s idea.” Cetina softly sighed. “As are a lot of things. But it’s going to house both a lot of bureaucracy and our families. Our current home isn’t big enough for Verona’s and Kal’s children, if I’m being honest.”

I think that’s the first time you called it ‘our’ home rather than mine. Though I don’t recall trying to correct you before.

“I see.” Zuhura frowned at Anton, again. It quickly vanished as she leant back, eyebrows raised in amusement. “And how much is Verona’s endeavor costing Atros?”

Umikgruid tried to wave her down, tiny flecks of froth from the ale were thrown from his fingers. “You don’t need to worry so much, young lass. For freeing us from our dreadful life in The Dwarven Isles a building here and there is nothing. Not to mention letting our architects and builders being allowed to run a bit wild is good for them.”

“I see.” Zuhura wrote something on a piece of paper. “It seems that I have made a few slight misunderstandings of the arrangement between you two.”

“What I actually had in mind, Zuhura, is the design and construction of the Temple to the Old Gods.” Anton began. “It’s part of our ongoing assistance from them, and it’s certainly overdue.”

“One for Esperit too?” Umikgruid raised a brow. “Out of all the Old Gods she’s the one that’s actually helped our clan.”

Well, that and she made you defecate yourself whenever you thought of not listening to her. I’m sure you haven’t forgotten that. Or, rather, those that don’t like you won’t let you forget.

Zuhura frowned when she saw Anton’s expression. He smiled back, Zuhura didn’t need to know every little detail. Especially one so embarrassing.

Anton raised his hand. “But before we go crazy we need to wait for Zac. See if this scale is actually feasible."

Longinious tapped a hand against her armored chest, the ceramic sound echoed throughout the empty room. She raised a hand and floated back to her corner, where two large rolled sheets of paper lay propped up against the wall. "I have taken the liberty to draw up not only the design of the Temple to The Old Gods…" Her body shivered as the words passed her lips. "But also a new type of housing and structure of Atros. One that will excite those brilliant engineers of yours Umikgruid, I'm quite sure."

Longinious smiled, folding her lower set of arms. “I recall they were quite excited to be shown Anton’s special weapon. To get those curious little fingers on something no one has ever seen before. That little glint in their eye, considering the possibilities and the implications of unknown technology. This will be no different.”

Umikgruid lent forward, raising a hand to his face in a mock attempt to whisper to Anton.

"That fish lady of yours is alright?" He glanced at Longinious, who returned a warm smile with both papers in her hands. "She's saying some strange things for only being around for a couple of days."

"It's a little bit complicated." Anton shuffled to the side as Longinious placed the papers down. "I'll explain later tonight. I might even try drinking this stuff, see if my body hasn't changed too much."

As Longinious began to unfurl the first paper someone knocked on the door. Cetina tapped the pommel of her sword, even Longinious’s body stopped swaying and her arms turned rigid.

"Hello!" Zac's loud, boisterous voice immediately cut through the tension. "Been a while, Anton, Cetina. How are things in your part of Atros? Been a while since we had a proper chat."

Cetina breathed a little easier. "All things considered? Pretty good, I feel."

Behind Zac walked in a person Anton had not seen in some time. Irso, Atros's only Drakeling, made for quite the sight in the dull room. Flaming red hair trailed over a thick brown cloak, her face was no longer in a perpetual state of rage, now just simmering annoyance. Her clawed fingers picked at the hem of her cloak and the large scales on her pale skin. If Anton didn’t know different he’d think he was becoming a Drakeling, rather than… Whatever he actually was becoming. Not even Longinious knew, or of course she could just be lying.

"Of course…" Irso's voice was very deep and almost seemed to growl, nothing like his or Longinious’s. Her narrowed eyes flicked between Zuhrua and Longinious before resting on him. "You look like you're doing well for yourself, Anton."

"And how are you Irso? Despite working in the forge you appear to have mellowed out a little."

