Chapter 20 B.

We were brought out of our embrace by the sound of a steaming kettle and the gentle rattle of mugs being brought over on a tray by Faith. She set the fresh pot of cossa on the table before heading back to the kitchen, where Strafa was just beginning her morning routine of making breakfast.

Kissing Rachel, I said, “We should get ready shouldn’t we.”

“We could just stay like this all morning?”

“That sounds nice.”

“Yes, it does…but you’re going to come with me to the fire magic class? I go on Tamuss, also to enchanting.”

“That’s what I figured I would do. You don’t mind, do you?”

“No! Not at all! This is exciting, Ashley never comes…Well she can’t really do fire magic so I guess…But you can, and we can spend the morning together.” Rachel said as she slowly separated us.

Pouring herself and me a mug, we sat back and drank. Faith moved in a happy pink delight, picking up our clothes and smiling brightly. Her elven face was bringing a cheery happiness to the room in the morning.

“Ugh…again, another morning.” Ashley moaned, coming from her room. Brie and Allie following behind her. The fluttering of her robe revealing what she had been sleeping in.

Brie’s three red tails and golden tips were flashing behind her like fire as she said, “Good morning Master Eric.”

Allie following in stride, brown tail, and twitching ears, said, “Master Eric, good morning.” Her voice cheery in contrast to Ashley’s.

“Good morning Brie and Allie. Ashley, beautiful as always. Did you do something new with your hair?”

“Don’t even start with me, remember we’re buying a house today… wouldn’t want me to fall in love with some shack or something, would you?”

“Fair enough…” I said, handing her a cup of her essential morning beverage.

Locking eyes with Rachel for a moment, we exchanged smiles before I headed back to my room to get ready.

.

Walking to my bathroom, the room billowed steam, and soft laughter could be heard over the sound of the falling shower. Sliding into the shower, Sasha and Milly greeted me under the running water. Bubbles and giggles were the prescribed treatment for cleaning my body, mind, and soul.

Dressed in the black slacks and vest of the college, my chosen preferred attire for classes, I went to find breakfast. Seating myself at the table with a rejuvenated Ashley and studiously dressed Rachel, I ate. Allie brought me a plate filled with a selection of Strafa’s handy work. Vegetable’s crisp and refreshing, blended with spicey eggs and slices of the Arietes from the night before.

Digging in with the wash of hot cossa, the customary knock at the door came, and Brie brought three of the morning Imperial Tribunes to the table.

Imperial Tribune: September 14, 3212 T.E. Tamuss (Tue).

Scattered kingdoms at war!

Imperial sources have confirmed that the armies of the fertile valleys are on the move. Citizens of Eastern Dawn have expressed concerns over these current internal hostilities. Though no Scattered kingdom army has ever tried to foolishly breach the Saltum pass and breach the fortifications made by our glorious Empire, the first and second legions stand ready to defend. As Aquilifer Oppius Corraidhin of the sixth cohort, the first file said, “The strong hold at Saltum has stood for a thousand years, even if the fools try and take a bite out of the Empire, they’ll find our flesh is made of steel.” Reassuring as always the safety of the citizens of Eastern Dawn. Exalted Viscount Morcant Gaius, Tribunus of the second legion at the winter coast Eastern stronghold, under the command of Duke Wintershore; said, “Though our main priority is keeping the Free Isle scum from the coast along the winter shore, the second legion stands ready to defend from the north as well, should the kingdoms think they can invade.” Imperial sources believe this conflict will have no impact on the Empire. Long live Emperor Amulius Tagin and the glorious Empire.

-Join the imperial legion, become a hero to all citizens- six gold coin signing bonus-. One gold coin a month-

-A Parade of Roxclou has been declared for the 17th of September. Come and see the honor-less vanquished of the fallen house Allenoic as she is led through the streets to be sold to pay for the crimes of Viscount Allenoic-

A knock sounded at the door, and Allie moved from her place at the kitchen counter to answer it. A human man in full college livery walked from the hallway, followed by Allie. His fitted black coat and pressed pants cut sharp lines as he stopped at the joined space of the kitchen, sitting room, and dining area.

“Good morning Exalted Lord Grayson, Exalted Lady Albillac and Wintershore. I was sent by the college administration to deliver a polite reminder that all Exalted mages must visit the Halls of Roxclou weekly, instead of the standard once per month visit.” The man said, bending in a half bow.

“…Yes, yes…Very well.” I said, not having any idea about what he was talking about.

“Wonderful Exalted Lord, may you have a pleasant day.” Bowing once more to the three of us, he spun crisply, the tails of his coat pirouetting behind him as he left.

Turning to Ashley and Rachel, I asked, “So, what’s that about?” As the door to our apartment closed.

Setting their forks down and looking at each other, Rachel started, “Its, well…The talk of the breeding halls was not just for show. Exalted male mages must lay with one of the Beast kin held in the pins of Roxclou once a week or donate blood.”

