Neil

On the summit of the Ancients I had gotten used to the silence. Not much lived there, some bugs, but none of them were loud like crickets, and certainly no animals. Here on the plains the jungle was alive all around us with the sounds of insects, lizards and much larger animals occasionally crashing through the trees. The light of the two moons waning left the clearing lit up and it was easy to see everything in it, but the jungle itself was wreathed in shadows. The swaying of the trees in the wind caused the shadows to dance and move, or at least I hoped that’s what was causing it. That movement along with the noises managed to keep me awake despite how tired I was from two days of running on no sleep.

As I waited for the hours to pass by, I decided to try and practice one of my new affinities. I would have loved to practice both, but I figured it was probably better to make one of them as strong as I could, rather than have two affinities that half as strong. The question was which one should I work on?

I had wanted an Air Affinity since the first moment I had ever seen that first flock of Air Jacks flying by. The idea that I could fly like that with magic was intoxicating to me, more than the thought of alcohol could ever be. But just a few days ago when I was underground an Earth Affinity could have saved Talass and I a lot of trouble. Even now thinking about how to use each affinity I could think of several ways to use the Air Affinity to attack, increase my mobility, or even trip up smaller enemies, but not too many ways to defend myself. Whereas with an Earth Affinity I could make walls, tunnels, obstructions, use earth spears, maybe even throw boulders depending on how quickly I improved. Not much mobility, but so long as I had a stamina potion then running could be my mobility, and flying would probably take weeks of practice before I became strong enough for it, assuming it was even possible in the first place.

When it came down to it I could probably make Earth Affinity useful in just a few levels while Air Affinity would take dozens of levels before it became useful, in the ways I wanted.

My decision made I bent down my back to the fire to try and salvage some of my night vision and I started channeling my mana, turning it into Earth Affinity Mana I felt the slimy feeling of the unknown affinity just beyond my perception. Trying my best to ignore it I threaded the mana into the ground and began shaping small amounts of earth into different geometric shapes and sizes.

It took about 30 minutes for the first blue box to appear telling me that I my skill had improved, and almost an hour for the next one. By this time I had used about as much Mana as I felt comfortable using in the wild like this, if something did attack us, I needed to have something left to use to defend us with.

The next few hours were spent simply tending the fire, trying to stay awake and jumping at what I hoped were just shadows. After waking Talass who took her watch without much grumbling, I laid down and the next thing I knew it was morning and I was being shaken awake by a sleepy looking Yallia.

As I tried and failed to stand up a groan escaped my throat. My leg muscles burned, my feet were sore, the skin on my thighs burned from chafing because of all the running yesterday, I even had a small headache, probably from the alcohol. Breaking out a healing potion I took small drinks until the pain faded enough that I could stand up.

“God I needed that.” I said offering the potion to the others who each took a small drink. I packed up my things, ate a quick breakfast of trail rations and a few fruits that were on the nearby trees and then we were off again.

“Should we use another stamina potion? I think we have enough for a few more days of running.”

“No, we are close enough that we should make it to their tribe by the late afternoon no matter what, and then we will have to negotiate my marriage, stay for a night for the wedding party and the blessing, so we would just waste most of the potions.”

“Fair enough, you know the way to their tribe that well?”

“The Chellack are more nomadic than my own tribe, but they keep lookouts posted in their territory. They will find us before we find them.”

“Alright, will they be expecting us? Your mother and the other elders made it sound like fights have broken out for just entering their land.”

“Those were hunting parties chasing wounded prey, those fights are as much about stealing food from the other and ensuring our territories are respected than anything else. So long as they do not see us hunting their game or taking any resources from their land then we should have nothing to worry about.” She said looking at the tree I had taken fruits from.

“A warning would have been nice.” I said defensively. “Are they aware you will be marrying into their tribe? It seems like a lot of this was thrown together last minute.” I asked as we started forwards on a small game trail the leaves of the trees snatching at our clothes and bags.