Irso scoffed, though she couldn't hide the hint of a smile. "Only a little, right? I'm sure that everyone would think that I'd gone soft from…" Irso's eyebrow twitched before sighing and running a hand through her rough red hair. "All this. Not being in Seocuria for one."

"Never going back there with all this happening." Zac smiled and stepped forward.

His arm swung back with his step, Irso tucked her stomach in and gently, for Irso, swatted it away. She glared at Zac before he quietly apologized.

I wonder if Drakeling's have live births or eggs? We're going to find out.

"Please take a seat." Anton said. Cetina pulled one out, she pointedly ignored Irso's stare. "We have a few things to discuss."

"Big lump." Irso muttered as she stood behind him. She wanted to hold his shoulder but held back. "Why did I…"

"We're all friendly here." Umikgruid took another swig of his drink. He'd come to the same conclusion as Anton. "So there's no need to be ashamed of a little hand holding."

"That's…" Irso's teeth grated before she finally placed a trembling hand on Zac's shoulder. "Drakelings are taught not to show affection. Showed them who they needed to hurt to get us to behave."

"Not the Empire at large, but some enterprising Slaver thinking he'd, or she'd, be the first to do it?" Anton asked.

Irso nodded. "Yeah. That's exactly it." She waved her free hand, her cloak rose up to reveal thick clothes underneath. "Now get your thing over with. I don't like the cold."

"The plans," Longinious rolled out the first paper. "Should be relatively self-explanatory."

The first paper detailed the Temple of the Old Gods, almost identically to how Anton had perceived it; a large circular temple in a classical Greek style, their four gods took prominence while Fliodher and Sedna were on the first circular extension wing with room for many more.

“I see.” Zuhura nodded thoughtfully as she gingerly took the paper. “This is to honor the Old Gods that have assisted Atros in the past?”

Cetina frowned. “I don’t recall seeing anything like that in Frindal…”

Zuhura shook her head as she traced a gloved finger between the statues until stopping on Sedna’s. “It says here that the statue was requested to be made from solid gold?” Her eyes flicked to Anton, devoid of nearly all emotion. “Am I reading that correctly?”

“You are, unfortunately.” Anton managed a smile. “Don’t worry. I managed to talk him down to just a few gold bands around the pot."

Zuhura stifled a choke. "Argued with a God about finances…" Zuhura rubbed her forehead. "I see. I see. Um, Umikgruid? How feasible is this Temple to build? And Zac, of course. As you two will be the ones to do this.”

Umikgruid motioned with his hand for the paper, Longinious deftly moved it across as Zuhura threw Anton a sideways glance. Zac murmured a faint apology to Irso as he stood up to join Umikgruid.

Irso clicked her tongue, seemingly along with her teeth, and slowly walked towards Anton.

“A giant Temple?” Irso tapped her clawed finger on the table. “Is this really what we need right now?” She sighed, scratching her cheek. “Not everyone out there’s living as well as you.” Her eyes drifted back to Zuhura. “Or the latest floozy you’ve brought with you.”

“You’re one of those.” Zuhura spoke through gritted teeth.

Anton raised his hand. “It is something that has been asked of us for some time. I’m sure that you’ve been protected by the Glyph users of Atros. There’s been more Goblin attacks during the Autumn than I first thought.”

“True…”

“And we didn’t have any Principle Mages, and to be fair we only have Mezot and Axia. The rest just aren’t ready. We would have won, for certain, but a lot of people would have died if the surges weren’t burned off the walls. So what’s some stone slabs in comparison to that?”

Irso pursed her lips, tapping the table once again. “Just a thought, Anton. I speak with Kal, Ulyaa and Eider quite a bit, but the others don’t know you. They’re still living in cramped wooden houses since you keep buying more slaves and getting more Humans from Qaiviel.” She pointed to the diagram, still being studied by Umikgruid and Zac, both of whom were subtly listening to Irso. “And they see you building that first? Just a thought, Anton. I’m just letting you know what I see.”