Tugging on the sleaves of her fitted black jacket, white lace fleck with gold spilling from around her neck, Ashely said, “Exalted Ladies must donate blood once a week for the ritual of impregnation.”

“I see and this ritual?”

“The blood is used to fertilize a female, resulting in pregnancy.” Rachel added, her food was forgotten.

“There is no way around this?”

“I am afraid not. The halls of Roxclou at the college usually only have third or fourth generation Beast kin though, sometimes second, but they are nearly complete in their transition to Demi humans. Primes, first and second generations are managed by the temples of Roxclou. For the common nobles, and citizens to use.” Ashley said with a dejected hopeful look.

“It’s…you must Eric. Every time you lay with one, though they are made extra fertile, pregnancy is not guaranteed. The blood though, that never fails unless there is a miss carriage.” Rachel said, her arms crossed over the vest she wore on top of her short sleeve dress. Her black hair was pulled back in a tight bun and a pair of sapphire blue glasses dangled from her neck.

“Can I buy the beast kin from the college?”

“Yes…however if you buy one of the breeders, they must become pregnant with in two months. Also, if you visit the halls and after three months no pregnancy is attributed to you, you will have to give blood for the ritual.” Rachel answered.

“What about the offspring?”

“If they are from a purchased slave, they are your property, born in the halls they are sold by the Empire and college, to a slave house.” Ashley said, twirling her fork in her food.

Glancing over at the happy bustle of the household eating, I thought to myself, ‘I can’t…I mean I could…there has got to be away? Could I…yes, that would work…I wonder?”

“Do the children of bought beast kin have to be from me?”

“Well, no…I guess it is assumed. If you bought them, they would be yours or from your household?”

“Would they check?”

“No, as long as they are progressing from their beast kin form to one of a Dimi-human. Why?”

“Just some thoughts for later, what time is fire magic?”

“10:00.” Rachel said.

The same soft knocking came from the balcony door as from yesterday. Sasha moved to the door and let Thera inside.

“Good morning Master Eric, Mistress Ashley, Mistress Rachel.”

“Good morning Thera, how are you?”

“Wonderful master thank you for asking.”

“And things abord ship?”

“Quite well taken care of master. Timmothy wanted me to inform you that he will be waiting with a carriage at noon, out front of the eastern entrance to the tower.”

“Excellent; Ashley you’ll be ready?”

“Yes, I am looking forward to it. Who would you like to bring with us?”

“I will take Sasha.”

“Might I take Milly; this will be a genial introduction to the city and nobles. I think it would be good for her.” Ashley asked with a fun smile.

“That’s a promising idea. Milly?”

“Whatever master wishes, but I would love to see the city with you and mistress Ashely.” Milly said excitedly.

“Wonderful it is settled then; Thera, the carriage will be big enough?”

“I imagine so, Timmothy retained a luxury carriage service, used by many nobles, and Exalted ones while they are at college.”

“Very good and how are Alma and Iolanthe doing?”

“Much better Master, though they are restless, and their fear gets the best of them sometimes.”

“Could they handle coming in the carriage?”

“I do not know.”

“Hum, well tell Timmothy to bring them if he thinks it’s a good idea. Tell him to tell Alma and Iolanthe we are house shopping and I want to see how they would look in the master bedrooms. Have them dressed appropriately if they are coming, but nothing to outlandish.”

“Understood Master. Is that all?” The blue-haired fairy queen finished with a curtsy while hovering in midair. She wore a much too small skirt, hidden only by the tails of her open corset court coat.

“Yes. And beautiful as always Thera. Have a good rest of your day, tell the others we should have a home soon for them to tend. And places for all of your soul plants and trees.”

“They will all be so happy! Bye Master!” Thera said, a flutter of black and gold as she sped from the apartment.

“Sasha I was wondering if you could work your magic on my new cloak?”

“The black one Master Eric?”

“Yes.”

“Absolutely, is there anything you want on it?”

“Just the silver and green plants you are getting so good at making.”

“I will get to work on it right away.”

“Milly did you think about coming?”

“It sounds exciting…I don’t know how much help I will be, but I will do my best!”

“That’s all anyone can ask. So, we’re agreed we’ll head in after class tomorrow?” I asked the table.

“Oh, sounds fun.” Ashley said, smiling.

“Should be enlightening. Noon tomorrow, that works with my schedule.”

Receiving assents from everyone, I got up and grabbed one of Rachel’s quills left on an end table. Pulling the Titans’ shield guild coin out, I wrote the time and place on the back. After a few seconds, the ink sunk into the coin. Replaced a few moments later by the words, [ we will see you then].

“9:47, time to go I think Rachel?” I said while I took a few more bits of food.

“Oh, yes…Let me… just… grab my bag.” Rachel said around a mouth full of food as she went and got her supplies.

Linking arms in the hallway, we went side by side to the elevator. Standing with the attendant, we arrived on one of the first layer floors of the college. Stepping into a milling crowd of students, the black mass sparkling with hints of gold. Guided by Rachel’s arm, she led me down the marble tile and past large wood doors.