She hesitated a moment before speaking. “No. This is the season for tribes to exchange daughters so it will not be unexpected that a party will be meeting with them, but It would normally take a few meetings to negotiate the marriages. However with my mother being part of our council, and our gifts they should ensure they agree to the marriage quickly.”

“Gifts? What other gifts do you have? I thought my mighty human penis was the only one.”

Pulling a face at the words might human penis she nonetheless continued. “I will be giving them the potions we made from the regents we harvested from the temple. They are a suitable enough present that we may not even need your mighty human penis to get the key.”

“I’m not so sure, with us just showing up like this they may realize there's a problem with your tribe and demand even more. I’ll leave the negotiations up to you, but I’m worried this isn’t going to be as easy as you think it will be.”

“We know the Chellack well, this may not be the easiest exchange, but we wouldn’t have tried this plan if the elders didn’t think it would work. Just leave it to me.”

Any further conversation was cut short by a rustling in the bushes around us. We stopped walking and closed ranks around each other, all of us watching a different direction.

Three Lamia walked out of the forest around us. Unlike the Lamia of Talass’s tribe who looked relatively civilized with rough spun clothes, well washed skin, and shiny hair. These three looked almost feral. They were wearing animal skins that were covered in dirt and had holes in them, and their hair was greasy and unkempt. The tallest one even had a small bone pierced through his septum which looked totally bad ass and made me wonder what I would look like with one.

Realizing that my mind was wandering I forcibly pulled it back to the present and watched as septum sized up Yallia and myself. Apparently deciding that we were not threats he approached Talass.

“Why are you here? And who are the outlanders?” He asked his arms folded in front of his chest.

“I come on behalf of the tribe of the Summit of the Ancients to negotiate a marriage and exchange. My companions are Yallia, Jones an adventurer and Neil, the last of the Ancients, they are my bridal party, escort, and Neil has promised two blessings as part of the marriage gift.”

The man looked incredulous at the mention of my being one of the ancients.

Feeling like I had something to prove I quietly looked at him and asked “What?”

DING

Kellen

Kellen is the second eldest child of the Chieftan of the Chellak tribe. He is jealous of his older brother and feels that he should be next in line. He is considering challenging his brother for the right to become Chieftan.

“Pleased to meet you Kellen

“Neil has cleansed the Summit of the Ancients and my tribes elders have declared he is what he claims to be.”

Septum still looked uncertain but he also didn’t look so argumentative anymore.

“Nothing has been discussed with the Chieftan.” He said simply leaving the question of ‘Why? What has gone wrong for your tribe?’ unspoken.

“That is a matter for the Chieftan.” Talass answered simply and directly not wavering as she stared him down.

I was impressed, she had always had some spine to her, but now it was like iron.

After a moment he moved aside and pointed down the small path. “Our village is a half a mile walk down this way, the rest of the guards will not stop you.”

Nodding the three of us continued down the path at an easy walk. I thought I saw some Lamai moving through the forest on either side of us out of the corner of my eyes, but whenever I turned to get a better look, either they were already gone, or they had simply never been there and my nerves were causing my eyes to play tricks on me.

The three of us approached the village. I had been expecting something similar to Talass’s village, something homey and small with people going about their lives, and while there were similarities those just emphasized the differences.

Instead of permanent structures made of wood, mud and thatch, there were small lean-tos made of logs and animal skin. Although a few were showing their age they were well made, but clearly designed to be taken down and moved. There were a few larger tents in the center of the village that I could see from our position but even they looked like they were past their prime with a few tears and rips on them. The biggest difference however were the people. Most of the people had small bits of bone in their septum's, piercing their ears, one young boy even had one sticking in his cheek. How that didn’t get infected I had no idea. Endy every person we passed stopped what they were doing to stare at us and follow us through the village in a crowd.

In the center of the camp stood the leader of the tribe, an older man with gray hair, piercing eyes, and a surprisingly skinny looking body. Despite his rather lanky look his arms and torso had excellent muscle definition and I was pretty sure that if it came down to it he was much stronger than I was.