She smiled as Umikgruid and Zac began to finish their deliberation.

“And this city is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I don’t want to lose it.”

“Thank you, Irso.” Anton softly replied. “That is something I will keep in mind.”

Longinious moved closer to Anton, placing both sets of hands onto the table. “I have already anticipated this as an issue. That is what the second design is for.” Longinious pointed at the second roll of paper, Anton saw how her hand pointed exactly at it without looking even out of her peripheries. “You will see that it addresses the issue, beyond just simple housing.”

Irso looked at Cetina, who could only shrug.

“And what have you created?” Anton asked. “And when did you have the time to draw it? I didn’t exactly leave you alone for long.”

Longinious held up her hands. “All my hands are dominant, and work in perfect unison.”

“That’s definitely a Verona thought.” Cetina said snidely. “Did you pick that up from her?”

Longinious did not immediately respond. Her face remained perfectly still before quickly smiling. “No. No, it was all my own. I’m perfectly capable of making something on my own, and not just copying my thoughts and actions from memories.”

“O…Okay.”

“Sorry to interrupt you lot.” Zac began. “But I don’t see too much of an issue with this design. I’ve never seen anything like it-”

“Then you need to explore more.” Umikgruid had managed to produce yet another mug of Dwarven Ale. “Atros is a wonderful, albeit quaint, city, but you need to experience more of the world. Might I suggest The Dwarven Isles? We have such wonderful architecture that I'm sure will inspire you. Perhaps even Boreana would suit you. The Graterian capital has many giant buildings, not to mention the Royal Academy where they teach magic. Tall and thin spires.”

Umikgruid smiled, taking his mug with both hands. “Dwarves aren’t capable of miracles just because of our beards and bellies. You Humans have done pretty well for yourselves.”

“You are being too humble with your modesty.” Anton smiled. “But we weren’t there for anything other than gathering Principle Magic, and probably a Principle Mage.”

“And Atros acquired two.” Longinious quietly added. “Extremely powerful too, and with the capability to teach more.”

“So… So architecture was not a high priority. We already had sufficient skill in Atros at the time-” Anton began to cough, several deep coughs that took him several seconds to recover from. Cetina’s hand gripped his shoulder tight, but the coughs passed before she could speak. “Sorry. But architecture beyond the most efficient and basic wasn’t a priority. Not to mention you two were quite busy enough without trying to plan something like this.”

Zac folded his thick arms. “I still don’t want to be a soldier or fight in any of these battles or wars you’re planning, but I would like to travel. Now that we actually have the chance.”

“One day you’d be able to travel with Irso without her having to dress up like Kal. But that’s not going to happen without a lot of bloodshed and violence.” Anton shook his head. “Too many people far too entrenched in their ways to just change.”

Irso grabbed Zac’s ear and pulled. The great bear of a man did not flinch, Irso relinquished most of her strength but not her hold.

“I haven’t said anything.”

Irso flashed a smile, her savage teeth on full display. “So long as you don’t become like him, and keep bringing things back each time, then it’s fine.”

Anton was not so stupid that he didn’t understand. Cetina lightly tapped his shoulder and Longinious cracked a smile. Zuhura remained calm and still.

“We don’t have portals in the capitol region.” Anton glanced at Cetina. “Where… Where is the closest portal? Is it Danafra? Or did we leave one with Ferula?"

Cetina opened her mouth but hesitated to answer. She turned to Longinious, who seemed rather surprised she was being asked.

"I fear it is Danafra." Longinious said calmly. "I believe the rationale was to limit chances of discovery while keeping good access to the Beast-kin slaves. Not to mention hiring a ship to Graterious shouldn’t be too difficult.”

“And we did ride to Boreana quickly too.” Cetina offered. “And back. A little slower now from the snow, but not too difficult. The Seocurians we met along the road weren’t really concerned at seeing someone from the south. Or… At least one that could pass as one.”

