XX. Calm before Storms

Eth lived in a cave within the volcano, accessible from the streets via tunnels or the mouth of Rhode. Or at least, that was how he framed it to the group as they wound their way up the mountain to a non-descript leading into the heart of the volcano. Once inside, they crossed series of drawbridges and walkways that spiraled down the mountain. Paths winding down the mountains throat were lined with storefronts and cafes with al fresco seating. Some paths only allowed two abreast, while others could comfortably fit a horse and cart in either direction.

Alice took in the sights with wide eyes as Eth regaled her with information during the winding journey into the heart of an active volcano. The city of inner Rhode was terraced, wrapped along the walls to the lava pool below. Despite the look of activity, the lava was as a placid lake below them, only the radiating heat and glow betrayed its true nature. The narrow upper section of the inner city was commercial; the middle was residential with active mines and industry on the lowest levels. Most of the lower levels were suspended only a hundred or so feet above the magma.

The temperature of inner Rhode was regulated by ancient metal boxes placed equidistant on each terrace, something the ancient Rhodeans called a heat shield. The boxes projected an invisible wall that kept heat and lava in the central shaft when the mountain erupted. An occurrence that happened only a handful of times across centuries. No one was sure what the boxes did exactly or how they operated, the means of their construction and specifics of their function having been lost millennia ago.

Four on each level had glass screens; the screens were covered in dirt and grime from centuries of neglect. The screens were activated by touch, (those that still worked that is) glowing with neat rows of ancient symbols. Though the language of the elves had not changed, many of the words and phrases were unknown, and any attempt to examine the boxes further was thwarted by flashing red and yellow symbols screaming access denied, which was just as well. Light knows what would happen if someone were to inadvertently shut down the shield.

When Alice and the others first arrived at the crude metal door leading into Eth’s cave, no one expected much at all, were disappointed even. When he opened the door however, they were met with a monarch worthy opulence; it was as if they stepped into the foyer of a grand mansion in Marquez.

Though all art and decoration were native, it was tasteful and gave an air of class and breeding, rather than the savagery Alice had associated with the Colby-Nau. Eth unceremoniously tossed their gear in the center of the room, leaned his sword against the wall, and invited the others to do the same.

“Welcome to my ‘ouse.” Eth said proudly. “Make yerselves at ‘ome then.”

A woman in a silken gown of a priestess or holy figure and knee length auburn hair made her way down the carpeted steps carved from the stone of the cave wall. Her features were delicate, and her countenance serene, the tattoos she wore were of a more organic and less aggressive design than Eth’s.

“Where the hell have ye been?” Her voice was smooth and had a soothing quality.

“Out.” Eth retorted.

“For a year?”

Eth shrugged. “Got lost.”

She cocked her head to the side and placed a hand upon her hip. “Who are these strangers in my house?”

“People.”

“Don’t be difficult husband.” She said with indifference, crossing her arms over her chest. “I’m still in my prime ye know.”

A toothy grin spread from one pointy ear to the other. “I fookin’ love ya!”

With that strangely hostile, yet very Eth like, proclamation, the woman leapt into his arms and he spun her around, smothering her with kisses.

“Must be his wife.” Fiora whispered.

“They certainly go well together.’ Alice said with a smirk.

Clarissa stepped forward, not willing to be ignored, and cleared her throat. Eth set his wife down and motioned for her to join them.

“Io, this ‘ere is sis’er Clarissa. She’s gonna help us have child.”

Clarissa curtsied and smiled self-importantly. “A pleasure.”

“Wait, she’s gonna what?” Fiora exclaimed.

Alice was equally shocked, but more tactful in her curiosity. “Perhaps you should explain this a little more to us…”

“Io used to be zee maiden of a temple before she married Eth. One of dzeir customs is to sterilize zee temple staff.” Clarissa explained, and none to subtly mouthed out the words “So they don’t have any embarrassing virgin births.”

“Then I met this asshole and eloped. Worst mistake of my bloody life that.” Io teased as she embraced her husband.

Clarissa smiled politely and continued. “I can undo the damage so that they can ‘ave little Eths and baby Ios who can call me Auntie Clarissa, and I can dote on them and dress them up cutely and get dzat maternal glow without weight gain or pain of childbirth—”

“Yeah, whatever. I’ve been gone a year, so anytime ya know.”

Clarissa blushed and grabbed her staff from a pack. “Right then, just a moment.”

“As fer the rest o’ ya, there’s like, fif’een diff’rent rooms in this bloody place.” Eth gestured generally towards the stairs. “Go ahead an' take yer pick. We’re gonna get this healin’ done and lock oorselves in the bathroom, there’s another somewhere upstairs so good luck. Uh…daen’t break shit.”

“I’d actually like to bathe beforehand—”

Clarissa could not finish the sentence before Eth slung her over his shoulder and carried her into another room.

Ransom, Fiora, Alice and Séverin were left alone to stand filthy in the foyer. Ransom stepped forward and whistled in awe of the manse within a mine. Above them were the balustrades of three other floors; the elaborate staircase spiraled along the walls. There were two tunnels leading deeper into the mine on their floor alone, it was near impossible to judge the scale of the home.

“Yeah, don’t know about you broads,” Ransom said as he mounted the stairs, “but I’m getting in that bath.”

“The hell you do! Ladies first!” Alice shouted as she tried to muscle her way past him.