Of course, even if he wasn’t he was surrounded by a dozen of the largest men in the tribe all armed to the teeth with spears, and bows. The person who really caught my eye however was the woman beside the Chieftan.

She had high cheek bones and sharp features with a delicately curved nose just under emerald green eyes, her hair fell in waves just below her shoulders and was dark brown. All in all she was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen in my life, and she was staring at me with an intensity in her eyes that worried me.

“Greeting's daughter of the summit, why are you trespassing in our lands? And who are the outlanders with you?”

“Greeting’s Chieftan, I am Talass daughter of Hallice, Chieftess of our tribe. I am here to negotiate with you for my marriage to your eldest son.”

“And tell me Talass daughter of Hallice, where is your mother? Where are your tribes' elders? Are they too good to meet with us?”

“The elders apologize for not being able to come in person, events have transpired on the Summit of the Ancients that have made it challenging for the tribe to travel. They offer these herbs as both a wedding present for your son and an apology.” She responded.

“I have this to offer you.” She said taking off her pack and pulling out the plants and herbs we had just gathered. “I am also pleased to tell you that Neil the last of the Ancients has agreed to bless the union between myself and your son. We also have one other request.”

At the sight of the plants the chieftains' eyes widened, and at the mention of me being an Ancient and blessing his eyes snapped from the plants to me. His wife’s eyes however never left me for a moment.

“A blessing of the Ancients? Truly you come bearing great gifts. Alezaria.” He said gesturing to his wife behind him his eyes never leaving me. She leaned forwards and he turned his head slightly to whisper into her ear. We watched unable to hear what they were saying, but after a moment she nodded straightened up and slowly slithered towards us.

All Lamia moved their hips when they moved, but when Alezaria did it was the difference between a woman walking down the street, and a model on the catwalk. Every movement was exaggerated from the sway of her hips to how her breasts shook underneath her animal hide clothes, every movement was designed to show off her body.

She gathered up the plants in front of us inspecting each of them in turn. Apparently satisfied with what she saw she then turned her attention to me. Getting far closer than I was comfortable with she held her face in front of mine and stared into my eyes. The emerald green of her eyes seemed to glow from this close and I barely stopped myself from flinching when she raised her hand up to my cheek before running it down my face and gently along my chest.

Apparently satisfied she backed up and spoke loudly to the assembled tribe. “The regents are of excellent quality as expected from the Tribe of the Summit, and this is indeed an Ancient.” She handed the plants off to another woman who immediately left the square to presumably either store them or turn them into potions.

“You are certain Alezaria?”

“I am, he matches the descriptions passed down, and I can feel his power.” She said her tongue dancing across her lips as she looked me up and down.

The Chieftan seemed completely unsurprised by the announcement that I was a member of a long dead species, but he also seemed not entirely convinced by Talass’s offer. Until his wife returned to his side and whispered something into his ear. His expression turned considering before she backed up and looked into his eyes. After a moment he nodded his agreement still staring at me.

“These are generous gifts you bring us, and what is your final request?”

“Neil has recently destroyed the source of corruption under the Summit of the Ancients.”

At that the crowd began murmuring amongst themselves, and even the Cheiftan’s eyes widened in surprise.

“This has unfortunately brought attention from other outlanders who wish to steal the birthright of the Lamia. Already they killed many of our strongest hunters and are forcing my tribe into bondage for their own gain.”

“And you wish us to fight these outlanders for you?”

“No Chieftan, my former tribe will deal with them themselves, but we ask for use of the key.”

His face narrowed “You ask a for great deal.”

“We ask for the use of a relic that has been unused for hundreds of years. You lose nothing by letting us borrow it, and it will be returned when we are done with it, and in return we will allow the Chellak tribe to access the summit alongside us. I have been allowed to offer a blood promise on this.”

“If your people fail we will lose the relic permanently.”

“A key with no access to the lock is useless, if we are successful you will gain much, and if we are not you lose nothing that has any use anyways.”