“I don’t think you need to travel through Seocuria to gain an appreciation for the suffering of the Beast-kin.” Anton said. “But we could send a group forward until we reach the border, then you can go through.”

“Anything worthwhile in Seocuria?” Zac glanced between Umikgruid and Anton. “They can’t all be living in huts, from what I hear about them. Those few raids you’ve led have brought back-”

Irso scoffed. “Nothing they have is worthwhile. Nothing.”

“Okay.” Zac responded with a sense of finality.

“Perhaps the city of Danafra might interest you.” Anton’s words caused Irso to bar her teeth. “Many large buildings, but nothing that I want to draw inspiration from. For obvious reasons.”

Anton clapped his hands together. “A journey for you and several builders. Dwarves too. I’m sure some will want to join you. Especially since we’ll be paying for the food. And drinks."

Umikgruid chuckled as he swirled his mug “You certainly know how to convince people. But this Temple of yours doesn’t need anything too special.” Umikgruid tapped his stubby fingers on the table. “But your fish lady has been eying that second paper for some time.”

Cetina raised a black brow. “I know about the Temple but not anything else. It’s not something that Verona asked of you?”

“Nothing… Well, tangentially related to the Sovereign Palace I suppose you could call it.” Longinious was extremely happy with herself. “This is a little something that I designed by myself. Something from Anton’s… Past, that will put Atros at the very forefront of the world.”

“One building?” Zuhura asked incredulously, Cetina and even Umikgruid silently agreed.

“Not on its own, of course.” Longinious laid out the second paper. “But simply the act of constructing it will unlock so much potential for the city. Materially and spiritually.”

Anton wasn’t entirely sure what Longinious had in mind when she had asked for the second paper. He wasn’t prepared for skyscrapers.

"What is that?" Umikgruid heaved himself onto the table. Longinious spun the paper so he could see easier. "How tall is this… Monstrosity?"

"Quite tall." Longinious smiled warmly, clearly proud of herself as her fin tail swayed more and her head crest rose up. "At least forty stories high, if a story is the same height as the two leveled ones in Atros."

Umikgruid shuffled back into his chair, downed the rest of his drink and immediately refilled until the froth threatened to spill over. "The fish woman's a little crazy, Anton."

We’ve built bigger on Earth. A lot bigger.

The diagram was not a simple rectangular glass-clad skyscraper from an Earth city, rather each of the tower blocks were surprisingly narrow and flanked, for lack of a better word, by what appeared to be massive sheets of concrete running their entire height, and nestled amongst one another like offset teeth. Nine of the slim buildings constituted a single block as she had drawn more nearby, without the near perfect clarity as the focus of the diagram.

Certainly not what I would call ‘modern’ on Earth. More like what people in the past thought the future would look like. Retro futurism? Brutalism? I wonder where I glimpsed… Could have been a flicker of a single page on the internet, if she can truly sift through every memory like a picture book.

"Given the stylistic choices made by this world's civilizations, and the outlook of Atros compares to what is and has been, I felt a different approach was necessary." Longinious smiled as she tapped the diagram. "Something this world has not seen before. Something unique, that will truly make Atros stand out."

A tiny chuckle passed Zuhura’s lips. "I've heard that many, many times."

Longinious refrained from scowling. "This is different."

I bet she's heard that too.

A quick glance confirmed his suspicions.

"No gilded and gaudy arches of gold, no useless spires that only serve to raise a flag." Longinious seemed rather pleased with herself, judging by her swaying tail. "No ramshackle huts or lopsided barns leaning against one another. No. This…. This is Order. Strength. And a way to show the rest of the world, when they come here, by invite or in chains, that we mean business."

Longinious folded both sets of arms and slowly floated back from the table. Her expectant face was a little endearing, though he noticed a solitary finger nervously tapping at her arm.

Memories aren’t to let you know if it'll actually be well received.

