My room is gorgeous and in the theme of the Ishtar's estate... Oriental. Lacquered woods and metals gleam in the day's dimming light. A small, walled water garden attached to the room resinates with the soothing sound of splashing water. I hear birds calling out with the setting sun. This area is humid and hot. I understand why the halls and windows stood open, allowing the evening breeze through. A floral scent wafted into the room with the cooling air.

Ishtar watches as I check out the room, "I hope everything is acceptable. Calisto is working with the servants to find suitable clothing for you. Until we go to the city and see the clothiers, your leathers will work for training and there are night gowns hanging. If you need anything, pull the rope here and a servant will arrive to assist you. If you need my help, I'm usually working in my study. Have a good evening Asura." He left with a small bow and I found myself alone.

Holly crap this has been an interesting day. So much information. Striping out of the leathers, I changed into a sheer silk nightgown and proceeded to my small water garden. Listening to the insects sing, I watched as the last rays of sunlight disappeared. This is amazing. Running my hands through the water, I see the fish rush around in the little pond. I can't believe the sensations of this reality. This new body and the powers I haven't tried yet.

Speaking of body, I feel stronger than my former self. No aches or chronic pains... so freeing! Stopping myself from dancing around the small area, I faced the realization of a need to plan. I don't know jack shit at this point. Yeah, some history and land masses. I am part of a prophesy and yet; I do not know the full prophesy. I reacted to the situation instead of acting. I have to lead, to learn and survive.

First, in this world, what are the capabilities of a succubus? What is the power of essence? What are the prophesies? If I am the lead, I must have a plan and not follow others. These men are my mentors, they are not my superiors. I am the Demon's Champion and need to remember that.

Now, understanding the questions to ask the next day, I lay back by my little pond. I felt the soft sponge of the moist ground and smelled the crushed grass. In this moment, I am here and now. In this moment, my life is. Nothing more and nothing less. I let my thoughts drift as I fell asleep. At some point in the evening I grew cold and stumbled to the bed. Crawling under the sheets and blankets felt like heaven. I slept the sleep of a babe.

Morning came with a servant shaking my shoulder, "Lady, you must rise. Food is ready and they await you in the small dining room." Great, morning and they have to wake me. I jump out of the bed and find a mass of beautiful silk. The servant assist in wrapping the material around me. The top left one shoulder bare while the other side fell in long layers. The skirt and belt are another wrap-around setup. The material is beautiful and feels great in the humid air. Top has a gold pattern with peach accents. The bottom skirt is a gold and blue. The wide metal gold belt tied it together. I am happy for the assistances, I don't think I would have figured this out on my own.

Tired of the silence I ask for the servant's name, "I am Boonsri and I am assigned to helping you."

Boonsri led me to a chair and put my hair up. She then added golden accents to my hair and upper arms. Walking to the mirror, I admire my outfit and my looks. Holy crap this is cool. It reminds me of Thailand.

It's nice when help is available to direct your movements. Leading me to the private dining area, I found the room comfy and inviting. It is a solarium. Light blazed in and the windows stand open. Allowing the breeze to flow through the area.

My trainers are eating at a table together murmuring. I see head nods as I walk in and a wave towards the buffet set up along a wall. Grabbing a plate I look over the wonderful smelling foods. I wonder if I can get fat in this reality? I do not want to find out. I better play it safe and try a tiny bit of everything and not load my stomach down.

"Good morning, sorry I am late." I said as at sit down at their table.

Ishtar, "We aren't worried about it. Yesterday was a rather big event and we thought you may want a good long sleep."

I look at their clothing and realize they aren't in the leathers of yesterday. They all wore long silk shirts that hung to the knees. The pants are silk and the patterns amazing. They each wore soft slipper-like shoes. Each man... or is it demon? Looks fantastic. I wonder if all the Elder Bloods have these looks.

"Thank you and for the clothing. It is all beautiful," I said.

Ishtar gave a wave of a hand. "You are the Champion and I have it on very good authority that you will receive your a noble title soon."

Choking on my food, "What?" I croaked out.

Chuckling at me, Ishtar continues, "Yes, the Queen wants zero problems from the other nobles. You are a duchess at this point. One without a duchy but, eventually your will have your own place. Until that point, you are staying here to train. Eventually, we will see the Queen."

Still working my way through breakfast I decided I need more information and my questions answered. Placing my fork on the plate I went for it, "Ok, you gave me a small overview of Ethos and the main factions last night. I need to hear more about the prophesies, about Essence and what the heck a succubus is capable of."

Calisto spoke up with a huge grin and raising his hand, "I volunteer for the succubus explanation."

Effrion answer is, "How about a duel? I think this is more than a volunteer opportunity."

Now I broke in, "Hey guys, sitting right here... you might let the lady decide for herself." But, I took the time blatantly look to two over.

A low cough brought me back to our conversation. Ishtar stood and said, "We are going to the study. There are tomes covering these topics." With that, he turned and head that way.