The Chief mulled over the offer and I could see indecision warring on his face and for a moment I was worried they would say no before his wife Alezaria leaned down and whispered something in his ear. He nodded along with what she said in agreement before looking directly at me again but addressing Talass.

“I accept your offer and we will welcome you to our tribe daughter of the summit, on one condition. I wish for my wife to receive a blessing first.”

“That is acceptable to us, and I thank you for welcoming me into my new home father.”

And like that the mood shifted, the crowd went from suspicious to welcoming in the blink of an eye. Lamia went to their tents and returned moments later with porcelain pots and jugs filled with something that smelled fermented, others started creating a large campfire before placing a spit over it and I saw the Chieftan say something to a large hunter who gestured to his people who left the camp, presumably in the search for something to put onto the spit.

The Chief himself walked up to me with a pot and offered me a drink of whatever was inside.

Taking the jug I looked inside and whispered “What?”

DING

A simple drink made from fermenting berries, and several different herbs.

8.7 percent alcohol by volume and includes the secondary effect of reducing the severity of hangovers.

Warning, alcohol is a toxin and too much can have serious effects.

I didn’t exactly need the warning on the bottom having seen the effects of too much alcohol first hand.

Not wanting to drink, but also not wanting to offend my host I took the pot from the Chieftan and I took a small drink before handing it back. He took a drink as well before moving to each of my companions and drinking with them.

Before long we were sat around a campfire being plied with food and drink. The Chiefs wife herself sat on my right hand feeding my pieces of meat and drinks from clay pots. For the most part I ate the meat with gusto, as I was still running at a calorie deficit from all the running, but the pots I simply raised to my lips only pretending to drink before passing it to my left to Yallia who would have a small drink and pass it on as well. Alezaria was practically hanging off of me barely giving me any time to finish one drink before placing another in front of my mouth.

Turning away from her and munching on some food I looked towards my friends.

I spotted Talass and Yallia sitting a few feet away from me. The snake woman had a pot of alcohol in her hands and looked to be drinking heavily from it while a male Lamia, presumably her fiancé? Husband to be? Sat beside her looking at his future wife proceeded to turn the pot upside down and guzzle its contents. Finishing the pot she passed it to a Lamia beside her before picking up a new one. I saw the man attempt to start up a conversation a few times while she gave curt one-word answers. Eventually he gave up began eating some meat and looking dourly into the fire.

Talass had said she was ok with this, but I guess now that she was here and looking at a political marriage, regret was starting to set in. Hopefully she would be ok, but there wasn’t much I could do for her now and looking to my left at the hungry look on Alezaria’s face I was feeling more and more trepidation for myself.

Yallia was drinking more slowly and eating some food while staring into the fire with a considering look on her face. More than a few male Lamia were trying to talk to her, or simply posing in front of her, but she barely paid them any attention, instead focusing on whatever had caught her attention.

At various times different Lamia would approach me and offer food and drink as well, which I accepted as gratefully as I could. Before long the party began to get wilder as the Lamia got to varying stages of drunkenness. Some people started singing and dancing around the fire, a few others cheering them on.

As the sun began its slow descent towards the mountains the Chief held up his hands and silence the crowd.

“My people! Today we once again welcome a new daughter into our tribe! Please welcome my Talass Daughter of Hallice of the Tribe of the Summit!”

The Lamia let out a cry of delight at the chiefs words.

“And also they bring a guest of honor, the first Ancient to be seen in four hundred years, Neil. He is here to bless this union and my own wife.”

This time the cry was deafening.

“And now the Blessing!” He shouted sounding excited as if I wasn’t about to fuck his wife.

Alezaria pulled me to my feet with a serious expression on her face and practically frog marched me towards a nearby tent.

“Hey Neil!” Yallia yelled from behind me. Turning to look at her I saw that she was a fair bit drunker than I thought she would be. “Lot of pressure riding on this, make sure you don’t go limp!”

“What? Why would you say that?” I asked incredulously, to which she just laughed and ate another chunk of meat handed to her by a Lamia hunter.