"Better than some propositions to Sultan Hazm." Zuhura shifted and readjusted herself. "That's for certain."

Longinious relaxed slightly and the finger stopped. "Verticality solves the issues of a sprawling city." Longinious continued, more calm than before. "More space for parks and farmland below while maintaining a high population. Eventually the towers can be connected by bridges. It's not much different to the Dwarven Holds, except their warrens are driven deep into the stone, where no one minds if homes were to extend for hundreds of miles."

She clicked her tongue. “Except for those Insect things, of course.”

"Those things are still down there, aren’t they?" Umikgruid still looked rather befuddled with Longinious’s drawing, slowly becoming bemused actually. "But stone nor wood cannot support such a massive weight over such a small area." Umikgruid resisted the urge to smile. "The largest buildings in Qaiviel or Graterious have an extremely wide base, to spread the weight so it doesn't crumble. Or sink into the ground. Not to mention arches and domes. I don’t see any of that here. I’m sure that you’re aware of this problem?"

Longinious nodded, like she was expecting this response. "Different and more advanced building techniques. Solid is not always strongest. Well, not exactly true, but for its weight there are better alternatives. Using metal to form the superstructure, and not solid beams either. Forming the metal into t and I shapes maintains their strength while dramatically reducing their weight, allowing these structures to be built."

Longinious pointed to a small section in the corner, with a detailed cross-section including the different shapes of metal supports.

Already figured it would be an issue? I wonder how long you had that floating in your head. If you don't sleep do you perceive time different to us? Kind of like those Wood Elves.

“Not to mention this world has metals far stronger than steel.” Longinious smiled at Cetina. “And I recall that Chelium is an extremely strong metal. Which, we just happen to have an extremely large mine of already being worked by our Dwarven friends.”

"I see…" Umikgruid looked far more interested than he initially expected. "Beating and hammering such metal is possible. But extremely difficult and dangerous for my Dwarves.”

“Not that, but you will need to extrude the metal when it is still hot and malleable.” Longinious pointed to the corner of the main design. In it lay a rather crude demonstration of how the near molten Chelium would be forced into the correct shape. While not a proper schematic it was more than enough for someone as smart as Umikgruid. “Do the Dwarven Isles have Adamantium in cylinders? Hot Chelium could be forced between them to create the shape.”

Umikgruid smiled. “Of course. There’s bound to be something buried away in the bottom layers of the Isles. But they’re not just going to let it go.”

“I’m sure they won’t mind us borrowing it.” Anton offered.

“More theft?” Zuhura was not impressed by the idea. “And a theft that could jeopardize the Dragon Guard Dwarves are doing for Atros?”

Umikgruid shrugged. “We’re already stealing iron, copper and brass ingots but the cartload. What’s a little more theft, no?”

Zuhura softly sighed but offered no further objections.

Perhaps one of the most ‘principled’ people in Atros. Although being discovered by illicit activities is something we should avoid.

"Monetary costs aside," Anton didn't want to deflate Longinious’s excitement too quickly, even Cetina looked rather intrigued by the new plans. "Building just one will take time. Considerable time."

"And workers and builders." Cetina quietly added.

Anton nodded. "True." He looked at Irso, still holding Zac's shoulder. "And it'll be a while before even a layer is inhabitable."

"It'll take time to properly implement Longinious’s ideas." Umikgruid tapped the table. "It can be done, but not quickly. My Dwarves aren't miracle workers and we're still doing a lot of work in our Hold."

"P-Perhaps something smaller?" Longinious pointed to the corner of the diagram. "A little less ambitious, but still useful to Atros. Something to smooth out any kinks in the design, procurement of resources and construction. Like practice. Practice is always important."

Longinious’s other drawing were less detailed, sketches rather than the skyscraper’s schematics but Anton understood them. While maintaining the same brutalist style they were much more reasonable for Atros’s infrastructure and capacity to build.

"Much better." Umikgruid smiled. "Much better. I don't think you'd even need us to do most of this."