Reaching a door with a flame carved into it, we walked through. The smaller amphitheater with one and two-person sofas arched around a small stage and lecture. On one side of the stage was a table with a display of transparent glass domes with nothing in them.

Winding our way through, we took a comfortable love seat near the back left of the class. I noted we had a direct view of the display. Settling ourselves in the seat, Rachel took a parchment notebook out of her bag, a flame embossed on the front. Setting it on the movable writing desk, she snuggled closer to me, holding my hand in her lap.

When the rest of the students found their places, there were perhaps one hundred students or so in the room. An older woman walked out from a back door at the rear of the stage. She organized some papers on the lecture and made some adjustments to the glass bell domes.

“Good morning Exalted Lords and ladies. Let us all rise for the Imperial devotion.” She said.

Everyone stood, including me, and spoke the words. The flag of the Empire was displayed proudly on the upper back wall of the stage.

“Eternally devoted we stand with the Emperor, forever the Exalted noble mages defend. Under Ack we obey, by Alleystra we thrive, by Sippsie we are pleased and by Roxclou we are served.”

“Very good, you may be seated.” The older woman said. The black of her dress tight against her body, the long sleeves surrendering no flesh as they flowed to cover her neck completely. Her blond hair was pulled back in a tight bun, just like Rachels.

Sharp eyes addressed the class, “Fire magic, as we know is the affinity that can vary most wildly in mana use. As with the smallest flicker of mana used to light a candle. Heating small portions of the candle wick to start a flame.” She said while moving over to a candle set next to one of the glass domes. With a wave of her hand, smoke drifted up, and a small flame appeared.

“Or to the complete burn of mana to create a flame construct whose life is measured by the amount of mana placed in it.” she said, focusing on the palm of her hand as a small bird took shape. The mana was quickly coalescing and bursting into flame before taking flight. The small fiery bird flew from her hand over the heads of the students, swooshing and spinning, before dissipating in a trail of sparks.

“The three components of fire are, heat of course, something for that heat to consume, and air. To demonstrate, this candle is consuming the wick and wax, the air from the room breathes life into it, and the heat from the consumption produces a continuation of the flame. Take one away and…” she said, moving the dome over the candle, and in a few seconds, the flame went out.

“So, we see as fire mages we must, decide which components to replace with mana in our castings.” With a wave of her hand, the flame on the candle came back to life, though the glass enclosure was still around it.

“By replacing the need for air with that of mana, the fire can continue to burn, however this substitution significantly increases the cost of the flame. And instead of a sole cast it becomes a channeled spell.” After a few seconds, the candle flame went out again.

“By replacing all the component of fuel, air and heat with mana the cost of mana is six-fold.” With another focused look, a blue flame appeared floating in the far-right glass dome.

Letting the flame die, she said, “heat is the most common substitution followed by fuel, as if you ever find yourself in a place without air, well, then you’re already dead.”

She went onto explain the importance of what types of focuses to have while selecting what to burn. She even suggesting carrying flammable liquids in potion bottles to throw and ignite. Rachel studiously took notes next to me, all while her foot rubbed up and down my leg.

The instructor even noted that there were types of air that would have explosive effects when added to the smallest spell. She, of course, was talking about hydrogen, and she made clear that the spell form should only be formed to burn this type of air when close to an enemy and not before the flame spell was cast.

The scratch of Rachels quill played a melodic rhythm for the hour we were in the class. I was half paying attention to the demonstrations more focused, trailing my hand up and down Rachels’s thigh. I was not the only one slightly bored, while others on the love seats were far more engaged than me, heads bobbing up and down.

“Thank you all for your attendance and your presence has been noted by the room. Next week I will go over flame shaping and ways to substitute mana for other materials.” The teacher ended and walked back into what I guessed was her office.

“Instructor Tamara is quiet nuanced in her teaching, too bad most don’t pay enough attention to learn anything.” Rachel said.

“I did notice a few were enthusiastically distracted.”

“Oh, yes that…some of the acting wives can’t even do fire magic and they just come to entertain their husbands. Others well, they do like putting on a show.”

“And you don’t?”

“No…I mean if you want, then of course yes!”

“No, no I preferred our more subtle distraction.”

“Yes, me to… It did make taking notes a lot more fun and ambidextrous.” Rachel said while lacing her fingers in mine while we waited for the class to exit.

“So, you go to enchanting next?”

“Mmm hum.”

“What’s that like?”

“You’ll have to come and see. But it’s roomier and there is space to work and move around in. It’s also more private.”

“Oh, that sounds fun.”

“We can make it interesting. But let’s head back up, you have to go house shopping today.” Rachel said, the sway of her dress leading my eyes as her backwards extended hand pulled me through the class.

Hands laced together, Rachel road with me back to our apartment floor. Leaving the elevator with a light kiss, I let Rachel head to her enchanting class and headed onto my adventure with Ashley.