Caliston isn't done. Standing, he held out his arm, "May I escort the newest Duchess and only succubus in the realm?"

I like his smile and sense of humor, "You are the volunteer." I smile back wondering what the heck I am doing in this world as a demon, a magic wielder and succubus... Time will tell.

The study looks the same as last night. Large masculine room filled with books, tomes and dominating the center sits Ishtar's desk. It makes a statement, maybe it says... I am man hear me roar? Don't know, that kinda sounds lame... Anyway the room is domineering.

Ishtar grabbed a large book as we sat around the smaller table in the room. "I am starting with the Prophesies. This tome covers the whole. This section covers the champions." A ribbon marks the proper place and continued. "After the war causing our captivity in this realm, several soothsayers had visions. The rumors of champions involved the head mage and Queen's adviser traveling to collect the tales. Each soothsayer had the same vision. Prior to a time of drastic change, champions will arrive to prepare the Elder races for their survival. The changes foretold are; a new race will invade this realm and they will take over the Elder races. Either by completely wiping us out, enslavement or conclaves becoming overrun with the new race. It is said they will come here looking weak, but gain power fast. The champions will help in our survival and eventually lead us back to Logos, our home realm. Our King rules Logos and his Queen is caught here in Ethos."

Taking a sip of water Ishtar continued, "Specifically, it states you will arrive with no knowledge of our realm or the powers it gifts you with. Each Elder race gains a champion and one of the four will them. The prophesies state each race will provide support and training to their champion. It warns of a small window of time for your training and we must use it to best advantage."

I affirmed his words, "That sounds correct. We have 12-months in Ethos-time prior to players and whatever else is sent here. Varuna warned me to accomplish as much as possible prior to the launch of the players." Looking at the three of them I asked, "Now, what about Essence?"

Effrion suggested, "I think Argus will help in this area. Don't you?"

Callisto nodded in agreement. Ishtar grabbed a pendant from around his neck and clasping it, closed his eyes and sat silently for a few moments.

"He will arrive shortly. Let's skip Essence for now and move on to Succubi."

"I did volunteer!" Calisto reminds Ishtar, receiving an elbow from Effrion.

"That is not how we are handling this... idiots." Ishtar grumbled.

After a scowling at the two, Ishtar said, "Our army had some succubi as spies and weapons. Not many, but enough to wear down the Human leaders. Succubi can enter the dreams of others. These were powerful Succubi. With the Elder blood growing weak the Succubi also faded as did our Demon Lords. Because we had many Demon Lords, their abilities and blood was the last to thin out. The population still birthed Demon Lords for many centuries, but not a succubus was born. They say we lost them within the first 100-years in Ethos."

Ishtar stopped and looked me and I asked, "What? I am the first in a long time. When do we learn about my powers and how I work with them?"

"Patience, I needed you to understand why it is Lore in this land that I refer to and not firsthand knowledge." Ishtar replied and continued, "Lore states that a succubus will fight against overwhelming urges. The rumors state they were Very insistent when they wanted to sate their needs. On the other hand, a succubus grows in power fast, has a combat form and visit people's dreams. Lore states that the dream visits help in sending messages or driving a person mad."

Now that Ishtar finished speaking, I ran this information through my head. So, going to need sex? Insistent? Dream walking... cool. At least I have an ability to meet with people. That is convenient.

Looking at the three powerful men, I asked, "Why you three? I watched Argus smile when he dropped me with you three. Why?"

Callisto spoke up, "Well... we are the last Demon Lords born, making us powerful and nobles. We are confirmed bachelors. But, there are chasing after ourselves concerning certain nobles ladies and such. The women can't catch us." Callisto has a shit-eating grin on his face and continued, "And now, the three most sot after bachelors host the first succubus in almost 1,000-years. Certain high level women will blow up over this."

Making a coughing laugh a name came out of his mouth. Cough... name.... cough, "Isabella will throw a fit and threaten to kill you... right Ishtar?"

Ishtar shook his head, "Oh, no. That harpy was no chance here. She has certain assets that are very charming, but once you get to know that woman. You learn she wants all the control, power and money. She has zero chance of catching me." Ishtar said in a haughty, stern tone.

I looked at Effrion, "And what is your story: you are quite, rarely speak and yet offer a duel with Callisto? From what I see before me is Mr. Superior and knowledgeable, the joker, and then there is you? Where do you fit?" I pointed to Ishtar first, Callisto second and now waited for Effrion's reply.

"I am the balance between these two idiots. Ishtar has a stick up his ass and Callisto will laugh his way into hell. I balance the two." He explained.

Now I have another question, "How long have the three of you known each other?"

Callisto stopped Ishtar from speaking and said, " We have adventured, fought and caused many a bar fight for 300-years." Callisto looked proud.

Ishtar added, "Not that many bar fights, and you started them while Effrion and I saved your ass."

Effrion looked at me, "See what I mean? One has zero brains and thinks life is a lark, while the other is too proper for his own sake."

Ishtar stopped the good-natured argument. Grabbing his pendant, "Argus travels this way."