"Doubt just anyone could work Chelium into those beams." Zac said. He had been more than content to let everything play out in front of him. Certainly not a bad decision.

"Give it time and you Humans will find a way. You always do. Now, where to start popping out a few of these things?"

"There's some old buildings… Irso, dear?" Irso's skin bristled, her eyes darted for anyone that might have heard, only to relax when she remembered everyone already knew. "Do you have that map with you?"

Irso silently drew a small piece of paper, placed it on the table and whispered something in his ear. Zac smiled and gave her hand a gentle pat.

I guess this is an improvement for them.

"There are several old buildings in the centre of Atros that have never been touched since you arrived. Just kept building out." Zac scratched his coarse black beard. "Been dodging the stream running down from the mountain, which definitely needs to be expanded. So some are in need…"

His eyes fell on the smaller diagrams.

"Those new Police you've started up. They've been asking for a bigger and stronger place to work out of. Somewhere they can have cells for criminals. Those sorts of things. I think it would be a good start.”

“Make sure they’re consulted for the final design. For the first structure it needs to be very good, so they’ll be clamouring for more.”

“An interesting angle.” Zuhura softly mused.

“Oh, we’ll need something to hold the Sivu’s that I’ve reserved-”

“For a ludicrous price.” Zuhura spoke incredibly softly.

“-. So something more than just a pen. Somewhere they can run about and stretch their legs. Nothing worse for someone’s sanity than to be cooped up in a little box.”

A tiny shudder ran through Zuhura, Anton and Cetina shared a glance.

“Though I know that nearly everything’s better than where they are right.”

“Not to mention pens to keep the animals we’ll need to feed them with.” Cetina offered. “They’re really, really big. And that means a lot of food. Expensive, if we buy it.”

Umikgruid took the papers and stacked them neatly before him. “You’ve given me a lot to keep our architects and masons busy for some time. Not that they already aren’t, but it’ll keep them happy. Now. Oh, we've got a whole bunch of those fancy weapons ready for you down below. Still need a whole bunch of people to use it properly, but just wanted to let you know.”

Umikgruid retried enough small mugs for everyone. “Since we’ve got a few moments. Why don’t you tell me all about these new Beast-kin you managed to pick up? Seems like they must be important if you went through all that trouble for just two of them.”

---[]---

Regaling the story to Umikgruid took only a few short minutes but it was enough to satisfy the Dwarf. As he and Zac had much to discuss about the finer details Anton decided to take his leave and attend Mezot’s lesson. Snow had begun to fall once more once they stepped outside. He still missed the feeling of cold snow on his face, temporarily of course, before the melting snow ran down his face and into his clothes.

“I believe Mezot’s lesson would have already begun.” Cetina donned her hood. "And she seemed pretty excited for you to join."

“Before you leave,” Zuhura began speaking before he could. “There is the matter I wished to discuss with you. Before you leave.”

“Sure.” Anton saw Zuhura hold the hessian bag underneath her blue and purple shawl, shielding it from the gently falling snow. “What do you wish to say?”

“I wish to speak to you in private.” Zuhura gave a tiny, curt nod to Cetina. “Not that I don’t trust them, of course, but it only concerns you.”

“Alright.” Anton initially wanted to return to the building, but Umikgruid, Zac and Irso were still inside. “Alright.” He motioned to a nearby awning. “I’m sure that’s far enough. We won’t be long.”

“Don’t dawdle.” Eider slowly rose from her seat. Her cold blooded body did not like the cold, even with a small brazier. “I don’t want to be outside today. The more warmth the better.”

“So what’s the matter?” Anton asked once they were safe from the falling snow.

Zuhura tapped the bag underneath her shawl. The bright cloth hid the bulky bag extremely well.

“It’s the speech you gave yesterday.” Zuhura’s voice was flat and dry, her eyes weren’t devoid of emotion but she was somewhat irritated.

Is she going to ask to leave? She’s… She’s really doing this as a sort of favor to us. Other than being friends with us she really has no reason to stay.

“Specifically, how you treated me.” Zuhura folded her arms on top of her shawl.

“I’m sorry?”

Anton was genuinely confused. He quickly tried to recall his words. While some of it was a blur, a stream of words vaguely formed around his talking points, he hadn’t disparaged Zuhura or accused her of being anything more devious than an economic specialist.

“I…” Anton took a sharp breath. “I’m sorry, Zuhura, but I’m not sure that I follow.”

Zuhura’s breathing relaxed along with her posture. “I guess Rasha was right.” Zuhura took a shallow sigh. “It’s how you introduced me, and how I’m being used for your benefit.”

Anton took a moment before answering. “I… I'm not as smart as you might think I am. If I'm doing something wrong I would appreciate it if you told me directly."

Zuhura looked him dead in the eyes. She was searching for something. Whatever it was, she found it and allowed herself a small smile.

"Perhaps I was overthinking things this time." Zuhura flicked a stray snowflake from her face. “Perhaps. But consider what you said from the perspective of someone in the crowd.”

“I…”

Zuhura raised her hand for him to be silent.

“You announced that I would be the one in charge of Atros’s economy. For most of the Humans and certainly the Beast-kin this is a rather unknown place. If it succeeds, you will be praised for bringing me to manage it. And if it goes wrong then I will be blamed.”

Zuhura motioned towards the center of Atros. “You’ve managed to do most of this without money and a traditional economy. And while it may be difficult to continue to grow and advance without it it’s not impossible. It seems that Longinious has some ideas on how that may be done.”

“Well, I suppose she might.”

What would they call that? A command economy? Communism? Not really the point right now, is it?

“But I would never do something like use you for political gain like that.” Anton fought down a nasty cough. “I don’t want to say that I just stumbled into it… But.”

Zuhura slowly nodded. “I spoke to Rasha about it. The Blue Oni. She said you wouldn’t do something like that. And it looks like she was right.” She slowly smiled, baring her teeth. “After spending last night overthinking that you’re completely politically ruthless, only seeing people as assets to be used, it’s quite relaxing to know that you were just honest and bumbled into this situation.”

Zuhura lightly kicked at the ground, her face full of derision. “One partially on my own creation.”

“Now you’re definitely overthinking it.” Anton shook his head. “But thank you for telling me. At all. Most people wouldn’t say anything, and I'm guilty of that too. Took Marion about a week to let me know that telling everyone to be nice to the Beast-kin just made things worse. Everyone was so afraid of me hearing they were being rude that they were bending over backwards when dealing with them. Made them feel like they weren’t wanted here and were an annoyance at best, that they were only allowed because I said they were to stay.”

Anton shrugged. “Thankfully this one wasn’t as bad.”

“I would ask that you consider your words carefully in the future, and judge how they will be interpreted by someone that doesn’t necessarily think like you do or only a tiny fraction of your knowledge.” Zuhura nodded towards the others, patiently waiting for them. “At least you have a good circle of friends to alert you to any faltering’s and miss-steps.”

“And you with Sultan Hazm?”

Zuhura’s eyes narrowed. “The other women of his residence and I weren’t exactly friends. I’m still a Nomad, and they’re from the Coast. Nothing could change that. They treated me well enough…” She closed her eyes and shook her head. “We should return to your escort. They have waited long enough.”

While most had not moved Eider continued to silently grumble and protest at the cold. She seemed particularly irritated at Longinious, who at first glance would be cold blooded like her, yet suffered no ill effects even as they accumulated on her head.

“If at all possible I would like to return to my home to work on these designs and the preliminary steps for the economy while you visit the Principle Mages.” Zuhura tapped the hidden bag. “These are giving me quite a lot to consider.”

Zuhura adjusted her golden hair net as she walked back into the snow. “At least you were right about this place always being interesting.”